Chapter Text
Tommy knows, as a general rule, that monsters are dangerous. The fae, the vampires, the shapeshifters, the nagas, whatever they may be. He’d grown up in a world tied intricately and irreversibly with horror stories based around monsters, how they lure children into their waiting maw to eat them.
He knew, at least some part of him did, that monsters were dangerous. You might not know it, from how he seemed to throw himself into the monsters’ waiting arms, but he knew the dangers.
It’s only… they make it so easy to want to forget. Despite his teenage recklessness and lack of general care, Tommy had an overwhelming urge to belong . He never got to feel that with humans, they never seemed to care about the poor orphan boy that couldn’t seem to hold down a job. ‘Too excitable,’ they called him when he was inevitably fired.
He didn’t care, he swore he didn’t. If other humans didn’t care about him, maybe he didn’t even want to be human. He could be a monster, like his friends. Wilbur told them they preferred the word “Hybrid,” but Tommy thought that was stupid. Hybrid of what? Being pricks? When he repeated that aloud, Wilbur pushed him off his bed.
It was no wonder that Tommy found the need to seek out affection, he was only making up for the lost time.
So, yes, he knows instinctively that monsters– hybrids – are dangerous, but it’s not what he really believes.
A warm hand settled on the nape of his neck, pulling him closer to Techno’s rumbling chest. Tommy didn’t mind the hold, knowing he wasn’t trapped. The Blood God was infamous, a slayer of mortals and a monster of war. To Tommy, he was his older brother. An older brother with tusks, knee-length pink hair, and the ability to break a skull with his bare hands, sure, but a brother nonetheless.
Tommy settled into Techno’s hold after shifting, poking his legs out of the covers so he wasn’t burning up. He needed to go soon, but he could rest before that time came.
His limbs seemed to melt as he let his mind shut off, knowing he couldn’t be safer than in the hands of the Blood God. When the door opened from across the room, he didn’t react. Neither did Techno, already knowing who would be entering.
Fingers thread themselves through Tommy’s hair. He could hear a soft coo behind him as gold was weaved between black talons. Tommy hummed, letting himself fully relax.
“Sunshine,” Philza whispered, scratching Tommy’s scalp in just the right places to make his head tingle. “It’s getting dark.”
Tommy groaned, shifting his head away from Phil’s hand to sink deeper into the cushions, bringing his legs up under the covers. He knew he should go, Tubbo would be waiting for him at the children’s home. He missed Tubbo, but he didn’t want to go back to that place. The arms around his form drew him closer, the palm on the nape of his neck holding tighter. Techno didn’t want him to go either, it seemed.
His friends’ manor was in the depths of the forest, where monsters ruled free from humans. Humans weren’t generally sought out to be killed when they roamed the forest during the day, but when it turned dark it was an entirely different story. With Techno’s scent on him, there was a very small chance of him being hurt, but they liked to keep those they cared about as safe as they could. Unfortunately for Tommy, that meant he had to leave earlier than he liked.
“‘M too tired,” Tommy grumbled, clenching Techno’s shirt as if it would stop Phil from taking him away.
Phil chuckled, a smile on his lips. “No, you’d best be on your way. You can visit tomorrow morning.”
Tommy huffed but pulled away from Techno’s grip. Almost reluctantly, Techno released his hold, letting Tommy roll over to hop up from the edge of the bed. Tommy stretched his arms over his head, feeling his spine and shoulders crack from the sudden movement.
“You’re delusional if you think I’m walking a thousand fucking miles out here at ass o’clock to come back,” Tommy huffed but smiled. They all knew he’d be back as soon as the sun rose from the horizon.
Tommy shut his eyes for a moment, craving the warmth of Techno’s hold. He turned his head to look back at Techno, who was watching him with half-lidded eyes, pupils blown wide. He looked like a predator, like he wanted to pounce on Tommy to drag him back down. Pink hair streamed around his face and shoulders, making it seem like a mane without the fur on his cape.
“Sorry, Techno, I have to take Tommy home,” Phil said, putting a hand on Tommy’s shoulder. Techno huffed but closed his eyes. He didn’t seem quite content.
With Techno staying in his nest, Phil led Tommy out of the room and down the stairs. Over the railing, Tommy spotted Wilbur lying over the sofa, palm over his eyes as if nursing a headache. He probably was, he’d been having random pains as of recent events, although nobody seemed to want to tell him why.
“Wilbur, I’m taking Tommy home,” Phil said lowly, to not upset Wilbur’s head. Wilbur grumbled but sat up. He spotted Tommy and held his arms out. Despite being what some people called “a bit of a dick,” Tommy wasn’t cruel. Even if Wilbur was dumb and annoying, he was hurting, so Tommy wasn’t going to deny him a hug. He rolled his eyes, stepping forward into the hold. Wilbur leaned into him, setting his chin on Tommy’s shoulder.
Tommy, fed up already with clinginess, pushed Wilbur off of him. Wilbur dramatically fell across the couch once more, covering his eyes with his hands.
“Dick,” Wilbur grumbled.
“Bitch,” Tommy shot back, flipping him off even though he couldn’t see.
Phil chuckled behind him, waiting patiently for Tommy to follow him. Tommy turned his back to Wilbur, prepared to leave, but was stopped by an abrupt crash sounding from upstairs.
Phil’s wings spread out in alarm, pupils narrowing. Wilbur sat up once more, tensed but seemingly still in pain.
Tommy watched as Techno grabbed the railing from the top of the stairs, his hair still untamed and his cloak hastily thrown on. It was the most disheveled he’s seen Techno, with his eyes wild and hands shaky.
“Theseus,” Techno growled, making some primal instinct in Tommy jump.
Tommy loved his friends. They were like family to him. They kept him safe, made him feel wanted, and did what they could to make him comfortable. But despite everything, despite how much time he spent with them, he knew they were monsters. His instincts knew they were a threat, even if he didn’t believe it. It took every ounce of willpower and fake confidence Tommy had to not turn tail and run, staring up at Techno.
“Mate, what happened?” Phil questioned, tense in anticipation but seemingly as calm as ever. Old fucking bastard’s probably been through the worst to not be terrified at anything.
“Wow, you look like shit, king,” Tommy said. Holy shit he loved fake confidence.
“He’s not going anywhere, Phil.”
Tommy looked over to Wilbur, who was standing staring at Techno like it pained him. Or maybe he was still having a bitching headache, who knew. He glanced to Phil, who pursed his lips. Lastly, to Techno, whose eyes seemed to glow red. Everything about him screamed predator like he looked in the nest. It almost looked possessive.
Phil sighed, closing his eyes and taking a moment before speaking. “Techno, mate, you have to be sure this time. You can’t fail again.”
What the fuck? No, seriously, what the actual fucking fuck did that mean?
Turns out, Tommy wasn’t about to get a straight answer. The next thing he knew, Techno was jumping over the fucking railing to get to him. Out of pure instinct, Tommy ran.
Now, generally, monster-hybrid-fucking-bastards were a lot more physically advanced than a teenage human. Given that Tommy was also in their territory, Tommy expected to be tackled to the ground at any moment.
He could hear the blood pumping in his ears, breath coming out shallow and hurried as he ran, not even sure if he was running for his life. Logically, he knew Techno wouldn’t hurt him… but he’d never seen him like that. He’d never been that terrified before, looking danger straight in the eye.
He ran, never stopping even when he broke through the trees. It took him five minutes, but it felt longer. His chest ached, but he pushed forward.
Goddamn, what the fuck was he thinking? God, he was such a dumbass, how did he think being friends with actual cryptids would work out? Fuck!
Tommy was the luckiest fucking teenager in the world to live in a house that had layers of monster protection. When he saw the roof of the building, he almost cried tears of joy. He didn’t, obviously, because that would be pussy shit.
A flap of wings overhead.
Holy fucking shit piss dick balls shit fuck fuck fuck fuckfuckkkkk –
“Tommy!”
Tubbo! From the window, Tommy could see him. Holy shit he just needed to get over there and holy fucking shit those wings beats were getting closer.
He felt the force of air behind him just as Tubbo opened the front door to pull him in, holding him close.
“Tommy what the fuck!” Tubbo shouted, worry written all over his face. “Was that a fucking avian! What! The fuck!”
Tommy gasped for air, clutching his chest as if it would make his lungs take in air faster. He couldn’t speak, listening as Tuboo reprimanded him while still holding him close, clearly frightened.
Tommy could hear the pounding of the front door but knew there was no way for Phil to get in. Fuck, why was he even running from Phil in the first place?
No, he knew why. Because glowing red eyes and the stance of a predator made him frightened.
He knew. He fucking knew his monster friends were dangerous. Didn’t he?
It seemed he didn’t fully know the extent.
–
Wilbur was staring at Tommy through his window. Turns out stalking was going to be added to Tommy’s list: “Why My Wack Monster Friends Are Super Wack.” He was workshopping the title.
Tommy glared at Wilbur through the glass, flipping him off to show dominance. Wilbur only smiled. Fucking creepy bastard.
His phone was ringing. Oh, dear fucking christ he needed a break. He answered the call, already knowing who it was going to be.
“Jack’s BBQ, you kill ‘em we grill ‘em, how can I help you?” Tommy answered with his fake customer service voice.
“Tommy, why are you staying inside?” Came Phil’s voice from the speaker.
“Because go fuck yourself and die, that’s why.”
Phil made a hurt noise like he was being denied something for his birthday like a toddler. Fucking creepy bastard number two. Before Tommy could say anything more, he heard the sound of the phone being shuffled around, and someone else spoke.
“Tommy,” Techno huffed. “Come out.”
Tommy rolled his eyes, standing from his chair and flipping off Wilbur as he stepped outside his room. “Nah, not feelin’ it big man,” Tommy answered.
Techno growled lowly, making Tommy slow his pace. He made his way downstairs, where the children’s home caretakers were all rushing around the place, trying to call some fucking witches or whatever to make the big scary monsters go away.
“Tommy, listen to me very carefully.”
“I’m all ears.”
“I’m serious. I will not fail a second time. We will get you back.”
With that, the call disconnected. Tommy huffed, turning off his phone and shoving it in his pocket.
Tubbo came around the corner, rushing after him and grabbing his forearm gently.
“Tommy!” Tubbo said. “The caretakers are calling the monster specialists. Are you sure you don’t know anything about them?”
As much as Tommy loved Tubbo, he knew he had to keep this secret. Tubbo was too much of a risk. He hoped Tubbo would forgive him.
“No, just that they were chasing me,” Tommy lied.
Tubbo almost looked like he didn’t believe him, but relented. “Alright. Well, basically the whole town’s been shut down because of them. We’ll have to stay holed up for a while.
Tommy knew what they were doing, the sick bastards. They were powerful, Tommy knew that much. No “monster specialist” witch was going to lead them back into the forest. They were going to stay there, right outside, until Tommy relented.
A stakeout. Fucking fantastic.
Luckily for one Tommy Innes, he was stubborn as all hell.
He returned to his room without grabbing something to eat. Dammit, that’s why he went downstairs in the first place. Fucking whatever, he had snacks in his room. When he opened the door, he saw Wilbur sitting in the tree outside his window like before, scrolling on his phone carelessly. He looked like he was in pain. Served him right, the prick. Motherfuckers trying to fucking kidnap him weren’t going to gain any sympathy.
When he walked into his room, Wilbur looked up at Tommy and smiled, giving him a small wave. Once more, Tommy flipped him off. Wilbur only chuckled. It was moments like this when Tommy really wished he had curtains. The children’s home was too broke to afford such luxuries .
Tommy flopped onto his bed, holding back the urge to scream into his pillow. He may be stubborn, but he wasn’t patient. That was a really bad combo.
He let his mind wander, thinking mostly about Techno. What the fuck even happened to him? The way he acted at the manor looked almost feral. And what were they talking about “failing again?” Failing what? Kidnapping a kid? Honestly, that seemed way too likely. But that just brought up more questions than answers.
He wanted to go back. He wanted to be held in Techno’s warm embrace, Phil’s talons lacing through his hair and Wilbur’s arm draped over him. Their nest was so fucking nice. It wasn’t fair they had to be weird blokes who wanted to nap kids and keep them locked up like pets. That’s what he got for making friends with monsters in the first place.
God fucking hell, he needed someone to talk to. Not wanting to talk to Tubbo less he spill secrets involuntarily, Tommy turned to his window. Wilbur wouldn’t be able to come inside even with it open, he knew that much. Might as well have a conversation.
Tommy stood from his bed, grumpily making his way to the window where Wilbur was pressing his fingers to his temples. Tommy’s movement made him look up and hold a shaky smile. Damn, the guy really was in pain, huh. Whatever, he deserved it. Tommy opened up the window, making sure not to stick any limbs out to avoid being dragged away.
“Toms,” Wilbur hummed, closing his eyes. “Why are you making this so difficult.”
Tommy didn’t answer.
Wilbur sighed, shutting his eyes a bit tighter. “Techno will stop at nothing to get you back and I’m tired of being out here with this wicked migraine.”
“Good, stay that way, bitch.”
Wilbur only hummed in response. He picked his phone back up, swiping for a moment before pressing the speaker to his ear. He was calling someone. There were a few moments before he spoke again.
“Yeah, he’s opened the window,” was all Wilbur said before he hung up.
From the other side of the building, Tommy could hear the beat of wings. It was only a moment later when Phil landed on a branch of the tree outside his window, bird-like eyes staring into Tommy’s human ones.
“Hi mate,” Phil grinned. Tommy shivered. He never knew that stare to be frightening, but fuck if it wasn’t now.
“Hey Phil,” Tommy sighed. “No, I’m not leaving.”
“Awhhh,” Phil replied, looking almost sad about it. “Bummer. Well don’t worry, we’ll find a way to get you out.”
Tommy scoffed. “You’re acting like I’m trapped in here, I’m not a prisoner.”
Phil tilted his head. Fuck, he really did look like a big owl. “You say that and yet…”
He didn’t finish that sentence.
Wilbur leaned his head against Phil’s shoulder, holding his hand over his eyes. “Fuck, man, this shit hurts.”
Tommy didn’t care. He didn’t give a single fuck. He was so pissed off, confused, and generally very negative feeling about this entire situation. Holy fuck he never should have gone into the forest in the first place. He scowled, shutting the window and using both of his hands to flip them both off. He wanted to punch something really really badly.
Instead, he just paced. And waited. And hoped that some miracle witch was powerful enough to drive these wackos away forever.
Tommy ate lunch, had a shower, fucked around on his phone, and procrastinated on school work. He had a normal day, with the threat of three crazy monsters roaming outside his home. The building was full of tension the entire day and Tommy could swear he heard crying from the room beside him. Maybe the kid who slept there kept seeing Wilbur on his tree. Poor guy.
He ate dinner, had the last of the ice cream, folded his clothes, and laughed with Tubbo as a kid fell down the stairs. He went to sleep with glowing yellow eyes peering from his window.
–
A crash, a scream.
Tommy jolted awake as a hand grabbed his arm.
“Theseus,” Tommy heard Techno growl. Above him, he stared into glowing red eyes.
Tommy screamed, flailing in some desperate attempt at freedom.
“You fucking piece of shit let me go! How the fuck did you get in! Let me go, let me go!” Tommy screamed, kicking at Techno’s middle. He held on tightly, almost bruising his arm as he dragged Tommy out of his bed and toward the window.
Techno didn’t answer. From outside the window, Tommy could see Wilbur’s golden eyes and bright smile. He looked sharper, almost. Like he was almost too real, too bright.
He scratched at the hand holding his arm, breath picking up quickly. From the other rooms, he could hear screams and cries. Holy shit, was Phil in there? Holy fuck what the fuck –
“I told you, Theseus.”
Tommy tried to bite him, but no matter how hard he bit down he couldn’t puncture Techno’s skin. Techno lifted him up and, just like he jumped off the railing, jumped out of Tommy’s window. Wilbur was following close behind and Tommy would guarantee Phil wasn’t far either.
“I told you I wouldn’t fail.”