Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tommy couldn't think, and he was struggling to breathe. Actually, he might be having a panic attack, but the great Tommyinnit is too big a man for that. The music was far too loud, the heat was blistering, there were too many bodies pressed together. Going to this party was turning out to be a bad idea. He just wanted to enjoy being a kid, for once. Really, he should have figured this was going to happen, but Tommy never plans ahead.

Wilbur was on a mission, he would not let anything stop him. He desperately needed information. The aforementioned information was hard to get. Anytime he tried, people were tight lipped and unwilling. He decided a party might work in his favor, with drugs, alcohol, loud music and carelessness, people tended to be more loose lipped, and he'd just struck gold. Besides, Wilbur was never one to turn down a party, even if it was strictly business.

Tommy was scared. He didn't want to admit it, but he couldn't find his way out of the sea of bodies pressed all around him. He was pushing and shoving people out of the way. He was desperately trying to get some air into his lungs, and failing. He vaguely registered that he ran into someone, but he was too light headed to apologize, opting to gasp in the stale humid air that did too little to appease his aching lungs instead. He was extremely grateful for the gentle hand on his back guiding him out of the sea of bodies.

Wilbur needed to leave. He got his precious information, and as tempting as it was to stay and drink, he had people looking for him. It was dangerous to stay stationary for too long. Setting his eyes on the nearest exit, he pursued his next goal; leaving. As he was dodging dancing bodies, someone collided head first into his chest. Glancing down at the culprit, a boy not much shorter than him, he quickly recognized the boy was having a panic attack. Seeing as he was already on his way out, he decided to guide the kid outside with a hand on the back. Once outside the party, he sat the poor boy down on the grass. He took a knee and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and guided the kids breathing until it became somewhat regular. Checking his watch out of habit, he realized he was behind schedule.

When Tommy was finally able to soothe his lungs with fresh air, he noticed the man who had helped him was still kneeling in front of him, sizing him up.

Wilbur sighed, he did not need to be dealing with this. "Are you okay, kid?"

"Who the fuck are you, dickhead."

Tommy was embarrassed. He was thankful for the man, but he did not want to show any more weakness in front of him.

"Well that was uncalled for."

"You're a prick, you know that?"

Wilbur was exasperated.

Wilbur is a prideful man. And he did not need to argue with a child, even if he wanted to.

"I'm Wilbur, nice to meet you." He deadpanned

Tommy was wary, but curious. Wilbur seemed nice enough, but one look at his expression and Tommy realized this man was running out of patience. Tommy's normally all for testing people's limits, but today has been eventful enough. Besides, he didn't fancy getting a punch to the face, not today at least.

"Stupid name, Wilbur is. Who named you, and why haven't you changed it?" Maybe Tommy would push a little patience.

Wilbur turned to leave. He was quickly running out of time. By now, someone dangerous would have noticed him at this party, and the quicker he was, the better.

"Oi! Dickhead! Where are you going?"

With a glance behind him, he was frustrated to see that this kid was following him like a lost puppy. He had to move quickly, and this kid was in his way. His patience wore out and he snapped.

"Fuck off, gremlin."

Tommy did not like being insulted. Gremlin was this man's insult? He didn't look like a gremlin, he looked like a well put together young man, at least Tommy thought so.

"I'm not a fucking gremlin you incompetent asshole!"

Without missing a beat, Wilbur spun on his heel and was facing him in an instant. He looked pissed, ready to punch.

"Woah woah woah big man, no need to get all aggressive now."

"Shut the fuck up. Actually, fuck off."

"Now that was quite rude, don't you think?"

"No, I don't think it was. Why the fuck are you following me?"

Wilbur was far beyond done with this Tommy kid. He was annoying, and was in a time crunch. Quickly, he decided to turn down a series of alleys to deter Tommy, and anyone else that was looking for him.

"Dunno, big man. Bored. You seem like you're on a mission, and I, the great Tommyinnit, am not one to turn down a mission."

"Is your mission to get yourself killed? Ever heard of stranger danger? Have you no self preservation? Piss off, kid."

"I'll have you know I have plenty of self preservation."

Tommy was enjoying this, after all, this is what he did best. Wilbur only seemed slightly murderous. And then a familiar hand grabbed his upper arm again, and was yanking him around a corner

"Hey! What the f-"

There were three sets of footsteps. That was not good, Wilbur decided. In order to not get caught he grabbed Tommy once again and ran. Once they were around a corner, he pulled Tommy into his chest and covered his mouth with his hand. Tommy no doubt would get them caught.

With Tommy's back pressed to his chest, he whispered "Shut the fuck up, you're going to get us killed."

Tommy quickly realized following Wilbur was a mistake. A very big mistake. He did not want to be killed, but he certainly didn't trust Wilbur.

And maybe Wilbur was exaggerating when he said killed, but it was very important for Tommy not to give up their position. He held Tommy still until the third pair of footsteps faded, and then a little longer just to be safe. He needed to get off the streets, and he needed to do it fast. He released his hold on Tommy, save for the grasp on his arm, and luckily, he knew there was a hotel nearby. Triple checking they weren't being followed, he ran to the hotel. Thank Prime Tommy kept up.

Tommy did not like this at all. This was all too suspicious, and he realized he was out of his depth. Wilbur seemed lanky, sure, but Tommy knew when to pick his battles, and this was one he wouldn't win. He was thankful when the painful grip on his arm released, only to be replaced with a hand on his shoulder. He didn't not like the arm across his back. Wilbur was shady, and dangerous, he concluded.

Wilbur wished he could've left Tommy in the alley, but he definitely would have given away Wilbur's position. Not to mention if whoever was following him saw Tommy with Wilbur, Tommy no doubt would have been in danger. Not that he cared, but he seemed like he had had a rough day already.

Wilbur was very thankful that Tommy had a backpack with him. It would be a lot more suspicious if they entered with no bags, asking for a room for the night.

As the pair walked into the lobby of the hotel, Wilbur tightened his grip on the boy's shoulder in warning.

"Can we get a room for tonight?"

The desk lady did not look amused by the disheveled pair.

"We only have rooms with one bed available right now."

"That's fine."

It was, Wilbur thought, they would only stay one night anyway. And then Wilbur could make sure Tommy got home safely. He felt bad that the kid got dragged into this, but in the end, it was Tommy's decision to follow Wilbur.

"Oi, I'm not fuckin sharing a bed with you, prick"

Wilbur cursed in his head, of course this kid would pull this shit. He's doing Tommy a favor! Annoying outburst, but not one he couldn't work with. Tightening his grip even more, and with an apologetic smile to the poor desk worker,

"Don't mind my brother, he is immature."

The desk lady did not care. She was not paid enough to care about the two 'brothers'.

"It's fine. I.D?"

With a smile he reached into his wallet and prayed to prime that he had his fake in there. He did.

"Of course."

She barely spared a glance at the thing.

"Eighty for the night."

He sighed, that was more than he expected, but thank prime, he had enough.

He got the key. His savior. Switching his death grip on Tommy's shoulder for a light hand on the kids back, he guided Tommy to the elevator.

Tommy was pissed, and rightfully so. His shoulder ached from the grip Wilbur had on it, and he really regretted his outburst in the lobby. He was scared, that's all this night seemed to be, scary. As soon as they were in the elevator, Wilbur sighed in relief, and Tommy wanted answers.

"What the fuck was that!?"

Wilbur was stressed. He was normally stressed, but this was a new level. Honestly he would not be surprised if he got grey hairs from tonight alone. With a sigh, he figured Tommy deserved at least a little explanation.

"We were being followed."

That was all Tommy needed to know, Wilbur did not want to give anymore information.

"By who?"

Goddamnit, of course the kid wouldn't leave it be.

"Someone dangerous."

He was not in the mood to explain his activities and involvements to Tommy.

"Aren't you dangerous?"

"You're damn right about that. Don't fucking test me."

"I could call the cops, this is kidnapping."

"You won't. And this is better than the alternative. Not for me, for you."

"Why won't I? What was the alternative?"

Wilbur was fed up with the questions. Opting to ignore the later question, he answered.

"Try it and see what happens. Spoiler, you won't fucking like it."

Tommy did not like that. That was a threat, he did not like being threatened. But at another glance at Wilbur, he noticed the man was frustrated, but nervous. Which was unsettling to say the least.

"What was the alternative, then?"

"Getting caught. Or, assuming you wouldn't give my position away, you totally would have, I'd have left you there with whoever was following me." Wilbur ran a hand through his hair, and continued "and it wouldn't have ended well for you."

"Why the fuck are you being followed?"

Figuring the kid wouldn't listen If he wasn't scared, Wilbur grabbed the front of his tattered shirt and grunted "Enough with the fucking questions."

Okay now that was threatening. Tommy certainly wasn't scared of this beanstalk. Well, maybe a little bit.

Wilbur sighed. He isn't used to guilt, this is more complicated than he ever intended.

Thankfully, they arrived at the 9th floor. As they walked the hallway, Wilbur opted for letting the boy walk on his own without Wilbur touching him. Maybe he should apologize.

"I'm sorry for scaring you. It's just, this is serious shit. You shouldn't have followed me."

"It's okay big man." it was not okay at all, "This has been a fun adventure, but I should really get back to, y'know, home n stuff. You know how it is, I'm sure."

Tommy was terrified. He was in a bad situation, with a stranger that has already threatened him multiple times, all because he decided to go to a stupid party that wasn't even fun. Luck was not on his side.

"I'm afraid you're stuck with me for the night, I can get you home in the morning, I promise, but right now there's people likely looking for you."

Tommy was nervous, Wilbur could tell. He really should just let the kid go, Tommy was not his responsibility. And realistically, whoever was following him probably didn't get a good look at Tommy. But the guilt crawled up his throat at the thought of Tommy getting hurt because of him. He groaned. This was a mess and now he's gotten a kid tangled into it.

Hesitantly, Tommy began "Right, dibs on the bed."

Wilbur felt bad for the kid, sure, but he was not giving up a bed for him. He paid money for that bed, he'd be damned if he gave it up.

"Absolutely not. You get the couch."

Tommy didn't really want to argue with the man. And as intimidating Wilbur was, he looked exhausted. He could probably use a good night's sleep, but he felt he had to challenge something.

"I get first shower, then."

Wilbur was grateful the kid didn't put up a fight.

"Sure. Don't use all the hot water."

Wilbur didn't actually care if he used all the hot water, he preferred cold showers anyway. He was glad the kid wasn't being too annoying now that they were safer than before. He really did feel bad for the kid.

With that, Tommy walked into the bathroom, backpack in hand.

Tommy carried his backpack everywhere. It had a change of clothes, a phone charger, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste. All the necessities. When he said home, he was lying. His home was long gone, and he'd taken to couch surfing until he turned eighteen. He was close, only half a year left. He had a job, and money saved up, he was gonna get an apartment, and become a businessman and rule the world.

The bathroom was nice, at least. When he looked in the mirror, he winced at the sight of himself. His hair was a mess, and his clothes were sweaty. A shower sounded so very appealing.

And he'd be damned if he didn't enjoy it. He fully intended on using all of the hot water, and taking his sweet time.

Wilbur had his head in his hands, sitting on the couch. What had he gotten into? A few simple mistakes and he was being hunted down. Information was his only leverage in this situation, and he had an underwhelming amount of it. He should have never gotten involved with Schlatt, and he certainly shouldn't have helped the kid having a panic attack at the party.

When Tommy came out of the bathroom, wearing a loose shirt and jeans, Wilbur winced. Surely Tommy wouldn't sleep in jeans. Upon further inspection, Wilbur noticed the bruise left on his arm. The guilty feeling came back.

"I'm sorry, about that." He loosely gestured at Tommy's arm, "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Tommy furrowed his brows. "Well you fucking did, prick."

Wilbur winced. He deserved that one.

"Next time don't follow strangers, yeah?" And with that, Wilbur went to the bathroom to shower.

Tommy took this opportunity to lay on the bed and ponder all of his life choices, more importantly, the choices that got him into this clusterfuck.

Tommy noticed that when Wilbur came back from the shower, he didn't seem upset by the lack of hot water. Maybe the hotel had a fast water heater, or whatever. The prick had the same shirt on, and thankfully, his jeans still on, ditching the trench coat and shoes. Tommy glanced at his phone, checking the time. Prime, it was 3:17 AM already.

He really should text tubbo. He knew tubbo would worry that he wasn't where they planned to meet after the party. He texted Tubbo an apology and that he would be back in the morning.

"How old are you?"

Wilbur broke the silence.

"Eighteen." Tommy lied.

"Okay, fifteen, got it."

"No, I'm fucking Eighteen you prick."

"Bullshit. How old are you?"

"Seventeen. And a half." Tommy conceded. Wilbur was not someone he wanted to mess with, especially after the day's events. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-Four."

"More like forty."

"Off my bed."

Tommy conceded once again, but not without an insult, in true Tommyinnit fashion.

"Your hair is stupid."

"Mhm."

"You're ugly."

"Thank you."

"Your glasses are hideous."

"Sure are."

"Your coat is atrocious."

"Uh huh."

Tommy gave up. He laid on the couch in defeat. And then a pillow hit his face.

"The fuck was that for?"

"Thought you'd appreciate a pillow."

"I'm keeping it, bitch."

"That's the idea."

He hated Wilbur, however, if he was telling the truth earlier, Wilbur might've just saved him.

Wilbur liked Tommy. He admitted it in silent defeat. The kid was entertaining, and fun to mess with.

So when he felt the bed dip in the middle of the night, he pretended to be asleep. The kid needed rest, it was an eventful night. Besides, the couch was uncomfortably stiff.

Chapter Text

Wilbur awoke with a start. His watch read 8:03. He was behind, again. Quickly, he flipped the covers off and got dressed, making sure he had everything.

The pain in his stomach reminded him he hadn't eaten anything in a while. He groaned, loudly. He was tired! He's spent the past two weeks on the run, but unable to leave the city of L'manburg. He really just wanted a day to relax, but he knew he wouldn't get one until this mess was all cleared up.

He spared a glance at Tommy's sleeping form and decided to wake him up with a pillow to the face. They were late, and he couldn't afford to let the kid sleep in more, even though he looked like he could use it. He had to get Tommy home, and then continue his day on the run from anyone that could be looking for him.

Tommy was rudely awoken by a pillow to the face.

He glared up at the culprit who was standing over him with an amused smirk on his face.

"Wakey wakey, dipshit." Wilbur sang, "eggs and bacon, or something. Time to get the fuck up."

Tommy groaned. He was too tired to deal with the stranger from last night. With a glance out the window, he noted that the sun had barely risen.

After slowly getting out of bed, much to Wilbur's annoyance, he checked his phone to three missed calls and ten unread messages from Tubbo.

Great, just what he needed.

From the couch, Wilbur shouted at him to hurry up, and he really didn't know what all the rush was about. Pocketing his phone to deal with later, he went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and take a morning piss.

When he opened the door to exit the bathroom, he was met with an inpatient looking Wilbur.

"We need to go."

"You're paranoid, big man."

"No, I just don't have a death wish. We need to go."

And with that, Tommy put on deodorant and a hoodie and was ready to go.

As they were walking out the door, Wilbur asked "Where do you live?"

Tommy hesitated.

"Not supposed to tell strangers your address. Stranger danger, and all that"

"Yes, kid -"

"Not a fucking kid"

"You're right, stranger danger. But last I checked, you don't climb into the bed with a supposed stranger."

When Wilbur noticed Tommy's smug smile, it was too late.

"Well when you put it like that-"

He was quick to cut the child off, "Don't you fucking dare, gremlin."

"I'm just saying!" Tommy laughed. It was loud and obnoxious, but Wilbur found that he didn't mind the sound.

"I ought to punt you into the sun."

"You wouldn't."

Wilbur let out a long, exasperated sigh and asked once again, "Where do you live?"

Tommy narrowed his eyes at the older man, "Why do you care?" He challenged.

"Forgive me for wanting to make sure you get home safely."

"Apology not accepted."

As they reached the lobby, Wilbur continued the conversation, albeit much more quietly.

"After last night, I would feel better knowing you made it home safely."

He checked his watch. 8:18. Time was not on his side. He needed to be on the other side of town by 9 am to lose any trail he might have made. He didn't have time for Tommy's argument.

As they walked outside, Wilbur quickly turned a corner, knowing Tommy would follow.

"I don't appreciate your concern, and I am perfectly capable of making it home myself."

Wilbur could tell he was fighting a losing battle. Deciding to just follow Tommy home himself, he conceded.

"Fine. You win."

Tommy took his victory in stride. He was good at winning arguments, he was Tommyinnit. Tommy checked the time on his phone. 8:19. He had a shift at 9, and he needed to get to Tubbo's to assure the older boy that he was not dead.

"See you around, gremlin." Wilbur stated.

Wilbur stuck to the alleys, and maintained distance between him and Tommy as he silently followed. Unknown to both boys, there was a third following. As soon as Tommy went inside the house, Wilbur ended his chase and started the trek across the city.

As soon as Tommy entered the threshold, he was greeted by an angry looking Tubbo pacing the living room. He sighed, he was in for a lecture.

"Where the fuck have you been?"

Oh he was mad mad. Maybe Tommy should have answered his texts.

"The party, I told you."

"It's fucking 9 am! The fuck you mean you've been at a party for nine hours?!"

"It was a crazy one, Tubso. Got hammered, passed out. Y'know how it is." He lied through his teeth.

"You don't fucking drink, Thomas. Don't give me that bullshit!"

Ouch, the full name. Tommy checked the time again. 8:45. The walk home was longer than he thought.

"I'm sorry to cut this conversation short, big man, but I gotta get to work."

Tubbo sighed. "This isn't fucking over, Tommy."

Regardless, Tubbo let Tommy grab his apron and hat, and gave him a ride to Niki's bakery.

"I'm sorry, Tubbo. Won't happen again, swear. Thank you for the ride, big man. See you after the shift."

"You better not. I was worried to death."

Tommy quickly got out of the car, but not before telling Tubbo he loved him, and Tubbo begrudgingly saying it back with a sigh. That kind of hurt, but he supposed he deserved it. He checked the time once more before his shift. 9:02 AM. He was late.

__

His stomach growled again. Needing to eat to live was proving itself to be rather inconvenient for Wilbur, he decided. He did pass by a bakery earlier, and a muffin sounded heavenly. Maybe a coffee as well, that would be nice.

Wilbur silently debated with himself for a few minutes. Fuck it, he thought, he was hungry and exhausted. Altering his makeshift route to loop back around to the bakery, he continued. Out of pure habit, he checked his watch. 9:37.

As soon as he entered the bakery, he was greeted by the sweet scent of baked goods and coffee. He sighed in great relief, sitting down in a booth in the back corner, and ran a hand through his hair. This was a stupid idea. Luck appeared to be on his side today though, because the bakery was devoid of customers.

When Tommy noticed he had a customer in the store, he groaned. He was enjoying hiding from Niki and playing on his phone. As soon as he saw who it was, however, his stomach dropped.

Of course it was Wilbur. Wherever Wilbur goes, trouble follows. With a poorly concealed sigh, he very professionally greeted the aforementioned man.

“Hello, bitch boy.”

Wilbur had a small smile, secretly thankful to see Tommy and not some stranger.

“Hello Gremlin.”

"Why are you here?"

"Hungry. Why else?"

"Did you fucking follow me here?"

"That's no way to talk to a paying customer. And no, I didn't follow you to the bakery."

Tommy didn't believe him. Not at all. Now that he thought about it, he had no way of contacting Wilbur. What if the man needed help? Tommy wasn't worried, but he found himself growing attached to the man. This wasn't good.

"What's your phone number?" He decided.

"I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to flirt with customers. I know I am quite handsome, really, but please, I'm not interested."

"That's not what I meant, idiot."

"I'll take a muffin and a coffee, please."

Tommy groaned and turned on his heel, grumbling about his raging hatred for Wilbur..

In all fairness, Wilbur would have liked for Tommy to have his number. Then the boy could call him if he ever got in trouble and Tommy seemed like the type to get into trouble often. He was worried for the boy, truly, but he couldn't afford to have attachments. He didn't have the time.

Walking into the back, Tommy called for Niki.

"Muffin and a coffee."

"What kind of muffin?"

Ah. Tommy didn't ask.

"Blueberry"

And with that, Tommy neglected his job and went back to Wilbur's booth.

Wilbur looked up from his head from his hands when he felt someone sit across from him. Of course.

"Don't you have a job to do?"

"No. Give me your number."

"Why?"

"Because."

"Why?"

Tommy conceded.

"What if you get hurt? Or in trouble?” That made him sound like he cared too much. Hastily he added, ”And you need the great Tommyinnit to rescue you?"

Wilbur cooed "Awww it little Tommy worried about me? How sweet!"

"No, dickhead. Your face is stupid."

Not his best insult, sure, but he was tired.

"Thank you. I appreciate it." Wilbur decided on giving the boy somewhat of an answer, "Anyway, I don't have a phone."

"Why?"

"Use that brain of yours, and figure it out. I can't afford to be found."

"What if I give you my number? Then you can call if you need me."

"Very considerate of you. I'd never use it." For extra measure he added, "Don't need help from a teenager."

Tommy looked offended, and the familiar feeling of guilt crawled up. This kid was going to be a hindrance, but for once, Wilbur took the risk.

"Fine. I'll go get a burner phone, yeah? And then I'll come back here and give you the number. How's that?"

Tommy relaxed.

"Yeah, yeah. Sounds good."

Tommy was then hit with a rag. Oh. Niki's mad. He was supposed to be working.

"Stop flirting with customers and sweep the back."

Wilbur laughed at Tommy's red face, and was pleased to see a kind woman place down his muffin and coffee.

"Thank you," a glance at her name tag, "Niki."

"Of course. Sorry about Tommy, he likes to talk."

"Oh I've noticed. He's a good kid."

"You know him?"

"You could say that."

Niki smiled, and left. Presumably to yell at Tommy some more.

Tommy didn't mind his job. Niki was really nice, and she was always light-hearted when it came to telling him off. Deciding to make conversation because the store was now empty, she asked how he met Wilbur. Tommy deftly remembered Wilbur saying people were looking for him, and decided that Niki was too nice to hunt anyone down. Still, he kept his answer vague.

"Had a wild night yesterday."

And Niki, being the saint she was, didn't push.

Wilbur hated everything about this. For one, he was planning on giving a kid his number, and he didn't have one for a reason. Secondly, he had to go into a store. With security cameras, and people, and far too many pairs of eyes in his opinion. However, he realized that he's been in his clothes for too long, and going into a store presented him with an opportunity. He decided to take one out of Tommy's book, and also grab a to-go bag of sorts.

With a sigh, he entered the store and purchased everything he came for. The total hurt his wallet more than him, but he had started to prepare for this whole mess a long time before he got too involved. Making his way back to the diner, he cursed himself for letting it get this far.

A while after Wilbur left the diner, Tommy was greeted by a nicely dressed man. Deciding to do his job for once, he asked him for his order.

"Actually, I'm here to ask you a few questions."

That wasn't good, Tommy thought. And as Niki came to stand beside him, he prayed she would follow his lead.

"Of course!" She smiled. It seemed luck was not on his side. It never had been, really.

"Have you seen a tall man with dark hair and a trench coat in here recently?"

Tommy cursed in his head. He could work with this.

Before Niki could answer, Tommy cut in, "No, I'm afraid we haven't."

Thank prime, Niki didn't say anything, but put her hand on his back, silently conveying the message of 'we will talk about this later'.

"Are you sure? He is my friend and he told me he'd meet me here, but it seems I was too late."

Oh, Tommy didn't like that answer. Even if he was just a friend of Wilbur's, he didn't want to take any risks.

Niki cut in this time, and Tommy held his breath.

"No, as my employee said, we haven't seen anyone of the like." She smiled, "business has been unusually slow today. Mostly just elderly people getting coffee after church." And for good measure, she added "We can't help you, I'm afraid. Unless you would like a coffee?"

The man, thankfully Tommy thought, declined and left the store. His relief was short-lived, however, as Niki turned to glare up at him.

"What the fuck was that?"

Oh, she's mad, again Tommy thought.

"I told you. It was a crazy night." Tommy was so screwed.

"First, you are all buddy buddy with a guy, which is fine until some government worker comes in and is looking for him! Tommy why the fuck are you covering for a criminal!?"

"Hey! He's not a crimin- wait, government worker? How could you tell?"

Niki's expression changed from angry to frustrated. "He held himself with an air of superiority. His hand rested too close to his belt; he was armed. Not to mention he was wearing a suit with Schlatt's insignia on the shoulder."

Dumbfounded, Tommy could only manage a weak "Oh."

Niki's glare returned, "What the fuck have you gotten yourself into?"

"Niki, genuinely, I have no fucking idea." He was telling the truth. The only thing he was sure of, is that he was worried about a stupid looking prick. He was in this mess with Wilbur, and there wasn't an easy way out.

Niki and Tommy both sighed in unison.

Giving up, Niki left his side with a warning, "Don't you fucking dare bring my business into whatever mess you're in."

When the bell above the door rang, alerting Tommy of a new customer, he wanted nothing more than to knock his head into a wall repeatedly. Even more so when he noted that it was Wilbur. Of course it was, just what he needed, he thought sarcastically.

"Hey Toms, did you miss me?" he smiled.

It was Tommy's turn to drag Wilbur. Quickly, he grabbed the man's wrist and all but yanked him into the back of the Bakery.

"The fuck was that for, you little shit?" Wilbur's face fell as he took in both Tommy's and Niki's glare. Oh, that wasn't ideal.

Niki was the first to answer, grabbing the front of his shirt and demanding, "Tell me why the fuck a government lackey waltzed in here and asked about your fucking whereabouts? Who the fuck are you, and why the hell are you bringing trouble into my Bakery?"

Oh that was very much not ideal at all. He opted not to answer right away, because he didn't know what to say.

Sparing a glance at Tommy, the boy looked more nervous than upset with him, and he felt a twang in his chest.

"Answer me." Niki did not seem to be relenting until she got some sort of answer.

He stammered out a pathetic, "I'm, I'm sorry? I just wanted something to eat, really, I promise." Another glance at Tommy. He dropped the angry facade and just looked concerned. He sent the boy a kind look in an attempt to reassure him. It didn't work. This didn't go unnoticed by Niki, unfortunately.

"I don't know what the fuck you two are hiding, but I want it out of my business. You have no place here."

"Of course, of course, I'm so sorry, I'll be right out of your hair, promise." And with that, he was released from the intimidating woman. He breathed in relief.

"Get. Out."

"Yes, yes, bye Toms. Bye Niki, I really am sorry." He slipped a piece of paper into the boy's shirt pocket and left the building through the backdoor. That was not good at all. He didn't think they were that hot on his tail, he definitely should have known.

He cursed himself for getting sloppy with his movements, and walked to the subway.

Tommy finished his shift in uncomfortable tension between himself and the Bakery owner. As he took his apron off, Niki stopped him.

"Look, Tommy, please be careful. As a friend, I'm worried about you. If you need anything," her expression turned into one of genuinity, "let me know. Anything, seriously. Stay safe, Tommy."

"Yeah, sure thing Niki. You know me, my middle name is safe." And with that, Niki let him leave.

Tommy envied Tubbo. As soon as Tubbo turned eighteen, he got a house by himself. And a car. Being son of Schlatt, the Mayor of L’manburg, had its perks, Tommy supposed. Once Tubbo found out about Tommy’s living arrangements, he pleaded for Tommy to move in with him. Tommy had declined because he didn't want the older boy’s pity. Tubbo was one of the first people to not look at him with disgust, and Tommy was the first person to see Tubbo as a friend and not as someone he could use for money. At a standstill, they compromised to leave whatever Tommy didn't carry with him at Tubbo's house, and made a promise to keep each other updated on their whereabouts.

Not wanting to bother Tubbo, he set off to the boy’s house. As he walked, he texted Tubbo he was on his way, and to not pick him up. Halfway through his journey, he found a small piece of paper in his shirt pocket, and was not surprised to see a phone number scrawled across it. On the back of the paper there was a barely legible message.

Call if you get into trouble.
        - Wilbur S.

He let out a sigh, and knocked on Tubbo’s front door. The older boy greeted Tommy with a glare.

“I'm still pissed about last night, big man.”

“Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry Tubso, won’t let it happen again.”

“I'm worried about you, Tommy. Do you blame me? You promised to keep me updated.”

“I did! I texted you I'd be back in the morning!”

Tommy appreciated the concern, he did, but he wasn't a child. He could take care of himself.

“And then you proceeded to ignore all of my texts and calls! What was I supposed to think?”

“That I was talking to some beautiful women, which I was, by the way.” That was a lie, Wilbur didn't count as beautiful nor a woman.

“We both know that’s bullshit, tommy.” Tubbo sighed. ”I'm sorry for getting all anal about it, but Dad’s been stressed out about some dangerous criminal. I was worried.”

Tommy was finally let through the opened door, and Tubbo went to continue making dinner.

“I know, big man. I'm sorry, I should’ve answered.”

“It's okay, please don't do it again.”

The two boys fell into routine. Tubbo making food for the both of them, and sitting down in front of the expensive tv, watching childish shows. After finishing his food, Tommy decided that he should text Wilbur, notifying him he got his message.

When Wilbur felt a buzz in his pocket, he deftly remembered that he had bought a phone. Pulling it out of his pocket, sitting in a dingy motel, he checked the small screen.

1 unread message.

Hoping Tommy hadn't already gotten into trouble, he opened it.

ur ugly and stupid

He didn't save the contact, but did not delete the message. Instead, he responded.

Thank you, Gremlin.

And from separate sides of the city, the pair both smiled.

Chapter Text

A long time before Wilbur and Tommy's world collided, Wilbur worked for the mayor. He had only gotten the job because of time and circumstance, and he had considered himself lucky. The job paid well, more than enough for his apartment. He and Schlatt got along fine enough, even joking around with one another, and he was never tasked with something he couldn't handle. Typically, he just made reports that were fabricated to portray good PR. However, as time passed, he started to pick up on strange word choices and suspicious coincidences. At the beginning, he just chalked it up to his lack of sleep causing paranoia. In the back of his mind, he knew something was up, subconsciously he started saving up his money in cash, stashing it in his tiny apartment.

Wilbur was naturally curious, a childish trait that never faded. So with time, he started to poke around and ask seemingly harmless questions. Everyone he asked was dismissive, offering him a coffee or telling him to get some more sleep. Eventually, he gathered up the courage to ask Schlatt himself, and that was his biggest mistake.

For lack of a better word, the mayor had been pissed. Wilbur had been seriously reprimanded with plenty of curses, harsh insults, and a threat to fire him. He walked out of the office with his tail between his legs, and his curiosity doubled.

He had taken up drinking, inviting co workers out to bars and subtly coaxing answers out with a round of shots. It took months to even have a vague idea of what might be going down, but his social life in the Mayor's office had beamed. He was charismatic, well liked, and respected. 

After two years of working under Schlatt, it took a turn for the worse.

What had started as drinking after hours with the mayor, ended in yelling and threats. Wilbur was smart, he knew he couldn't stay around anymore. Things had added up and he didn't like where the information pointed. He considered Schlatt his friend, and was disgusted with what he found out. He went home that night, grabbed his stash, burned his evidence, and left his apartment. He couldn't stay there anymore. He wasn't safe anywhere. He was on the run.

Schlatt had felt betrayed and angry. When Wilbur hadn't shown up to work the next day, he knew he had to follow up on his threats. When his apartment looked untouched, the mayor knew the man had run. Schlatt knew Wilbur was smart, and he made the mistake of letting him in too close. He barked out orders to find the man and to keep it out of the public eye. One wrong move and Wilbur could out him publicly. He was too clever for Schlatt's liking.

Wilbur knew one wrong move would tear his plan to pieces.

The game of cat and mouse began.

A month and a half later, Tommy and Wilbur's worlds had collided. Wilbur was desperate to keep Tommy out of it, and Tommy wanted to do the opposite. It was a recipe for disaster.

_______________________________

After Tommy and Wilbur had exchanged numbers, life had moved on. 

Wilbur was still on the run, taking to dim bars and loud parties, and collecting more information. He knew he had to bring Schlatt down, but he wanted to be prepared. He didn't know how to go about it, and he was running on borrowed time. 

Tommy was still showing up to work, and thankfully no suspicious men had come in with more questions. He had taken to spending more and more time at Tubbo's. He wasn't being clingy, he was just being cautious. Making sure to stay off the streets more than usual, and watching out for extra footsteps, just in case he had actually got mixed in with whatever Wilbur was involved in. Unknown to him, he already was in far too deep to climb out of. He was being followed, and being watched like a hawk. 

Schlatt was not pleased to see Wilbur's friend was staying with his son. He never liked Tommy in the first place. Tommy was a bad influence, not to mention he treated Tubbo like he wasn't the son of the mayor. When they were younger though, Tubbo had told him that was why they started to be friends, Tommy treated him like a person. Seeing how happy the scrawny kid made Tubbo, he never brought himself to force them apart. However, he made his disdain very clear.

So when he was advised to let Tommy take refuge in his son's house, he was understandably upset. He absolutely did not want a friend of that traitor anywhere near his son. However, he knew that if Tommy knew he was being watched, the kid would be gone out from under his nose.

_______________________________

Wilbur was running. He pushed too hard, a mistake he couldn't afford to have made, and now he was being chased. To make matters worse, his phone was ringing. Only one person had his number, and Tommy would only call if he was in trouble. Sure, Tommy would text him when he was bored, and Wilbur rarely answered. He only got the phone to help the kid, not entertain him. Wilbur would be lying if he didn't find the texts amusing though. So this was serious, and he was weaving between people desperately trying to lose whoever was on his tail. The phone stopped ringing, and Wilbur didn't know if he was more relieved or worried. Making a quick decision, he looped his path and went to the underground train. Looking around wildly, he caught the gaze of his pursuer. He cursed himself and tried to blend into the crowd until a train came. 

He glanced at his watch. 3:14. The three fifteen train was boarding.He had time. Not enough time for comfort, but enough to make it work. He weaved around people, glancing at the third hand on his watch. Fifteen seconds, twenty feet. He needed to time this perfectly. 

Ten seconds. He walked towards a bench.

Five seconds. Turned on his heel and booked it to the subway. 

Three, two, he brushed by the doors, one. The doors closed. Thank prime.

He wasn't safe, he knew that. They'd figure out where this train was heading, and cut him off at the exit.

He opened his phone.

1 missed call

1 unread message

Eagerly, he opened the message.

Child

Call me asap

.

Well that couldn't be good. Knowing he couldn’t call him on the train, he settled on texting him.

Are you safe?

Wilbur wasn't a religious man, but he prayed to Prime Tommy was just over reacting. His phone buzzed.

Child

For now, I think. Call me. It’s important.

That wasn’t very reassuring. Wilbur stood still in worry and anticipation, his escapade was far from over, and Tommy would have to wait until he could get away.

When the doors finally opened again, he was pleasantly surprised to see that no one was waiting for him there. He knew better than to think he was alone though, so he put on a façade of relief, and walked out of the station. As predicted there was a sleek car parked nearby. As soon as the door opened, Wilbur turned between buildings and walked to the nearest alley. Running would be suspicious, it was best to appear calm until he was spotted. Sure enough, a familiar voice came from behind him

“Hey!”

Jack Manifold. Of course it would be that idiot. No matter, Wilbur had longer legs and better endurance. He started to run.

“Wilbur! Stop running, man, I just want to talk.”

“Sorry, mate. No can do.” 

The gap was getting bigger. It was a Saturday evening, the bar would be crowded. He could lose Jack there. 

With a goal in mind, he moved with purpose. Aiming for the crowd, he sped up even more. He was so close, already having a few people around him, casting him strange glances, and then disaster struck. 

He tripped.

Jack caught up. Jack was a reasonable man, surely, he would understand.

“Hey, mate. Need a hand there?” Jack laughed. Of course Jack would laugh. This is it. He's lost two years worth of work, and who knows what schlatt was going to do to him. He was so screwed. 

Jack offered his hand, and Wilbur sneered. 

Manifold raised his hands in surrender.

“I was serious when I said I just want to talk, man.”

“Bullshit.” Wilbur pushed himself off the sidewalk, and glanced around. Nobody was paying attention. Good.

“Seriously, mate. Can we go somewhere more private?”

“No. Fuck off.” Wilbur turned and started to walk off.

Jack grabbed his wrist. 

“C’mon. I haven't spent all this  time chasing you in order to not talk. Trust me, won't you?”

Wilbur thought about Tommy’s texts, he didn't have time for this.

“I would rather die.” he ripped his hand from Jack's grasp.

“I want to help. Please, Wil.”

Now that caught Wilbur off guard. Jack noticed this, and continued, “Seriously. I did some snooping, and I trust you, Soot. Please, spare me five minutes, that's all I ask.”

Wilbur considered. He was worried about Tommy. He glanced at his watch. 3:37. 

“Look, Manifold, I don't have the time for this, and I don't trust you. Maybe another time, but not now.”

Jack seemed hopeful.

“Tomorrow, then?”

Wilbur laughed. He wasn’t stupid, he wasn’t going to give someone who worked under Schlatt a time and a place. That’s asking for a trap. Humoring Jack, “If you can find me, knock yourself out.”

“Okay.”

And with that, Wilbur left. He went back into an alley, and walked as far away from the crowd as possible. When he felt he was at a safe distance, he took out his phone and called Tommy.

He answered after the first ring.

“Wilbur?”

“Are you okay? Where are you? What happened?”

“I'm fine, Wil.” a beat, “I’m being watched.”

Oh that wasn’t ideal.

“Where are you?”

“I’m safe for now. At a friend's house. He’s out, don't worry.” He sighed, “But as I was walking back from work I noticed someone was following me.”

“What did you do?’

“Nothing. I’m not stupid. If I ran then they'd know I was onto them. There’s a car parked on the street across my house. I don't know what to do, Wilbur. Why are they watching me?”

Tommy sounded panicked. This was not good.

“Hey, breathe. It's fine, I have a plan, but I need you to be calm.”

“Be calm? I’m fucking being watched! I didn’t fucking do anything! Wilbur, what the fuck do I do?!”

“Tommy. I need you to trust me. Listen to me carefully.” He took a long breath, calming himself down, and hopefully causing Tommy to mimic him. “I need you to unlock the front door, and then I need you to sit down away from any windows. You need to calm down.” 

Tommy stayed silent.

Wilbur ran a hand through his hair. He never meant for Tommy to get involved. 

“Tell me, do you know where the revolutionary museum is?”

Tommy let out a shaky breath and responded, “Yeah, yes I do, why?”

“Good, that’s good, Toms. Is your bag packed?”

“Yeah.”

“You'll need it. Grab extra clothes. I don't know when you'll be able to go back.”

“Wil, why are they watching me? What did I do?”

Wilbur sighed. Tommy was not going to like the answer to that.

“They're watching you because you’re the closest lead to me. They saw us after the party, and they put two and two together at the bakery.” 

He felt so bad. Distantly, he wished he’d never seen Tommy at the party. Hindsight is twenty-twenty. 

“After I hang up, Toms, I need you to wait until I call you again. When I do, don’t answer.”

“Wha-

He cut him off.

“Don’t answer,” He repeated, “and destroy your phone. And then I need you to run to the forest behind the museum, don't look back, no matter what. Hide in the trees, if you can. I will find you there. It might be a while, but I will come get you.”

He was trying so hard to sound calm, neither of them could afford Tommy having a panic attack.

Tommy hesitated. “What if they see me when I leave?”

“They won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Trust me, please , Tommy.”

Tommy let out a long sigh, mulling over Wilbur’s words. 

“Okay. I’ll trust you.”

Wilbur let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

“Wait for the call. Bye Tommy, see you soon.”

Wilbur hung up and checked his watch. 4:03. Hopefully, he would arrive at the house he'd followed Tommy to the morning after the party by 4:50. Realistically, he was on the East side of town, and Tommy was on the North West side of town. He doubted he'd make it on time, but he'd be damned if he didn't try.

_______________________________

If there was anything Tommy hated more than Wilbur, it was waiting. After Wilbur hung up, he unlocked Tubbo’s front door, but stayed hidden from the windows. Tommy made a mental list of things he didn't want to do.

Get caught.

Leave Tubbo with no explanation.

Wait.

Put his blind trust onto Wilbur.

He could at least leave Tubbo a note in explanation. So that’s what he did. He prayed to prime that Tubbo wouldn't chase after him, he didn't deserve to get into this mess either. Tommy didn't even know what he was in. His stomach dropped with the realization that he had no idea who Wilbur even was. All he knew was that Wilbur was on the run from the city government.

With that thought, his breaths became shallow. No. He couldn't do this. He hadn’t done wrong. He couldn't do what Wilbur asked. He didn't know the man. A voice that sounded suspiciously like Wilbur's echoed in his head, counting out breathing patterns. He could do this. All he had to do was wait. He's TommyInnt, he can do anything. He's got this in the bag. He couldn't completely trust Wilbur, but if he continued with his normal life, the people watching him would eventually do something. He didn't want to find out what.

He was worried about Tubbo, but him being Schlatt's son, he strongly doubted any harm would come to the older boy.

Besides, even if it did, which is a horrible thought, Schlatt would tear the city apart. Tommy hated the prick, but the Mayor could protect his son.

Tommy sat on the familiar couch, and did what he was told to do. Wait.

When his phone finally rang, Tommy nearly jumped out of his skin. Quickly, he took the bat from by the front door, and smashed his phone to pieces. He then took the pieces and put them down the garbage disposal. Without sparing a glance at the front door, he grabbed his bag and booked it through Tubbo’s backyard garden. He ran until it felt like his legs were going to give out, and then he ran some more. The Museum was seven miles away, and he was cursing Wilbur for making the meeting location so far. He knew the further he was from Tubbo’s house and the Bakery, the better.

_______________________________

When Wilbur arrived in the alley near Tommy’s location, he took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself. He knew he was walking into a trap. They were watching Tommy, waiting for the boy to notice and call him for help. Schlatt was smart, and Wilbur cursed the man's name. If he didn't know Schlatt to be impatient, he would've left Tommy to continue his day to day routine. But Schlatt was smart, and if Wilbur made him wait too long, there was no doubt in wilburs mind that Schlatt would have taken Tommy and used the boy as leverage. 

Praying to Prime, Wilbur decided he had done enough stalling, and dialed Tommy’s number. Pocketing his phone, He ran straight into the house he'd seen Tommy walk in. He just barely got a glimpse of the backdoor swinging shut. Perfect. Moving on with his plan, He started to shout.

"Tommy!” 

Banking on Tommy being out of hearing range, he shouted again.

“Tommy! I got your message! Where the fuck are you?”

The front door opened. That was his que. 

He had just barely made it to the back door when he felt cold metal on the back of his head.

Oh.  

Slowly, he raised his hands up by his head and turned around.

He was very disappointed to see a familiar face holding a gun to his head.

This was not in his plan.

“Heyy, Techno. How’s it been?” He was stalling.

Realistically, he knew Techno wouldn't shoot him. To the press, he was a civilian, and that would not be good for Schlatt's PR, really. Actually, Schlatt could just say that Wilbur was a terrorist planning to assassinate him. Maybe Techno would shoot him. Everything he'd been working for over the past two years would be gone. This was not good.

For once, being unpredictable was not going to help him. It would get him killed.

“Hey Soot. Mind explaining why you're in the son of the mayor's house?”

Wilbur blanched. He didn't know that The mayor's son lived here.

With a gulp, he said “Oh, that’s who lives here. Was just looking for a place to sleep, food to eat. You know how it is.” he joked.

Techno was not amused.

Wilbur scanned the room. His eyes landed on a bat. Techno was fast, but he'd be damned if he wasn't quicker.

"Why shouldn’t I shoot you right now?”

“Toby wouldn’t appreciate a murder in his house, I bet.”

Techno remained unmoving. They were at a standstill, and Wilbur was a few seconds away from checkmate. 

Wilbur had a plan. It was a shit plan, in all honesty, but it was his only hope.

He turned his back on the enemy, slowly. 

He went down to his knees.

Guilt causes hesitation.

Techno kept the gun to his head, only now it was at the back instead of his forehead.

“Don’t want to look you in the eyes, as I die. Y’know how it is.”

Techno’s grip loosened. He hesitated. Perfect.

His hands in a surrendering position, it left Techno’s wrist near Wilbur’s hand.

Wilbur took the opportunity.

Ducking his head to the left, he grabbed Techno’s wrist and pulled it to the right. Standing up and twisting to face Techno’s direction, he pulled Techno’s wrist past his right side. He used his height advantage to stomp the gun from Techno’s hand and moved for the bat. 

Disoriented, Techno made a move towards his gun. Before he could reach it, he was met with a bat to the back of the head. 

“Checkmate.”

Chapter Text

Tommy was, for a lack of a better word, pissed. 

He was disappointed in himself for getting wrapped up in whatever this situation was, and he was pissed at Wilbur for making him run so far. He knew it was to ensure his safety, but godsdamn, he was tired. Tommy almost cried in relief when he saw the tree line, but he refrained. He had to keep up his big man reputation after all. Slowing to a walk once he was hidden from anyone's line of sight, he began his hunt for a good tree to climb.

______________________________

As soon as Wilbur was sure Techno was unconscious and not dead, he wasted no time in getting the hell out of dodge. He took care to take the most convoluted route to the museum as a precaution. 

The day had been more eventful then he would have preferred, and he really did not fancy getting into another chase. 

In all honesty, Wilbur hadn't expected his plan to work at all. There were too many chances and risks involved for his comfort. However, he was impressed with himself for pulling that off. Still, that sickening feeling of guilt had come back in full force. He had risked Tommy's well being and trust, and he'd left a mess in poor Tubbo's house. Sure Wilbur disliked Schlatt, but his son had been nothing but kind and witty. Along with the guilty feeling, he was a little relieved. Selfishly, he realized he didn't have to continue his run from the government alone anymore. It wasn't like Tommy could just go back to Tubbo anymore, he had silently admitted guilt by running away.

That thought brought conflicting feelings for Wilbur. Tommy trusted him, and Wilbur knew he had to lie to the boy. To protect them both. If he decided to tell Tommy everything, Tommy would not only be a liability, but also a danger to Wilbur's whole scheme.

Wilbur saw trees in the distance.

______________________________

When Tubbo arrived home, his stomach dropped at the sight of the expensive car in the driveway. He silently Tommy wasn't home whenever Schlatt had decided to drop in and check up on him. It was very unlike the mayor to make home visits to his son, normally just opting for a text or call. Tubbo usually went to Schlatt's office if they needed to see each other in person. It hadn't always been like that, they used to have a really close relationship, but with his father's disapproval of Tommy, their relationship faltered. 

With an uneasy stomach, Tubbo walked through his own front door.

Sitting on the boy's couch was his father. Avoiding eye contact, Tubbo's gaze surveyed his own living room, and was shocked at the state it was in. There was his intruder bat laying on the rug instead of by his front door, and scattered shards of glass from a broken window. He finally turned to his father with a demanding expression.

"What the fuck did you do here?"

Schlatt had the audacity to look pleased with himself, which only stoked the growing anger that Tubbo felt.

"Oh, Tubbo, I didn't do anything." Schlatt smirked and continued, "I warned you about that Tommy kid."

Tubbo was a typically patient person, but Schlatt always knew what buttons to press. Tubbo was, however, stubborn. And he was not going to give his father what he wanted, not when he didn't have an explanation.

"What does this have to do with him?"

Schlatt fucking laughed. "Remember that criminal I was telling you about? The one who used to work for me?"

Tubbo narrowed his eyes and nodded.

"Well, your little 'roommate' is friends with that fucker."

Tubbo was confused, Tommy and him told each other everything, surely he'd know if Tommy had made a new friend, regardless of who they were. Tubbo wasn't very judgmental, and was used to hiding things from his father.

"Bullshit."

Schlatt's made a face of mock sympathy "This must be hard to hear, my boy, but Tommy lied to you. He lied and ran off with that criminal."

Tubbo wasn't buying a second of it.

"If he ran off, then why the fuck is my house a mess?"

Schlatt's expression morphed into one of embarrassment. "About that. Wilbur, the criminal I'm talking about, was spotted with Tommy Saturday night last week. On Sunday, he was seen walking into the bakery Tommy worked at."

Tubbo raised his eyebrows, silently demanding more.

"We put two and two together, and assumed they were acquainted somehow. And with no lead on Wilbur’s whereabouts," Schlatt sighed, "we decided to keep an eye on Tommy, hoping Wilbur would have shown up at some point."

Tubbo took a deep breath, trying to remain at least a semblance of calm.

"So let me get this straight," he crossed his arms, "you were watching my friend, twenty four seven, because you thought he might be friends with an old coworker you didn't agree with?"

Schlatt looked offended, "he's not just an old coworker, Toby, he's -"

Tubbo cut him off. "Tubbo. It's Tubbo."

Schlatt sighed. "Tubbo." He amended.

"Wilbur is a criminal. He is plotting against my office, and he's dangerous because he has information he shouldn't."

Tubbo was growing more and more frustrated by the second.

"Cool. Why the fuck are you in my house, and why is it a mess?"

"Tommy noticed we were watching him. We were trying to go unnoticed, but it seems Tommy was paranoid enough to catch on."

Tubbo's brows furthered even more.

"So you fucking break into my house and scare him off? The fuck kind of plan is that?"

"No! No. That's not what happened, We didn't-"

Tubbo cut him off once again.

"It sure fucking looked like you did."

"We didn't . I wouldn't do that to you. We didn't know Tommy was on to us. He wasn't acting like he knew we were there. Instead, he called Wilbur for help."

Tubbo faltered at the thought of Tommy asking someone else for help instead of him. He was the Mayor's son, he could have resolved this peacefully had he known. 

Schlatt noticed his temporary break in character and continued, "We saw Wilbur run into the house, you should lock your doors by the way, and when one of my men followed, Tommy was nowhere to be seen. Wilbur distracted us."

"Fucking good, Tommy doesn't deserve to be watched because of some unofficial criminal you have a vendetta against. At least Tommy has someone to look out for him."

Schlatt didn't like that answer.

"And you didn't? You gave him a roof, you got him a job, you bought him food, you took care of him! And look where that got you! He left you. He trusted a criminal more than you!"

Tubbo gave up on remaining civil.

"You were the one fucking stalking him! He was probably scared out of his mind, and he thought Wilbur would know what to do more than I would in this situation! I don't fucking blame him.” Tubbo paused, considering his next words, “Actually, I'm glad he's found another person to look out for him. Someone he can trust, and I trust his judgement over yours."

Tubbo took in a breath and delivered the final blow.

"At the end of the day, you were always more of a politician than my fucking father."

Schlatt's expression remained stoic.

"Wilbur hit my worker over the head with a bat."

Tubbo looked at the bat still laying on the ground, and noticed a gun laying not far from it.

"He was threatened. There's a gun there, too. I would do the same if I thought it would save my life."

Schlatt weakly went to argue, he was losing this fight.

"Tubbo, Wil's a-"

And for the last time, Tubbo cut his father off. 

"Save it. Get the fuck out of my house."

Schlatt looked defeated. Really, that's what it was, Tubbo thought. Defeat and not hurt. Not remorse. In Tubbo's opinion, his dad had died the day he won office.

Tubbo slammed the door behind him. He walked to the kitchen to get something to soothe his aching throat. Passing the dining table, a piece of paper caught his eye. Picking it up, he turned it over, reading the messy scrawl.

I am safe. I'm sorry for leaving without a text. I will explain everything later I promise, just please trust me. 

Stay safe Tubso.

-Tommy S.

Tubbo found himself smiling at the fact Tommy had used Tubbo’s last initial. In every way other than biological, they were brothers. 

______________________________

Tommy’s back was cramping from the position he was in. The only thing keeping him sane was how hard he planned on kicking Wilbur in the crotch whenever he decided to show his stupid face.

When he finally landed eyes on the man in question, he promptly put his plan into action. Jumping down from the tree he was in, he kicked in between the man’s legs.

Doubled over from the blow, clutching his stomach and gasping, Wilbur stammered out, “What the fuck was that for?”

Tommy shrugged. 

Wilbur glared.

“I am never trusting you ever again. That was a shit plan.”

“It fuckin’ worked, didn’t it?”

Tommy shrugged once again.

“What now, big man?”

“Thought you didn't trust me?”

“I don’t.” He did.

Wilbur sighed. “You need to. That's the only way I can keep you safe.”

“I don't need you to keep me safe. I am a big man.”

Wilbur narrowed his eyes, “Sure. Now, we are on the run.”

Tommy rolled his eyes and in an act of thanks, he held his hand out to Wilbur. Wilbur took it and pulled himself up. When Wilbur dropped his hand, Tommy found himself missing the way Tubbo’s hand fit into his when they watched scary movies on the older boy’s couch.

____________________

When the pair finally arrived in a motel room, Tommy laid on his bed and sighed.

“Did you really have to use the ‘brothers’ thing again?”

Wilbur laughed, “Would you rather have me say you were my son?”

Tommy made a face of disgust.

“You’re old, but not that old. Ugly, old, and stupid. I hate you.”

Wilbur snorted at the boy’s insults, “I’m flattered you think so highly of me, Toms.”

“Where did that nickname even come from?”

Wilbur paused his movement and didn't answer right away. He looked back at Tommy, seeing his face of confusion.

“I don’t know. Just sort of happened and it stuck.” He looked back to his bag. “I can stop if you want.”

Tommy didn't like how Wilbur looked away from him. Wanting to reassure the older man, he said “No, it’s fine. Just curious s’all.”

Wilbur’s shoulders dropped the tension Tommy hadn't noticed he was holding. Quickly changing the subject, Tommy stated “I want first shower.” He paused, “Again.”

Wilbur turned to look at him with a serious expression. Panicking, Tommy quickly amended “Or you can go first, big man, i don't really care.” Wilbur's face softened and Tommy hated it.

“I don't care who showers first, but I wanted to talk to you first.” That did little to ease Tommy’s growing panic.

“Yeah, sure thing big man.”

Wilbur seemed relieved that Tommy hadn’t argued with him. He took a seat next to Tommy on the bed Tommy had claimed.

Tommy refused to look at him. He was nervous about what Wilbur had to say.

Turning to look at Tommy, Wilbur started, “Do you trust me?”

Tommy hesitated, still refusing to look at the older man.

“I don’t know. I want to, but I know I shouldn't.” Tommy glanced in Wilbur’s direction. Wilbur’s face fell.

“I understand. It makes this easier.”

Tommy turned to fully face the man, he had a solemn look on his face.

“What?” Tommy asked

“You have a choice. You can leave, go back to Toby, or-”

“Tubbo. He goes by Tubbo.” Tommy corrected.

“Tubbo. I'm sorry, I didn't know.” Wilbur took Tommy’s silence as cue to continue, “You can go back to Tubbo, or you can stay with me.”

“How?”

“What do you mean ‘how’?” Wilbur questioned.

“How can I go back to Tubbo? Will he be safe? Will they let me?”

“I can't promise anything, but I can make an educated guess.” Tommy was intrigued. Wilbur continued, “If you do, they’ll probably take you in for questioning. Ask you what you know about me, and more importantly, what you know about what I'm doing. I can't promise they’ll believe you when you can’t answer.”

Tommy butted in, “Why wouldn’t I be able to?”

Wilbur sighed. “Because you don’t know what I'm planning. I’ve been honest with you, Toms, But I can’t tell you.

“And you expect me to trust you?” Tommy glared.

“No. I never expected you to.”

“You expected me to earlier, when I called you.” he countered

“No, I didn't. I needed you to trust me, because I was risking everything I've worked for over the past two and a half years. Just because you were scared, Tommy. I doubted they would hurt you, just use you to get to me. Still, I didn't expect you to trust me. I’m glad you did.”

“If you risked all of that for me, then why are you telling me I can go back?”

“I wanted you to have a choice. For all I know, you could go back and end up in a jail cell. I won't be able to help you then. Tubbo will be safe regardless, Schlatt loves his son, even if it’s not reciprocated.”

Tommy felt a pang of guilt, knowing he was part of the reason for Tubbo and his fathers strained relationship.

“What’s the other option?”

“You stay with me. I can keep you away from the people hunting me. You'd be an accomplice. And,” Wilbur paused, “you would have to trust me.”

“Will you tell me what’s going on?”

Wilbur winced. Tommy had a feeling he wouldn’t like the answer.

With a sigh, Wilbur said “No. I want to, Tommy. I do. But I can't risk that. If you get caught somehow, you would be a risk to my plan. Everything would be over, and I’d go to prison for being a traitor.”

Tommy stood up

“So you expect me to trust you completely, and you won’t even trust me?!”

Wilbur looked pained.

 “No, I don't expect you to. I do trust you tommy. I trusted you to be in the trees, I trusted you to have my number, that I got for you, by the way, my number being the one way anyone could possibly track me. I trusted you and I ended up with a gun to my head.” 

They both winced at Wilbur’s words. Wilbur was quick to continue 

“I still trust you tommy. I don't trust what they would do to get information out of you.”

Tommy hesitantly started, “A gun to your head?”

Wilbur sighed, “It was a trap. When you caught on, they expected you to call me for help. You did. I came, I walked into a trap.”

“Why?”

“I feel guilty for getting you mixed into this. You at least deserved a choice.”

“Oh.”

Wilbur tried to comfort tommy, “I'm not like a murder or anything.” 

It was not very comforting.

Wilbur thought about what he could tell Tommy while still being vague. He settled for information the government already knew.

“I used to work for Schlatt.” Tommy looked at him. He continued, “For two years or so. I started to notice something fishy was going on behind the scenes, so I played friendly with them. Until I got caught asking the wrong questions.”

“What did they do after that?”

“Nothing. I ran. Packed a bag and got the hell out of dodge. Kept asking questions though, and I'm so close to figuring it all out. They figured I'd do that, and they chased me.” Wilbur paused, “Still chasing me.” he amended.

“How do I know you're not lying to me?”

“You don’t. That’s why you’d have to trust me.”

“I don’t know, big dubs.”

“I don't expect you to. You don't have to decide now.”

Tommy was relieved at that information.

“I think I'll sleep on it.”

Wilbur stood up and walked to his own bed. 

“Good choice. You can have first shower if you want.”

Tommy looked at Wilbur, he looked tense and high strung. 

Tommy made a decision to comfort him. He walked over to the taller man and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“For what it’s worth, thank you. For getting me out of there, and risking everything, just ‘cause I was being a pussy.”

Wilbur gave him a bittersweet smile. “You're not a pussy, you never asked to be dragged into this.”

Tommy laughed. “More like fell. I'm the one who followed you.”

Wilbur shrugged. “Doesn't matter. Hindsight is 20/20.”

Tommy agreed.

And with that, Tommy went to use up all the hot water.