Chapter Text
Tubbo hummed as he ran around the console of his TARDIS, the machine whirling and just as excited as he as he plugged in some numbers and threw some switches.
“This is going to be so much fun! I haven’t visited modern day Earth in some time! I mean, it’s not my favorite time of Earth, that has to go to the Eocene Period when there were so many kinds of bees, but it’s a close second. Off we go!” Tubbo cheered as he threw down the main lever and the TARDIS traveled.
The landing was soft as Tubbo threw on his blazer and adjusted his clothing until he was satisfied. He patted down his pockets, making sure he had all his essentials, psychic paper, sonic screwdriver, pocket dictionary, and of course some pieces of chocolate. Eyes bright, he waves goodbye to his TARDIS as he carefully opened the front door.
The bustling streets of London greeted Tubbo as he poked his head out from the tiny alleyway the TARDIS landed in. The beehive shape of the TARDIS briefly changing to mimic the walls around it, it was still beehive shaped, but now you couldn’t really tell unless you actually looked at it dead on.
With a skip in his step, he rushed off, eager to see what was new and what was old and what stood the test of time. Or, well, he would if he didn’t immediately get into trouble.
“Hey kid. You should be in school right now, where’s your school at we’ll give you a ride there” A police officer pulled Tubbo aside before he could so much as squeak a hello.
“Oh uh…I go to this one” Tubbo fumbled but managed to pull out his psychic paper, holding it up for the two police officers to read.
“London Academy eh? You must’ve overslept then we’ll take you to the station and you’ll know your way from there right” The policeman said, exasperated, but he ruffled Tubbo’s hair as he nodded to his partner and walked Tubbo down to the subway.
Tubbo couldn’t really complain, sure he looked like a teenager, but he was over 700 hundred years old for Pete’s sake! He bit his tongue instead and allowed himself to be led away, a day of education never hurts anyone that’s for sure and it’s been a while since Tubbo has actually been to a human school on Earth. He couldn’t help but still be excited about it. Once at the station it didn’t take long for Tubbo to figure out which stop and soon he was on his way to London Academy.
The school was massive. Tubbo gaped as he looked up at the main building for the school before scrambling in. The main entrance greeted him with high arched ceilings and some people milling about, students and teachers alike.
“Excuse me young man, you’re five minutes late you’ll need to fill out a late form” A stern voice came from the front desk as Tubbo pouted.
Before he could respond however, a taller boy walked past him over to the front desk, a sharp frown on his face as he leaned on the counter,” Do I have to? I’m only late because there was a car crash on Lambeth it fucked up all the traffic”
“Language. Even with that incident you still need to fill out the form, rules are rules” She replied testily and the blonde sighed, taking the pen with grimace and filling out the form.
Tubbo hesitantly walked over as well while the other boy was filling out the form,” Uh excuse me…I just recently transferred here but I have no idea where my class is. Can you help me?”
The lady, despite her earlier sternness, brightened at Tubbo,” Oh certainly! May I see your Student ID please?”
“Here you go...” Tubbo slid over the psychic paper again to the lady as she picked it up and looked at it.
“Class 3A…second year student…” She mumbled as she typed away the information on the computer.
“Ah! Found you. Matthew Smith?” She said looking up at Tubbo.
Tubbo huffed, biting his cheek to hide his irritation, really psychic paper, Matthew Smith???
“Yes, that’s me, but everyone calls me Matt for short” Tubbo hastily responded.
“Well, Matt, you’re actually in the same class as tardy boy here. Tom, would you mind showing your new classmate to class? Be sure to give that tardy slip to your professor when you go in” The lady smiled kindly at Tubbo even as she spat the words towards the blonde, whose name was apparently Tom.
“Thank you” Tubbo said politely, knowing better than to cause trouble in a place he’s not supposed to be at.
“C’mon. Better get going before she starts yelling things at me” Tom mumbled to Tubbo and Tubbo followed after getting the psychic paper back from the lady.
“New huh. Where’d you transfer from? Your accent sounds dumb” Tom asked Tubbo as they walked down a hallway and then started to climb some stairs.
“My accent is quite alright I like to think, and I transferred from Newcastle” Tubbo chirped as he climbed the stairs, taking in the scenery of the large yet cozy school.
Tom’s eyebrow raised,” Newcastle? My dad is from Newcastle and he wanted me to go there instead of this place cause it would’ve been easier traffic wise…”
“That’s cool! I like Newcastle a lot, but you know how parents are…” Tubbo chuckled as they reached the top of the stairs and Tom took an immediate right, Tubbo having to jog a little to keep up with the taller brit's stride.
“I wouldn’t actually, my dad is pretty cool compared to most parents. Even though I probably bother him a lot more than my cooler older brothers. Don’t tell them I said that though or I’ll never hear the end of it” Tom replied then stopped at the foot of an oak door.
“Sorry, this is where I stop talking. The professor is pretty strict about speaking. Nice to meet you Matt, I’m Tom, but everyone I like calls me Tommy”
“Nice to meet you Tommy- wait am I allowed to call you that” Tubbo replied as Tommy opened the door.
“We’ll see” Was the only thing Tommy replied and inside they went.
The class was already in session, the students hastily writing down notes while the professor, a tall man with fair features, wrote on the whiteboard.
“Of course, once Caligula fell it was only a matter of time before the Roman Empire fell into two pieces, the Byzantine Empire and the Western Roman Empire, please keep in mind that the Byzantine Empire would last far beyond the fall of Rome itself, and would later on become the country we all know as Turkey- oh hello Tom, late again I see” The man was explaining then stopped when he turned and saw Tommy and Tubbo enter the room.
“Yeah. Legit reason this time though sir, there was a car crash on Lambeth” Tommy fiddled with his fingers as he handed over the bright pink slip to the teacher.
“I’m sure it’s a legit reason. Go ahead and take your seat we’ll talk after class. Who’s this you brought along?” The teacher fixed his gaze on Tubbo and Tubbo grinned.
“My name is Matthew Smith I’m the new transfer student from Newcastle. Nice to meet you sir” Tubbo greeted and even lifted up a hand to shake.
The professor chuckled, amusement making his eyes crinkle in the corners as he took the hand in his larger one, shaking politely,” How polite of you Mr. Smith. Well, introduce yourself to the class and take whatever open seat we have. We are currently going over last week’s history lesson on the fall of the Roman Empire, if you need notes just ask one of the students nearby”
Tubbo nodded then turned to face the class,” Hello! My name is Matthew Smith, but you can call me Matt! I hope to learn lots and make some new friends”
The whole class giggled at Tubbo’s introduction and now came the hardest part: choosing a seat. The room was set up that it can fit up to 30 people, but there was only 24 currently in the class. There was a seat free between two girls, a seat in the corner, and some others. However, Tubbo already picked the one he wanted to be at: the open seat right next to Tommy.
Tommy stared at him as Tubbo neatly dropped himself into the open desk, grinning at Tommy.
“Why’d you choose to sit next to me?” Tommy whispered harshly.
“Because you’ve showed me around and you’re cool. I want to be with people like you” Tubbo whispered back.
Not to mention Tommy had an air around him that Tubbo really liked. It’s not often he meets a human or alien that just naturally radiates friend material like the way Tommy is currently, not even in his seven-hundred-year lifespan! Hopefully he won’t turn Tommy away, even when he reveals he’s not really a transfer student from Newcastle. Hell, he didn’t even know there was a school in Newcastle he just picked that area cause it had a cool name.
Before Tommy could respond the teacher called out,” I might as well pick on the new student since he just arrived in our wonderful institution, Mr. Smith would you mind answering this question for me”
Tubbo nodded,” What question do you have for me sir?”
The teacher pointed with the marker in his hand at the name he wrote on the board,” William the First. Can you tell me what you know about him and what he’s famous for?”
Tubbo giggled,” Certainly! William the First, also known as William the Conqueror or William the Bastard, or as I liked to call him, Will, conquered England in the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. He was a cheery lad I liked jousting with him”
The whole class nervously chuckled at Tubbo’s words.
The professor blinked before slowly turning back around,” While you are correct on what made William famous…not sure why you called him Will”
“That’s because all his friends called him Will. It rolls off the tongue quicker and easier to spell. I’m dyslexic so it was way easier to call him that” Tubbo chirped.
“…Okay then, well anyways he was correct the Battle of Hastings was an important decisive battle- “
Tommy leaned over,” Why’d you talk about him like that? The dude’s been dead for like, hundreds of years yet it sounded like you knew him personally”
Tubbo pouted,” I did know him personally! I just told you I jousted with him and had wine and cheese in Normandy before he went off on that big battle. The wine was nasty, but that cheese was to die for. I really should go back to get the recipe”
“You’re such a weirdo Matt”
“I’ll take that as a compliment!”
During lunchtime all the kids were out and about but Tubbo already stuck to Tommy like glue. He followed him until they reached a quiet part of the quart yard, underneath a big ancient looking dogwood tree.
“You’re like a lost dog don’t you have socializing to do” Tommy grumbled once the two sat down together underneath the tree, Tommy pulling out a lunchbox that had a written note inside as he opened it.
“Nope! I don’t do well socializing for long periods of time, it’s also why I can’t go to Athens anymore but that’s a long story” Tubbo replied as he leaned back, patting his pockets until he pulled out one of the chocolate bars he grabbed before leaving the TARDIS.
Carefully, he opened the wrapper and broke off a chunk of the rich treat, then held it out for Tommy.
Tommy eyed it, his blue eyes wide with shock before they flickered over to Tubbo’s face,” You’re joking right?”
“Why would I? You’re fun to be around and it’s the least I could do since you’ve showed me around and stuff. I can’t pay you in full yet, so chocolate is my final offer” Tubbo waggled the piece in Tommy’s face until finally Tommy delicately took the piece from him.
“…Thank you, Matt. No one’s done this before for me so…thank you” Tommy mumbled, biting into the chocolate quickly.
“It’s Tubbo actually. I really don’t know why it chose Matthew Smith for me like that’s such a boring name…please Tom, call me Tubbo” Tubbo replied casually as he watched the other students eat and chat and play with one another.
Tommy stared at Tubbo until it felt like he was attempting to set him on fire by the intense gaze,” Tommy”
“Huh?”
Tommy looked away, even though there was a flush of red on his face,” You can call me Tommy…Tubbo”
Tubbo grinned brightly,” Nice to meet you Tommy!”
Classes soon flew by and Tubbo probably fell asleep in some of them, the maths and the science courses so boring because he already knew the concepts they were discussing, and Tommy surprisingly stuck to the rule of no talking so Tubbo couldn’t get him to talk unless he threw a piece of paper at him. Writing down messages were hard though because Tubbo really couldn’t write English very well, his mind was way better at writing and reading Gallifreyian but he couldn’t just start drawing circles and expecting Tommy to understand.
“Fuck you really weren’t kidding when you said you were dyslexic. I feel like I’m getting dyslexic reading this” Tommy complained as he squinted at the words hastily scrawled on one of the notes Tubbo attempted to write to him last period.
“Yeah well you try learning a lexicon that has straight lines after learning a language that strictly writes in circles and dots” Tubbo grumbled as he stuffed his hands in his pockets,” Man we totally ate all my chocolate too now I’ll have to get more”
Tommy frowned,” Sorry…but that was really good chocolate where did you get it?”
“Uh…last time was from the Aztecs…really cool people and they didn’t actually behead a lot of people like the stories say! I mean…not usually…hoo boy I almost lost a regen that day” Tubbo mumbled as he laughed.
“You’re fuckin weird. Well, I gotta go, my dad just texted that he’s in the parking lot so I’ll see you tomorrow?” Tommy sighed as he pulled out his phone, typing something on the smooth surface before tucking it back into his pocket.
“You bet! One more thing though” Tubbo fiddled again with the numerous pockets on his coat before pulling out a piece of paper with a number written in blue ink.
“Here’s my number, only call me for emergencies cause otherwise I’ll probably forget I have my phone on me in the first place. Technology really bothers me some days” Tubbo chirps as he holds out the slip of paper.
Tommy stared at it, his face getting a funny expression on it, also it went red again how come?
Finally, he took it, albeit rather aggressively before nodding stiffly to Tubbo,” Yeah sure…I’ll text it once though, so you know it’s me that’s texting or calling”
Tubbo gave a thumbs up,” You got it! Bye Tommy it was nice meeting you!”
Tommy gave a tiny wave and stormed off, leaving Tubbo alone.
Again.
Being a Timelord usually meant crippling loneliness, that’s like, part of the deal when you receive that big important title. Tubbo grumbled to himself as he headed back to his precious TARDIS, sure being a Timelord is cool and all but he also wants a Title title. He wants something cool like The Negotiator and The Guardian.
Tubbo liked to call himself The Beeman, but he knows he can’t give himself the title, it has to be bestowed upon him by time and space itself. The TARDIS greeted him with her usual warm welcome, the tinkling of the fairy chimes deep within humming gently in Tubbo’s ears as he sinks down onto the floor after the doors closed behind him.
“I met a new friend today. His name is Tommy and he’s super cool and funny and I just want to take him away and show him everything the universe has to offer. Schlatt said something about having a Companion, right? Am I allowed one yet? Because I really want Tommy to be my Companion” Tubbo rambled as he fiddled with his phone, totally not waiting for a text back from his new friend.
The TARDIS hummed again and Tubbo giggled,” Right?! I should be able to have one now but ugh things are so hard nowadays. I can’t even contact Gallifrey anymore. And I certainly don’t want to contact Schlatt…he’s probably really busy doing cooler things than to be customer support”
Tubbo’s phone finally buzzed in his hands and he looked down eagerly.
New Message:
Hey. It’s Tommy.
Hi Tommy! Got you in my phone now o/
Tubbo didn’t get another response but he felt a whole lot better now that Tommy’s name was in his contacts.
Things were looking up for sure. He really should visit modern day Earth more often.
Next day of school Tommy was surprised to see that Tubbo was already by the stairs, waiting. Tommy was early this time too, to “make up for yesterday’s bad luck” as his dad put it.
Not that Tommy wanted to see Tubbo first thing in the morning or anything he’s still too sleepy to handle that bubbly ball of joy.
“Good morning Tommy! How’d you sleep?” Tubbo chirped once Tommy approached and opened the door for both him and Tubbo.
“Shitty. Look, I’m not much of a morning person so can we not talk too much” Tommy mumbled as he waited for Tubbo to slip past him before following.
“Aw that’s alright. Can I still talk about stuff though?” Tubbo asked as they climbed up the stairs again, repeating the same thing from yesterday.
“Sure, but I may zone out” Tommy warned.
It appeared that Tubbo didn’t care as he simply went right back into the conversation. What a weirdo; although, the background noise was lovely compared to Tommy’s constant rambles in his own head.
Tommy hummed a tune quietly while Tubbo chatted away, sitting down at his desk and shooting a quick text to his dad telling him he’s in class. After a moment, Tommy also sent out another text, this time to his older brother, one of them anyways.
To: Music E-boy
Hey, are you awake yet?
…
Tommy I can’t bail you out of school education is important.
Not that dickhead. Just texting to see if you’re awake that’s all…I’m pretty sure you went to bed late. Not that your wellbeing matters idiot.
Tommy? Caring for others? Who are you and where is my feral idiot of a younger brother?
Fuck you too
Love you have a good day at school <3
“Dick…” Tommy mumbled fondly as he pockets his cell when the professor walked in.
“Alright class we have a pop quiz today before we get started” The professor announced, and everyone groaned.
“Man, I should’ve just been late again” Tommy groaned to Tubbo as he put away his books and pulled out a blank piece of paper.
“Oh no do we have to write our answers? I’m gonna fail just because he won’t be able to read my writing” Tubbo wailed as he pulled out his own supplies.
“No no he won’t just…just take your time alright? I can’t help you out cause he’ll think we’re cheating but look you know morse code?” Tommy, desperate to try and help his friend, threw out the first solution that came to mind.
Tubbo’s eyes brightened,” Yes of course I know morse code! Both Samuel and Alfred taught me the basics. Great idea Tommy!”
“Heh thanks now no more talking we’ll use morse from here on out”
“Got it” Tubbo nodded determined.
The test was slow, mainly because it was a mix of math and history questions. Tommy’s pretty sure he got them right, until he started tapping out the spellings of the famous dead people, then Tubbo’s nose scrunched and he shot a confused look at Tommy before tapping back hastily.
“Tommy it’s Ghengis Khan that took over all those countries. Alexander the Great was nowhere close to the size of territory Ghengis Khan had”
“Shoot sorry let me change my answers and then help you spell”
“Thank you take your time”
Tommy hastily changed his answers then tapped out each letter individually for Tubbo to write down carefully and they barely finished the quiz on time. The professor thanking them for their submissions and starting class officially once all quizzes were received.
Tommy zoned out the second the professor started talking about numbers.
Another full day of school came and went, but it somehow didn’t feel tedious or boring. Tommy didn’t really have friends, he had classmates he’d talk to and play games with outside of school but didn’t really eat lunch with them or hung out. Tubbo…Tubbo is different, he’s weird, way too friendly, and somehow smart to boot.
Basically, a guy that should be beyond Tommy’s abilities to make a friend with. Yet, here they are, munching on some more foreign chocolate that Tubbo brought,” This time it’s from 20th century France! They had the best chocolate wheels I’ve ever seen”
“You okay Tommy? I know you take school rules seriously, but class is over now! All we’re doing is waiting for your dad while eating some yummy snacks” Tubbo suddenly chirped, dragging Tommy out of his head.
“Yeah, I’m fine I just…I still don’t believe you chose me”
“I’ve told you before Tommy, I like people like you. If I could I totally would take you on an amazing trip. You can meet William too and Blackbeard oh oh we can visit that planet in the Targon system that rains liquid light…I have so many things and places I want to show you, but you know…you have a family here. A life here. I don’t want to interrupt that” Tubbo replied seriously.
The rather fierce tone that Tubbo had made Tommy’s face hot as he looked away from the intense gaze,” Okay okay I get it sheesh…quit making me feel sappy Tubbo. I can only feel so many emotions at once”
Tubbo giggled,” Sorry I just get intense sometimes. I’m really bad at socializing and I kind of just let my own emotions get to me first. Seriously though, one day I’d love to show you what the universe is really made of”
Tommy snorted at this as his dad’s car pulls into the lot,” You can’t show me the universe Tubbo, but I’d like to go stargazing with you at one point if that’s okay”
“…Sure, yeah that’s totally what I meant” Tubbo hummed oddly,” Well, safe trip home Tommy. I’ll see you around”
“Bye Tubbo” Tommy waved and Tubbo waved cheerfully back until Tommy got into the car.
“Oh? So that’s the kid that’s been making my youngest son into a whole different person” Phil gleamed as he took his sweet time studying Tubbo before driving away from the school.
Tommy groaned as he desperately tried to melt into his seat,” Daaaad not funny”
“When’s the wedding” Phil continued to tease as he got onto the main street.
“Fuck you”
“Love you more son. So, how was school besides being with an actual fucking friend” Phil asked as he lowered the music on the radio so Tommy could talk.
“It’s school, nothing much to do except learn and eat and learn some more. Tubbo’s cool though, he’s really good at school so he helps me a bunch when I don’t get something” Tommy didn’t realize it but soon he was spilling everything that he tried so desperately to covet from his family.
Phil listened to it all with rapt attention, his own blue eyes sparkling as he ruffled his son’s hair,” My youngest finally making a good friend. It’s enough to make a grown man cry”
“Man, this is exactly why I didn’t want to mention Tubbo but here we are. I get bullied for not having friends and now I’m getting bullied for having a friend” Tommy complained, and Phil wheezed with laughter as he finally pulled up to their house a couple minutes later.
“Go wash up, you’re on kitchen duty tonight”
“Fine fine. Tell Techno he’s a dick when he wakes up”
“If he wakes up. He pulled an all-nighter last night for a project he’s working on with Oxford” Phil replied, and Tommy headed upstairs to his room.
Again, Tommy pulled out his phone, the message still open to when he texted Tubbo yesterday. He really wanted to message Tubbo, like, badly. Tubbo told him to only call for emergencies with that odd intense look on his face. Still, Tommy wanted to text him, about his day, if Tubbo got home okay.
If Tubbo had siblings. Tommy groaned and threw his phone violently on his bed. He doesn’t have time for this! Do your homework and shit be a respectable person like society wants you to be.
Tommy ends up forgetting his dilemma in favor of listening to his favorite tunes while he helps in the kitchen.
School changed. Tommy couldn’t tell at first, but he knew things were off when Tubbo wasn’t there to greet him like he normally did. He wanted to ask the reason Tubbo wasn’t there but again, no texting unless it’s for an emergency. Tommy wanted to say it’s an emergency right now, but he didn’t want to be desperate, so he swallowed up his disappointment and went to class.
The professor wasn’t familiar either. Sure, he talked the way he normally did but he for some reason, because they were learning about butterflies, bees, and other insects, he’d get oddly quiet. Then go into a mini tangent about bees specifically. Tommy zoned out hard, even more so than normal because the seat next to him was empty. Tubbo’s face not next to him.
Tubbo. Tubbo. Tubbo.
Fuck I’m not clingy.
Tommy did his best to ignore it, drumming his fingers on his desk, his leg bouncing every other second. Somehow his phone burned in his pocket but there’s no new messages or calls.
“Tommy” A voice startles him, and he blinks, looking over at a classmate that watched him; biting his lip to keep himself from laughing.
“What do you want” Tommy didn’t mean it to be so harsh, but the words were dragged out through gritted teeth.
“Woah easy there, just came over to tell you it’s lunchtime. I haven’t seen you zone out that hard in a long time”
“Haha. Very funny Grayson, thanks for getting me”
“Least I could do since your partner isn’t here. Jeez you got attached so quick already a wreck”
“Fuck you”
“You wish you could”
Tommy made a retching noise while Grayson wheezed and walked off. He was right though, the fact that Tommy was actually paying attention in class because Tubbo was with him…
Man. He really dove deep.
Tubbo frowned as he eyed the holograms, the pieces floating in the air as the knight takes his astral rook out of commission, the assassin close behind, ready to take his king. He quickly sees the outcome and grins,” I move my Solar Queen to the quantum coordinates of 1,2, -1”
Gasps echo around him as the piece floated forward, moving up to whole board before successfully taking out the pious warlock, leaving the king wide open.
“Since Solar Queen took the warlock, I get a wave rush and use it to move my Lunar Knight into checkmate position. Good game!” Tubbo cheered as his opponent wails when his king gets slaughtered.
“Tubbo has taken second place in the annual 6D tournament with the Solar Wind Strategy!! Congratulations!” The announcer called and cheers rang all around him as he grinned and bowed.
“Tell us, how did you manage to pull off such a high risk-high reward strategy against the Diamond Wall offense?”
“Well, it’s because Solar Wind is exactly that, high risk but high reward. I did get nervous since that pawn evolved quicker than I thought but I’m glad I was able to outwit such a strong opponent!” Tubbo explained, feeling the rush of adrenaline start to fade.
Before he could talk more however, his phone started ringing. Tubbo felt his giddiness fade away, immediately replaced by a cold sensation as he apologizes to everyone and races back to the TARDIS. He throws open the doors and pulls out his phone, answering it immediately,” Hello???”
There’s a pause on the line before Tommy’s voice barely comes through,” -lp”
“What?? Tommy?! Is everything okay?” Tubbo’s panic was already filtering through his whole system as he already plugged-in modern-day Earth and threw down the lever.
The TARDIS chugged away instantly.
“Please…something’s fucked up here Tubbo I need you- “Tommy’s voice went static.
“Hang on Tommy!! I’m on my way!” Tubbo shouted and hung up.
The TARDIS landed soon after and Tubbo practically kicked the doors down, apologizing to TARDIS before racing out. He flew through London, not even bothering to use the subway as he sprints.
Tommy you better be okay I want you to stay by my side please don’t be dead when I get there please. Please. Please.
London Academy soon appeared and Tubbo actually kicked down the doors this time, sonic screwdriver out. All that greeted him was silence.
School’s in session still but there was no one around. Suspicious, Tubbo carefully climbed up the stairs, heading to Tommy’s classroom first, only to hear footsteps. Tubbo whirled around, then relaxed when he saw the professor.
“Oh, hi Professor. Is everything okay? I came back from my doctor’s appointment but no one’s around” Tubbo chirped as he hastily hid his screwdriver behind his back.
“Matthew Smith…yes I need to speak with you in my office” The professor’s voice sounded distorted, like he was speaking through water.
Tubbo’s eyes narrowed,” What for? I called in advance that I was going to be gone today...”
“It’s about your grades” He replied.
Tubbo frowned,” Oh? Well alright then, lead the way”
The professor turned around robotically and headed off. Tubbo followed and heard an odd sound above his head, like banging. He briefly looked up at the ceiling, nothing but tile and the occasional vent grate.
Vent grate…signals sometimes get scuffed if they’re in a dead zone.
The professor opened up the door and let Tubbo in, the office did look cheery if it wasn’t for the fact that all the lights were turned off and there was an odd dripping noise coming from a closed cabinet. Tubbo looked around then back to the professor,” So what about my grades? Did I do something wrong because I am pretty much a hundred percent positive, I got everything right”
The professor made a hissing noise and threw out a hand, a blast of energy coming out of it straight to Tubbo.
“FIGURES!” Tubbo shouted as he ducked neatly and pointed his sonic screwdriver at the ‘professor’ the energy spiraling back as the professor shuddered then revealed the true form.
An imposter!
Wait no, a Vespiform. The massive wasp hissed and tried to ram itself at Tubbo, but he sidestepped it, grabbing a meter stick from the top of the desk and aimed for the alien’s head. The blow didn’t sound good and neither did noise it made as it collapsed to the ground, ooze leaking out from the crushed exoskeleton as it went limp on the ground, it’s long appendages still twitching.
“Water…water…come on there’s gotta be water in this- aha!” Tubbo mumbled as he looked around wildly in the room before he found a thermos under the desk. There’s not a lot in there, mainly tea anyways, but it will do if the Vespiform isn’t dead yet. A quick search in the now lit office told Tubbo the sad truth as he opened the cabinet, revealing a cocooned body of the real professor.
Vespiforms don’t usually attack unless they felt threatened or had their transmission device pull another source from someone’s head nearby, so either this Vespiform was threatened by a bigger threat, or someone was reading too many murder novels nearby.
Tubbo jumped, Oh NO TOMMY!
He sprinted out, cupping his hands to his mouth,” TOMMY?! TOMMY WHERE ARE YOU”
“’M HERE DON’T SHOUT SO FUCKING LOUD” A close voice shouted causing Tubbo to spin around in a full circle.
“WHERE IS HERE I DON’T SEE YOU”
“Fucking- Look UP IDIOT” Tommy growled.
Tubbo huffed then did so, looking directly at a vent grate- and one dusty Tommy.
“Hi” Tubbo giggled looking up at Tommy as he vanished briefly, only for a foot to appear as the grate clattered onto the floor with a BANG.
Tommy landed soon after, rolling on the ground with a huff before brushing off excess dust from his shirt,” Hi?? That’s all you say after that…that…THING appeared out of my fucking teacher and tried to maul you?!”
Tubbo grimaced,” Ah so you…you saw the whole thing…”
“More than that! You knew! You got that intense look on your face whenever you’re talking about something important…Tubbo, are you even from England at this rate?? How did you know what that fucking giant bug was?? Not to mention you even managed to beat it…I saw it take like two security guards before I was able to fucking hide in the vents and call you”
“Okay first off, deep breaths Tommy this is a lot for you to process I know it’s a lot. Second off, you need to be honest with me, was the professor the only one that seemed off to you” Tubbo gently explained, going so far as to grab Tommy’s waving hands into his own.
Tommy’s shoulders shook as he looked around wildly,” How am I supposed to know? I literally only see my professor. Any other staff around here I kind of just ignore! Enough about that though, Tubbo, who the fuck are you?”
Tubbo sighed, letting go of Tommy’s hands to run them through his hair,” You won’t believe me but I’m actually an alien. I’m what people call a Timelord. You want to know how I know William the First personally? It’s because I travelled back in time to meet him personally. I wasn’t kidding about any of those stories Tommy. I have a ship called a TARDIS that allows me to travel anywhere in the universe and at any time. Well, almost everywhere there’s some places that are off-limits but basically- “
“YOU'RE A FUCKING A L I E N?!?!?!” Tommy screeched the words echoing long after he shouted them.
“I…yes? I have two hearts and everything- “Tubbo stuttered, startled that that was throwing Tommy.
“You…oh I have so many angry words I could shout at you right now, but I think we have some unwanted company” Tommy growled then planted himself firmly in front of Tubbo and Tubbo looked over Tommy's side to see two security guards approaching.
They didn’t look very happy.
“Fuck” Tubbo sighed before grabbing Tommy’s hand,” R U N”
The two took off while the two other vespiforms hissed behind them, the loud buzzing filling their ears as the two boys sprinted down the hall and downstairs.
“Where’s the pool there’s gotta be a pool in this school, right?” Tubbo asked Tommy as they skidded into a random hallway.
“We literally just past it Tubbo you’re running in the opposite direction” Tommy panted then tugged, taking the lead easily as Tubbo was hot on his heels, still holding his hand.
“Okay great we just need to get in there and it’ll buy us enough time to figure out why they’re angry” Tubbo stated as they headed down another flight of stairs then took a right, banging through the doors loudly.
“The fuck did you call those bugs again? Vesp-whats? They’re basically giant wasps I thought they would love water” Tommy grumbled as they finally turned a right and the words RECREATIONAL POOL was spelled in bold letters in front of metal doors.
“They’re an alien race Tommy that just so happens to look like Earth wasps, they don’t follow the same rules” Tubbo said as he grabbed one of the door handles.
The click told Tubbo the doors were locked.
“Oh great” Tommy groaned as he tried only to get the same result.
The buzzing, which had faded, was now building again.
Tommy looked around and cursed again,” There’s no vents here so I can’t get in and unlock it from the other side”
“Don’t need to! I got the universal key right here” Tubbo triumphantly pulled out his sonic screwdriver and pointed it at the door.
A sharp buzz and a loud click greeted their ears and Tubbo threw open the door,” Get in!”
They ran in, the pool big and reeking of chlorine, but as soon as they stepped in, the doors were busted down. The massive black and yellow bodies of the Vespiforms barged in, hissing angrily.
Tommy screamed but Tubbo grabbed him and pushed him behind him,” What’s the big idea? Why now would you show your true forms? Don’t tell me you’ve been eating the kids here”
The Vespiforms continued to hiss angrily, forcing Tommy and Tubbo into the far corner of the room, far away from the pool.
“C’mon I know you guys can talk so what’s the big deal? It’s not because I knocked that one guy, out right? He attacked me first by the laws of self-defense- “
“Where is it” The low voice echoed harshly in the air, making both boys jump.
“Sorry? Where’s what” Tubbo asked sheepishly.
“The enemy. Timelord you should know where it is. It’s in these halls we don’t know where”
“Enemy?? But you idiots are the ones running around take humans like it’s a carnival! I saw what your buddy did to that poor professor! I’m surprised he’s even breathing!”
“Trying…to keep safe. Can’t find enemy…by scent alone”
Tubbo sighed, frustrated,” Okay fine. Where’s the last place you ‘saw’ this ‘enemy’”
Tommy gawked,” What??? You’re just gonna listen to them?”
“Clearly they aren’t the bad guys Tommy I mean look, these two haven’t attacked us since they got in here” Tubbo whined gesturing to the two Vespiforms.
“Follow”
Then, the two massive alien wasps turned around and flew back outside, patiently waiting.
“We better go. Something bigger is afoot at this school then” Tubbo mumbled and walked over.
Tommy stood there for a long moment before following,” This day just gets weirder and weirder. Is this how most days go for you?”
“Not all the time but yeah! I gotta do detective work sometimes” Tubbo cheerily replied and Tommy facepalmed.
“I can’t believe I trust you this much. Alright, lead the way…giant bugs”
“Stay close, don’t know where it is other than where we last saw it”
“Yeah yeah…” Tommy grumbled as they followed the giant bugs through the abandoned halls of the academy.
The Vespiforms changed back into the humans they were “borrowing” and opened the doors to the south quart yard. Tommy frowned as soon as they stepped outside,” Hold on…something’s not right here”
Tubbo nodded a similar frown on his face as he looked around,” You’re right, it’s a bit breezy for a Tuesday”
“No dumbass I mean I’m pretty sure there used to be some statues in front of that aspen tree” Tommy complained as he gestured to the little circle of iron rails in front of a big aspen tree.
The two Vespiforms nodded as they pointed at the circle as well,” They were here…now they are not”
Tubbo clicked his tongue as he walked over to the circle, there were clear indents on the ground where leaves and dirt haven’t landed, telling Tubbo there used to be something here, but he doesn’t know what. Until he looked over the rails and saw a little golden card.
The Three Muses
Sculpted by:
Tubbo’s eyes widened as he froze, Tommy making a concerned noise behind him as he looked slowly from the card to the empty space.
“Now you see why we are trapping people in cocoons Timelord?” One of the guards grumbled, folding his arms for emphasis.
“Tommy…please tell me you’ve been in the vents the whole time until I got here” Tubbo said, but the tone shook Tommy to the core.
It was hard and…cold.
Tommy swallowed,” Y-yes, I was there the whole time half the time I didn’t even look because I was scared, I was just gonna stare right down at the bugs…no offense”
“Some taken” One of the Vespiforms hummed.
“Okay new plan. Tommy, Vespiforms, I want you guys to come back with me to the TARDIS. We gotta lure them away from the school or this timeline may as well be fucked, and I can’t afford to lose another one” Tubbo commanded.
“We will get our sibling and meet you there” The Vespiforms bowed then ran back into the school to grab the unconscious brethren.
“Tubbo wait what’s wrong why did you get so serious- “Tommy’s voice was cut off when Tubbo grabbed him by the wrist and clapped a hand over his mouth and tucked them both behind the aspen.
“Sh. This is serious business. This is one of the worst creatures around Tommy. I’ll have to figure out a way to get them out of here or at least weaken them enough to get rid of them physically. I need you to be safe. These psychopaths are extremely dangerous. You need to listen to everything I tell you to, can you do that for me?” Tubbo whispered as he looked around worriedly.
“Yes of course Tubbo but- “Tommy tried to say but most of his words came out muffled behind the hand on his mouth.
“No buts. Let’s go. Does this school happen to have cameras or something similar?” Tubbo demanded as he let go off Tommy and got up slowly, weird little device in his hands that he pointed around like a gun.
“Yeah of course it has cameras, there’s film and photography clubs here. Tubbo why do we need cameras?” Tommy protested as he followed after Tubbo.
“Because that’s how we’re gonna win, we’re gonna trick them into looking at each other. That’s the best option for everyone and hopefully we’ll be able to find the victims they already took. Although that one is kind of like looking for dry cats after they were out in the rain” Tubbo explained as he waited for Tommy to amble over before sliding his hand into Tommy’s.
“Wha- why are we holding hands” Tommy protested even though he didn’t move his hand out of Tubbo’s.
“I don’t want to lose you. Plus, this place is massive, and I feel way too tiny here” Tubbo responded, a twinkle in his eye as he playfully nudged Tommy,” let’s go!”
The two quickly found the cameras and recording equipment in a storage locker and grabbed as much as the two were able to carry.
“This is illegal Tubbo how are we going to explain this to the cops when they find out what’s going on here” Tommy whispered as they toted their spoils back to their classroom.
“Let’s just hope the police don’t show up. That’ll make this situation worse frankly. Wait” Tubbo replied then stopped, making Tommy bump into him.
“Hey why the hell did we-oh shit” Tommy’s protest died as he looked over Tubbo’s shoulder to see a classmate hiding under his desk.
Looming right over the student, was one of the missing Muse statues. Her once serene face, now twisted into a snarl as her hands were outstretched towards the student.
“The fuck is that” Tommy hissed but Tubbo didn’t reply, instead just carefully walking in, eyes never leaving the statue as he walked in.
“Tommy I’ll need to blink soon. I need you to stare at it when I say ‘red’” Tubbo whispered.
“Stare??? You mean…this fucker will move if I blink??” Tommy hissed, horrified.
“Yes. Now quickly! Red!” Tubbo whisper-shouted and Tommy stared while he heard Tubbo shuffle.
“Hey, can you stand up, try to do it around the statue” Tubbo mumbled.
“I…okay…what’s going on statues aren’t supposed to move…”
“That’s cause it’s not a statue. Get out of here and if you ever see a statue don’t blink”
“O-okay…”
“Tubbo? When can I blink?” Tommy asked, still staring at the statue but he could feel his eyes start to twitch.
“Go ahead Tommy I got my eyes on it” Tubbo replied and Tommy relaxed, rubbing his as he looked around.
“That’s one I guess but there’s still two more how are we going to trick it?” Tommy asked as he fiddled with the cameras.
“We record it, we have one of the video cameras monitor this one and we just make sure we don’t blink. That’s really our only defense” Tubbo responded as he handed Tommy a video camera while still staring at the statue.
“What is this even called? I only know it cause it’s a fucking statue here at this school you’re telling me there’s more of these?” Tommy relented as he accepted the camera and started to turn it on.
“They’re called Weeping Angels, but they can take any statue shape. Red by the way” Tubbo replied and Tommy was staring while Tubbo finished setting up the video camera and linked the feed to his phone by using his sonic screwdriver.
“What keeps making that buzzing noise?” Tommy asked
“It’s my sonic screwdriver don’t worry about it. I’ll explain everything in detail once we get out of here alive” Tubbo replied as he finally put the camera in front of the statue and clapped his hands.
“Okay. Can I stop staring now?”
“Yep!”
With a sigh Tommy blinked and looked away,” Okay that’s one let’s go find- “
A scream echoed from a distance downstairs.
The two looked at each other and soon sprinted down the stairs towards the last location they heard the scream. As they rounded a corner, Tubbo yelped and grabbed Tommy to cause them both to freeze as a statue stood in the hallway in front of them, the lights flickering dangerously above them. The once elegant looking statue terrifying as its cold marble arms were outstretched, face twisted in an ugly snarl.
“I got it!” A voice called out and one of the security guards-Vespiform- suddenly appeared.
“Thank you! Let’s go Tommy got to get that last one” Tubbo shouted as he hastily put down a second camera and attached that feed to his phone as well.
They ran everywhere, trying to find the last one, until the lights in the school suddenly went completely out. The hallway plunged into darkness and Tommy couldn’t see a damn thing.
“Tubbo? Tubbo where are you?” Tommy called out but there was no answer.
Looking around, a wild cold feeling burning in his chest as Tommy frantically tried to look for his alien friend. He heard a noise, like feet dragging and he whipped around. At the same time, the power suddenly turned back on and Tommy was staring eye to eye with a Weeping Angel.
He heard someone scream but it turned out to be him as he went rigid still. He couldn’t move.
He couldn’t move.
H E C O U L D N ‘T M O V E.
“TOMMY” A shout and suddenly Tommy was wrenched away, and a different scream echoed down the halls, unanimous three screams all at once and suddenly the monster in front of him crumbled to dust. All that remained was the familiar serene face of one of the three muses in the quart yard.
Panting, suddenly feeling like he met a god, Tommy collapsed where he stood, heaving dry sobs as he slammed the ground, the pain radiating from his palms telling him he was alive and not dead.
Alive.
Not. Dead.
A warmth rested on top of him and Tommy looked up to see Tubbo. Tommy didn’t hesitate this time, tackling his best friend in a tight hug that had both of them crying.
“Don’t leave me like that again” Tommy wailed between gasping sobs.
“I didn’t leave you- that Weeping Angel almost teleported you back in time. I still don’t know how I got to you in time” Tubbo whispered, his own voice shaky as he tightly clung to Tommy.
The two didn’t move until Tommy stopped crying completely.
“Holy shit. This is a TARDIS? It’s fucking-fucking bigger- “Tommy stuttered as he looked around in awe.
“On the inside! Really cool right? I love that reaction the most from when I invite people in. She’s got plenty of rooms for stuff too so if you want a room just pick one!” Tubbo stated smugly as he gestured around him with great pride.
“We are grateful for your help Timelord. Thanks to you the school is safe again” The one that formerly held the professor’s body now was in the body it originally had, as the three Vespiforms were actually human born and had license to examine odd normality’s underneath the Torchwood name.
“Ah Torchwood’s still in business? Tell Jack I said hi! If you ever see him that is” Tubbo cheerfully said when the Vespiforms mentioned it, while Tommy was ever confused about the people that Tubbo knows.
“Right uh…none of you actually go to that school, right? Just checking” Tommy asked sheepishly.
The three shook their heads,” Negative. We’re all adults technically by human standards so we work for Torchwood. You were extremely brave back there Tommy and we salute you for your word with the Timelord”
“Yeah…um…thanks” Tommy mumbled in reply, rubbing the back of his neck.
Now, it was just the two of them in the TARDIS, the Vespiforms heading back to HQ for the report and Torchwood quietly fixing the mess they made at the London Academy. All Tommy had to do for his family was let them know he was spending the night at Tubbo’s and that was that.
“Tommy, do you still believe me?” Tubbo suddenly asked when Tommy briefly reappeared at the main console, as he was exploring every single room the TARDIS had to offer.
“’Course I do, you’re my friend. What’s up?” Tommy asked, walking over to where Tubbo was sitting.
“Like, you believe me. That I’m from an alien planet, I got two hearts, and I’m over seven hundred years old?” Tubbo asked, although his tone was quiet, intense.
Tommy huffed leaning against the TARDIS' console,” That depends Tubbo, can I feel two heart beats if I tried to take your pulse right now or what?”
“Get over here then. Prepare to have your mind blown” Tubbo immediately replied.
Tommy slowly got up from his spot and ambled over to Tubbo, a goofy grin on his face as he held out his hand. Tubbo grinned back and gently guided it over to his throat, where the pulse would be the strongest, and gently rested Tommy’s fingers there.
“Hah I could throttle you if you were lying- “Tommy’s teasing tone dropped when his eyes widened comically.
Tubbo snickered as Tommy looked at Tubbo then back down at his hand then back to Tubbo.
“You fucker” Tommy snarled, completely and utterly speechless.
Tubbo wheezed so hard he nearly fell off his chair and Tommy had to quickly grab him, but Tommy was also laughing too.
“How the hell did you hide this during gym class???”
“I just cut my heartrate in half Tommy it’s not that hard to hide the fact I have two hearts. It’s not like the school does an internal body scan or anything” Tubbo giggled barely able to speak over his own giggles.
“Gods…you are certainly something else Tubbo” Tommy finally sighed, running his hands through his hair as he continued to look around with big eyes.
“Well, I am a Timelord and that is completely different than everything you’ve ever known for sure” Tubbo hummed, catching his breath.
The two fell into a comfortable silence.
“Wanna go see dinosaurs?”
“Fuck yes please”