Chapter Text
“Wilbur!” Tommy called to his brother.
“Wilby, look what I made at school today! Do you like it?” Tommy held out a drawing to his brother as he got up from the couch.
Wilbur chuckled. “Looks great, big man! Let’s ask Dadza to put it on the fridge!” The two boys raced off to find their dad, who was busy in the kitchen.
“Dadza, can you put this on the fridge for us?” The boys chirped in sync.
Their father chuckled. “Of course I can. Nice work, mate!” He said to Tommy. “While you two are here, what do you want for dinner?” Phil asked.
“Mac n’ cheese, please!” Tommy and Wilbur replied.
“You guys are so alike, it’s funny. It’s almost like you can read each other’s minds.” Phil said.
“Well,” Wilbur replied. “That’s what best friends do! They can read minds!” Tommy laughed at Wilbur’s comment.
“Hey! Are you laughing at me? You gremlin!” Wilbur exclaimed. “Am not! Don’t call me gremlin, you musty anteater!” Tommy said back. Wilbur gasped. “MUSTY ANTEATER?! Oh NO you didn’t!” Wilbur screeched.
Tommy ran away laughing as Wilbur ran after, chasing him. “Can’t catch me, ANTEATER!” He shouted.
“Don’t break anything, or I’ll give Techno your mac n’ cheese!” Their dad yelled after them.
“NOOOOO!” The boys screamed in unison, collapsing to the floor with laughter.
—
Tommy didn’t like school. Well, he liked learning, but he didn’t like the people at school. This one older boy always picked on him and his friends. It had gotten especially bad in the past week. Dream had stolen and hidden his bag, and Tubbo had to spend a whole lunch period looking for it with him.
Ranboo had suggested telling a school administrator, but Tommy refused. If Dream found out that they had told someone, he would just lie to get out of trouble, and then Dream would make life extra hard for all three of them. So, hopefully if they ignored him, Dream would leave them alone.
“Whatcha doing Tommy?” An unfortunately familiar voice asked. Tommy ignored it. “I asked what you’re doing, Tommy.” Dream said. Tommy continued putting his books in his locker. “Hellooooooo, earth to Tommy.” Dream grabbed the book out of his hand.
“Give me my book back, Dream.” Tommy said, trying to keep calm.
“Come and get it.” Dream held the book high above his head. Tommy jumped, trying to grab it. Dream laughed when he couldn’t reach.
“Hey Gogs, catch!” Dream tossed the book to George, who ran down the hall. Tommy chased after him, feeling tears well up in his eyes.
“Hey! What’s going on here?” Wilbur snapped. “Awww, Wilby, I was just having fun with my best friend ! Is that not allowed?” Dream walked over as he talked.
Wilbur scoffed. “You have a sick ass sense of humor then. And your best friend doesn’t seem to be having fun.” He looked at Tommy with concern in his eyes.
“Give my brother his book back.” Wilbur demanded. George tossed the book back to Tommy with an annoyed expression on his face and walked away with Dream.
As soon as the two were out of earshot, Tommy looked up to Wilbur. “Thanks… for doing that.” Tommy mumbled.
“No problem! If those guys ever bother you again, just tell me and I’ll scare them off. That’s what best friends are for.” Wilbur whispered.
Tommy smiled. “Alright, now get to class, gremlin! Don’t be late!” Wilbur called as he walked down the hallway.
“Anteater!” Tommy shouted back.
—
“Do you have to go to college?”
“Tommy,” Wilbur sighed. “I know it’ll be tough not having me here everyday, but you can always call me.”
“I know, but what if you don’t pick up and it’s urgent?” Tommy mumbled.
“Tommy, I promise that I will ALWAYS pick up, no matter what. I’m always here for you, you know that, right?” Wilbur replied.
Tommy shuffled his feet and looked down at Wilbur’s suitcases. “Couldn’t you pick a college closer to home? It would be more convenient for everyone.”
Wilbur chuckled. “Trust me, I know it’s far. Five hours on a plane is not ideal for me either. But L’Manburg University is really good, Tommy. I think it’s what’s best for my future.”
Tommy decided not to debate anymore. He sighed and looked at his brother. “Just… promise me you’ll visit? Please?” He whispered.
“Of course I will! Nothing comes between me and my best friend. Nothing.” Wilbur said as he pulled Tommy into a hug.
“Nothing?”
“Nothing.”
“Even anteaters?”
“Oh, fuck you.”