Just out of Reach, but Never out of Sight
It's been a while since the whole incident with Technoblade and Tommy's been keeping to himself to give the Crafts some space. Seems he's been away a bit too long as his fears begin to creep back in.
Chapter 14 : Progression
Ch 1, ch 2, ch 3, ch 4, ch 5, ch 6, ch 7 , ch 8, ch 9, ch 10, ch 11, ch 12, ch 13, cw: fear of abandonment, general fear, panic and anxiety, awkwardness, it's bonding time and fluff!!!!
wc: 4326
Disclaimer! This story is based on the characters of the Dream SMP and not the real life content creators. Anything that occurs in this story is purely fiction and should be treated as such. Thank you.
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Tommy sighed contently as he relaxed further into the couch cushions behind him. Phil was sitting across from him in the green recliner reading a book on crows, whilst Wilbur sat on the floor in front of him, using the couch as back rest, whilst the TV softly played a movie about a woman pretending to be a man in a Chinese army in front of them.
“This is the part where she buries the army in snow. It’s okay though, there’s no gore or anything.” Wilbur whispered to Tommy, his voice full of warmth as he looked out for the younger, knowing he didn’t like bloody scenes.
The Borrower had seen bits of this movie from atop the book shelf before, but it was kind of Wilbur to look out for him just in case. He was enjoying watching the whole screen, as the movie played out. The mood was calm and the only thing that would make the night perfect, would be if Technoblade would join them.
“May I join you?”
As if Tommy’s thoughts had willed it, Technoblade stood in the hallway, arms in his red hoodie pockets, with his pink hair in loose braid, resting on his shoulder. The teen quietly waited for permission to enter the living room.
“Of course!” Tommy smiled brightly, as he nodded and waved Technoblade into the room. The teen rounded the couch to take a seat beside the blond as Tommy shifted over to make space.
After some soft shuffling, the room settled back into a calm quiet, as the movie continued to play. Tommy looked around the room, his family; finally all together in the same space, happy and comfortable together. Tommy closed his eyes, settling back into the pillow.
‘Now this was the perfect eve-’
“What’s that on your jeans?” Technoblade asked, cutting Tommy's thought off short, as he felt the Bean’s hand on his leg. Tommy peaked an eye open to see Technoblade looking at something on his jeans.
“It’s blue paint.” Wilbur stated blankly, the warmth suddenly gone, the teen having turned around now staring at the massive blue splotch of dried paint on his leg.
Instinctively, Tommy pulled his leg away from the Technoblade to his chest, the gaze of all three Craft family members following his leg unnervingly as he did so. The atmosphere of the room darkened, and suddenly Tommy wasn’t so content to see the rest of the movie.
“You know what, it’s getting late and I’ve already seen this movie before,” Tommy explained in an uneasy, upbeat tone, as he hastily pushed himself up and off the couch. “I think I might just head home early.”
“What’s the rush Tommy?” Phil asked, slowly standing from the recliner, his gaze never leaving the boy as he crept forward. “Do you have something to hide?”
“Whaaat?” Tommy feigned confusion, sweat forming on his brow as he walked backwards towards the front door. All three Crafts had now stood and were slowly following him, synchronised in step, as he inched backwards. “You know me, big man. What could I possibly have to hide?”
“Curious question Tommy,” Wilbur replied tonelessly as the Beans advanced, pushing Tommy down the corridor as the three Beans came together, side by side. “You wouldn’t be the one responsible for things going missing, would you?”
Tommy swallowed hard as his heart rate spiked.
Something was wrong.
“You said it was mice, but somehow I doubt that is true.” Phil taunted darkly, Tommy tensing as his back made contact with the cold front door.
“Quit it guys, you’re freaking me out.” Tommy laughed nervously, his hand searching for the door handle behind him, his gaze never leaving the three Beans as they continued to approach.
“Oh Tommy,” Wilbur spoke in a sickly sweet tone, “Did you really think we wouldn’t figure it out?”
‘What?’ Tommy’s thoughts short circuited, as he processed what Wilbur had just said. ‘He couldn’t mean? He’d been so careful, how would he know?’
“That you weren’t really like us.” Technoblade spat the dreaded words coldly, a sick smile of delight crept up his face.
Tommy was fully panicking now. Whatever was going on, this wasn’t the Craft Family that he knew and loved. They were possessed, or clones or evil twins- just not his Crafts! He turned to grab the door handle, to yank it open, but was alarmed to find the handle missing all together.
“Oh come now Tommy, you can’t get away that easily.” Phil remarked as he stalked closer, Tommy whipping back around as he realised how close they were now. “Faking it all to get our love and affection? Honestly I thought you were smarter than that.”
“STOP!” Tommy yelled, squeezing his eyes shut, wishing everything would just go back to normal. “I DIDN’T FAKE ANYTHING! I LOVE YOU GUYS!”
“Love us?” Technoblade asked incredulously. “How can a pest love anything?”
Tommy snapped his eyes open and had to crane his head up to look at the three looming shadows of the Human Beans towering above him. He had shrunk.
All traces of love and kindness were gone from their faces, replaced by a malicious grins and ill intent in their eyes. That was all Tommy needed to see to know he was no longer an equal, but a prize to be fought over.
“I think it’d be best we keep you somewhere you can’t cause any more trouble, don’t you think?”
Tommy didn’t even know who was speaking to him now, all he could focus on was the jar that had appeared in Phil’s grasp.
“Grab him.”
Tommy screamed, and began banging and clawing at the door, the walls around him fading to black as he desperately tried to get away.
“PLEASE NO! YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS!” He screamed as the Beans knelt down, trapping him against the door. “I’LL LEAVE! YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO SEE ME AGAIN, JUST LET ME GO!!! I’M SORRY!”
The Borrower’s world grew darker, the Beans’ figures blocking out all sources of light as Tommy’s hand grew bloodied from how hard he was punching and scratching at the door.
It couldn’t end like this. Not with them. Not his family…
Tommy had just enough time to turn his head as a hand filled his vision, the last of the light snuffed out as he was completely engulfed in the Human Bean’s hand.
“No one will ever love you Tommy.”
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“NO!” Tommy yelled breathlessly, as he snapped up in bed, his heart pounding as a cold sweat dripped down his back.
His head whipped around, searching for any signs of the Crafts, hands, or jars, but all that met him was silence and the soft glow of his fairy lights, gently lighting up the space of his shoe box home.
“Oh.” Tommy shakily sighed, his shoulders sagging as his gaze landed on Henry who was head down on the floor. “I-It was only a d-dream. Just a dream.”
The Borrower reached over, snagging the cow plush from the floor and hugging it tightly as he slowly laid back down on his nest of blankets. He’d had a nightmare. None of it was real. He hadn’t been found out. Just a cruel trick created by his deepest fears and anxiety.
Tommy laid in bed for a while just to let his nerves subside, as he took slow, deliberate deep breaths. That had all felt far too real for the Shifter. The events of last week must have been getting to him worse than he thought.
After the incident with Techoblade, Tommy had kept to himself for the last two weeks. He’d made a couple of borrowing trips for snacks, but he didn’t waste time staying for longer than a few minutes, before getting back to the walls. He’d texted Wilbur and Phil a few times from the garage just to check in, but his mind had been occupied with Technoblade and how he could get to know the Bean without getting murdered in the process.
He’d come up with a few ideas, like trying lunch again with Phil, or playing a game with him and Wilbur, but the moment of being caught in the kitchen; the pure rage on Technoblade’s face, had snuffed out any further planning. Seemed those scary memories of almost being caught were plaguing him far worse than he had realised.
It was Saturday morning, and based on the light seeping in under the guitar pic door, he had more than justly overslept. Tommy ran his fingers down the back of the cow plush, squeezing it comfortingly in a hug. Perhaps he’d been away long enough now a visit would be okay? He could really do with a proper hug from Phil or Wilbur right about now.
When he felt ready, Tommy pushed himself out of bed and got changed- purposely checking that the jeans he wore had no paint stains on them, before heading out of the walls, shifting, and making his way around to the Crafts’ front door. He quickly raced up to the path and knocked a few times on the door, waiting for someone to come answer it. After a minute or so, soft footfalls approached from inside and Tommy relaxed, prepared to greet Phil as the door swung open.
“Hey Phil! Nice to see you…” The words died in Tommy’s throat when he was met with Technoblade.
The tall pink haired teen had his reading glasses perched on his nose, and faced the blond with an equally surprised look on his face at seeing Tommy at the door. A flicker of annoyance flashed over the teens face, and instinct to react took Tommy over, as he rushed out an apology having disturbed Technoblades apparent peace.
“S-Sorry! Sorry! I thought it was Phil coming to the door.” Tommy stammered quickly, keeping his head down as he shuffled awkwardly on the spot. “Is he or Wil around? If not, I can go.”
Tommy wasn’t sure how Technoblade would react at seeing him, but when he looked up, he didn’t look angry, more so he looked to be feeling equally as awkward as the boy felt. But he thought he was-
“Um, no they’re not.” Technoblade explained as he scratched at the back of his neck awkwardly. “He’s taken Wilbur to a Doctor’s appointment this morning and they won’t be back until later this afternoon.”
Tommy nodded in understanding, as the two just stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of what to do next. Tommy still wasn’t sure if he was even okay to even be in Technoblade’s presence at the moment. He was just about to turn and leave when Technoblade spoke up.
“You can come in and wait if you like. I’m just about to have some lunch, but you’re welcome to join me or watch a movie until they get back.”
Tommy stood slightly dumbfounded by the statement.
That was the last thing he had expected the pinket to offer. If anything, he was ready for another interrogation session- not lunch! Tommy studied the elder’s face, unsure if he was reading the situation right, but unlike the fury he felt last time, Technoblade really did seem genuine with his offer.
“Only if that’s okay.” Tommy asked tentatively, biting his lip as he scuffed the toe of his sneaker against the front porch in a restless rhythm. “I don’t want to be a bother.”
“It’s fine.” Technoblade assured him, turning to walk inside and leaving Tommy at the door. “I kind of owe you a do-over for lunch anyway.”
Tommy stood a little longer, waiting for Technoblade to turn back and snap at him, or slam the door in his face, but when the teen rounded the corner to the kitchen, leaving the door wide open, Tommy took a step closer to the door.
“If you’re not coming in, could you at least shut the door?” Technoblade called from the kitchen, making Tommy flinch at the request. “You’ll let the bugs in.”
Tommy stared at the door, noting the handle was where it had always been, and walked over to test its mobility. He held the handle and pulled down on it, noting the locking mechanism in the door moved in and out like normal, and sighed in relief. It was real, the door still worked and Technoblade had invited him in. While he still felt a little on edge, if Technoblade had invited him in then maybe this was the opportunity he had been hoping for? The Bean did say he owed him a do-over.
Walking inside, Tommy pulled the door in behind him, closing it with a soft click before making his way down the hall into the living room. Technoblade was in the kitchen, a loaf of bread with what looked like ham and cheese on the counter, and was putting together a sandwich.
“So there’s not a lot on offer in the fridge at the moment, as Dad hasn’t gone grocery shopping in awhile, but you ate a lot of ham and cheese sandwiches last time and lucky for you, that’s all we’ve got.” Technoblade said as he pulled out a knife to cut the sandwich in half. “How many would you like?”
“Um, just one is okay, thanks. I’m not super hungry at the moment.” Tommy replied, slightly surprised by the teens' hospitality, as he moved further into the living room and over to the dining table. There were a few books scattered across the table's surface, with covers of Fencers and fancy looking swords/knives which caught the blond’s attention.
“If you want to sit where Phil normally sits at the end, then I don’t have to move any of my stuff.” Technoblade called to him and pulled out another slice of bread. “Unless you want to sit on the couch.”
Tommy shook his head as he quickly moved over and took a seat in Phil's chair, but once sitting he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the book of swords. Tommy knew Technoblade had an impressive collection of knives, but it had been awhile since he dared to go into the Bean’s room to steal a glance at them. The book to his right was enticing; the cover showing a silver knife with a red decorated hilt, and the Borrower side of him was beckoning him to get a closer look.
What he would give to have a blade like that.
“Here’s lunch.” Technoblade stated, as he placed a plate down in front of Tommy.
“T-Thank you.” He stuttered as the teen sat in his normal seat to Tommy’s right.
They ate mostly in silence, the two just eating their sandwiches as time ticked on, neither individual really knowing what to say to the other. Technoblade hadn’t been expecting the kid to show up, and at first he was ready to slam the door in the kid's face and pretend he hadn’t even come by, but the image of Phil popped into his head and his words echoed in his mind. Give him a chance, he said. While Tommy looked just about ready to keel over, he supposed if he was to make amends with the kid, he’d have to try- and he’d much rather do it when his family was away then have them ‘help’.
Of course now he didn’t really know what to do beyond lunch. It’s not like he knew them like his Dad and brother did, so now it just felt really awkward. Tommy seemed quite content to keep his eyes averted from his direction in general, but that didn’t seem to stop the kid from continuously glancing at the books he’d been reading.
Technoblade was studying up on fencing techniques for an upcoming competition, and so he’d been making notes of the forms and stances to practice in the garden later, but the book that seemed to have the kid’s attention was his monthly copy of swords magazine. He had a feeling the kid couldn’t actually read- given the overheard conversations of Phil explaining stuff to him that was literally on the items label, but the magazine was more so made up of pictures rather than words, and it seemed to have the blond's attention. When they had finished lunch, he grabbed the magazine and slid it in front of Tommy.
“Here, I’ve got some studying to do for a while, but you can look at this if you want.”
As soon as he walked away with the plates, Tommy’s hand was on the pages, the kid audibly gushing over the pictures with little ‘oos’ and ‘ahs’. Once the dishes were dealt with, Techno settled back down at the table, and couldn’t help a little smile as he watched the kid become enthralled by the pages. He soon returned to his study, but kept stealing glances at Tommy to catch his reaction to each new blade as he turned the page.
“Oh come on, now that sword’s just silly.” Tommy stated aloud, as he turned to a page where the handle was in the shape of a fish, with the sword's blade coming out of its mouth like a tongue. “How could you ever cut down your enemies with a blade like that? The handle would reduce your movement!”
“You’re not wrong.” Technoblade agreed looking at the page, as Tommy froze, seemingly forgetting the Bean had been there at all. “They always have one comedic blade in every issue, but honestly I don’t know why someone even makes them. They’re not practical.”
“Right?!” Tommy replied, grabbing the magazine to hold it up right and pointing to the tail part. “I mean if i used this over my head, the tail would literally stab into my hand!”
“Only if you were inexperienced.” Technoblade replied, “But for a novice like you, it would probably.”
“Hey, I’m no nov-ISS or whatever you called me! I’ve been using swords for years!” Tommy exclaimed proudly, setting the magazine down and turning the page. “But nothing as cool as these. I could only dream of a blade like this!”
“I’m pretty sure you’d poke your eye out first if you had that sword. It’s literally taller than you.”
“Would not!” Tommy whined and Technoblade smirked.
“Would too.”
“Would NOT!”
“Would too.”
“Me me me. My name’s Technoblade and I ruin fun.” Tommy mocked, making hands and faces at Technoblade, who simply rolled his eyes.
“Sure, and you’re a child who can’t use a sword.”
“HEY! If I had my pin sword on me, I could so stab you!” Tommy threatened jokingly, as he scrunched his face up, glaring at Technobalde.
“Pin sword? What, so you could prick my finger?” Technoblade teased, but the comment seemed to have the opposite effect as Tommy lost his smile and stiffened up.
“Pft? Me use a pin for a sword?!” Tommy laughed nervously. “That’s ridiculous! What kind of idiot would use a pin for a sword?”
Technoblade wasn’t sure why the sudden comment, but Tommy was fidgeting with his hands in his lap and failing to look like he was fine. This was the weird behaviour he was worried about, but he hadn’t even done anything wrong this time, and this made Technoblade confused. What significance did a pin have that changed the kid’s whole demeanor?
How a pin got the kid all worked up Technoblade wasn’t sure, but he felt bad for causing it- even if he didn’t understand the significance. He hadn’t even threatened Tommy this time! Technoblade stood, frowning slightly as Tommy flinched when he did so.
“Wait here a moment.” Technoblade asked softly, as he stepped away from the table, turning and disappearing to his bedroom.
Tommy didn’t dare move from the table as he waited for Technoblade to come back. He’d slipped up with the pin! They were actually making progress, and then he had to go ruin it with his pin sword talk. Normal Beans don’t use pins for swords! Now Technoblade was probably going to get his throwing knives and use him for target practice!
Soon the teen re-entered the living room, setting a thin medium sized black box down in front of Tommy before taking his seat back at the table. Tommy stared at the box skeptically, as the older teen watched him intently. Surely this wasn’t some kind of trap contained in a small box? Human Beans were clever, but this was Technoblade. Anything could be in the box.
“Open it.” Technoblade urged gently, as he nudged the box closer to the blond. “I promise it’s nothing bad.”
Swallowing slowly, Tommy opened the box lid and set it to the side, as he lifted a piece of thin tissue paper to reveal a pen knife.
Tommy’s jaw dropped open, his eyes going wide as he reached into the box and delicately took the pen knife into his hands. Whilst small compared to the other knives Technoblade had in his collection, this one was the longest knife Tommy had ever held. Sure his pin sword was longer, but this was intricately made, and made his pin pale in comparison.
The handle was a light brown wood with intricately carved swirls and patterns on the hilt, whilst the blade was made from a light silvery metal. Though the blade was completely dull to the touch, it reminded the boy of his failed Stanley knife borrowing trip. Perhaps if he spent enough time on it, he could sharpen the blade, Tommy thought as he ran his fingers along the slick surface.
Technoblade smiled as he watched the boy marvel at the trinket. He couldn’t help the fond look form as he watched the way Tommy's eyes lit up at finding the Ruby gem on the bottom of the handle.
“Is this real?” Tommy asked, as he held up the Ruby embedded end.
“Sure is.” He smiled as Tommy's jaw dropped in disbelief. “It’s one of my favourites for that reason.”
“It’s beautiful.” The boy whispered as he ran a finger over the gem.
Phil and Wilbur had told him before how soft Tommy became when he was truly in awe of something. The way he settled into a comfortable silence as he handled what felt like the most precious item in the world. But to see the frightened boy from before so calm and in awe of something he loved so much, made him feel like it was Tommy who was truly the most precious thing in the world.
After a little bit of staring, Tommy seemed to realise he was being watched, and smiled sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
“I uh- guess you probably want this back huh?” He said sheepishly, quietly holding out the pen knife.
Kid really liked this knife a lot huh? Well, it’s just one knife…
“I think you should keep it.” Technoblade proposes. “You’ll probably get more use out of it then I will.”
Tommy recoiled at the notion as he tried to push the knife back into the pinket’s hands.
“No no- I, I couldn’t! You said it’s one of your favourites and- and it’s a real Ruby! I’ll just end up wrecking it.” He stammered, desperately trying to get Technoblade to take the knife back.
“Tommy, I have plenty of swords and knives in my collection. This one has just been in a box collecting dust in a drawer.”
Technoblade smiled before gently taking and opening Tommy's palms up, placing the pen knife in them, before curling the boy's fingers back around it.
“Besides, it suits you a lot more than me. I’m more of an emerald guy to be honest.” Techno smiled with a wink.
The boy didn’t say anything at first, instead simply staring at the gift in their hands. Something about it just felt so right in his grasp. The weight, the colour, the details. Despite the part of his brain that said he was breaking the Borrower rules by having it, he didn’t want to give it back. This wasn’t a necessity for the Borrower to have, but the part of Tommy that wanted to be selfish and say yes was winning him over.
“Only if you’re sure you won’t miss it.” Tommy asked carefully. “I don’t want it if you think you’ll need it later and call me a wrongin for keeping it.”
Techno chuckled as Tommy eyed him off warily, but nodded as he reassured him that it was okay. He wanted the boy to have it and that if he didn’t, he certainly wouldn’t have offered it in the first place. He truly admired how considerate the kid was despite having so little.
Tommy turned the knife over, and gazed into the beauty of the ruby. It truly was striking in colour and everything about the blade just felt like it was made for him. He grabbed it by the handle and gave it an experimental slash in the air.
“Woah! Watch out.” Techno said as Tommy moved without warning. It was light and easy to handle and he just knew once he sharpened it up, it would be the perfect borrowing weapon.
“How about we move to the garden before you go breaking something yeah?”
Tommy smiled sheepishly, nodding in agreement, as Techno went and grabbed two of his sparring swords from his room. It had been a while since he’d taught anyone to fence that wasn’t his own brother, and he had a feeling it would be better to teach the kid some proper skills now, rather than let them be a hazard to himself.
“Come on, I’ll teach you some real skills before you go poking someone’s eye out.”
“Oh come on! I’d never do that. Well, except maybe to Wilbur if he annoyed me enough, but that’s an exception.”
Technoblade laughed as he patted Tommy on the back before leading them out to the garden.
Yeah. Kid’s alright.
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Genuinely loved writing the nightmare scene! Was so much fun and all I could imagine was that scene in Toy Story 2 of Woody's nightmare when writing it and ugggh it was good! And yay! Bedrock bros bonding!!! It's been so long since we had nice fluff between these two <3 Now to make them brothers >:3
Thank you to @dingbatnix for beta reading. Bestie is working hard writing their Space Orcs fic at the same time which fyi, you should ALL get super excited for because I am in DEEP with the story and it's not even finished yet so get hyped!
Life update: As predicted, this ended up a little late 😅 Kind of got hit for 6 on the normal post date emotionally and just couldn't get myself motivated to format and post this so thanks for your patience!
As of right now, I officially have 7 days left of work before I leave my job which I'm so excited for! That work booklet ended up being 67 pages long which I'm so proud of, but my gosh I can't wait to get out of this job.
It's actually kind of sad for me as I get ready to leave, to think this will be the last chapter I post while working here. I even wrote some chapters of Jornos here on my break so it's nice to think that my fic has basically journeyed with me from when I moved to the city to this job and onto another chapter of life. I'll miss being here probably, but also won't lol. Gosh I'm not going to be ready when I finish the final chapter 😅
Fingers crossed I get the next chapter posted on time since I'll have officially started my course this time next month so guess we'll see what happens. Till then, thanks for reading! <3✨✨
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