Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wilbur’s been learning French. The program he was in required it, and the man choose French out of all languages.

The man would go around the house, mumbling to himself in French. The brunet named everything in the house and everything they saw on their outings, running through everything he could remember.

Wilbur said it helped him remember it better, Tommy just liked to tease.

French was a fine language, but it was quite funny to hear his older brother struggle sometimes.

Wilbur even began to speak to him in French. He’d go off on rants, speaking entirely in a language the man *knew* he couldn’t understand. And yet, Wilbur looked to him questioningly every time there was a lull in the one-sided conversation.

Tommy would just give him a nod and a hum.

Wilbur raised a brow at him. “Tu ne sais même pas ce que je dis, n’est-ce pas, Mon rayon de soleil?“

“Mmhmm,” Tommy hummed as he scrolled on his phone.

Wilbur chuckled, something sparking in his eyes.

Tommy wasn’t sure what that was about, but he didn’t think he liked it.

Did he just agree to something he shouldn’t have?

———

Wilbur kept talking to him in French. They’d be talking in English and then he’d break out some strange sentence in French that he didn’t understand.

For instance, they went into an ice cream shop, taking about school when the man suddenly switched to French.

“Quelle saveur veux-tu l'amour?"

“What?” Tommy asked.

Wilbur chuckled. “I asked you what flavor you wanted.”

Tommy grumbled. “Chocolate.”

Wilbur nodded and looked to the worker. "Chocolat pour le petit.”

The worker nodded.

Tommy’s brows scrunched together. “How many people know French here?”

Wilbur threw an arm over his shoulder, pulling his head into his side and making the boy stumble. “Lots in the area. I’m surprised you didn’t notice more people speaking French around us. It’s one of the reasons I picked the language.”

“Oh…” Tommy breathed.

Wilbur flicked his forehead. “Not very observant are you, Toms?”

“Ow!” Tommy shouted. “Don’t call me that!”

Wilbur rolled his eyes, releasing him as he grumbled to himself with a slight smirk. "Petit bébé en colère, s’inquiétant même du plus petit des surnoms.”

The worker laughed and Wilbur smirked at him. Tommy squawked.

“What did he say? What did he say?!?”

Wilbur just held a finger over his own lips. “Shhhh.”

The man cackled and gave them the ice cream.

“Not fair!”

“Maybe you should learn French, then,” Wilbur said as he handed the boy his ice cream.

Tommy took it, grumbling as the two walked out of the shop.

———

Next time it was game night.

"Mon bijou, à quel jeu veux-tu jouer?" Wilbur asked Tommy as he set up the table.

“What?”

Wilbur huffed fondly. “What game do you want to play?”

“Y’know, it would be a lot easier if you just said it in English the first time. And uh… Catan.”

Wilbur nodded, searching through their game drawer for the box. “Mais où est le plaisir dans ce cher?”

Tommy groaned as Wilbur just snickered.

———

Tommy and Wilbur were sat on a bench in the park. They normally liked to take short walks down the sidewalk trail here once a week and just enjoyed sitting by the duck pond. Wilbur’s arm was thrown over the back of the bench, Tommy leaning into his side, both scrolling on their phones.

It was quiet, Tommy liked it. He liked the peace of simply being alone with someone else. Wilbur seemed to agree as his arm fell over the boy’s shoulder, thumb running up and down Tommy’s arm.

Suddenly, an ice cream truck sounded nearby. Wilbur looked up from his phone, smiling.

“I’ll go get us some. Your usual?” Wilbur asked.

Tommy nodded lazily, holding back the whine crawling up his throat as Wilbur got up and made him hold his own weight. He was *comfy* there.

“Je reviendrai bientôt, Mon petit chouchou.” Wilbur giggled before scampering away.

Tommy leaned back on the chair, looking up when he heard another giggle.

A woman stood on the sidewalk in front of him, pushing a stroller. “Oh! I’m sorry, it’s just… You two are so cute.”

Tommy blushed slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I just wish my sisters and brothers called me those cute pet names so easily.”

“P-pet names?” Tommy stammered, “What pet names?”

“Oh,” she covered her mouth with her hand as she giggled. “You didn’t know?”

“W-what? What is he calling me?!”

She uncovered her mouth, schooling her expression to a small smile. “He called you ‘my little cabbage.’”

Tommy sucked in a breath, heat rising to his cheeks as they turned a bright red.

No. No *way* did Wilbur just call him—

Tommy shivered.

*His little cabbage*

Wait. Wait a moment. Had… had Wilbur been doing that all this time?!?

“What—what are the other pet names?”

“Hm. Well, the common ones I know are rayon de soleli, which means something similar to sunshine… then there’s mon amour, mon bijou, mon bébé, and cher. They all mean your typical love, jewel, baby, and dear!”

Tommy felt the heat only flood his body more with each name she listed.

“Wilbur… Wilbur’s called me *all* of those—“

He doesn’t think he’s ever been more flustered in his life. He felt like dying. Like digging into the ground with his bare hands and burying himself in dirt so the world could not witness his shame.

A voice boomed over his thoughts.

“Je suis de retour chéri!” Wilbur shouted, holding two popsicles.

“You!” Tommy hissed, rushing towards him.

Wilbur’s eyes widened as Tommy tackled him to the ground. Thankfully, the popsicles were covered.

Tommy punched at his chest. “You! I’m going to end you! They’ll never find your body!”

“Not so loud, mon chouchou.”

“I’M NOT A CABBAGE!”

Wilbur’s eyes widened before he sighed with a smile, closing his eyes and letting his arm fall over his forehead dramatically. “Oh, I guess the jig is up.”

“Yeah the jig is up! Y-you were just calling me a bunch of pet names in French so I wouldn’t get mad?!”

Wilbur grinned. “Of course.”

Tommy growled, shaking Wilbur by the collar of his shirt.

Wilbur just grinned at him, grabbing his face.

“S’op i’!” Tommy grumbled out the best he could with Wilbur squishing his cheeks.

“But you don’t let me call you pet names normally. This was the only way I could show my love.”

Tommy groaned, shaking the man more violently and only causing him to laugh. Tommy pushed him down once again, standing up and brushing the grass off his pants.

Wilbur stood up after him, grinning widely.

Tommy crossed his arms, face still bright as a tomato. “If you wanted to call me pet names, you should have just said something. I don’t…”

Tommy mumbled something quietly to himself.

Wilbur tilted his head. “What was that?”

“I said, I don’t really mind them!” Tommy shouted. “They just— They make me a bit flustered, is all.”

Wilbur cooed, reaching forward and pulling Tommy into a hug.

Tommy squirmed, trying to get out of it but Wilbur just held him tighter. The man planted a hand in his hair, hiding Tommy’s face in the crook of his neck.

“No need to be embarrassed, sweetheart.”

Tommy grumbled, stopping his squirming and wrapping his arms around his older brother.

Wilbur pulled back and ruffled his hair. “Now, let’s go home, hm?”

———

Note: everything Wilbur said in order.

“You don’t even know what I’m saying do you, Sunshine?”

“What flavor do you want, love?”

“Chocolate for the little one”

“Angry little baby fussing about even the smallest nickname.”

“Jewel, what game do you want to play?”

“But where’s the fun in that, dear?”

“I’ll be back soon, my little cabbage”

“I’m back, darling!”

“My cabbage.”

Chapter Text

Tommy had found a nice place to earn a quick buck. 

A blood bank! 

Now, you might be thinking, “But Tommy, you donate at blood banks, you don’t get money!”

Well that’s where you are mistaken, because this blood bank *does* pay!

It’s a nice little place run by an older man named Phil and his two sons, Wilbur and Techno. 

Phil is super rich and runs the place off his own money from a separate business he has. Wilbur and Techno are the two nurses on duty who collect the blood. 

Tommy had become a regular there. Every two weeks he’d come in and get some blood drawn. 

It amazed Tommy how fast Wilbur and Techno were with finding his veins. Normally, he’s told that his veins are difficult to find and they have to dig to find them, but not Wilbur and Techno! They poke at his arm with their fingers, squinting at how pale he is before inserting the needle quickly and easily into his vein. It’s like they had a sixth sense for it.

At first, Tommy had just been coming to get some quick cash to buy his own food and other necessities since his foster family hardly provided for him. 

But, now he comes for more.

He comes for Techno’s small smiles at seeing him enter, or Wilbur’s shouts of “Tommy!!!” across the room before he skips towards him and ruffles his hair. For Phil’s gentle words as he asks the same questions over and over again about if he was sick or taking any medications. 

Tommy shoved open the door, a bell ringing to announce his presence. 

“I’m ba~ack!” Tommy shouted. 

Techno’s head popped around the corner. “Hey, Tommy.”

Wilbur suddenly appeared behind Techno, shoving him back. “I got him!”

Techno grabbed Wilbur’s sleeve, pulling him back with a yelp.

“Hey!” 

“I get the next patient!” Techno hissed.

“But you did Tommy last time!” Wilbur whined.

The two kept bickering, batting their hands against each other and playfully shoving one another.

“Boys.” Phil stepped out of his office, looking at his sons with a fond glint in his eyes. “That’s enough. I’ll take Tommy this time.”

“But Daaaaad!” The two groaned as Phil snickered, walking up to him and placing a hand on his cheek.

It was cold, but Tommy couldn’t help but feel warmed by the gesture.

He didn’t realize he leaned into it slightly.

“Hey, mate. You seem a bit pale. How are you feeling?”

“I’m good,” Tommy answered back.

Phil eyed him warily but shoved him into the office anyway to ask his usual questions.

After that, Phil pointed him to a chair. Tommy laid down, placing his left arm out for inspection. Phil put on some gloves, making sure everything was hooked up properly before pressing on his arm once or twice. The man handed him a stress ball and grabbed his needle. 

“3… 2… 1…” 

The needle poked through the skin, Tommy squishing the stress ball and releasing it repeatedly every few seconds as he always does. Blood drained through the tubes, filling up the bag. 

The man quickly ruffled his hair. “We’ve got a lot of patients today, so I have to get back to work. But I’ll see you in a couple minutes, okay?” 

Tommy nodded and the man was off.

Tommy would have to admit as he watched the family bustle around the room…

He loved them.

Love was a strong word, but it was true.

They cared for him, laughed with him, and gave him the affection he was desperate for.

He dare say he considers them his family.

He wished they would scoop him up and take him home.

But, he knew they didn’t see him as family.

That’s what he had to keep telling himself. Had to keep reminding himself that they don’t care for him the way he does for them. 

Well, that’s what he thought.

Until Techno came up to him, smiling as he unhooked everything.

“Hey, kid.” 

Tommy smiled. “Sup, Tech?”

“Not much. Been an easy day today.”

“That’s good.” Tommy hopped off the chair as Techno guided him to a small seating area and gave him some snacks.

Tommy threw a cookie in his mouth, taking a sip of water to wash it down. 

Techno awkwardly shuffled in front of him, Tommy staring with a raised brow.

“You need something, big man?”

Techno shook his head. “Uh, we just wanted to invite you out with us to dinner. If you’d like.”

Tommy blinked at him in surprise.

They… they wanted to spend time with him outside of work?

He took a deep breath, making sure the tears didn’t flow out of his eyes.

“Yeah! I’d love to!” Tommy suddenly remembered his financial situation. “Oh… actually, I don’t know if I can pay—“

“We’ll cover it,” Techno said easily.

“A-are you sure?”

“Yep! We’re about to close up. We’ll come get you after we close in like 15 minutes.”

“Sounds good!”

———

Tommy loved it. The meal was delicious and the table was filled with laughter. 

Tommy was filled with warmth, and maybe, just maybe, the idea they loved him back wasn’t such a crazy idea.

They continued to take him out, even on days he didn’t donate. They invited him to their home, out shopping, and other fun activities.

It was everything Tommy could have ever wanted. 

So, with the little money he had, he spent most of it on gifts for the three of them. 

Wilbur, he got a pack of guitar picks. Techno, a frame with a picture of all of them (the man was a sentimental giant). For Phil, a package of bird seed to feed his crows.

It wasn’t much, but it was all he had, only leaving enough for a little bit of food.

He waited for them to be closing up the shop, sneaking to the back. The front door had that bell, and he wanted to surprise them!

He made it to the back door, quietly pushing it open and peeking inside.

Wilbur was carrying a box full of blood bags. The man set it down, grabbing three. He tossed one at Phil and Techno, the two catching it with ease. 

Tommy’s eyes widened at what happened next.

Suddenly, fangs poked out of their mouths, eyes flashing a red as they tore into the bags.

The blood drained from the bags as they gulped it down, some dribbling down their chins. 

In only a moment, they finished off the bags, pulling away with satisfied sighs.

Wilbur tossed the bag into the trash, wiping at his chin. “Today was a busy day.”

“Yeah, did you see me with that one dude? He was being so rude.”

They continued conversation like they didn’t just eat *blood*. Like this was *normal*.

Tommy let the door shut, body shaking slightly as tears welled up in his eyes and he clutched the gifts close.

Thing is, he wasn’t scared of them. 

They’re vampires, yes, but are they doing anything wrong?

They pay for the blood, and he assumes they donate anything they don’t eat considering how much blood they get and how few bags there were in the back.

So, he doesn’t think they’re doing anything wrong.

Tears dripped onto the concrete beneath him.

But…

But it does mean they don’t love him. 

He wasn’t family, he was *food*.

And yet, he wasn’t going to leave.

He didn’t think he could. He loved them, that was a fact.

Even if they’d never love him back.

The next morning, Tommy came into the blood bank with a smile and three gifts. 

“Tommy!” Wilbur shouted with a smile, rushing up to him. “Whatcha got there?”

Tommy gave a shy smile. “I uh… I got you something.”

He dug through his pile, giving the curious Wilbur the pack of picks.

Wilbur took them gently, eyed sparkling. 

“Tommy…” he breathed. 

Tommy wasn’t sure why the man looked like he was about to cry, holding a 5 dollar pack of picks like it was the entire world.

Wilbur looked up at him, lip quivering and eyes shining as he pulled him into a hug. 

“You can’t just do that to me so early in the morning, Toms.”

“What’s got Wilbur crying again?” Technos asked as he poked his head around the corner.

“Tommy got me a gift!” Wilbur held the pack up. 

“I’ve got something for you too, Tech.”

Techno raised a brow, walking up to him.

Tommy handed the frame over. 

Techno looked over it, a small smile crawling up his face. “I’ll put it in my room as soon as I get home.”

Tommy blushed, adjusting the bag of crow feed.

“And I’m assuming that’s for Phil?” Techno asked.

Tommy nodded.

“Phiiiiil! Tommy’s got something for you!”

Phil rushed over, smiling widely when he saw the bag. “Aww! Mate! I can’t wait to go bird feeding with you!”

Tommy gave a small smile. He wanted to believe this was real love for a moment.

Just a moment.

They all gave him hugs and had to return to work.

And Tommy was alone.

———

Look, he always tried to make sure he ate before his blood donating appointments. He knew it was important, especially with how little he gets fed at home. 

But, that little kid begging for food for her sick mother looked so hungry and scared.

So, Tommy handed her his groceries. A few canned items as well as a sandwich he had planned to eat on the way to the blood bank. 

He’d be alright for one more donation, surely?

That little girl’s smile was well worth it. 

He stumbled into the blood bank, body trembling from hunger. 

Wilbur appeared beside him, grinning. “Tommy! I’ve got your seat all ready for you, you just have to go answer all those questions as usual!”

Tommy nodded, making his way over to the office where he always did. 

After filing out the questionnaire, Wilbur started walking him to his chair.

“Toms?” Wilbur prompted as Tommy swayed from side to side. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Hm?” Tommy shook himself off. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Wilbur gave him an unsure look but sat him down.

The man pressed a cold hand to his forehead. “Are you sure? You’re quite pale. Did you eat today?”

Tommy nodded. “Yep. I’m just tired, Wil, I’ll take a nap while you take my blood.” He laughed.

Wilbur bit his lip, sighing as he ran a hand through Tommy’s hair. “Okay. After this, you can go in the back and sleep, alright?”

“Cool.”

Wilbur quickly started the procedure, blood draining from him in a few seconds.

Once Wilbur finished, the man walked away to do another patient.

Though, throughout the session, Wilbur looked back at him to check if he was doing alright.

Tommy blinked at him, squinting as black spots started to fill his vision. 

“Uh… Wil?” Tommy slurred out. He felt someone grab his arm only a second later as someone started shouting.

“I can’t see.” Tommy said, mind losing consciousness just for a moment. 

Tommy’s eyes opened to see Wilbur above him, fear on the man’s face as he shouted something.

Next thing he knew there were arms around his back and knees. The lights blurred as he was sat down again, something wrapped right around his middle as a straw was pressed to his lips.

He drank greedily, apple juice rolling over his tongue and down his throat. 

Slowly, his vision became normal, body still shaking slightly. His surroundings became a bit more clear, and he could recognize where he was.

Techno was standing at his side, hand squeezing his shoulder. Phil was crouched in front of him, eyes soft but filled with concern as he folded his hands over Tommy’s knees. 

Tommy was sitting on Wilbur’s lap, the man’s arms wrapped tightly around his middle. 

“Wilby…?”

Wilbur’s arms tightened.

“You with us?” Phil asked softly.

“Mmhmm…” Tommy hummed as a bag of cookies was put in his hands.

“Eat,” Techno ordered.

Tommy’s trembling hands picked at the small cookies, eating them slowly.

“Why didn’t you tell us you didn’t eat?” Wilbur asked. “Why would you come in when you weren’t feeling good? You could have—“ the man choked, a small whine coming from him as he stuffed his face in Tommy’s hair. “You’re so painfully—“ he sighed, cutting himself off.

‘Mortal’ Tommy knew what he wanted to say, but didn’t.

Tommy spoke, “I don’t have any food. I needed the money.”

“Where are your parents?” Phil asked. “Why didn’t they feed you?”

Tommy shrugged. “Never do. I just spend the money I get here on food.”

“You could have just asked, we would have given you some food.”

“You don’t care enough for that.”

“Tommy. Tommy, we care about you. You know that.”

“Do you?” Tommy asked. 

“*Yes*,” Techno said simply. “You matter to us.”

“Just for…” Tommy mumbled.

“What?” Wilbur whispered, brushing a hand through his hair. “Just for what?”

“I’m just food.” Tommy said louder. 

The three froze.

“I have to be useful in some way. Have to do something. Chores to get food at home. Be the food to get money here. If I didn’t give my blood, you’d all leave me. You wouldn’t care about me anymore. And I love you guys too much to lose you.”

Wilbur spoke up, “Toms. Tommy, Sunshine, we love you so much. We care about you so much.”

Tommy hummed, unbelieving.

“Kid, do you see us taking any other patients out to eat with us? Or have game nights with them? Or take them to our home and watch movies until they fall asleep on our shoulders?” 

Tommy shrugged. “Maybe I just taste better.”

Phil gripped his hands. “Tommy. We don’t eat your blood. Ignoring how you even found out, we stopped eating your blood a long time ago.”

Tommy made a questioning sound.

Phil reached up, cradling his face. “Once we deemed you as family, it felt so wrong to drink your blood, so we always made sure to put it somewhere we would never accidentally drink it. You’re such a good kid. We love you.”

Tommy felt tears fall from his eyes. “Really?”

The three spoke at once. “Really.”

Phil then got a dark look. “Now, your parents aren’t feeding you? We’ll have to report them. We’ll get you out of there.”

“Don’t,” Tommy pleaded.

The three looked at him with raised brows.

“This is the best home I’ve been in so far. I don’t want to lose you guys if they move me again.”

“Again? You’re already in the foster system?” Techno asked.

Tommy nodded. Suddenly, Phil stood up, marching away.

“Where are you going?” Tommy asked at seeing Wilbur and Techno smirk.

“To sign some adoption papers!” Phil shouted back before disappearing into his office.

Tommy stared in shock, jaw dropping. 

Wilbur giggled behind him. “Welcome home, sunshine.”

———

And maybe someday, his new home would become his eternal home. And he’d never go hungry again.

Chapter Text

Tommy was what you would call a “tiny.”

No one really knew where tinies came from. Some thought it was genetic, some thought it was some mystical force like destiny, some thought it was all just by chance.

But none of that really mattered to Tommy. Because his life STUNK.

He was the size of a small Barbie doll and people liked to treat him as less than.

Tinies were on the less common side of things. Not so common that you would see one often, but common enough that places were required to give them accommodations.

Be that a giant having to walk them around, or a small store set to the side just for tinies.

But none of those accommodations meant anything to Tommy. He was still a hinderance in every way. Nobody treated him like a *human being*.

He was just…

He was just lonely.

His parents abandoned him the moment he was born. Afterwards, he was thrown into the foster system and put into several homes that just wanted him for the extra money he gave.

That’s all he ever was and ever will be.

A tiny for people to toy around with. For bullies to laugh at and for teachers to ignore.

Or. So he thought.

Then, like a shining star, Wilbur Soot appeared.

The man was giant, and more than just the usual. He was nearly 6 and a half feet tall compared to Tommy’s 7 inches.

Tommy had just been transferred to a new school and Wilbur walked in on the class to see a few students messing with him. The bullies picking up Tommy’s small desk and chair and hanging it over his head while he jumped for it.

Wilbur had disciplined them, sending them to detention while also taking Tommy’s new chair and desk back.

“I’ll put it on my desk so that doesn’t happen again,” his teacher had said, putting it next to the name plate.

Tommy appreciated the gestures, but he assumed it wouldn’t last.

That is, until class ended.

Wilbur had bent down to eye level, looking at him with concern.

“Hey, Tommy. I noticed you were covering your ears during the lessons… Am I too loud?”

Tommy could only stare with wide eyes.

No one ever…

Cared enough to ask.

Tommy eventually nodded. “Y-yeah. It can get really loud.”

Wilbur hummed quietly. “I’ll see what I can do. I’ll talk to the principal about getting some accommodations. Now, I was also wondering how you would move around class rooms? I wasn’t sure if you had a transporter.”

Tommy was in total awe.

“I… I um… no. They haven’t assigned me a transporter.”

Wilbur lit up. “Well, I don’t mind it then. How do I do it?”

Later, Tommy would cry from these simple questions. The fact Wilbur took the time to ensure he was cared for.

For now, Tommy was blanking. He’d never had to answer this before.

“Uh… normally they just grab me and take me to the next class.”

Wilbur frowned. “That seems a bit barbaric, yes?”

Tommy blinked at him with doe eyes. “It… yeah.”

“Perhaps we can find something a bit less dehumanizing, hm? I’ll always ask before picking you up, and I can put you on my shoulder. Would that be more comfortable? Or would my hand be better?”

“Either are fine just…” Tommy swallowed, nerves building up. What if Wilbur suddenly thought he was too much trouble? What if all this niceness faded as soon as he pushed it too far?

“Just what?” Wilbur asked.

“Could… could you leave your palm open? So it’s not as suffocating?”

“Of course! Of course, Tommy. Here, let’s get you to lunch.”

Wilbur placed his hand beside him, palm upwards.

He was allowing Tommy to get in when he was ready rather than just grabbing him.

Tommy smiled, maybe Wilbur wasn’t so bad. He hopped into the hand, settling on the edge with his feet swinging off.

“Ready?” Wilbur asked.

Tommy nodded.

Wilbur slowly lifted him up with more care than he’d ever experienced.

And—

And Wilbur held him at eye level.

Didn’t hold him by his side and swing him around.

No. No, he was *equal*.

Yeah, he was definitely going to cry about this later.

———

Tommy loved Wilbur, he truly did. The man had done everything in his power to make this Tommy’s best school experience.

The brunet got the principal to buy him a pair of headphones that blocked out the loud sounds while Wilbur spoke into a microphone, transferring it much quieter.

It also allowed Wilbur to hear him better due to an earbud that connected to it.

Then, when he was at the cafeteria, Tommy would get food thrown at him. He’d be called a rat or other pest.

They said they’d “feed” him. Tommy was nearly broken down into tears as another crumb hit his head.

Until, Wilbur came in. Of course, his bullies acted like nothing happened.

But Wilbur just set his palm out and Tommy didn’t even hesitate to jump in.

Wilbur held him close to his chest, bringing him to the teacher’s lounge.

Wilbur sat down, placing Tommy on his knee.

And they ate in peace.

Now, Wilbur just takes him straight to lunch with him in the lounge. Wilbur would occasionally hand him bits of food if it seemed like Tommy didn’t have enough (which was often, really).

It got to the point Tommy spent the majority of his day around Wilbur. Every now and then he’d look up to make sure Wilbur wasn’t getting annoyed. That he wasn’t going to suddenly lose all of *this*.

And every time, Wilbur noticed his gaze, giving him a small, kind smile before returning to his work.

Tommy began to settle down.

The bullies had backed off with Wilbur around, so he was happy. Sure, his home life wasn’t great, but seeing Wilbur made it all worth it.

———

Of course, the bullies couldn’t help themselves.

———

Tommy was currently working on math.

They were learning a new method of carrying the number, which Tommy was finding a bit tough. But, he thought he got the right answer.

So, he turned his paper around. “Mister Soot?”

Wilbur looked up from his own papers with a fond huff, round frame glasses settled on the tip of his nose. “Call me Wilbur, please. What did you need?”

Tommy tapped his paper. “I just wanted to make sure I did these questions right.”

Wilbur nodded, opening a drawer before pulling out a magnifying glass. He carefully took Tommy’s papers, magnifying glass hovering over it as he peered through the tool.

Wilbur’s eye scanned the page, eventually nodding. “Yep! You got them all correct!”

Tommy grinned, taking his paper back from the man to continue.

Wilbur checked the time. “Oh, I have to head to my meeting. I expect you all to behave. I will know if you don’t.”

The man glared at Tommy’s bully who just smiled innocently.

Tommy didn’t like that look.

Wilbur sighed and stood up, giving Tommy a smile before gathering his things and walking out.

Tommy sighed as the door shut. It only took a few minutes for footsteps to approach him.

Tommy turned with a bored look, opening his mouth to speak to the bully. Suddenly, he was grabbed, flying through the air as he yelped.

The bully’s hand tightened around his frame, Tommy feeling his bones ache.

“Awww, little guy has the tiniest scream.”

Tommy grunted, trying to wiggle out of the boy’s hold but was only squeezed tighter. Tommy wheezed as he was brought up to the bully’s grinning face and the headphones were knocked off his head.

Maybe it was a mistake, maybe he would regret it but…

He couldn’t help himself.

Tommy spit in his face, the bully flinching back with a shout. Tommy’s ears exploded from the sound, hands flying up to cover them.

“Oh?” the bully laughed. “You don’t like that?”

Tommy gasped, knowing what he was about to do.

The bully opened his mouth, screaming at the top of his lungs.

Tommy screeched in pain, head pounding as his heart raced.

Laughter echoed above him as his arms were grabbed, pulling them away from his ears. Tommy thrashed, shouting to let him go as his arms were thrown around like play things.

“Let me go!!! Stop! Put me down!!!”

The boy just laughed, Tommy’s ears pounding again as his breath quickened.

He despised this. He wasn’t a *thing*. He was a *person*.

Tears welled up in his eyes as the laughing echoed around him. He *hated* this. He just wanted someone to stop it. Make it stop. Make it stop!!!

And suddenly, everything grew quiet.

Wilbur stood towering above them, a look no one had ever seen on the man’s usually gentle face.

He looked *furious*. Wilbur’s hand curled around the back of the bully’s shirt, lifting the small boy off the ground and to his eyes.

Terror crossed the bully’s face, legs dangling in the air as he was completely frozen.

Wilbur silently stuck his hand out, the bully quickly placing Tommy inside.

Tommy curled into his plan, covering his eyes and focusing on his breathing.

He was okay. Wilbur had him now.

Wilbur quickly glanced down at the tiny, quickly dropping him into his pocket. Somewhere dark and calm until he could better handle that situation.

The man then began to walk, one hand still holding the bully a full two feet off the ground like it was nothing.

The teacher marched down the halls silently. The bully opened his mouth to speak, only to be glared at.

He didn’t try to speak for the rest of the way to the principals office.

The nice lady at the front stared with her jaw hung open slightly as Wilbur approached, holding the boy above one of the chairs.

Wilbur held him up to his face, glaring at the bully. “It isn’t very fun being picked up, is it?” he spit.

The bully shook his head furiously.

Wilbur dropped the boy into the chair with a thunk, the bully curling into himself as Wilbur leaned down and jabbed his finger into the boy’s chest.

“You are going to sit there and wait for me to finish my lesson so I can file a report. If you move out of this chair I will come and put you back in it *myself*. Am I clear?”

The boy nodded.

“Good.”

Wilbur backed away, smiling politely at the woman. “Let me know if he causes you any trouble.”

The woman nodded slowly as Wilbur marched away.

Wilbur sighed as he walked through the halls, standing outside his classroom. He pulled on his pockets, looking into it. “Sorry, Toms. I’ll make sure they— oh.”

Wilbur blinked at the boy who was breathing softly, eyes shut and body still.

His heart *melted*.

How could one kid be so precious?

He closed his pocket, walking into the classroom with a smile.

All the kids stared at him with nervous eyes.

Wilbur just grinned. “So, let’s get started.”

———

Tommy woke up to something soft and plush. A blanket tucked around him. A bright light was on above him, blinding him momentarily as he opened his eyes.

He blinked a few times, looking at his bedding.

It… it wasn’t a bed—

Folded neatly on the desk was Wilbur’s jacket, him poking out from the pocket and using the fabric as a blanket.

Tommy turned towards the man who was currently grading homework silently, pen tapping against the desk every now and then before scribbling something down.

Tommy stared. Then: realization.

Tommy shot up, eyes wide as Wilbur looked over to him.

“Hey, sunshine.”

Tommy scrambled off the jacket, red crawling up his cheeks.

He was being bullied. Had a panic attack. Was put in Wilbur’s *pocket* and then he fell *asleep*.

“I am so sorry for falling asleep. It was just— I was scared and I was panicking and your pocket was dark and your heartbeat was very soothing and—“

Tommy only got more embarrassed with the more words that tumbled out of his mouth, only leaving a grinning Wilbur.

“Hey, it’s alright,” Wilbur soothed. “I’m not mad. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

Tommy nodded sheepishly. “Yeah. I’m alright.”

Wilbur frowned. “I’m sorry about him. Don’t worry, I got him expelled.”

Tommy’s jaw dropped. “Really?”

Wilbur smiled proudly. “Yep. Called his and your par—“ Wilbur paused for a moment, “foster parents,” he corrected, “and had a meeting with them.”

Tommy deflated. “And they didn’t really vouch for me, did they?”

Wilbur’s face saddened. “No, they didn’t. But luckily, I did. I won’t get into the things they said, as I am sure you hear it at home constantly.”

Tommy hugged himself. Of course they said nasty things at home. They had no shame in the way they treated him.

“But!” Wilbur grinned. “Luckily, I vouched for you then as well!”

Wilbur used his pointer finger to ruffle Tommy’s hair gently. “I told them I’d report this type of treatment if they continued to speak that way. We came to an agreement and your bully was expelled. And… well… There was another thing I discussed with your foster parents and the principal.”

Tommy looked up at him curiously, tilting his head. Wilbur was fidgeting with his fingers, nerves starting to build. Tommy wondered what Wilbur could possibly be nervous about.

“We also discussed it with your social worker. She agreed to work with me for the paperwork.”

The man gave a wobbly smile as Tommy’s jaw dropped.

“I talked about wanting to adopt you.”

Tommy stared, mouth hung open.

Wilbur… wanted him?

“Of course, it is entirely your decision. I don’t mean to spring this on you. I don’t mean to make you feel like you have to give me an answer. Take as long as you need, and you don’t have to say ye—“

“*YES!!!*”

Wilbur blinked in shock, lips curling up into a bright grin. Tommy jumped up and down.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Please!”

Wilbur laid his palm out, Tommy jumping into it without hesitation. Wilbur giggled as he brought Tommy to his face, the boy hugging the man’s nose. Wilbur’s big eyes staring into his.

Tommy’s eyes sparkled. Wilbur couldn’t help but think they looked like tiny sapphires. Just a glimpse into the great ocean.

Wilbur pulled back, Tommy’s eyes glossing over as his tiny lips wobbled.

Wilbur let out a low, comforting coo. “Don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry and I have to save those tears for when I finally get you home.”

Tommy burst out crying at that. That word.

*Home*

Sobs ripped through him as Wilbur moved him back to his chest, cradling the boy close to his heart.

“You said that was soothing, yes?”

Tommy nodded vigorously, only more tears bubbling in his eyes as Wilbur’s thumb ran over his back.

He felt a drop of water hit him, looking up to see Wilbur’s smiling face and shining eyes.

Finally, he was home.

Chapter Text

Tommy had been at Wilbur’s house for about one month. The man had been… nice so far. But Tommy had also been on his absolute best behavior. Wilbur hadn’t hit him or yelled at him yet, and he’d like to keep it that way.

Despite the fact that his instincts yelled FLOCK as soon as he saw the man. His instincts are what always got him hurt.

You see, Tommy was a sheep hybrid. His golden hair was incredibly thick and curly like wool. Along his arms was also fluffy down to his hands like sleeves. A small puff ball of a tail sat on his lower back.

And due to him being a sheep… his instincts very much liked to be pressed extra close to those they deemed flock.

It had gotten him into trouble before. His previous foster family and siblings didn’t like their personal space being invaded.

He’d get hit and shooed away, screamed at for something he didn’t have control over.

So, when he saw Wilbur’s sharp claws and pointy teeth, he decided it was best not to mess with the phantom. No matter how much it hurt to hold his instincts back.

Phantom hybrids were rare, and not much was known about them. Tommy had heard that they get a little more snappy and angry when people go without sleep. But, Wilbur didn’t seem to be affected too much by instincts. He had seen Wilbur talk to many people who said they hadn’t slept the night before, and the man didn’t so much as flinch (but he did tell them that sleep was important and that they should rest).

So, maybe Tommy had just heard it wrong.

Tommy had been surviving well so far. Wilbur fed him and took him shopping. He got some new clothes and overall it had been good here.

But then something *had* to go wrong.

Tommy had a stuffed animal. It was a cow he had dubbed Henry. He’s had that stuffed animal for as long as he can remember.

When his instincts got too bad, it would help sooth them. They seemed to register his stuffed animals as flock. He used to have many more, but over the years in the foster system he had lost all but Henry.

Which is why it was especially bad when his bully, Greg, came up to him and ripped it apart, making Tommy’s instincts go crazy.

Tommy didn’t tell Wilbur about the bully, he didn’t want to risk being more trouble than he was worth.

So, he didn’t tell Wilbur when he lost an important thing to his instincts.

Rather, when he laid down to sleep, cold and alone, he couldn’t.

His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling as his instincts cried and cried. Where was flock? Why wasn’t flock with him? He wasn’t safe without a flock. And he couldn’t sleep when he was in danger!

Tommy groaned into his covers, throwing them over his head as he tossed and turned.

The next day was hard. When he walked into the kitchen for breakfast, Wilbur was already there. The man looked up at him. If Tommy hadn’t spent his life studying and paying attention to the subtle facial expressions of his foster families, then he probably wouldn’t have noticed the slight tense look the phantom had.

“Hey, Tommy. Did you sleep well last night?” Wilbur asked.

“Yeah?” Tommy lied. He seemed upset. Not worth the risk.

Wilbur sighed. “Okay… I made your lunch and bought some more of your favorite cereal at the store yesterday.”

Tommy smiled. “Thank you.”

Always be grateful.

Wilbur nodded and returned to what he was doing.

The next night was even worse. His instincts were so loud that he couldn’t think. His mind was filled with irrational fear. Unsafe, unsafe, unsafe. his mind kept shouting.

Tommy felt tears prick in his eyes as he shoved his hands over his ears.

He didn’t sleep that night either.

The next day, Wilbur was much worse. When Tommy walked in, Wilbur was scratching at the scales dotting his neck. His wings were shuffling anxiously and his tail was swishing back and forth.

As soon as he was in the room, Wilbur’s gaze snapped to him.

“Tommy!” he shouted.

Tommy flinched, heart starting to race.

Wilbur’s wings drooped slightly, body relaxing. “Sorry, sorry, I didn’t mean to shout. I…” he gaze him a wobbly smile. “How did you sleep?”

Okay, maybe Wilbur’s instincts were getting to him. Tommy needed to sleep tonight. He HAD to. Or else he might get mauled to death.

“I slept well.”

Wilbur went back to scratching his head, tail curling and uncurling around itself. “Oh… okay. Today is Friday! Last day of school until the weekend! I was wondering if you’d like to go to the museum Saturday?”

Tommy nodded. “Yeah! That sounds great!”

Wilbur nodded. The phantom was quiet, and it was clear the nerves hadn’t gone away.

Tommy needed to sleep.

Of course, the next night there was a storm. Rain pelted on the roof as thunder shook his windows.

If his instincts were loud before, it was nothing compared to now.

His heart was racing, limbs shaking, and breath stuttering.

He couldn’t calm down, and the tiredness weighing down on his bones didn’t help much either.

But he forced his eyes shut anyway, and forced himself to take deep breaths.

He focused on the fear of Wilbur clawing him to death rather than the fear of his instincts.

Slowly, his mind began to drift. Only, with fear on his mind, to fall into a nightmare.

One with slashing claws and bared teeth. Of being alone and in danger.

He didn’t even get an hour of sleep before jolting up as thunder rolled across the house.

His breathing was frantic as he quickly looked around his room. Only to let out a terrified scream at the sight of two glowing green eyes in the dark.

The light flickered on, revealing who those eyes belonged to.

Wilbur stood in his door way, pupils dilated and eyes shining brightly. His tail swung back and forth, wings opening and closing. His breathing was exaggerated as he stared right into Tommy’s soul.

The phantom took a single step forward, Tommy baaing at him as he clutched his blanket closer.

Run! A part of his mind screamed.

Flock! The other part shouted back.

Wilbur stopped, tilting his head to the side.

He was *deep* in his instincts.

The phantom suddenly let out a low purr, turning into a croon.

Tommy’s body relaxed against his will. Wilbur continued forward, wings expanding. Tommy’s eyes widened. He was making himself look bigger, which was a bad sign, right? Thats how most hybrids work. Which meant—

He was going to die.

Tommy screwed his eyes shut, a sad baa escaping him before hands landed on his shoulders.

He tensed, ready for those claws to dig in. Only, the hands moved to snake around him, Wilbur’s tail wrapping around his waist and suddenly he was lifted off the bed.

Tommy opened his eyes, staring up at the phantom who stared right back. Wilbur let out a chirp and bubbly croon before carrying him out of the room. Tommy could only stay in stunned silence as they moved silently yet swiftly through the dark house.

Wilbur shoved his door open, tail shoving it closed. Tommy turned slightly, eyes locking on Wilbur’s bed. It looked a lot like a nest. Very different from how Wilbur’s bed usually looked. There were pillows stuffed around in a circle and blankets stuffed into the crevices. Except, a single blanket laid flat out in the center.

Wilbur stepped up to the blanket and he slowly lowered Tommy down.

Tommy’s instincts yelled in protest. Flock!

Tommy bleated in disapproval. Wilbur answered with a coo as he gripped the edges of the blanket.

Wilbur then wrapped the blanket around him, tucking it into his sides before tucking it into itself in a swaddle. At seeing Tommy wrapped in the nest, Wilbur purred, pleased.

Tommy’s instincts shouted with joy as Wilbur climbed inside and pressed against him. The phantom easily picked him up, settling Tommy on his chest.

Flock! His mind shouted at being pressed so close.

Wilbur’s arms wrapped around him, then his tail tightly around his waist. The man’s chest shook with his purrs.

Tommy melted, body relaxing as a wave of calm hit him. He was safe now.

Wilbur’s wings shuffled before wrapping tightly around him like a cocoon.

Tommy’s instincts slammed into him, knocking any coherent thought that wasn’t FLOCK! out of his mind. He snuggled closer to Wilbur’s rattling chest, looking up to only see the phantom’s glowing green eyes in the darkness of his cocoon.

Wilbur crooned, eyes unblinking.

To most, it would be unsettling. But with Tommy lost in his own mind, it was only comforting.

Wilbur’s claws carefully ran through his thick hair, scratching slightly at the scalp.

Tommy melted further. He was completely surrounded by flock. No one could even see him like this. Normally, he would still be slightly exposed, but with Wilbur’s wings, he was completely covered.

Wilbur’s hand came up to his face, thumb rubbing against his eyelid to coax him to sleep. The phantom crooned once again, a few words escaping him.

“Little lamb, hauntling.”

Tommy let all the tension leave his body as his mind only grew fuzzier. It was okay. All was well now.

He was safe.

They ended up staying in their instincts until Sunday, missing the trip to the museum.

After their minds had calmed, Wilbur apologized. Tommy asked why he wasn’t mauled to death, and Wilbur explained that a phantom’s instincts worked differently with their young. “Hauntlings” often had trouble sleeping without their parents, so the parents would wrap them in their wings and let them sleep there. Hauntlings were very clingy and so were the parents.

It took Tommy a moment to register what that implied. And when he finally understood, he couldn’t help the tears falling down his face. Wilbur just pulled him closer.

In the end, Tommy felt more at ease and would almost always be pressed against Wilbur’s side. Wilbur never minded, wrapping his tail and a wing around him to pull him even closer. Tommy even explained what happened to Henry and his other toys, and soon enough, Tommy’s bed was filled to the brim with new stuffed toys.

(Though, they almost always ended up in Wilbur’s nest anyway)

Oh, and Greg had to go to a little meeting between Wilbur and his parents.

Greg learned that there were much scarier hybrid out there than wolves.

Chapter Text

Wilbur had taken Tommy to a fair while Phil and Techno were out on a business trip. With Techno looking to take over the company, Phil wanted him to get this practice. Wilbur had a different dream. He wanted to become a musician. And Phil was supportive of that! Tommy wasn’t sure what he wanted to be yet, but his family let him know he had as long as he needed.

But they were going to be gone all week and Wilbur thought it was best him and his brother get out of the house.

So, to the fair they went!

Tommy loved it. They had rides and games. Wilbur bought them both a pass to the whole park so he could ride as many rides as he wanted and play as many games too!

He managed to get a few stuffed animals and he made Wilbur carry them.

Wilbur also bought him a ton of snacks.

Currently, he was skipping happily next to his older brother, snow cone and funnel cake in hand.

“We should go on that drop one again! Then we can play that water gun game again! I think I saw bumper cars! Oh, I’d destroy you in bumper cars—“

Wilbur just smiled fondly at the boys rambling.

“And then we could go do—“

Wilbur’s eyes widened as he saw a kid rushing towards them, not paying attention to where he was going. “Tommy! Watch out—“

CRASH

The kid smacked into Tommy, snow cone and funnel cake smashing against Tommy’s shirt.

Tommy fell backwards, landing with a yelp.

“I am so sorry!” the kid apologized.

“It’s alright,” Tommy chuckled as Wilbur helped him up.

The kid kept stammering out apologizes, his parents coming up and doing the same.

“Ah, it’s fine!” Tommy laughed. “I wanted to get a new shirt from here anyway.”

The parents sighed, quickly herding the boy away.

Wilbur brushed the powdered sugar off Tommy’s shirt, only smearing it against it worse. Tommy shivered as the cold shirt stuck to his skin.

The man frowned. “Why don’t you get go to the restroom and get cleaned up? I’ll get you a new shirt and bring it to you.”

Tommy nodded, heading to the nearest restroom and getting cleaned up.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Wilbur stepped through the shops, trying to find something Tommy would like.

His eyes landed on a set, evil grin crawling up his face.

Oh, Tommy will *love* that one…

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy stood in the stall, listening for Wilbur to come in.

“Hey, Tommy! You in here?”

“Yeah!” Tommy said.

Wilbur threw a shirt over the door.

Tommy caught it, unfolding it and reading the print.

“I… Yam?” Tommy said out loud questioningly.

“Mmhmm! I got this one!” Wilbur unrolled his shirt, holding it above the door so Tommy could read.

“He’s My Sweet Potato”

Tommy paled.

“Wilbur. Wilbur, okay, very funny. Now give me my real shirt.”

“But Tommy…” Wilbur said ominously. “That is the real shirt.”

“Wilbur! Wilbur get me another shirt! I’m not wearing this!”

Wilbur giggled as he quickly found another stall and changed into his new shirt. “Already changed, my dear brother.”

“Get your other shirt back on!”

“No~” the man giggled.

Tommy groaned.

“I’ll leave it to you. See you outside!”

“WILBUR! WILBUR GET BACK HERE! THIS SHIRT IS COLD!”

“Toodaloo!”

“WILLLLL!”

Wilbur’s footsteps were gone.

Tommy sighed, holding the shirt up and staring at it.

No. No, he’d wait Wilbur out. He could wait.

He was stubborn.

Wilbur would come back in here in a few minutes and get him a new shirt.

100%

-/-/-/-/-/-

It’s been 30 minutes. (Wilbur checked on him a few times but all he got in return were shouts)

Tommy would admit, he broke first.

He sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror.

Those words stared back.

With another breath, he walked outside.

Wilbur was scrolling in his phone, bored look on his face. The man looked up at the sound of footsteps, face lighting up.

Tommy fiddled with the hem of his shirt, arms wrapped around himself to block out the words.

Wilbur cooed. “Awwww! Hey, baby! My sweet little—“

“Don’t!” Tommy shouted, face beat red.

“My sweet little potato!” Wilbur crooned, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and pulling him into his side.

“Willll!” Tommy whined as Wilbur ruffled his hair teasingly.

“Oh, I need a picture of this!”

“No!” Tommy screeched as Wilbur pulled them towards a group of strangers.

“Excuse me!” Wilbur shouted, waving his phone in the air. “Could you take a picture of me and my brother?”

One of the strangers nodded, taking his phone.

Tommy tried to pull away, but Wilbur just pulled him closer.

Tommy sighed, glaring at the camera as Wilbur did a peace sign and smiled brightly.

The phone clicked, the stranger giving Wilbur his phone back.

“You two are so cute,” the stranger said.

Tommy groaned as Wilbur said a quick thank you.

The man looked at the picture, adding it to his favorites. “Yep, this is going to be blackmail.”

“Whyyyyyy…” Tommy whined once more, drawing it out.

Wilbur just pressed ruffled his hair once more, bringing him closer once more with a satisfied sigh. “Now, let’s go have fun.”

Tommy leaned into him.

Even if Wilbur was teasing him, there was a part of him that warmed his insides at the way Wilbur held him close.

The way Wilbur made sure to hold him every chance he could for the rest of the day.

And if that photo turned into Wilbur’s screensaver, making the man smile softly every time he looks at it…

Then that’s something Tommy will keep to himself.

Chapter Text

Hero-villain soulmates

Soulmates. They were something everyone had. Everyone had that destined someone that would simply connect to them on a different level.

When the second half of the soul-bond was born, a mark would appear on their bodies.

The mark would appear as an outline of something significant or symbolic of each soulmate combined. For instance, a crow wearing a crown. It varied depending on the pair, and no two soulmarks were alike. Whenever the soulmates met, their marks would glow gold and fill in. Now a shimmering yellow on their skin.

When a soulmate dies, before or after having been met, the mark becomes a pitch black incky color.

Wilbur’s mark appeared when he was 8. A guitar with a music disc where the hole in the center should be.

Wilbur was 16 when his mark turned pitch black.

Wilbur had felt his gut sink. Him and his father, Phil, sitting at the table. His face suddenly fell as he felt his arm *burn*.

He rolled up his sleeve, letting out a guttural scream. Phil was up in an instant, rushing to his side and staring at the mark as it filled with black.

Wilbur only kept screaming, shaking his head as tears spilled down his cheeks. “**NO** NO NO NO! I DIDN’T EVEN MET THEM! DAD! DAD! NO!”

Tears welled up in Phil’s eyes as his son kept screeching, clawing at the mark as if that would make his soulmate come back. 

Wilbur pleaded, *begged* with the universe.

It was all so sudden. He never even got the chance.

Wilbur sobbed into his dad’s chest, the man’s big black wings surrounding him as the man tried to hush him.

Wilbur gasped as he felt his soulmark burn, eyes shooting to his arm.

The ink slowly disappeared, receding back to the edges before returning to its normal state.

Wilbur took a shuddering breath, poking at it. “D-dad? Is it… What just happened?”

Phil took his arm, inspecting it. “I think… your soulmate died and then… came back?”

Wilbur blinked. “But that’s not possible?”

“Maybe the kid’s heart stopped? So they technically died?”

Wilbur huffed his arm, wrapping his hand around his soulmark and squeezing his eyes shut. Like he could somehow hug his soulmate.

“I hope they’re okay. They’d be only 8 now. I want to meet them.”

His dad smiled, giving him a quick hug. “I know. You will. I’m sure of it.”

Wilbur nodded, taking another deep breath.

He coughed, chuckling sheepishly. “My throat hurts after all that screaming—“

-/-/-/-/-/-

7 years later…

Wilbur’s wings spread out behind him, the thin membrane allowing him to glide through the air towards their target. He had on a simple mask along with a tight suit. The suit was made out of a scaly material. It was mostly black with only small sections of blue on it.

His eyes narrowed on the villain in front of him, the blond jumping from rooftop to rooftop with a bag of jewels in hand.

A small robbery, really. Probably just trying to get a quick buck.

It didn’t matter, though. Because this wasn’t just any small time villain. This was Flicker. A sidekick and lackey to the number one villain, Dream.

Wilbur dove down, hands outstretched and ready to bring the villain down.

Flicker looked back, hands shooting forward and rocketing small fireballs at him.

Wilbur weaved between them, wincing as one hit the tip of his wing.

His aim was certainly getting better…

Flicker was a bit of a nuisance to the heroes. He did almost nothing alone. Always trailing behind Dream and doing whatever the villain asked. Be that a distraction for Dream and his team’s escape, or setting buildings ablaze.

Wilbur dodged another flame, watching as Flicker jumped off a building and down into the alley with a grunt. Wilbur dove down as well, trying to cut the villain off at the exit.

Suddenly he was knocked out of the air, grunting as he quickly went intangible and disappeared into the floor. When he popped back up, Dream was next to Flicker, grabbing him by the arm and rushing away.

Wilbur shook himself off, trying to pursue but it was already too late.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Wilbur returned home, quickly changing out of his hero attire. When he walked out of the living room, Techno was already there.

“He got away.”

Wilbur rolled his eyes. “Yes, Tech, he did.”

Techno grinned. “And I thought you said you had him this time. And that ‘this was your job alone.’”

Wilbur shook his fist in the air dramatically. “I’m gonna get that punk next time!” 

Techno snorted. “All cause he set your hair on fire that one time?”

“It was a nightmare to comb for WEEKS!” Wilbur screeched.

Techno walked next to him, patting his shoulder. “Next time. Leftovers are in the fridge.”

Wilbur nodded, quickly stepping into the kitchen and looting the fridge.

Once he sat down with the cold, soggy meal, he felt his arm itch.

He sighed, pulling his sleeve up and watching as his mark filled with black. Only for it to moments later return to normal.

Wilbur took a deep breath, remaining calm.

This was… normal, now. Ever since it happened the first time, it’s been a regular experience. 

Wilbur, Techno, and Phil all went to as many researchers and scientists as possible to find out if such a phenomenon had happened before and no one had an answer.

Apparently, this was something entirely new. 

Wilbur just kept eating.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Wilbur’s ears rung as his vision blurred, the building rumbling and groaning as pieces of the ceiling collapsed. He coughed viscously, pushing himself off the ground with shaky arms. Sweat beaded down his back, flames licking at the walls. His mask sat cracked in two on the floor. 

His wings were tucked into his back, thin, whip like tail curling around his torso.

He heaved himself off the ground, eyes scanning the debris for any more survivors. His back aches from where a beam had rammed into it, but he didn’t let that stop him.

He clicked his tongue, using his echo location to find any remaining victims.

His ears perked up, eyes focusing on a half broken door.

There was a familiar person behind it, someone Wilbur knew well.

And despite that, Wilbur was going to save him.

He forced himself to walk towards the door, phasing through it and appearing on the other side.

There, sat up against the wall, was an all too familiar costume.

Flicker.

Except—

His costume was torn to shreds, hand barely pressed against a gaping wound in his chest. A cut off pipe laid in the boy’s other hand, blood dripping off the edge of it.

Did he—

*Rip it out?!*

Wilbur’s heart plummeted as he saw the villains mask completely withered away, leaving only a young, *young* face covered in soot. The boy, cause there was no way that was an adult, breathed heavily, chest stuttering and laboring to keep him alive.

Wilbur stepped forward, dropping to his knees in front of the *child.*

The boy’s feet pushed lightly against the ground, trying to get away but barely moving an inch.

“Shh… it’s okay. It’s alright. We’re going to get you out of here, okay?”

A flame lit in the boy’s hands. Well… it was more of a single flame. A tiny spark with about as much life as the boy seemed to have.

“Let’s not do that, please,” Wilbur asked softly, reaching forward to press down on the wound.

The boy flinched heavily, grabbing at Wilbur’s wrists as he whined in pain.

“I know… I know…” Wilbur whispered, coughing as smoke began to fill his lungs. “It hurts, but it’s necessary.”

Wilbur pressed a hand to his ear, trying to get in contact with his team.

Static cleared into a voice. “Wil?! Where are you? Wil!”

“I’m—“ Wilbur coughed. “I’m in the building in section 44. All citizens are evacuated but I need a little assistance getting myself and another out.”

“I’m on my way. There in 10,” Techno said.

“I need you faster,” Wilbur said, watching as the boy’s labored breathing slowed. 

Techno was silent for a moment before a grunt of understanding. “5.”

Wilbur let his hand fall away from his ear, pressing harder against the wound.

The boy whimpered once again, nails digging into Wilbur’s skin.

Wilbur looked down, about to open his mouth to ask the boy to stop when—

His eyes widened, landing on the kid’s wrist.

A guitar with a disc where the hole should be.

Wilbur looked at his own wrist, watching as the marks began to glow *gold.*

Flicker was—

Flicker was his *soulmate.*

This entire time.

And if Flicker was his soulmate that meant Flicker was…

Wilbur felt like throwing up.

Flicker was *15.*

Wilbur was going to throw up. His stomach twisting and turning at the thought. Flicker had been around for two years now.

Dream had him working since he was 13. 

They’ve been battling a CHILD!

There was so much to unpack. So much to discuss and so much to do and—

Wilbur’s thought's froze as the gold began to turn into an incky black, slowly taking over his beautiful shine.

“No… no no no no! Kid! Stay with me! Stay awake!” Wilbur shouted, pressing further into the wound.

Deep down, he knew there was too much blood loss. He knew it was too late.

The boy’s eyes began to close softly, chest halting in its movements.

Wilbur screamed, grabbing the boy’s shoulders and pulling him into a hug. “Wake up! Wake up!!! Please wake up! Don’t you dare die! Not now! Not after I finally found you!” Wilbur sobbed, but his pleads fell onto the deaf ears of the universe.

His mark became pitch black. The boy’s shining blue eyes became dim.

Wilbur only wailed, tears tracking down his ash covered face and leaving sticky residue.

It wasn’t fair. He just met his kid and now he was stripped away from him before his very eyes.

It just wasn’t *fair.*

His lungs rattled with the force of his cries, building groaning with him.

His hands began to burn, releasing the boy with a yelp.

Wilbur’s eyes widened as fire began to ignite all over Flicker’s body, filling in the wound. 

Suddenly, he burst into flames, entire body engulfed in red.

Flicker’s skin began to turn to ash, slowly eating away at him until he was nothing but dust. Then, in a flash of light, the ash reformed.

Wilbur’s jaw dropped, in complete awe of the boy in front of him.

He looked brand new. Face completely clean of dirt, no hole in his chest, and two new, feathery appendages. Wilbur gaped at him, looking at the new red and gold wings that burst from the boy’s back.

Flicker’s body shook as he tried to force himself off the floor, but it was clearly a very draining experience.

Wilbur snapped out of his stupor, lunging towards the boy and wrapping him up in his larger wings.

That was his soulmate's power.

Flicker was a Phoenix.

Which meant a ton of things Wilbur didn’t have the mental capacity to unpack right now. He just hugged his soulmate close, squeezing the trembling boy tight.

“Let me— Let me go…” Flicker’s voice was weak, clearly tired.

“Shh… shh…” Wilbur hushed, petting the boy’s hair as the building groaned. “You’re safe now. You’re safe.”

“You’re gonna— you’re gonna arrest me—“

The ceiling began to collapse slightly, sending debris towards the huddled up soulmates. Wilbur used his wing to shield them, wincing at the feeling of pebbles scraping against the membrane.

“No. No, sweetheart. You’re just a *baby* no one’s gonna arrest you.”

“I’m not a baby,” the boy huffed, wiggling once again.

“You’re 15. You can’t even drive yet. Just hush, little one. You’re okay now, I promise on my life.”

The boy stopped struggling, eyes half lidded with exhaustion.

Wilbur coughed vision going blurry.

Oh. The smoke was getting to him. That wasn’t good.

A scared shriek left him as the building squealed. It shook, roof collapsing.

Wilbur tucked Flicker closer, wings shielding them the best he could.

“WILBUR SOOT!” Techno’s voice shouted over the noise.

Wilbur flinched as arms grabbed him, carrying him bridal style. Wilbur dragged Flicker with him, keeping him completely cocooned.

“You’re heavy, man, what are you—“ Techno froze, noticing feathers poking out of Wilbur’s wings. That wasn’t just wings—

That was a child’s wings. Not fully developed yet.

“Please—“ Wilbur coughed. “Just get us out of here—“

Techno nodded, slamming his way through the collapsing building and ignoring the damage he left behind.

Wilbur flinched as the sun’s light filled his eyes, tightening his wings around his soulmate as he wrapped his tail around the boy’s waist.

“Who’s the kid?” Techno asked. Wilbur knew what he was doing: trying to keep him talking so he stayed awake.

“My soulmate.” Was Wilbur’s simple answer.

Techno gaped at him, quickly shaking the expression away.

“Okay. Okay, that’s good. That’s nice. Do you know his name?”

“Not yet.”

“Does he have a family?”

“If he does, he will never go back,” Wilbur spit, venom lacing his words.

He wasn’t sure how Dream was related to the boy. He wasn’t sure what he hoped for.

“Okay. I’m putting him in hero transport then. You’ll both be headed to the med bay at the tower, okay?”

Wilbur nodded, vision darkening. He wasn’t going to last much longer.

“One more thing—“ Wilbur began, Techno setting him on a stretcher. “He’s Flicker.”

And Wilbur blacked out.

-/-/-/-/-/-

When Wilbur woke up, the first thing he did was demand to see his boy. His *soulmate.* They tried to keep him down at first, tell him he was still healing but he was having none of it.

He pushed past the nurses and doctors, ignoring Phil and Techno’s pleas before bursting into the boy’s room.

There, sleeping soundly in the bed, was Flicker.

Except he didn’t look like a villain. He looked like an exhausted child.

Wilbur stepped up to the bed, hand immediately finding its way into the boy’s golden locks. “How is he? Is he okay?”

Phil sighed from behind him. “He is in perfect health. His body is just very low energy and will take some time to recover that. He’ll be awake in 24 hours, most likely.”

Wilbur sighed in relief, quickly hopping in the bed and wrapping himself entirely around his soulmate. Wings cocooned the boy once more, tail wrapping around his waist as he made a few pleased click sounds.

“No one’s going to try and arrest him, right?” Wilbur asked.

“No, of course not,” Phil answered, soothing his worries.

Wilbur nodded, tears brimming at his eyes as the realization finally hit him. 

His soulmate was a Phoenix. His mark turned black repeatedly all his life.

It wasn’t just some glitch in the magic.

His soulmate *did* die repeatedly. He just kept coming back.

Wilbur sobbed, rocking back and forth as he held Flicker close.

Phil and Techno tried to comfort him, asking what was wrong.

Wilbur explained through blubbering tears what the boy’s power truly was. The horrifying realization dawned on them too. 

Wilbur didn’t leave Flicker’s side after that. Phil and Techno had to coax him to at least go to sleep for the night. But even then Wilbur stayed attached to Flicker’s hip.

And when Flicker finally awoke, eyes still half lidded with exhaustion still a heavy fog in his mind, Wilbur eased his worries.

“Mmm… who are you?” Flicker asked.

“My name’s Wilbur, sweetheart. And I know you’re probably a bit scared cause you don’t know where you are. And that’s okay. All will be explained soon. But for right now, all you need to know is that you’re safe and loved, okay?”

The boy squinted at him. “Loved?”

Wilbur smiled, pressing a featherlight kiss to the boy’s head. “Yes, loved. Can you tell me your name, little one?”

The boy hummed, a smile on his face as he leaned into the kiss. “‘s Tommy.”

Wilbur smiled. “Nice to meet you, Tommy. Why don’t you go back to sleep? You’re still so exhausted.”

Tommy nodded, eyes closing softly to the rhythmic touches of Wilbur’s fingers through his hair.

Wilbur knew this wouldn’t be easy. He knew the boy would wake, deathly afraid of the heroes. He knew it would take time to get through all of Tommy’s trauma. Take time to accept he was truly loved and cherished and safe.

But they would work together. Tommy had his soulmate now. And Wilbur would make sure the boy was never harmed again.

Chapter Text

Sick

Wilbur sniffled, nose running. His head felt so full. Like it was about to burst. He groaned at the sound of his alarm, fumbling to turn it off. His son, Tommy, shifted under the blanket, making a noise of protest at the alarm.

Wilbur sighed as his hand clamped down on the button. He groaned as he sat up, sighing in defeat.

Tommy had been sick all week, which was why he was currently sleeping in his bed. The 7 year old always got extra clingy when he was sick.

And it seemed the virus had passed on to Wilbur.

And *boy* did he feel out of it.

Tommy shuffled some more, sitting up next to his dad and blinking at the man.

“Good morning, sundrop,” Wilbur greeted, voice thick and deep with mucus.

Tommy squinted at him. “You’re sick!”

Wilbur coughed, flinching at how disgustingly wet it sounded. “Yeah, bud. Probably. You sound better, at least.”

Tommy grinned at him. “All better!”

Wilbur smiled, ruffling the boy’s hair as he made his way off the bed.

Tommy frowned at him. “Where are you going?”

Wilbur stepped to his closet, grabbing a simple dress shirt and pants. “Work, honey. Daddy took off to take care of you and now he has to go on the weekend to make it up to his boss.”

Tommy’s frown deepened. “But you’re sick! And you told me you have to rest when you’re sick!”

Wilbur huffed softly, sucking in a breath and breaking into a coughing fit. “I’ll be alright. Sometimes we adults have to do things we don’t like.”

Wilbur winced at his splitting headache, chills racking up his body. Great. He probably has a fever. His vision was still a bit blurry and his head felt so full he thought it may crush his brain.

Tommy’s cheeks puffed up and he crossed his arms. “You shouldn’t go to work! That’s silly! You’re sick!”

Wilbur stumbled to the restroom, smiling at the boy behind him to the best of his abilities. He knew it came out strained despite his best efforts.

“Phil will be over in about 30 minutes after I leave, okay?” Wilbur didn’t wait for an answer, closing the bathroom door behind him as he began to get dressed.

Outside, Tommy fumed.

How dare someone make his daddy work while he’s sick! Daddy deserves to be taken care of too!

Tommy knew what to do! He was gonna call Wilbur’s boss and tell him that Wilbur wasn’t coming in today! Like how Wilbur does to his school!

Tommy got out of bed, grabbing Wilbur’s phone from the nightstand.

He quickly unlocked it, clicking the phone icon and scrolling until he found a name.

Jared.

Tommy grinned, clicking video call.

That way Jared will see how big and intimidating he is.

It took a few rings, but a lanky, average looking man picked up.

“Uh— Hello?” Jared asked, raising a brow.

Tommy grinned at the man, waving at the screen. “Hello! You’re Wilbur’s manager, right?”

The man nodded. “And you’re Tommy, yeah? Wilbur’s kid?”

Tommy nodded.

“Can you put Wilbur on the phone?”

“No! I wanted to talk to you!”

Jared blinked at him. “Why?”

Tommy took a deep breath, puffing his chest out. “Daddy will not be coming into work today.”

Jared just stared. “Uh… why not?”

“He’s sick! And sick people need rest. I’m gonna look after him like the big man I am!”

Jared chuckled awkwardly. “Ah. Sorry to hear that, kid. Listen. Sometimes adults have to push past a bit of pain in order to make a living. Your dad already took a few days off and our policy is only three days off in a row and—“

Tommy’s cheeks puffed out, a scowl crossing his face. “I don’t care about your policy! Wilby’s not coming in today!”

Jared snorted at the word “Wilby” and shook his head. “Sorry, Tommy. He’s going to have to. He needs to make up for missed time—“

“No! I won’t let you make him come! Go away!”

The man sputtered. “You called *me?!*”

“You’re being a meanie! Let Wilbur stay home!”

“I can’t, kid. And sorry to say, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Oh. A challenge?

Something crossed Jared’s face, realization of what he just said.

Tommy’s lips quirked. “I’ll hold my breath until you let Wilbur stay home.”

“That’s not—“

Tommy took a deep breath, cheeks rounded with the air inside, making him look like a chipmunk.

Jared rolled his eyes. “Alright. Let’s see how long this lasts.”

Tommy kept holding it.

Hold

Hold

Hold

“Okay, kid. That’s enough.”

Hold

Hold

Hold

“Tommy? Tommy, it's been a full minute you need to breathe.”

Tommy’s face began to turn pale, vision going blurry.

“Tommy! Breathe! I said breathe already!”

Jared groaned loudly. “Wilbur’s gonna kill me if I let his kid pass out.”

Black spots danced in Tommy’s vision, beginning to sway from side to side.

“Fine! Fine. Wilbur can have the day off.”

Tommy breathed out, gasping for air as he grinned. “Okay! Thank you, bye!”

“By—“

Tommy whooped in victory, cutting Jared off.

The bathroom door opened, Wilbur stumbling out somehow looking worse than he did before. He was a sniffling mess, breathing through his mouth. His hair was wet from his morning shower.

“Dad!” Tommy cheered.

“Toms?” Wilbur blinked sluggishly. “Who’s on the phone?”

“It’s me,” Jared said.

Wilbur’s eyes widened, quickly grabbing the phone from the boy. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why he called you.”

Jared snorted. “The kid called to get you off work and then threatened to pass out from not breathing.”

“Tommy!” Wilbur scolded. “I’m so sorry about him. I’ll be there in 20–“

“It’s fine. Take the day off.”

Wilbur blinked in surprise. “Are you sure? Company policy—“

“Yes, I’m sure. You look awful, man. Take a break.”

“Okay…” Wilbur said softly.

“Also your shirt is on backwards.”

Wilbur looked down.

Huh. It was.

“Bye, Wil. Take care and get better soon.”

Jared hung up the phone.

Wilbur turned to scold Tommy further, but the boy just pressed a loose t-shirt and sweatpants into his arms.

“Go change! And then come lay down!”

Wilbur just rolled his eyes fondly, heading back towards the bathroom to get changed.

He did so slowly, body weak and trembling. He was absolutely ready to collapse.

But he had to stay strong. For Tommy.

He opened the door, blinking at the nightstand.

Some medicine sat next to a steaming cup of tea. He took a sip, tasting the mint and honey inside.

His favorite.

He swallowed the pills, wincing at the feeling of them slipping down his scratch throat.

Wilbur left his room, heading to the kitchen. Tommy was already there, cracking some eggs.

“Tommy— At least let me make you some breakfast.”

“I’ve got it!” Tommy said, cracking open a can of premade biscuit dough and beginning to lay them on a tray.

Wilbur chuckled fondly.

His perfect baby, how absolutely precious.

“Okay, bud.”

Tommy quickly jumped off the stool he was standing on, shoving the elder back to his room and onto the bed. “I’ll be back when breakfast is done!”

Wilbur flopped down, getting comfortable and sitting against the backboard as he sipped his tea.

Only a few minutes later Tommy came in with a plate of scrambled eggs and biscuits stacked on top of each other.

He set them in Wilbur’s lap, the man smiling tiredly. “Thanks, bud. This looks delicious.”

He dug in, relishing in the way the warmth healed his sore throat.

Tommy disappeared again, coming back with a box of tissues.

Wilbur could only smile fondly as Tommy tucked the blanket around him as best as he could, taking his plate when he was finished.

“Okay, bud. I’m going to take a nap. You go on and play. If you need me, you can come wake me up, alright?” Wilbur said as he laid down, voice still thick. His breathing was labored and he still had chills, but he could tell the fever went down.

There was a shift as the bed dipped, Tommy clambering up.

Wilbur blinked at him sluggishly. “Toms. Go have fun, you’ve done enough for me.”

Tommy didn’t answer, just crawling closer until he was sitting behind Wilbur and between the headboard.

“What are you—“

Tommy grabbed his head, gently lifting it up and scooting closer. He laid Wilbur’s head down in his lap, running fingers through the mop that was his hair.

Wilbur hummed as his eyes closed.

Oh. That felt nice.

It soothed his headache too.

Wilbur couldn’t keep his eyes open no matter how hard he tried. *Especially* when Tommy ran his fingers over his eyebrows.

Wilbur hummed, reaching blindly for the boy. “Toms… you don' have to take care of me. I’ll be alright…”

Tommy silenced him with a soft kiss to his forehead. “Just taking care of you like how you take care of me.”

Wilbur could only make a quiet, happy noise. It was just so *peaceful.*

He wished it was under better circumstances (preferably one he could breathe through his nostrils). But…

This was nice.

It was nice to know Tommy noticed his efforts and wanted to reciprocate them.

Wilbur would have to cuddle Tommy so hard and call him so many pet names when he felt better. He was going to make his boy a pile of *goo* like how he is now.

For now though, Wilbur just let himself relax. Let Tommy’s fingers scratch at his scalp and sooth his migraine.

He was the luckiest man alive.

Chapter Text

Wilbur and Techno walked side by side, swords sheathed on their hips. A man in a long flowing royal cape led them further into the castle.

“Thank you for coming, gentlemen. As you know we have recently felt as though our kingdom is being threatened. We’ve had many break ins and many have tried to steal our most prized possession. So we thought it best to hire you two to guard it until we can take care of this threat,” the king explained.

Wilbur and Techno simply responded with a firm “Yes Sir” and nothing more.

The king guided them deeper and deeper into the heart of the castle, stopping at a door. 

Wilbur nearly shivered at just how *cold* it was in here. He could feel the cold air leaking from underneath the door.

“And here it is…” The king said with a pleased grin, opening the door.

Wilbur’s fist curled tight, a growl building up in his throat but he forced it down.

The room inside was *cold*. Most likely at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Which was cold for *him* but…

In the center of the room sat a snake hybrid. He was just a boy, tail curled around him as he laid against the cold tile floor. Not a blanket in sight and only a thin, pure-white shirt covering his body. His scales were red trailing all the way down his tail until they faded into a shimmering gold. He had fluffy blond hair and dim blue irises. His eyes were open just slightly, a dead, distant look on his eyes.

Snakes were cold blooded. The king *knew* that. 

“We keep the temperature down so that it won’t attack. It’s very docile like this.”

Techno gently bumped him, Wilbur taking a deep breath.

Right. Instincts. Under control.

“As you can see, there’s no windows or other possible entrances or exits. So you will simply be on guard duty outside the door for now. You shall each take different shifts and will have your breaks monitored by a set of our own guards. Your quarters are on the opposite end of the hall, there.” The king pointed in their general direction. 

“If you need anything, ask a servant. Good guarding, fellas. Your payment shall be great.”

Wilbur and Techno nodded, watching as the king marched away.

“I’ll take the first shift,” Techno said, cutting off Wilbur before he could even try to speak.

“What? Why?” Wilbur questioned.

Techno rolled his eyes. “I can see it in your eyes. Your instincts are already starting to take over. Take a breath. Calm down. I’ll handle it here while you let yourself settle. We are here on a *mission* and we will succeed, okay?” Techno asked, putting a hand on Wilbur's shoulder and giving it a comforting squeeze.

Wilbur sighed, nodding to himself. “Okay. I can do that. See you for the next shift.”

With that, Wilbur made his way to their new room.

-/-/-/-/-/-

A few weeks passed and Wilbur and Techno had been making great progress in their plan. They had begun to scope out possible exit routes and had patrols almost completely down.

They were nearly ready to execute their plan. 

Every week, supplies were delivered to the castle in massive quantities. Because of this, many guards left their usual stations to watch over the transfer to the castle. So, that was when they planned to strike. 

But then something interrupted them.

A ball. The king threw a party that threw off their usual schedule. Which was fine, they just hated making the poor hybrid wait.

And what hurt the most, what nearly had Wilbur falling into his instincts and tearing out everybody’s throats, was how the king called for his special prize.

They threw the nearly lifeless hybrid into a cold metal cage and put him on display for the fellow rich and royal to gawk at. They stationed Wilbur at his side.

Techno knew that was probably the hardest mission Wilbur ever had to do.

Having to sit and watch as royals reached into the cage to put the boy’s tail and head like he was some *pet*

Wilbur didn’t even know the boy’s *name.* They never referred to him by anything other than “it” or “their prize.”

It had Wilbur nearly throwing up in his mouth.

Call it his papa bear instincts, but he was nearly ready to kill for this cub.

How dare they make him defenseless and then pretend that he’s *docile.*

Wilbur shuttered, looking away as another filthy human ran their hand over the boy’s scales. They chuckled to themselves about how the scales felt. How surreal it was that these *creatures* existed.

Wilbur squeezed his eyes shut, feeling bile rise in his throat.

They were almost done. Almost free.

And soon enough the party ended and the boy was dragged back into his cell. Techno came to switch places with him, but he could see that look in Wilbur’s eyes.

The piglin hybrid sighed, nodding to Wilbur. “Okay. Go, be with him. Just keep in mind we don’t know if he’s hostile or not when he isn’t practically hibernating.”

Wilbur nodded, quietly sneaking into the room. The boy was curled into himself, not even shivering.

Wilbur settled next to the boy, not quite touching him but close enough for the snake to taste his heat.

The boy’s tongue rolled out of his mouth and zipped back inside quickly, scales beginning to move. Wilbur quietly watched as the child inched towards him, body pressing against his.

Wilbur let his own hybrid features begin to show, round ears poking out of his head and his face becoming more muzzle shaped. He grew fur, providing an extra layer of heat.

The boy made a curious noise, eyes still distant as he moved on instinct.

The boy was next to him now, pressed against his chest. Wilbur turned to his side, wrapping his arms lazily around the snake.

The boy made a small hiss. Wilbur could feel something wrap around his ankle, slowly crawling up his leg and torso.

He took a deep breath, remaining relaxed and calm.

If he tried to move too suddenly, the boy’s instincts would see him as a threat or potential prey. Not just a heater.

Slowly, the snake’s tail wrapped nearly completely around him, covering his chest and all the way down his leg. The boy tucked his head under Wilbur’s chin, eyes slowly gaining awareness.

Wilbur cautiously ran his fingers through the blond locks, the boy blinking at him.

“Hello, little one…”

The boy hummed, still waking up from his forced nap.

“My name is Wilbur, sweetheart. And I know you’ve been a bit out of it for a long time. But it’s okay… you’re going to be safe now. What’s your name?”

The boy tilted his head. “Mmmmm… I don’… ‘ave one…”

Wilbur’s heart shattered. “Oh, little thing. That just won’t do. Would you like me to think of one for you?”

The boy only hummed, smiling as he nuzzled into Wilbur just with a smile. “*Warm*… Warm…”

Wilbur chuckled softly as the boy wrapped him further in his coils, squeezing him tightly but not in a harmful way.

“How about I call you Tommy, hm?” 

Tommy hissed, sounding pleased as he butted his head into Wilbur’s chin and nuzzling closer.

Wilbur smiled, letting the boy do whatever he needed to stay warm and happy. “Okay. Tommy it is. We can always change it later. Soon, Toms. Soon we’ll take you home.”

Tommy didn’t reply, simply basking in Wilbur’s warm fur.

-/-/-/-/-/-

The next time supplies were brought in, Wilbur and Techno struck. They grabbed Tommy, Wilbur letting the boy wrap around his waist and hang over his shoulder. The boy didn’t seem to have any thought except simply wanting the warmth Wilbur emitted. He always thought the crook of the man’s neck was the best place for his nose, it seemed.

Wilbur didn’t mind, barely even feeling the weight of the malnourished boy on his back and chest as they rushed out of the castle undetected.

With surprising ease, they managed to escape.

The first thing Wilbur did when they arrived back at the base was to take Tommy to his den and lay them both down. Techno turned up the heater, knowing that’s what the poor boy needed.

Wilbur just let Tommy huddle underneath the blankets with him, letting the boy soak up all the warmth he never received at the castle.

Wilbur was happy to welcome a new little brother (son?) into their little operation.

Little did they know they just invited the most mischievous, trouble-making, clingy little snake known to man into their makeshift family.

And y’know what? They’re gonna be okay with that.

Chapter Text

Tommy sat curled up against the cold wall of the alley. His feet and knees tucked as close to him as possible as his fingers drummed against his calf.

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. It fogged in front of him as he shivered.

It was cold.

He’s been cold.

“Hello there, little one,” a voice spoke. It was soft and melodic. It was deep and echoey. Loud as it filled the entire, once quiet alley.

Tommy looked up slowly, blinking at the person before him.

It was a tall man. He wore a dark coat that nearly touched the ground and a yellow sweater. The man’s hair was a curly brown. The brunet smiled down at him with just as much softness as his voice.

“What are you doing out on such a cold night?” the man asked.

Tommy sighed, not out of annoyance or anger, but rather simple tiredness. His breath fogged in front of him once again.

“Been out here a few nights now. Don’t have anyone to take care of me.”

The man nodded as if he had already known the answer.

“My name is Wilbur. What is yours?”

“Tommy.”

“Tommy… What a beautiful name,” Wilbur said, tasting the name on his tongue.

“Thank you, I didn’t choose it.”

Wilbur chuckled softly. “Very few of us do.”

The man then returned to his soft expression. 

Almost… sad.

He squatted down, reaching out towards the small boy. Tommy flinched slightly as the man’s freezing hand cupped his face. Another hot breath escaped Tommy’s lips.

“How old are you, child?”

Tommy leaned into the hand slightly. “‘m 9…”

Wilbur’s face somehow softened as his thumb ran over the boy’s cheek, wiping away tears.

Since when was he crying?

“So very young…” Wilbur said as he began to stand up. The man stretched out his hand, long, thin fingers ready to wrap around Tommy’s smaller.

“How about you come along with me, sunshine? I’ll take you somewhere warm. Somewhere you’ll never feel the cold again.”

Tommy looked up at the brunet, body still trembling. A frigid wind shot through the alley and caused him to shiver violently.

Tommy looked up at the man, a puff of mist appearing in front of him. “Somewhere warm?”

Wilbur’s eyes crinkled. “Somewhere warm.”

Tommy reached out, tiny hand falling into the man’s larger. Wilbur’s fingers closed in around the blond’s.

Tommy let out a breath.

There was no fog.

Tommy could only stare at where his breath was supposed to be. He tried to take another breath and yet his lungs wouldn’t move.

He supposed… he didn’t need them to move anymore.

The blond looked to the brunet, the man’s face still just as kind and caring. Just as sad.

“I thought you’d look different,” Tommy said.

Wilbur laughed softly. “That is not uncommon to hear, my dear.”

The man slowly began to walk, Tommy walking beside him hand in hand.

They stepped out of the alley, street lights sending columns of light into the dark. The world was still and quiet. They continued to walk down the sidewalk silently for a few moments.

“Am I going to be missed?” Tommy asked.

Wilbur squeezed his hands. “The world will be missing out on the things you would have done. There were great plans for you. Things you were to do. Warmth you were meant to spread with your laughter. People’s hearts you were meant to touch. Smiles you were meant to bring. But the world… She's a cold beast. Unforgiving and ignorant of the beauty she often cuts short.”

“Okay…”

Quiet fell on them again, only the soft shuffling of their shoes against the concrete.

“Can you tell me what it’s like? Where you’re taking me?” Tommy asked.

Wilbur hummed, the sound vibrating through the air. “Peaceful. Warm. Filled with light and all your greatest desires. You shall not want nor need. Your belly will be full. Your bed shall be soft. And your laughter will ring loudly.”

“Okay… How much farther?”

“Not too much longer, my dear. We are nearly there now.”

“Wil…”

“Yes, sunshine?”

Tommy looked at him, eyes sunken with layers of darkness under them. “I’m tired.”

“I know.”

“I don’t want to go.”

“I know.”

“Is there any way to take me back?”

“I’m sorry, there is not.”

“I’m afraid.”

Wilbur didn’t stop walking. They never stopped walking.

“Do not fear, little one. It shall soon be an emotion you will forget. There is nothing left to be afraid of. No more chains tying you to this realm. You are free now. From hunger and fear and anger and sadness. It shall all pass in a few moments. It is okay to be upset. You have met me far too soon. I would never wish this fate upon you. But it is here. And I thank you for allowing me to be your guide, sunshine.”

“Wil…” Tommy began, Wilbur humming his acknowledgment, “I’m tired. I’m really tired.” His feet began to drag behind him.

Wilbur stopped, turning to face him. “Then I shall carry you.” He bent down, scooping the boy into his arms. Tommy grasped the yellow sweater, soaking in its softness.

“Will you be there?” Tommy asked.

“I am afraid not, little one. I cannot enter the realm in which you shall be entering. I have many more to guide.”

Tommy wrapped his arms around Wilbur’s neck, burying his face under his chin.

Wilbur didn’t seem to mind, one arm underneath the boy for support and the other running through the blond locks.

“Are you sure you can’t come see me? I want you to be there. I want to see you again.” He sniffled.

Wilbur smiled, fingers brushing through his hair softly. “Perhaps, when my turn is over and another takes my place, I will come see you.”

Tommy smiled into Wilbur’s neck, squeezing him tighter. “Okay. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Wilbur kissed the boy’s head. “And I shall eagerly anticipate our reunion, my dear. Now… have sweet dreams. Sleep. Sleep one final time. Sleep softly. Sleep in the arms of safety. Sleep in warmth. Sleep and feel as this world releases her hold on you. Sleep and you shall awaken *home.*”

He kissed the boy’s head one more time, Tommy’s eyes drifting shut.

Wilbur granted him a sweet dream. A memory long past. Buried deep in his mind that he may have never truly remembered before. He granted him one last viewing.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy felt himself being jostled. His vision had a near orange hue, like the lights were on around him but his eyes were still closed. There were muffled voices above him as he was repositioned in someone’s arms.

Those voices… they sounded so familiar. So important.

There were more voices surrounding those, but they were distant. These were so close. He could nearly grab them.

But his body remained still as he was brought into somewhere dark. He was slowly placed onto something soft, a blanket tucked up to his chin as those voices spoke again.

“Good night, Tommy. Sweet dreams.”

Something warm pressed against his forehead for only a moment before pulling away. Then soft fingers ran through his hair.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, baby.”

The looming presence disappeared as he heard a door shut.

Behind the door he could vaguely hear all the voices pick up. Laughter rang in his ears. Fond and joyful. Full of life. He didn’t need to see them to know their smiles were all so beautiful.

He hoped they kept laughing even as his consciousness slowly faded away.

He smiled to himself.

What an amazing thing to fall asleep to.

Chapter Text

Tommy kicked at the ground in front of the group home, his bag thrown over his shoulder.

His social worker stood next to him, waiting for his new foster father to arrive.

Some guy by the name of Wilbur Soot.

A car pulled up, quickly parking as a tall man stepped out. He had curly brunet hair and wore a bright yellow sweater. Gold rimmed glasses were perched upon his nose with chestnut eyes hidden behind them.

The man smiled as his eyes landed on Tommy. Tommy only looked back to the floor.

Just another home for him to be kicked out of.

“Thomas. Up,” his social worker hissed.

Tommy stood up, throwing his backpack over his shoulder.

Wilbur shook the woman’s hand. “Hello! I assume you’re Bridgett?”

“I am. Wonderful to meet you, Mister Soot.”

Wilbur chuckled. “Just call me Wilbur, please.” 

The man then looked down at him, bending down to eye level. “And I assume you’re Thomas?”

Tommy gave a quick nod, eyes turned away.

“Words, Thomas,” Bridgett ordered.

“Yes, Sir,” Tommy said quietly, finally looking into the man’s eyes.

Wilbur’s were crinkled from his smile, a hand held out towards him. “That’s quite alright. No need for the formalities. Why don’t we head back to the house and get you settled in? Is that bag all you need to bring?”

“Yes, Si— Wilbur.” Tommy didn’t reach for the man’s hand.

Wilbur took the hint and dropped the hand, which surprised the boy. Most adults shout at him to do whatever meaningless task they wish of him.

“Alright. Come along, little one.”

Tommy followed Wilbur to the car, the man opening the back seat door for him and shutting it once Tommy was settled.

Wilbur got in the front seat, smiling back at him.

“I know you’ve had a lot of houses before me. I know you’ve heard it a lot… but I’m going to do my best. Whatever you need, and I mean it, I will do my best to provide. If you ever have any questions or concerns, you can ask them to me freely. There will be no punishments for asking questions. There are only a few rules, which I’ll go more into detail when we get to the house. But the main ones are to knock before entering, which I will also be doing the same with you unless there’s an emergency. No physical violence will be done by either of us. I ask that you do not shout, but if you do, there will still be no physical punishments. Any and all punishments will be something such as a grounding or taking away play things. Are these rules clear or do you have any questions?”

Tommy shook his head. “Clear.”

“Excellent. If you ever need anything, as I said before, please let me know. Now! Would you like some music on the way?”

Tommy shrugged.

Wilbur nodded, taking that as the go ahead to turn on some tunes.

Tommy would have to admit, Wilbur’s music taste was nice.

-/-/-/-/-/-

When they arrived, Wilbur helped Tommy out of the car and lead him inside. It was a nice brick house. Fairly large. Wilbur was clearly on the wealthy side.

Which meant Wilbur would have expensive things that were easily broken…

Tommy sighed. This was gonna be a wild ride.

Wilbur lead the boy to his new room, smiling as he showed it off.

It was simple. There was a bed with red sheets and blankets. A few miscellaneous decorative items strewn about.

“Everything here is completely changeable. I saw in your file that you liked red so I went with it. I may have over done it, so feel free to ask for anything else.”

Tommy felt his heart warm. No one’s ever even… thought about him that way. No one spared him more than a moment of their time.

But Wilbur went out of his way to ensure he got something he would like?

This is some kind of trick. For… some reason…

“We’ll enroll you in the nearest school in about a weeks time. So take this time to settle in. I work from home and will be in the office down the hall. Feel free to come in if you need me. Just knock first, please.”

Tommy nodded.

“Okay, Thomas! It was wonderful meeting you. I’ll let you rest some while I make some dinner. You can unpack your things and make a list of any items you need with that pen and pad over there. You can then stick it on the fridge where I’ll check it. There is no price limit. Don’t be afraid of that, okay?”

With another nod, Wilbur left.

Tommy unzipped his backpack, taking out the few articles of clothing he had as well as a stuffed cow that had seen better days.

Then he looked to the notepad, picking up the pen.

Did he really want to push this yet…?

Maybe not.

Tommy put the pen down.

-/-/-/-/-/-

It’s a week in and Tommy has yet to put anything on the notepad. He hasn’t had any mishaps either, somehow.

Wilbur had been friendly. He had been welcoming but not pushy. There had been no yelling or hitting, so that was a plus.

Tommy was sure that wouldn’t last.

Not after this incident.

Tommy stood with horror on his face, staring at the knocked over and shattered vase on the floor. Shards littered the ground, the sound of its crash still echoing through the home.

He knew he’d break something so early.

Which meant Wilbur’s kindness was *over.*

The door to the office slammed open, a voice calling.

“Thomas?!”

Footsteps rushed down the steps, Wilbur stopping as he saw the boy stare at him in terror.

Tears tracked down the blond’s face as his body trembled.

Tommy opened his mouth, trying to speak but Wilbur just stalked forward.

“Kid—“ Wilbur began but Tommy only stepped backwards.

Right into the glass.

He yelped, starting to fall backward and towards the glass covered hardwood.

“Thomas!” Wilbur leaned forward, Tommy’s eyes as wide as saucers as the man reached out.

The man was going to punish him. Hit him. Scream!

Hands landed under his armpits, lifting him off the ground with ease. He whimpered as he was quickly thrown into the couch, eyes squeezing shut.

“Hey, hey, Thomas. It’s okay. I’m not mad.” 

A hand cupped Tommy’s face, the boy blinking a single eye open.

Wilbur smiled softly at him, running his thumb over his cheek to wipe away the tears. “Shhh… shhh… I’m not mad. I’m sorry I had to lift you up like that, you were about to fall into the glass. Are you okay?”

Tommy could only blink.

He wasn’t… mad?

Why?

Wilbur simply removed his hand, quickly grabbing his ankle and lifting it slightly. 

The man sucked in a breath. “Oh, baby… Let’s get that glass out of your foot. I’ll be right back, don’t move.”

Wilbur got up, swiftly moving away and coming pack with a first aid kit.

He unzipped it, pulling out some tweezers.

“Alright, let me see your foot, sweetheart.”

Tommy did as he was told, ignoring the lingering fear in his gut and tears on his cheeks.

Wilbur clamped down on the glass. “3… 2…”

He pulled the glass out on 2, Tommy yelping. “And 1! We’re all done with that part.”

He quickly grabbed some alcohol, dabbing a cloth into it before rubbing it against the wound.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know it hurts. We’re almost done.”

Tommy whimpered once again, Wilbur quickly wrapping it up.

“There! All done! You were such a brave boy. I’m so proud of you,” Wilbur praised.

Tommy could only focus on how softly and carefully Wilbur handled the situation.

He got the glass out quick and efficiently while soothing him.

Normally, Tommy would have to clean the glass out himself.

Wilbur then grabbed a cloth, rubbing the excess blood and alcohol off before taking a tissue and running it along Tommy’s cheeks.

“Aaaand all better! All clean. You did so good, sweetheart. Absolutely wonderful.”

The man then stood up, rushing to clean the glass up with a sweeper and dustpan.

The brunet threw it away and suddenly…

It was like nothing happened.

Everything seemed… normal again.

No more broken objects thrown his way. No shouts or new bruises.

Wilbur kneeled in front of the stunned boy, cupping his face once again and thumbing away the tears still falling. “Why are you still crying, baby?”

“Why?” Was all Tommy could say.

“Why what?”

“Why aren’t you… mad?”

Wilbur only smiled gently. “You are so much more important than a vase, little one. Your value far exceeds it so you will always be my first priority. Plus, it was an accident. Accidents happen. Who knows how many vases and glasses I’ve broken in my time.” He chuckled.

“You… you’re not gonna punish me?” Tommy asked in a whisper.

“Of course not. I’m just glad you’re safe, Thomas.”

“Tommy.”

“Hm?”

“I prefer Tommy,” the boy said.

Wilbur smiled. “Tommy… What a wonderful name.”

-/-/-/-/-/-

Wilbur noticed a few items sitting on a list on the fridge and he smiled to himself.

It was a start.

-/-/-/-/-/-

It had been nearly a year now. The list of wanted items grew long and each time, Wilbur provided.

And now…

Wilbur wanted Tommy to know the truth.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy sat on the couch, kicking his legs happily. Wilbur said he needed to talk to him about something important.

It has Tommy a bit nervous, but he trusted Wilbur.

The man strode in, plopping down on the couch next to him with an exaggerated sigh.

He smiled, papers crinkled in his hand.

“Hello, Tommy.”

“Hi, Wilby!” Tommy greeted.

Wilbur visibly melted, shaking off the urge to squeeze Tommy until he popped.

“I have some things to talk to you about. First…” The man took a deep breath, giving the papers to the boy. “I would like to adopt you, officially.”

Tommy gasped grabbing the papers and squeezing them to his chest. He opened his mouth, ready to say *yes* when the man spoke.

“Before you say yes or no, there’s something else I have to reveal.”

Tommy blinked at him.

“My name isn’t Wilbur Soot. It’s William Craft.”

Tommy squinted, trying to remember why that name was so familiar—

His jaw dropped.

“P-prince William Craft?”

Wilbur nodded, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a sparkly blue masquerade mask with a large feather poking out the side.

That’s… that’s the prince’s mask.

The one they use to keep their identities a secret from the public.

“Y-you’re joking? You’re—“ Tommy began.

Wilbur shook his head. “I’m not. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you—“

Anger filled Tommy’s voice. “Why? Why couldn’t you tell me?”

Wilbur responded calmly, “Many reasons. We aren’t allowed to foster children as royals. We don’t want to show favoritism and therefore give money to every group home to ensure they stay afloat. Secondly, it would be impossible to form a true connection to a child with our masks on, and we can’t go around showing our identity to the world. Only a select few may know what we look like. They must go through a rigorous background check. And well… I’ve been with you for a year now. I trust you with this.”

“You… you *lied* to me,” Tommy said.

Wilbur flinched. “I… Yes, I did. I’m sorry that I couldn’t tell you the truth—“

Tears skipped past Tommy’s defenses, making Wilbur go silent.

He rubbed furiously at them.

“And now you’re— you’re asking me to be a-a-a prince! What does that even mean? Do I have to move into the castle? Do I have to go to balls and learn a bunch of boring political stuff?”

Wilbur answered his questions as calmly as he could. “Ideally, you would come live in the castle with me. You would need to learn a few things but there would be no pressure on you until you were a bit older. You’re only 7…”

“What if I don’t *want* to be prince!” Tommy shouted.

“Then you may leave. I will return to the castle without you and you’ll be placed in another home.”

“But what if I want *you!*” Tommy cried. “What if I want you but I don’t want to be a prince?! Why can’t it just be us?! Why would things need to change?”

Wilbur frowned, cooing softly. “Oh, sweetheart… I’m sorry. This was… a big thing to tell you. I should have— I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

Tommy stood up, throwing the papers down and rushing up the steps.

Wilbur’s hand reached out towards him but quickly retracted as he watched the boy disappear and slam the door.

-/-/-/-/-/-

It wasn’t brought up again for another week. 

Tommy had been avoiding Wilbur. Always took his food upstairs. Never told him how his day was at school. Never even glanced the man’s way.

Wilbur knew Tommy was upset. Rightfully so—

Wilbur hadn’t thought being a prince would be a deal breaker. Most people would give up everything for a chance to become a prince.

But he supposed Tommy wasn’t like most people.

He was bright and smart. Kind hearted and loving.

Tommy didn’t like having everything change.

Wilbur knew Tommy just wanted things to stay the same. And now he was faced with the threat of Wilbur leaving or having to become a prince.

Wilbur hadn’t meant to make this heavy decision fall onto Tommy’s shoulders.

But the kingdom needed him to return soon.

How was he going to do that when Tommy was here?

Wilbur couldn’t leave his baby behind.

Truthfully… Wilbur would give it all away to stay with his boy.

But he couldn’t do that to his family. Not to mention, people would question the disappearance of the crown prince which meant there would be people looking.

And that would put Tommy in danger.

Wilbur took a deep breath.

He would just have to wait it out.

Tommy would come to him, eventually.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Indeed, the boy came to him. He sat across from Wilbur at the dining table, hands folded in his lap.

“If I came with you what would happen?” Tommy asked with a blank expression. Though, Wilbur could see he was nervous. A slight squeak to his voice and tremble in his arms.

Wilbur placed his fork down.

“Well, first, we would pack your things and get them moved to your room in the castle. Your room would be next to mine and pretty deep into the castle. Second, I would give you some time to settle in. Then we would give you tutors instead of going to a school. We as a family still have regular outings without our masks down in the city. So you could make friends there. When in uniform around those we do not trust, we wear these and you will wear this one.”

Wilbur stood up, pulling open a drawer and placing a mask on the table. It was the same as Wilbur’s except gold with a red feather.

“We can change it, if you’d like. But this will do until we get you into the castle.”

“And what about… responsibilities?”

“Nothing will change of your responsibilities and no rules would change. Except when we have guests over. I would most likely ask you to stay away for the time being until we can teach you etiquette. And if you ever broke a rule, the punishments would not change. You’ll be safe, Toms. I promise.”

“What about… us?”

Wilbur’s brows pinched together. “What do you mean?”

“What about us? Will you… not have time for me anymore? Will you be so busy that I won’t see you anymore?” And there were the tears. “W-will I be so busy I don’t see you anymore? How will we have time for movie nights or-or game night? What if-if I don’t see you anymore?” Tommy sobbed.

Wilbur reached across the table quickly cupping the boy’s face. “Oh *sunshine* no. I wouldn’t have signed up to adopt you if I didn’t have time. I will *make* time for you. I’ll see you every single day. I take the day shift and Techno takes the night shift. And some days I may have to work a bit over time. But those days won’t be often. I *promise* I’ll spend so much time with you. I’ll even be able to sit in on your tutoring sessions sometimes. And no, you will not be overworked with lessons. If you ever are burnt out and need a break, you will be given one. If you decide you don’t even *want* to be a prince, then you will be free to do any job of your choosing.”

Tommy sniffled. “Really?”

Wilbur kissed the top of his head. “Really.”

Tommy nodded before scooting off the chair and rushing up the steps.

Once again, Wilbur was alone.

Until…

Something special appeared on the list on his fridge.

It had been rather empty since Wilbur revealed himself. The boy not wanting to spend any time near him.

But there was something new on the list that looked like it had been erased and written again several times.

Tommy had run in, slapped the piece of paper on the fridge before rushing off into his room and slamming the door.

And oh, Wilbur’s heart burst when he saw it.

A single item on his wants/needs list.

“A dad”

Wilbur held the paper close, tears dripping down his cheek as his trembling hands held it to his chest. He swiped up Tommy’s mask before quickly rushing up the steps. The brunet took a few deep breaths outside of Tommy’s door to calm down, smiling to himself.

He carefully opened the door, eyes landing on the curled up blond sitting in the bed.

“Hey, Toms…” Wilbur greeted softly.

Tommy hummed his acknowledgment.

Wilbur padded inside, sitting next to the boy. The man presented the piece of paper.

“You said you wanted a dad?”

Tommy nodded. “Mmhmm.”

“Will you let me be that for you? Will you let me take care of you forever?”

Tommy hiccuped, throwing himself at the man. 

Wilbur caught him, wrapping his arms around the boy and squeezing as tight as he could. Tommy let his arms fall around the man’s neck, shoving his face under Wilbur’s chin.

Wilbur felt tears on his neck, his own beginning to fall from his cheeks as he rocked them back and forth.

“Shhh… shhh…”

“I’m s-sorry!”

“What ever for?”

“For taking so long! For hesitating— I want to stay with you. I want you. I want to go home.”

Wilbur somehow squeezed him tighter, caving in around the smaller. “Don’t be sorry, sweetheart. That’s not an easy decision to make. Especially so young. You took all the time you needed and I’m so proud of you for doing that. I want you to be comfortable, baby. No matter how long that takes.”

“Are we gonna leave now?” Tommy asked through his sobs.

Wilbur chuckled. “In a little bit. Let’s just be in the moment for now. Then we can worry about all that, okay?”

Wilbur then reached into his pocket, pulling out Tommy’s mask.

“Would you be my prince, sunshine?”

Tommy nodded vigorously, Wilbur chuckling wetly. He placed the mask on Tommy’s face, making sure it was secure.

“Awwww…” Wilbur cooed, cupping Tommy’s face in his larger hands. “My little prince.”

Tommy giggled, yelping as Wilbur fell backwards and into the bed. The man tucked blankets around them, cuddling the boy close.

He pressed another kiss to Tommy’s hair. “Thank you for granting me this honor, Tommy.”

Tommy smiled. “You’re welcome, dad.”

Chapter Text

Tommy had always been deathly afraid of the water.

Maybe it was because he couldn’t swim. Maybe it was the fear of what was inside. Maybe it was that time he was left in the bath for hours after being told by his parents to sit and be quiet, only for them to pass out drunk on the couch and forget him.

It didn’t matter. What mattered was that his parents insisted on moving near the beach and now decided to visit the ocean almost *every weekend.*

So here Tommy was… standing waist deep in the waves.

“Keep going!” His father yelled at him from where he laid on the beach, bottles of beer sitting next to him.

Tommy shivered as the cold waves lapped against him.

“I can’t!” Tommy shouted back.

“Your head is still above water, ain’t it?!”

Tommy had no idea *why* his parents pushed him so much. His father said he didn’t want a weak little son that couldn’t even brave the sea. His mother said that they hoped he’d disappear behind those waves.

Tommy was more inclined to believe his mother. 

Perhaps it was both? Perhaps he was so weak and that’s why they didn’t want him?

Tommy took a few more steps forward, eyes widening as he started to be pulled towards the ocean. He shouted, waves suddenly getting tougher as he was dragged out into sea.

“HELP!” The eight year old kicked his legs as fast as he could, clawing at the water’s surface to stay afloat. A wave crashed into him, sending salty water into his lungs and pulling him under.

His shouts were muffled by the ocean herself, voice lost and scattered into the void.

His pleas would go unanswered.

Or so he thought.

Hands grabbed under his armpits, lifting him out of the sea. He breaches the water, gasping for air with blackened vision. He couldn’t see his savior, but he could feel as he was laid against their chest. A hand patted his back, a melodic voice speaking to him.

“Cough it up, sweetheart. Keep going.”

Tommy’s body trembled as he hacked up the water in his lungs, gripping as tightly to the man’s swim shirt as he could. He nearly felt like throwing up with the strength of his coughs.

“There we go, you’re doing so good,” the man soothed, running his hand up Tommy’s back and through his hair.

Eventually Tommy’s coughs died down, chin hooked over the man’s shoulder and body limp in his hold.

“What is a little one like you doing out here all by himself?”

“Daddy told me to go further…” Tommy mumbled.

The man pulled back slightly so that Tommy could see his face. “All alone? With no floats?”

Tommy whined, legs kicking wildly as he reached towards the man. “Don’t let me go! Please, I'm scared!”

The man immediately brought him back to his chest, Tommy holding him even tighter. “I’m sorry. I won’t let go again. I’ve got you. You’re safe. I won’t drop you.”

“I can’t swim. Please don’t make me.”

“You… They made you come out here and you can’t swim?” The man sounded utterly *heartbroken.*

Tommy just whined, shaking his head into the man’s neck.

He heard a frustrated sigh. “My name is Wilbur, little one. What’s your name?”

Tommy could feel them begin to move, eyes squeezed tightly. “Tommy.”

“That’s a beautiful name. *Tommy.*” Wilbur said with a certain weight to it. “Almost out of the water now, sweet one.”

Water sloshed around them and soon enough Tommy heard the sound of sand squish under his feet.

His eyes shot open, immediately wiggling out of the man’s hold.

Wilbur made a startled sound, quickly lowering him. Tommy’s feet hit the ground and he rushed further onto the beach, faceplanting into the sand and gripping it tightly.

Wilbur chuckled lightly. “Welcome back to the land. Now, where are those parents of yours?”

Tommy lifted his face from the sand, pointing in their general direction.

Currently, they were lounging in the sun. His mother looked passed out and his father was staring at the sky.

Tommy then turned around, jaw dropping when he finally got a good look at the man who saved him.

He was *tall.* Absurdly tall. He wore simple black swim shorts and a yellow tinted swim shirt. His brown curls sat flopped against the side of his face with golden brown eyes.

The man squinted at Tommy’s parents, something shifting in his irises. His stance became more rigid, fist curling up.

Tommy didn’t notice the way the waves became just a bit taller. A bit more wild.

“Wil?” Tommy questioned.

And just like that, it was gone. The man looked back at him, everything softening.

“Come on, let’s go talk to them.”

Wilbur extended his hand, Tommy pushing himself off the ground and taking it.

Wilbur cooed at the way Tommy’s hand was swallowed by his larger, slowly walking them towards the boy’s parents.

“Hello?” Wilbur began. Tommy’s parents startled awake.

“What? Who are you? Why do you have our son!” The woman shouted, beginning to stand up.

Wilbur just smiled. “Your *son* was out in the water and nearly drowned. I rescued him and he informed me you two were his parents?”

“Brat can’t even stay afloat!” The man shouted.

The woman slapped the man’s arm. The man grumbled but stayed quiet.

“We *appreciate* your help. We’ll keep a better eye on him next time. You can go,” the woman said, the word ‘appreciate’ sounding forced.

“Actually,” Wilbur began, not letting the woman cut him off. “I was wondering if you would let me teach him how to swim?”

“He’s fine. You can go,” Tommy’s father said.

“No,” Wilbur said, shocking the boy’s parents. “I insist.” He smiled, all his teeth showing. “It would be a shame if he drowned out there and you had the option to teach him how to swim for free. It would be a *shame* if anybody else knew about it.”

Tommy looked up at the man, shrinking back slightly.

He held this presence. Scary…

Wilbur squeezed his hand lightly, the feeling going away and instead replaced with *safety.*

Tommy’s mom and dad glared at Wilbur.

“Fine. As long as we don’t have to pay.”

Wilbur’s grin somehow grew. “Wonderful. We’ll have lessons every Saturday at 12pm.”

“Tell him that,” The father said, nodding at Tommy.

Wilbur bent down on one knee, smile softening. “I’ll see you next week, alright?”

Tommy nodded and then Wilbur was off, walking along the beach until he disappeared from sight.

-/-/-/-/-/-

So their lessons began. Every Saturday, Tommy would walk down to the beach, alone, and meet up with Wilbur.

The first time it happened, Wilbur had asked where his parents were.

But something seemed to click with Wilbur and he never asked again.

His parents didn’t care about him *at all.* He was glad it didn’t take Wilbur long to realize that.

Now, Wilbur stood at the edge of the beach, bare feet soaking in the shallow water.

“Come on, Toms. Let’s start simple, alright?”

And so they did.

Tommy hadn’t let go of Wilbur yet. He still latched onto the man, eyes wide and fearful as he pumped his trembling legs to stay afloat.

Wilbur just kept a loose grip on him, guiding him through the entire process.

Eventually, Tommy allowed Wilbur to take him a bit deeper. It was scary at first, but Tommy found that as long as Wilbur’s arms were around him, the fear disappeared.

Sometimes… they wouldn’t even practice swimming.

Sometimes, Tommy was just a bit too tired from a night of no sleep due to the shouts and screams of his parents. So, he’d simply lay against Wilbur’s chest while the man floated on his back.

The man would just hold him close, gently running his fingers through Tommy’s hair.

Tommy didn’t entirely know when it happened, but Wilbur wasn’t his swim teacher.

Not anymore.

Tommy dared to say he thought of Wilbur as a father. As a *real* father.

See, Wilbur’s slowly been teaching him what a father *should* look like. That his parents were nothing short of awful. Tommy had heard the man whisper under his breath one time.

“Worthless mortals.” It was said with such disdain. Pure rage and hatred dripping off of it.

But Tommy could sense it wasn’t directed at him

The hate dropped onto him, coating him in fiery protective layers.

Then, they started to move away from the sea.

“Can you take me to get some food?” Tommy asked.

Wilbur squinted in thought. “Your parents… won’t even notice will they?” Wilbur sighed. “Sure, let’s go eat, sunshine.”

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy walked Wilbur around the small beachfront city, small hand in larger. Small shops and friendly smiles filled the streets. It looked way too kind of a community for the type of folks Tommy’s parents were.

Wilbur ended up getting them a small basket of chicken tenders and french fries, Tommy’s favorite apparently.

“Can we get ice cream?!” Tommy begged as they passed the cart.

Wilbur sighed fondly. “Sure, sweetheart.”

Tommy threw up his arms with a loud whoop and rushed over.

Tommy ordered a cotton candy ice cream and Wilbur ordered a simple chocolate.

“Now what would you like to do?” Wilbur asked.

“The aquarium!”

Wilbur sputtered. “We were literally just in the actual ocean.”

“I want to see all the pretty fish!”

Wilbur just huffed with a smile. “Okay, whatever you’d like, dear heart.”

Tommy jumped up and down excitedly as he pulled Wilbur along.

Once they got inside, Tommy spun around in awe. Sharks swam overhead. Fish swam in circles in their giant tanks full of fake coral and seaweed.

Wilbur only watched him with a fond smile, eyes crinkled slightly.

“Do you like it here, Toms?”

“Yeah! Fish are so neat!” Tommy hopped excitedly.

Wilbur somehow smiled more, absolute joy radiating off of him. “Maybe one day you’ll see all this in person, baby. Would you like that?”

“Yeah! Yeah! That would be so cool!”

Wilbur laughed, scooping the boy up and spinning the both of them.

Tommy giggled, smiling just as wide as the brunet.

Wilbur suddenly stopped, pressing a kiss to Tommy’s forehead. “I love you, my sweet baby.”

Tommy grinned, pecking a kiss onto Wilbur’s nose. “Love you too!”

Wilbur melted, holding him as close to his chest as he could as he stuffed his nose into blond locks. Caving in around the boy, like he could somehow absorb him.

“I don’t ever want to let you go…” Wilbur said softly.

Tommy nodded, clinging tightly to the man. “I don’t either…”

“Then let me hold you until we get you home.”

Tommy nuzzled closer. “Okay.”

And so Wilbur walked the rest of the aquarium while carrying the blond, pointing out all the different species of fish and explaining some cool facts about each one.

Until they arrived back at Tommy’s house.

“Where have you been?!?” The door slammed open with a shout.

Wilbur places Tommy down.

“We just went into town for some food—“

“You’ve been gone for 7 hours!!! Stay away from our son! He will be having no more lessons with you!” The father shouted.

Wilbur took a step back, stunned.

“B-but, Dad!” Tommy stuttered out, pulling at the man’s pants for attention.

A harsh slap and Tommy was sent tumbling through the door.

The man spit at Wilbur’s feet. “Don’t you ever come back!”

He slammed the door shut, leaving Wilbur alone.

What he hadn’t seen was the dark gleam in Wilbur’s eyes. The way thunder clapped as it flickered.

The way Wilbur turned and walked right into the sea, disappearing under the waves.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy was shoved onto the boat, bruises still purple on his skin.

His parents were *not* happy after last week. 

They haven’t gone a day without hitting or shouting at him.

Today was the worst. It was the day he’d usually be with Wilbur, so he supposed the reminder was unwelcome.

They decided to get on a boat today since he “missed the ocean so much.”

And now they were taking off into the clear, calm waters.

Tommy hadn’t seen the waters this calm in a long time.

-/-/-/-/-/-

They’d been out in the middle of the ocean for a few hours now. They couldn’t even see land anymore. No one was driving, Tommy was sure.

There were far too many bottles rolling around the ground for that.

Tommy simply stood leaned against the edge of the ship, watching the distance with a vacant look in his eyes.

Water dripped onto his head. He didn’t register it. Not until a few more. Then more.

Then *more.*

Tommy blinked back into reality. Wait. Why were their raindrops?

Tommy looked up, jaw dropping at the sight of strong clouds rolling in *fast.* Faster than Tommy’s ever seen in his life.

“Dad!” Tommy shouted, rushing towards the nearly passed out man. “Dad! There’s a giant storm coming! We have to go back!”

The man slapped him away. “It’s fine. You’re being over dramatic.”

Tommy backed away, looking over the edge of the boat again.

The waves began to rock the boat viciously, crashing against it and banging against the hull like the ocean was angry.

Rain began to pour down, lighting striking in the distance.

Thunder rumbled through his bones, body beginning to tremble at just how ferocious the sea appeared.

“Mom! Mom, look!” Tommy cried, but the woman only groaned in response. Tommy dashed over to her, pulling at her arm and pointing towards the waves.

They were going up and down in perfect cycles, growing bigger and heavier with each cycle.

Like the ocean herself was *breathing.*

“Mom!!!”

Thunder crackled, the woman grabbing his wrist and shoving him away.

She wobbled towards him, eyes wide with anger as she shouted at him. “Oh you little punk! Look at this! It was such a beautiful day out and then you had to go and *ruin* it!”

Tommy backed up, eyes wide at the bottle the woman held above her head.

“I’m gonna teach you a lesson so big you won’t even *remember* it!” She giggled to herself.

Tommy hit the edge of the boat, slipping and tipping over. His hands reached out wildly, grabbing just the rim. He screamed, begging for help but the woman just watched.

“Oh, I’m finally able to get rid of you!”

Tommy looked down at the sea, kicking at the side of the boat for some kind of leverage.

The waves splashed against him, as if trying to grab hold and sink him into its cold embrace.

He gasped as he felt something smash against his fingers, making him lose his grip. Yelping, he began to fall.

The sound of water rushed into his ears, feeling it wrap around him like a blanket as he was dragged into the depths. He struggled, like a newborn trying to escape its swaddle.

Helpless and hopeless.

Tommy found himself trying to remember Wilbur’s techniques. But it was fruitless against such strong currents.

With the last bit of breath he had, he shouted into the nothingness. “WILBUR!”

Suddenly, something swallowed him in darkness. It was pitch black and air entered his lungs with desperate gasps.

He looked around, eyes searching for any kind of light.

But there was nothing.

Was this… Was he dead?

There was a laugh: gentle and melodic.

He knew that laugh.

*Wilbur’s* laugh.

The darkness slowly opened, revealing Wilbur’s face. Except it was *giant.* Tommy quickly looked around, noticing he was perched in the man’s giant hands surrounded  entirely by a bubble of air to keep out the raging ocean around him.

“Hello, my sweet little one,” Wilbur greeted.

Tommy could only stare, body still in shock and jaw dropped.

Wilbur laughed again. “I know, I know. This may come as a bit of a surprise, but I am not human.”

“No kidding…” Tommy breathed.

Wilbur giggled. “I am Wilbur Soot: god of the ocean and mighty seas. Keeper of all her creatures.”

“You… you’re a god?!”

“Yes, little one.”

“Then why did you save me?”

“You called for help, and I heard you. Such a little thing afraid of my domain with no one there to guide you through it. I saw so much goodness in you. So much heart and love. And I am so glad I decided to take you under my wing, baby. You are so precious to me. More precious than all the jewels in my castle. More valuable than the crown I wear. Tommy, my little Tommy, would you like to come with me?”

Tommy blinked. “Where?”

“To my kingdom! You’ll meet mermaids and sharks will be your bodyguards. Fish shall be at your beck and call.”

“They… Sharks won’t try to eat me?”

“No one in the sea would *dare* touch my prince,” Wilbur said, voice rattling the ocean. 

Tommy felt his insides buzz happily.

“H-how do I go with you? I can’t breath under water—“

“Let me worry about that, my dear. Just say the word, and I’ll bring you *home.*”

Tommy smiled, reaching forward and hugging the man’s nose. “Take me home, please.”

Wilbur smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of the boy’s head and gently scratching his scalp with a single finger.

“Then home we shall go. Just close your eyes, young mortal. My little starlight. You shall awake anew. Safe in the arms of the ocean and loved by all her creatures. An immortal prince to rule by my side forever more. *Sleep.*”

And Tommy was asleep.

Wilbur closed his hands around the boy, opening it only slightly to breathe into it. Magic and power in the very air he breathed.

Then, he began to swim away and back to the kingdom that awaited its new ruler.

And as for the ship above them?

The ocean was unkind to those that did not respect her power.

And who was Wilbur to deny her her justice?

Chapter Text

Wilbur poked at the fire with a stick, listening to it crackle. Tommy sat next to him, curled up in a ball.

A pot hung above the fire, water beginning to bubble inside.

The two had stopped just for an hour or so to eat and rest before continuing their journey. Wilbur was sure that there was a hoard not too far behind them so they couldn’t stop for the entire night.

The sun was nearly set and the food was done.

He scooped the same canned soup they’ve had for many nights into two bowls, handing one off to Tommy.

The boy slurped his down quickly, Wilbur doing the same.

Tommy wiped his chin, sticking his tongue out in disgust. “*Gross.* I’m so tired of the same thing everyday.”

Wilbur sighed. “I know, Tommy. But it’s all that we have.”

Tommy nodded. “Yeah… Sorry to complain.”

Wilbur huffed fondly, reaching over and ruffling the matted blond hair. “You’re just a kid, of course you’ll complain.”

“I’m not a kid!” Tommy shouted back, the brunet rolling his eyes.

“You are literally like 5.”

“I’m 7!”

Wilbur smiled at the boy, something cutting through his heart at the sight of how dirty he was.

It had been so long since they could truly be settled somewhere. 

Wilbur had only been 18, carrying a two year old into the shelter as the world fell into panic and chaos.

Their father died getting them to that shelter. But it didn’t matter because as soon as they saw a lanky teen and a toddler, they only recognized a hindrance.

Wilbur was left alone to survive the apocalypse and take care of a child. A responsibility that should have never been on his shoulders, but he took it in stride. They had a few survivor groups here and there, but Wilbur didn’t trust them enough to stay for long.

Good news however, was his radio picked up a signal about a shelter. A small village of people that was welcoming newcomers.

Ready to begin to rebuild their world.

They just had to travel there and hope it wasn’t a trap.

Wilbur stuck the bowls back into his bag, quickly putting out the fire.

“Alright, let’s get moving.”

Tommy grabbed his hand with practiced ease and they were off.

-/-/-/-/-/-

“Wiiiiil… my feet hurt…” Tommy whined, shoes dragging in the dirt.

“I know, Toms. But we have to keep moving.”

“And I’m tired.”

“I know.”

“Can we sleep?”

“No.”

Wilbur knew he was getting slowed down, the boy’s eyes barely able to stay open.

The brunet sighed, getting down on his knees. 

He pulled off his backpack, setting it to the side and unzipping it. Rummaging inside, he pulled out a large piece of cloth with several holes in it. 

It almost looked like another backpack.

He strapped it on the upper part of his back, making sure it was secure.

“Alright, Toms. You know the drill.”

Tommy immediately jumped inside, legs poking through the holes at the bottom as he tucked his arms next to him.

Wilbur had created a makeshift carrier when Tommy turned three and was just too big to carry all the time.

Especially at times like this when the boy was far too tired to walk and they had to keep moving.

“Comfy?” Wilbur asked as he pulled his backpack back on with it resting on his lower back.

This… probably wasn’t the best for his muscles and spine. He was certain no doctor would advise this—

But it was better than the alternative, so it would have to do.

“Mmhmm…” Tommy hummed, yawning.

Wilbur reached back, patting his head. “Alright. Good night, Toms.”

“Good night…” Tommy mumbled before his breathing evened out.

Wilbur adjusted the straps slightly, continuing on his path.

-/-/-/-/-/-

The sun was beginning to rise, Tommy still sleeping soundly on Wilbur’s back.

They made it to a city. Which hopefully meant they were close…

This city seemed pretty cleared out with no stray zombies.

But, Wilbur had to be on the lookout. Cities had many places where zombies could hide, so it was naturally very dangerous.

Wilbur held his bat in a tight grip, eyes scanning every which way.

And to top it all off, it started raining.

Wilbur reached back, pulling on a piece of cloth and covering Tommy’s head.

Wilbur kept his ears perked for any shuffling shoes or angry grunts of the undead.

He took another step forward, hair on the back of his neck rising.

A loud growl came from his left, Wilbur not wasting a moment to swing his bat as hard as he could in that direction.

A loud *squelch* echoed around him, the zombie falling to the ground.

Wilbur quickly rushed away, bay held tight.

“Toms!”

Tommy woke up suddenly, the brunet feeling tiny fingers digging into his back. “What? What?!”

“A scout,” Wilbur said simply. “I need you awake and ready. Just stay down for right now, okay? Stay quiet.”

Puddles splashed beneath Wilbur’s shoes, the man wincing as he heard a loud screech.

It was alerting the hoard.

They’d be in his tail any minute.

“Gonna be a bit bumpy,” Wilbur said as he pumped his legs as fast as he could.

Tommy just remained hidden under the cloth, only able to stare at his big brother’s back. The boy wished he could do more but—

Wilbur had it handled. Wilbur always had it handled.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Wilbur’s lungs and muscles were aching. He hadn’t stopped running for two hours now and he had been walking for about 12 before that. His back hurt from the weight of his little brother but it didn’t matter.

Because that was the gate of the settlement.

Wilbur banged in the door. “Hey!!! Hey!!!”

He heard a voice come from above, Wilbur looking up to see two men staring at him from the watchtower.

“State your business!” One shouted down at him.

“I am seeking shelter from an incoming hoard for me and my little brother! I offer my services in return. I’m 23 and can hunt or do whatever tasks necessary. I’ll pull my own weight and take care of my little brother just *please* let us in!”

“Where is he?” The man asked.

Wilbur’s body trembled, breathing heavily as he stared at them in confusion.

He was right—

Oh right…

Wilbur quickly uncovered the boy, but blue eyes staring at him with hope.

There was a beat of silence for a moment before a loud beep.

The gate began to open.

“Very well. Welcome to L’manberg.”

A smile slowly stretched up Wilbur’s face as he rushed inside, grinning back at the boy.

Once safely inside, Wilbur’s knees buckled. His lungs heaved as his elbows dug into the soil.

“Wilbur? Wilbur?!” Tommy’s voice rang beside him, hands shaking his shoulder.

“It’s alright, kid. He just needs some rest.” A voice said kindly. A large hand came and rubbed against his back. “Just breathe, mate. You and your brother are safe now. Just rest.”

Wilbur’s vision went black.

Yeah… rest sounded great right now.

Chapter Text

Tommy skipped up the steps, other pedestrians chatting with their families as they shuffled through the doorways. He passed by the signs at the front. You know, the usual.

“Pay to enter.”

“What’s left in the museum, is property of the museum.”

“No flash photography.”

Other similar things.

Tommy pushed through the crowd, keeping his head low as he entered the museum.

A ticket booth sat to the right along with a long line to buy said tickets.

But Tommy was far too pog for tickets. He didn’t need such trivial items, because  he was short enough to just blend right into the crowd!

There was a worker taking tickets at the front of the exhibit, but Tommy managed to sneak behind a large family.

And once he was out of sight of the worker, he was home free.

The blond brushed past all the exhibits, feet tracing a familiar pattern.

He stopped, grinning to himself as he looked up at the exhibit’s name.

“L’manberg History”

Tommy rushed inside, eyes dancing around the crowd. He skidded to a stop, standing in front of one of the displays.

It was a tall mannequin. It had brown hair and striking brown eyes. He wore a military coat on one half of his body with the other being a work trench coat. On the military coat side, a soft smile was on his face. On the other, there was something insane.

Tommy looked at the plaque.

“L’manberg’s founder, William Craft. Son of Philza Craft (see Arctic Empire). After founding the small country in hopes to garner freedom from the current tyrant, Dream (see Dream Esempe), he went on to build a strong country. However, after losing an election to and being banished by J. Schlatt, a newcomer to the area with little known history, William went insane. He planted bombs around his former home and blew it up. The damage was catastrophic. William claimed it to be his unfinished symphony, forever unfinished. As carnage raged through the small town, Philza Craft arrived at the scene. Little is known of their interaction, but at the end, William’s father took his life. Afterwards, the citizens of L’manberg rebuilt. Leading to the country we are in today.”

“Boo!”

Tommy jumped, spinning around and staring at the brunet.

“Wilbaaah!” He exaggerated. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

The man chuckled, flicking Tommy in the forehead. “You should expect this by now. I always meet you here.”

Tommy rolled his eyes, taking the man’s hand. “Okay fine. Now let’s go explore!”

Wilbur chuckled softly, letting the boy lead him around the exhibits they’ve already seen a hundred times now.

Tommy looked back at the brunet, grinning wide.

Yeah, it was a bit funny that Wilbur looked a lot like William. But when Tommy had brought it up, Wilbur had just laughed and said, “of course they would have workers that looked like the exhibits. It’s funny.”

“Is that the same with Phil and Techno?”

Wilbur nodded with a sly grin. “We do like pranking people.”

And besides, Wilbur looked a little different than William. Wilbur’s smile was so much softer. 

More… tired. William’s was full of youth, even when he was insane. Wilbur had this white streak in his hair while William didn’t. The mannequin also had a different nose and chin shape. Same with the Philza and Technoblade mannequins.

Just off enough to be believable.

Tommy brought Wilbur to the gemstones, Wilbur just following as Tommy pointed out all the cool, glittering gemstones and rocks.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy pointed at an old dinosaur bone. “Do you think this is truly accurate?”

Wilbur shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’m no paleontologist.”

“Pal-en… pal-en…”

“Paleontologist.”

“That. I want to be that.”

Wilbur smiled. “And why’s that, Toms?”

“So I can make sure it’s wrong and make my own dinosaur! Obviously!”

“Planning your future just to spite others' ideas… How very Tommy of you.”

Tommy grinned smugly, opening his mouth to speak but the intercom interrupted him.

“The museum closes in 15 minutes. Please gather all your belongings and exit the museum.”

Wilbur began to shove Tommy away. “Shoo, shoo. Time to go.”

Tommy walked on his own, slapping Wilbur’s hands away. “I’m going, I’m going.”

Nothing else was said between the two as they walked back to the entrance, Wilbur waving a goodbye as Tommy left the museum.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy visited the museum often. He was in the system and his foster parents really didn’t care about where he spent his free time. They weren’t the… nicest people. But if he stayed quiet, he would be fine.

Which is why he loved coming to the museum. He got to see all his friends!

Wilbur was always there, ready to meet him at the William exhibit. He listened to Tommy’s rambles and frustrations. Wilbur had great hugs.

Techno offered comforting hands on his shoulder and Phil offered words of wisdom.

He loved his friends.

Which is why when he was kicked out of the house as rain poured down from the clouds, door locking behind him, Tommy ran to the museum.

He rushed past all the signs and all the people and slipped past the ticket grabbers.

He didn’t stop until he was collapsing into Wilbur’s arms, shaking and shivering.

Wilbur shushed him, wrapping his museum coat around Tommy.

“Why’d you run out here in the rain?” Wilbur asked, looking into Tommy’s eyes.

Tommy shrugged. “Foster family.”

“Ah…” Wilbur breathed in understanding. “I’m sorry.”

Tommy shook his head, taking Wilbur’s hand. “Can we just go look at the exhibits?”

The brunet smiled, nodding. “Of course.”

-/-/-/-/-/-

They went through the whole museum again. Twice, even. Tommy stopped to reach each sign as he always did, slowly memorizing what everything said.

They ran into Phil and Techno as well! They both looked concerned at how soaked Tommy was, but after assuring he had warmed up (and cooing over Wilbur’s jacket swallowing him), they had let the two be. Not before talking about Clay, the museum’s owner, again. They loved to complain about that guy.

Tommy was just about to try and recite a sign from memory when the intercom came on.

“The museum closes in 15 minutes. Please gather all your belongings and exit the museum.”

Wilbur began to shove him again, pushing him towards the exit. “Time to go, Toms.”

Tommy whined, digging his heels into the carpet. “But I don’t wanna!”

Wilbur rolled his eyes. “But you gotta. Now go. You don’t want to get locked in the museum, do you?” Wilbur asked with a grin.

Tommy looked out the window, noticing how it was still storming. And most likely his foster parents wouldn’t let him in tonight.

Which meant sleeping on the streets…

In all honesty, Tommy would rather get accidentally locked into the museum.

He frowned. Sometimes he wished Wilbur or Phil or even Techno would take him home. Would let him have somewhere truly warm and loving to stay. Somewhere with a blanket and stuffed animal to cuddle.

But… he wasn’t going to ask them for that, of course. Terrible idea.

However, another terrible idea was staying in the rain all night.

Maybe… maybe he could get locked in the museum?

He’d wait to hear security locking the doors and then get out of hiding place. And then he’d be free to explore the entire museum completely by himself!

Best idea ever!

“Okay, Wilbur! I’ll leave you!” Tommy raced forward, quickly hiding in the crowd of people trying to leave.

He could see the tall figure of Wilbur look for him for a moment before turning and walking off.

Tommy grinned, quickly finding a good corner to hide in.

“The museum closes in 10 minutes. Please gather all your belongings and exit the museum.”

-/-/-/-/-/-

Tommy may have fallen asleep. Just a tad.

He woke up to the windows covered with darkness. He assumed some kind of covering to protect them? He wasn’t sure.

Either way, when looking at the big clock hanging on the wall, it said it was around 1 am.

Tommy stood up, smiling at the dimly lit place.

Time to explore!

-/-/-/-/-/-

The museum was a lot… creepier at night. Who woulda thought?

But Tommy wasn’t scared! He was a big man.

So he walked through the exhibits, passing J. Schlatt’s crazed smile and many, many other displays.

Once he got to William’s, he paused.

It was funny. Usually, Tommy would meet Wilbur here.

But Wilbur doesn’t want to hang out past museum times.

Tommy stared distantly into the mannequin’s eyes, lost in thought.

“Tommy?!”

Tommy jumped, eyes wide at the amount of concern the voice held. Wilbur was staring at him, mouth agape.

“What are you doing here, Tommy? Did you sneak back into the museum?”

Tommy glared. “I could ask you the same thing. Why are you at the museum?”

Wilbur sputtered for a moment. “Because I work here!”

“How long is your shift!” Tommy exclaimed, not really asking a question.

Wilbur just stepped forward, dropping to his knees. His expression changed from anger to sadness, eyes slightly watery as he cupped Tommy’s face.

“Tommy…” he sighed. “Oh, Toms… I’m… Come on, let’s go check out all the cool stuff at the back.”

Tommy’s eyes lit up. “You’re letting me go into the back?!”

Wilbur nodded, standing up and holding out his hand.

Tommy threw his arms in the air with a whoop before letting the man guide him.

Wilbur took him to the back, pushing the door open to reveal rows and rows of boxes with messy labels.

Tommy looked at the shelves in awe, Wilbur smiling behind him.

Wilbur then showed him each of the shelves. Old spearheads and knives. Expensive jewelry. 

Ancient pottery and bones. Books that were in need of restoration.

Everything the museum had but wouldn’t display.

Wilbur let Tommy look through each item, hours ticking by and Tommy had barely touched even a fraction of all the items.

They turned another corner, watching Phil and Techno sort items.

“Hi guys!” Tommy shouted, making them jump.

The two looked at him in shock, dropping what they were working with onto the table.

“Mate?! What are you doing here?” Phil asked.

“He stayed overnight to stay out of the rain,” Wilbur explained. “I just found out and decided to show him around.”

Techno rubbed at his face, Phil sighing into his hands.

“Okay… go… have fun.”

Tommy grinned, brushing past them and towards a set of doors.

Wilbur walked with him, pointing out what each door led to.

“More dinosaur bones. Some old maps. More L’manberg history—“

“Let’s go in there!”

Wilbur nodded, unlocking the door and watching as Tommy rushed inside.

The boy spun around the small room, looking over all the displays in the dimly lit room.

His spinning stopped at a display, staring up at the mannequin.

It looked… kind of like him?

Older?

The teen was the same as William. Half wearing a uniform and the other a tattered, red and white baseball T.

A feeling of dread curled into his gut and he wasn’t sure why. He just…

Needed to leave.

He needed to leave.

Something was very wrong.

“Toms?”

Tommy spun around, breathing his joy as he looked at the man. He had a sad look in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Tommy just ran, shoving past the brunet and towards the door.

“Wait!”

Tommy couldn’t. There was this intense fear in his gut. It screamed, begged to get out .

Tommy rushed through the displays, ignoring the scared looks of Phil and Techno as he stumbled past them.

A feeling of relief filled him at the sight of the entrance and its covered windows, ignoring the footsteps chasing after him.

He busted through the entrance, ready to be greeted by the sunrise.

Only, he found himself staring at the inside of the museum. At Wilbur who stood at the end of the room, sadness written all over him.

Tommy turned around, pushing through the door again only to get faced with the same scene.

He pushed the door open again, this time holding it open and looking backwards.

At the same scene.

It was all the same.

Fear curled around his heart, beating loudly in his ears.

Wilbur stepped forward, causing Tommy to go backwards and only being faced with a closer brunet.

He fell to the ground, breathing in desperately and quickly. He was breathing so much and yet there was no air.

Arms wrapped around him, pulling him into a chest.

Wilbur’s fingers ran through his hair. “Shhh… shhh… it’s going to be alright.”

Tommy gripped onto the man’s shirt, sobbing into his chest.

Wilbur just rocked them back and forth, whispering praises as the boy hiccuped and his cries quieter.

“I wanna go home. I wanna go home.”

Wilbur pulled back, cupping his face with a frown.

“Oh, sunshine… don’t you know?”

“What’s left in the museum, is property of the museum. ”

Chapter Text

Wilbur’s chest rose and fell quickly, vision blurry as his head twisted from side to side. He was sweating, he thought. He felt so cold though.

His neck was burning and his head was spinning. There were voices above him, hands holding him down.

He needed to get up. He had to— to—

He didn’t know. But he had to leave.

He needed to find something—someone.

“Mate— Calm down—“ a voice spoke from above him, only making him struggle more.

“I need to— I need to find him. Please let me—“

“I know, I know. You can’t yet. I’m sorry.”

Wilbur pushed again, feeling his arms stay pinned to whatever soft surface he was on. His vision began to fill with black, a scream ripping through him.

“Please! I need—“

A sweet smell filled the room as something was pressed to his face. His mouth closed around it, that sweet smell turning into taste.

“I’m sorry, mate. I really am. You’re just not ready yet.”

Wilbur’s eyes shut, body shutting down on its own.

-/-/-/-/-/-

This happened a few more times. Wilbur would wake up, breathing frantically with his body in flight mode. Only to be put back to sleep a few moments later.

Until today.

Wilbur threw himself off the bed, stumbling to his feet.

“Mate— listen—“ a blond man spoke.

If those red eyes and fangs told him anything, that was a vampire.

Wilbur threw himself at the man, slamming the blond vampire into the wall. He wrapped his sharpened fingers around the vampire’s throat, hissing.

“Where is he?! What did you do to me?! I want my son!”

Loud footsteps sounded behind him, Wilbur glancing over to a pink haired vampire.

“It’s alright!” the vampire spoke from under his chokehold.

The pink haired vampire backed off slightly.

The blond vampire hissed loudly, Wilbur limbs locking up.

His mind filled with sire-sire-obey-obey.

Wilbur’s arms fell to his sides, head bowing against his will.

The blond rubbed his neck, wincing at the blood trickling down.

“What did you do to me?” Wilbur hissed.

The vampire frowned at him. “I’m sorry, mate. Let me explain. Do you remember anything about before?”

Wilbur racked his brain, trying to find whatever happened before he woke up here.

“I remember… being in an alley. I had some groceries and then I…” Wilbur’s jaw dropped. “I was pulled into an alley and—“

“Murdered,” Phil finished sadly. “I found you bleeding out and I crouched next to you. Do you remember what happened next…?”

Wilbur felt the command leave his limbs, letting them relax.

But his mind was still reeling.

There was a flash of a knife, then hands holding him down, and then warmth pooling down his gut and onto the pavement.

A flash of blond hair and someone was whispering in his ear.

“—te, ma—! St— —ak-“

Wilbur had gripped whatever soft material the person above him was wearing, his voice hoarse. “Help… please…”

The man looked pained. “I can help… But there’s a price. I’m a vampire, mate. I can turn you too but—“

“Do it!” Wilbur screamed. “Please! I can’t leave him! I can’t leave my baby!”

The man sucked in a breath before lifting his head. “Alright, alright. What’s their name? We can try to—“

And that was it.

Wilbur gulped. “My baby… Where’s my baby? Where’s my son?”

Phil put his hands up. “We don’t know.”

“What?! How long was I out? Where am I?” Wilbur stepped towards the vampire, running his hands through his hair.

“About two weeks. You’re at my home just outside of town. We’ve been asking around as much as we could for where you live but—“

Wilbur brushed past him, opening the door and rushing into the hall.

“Mate! Mate! Stop!”

Wilbur stopped for a moment, letting the elder get closer.

“It’s still day out. Whether you like it or not, you’re still in the fledgling phase. You shouldn’t even be out of the nest yet let alone the sun. It’ll burn you right up.”

Wilbur growled. “Can’t I use an umbrella or veil or—“

“I’m sorry, you can’t. It’s not strong enough and even just a ray of direct sunlight will burn.”

Wilbur groaned, rubbing his face. “How much longer?”

“Just two hours and the sun will be down fully. Now, while we wait. Let’s introduce ourselves. My name is Phil, and the big pink haired guy over there is Techno.”

Wilbur looked at the guy, the vampire giving an awkward wave. “Well… My name is Wilbur.”

Phil beamed. “Wonderful to meet you, Wilbur. Now why don’t you go lay back down, reserve as much energy as you can.”

Wilbur shook his head. “No—no I can’t do that. I need—“

Phil shoved him down. “Just sit, at the very least while we wait. Conserve your energy so you can go even faster.”

Wilbur’s hands shook, leg bouncing. “Okay. Okay. I can do that. Just two more hours. Then I see my baby.”

-/-/-/-/-/-

Wilbur slammed into the wall, Phil and Techno making a sound of concern. Wilbur didn’t care, shoving himself off and rushing down the streets. He was a lot faster than he remembered being. Part of being a vampire, he supposed.

His breathing came in ragged, like his body was trying to shove the air right back out.

Nothing worked the same way it did when he was human. When he was alive.

His feet slammed against a puddle, senses heightened as he turned a corner. He could hear Phil and Techno losing proximity as he traveled in the maze that was these alleyways. He had walked them enough to have them mapped well.

And he knew exactly where to go.

When he was human, he navigated purely by memory. The moon wouldn’t shine on these dark alleys.

But as a vampire, it was much easier to see in the dark.

He veered left, feet pounding in the concrete before he skidded to a stop.

This was it. This was where he should be—

Wilbur looked around the corner, eyes scanning the small alcove.

There was a lump in a pile of blankets with an awning made of tarp pinned above it.

Wilbur remembered making this little hideout.

“Tommy!”

The lump moved, a head of messy blond hair poking out as blue eyes landed on him.

The child took in a scared breath, screaming. “Monster!”

Wilbur felt his heart pang with hurt, taking a step forward as the boy scrambled through the blankets to grab a flashlight. He flicked it on, gasping at the sight of a very disheveled Wilbur.

“Da—Daddy?”

Wilbur gave a watery smile, taking another step forward as his arms stretched out. “Hey, baby…”

Tears formed in the boy’s eyes, lips trembling. “Daddy!”

Wilbur rocketed forward, gathering the boy in his arms. Tommy buried his face in Wilbur’s neck, tiny fingers digging into his skin. “Daddy! Daddy!” 

The boy sobbed. “You left me! You left me!”

Wilbur choked on a sob, blubbering our apologies. “I’m so sorry, baby. I’m so sorry. I’m here, I’m here.”

“Why’d you leave me?!” Tommy cried, entire body shaking violently.

Oh, he was so thin.

Wilbur pulled Tommy impossibly closer, practically consuming him. “Daddy got hurt. He got hurt and some nice people helped fix him up. But he’s all better now.”

Wilbur pressed a kiss to his temple. “Daddy’s here.” 

“I’ve got you.” Then to his cheek.

“I’m not leaving.” Then his nose and up the bridge to his forehead.

“I’m so sorry, baby.” Before proceeding to all of his hairline.

Tommy hiccuped. “I’m sorry, I used all our rations. I ate it all, I was just so hungry and I—“

Wilbur just smushed his cheek with another kiss, making his words muffle. “That’s what it was there for, honey. Thank you. Thank you so much for still being here. You did so good. I’m so proud of you.”

Wilbur sat back, bending around the boy to shield him from the world when he heard footsteps.

Phil appeared at the end of the alley with Techno in tow.

“I guess you found him?” Phil said with a small smile.

Wilbur answered him with another kiss to the boy’s head.

Phil then looked around, frowning. “Is this where you sleep? Is this your… home?”

Wilbur sighed, tucking the boy’s head under his chin. “Yes. I wish I could give him something better but… this is all I have. I make sure he doesn’t get rained on and I promise I feed him. I just didn’t know I’d be gone for 2 weeks—“

“Mate, it’s okay,” Phil confirmed. “I was just going to offer you to stay with us.”

Wilbur blinked. “I couldn’t do that— You already saved my life you—“

Phil silenced him with a pat on the shoulder. “You’d be no trouble at all. Plus, you’re a fledgling. Wouldn’t really be saving your life if we let you die right after, yeah?”

Wilbur smiled. “Thank you. Thank you for making sure Tommy didn’t get abandoned.”

Phil held out his hand, Wilbur taking it. The brunet pulled Tommy with him, placing the boy on his hip.

“Now, let’s get you two settled in, alright?”

Wilbur nodded, following the vampire home.

-/-/-/-/-/-

Later, the two would be settled into the bed. Tommy curled into his dad’s arms.

Safe and sound.

Chapter Text

Crack Bird au thread

Wilbur had been broody. Phil and Techno have noticed it for the past few months. He had red rimmed eyes and was always holding this… rock. 

For some reason.

It was flat and kind of looked like a sandal.

Today, Wilbur entered the kitchen with an angry expression. He had bags under his eyes, his wings were a mess. He looked disheveled.

And he had that rock clutched to his chest as he lazily walked into the kitchen.

“Hey, mate… We’ve been meaning to ask… What’s up with the rock?”

Wilbur shut the fridge, slamming a carton of milk down and grabbing a bowl.

“I’m brooding.”

“We can see that from your face, Wil. But why the rock—“ Techno asked as Wilbur poured the cereal into a bowl.

“My instincts think…” Wilbur sighed, wings slumping as he admitted defeat with a quiet whisper. “My instincts have decided it is an unhatched egg.”

The two burst out laughing.

Wilbur flushed, wings flapping in irritation as he began to eat.

“And to make it worse, they are upset ‘cause it hasn’t hatched yet.”

The two cackled more, Wilbur slapping them with his wing.

“Sorry— Sorry— It’s just a little funny, you have to admit.”

Wilbur rubbed at his face. “Yes, yes. Very funny. But also very painful.”

Phil gave him a sad smile. “Sorry, mate. Is there anything we can do to help?”

Wilbur shook his head. “Not unless you can find me a kid.”

“Have you checked any orphanages?” Techno asked.

“Yes, I already did. There’s no bird hybrids currently available for adoption or even fostering.”

“Doesn’t it stink when there’s a lack of children to adopt?” Phil smiled jokingly.

Wilbur deadpanned at him, sipping the milk from the bowl before setting it in the sink. “Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m going to go lay on a rock for another 12 hours.” He walked back into his room, slamming the door behind him.

Techno and Phil looked at each other.

“We gotta go find him a kid,” Techno said.

Phil nodded. “I’ll start making some calls to orphanages further out. You check closer ones in case Wilbur missed some. And talking to them in person is better than on the phone as they haven’t registered every kid into their system yet.”

Techno nodded, standing up and getting ready.

They had some hunting to do.

-/-/-/-/-/-

It took a surprisingly small amount of time to find the perfect kid.

Techno had been wandering around a town that was a few cities out from where they lived, on his way to the orphanage when he caught a scent. He turned down an alley, eyes landing on a pile of blankets and sticks in the shape of a really poorly made nest.

Techno’s not even a bird hybrid and he was cringing at it.

And in the center of that poorly designed nest, was a chick.

A blond boy that looked to be around 3-4 years old. And if Techno assumed correctly, this was an eagle. What a coincidence, so was Wilbur.

He was perfect.

The little bird was sleeping away, shivering in the cold wind. Techno bent down, gently nudging the child.

The boy blinked his eyes open, cocking his head to the side with a questioning chirp.

“Heeeey, kid. How are you doing? What’s your name?”

“My name’s Tommy!”

“Do you have any parents, Tommy?” Techno asked. Maybe he was being a tad too blunt.

The boy shook his head vigorously. “Just me!”

Techno smiled. “Would you like to?”

-/-/-/-/-/-

Okay, so after picking up the kid and calling Phil, Techno was quickly scolded and told they had to report the kid. Thenthey could adopt.

Luckily, the system worked in their favor and they quickly got the go-ahead to take Tommy home to Wilbur.

With only one precaution.

Due to Wilbur’s attachment to a… rock. They had to be careful to ensure Wilbur’s instincts wouldn’t see Tommy as a threat.

So, the plan was like this.

Phil was going to barge into Wilbur’s room and tell him there was an emergency. Wilbur would be forced to leave the rock behind in his nest while following Phil out of the room.

Then, Techno would rush in and swap the rock out for Tommy.

They had someone ready with a sedative dart for when Wilbur came back.

If Wilbur attacked Tommy, they’d sedate him and pull Tommy out.

Simple as that.

The plan seemed to work alright, except for at the start Wilbur whined about the egg. But Phil managed to tell him it was safer for the egg to stay here.

Wilbur sighed but agreed, letting Phil drag him out of the room.

Techno rushed inside, grabbing the rock from Wilbur’s nest of blankets and pillows and placed Tommy right in the center.

Tommy had been informed of the plan, of course. But he was really young and Techno was pretty sure he still had no clue what was going on.

But they promised he’d be safe, and he seemed content with that.

Techno quickly walked out of the room, dart in hand as Wilbur came stomping back.

“That was not an emergency, Phil! You not being able to find the leftovers from yesterday, when they were right there no less, does not qualify!” Wilbur shouted.

Phil just smiled. “Yeah, yeah. You’re right, mate. My apologies.”

Wilbur threw his door open, Techno getting ready with the dart.

Wilbur glared at Phil one last time before looking inside.

Immediately, his eyes dilated. He rushed inside, wings out and flapping as he cawed loudly.

The brunet threw himself onto the bed, colliding with Tommy. Tommy let out a scared chirp as he was thrown backwards, hitting the soft blankets beneath with an ‘oof.’

Wilbur chirped happily, wrapping his arms around the boy and nuzzling his face into his chick’s hair. His instincts screamed in delight.

The egg hatched! The egg finally hatched!

Techno smiled and nodded to himself, shutting the door.

Best not to interrupt the imprinting process.

Wilbur trilled happily, laying on top of the boy and sheltering him with his whole body.

Tommy pressed against him slightly, trying to shove him off. “I’m no’ a baby! Imma big man!”

Wilbur didn’t seem to care for his protests, wrapping his wings around him and snuggling closer.

“Shhh, chicks need warmth and safety. Shhh. I’ve got you, my little eaglet.”

Tommy stopped, blinking owlishly.

He wasn’t alone anymore? Someone would take care of him?

Tommy found himself relaxing in the dark space Wilbur’s made around him.

It was quite warm, truthfully. And more spacious than one would think. Wilbur’s chirps and trills sounded so musical too, like a personal little lullaby.

He hasn’t had someone so excited to take care of him.

Tommy felt his pupils dilating, thoughts slowly falling away.

He could just stay like this for a little while. 

Tommy gripped at Wilbur’s shirt, snuggling closer to his wings. Wilbur trilled happily, kissing the top of his head.

Tommy relaxed with a sigh, letting himself fall completely.

Maybe Wilbur would be a good caretaker. He was already so warm and nice and the nest was the best nest he’s ever been in.

He had a good feeling about this.

Chapter Text

Okay just saw a video of a parrot and I thought of an au.
So Tommy is a parrot shifter and he realized this amazing thing that… He can use being a parrot as an excuse to talk to people, without them realizing he’s a shifter!

People hate shifters. They find them inhuman. Blah blah. Y’know how the story goes.
But anyway so Tommy uses his parroting abilities to get food and impress people because “he’s so smart.”
Etc.

He eventually gets taken in from the pet shop by Wilbur, where Wilbur starts a YouTube channel about him. Tommy becomes famous due to his incredible, scarily human way of speaking.
And Wilbur is a fantastic owner. Never overworking him, making sure he was happy and content, and cuddled too.
Tommy constantly spoke to Wilbur like he was a human. Maybe he got too comfortable with it. With joking and laughing as if he wasn’t only a mimicking bird.
Wilbur didn’t seem to catch on, anyway.

Tommy didn’t want to have to give this up. Even if it hurt not to shift. (He only did it when Wilbur was away for a few hours.)
So one time, when Wilbur was out and they were having a meet and greet with fans, Tommy was stolen.

Wilbur had chased after him, and Tommy was as vocal as he could be.
But he was scared, and he just wanted to get back to his Wilby. And he wanted to go home and cuddle.
And everything *hurt* because he hadn’t shifted in awhile.

And so he made a mistake. A moment of weakness.
He shifted back.
And the person who had him screamed and ran away, calling him a monster. And Tommy sat staring at Wilbur, who was looking at Tommy in awe.

Tommy backed away as Wilbur stepped forward, but the boy ran into a wall and Wilbur caught up to him.

Then Wilbur scooped him into a hug, and Tommy cried into his shoulder. And Wilbur promised it was okay, and that he wasn’t mad. And he was just happy to have Tommy back in his arms.

And the two went home together, and Wilbur held him close and promised it would be okay. That he could stay. That Tommy had always been his best friend, and this didn’t change that. And that they could even quit videos, if that made him comfortable.

Tommy enjoyed the videos, but maybe a short break was in order.
They could just enjoy each others company, as *his true self* for a little while.

Chapter Text

Au where twinsduo (10 years old) is getting fostered by Phil. They love Phil, he’s amazing. Best house they’ve ever been in.
But there’s a slight hiccup when they find a baby raccoon at school and take it home. Techno sneaks it in under his hoodie and Wilbur distracts Phil.

They just want to make sure the baby gets enough food and care to grow before they release it!
Phil will never have to know.
…
“Uh… WILBURRRRR!” Techno shouted.
Wilbur flies into their shared room, frantically asking what was wrong, only to go silent at the sight.

That was a baby. Not a *raccoon* baby. A *human* baby.
When did that happen?

…

They can’t just abandon him? But Phil also can’t find out or else they’ll lose the little guy they got attached to. (It’s Wilbur’s fault they got attached he just *had* to name him *Tommy.*)

They can do this! After all, how hard could raising a baby really be?

Chapter Text

Tommy is very sick. He’s in and out of hospitals constantly. Wilbur, his father, is losing sleep day by day. Constantly stressed by the decline of his little boy’s health. Then, the doctors inform him that the boy’s kidneys are failing.

He is in need of a transplant as soon as possible. Tommy is placed on the transplant list, and Wilbur immediately asks if he could be a potential donor. The doctors say he could be, but it would require a few tests. Wilbur does so immediately, letting them draw his blood.

It took months. Wilbur was checked over by doctors to ensure he could even become a donor.

And everyday his son deteriorated. He will admit, he shouted at a few nurses and doctors. He hadn’t meant to. But seeing his son cry at every needle poke and every time the IV beeped and beeped and beeped to the point it drove his little boy crazy.

It hurt. It hurt so much.

Wilbur spent many nights on the couch of that hospital room staring at the ceiling with tears in his eyes. Constantly woken up by check ins.

And through it all he felt guilty.

He shouldn’t have been as stressed as he was. Tommy was the one going through it all. And his little boy was being so strong. So very strong.

And he told that to Tommy everyday.

With each kiss to the forehead, he told him. With each song he sung before bed, he told him. With each tear Tommy cried, he told him.

And then he got the news.

The doctor came in, smile on his face. Wilbur’s fingers gripped his pants, sweat already dripping down his neck.

“You’ve been approved to be a donor. All you need to do is some paper work—“

Wilbur jumped up, making his way to the doctor as he nodded frantically. “Of course. As soon as possible. Please give it to me. When can we do the surgery? When—“

The doctor helped calm him down, explaining to him he’d be able to get the surgery done in only a couple days. Wilbur agreed without hesitation, scheduling it and getting everything ready. Tommy frowned from the hospital bed.

“Dad?”

Wilbur gave a quick goodbye to the doctor and turned around, shuffling to the bed and leaning over it. He cupped Tommy’s face with one hand, smiling wetly. “Did you hear that? The doctor said we’re a match! You’re gonna be okay, sunshine.”

Tommy leaned into it, relishing in the thumb running along his cheek. “Are you gonna be okay? Will it hurt you?”

Wilbur sat down on the edge, using his other hand to cup his face as well. “Don’t worry about me. The doctor said there’s minimal risks. And life expectancy shows little signs of decreasing. It’ll hurt a little, because I do have to go to surgery. But it’ll be okay. We’ll do it together, yeah?” Wilbur held out his pinky.

Tommy linked them together. “Like we always have.”

Wilbur leaned forward, dropping a kiss to the boy’s forehead. “As we always have.”

-/-/-/-/-/-

The surgery was planned and Wilbur had Phil and Techno takeover watching Tommy while he went in. He gave Tommy a big hug before heading out. The process went smoothly. Wilbur remembered being told it would feel warm, and then he remembered waking up and 3 hours had passed.

He was placed in his own room for recovery, wanting nothing more than to see his boy.

But he couldn’t yet.

Luckily, before Tommy had to go into his surgery, they let the two meet up for a quick hug and kiss then Tommy was off.

Wilbur waited impatiently in his bed, twiddling his fingers. He needed to see his baby. He needed to make sure it went well. He needed to get that text from Phil.

And just like that, his phone pinged. Wilbur quickly unlocked it, looking at the text. And there Tommy was, still asleep in his bed but out of surgery. 

Wilbur felt tears in his eyes, hugging his phone tightly as if he was holding his boy.

It was a success.

Wilbur went to Tommy’s room as soon as he was discharged, giving Tommy the biggest bear hug of his life. Tommy giggling against his shoulder, holding his dad tightly.

Eventually, Tommy was discharged. He was ordered to come back later for an ultrasound to ensure his new kidney wasn’t being rejected. And luckily for them, it wasn’t.

Everything was working perfectly.

And now they could live a semi-normal life.

And of course, Wilbur quite liked to poke Tommy on the side, giggling to himself.

“Daaaad, stop poking me!”

Wilbur’s eyes crinkled. “I’m not poking you. I’m poking me .”

He poked him again. Tommy huffed, rolling his eyes fondly before grabbing Wilbur’s hand and leaning against him. “Thank you for saving me, Wilby.”

Wilbur just scooped his boy up, peppering his face with kisses.

“I’d do it again and again. Without hesitation, you have my heart, my lungs, my liver, my bones, whatever you need. I’d give it all for you. My sweet sunshine. My incredibly strong boy.”

Tommy giggled, pressing a small kiss to Wilbur’s cheek. His nose scrunched up. “Your beard is so itchy.”

Wilbur rolled his eyes. “Shaving is so hard to do without one of my kidneys.”

Tommy glared. “Kidney’s have nothing to do with that.”

Wilbur hummed. “Hmmm… I think it does.”

The boy slapped him, the two laughing. “Are you going to blame everything on that? I’m the one who actually lost mine—“

“Oh woe is me. I think I’m fainting oh noooo~”

Wilbur fell backwards dramatically, landing on the couch and making Tommy laugh.

Wilbur would never truly hold that over Tommy’s head, of course not.

But they’d joke about it. They’d laugh. And they’d cuddle up for movie nights.

Together, as they always have been.

Chapter Text

Listen, Tommy didn’t mean to get adopted by an overprotective, clingy alien. He meant to get back to Earth, find his way back home to foster care without the government kidnapping him for somehow returning from an alien abduction, and live a normal, sad, lonely human life.

Tommy didn’t have the greatest plans for himself.

But as arms wrap around him, and purrs vibrate through his body, Tommy couldn't say he regretted the change of plans.

Tommy had been a bit distant at first, denying the affection of his new alien family. The experiments his captors had done on him left him scarred both physically and mentally. He was always the tough one growing up. The kid who was too loud, too irritable, and it felt as though the trauma he endured only exaggerated these personality traits.

Yet the crew that saved him, the SBI , were patient with him. They treated him like a person. And even when Tommy could see the pain flashing across their faces at his refusals of hugs and protection, they never forced him.

And naturally, as time went on, as Tommy became more and more comfortable with the idea of being held again…

Well, Tommy had to say it was quite nice to let himself be taken care of every now and then. 

Wilbur, Tommy quickly found, was the clingiest of them all. He jumped at the first opportunity Tommy gave him for a hug. Apparently, his species was known for huddling together to preserve warmth and keep each other safe. Which most certainly reflected on how Wilbur treated him.

Which is how Tommy ended up here.

It was something very small. Tommy had just cut himself by accident with a knife while preparing some food. Wilbur had been there and saw the blood starting to run down Tommy’s hand, leaping from his seat and rushing to him.

Wilbur inspected it, pulling out a spray from his belt and spritzing the area. The blood quickly dried up, a layer of skin already forming over the area.

Tommy certainly didn’t miss regular old bandages, much preferring this method of healing.

Wilbur rubbed the area slightly, ensuring it had given a good enough coat before looking back up at Tommy. Tommy almost burst out laughing at the sight of Wilbur’s pupils. They were quickly relaxing and then contracting back and forth, Wilbur clearly fighting with his instincts.

“May I hold you please, little star? Protect? Danger! Love?” Wilbur asked, voice breaking up slightly in warbles.

This was an opportunity. And Tommy would seize it. 

Tommy gave an over-exaggerated pout, pitching his voice to sound a little bit more like one of Wilbur’s warbles.

“I would allow it… But I’m hungry, Dad. I want food.”

Wilbur’s eyes shot over to the food that Tommy was preparing. It was just a simple bowl of fruit, nearly filled at the point Tommy had cut himself. Wilbur quickly swiped it, turning back to Tommy and bending down. 

Tommy nearly lost it, breaking out into giggles and smothering them with his hands as Wilbur wrapped an arm around him and lifted him up. He wouldn’t deny that he enjoyed messing with the phantom from time to time. Wilbur never minded Tommy’s teasing and playful usage of his instincts, happy simply with the fact he got to hold Tommy. Smothering him pleased Wilbur’s instincts, and whatever Tommy wanted, he’d get. 

(One time, Tommy took it too far, at the start of all this. When he wanted to be held but was too terrified to ask. He purposefully put himself in danger, hoping to get Wilbur or any of his family to check on him and give him love. Techno had gone wild at the danger, and Wilbur had fallen deeper into his instincts than Tommy had ever seen before. He wasn’t the cuddly, loving, gentle Wilbur that Tommy knew, he was a hissing, gnashing creature. Wilbur had scolded him when things calmed down, tears falling down his face as he begged Tommy to never do that again and asked again and again why Tommy had done such a thing. When Tommy told him, begging for forgiveness, Wilbur simply held him and said, “If you ever want for anything, a hug, a cuddle, or a compliment, all you ever have to do is ask. That’s all you have to do.” Tommy didn’t do that again.)

Wilbur carried him out of the room, Phil raising his cup with a quick, “See you tomorrow, mate.”

Tommy gave a small wave before the door shut behind them. For someone so lanky, Wilbur was surprisingly strong. Wilbur stopped outside of his room, pressing a palm to the scanner and entering as the door slid open. Tommy smiled to himself as Wilbur plopped down in his nest, quickly setting Tommy down in the center. The phantom set the bowl of fruits to the side.

Tommy could already see the back of the phantom’s arms changing colors, matching the look of the nest.

“ Can’t defend self. Not changing. Not safe.” Wilbur was whispering to himself, grabbing Tommy’s limbs and rearranging them. Tommy let himself be pulled around, being curled into a small ball and wrapped in a blanket. The phantom then curled around him, limbs tangling together to cover as much of Tommy as possible before wings snapped shut, encasing the two in darkness.

Tommy giggled as Wilbur’s glowing eyes landed on him, purrs resounding through their closed space. The color of his face had started to morph into a similar shade of blue as their blankets. A small slice of fruit was pressed to his lips. Tommy opened his mouth, letting the phantom feed him before opting to try and wiggle a hand out of the blanket. Wilbur watched him intensely, ensuring nothing escaped from his protective embrace. Luckily, nothing did. Tommy was able to reach the bowl without leaving the carefully camouflaged wrap that was Wilbur.

“Safe. Hidden. Safe. Love.”   Wilbur warbled, not taking his eyes off of Tommy.

Tommy just munched on another slice of fruit. Wilbur’s species often huddled together and camouflaged into their surroundings, ensuring they were all tangled together in safety.

Except Tommy couldn’t camouflage. Which meant when Wilbur sensed danger, all he could see was a helpless hauntling with no way of protecting themselves. Which led to this, being wrapped in wings and limbs in an attempt to camouflage for him.

Tommy rolled his eyes as he heard the shutter of a camera. “ Phiiiil. ”

“Sorry, mate. This is going in the archives.”

Tommy tried to raise his head to glare at the man, only for Phil to snap another picture as Wilbur shoved his face back down. One day he’d get his revenge. But that day was not today.

As today was basking in the love oozing from Wilbur’s eyes, and purrs rattling his insides as the phantom held him closer.

Revenge later. Cuddles now.

Tommy gave a small, happy sigh, letting his body relax fully. It had taken time for Tommy to ever truly feel safe. To not feel fear at the mere thought he couldn’t see. To feel as though anyone could ever look after him better than himself.

But now, camouflaged in the safety of a nest, surrounded by family that would rather die than see him hurt, Tommy truly felt safe.

Chapter Text

Alien au where Tommy gets rescued from severe captivity/experimentation as usual.
He’s very nervous at first, very quiet and always curled into himself or into a blanket.
Wilbur is the alien that had taken it upon himself to be there for him.

Wilbur had four arms and was a bit bigger than the human. But he did his best to be gentle.

And one day, something snapped.
Tommy made the decision to trust him. And Tommy trusted him *fully.*

The boy fell into his arms and just wouldn’t let go, quietly “crying” into his chest and holding onto him.

Wilbur instinctively curled his lower arms around the boy, holding him like his species would their own younglings. And after that, nothing and everything changed.

Wilbur was *constantly* carrying him. An arm beneath the boy and another curled around his back like a sling.

It came naturally. The boy suddenly became quite attached to him, feeding off touch like he was starving to death. Tommy soaked up every moment, not daring to let go.

Poor boy never had a hug in his life.
Wilbur didn’t mind, though. His other arms could complete his tasks around the ship just fine. Tommy even ate in his lap, not daring to release him.

It was constant. The boy never let him go for more than a few moments at a time.
Wilbur found himself quite pleased with this arrangement.

“Don’t your arms get tired…?” Tommy had whispered to him once as he was preparing dinner.

Wilbur shook his head.

“Not really, no. This is normal for my species.”

Tommy blinked, looking up at him with his chin on Wilbur’s chest.

“It doesn’t annoy you? Or— or—“

Wilbur placed a few pieces of meat into some boiling water.

“Not at all. As I said, quite average for me.”

Tommy tilted his head, leaning into the hand scratching at his scalp.

“Average? I haven’t seen you pick up anyone else.”

Wilbur chuckled. “It’s average for my species with *babies.* My home world is a very dangerous place. There are a lot of predators there that were known for stealing and eating our children. So, we adapted. We could never leave our kids alone for long. We began to use our lower arms for keeping our kids close. But now that we’ve moved from our home world it’s advanced into a bonding ritual as well. And before you say you’re not a kid we do this even when our children reach adulthood. For shorter periods of time, yes. But when we have reunions we often continue this process to rekindle our relationships.”

Wilbur walked away from the pot of soup, moving to a large couch and plopping down.

Tommy simply stared into space, mind reeling at all the implications of what Wilbur just said.

He decided that was a crisis for another day.

For now, he cuddles up even closer to Wilbur, a satisfied breath leaving him.
He was safe. He was loved. And he was held.