Stick to the Script

Chapter 28

I eye the envelope, looking at Technoblade suspiciously. "You'd rather me read what's wrong on a sheet of paper in three days instead of just telling me while I'm here to help you?" 

"It's just- complicated. I'm not ready to talk about it- you know sharing has been something I've struggled with. Please, just trust me". 

I grab the envelope. "Ok, I do trust you". 

Technoblade looks relieved and thanks me. "Ok, well maybe I'll gain the courage to tell you myself, but in case I don't just read that paper in three days". Technoblade walks me to his front door. "Thanks for checking in and stopping by. Also-", he hands me a cloak. "You're gonna get a cold dressed like that, nerd". 

I laugh. "What was that you called me?" 

"You heard me, NERD". 

"Ok, Mr. Pythagorean Theorem!" 

"Hey! It counts as cool because I said it during a fight!", Techno says defensively.

"A PILLOW FIGHT!"

 "Whatever, see you later." 

"Bye Techno!" I shake my head, laughing as he closes the door. I start making my way back home, but I can't stop thinking in the back of my head. Why would Technoblade start keeping a secret now? He's never hidden anything from me before, surely he isn't now. 

I look down at the paper in my hand. Why three days? Would it be bad if I looked now? Yes... no- I can't. Techno said he may come sooner to tell me anyway and what would he think when he finds I've already read the paper? 

I make it all the way back to the Greater SMP, nearly home when I hear hoof steps behind me. I glance over my shoulder to see someone exiting the main SMP nether portal and heading towards the prison. Wait a second- that's Techno! I'd recognize his armor and Carl anywhere. Why is he heading towards the prison? I make up my mind and decide to wait outside the prison for Techno to come out for an explanation. As I sit waiting, the minutes crawl into hours and I can feel my stomach rumbling. 

I didn't consider how long this would take. I guess I can just confront him at his house tomorrow or bring it up whenever he feels comfortable. I stand up, dust off my outfit, and make my way back home for the night. 

The next day I was walking to visit Niki at the bakery when I see that Carl is still outside the prison. That can't be right. Why is Carl still there? 

I make my way to the prison, and look up at the looming building. I shudder at the memory of my last visit and the idea that Tommy died inside the building. I walk over to Carl, petting him. "What are you still doing here, there's no way Techno left you, Carl". 

Carl glances at the prison entrance as if to say he was waiting for Techno to come out. 

"Huh, guess I'll have to ask Sam what's happening". I bring out an apple and feed Carl and then make my way into the prison. I press the doorbell and wait for Sam to respond. 

"Hello, y/n. How can I help you?" 

"Hi Sam, have you seen Technoblade? Carl is sitting outside the prison and I swear I saw him come in here yesterday afternoon". 

There is a delay when Sam responds. "Come on in, y/n. There are a few things I think we need to discuss". The nether portal entrance activates. 

"I don't want to see Dream, I just want to know if you've seen Technoblade", I clarify. 

"I know, just come in first". 

I walk into the portal following Sam's instructions and find myself in the big room at the start of the prison. "What's going on Sam, why did you need to talk to me in here?"