Chapter Text
A blur of red and blue zipped into the training room, boxes upon boxes were piled up in the centre of the room. Until finally, Rev leant against them, his chest rising and falling. His grin betrayed any note of exhaustion, like he enjoyed being a delivery man again.
“Alright gang,” Rev announced, clapping his hands together. “ I got the boards that Theo suggested to get.”
Tech crouched immediately, grabbing one of the boxes and opening it up. Pulling out one of the boards and examining it with scrutiny. “Honestly? I could’ve whipped something up in the lab that’s better than this.”
Theo came up behind him and gave him a playful nudge. “And that, my dear, would be illegal.”
“Why would it be illegal?” Tech asked, his curiosity piqued, as well as the other team members. Their attention was on Theo.
"Well, you see,” Theo began, grabbing one of the boxes. Bringing out a black and blue board and powering it on. Letting it hover in a graceful manner a few inches off the ground. “The Hoverboard Grand Prix is a Spec Series. A Spec Series is a racing series where every contestant drives with the same spec of board. The only modification you can really do is the setup, like grip for your feet and some components.”
Rev waved a hand in a dismissive manner. “So many details, but as Theo pointed out. These are the top brands that the governing body has approved."
Duck sidled up, narrowing his eyes at Rev. “That’s all well and good, but how did you even get these? They’re like a few thousand credits each. I’m pretty sure the big Z wouldn’t have signed off on this.”
Rev grinned widely and reached into his pocket, tossing Theo’s credit card for him to catch. “Simple, Theo paid for them.”
The room collectively turned to Theo, who froze as he was examining another board. A slight pink hue flooding his cheeks. “What?”
“I’m supposed to believe, that you paid for them?” Duck asked with disbelief.
“Well yeah.” Theo said, passing a board to Lexi and shrugging. “You do know I got paid a lot for my ‘hacker-for-hire’ days. Why not?”
Duck snorted. “No way you got paid that much for a couple of silly tricks. For all we know these are stolen, where’s the proof that these are bought?”
Theo expression sharpened into a sly smirk. “Well Rev has the receipt from the store, and for my silly tricks, I’d watch my tongue Duckinator567.” He paused, letting the name hang in the air. “Or is your alias now…DuckLover846?”
Duck’s face went crimson with anger as the rest of the team burst into laughter. “H-how did y-you.” He grumbled before storming off, flipping the bird at Theo.
Theo shrugged as Ace gave him a searching look. “What? He didn’t need to test me.”
Tech straightened from where he was examining the board. Changing the subject with haste. “Anyway, now that we have these boards. According to the series records. McNeil’s best time on the Downtown Circuit which is approximately 2.05 miles in length. Was a 1:34:286, that’s the time to match or beat.”
“Got it,” Ace said, stepping forward with a board under his arm. “Lexi, Tech, you’re going first.”
Tech recoiled in fear. “Me? No, no. I’m better off on the sidelines; I can track and offer support.”
Theo placed a hand on Tech’s shoulder, giving him a warm smile before looking at Ace. “Ace, let’s give everyone some time to practice. Not everyone has used a board; I’d prefer that no one injures themselves.”
Ace nodded, already distracted by fiddling with his own board. “Alright, how about you give us some tips first before we go off and do some practice. We can then meet back here and see who gets the best time.”
Lexi looked down at her board, running a hand along its sleek surface. “I don’t know about this to be honest, these look way too delicate.” Turning the board over and looking at its underpinnings. “Are we sure they can handle slamming into a wall at full speed?”
Tech shot her a disapproving look. “Theoretically, if you’re riding one of these correctly, you shouldn’tbe hitting walls.”
Lexi shuddered at the thought of becoming a new mural on a wall. “Yeah, we need some tips to be honest.”
Theo strolled over into the centre of the room, gesturing for the others to watch him as he demonstrated what to do. He let the board hover by his side, before he stepped on it in a smooth motion. Demonstrating a clean controlled hover. “Right, the first step is to get onto the board, you’ll break your neck before you get that down.” He hovered in circles around the group before coming to a stop and dismounting. “You need to feel the board under you, the key is balance.”
Duck raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So you’re an expert of Mr. Hacker-for-hire?”
“Me and Rev used to race similar boards for fun, were you not paying attention?” Theo said casually. “Once you have control of the board, the rest will come naturally.”
Duck scoffed. “Sure, sure. What other secret talents are you sharing with the rest of us? Juggling? Knitting?”
“Actually,” Theo said, pushing a board into Ducks chest firmly, making the mallard stumble a bit. Flashing him a smug grin. “I’m a fantastic baker.”
The room fell silent for a beat before Ace burst out laughing. “You? A baker?” Please tell me that’s a joke.”
“Dead serious.” Rev backed Theo up, “He makes an excellent chocolate cake.”
“Prove it,” Duck challenge, though the rest of the team rolled their eyes at Duck being, well Duck. “If I don’t get a chocolate cake after this, I’m calling your bluff.”
Tech looked up from his board, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I,uh, wouldn’t mind tasting your baking…if you’re serious.”
Theo shot him a wink. “It’s a deal, if you promise to actually get on a board and try. I’ll make anything your heart desires.”
Tech’s face turned red. “Fine,” he muttered, turning his attention back to the board as he fiddled with the straps. “Just don’t expect much.”
Ace cleared his throat loudly. “Alright, let’s set off into pairs so we can try and help each other out. Rev, you’re with me; Lexi, you’re with Duck…” he looked over to Slam, who put his foot onto the last remaining board. Which let out a dreadful crunch as it crumbled into the centre. “….alright that means, Tech you’ll be with Theo. Sorry Slam, you’ll have to sit this one out.”
***
Theo lead Tech to the far side of the training room, who was reluctant to follow. His feet tapped in a nervous rhythm as they reached their spot. The hoverboard hovered in front of him, humming faintly. “I really don’t know why I need to do this,” he muted, glancing at the others testing their boards. “I’m better off behind the scene or giving support.”
Theo rolled his eyes, “Come on, Tech you promised. Are you saying you don’t want a chocolate cake with a cream filling?” He teased, looking over his shoulder. “Look it’s not that bed, Duck’s already managed it, and he’s—“
“A borderline maniac?” Tech interjected, raising and eyebrow as Duck was spinning in circles. Lexi was chasing after him to try and stop him from crashing.
“Exactly, he has the confidence to try at least.” Theo said with a grin. “But you’re more qualified than him, you’re not trying to impress anyone. Besides, it’s just practice.” He placed a hand on Tech’s shoulder, guiding him toward the hoverboard.
“I’m going to fall on my face.” Tech grumbled.
“Then I’ll catch you.”
Tech shot him a sideways glance, his cheeks turning a faint pink. “That’s not reassuring, Theo.”
Theo laughed, stepping onto his own board with ease, showing Tech the basics. He tilted it side to side, showing off his balance. “Look, the best trick to use one of these is to trust the board. Let it carry you, it’s built for stability.”
Tech sighed and stepped onto his hoverboard with hesitation. Losing his balance right away. Theo moved closer, his hands steadying Tech’s waist without hesitation. “You’re overthinking it,” Theo said, his voice dropping to a softer tone he held in reserve for Tech. “Just lean forward a little to steady yourself, I’ve got you.”
Tech did as instructed, feeling the hoverboard beneath him adjust to his input. He started to tilt again, but Theo shifted with him, pressing closer to keep him balance.
“See? Not so bad?” Theo murmured, his breath warm against Tech’s ear.
Tech turned his head slightly, only to realise just how close Theo was. The way Theo had pressed himself up against him. His chest to his back, how he was pressing himself to his butt and the way Theo was holding his hips. Was making Tech feel a little self conscious but also safe.
It only lasted for a mew moments before Theo pulled away, letting Tech test the waters. “There we go, you’ve got the balance down by the looks of it. Do you want to try and move backwards and forwards a few feet?”
Tech swatted him lightly on the chest. Trying to mask his flustered expression from the brief moment of closeness. “You’re insufferable when you do things like that.”
“And yet, here we are. I didn’t hear you complain.” Theo winked before giving Tech some space. “Right, try going forward and back, I’ll be here.” He reassured Tech.
With a deep breath, Tech pushed gently with one foot, sending the board into a slow glide. Theo walked alongside him with his hands hovering behind and in front of Tech to stop him from falling. For a moment, it worked. He was moving—unstable sure, but moving. Theo gave him a smile. “See? You’re doing it? Not so hard right?”
Tech let out a shaky breath, nodding. “I guess…it’s not as terrible as I thought it’d be.”
As Tech gained more confidence, he leaned slightly to adjust his balance to gain more speed. The board picking up pace a fraction, Theo instinctively moved in closer. His hands found Tech’s stomach and lower back, stabilising him. The contact was brief but firm, guiding Tech into a steadier glide.
“You’ve got this,” Theo said, his voice calm and encouraging. “You just need to shift your weight backwards a little-“
His hand shifted naturally to Tech’s side, brushing his hip before sliding lower. Offering support near the base of his tail as Tech crouched to get better footing.
Tech froze, his breath hitched. A quiet whimper escaped his lips as Theo’s hand landed on his butt for more support as positioning was wrong.
The sound made Theo pause, his brows knitting together in concern. “Tech? what happened? Is it because I touched your…oh..”
Theo looked at where his hand was and immediately removed it. Only for the hoverboard to wobble violently, as Tech’s concentration broke. He started to tumble. Before his form thudded to the floor, Theo instinctively moved to catch him. Only for them to stumble onto the floor with Theo on his back and Tech lying on top of him.
Dazed and confused, Theo looked up at Tech who looked flustered. Reaching his hand up to rub at Tech’s cheek reassuringly. “Hey, talk to me.” Theo said, scanning his face. “Did you pull something? You haven’t hurt anything, have you?”
Tech groaned, his cheeks bright red. As he got stood up and brushed himself off from the dust, offering his hand to Theo to help him up. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing.” Theo countered as he got to his feet, looking at Tech worriedly. “What’s up?”
“It’s embarrassing.” Tech said a little sheepish, looking over his shoulder to see if anyone was listening. But the rest of the team were busy practicing ,while Slam was sitting on the sidelines. Drinking and giving garbled shouts of encouragement.
Letting out a sigh, he shifted his weight as he tried to not meet Theo’s gaze. “My tail and,um,my butt are sore.”
Theo blinked, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. Despite his concern, dropping his voice in that warm tone for Tech. “Your butt?” He whispered.
“Yes, my butt.” Tech said flatly, shooting him a glare. “And before you make jokes, it’s not funny.”
“Do you see me laughing?” Theo replied, putting his hand on Tech’s shoulder. “I thought I startled you or something when I touched it. Are you sure you’re okay?”
Tech huffed, bringing his hand to Theo’s and rubbing his knuckles with his thumb. “It wasn’t that’ it’s just sore, that’s all.”
“Well, if you want me to, I can massage-“
“Don’t even finish that sentence.” Tech cut him off, his face growing redder.
Theo held up his hands in mock surrender, a grin spreading across his face. “So it wasn’t from me touching you there? Good to know. But what were you doing that would cause you that much pain?”
Tech’s face went crimson ,before he coughed. He thought of an excuse in a rush before he replied with his answer. “I slept awkwardly okay? I slept on my tail and woke up with some of my gadgets on my buttock so it’s sore okay.”
Theo blinked, clearly not buying it but decided not to push further, thought the hint of a smirk tugged at his lips. “Gadgets in your but….sorry on your butt? Really, how fascinating.” He teased.
“Stop,” Tech cut him off, looking flustered and annoyed as he swatted at Theo’s teasing hand. “I was tired and didn’t clear my bed, haven’t you slept on something you shouldn’t?”
“Touché, there was a time when I slept in left over pizza burnt places that should not be burnt.” Theo admitted, shuddering at the thought. “As long as you’re alright, do you want to get back to practice or take a break?” He asked, scooping up the hoverboard and holding it under his arm.
“I want to take a break and get a drink.” Tech replied, making his way to Slam who had a cooler of drinks at the ready.
Theo followed, offering him a sympathetic look. “You sure you’re okay?” He asked, walking alongside Tech as he wrapped his arm around his shoulder and pulling him close. “I mean, if you want I can get on the board with you? Like a stabiliser for a bike?:
Tech waved it off with a dismissive gesture, though his tone was more thoughtful than he let on. “That actually wouldn’t be a bad thing, and it means I won’t give you the satisfaction of not letting me live it down.”
“Darn, you saw right through my plan," Theo said, grinning. “If you want, I can get us matching helmets and pads.” He snorted.
Tech shot him a side-eye as they reached the cooler, where Slam greeted them with a loud, garbled cheer. Tech grabbed a can and popped the top, taking a long sip, grateful for the cool refreshment. He glanced over at Theo, who was sitting by Slam and passed him can. Before his gaze landed on Tech and watched him with that soft, warm expression.
“Thanks,” Tech mumbled, trying to shake off the lingering warmth in his face. “For….not making a big deal out of it.”
Theo shrugged nonchalantly, his grin still in place. “It is part of the boyfriend job description, you know? I think it’s under Subsection 52 or something.” He winked.
Tech smiled faintly, the tension easing as he leaned back against the cooler and took another sip. “I’ll give the board another go after this drink.”