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Tommy wouldn’t be ashamed to admit he looked up to Phil. The man was incredibly fucking skilled and a good person. So in the beginning when they started to joke about dadza Tommy leapt at the chance. Sort of like how he did with being brothers with Wilbur. And everyone fucking knows how that went. But over time Tommy genuinely started to view the man as a parental figure.
Phil helped him countless times, told Tommy he was proud of him over and over again, comforted him and so much more. So you could see why the lines between joke and reality started to blur for Tommy. Normally Tommy would even fucking 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 the thought of Phil considering him as a son. But he thought that way with Wilbur and well.... we all know what happened there.
Still as months went by Phil and him grew closer. A few times he slipped up and called the man dadza. He was 𝘴𝘰 fucking relived that Phil just laughed it off. Maybe he wasn’t reading that much into it but Phil didn’t seem bothered by it at all. Still Tommy wanted to be respectful about this and he wanted to 𝘯𝘰𝘵 fuck this up.
Tommy tiptoed around invisible barriers and boundaries. He hadn’t messed up yet which thank 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬. Still he had to decide what to do. Twitter was being - ya know Twitter and decided to cancel Phil. Tommy felt such 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 towards the people. How dare they accuse Phil like that. Phil, practically his second dad, who was one of the best people he has ever met.
Now normally Tommy wouldn’t even 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 the thought of bringing up his thoughts of the man. But Phil obviously took this hard. Which was very valid. Still it was hard to watch as Phil suffered. Tommy was a fixer and he fucking 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 it when he couldn’t help his friends. So when he saw how upset Phil was he knew he had to help, or at least fucking try.
The thing was he 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 Phil. He knew the mans favorite color, food, and even his music taste. And still that didn’t seem enough to help him figure out how cheer him up. Phil was one the people he was closest too, obviously Wilbur was another one, so this 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 have been easy. Tommy groaned as he messed up his hair. This was so fucking hard.
When Wilbur was upset he appreciated Tommy’s gift and note 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘺 according to Wilbur. Tommy’s love language was gift giving but what he could he possibly give Philza fucking Minecraft? The man was essentially rich so he could buy himself anything. As Tommy struggled to think he made his way to the room where they kept his piano. Playing usually helped him think.
Tommy sat down and ran through his scales absentmindedly. Pressing the piano tiles mechanically while he struggled to come up with an idea. By the time he finished his fourth scale he stood up and began to pace. When he stood up though he pushed the stool back causing it to hit the bookcase, knocking over some papers. Tommy huffed while rolling his eyes in annoyance before making his way to pick them up.
As he started to pick them up he froze. It was a well known fact that Tommy could play the piano. Everyone knew it though very few of his friends have seen him play. Still ever since he was little Tommy had gotten into the habit of writing a piece for everyone that was important in his life. As Tommy flipped through them he laughed.
Wilbur was a joyful comforting melody, with sad somber undertones. Dream’s was a dramatic ballad with upbeat parts. Tubbo’s was a mix of soft and chaotic. Here was where Tommy paused as he pulled out the next sheet, Phil’s sheet. It was a strong powerful piece that gradually got softer and softer as he played. Tommy stared at the title he gave the piece with a smile.
“The great crow protector” was written in his chicken scratch. As Tommy thumbed his writing he titled his head. Phil was a 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 sentimental man. He appreciated everything that everyone did for him. So if Tommy wanted to let the man know how he was there for him he has to show him.
Tommy didn’t necessarily 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 playing for people. He fucking loved it honestly! But after years of competitive tournaments he started to dislike performing for others. Tommy sighed as he bit his lip. This could technically work . He could hypothetically play this for Phil. But then what? What will that accomplish?
Tommy groaned as he stood up. Carefully he placed all the sheet music on the desk in the corner of the room expect for Phil’s. Tommy made his way to the piano and set up the sheet music. He inhaled softly before sitting up and playing. His fingers flew across the keys quickly. Tears filled his eyes as he felt the emotion in his music.
When the 3 minute piece was over he sat perfectly still with shaking hands and leaking eyes. ‘𝘠𝘦𝘴’ Tommy thought to himself ‘this could work.’ After getting ahold of himself Tommy grabbed the sheet music and brought it to his room.
Once there he sat on his bed while holding the paper. Just playing his piece 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 enough. Tommy ran his hand through his hair while biting his lip again. After a few seconds of having zero ideas Tommy flopped backwards on his bed. The moment he did he caught a glance of the matching shirts Wilbur got them in the corner of his eye. His lips involuntary quirked up at the “little brothers drool” shirt that was covered in their graffiti.
Tommy gave the shirt a considering look. With remarkable speed he dropped the paper and started to type on his phone. Now let it be said Tommy is very fucking creative. After a few minutes he was on the page he needed to be at. In the search bar online was the words ,”cursed mugs for dad.” Tommy scoured until he found the best one. And boy was it 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵.
It was a customizable mug that read ,”Dear dad , thanks for being my dad. If I had a different dad, I would punch him in the face and go find you. Love. _” Tommy cackled as started to customize the mug. After about twenty minutes of swearing at his phone he got it. With a smug grin he hit order.
Tommy swapped his phone to his non dominant hand as he scooped up his sheet music. He got up and placed it on his desk next to his PC. Tommy stared at his phone which had the tracker on it. He decided to ship the mug straight to Phil’s house. Nervously he ran his hands through his hair. The sound of an incoming discord call pulled him out of his thoughts.
Tommy rolled his eyes as he hit accept on the “Wilbur Soot is calling” notification.
Immediately a few seconds in Wilbur asked him ,” you look both smug and nervous -what did you do?,” with a 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬.
“I didn’t do anything,” Tommy huffed before looking away as Wilbur rolled his eyes,” 𝘺𝘦𝘵,” Tommy tacked on.
Wilbur dramatically groaned before questioning,”well what are you planning to do then,” with a raised eyebrow.
Tommy curled up quietly in his chair,”you’re going to think it’s stupid,” he sighed.
Wilbur softened up slightly,” I won’t be able to tell you if it’s stupid if you don’t tell me,” he pointed out.
Tommy bit his lip before slowly speaking,” well you know how Phil is not having a good time right now?,” he asked and when he saw Wilbur nod he continued,” well I ordered him a gift to cheer him up.”
Wilbur melted and smiled ,” toms that’s adorable and very kind of you,” before hesitating when he saw Tommy’s give him a look,” there’s more isn’t there?,” he prodded.
Tommy huffed and ran his hand through his hair,”I wanted to do something nice for him. Sort of like how I did for you ages ago,” Tommy said sincerely,”so I planned something but I don’t know if he’ll like it,” he barely managed to get out.
”you’re right you 𝘢𝘳𝘦 being stupid,” Wilbur said immediately and once he saw Tommy’s offended look he added ,” but not for the reasons you think.”
“What the fuck do you mean,”Tommy questioned with furrowed eyebrows and a lost look.
“Sunshine I don’t think it’s a secret that everyone on the smp practically adores you,” Wilbur began causing Tommy to blush slightly,” they all brag constantly whenever you send them gifts.”
After fighting his blush Tommy tried to deflect by saying ,” but that’s different,” he said while trying to explain,” this is for 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭.”
“Phil who practically considers you a son,” Wilbur pointed out causing Tommy to look away.
“You don’t know that,” Tommy sighed while while fidgeting.
“I 𝘥𝘰 know that actually,” Wilbur replied,” Phil practically bragged for days on end last time we all met up and you decided to take a nap while resting your head on his lap.”
Tommy’s cheeks tinged lightly,”and that matters because ?,” he challenged.
Wilbur rolled his eyes before sighing out,” Phil cares about you. Tommy you make every single one of us feel 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵,” Wilbur pressed and seeing the teen look at him he continued,” whatever you have planned for Phil is brilliant and I 100% support it.”
Tommy spluttered for a moment,”you don’t even know what I have planned,” he managed to choke out.
Wilbur shrugged,” your right I don’t know that ,” before he smiled while chuckling slightly,”but I do know 𝘺𝘰𝘶. And you have one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. Whatever you have planned is absolutely perfect since it’s coming from you.”
Tommy clicked his tongue as he subtlety sniffed ,”that’s fucking sappy.”
Wilbur snorted,” we’ve been over this bubs. You give me so many opportunities to be sappy,” causing Tommy to huff.
Both brothers sat in comfortable silence for a while before Wilbur broke it again.
“So when are you going to do your mystery plan?,” he asked curiously.
Tommy huffed while running a hand through his hair,”when my gift arrives I’m discord calling him. So in,” Tommy paused to check the tracker up on his phone,” four days.”
Wilbur nodded in understanding,” alright. Let me know if you need any help,” he offered and once Tommy nodded he added,” I’ll let you go then so you can hash out the details.”
“Bye wilbs,” Tommy said.
“Awwwe Tommy-,” Wilbur’s reply was cut off by Tommy hanging up.
After going over their conversation mentally Tommy decided to message Phil.
Gremlin child: I figured I should tell you I sent you a gift.
Gremlin child: when you get it can you discord call me?
Crow dad: thank you but?
Crow dad: why did you get me a gift?
Gremlin child: because I fucking can? Duh?
Crow dad: lol fair enough. Sure I’ll call you
Crow dad: thank you
Gremlin child: shut up you don’t even know what it is
Gremlin child: you’re welcome tho
Tommy smiled with amusement when he exited out of their conversation. With anxious energy he got up and circled the date the gift should arrive on his calendar. Tommy took a step back, took a deep breath, and nodded to himself before standing up straight. He fucking 𝘨𝘰𝘵 this shit in the bag. He can do this.
The days before the gift arriving were spent between streaming like normal, talking to Wilbur constantly and being reassured, practicing and stressing the fuck out. In no time at all Tommy got a message on discord.
Philza: hey I got your gift.
Philza: call?
Tommy shot Wilbur a quick message and received “good luck child” and a thumbs up. With quick steps he made his way to his piano room. After sitting down and arranging the sheet music he called Phil. The man answered in the second ring.
“Hey Tommy!,” Phil greeted while smiling.
“Hey Phil,” Tommy said with a smile.
“So how do you want to do this,” Phil asked with an amused look.
Tommy fidgeted before sitting up straight, fake it till you fucking make it,”you open the gift while I talk,” he replied with fake confidence.
Phil opened up the box and made a noise. Wordlessly he stared at the mug that read “Dear online dad , thanks for being my kinda dad. If I had a different internet dad, I would punch him in the face and go find you. Love ,your gremlin.” As Phil stared at the mug Tommy began to explain.
“I know you were upset over everything happening on Twitter and I wanted to do something to cheer you up. And I think it’s no secret that I -ya know look up to you and shit,” Tommy word vomited,” I care about you big man. You’re practically a third parent to me. Which brings me to the final part of your present.”
“There’s another part?,”Phil choked out.
Tommy nodded as he looked nervous before he took a deep breath and explained,” I write songs about all the important people in my life. Every one gets their own personalized piece. I never really performed one of these 𝘧𝘰𝘳 any one. So count yourself lucky,” he huffed a small laugh before continuing,” I just- I know I suck at words and I thought maybe this could do it for me,” he stuttered out as he placed his camera on the piano.
With a final anxious breath he started to finally 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺. After days of going over the notes he knew them like the back of his hand. His fingers glided across the keys. Dramatic powerful notes were softening into a calm and joyful melody. The song displayed messages of protection and love.
As Tommy hit the final note he sighed before saying quietly with a small smile,” I meant what I said earlier. I suck at words but I had to try to help. You’re amazing and you mean so much to me. I-,”here Tommy laughed briefly,” I love you and shit. Sorry if this isn’t ya know 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. I just- I had to try,” he trailed off.
The moment he looked up he froze. Phil had a hand over his mouth and was crying.
Tommy made a noise of panic before spluttering out,” no- no no no- oh my god I’m so fucking sorry -please don’t cry.”
Before he could keep apologizing Phil laughed wetly at him. As Tommy stared in confusion he watched Phil’s laughter trail off.
“𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶,” Phil earnestly said with shining light blue eyes,”seriously this means the absolute 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 to me.”
Tommy nervously asked ,” so you didn’t hate it??,” while looking through his bangs.
Phil laughed before saying fondly,” I absolutely loved it chick.”
Tommy absolutely fucking melted at the nickname that the man rarely used for him.
Once Phil completely finished chucking and wiping his face he smiled adoringly before explaining ,”no one has 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 done anything like this for me before. This was genuinely so thoughtful and kind. I’m touched that you think of me as a dad. I’m honored to think of you like a son.”
Tommy sighed in relief while slumping softly at his piano stool. After all this time he was still shit at heart to hearts. That wasn’t to say he didn’t want to fucking cry at the mans words. Because let’s be honest, Tommy totally did. After a few minutes of them composing themselves tommy broke it.
“So I take it you like the mug,” he asked with a smirk.
Phil let out his signature laugh,” are you kidding,” he said with a huge grin,” I’m gonna be using this constantly.”
Tommy messed up his hair while he replied honestly ,” I’m glad you liked it.”
Phil smiled at the boy he practically considered to be his son,”seriously thanks Toms.”
Tommy clicked his tongue as he looked away embarrassed”, it was nothing- don’t mention it,” he deflected causing Phil to snort.
After a few minutes Phil sighed out,” as much as I love talking to you isn’t it like - almost 12 at night for you? Aren’t you tired?,”with a raised eyebrow.
Tommy scoffed “, there’s no way it’s that-,” before he fell silent for a second as he read 11:40 PM,”okay you may have a point,” Tommy sheepishly admitted feeling the slight exhaustion creep into his bones.
Phil smiled at Tommy adoringly as he teen stretched,”I think you should head to bed. We can talk in the morning,” he offered.
Tommy rubbed his eyes with his fists causing Phil to loudly think to himself “how cute”.
Tommy nodded in defeat knowing that Phil wouldn’t drop this until he agreed,”sure thing dadza,” Tommy said not even comprehending what he was saying.
Before he could backtrack he watched as Phil laughed slightly at the nickname and smiled at him warmly,” thank you again Tommy. It means a lot to me.”
Tommy smiled softly before saying ,”I’m glad I managed to cheer you up. Talk to you tomorrow. Night Phil.”
“Talk to you tomorrow. Night chick,”Phil replied before hanging up.
Tommy wordlessly got up and made his way upstairs. Where he collapsed onto his bed and plugged in his phone. Mission fucking success he thought to himself. As he snuggled into his stuffed animals tiredly he suddenly remembered that Wilbur told him to call him and tell him how it went. After he finished groaning Tommy clumsily called his brother.
“Toms how did it - are you in bed?,” Wilbur’s voice which was loud and happy immediately softened.
“Yes I’m in bed but you told me to call you when it was over wilby,” Tommy said staring at the phone slightly sleepy.
Wilbur awed before replying,” you could have called me in the morning ya know?,” he pointed out gently.
Tommy whined slightly,”well yeah- but I would have forgotten everything by then.
Wilbur raised his hands up in fake surrender,” alright alright,” he said with a fond smile,”tell me how it went then go to bed.”
Tommy yawned before snuggling into his stuffed animals more,” I ordered Phil a funny dad mug and personalized it so it be funny,” he began as his eyes started to feel heavy.
“Uh huh,”Wilbur uttered while resting his head on his hand as he stared adoringly at his younger brother,” what happened next ,” he prompted.
“Phil stared at it for a bit before I gave a sappy speech,” pausing the teen yawned again before continuing ,” then I played him a piece I wrote for him. I wrote one for all you guys but it’s a secret so shhhh,” the teen clumsily tried to shh Wilbur.
Wilbur was absolutely screaming at how cute his brother was mentally as he softly said,” alright I got it- keep this a secret. What happened next,” he questioned.
Tommy’s eyes were fluttering but he was determined to finish,” I then gave him a another speech. And then he cried a bit which made me panic. Then he said he loved it and thanked me ,” the teen trailed off as he eyes closed.
“That’s great bubs,” Wilbur uttered softly ,”anything else?”
Tommy was practically asleep as he mumbled,” he called me chick again,” before he curled up tighter into his stuffed animals.
Wilbur silently took a few screenshots unable to resist the scene before he sighed out,” we’ll talk later today. goodnight sunshine.”
The teen was already fast asleep when he hung up.
In a couple of hours though his phone absolutely exploding woke him up. Notification upon notification making his phone have a seizure. Tommy rubbed his eyes before sitting up. After waking up a bit he opened his phone.
Phil tweeted the meme ‘ friendship ended with __ now __ is my best friend now’ but he edited it to say “friendship ended with Wilbur and techno now Tommy is my favorite son now.”
Tommy laughed to himself as he saw Wilbur fake complain and moaning the loss at how he’ll “never get to be the favorite” while technos response was just the words “heh????”. He minimized Twitter while his laughter died down. As he opened the dream smp discord chat up he froze before blushing.
Phil was positively 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 and lording over his new gifts from Tommy. Tommy’s cheeks were neon pink. Quickly he scrolled past like 60+ messages to get to the recent ones.
Philza: awe come on now Dream. Don’t pout because I’m Tommy’s favorite
Dream: shut up old man
Techno: oh come on now everyone knows I’m the favorite
Techno: but really tho where’s my mug @tommyinnit
Wilbur: yeah @tommyinnit where’s my mug??
Dream: @tomminnit
Tommy laughed slightly before replying.
TommyInnit: only my favorites get mugs
Which absolutely caused them to fucking explode. Tommy cackled while staring at the chat. God he loves his idiots.