Chapter Text
"My name is EmberInnit."
The silence that followed those words was probably the most excruciating thing they had ever been through, and they'd been kicked out of their house by their abusive transphobic father, so that was saying something.
After what felt like eternity, Wilbur was the one to break it.
"That's a cool name." He complimented, giving a small smile.
Phil followed suite, giving Ember a pat on the shoulder in true old-man esque. "I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to tell us that."
Ember bit their lip. "Uh- I'm also genderfluid. T-That's why I changed it."
"Well, congrats on figuring that out about yourself," Wilbur ruffled their hair, chuckling as Ember shoved him off wearing a look of annoyance. "And I hope you know we don't feel any different about you as a person."
Ember's insides filled with warmth, and he couldn't help the grin that quickly formed on his face. "Thanks, Wil."
Then Phil ruined it, the stupid old grandpa. "Yeah, you're still a little gremlin shit, mate."
It didn't surprise any of them when Ember exploded into one of their usual temper tantrums, yelling fuck you over and over again whilst the three adults just cackled in amusement.
Once Wilbur had stopped laughing enough to talk properly, he glanced over at Technoblade, noticing they hadn't said anything about the news Ember had shared. "Hey, Tech, where's your support, hm? I thought you'd be the first to jump on the congrats train."
"Eh...well, I kinda already did." They replied, shrugging nonchalantly with their usual enthusiasm.
"What do you mean?" Phil asked, now also looking over at them.
"Um..." Ember spoke up, fiddling nervously with his fingers. "I told Technoblade already.."
"Yeah, they came to me a while after they figured it out. Dunno why." Techno hummed.
"It's just cause you were one of the few people I could relate to."
"Well, that makes sense. Plus, they're chill with literally everything no matter what you tell them." Wilbur nodded, Phil agreeing.
"So...you're not mad I told them first?" Ember chewed on their lip out of nerves, gazing anxiously at the two adults.
"Ems, why would we be mad? You wanted to tell someone, so you did. We don't get to complain at you for that. And we don't get to tell you when to come out. It's all up to you." Phil reassured, wearing a comforting smile.
Yeah, shit, he was definitely gonna cry. Yep, it was coming. God damn you Phil.
Ember barely managed to bite back a sob as they pulled Phil into a tight hug, burying their head into his shoulder. Phil stayed still for a few seconds before hugging back just as tight, rubbing their back gently.
Sometimes they genuinely wished Phil was their biological dad. They probably would've been a lot happier growing up if that was the case. Only complaint they would have is not having their real mum there too. Of course they loved Kristin, but they loved their mum more. And there was no way in hell they'd leave her behind for a better life.
Except that was exactly what he did.
Ok, now he was crying for a different reason.
Feeling the shift in mood, Phil pulled away to face him, wearing a look of concern. "Ems? What's wrong?"
Ember sobbed, looking down. "I miss my mum.."
Techno stepped over as they heard this, taking Phil's place in front of them. "So why don't we go see her?"
Ember blinked as a tear rolled down their cheek, sniffling as they asked. "What?"
"Your mum. We can go see her, together, so that son of a bitch can't do anything. And I don't mind going now, I've got nothing more important to do."
Ember sighed as they wiped their face. "You mean it? You'd do that for me?"
"I know I'm not usually the sappy kind, Em, but what can I say, you bring it out in me. I would kill god for you." Techno replied, and though they didn't smile, they didn't have to for Ember to know they were being genuine.
"How about we come too?" Wilbur asked, gesturing between him and Phil. "For extra back-up. I've been looking for an excuse to kick your dad's ass anyway, after you told us about what he did. And I also have nowhere to be."
"Me too, honestly." Phil nodded. "Just say the word and we'll jump him, mate."
Ember chuckled, wiping away more tears. "Thanks, but that won't be necessary. He wouldn't dare try anything with other people present."
"Ok, but we're still coming. I can verbally abuse him instead, you know I'm good with words." Wilbur replied, smiling slightly.
They smiled back. "Alright, you can all come. But I'm serious, please don't beat up my dad. He deserves it yeah, but I don't want you to get arrested."
"I make no promises, EmberInnit." Wilbur said. Ember shook his head. "Wil, please don't actually."
"Ok, I won't." Wilbur sighed, but Ember saw him cross his fingers behind his back.
"I saw that, Wil! I swear to god!"
"Some people need a good beating, Em, that's all I'm saying!"
The two began to bicker again like usual, whilst Phil and Techno just rolled their eyes fondly as they followed behind the two, knowing this was going to be a long journey.