Chapter Text
Wilbur did not expect Phil to lead him to a massive room- all to himself! He’d been given comfortable clothes to change into, a bathroom he could shower in, a television, and the biggest bed he’d ever seen in his entire life.
He quickly took advantage of the shower and clothes. He changed out of his old ratty jeans and took a shower so hot it felt like his skin was burning off- almost like the sun burns, but much more enjoyable. He assumed the hoodie was Techno’s because it was giant on Wilbur’s body- not that he was complaining. It was insanely soft.
Once he’d done that, he had realized just how long it’d been since he slept. He’d woken up at around 5 pm- and with a quick glance at the television, it was almost 7 am. Phantom’s typically slept a full 12 hours during the day and stayed awake a full 12 hours over the night. It made an interesting sleep schedule for some. Wilbur actually had no idea if he’d ever gotten the recommended amount of sleep before, what with his dreams typically becoming nightmares. He’s never had a good relationship with sleep.
Anyways, his next step had been to take full advantage of the bed. He expected to be left to his own devices until the sun was officially out of sight - and then immediately escorted out of the castle. So that was where he was now, under the blankets with his eyes shut tight, laying again the silky sheets and fluffy pillows.
This was going to be the best sleep of his entire life. It isn’t the same without Friend in his arms, but it's so soft. So clean. So comfortable. So-
“WILBY!”
Wilbur groans, turning over and smushing his face in his pillow.
“Wilbur! Wilbur! Will! Bur! BurWill! Wilby!” Tommy rattles off, climbing onto Wilbur’s bed and turning him over.
Wilbur cracks his eyes open and stares at the boy. Tommy was wearing a cute little cow onesie with two holes in the back, fit for his red wings to stick through.
“What.”
“You’re coming to the movie room with us,” The avian declares, pulling on Wilbur’s arm.
“The fuck is- I mean- The heck is a movie room?” He corrects himself, remembering that he is talking to a child.
“Y’know. A room for movies.”
Wilbur raises his eyebrows. Of fucking course they have a room to just watch movies in. Rich people.
Honestly, Wilbur is having a hard time trying to imagine the royal family watching movies together like every other family in the world. It was so tame. Sometimes he forgot they were real people, however insensitive that may sound.
Wilbur doesn't say no. He shoves himself out of his bed, the too long sweatpants he’d been given pooling awkwardly around his feet. As Tommy dragged Wilbur down the hallway, they ran into Technoblade. Apparently, he had just returned from his quest.
“Tech! What took you so long?’ Tommy complains, rushing towards his brother to give him a hug.
Techno opens his arms, letting Tommy fall into them. “Sorry kid, I didn’t think it’d take more than ten minutes.”
Tommy nods into his brother’s chest. He looks up hesitantly. “Did... are they gone?” He whispers.
Techno rumbles reassuringly, a chuffing piglin sound graveling from his throat. “You’re safe. I delt with them.”
Wilbur was highly certain that was code for 'I gave them a very slow and painful death', but he decided to remain silent.
Techno picks Tommy up and the avian wraps his arms around Techno’s neck and holds on. “So, where are you two off to?”
“Daddy said we’re watching a movie with Wilbur because I was sad. So now we are going to watch a movie with Wilbur.”
The pink-haired man snorts, nodding to Wilbur to gesture them forward. Wilbur goes to follow, but he trips over his pants and falls flat on his face.
“Ow...” He murmurs, pushing onto his knees. His nose throbs with pain.
“Wilbur, you okay?” Techno asks.
Wilbur grunts, lifting a hand to rub irritably at his nose. When he pulls back, he’s surprised to see drops of red blood.
“Is your nose bleeding ? Uh... PHIL?” The oldest yells, setting Tommy down. Tommy stops laughing instantly when he notices the blood gushing from Wilbur’s nose.
Phil rushes into the hall, his wings fluffed up in worry. He spots Wilbur kneeled on the floor, desperately trying to cover his face with his hands and block the sight of the nosebleed. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why it’s bleeding- I swear this is not normal...” The phantom frowns, standing up.
He jerks away sharply when the king reaches out to grab his hands. Philza widens the space between them, apologizing quickly for not asking first.
It was such a small, thoughtful gesture.
It was a small, thoughtful gesture that Wilbur has never had the opportunity to receive. No one ever cared if he got hurt, sometimes they even encouraged it.
“I just need a tissue, it’s alright. We can just go watch the movie.”
“I got it,” Techno says, disappearing down the hallway.
“Okay, this way then mate,” Phil directs.
"You are slower than Tubbo on a Monday morning," Tommy complains loudly, turning to give Wilbur a quick glare (that wasn't intimidating at all, in fact it was rather cute the way Tommy had scrunched up his face).
"Okay, okay. I'm coming bubs, slow down." Wilbur says, picking up the pace.
A couple minutes- and what felt like a thousand stairs later, he’s standing in a room. Not just any room, a room with a tower of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals- you name it, it's probably there. There's a projector and one of those little night light plugs in the corner.
It's so... homey.
Wilbur had no idea why him: a mere guest, was invited to watch a movie, but he wasn't going to complain. Any sane person would also accept free popcorn.
"Can we watch Up! Can we, can we!" Tommy begs, shoving Wilbur down into the blanket pile.
"Mate, we've seen that movie so many times in the past couple weeks. Why don't we let Wilbur choose?" Phil suggests, peeking over at Wilbur and smiling fondly as Tommy leans onto him happily.
Wilbur's going to cry again, for the 100th time today, all because of this cute fucking child.
"That's okay, honestly. I haven't seen very many movies. We can watch whatever Tommy wants,” Wilbur says.
"Yes! Please daddy, please! You can never watch enough Up!" Tommy puffs his wings out, sparkling with those stupid puppy eyes.
Phil’s face melts, reluctantly agreeing and going to set it up.
Techno walks in carrying a box of tissues, a trash bag, and a bowl of popcorn. Tommy exclaims happily, snatching the bowl of popcorn. Wilbur is handed a couple tissues and he accepts them gratefully, wiping the blood from his face.
Techno sits down to the left of Wilbur. Tommy sits on his right. The movie starts to play, and Phil joins them in the pillow pile.
Ten minutes in and it becomes apparent that only two of them are paying attention to it. Tommy, who was half laying on top of Wilbur, was very focused on the screen. So was Phil.
Technoblade, however, was focused on Wilbur. Wilbur glances over, raising his eyes in confusion.
Techno leans over, cupping his hands around Wilbur’s ear to whisper, "I know that you aren't really 19. I know you don't want dad to know about your powers. But you gotta tell him by tonight. I won't say anything, but I also won't let you leave if there’s even a sliver or sunlight peeking through the clouds.”
Wilbur chokes on his popcorn, breaking into a heave of aggressive, throaty, coughs. Phil worriedly glances over. Techno pats Wilbur on the back once, and the popcorn kernel shoots out of his mouth.
"Ew." Tommy declares, scooting away from Wilbur dramatically.
"You okay, mate?" Phil asks Wilbur.
Wilbur chooses not to respond, instead lying down as if playing dead. Did Techno just threaten him? Why did Wilbur feel relieved to hear those words?
Tommy crawls back over, curling into Wilbur's side. He rests his head on Wilbur's chest, returning his eyes to the movie.
Techno gives a little side smirk to Wilbur, and Wilbur just rolls his eyes.
A moment of panic seizes him as he realizes that he’s being blatantly disrespectful to a prince.
Surely it's fine, I mean he's literally watching a movie with them
It seems to be more than fine, seeing as both Techno and Phil burst into laughter at his antics. Techno starts teasing Wilbur, in which Tommy takes to defending Wilbur by sending crude insults right back. Phil buds in with short reprimands, but they weren’t very effective because everyone could see how fluffy his wings were. He was definitely enjoying this.
Everything calms after that. Wilbur props his head on a pillow so he can see the movie and keep Tommy on top of him. When the final scenes play, Tommy is already snoring. Wilbur is admittedly very close to crashing himself, but he tries to keep the small bit dignity he still has left.
His sleep schedule was so fucked.
And then Techno lays down himself, wrapping his arms around Tommy- who was so close to Wilbur, that Techno's arms ended up resting against his side.
Wilbur holds his breath, eyes widening. Techno rolls onto his stomach, getting comfortable in the mess of blankets, before burying his face in a pillow and closing his eyes.
As if there was an off switch in his body, Techno's breathing evens out, and his fingers curl into Wilbur's shirt.
Wilbur releases his breath. He stares at the pale hands, for a second before the silence is broken by Phil.
"You know, I think they've both grown attached to you." He comments, staring at the pile of bodies Wilbur is trapped under.
Wilbur scoffs, trying to lift his neck- to no prevail.
"Prince Technoblade attached to me? No way." He tries, frowning.
"I don't think I've ever seen him grow so comfortable with someone so fast. There must be something I'm missing that made Techno fall in love with you so fast. But I trust his judgement," Phil explains, stretching his arms out so that he can rub a hand up and down Tommy’s back.
"I..." Wilbur doesn't know what to do with this information, so he simply doesn't. He just sighs. "I don't really understand. You let me- a complete stranger, into your home. You fed me, gave me clothes and a bed, and then let me sit in your...family nest movie room thing."
Philza's wings curl inwards, his eyes dulling. "You seem like someone who needed it. I hope we aren't overstepping any boundaries... but honestly, you look like you need several hugs. At the same time."
Wilbur swallows thickly. "No, you haven't done anything wrong. 'm sorry for being so rude. Thank you, really, for everything. This is the best night I've ever had, honestly," Wilbur admits, slowly climbing out from under Tommy's hold.
The kid must sleep like the dead, because Tommy doesn't show any sign of awakening- other than the hands that quickly latch onto Techno instead.
Wilbur ignores the pang in his chest at the betrayal.
"You have nothing to apologize for. You’re a good person Wilbur, and I can't say I'm happy that you want to leave so soon. I've enjoyed your company,” Phil says, looking into Wilbur's eyes. The phantom sits up, staring back at Phil.
"I don't have to leave later then. I mean- of course- I don't have to stay either, I just-" Wilbur hurriedly tries to fix his mistakes, damning his impulsive brain.
"Wilbur, I need you to answer this question honestly," Phil says, stopping Wilbur's tangent. "How old are you?"
"Nineteen-" Wilbur starts instinctively.
"My avian instincts tell me that you are still a baby bird. They considered you a part of my flock from the moment you entered the room. I'm not sure why..." Phil trails off, looking from his kids back to Wilbur.
Wilbur swallows a lump in his throat. “I’m 18.”
“Try again.”
"I'm... 16." Wilbur admits softly, shutting his eyes as he prepares for the look of disappointment.
"Oh." Phil says simply. “And... you live alone?"
"Yes. I didn't even live here until recently." Wilbur doesn't know why he's telling him this, but his mouth has started now, and it doesn't seem to want to stop anytime soon. "I ran away because the place I lived previously at was really against hybrids. My parents found out I was one and they kicked me out. I scoured the web on public computers, searching for anyplace I could go. I knew I'd never be safe there. I managed to get here and buy a small place." The words pour out of Wilbur's mouth, completely unfiltered. Wilbur clicks his jaw shut so hard he genuinely thinks he cracked a tooth for a second.
"You're a hybrid?" Phil asks surprised, his reaction uncannily similar to Techno's.
Wilbur's eyes widen in panic as he scoots back. "Uh-no- I- please, I'm sorry-" He starts, his wide eyes slamming shut as tears start to leak out.
"Hey, hey. Shh, it's okay. There's nothing wrong with being one, I promise. I was just surprised because you don't have any obvious features,” The king reassures.
Wilbur sobs, curling his knees into his chest. He mutters out incoherent words, trying desperately to explain.
Phil looks back to his boys for a second, and when assured they were still fast asleep, he slowly raises his hands out in offer. "Can I touch you?" Phil asks gently, scooting forward a bit more.
"Yes- yes." Wilbur gasps out, and the second Phil opens his arms, Wilbur slams himself forward. He sobs into Phil's soft shirt; it has a picture of a crow on it. Phil wraps his wings around Wilbur, holding the boy in a firm grasp, as if to ground him. He starts whispering sweet assurances into his ear.
Wilbur is choking on his own tears now. He opens his mouth to start speaking again, and Phil quickly shushes him, giving a reassuring squeeze. Wilbur's arms wrap around Phil's torso. His small body heaves and he cries until he can’t anymore.
"You're doing great sweetheart. I'm so proud of you, you are so so brave. It probably took a lot of courage to escape all the way over here, especially in the cold." Phil murmers, rubbing circles into his back.
Wilbur slowly pulls away so that he can look up at Phil. Phil smiles softly, taking Wilbur's hands in his as they sit crisscrossed in front of each other.
"Hey there kiddo.”
"I lied,” Wilbur whispers. “I can't leave today. I’m a phantom hybrid; I’ll just burn to death... unless... unless you want me to- because they did too, when they found out-” Wilbur chokes out, flinching as Phil's eyes fill with anger.
"Baby no, no one will ever ever do that to you ever again. I will make sure of it. You are mine now, okay? You can stay for however long you want."
"I want to stay forever," Wilbur admits quietly, his eyes starting to glisten with tears again.
"Then you can stay forever. You are still young enough for me to legally take care of you anyways," Phil offers gently.
“What about Niki?"
"Niki?" The avian repeats curiously.
"She’s a friend that works at a coffee shop at the town Tommy got lost at."
"You could visit her whenever. As long as it's not day, of course. And she could always come here and spend a couple nights if you wanted."
"Why are you being so nice?" Wilbur asks, suddenly becoming frustrated.
"Because you got the short end of the stick, bud. You’ve seen some shit, heard some shit, and deserve a place to settle down and heal from that. I have a history of adopting random children in need of a family, I'd say you are no different,” Phil explains simply.
"You'd- just like that? You don't even know me," Wilbur argues.
"I know you," Techno grumbles, tiredly rubbing his eyes. Wilbur was about to apologize for waking him, but the other was not done. "I had to walk an hour with you. You were one of the most dramatic people I've ever met. And it was hilarious. You have a strong spirit, a brilliant mind, and a beautiful heart. I would feel honored to call you my brother."
Wilbur's chin trembles and he rushes forward before he can stop himself. Techno allows the brunette to embrace him tightly.
"Big brother Wilby," Tommy agrees sleepily, sitting up from his sleep. Techno lets out a low hum, sounding suspiciously like a content purr.
"Thank you." Wilbur whispers, reluctantly moving over to let Tommy squeeze into the embrace.
"I love you, big brother," Tommy whispers in Wilbur's ear, giggling as Wilbur lets out a high-pitched whining noise. Techno rests his chin on top of Wilbur's head.
Wilbur lets the gentle rumble flow throughout his body, the vibrations incredibly calming.
"My flock. My family." Phil declares, wrapping his wings around the three of them.
Wilbur feels a piece of his heart click into place, like the final piece of a puzzle. A warm feeling spreads throughout the four of them as their puzzle pieces connect into one beautiful picture.
One beautiful future.