Sleep found him easier this time. No nightmares or dreams, no visions, only blissful quiet as he rested. It was the best sleep he had since the crash, hell since the mission started two years ago. Only at the start of the last vision had he felt more relaxed, when that odd rumbling had started. If he tried hard enough, he could still recall how it felt.

How odd, that his best sleep was after watching their rescue ship get shot down. Before the dream he had struggled to fall asleep, explosions and screams ringing in his ears. But afterwards? Total silence.

It was weird...

When he did wake again, it was dim inside the base, light turned low and the outside of the window almost too dark to see. He couldn't tell if it was early morning or late evening, not that it mattered too much. He turned on his back, blinking sleep out of his eyes before slowly looking around the sleeping area. Pac and Fit were both asleep to his left, the later snoring softly from his spot right beside the Brazilian, who was practically curled up against his chest. Quackity was also in the nest, curled up in the furthest corner like a cat, seemingly asleep as well.

Techno pushed himself up into a sitting position, hiding a yawn behind his hand out of muscle memory alone. With the way the reef outside was lighting up, it was most likely sunset rather than sunrise. There were fewer fish swimming by the window and a soft, steady rumble echoed through the base, showing that Foolish and Roier were settled down somewhere nearby instead of swimming morning patrols. Had he really slept through the whole day? He's usually not a deep sleeper, there is no way the others moving around the base hadn't woken him up at all.

Soft clicking of metal drew his attention from the window over to a different corner of their base. He could spot both Tubbo and Cellbit sitting side by side, their backs turned towards the sleeping area. Screws and plates were scattered about around them, all of them they had gathered from the pod. It helped them create more flexible parts for the prosthetic, as their stash of screws and bolts was pathetically small, especially since the fabricator can't make them. And it's not like they needed it anymore anyways, salvaging parts from the pod was far more useful than just letting it float above.

It seemed like that's what the two were doing now too. Bent over the prosthetic, murmuring to each other as they worked. There was a half empty water bottle as well as leftover bits from fried fish sitting next to them, so he at least knows they have both eaten dinner. He could go back to sleep... but he didn't really feel tired anymore. So, he carefully climbed out of the nest, letting the others keep sleeping, and slowly made his way over to the two.

Cellbit noticed him before he had a chance to speak, giving him a nod before focusing back on his work, sealing the knee joint of the prosthetic properly. The prosthetic itself looked almost complete now, most of the wiring and inner workings hidden by plates currently being welded into place by the repair tool. It looked a lot more finished than when they had returned from the island... they must have worked on it all day. The whole thing was grey-white, which was to be expected considering the materials they had to use. Maybe they can paint it if Pac is bothered by the colour.

Techno just watched for a moment, not sure how to start the conversation. He doesn't really want to disturb them, but he is kind of bored. "And the wires are for when we get home? So he can use it like a normal leg?" Tubbo nodded, still squinting at the plating as he finished welding it in place. They didn't have protective goggles... "It has to be enough for now. It locks at the knee so it won't bend forward, like a real leg. But the rest is gravity. It will take him a while to get used to it, but it's better than nothing." Yes, their options were very limited. This will have to do until they can either get him a professional prosthetic or access to better tools and materials.

Once the plating was secure, Tubbo placed the tool aside and looked up at Techno. He didn't like how he stared at him for a long few moments, brows drawn together. When had Tubbo become the one that silently tries to analyse someone? "You still look tired. You should go back to bed." Ah, that's what he's doing. He was still worried about Techno. Which was sweet, really, but he's fine. Hasn't felt this rested in a while. So, the older just shook his head, moving his weight from one foot to the other. "I'm not really tired. Slept pretty well actually." That gaze never left him, grew ever more concerned and... upset? Why was he upset now? Hadn't they just moved past that?

The staring continued, maybe for a bit too long, filled with awkward silence. Tubbo eventually broke eye contact, focusing back on the prosthetic. "Fine. If you're sure." Cellbit gently patted his shoulder. "He's been sleeping since yesterday. He'll be fine." Techno frowned. Since yesterday? He's been asleep for more than a day? The Brazilian noticed his confusion and grinned, sweeping some of his long hair out of his face. The white section at the front was really starting to grow out now, a good chunk of it back to the natural brown. "You were knocked out cold after you managed to fall asleep again. Didn't even stir when Foolish was screeching at some Stalkers that ventured too far from the kelp forest. I think your body finally caught up on all that sleep you missed."

That makes sense. He's surprised he hasn't crashed much sooner, to be honest. "Sorry if I-" "Nah it's fine. We're glad you slept that much. You're probably hungry right? Haven't eaten in almost two days." He was pretty hungry actually. And thirsty... he hadn't even noticed it until now. So he nodded, looking over to where they usually gathered their food. Outside of a half empty water bottle, there was nothing there. Which is fair, everyone had already eaten dinner. Cellbit noticed it too. "Ah, right. I can catch you some while you stay here with Tubbo, I know you don't like swimming in the dark much-" Before Cellbit could finish that sentence, Tubbo had already jumped up to grab his gear.

There was a brief mumble of "I'll do it" before the teen disappeared into the airlock, not giving Techno a single glance.

And once more, awkward silence filled the room. Techno, for the most part, was just confused on what had suddenly gotten into him again. He had thought they were on better terms now, with how Tubbo treated him after the vision. "What was that?", Cellbit asked, looking just as baffled about the teen's sudden departure. "Are you two still fighting?" The other shrugged, not knowing the answer. Not anymore at least. Tubbo had been so protective of him after the dream... and now he wasn't anymore.

Techno felt like he was in a daze, thoughts racing again. Nothing truly seemed real, there, and present, anymore. Most likely just lasting effects of that dream, hopefully it goes away soon. Tubbo's odd mood switches didn't help either. Yeah, they had a new goal, something to keep them hopeful and focused, but damn he could not pull himself back together. Not yet at least. Weird gods in his sleep, everything and everyone dying around him. It was getting hard to tell what's real and what are distant memories and nightmares.

The sound of the fabricator was one of the only thing keeping him from fully disappearing into the recesses of his own mind. That, and Cellbit talking while he worked with said fabricator, trying to fill the silence between them. "That's okay. It will get better with him, trust me. It just takes time, he just needs to figure out his feelings. And! We made good progress on the prosthetic. We got this, okay?"

He listened as his friend rambled on about all the intricate little wirings they might add, listened as he shared his hopes for their new goal, the weapons and extra technology they might find. He seemed oddly talkative after the last few hours of odd silence and silent brooding in the corner. And all Techno could really do was listen. Even as Tubbo returned with more fish for them to cook, still avoiding eye contact. It would likely still be a while before the others would wake up, if any of them wake up before the next morning.

Finally, he got taken out of his daze when Tubbo looked him in the eye, and handed him a piece of coral. No words spoken, just shoved into his hands. Techno blinked and took in the pink chunk of coral that looked like a tree branch. It had an odd texture to it as well, rough in some spots and squishy in others. "It will probably die in a few hours, but... There wasn't a lot else out there that I could find."

That familiar wave of confusion washed over him once more. It seemed he could never escape the feeling, when it came to Tubbo. When had their friendship turned so strange? "Why?" He wanted to ask more, but words failed him. They usually do in situations like this one. Tubbo had an expectant look on his face, fidgeting with his hands a little. "Cause I wanted to give you something," he said, slightly uncertain. "Because-" His eyes had flickered to their sleeping nest. "Because you've been nice to me."

Techno felt even more confused now. "I... I thought you are mad at me?" Tubbo frowned, fidgeting with the sleeve of his suit. "I... No. I'm not, I think. I was, on the island. But when you guys left for the building, Pac and I talked. And now, I'm not really mad anymore. Maybe a little, you should have let me punch him. But not as much." For a moment, he just stared at the teen again. This conversation was quickly losing what bits of normalcy it had left.

This very well may be one of the few times he lacked understanding for his friend entirely. And he had used to be quite good at reading Tubbo's mood or thoughts. "Then why-" He may not be tired physically, not anymore, but gods did exhaustion seep into his voice. Mental exhaustion of dealing with all of it. Tubbo's behaviour, their current situation, some sort of divine visions he didn't quite believe yet. But it looked like neither did their youngest team member, looking as lost as Techno felt.

"I don't know, okay?! I don't know why I'm bad at this!", Tubbo cried back, tears pricking at the corner of his eyes. "I have never done any of this! I've never been so mad and then felt so bad about it and I want to say sorry but it's hard and you are just-" He groaned, throwing his arms out. "I've been an ass to you and you don't even care!"

In truth, Techno didn't feel like he hadn't showed he cared. Honestly, there hasn't been much time for caring about the argument, since everything had happened so fast. If anything, this was the first time they had the quiet for a conversation. With how this conversation was going, this might become loud enough to wake the others. It was honestly a miracle they haven't woken up already. "I do care. Just tell me what I can do to fix this, Tubbo..." Maybe he really should be asking for an apology, but it was his first instinct to take the blame. It always was, take the blame to keep the peace.

The teen stared at him, eyes wide. "To fix... why are you asking to fix it? I'm the one that punched you! I'm the one that ignored you! I should have followed you to the building but didn't!" Techno was starting to think they are walking around in circles. This wasn't going anywhere. So instead, he pulled Tubbo in by the shoulders and hugged him. Cradled him close like he had done so many times before. Tubbo hesitated for a second before returning the hug, pressing his face into Techno's shoulder. "I just want things to go back to normal. I don't want to fight."

Tubbo clung to him a little tighter. "Go back to normal? Just like that?" Techno nodded, his head leaned against his friend's. "Yes. I want my friend back. If you want to talk about it it's fine, we can do that. But I'm not mad at you. Never really was." He could practically hear the gears turning in Tubbo's head. Always thinking. Overthinking, usually. But that's just how he is, his brain always running on overdrive. It was both a blessing and a curse. "I... I'd love that. Going back to how it was before." Tubbo pulled away, laughing a little as he rubbed at his eyes. "When did we become so sappy?"

A good question, one he didn't have the answer to. Not entirely. "Thank you for the gift. Even if it won't last long. Maybe leave the reef alone from now on, I feel bad having the coral die now." Tubbo nodded, stretching his arms towards the ceiling and yawning. Techno grinned, ruffling his hair. "It's late. You should go to bed. The last bits of prosthetic can wait until tomorrow-" "Actually..." The two turned to Cellbit, who sat beside said prosthetic, putting their tools away. "I just finished the past piece. Pac can try it out tomorrow." The teen's face turned red, immediately avoiding eye contact as he stammered a quiet 'alright'. Not that Techno could blame him, he too forgot Cellbit had been there and listening the whole time.

"Good. Then you two head to bed. I'll check on my little garden outside real quick." Tubbo frowned, grabbing his wrist when he tried to walk past. "You hate swimming in the dark though. Even with the light of the base..." Techno smiled, gently patting him on the back. "I need to stretch my legs, I'm really feeling those 24 hours of sleep. Foolish and Roier are there to keep me safe." The younger hummed, looking at the handful of fish he had brought back from his trip outside. "I'll eat when I come back inside. Promise." Cellbit gently nudged him towards the sleeping area, making Tubbo sigh. "Okay. That fish better be eaten in the morning. And you better be at least dozing in bed when I wake up, don't you dare stay up all night-"

Techno laughed, helping Cellbit shuffle the teen towards the nest. "I promise. Now go sleep. I'll be there in like 30 minutes." The look he got in return almost seemed suspicious, but he met it with a raised brow. He had nothing to hide, he wasn't lying that he just wants to stretch his legs. Well... the garden might be a cover up for what he actually wants to do, but he will still stay close to the base, most definitely within sight and protection of the two leviathans.

Once Tubbo was settled and had a mask nearby so he could always hear if Techno needed anything (his one condition for going outside alone, as if the teen hadn't just left by himself to catch fish), the older grabbed his equipment and headed into the airlock. His nerves were already acting up because yes, he hates swimming at night. The ocean was already scary, but at night it becomes a void filled with unknown monsters. And the alien version of that is ten times worse. But, he has two massive guard leviathans on his side, which makes this a little easier. He took one last, deep breath, before strapping on the mask and starting the cycle. He had made sure the comms were shut off, so no one would get woken up by potential loud noises that will come through the little mic. Not that Tubbo needed to know that.

The outside was almost pitch black, like he had expected. The bioluminescence of the reef helped him not becoming disorientated, still able to tell which way was which thanks to the plants around him. He stayed close to the base, swimming along it's wall until he came to the garden setup right below one of their two windows. To his luck, this side of the base is also where the leviathans usually settle down for the night. Both Foolish and Roier were curled together nearby, both still awake, their eyes illuminating the dark around them. Foolish noticed his presence almost immediately, lifting his head with a curious chirp. None of the humans usually come out this late and Tubbo had already been a surprise.

"Hey big guy... sorry to annoy you this late." Foolish rumbled, tilting his head ever so slightly when Techno gently patted his cheek. It was still fascinating how such a massive creature could ever take a liking to tiny things like them. What had they done to make Foolish so incredibly protective of them? Maybe he had known, about this mission. This... weird god like leviathan granting visions. Techno sighs, leaning against the leviathan, feeling the warmth emitting from his scales. This would be so much easier if they could talk. All his questions, his thoughts about the visions... so much would be solved if they could just ask the leviathans about it. They reacted to his dream, he has seen them stare at him through the window. Whatever was happening, it was connected to them. All of them, most likely.

A clawed hand came up behind him, simply holding him as Techno tried to sort through his messy thoughts. The action made him laugh, pressing his forehead against golden scales. Not even three weeks ago he would have probably died of a heart attack, being this close to a leviathan. He would still be mad at Tubbo for trying to swim near the giant fish he had named Blorp. And now? Now he was looking for answers, for comfort even, from that same leviathan. Ironic, how life works sometimes.

He sighed, pushing himself away a little so he could look at the leviathan's face. "I'll be honest... I'm scared. I don't know what's happening to me. Why me of all people, all creatures on this stupid planet. I doubt I will be of much use to whatever leviathan queen or goddess this thing is." He isn't sure what he expected. That they suddenly would be able to have a conversation? That Foolish would even be able to understand him? No, he got nothing like that. Just little chirrs and rumbles as the leviathan simply stared, allowing him to talk.

Techno swallowed around the lump in his throat, feeling the tears sting at the corners of his eyes. Maybe that is exactly something he needs. Someone that just listens and doesn't ask questions. He lets his head fall forward again, the glass of his mask making contact with Foolish's scales once more as he took a shaky breath. "I just want to go home... that's all I've wanted this whole time. Not to keep a group of survivors alive, or serve some god, or fight off giant creatures. I just want to go home." And he sobbed, squeezing his eyes shut. "I'm scared Foolish... I'm scared I'll die here and never see them again."

At this point the leviathan had caught on to the fact that his human was in distress, cooing softly as he cradled the tiny creature closer. Roier too grew more concerned, joining his father in trying to comfort their friend. It wasn't a conversation, no spoken words, but they understood he was sad and that was something. Letting it all out felt good, easing the tightness in his chest that has been building for so long.

And so he cried and screamed and shook as he was cradled in the leviathan's palm. And it felt so good.

It took definitely more than the promised 30 minutes for him to calm down again, exhaustion pulling at his limbs again despite being so well rested already. Foolish's rumbling persisted through it all, gentle and caring as a single clawed finger rubbed along his spine. Techno heaved a sigh, but then couldn't help the teary laugh bubbling from his throat. "I must look like such a mess... Looking for comfort from the creatures I mistrusted for so long." He reached up to wipe at his tears, and then laughed again when his hand made contact with the glass of his mask. "Fucking hell... what is this planet doing to me..."

With a steading breath, he pushed himself up, floating out of Foolish's hold. The leviathan let him go, but he didn't look any less concerned. "Sorry I kept you awake. You're probably tired as well." Techno gently patted his cheek one last time, smiling. "I'll try and not do that again. It's not fair I make you this worried when you can't understand what's going on." Foolish cooed again, face scrunching up in a very human look of worry. Concern.

And at that moment, Techno was overcome with an intense feeling of confusion, his chest tight with worry. What... what in the world? Where did that come from? He wasn't... why was he...? Then the feeling changed, replaced by awe. At what, he wasn't sure. Just... awe? And then Foolish was reaching for him with a chirp, glowing eyes just a little brighter than before.

Looking at him in awe...

~ * ~

Tubbo picked at the singed edges of his suit, eyes heavy as he fought off sleep. He refused to lay down until Techno got back, even if the older will just sit down with food somewhere. As long as he gets safely inside again, it doesn't matter what he does afterwards. The comms of the mask were silent, had been the whole time since Techno left. Either he turned them off or he was just quiet. Both wouldn't be surprising.

It was far past the 30 minutes he had promised, but the teen had expected him to be outside longer. But now it was starting to get ridiculous. His garden was tiny still, he shouldn't spend that much time checking it over. Fit even checked on it for him when Techno was asleep, making sure the plants were alright. Not that much could go wrong in a day, but Tubbo had insisted, knowing how much the small patch of greenery meant to Techno. A piece of his old life that needs to be protected as much as they could.

After another ten minutes of waiting, Tubbo had enough. He needs to at least check that the other hadn't drowned. With the mask in hand just in case, he climbed out of the nest and shuffled over to the window right above the garden. Foolish and Roier were still steadily rumbling away, so he knows Techno most likely hasn't gone far and they could still see him. Neither of the leviathans would have allowed him to leave by himself.

The outside was almost pitch black now, the reef glowing softly around their base. Most nights it was a really pretty sight, other times it can be scary that they see so little. Having their leviathan friends with them makes it a little easier though. The two were curled together in their usual spot, glowing eyes illuminating the small figure right in front of them. Ah, so that's what Techno's doing. Still, couldn't conversations wait until the morning? Foolish and Roier are probably tired as well.

He already lifted the mask to his face so he could call Techno back inside, but hesitated when he noticed the look on Foolish's face. The leviathan looked worried, one hand lifted to hover behind Techno. What in the world... Did something happen? Another vision? Maybe Foolish was just worried that he wasn't sleeping yet.

"Techno? You've been outside long enough, you should-"

Tubbo's words halted the moment Techno jerked up at the sudden noise from his mask, Foolish making an equally startled face as he lifted his eyes to look at the window Tubbo was standing at. Wait... how had Foolish heard him? Or realized he was by the window looking at them? But before he could ask another question, his friend turned as well, staring at him.

Tubbo's heart stopped.

Techno's eyes were glowing with a matching shade of green to Foolish's.