Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Today, just like all the other days before it, was brought to a start by the sound of an alarm blaring in his ears, ringing through the rather empty apartment. Lazily, Tommy reached for his phone, blindly feeling around for the object. Once he had finally gotten it in his grasp, he squinted through blurry vision, the bright screen feeling as if it was blinding, and pressing a button. He wasn’t sure which one, having pressed them randomly, but he knew that his alarm had finally shut up.

Yeah, he had work today, but did he really need to get up right now? His phone was telling him it was a Monday, and why would he get up on a Monday of all things? It was probably the worst day of the week! It was always the busiest day of the week, and that meant more people to deal with.

Shoving his face back into his pillow, and pulling his blanket tighter around himself, he let his eyes slip back closed, drifting to sleep. (Which was a rather shit decision on his part, really).

When he next awoke, after seemingly only a few minutes had passed, he sleepily opened his eyes. As much as he would really like to stay in bed, he did have to get up eventually. He had to work and be a productive member of society. His eyes shifted towards the numbers on the screen, jolting up with a panicked look on his face as he saw it. Fuck! He did this every morning - how did he not know that what felt like a few minutes would be at least an hour?

Rushing to get out of his bed, he was quick to throw on his work uniform, shoving a piece of bread into the toaster (the last piece, he noted, he needed to go shopping soon). Monday mornings were the busiest time of the week at the cafe, so he didn’t want to be late and leave Niki to handle it all alone. He knew she would be able to - but that didn’t mean he should just leave her because he couldn’t be bothered to get out of bed!

He grinned at the sound of his toast popping, grabbing it and shoving it into his mouth (Prime did he wish he had butter) , he rushed out the door, one shoe on as he hopped to get the other one on his foot as he struggled to not drop his food. Once he had finally sorted himself out, he began to weave through the bustling streets of the district, mumbling out rushed apologies every time he bumped into someone. After what seemed like decades - he reached the cafe doors.

Pushing them open, a grin grew on his face as the bells jingled above him as he entered, “Niki! I’m here!”

“Tommy, you’re right on time.. For once,” Niki exclaimed, waving to him from where she was cleaning off the counter.

“Hey-! I’ll have you know I have women to attend to every morning!” He retorted, a grin on his face as she approached her, grabbing his apron from where he had left it the night before.

Niki laughed at him for a moment, before ushering him behind the counter, and speaking to him in that oddly serious tone, “I have to go pick up some ingredients from the higher districts - please, stay out of trouble?”

Holding his pinky out towards her, smiling as she took it with her own, “Pinky promise! I’ll never understand why you don’t just get them delivered here, though.”

“That’s a secret I’ll never tell,” She grinned, leaving him alone to tend to the cafe as she left the cafe.

Alone. On a Monday morning. The busiest times they have all week. And he’d actually arrived on time so that she wouldn’t be alone in the rush. He couldn’t believe it, he was being betrayed like this.

Sighing, he got to work. He may as well actually do his job, and not get scolded by Niki for neglecting the customers all day. Though as the day continued on, an odd feeling of something off grew, sinking itself into him.

Tommy practically collapsed in relief once he noticed that the rush was beginning to slow down - people heading off to work or to school. There were still a few people lingering in the cafe, so he switched the TV that resided in the corner on, flicking to the news to keep both him and them entertained. As boring as it was - it was always fun to find out what new fights had been going on. They usually weren’t that serious, just a small squabble between a hero and a villain, but entertaining nonetheless. 

Taking his attention off of it so as to focus on cleaning the empty tables, Tommy groaned into his hands as he came across a table which had very clearly been left by some careless idiot (he would’ve called them a bitch, but Niki had told him that he shouldn’t call the customers that - in public) who probably just wanted to piss him off.

It reminded him of a blond hair cat-hybrid he had seen earlier that day. Her appearance was a perfect match for what the internet would call a Karen - and by Prime did her attitude match too. She had just insisted that he hadn’t gotten her order right - even as he made her watch him make it and confirm each step. She had this annoying tone in her voice, and he was about ninety per cent sure her power was to just irritate others. 

As he finished cleaning off the tables, he took a seat in one of the booths. If anybody came in, he could just get back behind the counter, but his feet were hurting and who was he not to take a chance to relax? The news was rambling about some new villain attack, which did intrigue him. Usually, they would only cover them slightly, not being a large enough event to actually be that important but.. This was being talked about a lot. He could’ve sworn they were talking about it when he’d turned the TV on - not that he’d been paying much attention.

Sighing, he rested his head on the table, tiling it so that he was still able to see the screen. He hoped Niki would be back soon, she loved these sorts of things. Where was she anyway? It couldn’t take that long to get some ingredients!

Well, he may as well listen. It wasn’t as if he had anything better to do, and he could tell Niki all about it! Maybe he’d be able to get her to let him pick up another shift if he became her news informant. Was that a word? Probably, if it wasn’t, he could just add it to the dictionary he was making. Niki had said he needed him one time - after trying to convince him ‘Pog’ wasn’t a real word.

Shaking his head, he brought himself back to reality, focusing on the TV. Apparently, it was an attack in the higher districts, around the Hero Tower. That was probably why it was so important, that was where all the heroes resided after all. And hey, wasn’t that cool! Niki usually got her ingredients around there, she wouldn’t need to watch the news this time, she could just see it first-hand!

Tommy fiddled with the thought for a moment, before coming to a realisation - she could see it first hand. Fuck! Was that why she wasn’t back yet? Had she been caught in the attack? Was she okay?

Surely she was, she was Niki after all! She probably just had to take a different route now that the area was closed off. She was smart enough not to put herself in harm's way.

She was going to be back soon, she just had to take a longer route. Maybe she’d just gotten a little sidetracked talking to whoever gave her the ingredients. Yeah, surely that was it. (He couldn’t help the worry that pooled in his gut at the thought).

As he delved deeper and deeper into that pit of thoughts, the worry in him only began to grow.

Eventually, he checked the time on his phone, after waiting what felt like hours - and it was hours. It was time to close the cafe, and the customers that had been hanging around had already left. Fuck! Where was she? Surely she would have shown up by now even if she had to take a different route. He’d just.. Hang back a few more minutes. He didn’t want to accidentally lock her out, after all! She’d turn up, right?

But as time passed, and his eyes began to grow heavy, the hope that she would begin to dwindle. Maybe she just went straight home. Sure, it didn’t make sense for her to just take all the ingredients she had gone to collect home with her - but he would ignore that fact for now in favour of reassuring himself.

Collecting his things rather slowly, that enthusiasm he’d usually have at the end of the day of finally being able to go home and collapse in his bed was replaced by worry. As he headed out the door, that same bell chimed above his head as he left the building, locking it behind him. He spared a glance down the street to check that she wouldn’t just magically appear out of nowhere - before heading the opposite way, towards his apartment building.

His pace was swift as he walked. The dimly lit streets of the lower district were dangerous at night. The desolate area gave him an eerie feeling inside, a paranoia growing by that feeling of something being off that had been festering inside of him all day. Usually, he would’ve seen a few people but.. It was empty.

As he could see his apartment building growing closer and closer, he could feel his pace quicken. Prime did he just want to get to bed and have this day be over. Dashing into the building, and climbing up the barely-there-stairs, he arrived on his floor. Rifling through his pockets, he grabbed his keys, stuffing them into the lock and slinking into his apartment. He ignored the kitchen (and his grumbling stomach) in favour of dashing straight towards his room.

Shutting the door behind him, he plopped himself down onto his bed, rushing to unlock his phone. He hadn’t made any attempts to call Niki while he was at the bakery, not wanting to admit the fact that just maybe she wouldn’t be returning, but now that he was home, and had to face the truth - he may as well try.

Pressing onto the contacts app, he saw Niki’s name immediately, the few contacts in his phone making it easy to spot. He waited anxiously, fingers drumming against his knee as it rang throughout the silent room. Usually, she was quick to answer, not letting it get past a few rings, but as he got no reply - he felt the pit of worry inside him grow. Then, the telltale sounds of her voicemail began to play.

Fuck! Where was she? It was rather late - maybe she was sleeping? Yeah, that was probably why. Niki was a responsible person, she probably went to sleep at a reasonable time. (He ignored the fact that it was only 8 pm, and that he’d called her at much later times before). She was fine. Perfectly fine.

(He ignored the feeling of wrongness that had settled into his bones, that had been following him all day - the feeling that something was wrong in the world).

Placing his phone on the stand by his table, he sighed, ignoring the few tears that built up in his eyes at the thought of what could have happened. Tomorrow, he would walk into work, and Niki would be there behind the counter, ready to greet him. 

Settling down underneath his covers, he let that thought ring through his head. Tomorrow, he just had to make it to tomorrow. Then he could see Niki, and he’d laugh at her misfortune of having to go a different route. He could sneak random pastries from under her nose, acting innocent even though it was very obviously him. Tomorrow. Tomorrow everything would be okay again.

And with that thought, he drifted to sleep.

Chapter Text

T̷o̸d̸a̸y̵,̵ ̵j̸u̴s̵t̸ ̵l̷i̸k̸e̴ ̵a̴l̴l̴ ̶t̴h̵e̷ ̴o̷t̴h̴e̶r̷ ̵d̸a̷y̴s̶ ̵b̶e̵f̷o̷r̵e̸ ̶i̴t̴,̴ ̷w̶a̸s̷ ̶b̷r̸o̶u̷g̷h̴t̶ ̵t̸o̶ ̵a̸ ̸s̷t̸a̴r̷t̶ ̷b̶y̵ ̷t̶h̵e̸ ̴s̶o̴u̸n̵d̵ ̴o̸f̷ ̸a̷n̴ ̸a̸l̴a̴r̵m̵ ̸b̴l̸a̶r̶i̵n̸g̶ ̷i̵n̵ ̴h̷i̷s̴ ̴e̵a̵r̵s̸,̶ ̴r̴i̴n̶g̶i̵n̵g̸ ̷t̷h̸r̸o̷u̴g̷h̸ ̴t̸h̴e̴ ̵r̴a̶t̴h̷e̶r̶ ̵e̷m̸p̶t̶y̵ ̴a̵p̵a̵r̸t̶m̶e̵n̴t̴.̶ ̵L̷a̸z̶i̴l̴y̴,̸ ̵T̵o̵m̵m̴y̷ ̴r̵e̵a̷c̸h̶e̶d̷ ̸f̴o̸r̶ ̴h̸i̵s̸ ̶p̶h̴o̶n̴e̷,̶ ̴b̶l̴i̷n̵d̴l̴y̶ ̸f̷e̵e̷l̵i̶n̵g̶ ̸a̶r̷o̸u̷n̴d̷ ̴f̴o̸r̸ ̴t̷h̵e̵ ̵o̸b̶j̶e̸c̵t̴.̶ ̶O̶n̸c̷e̶ ̴h̵e̸ ̸h̴a̵d̴ ̴f̴i̸n̷a̴l̸l̶y̸ ̵g̶o̷t̶t̵e̴n̶ ̵i̶t̴ ̶i̸n̷ ̸h̷i̶s̵ ̵g̵r̸a̶s̶p̷,̵ ̵h̶e̷ ̴s̷q̸u̸i̸n̷t̸e̸d̷ ̷t̵h̷r̷o̷u̶g̴h̷ ̷b̷l̸u̶r̵r̶y̸ ̸v̵i̷s̴i̵o̵n̶,̸ ̷t̷h̶e̶ ̸b̴r̵i̷g̸h̴t̶ ̵s̴c̶r̸e̵e̶n̵ ̵f̴e̵e̸l̸i̴n̶g̸ ̴a̴s̸ ̸i̸f̴ ̸i̷t̵ ̶w̴a̴s̵ ̸b̵l̵i̸n̴d̴i̷n̴g̴,̴ ̷a̵n̷d̶ ̵p̵r̵e̵s̶s̸i̶n̸g̷ ̵a̴ ̷b̶u̵t̷t̶o̶n̸.̸ ̸H̷e̸ ̷w̴a̷s̵n̶’̶t̸ ̷s̸u̵r̸e̴ ̸w̴h̷i̸c̵h̶ ̵o̶n̶e̶,̶ ̴h̴a̸v̸i̷n̷g̴ ̷p̷r̷e̶s̵s̸e̴d̸ ̵t̵h̴e̴m̵ ̸r̸a̴n̴d̸o̶m̷l̷y̴,̶ ̸b̷u̶t̶ ̸h̶e̵ ̷k̷n̴e̷w̶ ̴t̷h̵a̷t̸ ̸h̵i̷s̷ ̴a̴l̶a̸r̷m̴ ̵h̵a̷d̴ ̸f̶i̸n̶a̴l̷l̵y̸ ̷s̷h̸u̷t̶ ̴u̸p̴.̴

̸Y̸e̶a̵h̷,̴ ̵h̴e̴ ̵h̷a̷d̷ ̴w̷o̸r̸k̵ ̵t̷o̷d̵a̸y̵,̶ ̷b̶u̷t̵ ̶d̵i̷d̷ ̸h̷e̷ ̷r̶e̷a̶l̵l̵y̷ ̴n̷e̷e̷d̷ ̴t̵o̶ ̶g̴e̵t̶ ̸u̷p̵ ̶r̵i̷g̵h̵t̴ ̷n̶o̵w̴?̴ ̸H̴i̷s̶ ̶p̴h̶o̴n̷e̶ ̸w̷a̶s̷ ̵t̸e̴l̵l̷i̴n̴g̴ ̶h̵i̷m̷ ̷i̸t̴ ̴w̴a̸s̸ ̶a̴ ̸M̴o̷-

Monday? It.. it was Tuesday, wasn’t it? The realisation made him shoot up in his bed, phone grasped tightly in his hands. It had been Monday yesterday . He could clearly remember the events - from having to rush to work (although, that was every day), the villain fight that had been displayed all over the news and then... Niki not coming back.

Shit- Niki! He hadn’t heard from her since the night before, was she okay? She had to be okay. He took in a breath, calming his racing heart from the sudden reminder. He could just get ready, and then he’d see her when he got to work.

Getting out of his bed, he hastily threw on his work uniform. For a moment, he wondered why he wasn’t wearing it already - having thought he’d gone to sleep in it yesterday, but quickly moved on from the thought. 

Rummaging through the drawers in his kitchen, Tommy didn’t expect to find anything, but as he came across a singular slice of bread in a bag, confusion painted his face. He could’ve sworn he used the last piece yesterday - and he for sure hadn’t gone to buy anymore. Maybe he’d just not noticed it? Fuck, today was weird.

Shrugging, he placed it into the toaster. He thought for a moment about messaging Niki, to see if she was really okay, but decided he could wait. She was most likely preparing the shop for when they opened, and he really didn’t want to distract her - cause then he’d be dragged into helping if she didn’t finish!

Grabbing his food as it popped out of the toaster, he gulped it down, pulling on his shoes as he opened up his front door (and holy fuck he was early today! He didn’t have to run to work!). Even if it was earlier, the streets were still busy with people, and he found himself weaving through the people just as quickly as he had yesterday - not because he was in a rush, but because he just wanted to get out .

Approaching the cafe doors, he pushed his way in, grinning as he heard the bells jingle from above him, catching sight of Niki standing behind the counter. The pink-haired woman held a cloth in her hand, clearly having just finished cleaning it, “Niki!”

“Tommy! You’re early.. For once,” Niki exclaimed, waving to him, “What’s the special occasion?”

“Wh- Hey!” He sputtered, stumbling over his words as he insulted her.

Chuckling, Niki turned back to wiping the counter, a smile on her face as she let him ramble on about how he was a ‘Big man’ and how he had ‘so very many women to see!’ Eventually, he tired himself out, letting out a few grumbles as he sat in one of the booths.

It was silent for a moment, before Tommy spoke up, “Hey, where were you yesterday? You just disappeared,” He sighed, laying down on his back, missing the worried look that flashed across her face.

“Tommy.. We were closed yesterday, I didn’t see you all day,” She said, walking over towards where he lay.

“But..” He thought for a moment, a look of panic overcoming his face as he thought back to his morning - the time on his phone, the uniform, the bread - fuck! “What day is it today? Niki, what day is it today?”

“It’s Monday.”

Shooting up from where he was laying, narrowly missing banging his head on the table, his thoughts an wild through his mind. It had been Monday yesterday! It should be Tuesday today, right? Maybe she’d read it wrong? His heartbeat thudded in his chest as he thought - breaths coming shorter, “Are you sure? Are you sure it isn’t Tuesday?”

“I’m sure.. Tommy, are you okay?” Niki’s face was full of worry as she spoke, reaching a hand up to feel his forehead, “Are you ill? Do you need to go home?”

Tommy contemplated his options for a moment, he remembered the previous events clearly, and he wanted to know how to prevent them. If he did go home.. Niki would have to stay here, there would be nobody to look after the cafe for her. She wouldn’t be caught in the villain attack - that was perfect!

“That- Yeah, I’ll go home, thank you, Niki,” He grinned, getting up, “Survive without me!”

“I will, I will!” She laughed, ushering him out of the door, “Stay safe!”

There was a pit of dread in his stomach as he left the cafe, something feeling off , but he ignored it. For now, he had to go find out why the fuck he was reliving his Monday (why the fuck did he have to relive the worst day of the week! Couldn’t it have at least been a Tuesday?).

Muttering to himself, he crossed the street, narrowly missing getting hit by a car. Reaching the pavement, he headed straight for the library - thank Prime it was right opposite the cafe, he really didn’t want to have to walk further.

Pushing the door to the library open, Tommy stood in the entrance for a moment. He wasn’t sure where to look, or what to even start looking for. He knew it would be fiction, but that was just about it. He had been in here before - when he was younger, and had time to indulge in all the fantasy stories it had to offer, but he had never seen anything time-related.

Sighing, he headed over to the shelves, scanning the titles for anything that seemed slightly time related and grabbing it, reading the blurb, and putting it back. The pattern repeated for quite a while, Tommy getting lost in the repetitive motions as he tried to find anything remotely similar to his situation. Eventually, he caught sight of a rather tattered old book hidden towards the back. Of fucking course he had to get the cursed-looking book! 

Taking it, he placed it onto one of the tables, flicking it open. He had all the time he wanted - and so he didn’t bother taking it out, settling down into his chair as he read the pages. He found himself getting rather invested in the story, the pages drawing him in.

Eventually, he flicked the last page over, a disappointed feeling inside of him as the story came to an end. He had almost forgotten why he was here - way too invested in the story, but it had fit his situation perfectly!

Placing the book back where he had found it, he mulled over the information he had found. They had gotten out of the time loop by saving someone from dying - so surely he’d just have to save someone? But - he’d already saved Niki today.. So was he already free? (He ignored the fact that that meant Niki had died, that she hadn’t survived the attack).

Grinning, he left the library, the streets dark and empty (too empty). A feeling he couldn’t place swirled in his stomach as he continued walking. It was.. off . Maybe it was some side effect of being in the loop? That feeling that something was wrong in the world - it would make sense, after all. There was something wrong in the world!

The streets were oddly empty, no cars were driving along the roads, no civilians walking down the paths. He supposed it might’ve been because of the attack, people wanting to get home to check on their families. But.. it was too empty.

Shaking his head to clear it of the thoughts as he approached his apartment building, he headed up the old stairs, pulling his keys out of his pockets as he approached his door. He wasn’t sure if he had even locked it behind him that morning, being in a hurry to check on Niki, but it was the thought that counted! 

Entering the apartment, he left his shoes by the door, before heading towards his wardrobe and actually bothering to get changed out of his work uniform - mind being much calmer now that he knew Niki was safe. As panicky as he had previously been at the aspect that he was in a time loop, he was much more calm now, knowing he would be able to get out of it.

He didn’t bother getting anything to eat - having eaten the last piece of bread that morning, and heading straight to his bread. Prime, he couldn’t wait to be able to go shopping tomorrow, to finally have to buy another loaf of bread. It had only been a day and he already missed the mundane tasks that came with his Tuesdays.

Laying on his bed, he tugged the blankets up to his chin. He sent off a quick ‘Goodnight!’ text to Niki (and ignored the lack of a notification he usually heard after sending a message, ignoring the fact that Niki always replied back with a goodnight). He just wanted today to be over, it had been relatively calm, but the quicker he was out of the loop, the better.

Letting his eyes slip shut, he drifted to s̴l̸e̶e̸p̸.

Chapter Text

His alarm blared out through his room - Tommy sleepily opened his eyes, reaching out a blind hand towards his phone. He yawned, pressing the snooze button. Tuesdays were quiet - and he’d just had to live through two Mondays, he deserved the rest!

Grumbling, he shuffled slightly, relaxing further into his blankets. His eyes were heavy as he shoved his face into his pillow. He could get up later! It wouldn’t hurt to have five more minutes of sleep. He did it every day, and he was fine! (He ignored the fact that every time he did, he was late).

But before he knew it, his phone was sounding out again. Groaning, he used his arms to push himself up into a sitting position. Rubbing at his eyes, he was quick to grab his phone and shut the alarm off, quickly checking the time - it was still early. He did really want to go back to sleep.. But he missed Niki. They hadn’t spoken in a while, even if it had only been a day! (He didn’t count the loops, the repetitiveness didn’t feel like a conversation), so it wouldn’t hurt to be up early for once.

Getting out of his bed, Tommy yawned, before getting changed into his uniform. It didn’t take him long, used to the routine, even if it had been slightly interrupted the day before. He was quick to head into the kitchen after getting changed, stomach rumbling. Prime, he had forgotten to get food yesterday, hadn’t he? He knew there wasn’t any bread - but maybe there was something else?

He opened the drawer, pushing miscellaneous items out of the way as he searched for some food. He wasn’t too sure what he was looking for, but as he felt the packaging of something crinkle beneath his fingers, a grin grew on his face. He wasn’t sure what it was - but it was probably food!

Pulling the item out of the drawer, his grin faded as he saw what it was. Fucking bread! Unease pooled inside of him at the sight. Nope, he was not dealing with this shit today! He thought he’d escaped? Why the fuck was there still bread in the draw?

Tommy took a second to collect his thoughts. He knew there shouldn’t be any - he had taken the last piece yesterday. He knew that. So why the fuck was there bread? Had some tiny gobin come into his home in the middle of the night and given him a single slice?

Pulling out his phone, he grasped it in his hand, switching it on. As hesitant as he was, he had to check what day it was. Looking at the date - he felt a pit of dread form in his stomach, the phone toppling out of his hands and onto the floor. Why the fuck was it still Monday?

Grabbing his phone off the floor, he rushed to unlock it again, swiping to his contacts. There was no way he was going to work today - he had to figure this shit out. Calling Niki, he grinned as she answered. He didn’t bother waiting for her to say anything, quick to rush out an excuse, “Niki! I can’t make it to work today.”

“That’s alright, Tommy, are you okay? Are you ill?” She responded, worry in her tone.

Tommy felt himself relax. Prime was he glad she was so nice - she hadn’t even asked him why, “I’m alright, just feel a little ill today, and I really don’t feel like throwing up at work.”

“I hope you get better, don’t worry about work today,” He could hear the smile in her voice as she talked, “Make sure you get plenty of rest and take care of yourself, alright? Or I just might have to come over for a visit.”

“I will, I will!” He exclaimed, “I’m gonna get to bed now, try and sleep it off. Goodbye, Niki!”

There was a smile on his face, though he felt slightly guilty for lying to her. As the call ended, his smile faded, and he focused back on the problem at hand. 

Where would he start? He knew he had to try and get out of this - of course, he did.. But where would he start? The book had said he needed to save someone, so maybe Niki had still somehow gotten into danger somehow. He had left the shop, so she’d have had to stay behind..

He groaned as realisation struck him, she was the owner of the bakery, she could close it whenever she wanted! She didn’t need someone to look after the cafe when she could just close it for the day. 

But that meant that she would still go get the ingredients today - that means she would still get caught in the villain attack. A jolt of panic stuck through him at the thought, scrambling to stand up. Food could wait, he had to get there before her. He had to stop her from being caught in the attack.

He dashed to get out of the door, not bothering to lock it behind him. He didn’t care if he got robbed (though it wasn’t like he had much to steal) - it wouldn’t matter as long as Niki was alive. And if he didn’t hurry, she wouldn’t be.

At some point, he had realised that he’d forgotten his shoes, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. He didn’t need shoes to save the world! His world. (And really, she was his world. She was the only person Tommy interacted with daily - the only person that cared enough to check up on him).

Rushing down the stairs, he pushed open the doors of the apartment, the sight of the outdoors greeting him. The swarms of people that bustled around the street, attempting to get to wherever they were going on time, were simply an obstacle in his path. He didn’t attempt to just follow the crowd like he usually did - he had to get through . He didn’t have the time to be careful. Apologies spilt out of his mouth as he pushed his way through, ducking out of the way of hands attempting to grab him. They could be as angry as he wanted, he needed to save NikI!

Coming face to face with the cafe, he mumbled a few curses as he saw it was shut. She’d already left! How was he supposed to catch up with her now?

Glancing up, he noticed the rooftops.. They were relatively flat, and the gaps between the buildings were jumpable. If every bone in his body was screaming not to do it, it seemed like a good idea! Plus, he might just be able to get there before Niki, not blocked by the masses of people on the streets.

Parting from the crowd, he headed into the alleyway by the side of the bakery, scanning the area for a way to get up there. He grinned as he saw a ladder propped up against the wall leading up to the roof just a few metres away. It was odd - but he was grateful for whoever had put it there.

Grabbing onto the rungs, he pulled himself up. The metal was cold against his fingers as he climbed up onto the roof, stumbling slightly as he found his footing. He felt slightly queasy at the sight of the drop that was down below, but shook his head, staring at the horizon of rooftops that led to the higher districts.

He took a moment to gather the confidence, but once he had, he ran, leaping over the first gap. As daunting as it seemed - it was rather easy and felt almost freeing. Every so often he would stumble, especially at a larger gap, but it was fun . He almost forgot why he was doing this in the first place, but was brought back to reality as the hero tower came into view.

He had seen it a few times before, on the off chance he’d visited the higher districts, but it was a different sight from way up here. There were people constantly entering and exiting the building. and big crowds around it. Crowds that would have usually blocked his vision.

It was peaceful, and he nearly forgot about his situation, though, he was drawn out of his thoughts by footsteps behind him. Who the fuck would be up here of all places? As the person spoke, he seemed to get his question answered for him.

“What are you doing up here, kid?” The voice was harsh, with a hint of malice in it. He spun around at the sound, his heart beating in his chest as he realised who it was. Schlatt. The villain that had caused this whole mess in the first place. 

It took him a moment to respond, having to collect his thoughts, and to calm his anger. He couldn’t just go screaming about how he’d killed Niki when it hadn’t even happened yet! And if he wanted to save her, he had to make it out of this situation alive. Fidgeting with his hands, his heart racing, he mumbled out a response, “I was just.. Looking at the sights. I can leave!”

The villain sighed, taking a step towards him. The ram’s ears flicked with annoyance, “Do you really think I’d believe that? That some kid would be up here for no reason?”

As the villain stepped towards him, Tommy unconsciously took a step back, unwillingly edging closer towards the edge of the building, “Yes! That’s all, I swear!”

Schlatt moved closer, a grin on his face as Tommy attempted to move back again, finding himself on the very edge of the rooftop, “Are you sure? It’ll be better for the both of us if you just tell me the truth.”

Nodding furiously, Tommy didn’t dare move, the chance of one wrong move sending him toppling over the edge being far too high. Prime, he hoped Niki was okay - he hoped that he had somehow managed to stall the villain long enough that she was on her way back to the bakery. (He ignored the fact that he didn’t even know if she was here yet, and even if she had - she usually stayed a while).

His attention was brought back as a new voice joined them, sighing with relief at the sight, “Schlatt, leave the kid alone.”

It was a hero. He wasn’t too sure which one, not being that well versed in the topic - but that didn’t change the fact it was a hero . Prime, maybe he’d be making it out of here alive.

Schlatt didn’t hesitate as he turned towards the hero, tensing slightly at the sight, stance turning defensive - though still kept some of his attention on Tommy, making sure he couldn’t escape, “And why would I do that?”

“Because he isn’t involved in whatever your planning, he’s just a kid , let him go,” The hero demanded, though she didn’t move to get any closer to them. One wrong move and Schlatt would be able to send him plummeting to his death.

Grinning, the villain took note of the other's caution, and gave Tommy a subtle push. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make him stumble - enough to make him stumble to his fucking death.

Dashing towards the edge, in an attempt to catch him, the hero reached out towards him. Though, her attempts were futile as Schlatt grabbed ahold of her, “You bastard, let me go! He’s going to die!”

And Tommy could only cry out as he fell, the last thing he saw was the hero rushing to catch him, and Schlatt holding her back. A nauseating feeling formed inside of him, curling in on himself. His vision faded as the sight of the ground grew closer. He found himself glad for the fading of his consciousness - at least he wouldn’t feel anything. 

The last thing he felt before he succumbed towards the darkness that was swallowing him was the same feeling of wrongness he had felt ever since the first loop. That same feeling of wrongness which had never left him ever since this had all begun.

Something felt w̶̜̞͝r̵̪͂̈́ơ̵̦̗n̶͉̊g̸͕̰͝. Something was w̸͈͂͑̈́j̴̙͐̒ć̸̲̠̖͐n̵͖̎i̶̱̫̫̒n̶̡̲̎̀̄g̸̻̭̞͝ ̷̟͙͕͘ḫ̵̈́h̴͎͙͔̆͘k̶̰̂͌ͅm̷̺͈͊.

Chapter Text

Tommy shot up in his bed as the sounds of his alarm blared out through his room. He ignored it - a hand against his chest as he gasped for air. Bringing his knees up to his chest, he rested his head in them, squeezing his eyes shut as tears formed in them. He was quick to open them again, the memories flashing in his mind.

Fuck - had that really just happened? Or was it just some sick nightmare his mind had ever so kindly gifted to him? But, it had felt so real.. Had he just fucking died?

Scrubbing at his eyes, he took a few shuddering breaths, calming himself. He wouldn’t get anything done if he just sat here all day.

Reaching out an arm, he grabbed his still-ringing phone, shutting off the alarm and checking the date - confirming his fears. It was still Monday. Would he ever get out of this? Was he just going to be stuck in this loop forever? Would the rest of his life consist of just Mondays? Because to him, that sounded like utter hell. Couldn’t it have at least been a Saturday?

Shaking his head, he focused back on what the fuck he was going to do. There was no chance he’d be going to work today - he had to figure out how to get free. But how was he supposed to save Niki? The book had said that was how most loops ended, after all.

He knew that just going head first into the situation wouldn’t help - after what had happened last time. So if he wanted to help her, he’d have to get better at fighting, he had to get better at defending himself. He couldn’t just go into things blindly anymore.

As much as he didn’t want to  - he’d have to spend a few loops not trying to save her - to at least get some basic combat skills. It didn’t have to be much, he didn’t exactly plan on getting into any fights, or running into Schlatt again. But it would be enough to at least give him a fighting chance if he did happen to stumble across any danger.

But how would he get those skills? It wasn’t as if he had any spare money laying around for a lesson on it, and he doubted anybody would want to teach him the same day he signed up. And even then - they’d just be teaching him the same things every loop.

Racking his brain, he attempted to come up with a plan. Maybe he could learn from experience? There had been a few vigilantes in the area before, although they had been quickly caught by the heroes - being illegal and all. He wasn’t sure why they were illegal, they helped more than the heroes for Prime’s sake!

Tommy stopped himself before he could go on an angry (mental) rant about how the vigilantes - who didn’t even get paid for their job - did more than the heroes. But his mind was made up. He would become a vigilante. Even if he did get captured by the heroes, he would just wake up in his bed the next day. And then he’d know where to avoid if he went out again. (Though, they’d probably all be distracted by the villain attack).

He turned back on his phone; it had shut itself off at some point, and opened up his messages. He didn’t want Niki to worry - even if she wouldn’t remember any of this. He would feel bad leaving her worrying all day. Shooting her a quick message - using the same excuse from the day- no, loop, before, he switched the device back off, sliding it into his pocket.

He didn’t put too much effort into covering his identity, but did he really need to? None of this would be remembered after all. Plus, it might be easier to fight people if they think he’s a child (not that he actually is! He’s the biggest man of all!). People had a tendency to underestimate him in general, thinking he was a child all the time, so it just might work on muggers too!

Sliding on a plain black hoodie, he donned a full black outfit. Looking in the mirror he had, he snickered at how cliche it looked - he had to put together a better outfit in another loop.

With a grin, he walked into the kitchen, grabbing a kitchen knife off of the counter. He would’ve found a different weapon, but he didn’t think he actually had anything else that would be useful. Shoving it into his pocket, he prayed that it wouldn’t stab him, Prime, it would be embarrassing - dying to his own knife. And on accident!

Heading towards his front door, he noted that it was still bright out - obviously, he had just woken up. It wasn’t ideal, most crimes usually happened at night (probably, that’s what TV had taught him!) but crimes did still happen during the day! And he was going to stop them. It wasn’t like any vigilantes came out during the day to protect them anyways.

Tommy ducked in and out of alleyways, avoiding the rooftops. As easier as it would make this - and the fact that he’d be out of sight (could people stop looking at him like he was about to rob a bank?) - he didn’t feel like going up there again. Actually, he wasn’t sure he ever would. He did not want to die again, no thank you!

He helped out a few people, not having run into any major crimes. As much as he wanted some action, the calmness of it all was nice. It was a welcome change from the past two loops. Honestly, he wasn’t sure why he hadn’t done this sooner - it felt nice helping others. Whether it was just getting a cat out of a tree or helping an old person cross the road. The mundane tasks were nice. (He ignored how he had felt eyes on him all day. Watching) .

It was beginning to grow dark, though, and he wanted to leave the more dangerous criminals to the more experienced vigilantes. He’d come and help another loop - but not today. 

Walking down the dark streets, it was eerily similar to before he had entered the loops. He wasn’t sure what to call it, Loop One? Bartholomew? Henry? Clementine? Okay, maybe not human names. Loop Zero? Yeah, Loop Zero worked!

The streets were deserted, just like Loop Zero. It was strange - as strange as it had been the first time. He wasn’t sure why they were so empty, usually, there would be at least a few people heading home from late jobs, or cars driving through the city to who-knows-where. 

But it was different to Loop Zero at the same time - the street lamps were shining just a bit brighter, the cracks in the pavement seemingly a bit wider, and the stars looked.. Off. It was just so wrong and different. It drew that same feeling out of him that he’d been feeling for a while - that feeling of wrongness, that something was off in the world.

And something was off in the world; he was in a fucking time loop for Prime’s sake! But it didn’t feel like it was just that which was wrong, it was something.. More. (And it still felt like he was being watched).

Tommy shook his head, he didn’t want to think too deeply about it. He could find out how to save Niki and get the fuck out of this, and it wouldn’t be his problem anymore! Whatever was wrong with the world was not his problem.

Picking up his pace, Tommy soon was greeted by the entrance to his apartment, and was quick to step in. He didn’t bother changing out of his clothes, only throwing his shoes to the side. Who knew being a good person was so exhausting?

Grumbling, he tossed and turned in his bed until he was comfortable, and was quick to fall asleep - the next loop awaiting him.

–

The next few loops passed similarly to that one - him saving the day, taking different routes every day. He began to avoid the dark walk home, instead heading home slightly earlier. No, he wasn’t scared of the dark - fuck you. It was just what it brought with it!

He focused back on the path. He had gotten a little distracted that day - and it was beginning to become dark. Prime, it was just like the nights he had been staying up late. An unnerving quiet in a usually bustling city.

But then he heard a shout from down an alleyway, and it was so wrong to hear a voice in the quiet. He almost wanted to ignore it - but he couldn’t. That was another human being, he couldn’t just leave them.

Silently, he peeked into the alleyway, kitchen knife clutched in his right hand. He didn’t want to kill them - of course, but he could just knock them out. He could see a teen cowering in the corner as another rifled through their belongings, waving something around. He wasn’t sure whether it was a weapon or the effects of some power, but it looked dangerous.

Creeping into the alleyway, he kept his eyes glued on the two, freezing everytime one of them looked even remotely in his direction. And just as he thought he was safe, coming towards a large dumpster he could hide behind - he realised his mistake of not looking at the ground. The packet he had stood on crinkled, and suddenly he felt two more pairs of eyes watching him. “ Shit. ”

Quick to move, he darted backwards, in an attempt to get out of the way, but apparently, he wasn’t quick enough. At the speed of light (literally - or at least, it looked like it) a large, metal bar collided with his stomach.

And Prime did it hurt. He crumpled to the floor at the force, curling in on himself. This could not be good for his health! And of-fucking-course he had to run into someone with enhanced speed. Just his luck!

He really didn’t want to move. His stomach ached, and there was definitely some internal damage done there, but he had to if he wanted to survive. He didn’t want to die, not again. Never again.

Raising his head, he noticed the other getting ready to attack again - so their power had a cooldown. That was good to know. Getting up on his feet, he bit his tongue to hold back a cry of pain at the movement. Stumbling backwards, he heard the pole swing where he had just stood. His vision grew dizzy, and he felt his legs beginning to grow weak. Fuck - that wasn’t good.

Tommy tried to get away - he did, but the other was fast , even without their power, and he just couldn’t. He found himself back on the floor, right where he had just been, and he felt the hope in him dwindle. Prime, this wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all.

Holding his arms above his head as he heard the pole approaching once again, he cried out as he felt it connect with the back of his neck instead. His vision began to grow blurry, to grow dark, and he could’ve sworn he heard something snap.

And it hurt . It hurt so fucking bad - but he couldn’t stop the pain, there wasn’t anything he could do about it. He couldn’t move .

But at the same time, he didn’t want to die. Prime, he didn’t want to die again. Was that really too much to ask for? Was it too much to ask for the universe to just let him live another day? (But would it really be another day? Wouldn’t he just be stuck here again?)

The sound of footsteps feeling the scene, and the panicked voice of the teen he’d saved approaching him reached his ears. He felt guilty, for making the teen worry. But at least he’d saved them, right?

He couldn’t help but cry out as they shook him, the pain hitting him full force again. And that was when he realised that he wouldn’t be making it out of here - he was going to die again.

And just before he lost consciousness - before he died - he could feel the eyes watching him. The eyes that had been following him all day.

Glancing up, he noticed the other getting ready to attack again, raising his arms above his head in an attempt to protect it. But that wasn’t where the other was trying to hit. Instead, he felt the bar connect with the back of his neck, vision growing blurry - and darker.

He didn’t want to die. Prime he didn’t want to die again. Was that too much to ask for? Was it too much to ask of the world to just let him live another day? (But would it really be another day?)

The last thing he heard before he lost consciousness - before he died - was the sound of footsteps feeling the scene, and the panicked voice of the teen as they attempted to shake him awake.

And it felt so wrong , but he couldn’t stop it. It was f̸̙̏͂͊̒ḩ̵̧̛͇̪̖̰o̶̪̽̌l̶̟̩̩̪̀̂j̴̨͓͐͘͝͝w̷̖̤̲̼̒̄̀̒̏͠ī̸̡̜̼̩̐͐̽̐͠n̵̨̬͗̓͠͝g̶̬̝̹̞̉̈́̚ ̸̦̥̘͛̃̓h̶̤̝͗̒̒̍ͅj̵̰̼̟͓̜͙̐̋͝i̶̞̠̝̍͝m̶̜̺̮̘̱͊̅͆͋̽͝