Chapter Text
Techno spotted the little reef pup as soon as his claws sank into a parrotfish's scales.
The small mer was swimming with a school of butterfly fish, his golden tail glinting in the warm rays from the sunlight. The pup couldn’t have been more than seven cycles old, so small and so very clearly alone.
Techno would’ve known if this was a pod’s territory, he would’ve felt it as soon as he crossed the borders. But there was nothing when he swam into the edges of the reef, no threatening rattle nor a warning song. It was utterly silent and that meant that the little reef mer was without a pod, a caretaker, even a patriarch, living amongst the tiny fish and anemone.
The pup looked startlingly similar to Phil, the same angular face, golden hair, and blue eyes that were only a shade apart. If Techno didn’t know that his friend was an open sea mer instead of a reef one, he would’ve assumed the guy had another kid.
Techno frowned, pink tail swishing in agitation. His equally pink hair swayed from the motion.
Who would’ve left some tiny pup out here all alone? The small thing was lucky it survived this long, the little mer would’ve surely been killed if it wasn’t Techno who’d stumbled upon his coral abode.
This reef was relatively small and well hidden, but all reefs were valuable. They were always sought after for the resources and easy prey, pods would kill to have one. Especially if all they had to do was go up against a tiny little pup like the golden boy before him.
Well, Techno thought as he hunkered down against the rocky alcove, his prey long forgotten and let go. The pink haired mer certainly wasn’t going to let this opportunity go.
Phil always wanted another pup, anyway, and Wilbur had been making complaints about wanting a little brother over the last cycle or so. So who was Techno to deny them what they wanted? It’s certainly not like he minded having one more little menace to take care of. Especially not one so obviously abandoned.
And from the way the boy was chasing some new school of fish, he’d definitely be a hellion.
Techno flattened his sail, fins carefully kept loose as he curled over the rock he was hiding behind. A low, soothing croon vibrated from his throat, a sound he’d often used to calm Wilbur when he was much younger. A sign that he obviously meant no harm.
Yet even with his peaceful approach, the golden pup still stiffened, his tiny little head whipping around to meet Techno’s gaze. A scared trill echoed through the waters, fish quickly fleeing as the much bigger mer slowly crept forward against the rocks.
Techno fought to keep the frown off his face when the pup inched back, the boy’s blue eyes wide as he stared in horror. Maybe he should’ve just grabbed the kid instead. Quick and easy rather than having to win the boy over. Something that looked like it definitely wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.
The pink mer crooned again, adding on an extra, comforting trill to see if it’d get the pup to calm down.
It doesn’t work and Techno arches his spine in preparation to pounce as the boy stiffened, clearly ready to dart away.
They hovered at a stalemate, bright blue staring into blood red before the golden pup bolted with a screech.
Techno silently cursed, pushing off the rock with a powerful beat of his tail.
The boy was still further ahead of him, but Techno was much bigger and much faster than some little pup. Water rippled around him with every pump of his tail fin, his body sailing across the distance with ease.
He was only a whale’s fin away, so close yet so far when the tiny mer dived into a crevice between the rocks and coral, squirreling himself away in a small cave with a terrified chitter.
Techno leaned down, claws digging into stone as he made another soothing croon.
The pink mer could just barely see into the darkness of the hole, the little pup tucked so far into it that there was no way Techno could read in and grab him. The rocks were too thick to tear away and it didn’t look like there were any other entries that he could use to snag the boy.
“It’s alright,” Techno warbled softly, watching as the small mer flinched. “I won’t hurt you, basslet.”
The pup hissed and Techno could just make out the way his tiny little sail raised in aggression.
“Fuck off!” The boy snapped, tiny fangs on display, and the pink mer fought off a smile.
He’ll definitely be a menace.
“Where’s your pod, kid?” Techno questioned instead, easily ignoring the rippling aggression.
“That’s none of your business, bitch!”
“I just want to help you.” The pink mer hummed, letting himself lay against the rocks and pebbles in a submissive fashion. “It’s okay, you can come out.”
The little mer snarled and if his sail wasn’t already fully raised, Techno was sure it’d be up again.
“Hell no! I don’t want your help!” He chittered angrily, but there was the distinct tilt of fear in his tone. “Go away!”
Techno tilted his head, as though he were considering it even though he’d already made up his mind. “It’s dangerous for a little pup like you to be all alone.”
“I am not little!” The boy screeched, picking up a pebble and throwing it out of the cave and in Techno’s direction. It didn’t go far. There wasn’t enough strength in the throw for it to move through the water and hit the bigger mer.
“Alright, alright.” Techno chuckled, resting his chin on the rocks in front of the crevice. “Will you at least tell me your name?”
“No.” The boy sniffed angrily, his sail dipping as he drew up his tail and hugged his little arms around it.
“It’ll tell you my name if it makes you feel better?”
“I don’t care .” The golden mer trills in annoyance. “Go away .”
“Names Technoblade, but you can call me Techno.” The pink mer offers up anyway, watching intensely while the little pup glowers at him. His bright blue eyes almost glowing in the darkness.
“That’s a stupid name.” The boy hisses, shrinking in on himself when Techno hums.
“Well, I never chose my name.”
“Then whoever did is dumb.”
Techno laughed a deep, rumbling noise that vibrated the waters. “Maybe,” he humors. “I never really thought about it.”
There was silence for a moment, the water still as Techno continued to watch the little mer. Now that he was closer, he could see that the boy was fairly skinny. Though thankfully he wasn’t horribly emancipated, the pink mer could still see his little ribs and the smallest dips into his cheeks. If it weren’t for the reef, the pup could’ve been dead by now.
“Why are you still here?” The boy breaks the silence with a waspish snap.
“I want to help you.” He says calmly, watching as the little sail raises again.
“I don’t need your help!” The golden mer hisses, those tiny fangs making another appearance. “Just leave me alone!”
Techno chews the inside of his cheek, eyes intense as they sweep over the small cave. He could pretend to leave, swim away and then circle around and wait for the boy to come out on his own. Techno would probably never be able to convince him to come out and while he didn’t want to scare the boy, it’d be much easier to just snatch him up after he leaves the cave.
The pink mer lets out a slightly exaggerated sigh, attempting to sound thoroughly put out.
It seemed they were going to do this the hard way.
“Are you sure?” He says, trying to sound forlorn. “It must be hard living without a pod.”
The little pup puffs up, obviously offended. “No it’s not! I’m fine!”
Techno hums, pushing himself away from the entrance even as everything in him wailed not to. He shoved down the instincts to stay until the boy eventually gave in. The pup would be his soon enough, all he had to do was wait for the right moment.
He can hear the little sigh of relief from the pup, fighting down another comforting croon as pushed away from the rocks and coral around the crevice.
Soon, Techno reminded himself. All he needs is a little patience.
“Okay, okay.” The pink mer trilled. “Good luck, basslet.”
“I don’t need it!” The golden boy huffed in annoyance, though he still didn’t leave the cave. Not that Techno expected him to, he knew the little pup was smarter than that.
Soon, soon, soon . He repeated like a mantra, giving one powerful beat of his tail as he started to swim away.
Techno didn’t look back, no matter how much he wanted to. He couldn’t be suspicious and while the pup might not even be able to see him if he does, the mer didn’t want to risk it. This was a waiting game and Techno was very good at it.
The pink mer dipped into the edge of the reef once he was far enough, circling around the drop until he was sure that he was behind the little cave. He’d wait in the coral on top, poised to snag the little thing as soon as he poked himself out of the crevice. Most wouldn’t expect an attack from above, certainly not some little pup, and Techno knew how to take full advantage of that.
Techno slowly swam to the top of where the cave was, slinking low to the ground like a stalking water snake when he got closer. He used his hands to pull himself forward rather than using his tail, utterly silent with every sure grip on a piece of coral or rock.
He settled comfortably above the crevice, far enough away that his shadow wouldn’t be seen, but close enough that he wouldn’t be wasting any precious time once he pounced.
The pink mer rested his chin on one hand, steadily listening to the quiet shifting below him.
The pup wouldn’t be coming out so soon, he knew, but the sounds still made him eager. He wanted to grab the boy already, excited at the prospect of having the little spitfire in his arms.
At first, he was only going to grab the kid because of the opportunity it presented. Phil would like the pup regardless, but Techno quickly found that he was truly fond of him. A perfect addition to his pod and the pink mer was convinced that he was meant to find him. How else would he get such a gift to fall into his lap so easily? It couldn’t have been anything other than fate and Techno wouldn’t ignore the strings calling his name.
It was late in the afternoon when the pup finally began to crawl out of the hole. Every little swish of his tail made Techno’s muscles coil in preparation to strike, his back arching again and elbows bent so he could push himself off of the rocks easily.
Just a little more, he thought to himself. Just a little more and he’d finally have his pup.
There was the sound of little rocks being moved around, the slightest bit of golden blonde hair poking out from the cave. The boy looked back and forth nervously, never once glancing up as he swam a little further out.
The pup’s shoulders slumped in relief, the final warning Techno got before the little golden mer was fully out of the crevice.
Techno waited just a moment longer, needing the boy to inch just the tiniest bit away from the hole, before the pink mer pounced .
Sand and rocks and coral were kicked up when he pushed off, the sound loud enough to get the pup’s attention, but the golden mer was barely quick enough to turn his head over his shoulder and see what was happening. Though there was nothing he could do after spotting the much bigger mer, the pup could never hope to swim away as Techno’s arms eagerly wrapped around the boy’s torso, pulling the pup tightly against his chest.
“Let go! Let go, let go, let go! ” The little mer shrieked , hysterically beating his tail and clawing at the pink mer’s arms. However, his claws were much too dull and Techno’s skin much too thick for it to do any damage. The pup didn’t have enough power in his tail to push away and while his wiggling made him just the tiniest bit slippery, Techno was a skilled hunter and held down prey that was much harder to keep a hold of.
“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Techno croons, a comforting rumble building up in his chest while the pup sobs. “I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.”
His words don’t make the boy feel any better, but the pink mer didn’t expect them to. Instead, he sets himself down on a soft patch of sand, keeping the pup tucked onto his lap while he continues to rumble.
The little mer is so much smaller than he’d thought. A barely bigger than the length of Techno’s forearm and the pink mer is sure that his whole head could fit in just one of his palms. No even the full hand. He’s so frail , he might be even younger than Techno first thought.
“P-please let me go.” The boy begs between his sobs and Techno holds him tighter at the mere thought.
“I’m not going to do that.” The pink mer says bluntly, but no less soft. The golden mer only cries harder, trembling in Techno’s grasp as his wiggling falls still. “I’m going to take you home and I’m going to help you.”
The pup sobs, scared little chitters falling from his mouth while Techno carefully turns him around and tucks the boy’s small face into the crook of his neck. Techno pressed a hand against the golden mer’s small back, rubbing soothing circles into the skin between his shoulders.
“No! I-I don’t w-wanna go!” He cries, beating his tail feebly while his tiny claws poke at Techno’s shoulders.
“It’s okay, you’ll like it there. I’ll make sure of it.” The pink mer says as he trails his hand up from the pup’s back, resting gently onto the back of the little mer’s neck. His claws idly trail across the vulnerable flesh, a warning that the boy carefully heeds as his tiny breath hitches and his wiggling once again falls still with a choked sob.
He’d feel bad if he were a better person, but he isn’t. This pup is his now and he’s never letting him go.
Techno asks for the pup’s name when they settle down in a small cave. It’s big enough to fit the pink mer comfortably, but small enough that the little golden mer won’t have enough space to be able to get around him.
It had taken a while for the boy to calm down, constantly crying throughout their small journey while Techno did his best to soothe him. His little claws clung tightly to the older mer’s shoulder, sometimes attempting to pull himself out of Techno’s hold, other times clinging tightly for comfort. Techno didn’t mind, though he was quick to put a stop to any rebellious actions with a hand to the back of the pup's neck.
The golden mer only seemed to get more distressed when Techno finally settled them down for the night, wailing loudly when the pink mer swam into the cave.
He doesn’t mind the sobbing, well aware that it’ll take a while for the boy to get used to him. He’s patient and keeps the pup tucked tightly in his arms, curling himself around the boy to keep him warm. Techno’s back is against the opening of the cave, a protective barrier from any predator that tries to mess with them.
“Little basslet,” Techno croons softly when the wails slow to hiccups. “Can you tell me your name now?”
The little mer only shakes his head, whining when Techno runs a soothing hand through his hair. There are plenty of tangles in the soft gold, something that they’ll work on later. It must not feel very comfortable, but with how stressed the pup is, Techno didn’t want to risk him getting sick so he continued to thread fingers through the messy curls in a soothing manner. Maybe after their next stop, he’ll comb out a few tangles. Just to take it slow.
The older mer trills to get the boy’s attention, startling the small thing enough that bright blue meets blood red. His big eyes are wide in surprise, though that same undertone of fear is still present. Techno doesn’t like it, but he reminds himself to be patient. He’ll wipe that fearful look from the pup’s face and replace it with something awed or, hopefully, something as loving as Techno’s own gaze.
“Do you have a name?” Techno asks instead, mentally shaking those thoughts away for now. He watches as the golden pup hesitantly nods his head, a little, confused frown wrinkling his brow. If Techno didn’t know how to read expressions, he would’ve assumed that the boy was just scared to say. But there’s a tiny hint of panic in his eyes, an emotion that tells the older mer that the boy is lying. “You don’t have to lie, I can give you a name.”
The mere thought of being the one to name the pup almost has Techno’s fins expanding in excitement. He struggles to keep the ones on his arms and ears low and neutral, but the sail along his back flares with eagerness.
“No!” The little mer growls, his own tiny sail fighting to rise against Techno’s palm. Very clearly agitated instead of enthused like the older mer’s. “I don’t want a name from you!”
Techno tilts his head curiously, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Well then what am I supposed to call you?”
“Nothing!” He hisses, beating his little tail against the older mer’s stomach. It doesn’t hurt, the pup is too small for that, so he paid little mind to the action. If anything, it only felt like a small tap. “You let me go!”
Techno laughs, pulling the small mer closer as he tucks his face into the blonde curls. “Nothing is a bad name.” He says, completely ignoring the boy’s demands to be let go. That was never going to happen, the pup didn’t realize it yet, but he would soon enough.
“Fuck you! You know that’s not what I meant!” The little mer spits, wiggling until Techno places a hand on the back of his neck. He falls still, tense and trembling under the pink mer’s fingers, even when Techno calmly warbles at him.
They’ll work on that later. The boy thought Techno would hurt him, but he’d do no such thing. He’ll get the golden pup to understand that as soon as possible.
“How about I call you Theseus?” The older mer offers, though the question is rhetorical.
“No,” The pup growls weakly. “That’s a stupid name!”
“But then we’d be matching, wouldn’t we?”
“I don’t want to match with you!”
Techno huffs a laugh, curling a little tighter as he tucks the boy’s head into his chest. Theseus is a fine name, he’ll learn to like it just like he’ll learn to like Techno. They had months before they made it back home, after all.
“Alright, basslet,” The pink mer hums. “Why don’t you go to sleep? We have a long day tomorrow.”
“I don’t want to!” The little mer—Theseus whines, starting up his feeble wiggling.
Techno grunts a displeased sound, quickly smoothing into a comforting coo when the golden mer stiffens and whimpers. The older mer quickly rubs a hand up and down the pup’s back, rumbling a soft tune.
Techno is by no means a singer, he doesn’t have the voice for it, but he’s had to calm down a rambunctious Wilbur before. He knows how to get an agitated pup to fall asleep. So he continues his rumbling purr, humming while he rubs circles into Theseus’ back.
The pup whines, but it isn’t long before his breathing evens out and he’s falling asleep in Techno’s arms.
Right where he should be.
Tommy, because Theseus is a stupid name and he refuses to refer to himself as such, slowly pries himself out of Technoblade’s grasp.
The big fucker was a lot more careless after a few days had passed and now Tommy finally has his chance to escape. The grip around his body was much more loose than before, more like an annoyingly gentle hold compared to the tight grasp Techno once had. Tommy wouldn’t have been able to escape if the pink mer hadn’t suddenly become so lenient. Any sudden movements would definitely wake him up if the big mer decided to continue to hold Tommy as close as he had been.
This sudden carelessness worked in the golden pup’s favor, and he wasn’t going to let this chance go.
Especially when this cave was bigger than the last one. It wasn’t that much bigger, though it was a little chilly due to the extra room. But that wasn’t the important part. The important part is that it had just enough space at the entrance for Tommy to shimmy past the pink mer.
Things could not have been better for Tommy’s escape plan.
The golden mer slowly climbs over the hulking figure below, holding his breath as he hovers in the cave entrance. Tommy glances back once, just to make sure Techno is still sleeping, before he dives into the deeper waters below the cave.
There was a massive kelp forest below the rocky alcove, thick enough that it may even hide Tommy’s bright golden scales. At least, the pup sure hoped so as he swam through the thick plants.
Tommy had seen kelp before, but it was nothing like the plants of the reef. These were tall and imposing, brushing against his tail and almost tangled him up if he swam too quickly. They felt weird too, a texture so smooth that it was almost slimy and Tommy did not like the feeling. It was eerily empty and gloomy as well. The tall stocks of kelp blocked almost out all of the light from the moon and if Tommy couldn’t see in the dark, he definitely would’ve gotten twisted up in the weeds.
However, the pup still tries to swim as fast as possible, eager to get away from the massive mer that kidnapped him from his home. Tommy has no idea how to get back to his reef, and the thought makes him want to sob, but being away from that lunatic is all that he needs right now.
Tommy swims closer to the ground, hovering over the sand as the kept forests begins to end and the open ocean starts to come into view.
The vast emptiness has always been intimidating to the pup, something he never wanted to explore. Yet it seemed like he wouldn’t have a choice but to go through it, if he wanted to escape. It would be risky, there were no other fish swimming out in the open and Tommy’s scales were bright enough to spot from miles away. Yet it was his only choice. Technoblade had taken him to a small plateau of rocks and kelp, there was only open ocean in any direction he went.
Tommy bit his lip, tiny fangs poking at the pink flesh. A distressed warble rose in his throat, but the pup ruthlessly pushed it down. He did not want to wake the older mer up.
The golden mer’s fins flutter anxiously, reaching a hand outside of the kelp before a massive shadow completely blocks out whatever little bit of moonlight that’s left in the sky.
Tommy chokes on a terrified warble as he looks up, eyes landing on the shaded underbelly of Techno’s body. The massive mer lets out a low croon, the sail along his back pulled up high and his fins flared in an emotion Tommy can’t make out. He doesn’t look angry, but the pup has never been good at understanding what the different fin positions mean.
Technoblade’s eyes seem to glow in the darkness, blood red staring straight into Tommy’s soul .
“Theseus,” The pink mer trills, ready to continue whatever he was saying. But Tommy doesn’t give him another moment to speak, fearful chirps tearing from his throat as he turns and bolts through the forest of kelp. He can’t see very well, shoving past tall stocks of green and diving and twisting as much as possible.
He knows his desperate zig-zags don’t help hide him from Techno, Tommy can still hear the massive mer’s crooning, but he doesn’t stop. Techno could dive down at any moment and snatch Tommy up! If he swims sporadically, the bitch won’t be able to grab him!
At least, that’s what the golden mer hoped. He can hear the bigger mer dive between the kelp, the sheer power of his movements sending harsh currents through the water that makes Tommy fumble.
A hand brushes by his tail and the pup shrieks , darting to the side and swimming further into the tall stocks of green. Techno croons behind him, but Tommy knows he went back to the top of the kelp, casting a massive shadow as he circles around from above. Tommy thinks of him as a shark, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. It makes the bolden mer chitter in fear, pressing himself up against a large rock.
Tommy pants, whining when the pink mer’s shadow suddenly disappears again. He tries to look around through the kelp, but he can’t see anything through all of the green.
Technoblade trills something encouraging and comforting from somewhere unknown, but all it does is make the pup sob.
Large hands wrap under Tommy’s arms, gently pulling the golden mer up even as he screams and wiggles violently. A nose nuzzles into his hair, a soft warble vibrating against the back of the pup’s head. It feels like more encouragement and an emotion Tommy doesn’t have time to decipher, before he’s suddenly released. Obviously, golden mer darts away, back into the thicker parts of kelp while Techno croons again.
It’s so confusing . Tommy doesn’t know what the mer is trying to do and he’s terrified . Why did Technoblade let him go? Why does he make those weirdly encouraging sounds? What is the point of all of this?
Tommy hovers in the forest of plants hesitantly, searching for a way to go. For a place to hide . But all he sees in green and a few boulders that he can’t even hide in or under.
The pup whimpers, letting himself slowly sink to the sand. He pulls at some stocks of kelp, desperately trying to use them as a cover. Techno isn’t above anymore, he’s somewhere in the plants too, but Tommy can’t see him at all. Nor can he hear the older mer. It’s almost deathly quiet.
Until, not even a minute later, the kelp rustles together from behind. The obvious sound of someone pushing through the plants grates on his ears, and Tommy’s gaze snaps towards the noise.
Techno is only a tails length away, reaching one of his massive hands out to grab him. The pup shrieks , desperately trying to dive to the side and avoid his second capture.
But a hand easily grabs the end of his tail, the grip soft but impossible to break, and drags him back into Technoblade’s arms. The pink mer rumbles softly, even while Tommy kicks and screams and claws at his arms.
“It’s alright,” Techno warbles, shifting the pup in his grip so Tommy’s back is no longer pressed against the pink mer’s chest, and is instead cradled so the golden mer’s small face is tucked into the crook of his neck. “You’re okay, you’re fine.” A large hand massages Tommy’s back, gently rubbing up and down while the pup sobs. “It was just a game, I’m not going to hurt you.”
Tommy hiccups pitifully, his head spinning.
A game ? This was all a game ? Had Techno known he’d escaped this entire time? Was it even an escape if Techno had let him go?
The thought made Tommy sob louder, borderline wailing at this point.
“Were you scared? It’s okay, it was just a game, we were just playing, I promise. Even if you run, I'll never hurt you. No matter what.” Techno murmurs, crooning as one hand threads through the pup’s hair. “Look, I got you something for playing the game.”
Tommy shakily peaked out from the crook of the pink mer’s neck, watching as Techno lifts up a sea urchin in his clawed hand. The large mer pressed down the center, cracking the shell of the urchin open and revealing the soft orange-yellow insides.
Technoblade holds the urchin out, but Tommy only sniffles. He wants it, he really, really wants it. The pup hasn’t eaten urchin in a long time, the scales on his hands too soft to crack open the spiky shells without getting hurt. But Tommy chews his lip uncertainty, nails digging into Techno’s shoulder.
It… it could be a trick or something. Techno could hand out the urchin and then… and then just take it away! He doesn’t really think the pink mer would do that, but it never hurts to be careful! And Tommy was always careful!
Even if the urchin smelt really good and made his jaw clench with eagerness.
“You’re alright, you can take it.” Techno holds the urchin out a little closer, shifting Tommy so he was resting on the bigger mer’s hip. “I got it for you.”
Tommy shakily reaches his hands out, becoming more eager when Techno lets out an encouraging croon. He held the large urchin in his palms, noting that all of the spikes had been broken off so he wouldn’t get hurt. Tommy ignores the warm feeling he gets when he realizes Technoblade must’ve done that for him.
The pup pokes his fingers into the hole of the shell, pulling out a strip of orange-yellow flesh and sticking it into his mouth.
Tommy almost purrs from how good it is, quickly stuffing his hand into the shell for more.
Techno doesn’t stop the deep, rumbling purrs that vibrate from his chest. His pup is happily chewing on his treat, sitting on the pink mer’s hip without sobbing or trembling. Of course, Theseus’ face is still red and he’s still sniffling every so often, but it’s a great improvement compared to what it was before.
They’ll probably fall back into the same routine as before, but that’s okay. Techno is patient. He doesn’t expect a sudden change in behavior after one meager urchin, but if the shellfish helps speed up the process, then Techno is willing to give Theseus as many urchins as his little stomach can handle.
“Are you done?” Techno asks softly once the pup makes a needy trill. He won’t be getting any more today, but when they stop tomorrow, Techno can pick one off the rocks as a snack.
Theseus whines, face puffing and sail raising when the older mer takes away the empty shell. He reaches his small hands out, making grabby motions for the urchin even though he’s eaten all of it.
“No, Theseus.” Techno rumbles a reprimand, shifting his grip to tuck the pup back against the crook of the pink mer’s neck. The boy flinches and falls still, pressing his little face into Techno’s shoulder as the little mer’s small, agitated sail, relaxes against his back. “Good.” The older croons pleasantly.
Techno swims up, keeping a careful hold on the pup as he breaches the top of the kept forest. The moon is still high in the sky, but the pink mer has no plans to settle back down in the cave from before. He’s not worried that Theseus would escape again, but he felt how chilly his pup was. The little mer had been shivering and it took all of Techno’s self control to not pull him in close. That wouldn’t be happening again, so they needed a new cave to spend the night in.
The golden mer made another whining sound, wiggling when Techno swam past the rocky plateau and into the open ocean. The older warbled softly, a rumble picking up in his chest to lul the boy to sleep as he swam.
“Go to sleep, Theseus.” He crooned to the exhausted pup, the purr in his chest picking up as his little mer finally crashed from all the adrenaline. Techno didn’t need as much sleep as Theseus did, he could travel for most of the night and take a nap in a new cave for a few hours before picking back up in the morning. The constant movement would surely only make Theseus more tired, but that would only serve to work in Techno’s favor.
It wasn’t long before the little mer’s breathing finally slowed into a more even pace, signifying that the pup had finally fallen asleep.
The purr in Techno’s chest didn’t stop, an entirely pleased sound that echoed through the surrounding waters. Hell, he was so loud that the pink mer would be surprised if others couldn’t hear him from miles away. Well, it’s not like Techno cared, he could easily deal with any mer if they had an issue with it. His boy was sleeping in his arms and he wasn’t going to take this moment for granted.
The older mer dipped down, trailing closer to the sand at the bottom of the ocean. The ground below was warmer than if he swam near the surface, he didn’t want Theseus to get too cold during their night trip. The north was getting closer and closer everyday, he likely wouldn’t try any more midnight travel after this. Nor would he play any games with his pup so late at night either. They’d have to do their little chases when the water is warmed by the sun.
Theseus shifts in his sleep, a grumbly mumble falling from his lips as Techno tucks him closer. His little brow is scrunched, nose wrinkled against the pink mer’s neck, and the sail along his small back twitches.
Techno stops when his boy makes a small whine, his little claws flexing into the pink mer’s shoulder. The older picks up his purring, making it louder and smoother to ease the pup back into a more restful sleep. It works a little, but it isn’t enough to calm whatever dream the golden mer is having.
The pink mer gently presses at the muscles between Theseus’ shoulder blades, rubbing his thumb in circles as the tenseness of the pup’s back slowly loosens.
His boy makes a little, pleased chirp. The sound enough to get Techno’s fins flaring in gleeful surprise. If only the pup could make those sounds when he was actually awake , but Techno will take what he can get for now.
The pink mer presses his face into Theseus' hair, humming for just a moment before he begins to swim again. Sand is kicked up behind him as he beats his tail once, pushing through the water at a slightly faster pace. Once he finds a new cave, he’ll settle for the night and get some food for the pup in the morning.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take much longer to find a suitable den for the night, small enough to be warm, but big enough to fit the both of them comfortably. Techno steals some stray stocks of kelp, easily pulling them from the ground to make a makeshift nest at the bottom of the cave. Theseus stirs in his arms, but Techno only shushes him gently, setting the pup into the temporary nest. The pink mer purrs louder, curling around his boy.
Instinctually, the little mer presses closer to the warmth Techno gives off, pushing his small face into the crook of the older’s neck. The pink mer croons in encouragement, even if Theseus doesn’t hear him. “Such a small thing, it’s a wonder how you survived by yourself.”
Theseus makes a little, disgruntled hiss, pawing at Techno’s chest in sleepy annoyance while the bigger mer chuckles.
The pup settles again, a tiny purr rumbling in his chest that has Techno grinning like a madman. He wraps his arms around his boy, the constant purr in his own chest somehow getting louder as he descends into sleep.