Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Ares, I love you big man, but I'm gonna need you to shut the fuck up for a sec, thanks." Tommy said to his roommate, Tubbo, through the earpiece Tubbo had made. 

"I was trying to tell you that there was a robbery on your left but since you wanna be a dickhead about it-" Tubbo started.

"Nononono I was just kidding ‘Res! Anyways I'm gonna go stop a robbery - bye!" Tommy said before taking off his earpiece and stuffing it in his pocket. He could distantly hear Tubbo's voice shouting at him, but he couldn't make out the words enough to pay attention. He knew when he got back to his apartment he’d get a very stern talking to from Tubbo and maybe Ranboo, one of his other roommates, but at this moment he was focused on one thing and one thing only- Crime. He swung down off the roof he was perched on and landed on his feet, right in the middle of a robbery. 

“‘Ello boys! Names Apollo and I’m here to-” Tommy started before he was rudely interrupted. 

“Oh, we know who you are. You’re that up n’ coming vigilante, aren’t you?” The taller robber said, in that sinister voice bad guys always seem to have.

“Aw you think I’m up and coming? Well I think I’ve already up and came!” Tommy grinned before kicking the taller robber. The shorter one tried sneaking up behind the blond, but Tommy was smarter and faster. He whirled around and grabbed his trusty baton. He hit it into the shorter’s head and wiped him out cold. The taller landed a kick to Tommy’s back, but Tommy hit him with the baton as well. 

“Apollo that was a shit comeback.” Tubbo said, loud enough that Tommy could hear him from his pocket where the earpiece resided.

“Shut up! I didn’t know what to say you- dickhead!” Tommy spluttered, putting the earpiece back on.

“‘Pollo be careful, rumors are SBI is patrolling around the district.” Purpled, his third roommate said. 

“In this district? What are some of the top five heroes doing here? That’s fuckin’ stupid.” Tommy asked, confused. 

“Apparently the heroes were getting complaints from poorer districts cuz they never patrol around here, so now here they are.” Purpled explained. Tommy hummed, indicating that he heard what Purpled said but didn’t know what to say next. Thankfully, Purpled took the hint. 

“I reckon I’m gonna go look for SBI then, maybe try to borrow some of their powers.” Tommy said. 

“You idiot! You’re gonna get arrested!” Tubbo’s voice cut in.

“It’ll be good for us though! I can just act like I’m getting kidnapped or something, shake their hands and act like I’m a huge fan, and then Boo can pick me up!” Tommy tried to reason with his roommate.

“Absolutely not. Don’t you have an interview tomorrow?” Ranboo asked.

“Jesus christ, fine! I’ll be home in a couple minutes, assholes.” Tommy rolled his eyes. 

“See you soon boss man.” He could hear Tubbo’s slight smile over the earpiece. He put the metallic object back in his pocket and turned it off, so that Tubbo or Ranboo wouldn’t be able to stop him. He knew Purpled would be on his side, as they were practically biological brothers (they’d both been experimented on in the same lab and they were the same age, so they said they were biological twins.) He heard footsteps behind him, breaking him out of his thoughts. 

“Nice work, kid. I can take it from here.” He turned around and- Was that Charmspeak? The Charmspeak? The second ranked hero, second only to Philza Minecraft? Tommy was ready to faint. 

“Uh, um, yes of course! Here, um, it was just a simple robbery-” Tommy stammered.

“Yeah, I can tell.” Charmspeak teased, “That’s not why I’m here though. Can I see your hero ID?” 

That’s where Tommy stopped. He didn’t have a hero ID. He wasn’t even a hero! 

“If I tell you something, will you promise not to hurt me? Or arrest me?” Tommy asked. Charmspeak looked interested. 

“Sure. I promise.” Charmspeak answered. Tommy stuck out his pinkie towards the brunette man. Charmspeak interlaced Tommy’s finger with his, and Tommy could feel the power running down Charmspeak’s arms and up Tommy’s. He smirked underneath his mask. 

“Okay.” He took a deep breath. “I’m a vigilante.” 

Charmspeak laughed. “That’s all you wanted to say? Well, I could tell that! You don’t exactly act like a hero.” 

“Hey, dickhead, I could be a hero if i wanted!” Tommy exclaimed. 

“Sure, sure.” Charmspeak chuckled.

“Are you- Are you gonna arrest me?” Tommy asked, tentatively. He didn’t know why he told the second ranked hero that he was a vigilante, knowing full well that heroes hated vigilantes, but he needed to find some way to get Charm’s powers. He supposed this way was as good as any.

“Nah. Pinkie promise, remember? Plus if I wanted to I would’ve a while ago. What’s your vigilante name?” Charm leaned back- when did they get on the roof of the building that had been robbed? He supposed Charm’s powers worked in weird ways.

“Apollo.” Tommy said, simply.

“Like the Greek god? That’s cool. My- The Blade is interested in Greek myths and shit.” Charmspeak caught himself right before he gave away a secret. 

“‘M not a kid by the way. You called me a kid earlier.” Tommy just remembered the way Charmspeak introduced himself to the scene. 

“Sure you’re not. Your voice sounds like you’re what, thirteen? fourteen maybe if you wanna push it.” Charmspeak teased.

“I’m not thirteen! I’m nineteen!” Tommy lied. Tommy didn’t know his exact age, but he knew he was around fifteen, sixteen-ish. Charmspeak didn’t have to know that though.

“Alright kid, keep lying to yourself.” Charm laughed.

“You, Charmspeak, are a massive dickhead.” Tommy glared.

“Call me Wilbur.” Wilbur didn’t know why he trusted this seemingly fourteen year old kid so much, but he felt a sense of calmness around him and felt almost obligated to tell the blond all his secrets. Almost like what people have told him being around him is like…. But no, this raccoon hybrid couldn’t have the same powers as him. 

“Ayup Wilbur.” Tommy smiled.

“Uh- Ayup Apollo.” Wilbur replied. Tommy hummed, content.

”Well, I’ve best be off! Nice meeting you, big man.” Tommy stood up.

“Wait, no- come back!” Wilbur commanded. 

“Sorry man, that won’t work on me.” Tommy grinned before diving off the building and running towards his apartment.

“Guys, you’ll never believe who I just met!” Tommy exclaimed, before taking in the sight of what was in front of him. 

“Hello, Tommy. Nice of you to join us.” Tubbo glared at the blond.

Shit. He was in trouble. Fuck.

Chapter Text

Tommy looked around in disbelief. 

“Purpled, are you joking or are you the dumbest motherfucker alive?” Tommy asked the boy.

“Toms! Be nice to Purpled.” Ranboo exclaimed. Tubbo yelled agreement from the kitchen.

“Why do you and Tubbo act like me and Tommy’s parents?” Purpled asked.

“Ranboo, honey, make sure the kids are nice to each other.” Tubbo joked, walking into the room with 4 sandwiches in his hands. 

“You’re all dumb motherfuckers actually.” Tommy said.

“Love you too, Toms.” Ranboo laughed.

“Jesus, you are really pushing that nickname today huh?” Tommy rolled his eyes. 

“Why’s Tommy in a bad mood?” Ranboo asked.

“He’s nervous. He has a job interview later at the Hero center and it pays a ton of money.” Tubbo explained, passing out the sandwiches to their respective owners. 

“Thank you for the sandwiches Mom.” Purpled laughed. Tommy let out a little giggle and Purpled looked up in triumph. Tubbo looked unimpressed. 

“Toms, you’re gonna do great today. They’d be dumbasses not to take you.” Ranboo tried to soothe the boys nerves.

“Boo! I didn’t take you as a swearer!” Tommy was back to his normal personality. He wasn’t really worried about the job, he was more worried about Wilbur recognizing him. Then he’d be fucked.

A sixteen year old interviewing for a job at the Hero Center was already scary,  but Tommy wasn’t just a sixteen year old. He was a vigilante. His powers allowed him to ‘borrow’ other people’s powers whenever he touched them. The other person would still have their power but Tommy would be able to use that power as well. Tommy had made it a challenge to get every top ten heroes power. He already had Dream’s, Sapnap’s, 404’s, Awesamdude’s, and now Charmspeak’s. He only had five more to go. He still needed Philza’s (Who was, in Tommy’s opinion, the greatest man to ever exist,) The Blade’s, Nihachu’s, Captain Puffy’s, and Foolish’s. He figured The Blade’s would be hardest to ‘borrow’ seeing as it was, well, The Blade.

“Toms? What are you thinking about big man?” Tubbo broke Tommy out of his thoughts.

“Sorry boss man, just thinking about- Heroes and shit.” Tommy let out a little laugh.

“Damn, you really are nervous.” Purpled laughed. Tommy punched him in the arm, laughing as well.

“I’m not as worried about the job than I am the heroes figuring us out. If anything I can use Wil- Charmspeak’s powers and make them give me the job.” Tommy admitted. Tubbo smiled softly.

“You care about us!” Tubbo exclaimed.

“I fucking hate all of you, actually. Die.” Tommy tried to hide his smile. Ranboo and Purpled grinned.

“Alright Toms. Remember your backstory you’re gonna tell to the heroes?” Ranboo asked. 

“My name is Tommy Innit, I’m 18 years old and I just got out of college. I want this job because it would be good for my future and I’ve always been interested in hero work, even though I don’t have any powers.” Tommy recited the script he’d memorized. 

“Good. And if they ask about your parents?” Purpled prompted.

“I live with three roommates who are slightly older than me.” Tommy had decided to keep that one relatively true, figuring that living with roommates wasn’t suspicious.

“Mhm. Last thing, what do you say if they ask you to say something about vigilantes?” Tubbo questioned.

“I believe that vigilantes are necessary, especially in poorer districts that heroes don’t patrol as much.” Tommy recited. It wasn’t a lie, the reason he became so serious about being a vigilante was because he wanted to protect his district. 

“Good! You got this Toms. They’d be dumb not to take you.” Ranboo offered support.

“Thanks Boo. I appreciate it, really.” Tommy smiled fondly. 

“Alright nerds, Tommy go get some sleep before your interview. Come downstairs when you wake up I’ll try to make a decent breakfast.” Purpled said. Everyone shared a look, knowing breakfast wouldn’t be more than a piece of bread for each and a shared apple if they were lucky. Ranboo kissed Tommy’s forehead on his way out of the room, Tubbo doing the same before leaving as well. Purpled just ruffled his hair. 

“Thanks Purp.” Tommy rolled his eyes before flopping down on the bed.

“Night Tom.” Purpled left the room and shut off the lights. Tommy let the sweet embrace of  sleep slip over him. 

Chapter Text

“You got this Toms! I love you, you’re gonna do great. Just remember the story.” Ranboo kissed the blonde boys forehead. 

“Thanks Boo. Love you too man.” Tommy tried to hide his grin. When Ranboo first moved into the apartment, Tommy hadn’t been too fond of the ender-hybrid, but now Tommy genuinely thought of Ranboo as a best friend, maybe even a brother. 

“Bye Tommy! Be safe, love you.” Tubbo yelled from the bathroom.

“Love you Tubso! Twitch, it’s just an interview.” Tommy mumbled the last part. Ranboo heard, of course, and laughed. 

“Sorry Toms, we’re just excited for you! This is a good opportunity.” Ranboo smiled. 

“Twitch, you and Tubbo really do act like parents. Welp, bye guys!” Tommy laughed. Ranboo fake-glared at the youngest. 

—

A painful train ride later, Tommy was standing in front of the Heroes center. He opened the door and winced slightly at the ding the door let out, notifying the man at the front desk that someone just walked in. 

“Ello, I’m here for the, uh-” Tommy started.

“SBI interview? Sure! I’m just gonna need you to sign this form out for me and then you’ll be all set.” The man said and handed Tommy a sheet. Tommy filled it out quickly and handed it back to the nice looking man.

“Great! I’m Ponk by the way, let me know if you ever need anything. Wi- Charmspeak will call you when you’re ready probably. Good luck!” The man- Ponk- said.

“Thank you, uh, Ponk. Appreciate it.” Tommy said and sat down on a chair nearby. 

“Tommy?” Tommy heard a voice say. Wilbur. 

“T-That’s me big man.” Tommy stood up, trying to pretend he hadn’t met the brunet before

“Ready for your interview?” Wilbur asked. Tommy nodded and Wilbur led Tommy up to the highest level of the Center. The elevator opened and Tommy let out a gasp. Philza Minecraft and The Blade were standing in front of him. 

“Hello! Tommy, is it?” Philza asked. Tommy nodded. “Great! How old are you, Tommy?” 

“I’m 18. 19 in a couple months.” It wasn’t really a lie- Tommy’s birthday was in a couple months. He just wasn’t turning 19.

“Great! Come sit over here, on the chair. Let’s interview.” 

Throughout the hour Tommy answered a lot of questions, from all three of the heroes. About 5 minutes before the end of the interview, Philza asked the question.

“What are your thoughts on vigilantes, Tommy?” 

Tommy took a deep breath. “I think they’re necessary, especially for poorer districts like my own that don’t get patrolled by heroes often. Their methods may not be the best, but they do protect districts that need protecting which I believe is a good thing.” 

Wilbur nodded. “What district are you from, Tommy?” 

“I’m from 27th. We have a lot of vigilantes around cuz I’ve never seen a hero there ever- sorry, that sounds rude but- uh,” Tommy stuttered.

“Don’t worry. I’ve been saying the same thing, and you’re totally right. I went to 26th last night, and there was an impressive vigilante there.” Wilbur said. Tommy knew that the impressive vigilante was him, but he couldn’t say that. 

“You did? You didn’t tell us that, mate.” Philza said. Wilbur looked sheepish. 

“Yeah- I- Uh- You know. I’ll tell you more later.” He said. Philza nodded and turned back to Tommy.

“Thank you for this Tommy. I’ll let you know if you get the job.” The winged man smiled.

“Thank you, Mr. Philza, Mr. Blade, and, uh, Charmspeak. Pleasure meeting all of you.” Tommy grinned and turned to walk away. 

“You’re hired.” Philza said, clearly not expecting the words to come out of his mouth judging by the expression on his face. Tommy turned around again. 

“What?” Tommy asked.

“You're hired.” Philza repeated. “You can start tomorrow.” 

Tommy grinned wider than he’d ever grinned before.

“Thank you! You won’t regret it, Mr. Philza!” Tommy exclaimed.

“Just Phil, mate. I’m excited to see you here tomorrow at 10.” 

“Tomorrow at 10.” Tommy confirmed.

As he went on the elevator downstairs, accompanied by Wilbur himself, he couldn’t stop himself from bouncing on his feet. 

“Do you know Apollo?” Wilbur asked. Tommy stopped. 

“The vigilante? Yeah, uh, he, he saved me from a robbery once. He’s cool as fuck, innit?” Tommy lied. Wilbur smiled and hummed as a response.

“You can call me Wilbur.” He said, a couple minutes later. 

“Look forward to seeing you tomorrow Wilbur. Have a good one!” Tommy said as the door opened and he skipped out of the elevator. 

“Hey, Tommy, congrats on the job!” Pink exclaimed. A 30 year old looking man gave Tommy a glare. Probably someone wanting the job himself.

“Thanks Ponk! See you tomorrow.” Tommy walked out and ran to the train station. He wanted to get home as soon as possible to see his family. 

Tommy couldn’t believe it. He had a good paying job, finally, and at the Heroes center! He would be interacting with people he’d looked up to for years. He was in shock. Yes he’d have to lie to the most powerful people in the world, but really that didn’t matter as much. He was so glad he got the job. Once he got off the train he ran towards his apartment and burst the doors open. 

“I got the job!- Oh.”

Chapter Text

“Fucking hell I left for two hours!” Tommy exclaimed, looking at the sight in front of him. His roommates, standing back to back, trying to fend off… kidnappers? robbers? Tommy didn’t really know. 

“Shut the fuck up and help, thanks!” Tubbo said. Tommy immediately jumped into action, using his pyro powers (borrowed from Sapnap) and grabbed onto the nearest attackers hand. The attacker- who Tommy recognized was blond, and his friend was brunet- recoiled in pain. 

“Leave my house and forget all of our faces and address. Walk yourselves to the hero center and turn yourselves in.” Tommy used his charmspeak abilities. The offending robbers immediately complied, which Tommy expected. 

“Are you guys ok?” Tommy asked.

“Tommy!” Tubbo exclaimed.

“Holy shit.” Purpled looked around in shock.

“Tommy are you alright?” Ranboo, of course, immediately checked on Tommy, like the mother-hen he was.

“I’m okay, Boo. How are you guys doing? How long ago did they show up?” Tommy asked.

“We’re okay. They showed up about ten minutes ago. Enough about that though, how was your interview?” Tubbo asked.

Tommy let out a laugh. “I did it. I got the job.” 

—

Tommy didn’t know how he’d went from fighting random robbers that broke into his house to cuddling with all his roommates with five-day-old cake sitting in front of them, but he wasn’t complaining one bit. 

“I’m so proud of you Toms.” Tubbo muttered into the boys hair. Tommy smiled.

“Thank you, Bo. L’ve you.” Tommy mumbled.

“You can sleep, big man. You deserve it.” Purpled smiles softly.

“Mk’y l’ve y’ guys.” Tommy fell asleep two minutes later. 

“He looks so calm.” Ranboo noted.

“For once.” Purpled snickered.

“Shh, don’t you dare wake him up.” Tubbo glared at the boys.

“He’s been a lot clingier lately.” Ranboo commented. Tubbo let out a hum of agreement.

“‘s cuz it’s almost his 8th year of being out of the big F.” Purpled said. The big F was what the boys called the facility Tommy and Purpled were trained and tested in. 

“Ah. That makes sense.” Tubbo started playing with the youngest blondes hair. Tommy leaned into Tubbo’s touch, making Tubbo grin. 

“Man, he deserves the world.” Ranboo cooed. 

What the boys didn’t know was that Tommy was, in fact, still awake, fully content with just listening to his best friends, his family, coo and doddle over him. He knew they’d never say any of this to his faces, and if they did he’d most likely laugh it off and pretend like he didn’t care. In reality, his roommates meant the world to him. 

“He really does.” Purpled agreed. 

“How do you think he’s gonna manage keeping his identity from the top heroes?” Ranboo asked.

“Like he always does. He’ll just wing it.” Tubbo answered. Purpled nodded in agreement.

“It’s always worked so far.” Purpled laughed. The conversation fell silent, and Tommy took a moment to wonder, how was he going to manage hiding a secret from people who are trained to figure out when people are lying? 

—

Tommy walked into the heroes center, his hands fidgeting against his pants. 

“Hey Tommy! Philza and The Blade are in a meeting in a different city, but Wilbur is here so he’ll give you a rundown of what your job is.” Ponk explained to Tommy. Tommy nodded and thanked the man before heading to the top floor.

“Ayup.” Tommy walked in.

“Hey Tommy.” Wilbur smiled at the blond.

“‘Sup.” 

“Uh, how do you feel about a tour today? I don’t normally have much work to do when Phil and Techno are out, so you probably won’t either.” Wilbur said.

“Techno?” Tommy questioned.

“Shit, uh, yeah, that’s Blade’s name. You can call him that, we talked about it, he won’t mind.” Wilbur ran his head through his brown hair. 

“Cool. Also I’d love a tour, and, um, are Phil and, uh, Techno, out often?” Tommy asked.

“Not that often, but they’re the ones who normally deal with meetings and stuff and there’s a good amount of hero meetings so. I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.” 

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Tommy grinned at the older man. Wilbur grinned as well. 

“No, it doesn’t. C’mon kid, let’s go on a tour. Who are we meeting first, the Dream Team or Puffy?” Wilbur asked.

“First, I’m not a kid! And Dream Team please.” Tommy protested. Just then it hit him that his was his chance to get his powers. 

“Alright, if you say so.” Wilbur laughed. Wilbur lead Tommy to the elevator and then pressed the button for the 69th floor. Tommy stifled a laugh at that, and Wilbur looked at him amused. The elevator moved quickly and soon let the duo off.

“Hey, dickheads, I’ve got someone for you to meet.” Wilbur called to the seemingly empty floor. Seconds later, all three of the the Dream Team was in front of them. 

“Uh, hi.” Tommy said, trying to conceal his awe and fear.

“Hello! You must be Tommy. Wilbur was talking about you. I’m Dream.” Dream introduced himself, not knowing him and the young boy had met many times before.

“I’m 404. You can call me George though, since you, uh, work here.” George introduced. Tommy had had no clue the mans name was George, but in some way it suited him.

“I’m Sapnap! You can call me Sap.” Sapnap said.

“You guys are way too comfortable sharing your names and nicknames.” Tommy blurted out, and quickly slammed his hand over his mouth. Luckily all the men in front of him laughed.

“I like you, I think we’re gonna be friends.” Sapnap grinned.

“Yeah man, if SBI ever annoys you too much just come down here.” Dream offered. 

“Thank you, I might have to take you up on that, especially if I have to be with Wilbur so much.” Tommy joked. Wilbur laughed.

“Yeah, alright Tommy, like you didn’t say you wouldn’t mind spending time with me just ten minutes ago!” Wilbur called Tommy out. The Dream Team howled with laughter.

“Wil! Stop! You’re embarrassing me in front of the Dream Team.” Tommy emphasized the Dream Team part. Wilbur seemed to glow, and Tommy couldn’t really understand why.

“You literally work for SBI!” Wilbur protested. 

The Dream Team looked at the bickering duo in amusement. 

“Are you sure you guys have never met before today?” George joked. Tommy froze at that. 

“Man, I wish.” Wilbur said fondly. Tommy didn’t understand how Wilbur was already so fond of him, but he wasn’t complaining. Wilbur was nice. Safe, even.

“Yeah, I wish.” Tommy agreed.

“Have you met Manifold yet? You have to meet him! You’d definitely like him.” George said. Tommy knew for a fact the ‘Manifold’ they were talking about was a vigilante, who went by Thunder. Him and Jack (Manifold’s real name) were fairly close, always covering for each other if they were to get caught.

“You guys are our first stop actually. I think we’ll head down to Manifold next.” Wilbur replied. 

“Good meeting you, Tommy. Remember, you’re welcome to come down and hang out with us whenever.” Dream smiled. 

“Thank you, good meeting you all as well!” Tommy said, and with that they were off to meet Manifold. 

“Oi! Manifold, come meet Tommy!” Wilbur shouted across the lobby.

“Toms?” Jack looked at the blond in disbelief.

“Heya Jack.” Tommy grinned. Jack wouldn’t rat out Tommy, and Tommy knew this.

“Oh, you two know each other?” Wilbur raised an eyebrow.

“Yup, me and Toms used to be co-workers.” Jack lied smoothly. 

“Really? What a coincidence, where did you guys work?” Wilbur questioned.

“The grocery store on 16th.” Tommy said. It wasn’t really a lie, Tommy used to work there, but Jack hadn’t. 

“Oh cool!” He said in that way that people say ‘cool!’ when they don’t know what to say.

“Good seeing you Jack.” Tommy grinned. Jack ruffled Tommy’s hair. 

“Bye kiddo. Say hi to your roommates for me.” Jack said.

“I will, I will.” Tommy slightly leaned into the touch. Wilbur wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“Let’s go grab lunch, Toms.” Wilbur said. Apparently Wilbur picked up the nickname from Jack.

“Sure, but, uh, I don’t have money.” Tommy looked down.

“Who said you had to pay? Don’t worry, I was planning on making sandwiches. That sound okay?” Wilbur asked.

“That sounds awesome big man. Thank you, Wil.”

”Of course, Toms.”

Chapter Text

“What do you like in your sandwiches?” Wilbur asked Tommy. Tommy, in all honestly, had no fucking clue what he liked in his sandwiches.

“Whatever’s easiest?” Tommy replied, not sure what to say.

“Ham and cheese alright then? That’s what I’m putting in mine. Also what do you want to drink? We’ve got, uh, Sprite, lemonade, water, orange juice-”

“Ham and cheese is fine. And Sprite please!” Tommy smiled softly. Wilbur ruffled his hair, noticing when Tommy leaned into the touch, cooing internally. 

“Sure, Toms. We can watch a movie while eating if you’d like, lunch break is an hour and a half.” Wilbur suggested.

“Can we watch Up? Or Moana, whatever works.” Tommy asked.

“We can watch whatever you want.” 

—

“What the fuck!” Tommy laughed, in shock at what was standing in front of him. Wilbur, also known as fucking Charmspeak, the number 2 hero, was standing in front of him wearing a bright neon orange apron, with the words ‘Sapnap Supremacy’ across the front.

“Listen! It was a gag gift, but it’s pretty comfortable.” Wilbur laughed along with the blond boy sitting on the couch.

“You’re making sandwiches not a five star meal!” Tommy teased.

“Shut up!” Wilbur turned around and walked to the kitchen, shoulders shaking with laughter. He turned around just in time to see Tommy smile fondly at the brunette.

—

“Just figure it out and put the movie on!” Wilbur rolled his eyes.

“Wil, I can’t just decide quickly which movie I want to watch I am so indecisive you are stupid and dumb and an idiot!” Tommy froze, realizing he’d just said that to the top hero. Wilbur stared at him for a moment before nearly falling off the couch because of how much he was laughing.

“Alright Toms, how’s Up sound?” Wilbur asked.

“Up sounds awesome. Now get back on the couch asshole.” Tommy smiled. Wilbur clambered back up onto the couch and put on the movie, not saying a word when he felt the weight of a certain teenage boy leaning onto his side. 

— 
Wilbur Soot thought Tommy was an enigma. He was calculating yet trusting, selfless yet selfish. Wilbur felt a sense of familiarity at the boy, only knowing him for less than two days yet wanting to know his thoughts, his feelings, his entire life story. Tommy wasn’t a suck up to the heroes, however he wasn’t rude either. He was a perfect medium and it was refreshing to Wilbur after dealing with countless terrified interns, and on the other hand dealing with stuck up interns. Tommy was the perfect assistant, but Wilbur wanted him to be a friend, family even. He knew that he was rushing it but this kid made him feel the same as Apollo, protective and trusting and gave him a warm feeling in his stomach. He wanted Tommy to trust him fully, and that scared him because he was Charmspeak, the number one hero. He couldn’t be fighting for this 18 year old boys attention, right?

—

Tommy thought Wilbur was strange, at the very least. Wilbur gave him food and let him watch a movie when he was supposed to do work, and let him meet other heroes. (he supposed that part didn’t appeal to him as much as it would any other kid, since he interacted with these heroes all the time, not always in a good way) Wilbur was nice to give him a sandwich though, and Tommy ate it quickly, only feeling slightly guilty at the fact that he would be eating more than his roommates while working this job. Wilbur gave off a feeling of trust, like Tommy could tell him everything. The thing that kept Tommy from completely trusting this man was the fact that he was Charmspeak and, although he didn’t the first time they met, could arrest Tommy in a heartbeat if he knew the blondes secret.

—

“I’m sorry that today probably wasn’t very interesting for you, it’s normally better but Techno and Phil had to leave last minute and I didn’t know what to do and-” Wilbur fell into a rant. 

“It’s alright mate! I had a great time, I got to meet people I’ve been wanting to meet for ages. This has been awesome, seriously.” Alright, maybe Tommy laid it a little thick, but it seemed to work judging by the grin on Wilbur’s face as he ruffled the blondes hair. Tommy’s phone rang, breaking up the moment. Tommy begrudgingly walked to see who was calling him, and almost did a double take at the Ranboo caller ID. Ranboo rarely called Tommy off his own phone, and mostly called him off of Tubbo’s phone. 

“Hey big man, everything okay?” Tommy asked.

“Y-yeah, are you okay?” Ranboo’s shaky voice answered from the other side of the phone.

“I’m fine, mate. I’m completely safe.” Tommy soothed the boy.

“Oh- Okay. Okay. Sorry. I love you, Toms, bye.” Tommy heard a thump from the other side, sounding suspiciously like the weight of a 17 year old boy flipping down on a mattress.

“Love you too.” Tommy said, then hang up.

“Who was that?” Wilbur asked, seeming casual.

“My roommate.” Tommy shrugged. Wilbur hummed in response. 

Tommy’s phone buzzed again.

Tubbo: can hear ur worreing from here boo is ok he jsut had a rouugh morning and wantid to make sure u were ok at ur new job!!! <33

Tommy: ok ty for teling me tell him i hope he feels better soon :)

Tubbo: will do be safe

Tommy just hearted the message from Tubbo and put the phone down, looking back up at Wilbur who had a fond look on his face, which was starting to look familiar to Tommy.

“Do you want to watch Moana now?” Wilbur suggested. Tommy nodded, excitedly.

“Yes please! Thank you Wil!” Tommy grinned. 

“Popcorn this time?” Wilbur asked.

“Of course man! If you want.” Tommy hurried to tack on at the end. Wilbur laughed a little before walking to the kitchen to begin the popcorn making process. Tommy looked around the living room once more, which was about the size of his and all his roommates rooms combined. Must be nice to be a hero and be so rich and happy, Tommy thought bitterly. It wasn’t his choice to become a vigilante, but it was the other option he had after- it. He couldn’t change the past, but sometimes he wished he had never even joined the world of vigilantes and heroes and villains, settling instead for a peaceful life with his roommates.

“Popcorn’s here!” Wilbur practically skipped into the living room, just barely making sure the popcorn buckets didn’t spill. This quickly drew Tommy out of his thoughts. This wasn’t the time to dwell on the past, it was time for him to make memories for the future.

Chapter Text

It was Tommy's second day of the job, and for some reason he was more worried than he was the day before. He figured today he'd have to actually meet and have long conversations with the Blade and Philza, which terrified him. He started his now daily routine of saying goodbye to his best friends, and then hopping on the train. He got off in front of the hero center and said good morning to Ponk before going on the elevator. He walked into the floor and immediately bumped into Wilbur and the Blade. 

"Morning Toms!" Wilbur ruffled his hair.

"Morning Wil! Morning, uh, the Blade." Tommy smiled. Wilbur laughed.

"We've talked about this Toms! You can just call him Techno." Wilbur said.

"Oh. Well, um, morning Techno." Tommy repeated.

"Morning Tommy." Techno nodded. Tommy smiled and walked towards the office with Tommy Innit on the plaque. When Wilbur showed it to him he was shocked. He distantly heard Techno going, 

“Really? Nicknames already?” 

He laughed. Yeah, nicknames already.

— 

Phil was a good boss but Twitch if he didn’t make Tommy do his actual job he didn’t know what he’d do. Phil seemed almost worried that Tommy would break if he had to even sign a paper. Tommy decided to go down to the Dream Team’s floor.

“Ayup mates, I’m bored.” Tommy walked in, seeing Sapnap and George sitting on the couch. 

“Hey Tom — can we call you Tom?” Sapnap asked. 

“Sure, do whatever.” Tommy shrugged and say down next to them. Dream walked in a couple minutes and burst into laughter.

“Already annoyed with Phil?” Dream asked between laughter. 

“The man refuses to give me any fucking work!” Tommy complained.

“That’s fine, we’re cooler!” Sapnap wrapped an arm around Tommy’s shoulders. 

“What are you guys watching?” Dream asked, not recognizing the show on the TV.

“Uh…” Sapnap looked at Tommy to explain, who then looked at George. George sighed.

“We’re watching Say Yes to the Dress.” George muttered. Dream sat down on the couch next to George and Tommy.

“Is it true that you two are dating?” Tommy asked, and then slammed his hand over his mouth. Sapnap and Dream laughed loudly while George put his face in his hands, stifling a laugh. 

“N-No we’re not dating.” George laughed. 

“I’m sorry man, that was rude of me.” Tommy laughed as well.

“You’re fine man!” Sapnap said, shaking Tommy back and forth. When he stopped, Tommy leaned into his shoulder.

“The fuck are you so warm for?” Tommy mumbled. Sapnap huffed fondly. 

“Fire powers, remember?” Sapnap ran a hand through the blonds hair. 

“Oh yeah. Makes sense.” Tommy said, and then promptly fell asleep.

— 

Tommy woke up to an argument. Not an argument really, it was more passive aggressive than anything, but the undertones were there. 

“He’s our fucking assistant!” Was that Wilbur?

“So? He can come down here if he wants.” George defended Tommy. Tommy decided that was his cue to groan and open his eyes. 

“‘orry S’p.” Tommy rubbed his eyes.

“You’re fine kiddo.” Sapnap said.

“‘M not a kid.” He said tiredly. Sapnap laughed.

“Keep telling yourself that kid! You look sixteen tops.” Dream joined in. Tommy froze for a second.

“I’m eighteen!” He tried to recall if that was the right age he was pretending to be. 

“Tommy, why did you come down here?” Wilbur asked, not unkindly. 

“I- I dunno mate. Just wanted to look around a bit more, found myself coming here, accidentally fell asleep on Sap’s shoulder.” Tommy shrugged. Wilbur huffed.

“Wanna go meet Niki Nihachu then?” Wilbur offered.

“Niki Nihachu? You mean just Nihachu?” Tommy questioned.

“Her real name is Niki.” George explained, “Can me and Sap go too? We have to ask Niki something anyway.” The man asked.

Wilbur seemed slightly upset at that, but he nodded. 

“C’mon Tom! She’s super sweet, and if we’re lucky we might get cookies!” Sapnap grabbed Tommy’s hand, dragging him to the elevator. Wilbur and George trailed behind. 

— 

“You must be Tommy! Wil was talking about you.” Nihachu smiled. 

“Hello Miss Nihachu.” Tommy was in shock. He’d only seen Nihachu once, and he’d had to run from the scene as she arrived to not get arrested. 

“He’s more shocked meeting you than he was with us!” George laughed.

“Nihachu is so much cooler than you guys, holy shit.” Tommy said.

“Thank you Tommy! Here, have a cookie. I have a little bakery I work in part time. It’s the one in the cafeteria, so stop by whenever!” Nihachu offered. Tommy put his hand out to accept the cookie and felt the familiar rush of power flow up his arm.

“Thank you Miss Nihachu!” Tommy grinned. She didn’t even know what he was thanking her for.

“Just call me Niki, please.” Niki laughed.

“Sure, sorry Miss Niki.” Tommy felt giddy. He loved this job. Wilbur stifled a laugh behind him. He felt Wilbur’s hand find it’s way onto his shoulder.

“How’s Wil been treating you?” Niki asked. 

“Good, good, but Phil seems scared to give me work.” Tommy joked. Niki laughed. 

“Not surprised, he really does act like a dad.” Niki shrugged. 

“I guess. I wouldn’t know.” Tommy whispered the last part under his breath. He hoped no one heard.

— 

Wilbur was confused. What did Tommy mean when he said he wouldn’t know? Did he not have a dad? He figured Tommy didn’t want him to hear it, but Wilbur had enhanced senses due to him being a cat hybrid. He could even hear what Techno was saying to Phil on the top floor, which was — something about Tommy? 

“Wilbur likes him, and so does the Dream Team, I’ve heard Manifold does too which is weird cuz Manifold doesn’t like any of the interns, he barely even likes us, but Wilbur said he was calling Tommy nicknames and everything… Anyways, I feel like he’s hiding something. Don’t you?” Wilbur couldn’t tell who was saying it, but it was most likely Techno. Techno was always on edge like that. Tommy seemed trustworthy enough, and really everyone kept at least one secret from everyone else. It wasn’t as bad as Techno was making it out to be, he hoped.

— 

Tommy loved patrolling. He loved feeling like he was actually helping his city, like he was giving back. The thing he hated, however, was the fact that fucking Charmspeak kept following him. He hated it. He knew Charm wouldn’t arrest him, that became clear after the third run in, but Twitch Tommy wanted one patrol without the man. Having him around was scary, at any moment the Blade could decide to look for Charm and see Tommy and just arrest him. So, Tommy being Tommy, he stayed next to Charm, laughing and joking around. Which maybe wasn’t the best idea, considering that because of Charm there were  what seemed like a million fans surrounding the building they were on. Twitch, Tommy really couldn’t have one normal patrol.

Chapter Text

Tommy was familiar with this. Facing the Dream Team, Tubbo on comms, Ranboo ready to teleport to him at any moment if anything goes wrong, and Purpled ready to step in and fight them with his enhanced abilities. He knew this, it was almost like routine every couple weeks. 

“‘Ello Dream! Hey Sapnap! 404!” He said calmly. 

“Hey Apollo.” Sapnap let a slight smile cross his face. 

“You guys wanna fight or?” Tommy asked. 

“We wanna talk.” Dream said. Tommy tilted his head to the side. 

“What about?” This was new. 

“You. Who are you working with?” 404 asked.

“What if I’m not working with anyone?” Tommy challenged.

“The earpiece in your ear says differently.” Dream replied.

“None of your concern who I work with.” Tommy glared at the man dressed in a (ugly)  green hoodie. 

“Alright man, sorry. What are your powers?” Sapnap asked.

“Why would I tell you guys anything? You guys are heroes!” Tommy exclaimed. 

“How old are you?” Dream asked. 

This went on for twenty minutes, the Dream Team asking questions and Tommy deflecting. 

“Last question,” Sapnap sighed. “If put in the situation, who would you save? Your friends, or the city?” 

Tommy stopped fidgeting for a second. He looked up at the pyro-abled man. “I don’t know.” The blond kid said, and promptly ran away. 

—

“Hey mates.” Tommy walked into his apartment. 

“Toms!” Tubbo ran up to Tommy, engulfing him in a hug.

“Uh, hello? Tubs? You alright?” Tommy asked, tentatively hugging back.

“Thank you for not giving us up.” Tommy felt Tubbo’s smile into Tommy’s shoulder. 

“I’d never.” Tommy said firmly. 

“I know.” Tubbo pulled away, “Now let’s watch something! The four of us, c’mon.” 

—

The four of them sat on the couch, watching WandaVision. Tommy sat squished between Ranboo and Tubbo, and Purpled sat on top of the couch, somehow without falling.

“I missed this.” Ranboo said, softly. Tommy let out a hum of agreement. 

“No matter what, let’s stick together.” Purpled said.

“Together forever.” Tubbo whispered. Tommy laughed.

“I love you guys. Thanks for being family- or whatever.” Tommy said, bashfully. 

“Love you too Toms.” Tubbo and Ranboo said in unison. Purpled just ruffled the boys hair. 

Tommy wouldn’t admit it, but he missed this as well. He rarely was able to relax with his best friends anymore, trying to juggle his vigilante job and his work. He wished he was able to do this all the time, without worrying about things in the back of his head. Maybe one day, they’d all live together in peace. One day.

—

Tommy loved and hated the commute to work. He loved the familiarity of it, the fact that it took 146 steps to get to the train station and 34 steps to get from where he got off the train to the hero center. He hated the smell of the train, and how his seat always smelt like shit  no matter where he seated. He loved the smile on someone’s face when he offered them his seat. He hated that he could hear different types of music blasting out of everyone’s headphones, while he was stuck listening to the creaks of the train. He hated leaving his brothers every morning. He loved stepping into the hero center and being greeted by Ponk. He loved working at the hero center, no matter how selfish he was being and how much he had to lie.

—

Wilbur was nice. He wasn’t just nice, but Tommy didn’t know how to explain the man. He had so many personality traits, some that didn’t seem like they could mix but somehow they did, and they mixed perfectly because they created Wilbur and Wilbur was… Well, Wilbur was Wilbur. He was generous, caring, and thoughtful, and even though Tommy knew the man could be ruthless on the field, he couldn’t help but enjoy talking to him and working with him. Wilbur was Wilbur, and Tommy was Tommy, and somehow it was enough. 

—

“Y’know, we’re like brothers.” Tommy joked one day, when Philza and Techno were in a meeting and it was just the two of them.

“Don’t say that Toms, I will cry.” Wilbur joked back. It was a running joke, Tommy saying they were brothers and Wilbur saying he’d cry. Tommy couldn’t remember how it started, but he didn’t want it to stop. He liked having Wilbur as a boss, or friend, or whatever the fuck they were.

—

He couldn’t stop thinking about what Sapnap said earlier, about the city or his friends. He’d lived in this city for all his life, never once wanting to move. But he’d known Tubbo all his life too, and he’d known Purpled and Ranboo for most his life. His city was all he knew, but his friends were as well. For others it might be an easy choice, whether the choice was their friends or their city, but to Tommy it was more than that. It was his job to protect the city, and his love for it was why he became a vigilante, but his love for his friends, his family, was why he didn’t quit. He couldn’t mindlessly say, ‘Oh I’d save the city’ or ‘I’d save my friends’ because it was so much more than that. 

—

“Toms! Come, let’s eat something. I made waffles.” Wilbur called the boy from the Blade’s office, where Tommy was trying to do some work for the piglin hybrid. Tommy ran down to the living room and threw himself on the couch. 

“Thanks for the waffles, Wil.” Tommy smiles at the man who handed him waffles and then sat down next to him. 

“No problem, Toms. Let me know if you want syrup.” Wilbur ruffled his hair. Tommy leaned into the touch.

—

Sapnap had asked Tommy whether he’d save his city or his friends, and Tommy had said he didn’t know. However, that was a lie. Sitting next to Wilbur, texting his roommate group chat, he thinks he knows exactly who he’d save. 

Chapter Text

idiots + tub

purp: hey pls rmbr to lock the door when u guys leave :)

tom: shut the fuck up

tub: GO AWAY!!!!!!!!

boo: no body asked dude

purp: IM JUST TRYING NOT TO GET ROBBED???? FUCK U GUYS!!!!

tom: DESERVED

boo: j don’t say dumb shit in the gc shrugs

purp: ???

tub: tom is the number 1 viglant in town we r fine

tom: am i actualy 

boo: obvisouly ur amazing

tom: never agreed w u more big man 

purp: thats my brother

tub: purp r u ill???

purp: y

boo: u never say shit like taht

purp: die

——

sbi + tommy

wil: dream in office todat 

tom: pog

wil: what the fuck is a pog

tom: ur not pog enough to know

wil: so pog is a good thing ??

tom: r u admitng ur bad

blade: *today *your *are *you *admiting *your

tom: get help. genuienly.

blade: *genuinely type better

tom: ??? IM DYSELEXIC BITCHASS

phil(za): you are??

wil: WHAT

blade: how would i know that

tom: do better

wil: GET HIS ASS

tom: shut up wilbur

wil: child. 

tom: FUCK UOU. IM SOING TO THE DREMA TEMAS DLOOR. DIE.

blade: *you *going *dream *teams *floor

——

the real dream team

tom: can i go to ur flor Plz

sap: yeha whatd techno and wilbur do now

tom: they’re being bitches 

gogs: we r watching say yes to the dress again hope u like

tom: that’s fine

dre: when are you coming

sap: pls come now :( <3 :( 

tom: haha sap u love me

sap: sure

——

private message to: wil

tom: oi

wil: hi gremlin

tom: IM NOT A FUKCING GREMLIN?????? 

wil: sure … sure …….

tom: is there any ice cream in the freezer :D

wil: let’s go out n get ice cream

tom: do i look like i have money. think ab it. 

wil: why wld i make you pay for my ice cream

tom: idk ur weird

wil: shut up get to the elevator

——

“Are you happy?” Purpled asked out of nowhere.

“Yeah. Yeah I’d say I am, why?” Tommy replied.

“I dunno. I just- It’s just- Ugh. I’m sorry.” Purpled flopped onto Tommy’s shoulder.

“For what?” Tommy asked, gently. 

“I wish I could do more for you. All of you; Tubbo and Boo too.” Purpled sighed. 

“You do the best you can. That’s all we can ask for. You’re our brother, Purp, no matter if you make a cent a year or a million. We love you.” Tommy smiled. 

“Thank you, Tom.” Purpled smiled back. 

“Of course, mate. I- I wanted to ask, do you know if-” Tommy started. 

“Yeah. It’s true.” Purpled sighed. 

“We’ll be okay.” Tommy ruffled a hand through his hair. 

“I hope so.” Purpled responded. 

“We will. I’ll make sure of it.” Tommy promised. 

——

“So you sing?” Tommy asked Wilbur. 

“Yeah, I sing.” Wilbur replied. 

“Do you write songs?” Tommy said, slowly reading over an old mission report. 

“Yeah, sometimes.” Wilbur ran a hand through Tommy’s hair.

“Sing something for me, you dickhead! I wanna hear.” Tommy grinned. 

“Not now, my voice hurts. One day.” Wilbur laughed.

“Oh you asshole, don’t wanna give away the talent, huh?” Tommy joked.

“No, no, I just- fuck you, child.” Wilbur flicked the back of his head. 

“I’m eighteen!” 

“You don’t sound it.” 

“Shut the fuck up. I could fucking punch you, asshole.” Tommy rolled his eyes.

“Sure, remember when you were scared of me, Phil, and Tech? Where did that go?” Wilbur snickered.

“Fucking— I wasn’t scared of you! Blade and the big Za, maybe, but you? Definitely not.” Tommy laughed. 

“Oi, you gremlin! Focus on the fucking report.” Wilbur pouted. 

“You act more like a child than me.” Tommy pointed out. 

“No the fuck I don’t! Just yesterday you were asking me to play fucking catch with you. You’re like a five year old in a eighteen year olds body!”

“Shut up! You act like you’re fifteen, oh mimimimimi I’m Wilbur and I am a bitch!” Tommy made his voice go high. 

“You’re probably fifteen!” Wilbur laughed. The funny thing, Tommy realized, was that Wilbur didn’t know how actually close he was. 

——

Tubbo was worried a lot. It wasn’t a foreign concept to him at all, not with Tommy and Purpled and Ranboo being his family. They all had powers that could be useful in the field, fighting. Tubbo could just program shit to do what he wanted. Faster than anyone else, really, but who cares? Who cares about that when Tommy could do whatever he fucking wanted, and Purpled had enhanced abilities, and Ranboo could teleport and had electro powers. Tubbo knew his power was useful, but how useful? All his power would allow him to do was sit idlely on the sidelines, almost rotting away. He wanted to do more, he wanted to patrol with Tommy next to him, not yelling at Tommy through an earpiece. He just wanted to help. That was, really, all he wanted. He could endure the no biological family, his dad being an alcoholic jerk in prison for being a villain, he could endure no food for weeks, which he luckily didn’t have to much anymore thanks to Tommy, but he couldn’t be useless. He wouldn’t allow that, ever. How could he, after all Tommy had given to him? 

——

Ranboo didn’t get worried. He got scared. They were different things, although sometimes Ranboo couldn’t even tell the difference. He wasn’t scared about not being enough. He was scared, terrified, of forgetting.  Of one day waking up and not remembering everything he’d been through with his roommates, of not even remembering their faces. That scared him. He didn’t worry about Tommy coming home, he knew he always would. He didn’t worry about Tubbo, Tubbo could handle himself perfectly fine and someone else trying to help him would most likely backfire. He didn’t even worry about Purpled, who disappeared randomly sometimes, because no matter what he knew his roommates wouldn’t leave him. But he was scared of himself leaving them. Of his mind just deciding it wanted out, even though Ranboo didn’t want that at all. He wanted to live with them together, happily. Maybe in one universe they were. 

——

–––––– 678: Is this Philza?

Philza: Who is this? 

–––––– 678: You know who I am.

Philza: Schlatt.

Chapter Text

“So, uh, what are your guys thoughts on vigilantes?” Tommy tried to ask casually over lunch.

“Don’t really mind ‘em. They save the people which is what we do too. Would be a little hypocritical to hate all of them.” Phil replied. 

“Yeah, I agree. Plus I used to be one.” Wilbur shrugged. This was big news to Tommy.

“No way! I didn’t know that big man, that’s so fucking cool! How’d you become a hero?” Tommy was shocked. From what he knew it was nearly impossible to become a hero after being a vigilante, but here Wilbur was as a top five hero.

“Phil and Dream fought for me. They really believed in me being able to become a good hero. I was kind of a shit vigilante honestly.” Wilbur smiled. Tommy nodded.

“That’s so cool.” Tommy said in awe. 

“Thanks, Toms.” 

“I don’t really like vigilantes. I wouldn’t arrest them or anything but- you know. Yeah.” Techno said. The response made the rooms atmosphere a little awkward, like no one knew what to say. 

“Yeah… Sure.” Tommy replied, busying himself with making another sandwich for himself. “Oi Wilby- I mean Wilbur, what do you wanna drink.” 

“Ha! You called me Wilby! Aw, don’t be embarrassed Toms, it’s cute.” Wilbur cooed. Tommy could feel his face heating up. 

“I am not fucking cute! Just- Just tell me what you want to drink.” 

“Okay, Okay. I’ll have… an orange juice?” Wilbur grinned. Tommy rolled his eyes.

“One coffee coming right up, dickhead.” Tommy grabbed orange juice for himself. Phil looked at the conversation fondly. 

“Are you guys sure you’re not brothers or some shit? ‘Cause damn.” Phil teased.

“Huh- I- brothers? Don’t say that, Wilbur will cry.” Tommy laughed. Wilbur walked over to Tommy and ruffled his hair. 

“Little baby brother Tommy!” Wilbur taunted the blond. 

“Shut up! Stop mocking me bitch! I am Tommy Innit I am the biggest man you are a big bitch.” Tommy rolled his eyes again. 

“Sure kiddo.” Wilbur laughed. 

“What is it with people calling me kiddo! I’m eighteen!” Tommy exclaimed.

“You look fourteen kiddo.” Techno teased.

“Shut the fuck up!” 

“Remember when you called me Mr. Philza? What happened to that?” Phil joked.

“I’ve never called you Mr. Philza. That never happened.” Tommy looked away. 

“Tommy Innit! Are you gaslighting Mr. Philza?” Wilbur gasped. 

“Yes! I am a master gaslighter.” Tommy grinned. Manifold walked in just then. 

“You’re a what?” The man asked.

“Haha heyy, uh, Manifold! I didn’t say anything, what?” Tommy laughed nervously. Wilbur sat back down in his seat after Tommy handed him his coffee. 

“Sure, sure. Oi, your roommate told me to check on you.” Jack said. Tommy thanked Jack in his mind for not saying the name. 

“Well, I’m alright. SBI hasn’t killed me yet.” Tommy laughed. 

“Alright kid. I got invited to dinner with you, so I’ll see you later.” Jack ruffled his hair.

“See ya Manifold!” Tommy called as Jack walked away.

“Manifold knows your roommates?” Phil asked.

“Yup! We used to, uh, work together. Jack helped me a lot, so as a thank you I’d invite him to dinner. Now we’re all close, so they invite him to dinner now.” Tommy explained. The actual story was Jack helped Tommy when Tommy first became a vigilante, and now Jack was almost as much a part of the family as everyone else. 

“That’s nice.” Phil smiled. Tommy looked and saw that Wilbur had an odd glint in his eyes, but Tommy couldn’t quite tell what it was.

“Yeah, yeah it is.” 

—

Tommy was excited to patrol. He knew Wilbur was having a day off, so he would finally be able to go back to his old routine, without the older man. 

“Ayup Thunder, long time no see!” Tommy grinned.

“Ayup Apollo. Oi, how old did you tell SBI you were?” Jack asked.

“Said I was 18, why?” Tommy replied.

“Just asking. It’s a good job, innit?” Jack questioned.

“Yeah, yeah I like it.” Tommy smiled. 

“Alright kid, just remember that SBI are not your friends. I know you like them, and I get it, but you’re a vigilante first. You have to protect yourself, got it? I don’t wanna see you in the vault.” Jack said. 

“I know. You’re right, I should keep my guard up a bit more.” Tommy sighed. 

“I just- you know how heroes are. You- I like you kid. I like your roommates too. I don’t want the heroes hurting you. Not like they did to me.” Tommy knew this was hard for Jack to say, but he didn’t know what happened. He decided to push it a little. 

“What happened to you?” Tommy asked. Jack sighed.

“Wanna know why I wear these glasses all the time?” Jack was referring to his 3-d looking glasses. One side was blue and the other was red. 

“Sure?” Tommy didn’t know where this was going. 

“I was patrolling. I was kinda new to being a vigilante, it was maybe my fifth patrol? But, uh, I met Charmspeak on patrol. He- I was- God. It’s not like he really meant to do it, but, uh, he blinded me? I don’t really know how but he blinded me and then ran away or something. It- Ugh. These glasses help me see and shit.” Jack explained.

“I- I had no clue… I won’t let him hurt you again. I swear. You’re like my brother.” Tommy said. 

“It’s okay. I’m not mad anymore, but that’s why I work at the hero center. I’m gonna get all the info I need, and then the lives of all the vigilantes will be great!” Jack grinned.

“Yeah… yeah.” Tommy wasn’t sure what to feel.

“Will you help me?” Jack asked.

Helping Jack meant betraying Wilbur, the man who genuinely was like a brother to Tommy. On the other hand, Jack was like a brother to Tommy as well, and Tommy couldn’t not help the man who had done so much so much for him. Tommy also couldn’t risk losing the job that payed so well and provided for his roommates, but he had to stay true to his motto of helping people who needed and asked for it.

“I’ll help you.”

Chapter Text

Jack Thunder Manifold was outside of Tommy’s door when Tommy stepped out of his apartment in the morning. Jack never did this, saying that he didn’t want to be seen as too close to Tommy considering they worked with heroes. Tommy didn’t know why today was different, but he intended to find out.

“Why the pick up mate? You never do that.” Tommy prodded.

“J’st felt like it. Oi, listen, yesterday- I- that was a lot to put on a sixteen year old. I’m sorry. Do whatever you want, working with me or not. You need to do what’s best for yourself and your roommates. I don’t want you doing anything impulsive for my sake. Got it kid?” Jack said. Tommy was shocked. Jack rarely apologized sincerely, even rarer to him.

“I- Thank you Jack. It’s alright, I wouldn’t have made the decision if I wasn’t sure, but I appreciate the thought. Means a lot that you’re looking out for all four of us. Thanks.” Tommy smiled softly at the bald man. Jack huffed.

“Okay. You can quit or whatever at any time, I won’t be upset. I swear.” Jack smiled back, tentatively.

“I’ll keep that in mind. C’mon, let’s not be late.” 

Tommy and Jack went over the specifics of their ‘mission’ on the way to the hero center. Tommy would try to get information from SBI, and Jack would try to get it from other heroes. If neither worked, they’d have to go back to the drawing board.

“Thanks for walking me, big man. Cya.” Tommy waved at the man and walked to the elevator, where Wilbur was stationed in front of.

“Ayup Wil! Is it just us today?” Tommy grinned.

“Nope. Tech and Phil are upstairs. Oi, inspections are today so try to be good, alright?” Wilbur told him.

“Yeah… yeah I’ll try. Uh, I might head over to the Dream Teams floor then. Just- you know.” Tommy said.

“Okay.” Wilbur said softly.

The elevator ride was quiet, and slightly awkward. Tommy didn’t know what he should say. 

“Uh … how was your morning?” Tommy asked.

“It was fine. Bit stressful, if I’m being honest. All worked out though.” Wilbur replied.

“That’s- that’s good.” The elevator chimed, signaling the ride was over. 

“Ayup Philza! Blade!” Tommy called. 

“Hey kid! Who are you?” A guy with horns Tommy didn’t recognize asked. 

“Oh? I reckon I should be asking you that.” Tommy pursed his lips.

“I’m Schlatt. I’m friends with Phil. You must be Tommy?” The man- Schlatt- said. Recognition flashed in Tommy’s mind. He was face to face with Tubbo’s father.

“That’s me man! It’s nice to meet you. Cool horns.” Tommy faked a smile. 

“Thanks. You a raccoon hybrid?” Schlatt asked.

“Part raccoon part moobloom.” Tommy answered. 

“Damn, your parents must have hated you.” Schlatt laughed. Tommy forced a laugh. 

“Yeah, shit combo.” Tommy looked at Wilbur, who thankfully took the hint.

“Well, we’ll be going, Schlatt.” Wilbur almost spat at the man.

“Aww so soon? Buzzkill. Fuck you Wilbur. Bye Tommy!” Schlatt laughed.

“Bye asshole.” Tommy muttered. 

“You don’t like him either?” Wilbur grinned. 

“Oh thank god I’m not the only one! He’s a prick!” Tommy laughed. 

“Agreed. Let’s try to stay away from him.”

“Yeah, seems smart.” Tommy pulled out his phone.

fuck u tommy

Tom: atup

Boo: ??? WORK??

Purp: what the fuck u sjust got to work? 

Tub: get ur ass back next to SBI i sware 

Tom: schkatt is Back in town just wanted to let u guys kno

Tub: talk more @ hoem. 

That didn’t turn out very well, in Tommy’s opinion, but Tubbo had to know. It was his father after all, and Tommy didn’t want to risk them randomly seeing each other in a supermarket. What was more confusing than the fact that Schlatt was back was the fact that Schlatt was at the hero center. Schlatt was a known villain, having almost defeated the heroes in a huge battle a couple years back (key word almost: Philza himself stopped the ram.) So it was surprising that Schlatt was there, not to mention Schlatt saying him and Phil were friends. 

“Schlatt and Phil aren’t actually friends,” Wilbur started, as if he read Tommy’s mind. “but they do talk from time to time, talking about boring stuff no one knows about.”

“Ah. Makes sense, I guess. Is Schlatt still a villain?” Tommy asked.

“I guess the word for him now would be vigilante? He still does crime, but I don’t know if he could be called a villain anymore.” Wilbur wrapped an arm around Tommy’s shoulder, and Tommy leaned in, taking in the comfort of Wilbur’s familiar warmth. 

“That’s cool I guess.” Tommy mumbled. He pulled out his phone again. 

Man-e-fold (Jack!!)

Tom: schlatt might be vigilant? idk could be worth looking into? 

Jack: holy shit Schlatt? let me look into. thank you Tommy :-)

Tom: ofc lemme kno what u find out.

Tommy couldn’t tell if the whole Schlatt thing would end up well or not, but he prayed Tubbo would stay safe.  

“Hey, Toms.” Wilbur knocked on the younger’s head, “What are you thinking?” 

“I don’t know, crazy morning honestly.” Tommy let out a weak laugh. 

“Tell me about it. I’ll make it up to you. Let’s get ice cream.” Wilbur offered.

“At ten in the morning?” Tommy pointed out.

“Yeah! Early dessert, c’mon. Ice cream time.” Wilbur grabbed Tommy’s hand to tug him along. Tommy allowed himself to get dragged, wishing he could stay in the moment forever.