Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Soft light hit Tommy’s eyes as he woke up to his alarm. He groaned as he turned, hitting the big x on his phone screen as the time read 5:30 am, pulling the covers of his legs and getting out of bed. He had just turned 17 earlier this month, he had exams to study for and he had to stream. He got up, rubbing his eyes before heading to his bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror, slightly grimacing at his appearance in the mirror, before grabbing his toothbrush and brushing his teeth. He put water on his face, to properly wake up before he tended to his flowers. He walked to his desk, pulling the curtains open to allow sunlight to hit his vase of roses. It had yellow roses, a symbol of friendship, white, meaning innocence, deep pink as a symbol of gratitude, red for admiration and burgundy for devotion. It had been a gift from Deo before he moved to Wisconsin 4 months ago (A/N: I chose a random place in U.S.). He smiles whenever he sees it, it’s a reminder of his friends. He pulled out his uniform, and his socks. He brought it to the bathroom as he played his playlist, the warm water running down his skin welcoming like a hug. He steps out after 5-10 minutes, drying himself and wearing his clothes and his socks. He grabs his backpack, the scarves on one strap giving an indie vibe while still being close to Tommy's heart. He pulls on his jacket, one with just as much symbolism in the form of a pin. Memories of people who he cared about that actually cared for him. He wore his earrings and choker quickly, walking to school as he put his hood up over his head. He walked to school, it was 6 am now and the sun was rising. The cold hair nipping at any skin exposed, The sky was painted with reds, pinks, blues, yellows and a deep indigo. Tommy’s hair flew in the wind underneath his hood, as he walked to school. He stopped at his usual café spot, run by a nice lady who Tommy never really meets since she usually doesn’t come in this late if she visits this branch. The barista was a teenager who moved to England in recent years.
“Usual Tom?” They asked.
“Uh, yeah.” He nodded, “You know you can just call me Tommy.”
“Well I don’t think we are on nickname basis, given I doubt you know my name.” They give him a pointed look as they wait for the coffee to pour into the cup fully, Tommy pulls out his phone and opens twitter, his phone automatically connecting to the cafe wifi.
“Uh yeah I do, it’s-...”
“Mhm it’s?” They hum as they cap the cup filled with coffee he saw as he glanced up from his room, “Also can you get something other than black coffee. You have shit taste buds.You’re what, 17?” They replied, handing him the brown parcel which had a strange scent of chocolate and fresh bread, Tommy finally pockets his phone.
“Oh fuck you. What do you have that’s better.”
“Herbal tea.”
“What are you some kind of monk or something? Who drinks herbal tea.”
“Me clearly. Anyways the answer was Artsy. Now get out and go to school.” They say as they put the money in the cashier, knowing fully well Tommy would regardless of whether they said to or not. The two turned opposite ways, Tommy opening the door to be hit with the cold wind and smell of crisp air. Unlike the bakery/coffee shop that smelled like fresh baked goods and good coffee. Tommy walked along the path, his food parcel in hand. He reached school in 5 minutes, the sun had mostly risen as it was 6:30. He sat at a bench outside the class building, opening the brown bag to take out his coffee. He paused when he saw two small boxes underneath the coffee and a small piece of paper. He took the paper, with hopes to find a phone number to explain that it was the wrong order and he should return it, if not pay more. The note was.. heartwarming to say the least.
Hey Tom,
It’s me, the barista. I put some extra goodies because you always seem so tired and shit. Feel free to share it with your friends if you don’t want to eat it all by yourself, Also no need to pay extra, this was extra I baked by accident. Have a good day :>
Yours truly,
The Barista (Artsy)

Oh. Wait, that's what they meant by the answer is Artsy. The letter did melt Tommy’s heart though, this Barista who barely knew him chose to try and do something to help him. He picked up the coffee, sipping it. It instantly boosted his energy. He drank coffee while he scrolled through twitter.
“Hey Tommy!”
“What’s up cuz”
Eryn and Freddie greeted, Tommy giving a pointed look at Freddie at the joke of them being cousins.
“Hey, come sit down.” He gestured to the seats across him and beside him. Eryn sits across him and Freddie sits beside him, the usual. The three chatted, sharing the treats from the cafe, though the two insisted Tommy eat most of it since they already had breakfast. Tommy loved these mornings,where he could watch the sun rise as he walked to school. School started and the three sat in their seats at their advisory.
“Tom Watson?”
“Here.”
“You sound more energetic today Tom. Good morning.”
Tommy smiled sheepishly as he felt two pairs of eyes on him, not needing to check who it was. Advisory attendance finished and the teacher went over the fact that bullying isn’t tolerated (somebody had their head shoved into a toilet on Monday and it only got out yesterday). They headed to first period, Eryn had Science and Freddie had History with Tommy. They said bye to Eryn and headed to History.
“Where did the Japanese bomb in WW2? Tom, how about you answer?”
“Pearl Harbour, which was a military station quite close to Japan.”
“Correct.”
Half the day passed, and finally lunch rolled around.
“I have a meeting, so I won’t join you for lunch.” Tommy told the two, who nodded in understanding. This was something they were all used to, whenever Tommy had council meetings, the two would do their own thing and Tommy would meet them in their next class or after their next class if the meeting went as long as it usually did. Tommy went to the council room, opening the door and taking a seat. Fuck he forgot to take lunch.
“Hey, Eryn is knocking and asking for you Tommy.” Tommy looked up from his laptop he pulled out to look at a kid with brown hair, sunglasses and a santa hat. He though it was Eret, Deo’s older brother but he had graduated with the twins.
“DEO?!”
Tommy jumped up and hugged the man, the laptop on the chair. Deo accepted the hug and laughed.
“Now come one, can’t keep Eryn waiting.” Deo said, grabbing Tommy’s wrist gently and leading him to the door.
“Tommy you are so stupid, you forgot your lunch.” Eryn sighed after the two opened the council room door.
“You know you can just come in as long as you are here to help a council member, right?” Tommy asked.
“This was the perfect opportunity to reunite with your best friend who knew you as soon as I mentioned you.” Eryn replied, Tommy flushing red out of embarrassment and Deo laughing at Tommy’s reaction.
“I’m gonna go to Freddie now, otherwise he’ll kill me for leaving him alone for so long. Have fun Tommy!”
“Alright, thanks Eryn!” Tommy called to the walking Eryn, turning back to the council room and heading back in with his lunch, Deo following him.
“When did you move and how did you get in the council?” Tommy asked, moving his stuff as Deo sat next to him on the couch.
“One of your council members was anyways moving, so they needed a replacement. They looked over my records from my old school to find I was a good fit for the council and recommended me to President Beloved and the teacher mentor, Mr. Minecraft-”
“Sorry to interrupt you Deo, but Mr. Minecraft? Who?”
“Oh-”
“Yes Mr. Minecraft, have a problem with it?” A new deeper voice chimes in. Tommy whips his head to see…

Chapter Text

“You are a minecraft?” Tommy asks the man.
“Indeed I am, why?” The man asks.
“It’s just, my family name is Minecraft, though we took Watson instead. Sorry Mr. XD I thought you were my brother, Techno.”
“Oh, your uncle Phil’s son.”
“Wait. Philip had siblings. I have cousins?”
“Yes, also he’s your dad, why do you call him Philip?”
“He’s no dad of mine, I don’t even remember what his face really looks like.”
“Oh-”
“As fun as this is, we need to get started with our meeting, Mr. Minecraft, Mr. Watson.” Ranboo interrupted, Tommy feeling tense near the kid who took everything he worked for in an instant.
“Mr. Simons, Watson isn’t my last name.” Tommy corrected, preferring to take Freddies aunt’s, his (not biological) mother’s last name
“Mr. Simons.” Ranboo corrected, not questioning Tommy and simply nodding in acknowledgment.
“President, no need to talk to me with such formality, just call me Mr. XD.”
“Mr. Minecraft, I take nothing but respect in this room and I also deliver that respect equally. I will, outside of the council, however in the council formality shall remain if you don’t mind.”
“Acknowledged. Seems most are here, let’s take attendance.” Mr. XD started.
The meeting finished at the usual timing, Tommy headed straight to his next class which he shared with Deo, Spanish.

------

“Tommy!!!”
Tommy turned and greeted Eryn and Freddie, who were running up to him after being dismissed from their individual classes. Deo was standing beside him, and the two greeted him.
“It’s nice to finally meet you Deo.” Eryn greeted.
“Likewise.” Deo replied.
“Tommy has talked A LOT about you. You seemed to be extremely good friends.” Freddie said, Eryn nudged him in the arm while Deo chuckled, and Tommy, well he turned a bright red, not that he would admit he went red with embarrassment.
The four had fun while going to their second-last period of the day, separating to go into class.
------

The four of them were inseparable. A perfect balance. Sadly, Deo graduated that year but had decided to take a gap year. They had gone to “Tommy’s house”.

Tommy’s family life was complicated. His mother had passed away when he was young, her kind face never forgotten as there were many pictures of the woman with a kind face and long wavy brown hair. His father was always at work, he practically lived there as he never came home. His job had moved to London so he abandoned his house in Nottingham, it was lonely. When Tommy was younger he would go to Freddie’s house with Eryn all the time. When Freddie stayed with his aunt during the summer back when his parents had a lot of business trips, they would visit it as it was still in Nottingham, and nearer to Tommy’s house. Eventually Tommy started feeling closer to Freddie’s aunt and her husband. They were like his mom and dad that Tommy lost at a young age. They had been there with Freddie and Eryn to comfort him, Tubbo had also been there when he hadn’t left for Ranboo. Deo was there but due to him being in America and communication being limited, they didn’t talk much. She had practically raised Tommy where Tommy’s family hadn’t, which was a lot of places. Tommy had been 9 when his birth mom passed away, the next year the twins both moved out, though it felt like they had long before that to Tommy.

“Tommy you ok?” A voice asked, Freddie’s Tommy identified, Tommy immediately snapped back into reality.
“Sorry, just remembered… something.”
“I’ll call your mom, you normally do this when you remember… those dickheads.” Eryn insisted.
“Eryn, really, it’s okay. I’m fine, I don’t know what they look like anymore, 7 years and all I have is my memories and old pictures to go off. Honestly I don’t think anyone cares about that house besides me.”
“Tommy, forget them. You’re not a Watson anymore, you are a Simons. You are Sarah Simon’s kid, fuck Phil Watson, who gives a shit about him.” Deo piped in, putting a hand on Tommy’s shoulder. Eryn, who had arrived back with Tommy’s mother despite Tommy’s insistence, sat back in his original seat, eyes back on Tommy.
“Oh darling.” That was all she needed to say, her voice filled with concern in every word, her touch warm and comforting. She put one hand on his cheek as she kneeled in-front of him, touching their foreheads together. He finally let go, suddenly breaking into tears and grabbing onto her shirt, she moved her hand on his cheek to run through his hair as she embraced him. It was just them, no one else existed and Tommy could let go.
“You are so strong, so tough for dealing with this. But even the strongest glass cracks eventually. My beautiful rose, born in the wrong garden but you will find yourself the perfect garden soon with the right flowers. You are nearly there, and finally there will be no black of mourning your old wilted garden.

------

“Tommy, Wilbur and Techno are coming back home, so am I.”

Chapter Text

It was the day they came and Tommy had stayed over at his mom’s house, it took them 6 months to plan to come to Nottingham. Thank god mom’s house is next to Philip’s. Early December, Tommy’s senior year.

Tommy opened the window of his room, which was thankfully across Tommy’s room in his old house. He opens his phone to text his mom to remind her that he won’t be there when she comes to wake him up, and might have to stay in the other house for a while. He pockets it securely, ensuring his bag with all his stuff is on his back andclosed. He puts both his feet on the railing of the balcony, using a hand to balance. He digs his feet on to the railing before finally pushing off with all his strength forward. He reaches his hands out and grabs the railing of the other balcony. He’s hanging off but he pulls himself up, placing a foot in between the supporting beams in the railing, pushing himself up and climbing over. It was risky but he had over 4 years of practice, plus his knack of climbing trees when he was little, often training that he would get injuries but with enough training he nailed it.

It was 5 am when he finally made his room seem like it was actually stayed in, going on with his daily schedule. Tommy headed to school, joined with Deo who walked him until the café. Deo was a year older than him by a year, so he was a senior when he had joined the high-school of Nottingham, he now worked at Tommy’s usual bakery, taking morning and afternoon shifts to walk with the trio who were now in Senior year. Tommy had an excuse to avoid his family when they were there. He went through school, dreading going home like he had years ago.

------

“So today’s meeting is extremely special, a former tutor of mine is going to trial supervise our meeting. He may move here and start teaching here, so please leave a good impression.” Ranboo said.
“Yes President.” The rest of the council acknowledged in chorus.
“Alright, I’ll go get him, wait here.” Ranboo replies, opening the door and slipping through.

When Ranboo came back, there was a man with pastel pink hair tied in a bun on his head, scars adorning his face. He wore a white collared shirt with a vest and bowtie, as well as trousers. He had a dead unamused face that was both intimidating yet familiar.
“Hi, I am Professor Technoblade Watson.” The man greeted.
“Pardon?” Tommy asked.
The Professor sighed and Ranboo looked slightly panicked.
“My name is Professor. Technoblade Watson.” He repeated, Tommy froze trying to process.

“Mr. Simons?” Tommy snapped out of it.
“Pardon what?”
“Introduce yourself.”
“Oh, sorry. Hi, my name is Tom Wats- Simons. My name is Tom Simons.”
“Wait but-”
“Pardon, but Mr. Simons, you seem a bit off. Would you like to sit down for a bit, or skip this meeting for today? ” Mr. XD interrupted Tubbo, Tommy missed how he sent a side-glare at Tubbo, or how Techno sent a questioning look at the three.
“I’m fine, thank you.”

You could talk to him but not to me?

Chapter Text

Tommy walked home, his friends there to keep him company that evening. He opened the door, they stayed at a point that could see inside for Tommy’s signal but couldn’t be seen themselves.

“Who the fuck are you.” Is the first thing Tommy hears when he unlocks the door. There sitting on the couch was a man with brown curly hair, reminiscent of the woman in the pictures that lined the halls. He had a black beanie and blue turtleneck.
“I could ask you the same.”
“This is my house.”
“It’s mine. I literally have keys to this place.”
“I’m William Watson, the son of the owner.” He stood up, trying to use his slight height to make his lanky body seem big.
“Whatever, I’m going to my room.” Tommy said, signalling his friends a 2.
“COME BACK HERE!!!” The man called after Tommy, Tommy ran up to his room and slammed the door shut, turning to his friends who were waiting.
“Heeyyyyyy.” Tommy drawled at his friends
“You okay?” Deo asked.
“Today’s been weird. Someone visited the council and their name was Technoblade Watson and there was this man that looked like my birth mom.”
“Gonna be honest with you Tommy, sounds like they are related to you, possibly your brothers.” Eryn said.
“How?”
“Wasn’t Techno your brother’s name? He was also always doing martial arts. I also heard people call him Technoblade growing up.” Freddie piped in.
“Ya, but what about the other man?”
“You said he looked like your mom. I remember seeing your birth mom and the twins when we were younger, they look similar if I recall correctly.” Deo said, having known Tommy the youngest, being his best-friend since childhood followed by Freddie.
“Ya… they did.” Tommy looked at the ground sadly. He fiddled with the nether star locket on his neck, opening it to look at the picture. One was his “family”. A man with short blond hair stood next to a woman with wavy dark brown hair. The woman held a child with golden hair in her arms, and two identical boys stood in-front of their parents. Philip, his “dad'' looked exactly like him and the twins looked exactly like his birth mom. He hated this place, he was glad he had friends with him.

------

“Tommy, I think someone is trying to break in.” Tommy was interrupted from his thought.
Shit- Philip would get so mad if it got broken.
“Coming!” Tommy called.
Tommy opened the door, facing with Prof- Technoblade.
“Mr. Simons. What are you doing in my brother’s room and why are you in my house with your friends?”
“Hah, no surprise you can’t recognize your own brother. Afterall, it’s not like you tried remembering me in the past, what, 10-15 years.” This earned a sharp inhale from the pink-haired man.

Chapter Text

“Don’t talk about my brother, Mr. Simons. You don’t know him, he was loving and kind, I would recognize him instantly.”
“Clearly not, you can’t recognize me. Don’t act like you know me Technoblade Watson.”
The two were finally facing each other. Techno truly looked different, yet familiar. His hair that was originally brown and curly like their mothers, was now pastel pink besides the slight brown of the roots, straight with no hint of it’s curls. It was long-ish, grown out and tied into a short ponytail that barely reached his shoulders. His face was same as before, but tired, more mature.

“I’m going back into my room, tell me when you have something worth my time, Technoblade.”
“Wait, Theseus.” Techno said, grabbing his wrist. “I’m- I- Sorry for not talking to you for so long.”
“I’ll consider your apology.” Tommy said, never looking at Techno and heading back inside.

------

Tommy pulled his bag over his shoulder, putting on his bluetooth headphones and turning them on. He grabbed a pair of socks and put them on. He raced down, setting his bag on the chair to check if there was anything good to eat. Nothing. He pulled his bag again and walked out, bee-lining for the cafe. The cafe was much busier during winter break, there had been an extension in the recent months. Now there was a practice room and performance area, Tommy headed for the practice room, putting his stuff down and placing himself behind the piano, microphone positioned by his mouth.

------

“Holy fuck that was good!” Tommy whipped his head to see a woman with pastel pink hair that looked almost blond leaning on the doorway.
“Oh- uh thank you? How much did you hear?”
“The whole thing, come tonight, we are having a performance event.”
“Alright? What’s your name if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Niki. Niki Nihahchu.” She greeted, extending her hand out.
“Tom. Tom Simons, but call me Tommy.”

------

“Next up we have Theseus Innit!!!”
“Greetings everyone, my name is Theseus Innit, I am 17 year old and I’m going to sing Numb Little Bug.”

“Do you ever feel a little bit tired of life? Like your tired but you don’t want to die?”
The cheers were loud, Tommy smiled. He loved music since he was little, he smiled.

------

“Tommy!!!” Tubbo ran up to him, smiling.
“What?” Tommy asked, slightly annoyed.
“I’m so so so sorry.”
“Yea yea whatever. Get too the point Tubbo, what do you want?”
“I want…”

Chapter Text

“I want to be friends with you again.”

“Are you serious…”
“I sure am bossman!”
“Tubbo, what the fuck.”

The two were facing each other, heaven and hell. Tubbo was someone everyone loved, happy and charming, but chaotic when he wanted to be. He was sunshine and everything good. Tommy was intimidating, like black cats and black roses with vines of thorns.

“I’ll think about it.” Was all Tommy could find himself saying, before he turned to leave.

------

“Tommy! I saved you a table!” Deo called, as Tommy walked there, he accidentally bumped into someone.
“Oh I am so sorry-” He looked up to see himself staring at a kid with blond hair and purple streaks, he had gray eyes and a purple hoodie.
“No worries, I should actually be the one apologising, I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“Your good. What’s your name, if you don't’ mind me asking.”
“Grayson but my friends call me Purpled, you?”
“Tom, but please, call me Tommy.” Tommy said, extending a hand to the kid, who shook it.
“I need to go before my friend starts being a Scottish menace. Nice talking to you Tommy.”
“Ditto, wanna exchange numbers, you seem pretty chill.”
“Sure, here.” He said handing his phone and Tommy tapped in the numbers quickly, handing it back and the two went to their respective tables.
“Made a new friend?” Deo asked when Tommy arrived at their table.
“Yea! His name is Purpled!” he said, smiling from ear to ear.
“That’s good to hear.” Eryn said, Tommy didn’t miss the fond looks cast his way, soft and caring. He took as spot next to Deo, a fifth spot left open across them for someone.
“My brother is coming, he should be here by now.” Deo explained, knowing what Tommy was thinking.
“Speak of the devil.” Freddie said. Tommy looked to see a man with longish hair, and a dress. He had sunglasses just like his younger brother.
“Deo! Freddie! Eryn! Tommy!” They greeted. “Deo has talked a lot about you guys. Especially Tommy. Given, you are childhood best-friends.” Deo flushed at this.
“Eret you are embarrassing meeeeee!!!” Deo drawed the e’s, he covered his face in his hands, Tommy just laid his head on Deo’s shoulder with a light chuckle.
“Sooooo, how are you guys? What do you like? Tell me a bit about yourselves.” Eret asked. Tommy thought about how Tubbo would be bouncing up and down to answer this question. Techno, at least the Techno he knew, would smile and wait until it was his turn, being cautious of how to answer. William would be excited but patient. Philip would be calm, and so would his birth mother, Kristin.
“Tommy, it’s your turn.” Deo nudged, a slightly concerned look on his face. “You okay there Toms?”
“Oh- uh- yeah. Um as you may know I’m Tommy. I like piano and singing, uh I also like to study and yea. Not much.”
“He doesn’t like to study, he feels obligated to get good grades for people who have been missing from his life for nearly a decade.” Freddie corrected.
“He has many hobbies he doesn’t know. Deo mentioned you have instruments back at your house here, could you possibly help Tommy play those?” Eryn asked.
Eret seemed to smiled, Tommy missed the slight sadness.
“Yea I do. Let’s go around town and we’ll go to my house at the end.” Eret replied, smiling slightly.

Chapter Text

Tommy started coming over to Deo’s house after they hung out in the cafe. He would learn bits of guitar, recording it on voice recorder, keeping it in a folder for future reference. He would head back to the cafe to practise singing in the practice rooms, Niki would drop by to listen, and eventually she looked at Tommy’s notes on song lyrics and gave her comments on it.

------
“I was 9 when a rose fully died in my old garden
The rest of the roses turned black
And so did my own
The once colourful garden loses its light.
I wait for someone to reach out
To water my dying rose.
It took long to find a hose
But here I am, home!” Tommy sang.
“That sounded great Tommy!” Niki said from the doorway. “By the way, I brought one of my friends to listen since he likes music.”
“ERET!!!” Tommy exclaimed and ran to hug the man who accepted it.
“Hey Tommy!” Eret chuckled.
“I see you know each other.” Niki smiled.
“Ya, he’s like my older brother!!!” Tommy exclaimed, and if Eret shed a tear at that, no one said anything about it.
“That was a really good song Toms! I should have brought Deo so he could listen to it.” Eret said, Tommy dug his head into the older’s shoulder
“Oh, Deo’s your little brother right?” Niki asked.
“Oh yea he is, though I wasn’t talking about him in the groupchat, he’s a pain in the ass sometimes, unlike this little ball of sunshine and roses here.” Eret said, every word laced in a fond honey.
“Erettttttttttt! Why do you do this!” Tommy mumbled into Eret’s shoulder, earning a laugh from Eret, “I’m telling Deo though.” Tommy stated.
“Tommy you wouldn’t.”
“But I would though. How sad Deo would be that his brother considers me his favourite brother.”
“Tommy, if you don’t tell me, I'll let you play guitar for longer.”
“Deal. Actually, no. Suffer.”
“Gremlin.” Eret says fondly, ruffling Tommy’s hair. At the back of his mind, Tommy remembers Wilbur doing something similar when he had actually cared for the first few years of Tommy’s life.
“Awwww you guys are cute!” Niki said, her eyes holding so many emotions, Tommy couldn’t fully decipher which was the strongest at that point.
“Hey Tommy, wanna play a song together?” Eret asked, dragging an enthusiastic Tommy back inside the music room.

------

“My song isn't finished, what do I perform?!” Tommy said to the other, he was pulling at his hair while hsi anxiety radiated off the walls.
“You don’t have to do an original piece, I just thought you should because your pieces are awesome and it helps gain some exposure.” Niki said, her eyes worried.
“You know a ton of good songs that would make the crowd smile.” Purpled supplied from the doorway.
“You will be alright, sunflower.” Deo said, crouching in front of Tommy’s chair and leaning his forehead against Tommy’s. He used the pet name as a joke at first, when they started acting like a platonic couple as a joke, but now it was used to calm Tommy down whenever needed.
“Tommy, you know we will be right there.” Eryn said, holding his hand.
“If you need suggestions, you can ask one of us.” Beau suggested. Her Scottish accent that Tommy usually made fun of was like music in the tension.
“Like Beau said, we can help, just tell us.” Freddie said.
“Hey Tommy, want to sing seventeen with me?” Eret asked, now crouching where Deo was, holding in front of Tommy as he looked up at him. Tommy smiled, Eret had chosen a song that Tommy loved and Eret would play drums behind him.
“Sure.” Tommy said, his voice cracking. Suddenly the tension disapperated. Tommy took Eret’s hand as Eret pulled him up, they got in position to practice.

------

“Used to be a major scale
But the melody went stale.” Tommy started, Eret’s steady beat in the drums helping keep him rooted.
~~~
“You teach me how to behave
I felt you question the way
I was brought up as a baby
Well you don't know fuck about my family
Could never tell you what happened
The day I turned seventeen
The rise of a king and the fall of a queen
Seventeen, seventeen
Never fell down like a princess
I used to kid myself in this stress
That it was just how things
Were meant to be
Oh, seventeen, seventeen.” Tommy ended the song, his voice cracking from the louder volume to a quiet more broken one. The room applauded him. He saw the others smiling at him. He saw Eret at the stairs, waiting, Tommy signalled for him to go down.
“I have another song I want to sing, it’s an original, dedicated to some of my friends who have been supporting me so much.” The crowd screamed and he smiled at the astonished faces of his friends family.

“I was wilting, dying
My knees scabbed and my cheeks stained
I was crying
And you took me in your arms
Never leaving me
You laughed
You cried
You smiled
And it will always be worthwhile
To see you there
And to be with you

I was 10 when they left
I was 17 when you brought me back
Family
What is family
It’s giving a part of your soul away
And for you my sunflower
I would give every part of me
And you would do the same
And to be with you
Is all I want
For the rest of time~”
Applause and happiness. Tears, but of joy. An ambush of hugs when he goes off the stage. Tommy wouldn’t change this for the world.

------

“Niki!!!” A voice called.
“Oh Jack! How are you?” Niki said once the man reached their booth where the group was sat.
“I’m well, you?” The bald man Jack said.
“Very well. Would you like to join us.” Niki replied, gesturing to a spot next to Tommy.
“If that’s alright with you guys.” Jack said, receiving a series of nods and noises in return, “Hey kid, you were awesome out there!!!”
“Not a kid dickhead. Also thank you, THOUGH I don’t need to be told that by a bald man.” Tommy said, earning an offended gasp from Jack. The rest of the day was filled with noise, laughter and smiles.

Chapter Text

Tommy walked back home in the rain. He didn’t want to bother anyone with his lack of a ride. When he got to the Watson estate, he saw the doorway open and a pinkette at the doorway.
“Theseus, are you insane?!” Techno exclaimed, it wasn’t unusual for some screaming matches to occur in the family but Techno had a worried tone, not one of anger. He dragged Tommy to the couch, getting a towel and vigorously drying Tommy’s hair, quickly running up and down in-between.
“I ran you a warm bath for you, take a bath.” Techno said, his voice much calmer.
“Oh, alright.” Tommy replied, heading to the shower.

Tommy sunk into the bath Techno drew for him. His mind racing. Why was Techno being so nice all of a sudden? Why did he choose now? Just a week or two ago, he referred to him and his youngest brother to be separate.

“Why are you being so nice to me Techno?” Tommy asked when he was passed a mug of hot chocolate as the two sat around the island in the kitchen.
“I want to correct what I didn’t in the past. I want to be a better brother, and it starts here for me, you- uh, fuck, you don’t have to forgive me. I want to try and be better though.”
“Why?”
“Because, I saw how much you changed from when we last saw you. You were a child and us leaving affected you, we should have been there, I should have been there, I’m so sorry.” Techno uttered, his voice cracking more and more. Tommy saw him get up and come in front of Tommy, he opened his arms, inviting Tommy to hug him, and Tommy obliged to the call. He felt warm arms wrap around, he missed this. He was close to Techno for a long time, this reminded him of that. Techno cared, and that made him happy.

------

“Tommy! Oh Techno!” Niki greeted the brothers.
“You two know each other?” Tommy asked.
“Yeah, she visited the U.S. to see her younger brother, Ranboo, we became friends because of him.” Techno supplied, Niki nodding.
“Well how do you two know each other?” Niki asked.
“He’s my oldest brother.” Tommy replied.
“Wil is actually my younger twin. He used to be close to Tommy but he started losing himself in his teenage years.” Techno added on, Niki understanding who William was.
“Let’s goooooooo! I want to introduce you to my friends!” Tommy said, dragging his brother as he let his childish side show.
“Alright, alright you little devil child!” Techno huffed fondly, letting himself be dragged

When the two arrived at the table, Eryn, Freddie, Deo, Beau and Purpled raised an eyebrow at the brothers. Eret and Jack greeted Techno, Jack seemed more scared and Eret greeted Techno like an old friend.
“How does everyone your age know you, Techno?”
“Wil, but also a few friends.”
“Ah ok.”
The brothers sat down, Tommy next to Deo and Techno took a free spot next to Jack.
“Say, Manifold, when is that bald head of yours going to grow hair?” Techno asked, his voice amused yet still holding its monotone charm. The table erupted into laughter while Jack sputtered both confused and offended.
“Holding the same humour as Wil, ey Blood God.” Jack responded snarkily after he recovered.
“Blood god?! How could you be a blood god?!” Purpled asked bewilderedly.
“He beat up people who messed with his brothers, he was really feared.” Eret explained.
“However he is a softie, he would always rant about Tommy if he had the chance.” Niki interrupted, pulling a seat next to Techno.
“He did?” Tommy asked.
“Yea he did, even after the twins graduated, he would go on about you, to the point that Wilbur had to tell him to shut up or he would show you the messages.” Eret laughed. Tommy looked at Techno who was avoiding his gaze but even his hands were so red that it was clear he was embarrassed.
“The Technoblade talking about Tommy all the time? Impossible.” Beau and Eryn said, earning laughs from the others.
“I’m showing him the texts.” Eret said, Techno tried to reach over the milkshakes Niki brought when she came to the table, to grab Eret’s phone. His attempt was unsuccessful and Tommy scrolled through Techno going on about Tommy, every little thing he did from smile to playing guitar with Wilbur and so much more, that made Tommy’s smile.
“Niki, why did you have to start this, this is why I don’t talk to you anymore.” Techno said, first embarrassed but joking at the end.
“You don’t walk to me because I constantly tell you to shut up about Tommy. Also the kid should know, you don’t know what it’s been like these past years.” Niki said.
“Theseus?” Techno asked, his face worried like it had been 2 days ago when he had seen a soaking Tommy.
“I- uh.” Tommy stuttered, “I have to go to the bathroom.” With that Tommy got up and rushed to the bathroom.

Tommy looked at the mirror, he was shaken up. He barely had time to collect his thoughts before the bathroom door opened. He saw Techno, who said nothing and walked to him, and hugged him. He hesitated, before leaning into Techno’s chest. His hands grabbing the cloth at the back of Techno’s shirt.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I should have been there-”
“No Techno, I should have tried to talk to you as well. It takes two hands to clap, doesn’t it.”
“No, I am the older brother, I should have been-”
“Techno, stop putting pressure on yourself. You are in the wrong, I won’t deny that, but you are in the wrong just as much as I am.”
“But I-”
“No. Now come on, let’s join the others, let’s not continue this conversation in a bathroom. As much as I like Niki’s bakery, I don’t want to do this in her cafe’s bathroom.” Tommy said, wiping tears from Techno’s face. His comment made Techno laugh, that was what made him happy. If his brother smiled, that would be enough. If his family found happiness, he would be satisfied.

Tommy led Techno to the table, the two smiling and they saw as the anxious faces of their friends grew relieved at the sight of them. The group felt the tension that once hung fade, as the group melted into chatter and laughter.

------

The afternoon had faded into evening when the group decided to part ways. As the brothers made the way to the Watson Estate, the two talked.
“I want to introduce you to my mother tomorrow!” Tommy said.
“I’m excited about that. If she makes you happy and safe then I’m happy.” Techno said, a loving and fond look on his face. The two were happy until they drew near the house, their happy conversation fading as they saw Wilbur and Phil’s car in the driveway.
“Techno, can you stick with me, please?” Tommy said and his voice sounded so broken.
“Of course, I’m here.” Techno said, grabbing Tommy’s hand and intertwining his fingers with Tommy’s. He squeezed Tommy’s hand and he received a squeeze and weak smile back. They entered the doorway and were greeted with the sight of Wilbur…

Chapter Text

“Welcome home my dear brothers.” Wilbur greeted from the couch, not looking up from his book, but he didn’t have to for the duo to tell the sarcasm.
“Thank you brother dearest.” Tommy replied snarkily, dragging Techno, or at least trying to before a new voice spoke.
“What changed? Tommy you used to be so open. You would always ask us to play with you. Now all you do is avoid us, you only talk to Techno when a few days ago you didn’t even talk to him.” Tommy looked to see identical icy blue eyes. Long hair fell on Phil’s shoulder that wasn’t tied behind. He wore a sleeveless, black turtleneck with sweatpants. Techno was about to speak when Tommy gestured for him not to.
“What changed? WHAT CHANGED?! DON’T ASK STUPID QUESTIONS LIKE THAT PHILIP WATSON!” Tommy screamed, Philip was taken back.
“Don’t raise your voice at your father.” Phil responded.
“You are not my father. If I was truly your son, you wouldn’t have left for London as soon as the twins left and left me with barely any money! I only have been surviving because I worked jobs and someone actually decided to care for me like I was their child.” Tommy said, tears forming at the edge of his eyes but pure anger morphed on his face. Venom laced every word that he said.
“Tommy I-”
“Don’t. You only came back when you heard the twins were cooking back.” Tommy stepped closer to the man he once called father, everytime the man stepped back. The wooden floors shook under their feet. The glass vases threatened to fall, the once beautiful roses now wilted, untouched for years. Icy blue eyes stared into ocean blue, years and years of anger roared.
“I am Tom Simons. I am not Tom Watson, Tom Watson died a long time ago. Techno Watson is still my brother, because he cared. He knows what he did wrong. He deserves forgiveness and he made an effort to earn it. You don’t get to ask what changed, Philip Watson. You left a 10-year old child to fend for themselves.” Tommy looked straight into the eyes of the man he once cherished and loved, the one who let him to die with only a fridge full of food for a month at most and a roof over his head. Nothing else. Philip was pressed directly against a wall, Tommy stood in front of him, his left index finger on his chest as he screamed at the man.
“To-”
“SHUT UP WILBUR!” Techno and Tommy screamed at the brunette.
“Tommy let’s go.” Techno said, his face was now angry, his normally brown eyes looking bright red. He seemed truly sinister, but Tommy found comfort in it. He put a hand on Tommy’s shoulder, leading him upstairs, leaving William and Philip alone. When they reached the upstairs, Techno led them to Tommy’s room.
“You said you would go to your room from here, how?” He asked, the tension lifting.
“I use the window, duh. I wonder how you became a university professor if you can’t figure that out.” Tommy said, rolling his eyes at Techno as he opened the balcony doors. He stepped out, gathering his strength before getting on the railing and jumping towards the other balcony. He pulled himself up from the grip he had on the railings, and swung his legs over to safety. He watched as Techno released a sigh of relief then followed Tommy’s example, Tommy moved to the corner and Techno landed, his grip instead on the railing on the top of the balcony, as the man swung himself forward, before landing onto the balcony floor.
“Tommy! Did you come?” A female voice called, mom.
“Is that your mother?” Techno asked, staring at Tommy’s door from the glass window.
“Yea, I’ll introduce you to her tomorrow though.” Tommy replied. The two stepped into Tommy’s room and Tommy’s gaze immediately fell on the vase of roses. They were watered, and there was even another vase of roses, filled with all yellow roses.

------

Techno looked around the room, it was beautiful. There were polaroids of Tommy, lot’s with Freddie and Eryn. There were ones where he was with a woman and man who looked remarkably like Tommy. There were pictures taken with the whole group, both before and after Techno joined. Selfies with each person individually. But there were also pictures of him and Tubbo in a hidden corner. The bed was white, with red accents in the form of throw pillows and throw covers. There was a piano sat in the corner of the room near the balcony, sheet music messily splayed on it. The dressing table has things organised in rows. The study desk near it had books piled on it, a mini fridge and a small bookshelf stood underneath the table, it was long and spanned the rest of the wall beside the dressing table.

Techno looked at Tommy, he saw his little brother, and he realised how much he missed. A friendship lost from the way some of Tubbo’s pictures had tears and they sat in the corner. He had found a family, who showed him they loved him when Techno wouldn’t, couldn’t, didn’t. Techno hadn’t liked physical affection but Tommy changed that when he was born. Techno found himself finding comfort in the room. He explored as Tommy went to talk to his mother.

------

Tommy walked back in with dinner (kindly offered by his mother when he told her he had a guest he would introduce tomorrow, after they came back from Deo’s). He saw Techno standing out on the balcony, his hair normally tied in a ponytail was loose and free, no restraints. He stepped out, standing next to the man. They looked at the house, the crows that passed by.
“You know, mom loved these birds.” Techno said as he had a crow on his arm.
“Really?” Tommy asked.
“Yea. They are often associated with death but they are truly beautiful birds.” He confirmed, stroking the crow with his finger.
“They are.” Tommy agreed, “Dad liked them as well if I remember correctly. Called him the crow father.” He laughed slightly at that, a smile on his face as he reminisced.
“Those were good times, when Mom died, he lost himself. He forgot what he promised himself. He grew away from you first, then grew apart from us. He never talked to us after graduation, Wilbur and I assumed it was because he was taking care of you and working hard. Clearly only one of those.” Techno said, the crow had flown to the sky and he looked at the sky. The moonlight illuminated his features. Hurt, pain, understanding, reminiscing, so many emotions swirled in Techno’s eyes and Tommy was seeing it much more clearly. Techno had gone through a lot and now it was being put on a silver platter in front of Tommy, clear as day reasons as to why he did what he did and why.
“You know, you are just a softie at heart Techie.” Tommy leaned his head on Techno’s arm, the two stared off into the sky. In another life they may have been at more odds, but Techno would always protect Tommy and Tommy would always be his red rose.

Red roses mean love and admiration, the emotions the two felt for each other, love was of many types and Tommy truly understood familial.

Chapter Text

Techno missed this. He watched the blond teen snuggled into his chest. He smiled as he watched his baby brother snuggle, a more child-like part of him showing. He remembered nights like these, years ago, over a decade ago. He remembered when Wilbur started distancing himself. Around age 14-15, Wilbur would barely be home. Adolescence was a touch thing for Wilbur and the person who saw him the most was Techno, especially when he was forced into parties by his best friend. A 6-year old Tommy would go to Wilbur’s room in the middle of the night when he had nightmares, he would be told to get out by Wilbur and Techno was always the one who came and picked up Tommy, holding and cuddling with the boy. Just like those times, Tommy was finding comfort in Techno’s embrace with a simple hug. Techno wouldn’t change this for the world. Techno put a small kiss on his brother’s forehead, smiling as he finally lost himself to sleep’s gentle hands, his youngest brother safe in his arms.

If a woman with dark brown wavy hair watched over her oldest and youngest child, no one knows.
“Good night my darlings.” The woman smiled, pressing kisses on the brother’s heads, before finally going to the balcony and following the crow.

------

Tommy yawned, the darkness still not dispersed. He felt warm arms embracing him and slight shuffling against his head and body. He looked up to see Techno’s face. While usually tense and not… happy looking. In the moonlight that radiated on his back, Tommy could see Techno’s relaxed face, slight smile. Tommy left Techno’s warm embrace, getting ready for the day before putting in earphones and opening spotify. He clicked on his personal playlist, listening as Notion by The rare occasions started playing. He leaned back in his small beanbag, scrolling through twitter for the next few hours. It was 8 am before he decided to go down to get breakfast for him and Techno.

“Good morning mum.” He greeted the blond woman.
“Good morning Tommy darling.” She said cheerfully, flour on her hand got into Tommy’s head as she ruffled his hair.
“Mom, you messed up my beautiful hair!” He screamed playfully, earning a chuckle from both his mother and his father who sat off to the side. “What are you making anyways?”
“Some sweets for your guest. You said we would be meeting him later, and said he liked similar things to you, so I made cookies which everyone would like!” She said, using the cookie cutter to shape more cookies in a variety of flowers, animals and other shapes. “Anyways, here’s breakfast darling, leave the plates in your room, I’ll grab them later.” She said, handing him a tray with two stacks of pancakes, fresh out of the pan. The tray had a variety of toppings and whatnot. Tommy brought it to his room, setting it on the study desk before gently shaking his older brother awake.
“Psst Techno!”
“Huh?” Techno groaned sleepily.
“Get up dipshit!” Tommy said.

------

The two reached Deo’s house as per usual. Niki and Techno were talking when Niki asked a question that took Techno by surprise.
“Techno, are you alright?”
“Y-ya! Of course I am Niki!”
“You look worried.”
“I-i just don’t know.”
“Take your time.”
“Tommy wants to introduce me to his parents but I’m scared they will hate me.”
“They won’t. Tommy loves you and if they love Tommy, they will love you.”
“I guess.” Techno said, his mood was still down though.
“We will continue this later but go, Tommy’s calling!”
Techno gave Niki a grateful smiled, chasing after Tommy.

------

“Ah Tommy! Oh you must be his guest!” A woman with blond hair tied in a bun behind her head, warm blue eyes underneath her glasses and an equally warm smile greeted.
“Oh! Welcome!” A man greeted, he had grey hair but the same warm blue eyes and smile.
“H-hi. My name’s Techno, Techno Watson.”
“Oh Techno! Tommy talks all about you! All good things of course.” The man said, he sounded like a dad who was kind to their daughter’s boyfriend, as though catching up with an old friend (not that it was that situation, of course.)
“Daddddd!” Tommy groaned, Techno elbowed him and smiled, hearing a dickhead muttered under Tommy’s breath. The family laughed with Techno, the cookies Mrs. Simon’s offered were delicious, no heavenly. Tommy was going red in embarrassment so often, he looked like a strawberry in the end.

Chapter Text

“It has been nice meeting you, Techno Simons.” Mom says to Techno.
“It has been nice meeting you too, wait Simons?” Techno looks surprised.
“Mhm! You’re my son’s brother and therefore you are my son as well.” Tommy hugged Techno, who’s facial expression was indecipherable. Tommy saw as tears started rolling down Techno’s face as he smiled, Tommy wiped them off and laughed.
“Who knew the blood god was soft for being called a Simons?”
“Oh shut up Tommy.” Techno said, rolling his eyes but the smile on his face betrayed his pretence to be annoyed.
“Now come on slowpoke! I wanna go visit Sam’s motor shop!” Tommy said, dragging the man down the road.

------

“I wanna take a ride on my old bike again, I didn’t see it in the garage though.” Techno says beside Tommy as they walked to Sam’s shop.
“Well that’s one of the reasons why I want to go to Sam’s shop. He has been taking care of your bike, he lets me ride it every so often, first teaching me on a spare bike so he didn’t ruin yours.”
“Nice to hear.”
“We’re here” Tommy finished the brief conversation as he raced in. “Sam!!! OH PONK!!” Tommy says as he run up to a man with dark brown hair and dark green shirt with black pant, a grease and oil covered reed apron on him.
“Hi Tommy!” He says, putting the tire he was holding, opening his arms up as though he expected the hug.
“How are you?”
“I’m good, how are you?”
“Good as per the usual.”
“Who’s your guest?” Ponk asks, finally paying attention to Techno.
“My brother, Techno!”
“Oh Techno! My god you have changed since High School!” He said to Techno, the gears finally clicked.
“HOLY SHIT PONK! Oh my god I didn’t recognize you!” He says, the two laughing and Tommy joined in a more confused laughter.
“I mean that is to be expected, you mainly knew me through Bad and even then Bad was a distant connection.”
“I heard screaming, you alright Ponkie? Oh Tommy, and friend? Niki’s brother or something?” A green haired muscular man entered the shop’s garage entrance area from the back.
“You finally got with Ponk after all those years everyone wanted you two to be together?”
“Who-”
“Techno, that’s Techno, Sam.”
“Techno, for fuck’s sake.”
“Are you or are you not?”
“... ANYWAYS. Tommy, are you here for your bike?”
“Yup. Not gonna question why you are hiding your boyfriend but okay.” Tommy said and he walked to another part of the shop from the door Sam just entered from.
“Ok- wait-”
“HAH I WAS RIGHT!!!”
“Shut up.”
------

Techno drove down the dirt path, Tommy clinging on to his back for dear life. The wind flew through their hair and it felt great.

“Hey Techno!” A voice that Tommy thought he found familiar in a chilling way said…

Chapter Text

Tommy looked at the man who pulled up next to them. He had blond hair and striking green eyes. He smiled at Techno.
“Dream. Nice seeing you here.” Techno said, monotone but the smile on his face betrayed him trying to seem non-scholant.
“Driving you bike again?” Dream asked. Tommy tried to even out his breath and Techno seemed to have realised this.
“Tommy, are you alright?”
“D-d-d-dream?”Tommy stuttered, wishing he could become tiny and hide in Techno’s back like he was doing now but alas.
“Tommy, why are you scared.”
“...I used to be mean to him back when we were in high school.” Dream confessed.
Tommy say Techno’s forehead look like it popped a nerve, he started threatening Dream in a low voice

After the threats were thrown, Techno looked at Tommy and offered him to ride around the track on his bike. He agreed and Techno got off, moving towards Dream. He sped off, not caring to wait for anything.

------
As the two headed home, Tommy invited Techno to dinner, he said he might come, if not he would send someone else. The two separated when it came to their houses, Techno telling him he shouldn’t worry about the other two, that if he wanted to go home he could.

Tommy opened the door when the doorbell was rung to open to Wilbur instead of Techno. He sent a weak smile, and Tommy understood that Wilbur took Techno’s place, whatever he would ask about this later.
“Come in I guess.”
“Thank you.” Wilbur said, following Tommy into the house.

“So Wilbur, how are you?”
“I’m good Mr. Simons. How are you?”
“I’m well, very nice to hear you are well.”

Tommy found his parents like Wilbur a lot, not surprising as he was always the people’s person of the family. Surprisingly though, he found himself getting comfortable with Wilbur as well. So as they finished dinner, when Wilbur asked to take a walk with Tommy he impulsive said yes.

The night breeze was nice, cooling and chilling.
“I’m sorry, for everything, Tommy.” Wilbur said, tension strung, carefully woven. There was comfort at dinner because his parents were there.
“There’s no point apologising, prove it.”
“I will, I promise” Wilbur said, turning and reaching his pinky to intertwine with Tommy’s, Tommy followed.

------

“Techno stop letting Tommy influence you. You are-”
“God to believe I could have a dinner which you didn’t fuck up with your shitty speech.”
“Don’t be disrespectful to-”
“Father dearest, don’t. Tommy was right.”
“Cut your old man some slack, his wife-”
“EVERYONE LOST MOM. SHE WAS YOUR WIFE BUT SHE WAS OUR MOTHER. INSTEAD OF PROPERLY TAKING CARE OF US, YOU FOCUSED ON WORK AND ISOLATED YOURSELF FROM YOUR 17 YEAR OLD TWIN SONS AND A FUCKING 9 YEAR OLD!” Techno said, standing and slamming his fist on the table.
“...” Silence fell as Techno sat back down.
“Forget it, I’m eating in my room.”
“Wait Techno-”
“Save it, I’ll continue this later.” Techno said.

Chapter Text

Two brothers, who would never admit they were alike in more ways than one. One watched the crows fly outside the balcony window of the home he grew up in, what he used to call home with confidence. The other watched butterflies fly around in the dark, the beauty of the creatures never truly wavering throughout the days.

A brother watched his twin and younger brother from the couch in which he sat, one screaming at their father and the other giving a menacing aura. He saw so much more than what he had initially.

Tommy was broken far beyond what Wilbur thought, if Wilbur had even thought he was broken. Anger and venom seeping when he screamed. He had tears running down sure, but never showed any form of “weakness”. His blue eyes a dull grey whenever Wilbur saw him, but they glowed red like Techno’s. Wilbur realised how badly he messed up when he left. He left a 10 year old, and never bothered to talk to him. He stared at the ceiling, he wore a simple shirt, letting the cool breeze from the open window hit his skin as the translucent curtains flew. Everyone in this house was broken, in some way or the other. He would have nightmares every night, plastering a fake smile every night when he got up. He suffered with this for nearly 2 years before he found his escape in his band. He found himself neglecting any sad emotions that threatened to come, he never cried. Now he faced the consequences. He turned onto his side, wrapping his limbs around his bolster as he fell into an unsteady sleep.

“Wil, you know, rejecting emotions isn’t healthy.” Niki said to him, putting colourful bandaids on his scars from digging his nails into his arms.
“I know but I would rather feel numb than deal with that shit again.” He said, looking away from Niki’s sad gaze at him.
“You’ll face burnout again though, Wil, that was shit for you. You locked yourself up from everyone, even going to work was hard and was the only thing you did.” She squeezed his hand with both of her own.
“Niki, I- I wish I could, but I can’t.” He says, his voice finally cracking and tears rolling down his face in over 2-3 years. He slid onto the floor, his knees being next to Niki’s as she hugged him.

Wilbur heard someone knocking, he wiped the tears of his face and opened the door, turning before his face could be seen.
“Wil, are you alright?” Techno. Everyone loved Techno more than Wilbur, he seemed more caring and kind once you got to know him.
“I’m fine, what do you want?” His tone wasn’t kind but he didn’t care.
“You’re not.” That made Wilbur wince mentally with how accurate he was and insistent he was right.
“Go take care of Tommy, Techno. He needs it more than I would if I wasn’t fine anyways. Good night Techno.” and with that he started walking forward.
“Wait.” Techno said, grabbing his wrist. He felt himself being pulled back and before eh could react he was pulled into a hug.
“We both had a hard day, but it’s clear that you took today hard. You know that you don’t have to be alone when you’re having panic attacks.” Techno’s voice soothed him, it was soft, gentle. He picked up Wilbur and brought them to the bed. Wilbur would never say, but he liked that Techno was how he was. He was always thought to be boring but if you had a good bind with him, it was clear he cared.

------

“WILBUR!!! TECHNO!!! Come on, you have better things to do than hug all day. I’m not done with that talk from yesterday Techno. You and Wilbur are going to have to be re-taught manners.” Phil barged in, annoyed.

“Not today Phil.” Wilbur groaned, he turned, falling off Techno.
“Sleep Will.” Was the last thing he heard before the bed dipped a bit more, and went higher than before, footsteps and then a loud slap. That got Wilbur to sit up and look at his dad and twin.

------

Tommy was passing by Wilbur’s open room door when he saw Techno slap Phil. He immediately jumped in-between the two, Phil and Techno were screaming each other, and then…

Tommy felt it and he saw Wilbur’s eyes go wide from the middle of his peripheral vision. He had been slapped, extremely hard. He stumbled back into Techno, who turned him in his arms, putting protective arms around his head, he saw a pair of feet approach him, Techno releasing him and letting Wilbur take him. Wilbur took him out of that room and to Tommy’s, where he closed the door and found Tommy’s airpods and gave it to him.
“Thank you.” Tommy managed to say, what happened was still dawning on him.
“Anytime Toms.” Wilbur said, giving the same affectionate hair ruffles he used to do.

Tommy missed this Wilbur, but never missed this Phil.

Chapter Text

“YOU CAN SCREAM AT ME AND WHATEVER BUT YOU CAN’T HIT TOMMY!” Techno found himself screaming at his “father”. He let Wilbur take care of Tommy, showed him he cared.

Tommy sat in the bathroom of his bedroom, crying as he scratched his arms badly. He heard the doorbell ring and Wilbur go to open it. Later two people come into the room.
“Darling, are you in there?” His mother lets him open the door before she comes in and hugs him, another pair of arms join in.

“That was awesome Tommy!” A chorus of voices say when he finishes playing.
“You should go into professional music!” A voice said, Ranboo.
“Thank you, but uh what are you doing here?” Tommy asks.
“Oh I invited him, I hope you don’t mind.” Niki chimes in.
“I-it’s fine i guess.” Tommy says, giving up.
“Ranboo was right though, you should get into music.” Tommy looks Tubbo in his eyes.
“I- i think I need some water.” Tommy stammers, immediately averting Tubobo’s eye contact and found himself looking at Eryn.
“I’ll come too.” Eryn says. Freddie and Deo take the hint and agree to join as well.

“Tommy, you don’t have to feel pressured to do anything with them.” Eryn says.
“But how can I feel sure that there is no point if I don’t try.” Tommy says.
“And we love you for that mindset, but even then you have limits. Don't feel pressured.” Freddie said.
“Alright. I’ll keep that in mind.” Tommy said, forcing a weak smile before going back to the main room. Deo walked beside him, squeezing his hand and when he turned to look at Deo, Deo lowered his sunglasses and gave a little wink.

“Hi Tommy. Nice to meet you outside of formal circumstances. How are you?” Ranboo extended his hand to the blond.
“I’m alright.. Ranboo. How are you.” Tommy shook the man’s hand.
“I’m doing swell, glad to hear you’re well!”
“Uh… vice versa?” Tommy retracted his hand, Ranboo made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
“Hey, uh, Tubs.”
“Hey Boss man.” Tubbo smiled, it wasn’t his sunny smile but a more, fond and comforting smile. Like saying, it’s nice to see you again.
“Well I’m gonna play more songs. See you later.” Tommy said, excusing himself and going back to the piano.

“Tommy, that was awesome! You should start a music career!”
“You already said that Boo.” Tubbo pointed out, but he seemed to agree.
“Really?” Tommy was exasperated.
“Yeah!” Ranboo said, he was super hyped up.
“I guess let’s record something?” Tommy suggested and when they said it to the others, they all agreed.

------

“Who the fuck are you,
Calling my name like I’m still yours?
Who the fuck are you,
Acting like we know each other.

From a whole to separate ones.

I loved you, I truly did.
But you broke me,
So shut the f up!
My mind is strong and my heart is stronger.
I can wait cuz I have waited longer!
You go red ‘cuz you mad
I went red ‘cuz you made me mad.
I’m still a child,
Broken by the world.” Tommy sung a shaky musical interval interrupting him before he continued.
“I found love where I thought I never would
It was never meant to be
Because you were
never meant
for me~” Tommy ended with a sad and cracking voice. He was embraced by multiple hands as the cameras went off.

“Did you hear about the new pop singer?”
“Oh, Theseus Innit?”
“Yea! His music is awesome!”
Tommy smiled as he walked to his high school. They would smile when they listened to his music, never recognizing the man behind the mask of butterflies covering his eyes and most of his face. They would never know the tears to that first song, the multiple times it went through trial and error.

------

“Tommy!!! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!” Phil pointed at his phone angrily, showing the music video he had posted only around 18 hours ago.
“That’s not me.” Tommy shrugged.
“That’s your voice.” Phil replied.
“Tommy, you weren’t going to be able to hide that forever.” said a voice, he turned to scowl at…

Chapter Text

//Possible TW:\\
Mentions of Dementia, Childhood Trauma, Child Neglect and Mafias.

Techno. Techno took Phil’s side.
“Fuck you. I can’t believe I thought you would change.” Tommy said, too angry to argue, Techno tried to chase after him but Phil stopped him.
“Let him have some alone time.”

------

Phil would be lying if he didn’t say that he was losing himself after his wife’s death. It was hard to take care of kids when they reminded you so much of your dead wife. Seeing Tommy again after years reminded him of why he hated seeing Tommy. He was Kristin’s favourite child and for good reason. She had imprinted a miniature version of herself in him, sweet and kind but funny and witty. Both were wonderful singers and seeing that video reminded him of how badly he messed up as a father. He turned to his side and opened his phone, calling his little sister.

“Hey Phil, what’s up?”
“Hey… Can I ask you something, Puff?”
“Sure? What is it?”

------

Techno leans his head back on the couch as he sits with Dream in Dream’s mother’s house.
“I can’t believe my dad decides now to try to be a good dad.” He says.
“I kno-”
“You can’t blame him.” XD interrupts, he starts the coffee machine in the kitchen which has an open wall.
“What do you mean?” Dream asks, casting a sour look when he sees XD looking at him (for interrupting him).
“Mom was never great-”
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN! DAD’S GREAT!” Dream screams, turning on the couch.
“I’m not talking about Puffy. When you think of your parents you think of Puffy. Truth be told, she did her best to raise you the way Mom would have never raised you.”
“You mean Puffy’s not your mom?” Techno asked, bewildered.
“No she’s not. She’s our older sibling.”
“Then who’s your mom?”
“Mamacita.” Puffy said, leaning against the frame of the open hallway doorway.
“Why did you raise us?” Dream asks.
“Because Mom would raise you in a shitty way. That’s why Phil is the way he is.”
“Don’t call my dad shit. Also you don’t seem similar to Phil?” Techno said, giving
“Because Kristin helped raise me.”
“What?” Techno was both surprised and confused by this.
“Kristin and Phil were dating since they were 17. I am 12 years younger than him. When they were 25 with a stable enough income, they took me in.”
“A couple months later they took me in. Puffy was 13 and I was 9. I could manage a few months, normally people would have chosen to take me or Nightmare who was 2 at the time. Kristin needed help from Puffy to raise me though, she also wanted to gain Puffy’s trust so that XD and Puffy knew it was safe.”
“Well also for financial stability. After a lot of insistence and arguing, I got a job when I was 17. I got a stable enough job and started taking care of XD, Nightmare and a couple months later Dream. Kristin and Phil had twins when they were 28, Mom decided to have Dream at the same time. Kristin helped take care of you a few times but soon enough she trusted me to take care of you, and in extension Drista when she was born. We ended up moving to London a few years before Kristin was born anyways, Kristin stayed in Nottingham and per my request was the one who brought Drista home.”
“Didn’t your mom care?” Techno asked.
“She couldn’t give a shit. Took weight off of her shoulders, She ran a mafia with dad so she didn’t give a shit if it was one of us who took the kids. Phil wasn’t even her child, he was her nephew. She just cared for him because he wanted to take care of the person her sibling and their partner died defending. She did know Kristin and her family as she wanted to check if she was a risk to their Mafia but when proven not gave no shits about her.”
“Well how did Dad parent?”
“He picked it up from Kristin. Like I said, Mom was shit so how he treats you now is how he was treated. He was neglected and that’s why it feels semi-natural. He was never allowed to talk about how Mom treated him or his emotions to anyone but us and Kristin so that’s why he freaked out.”
“Then why did he stop me?”
“Because that’s the part of Kristin that shined through. She did what he did. She stopped him when we fought, when he fought with XD, Wilbur, You. She showed him and so hee followed.” Puffy said, she smiled sadly “He’s trying his best, he’ll try again, and give him a chance. Let him see your mother shine through, he’s finally getting over everything. Childhood trauma isn’t easy to get over, especially when the person who was your biggest support is stripped away from you.”
“Fuck Dementia. I hate it.” Techno said, remembering how his mother got Dementia, one of the few rare cases who had it appear in their 40’s.
“Hey Techno.” Puffy finally said.
“Hmm?”
“Let your mother shine through and guide him.” Puffy smiled at him. Somewhere else in Nottingham, in a house that was newer, Phil thanks Puffy for letting him understand much more.

Chapter Text

“Niki, why do you even talk to me? I mean I’m not super strong and sensitive like Techno and I’m not talented and fun to talk to like Wil.
“But you are Tommy. I love Tommy for everything he is and isn’t. He’s funny and cute. He’s like the little brother I never had-”
“Nikiiiiiiii! You are so embarrassing! Also isn’t Ranboob your brother?-”
“Shhhhhhhh. You are different from Ranboo. Ranboo is my brother, but he’s not like you. Also you look like a cute little strawberry!” Niki cooed, moving from slowly step-dancing then getting Tommy’s lanky body somehow snuggly under her chin and between her legs and arms. She hugged him tight, he covered his face with his hands but still melted into the touch. Niki cared. Niki was the only reason she trusted Wilbur enough to give him a second chance. Niki was the closest to a therapist and big sister Tommy ever had. She was someone Tommy would talk to if he needed to face reality and vent (He had Eret for if he needed to escape reality). Niki had Tommy like putty in her hands, So as she coddled him, giving him affection in a way similar to chuffing.

“I love you Niki.” Tommy said.
“I love you too, Sunshine.” Niki said.

Wilbur’s heart ached.

Chapter Text

It was raining again, Niki looked at him with a mischievous side glance as she messaged someone. In the same time it took for him to process, Niki finished texting, finally turning to him then sprinting.
“Wait- NIKI NO-!!!” Tommy tried to dodge but was dragged from his bed, down the hall and stairs, through the living room and outside. Tommy missed the look of fondness and satisfaction that Phil cast at him, the look of regret that Techno cast seeing him so happy like they once were, Wilbur’s heart broken look as he looked at Niki holding his hand.

“Eret!” Tommy ran, ended up tripping just as he reached him and they fell on the grass, mud caking Eret’s jacket, both of their legs and their arms. The two laughed as they got up from the ground of the nearby park. They danced in the rain, laughing and smiling.

They had arrived at Eret’s house, Deo surprised but rushed to dry their hair and draw a warm bath in the main bathroom for Niki and one in his room for Tommy (they were like platonic husbands (Platonic only, Tommy like women)) so he didn’t mind letting Tommy use his bathroom. He refused to draw a bath for Eret as any good younger sibling does.

“Tommy, you should sing that song you sung in your first cafe performance!” Niki exclaimed.
“I have a recording of it!!” Deo screamed, punching and waving his hand that held his phone into the air.
“Let’s write down the lyrics from it! We can edit it as well!” Eret suggested as Deo pulled up the video.

“I was wilting, dying
My knees scabbed and my cheeks stained
I was crying
When you took me in your arms
Never leaving me
While you laughed
Hugged me when I cried
You made me smile
And it will always be worthwhile
To see you there
And to be with you

I was 10 when they left
I was 17 when you brought me baaaaaaaaack.

Now take my hand as you lead me in the rain.
Some take me dancing while most hold a knife
You cheat me once shame on you
Cheat me twice, and shame on me.”
“That doesn’t sound good!”
“It sounded great!”

“How about this?”
“Ya that sounds good!”

“Badum ba pa ba pa padampa badum ba pa pa pa pa pa~” Niki started off.
“Badum ba pa ba pa padampa badum ba pa pa pa pa pa~” Eret and Deo followed.
“Come on!” Tommy calls.
“Badum ba pa ba pa padampa badum ba pa pa pa pa pa~
“Badum ba pa ba pa padampa badum ba pa pa pa pa pa~”
“Here we go!
Sweetheart, let's dance! Let the rain fall as we sway, take my hand and I’ll take yours.
One foot forward and one foot back. You got it!”
“UGH!!! THAT DOESN’T SOUND GOOD EITHER!”Tommy cried.
“Maybe ask Wil to help. He’s a musician too.” Eryn suggested. Beau, Purpled, Eryn and Freddie had joined while Deo, Eret, Niki and Tommy were planning. Both Purpled and Eryn were dangling their legs off the back off the couch, upside down. Freddie was leaning his legs off the sides, leaning on Beau’s side, the only person who sat properly, kind of. They made a sound of agreement. Tommy glanced at Eret and Niki who also seemed to agree.

“Wil!!” Tommy called.
“What do you want, Tommy?” Wilbur was cold, Tommy winced slightly at the tone.
“Want to help me with a song?” Tommy said, Wilbur who had been facing away from Tommy with only his head looking at him turned away fully.
“No. I’m going back to Brighton.”
“You can’t! It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow! I want to spend it with you and Techno, maybe even Phil! Please?!” Tommy cried, attempting to grab Wilbur’s hand as he walked away.
“I made my decision Tommy, you made yours a long time ago. Go spend it with Niki and Eret, they are your new older siblings anyways. It’s not like you need me or Techno.” Wilbur said, waving off Tommy’s hand as he walked/
“What are you talking about! Of course I need you two! Are you seriously going to abandon me again!”
“THAT’S ENOUGH!!! THIS IS MY FINAL DECISION!!! END OF STORY!!!” Wilbur screamed, Tommy lost balance and fell on his knees, watching as his brother walked out of the door with bags, letting rain fall on him. Tommy remembered the side glance Wilbur gave, his chocolate brown eyes shining red as thunder sounded. He had been the scariest and angriest that Tommy had ever seen him in several years.

“I’m sorry, hic, Wilbur.” Tommy said, scratching his arms as he curled into a ball. He dug his nails into his arms in an attempt to hug himself, tears stinging his eyes and cheeks.
“I’m sorry.”

Chapter Text

TW: Cigarettes, Trauma and smoking

“Wilbur!!! What are you doing!!!” Techno called, running towards his twin as the rain poured heavily on both of them. “Why do you have so many bags?!”
“I’m going to go back to Brighton.” Wil said, barely sparing Techno a glance.
“No. You’re not.” Techno said, grabbing one of the two bags Wilbur carried with his left arm, grabbing Wilbur’s left wrist with his right.
“You can’t tell me what to do!” Wilbur tried to break his wrist out of the grasp, but to no avail. “AGH! LET GO OF ME!!” Wilbur tried kicking Techno’s leg with his leg, trying to free himself, even when Techno started dragging him back, letting mud stain his clothes.
“Do you even care for me Techno?!” Wilbur said, flinging his limbs, feeling Techno stop and looking in his eyes. Instead of red eyes he subconsciously expected, he found himself looking at ones that were a deep purple, like his mother’s would be when she was sad or worried. They were… emotional.
“How could you ever think that Wil. You’re my brother, my twin. You are a part of me. I will never stop loving and caring for you. You wanted to be here didn’t you? You can’t give up, you’ve never given up on anything your entire life. So please, just this once, stay.” Techno’s eyes were filled to the brim with tears.
Wilbur sighed before saying, “Let’s go home.”

------

“You’re smoking again?” Purpled asked as he approached Tommy on the rooftop.
“If you are going to say it’s not healthy, I already know that.” Tommy spit, his forearms on the railing as he blew out a puff of smoke, breathing in fresh air now polluted with smoke from his cigarette as he looked at the light sunset colours, watching as it slowly descended.
“I wasn’t going to say that, but Deo was proud you stayed away for so long. He knows you would continue again, it was an escape and eventually building back such a broken family would be difficult on everyone, especially you.” Purpled replied as he faced away from the view, staring at the sky.
“Honestly, I don’t know what I want to stay for, in this world I mean. This is all temporary.” Tommy inhaled and blew out a puff of smoke yet again.
“Friendship is forever if it’s strong enough, they become family.” Purpled supplied.
“That’s what I thought. Tubbo proved that wrong. Everything seems like a bomb ticking, waiting to explode.” Tommy replied honestly.
“I can’t argue with that, your experience is different.”
“I hate it when people say that they understand my life. They don’t understand, do they know what it’s like to be the outcast for your entire life, to be torn inside out from the people you are supposed to trust?”
“It sucks. I lost my parents when I was young, we were adopted by Eryn’s family and people tried comforting me. It was refreshing when Eryn would just listen to me, or distract me. It’s comforting knowing that someone understands you aren’t in the exact same situation, but sometimes it’s helpful when they think you are because they actually give ways to help, as long as they understand it’s not completely similar.”
“People are terrible.”
“They are.”
The two found themselves being able to fall in a comforting rhythm, discovering lots about each other’s past and themselves, seeing the similarities and differences in their situations and understanding what the other wants when they vent.

“If childhood is this, then I don’t want it. It’s torture.”

Chapter Text

The 3 Watsons had come together the previous night to prepare, and had even bought presents for Tommy. When Tommy woke up the next morning he found the house was filled with lights that shone, blankets, pillow fort and whatnot scattered around the room. Maybe, just today he would try and enjoy everything, fake it until he could make it. He saw as it replicated everything he wanted during christmas… when he lived with his family. He went into the pillow fort and snuggled up.

Tommy woke up in warmth all over. He saw Techno, he turned and saw Wilbur and he looked to see Phil holding a tray of 4 mugs as he approached the tent.
“Good morning, starlight.” Phil greeted as Tommy sat up, pressing a kiss on his forehead before passing him a mug of hot chocolate in his childhood favourite mug. He saw as the mug had whipped cream, chocolate shavings and sprinkles, and marshmallows. Tommy felt like a kid again, got the childhood he missed with his biological family.

“All of these are for me!” Tommy said as he motioned to open his presents, all from his friends and family.
“Don’t open them yet. Open them up when everyone arrives.” Phil said, Tommy looked to see the fond looks on his siblings' faces as well as on Phil’s face. He remembered how mom and dad always looked at him like that, they had told him that this christmas he should spend with his siblings and Phil, it might be the last christmas he would. They would join his party next time.

Everyone had come, dancing, singing, eating and what not. Niki danced with Jack and Wilbur, twirling and then she twirled and bumped into Eret who caught her in a big dip as she fell. The two laughed. Wil and Jack were dancing (and cussing each other out in friendly ways.) Tubbo and Ranboo were chatting off to one side but they did start dancing. Eryn and Freddie were off to the side having punch that was probably spiked. Beau and Purpled were laughing as they ate food of to the side. Many of Wil, Phil and Techno’s friends had come. This orange furry kid named Fundy, this gorgeous lady named Sally (who Tommy was hearing rumours was Wilbur’s (ex?) girlfriend.) Deo came up to him, inviting him to dance, he gave an exasperated smile before accepting Deo’s offer. He took Deo’s hand and was whipped away to the dance floor. He and Deo fell in an easy rhythm, this was something they had done several times to prepare for their “future wedding” (as platonic husbands ofc, he was 17 and Deo was 18). Deo then spinned them and took Tommy in a dip. Everyone looked and it took several people to hold Eret (Niki held him back), Techno (Dream held him back) and Wilbur (Jack held him back) back from being protective older brothers.
“Oh, bold are we?” Tommy smirked, Deo putting him back on his feet in a swift mood and twirling him around and they went back to their original position, Deo’s right hand on Tommy’s waist and Tommy’s left on Deo’s shoulder, their other hands intertwined as they swayed.

“Open the presents!!!”
“Oh my! THIS IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!” Tommy said as he opened the first gift, from Techno. It was a dagger, an obsidian one.

Tommy’s gifts had been a vast array. He had gotten lots of Teddies from the teens, with different flowers that sat in a vase in his room. He had gotten weapons from Techno and the “Dream Team (+ Sapnap's two boyfriends)”. He got discs from Wilbur and Eret. Phil had gotten him a guitar. Niki had gotten him a mood octopus. The furry, his turnip booyfriend and the salmon girl got him art supplies (which to everyone but Deo’s surprise was something he really enjoyed). Captain Pussy’s family got him a bass. The coolest one, is that his parents got him a fucking motorbike.

They had been taking a ride, Tommy was alone on his new bike, Techno with Niki, Dream with Wilbur, Sapnap with Eret and George with Deo. The car came straight towards him, Tommy watched like a deer in headlights as he was hit. He could hear screams, felt Techno cradling him in his arms, begging him to stay awake.

Sunshine was lost on the faithful day of the 25th of December that year.

It was christmas when they lost their sunshine