Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Tommy limped across the dirty concrete of the streets. Keeping to alleyways and corners. Keeping himself out of the light and out of sight of anyone. He did not need attention, he needed to complete his self made mission.

Find the Syndicate.

And, as a hero, that mission would usually be him hunting them down to stop them or arrest them but not tonight. Tonight he's there to warn them.

Something big is going down soon, maybe in a week or months time. But it will be catastrophic and Tommy has to relay this message before it is too late.

Dream has gone mad with power, he doesn't want to protect the city, he wants to control it.

And what better way than to destroy it, is apparently his direction of thinking.

Tommy can't stop this, as amazing as he is as RedWing, the number one hero's loyal sidekick, he can't do this on his own.

He's proven that with the deep cut on his right shoulder and the multitude of bruises and broken bones courtesy to Dream. He's probably dragging his name through the dirt by telling all the heroes lies.

That he's a traitor.

That he's a villain now.

When truly, he's trying to save them, save everyone.

He's somehow made it pretty far out to the city. He could have flown but unluckily enough, his left wing had been clipped during the fight for his life with Dream. It'll grow back but it's a hindrance until then. If he even lives long enough for that to happen.

He's limped his way into the 15th district, it's almost dark now. This place is usually crawling with Syndicate lackeys or even their shadows that follow them. If he's lucky, it won't take them long to notice he's here. And with the past encounters he's had, it won't be that long until they do.

Tommy gasps however, he's in a dark alley and his shoulder is throbbing. His feet shake from under him and his vision blurs. Fuck he's gonna pass out soon.

But he sees something move, a shadow.

"Hello? Is someone there?!" He shouts, he hopes it's someone from the Syndicate, he really needs them before he dies out here. If he doesn't, people will die. Innocents.

The world around him suddenly shifts and the shadows move like liquid. Red eyes blink in the darkness and stare at Tommy's frail form. He knows what this is.

Joining them with a flurry of feathers is an abnormally large crow that lands on the garbage can beside Tommy. It's red eyes stare into Tommy's and Tommy can see a red shaped heart on its chest.

Whispers shadows and BlackWings crows.

Perfect.

He grunts as he turns to lean on the wall with his back, facing the red eyes watching his every move. The whispers coming from the shadow are almost comprehensible with how close and loud they are but Tommy isn't here for that. He's here for the message.

"Please, bring your masters here. Any of the Syndicate leaders will do, I don't care. This is an emergency and I need to tell them something important." He manages to speak to them through a sore throat and painful injuries. He slowly slides down the wall, probably leaving a trail of blood that'll stain like all the others that have stained this place.

He's stared at by the shadows and by the crow. They stare, they whisper, the shadows lick at his feet whilst the crow tilts its head curiously.

Then the crow caws to the sky and the shadows cry and before Tommy can blink, they're gone.

He just hopes they did what he asked, that they went to tell their masters, any of the Syndicate he's here and he needs to speak to one of them. Tell them the message.

But it's getting more and more difficult to stay conscious. He's lost a lot of blood and taken too much energy to get out here. If he passes out now before they arrive, they'll either kill him or leave him to die.

Either way, he cannot pass out now. He needs to stay focused. He stares up at the sky, stars starting to dot the sky as the beautiful rays of the sun's light paint it like a masterpiece.

Blues, purple, pinks, yellows and orange fade into each other, making a beautiful gradient of colours. Stars dotting it lightly to complete the look.

It's so beautiful.

Tommy wants to take a photo. Preserve the memory and beauty he's seeing with his two eyes. Maybe he can make it his wallpaper. No, that'll replace the photo of him and his two best friends. Maybe he'll put it as his lock screen wallpaper, that'll be nice.

The strong flap of wings pull him out of his mind and he's alert once more. Did the crow come back or is that-

A sudden large dark form lands in the alley he's in, kicking up dust that sprays in Tommy's face, making him cough. He looks up and meets the expressionless veil belonging to one individual.

"BlackWing." Tommy rasps, grimacing at the name.

It is not at all a coincidence that Tommy's hero name is RedWing. An almost copy of BlackWings name. Dream had done it to mock the villain and the Government plus the public had gone with it.

Tommy was both thrilled and dreading the name. Thrilled that he was named almost after a well known villain. And dreading that he was almost named after a well known villain.

He's surprised the guy hasn't killed him over it yet. Maybe tonight he'll be able to. A last "fuck you" maybe.

At least Dream won't be able to kill him but first, he's got something to tell them.

"RedWing." He responds, in a monotone greeting. Cold as ice as always it seems. "What do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" BlackWing tilts his head. "And you're injured, get hurt on patrol?" He almost sounds mocking which, fair, but Tommy isn't here for banter.

It looks like BlackWing isn't trying to kill him yet. So he takes that as a win and takes a deep breath.

"I'm here to tell you something. Something incredibly important that'll mean the life or death of thousands. Something the heroes didn't want me to tell you." This gets the villain's attention, his back straightens and he leans forward in interest.

"What would that be, little bird?" Tommy jumps at the new voice and to the left of them, a new figure emerges from the shadows, literally.

It's Whisper.

Tommy sneers at the name but keeps his mouth shut about it. He's not here to argue, he's here to warn them.

"Dreams gone crazy." That earns a snort from Whisper which makes Tommy whip his head towards.

"He's always been crazy, that isn't anything new." He humours dryly, taking his place next to BlackWing in the alley. All they need is their third and the package is complete.

"Yeah but he's gone even more off the deep end. He's got a plan, something huge that'll end everything. He's planning on destroying the district's from 12th to the 15th."

This makes both villains still, their entire attention now solely on Tommy and what he had said.

"What?!" BlackWing whispers harshly, wings flaring out in alarm. Tommy copies the gesture with his own.

"It's true, I found out while in his office. Apparently he's making Daedalus build it. A huge ring of sorts that'll be over the 12th to 15th district that'll drop mounds of TNT. He was also going to blame it on you. It's something the people will definitely believe."

Whisper scoffs, looking away as he mutters harshly under his breath. Insults of all kinds being spat at the green hero.

"That's not all." That makes them stop, turning to pay attention to him again.

"He's also building something else. A prison called Pandora's Box. A prison made of obsidian and Blackstone. Something impossible to break out of. It's completely fucked and won't allow you to see the sun. It's so inhumane, small cells, surrounded by lava that'll burn your skin off, they'll go mad in there, no one will be able to break out. It's… it's too much and not something anyone deserves, villain or not. I don't even think it's just even for villains, Dreams probably going to throw whoever in there if they go against him even once. The government won't be against it either, they're as corrupt as him."

It's silent after, Tommy's breath is ragged as he looks upon the reactions of the villains before him. He hopes they believe him at least. That they'll do something. They may be villains but strangely enough, the Syndicate follows some type of code.

Once when Tommy was still early to the game, he saved Jubilee. One of the Syndicate leaders, from a train during a fight. As thanks to that debt, Jubilee in turn saved him during a shoot out he wasn't even a part of.

That's when Tommy learned these guys were legit, could even be relied on if needed. And this was one of those needs. He needs to rely on them being able to stop this madness before it begins. If not, thousands will die and Tommy will have died in vain for it.

"How do we know you aren't lying?" Whisper says, voice gruff but monotonous. He steps forward, grabbing at Tommy's collar and lifting him up. Tommy struggles, his legs kick and he grabs at the man's hand but it's futile.

He's weak and injured, his wings flap on his back to gain balance in the sense of panic but all that does is kick up some dust and disturb BlackWings veil.

"I'm not, you really think I'd travel all this way, injured as fuck from Dream beating my ass, to lie to you?" He shouts, snarling at the man as his fist tightens on his collar.

"Maybe, it could be a trap for all we know." He says harshly back.

BlackWing meanwhile, watches in interest. Even slowly circling the boy as he does.

"I have nothing to lose Whisper, I found the plans in his and Daedulaus' office before confronting Dream who beat my ass and tried to kill me. I barely got away and knew I couldn't trust any of the heroes. I didn't know who else was working with him and anyone who wasn't would be pulled into anyway. He's the number one hero, anyone would believe him but you guys. You were my only chance at stopping this. I don't want people killed or tortured and I know you guys don't want to lose part of the city you occupy destroyed or have something as dangerous as the Pandoras Box around."

He managed to somehow speak even though he was lifted centimetres from the ground and the threat of his wounds. His throat is sore and he can taste blood on his tongue. He's so close to passing out but that's fine. Just this last push and hopefully, it'll allow them to act.

Whisper stares at him through his skull mask, Tommy can just make out the red of his eyes through the shadows of the mask.

"I don't think he's lying to us Whisper, we should look into this. We have people in the Hero Headquarters who can investigate this. Then we'll know for sure if he's telling the truth." BlackWing, who's still circling and making his way behind him now speaks up.

"Fine but what do we do about this guy?" Whisper grunts, momentarily shaking Tommy in the air which he hisses at, since it jostled his wounds.

"Not sure yet, maybe we can take him with us. Probably could have more information on the heroes we can squeeze out of him." BlackWing continues almost casually but so darkly it makes Tommy shiver.

He does however, hate the fact BlackWing is behind him now, having circled all around until he suddenly stopped behind him. It makes Tommy's brain tingle uncomfortably to have someone he calls his enemy behind him, in a weak place where he could do anything to him, to even his wings.

Everything stops though when he feels a hand touch his wings.

Tommy screeches and thrashes in the man's hold on him.

"Hey! Don't touch my fucking wings you asshole!! Who the fuck do you think you are?!" He shouts, wings thrashing making feathers go everywhere as he tries to kick but fails miserably. Energy renewed momentarily by the panic.

Whisper grunts and lifts him higher and away to avoid his long legs from hitting him. But BlackWing is still behind him, silent. It's incredibly unnerving. But at least he's not touching his wings anymore.

"Whisper, we need to get back to the base now." BlackWing says in alarm, concern and panic in his voice Tommy doesn't think he's ever heard from the man. Whisper seems to copy the surprise as he looks at his partner.

"Why? What's wrong? Did something happen?" Whisper sounds a bit alarmed which is the most emotion he's heard from his voice as well. This is turning out to be a weird night in Tommy's opinion.

"Yes and no, we just need to go. And bring him with us." He points to Tommy who's stomach drops. Okay, yeah he was expecting to die but not expecting to be taken. Which he should have expected because he's a hero. Sometimes they are better alive then dead but still, Tommy's panic from before still has given him enough adrenaline.

"What?! No, fucking let me go bitch, I'm not letting you drag me around." He shouts, trying to kick at Whisper but failing miserably. At least it's a struggle for Whisper to hold him, enough of it and maybe Tommy can slip out of his grip.

But something unexpected happens once more. BlackWing chirps loudly, a commanding chirp that forces Tommy still. His entire body goes limp and even his wings drop.

What the fuck? What's happening?

All his energy just drained in seconds and a part of his brain is screaming in panic, ordering his body to obey. Tommy doesn't want to but he apparently has no choice.

Whisper looks confused at Tommy's sudden lax form and then BlackWing as he gets a better grip on Tommy. "What did you do?" He asks curiously, throwing the boy over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes.

"It's a command chirp, it'll temporarily leave him comatose like that until we get to the base. Be gentle, he's injured." BlackWing hears the man scoff as they walk down the alley, Whispers shadows forming at their feet as they walk.

"Why should I? Little shits been a lot more trouble for us, he deserves to get roughed up." Whisper says coldly, and if Tommy could move, he'd shiver at the tone. And yes, though he's currently frozen, that does not mean he isn't aware of everything around him.

"Just… Please Whisper, this is important." His voice sounds pleading which forces Whisper to stutter in his step. He ends up stepping a lot more lightly and even shifts Tommy's wings to sit more comfortably on his back.

Although appreciated, Tommy hates having anyone touch his wings without his permission.

"How come you never used that commanding chirp before? Would have helped a lot in our battles honestly." And… Tommy is kind of curious about that too. Why has BlackWing never used that before if he was able to?

"Because Whisper, that chirp is not supposed to work on adult Avians." That makes Tommy's heart stop and even Whisper stops where he is. BlackWing turns to him, eyes, though covered in a veil, meet Whispers.

"RedWing isn't an adult." And with that, the pair are swallowed by the shadows and taken straight to the Syndicates base.

Chapter Text

Tommy is fucked, he's so completely fucked.

They know, they fucking know now. BlackWing had figured it out somehow, he's not sure sure how but they know he isn't an adult. Fuck.

Well, it's not like they weren't going to figure it out. Tommy went to them willingly, injured and alone. If he didn't die from them or his injuries, they wouldn't have just left him. Tommy is such an idiot thinking they would.

He passed out when they travelled through Whisper's shadows, and when he woke up, he woke in some kind of medical bay. His shoulder is wrapped and his wounds have been taken care of. Something smeared on his bruises that helped ease the pain and he woke up with just a bit of a sore body and throat and a little headache.

Sitting on the table beside him was a cup of water he drained almost immediately, having hesitated a moment when he thought they may have drugged it. But fuck it, he's deep in the lion's den now, they can do whatever they want with him and Tommy can't fight then for it.

He's trapped and Tommy hates it. But it's expected, he was prepared for anything, even this.

He somehow still had his mask on, none of them removed it thankfully enough. That's probably also gonna be short lived though. They demand to see his face and Tom y won't be able to fight it.

He's been on the bed, stuck in the room too akin to a hospital for Tommy to be comfortable with for about an hour now since he woke up. It's probably been loner since he was out for most of it and healing does mean he needs to rest. If his stomach growling right now says anything about it.

He wonders if any of them even know he's awake. He had gotten up and tested the door, not surprised it was locked, then snooped around the room until his shoulder started to throb and his body was exhausted.

Now he sits here and waits for anything. Maybe his doom or death. Maybe both, they both mean the same thing right? Maybe.

Suddenly the door opens and Tommy flinches, his head snaps to the open door and a figure walks in. Or figures, there's more than one.

BlackWing, Whisper and Jubilee walk inside and Tommy takes a deep breath. Here we go.

The door closes behind them and silence follows. Tommy eyes all the villains up and down, taking in their details like he has a million times before. It's something new though when they stand before you so calmly in a small room instead of out in a battlefield where they have tried to kill you or worse.

"RedWing, long time no see." Jubilee starts, probably hating the silence as much as the others. "Yeah, it has been." He eyes the three again. "So, how is this going to go? You ask questions and I yell at you for being bitches? Maybe trade? I heard twenty questions is pretty fun."

Tommy rambles on, trying to get a reaction with his voice as he always does. "You'd still call us bitches even if we played that one." Jubilee says in exasperation and Tommy grins.

"RedWing." It's BlackWing this time, the man who's figured out his age somehow, who takes a step forward, speaks. Tommy shuffles back on the bed, his wings raised slightly. BlackWing doesn't take another step thankfully but his gaze is unwavered as he stares at Tommy.

"Yes BlackWing?" He says with as much confidence in his voice as he can muster. He isn't sure he's successful.

"How old are you?" And isn't that just a punch to the gut. Tommy's breath hitches and tenses. His wings fluff up on his back with it.

"Why should I answer that?" Tommy's voice shakes and he tries to swallow it down but it's hard. This is terrifying, three of the big villains are staring him down and asking questions.

He's sure his emotions are being betrayed by his wings who are annoyingly expressional. He wants to put them away but that requires energy he does not currently have due to being injured. Plus the missing feathers can't grow back if they are in his skin.

"We know you're a kid, RedWing. When I looked at your wings earlier, they had plumage that could only still be there if you hadn't grown fully. They would have been long grown out if you were eighteen or older but they haven't which means you are a minor. Maybe 15 or 16 if I had to guess how your wings look."

And okay, he's in the mark on that. Tommy is in fact 16 years old but he's not saying it, not to them at least.

"So he's legit a child?" Jubilee asks and Tommy bristles at that. His wings flaring in dislike. "Fuck off, I'm not a child bitch!" He shouts and Jubilee gives an amused expression, a smirk climbing on his face Tommy really wants to punch off.

"Sure you aren't, that's certainly what every child would say though." Tommy narrows his eyes and Jubilee does it back, just with the smirk still on his face.

"Jubilee, stop antagonizing him." BlackWing chastises exasperatedly, making Jubilee huff. "I don't know, this was kind of amusing to watch." Whisper says beside them, basically enjoying the show. Tommy flips him off but says nothing else.

"RedWing, I know this is a lot but if you are a minor, which you definitely are, how exactly did you become a hero. I get apprenticeships or intern heroes but you've gone on missions only licensed heroes are allowed to go to. You've fought us head on, on your own even. How has this been allowed?"

Tommy's grip tightens on the sheets below him, wrapped around his legs. He looks away from the three, thinking. Fuck it, it's not like he's going anywhere, neither will he live long enough.

"Governments fucked, innit?" This gets a snort from Whisper, surprisingly enough. "Not a shocker." Whisper deadpans amusedly.

"Okay, guess that isn't a surprise either." BlackWing sighs, almost under his breath. "The Governments fucked enough to let minors fight in top hero level battles with top villains, just adds to the growing list of stupid shit they do. And speaking of which, can we talk about the biggest issue in the room? You came here to tell us Dream has gone mad with power and plans to destroy the city and blame us for it plus he's building a prison you say no one can escape from."

Tommy nods at that.

"Why? Why us?" He asks and Tommy feels like this has been explained before but here he goes again.

"I've already said this to BlackWing and Whisper. The heroes safe fucked, most of them anyway, the ones that aren't can easily be influenced. Dream has pockets in places everywhere and the Government isn't gonna do shit about it. I highly doubt you guys are just gonna let half the city be destroyed, especially ones you occupy and the existence of Pandora's Vault would be a threat to you. If anyone can stop this, it's you guys."

They continue to stare at him and he shuffles under their gaze. His wings twitch to show his discomfort.

"Plus, you guys have some kind of… moral code bullshit. I don't think blowing up half the city is gonna sit well with your morals." He waves his hand out, not looking at them as he does.

It seems to mean something though as BlackWing hums and their gaze lets up. "It does not, we don't condone something like this. We've already had someone we had in the Heroes Headquarters check out this claim." Tommy blinks at that and Whisper holds up a few folders he somehow pulled out of nowhere.

"Checks out too, you definitely weren't lying, kid." He slaps the papers down on the side table near Tommy and he brushes through them to see copies of the familiar plans he had seen on Dream and Daedulus' desk.

His heart clenches at the reminder. Maybe he would believe Dream doing this, the man had certainly been unhinged for a while now. But to think Daedalus, Sam would do this willingly, both hurts and confuses him.

"RedWing?" A gentle voice says and Tommy looks up to see BlackWing right beside his bed. It's a bit of a shock, seeing the avian so close that Tommy backs up a little on the bed and sucks in a harsh breath.

"What?!" He snaps harshly, wings fluffed out in alarm. BlackWing places his hands up placatingly but doesn't back away. "Hey, you're alright, I'm not gonna hurt you, none of us are." He says so softly, Tommy cannot believe it's coming from a man who's normally so cold. In his voice and in his actions.

As cold as the Arctic but right now, he sounds as warm as the sun.

He can't believe what he says, there is now way he isn't gonna be hurt by them. They're the Syndicate, even with morals they are still cruel hitting people. Tommy has seen it first hand, been witnessed to their brutality. The lengths they go to get what they want.

But it also reminds him they've never done that to civilians, innocents, only heroes and corrupt individuals. It doesn't help that he's a hero though.

"Like I'd believe that, I'm a hero, you've already hurt me. What makes you think I'll believe you won't do it again?" And he sounds broken, even to himself. Even if his voice is almost guarded and his words coming out like venom from a snake, he still sees the way BlackWing drops his shoulders. Can imagine the sad look on his face. On the others.

He can't explain why he can imagine it when he's never even seen their faces.

"I know and I'm sorry. We never would have hurt you if we knew you were a kid. We don't hurt kids, certainly none as young as you. Hero or not RedWing, you are still a child." Tommy narrows his eyes at the hero. He hates it, hates being called a child because it means he's weak. So many have said that to him in his life. Even if it's the truth.

He hates that it's the truth.

"I'm not a child bitch, I'm a big man. So fuck off with your bullshit." It sounds weak and they know it. He knows it. He's so tired.

"I know, I know. It must have been hard for you. To keep this up for so long. To be treated the way you have been. Because RedWing, the truth of it all is, you never got to be a child, not for a long time. And that's the sad part because it's something you should have gotten but never did, did you?"

And…

And…

And that's the truth. He never did get to be a kid, to be a child. Not since foster care ate him up and spat him out as some sad, broken boy. When his wings and powers came in, the hero organisation snatched him and three him into the real world too early.

He's fought for his life more times than he laughed. He's been hurt more than he'd been safe. He's got more scars on him than any boy his age had ever gotten.

He flinches at loud sounds, freezes up in small spaces and dissociates more times then he's present.

He's so tired of it.

He's a moment too late on a flinch when a warm hand cups his cheek. A thumb gently stroking under his eye. "You've been through so much and no one's ever given you a break from it all, have they?"

Tommy is shaking, he belatedly realises. He's shaking but he doesn't think it's out of fear. He feels something raw building in his chest down to his stomach. It's getting stronger and Tommy doesn't even notice when he leans into the man's touch.

A quiet chirp escapes the man and Tommy instinctively replies with his own.

"Oh you poor thing " he says softly and Tommy feels another hand reach towards him but this time to the back of his head. His breath hitches when he feels the string of his mask being pulled.

He grabs weakly at the man's hand and whines. A fearful chirp escapes his lips.

BlackWing gives a reassuring chirp in reply and Tommy weakens his grip.

He's so tired.

"Dad?" Someone asks but the voice is instantly shushed. Tommy feels the hand return to the mask and he chirps again, unsure.

"It's okay, you're okay mate. We're not gonna hurt you sweetheart, I swear. I swear on my name and title, I will not hurt you."

He whines again and pushes deeper into the man's palm. The other hand pulls at the string once more before it's fully untied. It falls from his face as well as his hoodie that is pulled off his head.

His face, his hair, his eyes. Everything is shown to the world. Revealed to the three most dangerous villains in the city.

But Tommy can't help but feel unimaginably safe.

"There you are." BlackWing says softly and Tommy blinks his baby blues at him. He smiles softly, being so close, Tommy can just make out his eyes from behind the veil he wears.

"Dad, he… he almost looks just like you." Someone says, the same voice from before. What they say strikes something in him he can't explain.

"He does, doesn't he?" The man before him, gentle and kind, says as he continues to stare. Until one of his hands reached up to the top of his hat, where the veil fell over his face. And before anyone can do anything, he takes it off.

Tommy gasps quietly as he meets icy blue eyes. A gaiter mask over the man's mouth and nose is also pulled down and Tommy has full view of the number one villain of the Syndicate.

His icy blue eyes, his sharp jawline, his smile wrinkles, a scar he has on his left cheek, his pale wispy blonde hair that reaches straight for his shoulders and the almost unnoticeable bags under his eyes.

He's so human, he looks so human it's unbelievable to see. Tommy can't believe it. But it's happening, he's right in front of him now. Blue eyes meet blue, blonde hair sways as Tommy's hair does. Wings twitch on his back as Tommys wings do the same.

So many differences and so many similarities. They almost look the same.

"Heya mate, it's nice to meet you. I'm Philza but you can call me Phil."

And such a normal name, Tommy almost laughs at it. What a name to have. For the number one villain to own.

Tommy swallows.

"Why… why did you..?" He can't understand what's happening. He can't understand why they are doing this.

"I thought I'd make it fair. I know what you look like and you now know mine." Tommy clenches his hands into fists in the sheets under him, looking away. Can he even look into the man's eyes?

This is just too surreal.

"Yeah but you told me your name, I haven't even told you mine." He frowns a little, meeting the man's eyes as he looks between icy blues but he finds they are so similar to the warmth of the sun. There is no coldness, not that he's seen. Just open and friendly.

"Well, then what is your name? If you want to share, of course." Tommy looks away unsure, his lips purse. Does he want to tell them? Does he?

Somehow, the answer is yes.

"Tommy, it's… it's Tommy." BlackWi- Phil, hums warmly, tilting his head as his eyes soften. "Tommy huh? Very nice to meet you Tommy." Tommy swallows again, it's a lot to swallow down after all. They know his name, his face.

He should be more scared, more angry, more something but he can't. He's just so tired.

"Tommy?" He looks up where he's resting his head on his arms folded on top of his knees. The man, once again, leans forward and places a hand on his cheek.

It's warm, even with the calloused fingers, they are gentle on him.

"Are you okay?" Tommy looks up surprised but sees such unbridled concern in those eyes. Now the veil is gone, so is the illusion of the facade. He can see his expressions and if he could barely hold onto himself before. He cannot hold onto it now.

Tommy stares, eyes wide and thinks.

Is he?

Is he even a little?

The answer?

"No, no I'm really not." And it breaks from there. His voice wavers, breaks and cracks and soon enough the flood comes and tears fall from his eyes.

"I'm really not." He says, voice high pitched in almost a wheeze as his emotions spill like a broken dam.

A sad chirp escapes the man and both hands are gently on his face now, stroking away falling tears. He holds him so gently, like he's precious glass in the palm of his hands.

He sniffles and whimpers as he leans into the touch.

"Oh you poor thing, come here sweetheart." And he's pulled forward, his face pressed into the man's chest where his ear can hear the man's heart beat from within. Arms and wings wrap around him and he slumps in the embrace.

A hug, he's getting a hug.

How long has it been since this has happened to him?

How long ago did he get a hug? Not just from his friends, although those are always appreciated. But this feels right. Wings around him, a heart beating in his ear. A gentle hand carding through his hair

It feels right and Tommy allows himself to sob. Because he's never had this, not for a long long time.

He wraps his arms around the man's torso and sobs into his robes. Tears and snot are soaked into the fabric but the old man doesn't seem to care. Tommy's wings tremble on his back and he grips on tight, fist clenched into the green fabric the man wears. And Phil allows it all.

Two pairs of brothers watch from the sidelines, eyes soft and sad as they watch a boy too young but grown up too fast, finally being given some sense of closure.

"It's okay, you're okay Tommy. You're alright, I promise, you'll be okay here. You'll be okay. We'll take care of you, I'll make sure of it."

Tommy holds tighter and Phil squeezes him reassuringly.

"Please, please don't be lying to me. Please I… I want… but I can't…" And Phil shushes him gently, face firmly planted in his hair that his voice is muffled.

"I promise, I swear I promise you Tommy. Right here right now. You'll be okay, I swear." Tommy hiccups a sob and presses himself closer, sobs more as spit dribbles from his open mouth as he wails, tears falling heavier than a rain pour and Phil accepts it all.

He's gotten himself attached to a little bird who's lost and scared and alone. Who came here beaten and bruised to save people who have taken him for granted. Not realised how young he is. But they know now, and they will make sure the world knows what he means to them.

It's not too soon Tommy calms himself down and stops his sobs, his tears. His breath is slow and the strong grip he had on Phil has weakened considerably. Arms lax at Phil's side and he sighs fondly.

He brushes his hair out of his face and eyes flit around the boys young face as he's curled in the man's lap.

His two other sons are still there. They've just been there, standing and waiting. Watching.

Another deep breath in and Phil maneuvers the boy to lay down on the cot. The boy whines and Phil let's out a reassuring trill which Tommy weakly responds too. It's taking everything in Phil not to lose control of his instincts everytime he gets a response to his bird calls. It's been a long time since he's ever had anyone like him around.

It's nice, it's new.

He lies the boy down who opens his eyes halfway, tired baby blues look up at him.

"Phil." He says weakly, an arm reaching out for him. Phil takes his hand and squeezes gently, stroking his thumb over his knuckles.

"It's okay kid, go to sleep alright? You're very tired." He brushes a hair out of his face and Tommy blinks at the action.

"Wh't bout the… the c'ty?" And Phil almost coos. Even at this state, he still cares. "It'll be fine, don't worry. We'll take care of it Tommy. You just rest, alright little bird?" He gets a tired nod in response and soon enough, he lets his head fall side ways and he's out.

He doesn't know why, he doesn't know when. But he trusts them.

—---------

The three walk down the halls of their base, having just left the medical bay where their new guest now sleeps. Phil had placed his hat back on soon after he had left the room. The blonde boy they welcomed was sleeping soundlessly in the room.

He was so tired, so small.

His two sons walking in pace with him on both his side's, having not said a word since they left.

Until now.

"So," Wilbur starts, leaning forward a bit to catch Phil's eye. "Are we getting a little brother then?" Phil chuckles whilst Techno sighs.

"Yes, I don't think he's going anywhere now. But really, it's up to him." Wilbur hums as Techno huffs.

"Why? He's got nowhere to go. The heroes will kill him the second he shows his face and if news spread of his supposed betrayal, the public isn't gonna help either."

Phil hums.

"Then it just means he'll definitely stay, he's smart, he'll figure it out. Either way, he's ours now, a new member of our flock." He hears his sons snort and he gives them a light glare.

"Birdza finally got himself a new chick huh?" Wilbur teases and Phil slaps his eldest son with a wing. "Shut it you little shit, you both are as fond of him as I am." And the silence that follows that statement confirms it.

The boy is there's, he'll take care of him and take care of the city.

The government isn't getting away with this. And neither is Dream.