Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a silent night, besides the screaming of the unfortunate. Three figures have been at work all night, because of a simple argument between the two youngest of the three.
"Uhhggg, are we done yet?" the youngest of the group said with annoyance and exhaustement. The pink haired one scoffed at this "You're the one who drank all the blood in the first place" The bucket hat man agreed with a nod. "Well it's still your fault, if you had just agreed that anteater's are the worst animal we wouldn’t be here" the burnett scowled. "Ehhh, I beg to differ '' The monotone voice reasoned . "See this is why you're adopted" The god of all men interrupted with a slight smile you could see if you really focused. "You're both adopted, literally" he said, draining the last few drops of the corpse.
They both dramatically gasp "bu-but dad we look identical" the burnett started sniffling "ya, i remember you giveing birth to me like yesterday" the pink man said. The blonde only replied with a chuckle, at least they weren't fighting. They continue their walk on the hunt for their food.

~

While there was laughter for some, not too far away there was crying from others.

Young 9 year old Tommy had once again been kicked out. This happened often to say the least. It made sense to him, he didn’t belong. They weren't his real family, not his real brother, not his real sisters and not his real parents. They didn’t care about him, he would tell himself, "but if they didn't why would they keep me? Maybe they do care…" he would always lead up that thought with that same answer. He would probably have continued with those thoughts if it weren't for the loud crunch.
"who- who's there!?" there was no response.
He started to get worried. Surely he wasn't imagining things again. Why didn't they kill him? Why? no one was around, they had killed kids before, so why not this one? The oldest appeared out of thin air as the other two followed close behind. Tommy whipped his head around "wh- what do you want!" he said puffing up his chest, trying to seem stronger than he was, but failing. The three didn't respond. Tommy had been able to get a clearer view. One had long pink hair, one with brown hair and one blonde. They all had a weird black cape and fancy looking stuff, red eyes… sharp teeth… and the longest nails he had ever seen. He gasped, putting his hand to his mouth. The three saw this reaction and got ready for a runner. "Your-Your…" the three stepped closer "Your closplayers!" the boy exclaimed point towards them. "Ehhhh??" The pink one responds as the other two giggled. "Cosplayers? Are you serious?" The burnett giggled, "What's so funny?" He stepped closer. "Nothing mate, just what made you think that?" he managed to stop his laughter and get out the sentence. " Well, you all have some glowing eyeballs, those weird outfits of yours and you got longer nails than my "mother" and trust me she has wolf nails" he stated "Well actually- you know what? We are cosplayers" the monotone voice signed. They stepped closer. "Mate, don’t wanna intrude or anything but, why are you out here all alone?" the man said, kneeling down to his level "my name is Tommy." they locked eyes "Oh, um Tommy why are you-" the boy huffed in response "very rude not to say your name old man… typical cosplayers…" he crossed his arms, breaking eye contact. " oh, sorry. I'm philza, you can call me phil though" he smiled warmly. The smaller one then nodded and looked at the other two. "im wilbur and this is my brother Technoblade, though he usually goes by Techno" Wilbur answered "hello" the Technoblade guy responded. "Phil don't tell me those are your sons" looking back at the older. "yeah?" he questioned " There names would be a one star on yelp, no body in history had said "oh honey let's name this one tech-no-blade" or "Honey i think this one has the face of a wil-i-bur" " he had made his voice slightly deeper for the theatrical parents, as deep as a 9 year old could get his voice. It was rather cute, like a puppy sleeping cute. the older chuckled "Don't know what to tell you mate I didn't name them. There very much adopted" the boy smiled " makes sense, I know the great Philza would never do such a thing." he smiled "Now that you know our names, could you tell me why you're out here all alone?" The older man had a soft voice that could comfort anyone. "um, I- well, my parents- I mean my care takers? I'm not sure what they are to me but, I- I was being loud so they said I should sleep out here for tonight..'' The boy stummild over his words and the smile that once rested on his face was now faded as he looked away from the man. The look on the man's face turned concerned laced with anger, it would have made the boy jump if he wasn't facing away from the man.
"That, do they, do they do this often?" The burnett said, intervening. "Well yeah, I suppose it does happen often." The tiny blond's voice became rather quiet compared to how he was originally talking. "Hey, that was very brave of you, Tommy." The crouched blonde put a hand to Tommy's cheek, wiping the already dry tears from earlier. The boy had wide eyes, the only time his care takers would lay a hand on him it was much colder, and usually ended with it stinging. Phil's touch was warm and comforting, he found himself leaning into the touch instead of backing away in fear. "Of course I was brave! Gotta stay brave for my many wives I have" he had a smile that might as well melted the immortal three.

~

The night once filled with sobs had now been replaced with laughter as the four got to know each other more. At last, nothing can last forever, as the sun was close to rising. "Oh, shoot- Tommy darling we have to go" The older blond had a frown. He didn't wanna leave him, not after his caretakers clearly showed they didn't care for him like they did, they didn’t deserve him like they did, and they certainly couldn't give him anything let alone food like they could. Though Phil knew he couldn't just take the child, it would have to take time, and he supposed the opinions of his sons mattered to… "Oh, that's ok, you can, you can leave." His smile quickly faded when Phil spoke those words. Tears fell down his face and he looked at the ground. Techno did in fact start moving towards the boy but stopped when he realized he didn’t know what to do, though he wished he did. "Oh, no darling, we will come back" the oldest placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. He flinched at this and had a look of fear that broke his non beating heart. Welp that's a topic for later, Wilbur mentaly left that note in his head. "You promise, right?" Was that even a real question at this point? "Of course, promise" Phil lifted a pinky. Tommy was pleased with this as most children would be at a pinky promise. "bye" He hugged all the older men, with Phil being first, Wilbur, then Techno. "I still think that's a wig" the boy whispered to Techno as he, surprisingly, did in fact hug the younger back. "You literally touched it??" He responded as they broke the hug. "eh, could be hair extensions, I heard they are like wigs but thin and it takes more, but it is usually more stable." The older only sighed at this letting the younger have the last words, as they wave and their paths split back apart.

~

As the three raced with the sun, they made it home. They had a very obvious conversation that needed to be discussed. As they all put away the jars filled with blood they all signal handedly decided that the talk would be in the living room. "So… that was an experience?" Techno awkwardly started the conversation with. Wilbur scoffed at this "Yeah, still can't decide if it was a good one or bad. On one hand we met a little boy that even you seemed to like, and we had a nice time, and one the other he quite literally said at one point it was normal for his "Caretakers" to starve him and keep him out in the cold." He stated sarcastically. " Well sorry for trying to start somewhere." Techno responds, matching the tone of the other. "Wait, you both like him?" Phil had said, one because he didn’t want another fight and two because Wilbur did say meeting him was a con, and Techno didn’t deny Wilburs statement. "Yeah?" Wilbur said as his brother agreed silently with a nod. For a second they were worried their father didn’t feel the same, it was obvious he did right? "Then it settled, we're taking him" Phil put his hands together with a pleasing smile. "Look, not that I necessarily disagree, but we can just take him, that's kidnapping… though i'm not against that either if that's the only way." Techno seemed to be in thought as he blurted out that sentence. "Hmmm, well, we can't take him now, because once we turn him, he'll stay in that age form, and he probably won't be too happy about that… and we can't just keep him until he is an appropriate age, it is not safe around here for humans." Wilbur responded "12 maybe?" Phil suggested "Dad" that burnett looked eye to eye at his father. "fine, fine 15? That good?" he suggested again. "Hmmm, 17 is good," Techno said, getting the full intention of the two. "That's so long away.." they both seemed sad, remembering he was only 9 so that would be quite the wait. "Please, you lived longer, plus it's the perfect youngest age we could get him, unless we should take him when he's 20 instead…" Wilbur jumped at this "No, no 17 sounds perfect! Right dad?" Phil did not want to wait that long but at least it wasn't too far. " Yes, yes perfect'' Techno smiled " You guys are acting like we aren't going to see him for all those years, we literally promised we would come back" the two lighted up at this. "Aww, Techno do you miss him?" Wilbur said, trying to wipe off that smile Techno gave them. "Well, I… I don't know" he turned his head "Awww, has the blade gone soft?" he teased as Techno scoffed "Please, out of all of us three I was the last to have wint 'soft' " Frankly Wilbur didn’t have anything to say back so he just glared at him. "Welp, it's been quite the night, but it's about the time for us to sleep" Phil said with a yawn, as the two silently agreed. They all walked to their rooms not sharing a word, though Wilbur was still glaring at Techno, though Techno paid no mind to it. "Good Morning boys" Phil said poking his head out his door as the other two did the same "Morning" "Good Morning, dad"

As the sun rises They slept and Tommy had been let inside not sharing a single word from last night.

Chapter Text

There were three figures Tommy liked to keep in his mind. He didn’t quite remember them… but he remembered he loved them. They would talk to him, listen to him, care for him, give him affection, it's all he ever wanted.

"Darling, we'll come back eventually…" a tall man said it sounded comforting, though it wasn't comforting that the face was mangled and misformed, and his voice, although comforting, was almost unrecognizable.
It didn’t scare him though, only for the sole reason he knew he once cared for the man, whoever he was. "Sunshine, don't cry, we promised. Would we ever break a promise?" This man had the voice of a mother duck, he cared for this one two. The more he looked in his eyes the more uneasy it made him, but he was nice to him so, he didn’t understand. Maybe it was because none of his other features were recognisable, it was kinda scary not being able to recognise someone you cared for.
"Theseus, it will be over before you know it." He cared for this one the same as the others. He wanted to believe him, he really did, but the nails that were digging into his back were quite distracting. He wished he could enjoy a sweet moment with the people he once loved, loved? Did he not love them anymore? He should know this, shouldn't he? They did come back after all… but then they left him and expected him to wait for all these years. Did he do something wrong? Did they change their minds? Why are they lying? There was a sharp pain in his back dragging him out of his thoughts. As he looked up he saw all the figures had become much closer. Their faces were blurry and scrambled, the only thing he could make out was a large smile, not a normal one in his opinion. It stretched abnormally from eye to eye. Although the faces were terrifying, the pain he felt was much greater. As he looked down he couldn't make up anything of his body. It was just a blob of red. They all only laughed, none of them even looked like they would help. So he did all he could, he cried. He should have done something, he wanted to ask why, but the only thing that came from his mouth was the taste of iron. He cried, and cried, and cried. He was done for, the last thing he saw was the smiles of the figures he thought he could trust.

~

He woke up, dripping in sweat and what looked like to be… blood? "Are you going to sleep all day?!? Get your ass up!" His "Mother" shouted as she stopped jabing the broom into his back. Oh, that explains why my dream felt so real this time. He had no time to waste, he quickly pulled out the bag of bandages and some healing cream he had gotten from his friend Tubbo. He pulled off the older bandage ignoring the sting. He dressed as quickly as he could, the quicker he was out of the house the better… "You're walking to school today!" The same woman yelled. When have they ever driven him? The answer was never. As he rolled his eyes he was close to done with getting ready.

~

He had walked rather fast to school, remembering every possible shortcut from over all the years he had been with this family.
"Hey man, what took you so long?" There was a hand that was placed on his shoulder, it made him jump, as he turned around in a quick motion. "You're as on edge as ever" his friend Ranboo, gave a rather sad smile. It made him confused. had he done something wrong? Should he apologize- "Hey, I know that look from anywhere, I said it before i'll say it again, you don't have to overthink when you're with me, or Tubbo." He smiled slightly, nudging him to walk to the entrance. "But you looked so sad." Ranboo sighed "Tommy, you have never once made me sad, I just remembered something I wanted to forget" Tommy perked up at this, not because he wanted Ranboo to be sad, but because he finally had an opportunity to help his friend. If he was being honest it was usually Tubbo and Ranboo cheering up Tommy and not much of the other way around. "Oh? What is a big man? I don't need details if you're not comfortable with it" he asked as they walked to their first class they were lucky enough to have that class together. "Oh, it's nothing big, it 's just…" Tommy gave his full attention. Ranboo sighed. " A long time ago, I met this person and I, I don't want to forget what I saw or heard, but I don't want to remember it either… it just, it hurts too much" oh, well maybe he couldn't help with this problem. Tommys face dropped. "Oh, I wish I could help, but I also have something like that, that I'm still trying to understand." they both sigh "teenagers, am I right?" Ranboo said Tommy smiled at this "I know they're just so angsty." they laughed, removing the thick air between them. "Hey, Ranboob? Where's Tubbo?" The blond said as he took his seat. "Oh, he- he had this family thing, he didn’t tell me much about it tho" hmmm he was obviously lying. like he was one to care about that. He kept enough from them, they can have their little secret. Ranboo was pleased, and obviously at eas when Tommy didn’t push questions and only replied with a nod. Maybe I got better at lying, Maybe the teacher will believe that Tubbo ate my homework. He thought. The teacher didn’t believe him and he certainly did not get better at lying.

-

Classes continued on as they usually would, nothing out of the ordinary. He met up with Ranboo at lunch. They had never talked about the news or events, they always ignored it like any other brain dead kid would do, but for some odd reason Ranboo decided to bring up 'the talk of the town'. It was unlike him. "Did you hear the news last night?" Tommy sat there for a second. How did this come up? We were talking about our favorite Disney movies. "Um, can't say I have. I don't listen to the news" One, because he really didn’t care for it, and two because his caretakers didn’t let him. "Well, I heard theres been some murders, and they started to spike in this area" Ranboo had a serious look on his face. He bary ever had that look on his face. "Doesn’t that already happen often?" he questioned "Well yeah, but some stuffed was leaked about the murders, and it was vary out of the ordinary." Although Tommy wasn't very interested in the topic of murder while eating his lunch, he didn’t want to make his friend upset when he looked so passionate about the topic. "Go on" Ranboo was happy with this answer. "There were two small holes on the neck, and none of the bodys had a drop of blood left." Ranboo said, putting up two fingers to his own neck. "Well, what do you think it could be?" Tommy questioned. Ranboo was quite the theorist, so he wouldn't be surprised if he had a theory. Ranboo leans closer to Tommy, making sure no one else could hear them. " Vampires." was the only word that came from the taller boy. "What the fuck is that?" He was quite confused, no way there was something called 'Vampire' that sounded stupid. "What do you mean? Do you not know what a vampire is?" he tilted his head "that is a made up word" is the only thing that left the blonds mouth. "No,no it's real. One sec" Ranboo took a bite out of his half eaten burger, before pulling out his phone and typing in it. Tommy hadn’t even noticed he hadn’t yet touched his nachos and cheese. He was reaching for one till Ranboo scared him shit less "HERE" Ranboo covered his mouth quickly apologizing to the people around him. Tommy giggled a bit at his friend being an idiot. "um, so anyway, here." Ranboo gave the phone to Tommy. 'Vampires attack local village ( ft ex Vampire killer Livonia) '
' The first ever Vampire killer (REAL 199990 NEWS PAPER!!)'
'Vampires extinct?? I think not!!'
As he scrolled more he saw that a lot of people, and I mean a LOT of them also seemed to believe vampires weren't extinct and had been hiding. Meaning that they had in fact existed. "See? I'm not the only one who thinks so, and they are real, there's proof." Ranboo said, crossing his arms. "What do they look like?" he found himself saying before he could comprehend what he asked. It was true he was interested in what these monsters looked like. "They have these glowing red eyes, long claws, pale skin and capes that touch the floor." Tommy freezed. That… that sounds way too familiar, sure he couldn't remember their faces or voices, but he certainly remembered them having red eyes, and the nails would explain how they stabbed him. Maybe they were just cosplayers??? yeah, that sounds right 'Cosplayers' hmm that did seem right, familiar even. Huh, welp as a wise man or woman said, don't focus on the past when you have the future "-mmy?? Tommy??" Ranboo was waving his hand in front of his face. "Oh, sorry, sorry, can we change the topic? I don't think this 'Vampire' talk is for me." He was happy his friend was so passionate, but it didn’t help that his friend was making him remember things he had been trying to forget. The more he remembered the more it pained him, the more he missed these strangers. "No, it's all good." he smiled, waving his hand. "Do you have any plans for your birthday?" Ranboo said, tucking his phone back in his pocket. "What do you mean?" he questioned. He had never had plans for his birthday, weather because he wasn't allowed to, or he remembered too late. Besides it was just a birthday, he got one every year and it was basically celebrating a year closer to death.
If that was the case then no thank you, I will be young forever. He told himself. "Eh, I don't really have a plan" He sighed. "Are you serious? Why do you never plan anything out?" Really what was he meant to say? ' I can't because it probably won't happen.' he wanted to say but ended up not. He wished he could though, but it was almost impossible. He was lucky if his caretakers allowed him to go out with Ranboo and Tubbo. He was more of a bird in a cage than a human boy. It's not like they need him around, it just didn’t make sense to him. "Here, how about this, me and Tubbo will come up with ideas, and then ask for your approval." he smiled proud of himself. It was a good idea, Tommy really liked the idea, except for the fact he might not be able to attend his own birthday in the end. "Look Ranboo, I appreciate it, really but-" before he could continue, Ranboo being just such a good friend put a finger on his mouth. "No, no, don't speak, it's final." Even though Ranboo thought he was doing good he was doing the exact opposite. "Ranboo i'm serious, please-" Once again he was interrupted, but instead of a person it was the bell. "See, even the gods from above agree with me." Ranboo said, dumping his trash. "What the fuck thats not how-" and there Ranboo went. "Fuck" all he could do was sigh, Today was just not it. He got even sadder realizing he hadn’t taken a single bite of his food. "Im going to fucking kill myself." down went his uneaten nachos and cheese.

~

He just wanted to go 'home' man, but nooooo, nothing ever goes right for him does it? "Hey, blonde, I heard you were talking to Niki" Oh my FUCKING GOD, I just wanna go hoommmeee. Ah, his classic bullies. That one angsty boy and one of his goons.He sighed "And??" he huffed "And??? Are you dumb? She's mine, and you were flirting with her" ok first of all eww, she was like a sister, certainly more then the two 'sisters' he had at home. Second, there was no way she was dating this guy, he was known to be a bully and Niki hated people like that with a burning passion. Plus, he remembered her saying "I don't really do dating, i'm just not interested" she said that in one of their many conversations about his wives, when he asked if she also had many wives. "for one she's just a close friend, and two there is no way she would date someone as ugly as yourself." He laughed, but the other two didn’t find it as funny. "That's it, we're gonna do what we should have a long time ago.'' They both pull up their sleeves and start walking towards Tommy. Today really wasn't his day. They had only pushed him and said mean comments, but something said it was going to get a lot worse than that. Fuck that, he thought as he bolted down the side walk. Unfortunately they started running after him. He was basically a dead man walking. "GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE" they yelled, oh my funcking GOD why was he so slow????? He did the one thing he thought he could. He tried to lose them by making tight turns. Ok, ok, ok,ok that really hurts. He could hear them close behind, but that injury from this morning was not doing him any good. He dipped in an alleyway hoping to god that they wouldn’t find him in such a weak state. As he caught his breath, one minute became two, then five and so on. It was really weird though, they never passed him? Where they that stupid? They saw him go down this way, didn’t they? "Easier for me I suppose" he huffed out trying to stand. He's so dead when he gets home. Truth be told he couldn't tell if that was a joke or not. He managed to stand but walking was the hard part he had forgotten about. He tried, he really did but it wasn't good enough. He tripped on air, OH MY FUCKING- Tommy was not haveing a good day. As he patiently waited for the ground and his face to meet in that millisecond, it never came. "Hey mate, are you ok?" there was a voice from above. Maybe he didn’t feel the pain because he died. Yeah, that sounds right because no way in hell was someone nice enough to catch a random person falling over. Tommy looked up and he saw a man. He had blonde hair, a green and white bucket hat, soft blue eyes,a sweet smile and an emerald necklace; it was much nicer than any jewelry his 'Mother' owned. He really was dead. "God?" He questioned. The man just bursted out laughing. "Huh, You're a funcking asshole, you think you'd be welcomed when you die, not laughed at '' the older man only laughed more. "That's fucking it man, I request a spot in hell, because heven is shit." he huffed "No, no your not dead" The laughing man said trying to suppress his giggles. "I'm not?" the man nodded with the same smile on his face. "Well, you're certainly an angel then," he said in all seriousness. "Maybe I am" he responded, helping Tommy back on his feet. He was still wobbly at first but was able to walk on his own after a minute or two. Surprisingly, the man stayed the whole time helping him, and when the man let go of him letting him walk on his own he almost missed the warm feeling. "What are you doing out here all alone?" The man asks, still not leaving Tommy's side. "None of your business" he crossed his arms. If he upset the man he would leave and he could go home. Even though he needed to do that he wanted to stay with this strange old man. The man chuckled. "You're quite the rude child." The audacity of this man. "I am not a child, I'm 21" he said standing up straight, he was a bit taller than the man he noticed. "mmmhhh, yup 21 for sure" Tommy paused "Wait really, do you think I could buy alcohol?" The man laughed, "God no, you look like a newborn baby." Tommy pouted at that. "I changed my mind, you are the devil for sure.'' The man laughed at that. Tommy tried to suppress his smile, but he failed miserably. He was actually happy he made someone laugh besides his very few friends, Tubbo, Ranboo and Niki. He didn't really count Jack because he was a wrongin. The nice warm moment was Interrupted by a loud grumble from his own stomach. This was all Ranboos fault, he distracted him from his nachos with his weird ass shit again. "Are you hungry mate?" He tilted his head slightly. "Um, yeah my friend distracted me from lunch today." he huffed as the kind man only smiled. "Would you be ok if I bought food for you?" Tommy was stunned. First the man saved him from brain damage, now he was offering food, free food! He really was an angel. " You don't have to. You don't even know me, why should you?" He was interested in knowing what made this man want to buy him food. "Is it bad for me to want to feed a nice person?" he questioned. Him? A nice person? Well that was a first. "Not necessarily, but you'd be wasting money and time" The man humed. "I have money to spare, and I was going to get food anyways." He didn’t know how to respond, this was a new experience to be treated like this by a stranger. He knew he wouldn’t be allowed food at home so this may just be- he was cut from his thoughts with a sigh. "Look mate, i'm not forcing you to do anything it's up to you" he had a sweet yet sad smile, Tommy felt horrible seeing that. Tommy had taken too long to answer, as he started to hear footsteps. He was leaving, he didn’t want the nice man to leave. He already missed him. He sounded clingy as hell right now he thought, though these thoughts were for later. "Hey, wait!" the older stopped turning around. "I want to go with you" he said, nervous to see if he had changed his mind already. "Sure mate" he waited for Tommy to reach him as they both smiled. Maybe today wasn't that bad.

Chapter Text

"Hey, by the way I'm Tommy, what's your name?" Tommy asked.The older man smiled "It's Phil" Tommy hummed in response, as he pushed down the warm feeling he got when he heard that name, though he couldn't figure out why he felt this way.

Tommy had forgotten how much he loved taking a walk in the town, it was refreshing. "So, where are we going?" Tommy had a goofy smile the whole walk and spoke in an excited tone. "I was thinking of going to the place next to that one shoe shop" Phil said, still seeming to think if he was talking about the right place. "You mean Mcdonalds?" Phil was dragged out of his thoughts. "Yes, that's the one" he smiled "Old people still like that?" He said in all seriousness. "Well I do," Phil responded. Tommy only hums as it goes back to a comfortable silence. Tommy knew he would be in so much trouble, but for the first time in a long time, he didn’t care. It was… different to say the least. Everything he did when he wasn't with his friends felt like a task, a task that if you failed you wouldn't see the sun ever again. He didn’t know when it started, but at some point living itself was a task. He never wanted to do any of the tasks, especially the ones when he did something that hurt others. One night they didn’t have food so they told Tommy to steal. It felt bad enough to steal but it got worse when he realized it was his friend's bakery. He was lucky she hadn't seen his face, he really did like being her friend. For once he felt all those guilty, sad, pitiful and angry emotions drain from him. He didn't know how to explain it but Phil made him feel like he wasn't entirely invisible. Maybe, just maybe he would forget about the past and the upcoming future, and focus on the present. It didn’t matter right now.

~

They arrived at the fast food place walking up to the counter. The older one had ordered a big mac, fries and a Medium drink. When he was done he looked at Tommy smiling, and nodded indicating it was his turn to order. "Um, can I have a kid's chicken nugget meal? With a medium drink as well." he said looking down, a little embarrassed he was a sixteen year old boy ordering a kids meal. His family would yell at him, but he wasn't with that so-called family was he? "Hey, don't be embarrassed, I still order kid meals too," the employee told him. He looked up and he didn’t see one discussed nor disappointed look. "Thanks Karl.." he said as he looked at the man's name tag. Karl smiled more, not many people used his name tag, but when they did, in a positive way, he would always feel happy. "No problem, we'll have your orders soon." Karl said giveing them both a medium cup. The two went to the soda machine and Phil poured some ice then spirit. Tommy did the same but instead of spirit it was coke. They take a seat at an empty table.
"So what do you do for a living Phil?" Tommy questioned taking a sip from his soda. "Well, actually I don't have a job. My wife does though" Phil said, not letting his smile leave his face. "Oh? What does she do?." Phil thought for a moment "Hmmm, how should I explain it…" Phil said, looking down at the table in thought. "Must be a complicated job" Tommy thought. After a solid minute, Phil snapped his fingers. "Ah, I got it, she basically gives people places to stay after tragic things happen to them." Phil said, looking at Tommy. Tommys eyes softened "What kind of tragic things?" Phil gave a comforting expression. "Real sad things, bit too upsetting to be talking about in a McDonald's, but don't worry she helps them feel better." Before Tommy could say anything else he was interrupted by an employee from the counter. "Order for Phil!" Phil standed up "Be right back mate" he said and left. Tommy closed his eyes.

Tommy was in a field of glowing blue flowers with the three figures. It was one of his favorite memories. Although he couldn't hear their voices or understand what they were saying, it was enjoyable. The shortest one would pull his hand though the field laughing and saying something as one chased them and another standard farther away smiling. The person would catch up to them and tackle the other one as Tommy fell to the ground laughing. They chased each other, laughing, tripping over branches and at the very end when they all fell to the ground one of them whispered to him. "Tommy-" what was it again? "Tommy" he can see the lips moving, but he doesn't understand.. "Tommy?" Tommy, what, what was it?

Phil tapped Tommy's shoulder making Tommy jump a bit. "Oh, I'm sorry mate didn’t mean to scare you" Phil said, taking away his hand and frowning. "No,no it's ok!" Tommy reassured Phil. "Oh, the foods here" Tommy said, moving his attention to the food. "Yeah, that's why I was trying to get your attention, I thought you were asleep for a moment." Phil said, sitting in his seat as he passed Tommys happy meal to him. "Nope, just daydreaming" the younger said as he opened his happy meal, pulling out everything. "Oh? What where you-" Phil started, stopping himself from eating his burger to talk, just to be interrupted. "OOoooo Phil! Look!" Tommy said showing Phil a Yellow faced character with goggles. "It's very nice mate!" Phil said happily as he looked at the stars in Tommy's eyes, he really was a sweet kid. He had forgotten what he was going to ask, which was annoying trying to remember, but at least he got to see that look on the younger blond's face, it looked much happier than earlier to say the least.

The rest of the afternoon was mostly Tommy asking about Phil's life as they ate.

"So, this is where we part ways" Tommy said as they exited McDonald's. Tommy had a rather sad expression, and Phils wasn't any different. "Yes, it is, but I can tell we will see each other again" Phil said looking at the orange sky, as they walked down farther into the town. "Do you really think so?" Tommy said in a soft tone wishing, hoping for it to be true. "I know so" Phil said smiling "Fate has its ways" Was all Phil said as he turned the corner waving goodbye to Tommy, as he waved back.

Tommys Pov

"Fate has its ways" ? I honestly don't think so, and if it were true I must have the most unlucky fate of the century. I hope he's right, honestly it would make living less of a hell hole if I had Phil there. I sign as I make my way into the woods. Seriously, though who lives in the woods? I swear life couldn't get any worse, but of course i'm wrong, angin. I stop in my track's as I see the car in the driveway and the lights on. Fuck.

At the Minecrafter's residence.

"- and then Tommy told me about how dogs were much better than other animals because-" Phil said happily as he was cut off by an annoyed tone "Stop. We had to take care of the 'problem' while YOU got to spend all the time in the world with my Tommy. I don't wanna hear your bragging" Wilbur said huffing. "Your Tommy? No, no, no, I think you're mistaken my dear brother but he is not yours, he's mine, after all I am his favorite." Techno said butting in as he closed his book with a smug smile. "I'll be honest, he hasn't seen either of you in years, but I have, so I think I'm the favorite :)" Phil said with a sweet smile yet sly eyes. "Whatever, old man, your getting to big of an ego for your own good." Techno said squinting his eyes. "Just saying when he was younger he did spend more time with me…" Wilbur started. "That's because he liked bullying you," Phil and Techno said. Wilbur looked away huffing "Whatever.." Phil laughed as Techno re opened his book, satisfied with his 'win'. "On a serous topic did you guys find any ID's?" Phil questioned. "Ah Yeah I took a picture" Wilbur said handing over his phone. "Hmm, that's not too far from here." Phil said rubbing his chin. He handed the phone to Wilbur as he pulled out his own. "What are you doing?" Wilbur only asked as Phil smiled "Sighing you up for school of course, tomorrow sounds alright?"

Tommy couldn't move. "They sure got better at beating the shit out of me" he thought. One day someone has to notice how he's not there all the time and when he comes back he looks like shit. Surely someones notices right? Tommy sighs, looks like he's sleeping on the floor tonight, at least they were nice enough to beat him in his own room. Heaven knows what the stans and sticky spots are on the other floors. He swears he just cleaned them, really they are animals. Tommy soon gave in to sleep as he entered the endless nightmare.

Ranboo Pov

Tommy didn’t show up again, guess It's just me and Tubbo today. As I'm getting books from my locker I get a shiver down my spine. I look over my shoulder to see two boys walking down the hall, and for some odd reason I feel a burning hate towards them. I jumped as Tubbo came up next to me. "Stop doing that!" I say giveing my attention to him. "You saw the new kids" Tubbo asked with a unreadable face, and i just nodded. "I don't like them" is all Tubbo says as he stares them down, and oddly as it sounds they do the same. I find myself doing it until they're out of our view. "Me neither"

Chapter Text

Mmmmmm ah, the feeling of leaving this house is a treat, honestly. Tommy thought as he walked his path to school. He thought about the older days when Ranboo and Tubbo would be worried sick every time he wasn't at school for two or more days, but as time went on he stopped having to make excuses because they stopped asking. It was so relieving to Tommy, he didn't need anyone in his problems, he could deal with it on his own, plus he wants his friends to be happy and not have to worry about stupid things. He thinks as he breathes in the morning air as he smiles to himself, enjoying his walk. When he reached the school he could tell right away something was different. Both Tubbo and Ranboo had serious looks on their faces as they talked by a tree on campus grounds, probably waiting for Tommy. It was weird, to say the least, neither of them ever took anything seriously, well most things. Tommy started walking up to the two when they both turned their heads and glared, well more of Tubbo glaring and Ranboo trying to but failing horribly. Tommy jumped as he was a bit taken aback. "Oh, Sorry! We thought you were someone else.." Ranboo said as his eyes softened and Tubbo sighed. This had taken Tommy back, no one had ever given that impact for either to be that upset. "Was it someone I know?" Tommy questioned "No, well it's unlikely," Tubbo said, then looked as though he was questioning himself. Ranboo sighed "It's just the new kids, they arrived when you were out" now Tommy was even more confused "What did they do to make you that on edge, they just got here?" Tommy asked, more directed in Ranboos direction as Tubbo was still in thought, which he never is. "Um, well… nothing?" Ranboo said as he lowered his head. Tommy almost laughed but it came out like a scoff "Nothing? You can't be serious" Tommy smiled as Tubbo looked up "Well, technically nothing, but they have these really cold eyes that tell you they're up to no good" Tommy sighed "you guys are too much, you know that?" He says as he enters the school while the other two follow close by. "No, you'll know when you see it, it's like-" Tommy turned to listen to Tubbo, but ended up bumping into someone. "Oh, I'm so sorry" Tommy looked up to see a brunette with a yellow sweater, but more importantly an emerald necklace. "Haven't I seen that before…?" The guy held out his hand and Tommy took it gladly. "I'm sorry," the brunette said, rubbing the back of his neck. Behind him was another boy with pink hair. Something clicked. He felt safe, yet scared. "Have we met..?" Tommy started, but before he could finish Tubbo dragged him away with Ranboo following close behind. He looked back one more time before they turned the corner. They were smiling, well the pink-haired one looked like it was the closest he could get to one.. but either way, it was a smile, one that was almost begging him to come back and talk a little longer. They had brought him to an empty stairwell close by and then Tommy realized what had happened. "Why'd you do that?" Tommy asked. He was mad. Why did they take him away from them? Thay where his- wait, what. He went blank, what was he thinking about again…? "Tommy? Tommy!" Tubbo yelled he looked upset with him, why was that? "Huh?" Tubbo sighed, lowering his head. "I said, do you understand? No going near them" Tubbo said in a stern tone, staring him right in the eye. It sent a shiver down Tommy's spine. He stands silently scared he might get Tobbo more riled up than he already was. "I just - I just don't understand.. why-" he could barely ask his question before getting interrupted "TOMMY. for once in your life fucking listen to me. Trust me." Tommy flinched at the way Tubbo yelled his name, too bad Tubbo didn't notice or simply didn't care. "Okay… you go to class without me, I have to turn in my absent note." Tommy said head down, not daring to make eye contact. As Tommy dashed down the hall, Ranboo began. "That wasn't ok, and you know it you can't let your anger get in the way, you obviously scared him" Ranboo said as he placed a hand on Tubbo's shoulder. He huffed "Whatever, it's what he needs right now, you know what they say, fear is the best motivator" Tubbo calmly said, taking Ranboo's hand off of him and walking to his decanted classroom nearby. Ranboo gulped, this is not how he wants to start his morning…

The day went by just as fast as it started. It rolled around to lunch and yet Tommy didn't want to go, to think a child would rather stay in a class than to lunch. In class, he can avoid Tubbo and Ranboo in the few classes he has them in, but lunch scared him he had never fought with his friends and it stung, to say the least. "I just need to apologize…. They're my friends they know what's best for me…" Tommy was mumbling to himself hyping himself up to talk to his friends. "But what if they don't-" he started but bumped into another person. "owwww man" Tommy said annoyed as he placed his hand on his head that had made an impact with the backbone. "I'm so sorry I, I um, here let me help you." A familiar voice said from above. Tommy looked up "could my luck get any worse" he thought as the two new kids, the two people he was meant to avoid. "Oh no it was my fault I'm good" Tommy said going to get up on his own yet got pulled up by a pink haired boy. As Tommy was regaining his balance he noticed a rather familiar emerald necklace around the pink- both of the boys. Huh, he thought as he looked at the male behind the other with the same one. "Hey, where did you get those necklaces?" Tommy said. The brunette smiled and opened his mouth to say something but was interpreted by Tubbo pulling Tommy aside. "Hey, Tubbo calm down- your pulling too hard" Tommy said with pain laced in his voice. Tubbo had brought him to an empty hallway and basically slammed Tommy against the wall. "T-Tubbo?" Tommy said with tiers pricking in his eyes. "Tommy how many times do I have to tell you to stay away from them!" Tubbo screamed " I'm trying to protect you yet you go and do whatever you feel like" Tubbo said with a sour tongue. "I was, it's just that-" Tubbo stopped him "Well it wasn't good enough, try harder or you'll end up getting hurt like everyone else they encounter" he said not any softer then his original tone. "Do you know them ?" He said trying to back up only to realize he was he was still against a wall. "Does it really matter that much if I know them?" Tubbo said with a dark expression. "W-well yes." He took a deep breath " it does, you have no right talking down on people you don't know. They helped me thats why I was with them. They are nice." Tommy said trying to stand his ground. "I do know them and there rude they are obviously trying to trick you to take you with them. They see a shiny new thing and have to get their hands on it. You are that thing" Tubbo said looking to the side with a scowl. It squeezed Tommy's heart. "We were meant to take you" Tubbo said a bit above a whisper. "What do you mean by take? I don't want either of you guys to take me" Tommy said holding his hands in chest. "Tommy I didn't want to do it this way, but it's the only option I have now" Tubbo said inching closer to Tommy with his big bold brown eyes staring right back at the confused and helpless blue ones. Tubbo looked as though he was going to grab him as he pulled his hands up so did Tommy. A slap had echoed though the halls. "You hit me?" Tubbo said with his hand on his cheek. Only then did it hit him about what he was doing. The shivering and now crying Tommy, he looked so small despite him being taller. "Tommy-" Tubbo said with a sofed cracked voice, reaching his hands out to hug him. Tommy held his wrist as a shield. They had met eyes, fear, regret, and pain. Tubbo started crying as Tommy not wasting a second ran as fast as he could.

"I hate that kid" Wilbur said as he walked with closed hands. Techno laughed "it's just a friendly companion" he said with a small smile. "Yah friendly, like it's not fair we found him first and they just picked him up and took him???!?!??!? It's not fair" Wilbur pouted. "Hah, like fair is an option. They care as much as we do , but obviously where better. We'll win in due time, we just need an opportunity." Techno said rehashing Wilbur. "I miss dad, he would know what to do" Wilbur sighed. "Actually, he may be the way to his heart" Techno said as he held up his necklace. Wilbur beamed " We don't even have to try do we? Phil already has him and we just secured the package~" he said smiling. Techno smirked. As they continued walking the hallway Techno stopped. "Techno?" Techno grabbed his stomach. "Ahh, I'll check up, I'm gonna go get some real food" Techno said heading toward the bathroom. " I swear he's gonna get us caught. Dead body's don't just show up" Wilbur thought, sighing.

"Lord let there be only one here" Techno said with hands in praying motion. As he walked there was one stall closed yet lucky for him it did look to be fully closed. He pushed it open ready to take out the victim, but was meant with sad pitiful blue eyes. "Tommy?" He said as he felt a warm body met him.

"Tubbo, where have you been, I thought you went to get Tommy?? Where is -" Ranboo started but stopped when Tubbo sat down and laid his head on Ranboos shoulder. "Tubbo?" He questioned. Tubbo sighed with dried tears still on his face. "We lost"

Chapter Text

Techno stood shocked. He wasn't used to affection. He preferred verbal affection compared to physical affection, but he couldn't bring himself to push Tommy away. Techno sighed as he carefully bent down to Tommy's level and hugged him loosely, letting the boy cry on his shoulder. "I'm so stupid!.." Tommy cried, curling his fist and pressing against the older boy's chest. "Uh, do you want to talk about it?" Techno said, sweat forming, worried if this is the best way to comfort a crying human. He wasn't used to this at all, Phil would always be the one to comfort, and if it was Phil who needed it, Wilbur would be the one while he stands to the side. "I- I'm sorry this isn't your problem, hell you don't even know me," Tommy said, trying to wipe the tears that just wouldn't stop coming, as he lightly pushed away. Techno huffed "Look kid I want to help, I won't leave you here. You need help, and from the looks of it, I'm all you have right now." Techno said, hoping to be the one that could stop the blonde from ever crying again. They sat there for a while until Tommy finally got the courage to trust this stranger, just for now."I- I hurt someone close to me." Tommy brought his legs up to his chest and hugged himself as he looked away. "I'm a bad person. You're not supposed to hurt people you care about.." he whispered as his eyes started watering again. Techno held his breath, feeling like he was getting choked. "Sometimes you have to hurt the people you care for, and maybe this person deserved it, I mean, you're the one here balling his eyes out, not your friend." Techno said, looking at the boy as Tommy looked up as they locked eyes. "Hurting people is cruel whether they deserve it or not. There is always another way." Tommy said, glaring at this cold man. Techno huffed. "You know I was in your position before." Techno said, looking up, recalling his memories. Tommy looked at the boy with curious eyes. Techno glanced down at Tommy. "Would you like to hear a story?" Tommy slowly nodded.

"It was winter, a week before Christmas, to be exact. I remember me and my dad were walking home after a night of bonding time, and then we found him."

"Techno, don't touch him, he looks hurt." Phil said, worried. Techno rolled his eyes "Yah exactly whatever we decided to do with him will involve us having to touch this thing." Techno said, hovering over the boy. "Let's take him home with us." Phil looked longingly. Techno got looked in the distance away from Phil and the stranger. "Whatever…"

"I don't know what changed in me that day, but I felt something new. Jealousy. It wasn't long before he became a part of our family because he "needed" us."

"Stop following me." Techno huffed as an ergerd boy followed him closely behind. " Ah, but why?? You're my new family, and I want -" Techno turned around, pushing Wilbur to the ground with disgust written all over his face. "You are not MY family, and you never will be. You're just a toy, and once Phil realizes you're far too cracked and broken for him to use, he'll throw you out just like everything else that isn't usable anymore." Techno glared, turning away, only to be met with another pair of eyes.

"I don't understand what's gotten into you. You tell me how lonely you are, and now when you have the opportunity to not be lonely, you push your solution away??? I thought you liked him too?" Phil said as they both sat across each other in his office. "I'd never like a pig like him!" They're wasn't any time wasted for Phil to slap the boy. Techno held his cheek and looked in anger at Phil, only to be met with anger. " He loves you, you will not speak like that." Phil said, keeping down his voice to not alarm the boy he was almost certain was listening in on the other side of the door. It was now Technos' turn to slap Phil, pissed off more than ever. " I don't want his love, I want yours, but you're too caught up in your dumb mystery woman you hide and now a child you favor over me!!" Techno said, jumping to his feet and running out the office, not caring enough to yell at Wilbur for eavesdropping. As he ran out slamming the door, Phil and Wilbur locking eyes both feeling hurt and guilty as their eyes watered, far too stuck in their own world to realize the sun had been rising.

" I ran and ran till I couldn't breathe, I was badly hurt due to a condition they had no cure for at the time."

Techno sat under a shaded tree, crimson blood dripping from every burn he had just gotten. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.." he whispered as he cried for the first time in decades. As 10 or so minutes went by he was losing consciousness until a familiar voice intruded. "Techno, are you ok? You're bleeding!!!??!?" He looked up to see a worried Wilbur with just as many burns and a purple eye. He was going to tell him to piss off but didn't get the chance to. "Look, I know you hate me, and that's fair, but I love you, and I know you care more than you lead on. I know you watched over me when I slept after I woke up crying from nightmares and I know you would be the one to make me soup when I was sick, I know all of it, I saw you. I saw how sad you looked when you did it, and I'm sorry I took away your father. I 'm sorry for all the pain I caused you. I just wanted you to love me like I do you." Wilbur said quickly, tears running down his face, and fist curled up so tight he was probably gonna lose his fingers. Techno sat shocked, a tear falling from his own eye, and eyebrows furrowed. "I'm so sorry, I was wrong about you after all.'' Techno softly said. Wilbur had looked like he was about to say something but had passed out before he could.

"We both woke up in my father's room on his bed, and we locked eyes and from that day forward me and him were glued together, and my dad had promised to tell me everything I was wondering about" Techno said as his eyes softened looking at Tommy. "I was a cruel man back then, but my family is now closer than ever. Sometimes, pain is needed." Techno said, closing his eyes and standing up. Tommy looked up, tears dried far too interested in Technos story to focus on his own problems. Techno looked over his shoulder, and he started walking out the bathroom stall. " You coming?" Tommy softly smiled. "Don't let me slow you down. Im right behind yah"