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The return home isn’t easy on his body after such a transformation, but Wilbur helps him as they make their way back.
Phil knows he messed up, and he knows they might face trials in the future, but he is forever grateful he can finally end Tommy’s neverending illness.
They speedily make the journey back, arriving just before sunset.
Phil rushes the best he can, even as his body aches. The two new wings on his back aren’t heavy or cumbersome, but they are certainly foreign. New.
But he pays them no mind as he enters Tommy’s room.
There is a relief like nothing other when he sets his palm on his youngest’s forehead, and the sickness and heat seep out of him until he can finally rest peacefully. The fever has finally ended.
He breathes out in relief, collapsing into the chair by the bed. Wilbur shuffles into the room behind him.
“Are you comfortable? Y’know, considering the-” He makes a flapping hand motion.
“I’m fine, Wil.”
“... You’re not human anymore.”
“I don’t feel any different.” He laughs. “I just feel like me but with wings. Wings!”
The siren hums, “Guess that just shows how alike we truly are.”
He reaches out for his son’s hand, “I’ve never thought of you as less. Not any of you.”
Wilbur tightens his webbed hand in the grip, “I know. I’m just bitter no other human seems to think so. And you used to be, so it’s weird. I… I kinda like that we’re more similar now.”
Maybe change had been scary. It hurt and now he’s something completely new. But he can heal his kids, and he can understand them better now. Despite everything, he’s happy, too.
A quiet lulls over them as they listen to Tommy’s steady breathing.
And it is a beautiful sound. There is no hitch in breath, the disruption of a coughing fit. The healing had just come to him. He just knew if he touched Tommy, all ailment would finally go away. He feels light headed but accomplished, like just after running in a race.
He’s comforted, being together with two of his kids, both completely healthy.
“It feels like forever since we’ve been together as a whole family. Tommy constantly sick, you leaving, now Techno’s gone.” He frowns. “Where is Techno?
Wilbur says,, “Techno is going to find the name taker.”
“That’s an ominous title,” He laughs breathlessly.
“She can help us. She taught the masked fae all he knows.”
“But will she want to?” He asks, eyes sharp.
Wilbur looks away from him, “... she has to. Or we’re screwed. But we’re going to be okay. We’re strong, we can get through anything. Techno will be back soon with her.”
Phil can only hope that’s true. They can’t do much more than wait now.
————————————
It’s too late. Tubbo knows it’s too late, even as Wilbur holds onto hope. He’s never seen anyone who could outplay a fae. Once they have your name, you’re screwed.
But he looks through the window to Tommy, sleeping peacefully in bed. He’s been so sick for months because of Tubbo. Just like the cuckoo bumblebee, he has crawled into a nest that isn’t his and put the other children at risk just to ensure his own safety. But Tommy’s his friend, he could have never anticipated that he would be invited so kindly into this house, that he’d get to know Tommy so well.
He’s guilty, but what’s done is done. Phil made a contract with a fae. Their household is doomed for ruin.
“ Tubbo .” A voice whispers from the forest.
He hastily moves to behind a tree, hiding from the house’s view. “Ranboo? What are you doing here?”
Ranboo looks frantic, rushing forward and grabbing onto his shoulders, “You have to run- things are about to go terribly wrong and you can’t get caught in the crossfire.
Dream is coming. He’s coming to collect his due.”