Chapter Text
Today of all days was the worst day for Dream’s babysitter to cancel.
The last minute text from the woman saying she was busy and wouldn’t be able to look after Tommy today had really thrown a spanner in the works, and so Dream had been forced to bring his brother to work with him… his three year old brother who had the survival instincts of a fish on dry land, and he was heading into a top secret government facility.
Great. Just great…
It wasn’t like Dream had any options. He was the head of research of his wing, and his boss was insisting on a meeting today to check their progress on the assets, and so the excuse of ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, I had to watch over my infant brother cause I have no one else to look after him, I’m sure you’ll understand” wouldn’t exactly cut it.
And that was how Dream found himself leading Tommy into the facility, Tommy scrunching his face up at the uniform his brother was wearing as he was guided through the corridors.
“You look funny…”
Dream just smiled, ruffling his brother's hair. He probably did look weird to the toddler, Tommy used to just seeing him in jeans and a hoodie, rather than the white lab coat, dress shoes and face mask he was wearing right now. But inside the facility he wasn’t just Tommy’s big brother Clay, he was Dream, head Scientist of Paranormal and Cryptozoological Anomalies…
Tommy didn’t seem to care much about his change of appearance, rambling nonsense as he held onto Dream’s hand, waving at any of the scientists who passed him, who obviously waved back with a smile. The kid was just like that, able to make even the most pessimistic person smile, all bright blue eyes and blonde curls… hell, even Sapnap liked him, and that man was as fickle as anything!
Speak of the devil, his technician bumped into the pair on the way to the containment cells, looking at the toddler hanging from Dream’s arm with an expression of surprise.
“Uncle Snapmap!” Tommy shouted, pulling his hand away from Dream’s to bundle Sapnap in a hug. The man indulged him, scooping Tommy up easily with a smile as Dream joined them.
“I told you not to call me that, Toms… what are you doing here?”
“Sally got sick so I get to come to work with Clay!”
Sapnap looked up at Dream, eyes full of a thinly veiled annoyance. Dream just sighed.
“Tommy,” he said softly, squeezing his brother’s hand as Sapnap supported the boy’s weight on his hip. “Do you remember what I said in the car?”
“To stay near you at all times, not to wander off, and to call you Dream!” Tommy rattled off instantly, beaming with a gapped tooth smile.
“Good job! That’s right, just remember those three things for me, ok?”
Sapnap’s face was comparable to someone sucking lemons at this point.
“I know,” he said before his friend could even say anything. “It’s less than ideal, but I have literally no one else to look after him!”
“Dream, we’re a classified government facility, it’s not smart to have a kid wandering around… What about your brother? Can’t he take him? He’s got his own kids right?”
“Foolish is out of town, Puffy’s busy… trust me I’ve tried everyone.”
Sapnap just nodded, turning his attention back to Tommy who was fiddling with the white bandana across the man’s forehead.
“Your hair band looks stupid!”
A wheezy laugh echoed across the corridor, Sapnap glaring at Dream as Tommy giggled.
“Hey! That’s not very nice Tommy,” Sapnap said with a smile, settling the boy back on the floor with a soft flick to the nose. “I’ll have you know that it’s not a hair band, it’s a bandana… Karl bought it for me.”
“Still stupid…”
Dream took Tommy hand once again, following in Sapnap’s footsteps down the hallway.
“Any progress with them?” He asked, a scoff from the dark haired man telling him everything he needed to know.
“Eh nothing new… A-01 is cooperating now, it’s mellowed out after we bound it’s wings. T-42 still hasn’t moved as much as inch, the silver restraints we used seemed to have worked. I still think we should cut its claws after what happened with Quackity, but George managed to persuade against it.”
Right, that whole incident. To be fair it was Quackity’s fault, the scientist shouldn’t have been taunting the asset like that, especially after they’d learnt all three of the things were incredibly possessive and territorial of each other… The deep gouge to his right eye was testament to that. His friend was still off sick, learning how to live his life with one working eye. Sapanap evidently still held a grudge though, which was fair, if it was Dream’s fiancée who’d gone blind he wouldn’t have been as forgiving.
“What about the other one?” He asked, the trio coming to stop in front of the metal doorway leading to the containment cells. Tommy looked up at him with his bright blue eyes, and Dream just sighed, immediately bending down to carry the toddler in his arms. Sapnap just rolled his eyes.
“God you’re such a pushover! W-69 you mean? Slippery motherfucker! It finally figured out that if it empties all the water out of its tub, one of us will have to go and manually refill it… we’ve cuffed it to the taps now. ” Sapnap complained, opening the door for Dream and Tommy as they walked into the observation deck.
“Who drew the short straw for that one?”
“George… seems to hate him the least.”
The trio finally entered the observation deck, Dream tightening his grip on Tommy’s hand as the boy stared wide eyes at the lab.
The deck itself wasn’t anything special… just a decently large room with dark walls, filled with desks littered in computers and paperwork, the occasional cup of discarded coffee maybe. No, what was drawing Tommy’s attention was the glass wall to his left, the full length of the room.
Just beyond the glass was the holding cells, three identical glass rooms containing three of the most dangerous creatures in known history.
And it was Dream’s job to try and find out what exactly they were...
The Department of Supernatural, Mythological or Paranormal entities, informally known as the DSMP, was formed in 1917, following reports from some small town in rural Florida pertaining to a wraithlike creature with an abnormally large smile luring people into the swamp in the promise of granting them their greatest wish.
Forty seven separate people went missing before the Government stepped in, and following further reports, including but not limited a demon like creature with glowing white eyes hiding out in the woods, a large green beast that apparently smelt of gunpowder terrorising a local community with explosives, and a supposed kitsune trying to trick people out of their belongings, the Government decided to create a new branch to deal with any incidents involving unexplained or seemingly impossible entities.
This was kept from the public, for obvious reasons. To anyone looking at the sprawling grey warehouse Dream worked in, it would have just looked like any other Government research facility, everyday citizens walking past not even knowing what was inside.
This particular facility, nicknamed Pandora’s Vault, was relatively new, equipped with the latest technology to study any entities taken in by the Government.
And that was where Dream came in. Honestly he had no clue how he’d landed this job. He was vaguely aware he’d been scouted from his school, his boss specifically choosing him for his affinity to understanding trends and patterns, as well as his near perfect grades in all three sciences. Over the last three years he’d risen through the ranks quickly, eventually earning him his position of Head Scientist.
One of the reasons he’d gotten on so well at this job was because he didn’t ask questions… he didn’t need to know the full details, all that mattered to Dream was that the position paid handsomely, leaving him enough money to support both himself and Tommy, even allowing him to begin putting some money away for his brother’s college fund, and Dream wasn’t complaining… even if the ‘creatures’ currently caged up in front of him had the most humanity he’d seen in a while.
If poking and prodding at creatures that had eyes a little too human for his liking ensures his brother had a better future then he had, the Dream would have to push his own morality aside.
Tommy came first. Always.
The boy in question was currently standing in awe, hands spread against the glass as he peered into the three cells in front of him, three pairs of eyes staring back at him.
Dream picked up the paperwork on his desk, keeping an eye on the three figures who seemed particularly interested in his brother.
Each cell was a five by five foot square, identical in all ways except for the creatures residing in them. Dream ran through his mental checklist ensuring nothing had changed since he last was here.
In the far cell sat T-42, the creature sat cross legged and perfectly still, red eyes staring directly at Tommy. The figure, some vampire-like creature from what they’d managed to discern from the silent man, looked almost like a statue, having not moved since it’d been placed in the cell. That might have something to do with the heavy silver restraints locked around it’s wrists, ankles and collar… since the incident with Quackity, their boss had insisted it be shackled at all times. Dream felt a little sorry for man, the term used loosely… it was definitely the most human looking of the three.
T-42 had long red hair, previously tied neatly in a low bun but had become unraveled, the dark strands hanging loosely against its neck. The Vampire wad unable to tie it back up in case it’s restraints burnt his pale skin. It had bright crimson eyes, unwavering in their gaze, and Dream knew if the creature opened its mouth they’d see a pair of sharp fangs. The only time they’d seen the pointed teeth was as the Vampire lunged for Quackity with its sharp claws, the manic laughter on its voice echoing as the white canines flickered in the fluorescent lighting.
It hadn’t opened its mouth since.
The middle cell was a little more lively, Dream watching as W-69 splashed in it’s enclosure… alright, strictly speaking it was a standing bathtub, the golden feet glinted under the harsh white light, but it was the best they could come up with on a short notice.
The creature, a Siren it’d told them, looked vaguely human-like, if you looked past the pale, almost blue skin, webbed ears and the row of pointed teeth, which were currently bared in a wide grin. The man’s floppy brown hair was plastered to its forehead, water dripping down its hair and off its circular glasses. Despite the fact that it was handcuffed to the taps and was lying in a full bathtub, the Siren was dressed in a heavy yellow sweater and brown corduroy trousers. Most egregiously in Dream’s opinion, the creature was still wearing his socks.
In the bath.
Which was currently filled to the brim with dark water.
It really was a monster…
The Siren gestured with his free hand at Tommy, who waved back naively. It looked to be saying something, Dream looking up at the red light above the glass, confirming the audio from the cell wasn’t being transmitted. They’d made that mistake when W-69 had first arrived, at least five scientists, Dream included, falling under the creature's spell… Thank god for Callahan, the research assistant who was deaf. He was the only one not affected by the Siren’s song, managing to shut off sound to the cell before anything worse could happen.
They’d made Callahan deal with W-69 after that, much to the creature’s disappointment.
The final cell piqued Dream’s interest, it’s inhabitant the most enthralled by Tommy’s appearance. That was… disturbing? Intriguing? Worrying? Dream wasn’t quite sure, setting down his paperwork to stand closer to his brother, getting a good look at A-01 as it stepped out of the shadows.
The creature was humanoid, a rather short looking man with white blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. However if you looked closer, the man was a little too polished. It’s skin was too smooth, it’s ears just a little too pointed, it’s fingers slightly too long. It was dressed in a simple green tunic, dark trousers and tall black boots. Nothing too peculiar… until you saw the wings on its back.
From the samples they’d taken, they’d determined they were crows’s wings, but on a much larger scale. Currently they were bound against its back, the leather straps wrapping across its torso to keep the appendages close to the creature. They weren’t exactly sure what A-01 was. They’d asked W-69, but the Siren had just laughed, stating that the other creature was more than capable of answering for itself, but, in it’s words, ‘didn’t want to lower himself to the standards of mere mortals’…
Which didn't answer any questions and in fact left Dream with more than he’d started with.
The creature stepped a little closer, Tommy enthralled by the Fae as A-01 smiled. Dream caught sight of sharp canines and blanched, immediately crossing the little distance between himself and his brother to rest a hand on the boy’s shoulder. The creature looked between his hand and Tommy a few times, levelling Dream with a smug grin as it took a seat on the ground, feet kicking up against the glass with a loud thump. The sight of the Siren laughing from the cell next door confirmed Dream’s suspicions.
It was playing with him… sneaky motherfucker.
Leaving Tommy to tap at the glass, Dream returned to his desk, keeping his brother in his line of sight. A low whistle from the desk next to him drew his attention.
“First time I’ve seen A-01 actually interact with anyone… you should bring Tommy round more often!”
Dream glared at George, the brunette sipping on his tea as they both watched Tommy, who was sitting as close to the glass as humanly possible, and the creature knelt on the other side. The Fae had its hand spread against the glass, fingers tapping as Tommy giggled.
The occupants of the other cells didn’t look as impressed with the toddler, Dream noted… W-69’s dull eyes lingered on Tommy for with an unrestrained glee, all of its pointed teeth on show, whereas T-42 hadn’t moved, it’s expression noticeably more intrigued.
“That’s not happening George,” he said over his shoulder, as he walked back over and scooped Tommy up in his arms. The creature in front of them bristled, rising to its feet in a mirror image of Dream’s own stance. It scowled at him, white-blonde hair hanging over its eyes as it glowered.
“Come on Tommy, let’s find you something to do,” he said quietly, turning his back on A-01 to deposit Tommy safely on his desk. “Do you wanna go with Uncle Karl? I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind if you wanted to play some games on his phone?”
Tommy pouted, folding his arms with a huff as he tried to peer around Dream.
“I wanna keep playing with the funny bird man!” he whined. “He has blue eyes and yellow hair like me!”
Dream frowned.
“Well I have blonde hair like you,” he said, playfully tugging at the blonde’s curls as he giggled. “And George has a blue eye like yours…”
“But that’s different… he seems nice!”
“Maybe later Toms,” he brushed off, checking his watch to find it was almost time for his meeting. Waving George over, he turned back to Tommy, his brother still staring at the cells. “I need to go talk to someone important, so you’re gonna stay with George for a bit, alright?”
Tommy nodded, eyes brightening as George joined him on the desk.
“Uncle Gogy!”
“Hey little man! Your brother will be back in a bit, but how about for now me and you go and sort out the food for the ‘funny bird man’?”
Dream breathed a sigh of relief, leaving Tommy in his best friend's capable hands as he slipped out into the corridor, making his way to his boss’ office.
The sound of the alarm blaring through the office just had to ruin Dream’s day.
The meeting with his boss had been going pretty well up until this point. The man had been impressed with Dream’s research, offering more funding to aid his findings on the three assets, and he hadn’t seemed too pissed off when he brought up the fact that he’d brought his infant brother in to work… All in all, pretty good!
However, that changed immediately when the sound of an alarm rang out through the compound, both of them scrambling to their feet under the flashing red lights.
Something in the back of his head recognised the alarm as a containment breach, but all Dream could worry about was Tommy. He’d left his brother alone, and in the few hours he’d been gone it's all fallen to shit.
The facility was in chaos, blurry figures in lab coats streaming past him as Dream ran through the corridors, desperate to get to the containment cells. He slammed into the metal doorway, shaking fingers typing in the password as he more or less threw himself into the room.
The observation area was in shambles, near empty bar George, who was slumped up against the side of one of the desks, clutching his shoulder.
To make matters worse the glass of the cell was shattered…
All three of the assets sat huddled in the far cell. Without the glass to separate them, they’d managed to group, though it seemed the restraints still seemed to be working. T-42 was still cuffed, bound in place by its silver cuffs. However, it had been joined in its room, the other two creatures at its side. The siren hadn’t managed to slip its cuffs yet, its arm hanging against the side of the bathtub as it sat cross legged on the floor next to the pink haired creature.
That wasn’t what drew his attention though.
Dream’s stomach dropped at the sight of Tommy, cradled in the arms of the Fae as it paced up and down.
His brother didn’t seem to be hurt, no obvious injuries as Tommy sat in the monster’s arms, giggling and poking at unnaturally blonde hair, too many of the creature’s sharp teeth on show as it smiled back.
The metal of the door slamming shut made everyone look at him, Tommy’s face lighting up as he saw him.
“Dream…” George’s voice said, sounding strained as Dream took a step closer to his friend.
“George, what the fuck happened? Are you okay? Are you injured? You need to go and get medical help-“
“I’m fine, Dream,” George said croakily, the fingers cradling his shoulder twitching as he sat up. Dream’s attention never fully left Tommy, who was still sitting in that monster’s arms. George carried on.
“The glass shattered, some of it hit my shoulder as I tried to grab Tommy.”
He nodded, lending his friend a hand to help him stand up.
“Go and sort yourself out. I’ll deal with this…”
“Dream, I’m not leaving you alone with them! Backups on the way, I pressed the panic button so-“
“Call them off,” he said firmly, making eye contact with the Fae as it clutched his brother tighter. “I don’t want them storming in guns blazing, Tommy could get hurt. Give me twenty minutes, and if I’m not out by then send reinforcements in. Deal?”
George looked conflicted, looking between Dream and the creature’s with a fervent worry, occasionally wincing from the wound in his shoulder. Eventually pain won out, Dream watching as George limped towards the door.
“Don’t do anything stupid…”
And with that, George was gone, leaving Dream alone with the assets.
He shrugged off his lab coat, hoping that it would put the creatures more at ease. Taking a small step forward, he tried his best to put on an amicable facade.
“Hey Toms! Told you I’d be back…”
“Hi Cla-Dream!” Tommy said cheerily, waving at him from the Fae’s clutch. Thank god the boy had managed to catch himself, if any of the creatures learnt of either of their real names, then they were fucked. “It was awesome, the glass went bang! The funny bird man looked after me whilst you were gone though, so don’t worry…”
Green eyes met blue, a mutual feeling of hatred passing between them.
“I’m glad!” Dream said, voice sickeningly sweet. The siren creature just laughed from it’s seat on the floor, leaning in closer to the T-42 to whisper something in its ear. The vampire chuckled darkly.
Turning away from Tommy, he took a step closer to W-69, who just regarded him with blank eyes. The siren was the only one out of the three who had shown that it could speak English, so Dream figured he would start there.
“Can you ask your friend to put my brother down? We can talk afterwards, but I’d feel safer if Tommy was with me at the moment.”
The creature quirked an eyebrow up, grinning smugly as it readjusted itself, cuffed wrist resting on the side of the bathtub.
“Your brother? That is interesting… you’re not the only one who’s family is in an compromising situation at the moment, you know?” It said, voice saccharine and melodic, similar to the sound of rusted metal scraping against the ground. It’s eyes flickered towards the blonde creature, who smiled sadly.
“As I said, I’m more than happy to come to an understanding, but I’d appreciate it if you asked your friend to return Tommy-“
“I can speak for myself.”
For the first time in weeks, A-01 spoke, it’s voice low, almost a whisper but to Dream it was as if it had shouted. He took a deep breath, the creature watching him with unblinking eyes.
“My apologies, I wasn’t aware you could talk.”
It scoffed. “Typical… you mortals usually don’t have much to say, why would I waste my breath?” The Fae spoke with a faint accent, it’s words oddly clipped and broad as it continued. “In case you were wondering, the glass shattering wasn’t any of our doing. Seems to be a structural fault-“
“Not that I’m complaining,” the siren interrupted, earning him a scolding look from the other two creatures. The Faerie sighed, seemingly annoyed by it’s cellmate’s interruption.
“May I have your name, at least? I’d like to know exactly who managed to capture myself and the boys.”
Dream wasn’t stupid enough to fall for that.
“You may not have my name, but you can call me Dream. What can I call you?”
The Fae smirked, drawing Tommy closer to its chest as the boy continued to play with the rings on the creature’s fingers.
“Phil. You can call me Phil.”
The vampire looked up in annoyance, brows knitted together in upset. The siren sat next to him didn’t look much happier.
“Oh well done Phil! Giving the man who captured us your name is a real smart idea! Might as well give mine and Tech’s away as well!”
“Wilbur, be quiet,” Phil ordered, giving the siren, or Wilbur, Dream now knew he was called, a pointed look. “You have to admit it’s rather dehumanising being referred to as assets, or numbers… besides, it’s not our real names. What harm can it do?”
Wilbur scowled seemingly sulking at the reprimanded it’d received. Dream had no clue relationship all three of them had, but clearly Phil was the one in charge.
“I’d like to apologise for my children’s behaviour,” the Fae said, it’s feather’s fluttering from where they laid bound against it’s back. “Whilst I’m aware Techno did a lot of damage to your scientist’s face, and his ego most likely, I can assure you it was accidental. A simple misunderstanding if you will…”
The vampire, Techno, just rolled its eyes, red irises glowering at him.
Dream looked between all three of the creatures, gears in his mind racing. The Fae had called the other two ‘it’s children’. Did that mean-
Phil apparently sensed his train of thought, laughing at him as it began to pace again. It’s laugh sounded like bells, deep but oddly musical as the sound echoed off the walls.
“As Wilbur said, you’re not the only one with family at stake, Dream,” Phil said, looking around at the other two creature’s with a look of adoration in his eyes.
Dream’s head was swimming. The revelation that the three of them were family made things more complicated. The Fair Folk were notorious for their loyalty, and Dream had come between Phil and his children. Oh god he was totally fucked…
He couldn’t think about himself right now, he had to focus on getting Tommy back.
His brother had apparently fallen asleep in the Faerie’s arms, eyes fluttering shut as Phil bounced him up and down, easing the toddler into a peaceful slumber. Phil caught the terrified expression on his face, sharp features softening for a second.
“Do not worry, I won’t harm your brother…”
…
”I swear to you, Dream.”
Wow, ok! That was… unexpected. Promises were worth their weight in gold to Faerie’s, given the fact that the creature’s couldn’t lie. They were bound by their words, and if Phil had promised that he wouldn’t harm Tommy, then Dream would have to take his word for it.
“I appreciate the reassurance… though what will it take for you return him to me?”
All three of the creatures looked up at him, identical expressions of glee on their faces at the prospect of the deal. Dream watched as Tommy was passed off to T-42, Techno he thought it’s name was. He reached out instinctively, recoiling back instantly as Phil glared at him. The vampire only looked down at the toddler in disgust.
“Phil, why did you give it to me?”
Another first. The vampire’s voice was deep and monotonous, though Dream could detect the slightest hint of panic. Apparently Techno was just as upset at being handed Tommy as Dream was.
“You’re the only one with two hands free Techno. Trust me, I’d much prefer Wilbur take him. I know it’s less than ideal, but try and relax… you’ll be fine!”
Neither Dream or Techno looked convinced…
Phil took a few more steps towards him, stopping just where the edge of the glass had been. The shards didn’t seem to bother the creature, it’s bare feet curling around the broken glass. Closer up, Dream could actually see the detail in the Fae’s face, Phil looking oddly human.
Pale skin, a smattering of freckles across its nose, deep blue eyes. If Dream didn’t know any better, he would have assumed Phil was just an average guy, well if you looked past the gigantic wings and the slightly uncanny feeling of familiarity whenever you looked at him.
“You don’t seem as stupid as the others, so I’ll be forward,” it said quickly, folding it’s arms across its chest. “We both want similar things… for our family to be safe. So in return for for me graciously giving you your brother back-“
Dream scoffed involuntarily. He hadn’t meant to sound so cynical, but the Fae was acting as if it was granting him a favour… he just wanted his brother safe.
He could make out Wilbur glaring at him from behind Phil’s form, obviously unhappy with his reaction.
Phil continued however.
“As I was saying, we’ll let Tommy come back to you, as long as you promise me some things in return…”
“What are the terms you’re offering?” He countered, trying not to fall for the creature’s loopholes.
“First of all, remove the restraints. All of them, but most importantly Techno’s.”
Dream shifted on his feet, fidgeting as he considered Phil’s words.
“How can I assure myself or any of my colleagues won’t be attacked? Quackity wouldn’t be happy if he knew that we let the creature who blinded him walk around freely.”
He heard Techno huff from where it sat, the soft clink of metal reminding them of the aforementioned restraints.
“Your colleague, Quackity you called him? He started it,” Phil said smoothly. “Whilst I hate to use this analogy, forgive me Techno, it’s like poking at a wolf and then acting confused when it bites.”
“I didn’t say Quackity didn’t deserve it,” Dream said, palms spread upwards in a sign of peace. “But you can’t blame me for being apprehensive. By your own admission, all three of you are dangerous beings. I mean, Wilbur nearly managed to manipulate five scientists into letting it out of the cell-“
“First of all, I’m a he, not an it,” Wilbur said, venom dripping from his voice. “Second of all, I wouldn’t have actually done anything… just a bit of fun, you know?”
“I’m sure you had fun Will…” Phil said, ignoring his son’s bickering to stare at Dream. He hadn’t realised just how much shorter Phil was than him, Dream had a good foot over the Faerie. “Not sure the scientists could say the same… Look, I’m sure you can understand where I’m coming from here, Dream. Allow me to be open with you for a second.”
Phil repositioned himself, casting a soft glance back towards the other two. Dream could see how much the Fae cared for both Wilbur and Techno, who had turned their attention to his brother. Techno held Tommy like a sack of potatoes, as far away from him as the cuffs would allow with Wilbur beside him, carefully twirling a claw through blonde hair, the image of gentleness. Phil smiled at them, Dream catching a glimpse of sharpened canines.
“If you don’t remove the restraints soon, all three of us will die,” Phil said bluntly, eyes hardening to a steel grey. “As I’m sure you’re aware, Vampires and the Fair Folk are each vulnerable to silver and iron respectively. Wilbur has his own weaknesses too, but I digress. However, the point I’m trying to make is that Techno is more vulnerable than most…”
“The silver burns him. Unlike most other vampires who can handle touching it, the metal damages his skin from the inside out. And whilst the iron buckles on my restraints aren’t exactly comfortable,” Phil said, straining his wings against the leather binding them to his back, a dark edge creeping into his voice. “It’s nothing comparable to the pain he’s in. Sure, the iron will kill me slowly, but watching my son die whilst being unable to help him will kill me quicker. Same goes for Will… So please, I am asking you, no strings attached, no debts to be fulfilled, just remove the restraints.”
Dream considered his options, looking down at the floor as he tried to make up his mind. For a Faerie to ask, no plead for him to release them… Phil must be pretty desperate.
A desperate creature was also a dangerous one, the cynical voice in his head reasoned. It’d do anything to get out of this situation.
But Phil physically couldn’t lie right? Dream would just have to trust him…
“I’ll have that done. We’ll have to move you all to a new containment centre after this, but once you’ve moved I’ll make sure there are no restraints. Anything else?”
Phil seemed surprised he’d relented so easily, but Dream was conscious of the fact that he didn’t have much time left until reinforcements arrived, and with Tommy still in the creature’s clutches he’d have to speed things up a little.
“Can we get actual food?” Wilbur asked from where he sat on the floor. The siren tilted his head at Phil’s bemused expression, a defensive note to his voice as he continued. “What? I’m getting fed up with eating porridge three meals a day, and Techno’s basically starving… don’t laugh at me Phil!”
“Wouldn’t dream of it mate,” Phil said, apparently biting back a smile. Dream tried to keep his face straight, trying to remain professional.
“Of course. Would you mind if I took notes? Your dietary requirements are of utmost importance to me…”
Phil laughed quietly, Dream feeling rather pleased with himself as he retrieved the pen and pad from his pocket. The Faerie seemed to be warming up to him…
“Techno only eats red meat, or animal blood. I’m assuming you’re not going to let him have human blood so that’s the best alternative. Wilbur only eats fish, very fussy but-“
“The humans call it being pescatarian Phil,” the Siren interrupted, sounding like a rebellious teenager Dream thought as scribbled hastily. Though he was certain that a pescatarian didn’t only eat fish… he didn’t correct the creature. “You wouldn’t understand…”
“You’re right, I don’t…”
“And what about you?” He asked, blue eyes widening in surprise, as if Phil hadn’t expected him to care.
“Oh I’m fine with porridge mate, focus on the boys first-“
“He needs sweet things,” Techno interrupted, keeping his voice low so as to not disturb the sleeping toddler. “Sugar, honey, anything really… he’s just too stubborn to say.”
“Dad’s partial to cake as well,” Wilbur added, a wide grin on his face. “Lemon drizzle particularly.”
“Duly noted,” Dream said, Adam’s apple bobbing as he looked back up at all three of them. “Any other terms I need to agree to before I get Toms back?”
Phil took another step closer to him, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“Your brother’s rather endearing. Bring him round more often?”
Dream’s stomach dropped a deep pit opening up inside him as he took a deep breath. He knew there’d be a catch, of course there fucking would be! Always was with these stupid creatures…
Apparently he’d reacted to that, Phil moving quickly to reassure him.
“I’m not asking for you to just hand him over to us, you’re welcome to take as many precautions as you deem fit… it’s just Tommy’s rather fun to have around. It makes a change from having to talk to those two idiots…”
“What Phil’s trying to say is that he’s gotten attached,” Wilbur said matter of factly, giving Dream a gleeful look from where he sat, still cuffed to the taps. “His type of Fae has a thing for blonde children apparently…”
“How’d he end up with us then?” Techno drawled, not talking to anyone in particular. “Neither of us are blonde, yet he adopted us.”
“Speak for yourself Techno, no one could tell if you were blonde under all the hair dye you use-“
“Boys, enough,” Phil said sternly, both of them going quiet under his icy glare. As much as Phil had been starting to warm up to him, in these brief moments where he slipped the facade Dream was reminded not to underestimate the creature. Phil was an ancient being, someone who demanded respect, and god help Dream if he wasn't doing his best not to piss him off…
“Just bring Tommy along, once a week at most. He seems to like us too, for what it’s worth.”
Phil extended his hand, his golden rings catching under the fluorescent lights. All he’d have to do was shake the creature’s hand, and Tommy would be safe, right?
Dream really didn’t want to agree to the deal, but he knew deep down he would have to. If it was up to him, both he and Tommy would never step foot in this godforsaken facility ever again. He honestly considering for a brief moment. He had enough money saved for rainy day to buy him a small apartment somewhere where neither government or these creatures could find him. He could get a new job, he was more than qualified. And then maybe Tommy could live a somewhat normal life, instead of the one Dream would subject him to if he agreed to this deal.
But that wasn’t an option, was it?
With a deep sigh, he shook Phil’s palm, bracing himself as the bite of metal rings made him flinch. A shiver ran its cold finger down his spin, Dream’s vision swimming as the deal was confirmed. Phil just grinned at him, delight in his eyes, Dream immediately regretting his choices.
“Pleasure doing business with you…”
Never taking his eyes off the Fae, Dream made his way over to Tommy, who was still asleep in the vampire’s arms. Techno seemed eager to get rid of the child, not protesting as Dream took Tommy into his own embrace.
He checked Tommy’s pulse, relief flooding his systems as his fingers moved on autopilot, finding the steady heartbeat easily. Resting his hand in Tommy’s golden curls, he made his way towards the door, balancing the toddler on his hip as he punched in the key code. He could see the shadow of George’s form pacing underneath the door, his friend clearly on edge. He was just about to open the door when a voice called out to him.
“Dream?”
Hesitating for a second, Dream sighed as he turned back around, facing the creatures. Phil had joined Wilbur and Techno on the floor, the three of them huddled together as they waited. He couldn’t help but shudder at the expression of smug amusement on Phil’s face.
“I needn’t remind you what happens to people who break a Fair Folk’s deal, right?”
He nodded slowly.
“Good, I knew you weren’t stupid.”
Dream was halfway out of the room, shaking fingers grasping at the door as he breathed properly for what felt like the first time in hours, unable to catch the last words spoken in containment cells.
“We’ll see you soon Tommy…”