You feel heavenly.

Freshly rested and stretch- stretch- streeeetching, in the wake of morning.

You haven't woken up this well rested in what feels like ages.

It was like there was a weight lifted off you, and suddenly every breath you took let you inhale all the oxygen you needed.

It helped that Techno was conked out next to you, emiting a warmth that completely counteracted the chill of the morning.

But primarily you just felt.... good. Which, doesn't seem to happen often.

You smiled, glancing over to Techno's sleeping back, before nuzzling your head into him to feel cozy for just a little longer.

He didn't stir, deep breaths coming and going slowly and softly.

His back was so wide. Shoulders wired with muscle and sinew.

It was probably uncomfortable for him to sleep on his side even though he looks pretty comfy, nestled in pelts and curled up facing the bed exit.

Stretching one last time, you decide to sit up and carefully crawl over Techno to get out of the bed.

With a glance back, you confirm he's out like a light, face relaxed and eyelashes pressed against his cheeks.

For being such a brute, he's always so pretty.

Smiling you lean down and smooth some of his hair out of his face, stealing one last glance before fully turning around and climbing down the ladder.

Without seeing who was in the room you call out a quiet, "Good morninnngg...!"

The fire looked freshly started and at the crafting table Phil seemed to be fiddling with some materials.

"Mornin' mate!" He calls, "I thought you'd be sleeping in?"

You rose an eyebrow, "How early is it?"

"Way earlier then usual- you all good? Didn't wake up with a nightmare did you?" Phil's voice is concerned.

"Naw- I- actually feel really good." You say, "Really good. I swear I haven't felt this rested since before Mom died."

"Ah- speaking of which I wanted to ask you about that." Phil says, finally setting the material he was messing with down, instead grabbing some steak and turning to lean against the table.

"Ask me... about my dead mom...?"

"Jesus no-" He cackles, "I wanted to ask what you did yesterday. I wanted to let you cool off before grilling you, and I think you're cooled off now."

"Oh." You take a moment to stare at him before meandering over to the food chest and rumaging in it, "I feel like you already know where I was."

"Yeah. I also feel like I know where you were." He pauses, "But I wanted to hear it straight from the horses mouth rather then just make assumptions."

Stuffing some bread in your mouth you harrump, chewing it without rush and staring at Phil, who also chewed at his steak, respectively.

Swallowing you finally answered, "Had a little family reunion. Got to see my brother face to face."

Phil stared patiently and inquisitively at you, still chewing his steak.

"It... was good for a bit."

Phil scoffs with amusement, "A bit? Gods- lemme guess- he saw Techno?"

"He saw Techno before I saw him." You grimace- remembering the horror that shot through you when you realized death could have very well been waiting right beside your brother, ready to claim Techno's life.

"Ouch." Phil winces.

"Yeah- I think he missed me way more then he let on though, cause I managed to cool him off." You paused to eye Phil's steak, "Give me some of your steak and I'll give you some of my bread."

"Sandwichs?" Phil questions, already trading some steak to you for two slices of bread.

"Sandwiches." You slap that steak between two bread slices and call it a day, not willing to put more effort in to make it a better sandwich.

Phil wiggled his bread at you for a moment, "So if he cooled off why'd it go bad? I was honestly kind of expecting you to bring him home-" he says, slowly assembling a much better looking sandwich then yours.

You make grabbing hands at his use of ingredients but he ignores you, which forces you to answer with a huff, "...Phil- you know he wouldn't just 'come home with me'. He's set on guarding Mom till someone kills him."

"I don't see why one of you can't just take on the mantle your mother left behind. It would solve everything for whichever side didn't pick it up." Phil chuffs, taking a large bite out of his sandwhich.

With his mouth still full he waves his steak and bread slices at you, "One of you will get your mom back, and the other can go about their days not worrying about some random npc picking up all the power of a god."

So nonchalant.

You huff.

Sometimes. Just sometimes. Phil does not understand things.

Sometimes, he's just a little too detached from the world.

There's a natural order to things, and he knows what the order is, and because he understands it, he sees nothing inherently wrong with continuing the cycle.

"I wouldn't be me anymore." You say, before taking a rather depressed bite of your own sandwich.

Phil doesn't catch on to your hold up, staring at you as you stared at him.

"Well, if anything you'd be more yourself then ever before. Remember you aren't a full... entity." Phil pauses, smiling face finally narrowing down into a blank face for the topic at hand, "When you die as you are, you kind of disapear forever..."

Swallowing the bite of sandwich in your mouth felt like swallowing a chunk of coal.

You know he's trying to be helpful, you know he is. But you're an emotional creature, and thinking about permanent death does bad things to your head.

Phil's eyes glance around your face before his smile came back, "If one of you picked up the mantle, you'd be able to absorb all your sibling out of the dirt, so they wouldn't be dead forever!"

"I'd be a different person Phil. I'd be such a different person. I wouldn't be able to say with certainty that I'd ever want to split myself into peices again- so my sibling may as well be dead forever." You stare at your two-bites-in sandwich and then glance to Phil who's happily half way done with his.

"Yeah. I figured you'd say something like that. Which, again, it's your guy's choice. I'm merely suggesting a simple and easy solution." Phil takes a bite, "And also, it's been a long time."

The warning bells in your head chime.

Like a setting sun in the distance, or all the animals in a forest going silent because something dangerous was lurking.

You remember that bad things usually happen when God's start gathering.

You remember that crows are a sign of something terrible on its way.

"The cycle doesn't wait for anyone, mate. Dead God's will always have to breath again."

But most importantly, you remember that seeing Phil, is usually a very, very bad thing.

Wilbur can attest to that.

You didn't feel like eating your sandwich.

"Daww- mate- I didn't mean to make you all sad-" Phil laughs, "Come here-" Phil struts to you and tucks you into a hug.

You limply let him wrap his arms around you, and while his slender frame feels mildly comforting, it's not enough to matter.

"I should've realized that you don't have the right mindset for that kind of advice. That's more something your mother would understand." He pats the top of your head, "You just keep doing your thing, okay mate?"

You huff, chin resting on his shoulder.

"I'd rather have a Techno hug right now." You say crossly.

"Ppffftt- Jesus- no consideration for your friend Phil-" he cackles, "I bet Techno would prefer a you hug right now too."

You proudly huff, completely choosing to ignore Phil's implications, "Yeah he would. Unlike you, we actually try to understand each other's minds."

He cackles, releasing you and shaking his head as he went back to his materials at the crafting table, "You're silly mate. A little insane shit."

"What, for saying the truth?"

Phil just rolls his eyes and laughs, clearly no longer taking you seriously.

"So did anything else happen while you were visiting family?" Phil waves a hand, not taking his eyes off the crafting table.

"Uuummm-" you purse your lips, "Techno lost a line... which, he said it was a positive thing....??" You shove a hand over your mouth and mutter a, 'still don't get how.'

Phil slowly turned to look at you, jaw completely slack.

You stare back.

"Phil, you're making me nervous right now." You squeak out.

"No way- seriously?? You're for real???" You nod and Phil is grinning, "I genuinely never thought he'd knock a line down- good on him what the hell- did he face off against your brother?"

"Yeah- I intervened before it got too bad though."

"Genuinely never thought he'd do it." Phil smiles to himself proudly, "Well, not that I didn't have faith in him, but he's usually too strategic for it."

"I really want to ask what he did. But I also really want to respect the fact that Techno hasn't told me what that means."

"Really? I feel like that's something you'd already know about." Phil squints.

"Yeah well I don't." You harrumph.

"You know who would understand what it means?" Phil laughs, "Your mom."

You deapan at him.

"Okay, but I was being serious about that-" He cackles, "I'm assuming you got chipped off of her without that info in your databanks."

"I'm not a robot Phil-"

Phil laughs and goes to reply when the front door is opened and a familiar figure comes strutting in.

Yellow sweater, desaturated skin, drooping sad eyes but wide and cheerful grin.

"Ghostbur??" You question.

"Ghostbur?" Phil asks.

"It's me!" He says throwing his hands in the air all happy, "I came to visit my friends! Accompanied by friend of course." He tugs in a blue sheep and shuts the door, happily patting the top of its floofy head before looking at both you and Phil.

"How are the both of you doing on this lovely snowy day?"

"Oh- just being harassed by your father right now, so I'd say I'm faring decently."

Ghostbur gasps, "Phil?? Are you harassing people? I didn't know you took up a life of crime."

Phil laughs and struggles to explain himself, merely confusing Ghostbur more when he denies all accusations.

When Phil continue to try to explain himself, Ghostbur nods to himself, smiling like he figured out a problem.

You watch as the ghost walks over to Phil, cups one of his hands, and sets a big bunch of flaky blue material in his hand.

"Have some blue." Ghostbur calmly says.

"Mate-" Phil starts.

"Sh-sh-sh- it's okay, the blue will make you feel better. :)" Ghostbur grins at him, happy little eyes and happy little smile.

"Ghostbur, you are so sweet." You sincerely say.

"Thanks! You're very sweet as well!" He smiles, before getting distracted as friend moseys it's way into his peripheral view, "Oh! I don't think you've met friend yet-"

You glance at the blue sheep.

It has yet to look at you.

You think nothing of it, and decide to humor Ghostbur and talk to the sheep, "Hey Friend- Nice to meet you! You look like you're well taken care of."

Ghostbur puffs up at that, like a child who got congratulated.

Phil is busy tucking the blue away in a place where it won't stain anything, so you take it upon yourself to strike conversation, "So what brings you round these parts?"

Ghostbur's brows furrow for a second before picking back up, "I missed my family is all! I want to see how they're all doing."

Friend bahs, shuffling around, and Ghostbur smiles, "I was wandering around L'manberg, and then remembered that I haven't seen them in awhile."

Oh yeah.

Ghostbur was kind of a brother to Techno and Tommy. And Phil is literally his Dad.

"Can I get you anything?" You ask, "Bread? Steak? Uhhh- weapon?"

"Pfft-" he waves you off, "What I need is a certain Technoblade and Tommithy-innit-"

"Both sleeping." Phil chimes in, finally done packing the blue away.

"Hrm- then I'll just watch them sleep." Ghostbur concludes, tying Friend to the anvil and crawling up the trapdoor ladder.

You can't help but start laughing, "Phil- did he just come in here, and then immediately jump to the idea of watching his brother's sleep...?"

"Yyyeup." Phil deadpans, "Good ol' Ghostbur."

"Are we gonna follow him?"

"Yyeuup."

You and Phil both crawl up the ladder, being met with Ghostbur just.... staring at Technoblade.

Who has moved since you left bed.

Instead of facing the edge of the bed, he was all settled and comfy where you used to be, almost seeming to have grabbed there, before just curling up instead.

"Phil, I'm going to wake him up." Says Ghostbur.

"Bro ghostbur he needs his sleepies." You say, stirring to rush to Techno's aid.

Ghostbur is reaching for Techno before you can stop him, shaking him and waiting for a moment.

Techno doesn't stir, and you close in on the ghost, ready to take his grabbers off Techno.

Techno doesn't move.

Ghostbur shakes his shoulders again, which spurs you to grab his hands and step in between him and Techno.

"Bro! Do you not care for his sleepies-" You whisper to Ghostbur.

Ghostbur frowns, then tilts his head to look at Techno, who hasn't so much as stirred at the commotion, "But- I've come to visit?"

You purse your lips and then turn to look at Techno as well.

No movement, just deep breathing.

You turn back to Ghostbur, who has his eyes fixated on your interlocked hands, a sort of embarrassed blue hue scattering across his face.

"Well, I suppose you don't visit often." You squint, and gently release his hands, "And he'd probably like to see his brother."

Ghostbur smiles at that, pulling his hands to his chest and thumbing over one of them as though seeing if it was still attached.

"You're gonna have a hard time with that." Phil speaks up, casually strolling over to the side of the bed.

Phil leans over, reaching a hand out and gently slapping Techno's cheek and forehead a few times.

"Oh yeah. He's out cold."

Ghostbur laughs, "Oh I'll show you out cold Phil-" with a mischievous grin, the ghost pulls out some ice he had in his bag, manuevering around you and proceeding to stuff it down the back of Techno's shirt.

You stare, gobsmacked at the audacity that Phil and Ghostbur both startes laughing at that.

You were expecting Techno to stir- or groan- or make some kind of notion that he was displeased, but the only thing that followed Phil and Wilbur's small chittering was breathing.

"What the heck." You say, getting closer to Techno and trying to peer at his face, "Is he seriously that conked?"

"I guess you haven't really seen it happen yet-" Phil laughs, "But sometimes Techno just like- hibernates for a few weeks. Sometimes months."

"It's always after something big happens." Ghostbur adds, tilting his head and staring down at his brother.

"He's all tuckered out." You say, almost as a question, but the only response was Phil grinning.

Techno- gone for a week? Maybe a month?

But-

How will you have Techno hugs? And Techno banter?

And who will you pose stupid questions to in the hopes that you'll get a deadfaced look and then a laugh to?

"Phil." You start, staring at him, "I don't think I can live if the only hugs I get are from you."

Phil turns into a cackling mess, "HAH- Alright, that is absolute bullshit and you know it-"

"Phil- I think I might die-"

"Don't worry! You can have Tommy and Ghostbur hugs too!" Ghostbur pipes up.

In mock dramatics, you throw a hand against your head, "Oh no- I'm already feeling faint. Alas- the end appears sooner then I thought-"

Ghostbur seems to completely believe you, face dropping into concern, while Phil cackles and cackles away from right next to him.

"Mate you are full of shit-" Phil says.

"I can't stand- I might fall-" you drop yourself onto the bed in a rather unflattering manner, looking like a ragdoll that just got thrown.

"Noooo- don't be sad- think about everything there is to look forward to!" Ghostbur says leaning over you to try and peer at your face (which currently was still covered dramatically by one of your hands).

"What is there to look forward to...?" You say, smile present on your face.

"Well- there's Carl- and Friend- and Tommy probably can't wait to pester you- and Phil would love to show you what he wants to build-" Ghostbur is leaning closer, leaning around your hand to try to make eyecontact, "And think about how much hot chocolate you have to drink still- and how many laughs you have yet to share with me!"

Ghostbur is so soft spoken, all of his words are said with full intent to comfort and quell those who they're directed towards.

You peel you hand away from your face and look directly at Ghostbur with the goofy smile that had been growing on your face, "You are just too sweet-" you say.

Ghostburs face is blue again, like a silly little dude.

"I appreciate the comfort, perhaps I might just live after all." You say, confidently nodding your head.

"Yes- you absolutely will." Ghostbur firmly says, smile spreading across his face, "Now up- we can't have you in your deathbed just yet-" the ghost steps back, throwing a hand out to you and dragging you up off the bed.

"Ugghhh- fine fine-" you allow him to fully drag you to your feet, laughing all the way up.

Before you can look up at Ghostbur to thank him for the encouraging thoughts, Phil is setting a hand on your face and shoving you back down to your grave, "No no Ghostbur, it's the natural order of things. It's death bed time."

"Phillllllll noooo-" Ghostbur whines before proceeding to yank on Phil's arm.

"Pfft-" you think you're the first person to witness a ghost attacking an angel of death.

Honestly, you're almost in awe as Ghostbur starts pulling on Phil like a dog with a tug toy, and Phil is nearly teetering to the floor with how much he wasn't expecting to get tugged around.

Techno shifts from behind you. Not enough to sound like he was waking up.

You turn your head to glance at him, watching him shift and nuzzle around until his body had curled partially around your sitting form. One of his hands grabbed at your loose shirt, the other was tucked under his chin.

Daw.

Little snuggly guy.

Asleep. For who knows how long. You weren't lying when you said you would miss him.

You reached your hand out and threaded your fingers through his hair, combing it back out of his face. The scar that ran from his forehead, to his eyebrow, to his cheekbone drew your attention, and you lightly thumbed over it.

It looked clean. Like a sword had swung down and just nearly missed actually sinking into his head.

He probably dodged it, pulled backwards before sinking his respective weapon into the opponent.

Whoever fought him, probably didn't live.

Silly little murderer.

You finally glance away from him, and back to Phil and Ghostbur.

Haha-

The situation has rapidly developed.

From Ghostbur weakly attacking Phil, to Phil desperately trying to get Ghostbur to stop ignoring him.

"Come on mate- I didn't mean it-"

Ghostbur stared hard at a wall, back turned to the winged man.

"Mate- I was just joking, honest-" Phil crossed his finger over his heart even though Ghostbur wasn't looking to see it, "I won't do it again-"

Ghostbur made a noise, slowly turning around to look hopefully at Phil, "Promise....?"

"Promise." Phil nods, "Death's honor-"

Ghostbur grins all happy again.

Problem resolved.

"There's my favorite little ghost-" Phil nods at him, reaching out and ruffling his hair which Ghostbur follows like a plant following the sun. The happiest little grin was on the spirit's face.

Ghostbur nods, looking at you and Techno before saying, "If I can't visit Techno, I still can visit Tommy- I'm gonna go find him."

With that, Ghostbur is making his exit, crawling down the trapdoor and leaving you and Phil alone again.

You laugh.

Phil raises an eyebrow of question at you.

"Nothing, nothing." You smile, "Ghostbur is just such a sweet little ghost."

Phil smiles, and for once, it doesn't reach his eyes, "Yeah... he is."

You take in his facial expression. The lack of light in his eyes, the slight crease of his brows.

Grief.

He was hurting.

"You miss Wilbur." You say as a fact.

"...I do." Phil whispers, "He was special."

Special in Phil's heart, and special in the fact that he was... normal.

A child, offspring to Gods and Angels... but exhibiting none of the traits of such things.

He was a very, very normal, oddity.

"I didn't know him well enough to say whether or not I truly miss him." You say, "He was kind of crazy when I last saw him."

Phil nodded, "A bit."

"He meant a lot to a lot of people though. Techno included. So I kind of wish I knew him better." You turned to the sleeping Blade, who at this point had buried his face into the side of your thigh.

The room is silent. A looming darkness falling into the atmosphere, before Phil finally says, "It had to happen."

You can't help but wonder what other sentences in Phil's head end with, 'it had to happen.'

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