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Wilbur sat with one leg crossed over the other, book in one hand. His ears felt heavy with hanging jewelry, rings decorating his fingers.
His other arm was wrapped around someone’s shoulder, pulling them in close. The golden haired 10 year old sat curled into him. Legs tucked beneath him and and half his face smushed against his chest.
Wilbur absently ran fingers through the boy’s hair, bits of it sliding through his rings.
The house was silent aside from the quiet rustle of Wilbur’s fingers through the boy’s hair and the occasional flip of a page.
The boy vacantly stared at the book, not truly reading the pages.
It was nice, but Wilbur could tell Tommy had something on his mind. The way his face was slightly pinched. His forehead creased and his eyes squinted. His lips jutted out slightly.
He would wait for Tommy to ask, though. No reason to try and pry something out of him when he wasn’t ready to talk.
Wilbur’s hand trailed down to his cheek, gently running his thumb along it.
“Hey, Wil?” Tommy prompted.
Wilbur hummed, flipping a page and going back to running a hand through the boy’s hair.
Tommy moved his head, chin resting on Wilbur’s chest as he looked up at him. Wilbur looked down, meeting his sky blue eyes.
“I was thinking…”
Wilbur gave a quiet snort. “That’s never good.”
Tommy huffed with a small smile before his expression fell. “I mean it though.”
Wilbur nodded as he snapped the book shut and set it aside. “I’m listening.”
Tommy stared at him for a moment, considering what he was going to say.
“I… I was thinking about you.”
“About me?” Wilbur’s brow raised.
“Mmhmm…” Tommy hummed. “I was thinking about how you are… like… immortal, right?”
Wilbur blinked at him. “Yes?”
“S—so like… When I… y’know… you’ll be all alone.”
Wilbur’s brows pinched together. “I know what?”
“When I’m dead, Wil. When I die you won’t have any one.”
Wilbur felt his heart sink.
He knew they’d have this conversation one day, and he’s sure he knows where it’s going. He just didn’t think he’d have to have it so soon.
Wilbur looked away for a moment, getting control of his emotions before he turned back to his little brother with a gentle smile.
“Well, Toms… That’s true.”
“What will you do when we’re all gone?” Tommy asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll probably travel. See the world. Meet new people. Make new friends.”
Tommy gripped his sweater tightly. “B-but then they’ll die too…”
Wilbur wrapped a hand around Tommy’s fist. “Then I’ll do it all over again. It’s a part of life I’ll have to accept.”
Tommy was silent for a moment, tears building up behind those beautiful eyelashes.
“Oh, darling…” Wilbur cooed lowly, hand reaching up to wipe at his eyes.
Tommy turned his head away, not allowing Wilbur to comfort him. “Dad’s been teaching you fae magic, right?”
Wilbur retracted his hand, setting it in his lap. “He has.”
Here it comes.
“T—then could you make me a fae? So then we could be together forever! Come on! Let’s do it! Let’s do it right now!” Tommy gave him a watery smile as he pulled on Wilbur’s arm.
Wilbur smiled sadly at him. “Toms… Maybe someday, but not now.”
Tommy released his arm, looking absolutely crushed. “W—why not?”
Wilbur cupped his face. “Because, my beautiful Sunshine. You’re so young, and this is a big decision for little ones like you to make. It isn’t something to be taken lightly.”
“I’m not little! I’m 10 years old, Wilbur! I’m not a baby anymore. I’m not taking it lightly either! I want to be with you forever, and I don’t want you to ever be alone!”
Wilbur nodded. “I understand, but you have to wait until you’re older. 10 is still very young, my dear. I’m only 18 and this would still be a hard decision.”
“There’s nothing hard about it,” Tommy huffed.
“Toms, when you reach the appropriate age, I’ll let you decide. That decision can be no. I will never force you. Even Techno and Phil are still undecided on it, and they’re so old. Especially Phil.” Wilbur grinned.
Tommy giggled before schooling his expression. “My decision won’t change! How could I ever want to leave you?”
Wilbur gently pet Tommy’s hair. “Well, there’s many reasons. Becoming a fae is a long process. If Phil and Techno decide not to, then you might not see them for a very long time. If ever again.”
Tommy blinked at him with his mouth agape.
“It’s a commitment. There’s no changing it once it’s done. You’ll be here forever. There’s no getting out of it. It’s permanent. And you may not want to live forever in a world that will never stop trying to take away your light. You may believe it best to burn bright and fast than to live a dead star.”
Tommy blinked at him, tears starting to roll down his face.
Wilbur made a wounded noise, bonking his forehead against Tommy’s. “Don’t cry, love. Don’t cry, I don’t like seeing your tears.”
Tommy’s face scrunched up in anger. “I hate this! I want to be a fae with you! I don’t care! I’ll be fine without Phil! They’ll decide to become fae too! I just know it!”
“You don’t know that,” Wilbur said gently. “They are their own people, love. It’s okay to say yes when the time comes. It’s okay to say no, as well.”
“But you’ll be all alone.” Tommy cried.
“I’ll be okay. I promise.”
Tommy felt the magic flood his system at the promise, trying to wash away his anger and concern. Tommy shook the magic off, growling.
“What if I died tomorrow? Huh? Then I’ll never get to make the choice!”
Wilbur sighed. “You won’t die tomorrow. If I can help it, you won’t die for a long time. You don’t need to worry about that.”
“But what if I do?!” Tommy shouted.
Wilbur clasped his hands around Tommy’s holding them to his chest.
“Then I’ll still be okay. I’ll be content with the knowledge that I loved my baby brother and he loved me. I’ll always remember our moments together. No matter how long this world lasts. I shall never forget the happy times. I’ll never lose sight of what you gave me. This love and compassion. A piece of you will always be with me. Whether that be you die tomorrow, or in a hundred years.”
Tommy’s body shook with anger. His eyes grew dark as he looked up at Wilbur. Like the sun was eclipsed by the moon.
“I could make you turn me into a fae.” He said darkly. As much darkness a 10 year old could muster. Anger and hurt laced the words.
Wilbur’s eyes widened as he leaned back in shock. “Tommy,” he hissed.
And just like that, the eclipse ended. Tommy’s eyes widened at the realization of what he just said. He slapped a hand over his mouth, tears bubbling at the edges of his eyes. “I—I—“
Tommy choked on a sob, eyes squeezing shut and tears spilling down his cheeks.
Wilbur softened, wrapping arms around him and dragging him into his lap. He rocked them back and forth, keeping Tommy’s head safely tucked away in the crook of his neck.
“Shhh… shhh… It’s okay, Sunshine. It’s okay.” Tommy shook his head, gripping Wilbur’s sweater once more.
Wilbur squeezed him tighter. “I know it’s hard. I do. It’ll be okay. I’m sure of it.”
The door creaked open, laughter echoing through the doorway.
As soon as the intruders saw what was happening, they stopped.
Wilbur nodded at Phil and Techno.
“What’s wrong?” Phil asked quietly.
Wilbur gave him a look.
Ah… that talk.
Phil and Techno have both talked to Wilbur about it. Phil made sure to teach him how to turn others into fae in case it was needed for the future.
They had a strict talk about not forcing anybody to change. Wilbur cried into Phil’s chest and asked why his father wouldn’t want to stay with him forever.
Phil had never been so hurt by a question before.
That memory, that pure and utter anguish in Wilbur’s voice haunts him.
But he had to explain that everyone may not want to live forever on this earth. It was the hardest conversation he ever had with Wilbur.
But in the end, Wilbur understood.
They had a few more conversations like that and Wilbur had finally cemented everything in his brain.
Techno had told him he wasn’t sure about becoming a fae, and Phil said the same.
They said not to bring it up to Tommy until he was ready.
Seems Wilbur didn’t have as long as he hoped.
Phil laid a hand on Wilbur’s shoulder, smiling gently at him. “You did good, mate. Thank you.”
Wilbur nodded, still holding the hiccuping boy in his arms.
One day Tommy would make the decision.
True, he may have to be there when Tommy’s body is lowered into a hole in the ground. It’s true that he might be the one digging the hole.
That he may have to watch his little brother’s face grow old and wrinkly. He’d be forced to watch them as they turned cold and those sky blue eyes turned grey.
Wilbur knew this.
And he knew it was not his choice to make.
While every fiber of his being hoped that when Tommy hit 18, he’d look him in the eyes and say he wants to become a fae.
Say he wants to stay with him forever and ever.
He so desperately wanted that to become a reality.
To have his Sunshine lighting up his world forever.
But… in the end, it was Tommy’s choice. It melted Wilbur’s heart the way Tommy wanted so deeply to be with him.
But he’s much too young to understand the true consequences of becoming a fae.
So, Wilbur would wait.
He would keep his hopes silent. Keep them trapped in his heart. Would feel it flow through his system with each beat.
Wilbur pressed his face into Tommy’s hair, kissing his scalp. “Love you, Sunshine.”
Tommy shuffled. “I love you too.”
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur was 27. He watched as Techno packed his things, ready to go on another adventure. Phil was helping the man pack, laughing at some joke Wilbur couldn’t hear.
Wilbur leaned against the railing of the stairs, arms crossed and smiling at his older brother.
Techno loved to travel. The man comes and goes regularly.
Tommy was bouncing around the house, grabbing small trinkets and stuffing them in Techno’s bag.
Techno and Phil chuckled at the boy, man now.
Though, even at 19… Wilbur couldn't see him as anything other than his tiny little brother.
He can only see those round baby cheeks that he never did grow out of.
“I think that’s enough, Tommy.” Techno chuckled.
Tommy groaned, trying to stuff a snow globe into the already overflowing bag.
Techno grabbed it out of Tommy’s hand, laughing when the blond squawked.
Techno set it aside, smiling at his family.
“Well, I better get goin’.” Techno smiled.
“Wait! I have one more thing for you!” Tommy said as he rushed past Wilbur up the steps.
“What else could I possibly need?!” Techno yelled after with a chuckle.
Everyone could hear Tommy’s footsteps thud against their wooden floors.
Phil grinned as they heard something crash.
That’s his boy.
In only a moment, the footsteps came closer and Tommy came rushing down the steps. Tommy had his arm behind his back, smiling as he slowed to a lazy pace.
“Come on, kid. Don’t have all day.”
Tommy flushed. “Not a kid.” He smacked whatever he was holding into Techno’s chest.
Techno carefully grabbed it, inspecting the gift.
A bracelet with an emerald hanging off it.
Nothing too flashy. It was simplistic.
“I love it.” Techno said genuinely.
Tommy smiled softly before rushing towards him and wrapping his thin arms around Techno.
Techno patted Tommy’s back awkwardly when suddenly, the boy began to cry. Tommy’s hands gripped his shirt tightly.
“I’m going to miss you. I love you so much.”
Techno stood shocked for a moment before looking at Phil.
Phil gave him a knowing smile and nod.
So that’s what this was about.
Techno softened, wrapping his arms around him and squeezing tightly.
“I love you too, Tommy. So much. You’re the best brother anyone could ever ask for.”
Tommy pulled back, wiping at his eyes and sniffling. “You know I love you, right? That I care and want to see you and—“
Techno put a hand on his shoulder, leaning down and pressing their noses together.
“Of course I do. No matter what happens… we’ll always be brothers.” Techno kissed his forehead. “And I hope you know I love you too. More than anything.”
Tommy nodded, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
Techno smiled and gripped the handle of his bags before hoisting them up.
“Bye, Dad and Wil. See you again soon!”
“Bye, Tech!” Phil and Wilbur yelled in unison.
Techno walked through the front door, it swinging closed behind him with a loud smack.
Tommy pressed his face against the window, watching as Techno mounted his horse.
The man turned back, smiling at him.
Tommy waved frantically back, and Techno was off.
Within only a moment, Techno had crossed the tree line and was out of sight.
Tears built up in Tommy’s eyes, but he quickly wiped them away. He turned to Phil and marched towards him.
He stuck his hand out, revealing yet another emerald bracelet.
“For you, Dad.”
Phil took it, looking at the pretty jewelry with curiosity. “It’s beautiful, mate. Where’d you get these?”
“I had someone make them on our last trip to the village.” He grinned.
Tommy rushed at the man, holding him tightly.
Phil smiled, hugging him back and rubbing up and down his shoulder blades. “Love you, Toms. I always will.”
Tommy nodded into his shoulder. “Love you too, Dad.”
Tommy whispered in his ear, quiet enough Wilbur couldn’t hear, “I’m gonna miss you.”
Phil felt his eyes grow damp as he chuckled wetly. “Gonna miss you too, son,” He whispered back.
Tommy backed off, smiling brightly at him before rushing upstairs.
Wilbur scoffed playfully. “Nothing for me?” he shouted at the ascending Tommy.
“Nope!” Tommy laughed.
Wilbur rolled his eyes with a fond huff. “What’s going on with him?”
Phil closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. “You’ll find out, mate.”
Then, the man turned and left. Wilbur blinked at his retreating form.
Weird.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur hummed as his fingers danced across the neck of his guitar. An enchanting melody vibrating through his throat.
Owls hooted. Crickets chirped. Wind shuffled through the grass and leaves.
Wilbur looked up towards the night sky, closing his eyes as he felt the moon’s rays on his face.
The whole world was cold and quiet.
He felt the way nature hummed in tune to his voice. The way magic flowed through his very veins and connected him to everything around him.
He could sense Techno miles away placing his horse into a stable. He could feel Phil’s gentle breath expand into a hot cup of tea as the man sat at his pine wood desk. The steam floated above the mug and dissipated into the air.
He felt animals scurrying into their homes and cuddling up to their families.
He felt predators’ eyes locking onto an unsuspecting prey. He felt the venom of a snake piercing into a creature’s body, leaving them immobile.
He felt the vast ocean waves rolling under his skin. He felt a distant star burning into dust. He felt the air filling his lungs and shifting through his body before leaving in an exhale.
There was a beauty to being a fae.
Though, the most important thing he could feel right now was his little brother.
Sunshine was breathing a bit nervously. He was only getting small intakes of oxygen before releasing it shakily. The ball of light paced in his room, taking steps towards the door before heading back to the bed.
Wilbur kept his eyes closed, not wanting to intrude too much on Sunshine’s privacy.
He had a special connection though, so it made it rather difficult to not sense the wave of anxiety while he was meditating.
You see, him and Tommy have a special bond that he had created by accident.
When Wilbur had named Tommy Sunshine… it tied them together.
He had given the boy a fae name.
This type of name does not allow one to control the bearer of the name, but it does give them a magical bond.
It was as if Wilbur marked him as his. If another fae tried to take Tommy’s name…
The fae name would guard him.
If another fae tried to use magic on him, it wouldn’t work.
Tommy was marked by a fae and no other fae would dare touch him. Tommy could claim his name to humans as Sunshine and they would feel Wilbur’s power thrumming through them, casting fear into their heart.
Phil had explained all this to him a long time ago as he was taught of the magical world of fae.
Wilbur felt as Tommy’s mood shifted to confidence.
He smiled to himself a little, feeling Tommy shift down the steps and towards the front door.
The door slammed open, both of them wincing at how loud it was.
“Hey, Sunshine. What’s up?” Wilbur asked.
Tommy took a deep breath, puffing himself up before looking him straight in the eyes.
“I’m ready.”
Wilbur blinked at him. “Ready for…?”
Tommy stuck his hand out, revealing an emerald earring with a long chain.
“I offer you this, and in exchange… you make me a fae.” Tommy said with determination on his face.
Wilbur’s jaw dropped, eyes trailing to Tommy’s ear where another copy of the earring sat.
“Tommy…” he spoke softly. “You don’t have to do this. You have plenty of time to think—“
Tommy shoved the earring closer. “I want this, Wilbur. I’ve made my decision.” His voice then broke into a whisper as his face softened, “I’ve already said my goodbyes…”
“So that’s what you were doing…” Wilbur whispered back in realization.
Tommy nodded. “I’m ready. I’m so… ready. This is what I want. I’ve thought about it everyday since our conversation. No matter what cons I can come up with… it never changes my mind. I want this. I’m ready.” He said with no hesitance in his voice.
Wilbur looked between his fierce eyes and outstretched hand. He took off one of his own earrings, placing it in his pocket.
Slowly, Wilbur stretched out his arm, hand landing in Tommy’s. He scoops the earring up, snapping it into the newly open space.
“Deal.”
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur walked through the forest, Tommy bouncing in his arms as he carried the blond away from the cabin.
He leaped off a root, boots hitting the ground with a thud.
Tommy gripped the back of his shirt tightly, face buried in his neck.
They hadn’t spoken since the deal was sealed. Wilbur just silently scooped him up and took him into the forest.
Tommy didn’t know how all this worked… he never asked.
But he does know that it’s a long and important process. Wilbur knew what he was doing, and he trusted him.
Soon enough, they were at a familiar clearing.
Wilbur would take him here all the time. He said that this was his favorite spot and where Wilbur had originally taken him.
Wilbur took a deep breath, setting him down.
Tommy watched as Wilbur stuck his arms out, face stern as magic began to swirl around his hands.
Tommy’s eyes went wide as his hair began to float.
The magical mist shot towards the ground, burying itself in the dirt.
Wilbur gritted his teeth, throwing his arms to the sky.
Suddenly, an oak tree sprouted from the dirt. The wood spinning around itself to create a hollow spot in the center.
Wilbur crossed his arms.
Leaves began to grow from the branches, fluffing up the tree. Crystals dropped down from the branches, lighting up the green leaves with glowing purples and blues.
The crystals dripped with magic, mist surrounding the entire tree in an ethereal glow. Crystals were embedded in the bark, sparkling in anticipation.
Tommy stared with his jaw dropped, heart thumping excitedly.
Wilbur exhaled slowly, lowering his hands. He then turned to Tommy, smiling at him gently.
Wilbur extended his hand. “Are you ready?”
Tommy blinked at it before grinning. He slapped his hand into Wilbur’s, gripping it tightly. “Ready.”
Wilbur yanked him closer, Tommy yelping with a small laugh as Wilbur scooped him up.
The fae walked over to the tree, carefully placing him down into the hollow. As soon as the mist entered Tommy’s lungs, the world became slow.
Tommy blinked lazily, more magic seeping into his body.
He was… really tired.
Wilbur cupped his face, pressing his nose against the blond’s. “You’ll be safe here, my Sunshine. I’ll be there when you wake up.” He kissed his nose, releasing him.
Wilbur then slowly backed up, watching as Tommy’s eyes became half lidded.
Tommy watched as Wilbur stepped back, eyes sparkling and glistening. Tommy wanted to touch it. It swirled so nicely and it was so pretty. He took another breath, more mist filling his brain.
Wilbur grinned, giggling. “Goodnight, Sunshine.”
Wilbur crossed his arms, the hollow closing itself off with more bark.
As soon as it was dark, Tommy was asleep.
Wilbur’s features softened, hand running against the trunk. He slid down the tree until he was sitting, leaning against it as he waved his hand.
The mist accumulated, forming the shape of a guitar.
Wilbur pulled his arms around it, watching as the mist formed into the instrument. His fingers slowly plucked at the strings, head leaned back to look through the foliage as he hummed.
He could feel Sunshine’s breath. Could feel the way his magic seeped from the tree and swirled around the changeling.
Wilbur was so glad he stole that sunshine so long ago. He was so happy that he got to keep it. Keep this ray of light in his life.
He could never have asked for a better brother.
While the future is mostly uncertain, there’s one thing that he is sure of.
His Sunshine will always be with him.