Chapter Text
Tubbo entered his son's room with a cold glass of orange juice. The sound of a breaking Minecraft block came from the television across from the bed.
"You feeling any better, Michael?"
"A little bit," the boy in bed responded, pausing the game and accepting the juice.
"Guess what."
"What?"
"Your Uncle Techno is here."
"Dad," Michael groaned. "Can't you tell him I'm sick?"
"You are sick, that's why he's here," teased Tubbo.
"He'll pinch my cheek. I hate that."
"Maybe he won't."
Michael shot his father an "I'm sure" look.
Michael's Uncle bursted into the room. His eyes were bright and he had a wrapped present under his arm. Sure enough he immediately went to the child and gave his cheek playful pinch.
"Hey! How's the sickie? Heh?"
Michael gave his father an "I told you so" look. Tubbo chose to ignore it, and retreated to the door.
"I think i'll leave you two then."
And he was gone. There was a slight uncomfortable silence until-
"I brought you a special present."
"What is it?"
"Open it and find out."
He did. He did his best to smile, but it was obvious Michael was not pleased.
"A book?"
Techno nodded, excited.
"When I was your age, video games were called books. And this is a special book. It was the book my Uncle used to read to me when I was sick. And today, I'm gonna read it to you."
"Has it got any zombies in it?"
The older mans face immediately livened.
"Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles."
Michael was doubtful but managed a shrug.
"It doesn't sound too bad. I'll try and stay awake."
"Oh. Well, thank you very much. It's very nice of you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming. All right."
Techno peeled open the cover of the old and well-loved book and began to read.
"The Prince Groom, by S. Morgenstern. Chapter One. George was raised on a small farm in the country of SMP. His favourite pastimes were riding his horse and tormenting the farm boy that worked there. His name was Wilbur, but George never called him that. Isn't that a wonderful beginning?"
"Yeah. It's really good," Michael placated.
"Nothing gave George as much pleasure as ordering Wilbur around."