Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tommy lays emotionlessly on his bed, starting at the ceiling. He is listening to Taylor Swift's “Nothing New” on repeat, trying to gather his thoughts.

He doesn’t understand this feeling that had come over him.

He was just playing some minecraft mods with his mates, when Tubbo suddenly started talking about his new partner, and how great they made him feel.

Tommy was happy for him. Tubbo deserved all the love and support he could get. But as Tubbo just kept going on and on about how great they were, about how they made him feel, about the things they were doing together, it all just became too much.

Tommy came up with an excuse and told his friends he’d have to take his leave early. He left the call and is now laying on his bed.

He is just trying to make sense of the whirlwind that is his mind. The emotions swirling through.

He doesn’t know what this pain from Tubbo’s conversation really is, but he can think of several things it might be.

The main issue, a reminder of the things he’s supposed to keep locked away.

He thinks he might be slightly jealous of Tubbo. Getting and having such a good relationship that has fair promise for the future. 

It makes Tommy upset, how quickly they came to trust and enjoy the other. Tommy, it takes him a long time to warm up to a person and let them in. He thinks it would take a long time for him, yet for Tubbo, it was simple. Easy, fast.

Which brings Tommy to the other issue. He’s never had a real crush. He’s thought people looked and seemed nice, but that isn’t attraction, that isn’t what a crush is like he thinks. Or what if he does know….. No. He can’t think like that. It wasn’t a crush, he’s not supposed to let his mind wander down that road.

It unlocks the anger he holds for himself, the feeling that he isn’t normal. Why can’t he fall in love? Why has part of himself always found romantic things to be uncomfortable. He’s an inconsistency. He dreads how he hasn’t yet found love, yet most times the subject is brought up he doesn’t feel like he wants it, what ‘love’ supposedly means, he looks away. 

He obviously doesn’t know what he wants.

He, he wants to be hugged, he thinks, but he doesn’t want the super deep stuff… Is that normal, it seems like all his peers have always talked and acted about how much they want an attractive partner to get with, to make out with and do crazy stuff with. He doesn’t want that. So is he wrong? Is he broken?

It’s a coincidence that somehow right while he’s thinking that, his phone thinks he’s selecting the next song and so starts playing “Broken” by Anson Seabra.

He doesn’t want to let his family down. His parents have put a lot of work into him. Want him to be successful, a good person, bring back a wife and some kids to continue the family.

He thinks he starts to tear. He doesn’t think he’s a good person, and he thinks he’s broken. So he’s failed them.

His, his parents might also not be the best of people though….. Oh no, he doesn’t mean that. They are the best parents he could have hoped for, they just, don’t always agree with him, and they share many different ideals.

He tries to be a good person and kind to everyone when streaming, but he feels like there's some innate wrongness with him because of them. People look to him for support, and he doesn’t know what he’s doing.

His, his parents. He won’t call them ‘homophobic’, that, that seems a little far. They aren't mean necessarily about it, they just… don’t really believe in any of it. They think that the LGBTQ+ are just people, who have simply lost their way and misunderstood life. They always stopped him from doing or liking anything that didn’t seem very masculine or boyish. He knows they're wrong and that that is very disrespectful, but they don’t do anything with their opinions, so surely his parents aren't the worst of people.

But because of their views, he worries that he is innately homophobic and that there is nothing he can do about it. 

His mind has now wandered. And with the tears building in his eyes, he doesn’t think he can stop it. 

Has he ever felt love? Is he a bad person? Is he broken?

Ranboo.

And the tears fall faster at the simple name. No, no this is wrong. He doesn’t want to think about this again, he had shoved it away.

But he can’t stop what his mind yearns to sing.

It, it takes Tommy a while to warm up to people, as he had previously said…. have you ever felt love? His mind whispers.

He cries. But yes, yes he thinks he has.

It had taken Tommy a while to warm up and feel comfortable around Ranboo. He was very defensive of his internet family that seemed to accept the dirty blonde so quickly. Time passed though, Tommy slowly warmed up to him and let his walls down, and then Ranboo came to stay with Tubbo. It had been almost a year of knowing Ranboo, and Tommy, he couldn’t explain the feelings he suddenly felt. They were like nothing he had ever felt before. It was much like the feelings of closeness and want he had with Tubbo, but much more intense. To a higher degree.

Tommy didn’t know what to do with these feelings or what they meant. He was ignoring the obvious answer. But it all came to a crushing end when during a halloween stream, Tommy just couldn’t stop staring at Ranboo, and the feelings took control, and Tommy had leaned in to kiss him. 

Ranboo shooed him away, and Tommy played it off like a joke, like he usually did when he got himself into awkward situations, but he felt more overwhelmed then ever, and had to exist the stream for a bit.

He couldn’t believe what he had done, tried to do. That suddenly these feelings felt like maybe they made a little more sense. He didn’t want to do anything crazy with Ranboo, gosh no, he just simply wanted to be close to him, for them to support one and other.

Tommy was off for the rest of the night, used a call from Wil as an alibi for his strange behavior, and then booked it home as fast as he could.

When he got home he did his best to sort out his mind and get the thoughts to stop. He couldn’t like Ranboo, Ranboo couldn’t be his first crush. He was Tommyinnit, the wifehaver, he didn’t like Ranbooo, no sir. 

He struggled to come up with a reason to tell his mind for why he couldn’t like Ranboo though. Well, because it would be weird, they’re friends. Because he’s the wife haver, who always talks about girls, he couldn’t like guys. That doesn’t mean he’s homophobic, oh no but what if it does, he just is him, and he doesn’t. He is his parents' son, and he needs to do them proud. And to do that, he can’t like boys, he has to be straight.

….

Gosh now he’s reopened that wound. It had taken him a while to try to lock those feelings and thoughts away. Seal them in a box, lock them in the back of his mind and throw away the key, but of course they made their way out again.

What's he going to do with himself? Why can’t he just get a crush on a girl so he can feel normal?

He lets more songs loop and play as he continues to just lie there in his misery, and eventually fall asleep.

One thing Tommy does, because and when he feels like an awful person, is watch other people’s streams and try to learn from them.

He’s grown close to a lot of people while being a streamer, and he believed them all to be good people who can teach him a lot. And the ones that do end up making mistakes, well he can learn from that too.

He finds himself watching Niki and Eret a lot. He would before watch Ranboo as well, but lately it had been too hard. Ranboo had also been making a lot more sexual jokes as of late that Tommy just couldn’t take.

Niki was always so kind and had such great advice for people, and Eret’s streams were always so welcoming and informational. 

Tommy learned a lot about the LGBTQ+ community from Eret, facts that helped him in his own streams. 

Eret and Tommy didn’t technically spend a lot of time together, but Tommy did really enjoy when they did. Eret was a really nice person, and always made Tommy feel safe and like he didn’t necessarily have to be a ‘big man’. 

He wonders if Eret and the others notice him lurking in their chats watching, they never seem to bring it up.

He was still struggling from the day’s prior meltdown, so he felt the need to watch and distract himself with someone, and Eret happened to be live. Tommy smiled and thought that maybe this could also be good to help him figure out how to be a better person.

Tommy clicked on the stream and was immediately brought to a nice peaceful atmosphere. Eret was on the smp, and Tommy was tempted to jump on and join her, but felt like he'd rather just relax and listen right now.

As usual Eret Streams went, people thanked Eret for their company and advice, talked about their coming out, and came out. Eret was kind and supportive to all of them, and Tommy wrote down that maybe he could be a little more enthusiastic and caring when people on the rare occasion did so in his chat or donation.

He was next just closing his eyes while he listened to the stream, slightly nodding off, when he then heard Eret read one donation and comment.

‘Hi Eret, I just came out as gay to my family the other day! They thankfully accepted who I am. And they even helped me buy my first flags and a skirt!”

“Well congrats!” Eret said. “It’s so great that you have a kind supportive Family,”

Tommy lost track of what Eret was saying though, as he paid attention to the donation and tried to understand it.  The person said they were gay, insinuating that they were a man, but then they mentioned buying a skirt? And their first skirt? Were they a dude or not, was it ok for guys to wear skirts? He, he thought that a guy wanting to wear a skirt might make them trans, or, was it agender? He knew Eret wasn’t cis, but what was she?

He might need to ask Eret about it, because he doesn’t want to secretly be homophobic, he needs to understand.

The whole thing flew him to when he was younger. His, his mom got mad at him when he tried to pick out a dress when he was six, and even more mad when he added quote on quote “girly” things to his christmas and birthday lists. She said he couldn’t because he was a boy, and he thought it would only be ok if he turned out to be trans or something. Could boys just wear skirts? 

He was nervous, but he wanted answers, but felt even more scared for if he was to ask as Tommyinnit. He switched to an alt twitch, and then started trying to come up with a dono.

“ Dear Eret, thank you for your streams, they are a lot of help.” He decided to add first, a way to show his gratitude in some non awkward way. “I am a cis man, and I’ve wanted to wear a skirt before. I’m not trans though, so my mom said I couldn’t because I was a boy. Thoughts?”

He then struggled for what to use to sign off, ahhh, the first thing that came to his mind. 

“- Mellohi.”

He breathed out a sigh as he submitted the dono. Now just to wait.

It took a few minutes, but eventually his dono went through and Eret was reading it. They furrowed their brows by the time they got to the end. 

“Oh Mellohi,” He said. “I’m so sorry to hear that. And know that she was wrong. You can wear a skirt or dress if you want to. These items are labeled feminie and masculaine, but it really doesn't matter. If you feel like a boy and want a skirt, then that's you. You don’t have to be a girl to enjoy them. I’ll also add that is it possible you aren’t a boy or girl, but on the non-binary specturm or agender, but know it is totally fine to simple be a dude that likes skirts. Your mother was wrong, go get yourself a skirt if you want to. Can we get some hearts for them chat!”

The chat was then spammed with hearts and encouragement, and it made Tommy feel, feel something. He wasn’t sure.

Ok, boys can wear skirts, so now he knows. Why wasn’t he allowed to have one? Was he now? He also heard the word non-binary again, right, he should recheck that one.

He was left with some questions answered, but a few more present.

Tommy had ended up looking up Non-binary and writng down the notes just to help him better remember. And as he was looking up the definitions, he couldn’t help but wonder what constituted being non-binary. A small voice in his head whispered that what if that could be the reason he always had interest in more femine things but still felt like a boy. 

He looked and saw that non-binary people sometimes go by multiple pronouns, he knew that. Just for the heck of it, I mean why else , he decided to quickly play with a pronoun dress up room. He entered a couple, and read the response.

“ Hello! Today I met a person who goes by Tommy. They have a wonderful personality. That smile of theirs really makes me happy. I could talk to him all day although They doesn't talk about himself much. I wonder if their day has been wonderful. I hope so!”

He immediately flushed. It, it felt ok. Was that wrong?

He was tempted. 

“I’m Tommy, and I go by they/them.”

His hands immediately rushed to cover his mouth. No, that shouldn't feel good.

He worked quickly to push those thoughts down. So what, he liked plural pronouns a bit, that didn’t mean anything.

Because of the help Eret brought to his last issue, ( as well as the several panicking thoughts he was trying to repress) Tommy decided to ask Eret for some more advice.

“Hello again Eret :). I wanted to ask you what you thought about how I haven't ever had a crush before. I feel like I want one, maybe not the sexual parts though, but I can’t seem to fall in love. What's your opinion? - Mellohi”

Tommy tried to breathe calmly as it went through. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea. It was too late now though.

“Well hello again Mellohi, back for some more I see.” Eret said.”Hmm, never had a crush before. Now remember everyone that I in no way hold all the answers, it's ultimately up to you to discover and find. But I am willing to share my opinion to help push you in the right direction.”

“Mellohi, based on the little you’ve shared, I have four options I think could be the answer. 1. You are simply a late bloomer and have not found the right one. 2. You are too young. 3. You sound like you might be on the asexual spectrum, and 3. You might then also be on the aromantic spectrum. My advice is to look into and consider those options, then make the decision for yourself. Hope that helped.”

It, it might have . Tommy thought.

Tommy spent that night looking into what Eret had said. Yeah it could be he just hasn’t met the right person. He’s pretty sure being almost 18 means he isn’t too young and could be a late bloomer, but then why did he feel that way towards Ranboo?

Then next he went and looked up the two terms Eret had mentioned, asexual and aromantic.

He felt asexual could work, “ a person who has no sexual feelings or desires, or who is not sexually attracted to anyone.” That, he thinks thats what he’s felt before. He’s not interested in a sexual relationship, it makes him feel unformfortable, so, so maybe this term fits him.

Next looked up aromantic. “ a person who has no interest in or desire for romantic relationships.” Well he thinks he wants a relationship. He has a desire. He wants to be able to hug, but that could be platonic, and do coupley things.

Because he’s him, he decides to dive deeper, because Eret had mentioned it being a spectrum.

“Greyromantic: Between aromantic and romantic. You experience romantic attraction infrequently.”

“Demiromantic: You experience romantic attraction infrequently and only after developing a strong emotional connection to someone.” 

Well, that could maybe explain why it was Ranboo he got feelings for. He did think he got to know them and form a connection with, he doesn’t have many girls he’s been able to do the same with. But that still leaves the question of why Ranboo? If he is demi-romantic, then why catch feelings for Ranboo at all in the first place?

 He decides to shut his computer. He’s gotten enough answers for today, and doesn’t want to develop more questions.

For the next few days, Tommy can’t stop thinking about everything he’s gathered. He’s supposed to be his parents’ perfect straight only son who will continue the family. But technically he can still be straight and asexual. And, after some more research, he’s seen that he can be asexual and still form relationships, so thats fine. 

So in the end, even though he feels like its wrong, he feels really great about the asexual label. And is still on the fence about the demiromantic one. It seems to make sense, but he wants to hold on to beliefs that he’s just a late bloomer, or so he thinks.

So of course, to celebrate his discovery, he goes to Eret’s chat.

“Hey guess what Eret! :D Thanks to your help I’ve discoveerd I’m asexual! - Mellohi”

“Well congrats Mellohi!” Eret says. “I’m so proud of you. Chat spam some asexual hearts and love. I’m so happy I was able to help you Mellohi, and feel free to give us updates and stop by whenever, just don’t waste your bank, haha.”

Tommy smiled. He didn’t understand why this felt so good. 

Was this feeling guilt? Regret? No, it felt too good. He felt happy.

It feels really stupid. All he did was say some words and attach a label to himself, nothing has changed, but it feels like everything has. He feels a lot more complete. What if, what if he can feel more of this way?

Because of the success of Eret’s advice, Tommy decides to see how Eret’s first comments of advice work out. He’s running on a high, and what’s the worst that could happen.

So he puts on a hoodie, grabs some sunglasses, his wallet, and leaves the house. Hitting it over to the local shopping center. Once he gets there, he walks into a Macy’s and goes to find a simple cheap long skirt.

It, it wasn’t an issue. Eret said it was fine for boys to wear skirts. Tommy knew his parents were a bit problematic, he guesses he just never realized it applied to how he was raised. They were wrong, he can wear a skirt. Or at least that's what he’s got to make himself believe if he wants to survive this.

He picks out a nice long black one, and quickly makes it to the register to get out of there. Then he books it home and locks his door behind him. He then takes a moment to catch his breath. In and out. He really did this.

He slowly takes the skirt out of the bag, and just stares at it. Well gosh, he did, really do it. He bought a skirt.

Despite the door being locked, he looks left and right, making sure no one will notice him, and then he pulls on the skirt.

It’s soft and sleek. Hangs nicely from his waist. He likes doing a twirl and seeing it fly all around. Haha this is great.

He looks at his reflection in the mirror he has in his room, and smiles. Why was his mom so against him having one of these? What was so wrong with it? Was it simply because it wasn’t ‘masculine’? Well he doesn’t care about that right now, he liked the skirt.

-

A few days later, during Eret’s next stream, Tommy decides to make another donation. 

“Hey Eret, guess what! I bought myself a skirt :D - Mellohi.”

“Aw well congrats Mellohi. We’re all so happy to be able to watch your progress. I remember your first comment about being confused about it. I’m so happy you managed to get one. Be you.”

Tommy smiled. Thank you Eret, he thought. He’s been feeling a lot better.

This rush of better only continues though. Due to the continued support from Eret’s chat, Tommy finds himself making a lot more donations just saying hello during streams. Asking little questions when he has them, and enjoying watching other people ask their own.

One night he finds himself staring in the mirror again after stream. He stares at his face, and is once again tempted with the reminder of pronouns after someone mentioned it. 

“My name is Tommy, and I use they/them he/him.”

And he smiles. It does feel right.

And he found himself looking more into non-binary, and everytime and thing he finds make him feel a little more like its him. He can be both masucline and feminie, he doesn’t need to just be a boy of a girl. Whatever he is, it’s undefined, can not be held or described. 

He, he feels good. Ultimately he still feels unsure and afraid of the option of starting to use the non-binary label, but he’s mappy with the pronoun discoveries. 

He decides to tell Eret next stream.

“Guys, is it crazy if I want to start going by They/them and he/him? :D - Mellohi”

Eret smiles, clearly fond of Tommy’s continually coming to them. “No Mellohi, that's totally ok, not crazy at all. Wether your cis or not, you can use whatever pronouns you want and that feel right. I’m happy for you.”

A Tommy gleams. They’re so happy and distracted by this euphoria that they don’t realize when their door has been being knocked on and that they forgot to lock the door. It’s even worse because Tommy is wearing his skirt, and now someone is entering, and he realizes too late.

“Thomas Simons what on earth are you wearing!” He shoots up by the sound of the yell, only then noticing their predicament.

He stares his mother in the eyes and frowns, trying to quickly come up with an explanation she won’t hate.

“I um, I..” He’s stuttering, wishing he could have just locked the door or not worn the skirt.

“Stop it with the stuttering Thomas.” His mother states. “Now where did you get that skirt, is it one of mine? Did you steal it? And why on earth are you wearing it?”

“I um, no it’s not yours, its mine-”

“Why would you have a skirt, skirts are for girls. You aren't doing some video challenge or trying to be one of those transgenders now are you?”

He doesn’t know what to say. “No um, no. Not trans, and not for a video. Just, um, just for me.”

Their mother furrows her bows, and holds her hand out. “Give it to me. Now.”

He furrows their own brows, no he doesn’t want to. But he can’t say no to his mother’s telling and stern glare and posture. 

He nods his head and takes the skirt off, handing it to her. “I’ll be taking this. Young men have no reason to have a lady’s clothing apparel.” She then spots his bag at his desk. “And I’ll be taking this too. If this really isn’t one of mine that you’ve stolen, well we can’t have you buying more. You'll get this back when I trust you. Dinner is in an hour, behave.”

And she exits the room, taking his skirt and his wallet. 

Tommy just stares in shock and bewilderment. That really just happened. He feels tears start to blossom.

Why, why did he think it was ok to have a skirt? What was he thinking? He should have realized his mom would react this way, ( he had locked the door before, part of him had known and feared.) He should have realized that he can’t wear a skirt. He is a man. It feels wrong in his mouth.

He decides to just lay on his bed in silence. Contemplating his actions, identity, and existence. He eventually falls asleep in his tears, and his mother never comes to get him for dinner.

Chapter Text

The next day goes by without any issues. Tommy’s mother never brings up the previous days incident, and Tommy hopes she hadn’t told his father. Heavens knows he doesn’t want to have a ‘talking to’ from him.

Tommy spends the majority of his day on his bed, sleeping or trying to sleep. Towards the end of the day though, he decides he needs a distraction, something to take his mind off things.

He sees that Eret is live, and he fears that that will only make things worse, but he clicks on it anyway. 

Unfortunately/ maybe fortunately, Eret is just wrapping up Stream when he enters.

After Eret ends, and a few minutes of contemplation, Tommy decides to just message Eret, he needs their advice.

Tommyinnit: Hi Eret, could we talk pls?

….

Eret: Oh hi Tommy

Eret: Sure we can talk.

[Tommyinnit started a voice call]

“Oh hello there Tommy,” Says Eret. “When you asked to talk I didn’t realize you had meant voice call.”

“Sorry” Tommy quietly responded.

“Oh no. No trouble at all. Now what did you want to speak about, Tommy?”

“I um. Well. So do you remember your donos well? Specifically the regularly frequent ones?”

“Oh yes, I have lots of chatters that donate regularly and I try to remember their names so I can better help and so I can see them grow. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I erm…. You know Mellohi?”

“Yes? What about them?” Eret asks.

Tommy hesitates, well here he goes. “They’re me. I’m Mellohi. And I really need your advice.”

Eret is quiet for a moment. “You, you’re Mellohi Tommy?”

Tommy feels the nervousness coming to him. Oh no, what does Eret think? Is she disappointed?

“Ah, yeah. I’m them.”

It’s quiet once more, and then Eret speaks up.

“Well thank you then for telling me Tommy. I can imagine it must've have been hard for you. And I’m happy that I have been able to help you these last few weeks, even if it wasn’t direct.” A pause. “Now what do you mean by needing my advice? How can I help?”

Tommy sighs. It’s ok. He still feels nervous, but Eret is ok with them, so he’s ok.

“Well I was watching your stream yesterday, and I was wearing my new skirt when I donated about my pronouns, and my mom came in.” He breathes. Why’s it got to be so hard? “She didn’t like that I was wearing it, and she got mad and took it away, as well as taking my wallet to make sure I wouldn’t buy another…”

“Oh I’m so sorry to hear that Tommy,” Eret says. “It wasn’t ok for her to do that, but I understand that nothing can really be done. It’s unfortunate that these things happened. That some people just can’t understand. I’m here for you though, to listen, whatever you need.”

“Thanks Eret.” Tommy can feel himself start to cry a little.

Eret apparently can hear. “Oh Tommy, why are you crying? Do you mind turning on your camera?”

Tommy does so. “I just, I’m just still so unsure about so many aspects of myself, and she’s making me feel all wrong and bad, and after I was feeling so good and accepting myself. And I just don’t know what to think or believe now.”

“Oh Tommy, it’s ok.” Eret says. “Remember that no one can tell you what your identity is, that's for you to decide, no one else. If you felt good before, then those things were probably good, as long as they weren’t against the law, haha. If you found something that was comfortable, then no that isn’t wrong, and you can’t let her words take that away from you.”

Tommy sniffles. “So, it’s ok for me to want to wear a skirt?”

“Yes, It’s absolutely ok for you to wear the skirt Tommy, don’t listen to what she said.”

“Ok, thanks Eret.” Tommy smiled. Happy thoughts coming to them that the identity they shaped for themself was actually ok, their mom was wrong.

“No problem Tommy.”

Then, once again, silence as they both collect themselves.

“Hey Eret, “ Tommy decides to speak up though. He needs this, it will help him feel better and accomplished.

“Yes Tommy?”

“Can I tell you something else?”

Eret smiles. “Yes of course Tommy, anything.”

“So I told the stream, that I’m asexual...”

“Yes, yes you did.”

“And I told them I felt good with they/he pronouns.”

Eret’s smile grows a little more, “You sure did.”

“And well now, I wanted to tell you a bit more. But its of some stuff I’m a bit worried or unsure of.”

“Go ahead. I won’t judge.” Eret tells him.

Tommy takes a breath. “Well,” He says. “I also think I may be demi-romantic, and I think I’m possibly non-binary.” They quickly scrunch their eyes closed so they can’t and won’t see Eret’s reaction.

“Tommy,” Eret Speaks. He tries to cover their ears. 

“Tommy,” Again Eret says. No.

“Tommy please, “ Eret kindly says.

Tommy slightly opens his eyes to see Eret smiling fondly at them still. Everything is ok?

“Thank you Tommy.” Eret says. “For once again trusting me. I can tell this has been hard for you.”

He nods.

“You are so valid.” Eret says. “I’m so proud that you’ve been able to find yourself. Despite what your parents might say or do.”

“Bu- why are you proud of me? I’m not even sure if this is my identity or not, I could just be confused.”

Eret’s smile doesn’t falter. “It is valid, because you think it may be true. It can change later, and that still makes you valid. This is all about self discovery, and it’s ok if you aren't 100% sure. It’s ok if you are confused, but being confused doesn’t make you unvalid.”

Tommy opens his eyes to see their smiling face still there. He smiles back and nods, then tries to remove the tears from his eyes. “Thank you Eret.” He says.

“It’s no problem.” Eret sweetly responds.

“No,” Tommy says. “Thank you for everything, you’ve helped me so much. As I’m sure you can tell, you’re the only one that knows any of this stuff, and it feels really good to tell you.”

“Again Tommy, Thank you for trusting me. I’m proud.” Eret says.

The call goes on for a little while longer, and Tommy tells Eret how he often finds themself watching her streams. Tommy also asks if it’s ok for them to call and talk to Eret more frequently, even if they aren't needing help with anything, and Eret of course tells them that that would be totally fine and splendid.

They eventually say their goodbyes though, and Tommy goes to bed happy that he actually told someone and came out. He opens his eyes, he really did that, wow. They fall asleep happily.

The next day though most of that happiness has worn down. It’s still there, but smaller and has taken a background. They can’t stop thinking about their skirt and wallet that their  mom took, and how they really don’t want to give in to her.

Tommy wants to be who he is, and not have to hide it from his parents, or at least be able to be themself when their parents aren’t around.

They have a plan, but they aren't so sure Eret will help them, so he needs to go to someone else. The person he is most comfortable to ask to do this, Tubbo. And so it begins.

He rings Tubbo up on the phone, Tubbo picks up.

“Hello Tommy!”

Tommy smiles, here goes.

“Hi there Tubzo!” They respond back.

“What do I owe the call, boss man?” Tubbo asks.

Tommy momentarily hesitates, this is his last chance to back out…. He decides to just try to ask Tubbo first and then explain if need be.

“Um, I was wondering if you would purchase something for me.”

“And why can’t you purchase this ‘thing’ yourself?”

“Because my parents have control of my money right now and they don’t want me to have this ‘thing’.”

“Ooo is it a bomb! Drugs! Alcohol?!” Tubbo perks up.

Tommy stops him. “No it's none of those, its, its-. I, I’ll just send it to you. Please don’t make fun of me.” 

Tommy sends Tubbo a link to a skirt, hoping his friend will purchase it for him and not make fun of them.  Will he be forced/asked to come out?

“ Aaah? Is this the right link?” Tubbo asks. “This is a skirt.”

“I know its a skirt you dick head!” Tommy then tries to convey the emotion in his voice. “But I really need it, would you please purchase it for me?”

Tubbo thinks for a moment.

“Fine. ” He says. Tommy smiles. “But, you need to tell me what's going on.” Tommy frowns.

“Do I really need to?” He asks. 

“Well as your best friend, yeah, I would appreciate it.” Tubbo comments.

Tommy guesses that's right, Tubbo is his best friend, and he does trust him a lot. What was he thinking? Tubbo isn’t going to make fun of him. Infact, he wants to tell Tubbo they think.

“Ok.” Tommy says. “Well I guess it started a long time ago honestly, with me wanting to wear girly things and have girly toys, and then later with me not being able to fall and find love. I was sad for a long time about it, felt broken, but then a few weeks ago I watched Eret’s stream, and she made me feel much better. Then with the help of Eret and of chat, I realized- “

“Wait where is this going?!” Tubbo cut in. “I meant more like tell me why your parents won’t let you buy the skirt, not give me some sad life story, especially if it’s going where I think it’s going.”

Tommy frowned, ‘was Tubbo not ok with it. “And where do you think it’s going?” Tommy asked.

“It sounds like you’re about to come out trans to me or something!” Tubbo said. “And I was in no way trying to force you to come out. And if you weren’t, then sorry about the trans thing and assuming anyways, the story just flew me to it.”

Tommy smiled. Ok, ok. Tubbo didn’t seem disapproving, just wasn’t trying to force him. “But I want to tell you Tubbo.” Tommy told him. “And first, no I’m not trans, but yes, I would like to come out to you.”

“Oh.” Tubbo said back. “Well ok, if you are sure, and, thank you I guess, for trusting me.”

“You're my best friend Tubbo, of course I trust you. I was and am a bit nervous I’ll admit, but I want this.”

“Then go right ahead boss man, I’m all ears.” Tubbo said, and Tommy could hear the smile in his voice.

“Ok, I’ve actually discovered and came to terms with a lot of myself Tubbo, so there’s quite a bit to tell.” Tommy chuckled. “What I was going to say before you interrupted me, was that I think I‘m nonbinary, I use he/him and they/them pronouns now.” He listened for a response.

“Do I talk now?” Tubbo asked after a few minutes. 

“Yes, haha, you can talk now.” Tommy said back.

“Yeah, clap clap for Tommy! Wait, is your name still Tommy?”

“Hu?”Tommy questioned.

“Well some non-binary people change their name, so did you? Or no.”

“Oh.” Tommy said. “Well I’ll admit I didn’t really think about it. I feel pretty fine with the name Tommy right now, but who knows if I might feel differently in the future. Tommy is good for now though.”

“Ok boss man! Wait, I can still say that right?”

“Haha, yeah thats fine. Ok,” Tommy breathed. “And the next things I wanted to tell you, is that I’m asexual and demiromantic.” Tommy stated.

“Ooo, what does that last one mean? I never heard it before.”

“Sure,” Tommy says. “Demiromatic means I infrequently fall in love romantically. I only develop feelings for people I form an emotional connection to first.”

“Oh ok, sweet. So does that mean you like someone though?”

“Ah well,” Tommy though for a moment, he didn’t think he was ready to tell even Tubbo about his sexual orientation yet, plus he really wasn’t sure himself. “Ah I’d just prefer not to answer that one yet.”

“Ok, thats fine boss man, no pressure. Once again thanks so much. I feel awesome to be trusted and told this stuff from you.”

“You’re the second person to know, so thanks for helping me get more comfortable so I can tell more people.”

“Second! Who beat me! I’m your best friend.”

“Haha, it was Eret, because you know, they helped me so much.”

“Oh ok, fair. And back to the original topic, yes I’ll purchase the skirt for you, it’s ordered, and I told the people to only hand it to a young man.”

“Thanks so much Tubbo! And to answer your initial question, simply mom doesn’t think guys should wear skirts, and so took the one I had already bought myself. But I’m going to show her!”

“Yoohoo Tommy!”

The rest of their call went well.

Tommy then went on to have a fine week, still nothing from his parents which he was grateful for. They also spoke to Eret again, nothing in particular, just how life was and Eret offered some tips for if Tommy ever wanted to do anything a little more feminine. Then after the week had passed, he heard a knocking on the door. It was a man with a package. Tommy received it from the man and ran to their room with it, making sure to lock the door.

Tommy then speed opened the package and pulled out their lovely new black skirt, “take that mom!” He then saw there was something more in the package and picked it out.

“Oh my gosh!” He said.

Inside were three small flags. The nonbinary flag, the asexual flag, and the demiromantic flag.

Tommy teared up, Tubbo was the best.

They called Tubbo up immediately 

“Tubbozo!” He shouted.

“Tommyeeee!” Tubbo shouted back.

“Thank you so much man.” Tommy simply said.

Tubbo snickers. “I’m assuming you got the gift then?”

“Yes man! Aww, these are awesome. I can’t believe you bought me some flags. I, I didn’t think I’d be getting any.”

“ It’s no problem Tommy. ” Tubbo said. “You were vulnerable with me and I wanted to show my thanks some more. And what better way of showing my support than buying you some flags. Happy to hear you didn’t already get some haha.”

“Thanks man.” Tommy smiled.

“You’ll never guess what Eret!”  Tommy said next time they were on call with Eret.

“Haha, what is it Tommy?”

“So I asked Tubbo to buy me another skirt, which then-”

“Wait you asked Tubbo to buy you another? But didn’t your mom take away the first?” Eret asked.

“Well yeah she did, but I wanted to get another to say “look here mom, you can’t control me.” You know?”.

“Hmm.” Eret said. “I’m all for showing your parents such a thing, as long as you are safe and they won’t harm you for it.”

“Oh yeah my parents would never.” Tommy says. “All they did before was take away the skirt and my wallet, no harm or even mention of it again.”

“Oh ok, alright then.” Eret said. “Do tell me if anything ever goes to stray though, ok?” 

“Alright.” Tommy agreed.

“Go on, continue. What happened next?”

“Oh so Tubbo said he’s buy me the skirt if I told him why, which he wasn’t trying to force me out or anything, I just sorta thought that was what he wanted, but it didn’t matter because I wanted to anyway. So long story short, I came out to him!”

“Congrats Tommy!” Eret said. “That's so great, I’m so happy for you.”

Tommy smiled. “Thanks Eret. So I came out to my second person, big success. Tubbo then bought me the skirt, but guess what, that's not all he bought.”

“Oh, what else did he get?” Eret asked.

Tommy held up his flags. “He bought me little pride flags! Aren’t they awesome!!!”

“Oh man, thats great Tommy, congrats. Your first flags wow. That was so kind of him.”

“I know right.” Tommy said.

It was then quiet for a moment. Tommy was still happy, but the silence was worrying him. And Eret didn’t look so happy herself on the other side.

“Is something wrong?” Tommy asked.

“Oh, not really.” Eret said. “I just, all you’ve told me was your mom took the skirt cause she didn’t want you to have one. And from your donations I think you said she didn’t even let you have more feminine labeled things. I guess, I’m worried about you. Not to be rude, but from what I can infer, your parents sound very unsupportive of this stuff. What will they do if they see the flags or the skirt?”

Tommy began to get a bit angry. He knew what Eret was saying was reasonable, but they loved their parents and didn’t want to believe they would hurt him.

“They aren't like those stereotypical homophoic parents at all Eret!” Tommy spoke up. “They love me, and may not be all about me wearing skirts, but I just have to show them it's fine. They would never hurt me or do anything to me. You don’t know them, so be quiet.”

“I, I’m sorry Tommy. You’re right, I just worry for you.”

Tommy softened. “Well thanks, but no need to worry, all will be ok.”

“All, alright.” Eret said. “But remember-”

“You’re there. I know.” Tommy said.

And they ended call.

Of course Eret would have to be right though….

It was a simple two weeks after that. Just Tommy’s average life plus a little more now that they understood themself a little better. They played games with sbi, Tubbo, and others. Called more with Tubbo and Eret. Eret gave him a simple makeup lesson for if they ever wanted such a thing, and they did think they would be interested. They had fun with their flags and skirt with the door locked. And they streamed. He wished he felt good to tell his chat and the world, but he wasn’t ready yet. But they daydreamed, of the day they would, and that they would provide that representation that some people needed to see.

Tommy had just exited his room to go to the restroom, closing the door, but when he came back he saw it opened. He ran to his room only to find his dad standing inside, with his closet open holding up one of his flags and his skirt. Shit!

Tommy didn’t know what to do, what was he supposed to do? What was his dad thinking!

Tommy just tiptoes behind him and then froze not knowing what to do next.

“Sarah!” His dad yelled.

“Yes?” His mom came around the corner.

“ Come look at what the boy was hoarding in his closet.”

His mother pushed right past him next to his father. 

“Oh my goodness.” She said, she then turned to Tommy. “What is the meaning of all this young man?! How did you get these things?”

Tommy was frozen, scared. But then he felt it. The courage. He needed to be strong, tell his parents who was the boss of his life, he was.

“I got my friend Tubbo to help me get them!” They strongly told them.

“I always knew that boy was a bad influence.” His mom said.

“What no.” Tommy said. “Tubbo is not a bad influence, and he didn’t persuade me to get any of this, I did, I made the choices and I made the discoveries.”

“What kind of discoveries?” His mom inquired.

“The ones like it’s ok for a boy to wear a skirt!” He yelled as he yanked it from her hands.

“And that I’m not a boy, I’m nonbinary!”

His mom stepped back with a disgusted face.

“And that it’s ok if I don't love anyone! If I don’t want to have kids or start a family! I don’t owe that to you! I’m asexual and demiromantic! And you know what? I’ve got a crush, a crush on a bo-”

Tommy was then stopped by a stinging devouring his face. He, he had been slapped. He turned to his father who was glaring at him.

“Dad?” he asked.

“Quit this nonsense boy!” His father said. “You are a man and you will act as one should. Do not disrespect your mother and I.”

“But that's the point, I’m not a man dad!”

“Yes you are.” His mother stepped up. “You’re just confused, and that's ok, we’ll get you help.”

Now it was Tommy’s turn to step back. They, they were frightened now.

“I, I don’t need help, I know who I am now.”

“No you don’t. I mean come on, asexual? demronatic? Not real things. It’s called being a late bloomer and having a lower attraction to people. And don’t worry, you’ll find a lovely young lady one of these days and then the feelings will just come to you. But you do not go liking another man, do you hear me.”

Tommy could hear her, but he wasn’t going to listen. “No!” He yelled. “This is me and I don’t need help or fixing. So you just need to accept it, nothing is wrong with me!”

Tommy then felt a punch to the chest, “aaa!” he shrieked.

“Then you won’t be able to be staying here.” His father spoke up.

“Wa, what?” Tommy stumbled.

“If you aren't willing and won’t be changing, then you can leave. The choice is yours.”

Tommy was blown out of their mind. This, this couldn’t be happening. “But, but I don’t want to leave you guys, I, I love you.”

“Well we don’t love you if this is who you are choosing to be.” His mother said. “I can see you won’t be changing your mind though, so goodbye.”

Tommy just started in shock.

“Be gone in an hour.” His dad said, and then they both left the room.

---

Tommy had started in shock for a while later, but then realized what was really happening to him. They rushed to pack a bag and grab everything he cared about that he could fit, unfortunately he couldn’t bring his whole computer. And then right at the hour mark they were gone. 

He was now walking down the night street trying to figure out where he could go.

He had called Wil, but he was out of the country and Tommy didn’t want to worry him. He also couldn’t tell Phil, couldn’t worry him either. So there was no one left. Or so that's what he thought.

He sat at the bus station, his mom had given him his wallet back, so he had some money, maybe he could rent a room somewhere?

He then got a text.

Ranboo: Hey guess what Tubbo! Tommy! I’m back in the UK and I’m at my new house for a bit!

Ranboo: We should all meet up!

Tommy thought about it, that meant, Ranboo was now the closest person to him. He didn’t want to, but it was his best bet. He rang Ranboo up.

“Hey Ranboo.” He said,

“Oh hey Tommy, I just got home, how it going?”

“It’s it’s going-. It’s going interestingly. But hey I wanted to ask you something.”

“Yes Tommy?”

“Do you by chance have an extra room?”

Chapter Text

Before Tommy knows it, they’re ubering to Ranboo’s new house.

Before Tommy knows it, he’s knocking on Ranboo’s door.

Before Tommy knows it, he’s sitting on Ranboo’s couch while he brings them some tea.

“So this wasn’t really the house first impression I was expecting.” Ranboo laughs as he renters the room with their drinks. “When I messaged you and Tubbo, I had meant like hang out in a few days, a week maybe, not minutes later.”

Tommy tried to smile and laugh along, but they were very nervous.

“Yeah funny. I guess I was just super excited to see the house, couldn’t wait.”

“What, you wanted to see the house but not me?!” Ranboo smiled.

Tommy tried to banter along. “Oh I’ve seen plenty of you, this house though, now that's something new, that's something exciting.”

“So exciting that you decided you wanted to stay a day?”

Tommy gulped. He, they would need more time to figure out what to do. He smiled. “I was actually so super excited, that I was hoping to stay multiple days, maybe even a week.”

Tommy awaited expectantly to see how Ranboo would respond, but Ranboo had seemed to lose his banter behavior suddenly.

“You want to stay for a week?! Man I just got here and here you are climbing all in. What reason do you have to want to stay for so long?”

And Tommy hesistaned. They weren’t sure they should tell Ranboo. Ranboo would most definity understand, but Tommy didn’t quite feel ready to reveal his identity to someone else yet, certainly not his crush.”

“Will you believe me if I say I just missed you?” Tommy asked.

Ranboo gave a nervous chuckle. “Not, not really.”

“How about I say that it’s my parents' anniversary and I wanted to give them space.” Tommy asks.

“Well now I just know that's a lie. Tommy,” Ranboo said, with his soft voice, and Tommy was struggling not to blush. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but please remember that I’m here for you, and am happy to help if you need it.”

“Yeah, yeah ok boob-boi.” Tommy said, not coming off as confident as they were hoping to.

Ranboo smiled at him, and gosh what was Tommy thinking, he wasn’t going to be able to do this, he needed to find somewhere else to stay.

“Well moving on then,” Ranboo said. “Let me show you to where you’ll be staying.” And he guides Tommy to the currently unmade guest room.

Tommy was currently just sleeping on a mattress on the floor, but he didn't mind. He was just happy to have a bed and be warm tonight. Happy he didn’t end up on the streets, or a Jack Mannifold’s, that would also have been bad.

He can’t help where his thoughts take him, and he begins to wonder what his parents are doing right now. Do they miss him? Do they really hate him, just because of a few changes? Will they let him back?

It finally hits Tommy, as they are laying there awake in the middle of the night. That they really did just get kicked out of home, just like in all those stories they had heard and read. They thought, he thought for sure that parents wouldn’t really do that, non the less his parents…

And then he realizes, he had vouched for them to Eret. They had told and gotten made at Eret for worrying that their parents might hurt them, and they did. 

Tommy blinks realizing it, holding his hand to his face, but no he didn’t just get kicked out, he got hit twice. His dad had hit him. A literal punch to the gut.

What, what was Tommy going to tell Eret? Would they tell Eret? They, they felt really embarrassed and ashamed of this whole thing. They should have listened to Eret, should have never gotten themself in this situation. And now there was nowhere for them to go. 

Technically they were an adult though, Tommy could just buy his own house like Ranboo did, but that, that might take time, and they don’t have time.

They really should tell someone, but they are really afraid of how all their friends will react. He wants to tell Eret, get her advice, but he thinks they need to wait a bit, let things cool down first.

With their mind still racing, but now slightly settled and made up, they go to sleep.

The next few days went surprisingly well. It’s calm, and it's just what Tommy needed after the shitfest that went down.

Ranboo and him talk, play some games, watch some movies, and just hang out together. 

It’s surprisingly calm. Tommy expected himself to be more on edge, and to be freaking out more due to being alone with the dirty blonde, but truely, he just feels content. 

Hanging out with Ranboo, it’s everything he had wanted mostly. Just being there for one another, and hanging out, being close.

It was great, and it almost made him forget about his current issues.

It all came back to him though, when he got a message from Tubbo.

Tubbo: Hey boss man wher aer you?

Tubbo: I went to your house and your praents just stared yelling at me 

Tubbo: and they said you were gone, “good redance”

Tubbo: What going on?

Tommy stared awkarwding at his phone.

“What is it?” Ranboo asked him from across the couch.

“Oh it’s just Toby.” Tommy nervous laughed. “I, I have to take this, so, I’ll be right back.”

“Yeah no prlobelm.” Ranboo said. “Just tell me if you need anything.”

Tommy smiled, Ranboo was so considerate. “Thanks.” and they walked to the guest room.

He hit the call button, and after a moment Tubbo picked up.

“Boss man!” he yelled. “You’re ok!”

Tommy let out a nervous laugh, “yeah, thing, things are complicated. But I’m ok.”

“Where are you?” Tubbo asked. 

“I’m, I’m at Ranboo’s house.”

“What!” Tubbo screamed. “Without me! No fair!”

That made Tommy give a genuine laugh. “Oh shut it Toby, sorry we didn't wait for little old you.”

“You didn’t.” Answered Tubbo. “But I think that's fine if I’m right about what's going on.”

That made Tommy raise their eyebrow. “And what do you think is going on?”

“Well based on your parents reaction to me, you being gone, and them telling me as such as if it was a great accomplishment, I’d say you got kicked out.”

Tommy’s jaw dropped. “How, how is it you are just able to catch on and guess these things?” They asked.

Tubbo laughed. “Boss man.” He said. “I’m really not that hard to guess. You’re real obvious.”

That made Tommy stop.  They chewed their lip a little. “Do you, do you think Ranboo’s figured it out then, I mean , I haven't told him anything yet.”

“Anything anything?” Tubbo asked clearing catching on.

“Yeah. Anything anything.”

Tubbo took a minute to think. “Um well I’d say it seems a bit obvious you got kicked out, but he probably isn’t like me and will go assuming stuff about people, so I think your safe.”

Tommy breathed. “Phew. Thanks Tubs.”

“Can I ask why though?” Tubboa asked.

“Whay what?”

“Why you haven't come out or told him yet? I mean I totally get if you don’t want to, or if you're not ready, or it’s too personal. But I guess I just expected you to have told him, especially if you’ve been staying with him the last few days. So what's holding you back?”

“I, You’re right that it’s more of a not feeling ready. But also-.” Tommy thought about it. Did they really want Tubbo to know? They trusted Tubbo, he was their best friend. But would he understand it?

He groaned and sighed. 

“Ok.” They said, “So you know how when I was coming out to you, you asked how I knew I was demi-romantic?”

“Yeah.” Tubbo said. “I asked if that meant you had fallen for someone and if thats what led you to your discovery.”

Tommy chewed his lip in nervousness a bit more. Fuck it, he’s really doing this. 

“Well Ranboo is that someone.” They let out.

The line goes quiet and Tommy fears the worst.

“Wait.” Tubbo says. “Let me figure out if I heard this right. The person you have a crush on, that led you to finding your identity, is Ranboo?”

“Hush!” Tommy said into the phone. “He’s right in the other room, don’t let him hear you.”

Tubbo started laughing. “Oh my gosh, it both makes sense while also making no sense at all. No wonder you always seem so awkward around him, and all your stupid little bits, they weren’t bits at all. Haha.”

Tommy furrows their browns and groan. Well at least Tubbo doesn’t seem to be against them.

“So you understand why I can’t tell him, don’t you?” Tommy asks. 

Tubbo hums. “Yeah I get now how it might be hard for you, but I really do think you should at least share with him that you got kicked out, but just not give him all the details. I’m sure he would love to help.”

Yeah Tommy’s sure he would do.

“Or maybe message someone else. I know you seem apprehensive about coming out at all, but man you got kicked out of your home, you need the support and people are willing to give it and help.”

Tommy sighed. “Thanks Toby.” They said, “I’ll, I’ll take your words into consideration, but I have no plan right this second.”

“And that's fine.” Tubbo assures. “So now moving on, when can I come down and join you guys?”

And Tommy laughs. Maybe things will be ok.

Tommy sighs that night. He’s taken Tubbo’s words into consideration, and they think that Tubbo was right. They really do need help with this mess.

And when in plight, who better to call out to then your big brother figure.

Tommy: hey Wil? Can we talk?

Wilbur: Sure toms

The phone is ringing once more, and Tommy is considering it all. He knows there’s not much Wilbur can do for them from America, but what they really need right now, is support.

“Heya Toms!” WIlbur picks up the phone.

“Hey, Hi wilbur.” Tommy tries to say with energy, but in all honesty, they’re pretty tired. 

“Oh is Tom’s sleepy~.” Wilbur jokes, and Tommy doesn’t have the energy to spoo him off.

He gets right to the point.

“Wil,” he says. “I need to tell you something.”

Wilbur stops his cooing. “What? What up Tom? Is everything ok?”

Tommy breathes, here goes. 

“No.” he says. “Things aren't ok, but they aren't that bad at the minute either.”

“What’s, what’s going on?” Wilbur asks them.

Another breathe. “I got kicked out of home Wil. I-”

“YOU WHAT!” Wilbur raises his voice. 

Tommy shys a bit away at the volume. 

“I, I got kicked out of home.” They don’t even realize when they start to tear up. “It, it was awful Wil!” They cry. 

“I thought my parents were ok, I always knew they weren't the best, but they just kicked me out! Like they didn’t even care for me at all!”. 

“Wow wow, slow down Toms.” Wilbur instructed. “Now tell me, where are you right now, are you ok?”

“I, I’m fine.” He said. “I’m staying with Ranboo in his house, so I’m safe, I’m ok.”

They could hear Wilburs breath go down at that, he was relieved. 

“Thank goodness.” Wilbur says. “Now tell me Toms, what happened?”

And Tommy just lets it all spill out. He thought he had already processed it all, but apparently not. Apparently it was all still new, fresh, and painful.

“It was awful, Wil.” They say again.”I was just minding my own business, being me, any od day, whe my dad wandered into my room and started going through my stuff, and before I know it he’s found somet things I didn’t want them to see and he’s calling my mom! And them I’m trying to stand up for myself and he hit me! And then I-”

“Wait he hit you!?” Wilbur interjects.

“Yeah,” Tommy sucked in his tears. “He hit me, he actually hit me, it doesn’t sound real.”

“And what was this all about?” Wilbur asks. “What did you do that got your own father to hit you?!”

Tommy thinks. They had planned to tell Wilbur, but now that it’s time they feel unsure.Tommy gulps.

“Promise, promise you won’t judge me?” he asks. “That you'll still be here for me when I’m done?”

“Yes Toms.” Wilbur says. “I promise I will be here, I care about you, and nothing you say is going to change that. That is, unless you like murdered a person, but you are a dirty crime boy I suppose.”

That makes Tommy laugh a little, and he feels a little more ready.

“Well ok, where to start I guess.” They say

“Take your time.” Wilbur adds.

He breathes. “I guess it starts my whole life, feeling a little bit different, not always relating to people. Me wanting certain things, my parents saying that's not ok. Other people want things, me feeling like it’s weird. But these past few months, I’ve, I’ve really been discovering and finding myself.”

“How so?” Wilbur asks.

“Well, um something came up, that made me start questioning everything. And no matter how much I tried to silence my head the the thoughts, it wouldn’t stop coming back. So I started looking into it, and trying to find some answers.”

“Your not suicidal are you?” Wilbur aksed. “Because that would be an awful reason to kick a kid out of home fore.”

Tommy laughed a bit. “I’m pretty sure any reason is a bad one Wil, but not, not suicidal.”

“Ok good. Just checking” Wilbur smiled.

“So I started looking into stuff, and things just started to make sense, and I didn’t feel as wrong and broken anymore, it was great. Long story short, I, I’m on the aroase spectrum, and I’m non-binary he/they pronouns.”

Tommy breathed and waited for a reply. Once again becoming nervous to see how Wilbur would respond.

Finally, Wilbur spoke. “Can I still call you my little brother?” And that lifted Tommy’s fear, they let out a laugh

“Yes Wil.” They said, “I still very much appreciate being you little brother, and am still fine with the label.”

“Hooray!” Wilbur said. 

“Is, is there anything else you wnat to say?” Tommy asked.

“Well gremlin,” Wilbr said. “Before you interrupted me, I was going to say how proud I am of you.”

Tommy beamed. 

“And how sorry I am to hear that your parents were such sickos to kick their own kid out and hurt them for being who they are. And that I’m happy you are safe now.”

Tommy let out a sigh of relief. Everything would be ok.