Work Text:
There’s a lot that Phil adores about these kids that he watches over. The care and genuine affection that his sons hold for their friends, the way Tubbo and Ranboo both tend to just let the other ramble on for hours about the most random topics, and the way each of them show their affections for each other. But they have truly lived lives of such hardship that makes Phil’s heart ache.
Not to discredit the lives of those who aren’t as fortunate as his ragtag group of kids, but still. No kid should live such a lonely life such as Dream or Quackity. Or the neglectful and abusive households that Ant and Callahan live in. It breaks his heart when he sees the vacant stares on Callahan after spending an extensive time with his father, or when Ant just sits with Red’s hand tightly clasped in his own, fighting back tears or face deep in Bad’s sweater longing for the closeness of his friends.
He’s not a poet or a writer, though he’s dabbled a little. The most he’s come to writing is when he read bedtime stories to his boys when they were younger. But as he sat with his not-legally-recognized-as-adoptive sons and daughters, he began putting together a story.
They are seated around a bonfire in the midst of a semi-cool June night. Graduation had just happened and this was the one night when everyone was together before the first rush of college packing occurred. Both Techno and Dream are going away for college, while Wilbur starts at the Southwood Community College for his associates before breaking away to college elsewhere. There would still be time for some summer shenanigans to happen but for now it’s a time of merriment and stories. There’s a small lull in the conversation though, when Phil clears his throat.
“I actually want to impart some wisdom. To our seniors before they leave. It’s an homage to your growth, and to your stories that brought you all here. It’s a little thing I call superheroes.” Phil said, a bittersweet smile on his face. Taking a deep breath, he began. He closed his eyes, before he focused on Puffy.
“All the life she has seen, all the meaner side of things. They took away the prophet's dream, for a profit on the street. Now she's stronger than you know, a heart of steel starts to grow.” He said, referencing her mother’s life. The way her mom’s addiction forced Puffy to grow up super young, before she was moved to Southwood with her aunt. He smiled softly, when he noticed the glistening of her eyes. He then moved his gaze to Callahan, wrapped in his signature reindeer hoodie.
“All his life he's been told, he'll be nothing when he's old. All the kicks and all the blows. He won't ever let it show. 'Cause he's stronger than you know, a heart of steel starts to grow.” He saw a tentative smile break out and a signed message that Phil could barely decipher of “Thank you dad, I love you a lot.” that sent a surge of warmth through his heart. Signing a small I-L-Y with his hand, he continued.
“When you've been fighting for it all your life and you've been struggling to make things right. That's how a superhero learns to fly. Every day, every hour, turn the pain into power! When you've been fighting for it all your life and you've been working every day and night. That's how a superhero learns to fly. Every day, every hour, turn the pain into power!” He said, glancing between the different kids. Looking towards the youngest ones, he began the next stanza of lines.
“All the hurt, all the lies. All the tears that they cry. When the moment is just right, you see fire in their eyes. 'Cause he's stronger than you know, a heart of steel starts to grow. Every day, every hour turn the pain into power!” Taking a quick breath, Phil addresses Niki next, before switching to Quackity with a chant-like section to the weird, beat-style poetry he’s been reciting.
“She's got lions in her heart, a fire in her soul. He's got a beast in his belly that's so hard to control. 'Cause they've taken too much hits, taking blow by blow. Now light a match, stand back, watch them explode!” he grins as Wilbur brought his guitar up to start a small melody underneath his words.
“She's got lions in her heart, a fire in her soul. He's got a beast in his belly that's so hard to control. 'Cause they've taken too much hits, taking blow by blow, now light a match, stand back, watch them explode.” he said, addressing the second part to Alyssa and George respectively. Wilbur’s guitar strumms pick up in pace before he jumps back into a semi-kind of chorus with the story turned poem, turned song.
“When you've been fighting for it all your life, you've been struggling to make things right! That's how a superhero learns to fly! Every day, every hour, turn the pain into power.” He sings along, before allowing the chorus to repeat until it fizzles into a quiet silence. With the last of the guitar fading out, Phil clears his throat before launching into his lesson.
“You’ve all given, and done and dealt with so much struggle, strife and pain in your short lives. I know you all are fortunate to have the opportunities what you’ve been given, but that doesn’t discredit the struggles you face. You’re brave, smart and amazing kids. I’m glad to have you guys in my life, and hopefully watch you all grow into the amazing adults you’ll become. If you all need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out because I love you all. You are all superheroes to those who you impact. Have fun, be safe and just know that you’ll always have a place within my home. Okay, have fun kids.” Phil said, settling back.
There is a crowd of misty-eyed teens in his wake and they all pile into a crushing hug each muttering their thanks and appreciation, or signing it in Callahan’s place. He laughs and pats as many heads as he can reach before shooing them off to the waters of the quarry as the sun begins to set. He sits back in his chair as they brush off the somber mood and splash in the shallows a bit before settling in for smores and more conversation. And if he gets several love-filled texts when they all head to their houses, then he sends them an equally love-filled one in return. And if on Father’s Day he receives multitudes of gifts then the tears of happiness he cries is between him and his pillow.