Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ah. Another day of committing minor crimes. This is the life, he thought. Well it could be better he thought but Techno has been nicer than usual. Tommy frowned, maybe a bit too nice. He had started giving him space since the whole "panic attack" in the basement he was hiding in (it wasn't a "panic attack" he defensively retorted, he just don't like small spaces) so The Blade had given me a WHOLE room. Tommy paced around the room he had given him, it was big enough to feel spacious but not too big to feel like you have ken-kenophobia? He struggled to think before giving up. Fear of large spaces. Was he really his friend? Is this what friends do. Thoughts raced through his mind more. He shook his head and looked at his wrist which bore no watch. Time to annoy Technoblade he thought to himself gripping the door handle and grinning.

The blond was instantly greeted by the hybrid. It looked like he was cooking something for breakfast. Perfect he's distracted.
"WHAT'S UP BITCH!" he yelled trying to scare him. Tommy's excitement dropped as he got no reaction.
"Mornin' Tommy," Techno replied only his ears turning at the loud noise showing the boy he heard him. What. Tommy took his seat at the table as Techno placed the food down. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-.
"Uh, Tommy? You gonna eat that." The piglin looked at him, oh- Right, he was allowed to eat. He knew that. He wasn't dumb.
"Of course I am, just thinking is all" He paused "Got a lot of big man things to do like build my tower and get women. But enough about me what's The Blade doing on this fine day."
"Uhh. Maybe some sword fighting, committing m-" Before Techno could finish Tommy excitedly replied "Sword fighting! Teach me." he was out of his seat now leaning over the table demanding the older to teach him "C'monnnnn. I've always wanted to learn the Blade by The Blade." Tommy giggled at the joke. Techno stilled thinking for a second.
"I don't know- I mean. You're just a child an-and I - I don't really want to you know," Techno replied gesturing to how stronger he was and hesitated a bit to himself.
"Pleaaaaseeee Technoooo." Tommy whined, "Please I'll do anything, I-I'll even do the dishes." Techno's eyes lit up and ears twitched at the phrase 'I'll do anything' he knew probably Tommy wouldn't live up to it but oh well.
"Fine." He grumbled as Tommy practically jumped in excitement.

Techno had said to Tommy to get changed but he didn't know what to do. So he just thought he'd wear his classic TommyInnit look, red shirt and jeans. Classic. As well as the compass that hung around his neck dubbed 'Your Tubbo' by Ghostbur. Man he missed Ghostbur. Wonder where he went. He shivered, "where the hell was Techno?" A door slammed from the left and he turned. There he was in all his glory. The blade. His eyes lit up. He may have idolised this man a bit much but who could blame him, he looked cool. The piglin had his hair tied loosely in a bun (compared to the usual braid) and a loose-fitting white button-down shirt with black trousers to contrast. He was normally practically dripping in gold jewellery but now he only sported a few rings and a piercing. Even now Tommy thought he looked so cool. Even if his crown was off he still thought he looked like royalty.

His cape draped elegantly behind him as he walked over to Tommy "You ready?" He asked handing Tommy a sword. It had been purposely sharpened so it was blunter than any blade he had ever held. After all, Tommy was but a mere child. Tommy tried to repress another shiver, "I was born ready" He grinned taking the sword.
"Okay, now steady form." Techno circled him as he looked at Tommy's weak posture "No, hold the sword up" The piglin pulled Tommy's arms up to the sky. His arms shook slightly under the weight of the sword trying to keep it still. "Ok good!" He heard Techno's voice from behind him "Now keep your balance, shift your weight and focus on the blade then-" Techno dodged the blade coming down "SWING" Tommy shouted resting his weight on the hilt of the sword that now dug into the fresh snow.
"Careful..." Techno warned before Tommy jumped and mumbled a quick apology looking guilty, "It's fine..." He reassured the younger.
He positioned himself in front of the younger and positioned himself accordingly, "Keep your feet, just like mine-"
Tommy excitedly interrupted, "Then we slash until there's no one left!" Technoblade pinched the bridge of his nose before sighing, "Tommy, Tommy, baby steps." He circled again as the blond held his stance, "We go simple and safe."
"Simple and safe." Tommy echoed.
"The art of the blade," Techno smiled. Looking now at the boy who struggled to lift the sword from the snow. He raised the sword up as the blond held it there, "The art of the blade?" He questioned.
"The art of the blade," Techno replied looking at him more seriously.

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The two had been "sparring" as Tommy called it but it was more like walking whilst Tommy held a shaky sword. Tommy finally got his form down and yelled to see if Techno saw. He had and would disagree if anyone saw the slight smile on his face. He grabbed another sword noting that he should be more careful. After all, Tommy was so small. They spared back and forth, the sound of metal clanging echoing. Surprisingly Technoblade noted how well Tommy had held his ground and decided to up it a level. He got slightly faster making Tommy barely escape the blows he got. Before the blade reached Tommy, he blocked it with his sword. Pushing his weight on it "Is that all you got? Bitch" Tommy taunted, a smirk on his face. This was it Techno thought.

Chat roared, screaming phrases like, BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, E, wait I just got here what's going on and / rainbowchat.

That seemed to be the last straw as the blows Techno dealt seemed to get harder to dodge. Suddenly, just as Tommy turned his head to the side the tip of the blade pierced his skin. Tommy stumbled back a bit at the sensation. Techno looked at the boy stunned "Tommy- Tommy? Shoot, I'm sorry I didn't-." Tommy didn't reply. He just lifted his hands to his face and looked, his hand had some blood from the wound. He turned to Techno "H-how bad is it?"
Techno relaxed a bit, he had enough scars and wounds to know what was fatal or not. He looked at the small slash across the blonds nose bridge. It was bleeding quite a bit but most likely wouldn't need stitches but would maybe scar. "Ehhh, you're fine. But we should head back in, don't want you freezin' to death." He replied. He tried to ignore the slight jolt that Tommy gave as he held the blond closer.

Tommy shivered now feeling the cold more predominately. He suddenly realised how far they had wandered from the house. Still, he thought I'd be pretty fuckin' badass to have a scar. He then felt a heavy weight on his shoulders and instantly felt more warm. The blood-red cape looked baggy on him, dragging dirt and snow behind him. He looked up at techno, slightly cowering at how tall he was muttering a quiet thanks. The only slight indication he knew he heard was the slight tilt of his ear. Maybe he is his friend.

Despite saying the wound wasn't that bad he insisted that Tommy sat down whilst techno tended to him. "Awww, has The blade got a heart" Tommy teased.
"Only seems fair since you're hurt," He bluntly replied. The 'I hurt you and I care' was left unsaid but both could feel it. Even if they both were stubborn as hell. He grabbed the washcloth and began to wipe away the blood. "Ow- watch it," Tommy hissed. Now he was more closer to the boy he could see his face was littered with small faded scars. Scars weren't a bad thing but the amount. Jesus, Techno thought, What has he been doing? He had also noted the small plaster on his jawline which was odd since he had more fresh scraps but he carried on cleaning his face. He grabbed a box and showed the blond two different coloured plasters.

"Which one?" Techno asked the blond. The right plasters had an image of cartoon vigilante swinging from a building and the left plasters had a cartoon image of a knockoff band names such as '21 planes, scare! At the party and Aqualand. He motioned for the right and techno chuckled seemingly knowing which side he would choose. Technoblade gently placed the plaster over the wound covering across his nose bridge and slightly under his eyes.
"Well? How do I look?" He asked.
"Go see for yourself" Techno motioned over to the bathroom with a small mirror. He hurried over to look into the reflection. Nothing seemed different apart from the small plaster on his jawline falling off. His eyes darted up to the very noticeable blue and red cartoon plaster on the bridge of his nose. He stood still, hand raised to touch it and wincing slightly at the contact.
He looked- "I LOOK LIKE A FUCKING BADASS" He yelled, coming out of the bathroom. He looked at Technoblade who was just staring at him now. He pointed to the plaster again, "I look like a fuckin' badass anime character" Tommy grinned.
"Yeah, sure Theseus" He piglin smiled gently. Tommy's grin faulted slightly as he hadn't heard that name in a long time.
"Show me your scars bitch!" he paused "let's compare scar sizes."
Techno snorted before saying "Tommy- you uh may want to rephrase that."
"Nope Amazinginnit never makes a mistake for he is the master of all" He boasted feeling his ego skyrocket.

They were both sat cross-legged on the floor now. Technoblade telling Tommy stories of war and how he had ended up with multiple scars. He may have exaggerated a bit of it but the star-eyed look in Tommy's eyes didn't help. He knew the boy thought highly of him, even if he did express his distaste. Maybe one day he would tell him the real story of how he had got the faint small scare on his face from a rake hitting him in his face. In his defence, it had snowed a lot and Phil had forgotten to put it away. "Ok, okay my turn!" He interrupted before Tech could start into another long story. "So this one was from a skeleton and I fuckin'-" Techno zoned out slightly not even a sentence in. Wonder when Phil is coming back he thought. "And this- this was from when" Hope he's okay oh and where's Ghostbur now he's thinking about it. Wasn't he with Tommy? "And this- thi- um" Techno zoned back in as the talking suddenly stopped. Now interested at the younger pointing to his jawline. He hadn't noticed before due to the plaster coving it but he could see it more clearly now. It was a small smiley face that looked like it be carved or burnt deep but just before he could get look closer Tommy slapped his hand to his jaw. "What about that one?" He pointed to his hand covering the weird scar. Tommy's eyes widened before he spoke "I- Uh" He looked over to his room, "It's nothing just" He backed away a bit. Technoblade raised his eyebrows "Just..? What Tommy?" The young boy now looked terrified and ready to run, Techno wouldn't be surprised if he did. Before he got a reply he saw a blur of red and golden hair and a door slam. Well then. That was weird he thought. He looked out the window thinking before he felt a buzz from his communicator. Well, this day was just getting better and better.

Tommy's breaths got more sharp and short. Not again. He slid down to the foot of the bed as he tried to remember the breathing exercises Phil had taught him when he was younger. He could never figure them out but Phil always said it was worth a shot. 1, 2, 3, 4, in and hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. He repeated this a number of times until his breathing evened out and he had calmed down. He heard knocking on his door before Technoblade entered "So... Dream just whispered to me and says "hey I'm on my way to your house I need to have a chat with you"
His hands shook now standing up angry "But I'm at your house Technoblade!" He could feel a pit in his stomach, maybe he shouldn't have left. Maybe if he talked to him he'd understand.
"Alright. alright just stay in-" Techno started
Tommy rushed past him "where's the box? where's the box?" he hesitantly climbed in.
As Technoblade looked at him hiding a bit amused as he wasn't even trying "Alright ok Dream says he'll be here in 5 minutes."
"Ok ok. So what should I do? Should I try to talk to him or?" He questioned, almost forgetting who Dream is.
Techno now opened the lid of the box "Uhh it's up to you man y'know"
Tommy was now confused and looked in the piglin's eyes "Well I mean your the boss man around here these days."
He now looked down at the boy more irritated "Oh my god, well is he trying to kill you? Or is he your friend?"
Tommy paused to think for a few seconds. Dream is- was his friend, wasn't he? He had said so himself but he was also trying to kill him. But friends also joked around.
"I uhh..." Tommy's head hurt trying to think about it.
"So all of the above" Techno joked. He watched the Pinkett grab a potion from the chest "Here drink this, Invis" He handed Tommy the potion and he drunk it with the request. He felt his body tingle with the effect. He stood numbly waiting for the next request as on instinct.
"Alright, now take off your armour Tommy" Technoblade requested. What? What had he done wrong? He listened... Right? He made sure he listened. "Tommy?" Technoblade reached out to the younger before the blond violently flinched away "Woah... You okay?" Tommy looked zoned out before he shook his head  and said "Yeah. Yeah! Just fine big man. Here" He tossed the amour over before hesitantly looking over to the box, "Do I really have to?" Before Technoblade could respond there were three harsh knocks on the door. "Hide" Technoblade hissed.

Chapter Text

The door creaked open to reveal a slightly shorter masked man eagerly waiting for him. Technoblade could practically feel his grin from underneath the smiley mask.
"So I think we should talk," Dream started motioning himself to come inside away from the cold weather.
He opened the door more fully "Yeah sure. Come in, make yourself at home." Before he could say anymore, he watched the man carefully inspect every aspect of the room.
"So there's a problem" Technoblade was hanging onto Dreams words now, "Tommy left."
"Uh... Oh right. Tommy, yeah he got exiled that was pretty funny," He joked trying to ease the tension that surrounded them.
"Yeah well. Well, he's missing but l'manburg thinks he's dead and I. I know otherwise but have you seen him?" Dream asked.
"I have not seen him," He lied easily with Dream's gaze unwavering on him.
"You sure?"
"Pretty sure," He began motioning in the air "You can look around if your that worried," He thought that Dream would catch his bluff and insist he knew where Tommy was.
He just looked back at Techno smiling, "Sure." Before the two walked away from the inconspicuous box.

Tommy had heard the footsteps were receding but his chest was still heaving. His head had felt like it had been filled with sand and thrown into a lava pit. His hands reached for the golden apples instinctively, he had to have saturation. After Dream had threatened to take away his food he had started opted for food that would reduce his need for eating. (It wasn't that golden apples didn't taste nice, they did just to a certain point).
The two voices were more muffled now. He needed air, he could feel the walls close in on him. He took more deeper breaths, looking around the room. 5 things he could see. Edward, painting, snow outside, ladders, Dream. Shit, he could see the man begin to climb the ladders. His heart began to palpitate and vision blurred around the edges. He dove for the box promptly shutting it. He slammed his hands over his ears and shut his eyes. Blood was rushing to his head and his heartbeat was in his ears. Thump-thump.Thump-thump.Thump-thump.

"Well, it was- nice to see you alive and well." Dream said.
"You too," He bluntly replied
"Yeah, I'm gonna say though," He felt the mask the man suddenly give a bigger smile "You do owe me a bit so If you catch wind of-"
Techno waved his hand "Yeah don't worry dream, you know me. I am a very trustworthy person." Chat then started taunting the piglin on how "trustworthy" he actually was. In his defence, he was trying.
"Okay." The man stood in the doorway pausing before saying "Well, it was nice to see you and I'll be around." The masked man took a step and walked back into the tundra. It started to get colder and pelleted snow but the man seemed unbothered by it. Technoblade let out a heavy sigh of relief. Chat then screamed about Tommy, Technoblade didn't forget he told chat. He did.

He slowly opened the box not really wanting to startle the boy. He could only hear muffled whimpers and heavy breathing and see the grey particles coming from the box.
"Tommy?" He tried to reach out to him "Here drink this." He handed the invisible boy some milk and saw it float before the liquid disappeared. The effect wore off and in the box curled up was Tommy. His eyes was still squeezed shut and his breathing was ragged. Ok, Techno could do this.
"Tommy, can I touch you?" He asked the blond before he saw a slight nod and reached for his shoulder.
"Ok good well done" He let more emotion seep into his voice, "Can you now name 5 things you can see?"
Tommy concentrated for a sec trying to force his eyes open before going "Uh- You, Edward," his breathing hitched "Uh um, ladders, door and uh cobblestone."
Techno looked pleased "Well done, now 4 things you can here?"
"Your voice, uh Edward's grumbles, my heart and my breathing" Tommy replied less wobbly.
"Good and 3 things you can feel."
He touched the compass around his neck "Compass, clothes and your hand" His breathing began to even out more.
"2 smells"
Tommy breathed deeply before exhaling "Oakwood and steak."
"Almost done, one thing you can taste," Technoblade said. He saw the boy run his tongue against his teeth "Apple," he replied. He stood back again making sure the boy had enough space and retracted his arm.
"You okay," He asked him, concerned. He slowly nodded. He glanced to the door, half expecting Dream to barge back in. He opened his chest and looked at his potion stash that was running dangerously low. Another trip to the nether, certainly not with Tommy. It was unfair on dragging him out when he knew he'd be safer here. Not like he cared, shut up chat.

He explained to Tommy that he would be much safer here and after many back and forths he allowed Techno leave him. He had also mentioned a secret hiding place and that he would message him when he's on his way back.

Looking across the snowy plains he saw a figure with a sheep following behind. He moved his hand to his sword before he realised it was just Ghostbur. Oh. He waved to the ghost and he waved back excitedly running to him.
"Technoblade!" He smiled at him "Do you know where Tommy is? I've been looking for him, Friend said you'd know" Techno's eyebrows narrowed, did he know about Dream. He knew that Ghostbur was around Tommy a lot in exile and it'd be pretty hard to miss anything.
"Yeah, he's just staying at my house" He paused thinking "Do you know what happened with Dream and Tommy?" He questioned the ghost.
Ghostbur's face contorted into one of frustration as he tried to remember "Dream- Dream wasn't nice. I- don't think. I think he hurt Tommy-"
"The scar?" He interrupted him.
"I- don't remember? I think he was sad? I- I need some blue" The ghost held the substance which slowly started to turn blue. The ghost visible relaxed seemingly unaware of the distress he was just in. Technoblade hit another wall, guess he'd have to ask Tommy himself.
"Okay, well Tommy probably misses you" Walking away slowly before he stopped "Don't let dream in" He added more sternly. The ghost just nodded and walked to his house. I'll be back soon Tommy he thought aloud.

Chapter Text

Ghostbur hummed to himself as he walked to Technoblade's house. It had started to snow again so he made sure Friend was securely tied up outside, he felt bad but he didn't want Techno shouting at him... Again. Plus he knew Friend had a big fluffy blue coat so they'd be warm.

He knocked on the door in a certain way and entered. He was met with Tommy. Standing unsurprised and slightly smiling at the sight of him. He hugged him deeply, the teen clinging to his sweater.

"Where were you?" He asked the ghost.

"I tried- I tried to find you but Dream and I saw" His eyebrows furrowed trying to remember, "But then! Friend, they- they took me to you!" He excitedly replied.

"Really?" hope-filled the younger eyes "Then- let's make a house for me and Friend. Of course" Tommy replied. Ghostbur jumped at this idea. Friend was going to have a house!

"Yeah! Let's go" Ghostbur excitedly shouted.

When they got out Ghostbur was the first one to notice Friend, well the lack of Friend.

"Friend?" He asked moving to where he had left the sheep. The lead looked like it had been cut with something sharp. And there were footprints slightly bigger than his or Tommy's. No-no-no. He couldn't lose Friend he couldn't. He turned around scanning the landscape. Where? He slid down to his knees, no-no-no. A tapping on his shoulder interrupted his sharp intakes of breath.

"Have some blue Ghostbur, calm yourself." Tommy handed him the substance which instantly stained his fingers blue. He breathed in deeply and out. Calm.

"It's okay, we can build and I'm sure Friend will come back" Tommy assured him.

"I- I don't know Tommy, it's pretty cold out there" 

"They're a sheep, he's built for the cold" Tommy paused to look at him concerned "We can always build him the pen and look for him if he doesn't come back" He assured the ghost.

"Promise?" He asked, Tommy gave his pink finger and he shook it.

"Promise"

Tommy had been building for a bit whilst Ghostbur got him more materials to build his house and a pen for Friend. If they ever found him. Ghostbur's rung out suddenly and sent chills down his spine.

"Oh, it's Dream!"

"What," He asked in shock.

"He's got Friend!" Ghostbur answered excitedly "Dreams got Friend!". Seeming forgetting about how Dream felt towards the teenager.

"Wait where's Dream?" Ghostbur ignored him and said hi to the masked man "Wait- wait wait- wa- wait where's Dream?"

"He's got Friend" Ghostbur whispered to himself.

"WAIT WILBUR WHERES DREAM?" He yelled now.

"Thank you Dream!" he said ignoring the panicked boy.

"WILBUR" He shouted at the ghost, hurrying to grab a potion.

"Dreams got Friend! I'm bringing" He paused quickly realising his mistake "oh god. Oh no. I'm bringing- I'm bringing Dream and Friend home." Tommy paused in the doorway. Would Dream be that mad at him..? 

"Should- should I keep building or hide?" He asked anxiously.

"Why would you need- Oh yes! You cant let-. Yes, hide! Hide." He hissed to Tommy. Tommy chugged the potion and felt the effect take over him.

He anxiously moved to the back to the doorway and spotted Ghostbur, Friend and Dream .

"OH I SEE HIM WILBUR, I SEE HIM.  WHAT DO I DO? WHAT DO I DO?" He yelled whilst pacing. He suddenly heard the man join the call and quickly ran to his hiding spot but left the lid open so he could see him. He hadn't seen him in so long it almost felt like he missed the man.

Ghostbur heard Tommy cut himself off as they heard Dream join the call.

"Hey, Dream! Where did you find Friend?" He asked whilst dodging the snow.

"Well, I found him just wandering around" Dream bluntly replied leading the sheep back to the fence post. He hummed, Friend did like to wander around a lot. He would always walk to some fresh grass or wheat that Wilbur offered the sheep.

"Lemme just fence him in, for now, they don't like being tied up too long" He stammered trying to trap the sheep whilst the masked man watched him eerily. 

They made their way inside before Dream's voice cut the air suddenly "Do you live here now?" he asked.

"No no no, this is just where I've been" answering the man's question quickly "Technoblade said I could stay for a bit" He smiled fondly at the thought of his brother.

Dream stood still, almost like he was analysing his expressions.

 "I have a question for you..."

"Yeah? what's wrong?" The ghost replied happily.

"Have you seen Tommy?" Before he could reply he remembered what Tommy had said to him. But he had also told the ghost that they were friends? 

His eyes darted from the two dots on the mask before hesitantly replying,

"No..."

"Okay, well have you seen him around here at all?" He panicked as he heard the trapdoor above him open and closed. Was Dream and Tommy friends? All his memories of them blurred and merged together like a ball of rubber bands.

"No..." He hesitantly replied again looking away from the man.

"Okay..." Dream paused "Well I have a question for you down here" He led him to a list Tommy had made, now this is something he could answer.

Dream gestured to the list and muttered "Techno told me about this the other day but-"

"Yeah, these were written by Tommy" He chirped happily without thinking. He felt the man's gaze staring holes into him.

"When?" He almost demanded to him.

"I don't know but he showed me earlier-" Ghostbur paused before continuing "Oh- I he- He told me to come look for it, It's his to-do list!" he tried covering up his mistake but Dream was now fully looking at him, unmoving.

"Why- why are you staring blankly?" he asked with a slight tremor. He didn't know why Tommy was Dreams (not) friend. It confused him.

"No reason" Dream nonchalantly replied climbing up the ladder and Ghostbur following behind. 

He continued to show Dream around Technoblade's house before he heard Tommy cough from the box.

Ghostbur started to pretend to cough "I've got a bit of a cough sorry!" He coughed again "I get a cold as a ghost, from being out in the snow"

Dream just stared again "All right Wilbur I will see you later" He announced, "Enjoy your vacation I guess?" 

"Thank you, yes" Wil replied almost pushing him out the door.

"I'll be around." Dream warned.

"I look forward to seeing you" Ghostbur cheerily replied "You always seem to like to follow us. Even you seem a bit scary."

"Us?"

He smiled at the thought of his brothers "Yeah! Me techno and t-" He paused as he saw the man's eyebrow raise "t...techno"

Dream closed the distance, "I know Tommy was here." He said. He looked away from the man's gaze nervously and shifted his weight.

"I don't know- I don't know what you're talking about" he lied " I have no idea what you're talking about" Dream's gaze was unwavering on him. He just stood completely still watching him, which made a chill go up the ghost spine.

"All right. I'll be around." He warned before turning his back. Ghostbur waved to the man until he faded into the fog and snow.

Tommy's hands were clenched around his mouth that trapped any whimpers or cries threatening to spill. He shook like a leaf, shaking the trapdoors lightly. He heard footsteps coming closer and shut his eyes tight. Oh god, he was coming for him. "-Ommy?" He couldn't breathe, everything felt so small. "Tommy?" A voice called out to him. He shook his head trying to tell the voice to go away. A hand touched his shoulder and his eyes flew open. There on his knees was Wil- Ghostbur. He dropped his hands and let his cries out freely as he gripped onto the yellow sweater.

"Tommy? W-what happened with Dream? I-i don't remember" Ghostbur asked hugging him back and rubbing small circles to soothe his crying. Tommy cries grew louder, sounding pained. 

They both sat like this before the teen's body stopped shuddering. Tommy pulled himself out of the embrace and told him everything. in his mind, it wasn't like he was going to remember it anyway. Hell at one point he saw it happen and claimed to "go get help" before he came back clueless at what had occurred mere minutes ago. So he began where it started, how Dream could blow up his stuff anytime he didn't obey him. How he would yell at him for hours until he complied. As he began to tell more and more he couldn't stop, it felt so nice to talk to someone. Finally.

He rambled about how as it went on Dream would become more violent on some days. Making it Tommy's job to be his punching bag, quite literally on most occasions. The worst one that was etched in his mind. He remembered how angry he had been before he even found out about what he had done. When he saw Dream in the doorway of the secret (it was hidden by one block) storage, his heart dropped and bile rose to his throat. He expected Dream to hit him or yell at him like he was used to by now. What surprised him was how calm the masked man seemed. He rose from the spot promptly placed TNT and lit it. This unnerved Tommy as every explosion didn't come without some sort of fight. He watched Dream start a fire. Tommy cocked his head to the side, more confused than ever. Were they going to have marshmallows? He got excited at the thought, he loved marshmallows. Dream silently pulled an iron rod that resembled his classic smiley face mask and put it over the fire. He watched how Dream slightly smirked as the iron glowed orange.

"Come here Tommy" His voice cut through like a knife through butter. He obeyed, despite the strange actions the man still unnerved him. What was he-

"Stay still." He commanded, gripping his face and turning it slightly to the side. "This is going to hurt you a lot more than me" His words were laced with anger and smugness.

"What do y-" Before Tommy could ask he screamed. A sharp blinding white pain overtook him. His skin was on fire, it felt like he was burning alive. His jaw opened in a scream, tears now flowing freely. He tried to free himself from the strong grip that held him in place and move away from the iron rod but it was futile and pointless. He doesn't remember much of what happened but he would never forget the pain and agony he was in. He must have passed out not soon after because the last thing he remembered was a dream shoving him on the ground and walking away from the sobbing teen.

He doesn't know if the aftermath was worse than the actual event. Dream avoided him for a good month, sending him some supplies which seemed like apologies at the time but now looked like another way of manipulation. He would send him some bandages or rarely a pain killer potion that would work for the day. He learnt to take the supplies wisely and when he needed them. The mark felt like it was on fire all the time, it served as a constant reminder.

 Dream hissed at one point "Suits you, now you know who's your real friends" Friends. That's what they were... Right?

Blowing up Logstedshire was his final straw. He realised that all the things he went through weren't as normal as Dream had made it out to be and that the mark he had left him with would haunt him wherever he went. So he started trying to cover up any way he could. He tried bandages before scratching them off as it itched the burn until he found some plasters he had been saving in case of emergencies. He went to the river and looked in his reflection and paused. He looked like shit. His hair was long now and he was covered in gunpowder residue and scrapes. His hand ghosted the mark before flinching away from the slight contact that would make his charred skin wince. He covered the smiley face branding hoping that this would be the last time he would ever have to set eyes on it.

He heard Ghostbur suddenly sob out loud breaking him from his train of thought. He looked at the ghost confused "Why are you crying?" he asked, he honestly didn't think it was that much of a deal.

"Wh-what? Toms, why didn't you tell me this?" he sniffed.

Tommy sighed slightly "...I have told you. I've told you three times." he snapped.

"No." he chuckled "no-no-no I- I- I would-"

"Remember? Apparently not." The teen bluntly interrupted.

"I need to- I need to go," Ghostbur mumbled rushing out the room.

"Okay! Bye then?" He yelled after the ghost. At least he wouldn't remember this... Right. Yeah no, he wouldn't.

Ghostbur had to remember this. He ran through the house looking for it. Ah-ha! He found his old communicator and hastily wrote a message with shakey hands.

To Technoblade

Ghostbur: Dheam hury Tommy when exilefh amd thay wrre the mark came grom? (Dream hurt Tommy when exiled and that's where the mark came from?)

Technoblade: ???

Ghostbur: nneed to remember abot dream hurting Tommy (Need to remember about Dream hurting Tommy)

Technoblade: is Dream at the house???

Ghostbur: Nop hes gfone now! :) (Nope he's gone now :))

Technoblade: what do you mean NOW?

Technoblade: GHOSTBUR????

Technoblade: I'm coming back.

Chapter Text

His blade cut through the thick red vines as he made his way to the nether fortress. He relished in the sight as it towered above him. Casting a slight shadow. Moving forward, he made a list in his head of things he had to gather for his potions. Blaze powder just happened to be the last thing to collect, then he could go back to his bro- Tommy.

He walked the fortress walls gracefully, feeling his blood red cape drag slightly behind him. And felt the mobs practically cower at his presence. They had obviously  heard of the  Blood God , I mean who hadn't? Most people cowered at the name or showed some kind of interest. Most of them were cowards but on a few occasions a foolish person would challenge him. It always lead to him walking home with another bloodied sword. It was almost impressive that they were brave enough to challenge someone like him however it would all be wasted in the end. Hadn't they heard his catchphrase? Technoblade never dies.

He raised the blade over his head and slashed down, collecting the XP and drops without hesitance. Just a  few  more and he could go home.

After a few minutes, he settled into the monotonous slashing and swinging as chat cheered on. Yelling and screaming, he tuned it out like he had done so many times before.

SLASH

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!

CHOP

E E E E

SWING

ONE OF US!

SLICE

BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD

KICK

He swung the blade back into the blaze  stabbing  it and silencing the roaring fire it manifested. Dodging the fireballs aimed for him, he pulled the blade out with a squish before throwing it at the other mob behind him. Trying to catch him off guard? Wouldn't work.

He raised the blade once more feeling his eyes give a warm red glow and-

From Ghostbur:

Ghostbur: Dheam hury Tommy when exilefh amd thay wrre the mark came grom? (Dream hurt Tommy when exiled and that's where the mark came from?)

The sword hit the ground with a clash next to the mob as it cowered in fear and ran away. He looked over at the communicator before finally understanding the message.

TOMMY HURT? 

DREAM

HURT TOMMY?

He hastily replied almost walking into lava that poured slightly into the dark corridors. 

Technoblade: ???

Ghostbur: nneed to remember abot dream hurting Tommy (Need to remember about Dream hurting Tommy)

He understood this more quickly and felt anger and concern overtake him. He wouldn't have Dream hurting Tommy, no matter what issues they had in the past.

Technoblade: is Dream at the house???

Ghostbur replied more quickly this time, the tone seemed to change almost like he forgot why he was texting Techno in the first place.

Ghostbur: Nop hes gfone now! :) (Nope he's gone now :))

His whole body tensed up.  Now?  Chat roared jeers and taunts at him as he began to make his back to the portal. 

Technoblade: what do you mean NOW?

He was hit with no response and began to walk quicker and more urgently. The voices screamed louder.

Technoblade: GHOSTBUR????

No reply.

Technoblade: I'm coming back.

He shoved the communicator and hurried to the portal. He weaved his way through the trees and lava pools quickly like on autopilot. Mobs seemed to avoid him at all costs, not unusual but it did seemed a bit quiet. He wasn't complaining, made it easier to get back to the portal.

As he went through, he felt nausea take over him as he chucked himself back out of the portal. Feet crunched against the snow as he reeled himself back trying to get his body to regulate his body temperature. The first time he entered the biome without letting his body adjust he was bedridden for days and Phil practically waited for him on hand and foot for him. His body shivered but he knew he had to get back home. Back to his brothe- Tommy . He needed to protect him.

Snow crunched behind him, leaving a steady trail of footprints. His chest was heaving before a small weight hit his chest. Oof-  Technoclumsy, F, DREAM?

" Woah... In a rush?" The man asked before dusting him off and tilting the mask back in its right place. Dream tilted his head at him, the smile taunting him.

"Uhhh" He scratched the back of his neck trying to think of something smart to quip back with, "Something like that" He shuffled snow around his feet trying to show his impatience to the unmoving man.

The man hummed "Better not keep  them  waiting"

He stilled, trying not to show any reaction as everything went silent.

He knows!

He knows!

I know he knows chat  he sighed to himself. He could still fix this, "Them?" He asked raising an eyebrow. He could make this work.

"Yeah, Ghostbur and Friend. I brought him back to the cabin-" He paused before leaning slightly to his side "Why did you think I meant someone else?" He replied with words that felt too sweet and fake, just like his mask that wore a permanate smile.

Techno made a bunch of noise before stuttering out "No-no course not, just wondered who was at  my house"  He could only hope Dream would understand not to trespass on his property again. 

Dream's pocket buzzed and he switched out to his communicator "Huh that's new- I'm going to go, I'll see you around Technoblade" He was pretty sure the man had a smile whilst saying it but the annoying mask just about reached his mouth. Hiding his emotions, annoying Techno thought. Dream began to walk away hastily from him.

"Heh?" He turned around to spot his figure slowly getting further "DREAM! YOU CANT JUST DROP BY" He yelled. The figure gave no indication he had heard his yell. He sighed making his way back home, It'll be okay. After all,  Wi- Ghostbur was looking after him.

He barged into the room, not bothering to know. He wanted- needed to know he was safe. Eyes frantically searched the room.  Empty.  The voices taunted him,  Empty Empty Empty Technofail . He dashes into the room, promptly making sure the door was locked.  He had to be here.  But Tommy and Ghostbur were nowhere to be seen. He felt a lump in his throat form before he spotted something red out of the corner of his eye.

Chapter Text

He felt a lump in his throat form before he spotted something red out of the corner of his eye.

It was shivering.  Wait. "Tommy?" He called out to the shivering ball, edging closer to get a better look. The boy's face was buried in his knees, trying to muffle out the sobs that increased. Shit. 

He reached out for him to try and ground him, "Hey... Toms, Toms, it's just me."

The sobs hiccuped a little "Techno?" he asked, lifting his head slightly to get a look.

"Yep, just me and Ghostbur should be around here somewhere..." He thought aloud just as he spotted the ghost coming out of Phil's room.

Ghostbur immediately spotted him. And his face lit up before turning into a frown, spotting Tommy. He knelt next to him and Techno, "It's okay, calm yourself, have some blue." 

Tommy took the substance and watched how it instantly turned blue and began to stain his fingers.

"Thanks.." The teen replied hesitantly. He and Ghostbur helped the boy up from the cold floor and set him on the living room sofa.

Technoblade now stood up looked between the two, "So does anyone care to explain what happened?"

The youngest tilted his head slightly, "What do you mean?" He saw through this. How his eyes slightly widened and how he fiddled with his hands. He stared down at Tommy, watching his movements until Ghostbur spoke up, "I-I think Dream was here?" Tommy angrily shot him a look.

"Was he now?" He asked, looking at Tommy, "Funnily enough, I got a text from Ghostbur about it." 

Tommy's face paled, "W-what- what did you say?" He asked angrily, looking at the now guilty ghost.

"I did? I- I don't? I don't remember what. What did I say?" He sheepishly asked the piglin hybrid.

Technoblade waved his hand dismissively, "Oh nothing much, just that Dream was here" He practically felt the relief from Tommy before he spoke again, "Oh. And that he hurt you, Tommy." His gaze landed back on the boy.

He knows, they know. Tommy had to get away from him. He had lied to his face! He was bound to hurt him now. He glanced to the door behind Techno. He couldn't hurt him if he ran fast enough. Yeah, that'd work but he'd miss the nights where Techno would read him to sleep or the amazing food in the morning. It was safer for him, nothing ever lasts. 

Shaking slightly, he stared at Techno before he broke his gaze and he darted for the door. He rattled with the handle, desperately pulling it wide open and feeling a gush of cold air swarm him. He ran for the trees, hearing yells and shouts chasing after him. He had to run run run run run. He ran past the trees, jumping and dodging the branches. Almost tripping over a root but soon regaining his composure and running further in the woods. The yelling was almost gone now. He turned to the way he ran, straining his hearing. Nothing. He let out a sigh of relief and tried to catch his breath.

In.

Out.

In.

Ou- Wait what was that? No, it was just an animal.

In, What if it wasn't. What if he found him.

Out. No, he was fine.

In. Tommy definitely heard something this time. He could feel something watching him. He looked through the trees trying to see it. He saw a flash of green dart from the trees. Fuck.

"I know you are there!" He yelled, "Come out, you green bitch!" He stood his ground, waiting for the masked man to drag him back to exile. He wouldn't be surprised if he killed him right here, well he could try. Another rustle from behind drew him from his thoughts. He whipped around to see the source, nothing. He started to walk closer to where it sounded like he'd be until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. His stomach dropped and he felt bile rise in his thought. He caught him, no-no-no-no-no-no. He can't go back, he won't he- His body shook, mind flashbacking to when Dream would hurt h-.

"Toms?" A soft voice caught him off guard, Dreams voice was more silky but charismatic and smelt like fire and smoke. The voice sounded soft and sweet, the kind of voice that would smell like sea breeze and s'mores. When was the last time he had a s'more? The voice turned him around to face him and he stood facing Philza fucking Minecraft. He couldn't believe this. He was screwed. "Tommy?" He asked again eyes laced with concern and something else, sadness? He couldn't breathe, his hand was lightly touching his shoulder but it felt like a death grip. He felt the hand let go but that was the only thing grounding him. He began panicking more and his vision started to blur and get spotty. Was he dying? He still wanted to do many things.

Phil was just on the way to Techno's, flying back. Until he spotted someone running away from the cabin. Worried that someone had raided them or hurt Techno, he followed them. Shortly after he found out it was Tommy. He now caused the teenager to panic under his light touch, to say the least, Phil was worried. What happened to his son. The same son that used to be so bold and outgoing was the same one that was now withering under his touch. He let go of his shoulder, "Tommy?" His son's eyes were glazed over and his breaths quicken, "shit" He suddenly jumped to catch him as he saw his knees buckling. Tommy clung onto him, sobbing harder, "It's okay, Tom's It-" 

Tommy cut him off shakily muttering, "Please, I don't want to die. 'm, sorry, I won't run away again. Don't hurt me, Dream. Please..." Phil tensed... What the fuck. His wings flared behind him as he curled them around Tommy. They stayed like that until he felt Tommy's grip on him loosen enough for him to carry him without waking him back up. Best for him to get some rest, especially how his eyes looked like a racoon's.

He picked him up gently, making sure that he was still sleeping. Walking was probably safer but he didn't want him to wake up panicked again. Ultimately he decided it would have to be flying. He checked again he was sleeping and got a secure hold on him so he wouldn't fall. He took off flying high above the clouds, catching a gentle breeze that would lead him home. The wind flowed through his feathers, and the sun shone on them, he felt alive up here. Tommy shifted a bit in his sleep, muttering something about 'needing to hide.' Phil tried not to dwell on it and instead chirped softly to him. This seemed to work as his face morphed into one of peace in his sleep.

Chapter Text

The flight didn't take that long, thank the gods. Phil was pretty sure Tommy wasn't as cold as when he found him in the forest. 

He reassured himself, "It's fine," he could see the cabin now. Footprints littered the ground around the building. At least he knew Techno was home safe, which calmed his mind.

He dove down, placing his hand on the still sleeping boy's head to cushion the shakey landing. Tommy grumbled as Phil moved him to carry him. Did he feel lighter?  What happened? He couldn't dwell on this now. 

He stumbled, opening the door to reveal two people looking at him, then at the boy he was holding. Technoblade stood up suddenly. Ghostbur curiously looked at Tommy behind him.

"Wh-what?" the piglin asked before Phil‘s wings flared out protectively.

"He needs rest," he replied, ignoring the question. He quickly moved to Tommy's room, where he laid the boy on the bed. Tommy shifted in his sleep as Phil tucked him in and kissed his forehead, which seemed to soothe him. Technoblade watched them from the doorway as Phil stood back up and gently closed the door behind them.

Tommy woke up sweating more than normal after sleeping. He sat up in a panic, scanning the surroundings. It didn’t look like a cave or somewhere Dream would dump him. In fact, it resembled more of his room. His eyes darted around the room, looking for any sign that the masked man might be lurking or be coming back.

His head was pounding so hard that he could almost feel it vibrating against the walls. A door suddenly opened, leaking bright orange light into the room and revealing a slightly dishevelled Philza. He thought, "Huh, what's Phil doing here?"

"Oh, you’re awake," he softly spoke from the doorway with a tray in hand.

"phlza?" he asked, his tongue felt like lead and also why did everything ache?

"Yep, that's me mate," he said as he set the tray on his bedside cabinet and rested his hand on his forehead. Tommy leaned into the cold hand now, realising how hot it was in here.

"You feel a bit hot. Are you sick?" Phil questioned

"Nope," Tommy replied, choking down a whine as he pulled his hand away. Just before he could convince him more, he let out a loud sneeze.

"Sure, mate," he said, seemingly unconvinced as he picked the tray back up and placed it in the boy's lap. "Techno made soup and green tea for you." Tommy wrinkled his nose at the food in front of you, and Phil let out a laugh. "C'mon, you gotta eat something." He nudged the tray forward to him.

He huffed and crossed his arms, looking angrily at Phil. 

"Would you like Techno or w-" Phil asked before Tommy interrupted quickly, "no no no!" He tried to clear the scratchiness from his throat, "I'll eat, I promise." 

He whispered the last bit before picking up the spoon. Phil gave him a weird look before sitting down on the edge of the bed, encouraging him to eat. At least Phil wasn't mad at him. He shuddered at the thought of his bro-Technoblade's wrath. After all, he wasn't known for his social niceties. You don't get called The Blood God without a reason.

He raised his spoon to his mouth. Then he saw a flash of green from out of the corner of his eyes. He jumped slightly, spilling soup onto the tray, and turned to face the dark corner of the room. There he stood, towering from the shadows, his mask slightly tilted and his smile a little too wide. Dream.

"What the fuck?" Tommy muttered under his breath. He felt Phil take the tray off his lap and sit next to him.

He tapped his shoulder lightly, "Toms? What are you looking at? " Couldn't he see? He tore his eyes away from the corner, "What? He's-" He pointed to the empty corner and said, "He's right there! Don't you see him, Phil? " He yelled at the masked man. He stood eerily still until he tilted his head more as if he had found something curious.

"Tommy" Phil started with a hint of confusion. This drew his attention, "There's no one there."

He looked back and forth between the two. "What? No, he's right there!" He looked at Phil, scanning his face for any lies. "You see him? Right?  "

Tommy

His voice rang in his ears. He turned back to face him.

Tommy, you need to go back; they don't want you.

He shook his head at the hallucination. They did want them.

Where were they when you got exiled? Who was there at your side, Tommy?

He hesitated.

That's right, Tommy. He took a step towards the bed, and his breathing hitched in his throat.

Phil sat frozen, unsure of what to do. Tommy was clearly seeing something distressing (most likely from the fever and stress), but he couldn't see it. He couldn't help. He made one mistake with his sons, he'd be damned if he lost another. He watched the boy tremble, eyes glued to the corner still. His breathing suddenly became sporadic and he began trying to back away from an invisible force, "no-no-no. Dream!" he shifted too far back, and he watched the panicked boy fall. He stood up quickly and knelt by his side.

"Toms? Tommy, it's just me and you," He pulled him closer cradled him in his arms, "I'll protect you. I promise." Tommy didn't make any indication he had heard him. He sat there on the floor rocking him and brushing his hair gently. 

Techno interrupted his peace suddenly, looking worried "I- I heard shouting?" He seemed confused, looking at the two. Phil now looked down and noticed Tommy's breathing evened out, falling asleep in his arms 

"Ah. That" He paused "I don't- I don't know what happened? He was fine until I mentioned you? And I'm- He just started seeing things."

"Seeing things?" Techno questioned, they both knew his history of him hearing things. Especially how much harder it was to control when he was younger.

Phil thought for a bit, raising his hand to Tommy's head again. He flinched at the heat, snapping his head back to Techno "He's burning up."

"What?"

"He's got a fever. Explains the seeing things, we need health potions now" He ordered techno, placing the sleeping boy back on the bed.

"Got it," he replied.

Tommy felt hot. Wait, it was cold? At least it felt freezing. Or maybe it was just his forehead? He opened his eyes to find himself back in exile. "What?" He questioned. A cold hand gripped his shoulder. "Where do you think you're going?" Dream asked. He froze. He thought he had escaped, or at least gotten away. He turned to face him, "H-h-hey Dream... Friend, buddy, pal, guy, friend..." He watched the man tilt his head.

"Tommy... I don't want to do this" The man paused before taking out the sharp sword, "This is gonna hurt" He could see the bottom half of his face tilt upwards into a grin. No-no-nope not again. 

He ran. He could hear his heart in his ears and felt it in his feet. The deafening sound of blood rushing throughout his body and wind catching his hair. A blur of green ran past him. He spotted the forest he rushed for cover between the trees.

He paused hiding behind a tree making sure the man didn't see him hide. "Tommmyyyy" He felt his breathing stop "You can't run from me~"

He shut his eyes. Please don't find me, please don't find me, please do-

"Found you" He opened it and ducked at the oncoming sword that buried its way into the tree. He took this opportunity, dodging uprooted trees and leaves almost too conveniently. He turned around for a second to see if he was following before turning back and met with a giant ravine. Shit, shit, shit. Footsteps became louder behind him. Think, think, think. He looked left and right, nowhere to run.

A loud sigh interrupted his thoughts. "This is it, Tommy. There's nowhere to run." Dream said with glee. Dream held his arms up gesturing to the dead end, "You're gonna die or you can come back with me willingly." He looked hard at the man and back to the bottom of the ravine. Fuck it. He turned his back to the ravine and faced him, staring him straight in his mask's eyes.

"Good choice, Tommy. I won't hurt you." He paused. "Well... Too bad at least, can't have you going lax on me," chuckling lightly. 

"I'm not coming back." Tommy raised his right hand to his head.

"Tommy- Tommy what? What are you doing?!" He yelled.

He smiled. Finally, he was in control. He saluted to him and fell backwards into the ravine. Dream looked over the edge in panic. A twinge of guilt rang in his chest, but he let his vision darken.

"He's burning up." 

A bright light flooded his sight, but nothing appeared. Everywhere was white, like a void. Looking around, he saw a dark figure walking towards him. She wore a thick black veil covering nearly all of her face, with a dark gown accented with a deep purple lace around the waist and gold stitching. "Where am I?" He asked the stranger.

"Sleeping," she replied.

"It doesn't feel like it. I feel cold and I can control myself."

"You have a fever," she explained.

He tilted his head at her, "Yeah, but how come I can speak to you if I'm sleeping and where are we?"

She cupped his face gently, "I was sent here for a job." He knew he should feel more confused but couldn't muster the energy to be.

"What job?" he asked.

"I cannot say" She turned away from him, "You must go, they are waiting for you." He looked around finding nothing but a white void.

"Can't I stay here? I don't want to go back," he asked, looking up at the woman. He felt his anxieties wash away here.

She smiled gently at him and brushed his hair to one side. "It's not you're time, you'll be okay. I promise. You have them"

"But I-"

"Shhh, It's okay sunshine." She hugged him and a warmth overtook him. "I'll be watching over you"

"Who are you?" He asked, his voice muffled as he clung to her like a lifeline. Sudden tiredness overtook his body which was now wracked in shivers. 

"An old friend. Ask Phil how he's doing for me, yeah honey?" Tommy felt confused but nodded anyway.

"I don't-" Before he could finish, the blinding white turned dark and he fell unconscious. 

Chapter Text

"He's burning up." 

"I know that, mate!" Phil said exasperatedly, "We've given him enough healing potions. His fever should have broken by now!" Tommy could hear them speak. He winced, squinting his eyes.

 "Maybe we could-" Techno cut off before another set of footsteps stormed into Tommy's room.

"I got it!" Ghostbur proudly cheered holding, up the blue flowers.

 (He insisted Tommy needed blue to get better. After the boy fell abruptly asleep, Ghostbur got more and more anxious as he waited for him to wake back up. And insisted that "something bad would happen" and "the blue would help". That's when Phil had the bright idea to send him on a somewhat pointless 'quest' for blue flowers, insisting that the blue flowers would help him get better. Of course, he instantly agreed.)

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Tommy shot up in his bed in a panic, hearing someone come closer to him. No-no-no, not again, he  escaped-

Phil was the first to reach out to him and place a hand on his shoulder, grounding him, "You alright, mate?" His breathing stuttered for a second, trying to understand before he quickly nodded. He looked to the three who were now staring at him like he had three heads.

"What you wrong'un's looking at?" he slurred slightly, trying to shake the sleep that gripped him.

Phil took his hand off him before speaking, "Well...Mate, you've been sleeping for a while". He scratched the back of his neck "around... a day or so?" He looked to Techno, who just nodded with a blank look. Tommy looked at them, confused. He doesn't remember the last time he slept consistently for 7 hours. Let alone a whole day. Pogchamp.

"Right" He lifted himself out of the bed before a loud outburst rang out.

"Tommy, No"

"Absolutely not"

"Ehhh... Not the best idea."

The three spoke all at once but all agreed that Tommy still wasn't well enough to be standing. And between himself, the floor did look like it was spinning. "So I'm just stuck to my bed?" He asked, looking at Ghostbur for hopefully some pity, "This Isn't very pog of you to imprison me."

Techno chuckled before Phil spoke again, "Tommy, you only just woke up from basically passing out from your fever. I'm surprised you're still up." 

"Ay! What's that supposed to mean?"

"Phil has a point" Techno sided. Of course. At least he still had his other bro-

"I too agree!" Tommy looked over to the ghost with a look of betrayal, "Sorry, Tommy." he mouthed. 

Traitors , the lot of them, he thought.

He raised his hands and dropped them dramatically, "So... what am I supposed to do nowwwww" he whined. He cant be stuck to his bed, this was gonna be boring.

Ghostbur gasped, "I know!"  Oh no.  He knows that look. They all do. It's become somewhat of a  family  ritual. Well, maybe family. He wasn't sure how they all stood with him. He was pretty sure they were only putting up with him for pity. Except for Ghostbur.  Maybe.

Techno locked eyes with the ghost, "Wil, no."

"Wil~ yessss."

"No"

"Yes"

"Philllll, help me."

"Well... I don't think It'll hurt" Phil pondered and placed his hand on Tommy's forehead. It felt significantly colder than before. Ghostbur let out a happy gasp. "It's up to Tommy, though." Ghostbur broke out of his happy daze and looked over to the boy inquisitively. He looked like a puppy.

Tommy sighed, drawing Techno's gaze as well, "I guess... but I get say on blankets, you clingy bitches!" He watched the ghost's smile brighten and leave the room on his quest. Techno nodded at him and left the room to get some books. They had a routine by now. It felt safe. It felt like home.

Phil sat on the edge of the bed, "You sure you want to?" he asked, giving Tommy a warm smile. 

He looked down at the bed covers and shrugged, "I don't mind, plus It's been a while" He looked up to Phil, smiling at him still. The silent 'I missed this' didn't go unnoticed by the two.

Ghostbur stumbled into the room, practically drowning in blankets.

"I got them!" Techno followed gracefully behind, "Even found the fluffy ones Tech likes."

"I don't like them, just more cooler looking", He argued back. To his defence they were red and they both knew how cool that colour is.

Tommy let a smile grace his face watching his family argue whilst Phil took the blankets and piled them around him. 

"I get to sit next to Tommy." Ghostbur declared, jumping onto the bed, nearly landing on him.

"Careful, mate!" Phil shouts, "Nearly squashed him." Ghostbur turns and makes a face to Tommy, apologising.

He heard a shuffle, watched Techno sit down in the chair in the corner, book in hand. Of  course ,  pretentious  prick. Books are for nerds he thought. 

Phil chuckled above him, "I'll just sit next to Toms as well." 

The four of them sat in his room in comfortable silence; Techno, reading one of the books he had told Tommy about, Ghostbur fiddling with Tommy's hair and Phil laying behind him gently scratching the back of his head, making comments on how long it's gotten.  It has, hasn't it . He had meant to cut it a while ago but forgot and decided he liked it long, and not totally because he wanted to look like a certain someone.

A page flick

Slow breathing

Humming

Gods , he missed  this .

Ghostbur was now asleep, drooling slightly, leaving a stain on his pillow. He was always first to fall asleep.  Another page flick, a breath.  He closed his eyes, relishing in the feeling.

Another page flick , "So Tommy." Techno started, he opened his eyes slowly. "What happened with Dream?  Tommy"  Techno didn't even remove his eyes from his book. On the other hand, Phil shot up and looked at him.

"What do you mean?" He asked, turning to Tommy, "What-"

"Nothing happened." 

"Hurting you doesn't sound like nothing", Techno replied.

Phil practically felt his hair turning grey, "HE WHAT?" he yelled before noticing Ghostbur still sleeping and quietening. They all envied how once he was asleep, he could sleep through anything. Literally  Anything . Phil looked to Tommy, scanning for any injuries until he spotted a small scar on his jawline. His eyes lingered there for more than Tommy liked.

"Well..." He started subtly itching the scar to cover it up, "He didn't really hurt me, per se... he just-"

"Tommy." Phil was now staring at him sternly, "What happened?" Normally he'd joke about how he's using his dad voice but he felt like the joke would fall flat.

He felt Ghostbur gently curl into him more in his sleep. Now he was basically stuck here. Oh well,  It's nice while it lasted, right ?

So he told them everything. Once he began, he realised he couldn't stop speaking and words poured from his mouth like honey. He didn't tell them the whole truth, cracking jokes whenever it got too heavy for him or if they looked too pained. He told them about the cold lonely nights, the nights where he wished he had someone to comfort him. The nights where it was too quiet and his thoughts were too loud, the nights where storms terrified him and left him freezing. Finally, he told them about Dream. How if he didn't do everything he said to the 'T' he would get some sort of punishment depending on what he did. Despite telling them his darkest secret, a weight lifted from him. He'd been carrying it so long he didn't realise how tired he was from it. Tears pricked in the corners of his eyes,  gods he was tired . He was so tired.  Phil tightly embraced him, rubbing the blond's back and shushing him.

"It's okay, you're safe now, mate," Phil assured him, taking his hands in his, promising him.

"Uhhhh, Tommy. You forgetting something?" Technoblade asked from the corner, looking at the two. They were now sitting on the bed, Ghostbur still snoring lightly. They both tilted their heads.

"That." Techno pointed to his jawline, Tommy copying and lightly grazing the scar. He tightened his jaw.

Oh right.

Phil now looked at him expectantly, "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to." he assured.

Fuck it.

"Nah, it's okay. You deserve to know. I mean, in short, it was Dream" As those words left his mouth, he could practically feel the anger coming from Techno and Phil. "I- I mean- I. Technically I- It was my fault too?" 

"Dream... Huh," Techno started, "I mean... It wouldn't hurt to visit him..." He grinned evilly. 

Phil quickly turned his head to him and shot him a glare before insisting Tommy continue.

"I- It was a long time ago,"  not really,  he thought, "And I'm okay now. It's just a scar. It doesn't matter that much" He ducked his head in shame.  It shouldn't matter this much. It's just a stupid scar .

"Toms," Phil's voice rang out, "Look at me, whether he left a scar or not. He  hurt  you."

"Yeah but-" 

"No." Phil cupped Tommy's face, "He hurt you, Tommy. He was manipulating you. He has clearly hurt you both physically and mentally. Whether you want to forgive him or not is up to you, but I can promise you one thing." Phil put a hand on his shoulder, "You will never get hurt by him again. I'll make sure of that." They heard a cough from Techno.

" Sorry,  I mean  we'll  make sure of that," Phil chuckled.

"Yeah yeah-" He yawned, stretching his arms, "cool, pretty pogchamp."

"Tired?" Techno smirked from the corner.

"Nope, big men don't need sleep," he mumbled, forcing Phil to lay down and curling on top of him, "Sleep is for the weak." A hand snaked at the back of his neck and ruffled his hair.

"Sure, mate." 

------

Ghostbur woke up slowly to hushed whispers from downstairs. He looked around the room to spot Techno sleeping in his chair and Phil spread out, taking nearly all of the bed. He smiled but it faulted.  Where was Tommy?  Floating to the door, he could hear the hushed whispers a bit more clearly.

"Don't ____ up ___ you Tom__"

"Dr___ please _____ ___this"

He gently gripped the door handle, making a tiny squeak, as he opened it ajar. "Please don't," Tommy said. Ghostbur heard him more clearly now, he sounded sad. That wasn't right, Tommy shouldn't be sad. The flowers should have worked for him! Phil had said it was a good idea himself and Phil was never wrong. 

Creeping down the stairs, he spotted Dream and Tommy. Didn't? Ghostbur's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He was pretty sure they weren't friends. In fact, the grip Dream had on Tommy's wrist didn't seem very friendly. He should know.

"C'mon, Tommy. Do you  really  think they care about you?" Dream snarled, increasing his grip. 

He winced, Ghostbur silently thanked the gods that they had their backs turned to him. 

"I mean- I have Ghostbur," Tommy replied. Ghostbur felt a warm sensation cover him. 

Dream laughed, "That- Ghostbur? You don't. Now come with me," Tommy stuttered something out before Dream interrupted, "Ah ah ah. Don't think about it. They're all sound asleep. One yell, they're all dead."

Ghostbur froze, hiding slightly around the corner. He saw Tommy nod and heard a yelp, followed by the front door shutting.

Oh no. Oh no. What should he do? He had to follow his baby brother, but what about Phil and Techno.  He paced the floor in thought.  Oh!  He grabbed a blue pen and sticky note from the kitchen counter and raced back to Tommy's room. The note he left them read, "Gone out to get Tommy from Dream, didn't want to wake you -Ghostbur :)" and he giggled as he placed it on Phil's forehead and kissed Techno's head.

I'm coming, Toms.

Chapter Text

Dream took him in the dead of the night. They had been walking in silence for a while. Until the sun slowly rose and he figured out where he was heading too.  No.  He could see the beach in the distance taunting him and the blade in his back digging into him. 

"Keep walking," Dream's voice cut through the air, reluctantly he moved forward. Nowhere for him to run. Better to keep moving forward. He could now hear the chirps of birds from the trees. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see crows jumping from trees, seemingly trying to follow him.  Huh? That seems familiar.

---------------------------

Phil woke up with a start.  Something was wrong . It felt like the time he somehow knew that Wilbur had done something  bad ; (although Techno's guilty face didn't help and the face Tommy was hiding the paint behind his back.) Phil's hat was stained blue for the next two weeks. He sighed mentally.  What have they done?

He looked around. Everything seemed normal. Apart from the empty bed, he rationalised that Tommy probably woke up early and pestered Wil until he woke too. He looked over to where Techno was still sleeping and chuckled. There was a small blue mark on his forehead.

The piglin opened his eyes, "What?" He asked, now awake, although it wasn't unusual for him to fake sleeping.

"Nothing, mate. Just something on your forehead," Phil replied with a smile.

He scoffed, realising what it was, "Says you, looks like someone had fun last night."

Phil frowned, touched his forehead and a note fell down. His eyes glanced at the note, heart beating faster. An icy feeling rushed over him and froze his veins.  No.

" Phil?" Techno asked, now standing over him, slowly reading the note. His head shot up.

"We have to go." Techno just nodded and they hurried to their tools. They rushed out of the door, swords in hand and the note dropped carelessly on the ground.  He wouldn't fail him this time.

-------------------------------

Truth be told. Ghostbur didn't know where he was going. He was sure he had been following them fairly close behind but then saw something blue and got distracted. He was now wandering in a flower forest. That was until he heard a noise in front of him and a murder crows flew past him, flying away to something. He then heard yelling coming from the direction the crows were flying from and headed toward it.

He was on the edge of the forest and spotted the ocean. The sun hit it just right, so it shimmered in his eyes. He loved the sea- why wouldn't he? It was his favourite colour of course and the way he remembered going to the brach with Tommy! Wait- Wasnt he supposed to be with him? A blue butterfly fluttered past his vision.

"Oh! Hello there," He whispered to the butterfly as it landed on his finger, "What are you doing?" It fluttered its wings a bit.

"That's nice. I'm out here-," He paused, thinking. What was he out here for?

 "Oh! I remember I was following Tommy!" Where were they? The butterfly fluttered its wings again, averting his gaze back to it. 

"I can't remember..." A loud noise startled both of them and the butterfly flew away.

His eyes scanned the landscape, searching for the loud noise when he saw two figures on the sandy shore. "Tommy!" He gasped excitedly, running towards the figure before slowing down. Dream was also there. He fiddled with his jumper, this wasn't good. He paused, thinking again. WWTD. In times of crises, he found him to resort to 'What would Techno do?' Although it has only worked once, that time was a fluke but no one wanted to upset the ghost, it was worth a try. He looked around, trying to strategise the best place to grab Tommy and run. He heard a scream and saw the green blob grab Tommy's ankle and drag him. He saw red. Complicated relationships or not, no one hurt his family. Especially Tommy, not now. Not ever  again .

------------------------

"Here we are, Tommy," He could practically hear the mans smirk, "Welcome back."

"No!"

He tilted his head, "What do you mean,  Toms ." He broke a block.  No-no-no-no-no.

"You know the drill," Dream sighed.

"Ge-get back!" Tommy yelled, "I'm not fuckin' doing this." He backed away slightly from the masked man. He turned his head slowly, getting ready to run until a sword flew past his face. It landed with a loud clatter behind him that caused everything to go silent. He could, of-  Would  have killed him. The realisation dawned on him and his face went pale.

"Don't you get it now?" he asked, coming close to Tommy "I can kill you right now and it won't matter."

"No-no it wou- You need me?" He said more of a question. The man just laughed in his face.

"I need you? Oh Tommy," He grabbed him by his shirt and held him, "I can just revive you and ill kill you again and ill revive you and kill you again."

The way he spoke sent shivers down his spine. Dream threw him to the ground, fine sand scattering cushioning his fall slightly. Tommy trembled and started to get back on his feet and started to run. The man followed close behind, although he was barely in a sprint he seemed to keep up with the younger boy.

He didn't know where he was running to. He knew that he needed to get away from him. Anywhere was better away- His heart skipped as he felt himself trip over a pebble, he stumbled. Trying to regain his balance, a strong hand gripped his ankle causing his face to go headfirst into the sand.

"And where do you think you're going?" Dream spoke, he knew better than to respond to his rhetorical questions as he'd only increase punishment later for 'attitude.' He began to scream as Dream started to pull on his ankle dragging him along. He squirmed as rocks scrapped his face and he tried to kick the man dragging him. It seemed futile until his grip slipped and he began to thrash harder, weakening the strong hold he had on him and kicking him as hard as he could.

The masked man stumbled back, feeling his face for his mask that slipped off his face slightly.  Now's his chance . He dug his heels into the ground, trying to get a good grip, and forced himself to his feet. He looked around for something- anything to defend himself with before a hand grabbed his hood, pulling him back. He was practically in his arms and looked up to Dream, he could have sworn the mask was glowing green slightly.

He sighed again, disappointed, "You know, running only makes it more fun for when I eventually catch you."

"You're sick, man!" Tommy shoved himself out of his grasp, "You-you never cared for me. I'm just some fuckin'- fuckin' tool for you to use, I-"

Dream cut the distance between them, "Oh,  but who was there for you.  They  never visited you,  who  do you think-" Dream stopped, looking just past his shoulder. 

He turned around slowly to face a tall man. He jumped slightly, he looked different, he was so used to the man looking cheerful and happy. Never anger or rage entered his mind.  Well .

"Ghostbur?" Tommy questioned, Ghostbur's gaze was still on Dream like they entered a staring contest.

Dream clapped his hands breaking his stare, "Well, now this is a surprise.  Really  though, of all people.  You  came," They could hear the way the man laugh, "The ghost, the  amnesiac ." Dream snarled the last words.

Ghostbur seemed to ignore his taunts and gently pushed Tommy protectively behind him. Dream watched and raised both his hands to his sides, daring him to try something.

"What are  you  gonna do? You can't hurt me," He said with a smirk lacing his words. Ghostbur paused, Tommy could see the slight smirk on the Ghosts face.

"I know," He replied, "But  this  will." Ghostbur unsheathed the sword that was hidden by his jumper and pointed it at Dream. 

Tommy got a burst of confidence and excitement, "You're fucked now!" he shouted, still hiding slightly behind Wilbur.

---------------

"Bruh," He paused, "Phillll, where's my sword?" He yelled to the man riding on a horse alongside him.

"Don't you have one?" Phil asked, amused.

"Well yeah, but that's not the point. It was lucky"  Techno whispered the last bit like it was a secret.

"Uhh, not sure then... Did you leave it at home?" Phil questioned, one hand holding onto his hat so it wouldn't fly off.

Techno was sure he had it on him, "I only remember leaving it at home when-" Realisation hit them both like a train.

" Ghostbur "

" Ghostbur "

----------------

He relished the fear he saw in the man as he took out the sword. Ghostbur had forgotten all the times he saw that fear in his brother's eyes when the man raised his fist. Not anymore. He took a step forward and Dream stumbled back.

"Wait-wait-wait you don't want to do this," He pleaded, putting his arm up defensively. 

His shoulders slumped and he tilted his head, don't I?" He said with a smirk. He closed the gap between them and could see the man shake slightly. Forcefully he grabbed the man's hoodie, "Maybe you should have thought of that before you fucking hit my brother."

He trembled in his grasp, "Wait no- no you can't kill me," Dream started, "You-you need me. Don't you want to be  revived ?"

He let go of him in shock.

"I-I," He turned around to see Tommy frozen.

"I can do that!" he spoke with confidence, "as long as you don't kill me, obviously, and leave me and Tommy  alone. "

Ghostbur looked to Tommy desperately trying to ask him what he should do.

Dream dusted himself off and offered his hand.

He could see the mask tilted a bit, showing a sick smile "So, what'll it be?"

Chapter Text

He was beginning to feel antsy sat riding. After all, he could fly at the snap of his fingers and didn't like to be grounded for long journeys. Despite all his protests, his feathers ruffled up.

Techno looked at him funnily.

"You can go on ahead if you want," the pink man yelled.

"What?" He yelled back, unable to hear him against the raging winds.

He saw him shake his head disapprovingly and motion for them to slow down.

"I said, you can go on ahead if you want," he motioned to his wings.

"Oh," Phil replied dumbly, "Thanks, mate." 

He handed him the reigns, giving him a quick smile and took off. He could barely hear the slight murmur of 'old man' coming from the ground below and chuckled to himself.

Souring above the clouds, he relished the wind between his wings and released a sigh. He broke out of his train of thought and focused on his mission. He flew through a cloud, scanning the ground for his sons. All he could see was plains. Despite flying fairly fast he was sure Techno was still following him closely. He hovered in the air before he spotted a murder of crows coming towards him.

Ah, they must of found them, he thought.

One of them, the leader, his mind supplied, landed on his arm and chirped up to him.

"Alright, thanks, mate," he smiled, nodding at the crow, "Could you also deliver this to Sam for me?" Phil took a small note out of his pocket and attached it to the crow's leg with a green ribbon. He had quickly written it but hoped the writing was legible enough for the creeper hybrid to read. The crow gave a stern nod and began its journey. 

He looked towards the sea line in the distance and motioned to Technoblade to change their course. Without thinking, he went on not seeing that techno wasn't catching up to him as fast as he once was.

---------------------------

He stood frozen. The man who abused him just offered them a way to revive his brother. 

Ghostbur looked at him with desperation, "Tommy, what- what should I do, I don't-"

"I don't know, I don't know!" he yelled, tugging at his hair anxiously. On the other hand, he could get Wilbur back, but then he'd have to go with Dream.

He made up his mind.

Realistically it wasn't much of a difficult choice. He knew what he had to.

He walked closer to the masked man, hand still outstretched, waiting for a response. The sick smile, he shuddered.

"Ghostbur can take the rev-" he started before a dark figure swooped down in front of the two of them.

"Get the fuck back, Dream" Phil hissed out his name in disgust and flared his wings out to protect them. He could just about see the mans face, looking fierce through the charcoal feathers. Tommy would have felt terrified if it was directed at him. But from where he was standing, he knew he was protected. Safe, family.

Dream clenched his hand and drew it back, "What are you going to do, Philza, " he hissed his name with as much disgust as he did to him. Childish behaviour, Tommy smirked at the thought.

"This," Phil quickly equipped full netherite armour and showed the enchanted sword to the man, "Not so powerful now, are ya?" He taunted. Phil looked to Tommy, checking he was okay. His eyes scanned him for a good second, making sure the man hadn't laid a hand on him. And for that brief second, Dream fully equipped with netherite armour and darted towards the sword still stuck out awkwardly in the sand. He noticed the panic in his eyes and turned around just as Dream grabbed the sword.

"Ghostbur, get Tommy out of here. Techno should be here soon," Phil commanded with a stern voice.

----------------------------

Phil knew Techno was following him closely behind but still couldn't help the uneasiness. Maybe it was the mask he was wearing but he gave off weird vibes. He didn't like this one bit.

Dream lunged at him and blocked the hit with his blade of the sword. 

When was Techno getting here ...

They circled each other, Phil mostly playing defence, dodging and blocking Dreams attacks. But then, Dream started to get impatient and started to attack widely not bothering to wait between attacks. He also kept looking behind Phil every now and again, confusing him until he realised. Toms.

He quickly glanced back anxiously and his face paled when he realised Ghostbur and Tommy were still there. Hell, they hadn't even gone that far. Dream took this moment to lunge at him again, Phil barely blocking the attack.

C'mon Techno...

----------------------------------------

Techno was sure he was going the right way. Well, the way that Phil had motioned towards.

Technolost

EEE

Phil vs Dream? poggg

Lost arc

Technoblade lost

"Shut up, chat. I'm not lost," He muttered, looking between the sea and forest, "I am the Human GPS." He looked around, horses huffing impatiently. He looked quizically at Phil's horse.  Could they track Phil like dogs?  Here goes nothing, he thought.

He let go of the lead and the horse looked at him, "Go. Find Phil," The horse nodded like it understood him and began to gallop towards the sea. "Who knew?" he said aloud with a chuckle.

Little did he know there was a slight input from a certain goddess. 

Either way, he arrived there just in time. As he dismounted the horse, he saw his brothers frozen in fear as Dream stood over Phil.

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD 

EEEEE

KILL THE GREEN TELLYTUBBY

homeless

eeeeee

Without a second thought, he rushed to dream and knocked him over. Phil smiled brightly at him, and he lifted him back to his feet.

"Thanks, mate"

"No problem, just get the horses and get Ghostbur and Tommy out of here," Phil nodded at Techno, "I'll deal with Dream."

Out the corner of his eye, he saw his brothers hastily turn their backs and make their way home with Phil.

He walked closer to the man clutching his ribs, "Any last words?" He asked, pointing his sword at the man.

Dream rolled onto his back, breathing heavily, "Heyyyy, Technoblade... We're good friends, right?" 

He could see the mans mouth still tilted into a smirk, that bastard.

"Hmmm, I don't know," He teased, "You haven't practically been nice, friend,"  hissing the last words out. He raised the blade.

"Wait, wait! Techno, please don't do this, I swear I-"

The man's begging stopped. He knew this wouldn't be the end for him. Dream was too stubborn to die. He could only hope Phil's message got to him in time.

----------------------------

Tommy desperately wanted to look back. It took him everything not to. He didn't want Dream dead, despite everything a piece of him hoped that he could change. A pit formed in his stomach as he heard yelling from the beach before everything went quiet.

A voice rang out, "We're almost there, don't worry mate," Phil called from in front of him and Ghostbur, it was like he could sense his nerves.

He didn't need to look back anymore. He knew he'd soon be home.

Chapter Text

It's been a while, six months and three days to be exact. A lot has changed since that day. He counted every day. Every day since  he  was locked in the prison. 

But now, he no longer waited for the anger that would usually come after doing something wrong such as speaking out of turn or when he accidentally broke something. He began to relearn what it was like before the exile. With the help of therapy, of course. Even his family took up the offer of therapy. Some being more stubborn than others, Techno, but they all had therapy now. After all, they all felt a bit of guilt (a bit of guilt was an understatement) about what had happened and promised to change. 

For Tommy.

That, however, didn't mean he was fixed instantly. Some days he cried, longing for the 'normality' that dream would give him. Confused when someone didn't hit punish him or yell at him. Or when days were too much they'd sit in silence and enjoy the company. Nightmares were more common than not within the first couple of months, to the point that they had a routine. Some nights Techno would come in and read him a story, mostly about greek gods, despite Tommy claiming he's a pretentious prick for the topic choice. Other nights, Wilbur would come in and shush him to sleep or play him songs until he fell asleep. Rarely, he would find Phil almost waiting for him downstairs after a nightmare, not like they couldn't hear him from the barely muffled whimpers. But Phil make him a hot chocolate; 4 marshmallows, whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder. It took a while before he talked about the nightmares but after a dozen of hot chocolates, not that he was complaining Phil's hot chocolates was 'poggers', he began to open up to them.

In month three they all suggested therapy which Tommy instantly shut down straight away, claiming he was fine. Wilbur looked at him about to say something before Techno interjected saying he couldn't force him.

It was another 5 hot chocolates, 7 stories and 21 songs later before Tommy agreed that maybe he could try therapy. It wasn't like how they showed it in movies and Tommy hated it, he would always leave the session silent as Wilbur took him back home and complained about how it wasn't working. Despite that, he never talked about not going which his family took as some sort of good sign.

Things were looking up by month four, nightmares were every other week and didn't end up screaming as often as in months one and two. Although the physical fatigue and lack of sleep were almost gone some days he would refer back to when he was stuck with Dream. A flash of a green hoodie would send him into a frenzied panic or how if someone raised their voice ever slightly. And some days he'd feel like the world around him wasn't real. Like he was floating and everything felt so far away or everything was fuzzy. Those days were the worse for him, never knowing when he'd snap out of it and opted to stay in bed staring at the ceiling until Wilbur brought him food or just laid in bed with him. 

The worst days for his family was when he refused to let anyone in his room or come down for food. They practically begged him, even Techno claiming he missed him.

Month five was something. They hadn't expected any visitors, to most people's knowledge Dream was put in prison and Tommy was missing. They barely mentioned Tommy, but it was inevitable someone would come looking. 

They were just surprised it wasn't sooner.

-------------------------

Techno woke up to loud knocking. He was pretty sure Wil and Phil were out looking for the amulet still. You'd think they'd have more good luck after everything. More loud knocks echoed through the house.

"Alright, alright. I'm coming!" He yelled, stumbling to the door. Anxiety swept through him, what if Phil was hurt. Or even,  he  came back.

Shaking his head, he opened the door revealing three people. 

"Uh..." he paused looking between the three, since when was Ranboo with Tubbo? And who was the child? 

"We need to talk," Tubbo spoke with intensity and pushed past him. Ranboo followed him anxiously to the kitchen table with the child practically hugging his legs.

Tubbo moved the chair and sat down like he owned the place, ranboo still stood by his side. Techno was... Impressed? To say the least, it was surprising to see the young boy this determined. Although they both looked exhausted with dark circles under their eyes with red rings.

He took a seat facing him, "So... What's this about?" 

Tubbo looked to Ranboo nervously, "We found a tower, in exile- in Tommy's exile," Tubbo paused, taking a breath, "We- we think he might o-" He cut off breaking into a sob, now techno was really confused. Tommy never mentioned a tower. hell, he doesn't even remember seeing one.

"Shh it's okay Tubs," Ranboo comforted the boy before looking up to Techno, "We think he might of- You know. Jumped" He whispered the last bit, hoping Tubbo wouldn't hear.

"Uhhh... Are you sure about that?" He questioned, unsure how to break it to them that their best friend had been living under his roof for a good couple of months now.

Tubbo sniffed, "Of course, I'm fucking sure! I went there- I saw the tower. Where were you!" He yelled.

Owch, to be fair he didn't really visit. He swore he would but then-

"Didn't you exile him?"

Ranboo's eyes narrowed at him, low blow. 

Tubbo's mouth turned into a snarl, "Yes, but I live with that regret," he stood up sharply leaning over closer to him, "Now he's dead. And I have to live with that every fucking day. We thought that we could do the least and give him a proper funeral but  nooo . What was I expecting from you." 

He paused to collect his thoughts still stunned, "Of course, you wouldn't care, why would you when you did this to me!" and he lifted his fringe so that Techno could see the damage he'd done more clearer. Owch. He honestly wasn't thinking at the time, he couldn't blame the boy for hating his guts. He'll even he had his moments.

He was going to speak again- to finally apologize but a noise from upstairs broke their intense gazes.

-------------------------

He groaned slowly stretching out his limbs, "who the fuck was yelling at this time of day," he muttered into his pillow. It was at least sometime in the afternoon but who cares, he needed his rest. He hoped it was Phil and Ghostbur coming back, they'd left months ago set on finding something. He apparently wasn't allowed to know what it was but he was pretty sure he heard Techno mention  his  name to Phil and it sent a shiver down his spine. Why would they want something from Dream?

He sat on the edge of his bed, raising his arms, and heard a satisfying pop. Walking to the door his stomach grumbled in protest, “okay, okay. Hopefully, tech isn’t still cooking those fucking potatoes,” he muttered to himself, shivering at the fact he had been practically living off the food for 2 days now. The floorboards creaked under his weight as he made his way downstairs. 

“What’s all this commotion about,” he yawned rubbing his eyes and stumbling to the kitchen. A high pitch cry rang and his eyes shot open in alert. Stood frozen were his two best friends, looking more dead than alive if he was to be honest. The ender hybrid was more hunched over than usual and Tubbo stood by his side, fists clenched. 

“Tom’y!” A familiar piglin screamed, running from Ranboo’s legs to him. He ruffled Michael‘s head giving him a warm smile.

“Hey bud, haven’t seen you in a while huh?” Michael shook his head sadly.

“Tub and Bo said you were gone.” He looked over to the three people awkwardly staring at him. Techno gave a smug smile at how soft he was being towards the kid.

“Yeah… Well, I’m back now. And I'm not leaving,” he looked up to his friends smiling, “Hey, why don’t you and uncle Tech go outside and play I'm sure tubso and ranboob won't mind.” Micheal squealed excitedly at this as Tubbo simply nodded and he grabbed Techno’s hand, pulling him comedically.

Tommy heard the door slam and flinched as Tubbo walked to him. They stared at each other in silence before Tubbo reached out to his face. He leaned into the warm touch and tears sprung to his eyes, “You’re really here?” he asked in disbelief. 

“Of course, I'm here, Tommy. I- I don’t know what happened," he grabbed him for a tight hug, “I'm so sorry. I should have never exiled you. I can't- I’m just-” Tubbo cried, gripping onto him like a lifeline. He could see Ranboo looking at them awkwardly, “Come here boob boy,” he motioned him to join the hug and whispered, “I missed you too, both of you.” 

He felt the older boy join them and Ranboo's tail brush up against him. They stood like that in the kitchen relishing in the relief and warmth of each other. It felt like finding the missing piece and completing the puzzle. But most importantly, it felt like home. "C'mon, I think we definitely need to talk," Ranboo said as his tail flicked back and forth anxiously.

After they had all talked about what had been happening over the last months he'd explained the main events. Of course, not everything, some of it slipped past his mind only coming back up in nightmares that would fade once he woke up. He cried for the things he'd thought he'd lost and for the things he thought would never fix. Even if he would still have nightmares of those nights he knew that he had  a family  to get through it.

-------------

Month six was the best by far, although the bar was low. A week of no nightmares or restless sleep was an achievement in itself. Which Tommy had succeeded with flying colours, even Techno looked surprised but pleased.

Everyone was finally settled with the news, once Ranboo and Tubbo came round it was inevitable for people to find out. Of course, they asked and Tommy replied nonchalantly saying it was going to come out one way or the other, he'd rather it be from someone he trusted. They of course didn't know the full story only the important bits of why Dream was put in prison. Tommy wanted to keep it that way.

And here he was, six months and 3 days since Dream was put in prison. They had all settled into a routine, Ranboo and Tubbo making a temporary home nearby Techno’s cabin. (although it didn’t look like they were leaving anytime soon and Tommy swore he saw Tubbo move furniture from his other house in.) Though most nights they stay at Technos. Sam came round to check up on him and let him know about how the prison was impossible to break out of. despite the nightmare afterwards, he was happy. Techno even offered to teach Tommy how to properly defend himself and attack against people. 

---------------------

“Tommy, give up you’ve been at it for hours” Tubbo shouts from the sidelines, no way in hell he was stopping now. He could beat him. He was sure. Techno raises his blunt sword and Tommy dodges to the left, "Your getting slow, blade" He replied with a smirk. 

The hybrid put out his foot, tripping him up, "And you're getting cocky, Thesus." 

They were back at it, blades clinking against each other. Of course, Techno had made sure they were all blunt and couldn't hurt each other, he didn't want another repeat of last time. 

Tommy was about to lung towards the man before he notice his movements stopped. He looked towards where he was looking and drew in a breath.

"They're home," Techno broke the silence before turning to the cabin, "better sit down for this one," he muttered. Tommy was left confused in the snow looking at the black flying dot in the distance. He squinted to get a better look before he violently jumped. "WHAT THE-"

"Whoops-," Tubbo chuckled, letting go of his shoulder "forgot how jumpy you can be." How dare-

"How dare you- I am not jumpy. In fact, I jumped for you because you were soo scared." He replied crossing his arms. 

Tubbo rolled his eyes, "Sure...C'mon let's go inside," he gestured to the snow covering his boots, "must be fuckin' freezing." He thought for a second.

"LAST ONE THERE HAS TO DO CHORES FOR A WEEK." He blurted out, already getting a headstart.

"HEY!" Tubbo yelled from behind him.

He got to the cabin first, bursting through the doors yelling, “I WIN.” 

Techno raised his head to him, “could you be any louder” he muttered to himself. Tubbo came in behind him leaning against the doorframe. Tubbo pointed to him, “you cheated” he breathed out.

“Not cheating if we never stated any rules.”

“You gave yourself a head start!” Tubbo exclaimed crossing his arms, “that’s unfair”

“Well you-“

“As much as I would  really  enjoy watching you two fight for the 3rd time this week,” Techno interrupted, “we need to sit down and talk.”

He could practically sense Tubbo bristle up, they had only got along because of him. He could see the glares they’d send each other when he thought he wasn’t looking.

“As much as Id love too… I think Ranboo wants to see you. you know I need to get back to Michael and-“ 

“Tubbo, I-“ Tommy tried to interrupt.

“Oop, gotta go it’s getting late big man,” they both watched him glance down at his wrist like there was a watch there, “I’ll see if Ranboo can stay for a bit.” 

He didn’t even get to say goodbye and he was out the door. Not- not goodbye just, till we meet again. He sighed, of course, he couldn’t expect everything with Techno and Tubbo to magically be solved. Their past was anything but simple.

Techno cleared his throat, “that was weird, anyway we need to talk,” he gestured to the chairs and he sat down, “it’s about Phil.”

His head perked up at that, they had been gone for a couple of months now. Techno making up an obvious lie about ‘needing more resources’ or some shit.

“so…” 

“Well… uh” he scratched the back of his neck, “I may have lied about getting the resources.”

Tommy rolled his eyes.

“But but it was for a good cause,” he started, “Phil and Ghostbur found it.”

“Found what?” Tommy asked getting impatient with the dodging questions.

“Well so you know Schlatt,” the hybrid began.

Tommy huffed out, “Just fuckin’ spit it out, man,” he crossed his arms and looked away. He heard him mutter something under his breath but couldn't make out what was said.

“We found out a way to revive Wilbur.” He spat out.

His blood in his veins froze over. His head whipped to face Techno. He looked back at him in all sincerity.

What.

Ho- “How?” he blurted out.

“Ehhhh… A lot of communicating with people… Quackity of all people helped,” Techno added, “Of course, it was mostly information so he could have been lying but-“

Tommy interrupted, “Dream.”

Rage overtook him, "Why the fuck would you work with Dream? After what he did to me- to everyone?" He cried out. 

The hybrid shied a bit, "We didn't work  with him , Tommy. If anything the opposite, it took more negotiating with quackity but after I told him." He looked at him, "Not everything of course. But he found something out."

He gave Techno a look, practically telling him to get on with it.

"There's this amulet can 'revive' so to speak lost or dead souls. The idea is that Ghostbur wears that and it'll revive him."

He sat there dumbfounded and laughed, it was that easy? 

"So- so it's like the fnaf lore?" Tommy asked, tilting his head at him.

"What the fu-"

"Y'know golden Freddy with two souls and how-"

"Yeah yeah sure like whatever that it is," Techno interrupted him before he could carry on there was a knock at the door.

They both looked at each other but before they could utter a word the door flung open.

"WE'RE HOMEEE~" Ghostbur sang out, Phil shaking off the snow off his hat. He watched from where he sat how he gently placed the hat on the rack and looked over to him dearly. His heart pounded from the looked of affection that shouldn't have been for him. No- it should of- either way, he looked away.

He flinched slightly as someone behind him ruffled his hair, "You alright, mate?" Phil asked with a warm smile, just nodded.

A cough from the other side of the table interrupted them, "As I was saying," Techno glared at Ghostbur and Phil who stood by Tommy's side, "it’s not 100% foolproof and we don’t even know if it’ll work-“ 

“But we have it!” Ghostbur happily interjected, pulling the golden amulet from his pocket.

It looked old, ancient even. Tommy wouldn’t be surprised if they said it was older than Phil. It almost looked like the compass he wore around his neck but plated with gold tarnished slightly. Probably from age and weather his mind supplied. It was beautiful, the front had a small intricate carving of a book.

Phil clapped his hands, “well… let’s go try it out.” Tommy grinned, Wilbur was finally coming back home. He was unsure about how he’d truly be like once he was back. After… Everything. and who knows if he would even remember it. 

A cold hand wrapped around his, “It’ll be okay.”

—————————

They were all stood outside, including Ranboo apart from Tubbo. Claiming that he had to stay home with Michael. He was sure that if anything he needed therapy the most between Techno and well everything. He put this thought to the back of his mind for now. The snow was gently falling around them, coming to a halt. He rubbed his hands together to try to get a fraction of warmth, even though he was wearing gloves he couldn't help but feel the chill in his bones. He was glad he had taken up crocheting and knitting. Otherwise, his hands would be freezing.

“Are you sure this will work?” Ranboo asked anxiously, his tail curling toward him.

“Of course it will, we have Friend!” The ghost hugged the sheep as it tried to eat the yellow sweater that he adored.

Tommy could feel fear claw at him, what if it didn’t work. What if he killed Ghostbur. He’d have to live through his brother's death again.

He couldn’t-

No- Not again.

But what if-

A hand grasped his shoulder firmly, “Calm down, it’ll be fine. We can practically hear you worrying,” Techno joked.  

He nodded, mouth too dry to speak.

Phil’s eyes furrowed as he flicked a page of the book, “Right… So good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” He asked

“Bad news,” he and techno replied as Ghostbur and Ranboo muttered a meek, “Good news, please.”

Phil glared at them all.

“So… Good news, you can’t die from it as it doesn’t directly involve death,” Tommy let out a sigh of relief, “But… It warns that it could be extremely painful for the user at first and might take years to work.” 

Everyone was silent, Tommy wanted Ghostbur alive but would it really be worth the pain. Years of suffering for something that might not even happen? He couldn’t breathe he was back there- He was going to die.

“Hey, hey, hey it’s okay Theseus. Deep breaths you're okay,” Techno took his hand and placed it on his chest to copy his breathing, “like this, in 1,2,3,4 hold for 7. You’re doing good and now out for 8.” 

A rush of adrenaline overtook him as he calmed down, he always felt dizzy after moments like that.

“I- I think I'm going to do it” Ghostbur spoke out.

“Are you sure, mate?” Phil asked. 

Ghostbur looked over to him, “I’m sure, Tommy needs me not- not some hollow version of Wilbur. I’m ready”

He felt like he was going to pass out, Wilbur might have been ready but was he? Before he could stop himself he dove headfirst into the ghost.

“I- I don’t think I'm ready ghostbur,” he whispered to him hugging onto the yellow sweater. 

“Oh Tommy, it’s okay, “ he hugged back rubbing his back, “I’m not going anywhere I promise. 

He sniffled slightly, “I know, I just. I miss him but I'll miss you as well.”

Ghostbur held Tommy in front of him looking directly into his eyes, “I’m still going to be the same person, well better hopefully. Just think of it like a coin,” he tilted his head in confusion, “Alivebur is one side and I’m the other. Together we make Wilbur. You can't have one without the other.” 

He guessed that made sense.

------------------

"Stand back everyone!" Phil warned, taking the amulet and grabbing Ghostbur's hand.

Tommy watched from afar, Techno stood by him still and Ranboo shivered slightly. He watched how his tail whipped back and forth, clearly agitated. Turning back to watch Phil he saw him quickly hug the Ghost and whisper something in his ear.

Tommy couldn't hear it but he watched how his brother teared up at him and nodded.

He put the amulet around the ghost's neck and watched it glow slightly.

Phil ran to them.

Everything went white

Tommy couldn't hear anything, he tried to blink and rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the whiteness and the buzzing ringing in his ear. 

Someone tapped his shoulders, "'Ommy? 'ear me?"

His vision began to clear up and he could see Ranboo's mouth move but the ringing was still buzzing away. He shook his head trying to get away from the sound but nearly stumbled.

The ender hybrid saw and gripped onto him, "You okay?" He asked, voice still sounding muffled.

He simply nodded and scanned his surrounding, Techno still stood by him and Phil next to him. He looked into his father's eyes, which was focused on something in the distance. If he strained his hearing he could just about hear a gasp from him.

"Wil..." Phil muttered. Techno hugged his father.

Everything slowed down.

 He turned to where the Ghost once stood, now taking his place was a man.

The man laid in the snow for a second before he saw movement. He stood up. However, even though he was turned away from them all Tommy could recognise that figure anywhere. His brown curls danced in the breeze and he watched the way the man dusted off the snow from his long deep brown trenchcoat.

He turned around and Tommy felt his breath get caught.

His face was the same soft features and dark eyes. The only thing that had caught Tommy's eye was the white strand of hair just above his eyes. He still sported the old yellow sweater that the Ghost loved.

His eyes watered. He took a step forward. A tear fell.

Wilbur looked directly at him and tilted his head.

"Hello again," the man raised his arms sides, hands tilted to the skies, "did you miss me?", Wilbur smiled at him, chuckling slightly.

Time caught up with him and he ran at him before he could think. Latching onto his waist he heard a loud "Oof" from above him. Letting out a breath he didn't realise he was holding he clutched onto his brother harder.

"I-" Tommy began, but his voice wavered, "I- can't believe." 

He choked, burring his head into Wilbur's chest. The tension from the man drained and he felt a hand brush his blond curls. Sniffling he looked up at him who was staring at him like he had created the world. For Wilbur, Tommy had.

"Oh Toms," Wilbur said, "I've got you now, no one will hurt you again. I promise."

Tommy had been told a lot of lies (although old Wilbur said it wasn't lies if he believed them.) He believed this one. The slight glint in his eye told him that if anyone messed with him he would protect him. Of course, Tommy knew this should make him scared, terrified even. Though this is all that he wanted in the end, someone safe to run to.

 He has it. He has a family. 

He sobbed harder into the man's clothes.

--------------------

A week flew by and everyone settled in, they hadn’t had any issues with Wilburs sudden new revival. Yet. They found a routine quite easily, settling to old habits they had when they were younger.

Tommy saw his brother sitting on the roof, it was a little past when Phil and Techno would go sleep so they knew to be quiet. He had also learned how to sneak and easily recognise which floorboards would creak under his weight. Not by choice though .

The man had his back to him and head tilted slightly to the side. Just enough that he caught a glance of an amber glow and watched how he raised the cigarette to his mouth. 

“You should quit, y’know how bad they’re for you,” Wilbur jumped at the voice and turned around barely containing his smile. He smiled back.

Wilbur shuffled over and patted the space next to him, “I know,” Wilbur started, taking a long drag, “I’ll try cutting back,” he breathed out. Tommy sat down next to him, looking at the barren tundra. If anyone had asked they'd probably say that Tommy sat a little too close to Wilbur but the man paid no mind.

It was a clear night, which Tommy loved. He loved it for the pure fact he could see the stars. Despite being forced to live outside he couldn't shake the pure wonder about the dots that littered the night skies. 

Tommy heard a slight hiss of the cigarette and looked to Wilbur. Looking at him he noticed he had his coat off, despite the cold. This wasn't unusual however the yellow sleeve caught his eye. His sweater rolled up to his elbow exposing the inside of his arm. The faded circular burns drew his eye and looking further up revealed more fresher ones. As well as one newer one that was beginning to blister. Tommy drew a breath unsure what to do. He took in Wilburs face, he looked like  shit . His hair looked greasy and his face was covered in some sort of dirt. Worse of all was the heavy eye bags he was suiting.

Wilbur quickly rolled his sleeves down noticing him, "Old habits die hard, huh?" he nervously chuckled, giving him a shaky smile. He just nodded, unsure what to say and looked back to the terrain. 

"It's a bit late?" Wilbur asked him, he just shrugged.

"Hmm, well how about a song before you sleep?" 

Tommy looked up at him barely containing a smile, "Can I choose?"

Wilbur smiled, "Of course Toms." He ruffled his hair and got up.

"But," Wilbur started catching him off guard, "Last one there has to the other person's chores" He blurted out, taking his headstart. That-

"AY DICKHEAD!" He shouted, probably a bit too loud and running after his brother.

Despite winning, Wilbur didn't look that unhappy as he entered his room. He was breathing heavy, "Gremlin," he gasped out between breaths. He sat smugly on his bed watching him get his guitar out.

"Can you play the Capricorn one?" He asked. 

Wilbur pulled a face and spoke, "Maybe when Phil's out." He watched him strum the acoustic guitar checking that it was in the right tuning. The way he held the guitar reminded him of how Wilbur held him. It was clear that the man adored both equally. Wilbur cleared the phlegm from his throat.

He began gently plucking the strings, "This one is called La Jolla," Tommy perked up remembering bits of it. Every note rang out clearly and perfectly, filling his room with music. He doesn't remember what happened next but his head hit his pillow and gently he closed his eyes. He still could hear the guitar faintly fade out and Wilbur chuckle, "Night Tommy."

A sudden slap to his face woke him up from his peaceful sleep. 

"Get up Tommy," The voice demanded. He was laying in the sand, rocks digging in the palms of his hands.

no

No

No. 

He choked on his breath, suddenly unable to breathe. The boy wouldn't be surprised if the admin did actually remove the air, just to torture him. Slowly he turned his neck to peek at the man, even though he expected it. It didn't make it any easier.

Dream was standing right above him, peering down at him like he had caught his prey. Nothing in hand, no armour. 

Why would he need it?

He could just easily  kill  him.

He can revive people.

Oh .

He can revive people.

His hands shook in the sand, scrambling to get away from the man.

"And. Where," Dream grabbed the collar of his shirt making sure he couldn't get away, "Do you think. You're going?" 

It wasn't a question, Tommy knew that. But he had still been foolish enough to respond.

"I- I didn't mean to leave it just that-"

"Just what?" Dream asked more harshly, the mask peering into his soul.

"I wasn't good enough for you?"

"No, I-" He started but the words died on his tongue and guilt seeped in.

Dream let go of his shirt, seemingly backing off, "And here I thought we were friends, Tommy," Dream pulled out a sword and he began to panic, "I really didn't want to do this Tommy, but you've got to learn that your actions have consequences."

"Nononono Dream I-" Tommy started to back away. He had just escaped him, hadn't he? He was in prison.

"Tommy?"

He turned to run but felt a sharp pain in his ankle. He stumbled to the ground.

"Tommy?"

The man drew closer, "No- no no dream PLEASE!" Tommy begged.

"TOMMY"

He shot up in his bed, breathing heavily. His whole body was drenched in sweat but hands cold as ice. His vision swam as a voice rang out, "Tommy?" He recognised Ghostbur's voice instantly but that wasn't right. That could only mean one thing.

"Can you hear me?" the ghost asked putting his hands on his shoulders. He could just about feel the ghost. Barely realising what he was doing he nodded.

He looked up and could just about see him smile, "That's good," ghostbur took his hand and put it on his chest, "Count with me 1..."

"1.." Tommy hesitantly replied.

"2"

"2"

"3, you're doing so well" He encouraged.

"3"

After a while, Tommy began to get his senses back. There was no longer the hammering of his heart of the oncoming panic that something was going to happen. The bile in his throat was gone but there was still some dread that lingered. Like a snake in the grass.

He studied his surroundings, he was still in the same bed where Wilbur put him to sleep. Everything was the same, apart from the obvious ghost sitting on the edge of his bed.

"How- How the fuck are you here?!" Tommy practically shouted. The ghost winced at the sudden outburst and put his fingers to his lips.

"Shhh," he giggled, "don't want to wake him." Ghostbur pointed to the darkest corner of his room. Where a makeshift bed was set up if you could even call a few blankets a bed. He could just make out his brother, Wilbur, sound asleep lightly snoring. 

He relaxed at the sight knowing that he was safe. However, there were more questions he still had answered. The ghost was more translucent than normal but still sat near him, watching him.

"What? How?" Tommy stuttered, barely comprehending that there was now two Wilburs. 

Ghostbur must have noticed the elephant in the room and lit up, "Ohhh," he began, "Right, of course, you must be so confused." He giggled like a child keeping a secret.

He stood up from where he was sitting on the edge of his bed and walked over to Tommy. 

"So Phil probably explained the amulet to you?" he asked and Tommy nodded not sure where this was going, "Among one of the side effects not working there was another." The ghost paused, trying to remember.

"I think it has something to do with the soul, even though Wilbur, I have the amulet. Sometimes we still split into two different people."

Tommy was still confused, "So your two different people?" 

"Well- no but. You cant have Wilbur without me and Revivebur. It's like- the-the" Ghostbur tried.

"yin and yang?" Tommy interuppted.

Ghostbur jumped, "Yes! And the amulet is like the bond to wrap it like a present."

 "That still doesn't explain," he gestured to the Ghost, "this."

It was Ghostbur's time to pull a face. Tommy would have joked about him looking constipated if he wasn't as confused.

"Well..." He started trying to find the words, "When he's unconscious the amulet becomes more unstable and in turn, I'm here."

"What do you mean unstable," Tommy hissed distressed, "you can die?!"

Ghostbur jumped and shook his head, "no no no- not like that I mean our souls split when he's asleep. It's just one of the side effects."

"Right," he nodded slowly, "Do you- will  you  remember this?"

"Yep!" the ghost answered happily, "Unless you don't want him to?"

"No, it's okay, just some stupid nightmare."

Ghostbur's eyes softened, "Do you want to talk about it?" He shook his head.

"That's okay, I can talk to you until you fall asleep? If you like?" He asked.

Exhaustion was already tugging at him, nodding sleepily. 

He felt a dip in the bed and the hum of someone talking.

He gentle closed his eyes and fell onto something soft.

"Oh okay, night Tommy!" The ghost whispered leaving a kiss on his forehead.

He woke up with a start, light streaming into his room. he checked the time. Despite being woken up, he had managed to sleep in till midday.

This causes for a treat, Tommy thought to himself.

He rose from his bed, stretching and headed downstairs where he was greeted by Phil.

"Ah I see he visited you then," Phil stated putting a plate of food down on the table. He looked at him funnily. Instead of responding back he just sat down.

Phil sat next to him, "So any plans today?" he asked casually.

"Not really," he replied through the sound of him eating, "Maybe hang out with tubso or something. If that's okay of course?" Tommy quickly added.

"Yeah course it is mate," Phil said with a smile and ruffled his hair. 

Just as he said that Wilbur came through the doorway, hair sticking up in places and eyes barely opened.

"Mornin'," He yawned, rubbing his eyes. Halfway through stretching Wilbur suddenly looked at Tommy with a mix of shock and embarrassment.

"What?"

"Have- have you seen your face?" Wilbur asked.

Tommy touched his face, "No...Why?" he looked at Phil, "What did he do? Did he draw a dick or some shit whilst I was sleeping?" he asked more annoyed. 

Wilbur was still standing there, ears turning red and a slight blush.

Tommy couldn't stand everyone looking at him so he went down the hall to find out what was so interesting on his face.

When he reached the bathroom he looked in the mirror and paused. His face was covered in what looked to be blue marks. Mainly his cheeks had blue dots like someone had been poking him but on his forehead, there was one more predominate mark. Shaped like a kiss.

Wilbur stood in the doorway shyly and Phil alongside him. Just behind them, he heard Techno whisper "Blackmail" and the sound of a camera shutter.

"It's okay mate, it only takes a few days to fade away" Phil dismissed.

It was Tommys turn to blush slightly.

"A few days?!" He asked Phil. He turned to Wilbur with an evil glint in his eye, "you FU-"

----------------

Even though there were mostly bad times in exile. He was glad that in a way it happened. Tommy desperately wished that it happened any other way but in a way he didn't. Because he  found  his family.

Although it may have taken crawling and screaming to find it. Even the bad bits had some good bits, like how the time Ghostbur whispered him stories after Dream took his anger out on him. 

He missed the time when Dream would comfort him just as the ghost had.

He can't help to sometimes think it was nice whilst it lasted.