Archive of Our Own

The very last thing Schlatt expected when he got off work was to see a kid sitting there alone in front of the door to his apartment. He thought maybe some dumbass lost their kid close by and he ended up in front of his apartment scared and unclaimed. However, after asking the kid a few questions and connecting the dots, he realized he was the dumbass and that this was the obvious result of his actions from years before. Schlatt didn't know a single thing about children or how to raise them. The thought of the responsibility freaked him out, but at that point, he didn't have much friends to call, so he just sucked in and tried to take care of the small boy by his own after all.
Out of all the strange calls Quackity had received from his old friend this was the most peculiar, he didn’t get much of an explanation just to come over and bring apple juice. The two hadn’t talked in a few months and if Schlatt wanted him to come over he didn’t have to come up with something so weird, just a call asking how Quackity was doing would have done it but clearly Schlatt isn’t like that, no he comes up with reasons for Quackity to run to the store first.

He knocked on the apartment door ready to ask Schlatt what the fuck he needed apple juice for so urgently when the reason opened the door, Quackity looked down meeting the big brown eyes of the small boy in overalls holding onto a new build a bear for dear life, “what the fuck.”

“You swore,” the boy said sheepishly face mostly hidden in the plush, he turned his head slightly to meet his father, “he swore.”
Schlatt didn't really thought of exposing things through the phone, thinking that Quackity's reaction to the kid would be fun enough to make it worth it. Hearing the door open, walking to the door after the kid, laughing at hearing the kid's reaction to swore.

He swopped the kid up in his arms, "don't swore at the kid, man." He spoke amused, don't quite minding it even if the kid mind. Somehow he had managed to don't swear in front the kid, at least after the boy had pointed out swearing as the same way he did with Quackity.

He moved from the door to allow Quackity inside. "Did you bring the juice?" He asked, not being able to just made a quick room to the nearest store without having to bring the kid too.
Quackity stepped in, not being able to take his eyes off the kid in his old friend's arms, before quickly darting to look at Schlatt as he spoke “yeah Schlatt I’m fine thanks for asking.” He muttered under his breath while digging into the plastic bag he was holding to pull out the carton of store-brand apple juice.

The child kicked his legs excitedly at seeing the carton, pulling on his father’s shirt to go into the kitchen and pour it into his favourite cup, it was one of Schlatts shot glasses with a ram on it but tubbo didn’t know the difference he just knew it was small like him.

“Please tell me you’re babysitting this kid,” Quackity asked as he followed them into the kitchen, taking a quick moment to look around at the toys and children's crayon drawings scattered along the living room floor. He crossed his arms over the kitchen counter actually finding it more ridiculous that someone would trust Schlatt with their kids, “oh-oh can I guess who the mum is?”
In Schlatt's defense, Quackity haven't spoke to him in quite sometime too busy with his fiances or whatever. He didn't call him to have a nice chitchat about life, he just needed a favor if Quackity needed one he would do the same.

He went to the kitchen, sitting the kid on the counter. Getting the kid's favourite glass that had some time without being use because getting drunk while having a children under his care didn't seem like the most smart idea. He poured the juice and handed the glass to Tubbo, "be careful with it." He told the child, don't wanting the shot glass broken or the juice spill on the floor.

"Sure, try to guess I would like to know that too." Schlatt admitted, having no idea of who the kid's mother was, the kid was drop in his front door without nothing more than a note that didn't have more information other than excuses if why she was leaving the kid there. "You don't need to stay, I just needed the juice, thanks for it. You can go back to your fiances or wherever you want." He said, going to get a glass if juice from himself. He didn't need help with the kid, he had managed himself to do a decent job, the kid seemed happy that was what matters.

Quackity flinched slightly at the word ‘Fiancée’ it wasn’t too noticeable unless you were someone like Schlatt who had spent most of his high school experience glued at the shorter man’s side, “ex fiancés” he corrected, avoiding his friend’s gaze decided to just answer any unasked question, “a few months now, I’m fine by the way not that you asked.” Quackity’s fingers brushed across where his well-fitted ring used to sit now just a tan faded tan line.

“It’s whatever… I’m more interested in this so,” he shifted on the counter leaning forward into Schlatt's space, ignoring the other's request for him to leave “what’s his name?” He asked not seeming to get no repose from the child who kept sipping on his cup, using both hands to hold it steady.

He hadn’t paid much attention to Quackity since he showed up, mostly staying by his dad’s side. In general, Tubbo hadn’t said much to Schlatt himself just telling the older when he was younger or thirsty and occasionally questioning on when mummy was going to come to get him.
come on man, don't act so offended about me not asking when you were the one who stop speaking to me." He spoke rolling his eyes. It was clear to see that he was offended by being push aside once Q got engaged. "You don't sound too good with that, but it's non if my business so." He was quick to add don't going to insert himself in things that he didn't care for.

"His name is Tubbo." He asked, ruffling the kid's hair who seemed to focus in drinking his juice. There were a lot fo things he didn't know how to explain to the kid without traumatizing the poor boy for the rest of his life. How are you suppose to explain to small child that their mother just left them with a complete stranger because she couldn't take care of them anymore? "He has some days with me, so he's not very talkative." He admitted, not like he minded because expected the worse child ever but no, Tubbo was rather calm and was just happy with getting a new teddy bear because it seemed like he forgot his in his mother's house before going out.
Quackity decided not to comment on what Schlatt had said even if he didn’t agree, he wasn’t going to argue again with the other in front of a toddler. Speaking of Quackity looked over a boy's face, he was the spitting image of a younger Schlatt and the other had probably noticed that immediately too, no way of denying this was his kid sitting in front of them.

“Down please,” tubbo said holding out his small arms so Schaltt to pick him up and place him down once again, he then stood patiently for his bee plush to be passed to him before waddling off to do whatever a boy he age to think of.

Quackity watched him skip off with a small smile on his face, “he definitely didn’t learn those manners from you” he joked as he turned to face the taller, “so she just left her kid and ditched?” He whispered for Tubbo not to hear, piecing together that Schlatt didn’t get the opportunity of remeeting the women he knocked up, “and you’re looking after him on your own, didn’t you call your mum or something?”

Quackity had only met her a handful of times she was a women a lot like Schlatt, no bullshit and all honesty
"the issue is, I slept with a fuck ton of people and I have no idea if she's tubbo's mother or it can be any other person." He whispered back don't wanting the kid hearing those kind of conversation, even if the kid was probably watching cartoons or drawing on the walls with crayons, that at this point Schlatt didn't mind then. "She just left him here, a note that sounded like she was pretty upset about a child and understandable. I have no phone number, no nothing to give him back." He explained, looking at where the kid had taken too.

"And, if you're going to keep asking things and probably judge for my awful decisions then the door is open." He honestly wasn't in the mood to speak, not hear someone judge him, and he wanted to deal with it by his own without having to hear other options and his mind was way too busy trying to figure out a way to explain it to the kid without ruining his life.
Quackity rolled his eyes in repose, “I’ve seen plenty of awful decision-making over the years fuck-I’m surprised you don’t have more yous running around.” He tried his best to keep calm, now remember how riled up the two used to make each other without trying, many a screaming match in Schlatt’s beat-up old truck after school over things that don’t even matter anymore.

“I’m just trying to make sure you’re okay,” he said hoping to reason with the other, “fuck me for being surprised that you out of all people are raising a kid, you the guy who had to leave the room during health class when they showed that video.” There was a part of him that wanted to laugh but he was pretty sure Schlatt would break his nose.
Schlatt most of the time was quite careful with his hook ups, using protection and shit like that if he had a children was because he had been either too drunk to care about protection or in drugs, which both of then were quite possible. And so he was at least eighty percent sure that he had no more children running around. "I'm fucking careful with who I fuck. I don't- didn't want any children." He said, honestly after all he was just going to call CPS after a bit, like he was going to make sure tubbo's mother was really not coming back for him before calling CPS so they could get the kid a good home.

"I'm not keeping him in any way. I'm going to call CPS to deal with him." He admitted, taking a sip from the glass of juice, a small child was too much for him to deal with, specially because it was something he never wanted to there was no point on keeping him and give him a probably bad life.
Quackity nodded along, finally agreeing with Schlatt on something today, it wasn’t that Schlatt was a bad person he wasn’t, Q wouldn’t have ever come back if he was but Schlatt could be selfish. Same as Quackity same as a lot of people, probably the same as whoever the kid's mother was, they are the type of people who don’t raise children because you can’t be selfish with a kid.

Maybe Quackity was selfish in the fact that he wanted kids but his fiancé did

“Well… if you need anything yknow call me, man” he finally said, reaching over to pat the taller on his shoulder reassuringly it was the first time in a long time he felt the scratchiness of Schlatts hoodie, “with the kid or if you wanna grab a beer or something.”
"Sure, I'll call you when I need more apple juice." He said with a playful tone, glancing at the other before standing straight. Smiling faintly, well having some sort of comfort was nice. Y'know someone that could ask for advice and honestly he didn't want Quackity to leave for the moment, he had some time without speaking.

"Did you ever wanted children?" He asked, curious about it, specially because the other was engaged and maybe they wanted to get a family or something. He didn't know much about Quackity's relationship with his fiancés.

He never stayed in a stable relationship for too long, so any plans like that was never in his mind, like maybe a family and that, he couldn't keep a relationship for too long to ever thing of futures plans of that importance, and he never expected himself to have the kind of temper for children, fearing to be just as shitty as his parents were with him.
Quackity thought on it for a moment, wondering how much to tell, “yeah, I did,” he shrugged it off something he seemed to have picked up, the shrug said it doesn’t matter a new thing for the boy who used to speak how he felt not caring for about the consequences, “hey I’m still young, maybe I still will someday when I find the right guy to make an honest woman out of me”

It wasn’t something he had thought about since his breakup, it was months ago at this point and he hadn’t even tried to date, anyone. Feels wrong after you’ve been with the same people since college.

Tubbo walked back into the room, not looking to his dad or the guest just grabbing a blanket off the couch to drag along with him as he left the room again
"You're going to find someone perfect for you one day, you just need to stop going with the first people who treats you nicely." He sighed, speaking out of experience of course, seeing how his friend would go to the first asshole who would show the slightly sign of affection for him, give everything and end with nothing.

Being with someone like Quackity was with his fiances was something that wasn't for Schlatt, being with the same person for so long. Maybe he was just to lost interest but never found someone that interesting to stay with.

Schlatt spotted the kid walking in the room, going to follow him to figure out what the little rat had in mind. "Where do you think you are going lamb?" He asked, knowing that the kid was probably going to sleep or make a blanket castle , something like that. The nickname was because the kid reminded him of a lamb, not a lot of thinking went to it to be honest.
Tubbo quickly turned his head, hiding the blanket behind his back as if that would hide it behind the small boy’s frame, “I don’t know” he said quickening his pace to the bathroom, almost tripping on the blanket in the process.

While the two men talked tubbo had decided to bath his plushie, it was so new and smelled good that he didn’t want it to get dirty. But the four-year-old couldn’t turn off the sink himself causing it slowly overflow onto the floor, he tried to fix it himself knowing it was rude to interrupt adults that is what his mum had taught him.

The carpet outside the bathroom squished under their feet at the bathroom door, the bathroom now fully flooded in an inch of water with the bee plushie floating in it, Tubbo stood silent by his father not speaking a word in fear of angering him more. His little heart felt like it was going to pound out of his chest as he waited for the yelling to being, it’s how mums feel better it must be the same for dads when their sons misbehave.
Alright, Schlatt knew something was off when the kid said he didn't know. Standing up to go and follow the kid to the bathroom, quick to see the water overflowing. He took a deep breathe at seeing the mess of water and the new plushie laying on the overflowing from the sink. Right, he wasn't going to get mad, he wasn't going to shout at the kid because that wasn't what good parents did.

He went to turn off the sink to avoid making more of a mess, leveling to the kid's height to talk to him. "Alright kiddo... It's good that you wanted to wash your toy, but that's not the right way to do it, okay? You can ask me and we can put it in the washing machine and it would be clean in minutes, or you can ask for my help to wash it in the bathtub." He tried to stay calm and just explain the kid what was the issue there, he knew that the kid was aware that what he did was wrong hence him trying to clean it.

"If you ask I'll help you. Now, we will clean this together, alright? Not throwing a blanket at it but with the mop." He stood up, offering the kid a hand to go together to get the things to clean the bathroom, then he would probably throw the kid's stuffed animal to the dryer so the kid didn't have to wait for his stuffed animal until it dry overnight.
Tubbo stared at him with wide unbelievable eyes, this is new and different but a good different he thinks, there wasn’t any yelling that would make him cover his ears like it was booming thunder. Just the man he was told was his father not that long ago speaking calming to him like he did with his friend when they think Tubbo isn’t listening, it must mean something that his young brain isn’t cable of putting together yet.

He reached for the broom, looking up to Schlatt as he grabbed it too so they could carry it together back to the swimming pool of a bathroom, “mummy took me swimming,” the boy said splashing his feet in the water, now giggling at the way it made the ground ripple while his papa got to work mobbing up what he could, “I had BIG floaties-like- like as big as your head!” He pointed at Schlatt

Tubbo was given a small washcloth to push around on the ground to make him think he was helping, it made the boy feel better being able to clean his mess, especially since his papa didn’t seem to turn red the way other adults did.
Schlatt heard the kid speak, smiling. He preferred the kid to understand his mistake and have fun cleaning it, at the end of the day everyone made mistakes and it was better to learn from them than feel embarrassed and don't get anything out of them. He was simply thankful that the bathroom had a strainer uncover where the shower used to be before it was replaced with a shower-bathtub combo so it was rather easy to get rid of the water.

He chuckled at the kid's story, "my head isn't that big." He said with a smile, clearly not minding the comment as he saw the kid 'help' with the washcloth. "Did you like swimming?" He asked, thinking that maybe he could take the kid out sometime, not sure for how long he was going to keep the boy but still taking him out would be good.

He made sure to push the water the right way, it took some time to finish it, taking the poor stuffed animal that was pretty much drowning in the sink. Looking at the kid to let him know his toy was going to the dryer and it would be dry in just a few minutes. He really had forgotten that Quackity was still in the house.
“Yeah, but…I wasn’t very good” he said, watching as papa took his plushie out of the sink, from his perspective he did a good job cleaning it even if it caused a mess, “mama said you have to swim A LOT to be really good but we only went one time,” he held up his finger to show how many times he had swum, walking along Schlatts side to the small room where the washer and dryer were kept.

He sat crossed-legged on the floor to wait for his bee to be soft and dry again, “when mama comes to get me we can all go swimming together!” He gasped at his idea, throwing his arms in the air excitedly, “Not Mr bee though I don’t think he likes swimming that much.”

This was the most Tubbo had talked since arriving at Schlatts doorstep, maybe he was finally settling or the fear of silence would cause his papa to remember how angry he was meant to be at the mess
Hearing the kid speak was nice, at least he could know that he wasn't messing up something. Schlatt didn't know what the kid was thinking to wash the bee in the sink when it was new and clean, unless the kid had spilled something on it and Schlatt didn't notice but that would have been difficult to happened because all the food stayed in the kitchen.

It ache to see the kid really believe that his mother was coming, and he still had no idea of how to break it down for the kid to understand she wasn't coming back, bur he nodded. "Yeah, I can take you swimming sometime." 'I' not we, because well, he didn't want to add fake hopes to the kid that his mother would come back and they would life this fake happy family type of thing. "What about going to the park? You can take Mr bee to the park." He changed the subject, thinking that maybe that way the kid wouldn't think of his mother that much.

He threw the stuffed animal in the dryer, putting it in a quick cycle so the kid wouldn't have to wait too long for. After that he just quickly went to look at the living room to see if Quackity was still waiting there.
Quackity looked up from where he was scribbling down on a notepad, “hey,” he quickly greeted, “so I wrote down some numbers to call if you need anything…” he ripped the piece of paper from the notepad to hand to his friend. “That’s my work number, I googled a daycare nearby and my ma’s number,” he held his hands up defensively knowing what the other was thinking already, “I know you aren’t her favourite of the assholes I brought home but hey she did a pretty good job raising me.”

He remembers back to a time in high school when he and Schlatt got drunk on moonshine in his bedroom which ended in Schlatt getting chased out the house after he threw up on her new carpet, but that was a long time ago and seeing the way Schlatt was with his kid made him believe he was different now.

They had only been back in each other’s life for less than a day but Quackity already wanted that old friendship that used to have before they drifted apart, both would argue it was the other's fault it happened in the first place but nonetheless he missed what they did have.

“I’ll head out,” he said, “call me yknow… even if you’re ass is too lazy to run to the store.”
Even if schlatt wasn't going to admit that he might need little bit of help with the kid, it was appreciated that the other had thought on offering help. "I still owe her a carpet." He never paid back for it, also he was never allowed back in Quackity's house which ended with them getting drunk in his old beat up truck outside of his house. "Thanks a day care sounds like a good idea." He said, feeling rather stupid for haven't think about it, being asking for days off at work to be able to look after the kid.

"Yeah, I will, also feel free to come by whenever you want. It would be good enough for the kid to have more people around." It sounded like a lame excuse to be able to recover their old friendship but it was the smartest thing he could come up with.

"It was nice to see you again too." He had no idea why he had called Quackity specifically, from his whole contact list it wasn't the closest one to his house. Maybe it was out of habit, whenever something fuck up happened in his life they would just pass together speaking about a bunch of stupid things.

A day care sounded good, but he wanted to know if the kid already had go to one or it would be his first time ever going. And he would have to get things for the kid too, he needed to make a list because the kid was with nothing more than the clothes he was wearing
Quackity agreed to Schlatt's offer to come over more often, it would be a good destination from Q’s loud mind to help an old friend, even saying himself he’d stop by tomorrow so they could go to the grocery store together.

When at the park, Tubbo didn’t run off to play with the other boys he stayed by Schlatts side with Mr bee on his lap. Seeming happy enough to play by himself and pick up wood chips to stack on Mr Bee’s head, giggle to his papa when they fell off.

For even a four-year-old, Tubbo showed a lack of social skills, uninterested to play with kids his age and avoiding eye contact with adults that weren’t his papa. He hadn’t even acknowledge Quackity presence the whole time he was over, he wasn’t rude mama didn’t teach him to be rude he just likes the company of his papa much more than others.
“Papa,” the boy jumped up, “push me on the swing!”

Schlatt didn't really expect to be really social, but at least expected for the kid to go and explore a bit around the playgrounds, maybe the kid was just intimidated by the other children, understandable those little shits could be the spawn of the devil sometimes and everyone had fun in different ways. He would help the kid to stack the wood chips on top of Mr Bee's head, helping him so they wouldn't fall that quickly.

It seemed that when the playground started to get more empty, the kid finally went to the swings. He stood up, grabbing Mr Bee to make sure the kid wouldn't lose his beloved stuffed animal that seemed to have a really rough day already being almost drowned. "Sure lamb, don't forget your toy." He spoke, standing up from the bench to walk to the swing set.

His only memories of swing sets was the time he fell from one and broke his nose, so those weren't really fond memories. Schlatt picked up the toddler, sitting him in the swing. "Hold tight." He made sure the kid was holding really well to the swing before starting to push him, being quite gentle don't wanting to accidentally throw the kid off of it.

The evening was spent with high pitch squeals of excitement, noises only a toddler could make as the wind swept through his wavy hair uncovering his eyes when swinging back and forth. He was seeing the world from a new taller perspective even if it was only a few inches off the ground, “im big you like papa!” He screamed, tone too cheerful not to leave a smile on the face of anyone nearby.

Babysitters and Mothers with their young, watched on at this new face assumingly single dad, with his son. Most parents knew each so when freshmeat came along it was the talk of the playground, especially one the parent was quite young and handsome.

Tubbo went down the slide a couple of times, asking every time If papa had watched, he went to climb the steps again when a boy approached asking if Tubbo wanted to play adding that he only asked because his mum had told him too. The smile of Tubbos face faded quickly, the young brunette going to hide behind his papa’s leg like it would make him invisible to anyone but his papa.

The other boy snorted, “you’re weird”
Schlatt didn't really expected for the kid to grow on him that quick. But, come on, Tubbo was just so easy to get attached to, the kid was so sweet and maybe he had never heard a kid actually laughing or having fun because he had never heard a toddler sound that happy, but also he avoided small children like the plague so maybe that was.

Keeping an eye on the kid, answering the kid whenever he asked if he had watched him slide down, of course saying that he did and telling the kid he did it amazing.

Schlatt rolled his eyes at the other boy, he wasn't going to argue with a little kid about calling his son weird, that was stupid to do but that didn't mean the kid was being rude for no reason other than choosing to be. Adding to dad, Schlatt didn't expect Tubbo for actively avoid other children but he assumed the kid was just unused to other people around him. "Let's go to play somewhere else, okay?" He said to the kid, going to look for a place that had less people around so the kid wouldn't have to concern about other children.

There was an older playground completely alone, so that was better. He went to sit Tubbo there, going to make sure the kid was fine.
Tubbo face kept dry, but his face was painted with a long frown, he didn’t enjoy how loud other children could be, especially with their mean words that made his stomach hurt or how sticky they could get, he hated sticky. The thought made Tubbo want to hide under his papa shirt and not pop out till they were home, that’s where he wanted to be right now home.

“I wanna go home,” he told papa, “I want mummy and I want to go home!” He repeated now a little louder, emotions finally hitting him like a tone of bricks, “I want to go home to mummy now!” He began blubbering not listening to Schaltt telling him to take a breath.

He stomped his feet and buried his face into Mr bee repeating ‘now’ over and over again, no amount of speed would be fast enough for Tubbo. He didn’t know how to tell papa how he was feeling, but he knew he didn’t like it, too young to understand what being overwhelmed was.
Schlatt wasn't ready to deal with a tantrum. Fighting the need to shout at the kid to shut up and that they were going home already, there was no need to make a fuzz about it, but he took a deep breathe, knowing that shouting at the poor kid would simply made it worse. "Hey, I know you're upset because you don't like to be around other children. We're going home, no need to make a fuzz of it." He spoke softly, picking up the kid again.

Making all the way back to the house, for a moment he really thought of shouting the kid that his mother was never coming back for him. Luckily, he wasn't that stupid and that much of an asshole go really shout that at the poor toddler. He sat Tubbo on the couch, kneeling in front of him to try to speak with the kid or find a way for the kid to express how he was feeling, he was aware that small children didn't understand feelings the way adults did.

With that, Schlatt went for a box of crayons and paper, setting them next to the kid. "Why don't you try and draw how you feel?" He asked, going to try to explain the kid that his mother wasn't coming back after he managed to calm him down.
Tubbo sniffed, wiping his nose on Mr bee which probably meant he would have to be washed again. The small boy scooted forward to the edge of the couch so he could reach the table grabbing a blue crayon in his fist to start scribbling in silence, he had drawn many pictures before but had never been asked to draw how he felt the idea intrigued his developing mind, blossoming thoughts and feelings being carefully drawn.

Tubbo grew up in a house with other children but they weren’t his siblings, his mummy told him not to call them that. His mum, Tubbo and Old Mr Rabbit lived with another family, a friend of his mum’s and her many children some longer than Tubbo and others older. He didn’t like the older ones they would throw and stomp on Mr Rabbit till he cried and when he told his mum she told him that he should be lucky they even tried to play with a boy like him.

A boy like him.

He was sensitive, didn’t like messy or sticky things and hated loud noises. That’s why his favourite spot in the house was the back of an old closet, surrounded by clothes the smell is what old people smell like, he enjoyed it and imagined what this is what his grandparents he never met smelled like. He also enjoyed the feeling of the different fabrics of the clothing against his fingertips.

He remembers being in there after he few a tantrum much like the one today, his mummy pulled him out telling him they were going for a drive just the two of them. It was music to his ears that he would get to spend time away from his house just with his favourite person, even better he was told he would get to meet his father up until his point he didn’t know he had one, the other children in the house often teased him for not having one so he assumed he didn’t.

All that Tubbo tried to draw out on the paper, how the taller boy at the Park reminded him of the ones at the house, using different crayons to show how he's feeling
However the unfortunate thing about childrens drawing is that they look like a child drew them
Schlatt wasn't expecting to be able to understand the kid's drawing, he just wanted a way for the kid to express whenever he was upset, maybe after that he could ask the small boy to try to explain the draw out and that would explain what made him upset in the first place. Right now, he just minded that the small boy expressed what was bothering him. Watching him draw, while sitting on the floor on the other side of the table.

The toddler was a carbon copy of Schlatt when he was younger, adding the sensitive part of him too, just that for his old fashioned parents they demeaned it as inappropriate being called slurs and being 'corrected' with beat ups that no child would have to go through. Although that didn't keep Schlatt from making out with boys in high school but well, that was very separated from his behaviour as a small child. He could have been so much different as a child and he would have ended with the same likings after all.

"I have to tell you something." Schlatt was taking his time and using the right words to not mess it up with the child. "Your mother…. she's not coming back." Yeah, amazing words, very straightforward and probably messing up with the child because imagine that the only comforting person you know just left you and that a stranger was just telling you that. He wanted to hit his head against the wall but at least he tried, he really was trying his best but couldn't keep laying to the kid and was better to let him know sooner than later.

Tubbo's hand paused, he stared at the much older man, the only sound coming from his mouth was a sad ‘oh’ that could make a grown man cry. He dropped the crayon down to pull Mr Bee close to his chest, big sad watery eyes now looking down to the ground, “w-was I bad?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Being a boy like Tubbo must be the reason she wasn’t coming back for him, he was the reason she sat alone and cried when she didn’t know Tubbo was hiding in the closet listening, all the nasty things the boys at the house said to him must be true.

“I won’t cry anymore!” He suddenly said jumping up to stand on the couch, roughly wiping away the tears in his cheeks, “I-I can like sticky things” he declared throwing his arms in the air and jumping up and down, “I love sticky!” Arms still in the air Tubbo ran up and down the length of the couch like a mad man, “I can be LOUD” he screamed, continuing to make loud obnoxious noises that made his ears hurt, till he tripped over Mr Bee and fell off the couch.
The reaction took Schlatt by surprise don't expecting to stand up and start to run around. He couldn't blame the kid for the reaction but he also couldn't believe a mother could just leave a child like that. It wasn't tubbo's fault.

Seeing the kid fall from the couch made him stand up from the floor to check on the kid. Crouching by his side.
"You weren't bad, lamb. I'm sure of that." 'Your mother just never wanted you... She thinks you ruined her life even if it was her decision to have you.' he thought, clearly don't going to told the little boy that and made him feel worse. Staying quiet, thinking if his words before continuing to speak. The small boy shouldn't have to change for what an adult thought was better, Schlatt sat down, opening his arms to see if the boy would like an hug, his first concern being comfrot the kid before trying to explain what happened once he got a way to explain it to the boy that wouldn't traumatize him more.

"You don't need to like sticky things or be loud... And crying is okay." He assured, it wasn't the kid's fault that his mother has chosen to blame her for her poor choices in life.
Tubbo pushed himself to his knees, wiping at the tears that he had been holding back in his little outburst of energy. He scooted forward till he was in Schlatt's arm, safely pressed against his papa’s chest, the sound of the other’s calm heartbeat soothing the poor boy once ringing ears, this was how this mummy used to hold him when he was sad and now this is how papa does.

They stayed like that for a while, Schaltt rocking them side to side while Tubbo silently sobbed. Soon enough the sobbing turned into soft snores, all the crying, screaming and running finally caught up to the small confused child.

He hadn’t slept well since arriving, skipping his naps most days to sit by the door and many nights he’d leave his makeshift bed on the couch to sneak into Papa’s room and play with his toys on the bed till it was time for breakfast.

But now he was out like a light, peacefully drooling on the shirt of the only person he had in the world.
What a day, after seeing that the kid had fallen asleep, Schlatt stood up slowly taking the kid to the bedroom grabbing his stuffed animal. Laying down on the bed with the kid still resting against his chest afraid of moving him because he didn't want to accidently wake up the kid.

And he was too tired to stay up anyways. So after laying down with the kid, Schlatt was out in minutes, simply hoping that the kid would be more calm when he woke up.

He woke up by his phone ringing, most likely his boss because he had some days off work so they probably wanted him back. He ignored the call remembering that the cabinets in the kitchen were empty and that meant to go out to get food. after a long sigh left his lips, Schlatt made a small plan for the day in case the kid felt like going to get groceries with him it would be also a good idea to get extra clothes because it seemed like the kid was staying for a long time and Schlatt bought clothes for like two days.
Quackity kept his promise to go to the grocery store with Schlatt, they had no baby seat for Tubbo so he stayed in Schlatts lap and played with the radio he seemed happy enough after yesterday not bringing his mum up to Schlatt again after his nap, Quackity just hoped they weren’t get pulled over by the cops.

“I can’t believe you still have the same truck,” Quackity said, seeing it when he first pulled up to Schlatt’s house yesterday, “how does that thing still run? It could barely make it to the mall without smoking” he remembers back to many times where they got stuck on the side of the road

They had only taken Quackity car became Schaltt wouldn’t let anyone behind the wheel of his precious truck and they both doubted Tubbo would let Quackity hold him anyways, so the three were stuffed into the car with mismatching doors that Q bought on discount.

Schlatt was playing with the kid's hair, seeming to just realized how long his hair was being able to put it in hairstyles, making small and messy braids in the kid's hair.

He rolled his eyes at hearing about his beloveds truck. "I fixed it." A while back to be honest, after he moved away from his parents, how the truck still moved was a mystery even for him but wasn't going to complain about it. "At least it isn't a mess of colours like your car." He said back, nor being a fan of the mismatching doors.

Schlatt was slightly concerned about going out to get groceries with the kid, specially with how he reacted to people around him in the park but he thought there shouldn't be any problem while the kid stayed near them. Once they arrive Schlatt made sure the kid had his stuffed animal before going down, pulling out a list with the things he needed to get to don't forget about them.

“It gives it personally,” Quackity said, stepping out of his car and patting the miscoloured door on his side, “my own personal clown car,”

Tubbo gasped looking to his papa, who quickly reassured him there were no clowns and Quackity was just an idiot, Tubbo didn’t like name calling but something about the way his papa did it made him giggle.

It was a weekday so kids that weren’t too young were at school, the store was mostly filled with mostly mothers, people on break from work grabbing a snake and the odd couple duo of Q and Schlatt with toddler Tubbo, “can we get-Umm can we get” the boy paused while he thought of the word, “cereal! The rainbow one”

“Oh I love that one,” Quackity said, pulling out a shopping cart from them following beside Schlatt, “don’t get store brand that shit is like cardboard” he may be a tax paying adult but Quckity still ate like a college student, his body must be holding itself together with tape and stables

"No, I just think you got way too used to eat shitty food when we're in college." Schlatt joked going to let Tubbo choose whatever brand of cereal he wanted. He picked up the kid to sat him in the space meant for children to seat to make sure they wouldn't be running around and making a mess.

He was looking at the list of that they will need. "Let's get clothes for the kid too, I just bought him some pyjamas and I'll need more than that if he's going to stay." He mumbled, looking down at the list, oh he hated going out in groceries, always just wondering around and end picking up whatever shit that came in his eyes and ended buying so much shitty food just to taste it.

Schlatt made a stupid route of what they should go to get first, going around the aisles keeping the route because other way he would end wondering around and get stupid shit.
Tubbo looked around him, as he was pushed in the cart, pointing at things on the shelves and repeating what they were to his papa. He was the guardian of the food cart a very important task for someone so small but he promised papa to keep the items safe.

“So you changed your mind?” Quackity asked, leaning against the cart while they looked at different brands of baby shampoo, deciding on the one ‘for boy’ apparently whatever that meant. “About yknow,” shifted his eyes to tubbo then back to Schlatt. Silently asking ‘when did you become such a softie?’

Of course, he was curious to see Schlatt with a written long list of things the boy needed after yesterday when the plan was to only keep him for a couple of days before finding a new home or his birth mum. He had only ever seen Schlatt care this much about his old pet lizard, it was an asshole like him so they got along well.

Schlatt gave small acknowledgements to the boy whenever he pointed out things, smiling at seeing the toddler having fun with being the guardian of the cart. It seemed like Schlatt had gotten a bit attached to the boy.

"I made him cry two times yesterday." He whispered, as if that was a good excuse to keep the kid as if guilt was the thing that was making him keep the toddler. But that wasn't the real reason that he had changed his mind and now was keeping the boy. He was his child at the end and he couldn't imagine how the boy would deal with other of his parents leaving him with a bunch of stranger or with someone that was meant to look for someone who maybe wanted him. Being in the system didn't seem like the most enjoyable experience and Schlatt didn't feel like making the kid go through it when he was right there for the kid, no matter what.

Going through the kid's clothes section of the store, Schlatt made a stop, picking up the kid from the cart to let him go and wander to pick up whatever clothes that got his attention, first because he was sure the kid was probably picky with textures with how he referred to sticky things and also, he just wanted to let the kid have a tell in what he wanted to wear.

Quackity stayed back, sitting on the small chairs they had in the children's area while mindlessly scrolling through his phone. Occasionally looking up to the two and smiling to himself, being a dad suited Schlatt it was a surprise to him and probably everyone who had met Schlatt in passing but there was a new kindness to his eyes now.

Tubbo liked yellows and blues, things that felt like his blanket and patterns that remind him of picnic blankets. They wandered along the row of monster trucks and cool robots shirts non of them sparking any joy in Tubbo till they got to the girl's section where things were colourful and soft like his blanket.

“Papa that one!” He stood on his tippy toes pointing to a sweater covered in stars.

They continued, clothes held in Schlatts arm while the over swung back and forth with Tubbo holding in tight. Every few steps they’d stop to pick out another sweater, or pair of pants that he’d grow into soon enough, Tubbos young innocent eyes unaware of the judgemental prying eyes on the boy who liked soft things.

Schlatt didn't mind if the kid wanted 'girl' clothes. He preferred that over having to force the kid into something that he disliked or made him uncomfortable and in the end the kid would never end wearing.

When Schlatt thought that the clothes were enough for some time, he told the kid to pick a pair of pyjamas to then continue with getting the rest of groceries. But even if they weren't bothering anyone, that didn't take from a woman to go close of them to very obviously told Schlatt that they were in the girl's section and the boy's sections was on the other side, to which Schlatt very kindly answer that they weren't fucking blind and thanked her for the stupid observation before continuing picking up whatever clothes the kid liked.

After that encounter, Schlatt walked back to where Quackity was scrolling in his phone, rolling his eyes. "You really are being so helpful." He said sarcastically, looking at the clothes the kid had picked before putting them in the cart, ruffling his hair. "You have good taste." He told the kid, don't wanting to have the slightest chance that the kid would feel embarrassed for the clothes he chose.

Quackity shrugged, commenting that he was there for moral support, not fashion advice. It was maybe best to not ask the man who had a Hawaiian shirt for every day of the well and a beanie that he swears he wash but there’s no proof of that.

They continued, ending in the frozen food section after a painstakingly long amount of time of Tubbo touching every loaf of bread to test its softness, “what American kid doesn’t like pizza?” Quackity argued after he found mini pizzas he said were ‘Tubbo size’

“You like pizza right, Tubbs?” It was one of many attempts he had made that day to get Tubbo to talk to him, but the boy was seemingly suddenly deaf.

He sighed, deciding that this try was a failure and going to put the mini pizza back, maybe he wasn’t ready for kids he couldn’t even get one to talk to him. He walked along deep in thought when a familiar pair of eyes landed on his, big and green Quackity knew them so well, he had once gotten lost in them.

“Q.” Sapnap said, sounding in disbelief, “h-hey”

Quackity stared at him, like a deer in headlights his brain yelling at him to do a million things at once.

“How are you,” Sapnap forced a smile, clearly still in shock to even see the other, it’s not like either had moved they still lived in the same small town, “you look great.”

Another lie

Quackity’s shoved the mini pizza into Sapnap’s hand, confusing them both before Quackity ran off back to the dad and his son, quickly muttering something about how he’d wait in the car

Schlatt watched the little catch thing that happened between one of Quackity's ex fiances and Quackity, being able to see how awkward the interaction was but don't getting in between because it clearly wasn't his business, sighing he haven't expected like a good break up but god the situation seemed awfully.

He also wondered why the kid would refused to speak with Quackity because honestly, between him and Quackity, the shorter man looked way more friendly than him. Assuming that it was something along the reaction the kid has when other children tries to speak with him but that would be a question for later.

"Hey, don't go, dude, I need you." He knew it sounded stupid saying that, specially when the kid wouldn't even speak to Quackity, but his brain had chosen to work better when the other was around. "You just have to stay close okay? I'm sure he won't bother to follow you." He said, clearly refering to Sapnap, sure that the other was as shocked at Quackity to see eachother to even think of go after him.

“How would you know?” Quackity spat back, his words laced with venom, “you don’t know shit about them- about me”

It was clearly something that had been in the back of Quackity’s mind only coming to the surface after seeing one of his ex’s and maybe some other things. He couldn’t risk them both being here, after not seeing them for months the after break up this isn’t how it’s meant to go, Quackity can’t do this, fuck he’s panicking everything around him feels claustrophobic and he wants to yell at Schlatt’s cause ‘why the fuck did he leave him’

“I just…” he ran a hand through his hair, looking past Schlatt to Sapnap who’s still staring at him, “I’ll be in the car” he repeated, walking backwards as he spoke, “just- yeah I’ll be outside I need some air.”

He left

“I like pizza,” Tubbo said holding Mr Bee above his bead.

Schlatt sighed, yeah, that was what he got for getting in shit what wasn't his problem. He looked at the kid after hearing him speak, it made him chuckled because it was the worse moment to say it. He took out his phone to simply text Quackity. 'you can go to your fucking house, I'll take a taxi.' That was it, he didn't want to keep bothering Quackity with his problem, Tubbo, when the other was clearly with shit. He leaned over the handle, looking at the kid.

"We can get some pizza to eat when we get home." He said, taking Mr bee from his head, walking back to the frozen food section. The fact that Quackity's ex was there made him rather uncomfortable but whatever, he was just going to ignore it while grabbing some mini pizzas, before simply walking to the next section looking at his list.

"Why you don't speak to Q?" He asked to the kid curious about it, even if it was possible that the other wasn't going to come back ever again and they would end more apart than what they already were, it would be good to know when the kid tried to speak with other people.

Sapnap watched them pass, only paying any attention to them because Schlatt looked familiar he just couldn’t put his finger on it.

Tubbo shrugged, looking around the aisle as they slowly moved along, “I don’t know.” He said simply because he didn’t know, “I like talking to you, papa” he said in the sweetest tone that was bursting with affection for the other.

It wasn’t just Quackity who Tubbo didn’t talk to, he didn’t like talking to a lot of people he had barely said a word to his own papa when he first arrived. He felt the same about eye contact he hated when adults stared down at him with their huge eyes, it made him feel like he was a little bug about to get squashed.

“Mummy’s friends didn’t like when I talked,” he said

after thinking it over for a moment, many people told him to be seen and not heard but that one stuck out to him right now.

He had never been the most talkative boy, but when the moment was right and he wanted to tell others about his wildest idea no one wanted to listen. In his four short years of life, he learned to keep quiet in front of people who weren’t his mummy and papa.

The words made a soft smile appear on Schlatt's face, finding the kid's words sweeter than what someone might have expected. If he had heard those words from anyone else he would have demeaned it as bullshit before ignoring it. But it was the little boy, who had absolutely no reason to lie or just say it to look nice. "I like hearing you speak, lamb." He never expected himself to be invested in what a kid might say but maybe it was because of his lack of social interactions. Hearing the kid speak about whatever that came to his little mind was interesting.

"you can speak to my friends, if you want if not it's okay too." He told the kid, don't going to pressure the boy to speak with a stranger but it would be good for him to interact with other people.

After picking up all the things, Schlatt went to check out, taking all the bags and giving the kid a small light bag so the kid would feel useful. Calling a taxi so they could head back to the house, assuming that Quackity probably went back to his house but that was no problem. "Did you get Mr Bee?" He asked, wanting to make sure that the stuffed animal stayed with them.

Once the taxi arrive he put the bags in first and then next to the kid, getting inside the cab too. Keeping Tubbo close while asking the kid if he wanted to eat something once they arrived home.

Tubbo sat on the countertop in the kitchen, happily munching down a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while Schlatt put away the rest of the groceries, he helped guide his papa on where things should go even if he didn’t know where they went.

There was something satisfying about seeing the cabinets so full, beer pushed to the back of the fridge to make room for Tubbo’s snacks and some for Quackity he said he’d ‘totally pay for’ before he ran off.

“Papa!” Tubbo yelled through a mouth full of peanut butter, “you’re the stronger man ever!” He excitedly exclaimed watching his papa lift heavy bags up to the countertop by Tubbo. The boy scooted forward to snoop through the bag, taking out a new toothbrush, nightlight and other newer things that were just for him.

He couldn’t wait till he could try on all his new clothes, no holes or weird smells.

“I want to be as strong as you when I’m big” Tubbo touched his face, “but I don’t want hair on my face please.” He pouted, rubbing his cheeks

Schlatt’s phone alighted in text messages from Quackity, many texts of him apologising for running off and asking if he could come over. The text were slurred, a red flag that Quackity had decided to drink his problems away after he got home.

His phone went unnoticed, Schlatt was aware that it was probably Quackity but he didn't feel like attempt to speak with a drunk person knowing how stubborn Q could turn while drunk, so he would wait until the other was probably more sobber also don't wanting someone drunk around the boy.

He chuckled, looking at the kid. "Well, you'll need the 'chops if you want to be as strong as I am." He said it just to play with the kid, walking by his side to rub his mutton chops against the kid's side just to bother nothing of ill intention, like all parents did when they start to get stubble and it's itchy, but it's was just beard so it wasn't that itchy. "Let's give you a bath and give Mr Bee a bath too because you two were out all day." He said, not counting that the stuffed animal fell to the floor of the store a few times and the kid cried into it the day before.

Once he took the kid to the bathroom for a bath, Schlatt took his phone, answering to Quackity, letting him know that it was fine and he was welcome whenever he was sober again.

It came up a couple of times saying ‘Quackity was typing’ but nothing was ever sent.

On the way to the bathroom, Tubbo kept rubbing his cheeks repeating the word ‘chop’ to himself liking the way it sounded in his mouth. Unlike a lot of kids, Tubbo loved baths mostly because after he got wrapped in a big warm towel and sit on papa’s lap while he brushed his hair.

The first couple of times Tubbo would whine and kick his legs complaining to papa that he was doing it wrong but eventually Schlatt got it, Just like the way mama used to do it

They bought some bath toys today to reward Tubbo for how well-behaved he was at the store ‘unlike that whiny duck’ as Schlatt put it, Tubbo didn’t see any ducks but he felt bad that they didn’t get any bath toys. Grabbing them from the basket in the bathroom Tubbo dropped the small tugboat and rubber ducks into the filling bathtub, smiling at his papa afterwards.

He’s lucky to have a papa like his, he still hopes that maybe someday if he’s really good he’ll get a reward of a mummy too

Schlatt ruffled his hair, helping him with the bath. It was nice to see the little boy enjoy the bath, washing his hair with the new shampoo that smelled like really fake raspberry as most children's shampoo smelled like.

Once the bath was done, Schlatt let the kid have one of the toy ducks back to the bedroom while his stuffed animal washed. Brushing the kid's hair was calmingly better after learning how to do it properly and how his mother used to do it. After being done with that, Schlatt let the kid choose whatever he wanted to wear from his new clothes, hoping for it to be a pyjama set because they weren't going anywhere else and the kid would be more comfortable running around the house in pyjamas.

Schlatt didn't expect to get any answer from Quackity in a while, probably not even thinking he would speak with him again, losing touch like how they did when they started college but that wasn't a big deal, now he had other responsibilities to think about and not long lost friendships.

"Do you want another sandwich or watch cartoons while drawing?" He asked, well, a sandwich could also be good too while watching cartoons. He just wanted something to distract the kid with while he took a quick shower.

Tubbo decided on drawing, not wanting to get any crumbs on his new Pjs just yet though with a child it wasn’t long it was bound to happen even if Tubbo would say he didn’t know when asked how.

He also had a drawing in mind of a well-behaved duck. Papa helped him set up a spot on the floor with his crayons, rubber duck he creatively named Mr Duck and blanket. With the TV on and turned into some kid's show that was all bright colours, annoying voices and singing, all things that made adults want to go live in the mountains.

The toddler was successfully distracted, humming along to the ones and kicking his legs while he drew yellow ducks.

Schlatt’s phone was left by the bathroom so Tubbo didn’t splash any water on vibrated again, in the time he was away Quackity had sobered up and apologised again for his behaviour in the store and then for his drunk text, which wasn’t necessarily the worse he was more apologizing for the things he didn’t say, ending it with.

‘I’m glad you called me for juice’

Schlatt went to take a quick shower once the kid was distracted with drawing and the TV, taking his phone from the bathroom after being done, wearing pijamas too.

He wasn't sure what to answer, simply assuring it was fine, and that was welcome to come back there whenever he wanted, just sober because he didn't know if the kid would like drunk people around him. 'you can come by, we are still up.' he wrote, welcoming Quackity to see if Tubbo would be more willing to speak with him.

He walked back to the living room, having made himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, sitting by the kid's side and going to wait for the kid's stuffed animal to get dry.

He watched the small kid draw, going to sit by his side on the floor. "Did you have fun going to shop?" He asked, hoping that the kid didn't mind going outside.

Tubbo pushed himself up by his hands, nodding as he did so, “yep!” He said with his whole chest, “I liked touching the bread a-and the um- cart!” He called a few more things he liked, telling Schlatt as if he wasn’t there for all of it.

“But I didn’t like the cold,” he said wrapping his arms around himself and pretending to be cold, he was referring to where the frozen food was kept.

He gave Schlatt a crayon so he could join in and draw with Tubbo, “it’s okay if you’re not good I’ll teach you I’m really good” he flopped back down onto his stomach, crayon in a fist and showed his papa how to draw a house, more importantly, their house, with a few added features like the giant treehouse, swimming pool and Mr Duck.

They stayed like for a while, Tubbo critiquing papa’s drawings, while he nibbled at his sandwich and hummed along to his favourite cartoon theme song.

Till there was a knock at the door.

"you're not supposed to touch the bread, lamb." He spoke softly, having fun with seeing the kid enjoying his time with going to do the groceries.

Schlatt let the kid guide him with drawing with crayons, letting him have fun with teaching him how to draw. "You're really good, at this lamb, I'll let you to it." He said before hugging the kid close once he was done, kissing his cheek before standing up to go and open the door, assuming it was probably Quackity who took his invitation to come over and get along with the kid.

Once he opened the door, Schlatt made sure that Quackity didn't look drunk. "Are you sober or if you're still drunk? I won't allow you inside." He said with a tone of joke, although it was completely true.

Quackity rolled his eyes, his back illuminated by the headlights of the Uber he took, “I’m a sober, asshole” he said, stepping by Schlatt to go in, “and I wasn’t ‘drunk’ I was just buzzed” he explained, sounding more like an excuse.

He looked up at Tubbo, sitting on the floor, tongue sticking out of his mouth the same way Schlatt’s did when he was concentrating.

“How was the rest of your grocery store trip?” He asked, trying to break the tension he was maybe imagining between the two. It was either that or he’d drop to his easy and beg Schlatt not to be another relationship he ruined… again

His eyes went back to Schlatt looking him up and down for the first time since he entered, thankful the man bought PJs instead of sleeping in holed-filled boxers like he did when he stayed at Q’s as teenagers

Schlatt let Quackity inside after hearing his poor excuse, well aware the other was drunk, no matter what kind of poor excuse he wanted to make about saying it.

"The lamb enjoyed it, he got to point at things and bathtoys for being well behaved." Schlatt said, looking at the kid don't being able to hold a small smile at seeing him way too focus in his little drawing. To be honest, Schlatt had almost no hope in having a decent relationship with Quackity anymore so he just went with whatever happened, if the other wanted to try it then he would it happen.

Going back inside the house, Schlatt went to sit again next to the kid. "Do you want to go and see if your toy is dry?" He asked, glancing at Quackity as telling to go with the kid to check on the toy.

At the end, Schlatt had lost a lot of people in his life and ended noticing that someone would stay if they wanted if not there was no point in even trying to make them stay.

Tubbo excitedly jumped up to run to the small room where the driver and dryer were kept, pausing for a moment to look back at his papa confused when he didn’t follow after.

“I’ll go with you,” Quackity offered, stepping forward into Tubbos space, he tried not to frown when the child just gave a small disappointed nod and kept walking. Quackity looked back at Schlatt with a pleading look on his face for the other to follow but the man simple stayed on the floor pretending to draw

Tubbo sat on the floor in front of the dryer waiting for the other to open the door for him, when he did Tubbo grinned ear to ear, hugging Mr Bee tightly and asking him about his adventures in the spinny place

“Wow that’s a cool bee,” Quackity said hoping to at least get a nod of acknowledgement, “I like bees too they’re…cool”

Still nothing

He really wasn’t the type of guy to have kids, maybe he blew up at Karl for no reason ruining the only loving relationship he ever had, maybe-

“Duck!” Tubbo suddenly yelled, snapping Quackity from his spiral. He followed the boy's point to the duck print of Quackity’s hoodie, “Mr Duck!”

“Oh, yeah… ducks are cool too”

Now Tubbo was grabbing Quackity’s hand to show him Mr Duck and his many drawings of the whiny Duck which Quackity will never know he inspired.

Schlatt didn't expect that Quackity and Tubbo would bond over ducks but, hey! That's was quite an improvement with the kid being willingly speaking with Quackity, even if it was about ducks it was good enough.

And there was no need for Quackity to know that the kid liked ducks because he called him a whiny duck, let's focus in the nice thing that was bonding with the kid. Schlatt glanced at Quackity with a smirk as telling him that he was the smartest person alive as if he really had predicted the whole interaction before hand.

Watching the small boy finally interact with Quackity was nice, because that way Quackity would be weping all the time about how the kid didn't even acknowledge him so that was much better now. "Quackity is a duck, did you know that Tubs?" Schlatt was just messing with the kid for fun.

Tubbo gasped so loud he almost dropped Mr bee, he shuffled on the ground from his drawings to face Quckity asking to see his wings.

“Oh well…I gotta keep them secret,” he said trying to think on his feet to not disappoint the boy, that didn’t stop him though from sending a glare to Schlatt at the old forgotten nickname, with a story behind it too crude to tell the Tubbo till he was at least twenty-one.

He pointed to his beanie, “I tuck them under my hat so one knows,” he finally said

Tubbo sat up on his knee, his hands in little fists from excitement, “can I see? Please!”

Quackity shook his head, “sorry little man if I show you then everyone is gonna want to see them and I’ll be so busy.” He adjusted the beanie on his head pulling it down more. The repose made Tubbo frown, “but! I can teach you to speak Duck then you and I can speak it”

Quackity couldn’t help but grin, knowing how much Schlatt hated annoying repeated noises, that was the best part of your friend having kids so you could teach them annoying things.

"come on, Q. Show the kid your wings it can be a secret between you two." He insisted, because that was better than hearing the kid quacking all day with the excuse of speaking duck and also he didn't want any sort of secret language that he couldn't understand and then Quackity speaking shit of him with the kid.

Although he wasn't sure if the kid would like to hear shit about his dad but who knows. "You should teach him Spanish that would be fun." He said, it would be fun for the kid to know to languages, although he still was shit with Spanish.

Even after Quackity's poor attempt of teach him Spanish when they were in high school, he only took it as a joke learning some sentences and words, but it might be good to keep the kid distracted, because a day care still seemed a bit out of the pictures assuming that the kid wouldn't speak to any of the teachers and would get overwhelmed with by other children being around him.

“Is spinach what duck speak?” Tubbo asked, curiously tilting his head to the side.

“Spanish,” Quackity corrected, not helping but smile at Tubbo's lisp when he tried to pronounce his S, “no, but it’s what my family speaks”

Tubbo’s eyes widened even more so, in disbelief that someone could know three whole languages with Duck being the coolest of the three. He begged Quackity to speak Spanish, even if the young boy didn’t understand any of it he has stars in his eyes looking at Quackity like he hung on the moon.

About an hour later Tubbo was asleep on the couch, curled up in a little ball while his arm wrapped around Mr Bee holding him close, Quackity and Schlatt were still sitting on the floor watching the TV at a low volume not to wake the boy, it was nice.

“I’m sorry… again” Quackity whispered, looking back at Tubbo to see if the boy was still asleep, he was. “I acted like…well an asshole.”

Watching the boy having fun with hearing Quackity speak Spanish even if he didn't understand shit about it was cute, eyes fill adoration at seeing the boy so happy with something so little.

"Yeah, you did. But you're dealing with your shit and I'm dealing with my shit." He said, shrugging lightly, standing up to get a blanket to cover the boy with it. Although the kid would probably end going to bed because the kid seemed to sleep better there.

"You finally won the kid over." He pointed out. "Honestly I though he would just be mute to you forever." He was honest, but it seemed like the kid was more easy to win over than what Schlatt though. He moved close to the boy, playing with his hair quietly.

Schlatt was quite attached to the kid already and he would hate to admit it because when he get attached to something it was easier to lose it.

Quackity hummed in agreement, “who knew all I needed was a duck hoodie,” he said pulling on the fabric to look at the printed on animal that Tubbo adored.

“Who knew you’d ever be a dad,” he said watching as Tubbo nuzzled his face into the blanket, humming words in his sleep probably dreaming of speaking duck, “I hope you keep him, he’s good for you”

Like Schlatt, Quackity had grown quite fond of the boy over the course of one evening, he was nothing like his dad but he couldn’t help but see Schlatt when he looked at Tubbo. A younger him maybe, before the fighting, booze and drugs, a Schlatt if his parents were good. It’s not for Quackity to bring up at least while they’re sharing a nice moment together.

“Plus,” he elbowed Schlatt’s side, “think of all the single milfs at daycare.” He joked, “they’ll love a handsome young man like you.”

"Now you can't take that thing off ever again because you'll be invisible to the kid." He joked, it would be just funny if the kid really worked like that and the moment he realized that Quackity wasn't a really a duck, he would be back to ignore him.

Schlatt never expected to be a dad, even now it felt very unreal, feeling like he would wake up and the kid would be completely gone and he would be back to his normal life. "I'm keeping him, I don't want to just throw him to a bunch of strangers and give him more problems." He whispered, his fingers curling some of the brown locks of the kid, careful to don't pull by accident and wake up the kid.

"The milfs would have to wait because the kid absolutely hate other people, if you didn't notice." He said, still don't knowing how to introduce the kid to the idea of going in a place with a bunch of loud children and strangers.

He sighed, he needed to go back to work but that would ever take the kid to the daycare or leave him alone in the house that honestly, the second option seemed very irresponsable. "Do you think you could take care of him for a day?"

Quackity’s eyes widen in surprise, “me?” He raised his voice silently, immediately realising and going to cover his mouth. They both looked at the boy to see if he awoke but Tubbo didn’t move a muscle, too invested in whatever dreams his young mind came up with.

“Y-yeah I could do that.” He smiled, having to pinch himself to believe that Schlatt was trusting him with the thing in the word that was obviously the most important to him now. “Tubbo can help me study for my night classes.”

He didn’t know what he wanted to do in college till it was over, so now in his mid-twenties, he took night classes to study to be a lawyer like his parents wanted him to do in the first place and part-time working in a restaurant to pay rent.

He hated it, but at least he was doing something in his life more than smoking weed and being a failed musician

Schlatt snorted a laugh at seeing Quackity's reaction. Honestly, it made him regret it for a moment because well, he didn't know how good the other was with children and that made him a bit nervous, like what if the kid ended hating Q which was the only adult Schlatt knew that could help him with a small child without ending in a mess.

"yeah, he sure would love to learn about whatever you're studying." He spoke, just realising that he really had that much time without speaking to Quackity because he didn't even know what the other was stuffing. "Or you can teach him to play piano, if you still play." He added, shrugging.

It was to realize he didn't know anything about Quackity anymore with how far they had grew from eachother. It was a really hard to swallow thing, losing someone that you really knew everything about and could share was hard.

“We’ll see,” he said, also shrugging he hadn’t picked up an instrument in a while, “maybe I’ll teach him to play the drums,” he joked, thinking of the chaos that would cause though a kid like Tubbo would probably hate the loud drums.

“payback for reminding me of ducky” he bumped his arm against Schlatt’s again playfully, it was a nickname that came from Quackity's first boyfriend after an underwhelming ‘first time’ where his ex told everyone Quackity sounded like a duck during the act, needless to say, it became a juvenal Schlatt’s favourite thing, even when they went into college.

He had to bribe Schlatt, not to tell Sapnap and Karl…he shouldn’t be thinking about them he’s having a good time

“I should probably get going,” he said, glancing at his phone for a second to check the time, seeing it was later than he thought no wonder Tubbo passed out so quickly

The whole ducky thing had been hilarious to Schlatt when he was younger, and to be honest it was still hilarious for him. But it had been nothing but an innocent joke.

Schlatt seemed to just realize the time too, his head tilting to the side. It was pretty late for Quackity be in the streets. "You can stay, you can take the bedroom with the kid." He said, the couch wasn't that uncomfortable and he could also bribe Quackity to stay in the morning so he could to work and explain his situation, because losing his job at the moment seemed like the worse thing that could happen to him, being jobless and with a small child under his care.

He stood up from the floor, picking up the kid gently, making sure to don't walking him, carrying the small boy to the bedroom, tucking him under the covers along with Mr bee, while he went to put back where it belong in the bathroom.

Back in the living room, he didn't wait for an answer. "I have some clean pyjamas in the closet, if those are to big I'm sure tubbo's would be good enough." He teased, not expecting a no as answers.

Quackity stood up, rolling his eyes, “You need new material,” like Schlatt had guessed Quackity took him up on his offer to stay the night.

The two hadn’t stayed under the same roof since prom night, it was ridiculous to have the same giddiness of a teenager staying with their friend but it was there, even if it was just silently.

“Just don’t wake me up when you have a nightmare,” Quackity teased, walking by Schlatt to the bedroom to grab pjs from the closet, grunting at his reflection in the mirror where the clothes hung off of him like he was wearing his parent's clothes.

“Stupid tall people” he mumbled

It would have to do for tonight, if he was going to babysit Tubbo maybe he could start leaving some of his stuff here if Schlatt ever had to work late, maybe he should ask Schlatt what he did the last time he remembered the other had a job it was the week he worked in the college library before getting fired.

Schlatt walked in the bedroom to pull out some blankets from the closet and an extra pillow. "I'm sure the kid's pjs would fit better, do you want to try those?" He teased, seeing Quackity with the clothes that pretty much were swallowing him.

Going to the couch, Schlatt would say his couch was quite comfortable to sleep on, having pass out more than one time after a bender. He stopped those after ending in an emergency room after having a heart attack and having a really close experience to death and discovering he had a rather weak heart.

Turning off the lights, Schlatt wasn't sure if the kid would stay the whole night with Quackity but he hoped that the kid would sleep the whole night because he seemed to have more energy that day than any other day.

The two men and the toddler slept through the night without a stir, it was the first-night Schlatt hadn’t woken up to Tubbo laying with his toys on the man’s chest

Quackity laid back on the couch, on his phone seeming to decide last night he was going to download a dating app for the first time, he nodded along to the instruction Schlatt was giving him on what to do if Tubbo woke up after the other had gone to work

“Yeah, got it,” he placed down his phone on his stomach looking at the other in the kitchen making his morning coffee, “Hey what’re five fun words you’d use to describe me?”

He wasn’t looking for love, just other humans to talk to that didn’t know his whole dating history

“I was thinking spontaneous for one but that makes me sound like a murderer”

Schlatt seemed taken back by the question being quick to guess that the other was in a dating app, because he had attempt to use those before being quite familiar with the questions the apps asked. "Annoying, noisy, sometimes a good listener, attachment issues and I dont know, maybe creative? Yeah, you're quite creative." Those were good things in Schlatt's eyes, sometimes, he didn't mind them that much.

After drinking his coffee, Schlatt took a quick shower, getting ready to work, hoping to be able to spoke thins out with his boss, maybe be able to work from home, being a computer engineer didn't need too much presence to work, being able to do it from a far, and that possibility had been already discuss with his boss before so hopefully it was still open.

"I'm leaving, make sure the kid eats something and if you two go out let me know before hand." Those were his last instruction before he left.

Quackity saluted him off as he left, yelling out the door to ‘have a good day a work honeybun’ laughing at the middle finger he got in return.

Not long after Tubbo came wandering out of his room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, his face quickly twisted into confusion when he met eyes with Quackity in the kitchen and not his papa

“Morning little dude,” Quackity said, now moving to get his breakfast ready seeing the boy awake

“Where’s papa?” He asked, a small frown on his face, this wasn’t how his mornings started they started with papa having messy hair and bad breath

“Your papa had to go to work,” Quackity answered, he quickly moved to the boy crouching down in front of him like Schlatt had said, “but he’ll be back later today he’s just gotta do boring adult stuff” Tubbos pout didn’t go away, he only hugged Mr Bee tighter, “but we’re gonna have tones of fun today! And before you know it papa will be back”

The boy looked down to his feet for a moment thinking things over, “you promise?” He looked up with those big sad eyes that went right through Quackity’s heart.

“I promise”

While eating breakfast, Quackity cleaned up the kitchen after his attempt to cut the sandwiches into fun shapes, he was leaned over causing his necklace to fall from the inside of his shirt

“What’s that?” Tubbo pointed at the rings around the sting

Quackity quickly grabbed them to place back under his shirt, “just… rings my boyfriends gave to me”

“Is papa your boyfriend?”

“No”

“Do you and papa ever kiss?” Tubbo asked seeming to ignore Quackity answer, “mummy kissed her boyfriends sometimes it was gross.”

Quackity chuckled, “once but he bit me afterwards,” never try pot brownies when you’re already hungry.

The negotiations with his boss didn't went that bad, specially because the man seemed to get what Schlatt was going through and allow him to work from home, just needing to take some equipment to his house but nothing that bad. It was quite reliving, being able to work from home meant that there was no need to get a babysitter nor need to find someone that would help him taking care of the kid almost daily.

Still, he stayed the whole day at work. Driving back home, stopping by a store to get something for the kid as an apology for having left without letting him know first and hopefully Quackity wouldn't be mad that he was arriving a bit later than what he usually did, but not like Quackity actually knew his schedule to know he was running late.

The gift for the kid was a stuffed duck, so the kid wouldn't have to borrow the one of plastic when he wanted to have Mr duck around, and the bath toys could stay where it belonged.
Tubbo loved the new Mr Duck, he set his toys up in the circle to greet each other in what Quackity described as ‘cult-like’

Over dinner, Tubbo would go over what he and Quackity did that day from more Spanish lessons to quiet time drawing where he taught Quackity how to draw, he wasn’t as good as Schlatt but that wasn’t saying much.

“I can’t believe you’re gonna be a full-time stay-at-home dad,” Quackity commented while they cleaned the dishes together, Schlatt washing and Q drying, “guess you won’t need me to babysit anymore, shame I enjoyed it.”

There was a hint of sadness in Quackity’s words, he had just found something he liked to do with his life even if it was just helping out a friend, “kid did all my homework for me I’m gonna get straight As” he joked, trying to lighten the mood knowing Schlatt could catch on to any time he was sad.

Schlatt didn't mind being a stay home that, special when it was clear the kid needed some extra attention and didn't deal with other human beings that well.

"You can still come by and babysit the kid, I'll still working." Schlatt said, working meant he wouldn't be able to give his attention to Tubbo all the time and the kid needed that. "Even if it's just to visit, the kid seems to have fun with you." He said, looking at Tubbo who had take off to the living room to get his drawings of the day.

after being do long with someone, Schlatt could understand that it was difficult to he alone, do he would welcome Quackity whenever the other felt like coming by. "probably, what are you studying by the way? I thought you were going to stuck with music." He asked, feeling it like a good time to catch up.

Quackity shrugged in response reminding having to have this same conversation with his parents, “I tried to stick with it after college but I guess it wasn’t for me,” he took a dish from Schlatt to dry, “felt like I lost my passion yknow? Like something was missing and I couldn’t work out what”

He knew it sounded stupid, Quackity had a drive for music before he could even walk, “I’m studying law now, pa says it’s a better career move anyway” he was lucky enough to have his parents help him pay for law school, it was that or he’d get a full-time job at his pa’s car repair shop.

Q was about as interested in cars as he was in women.

“What about you?” He asked deciding he talked about himself too much even though Schlatt had asked, “what did you get up to after college…apart from yknow the obvious” he said glancing over to Tubbo.

Schlatt was surprised by it, because he had never seeing his friend as a lawyer, not because he think he's stupid or something, but the guy never takes anything seriously. "Eh, I still think you could do music while being a lawyer."

He nudged Quackity, don't been upset about it but finding it funny. "I got a degree in computer engineering and I work in a big fancy company but I still get paid shit cuz I'm relatively new there." He said, he had a rather stressfully path in collage thinking of dropping out more than once and going to parties way more than what he was assisting classes, got hook up to so much shit and almost died, so college was great.

"I overdose once and find out I have a rather weak heart like that." He added. What he got from college? Debt, health issues and a child, amazing things to get out from there.

Quackity’s polite smile dropped suddenly, he twisted himself to face Schlatt, tugging on the tallers arm to make him shift to look at Quackity, “you fucking overdosed?” He whispered, slight anger and surprise in his voice

“Why the fuck didn’t you tell me that earlier?” He ran a hand through his hair, forgetting he was still holding a towel, “it should go ‘hey Q this is my kid by the way I almost fucking died’” Quackity put on his best Schlatt impression, breaking character near the end.

“A-and weak heart? What the fuck does that even mean? Is this why you never tried in gym class?” It was a stupid question but Quackity's mouth was talking faster than his mind could think.

“You should have called me.”

Schlatt didn't expect such concern from Quackity, mainly because the whole thing has happened when the other was starting to date Sapnap and Karl, without Quackity, he got really awful people in his life. "I didn't think it was that important, it happened a while ago." He said, shrugging as if it was nothing, and it was because he didn't drink as much as before and drugs were completely out of the picture.

"I mean, I would have, but I was busy dying and you were busy being all over Karl and Sapnap." He really didn't remember much of what happened, just being in a hospital room with his parents shouting nonsense to the people who had taken him there in first place.

Schlatt nodded, the weak heart thing was a family thing that seemed to don't be that important because his parents never thought of bringing it up until he almost died because of it. "Yeah, my heart could give up with too much emotions or if I do a lot of exercise." He explained, but Quackity was right with the question. "Don't think about it, I don't do drugs anymore and I try to don't accidentally kill myself." He handed another plate to Quackity, acting so casual about it.

Quackity took the plate from Schlatt, just holding it while he still stared at him in disbelief, “if you called me I would have shown up fuck I randomly bought you apple juice when you asked of course I would have taken you to the hospital,” Quackity wanted to believe that was true, he did believe it but when he started dating Sap and Karl they were all he thought about.

Schlatt and he would see each other occasionally, he now wonders if they talked after Schlatt overdosed if they just talked about bullshit topics and moved on with their day

He wants to tell Schlatt that he could never forgive himself if something happened to him but instead, Quackity turns back the drying rack and takes another plate from the other.

“You could have tried to get along with Karl and Sap” he doesn’t know why he said it, it doesn’t matter now but maybe if Schlatt was around more Quackity could have helped him.

Schlatt would like to believe Quackity, but he knew damn well that his call would have ended in voicemail and he would have died, before Quackity didn't even noticed the voicemail. He gave the other a soft smile, hiding his thoughts.

"They weren't my type of people." He said, it was clear that during college they took very different routes in life, so he e never thought that he would get along with Quackity's boyfriends.

They did end crossing eachother after Schlatt's overdose, he didn't want to tell the other because well, Quackity open the conversation with his happy he was with his new boyfriends and well Schlatt didn't want to give the other concerns.

After the plates were down, Schlatt went to the living room to check on the kid, picking him up. "What are you doing lamb?"

Quackity watched Schlatt walk away with a small frown on his face, he couldn’t imagine a world where his friend didn’t outlive them all.

Tubbo wrapped his arms around Schlatt’s shoulders, smiling at his papa as he pointed down to his drawing of a cat? Dog? Something with four legs, “it’s us!” He explained

Quackity came along, picking up the drawing to look it over, holding back the small laugh he almost let out, “aww it looks just like you” he held it in front of Schlatt, “this is fridge worthy”

Tubbo gasped, getting his drawing hung on the fridge was truly the highest praise.

Schlatt took the paper, trying to figure out what it was before simply nodding, don't going to pop the kid's illusion of his drawing being a masterpiece, it was really good for a children's drawing, that was how Schlatt would name it. "You're getting better!" He praised, sure that fomenting the kid to get better and do something that he liked was better than saying that his draw was ugly or something like that.

Walking back too the kitchen, Schlatt took one of the magnets to give it to the kid going to let him hang the drawing wherever he wanted on the fridge.

He looked at the time, checking if there was time to go out with the kid to get an ice cream or something like that, maybe even get Quackity to his home before it gets too late.

Things seemed to work out for them, Schlatt and Quackity were a good team, with Schlatt now working from home, Q would come during the day and keep Tubbo entertained till after dinner when Quackity would go home

They’d go to the grocery store together, the park and the mall, it was a good system they had. All while Quackity would talk about the dates he went on and how bad they were, but he still had hope even if for now it got to have hookups with no feelings.

A new person moved in next door, he was young, British and hot according to Quackity, it only mattered who the new neighbour was when his much younger brother tried to befriend Tubbo. The apartment building had a small shared garden Quackity took Tubbo out there sometimes on warm days so he could play on the grass with his toys

That’s when a curious blonde boy came up to Tubbo asking him if he wanted to play, Tubbo didn’t repose just hugged Mr bee tighter.

It didn't took too long for Schlatt to start referring to Quackity as tubbo's other dad, sure that both of them were just as important in the kid's life and being a parental figure, even if that meant to suffer from hearing Quackity's awfully dates, just like in highschool.

He was never interested in his neighbours life, until recently finding out that the apartment next to his was empty probably finding out because of Quackity mentioning the young, hot and British that moved next door.

Right now he was sat on the share backyard, being hell of a day and the AC of his apartment choosing that working was way too hard, so Schlatt preferred to be outside than melting inside.

Everything good until he saw the blonde boy come up to Tubbo, going to stand up to take his child away to don't put him in a distress situation but the blonde kid's brother was quick to intervene, taking the kid away from Tubbo. Schlatt nudged at Quackity for him to go and take the boy and also take the chance to speak with the other guy who seemed like a much better deal than probably anyone that he could find in a dating app.Quackity quickly got up, going to Tubbo who already had his arms out for Q to pick him up, “Hey you’re alright, he reassured the boy who just hid his face in Quackity’s shoulder once he was held, letting out a small mumble that said he didn’t like it

Quackity looked to the other man who was holding the other toddler, he was tall like Schlatt but slimmer in frame with round glasses that fit his face, “hey sorry about that,” Quackity said to him his hand rubbing circles on Tubbos back, “he’s a little shy,”

He removed his hand from Tubbos back when he calmed down now holding it out for the new neighbour to shake, “I’m Quackity, this is Tubbo.”

Tubbo looked up for a second then hid his face again

The toddler in the man’s arms took Quackitys hand to shake it, “I'm Tommy why does your name sound like a duck?”

Before the new guy could take Quackity's hand, the small blonde wa already giving him a handshake, making him sigh, a soft smile still on his face because his brother was always like that. "Sorry about Tommy, he can be too much- I would like to say sometimes but he's like this always. I'm Wilbur." He apologized, looking at Tubbo who still seemed very afraid to even look at them.

"Is he yours?" Wilbur asked, assuming he was either taking care of the child or the child was his little brother or son, leaning more to being his son and the guy laying on the grass was his couple, but it was wrong to assume things.

“Oh, no I’m just a babysitter,” Quackity said, chuckling at the comment Wilbur made about his brother, “the guy over there is his dad.” He pointed behind him to Schlatt

Tubbo began to struggle in Quackity’s arms wanting to go to his papa now, so Quackity did so placing the boy down so he could run with his arms out to papa.

“I want to play” Tommy huffed crossing his arms as he watched Tubbo run off to the big guy

“Sorry,” Quackity’s rubbed the back of his neck, “Tubbo is shy maybe he’ll play with you another day.”

“Your house sucks” Tommy said looking at his brother, “you said there would be kids to play with I wanna go home.”

Schlatt sat up at seeing the kid running back to him, picking up Tubbo, holding him close, asking what was the issue when Tommy haven't been that loud and didn't seem sticky as other children, but he wasn't going to force his child to play with some weird kid.

"do you wanna go back inside to get some water?" He asked, standing up before just telling Quackity they were going for water, walking back to the apartment.

Wilbur sighed at seeing his chance of getting Tommy a friend and someone to stop bothering him leaving them. "Come on big man, we can still play something with Quackity." He tried to convince his brother, making puppy eyes at Quackity for him to stay and don't leave him with his little brother.

Tommy looked at Quackity too, with the same big puppy dog eyes, it must run in the family, “yeah, sure I got no plans today.”

Tommy wanted to play knights and princesses, which basically was Tommy and Quackity fighting with sticks while Wilbur pretended to be a helpful princess, Quackity couldn’t help but laugh at his acting

Meanwhile Tubbo sat by the window with his cup of water, watching them play it looked fun, “papa,” he asked swivelling around to look at Schlatt who was peeling off the apple skin for Tubbo, he hated the texture.

“Why is Duck playing with another family? I thought you said he was my new papa.” He pouted, he was more jealous than sad that he wasn’t the one playing games right now, “they don’t even know he’s a duck like I do.”

Schlatt sighed at the question, maybe he shouldn't have told the kid that Quackity was his new papa.

"Well, Q is just making other friends, you can go and join them to play." He offered to the kid, thinking that would be a good excuse to make the kid go and interact with other people even get a friend.

He went to kneel by the kid's side. "But you know, Q is going to leave eventually, he would get his own family and that." He spoke, probably don't being the best thing to tell a small boy but he wanted Tubbo to be conscious of that possibility.

He knew that the moment Quackity got other couple or something more important in his life, he would be out of their lives in seconds maybe less.

Tubbo’s frown deepened, “b-but… he’s our family,” he suddenly gasped, standing up to hug Schlatt’s arm, “you can marry him then he won’t leave!” There was a sparkle in Tubbo’s eye as he said his brilliant idea

“Then-then we can live on a farm with, cows, ducks and sheep the three of us! No one else,” that part was probably something he saw on TV but if you’d ask he’d claim it as his own idea

“And I promise I won’t say it’s gross when you kiss-even if it is really gross!”

Tubbo wouldn’t understand till he’s much older that people who aren’t your family don’t have to stick around even sometimes your family doesn’t stick around.

Schlatt sighed, clearly married didn't work like that but a children's mind that didn't work like that. "Tubbo, I can't marry Quackity, I don't like him that way." Explained, crouching down to level down to the kid's level, brushing the hair off his face.

"To marry someone you really, really have to love them. And I don't love Quackity that much." He explained, he cared a lot for Quackity, but he had never seen him as nothing more than a really good friend.

The idea of living in a farm with cows and other animals sounded fun, but Schlatt wasn't much of a farm guy himself so those would stay as the kid's dreams only.

"Do you wanna go and play with him?" He asked hoping the kid would drop the subject there.

He didn’t understand a lot of what his papa said, if he loved Quackity it must have meant papa loved him, he must be confused Tubbo would explain it to him later

But for now looked down to think about it for a moment before he nodded, reaching out to take Schlatt’s hand, “come with me.”

Tommy ran around Quackity, declaring his victim when the older suddenly shot up and attacked Tommy with his ‘sword’

“You can’t do that!” Tommy yelled, holding up his stick to knock away Quackity’s, “that’s cheating! Wilbur, tell him he can’t cheat!”

Quackity snort laughed, looking over Tommy's shoulder to see Tubbo coming back outside hand in hand with his dad, “okay fine you win let’s take a break” he said knowing Tubbo wouldn’t want to be involved if they kept being so loud.

Schlatt made sure that Tubbo was holding Mr bee, so the kid would have a comfort. He pet his hair, kissing his forehead.

"He wants to join play with you." He told Quackity, picking up the small boy to make sure he was comfortable going with Quackity alone or having to stay with them while playing.

Wilbur held Tommy's hand, walking close of Schlatt to be able to see if a nicer introduction would make Tubbo more willingly to play with his brother.

Although, Tubbo didn't seem to be the kind of kid to enjoy rough playing and loud noises the worse match with Tommy. "We can play something Tubbo likes so he can join us." He offered, thinking that would make the kid adapt easier to them.

Tommy looked at his brother curiously then over to Tubbo in the big man’s arm, “Hi Tubbo im Tommy!” he said, getting no response from the over, he looked to his brother again confused.

“Tubbo do you wanna play a game with us?” Quackity asked calmly, getting a shrug in return from the scared boy. It seemed like any confidence Tubbo had went away as soon as eyes were on him, he felt like trying and running inside to hide under papa bed

“Do you wanna see my brother's fish?” Tommy asked suddenly while everyone else looked at each other for more options

Tubbo poked his head out from where it was hiding in Schlatt’s shoulder, peering down to the blonde boy, “fish?”

He nodded, “yeah! Will had super cool fish they’d all the colours- like all of them! I can show you them they like me” he said proudly, buffing out his chest

Tubbo wiped his watery eyes and looked to Schlatt for permission to go into the neighbours house and see these magical fish.

Schlatt gave the kid a light nod, having no issue of letting Tubbo go as long as he didn't make any mess in some stranger's house.

"Do you want me or Q to go with you?" He asked, don't thinking the kid would feel brave enough to go by his own but who knows maybe the kid could surprise him.

Wilbur wasn't sure to let other kid in his apartment but if that would be the only way for Tommy to have a friend then sure.

So, Schlatt took Tubbo to Wilbur's house along with Quackity going to look at the fish that seemed to have gotten his son's attention.

It seemed like Tubbo really liked animals because that was the easiest way to get his attention in a positive way, with ducks and fish. And with Schlatt he assumed it was the bee he bought for the kid but who knows.

Tommy brought Tubbo along to the fish tank, the smaller boy gasping as he saw the many colours Tommy had told him about, “they don’t have names,” Tommy said, “so Wilbur said I could name them.”

“Wow” tubbo pressed his face to the glass, nodding along with Tommy as he named them things like ‘destroyer’ and ‘flame fish’

Quackity dug his hands into his pockets, looking around at Wilburs living room which matched Schlatt’s in setup, “so Will you just move here?” He asked, feeling like since he met his neighbour he might as well get to know him, “sorry we didn’t say hi when you first moved in you could probably tell the kid is a little shy.”

Schlatt stayed close of Tubbo, don't caring much about chitchating and just making sure the other kid wouldn't overwhelmed his son.

Wilbur looked at the two children before looking at Quackity, nodding. "Yeah, I just moved in." He said, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it, I didn't know I had neighbors until Tommy said there was other kid playing in the garden." He admitted, having lied to his brother about other children living there.

"I have a band, I needed more space than my father's house to invite them over and my twin isn't big fan of loud noises or strangers, kinda like your boy, so I get that." He was rambling a big, playing with his hands while speaking a bit nervous.

"Do you only stay here to babysit or are two friend or something?" He asked, wanting to catch better the relationship between Quackity and Tubbo's dad, because they were clearly close.

Quackity widened his eyes hearing Wilbur had a band, wanting to already ask millions of questions about what kind of music his band played. But he held but not wanting to see like a weirdo before the neighbour even knew him.

“Oh, Schlatt?” He asked wondering if he’d introduced him earlier, “yeah we known each other in high school but no I have my own place downtown I just stop by to tuck this big baby into bed at night” he grinned pointing back at Schlatt, “it’s hard in his old age.”

He knew, even if Schlatt wasn’t listening, he rolled his eyes at that, “so you can call me part time babysitter slash law student slash sometimes busboy” he waved his hands back and forth as he talked.

"I thought the babysitter was for the kid, but that works too." He joked back, Schlatt seemed way too focus on his child to be focused on their conversation.

Quackity had taken Wilbur's attention. "So, do you want to be a lawyer? You don't look like a lawyer." He said, don't meaning it in a bad way, just the other didn't seem like the kind of guy interested in that.

Schlatt went closer to Tubbo, telling him he was heading back home, going to tell Quackity too excusing it with having to finish some work and Tubbo seemed to have a great time seeing the fish.

Quackity nodded at Schlatt, telling him that he’d bring Tubbo home when it was time for dinner or if Tubbo wanted to leave which he seemed like wasn’t going to be any time soon

“Oh, boy it’s a whole story lemme start from the beginning”

Him and Wilbur went to sit on the couch and continue their conversation, going from Quackity night classes to how he used to try and me a musician too, asking Wilbur questions about his band, excited to hear every word out of the brits mouth.

Tommy and Tubbo got bored eventually as all kids do, now Tommy was showing off his cow plush he got from his other brother, it was more like he threw it at Tommy to get him to leave his room.

“And that’s basically my whole life story up till now,” Quackity finally said, “wow I feel like we’ve been talking for hours,” he looked down at his phone seeing they did.

Honestly speaking with Quackity didn't feel like long, it was funny interesting speaking with the other, hearing his funny histories and how crazy his life sounded.

He enjoyed talking about his band and siblings, he really adored his sibling even if they could decide to make his life a living hell some, most of the times.

At seeing the time, Wilbur nee he better get Tommy to have dinner then to bed because other way the boy wouldn't want to sleep.

"We did, I gotta get Tommy to bed because otherwise my dad would kill me for ruining his sleep schedule, but we're doing a small presentation in a pub in the weekend if you want to go." Well, he had never meet anyone so excited about his band and Quackity seemed to be, so it was worth the shot to invite him. "You can give me your phone and I'll send you the address of the place." He added, clearly having other intentions apart from just sending the address of the place but it wasn't his fault, Quackity wasn't ugly at all.

Quackity was more than willing to go watch Wilbur perform, he couldn’t remember the last time he heard live music that wasn’t Tubbo singing in the bathtub. They exchanged numbers, quickly taking goofy photos of each other for the contact listing, it was innocent and cute, something Quackity hadn’t experienced since College.

Tommy and Tubbo said their goodbyes to each other, both promising that they’ll be best friends forever no matter what. After their long list of things they’ll do together next time, Quackity picked Tubbo up to take him home, saying goodbye to Wilbur himself before going.

“Sorry, I lost track of time.” Quackity said, closing the screen glass door behind him after he entered Schlatt’s apartment, the other was in the kitchen starting dinner himself since Q had seemingly forgotten it was his turn to cook tonight, “Tubbo made a friend, right Tubs?”

“Tommy is so cool papa,” once he was placed down he ran to Schlatt hugging his leg, “he can talk to fish- and he has a Mr cow and-and I wanna be a mermaid!”

Schlatt smiled at hearing Tubbo, stopping to cook to make sure he wouldn't accidently burn the little boy. He leaned down to pick him up, moving away from the stove. "Really? We can go swimming so you can be a mermaid." He said, going to let Tubbo have fun with his childish dreams.

He turned at Quackity. "It's fine, you seemed to be having a lot of fun." He clearly was insinuating other stuff, Wilbur seemed much better than any of Quackity's previous boyfriends so he wouldn't mind it.

"Do you want to help me with cooking, lamb?" He asked, carrying the kid back to the kitchen would to let the kid help him with pouring some ingredients and stirring the food, making sure the kid would still be a safe distance from the stove and hearing him speak about his adventures with Tommy today.

Meals tasted better when Tubbo helped, in his opinion, he claimed it was all the love he threw into the pot, also known as seasoning.

Over dinner, Quackity and Tubbo kept on about how amazing the brothers were, Tubbo mostly repeating the same things while Quackity went on a long rant about Wilburs band and how he invited him to come watch them preform. Schlatt had seen this before, Quackity is a romantic and falls for someone easily, whether they deserve this affection or not. Quackity fell in love hard but that usually meant he fell out of love harder with crying, screaming and breaking gifts, hopefully, this wasn’t one of those times.

”Wilbur sure beats that old lady that used to live next to you, bitch threw a shoe at me once when she thought I was breaking into your apartment.” He stabbed at the carrot on his plate, “like lady you've seen me every day…but yeah Wilbur’s nice.”

He wiped his mouth, looking to Schlatt, “Maybe you could finally make a friend that isn’t me, not that I don’t love being the only one but yknow it’s not like Connor ever calls”

Connor one of the bad influences, Schlatt hung out with in College, wasn’t the worst of them but definitely didn’t stop any of the suicidal things they did.

Schlatt wasn't that much of a social guy, even if it seemed like so. "I haven't speak with Connor in a long time." He admitted, probably after their last bender only messages to invite him to parties or such.

"He's a better prospect for boyfriend than anyone else you keep messaging in dating apps." He admitted, eating from his plate before looking at his phone. Hearing the kid speak about his evening with Tommy.

"I could ask Wilbur or you can ask him, to which daycare Tommy goes, so we can take Tubbo there." He said, even if a day care wasn't needed anymore because he was staying home full day, but it would be good for the kid that way he would have it easier with getting used to other people.

"Are you staying tonight or leaving?" He asked, finishing eating and standing up to go and wash his plate.

Quackity rolled his eyes at the mention of Wilbur being boyfriend material, he had just met the guy and he wasn’t heading any wedding bells yet even is Schlatt liked to tease so, “I can ask him,” Quackity said moving to stand and take everyone’s empty plates if he didn’t cook dinner he could at least clean up.

“And I have class tonight so I’m gonna head back to my place to shower and change,” he said going over to the kitchen sink.

“What’s daycare?” Tubbo asked, only interested because papa had said that’s where Tommy goes, he had never had a friend his own age and it was all so exciting and new.

After getting it explained to him, he was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a doctor who looked after the sun but it still sounded fun, “papa can come too and we can all play together!”

"Oh, no, I can't go with you. Day care is just for little kids like you and Tommy." He explained, knowing that maybe with that the kid wouldn't be so willingly to go.

"But you can play with him there and learn so many things." Schlatt was quick to add don't wanting to ruin the chance of Tubbo going to a daycare. "If you don't like it you don't have to go back but you can try if you want." He offered in that way so the kid wouldn't feel pressured to go back. He stood up to go to the kitchen.

"I'll wash the dishes, you should head to your house and I don't want you miss your class because of having to wash dishes."

“You sure?” Quackity asked, already knowing when Schlatt set his mind to something it was hard to change. So he agreed, gathering his stuff and saying goodbye to Tubbo for tonight, hugging him till Tubbo decided he wanted to be let go, “I’ll text Wilbur about daycare later” He said giving another goodbye before finally leaving, a little more do spring in his step as he did so.

Tubbo had tired himself out from so much adventure today, he fell asleep on the couch during after dinner tv time, not protesting at all when Schlatt took him to bed early just staying awake enough to change into his pjs before he fell back to sleep, Mr bee in his arms as always.

Leaving Schlatt the rest of the night to just him and his thoughts.

Staying up until late was never a good idea for Schlatt, his thoughts going to places he hoped to just forget. Unable to sleep, Schlatt ended going to his new neighbor's house, thinking it was stupid to wait for Quackity to text the guy when he lived right next to him.

With that, he ended in Wilbur's house, talking for more time than what he originally expected to pass there. Ending even taking a beer with him even if he wasn't the biggest fan of them.

Around like four am, Schlatt head back to his house because the kid would probably wake up if he wasn't there and he still had to wake up to work.

Quackity and Wilbur texted over the next couple of days, mostly about music but later into the night when they were alone it would get more personal

Tubbo sat on the kitchen counter, legs crossed while Schlatt packed some snakes for him to take to daycare, today was a trial run to see if Tubbo liked it. If the toddler did, he’d go a couple of days a week to hang out with Tommy when he wasn’t at his brother's apartment.

“Make sure to pack snakes for Mr bee,” he said watching what his papa was putting in his paw patrol backpack, “he gets hungry.”

"sure, I'll put some extra for him." Schlatt added a few more snacks, hoping that if the toddler didn't eat them then he would just take them back.

Once done with the backpack, Schlatt handed it to the little boy, picking him up and making sure everything was fine to take him to the day care.

It was quite far from the apartment building but he assured it was closer to Tommy and Wilbur's parent's house than to Wilbur's apartment because that made more sense. He parked the car In front the place, getting down and taking Tubbo out his old truck, seeing all the children running inside and the teachers he wasn't sure if the kid would like to go inside.

Tubbo’s initial reaction was to tightly hug his papa leg, watching the other toddlers run inside, waving back to their parents as they did so. He knew he’d have to leave Schlatt but it felt too real now, what if papa accidentally took the wrong kid home and Tubbo had to live with a new family.

“Tubbo!” Suddenly came a noise, the scared boy heard to look where it was coming from seeing Tommy out of a car, almost tripping before he ran to greet his friend

“Tommy!” The two hugged, pulling back to do their ‘secret handshake’ that had they spent an entire evening making up, Tubbo seemed calmer now and the teachers had assured Schlatt that they had a sensory room for if Tubbo ever got overwhelmed, “there’s so many people” Tubbo mumbled holding his backpack tightly

“Yeah but,” he shrugged, “I run the place so no one will mess with my best friend.”

Schlatt seemed just as nervous as his son, don't feeling comfortable with leaving the boy in a place that was strange and could overwhelmed his kid.

He leaned down to sat good-bye to Tubbo, having to head back to work. "I'll be right back to pick you up in the dot, okay? If you're feel too overwhelmed, you can tell a teacher to call me, they have my phone number." He was regretting the whole daycare thing.

He never understood when he saw parents cry or be sad about their children going to daycare, now he get it, it was trutly hell. He made sure the teachers had his phone number and would call him in case anything happen.

Tubbo and Tommy walked to the entrance hand in hand, Tubbo turned back waving to his papa one last time before he disappeared inside, only to run out a few moments later to hug Schlatt one last time, “love you papa!” he left once again this time going inside this time staying there.

When Schlatt got back to his place, Quackity was already there eating a bowl of cereal on the couch having let himself in with a spare key Schlatt’s gave him for an emergency. Tomorrow night was when Wilbur was taking him to see his band at a bar and Quckity wanted to see if Schaltt had any fancy cologne he could borrow.

“How was Tubbo at drop-off?” He asked, going over to the sink to place his now empty bowl in, “I’m surprised he didn’t end up coming home with you.”

Schlatt was a bit on edge for having just leave Tubbo, jolting at seeing Quackity already in the house having forget about the spare keys. "fucking Christ, you almost kill me." He hold his chest, waking into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"He seemed excited about it, Tommy help with making him more comfortable." He explained, still he kept looking at his phone expecting a call just something.

He drank the water and looked at Quackity confused. "what are you doing here? You don't have to come if Tubbo isn't here." He said, assuming that Quackity only stayed because the kid was there.

Quackity smiled, hearing that the drop-off wasn’t just a meltdown waiting to happen, it was honestly a weight off his mind too. He walked to Schlatt patting him on the back, “what? Can’t I come to see my friend without the kid being here?”

He paused for a moment, digging his hand into his pocket, “also do you have any cologne I can borrow? I’m meeting with Wilbur tomorrow after work and I don’t wanna smell like fries all night.”

It wasn’t a date, Quackity had made that clear to Schlatt many times it was just one friend inviting another to watch his band, friend things

“I’d offer you’d come too but,” but there was no way Schlatt could find another babysitter and Tubbo didn’t seem like a fan on loud music and drunk people. “Yknow.”

"I don't think so. Because you literally only come because of the kid and now because of Wilbur too." Schlatt went to his bedroom to get a cologne he bought but never use but would be good for Quackity, hanging it over.

He stretched his arms, letting a long yawn. "You can keep it I never used it." He spoke after his yawn, looking at Quackity with a small smirk. "It's okay, I shouldn't be going to parties anyways." He said, parties not being much of his thing anymore.

Schlatt walked back to the living room. "Have fun on your date. Don't get to drunk and don't sleep with the guy in the first date." Wilbur seemed like a nice guy, good enough for Quackity for him to see a decent relationship finally, Schlatt went back to his laptop to check what he was missing from work.

Quackity took a sniff of the cologne it was nice as far as he knows, he wasn’t really one to dress up or smell nice outside of showering snd deodorant, last time he could remember was when he pa gave him some before prom. Though Quackity didn’t end up going to prom since him and Schlatt thought it be more fun to hit golfballs off a roof and drink cheap beer, thinking about on it they definitely were dumb kids.

rolled his eyes at the comment, “you’re a dick and thank you,” he followed Schlatt to the leaving room, not seeming to get the hint the leave after the other started working, “yknow if you ever want to start dating I’m like an expert at dating apps now.”

He sighed dramatically, placing his hand on Schlatt’s shoulder, “I know you planned to die a virgin but I can’t sit by and watch that happen,” he groaned flopping down next to Schlatt on the couch, “that joke worked better when you didn’t have a kid.”

"I'm sure I have fuck than what you have ever seen in your whole life." Schlatt rolled his eyes at the bad joke, continuing to work. He had never been with someone seriously like as something more than a hook up or just a quick thing that didn't last more than a few days.

"I won't think you're an expert when you needed to wait until someone moved next door to get someone decent." Schlatt turned to look at Quackity, ignoring his work for a moment.

He couldn't go on dates anyways, someone needed to look after Tubbo and Quackity would probably be way too busy with the neighbor to be able to look for the kid so it was the best option to stay alone..

It was also clear that the kid didn't want other parent that wasn't Quackity, so there was no need to look for someone else.

Quackity sat back, resting his arms under his head, “fine, whatever just don’t come crying to me when you’re forty and single.” He opened his eyes to look at Schlatt smirking, “I’m not making one of those deals with you where we get married if we’re both single by then… unless you somehow run into money then I will happily be your trophy wife.”

He made no effort to leave, Quackity didn’t have work or class tonight so his schedule was free and it was true that he hadn’t spent much time with Schlatt without Tubbo being around.

Not that he didn’t love Tubbo he did but it felt sometimes like they were coworkers and not friends, it was something that sat in the back of his mind.

It felt the same as when they drifted apart before, just making polite conversation whenever they saw each other.

"if I hit money I would be able to buy any wife I want, why would i go for you? I need a good list of reasons." Schlatt joked, leaving his computer to the side at seeing that Quackity didn't take the hint of leaving.

It was weird because they haven't have a real conversation in a while, most of their talk was about Tubbo or other stuff that wasn't that important.

"I could try a dating app, but I'm not sure if Tubbo would like the idea of me going out with someone that isn't you." He tilted his head to the side, looking at Quackity.

Schlatt seemed to be quiet for a second, sighing softly before standing up to get water. "I feel like I'm fucking dying." It was the constant pouncing on his head and his limbs felt like jelly.

Quackity gaze followed Schlatt as he walked away, “which is one of the many reasons why I should be your trophy wife.” He said holding up a finger as he listened off reasons, from his stunning personality to only the only one who could put up with Schlatt’s snoring.

Quackity sat up, leaning over the back of the couch, “another point have you seen my ass? You could bounce a nickel off it.” He joked, slapping his own butt as if they added anything to his point.

Before he could come up with another reason, Quackity raised an eyebrow watching the way his friend swayed back and forth while standing at the kitchen sink, “you okay dude? You look more pale than usual.”

Schlatt chuckled at the awful points, rolling his eyes before stumbling to another cabinet to pull out some pills. "That's the flattest ass I've ever seen." He tried to keep joking, sitting down on a kitchen chair.

"Yeah, this shit happens." He mumbled, he shoved a bunch of pills in his mouth, swallowing them, before looking at Quackity. "get me some water dude." He mentioned the other.

"Y'know, I can be like your sugar daddy that is close to dying so you can my fortune." He stayed stay a bit longer, patting the chair next to him for Quackity to come and join him.

Maybe he should stop forgetting taking his medicine or stop postponing his medical appointments because 'whats the worse that could happen?'.

Quackity over dramatically groaned at having to get up, he kept his eyes on Schlatt as he stood up going to get him the water he asked for, joking that he was Tubbo’s babysitting not his.

He sat down next to Schlatt at the table, placing the water in front of him, “assholes in high school already thought we were dating I might as well get something out of it.” He crossed his arms over the table, eyebrow still cocked as he looked over Schlatts face.

Ever since Schlatt had told him about his heart condition, Quackity always stared a little longer whenever his friend took some time to stand up or breathe heavier after playing with Tubbo. He knew if he asked what was wrong Schlatt would deny it so Quackity just acted normal and kept talking, he was good at that, “I had to promise my mum so many times that I wasn’t going to run away with you after I told her I was gay”

Schlatt smiled, more than once they had actually lie about being together to avoid annoying people asking if their were friends or boyfriends, they always said boyfriends just so people would stop asking shit. "You wasted your chance man, we could have runaway from here." He joked, before standing up.

Schlatt stood up again after some time. "So, are you going to be serious with Wilbur?" He asked, although the other was just going to a date no date, it was a better thing that Quackity got idea if he had something serious.

Walking back to the living room, Schlatt sat down, cracking his back. "You should try your shot with him, just let me tell you, Tubbo told me to marry you so you won't ever leave."

Quackity watched Schlatt walk back to the couch, staying where he was sat so Schlatt didn’t complain that he took up too much room on the couch, he chuckled, “I’m glad he’s on the side of me begging all your hypothetical rich guy money.”

He took Schlatt’s water glass, going to the sink to place it with his cereal bowl, “like is said it’s not a date… even if it was I’ve never done anything casual before.” He sighed turning on the water to fill up the sink, “I jumped right into being ‘seriously’ with Sap and Karl didn’t even give myself any time to fuck around in college.”

He hated and loved being a romantic, on one hand, he felt like he was floating on a cloud when he was in love, on the other wedding rings are expensive and apparently not the easiest to refund.

“I don’t even know if Wilbur would want that, I barely know him and why do you care so much? You hate when I’m happy.”

"it's a date you're just in denial. But okay, your date not date, just do whatever the fuck you did yesterday with him." He spoke as if he was the guy with most experience in dates when he had never gone to one.

Schlatt shrugged at the question. "I don't know, if I die and you keep Tubbo, I assume you would because you wouldn't have the hard to leave the kid, I want to know you aren't bringing some asshole around our child." The 'our' thing, calling Tubbo their son instead of just his had turn in quite the habit, because well the kid consider Quackity as a father too, so he won't take away that title.

"You can meet the guy, but don't pretend you aren't all over your head with him because he's the soft musician that takes care of his little brother." He spoke as if Quackity had a teenage crush, chuckling softly. It was weird how weird he could change subjects from his death to a teenage crush.

Quackity opened his mouth to protest and tell Schlatt that he’s going to outlive them all but he was cut off by Schlatt’s phone loudly ringing, it was the daycare.

Another toddler had split his juice box on Tubbo’s sweater, causing the boy to run into the bathroom to try and wash it off but only making it worse, wetting his clothes. He locked himself in the bathroom stall refusing to come out till he had his papa, even Tommy tried to get Tubbo to come out but he was drowned out by the screaming.

All Tommy could do was guard Mr bee with his life, making sure no one else touched it and upset Tubbo even more, he almost even bit another kid to keep them away getting himself in trouble.

Schlatt was quick to rush for his phone, not looking like he was about to die like he did some minutes ago. Quick to answer the call and don't even listening to
the whole explanation because his kid was in trouble and that was he care for.

He asked Quackity if he was going with him to pick up Tubbo, quick to rush to his truck and drive to the daycare.

Schlatt was first to find Tommy after a teacher told them where they were, thanking the kid for taking care of Mr bee and that he could go back to play because he was going to make sure Tubbo was fine. Before he walked into the bathroom, knocking on the doors to figure out where his kid was. "Lamb, it's me, can you open the door?" He asked, hoping the kid would be willing to do that

They wouldn’t allow Quackity into the building, he wasn’t family or a legal guardian so he reassured Schlatt he’d be waiting outside to drive them home if that was needed.

Tubbo wasn’t screaming anymore, he was tired and his throat sore from doing so, it was more a soft whimper by now, he sniffed. Eventually, small footsteps were heard from the door, the sound of Tubbo fiddling with the lock till it was opened. It softly creaked open, Tubbo stared up at his papa with big watery sad eyes moments away from bursting into tears again, his sweater and pants were soaking wet not even allowing his papa to pick him up till he washed the sticky off.

The daycare carried extra clothes for accidents like this, allowing Tubbo to get out of the wet sticky clothes and into something boring and ugly but at least dry.

Schlatt accepted the daycare extra clothes, the issue was I'd Tubbo wanted to wear them or if it was better to get him home and into the bath before giving him dry clothes.

"I know you don't sticky things, you can wear this clothes while we head home and once in home take a shower and use your nice and dry clothes. Or you can keep those and stay wet at the way home." He tried to bargain with Tubbo. Assuming the kid would say yes, wanting to be able to pick up his son and take him home.

After apologizing with the teacher for the mess, Schlatt left, telling Quackity to drive and hurrying into the apartment to have the bath ready for the kid to get clean and in dry clothes. He was sure that it was probably the end of tubbo's little adventures in the daycare, so they would have to think of something else.

Tubbo didn’t say a word the whole way home, not even to say goodbye to Tommy as they were leaving. He sat in Schlatt’s lap, face buried in Mr bee on the ride home, his clothes were itchy and smelt funny they aren’t fun to wear like his other clothes.

Once home he didn’t ask for any bath toys, just let the water pour over him till the bugs stopped crawling on his skin, being wrapped in the towel was just something he had to do so he could curl up in the corner on the couch and slightly sob.

It felt like all the progress the small boy had made was washed away in the daycare skin, he would keep screaming if he didn’t hurt so much. He did have fun at daycare up to that point, enjoying story time and building a house out of blocks with Tommy, he even said thank you to a girl who liked his sweater but that was all ruined.

“Give him some space he’s upset,” Quackity whispered to Schlatt, “we tried something and it didn’t work out we’ll just keep doing what we’ve been doing.”

Schlatt felt awful seeing the kid so upset, feeling like they had force to do something they already knew was going to go badly, even if the kid was okay, almost excited to go.

"We tried something that we know that wouldn't work out." It was clear he was upset about it, snapping back at Quackity, even if it wasn't his fault and couldn't blame someone else for what happened.

The kid's pretty clothes were throw to the washer to make sure they were ruin forever.

He sighed, moving closer to the kid sitting down on the other corner of the couch. wanting to see if Tubbo would move closer for comfort or if not he would just move away.

Quackity sighed, he knew this wasn’t about him and he couldn’t blame the other for snapping it wasn’t exactly like he was innocent himself of it. He should leave, let Schlatt and his son have their healing time together without being crowded by him.

Tubbo wiped the tears away so many times that his cheeks were soft and red, it stung to touch not even Mr bee's fluff felt right against him. Very slowly he scooted to papa, letting the crown of his head rest on Schlatt’s leg, he stayed tucked in on himself staring blankly at the TV but not watching it, it was just more noise that bothered him.

He didn’t blame papa, he blamed himself for ruining his almost perfect day with his best friend, thoughts no four yeah old should have infested his mind.

Schlatt turned off the TV, don't wanting more noise to better the kid, having forgotten to turn off the TV before leaving to pick up the boy.

Being glad that the kid had scooted close to him made him slightly relief, don't touching the kid without knowing if it was okay first.

He thought for a second, before standing up slowly, moving the kid's head from his leg assuring that he would he right back in a second, that was only going to get something for him.

And he did as promised, going to get a blanket, a weighted blanket that was gifted to him for some reason, like he didn't quite remember why, probably it was some shitty birthday gift that he never used because he wasn't a big fan of the extra weight.

He slowly placed the blanket over the kid, just in case the boy didn't like it. He sat down again, playing the kid's head back on his lap and playing with his hair quietly, don't going to speak until the kid gave signs to feel like talking.

He enjoyed the weighted blanket, it felt like a hug all around him, squishing away all his worried.

They stayed like that for a while, in silence, Tubbo finding comfort in his papa's hand in his hair it made his mind stop feeling so dizzy. The sun slowly set, light through the window shifting with the day making it seem much lower, like watching paint dry.

“Papa,” Tubbo quietly said, his voice sounding like a little mouse, he looked up to Schlatt's hand hovering over his stomach, “I’m hungry.”

It hadn’t hit him till now he never ate the lunch Schlatt packed for him, he was so excited this morning he barely touched his breakfast leaving the boy with a grumbling stomach, “can I have spaghetti please?” Even after a sad day the way the boy pronounced his S’s would put a smile on anyone's face.

Schlatt didn't mind staying with the kid in silence until he seemed to feel better. His mind wondering and just realising that Quackity left, sighing at this and telling himself it wasn't important because at the end of the day Quackity wasn't the kid's dad.

Hearing the kid speak made him smile faintly, nodding at Tubbo. Hoping that there was some left overs from a previous day.

Hopefully there was some, giving the kid a serving and warming it up in the microwave, standing up to go and handing it to the little boy, along with a glass of apple juice, putting it to the side.

"Here you have lamb." He ruffled the kid's hair, sitting down by tubbo's side. Schlatt got a plate for himself too, only having some coffee that day but nothing else.

That night Tubbo followed Schlatt into the room after papa had laid him for the night, it wasn’t uncommon for this usually Tubbo would say he has to go to the bathroom or letting Schlatt he wanted to read him another story.

Tonight he wanted to sleep in Schlatt’s bed, he liked when it was quiet but when he was alone the silence felt too loud giving him that dizzy feeling he didn’t like.

“I’ll be super quiet, you won’t even see me” the boy argued grabbing onto the bedsheets to pull himself up onto the bed, once on he crawled to the covers digging himself under like a little mole till just his legs were sticking out, “see?” He said, muffled by the fabric

Quackity sent Schlatt a few texts asking how things were going, offering to cancel his “date” tomorrow if he needed any help with Tubbo.

After some convincing Schlatt agree to let the kid sleep with him. He didn't mind it being honest, going to let the kid fall asleep where ever he wanted.

"Alright, you can stay. But nothing of clinging to me like a flee." He said, laying down and covering himself with the bedsheets. Whenever the kid slept on his bed, he would end clinging to his side like a flee, making him unable to move the while night.

Ignoring Quackity's messages, Schlatt went to sleep without problem. He had it under control, the kid seemed a bit better and he wasn't going to send him back to daycare again.

So early morning, Schlatt stood up, surprised to be awake earlier than the kid, going to the kitchen to get water and planning his day because the kid would stay there all day without Quackity

Tubbo slept in longer than he usually would, he wore himself out yesterday the boy not even knowing how tired he was till his head hit the pillow

To say Quackity was nervous would be an understatement, he shouldn’t be, it’s just going to be two newly formed friends hanging out together outside of the apartments for the first time it’s not a big deal. Then why is he sweating so much? He isn’t going to the bar for another seven hours yet he can’t think of anything else, maybe he’s so shaky because this is a chance to make a new friend that didn’t know any of his baggage, someone who he didn’t meet through Sapnap or Karl.

He still had work today so that would distract him for a little, collecting empty dishes and glasses was truly exhilarating for the mind.

Tubbo was more himself today, though he didn’t want to talk about what happened yesterday, he still felt embarrassed by the whole thing. He finished his breakfast standing up in his chair for Schlatt to help him down, “can I go see if Tommy is next door please?”

"Tommy is at daycare, lamb." Schlatt explained, putting the kid on the floor before going to pick up the plates to put them in the sink.

Tubbo's day was probably going to be quite boring with Schlatt having to work, Quackity wasn't wouldn't come that day and Tommy wouldn't be back home until later.

Schlatt thought if going out to the park but didn't want to have another accident with the kid getting annoyed by other children.

"The only person next door right now is Wilbur, and I don't think you want to see him." He explained, washing the dishes before leaving them to dry, don't feeling like drying them.

"We can go to the garden if you want, you can collect something for when Tommy comes back.' he offered to the kid, thinking that maybe going out would be nice to keep his mind from that happened

He looked down at the ground pouting at the news Tommy wasn’t here today, he kept his head down nodding when Schlatt suggested going outside, it was a lovely day and he would enjoy feeling the grass.

He got changed out of his pjs, pointing at what he wanted to wear choosing the combo of crocs, a tie-dye shirt and a skirt he liked the texture off. He told his papa he could get one too since his furry legs much get hot during the summer

The shared garden wasn’t much to look at, mostly just greenery with a large tree for shade. Some flowers were planted by an elderly neighbour who Tubbo had seen a couple of times through the window. Tubbos favourite spot why by the small rocks in the dirt where he could watch bugs get along with their day, he would never touch it because that would be messy but he liked watching from afar

Schlatt followed the kid outside, don't going to let his son alone in the shared garden. Bringing his laptop with him to sat down and try to get some work done while keeping an eye on tubbo.

He brought some colours and paper so the kid could draw if he wanted as well as a small ball that they could play with if the kid ingot too bored of watching with insects.

Later in the evening, after Tommy came from day care, the blonde was quick to join Tubbo's adventures in the garden a long with Wilbur who asked if he could take care of Tommy for the night while he went to play.

Schlatt accepted, thinking that it would be good for Tommy and Tubbo to have more time together and he didn't want to ruin Quackity's date

Tubbo and Tommy sat under the old tree, sharing a packet of cookies Tommy’s mum made for Wilbur for him but were quickly snatched by his younger brother when he saw them in the kitchen, “papa said you looked after Mr bee.”

Tommy nodded, crumbs covering his mouth like he was missing his mouth on purpose, “dad grounded me for biting but it was worth it!”

“What’s grounded?”

Tommy hummed thinking of how to explain it, “it’s when you sit inside and do boring things with NO tv.”

That didn’t sound too bad to Tubbo he liked spending time inside with his papa, even if it was like last night when they sat in silence

“Are you gonna come back to daycare? It was way more fun with you.”

Tubbo shook his head, pulling his legs to his chest suddenly not hungry, “papa doesn’t like when I’m sad and I don’t like it either so I think I’ll stay home with him… but I had fun too.” The two boys hugged, promising they’ll still be best friends even if they only saw each other on weekends

When it was getting darker, Schlatt stood up, going to take both of the children back inside where they could play and have proper dinner and not only cookies.

He hoped the little hang out between Quackity and Wilbur because he couldn't deal with two children by his own.

"What you want to have dinner kiddos?" He asked, going to the kitchen having no idea what Tommy might like or enjoy to eat or if he was a picky eater like Tubbo.

He hoped that cereal was good because cooking something for dinner seemed like a really big thing Schlatt was way too tired to do.

Quackity took an Uber to the address Wilbur gave him, not because he was excepting anything to happen tonight that would make him leave his car here, he just loved being stuffed into someone else’s car.

He walked in, looking around to see a lot of young adults around his age chatting amongst themselves with drinks in hand, they were dressed much more ‘hip’ than him, making Quackity feel self-conscious about his picking a Hawaiian shirt.

He walked to the bar to order a drink, hoping to help calm his nerves when he saw Wilbur by the stage talking to what Q could guess were his band members.

hey Wilbur,” he called, blushing when they all looked at him, “I’m here,” he said somewhat awkwardly as he walked up

Wilbur smiled at seeing Quackity, leaving his guitar to the side to and great him. "Hey! I'm glad you came." He said cheerfully, pulling him closer for him to meet the bbbband.

"Order whatever you want, everything goes on us." He said, quick to drag to Quackity so would meet the rest of his band. The band was welcomed to Quackity, smiling brightly at him and quick to start to conversation with him.

They stayed chitchating for a while until the concert started, giving all to the show and it seemed like they were having the time of his life.

Before the concert Wilbur was quick to join Quackity in the public going to get a drink while they had a small break. "Did you enjoy the show?"

Quackity took a sip from his sip from his drink, he didn’t know the name but it was fruity and tingled his tastebuds, “fuck yeah I enjoyed it, are you kidding you’re amazing,” his nerves has washed away with the alcohol, “makes me miss playing.”

A few times, young men and women around Quackity’s age would come up, interrupting their conversation to tell Wilbur had great he was along with the rest of his band, almost treating him like a rock star

Quackity watched on with an assumed grin, the light blush that covered Wilbur’s cheeks when we he was complemented was adorable

"you could join us one time, like am extra guitar or, I don't know, it can be just you can be just you and me. I've been struggling to compose things recently, maybe you are what I'm missing." It had a tone of joke, but who knows? Maybe Quackity was really that muse would make him enjoy music again.

And also it was the perfect excuse to hang out with Quackity in his house, making shitty letters or playing with their instruments like little children.

Wilbur was just looking for good excuses to have Quackity around him to pass time with him without looking to interest about him, Tommy already help him with that but he needed more time.

Quackity snorted like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard “you do not what to hear me play I’m rusty as fuck,” he couldn’t help but blush at the idea of Wilbur wanting to be alone with him, especially after how amazing his band was he’s surprised they don’t spend every waking moment together practising. “But yknow if you need me to critique you… I guess I could do that.”

Later into the night, Quackity was talking to one of Wilbur’s bandmates, drink in hand while politely chuckling to whatever he said. He couldn’t help but notice over the man’s shoulder Wilbur behind him, talking to some women it didn’t feel like the fans before this felt personal. The bandmate noticed Quackity’s concerned look and turned to see what he was staring at.

“Don’t worry about her, that’s Will’s ex,” he explained, “she’s crazy, just shows up whenever she hears we have a show but Will knows how to handle her.”

Quackity took a sip from his cup, bitterly asking why he’d be worried

When it got too late and the bar was about to close, Wilbur proposed to leave, going to leave the other members of the band to their homes and he felt a bit bad if leaving Schlatt by his own with Tommy and Tubbo.

The back home, Wilbur payed for the Uber having drank too much for it to be safe for him to drive them home. The whole way, he kept staring at the other, having a stupid smile on his face probably way to drunk.

His hand brushed Quackity's hair off his face, "you're really beautiful." He spoke softly, before laughing so loud, completely drunk, before laying his head on Quackity's shoulder.

Quackity playfully chuckled, cheeks flushed in a bright red from the alcohol, he reached his hand up to play with Wilbur’s soft brunette locks, “you aren’t too bad you’re scoot.” He wasn’t as drunk as the other, but feeling pretty wonderful a feeling that wouldn’t last when he’d woke up the next morning

Quackity thanked the driver, wrapping his arm around Wilbur’s waist to help him out of the car, shushing him when Wilbur started to loudly sing. It was past midnight and he’s sure their elderly neighbours are looking for an excuse to call the cops on them

“Come on big boy,” he decided to take Wilbur to bed first, not thinking the kids were up but just in case, he dug his hand into Wilbur’s pocket to fish out his keys, he couldn’t help chuckling more, “you have a lovely voice but shhh”

"Why don't you hush me, pretty boy?" It was a dare, leaning down to Quackity's head being inches away from his face. He was stop drunk to realize it was probably not the best idea.

The noise might have not woken up their elderly neighbors but it did woke up Schlatt, who had been having a shitty time falling asleep but it wasn't important, he simply went to get a glass of water. Having fallen asleep on the couch while Tubbo and Tommy sleep on his bed.

Wilbur ended bringing Quackity inside his apartment, going to make the other in his house, insisting about being too dangerous for the boy to leave because it was dark and he was too pretty.

Quackity agreed to come into Wilbur’s apartment, not being able to hold in his laughter at watching Will struggle to kick off his shoes, maybe an off-handed comment that Will was lucky he was cute

Once he had gotten them off, Quackity took his hand to pull him to the bedroom it not going unnoticed to him how suggestive it looked and felt. The darkness around them didnt help it feel any less intimate, Q not knowing the others apartment well enough to find any light switches.

“Let’s get you into bed and if you don’t whine I’ll even grab you some water.”

"I don't care about water, lay down with me." He pulled Quackity to the bed with him. Almost ending on top of eachother.

And Wilbur's drunk self just went for it, kissing Quackity and pulling him as close as possible. Maybe getting drunk in a first date isn't the best idea, probably it was worse getting drunk in a not official first date.

After the kiss, Wilbur lay down pretty much passing out and completely out of what happened. Pretty much what a drunk person would do.

"I don't care about water, lay down with me." He pulled Quackity to the bed with him. Almost ending on top of eachother.

And Wilbur's drunk self just went for it, kissing Quackity and pulling him as close as possible. Maybe getting drunk in a first date isn't the best idea, probably it was worse getting drunk in a not official first date.

After the kiss, Wilbur lay down pretty much passing out and completely out of what happened. Pretty much what a drunk person would do.

Quackity gasped, falling with Wilbur onto the bed, not having time to process he was being kissed till it happened, it was sloppy and wet not how he imagined their first kiss happening but nothing in his life seemed to go as planned.

Wilbur pulled Quackity on top of him, the surprised young man looking down to the other when he stopped moving, he passed out, wow. Quackity carefully pushed himself off of Will and threw a blanket over him, “goodnight Will.” He whispered

He should have just gone to sleep on Wil’s couch or crammed himself into Tommy’s small bed but he wanted to tell Schlatt about his date since he was apparently the biggest supporter of the two of them being together

He walked into Schlatt’s apartment to see him laying awake on the couch, either woken up by Will’s singing or making sure the kids didn’t decide it was time to play at 2am, “hey.” Quackity said, walking over and sitting down on the couch across from Schlatt, “honey I’m home.”

Groyeck — 16/07/2022 12:51
Schlatt looked at the other when he heard the door open, that was a good thing, that meant he didn't fuck with Wilbur in their first date which was a good sign. "Welcome home, cheater." You can tell he was waiting the perfect moment to say it.

He sat up next to Quackity, looking at him. "How was your date?" He have thought of going to leave Tommy back to his brother's house but the kid seemed to be sleeping so peacefully with Tubbo that he didn't bother.

And the couch wasn't that uncomfortable. He was surprised that Quackity haven't taken the chance to stay and sleep with Wilbur, not in a sexual way just to lay down with him or stay in his apartment. "I know you miss me but you should have stayed with the guy."

Quackity shrugged at the comment, “I wanted to tell you how it went,” he kicked his shoes off and laid back on the couch and looked over to Schlatt, “plus he drunk kissed me and I know how embarrassed he’s gonna feel tomorrow from my experience.”

Maybe he could milk this into getting another date, his tipsy mind giggled at the thought of Wilbur down on one knee begging to give Quackity a real first kiss, it was stupid but he liked his fantasy

Plus maybe he did miss Schlatt a little bit

“Now shut up and listen to my tale,” he cleared his throat, going into the detail of the night he had, from arriving, the drinks, Will’s music and meeting his band to the crazy ex and Wilbur being all over him on the way to his bedroom.

“I’d say out of all my dates…it is in the top 10.”

"it could have been a good conversation." Schlatt said, after hearing Quackity's whole little story about how his date went. Happy to see his friend having fun with someone.

"You could go and hand him Tommy later, it's a good excuse to talk to him." He said, probably being the biggest supporter of that relationship. He just wanted to see his friend happy being completely honest.

Wilbur sounded like the type of guy that was probably quite romantic.

So Schlatt expected something from him like a big thing or something like later as an apology for the kiss. Or whatever young people do after kissing each other while being drunk.

Quackity groaned, throwing his head back at the simple request that he knew he’d do anyway, “fine.” He sighed heavily. Now moving to stand up and head to the kitchen to raid Schlatt’s fridge, with two toddlers in his house tonight he must have some good sugary snacks.

Despite Quackity repeating that he was being quiet several times, the kids still woke up and were now wide awake, Quackity whispered sorry to Schlatt but he was still a bit too tipsy to care that much, “since you’re awake wanna head to your brothers?” Quackity’s asked after his third bowl of cereal

Tommy shook his head, “it’s still dark outside Tubbo’s dad said I can stay till it’s light.”

“It’s winter it’s not gonna be light till like 9am”

“Then I’m staying awake and playing with Tubbo till 9am!”

Schlatt heard the conversation between the two, chuckling because he was sure that taken Tommy to a probably very drunk Wilbur probably wasn't the best idea.

"Let him stay, it's good that Tubbo gets a friend." He said, standing up to go and take Tommy and Tubbo back to his bedroom, to see if he could get the two children back to sleep.

He felt a bit uneasy to have a drunk person around the children, even if it was Quackity. Schlatt wasn't sure why he just felt odd about it, maybe because his parents were alcoholics that weren't the nicest people while drunk.

After leading Tommy back to the bedroom, he checked on Tubbo who even if he seemed to be wide awake, stayed in bed for some reason. "How are you feeling lamb?" He asked, concern being difficult to hide, crouching by the side of the bed.

Tubbo shrugged, he felt weird he loved having Tommy here, they were best friends but he also felt like his routine had been messed with. Papa should be in bed, Quackity should be at home and he shouldn’t be hanging out with Wilbur because that’s new and scary.

He’s felt this way since he couldn’t go to daycare, when new things happen they turn out bad, he was mostly feeling that now because it’s dark outside and he’s awake, “I don’t know.” He finally said

“Tubbo let’s stay up all night!”

Tubbo frowned, “but that’s when we sleep,” he spoke, tears filling his eyes, “a-and if we don’t sleep we won’t get bedtime stories-and-“ he sniffed

Tommy moved to hug him but Tubbo pushed him off, he felt uncomfortable, he needed his routine

Schlatt moved closer, picking up Tubbo to see if that was fine. "it's okay, we can go back to sleep, okay? No one will force you to stay up if you don't want." He assured, thinking that maybe the issues was that Tubbo was tired and that was the whole reason for the fuzz.

Little kids would get fuzzy when they get tired, so he assumed that was it. He didn't know if it was okay that Tommy stayed or if Tubbo wanted him gone. He assumed that whole the kid fell asleep too there wouldn't be a problem.

"Do you want to get something warm to drink and then back to sleep?" He asked Tubbo, doing his best to soothe him.

He walked to the kitchen, making sure the lights were off, expect of the kitchen's were Quackity was still in.

Quackity held up the cereal box, shaking it to show it was empty, apparently, it wasn’t being high that made Quackity hungry, “hey- oh okay little dude?” He asked seeing Tubbo in Schlatt’s arms, face was hidden like it always was when he was upset

Tubbo sniffed, he was tired and wanted his warm milk so did Tommy since he followed and kept talking about how he could stay up all night

Quackity threw a piece of cereal at Tommy’s head, laughing when Tommy acted like it was like a bomb hitting him, these two weren’t exactly helping right now

“You suck!”

“You suck” Quackity replied, not exactly the most mature response for an adult

Schlatt sighed at seeing the other two acting like children, well one was literally a child and Q, well he was probably more drunk than what he realized the first time. "Dude, can you go an play with the rat in the living room? Tubbo is tired."

He didn't want to sound upset, but he was also quite tired, specially after being awaken in an unholy hour in the morning to hear some date that could have wait until the morning to be told. Sitting Tubbo on the counter to be able to grab milk and a small pot to warm it up for both of the children, hoping that it would help Tommy to sleep too.

"Did Q wake you up?" He asked, looking for something to distract the kid while waiting for the milk to warm.

Quackity rolled his eyes, jumping off the counter to go to the living room, Tommy following him just so he could argue with him more, even brining up that Wilbur liked losers.

Tubbo shrugged again, “I don’t know,” he sniffed, moving to sit on the counter a safe distance away from the heat, “Tommy woke up, then I woke up cause he was jumping on the bed-then I jumped on the bed but then I got sad because he didn’t wanna jump on the bed.”

Tommy didn’t say If he woken up by Wilbur’s singing or Quackity’s loud cereal chewing but it didn’t matter now, Tubbo was just grumpy and wanted sleep but couldn’t get back by himself. He no longer had to drink from shot glasses, Schlatt buying him his own sippy cups to drink his warm milk through

Tommy had to drink his through a mug because from experience tired Tubbo didn’t like sharing, even throwing a fit whenever Quackity got too close to Schlatt.

While Tubbo drank the warm milk from the sippy cup, Schlatt picked up the small boy to take him back to the bedroom that was dark and he could stay close until the lamb fell asleep before heading back to the living room to get Tommy to sleep too.

He laid the boy down, laying by his side. Talking with the boy in a quiet voice not expecting an answer but simply doing it for the same reason someone would read a bedtime story for the small boy.

He hoped that moving away to get tommy wouldn't ruin his efforts to make Tubbo sleep. because having the kid suddenly wake up would probably Tubbo even more grumpy.

they let Tubbo sleep in, curled up in a little ball under his weighted blanket while Tommy played on Quackity’s phone that he took from the other last night while trying to climb him like a tree

It was light outside now, Q waking up from the nap he took of Schlatt’s couch with a slight hangover, he couldn’t imagine what Wilbur was dealing with right now. wilbur oh right he’s gotta drop the kid off home and ask his date if he remembers awkwardly kissing him before passing out

“Schlatt, I need a stress ball give me your chest” he groaned, rubbing his hands over his eyes, “even being funny hurts.”

Honestly that night he felt like he was taking care of three children instead of two, but that was the usual with Quackity there.

He walked to the kitchen to get Quackity a glass of water, with light outside, Schlatt offered Tommy to go back with his brother. Assuming that Quackity would be busy with his hangover to go.

"I'm taking Tommy to his house, come and say bye lamb." He called Tubbo, who was probably still sleepy from being woke up at an unholy time in the morning.

"Or do you want to take him?" He looked at Quackity, assuming a no for answer but it was still worthy to ask just in case.

Quackity thanked Schlatt, taking the water and humming into the glass while he thought it over, “I’ll go, I can’t find my phone anyways I must of left it there.” He finally said, patting his pockets to make sure didn’t have his phone

Tubbo woke up, when Schlatt came into the room to get Tommy who had been behaving himself for the most part, stuffing Quackity’s phone under his shirt before he let Schlatt pick him up, “byye Tubbo” he waved, telling the boy how much fun he had, and how he was going to tell Wilbur how he stayed up all night

Tubbo yawned, hugging his papa’s pillow tightly, “byye,” it looked like the boy was still tired even if he had enough sleep by now, he also liked his papa’s bed it made him feel safe

Tommy looked Schlatt over while in his arms, “my brother could beat you in a fight,” he said after making up his mind on the hypothetical fight.

Schlatt rised an eyebrow at the kid, okay, he didn't want to be rude but Wilbur could be taller than him but the other was literally a twig. "I know you like your brother, but I'll beat him in a fight easily."

He wasn't going to argue with a child about a hypothetical fight, specially when he knew the out come would be bias together the children's brother. He stood up, walked towards Quackity, handing the kid over.

After that, Schlatt went back to the bedroom, going to lay down next to his kid who clung to his pillow. "Do you want to have breakfast or do you want to sleep for longer?"

He wouldn't mind either way, he felt like staying in bed the whole day, his hand going to play with the kid's hair. Looking out at the window, it seemed like it was going to rain maybe even snow with how cold the day was.

Still he needed to go out and get groceries because feeding Quackity was the equivalent to feed three adults.

Tubbo scooted closer to his papa, yawning again and closing his eyes as an answer, though he’s soon wake-up and ask for bacon pancakes he saw on TV, he didn’t necessarily like bacon it was salty but he liked saying it and coming up with a little dance while papa cooked

Quackity had to hold onto his beanie to stop Tommy pulling it off, he went into Wilbur’s apartment putting Tommy down so he could run to his brothers room, which he did so.

Tommy hopped up onto the bed, jumping up and down near his brothers head screaming for him to get up and make him breakfast, “Quackity said he’s going to feed me worms if you don’t get up!” He flopped down laying on his brothers back, “hey uuuup”

Schlatt slept for a bit longer until the kid woke up. He wasn't the one to usually cook, but he did his best, because pancake and bacon were basics to live. He wondered if the kid would like to go out for the day, if not he would have stay while papa went to make groceries.

Waking up to an annoying toddler after drinking your life our wasn't the nicest thing. Wilbur placed his pillow over his head. "I'm fucking putting you to adoption." It wasn't much of a threat with them being adopted but still. He groaned, his head felt as if his brain was trying to scape from his skull.

After a bit of complaining about how noisy the kid was and how 'dad shouldn't have pick him from the trash can he found him', Wilbur stood up, going to get a glass of water, noticing Quackity, his face turning bright red with a nervous smile. "Hey..! Fancy seeing you here." He tried to joked to hide how hang over he was, and nervous.

Quackity waved, he didn’t know what to do while Tommy woke Wilbur up so he started organising Wilbur’s records, “morning sleeping beauty,” he joked, heart fluttering slightly at Wilbur’s bed head

Tommy pointed to his brother yelling to him for breakfast, “I can make it,” Quackity said, “I make it for Tubbo all the time plus you look like your don’t know where your own kitchen is,” he playfully teased

“I don’t want worms!”

Quackity ruffled Tommy’s hair as he walked, “I’ll make taste good.” He smiled at Wilbur as he walked by.

Wilbur wanted to hush his little brother so he wouldn't have to bother him. He followed Quackity to the kitchen after turning on the TV to distract his brother, either way his twin was going to come back soon enough to take the gremlin back to home.

He walked into the kitchen to stand next to Quackity, watching him cook. "I'm sorry for getting so drunk yesterday..." He started, hoping that he didn't did anything really stupid, apart from the kiss because that was planned.

He tilted his head, leaning down over the cover to look at the other in the eyes. "I'm also really sorry for kissing you like that, awful way to kill a first kiss, so if you want to scratch that and put a better one there, I wouldn't mind, the option is there." He rambled a bit with a playful tone, a small grin on his face.

Quackity listened to the hungover fools apology, it was cute hearing him so scattered about last night, he got some eggs from the fridge cracking them open into the frying pan, “Will it’s okay,” he felt awkward too about it, “I’m flattered you were so edger to kiss me.”

Quackity looked over his shoulder to see if Tommy was listening, thankfully the TV did a successful job distracting him. He then turned to Wilbur, stepping closer to whisper, “it’s kind of embarrassing that I wasn’t even sure if it was a date.”

It felt ridiculous to say now, but now they could both look like idiots, awkward, giggling idiots, “you sure got an ego for a guy I’ve seen drunken sing…so I’m sure you’ll get another shot to kiss me,” he struck a pose, hands on his hips, “but I’m a lady and you gotta woo me first.”

Wilbur couldn't help but laugh at Quackity's pose. Shaking his head amused. "A lady? With your pretty face I'm sure you have been with a lot of people." He said, the hangover making him not realize how rude that comment was. Speaking as if being with other people diminished the worthiness of the shorter man.

"But I'll gladly woo you first with that makes you happy." He reached for the other's hand to kiss the back of it. Pulling the other closer afterwards, his hands laying over Quackity's waist. He was getting that kiss no matter what.

"It wasn't a date, not for sure, but we can have a real one whenever you wish for." Wilbur leaned down to attempt to kiss Quackity again, a real good kiss, nothing wet or sloppy like the first one.

Quackity dropped his pose, letting a huff of air through his nose at Wilbur’s joke, it was harmless just a side comment he knew that, he was still a little drunk that’s the excuse Q used.

He noticed Wilbur leaning in, not expecting for their kiss now but he wasn’t complaining, leaning in to connect this lips with other for a short bitter kiss that tasted like stale vodka

Quackity closed his eyes, placing the palm of his hans on Wilbur’s chest, feeling the others heartbeat, “it I burn the eggs it’s your fault,” he said immediately going back into his joking ways, a small part of him wanted the kiss to be more romantic but maybe he’s just picky after his last relationship.

Wilbur enjoyed the kiss, pulling the shorter one as close as possible. His heart was going like crazy, he would blame it on the alcohol even if that didn't make sense, not wanting to admit that his heart beating so fast was the other man.

Once the short kiss was over, Wilbur wanted more, ignoring the other's joke about burning eggs. "Turn off the stove." He said as it it was obvious, moving to actually turn off the stove, breakfast wasn't that important when his little brother was going to pick up soon.

Cupping Quackity's cheeks and kissing him again, making it last longer, only to interrupt by Quackity's phone that was still being used by his little brother. It was just Schlatt calling to see if Quackity was going to join them for the breakfast.

Quackity went to make another remark, only to be cutoff by Wilbur pulling him in again, him having to pull back slightly to catch his breath after being caught off guard.

He recognised his ring tone, it quickly being muffled by Tommy shoving his phone under the couch cushion. Quackity sort of used that as an excuse to pull away from Wilbur, he wiped his mouth subconsciously while going to the living room to find a suspicious looking toddler looking around as if he didn’t know where the noise was coming from.

He finally got his phone back, after a lot of back and forth that Tommy didn’t have it, “sorry, Schlatt was wondering when I’m coming back.” He walked back to Wilbur, “great guy, awful cook so I gotta stop him from poisoning his kid,” he joked.

"come on, you can't keep being his babysitter. He's a nice guy and all but he needs to take of his own child." Wilbur spoke, walking next to Quackity, holding his hand hoping that would make him stay.

In Wilbur's eyes, Quackity have no reason to go with Schlatt other than his responsibility taking care of the small boy but his dad was there so that reason was no longer valid. "I'm sure the kid can deal with one day of shitty food." He added, it could be a good excuse, he just wanted to pass a bit more time with Quackity and he was sure that Schlatt was old enough to deal with a children by his own.

"It has to be so boring playing babysitter all day for a guy that probably only keeps your around because you're free babysitter." His words were turning harsher, he walked to the kitchen to finish breakfast.

Quackity frowned at Wilbur’s words, he enjoyed looking after Tubbo and he recently felt like him and Schlatt had been friends again recently but Schlatt did seem to want him out of the house this morning, maybe Will was also correct, he didn’t exactly have to be there everyday to cook and clean. Plus he had already started breakfast for Wilbur, he’d feel guilty leaving and Schlatt could just make Tubbo cereal or something, it’s only one day.

Quackity texted Schlatt that he’d be by later, before he went back to preparing breakfast for the two brothers, it felt nice sitting together on the couch with them watching some British sitcom. Tommy talked about his night with Tubbo, only stopping whenever Wilbur told him not to talk with his mouth full which Quackity would respond to by talking with his mouth full making Tommy laugh.

Not soon after Wilbur’s twin brother would pick Tommy up, not saying much to Quackity other than a look between him and Wilbur, “he’s hot,” Quackity said once the door was close, “get it? Cause you’re identical.”

The comment about his twin took him by surprise, making him laugh. "Are you into that?" He asked, with his sibling gone he could do whatever he wanted with Quackity.

He pulled the other close, making sure the door was close. Holding his cheeks, before kissing him with a grin. "Can I have more than a kiss?" He asked, excepting Quackity to agree no matter what.

There's was another ping from Quackity's phone, a message from Schlatt saying that they will be out to groceries and that if he wanted he could stay in the apartment with his extra keys, not expecting the other would go to his house so soon. He wanted to see if they could take Tubbo out to the park or something like that, he was sure the kid would enjoy that, maybe going to build a Bear seemed good too, the kid could make something with Quackity.

Quackity grinned into the kiss at first, it was flattering that Wilbur liked him this much so quickly, specifically, since Quackity saw himself as nothing special. The innuendo in Wilbur’s comment made his cheeks flush, “I thought you were gonna ‘woo’ me first?” He joked, a small pit of nerve in his stomach at the thought of the other leading him back to his bedroom.

He pulled away from another kiss when his phone dinged, reading over the message Schlatt sent him, “Schlatt wants me to take Tubbo to the mall.” He explained that’s where build a bear was and they’d usually go during the weekdays when it wasn’t busy, “rain check?” He asked nothing thinking it would be a big deal

Wilbur let out a long grown after having heard that Quackity was still trying to look after the kid. He took Quackity's phone, making a quick message to fuck off and to fucking take care of his child by how own for a day, before turning it off and tossing the phone to the side. "No more of that, okay? It's your free day." He said, holding him again.

"we can do it, and I will still 'woo' you afterwards." He joked, just wanting to go back right to the mod, walking back to his bedroom and waiting for Quackity's affirmation to continue it it.
The message did take Schlatt by surprise, not answering and ignoring his phone. Going to take the kid to the mall by his own.

Quackity grabbed for his phone when Wilbur took it, but the other had height on him, this joke had gone too far for him, “dude what the fuck” He went to grab his phone off the couch, looking to see what Wilbur had sent, “are you serious- look I get you to want to spend with me- I’m flattered but that’s a dick move.”

Quackity turned his back to Wilbur, texting Schlatt it wasn’t him but before he could hit send his phone was taken again and held above his head out of reach

“Come on,” Quackity said, jumping for his phone, feeling ridiculous doing so, “just let me text him back,

"I won't, until you agree with my proposal." He said keeping the phone high, almost standing in his tiptoes to make sure the shorter one wouldn't grab the phone. Now he was pressuring Quackity to do what he wanted, being too tired of pretending to be the nice guy when the other seemed to want to take things slow.

It was turning cry boring for him, taking the phone and sending more messages to Schlatt just to bother Quackity, before completely blocking Schlatt.

"I'm sure that after this he won't even want to speak with you so why you keep try?" He laughed to his face.

Quackity’s eyebrows knitted together he felt so angry and shocked right now that he could cry, what happened to the sweet Wilbur from before? The other couldn’t be drunk anymore but Quackity kept making excuses for him, they’re friends after all.

“This joke isn’t funny anymore,” he repeated, trying hard to keep his voice from cracking as he held back tears

“Let’s…go for a walk or something it’s stuffy in here,” he reached forward to take Wilbur’s hand not going for his phone this time, “we probably just need to clear our heads.”

He would have to explain so much to Schlatt when he was home but Quackity didn’t even know how to explain this to himself, he wouldn’t admit it but he was scared right now he knows he’s smaller and weaker than the other and didn’t know how far Wilbur wanted to take this joke.

Wilbur seemed to give up for a moment after seeing that Quackity haven't just simply accept his offer, keeping the other's phone to himself going to give it later.

"We can go out for a walk if you want. I'll keep your phone tho, you need to keep your head away from it for a bit." He said, going to get a coat, dragging Quackity a long with him to get the other coat.

Maybe after the walk, Quackity would be more willing to try to get his phone by other means. Taking his keys, Wilbur walked outside, making sure to lock the door to his apartment. "We should go for a drink." the sweet guy seemed to be back again. "Not with alcohol, just something to clear our minds." He added, before starting to walk to the elevator.

"It will be on me, for taking the joke that far. I'm sorry about it." He apologized, but still didn't give Quackity's phone back.

Quackity dug his hands into the pockets of Wilbur’s jacket he let him borrow, stepping outside with him, he seemed to like the idea of them getting a drink together maybe they could walk to the new coffee place that just opened, “I’d like that.”

“It’s okay,” Quackity reassured him even if he wasn’t how he felt deep down, “I’ve done stupid shit too after drinking.”

Quackity felt like he had to laugh at every joke Wilbur made and lean closer to him to keep him the happy version of himself he liked more

Once in the new coffee place, Wilbur seemed quite insistant on getting the drinks himself, instead of letting one of the waitress bring them, the second they were done and he noticed it. He went for them without saying much.

He gave the other the drink, sitting by his side a bit too close for two people that were just hanging out as friends. "I've never seen this place before, honestly I haven't seen much of this part of the city." He was keeping a casual conversation the guy from before seemed to be completely gone back to simple nice Wilbur.

"Do you live near here? I would assume you do because if not the daily trip from your house to here had to be awful."

Quackity thanked Wilbur for the drink, telling him he’d pay back later even if the other would refuse it, the side his body Wilbur sat near felt strange, almost uncomfortable but he ignored it in favour of blowing on his coffee.

“Yeah kinda close,” Quackity said, “I tried to get a place close to my work and the college,” he never thought of showing Wilbur his place since he was so conveniently next to Schlatt. He still needed to text him back and apologies for Wilbur, maybe he wouldn’t even say it was Wilbur and blame it in on Tommy, kids do dumb things like that.

“Place is tiny,” he took a sip from his cup once it chilled down a little, “just fits me, a bed and all my legal books.”

"Oh I was going to get an apartment like that, but thank heavens I found a better place." He said, at first he thought Quackity lived with Schlatt but after seeing him leave at night then he assumed the other live somewhere else not far from there.

"What are you going to do when you finish law school?" He asked, it seemed like Wilbur was just going to personal questions nothing pushy just a normal guy passing time with his friend. But he didn't drink from the coffee at any point, not even after it probably going too cold.

After that, Wilbur offered to take Quackity to his house, wanting to know where he lived and if the place was really that small. Also if Quackity went to his house already it meant he wouldn't have the time to speak with Schlatt, and it didn't seem like Wilbur had the plan to give the younger's phone back that day.

Quackity was hesitant at first about bringing Wilbur back to his apartment with the exeuse that his landlord didn’t like visitors but Wilbur seemed set on seeing the place so Quackity gave me.

The area he lived in wasn’t the nicest, but it was cheap and like he said close to his work, the other biggest upside were all the cats that hung our around his apartment he assumed they belong to the ‘crazy cat lady’ upstairs

“Tada,” he said arms out as he showed the other the small room that was his place, “told you it wasn’t much.” Quackity sat down on the bed, really the only place there was to sit if the floor wasn’t an option to you, the only small table and chair were covered in legal nonsense

Wilbur was actually surprised such a small place could be habitable. "Now I get why you pass so much time with Schlatt." He said, chucking before sitting by Quackity's side on the bed, because the floor wasn't ab option and being closer to Quackity was better than anything else.

"You should pass more time with me instead of Schlatt." He said, "I have more space and no children to care of." He said, leaning over Quackity's shoulder, looking into his eyes, and wrapping his arms around his waist.

It didn't seem like he was going to let go anytime soon. "I really like you, y'know? And I know you like me too, so why we should take things slow."

Quackity was taken aback a little by now, rasing an eyebrow in confusion, “I speedran all my past relationship so I apologise for not rushing you to the alter,” he joked feeling like it would break some of the tension he was feeling in the air

He thought back more of what Wilbur casually dropped, “and I like taking care of Tubbo he’s a sweet kid.” It was the truth ever since Tubbo started to talk to Quackity, he looked forward to whenever they’d get to spend the day together while Schlatt worked.

He placed a hand on Wilbur knee, giving it a comforting sqeeze, “would a kiss make you fell better mr pout?”

Wilbur made a small grimace at the answer. "Really? He looked like a bit of a brat sometimes." He admitted, "sure Tommy can be a bit annoying, but Tubbo is just, I don't know, he seems like those kids that make tantrums when they don't get what they want." He explained with a light hearted tone.

"I would like a bit more, but a kiss sounds just fine." Wilbur grinned, scooting closer to the other, cupping Quackity's cheek. "What happened to your pass relationship?" He asked, probably touching too personal subjects but, finishing such a long relationship could be a bit as of a red flag as if Wilbur wasn't a pretty big red flag by his own.

Quackity frowned, a spite of anger in his chest at what Wilbur said about Tubbo, he was wrong about all of it but before he could argue Wilbur changed the subject to his relationships.

He had told Wilbur he was engaged but not much after that, he assumed it was a bit of a mood killer to bring up your exes but this time it was Wilbur who asked. Quackity shrugged eyes grazing down to his hands in his lap, picking at his nails, “I told you about my Fiancée,” he said, “same things that always happens we just started to disagree on a lot… Karl didn’t want kids I did, Karl said I wasn’t doing anything with my life and I agreed with him.”

The memory was painful, Karl and Sapnap would come home from work to an unemployed deadbeat who wanted kids even if they couldn’t afford it

“Sapnap was always… neutral never took either of us sides but I knew he agreeed with Karl.”

Wilbur heard Quackity without adding much to it. Seeming like he was too interested about the other's past lovers history. "I think you would be an amazing parent and maybe you propose in like it's to be like a housewife that takes of children and that." He said, after all it didn't seem like Quackity was happy with his life at the moment anyway.

"I'm sure you'll find someone that matched your ideas better. I wouldn't mind having kids, maybe later in my life." He said, now understanding that why Quackity seemed so attached to Schlatt's kid. He thought that maybe if he ruined Quackity's relationship with Schlatt the other would be more easy to stay together without people trying to get in the middle.

"Sometimes I think you cling to the first person you find. Maybe that happened to your fiancées. You got clinged to that too soon." He spoke, cupping Quackity's cheeks. "I guess you wand to Schlatt for the same reason." He said, pulling him close. "you should get to know other people." He whispered over his lips, nothing like taking advantage of someone who had just opened up about their past relationship.

Quackity sighed heavily, nodding along with what Wilbur was saying while he head was nuzzled up against the tallers chest, “maybe you’re right, “He mumbled, pulling his legs up to hug against his chest. Wilbur was the only person that seemed to talk to Quackity like he was an adult or even ask him about his relationship, “I just fall for the first person who’s nice to me…,” he paused for a moment feeling tears staining his cheeks.

He sniffed, wiping his eyes on his sleeve, “it’s funny… Schlatt never asked me about Karl and Sapnap,” he sat up slightly to look at Wilbur, “like he didn’t even care just wanted someone to look after his kid.”

Quackity thanked Wilbur for asking and listening to him, he needed someone like that in his life who didn’t see him just as deadbeat free labour

“Easy on the eyes and a good listening… how did I get lucky enough to find you?” Quackity placed his hand on Wilbur’s thigh he wanted to thank him for this, he felt so vulnerable right now and wanted to feel close to someone.

"You just deserve it, you deserve someone that hears you, no matter the subject." Wilbur held Quackity up to his lap to keep him as close as possible hands around his waist, looking into his eyes without ever glancing away. "I can keep hearing you for days for real." He assured, bright smile on his face.

Hearing someone always seemed like the easiest way to get close of them. "you should stop going, just so he can appreciate more what you do." He spoke, before something click in his brain. "he probably just think that because you don't anything you would never say no to going to take of the kid." It was as if he was slowly giving Quackity ideas to get away from Schlatt so he could pass more time with him without excuses.

Hands on Quackity's waist, thumbs rubbing the sides in circles, before pressing his forehead against the other, closing his eyes. "I want to show you how much I like you."

Quackity softly hummed listening to Wilbur’s words, Schlatt did know Q wanted kids what if he was using that against him, payback for Quackity moving on without him in college

He reached up, wrapping his arms around the other’s shoulders to pull him close, “I want you to show me…” he pushed forward more to press their lips together. It started slow, soft even but soon hunger took over.

Quackity allowed Wilbur to lay him down on the bed, pile of dirty laundry pushed to the floor to make room for the both of them. He still had tears in his eyes, the other didn’t seem to care and either did Quackity he just wanted to be touched and feel heard.

This mind was flooded by Wilbur, just Wilbur, his touch, his lips just Wilbur Wilbur Wilbur

At the end of the day, Wilbur got what he wanted. Hands all over the smaller body, taking all that he could without thinking much about how much Quackity was actually ready to give.

Taking it slow, take every part that he could get from the other. All for him, going slowly, making the other felt so love before simply getting away with all of it.

After it, Wilbur stayed, laying down by Quackity probably because it had gotten darker than what he expected. So he layed with the shorter against his chest, playing with his hair with a smile, keeping a quiet hum.

Early morning he will leave and go back of his apartment. Making sure of leaving a note goodbye with some excuse of having to go and pick up Tommy, when he was just going back to his apartment. Ending bumping into Schlatt, who ignored him, walking into his apartment and that just made Wilbur's grin grown because it was clear that the other was upset.

Quackity woke up cold, he looked around finding no sight of the other he spent the night with till he saw the note, he hummed thinking it was nice the older still made time for his brother maybe he was selfish for wanting Wilbur to stay. He looked himself over in the mirror at his neck, Will wasn’t here anymore but he definitely left his mark and looks like he forgot to leave Quackity’s phone, he’d have to drop by later after going to see Schlatt and explaining the messages.

Tubbo ran to the door when he it opened, holding above his head the duck build a bear he had kept safe by him all night for the moment Quackity arrived. His smile quickly dropped when it was just the mailman, he held mr Duck close to his side and sadly walked back to his papa on the couch dropping his head on the others arm

“Is Duck sick?“ he asked that being the only reason he could think of, “can we make him soup?”

Schlatt had no idea if Quackity was ever going to come back to visit, because he knew the other from when they fell apart and it was always whoever he was dating at the moment over any friendship, even if that friend's was of years.

He let out a long sigh, maybe he shouldn't assume that Quackity wasn't going to come back but nothing else seemed to be more possible than that. "He's not sick, lamb. He's just busy with other things, y'know sometimes adults get really busy with adult things, but I'm sure he'll come to visit really soon." He didn't want to make the kid feel as if someone else had just abandoned him again.

All his attempts of messaging Quackity simply ended in finding out he has been blocked, which was even more concerning because he haven't heard shit about him after the other went to Wilbur's apartment, maybe the shorter man was ditch somewhere dead, they really didn't know Wilbur that much.

Tubbo sighed, face burying in the soft fluff on the teddy, promising to himself that he’d keep Mr Duck safe till his other papa came back because he liked having two papas better than one.

Unfortunately for Tubbo right before his nap is when Quackity arrived, he could barely keep his tiny body awake long enough to tell the other all about his day but Quackity promised him he’d be there when he woke up for dinner. Schlatt took him to sleep in his bed while the other man awkwardly waited for him to come back out, he had been avoiding his friend's eye contact ever since he walked in, it was easier to do when the toddler wanted all his attention

“Tommy got a hold of my phone,” he said the moment Schlatt walked up to him, “kid thought it be funny to send a bunch of text… sorry if he said anything I haven’t gotten a chance read them.”

It felt wrong blaming the kid but it was easier to explain than Wilbur being jealous

Schlatt felt quite hurt that his friend though he was stupid enough to believe that a kid could right that type of message, sure Tommy knew a lot of curses and could be quite rude for a child but nothing to that level.

"Sure, I was ready to go and look for your body in a ditch." He said, walking to the kitchen to get himself a coffee. "You could have at least texted that weren't with Wilbur anymore." He cared about Quackity, he knew the other could take care of himself kinda, but that didn't mean he didn't have to be cautious with new people or at least let him know where he was going, what if Quackity went out with Wilbur and the taller ditched him somewhere after a fight? With a message Schlatt could at least go to pick him up there but no.

After looking at Quackity, it was easy to know that the other had a very fun day with Wilbur. "And if you're going to fuck him at least cover it up, the kid will think someone hit you." Schlatt pointed out to a very visible hickey on the other's neck, after taking a sip of his coffee.

Quackity blushed, pulling his hoodie higher up to cover his neck, “sorry, I didn’t have time to find my shade in the makeup department,” he joked, hoping the at least lighten the mood a little bit. He knows when Schlatt is upset with him, as far as Schlatt can guess it’s about just disappearing on him.

He still needed to go get it but the least he could do is make dinner for the two first and he promised to Tubbo he’d be there when the toddler woke up

“Shit, I left my phone at Wills place,” he said to Schlatt, it shouldn’t take long to grab his phone and quickly tell Wilbur have a fun time he had last night, he should thank him again for listening to him, “I promise not to die in a ditch on my way there.”

At hearing that the other was going back to Wilbur's place, Schlatt the other wasn't coming back for dinner. "I'm not going to pick up your body if you die." He said, "I'll give Tubbo some shitty excuse about you needing to fly to the south because it's too cold here." It went along with the kid believing Quackity was a duck and it being Tubbo there was no way the kid wouldn't believe something like that.

Not expecting Quackity to come back, Schlatt was going to get some delivery food for the kid and him, probably Quackity would be too busy eating other things to come back to Schlatt's apartment.

It seemed like if Wilbur was waiting for Quackity, standing outside the door of his apartment with a cigarette in his hand and looking down at Quackity's phone, checking his conversation pictures and having delete some that he think weren't important.

He let out a fake laugh at Schlatt’s joke, holding up a middle finger to his friend before stepping outside and shutting the door behind him

Quackity was surprised to see Wilbur sitting out front, but it didn’t feel so pleasant when he saw the taller scrolling through his phone it wasn’t like he had anything to hide but some walls of privacy felt broken. “Hey, you.” He said happily not letting the betrayal he was currently feeling show in his voice, Quackity sat down next to him, eyes grazing over his phone screen, “was wondering when I could have that back”, he asked pointing at his phone.

He shouldn’t have to ask it’s his phone, maybe this was just them flirting so he played along.

Wilbur looked at Quackity when he heard talking at him, smiling. "Hey, I was just finishing with this old things." He assured, deleting a few more things before handing the phone back to Quackity. He had deleted old photos of Quackity with his ex-fiances, their contacts, Schlatt's contact and pictured Quackity would have taken of Tubbo because memories of your child seemed nice to keep.

"You had so much shit I deleted some so you can have some free space." Wilbur said, as if what he had done was nothing other than a simply favor to Quackity.

He loved to have the control, being able to simply take Quackity's phone and delete everything and check it thoroughly without any complains made him happy as if Quackity would always agree with him no matter what. "I had fun with you, not only yesterday but in the concert too, we should do that again." He said, cupping Quackity's cheeks, making the other ignore the amount of private messages and pictured he had gone through and the ones that he deleted.

Quackity took his phone back from Wilbur, loosely holding it in his grip as the other went to cup his face forcing him to look at the other instead of his new Lock Screen, “oh.” he let out before quickly nodding in agreement

“I had fun too,” he gripped his phone a little tighter as his brain finally processed what Will had said, but he didn’t want to lose his phone again so he didn’t bring it up, “we definitely should- I’m free next weekend I think.”

He’d have to check his calendar that is if Wilbur hadn’t cleared that off too, “finials are coming up so I’m gonna get pretty busy,” it was something Schlatt knew about but this was the first time he would be bringing it up to Wilbur.

Groyeck — 26/07/2022 14:29
Wilbur seemed bother by the fact that Quackity would be busy with something that wasn't him. "I could help you study." He offered with a grin, leaning over Quackity to grab his face to kiss him.

"Or with whatever projects you to do to don't be a drop out." He joked, a bit of a harsh joke as if Quackity's efforts to finish something didn't seem to mean anything because he had already drop out college once.

Wilbur leaned over Quackity, pulling him close. "Sure you're going to be so busy, but you are still going to come to take care of Schlatt's brat don't you?" He spoke with an upset tone, as if Quackity was lying to his face saying he would be busy when he wouldn't be.
Quackity furrowed his brows, head resting on Wilbur’s shoulder where be pulled him in, “stop calling Tubbo a brat,” he finally said pushing back on Wilbur slightly to look at him, a more serious expression on his face now.

“I feel bad for ditching them yesterday- I mean I enjoyed hanging out with you but that doesn’t mean they can’t be in my life,” he pointed his thumb back to Schlatt’s door, “I like you a lot… I’ll be busy but I can make time for both of you.” He would have to stretch himself thin to do so

He already told Schlatt he wouldn’t be able to help much during finals but now he felt like he had to be there for anyone and put himself last.

Wilbur didn't seem to understand why Quackity seemed so serious now, frowning upon hearing the other, rolling his eyes. He pulled away, standing up, the ash of his ligh up cigarette falling on the others clothes. "Fuck off then, you clearly care about them more than to having any other sort of relationship." He walked back to his apartment, he was going to make Quackity beg for him.

A poor delivery guy had pass in front of them, and it seemed pretty awkward. Walking pass by to knock on Schlatt's door. Tubbo had woken up early than what usually his naps lasted, so he had told the kid that Quackity had to fly away and order some food for dinner. Being surprised to find Quackity in the halls, paying the food and thanking the guy before looking at his friend.

Quackity's week of finals didn't bother Schlatt, he quite understood it as having graduate college. So he would be able to take care of Tubbo by his own for a week it didn't seem like a big deal.

"What are you doing standing there?" Schlatt assumed the other had walk in Wilbur's apartment and would be too busy doing other shit. "Shit, I already told Tubbo you fly to the south, now what am I suppose to tell him?"

Quackity sat there for a while staring at the door Wilbur had slammed close on him, his ears were ringing not registering Schlatt till he was done talking. He looked to his friend puzzled, seeming to not hear a single word the other said, “I-um… I gotta-“

He went to walk towards Wilbur’s door, his vision felt like a blur only focusing on the wooden entrance till tiny hands grabbed his. Quackity head snapped down at the smiling toddler now latched onto him, smiling and kicking his feet as he bounced, “come meet Mr Duck!” He yelled

Quackity stared back at Wilbur’s door till he was fully pulled into Schlatt’s apartment and the door was closed, Tubbo was told him and Quackity could play after they eat but Quackity didn’t feel very hungry he just stared down at his plate thinking Wilbur’s words over and over

He should look at his phone, text Wilbur, and say sorry but this isn’t his phone anymore none of his memories are on it.

There was a big concern the way Quackity was acting. After eating, Schlatt told the kid to go and get toys for him to play with Quackity, it was an excuse to speak with him. Once the kid was gone, Schlatt scooted closer to Quackity, looking at him.

"What's wrong?' he asked, maybe a bit too direct, but at least that way Quackity couldn't about telling him the true, if the other tried to denied it Schlatt would just point out the obvious. "Did you get in a fight with Wilbur?" He asked, thinking it was an awful sight that they had already gotten in a fight when they were nothing official.

Having not know anything about Quackity in a whole day because Wilbur took him somewhere and when he saw him back the other seemed concerned about something, it just made him think that Wilbur did something to him, something really bad.

Quackity pushed around the food on his plate so stuck in his own throught it startled him slightly when his friend spoke, he hadn’t even noticed Tubbo left. He considered for a moment lying to Schlatt and telling him everything was fine but he knew that was bullshit.

Quackit shrugged, eyes staying on his plate, “we just a small disagreement.” He decided on which was true, “I was being a dumbass.”

He doesn’t know why he’s blaming himself he stood by what he said but Wilbur is new in his life he should make more time for him.

"what was it about?" He could believe Quackity being a dumbass, because the other could be a pain to deal with sometimes. But, he didn't know Wilbur and Wilbur could be as much of a dumbass as Quackity. He just didn't know about it.

What two people who are together but not officially can have a small disagreement over? Schlatt wasn't sure, maybe time, but Quackity wasn't force to go and take care of Tubbo everyday, Schlatt never asked for that, if the other did it was because he liked it and Schlatt had said that a lot of times.

He shrugged again, seeming to use that instead of just repeating over and over that it was nothing to worry about, “just..” he placed down his fort and finally looked at Schlatt however only being able to meet his eyes for a few seconds before looking away again

“Just that I’ll be busy with school soon,” he explained, “that it’ll be a lot to split my time between that, him and you guys,” he said referring to Schlatt and Tubbo

“…Will thinks I spent too much time here and maybe I do.”

You already told me about your school. I didn't mind that, I don't mind having to take care of Tubbo." He assured, that wasn't an issue with that. Specially when it was something as important as finals. He thought that Quackity would have preferred to stay in his house, studying without concerning about either him and Tubbo or Wilbur, but it seemed different.

"You don't have to come here everyday, no one is forcing you to come." Schlatt said, rolling his eyes. But it was weird that Wilbur felt like that, at least in his eyes. "But I'm sure you'll do whatever your new boyfriend wants." Schlatt wasn't surprised by it, almost having expected it from Quackity.

Quackity frowned slightly, a part of him wanted Schlatt to fight for him to be around cause he enjoyed his company but maybe Quackity was just a babysitter and Wilbur really was right, “yeah…”

He didn’t get to say much more before Tubbo came running back, new build a bear being held over his head to show. He went with the toddler to play for a while till it was dark and the streetlights were on, he helped Schlatt put Tubbo to bed hugging the child and telling him how much fun he had today leaving the toddler with sweet dreams and not a care in the world

It was soon time for Quackity to leave to go back to his empty apartment and be alone with his thoughts he should probably apologise to Wilbur first it’s been in the back of his mind all afternoon now

“I’m going,” Quackity said standing in the kitchen while he watched Schlatt clean, a part of him wanted Schlatt to tell him to stay

Schlatt glanced at Quackity, before looking at the time. "it's a bit late. You can stay but I don't want to make your boyfriend think you're hooking up with me or something like that." Schlatt said. Shrugging, finishing cleaning the kitchen.

"I'm going to take a bath, get comfortable if you're staying." He walked to the bathroom, not expecting Quackity to stay because well his boyfriend will get upset if the younger stayed in the apartment.

He took a quick shower, going to see if Quackity stayed or left, either way it was fine. Specially because he would

Quackity hadn’t smoked since high school and he only did it at the time to impress a boy he’d skipped gym with. It was the first boy Quackity had a crush on while everyone was chasing girls he’d walk the wrong way home from school so he could talk to this boy a little longer for those six months his entire life revolved around that boy, till that boy got a girlfriend. Quackity experienced his first love and heartbreak before he even started puberty.

He found an old pack of smokes in one of Schlatt’s cabinets, pushed to the back and forgotten about. They were stale and tasted awful but they gave Quackity some relief while he sat outside in the cold, his breath visible in the air mixed with the smoke.

Wilbur cared about him, he listened but he still had teeth that were able to dig into Quackity throat and rip out everything that made him feel vulnerable and disable it

Schlatt knew him longer but even though he seemed like a stranger to Quackity sometimes, he wasn’t the same man from high school maybe he had outgrown Quackity, sick of his drama and just needed free labour

Karl and Sapnap loved him, built him up till he was no longer their precious little duck then threw him to the hunters

Maybe he should run away, find an ocean to drown in till things make sense again. Even the cigarette butt against his fingertips feels numb

After seeing that Quackity was gone, Schlatt sighed, going outside to his truck to grab some of the groceries he had made while being in the mall with the kid but the kid gave him no chance to bring them inside the apartment. He stopped at seeing Quackity sitting in the cold, walking close of him. Schlatt was never a real smoker, only being more of a social smoker because he hated the taste of cigarettes. Only smoking when parties or when it was weed. With how long Schlatt had without knowing with Quackity it wouldn't surprise him if the other had picked the habit of smoking through the years.

Sitting down by Quackity, watching him smoke from the old package of cigarettes. He sighed, "you don't have to come back if you don't want, I don't even know why I called you." He admitted, he didn't even pay Quackity for the other to feel like having to come back, even if it would be difficult to explain the kid that duck wasn't coming back ever again. There was something Schlatt never admitted when he was in highschool, he always had a big crush on the younger those type of crushes that every teenager had with their best friend that was never reciprocal and always ended ruining the friendship, so he never wanted to ruin his friendship with Quackity, but at the end their friendship ended dying anyways.

During college Schlatt did his best to stay in touch with Quackity, well, his drunk and probably high self did. Waking up to awful voice messages that he had sent to Quackity while drunk. There wasn't an answer, never. Eventually he stopped, seeing no answer. "You should get your shit together before thinking of being with someone. But either way, I'm sure you won't come back. So I'll tell you, I liked you a lot when we're in highschool. I have no idea how you never noticed that." After that, Schlatt stood up again, going to go back to his apartment with the groceries.

Quackity kept his eyes on the ground as Schlatt spoke, his heart aching more with every word spoken. When Schlatt stood up so did Quackity, stomping on what was left of his cigarette before speaking.

“Fuck you,” he half yelled, voice clearly on the edge of tears, “fuck you- so much.”

His cheeks were burning from the tears and the cold, maybe his anger was misplaced but Schlatt was a part of it and he was here for Quackity to let his frustration out

“Men like you- like you and Karl and Sapnap and Wilbur think- think you can just use me, we’ll I’m sick of it.” He wanted to scream, to fall into the ground and be shallowed whole, “with your sweet words you think I’ll just come running- and I will! Cause I want someone to fucking be ther..” he words were cut off by his sobbing

Everything is closing in around him, he can only hear his heartbeat.

Schlatt seemed upset by Quackity's words. God, his highschool self would be shouting at him about all the time that were friends Schlatt was there for him unconditionally. No matter what he would sit and hear Quackity rant about anything even if it was the slightest problem, being there for him didn't make Quackity, didn't make Quackity give it back and be there for him too. "There for you? Drown in your fucking words, I was there for you for everything no matter what and that didn't make you fucking toss me aside whenever you got your happy relationship! I was there for you for the worse and the best and you never cared about that!" He shouted, being way too upset to control his words or thoughts. "You were never there for me, it's always about you."

Schlatt rolled his head eyes, he wasn't staying and going through the same over and over again. He sighed. "I'm sorry I can't be with you know when I'm trying to deal with a child and work, fuck you." He said with a sarcastic tone before walking back to his apartment without going to wait for an answer. He was tired and wanted to just sleep and forget about the problems, it was too much to deal with for his brain to deal with at the moment. Once in his house, he simply fell to the floor and let out a long sigh, brushing his hair off his face. He didn't expect Quackity to come back ever again.

Tubbo twirled around in his dress, giggling at the way it spun with him. The last time he saw ducky it was cold outside but now the sun is shining every day and the birds sing him awake, papa says ducky is busy with school and he’ll be over soon but he always sounds so sad when he says it hut Tubbo believes him because he hadn’t taken Mr Duck home yet

He must think that time is really soon when he sees Quackity through the glass door that leads into Wilbur’s living room. He pushed against the side of the couch, legs pulled to his chest while Wilbur and some of his friends are laughing, must be a good time.

Tubbo goes inside when Papa calls for him, lifting his arms up so Schlatt can place him in his chair, “I saw Ducky!” He says excitedly, kicking his legs, “can I go give him Mr Duck after lunch?”

After Schlatt and Quackity’s fight, Q went crying to Wilbur begging him for forgiveness and saying he’d be whatever kind of boyfriend the other wanted

He was desperate to be loved and went to the thing thing that would give him that

For a second Schlatt thought that Quackity wouldn't push the kid away whenever he saw him. He hoped Quackity was aware that the kid thought of him as another father figure and wouldn't push him away without any regards of that. "Sure, you can go but he might not wanna talk, we have a little fight so he might still be upset." Schlatt tried to explain the kid, hoping nothing bad would happen.

After lunch, Schlatt walked to Wilbur's apartment where he assumed was where Quackity was. He knocked, waiting for an answer before Wilbur was standing there, looking confused about the two being there but Schlatt just went straight to ask for Quackity. "Hey, Q! Someone is looking for you!" Wilbur shouted, letting the other two walk inside, mumbling something about the kid dressing like a fag.

That made Schlatt's little self control to don't hit Wilbur in the face pretty much disappeared as thin air. Picking up his kid to walk out, really Quackity didn't deserve the kid if he was with someone like Wilbur.

Tubbo was confused on why suddenly he was in the air and held against his father’s chest. The door closing again before he even saw Quackity, in the rush of it all he dropped Mr Duck on the floor on Wilbur’s apartment.

Once they were gone Quackity walked into view, looking around confused that it was just Wilbur standing there with a smirk on his face, “who?” He asked before stepping on the soft plushie stopping to pick it up and stare

Tubbo was more than upset, he wouldn’t stop crying no matter how much Schlatt tried to calm him. He struggled out of Papa’s hold once they were back in his apartment and ran to hide under Schlatt’s bed. He didn’t get what he wanted and didn’t understand why.

"Just Schlatt and his brat, they left like a coward after seeing you came." Wilbur said with a shrug, going to take the plushie before tossing it aside. "whatever it was, it probably wasn't important anyways if it was he would have stayed." He assured, cupping Quackity's cheeks to kiss him quickly before going back to what he was doing.

Schlatt took a deep breathe, thinking that maybe just trying to explain that Quackity would probably never come to see him ever again to let him cry it out for as long as he needed. He walked to the bedroom, sitting by the bed. "Lamb, I'm sorry... He's not coming back. Duck doesn't want to be with us anymore." He tried to explain, being to stresses to even think to soften the hit but he just wanted to get over with it and never have to think of Quackity ever again.

Tubbo’s screams were ear piercing, he stayed under there crying till his throat was sore and he couldn’t keep himself awake any longer. All the crying, kicking and screaming had tired him out more than any playtime ever could.

This would be another scar on the toddler's tiny heart, they would fester and wait till he was grown to truly show the damage they’ve caused.

Quackity picked up the plushie again, holding it to his chest and squeezing it had the faint smell of the shampoo Tubbo liked on it. Probably from another attempt to wash his own toys or maybe sleeping on the duck.

Quackity walked into the living room where Wilbur kept talking to his bandmates, he probably wouldn’t pay Q much attention unless it was to show him off or ask him to get drinks so Quackity went to the bedroom to sleep. He hadn’t been doing much of that lately Wilbur kept him up most nights by either playing music or using the other to pleasure himself

The only time Quackity really left Wilbur’s apartment was for his exams and work but he was probably close to getting fired with how much he missed.

After the kid fell asleep, Schlatt let out a long sigh. Having those nice thoughts of putting the kid up to adoption because there was no way he could deal with it. He slowly reached for the kid from under the bed, making sure of not doing to being too harsh to accidently hurt the kid.

After lying the kid on the bed, tucking him under the covers along with his bee, Schlatt thought of getting Mr duck back, even if he wasn't sure would even like the soft stuffed animal after all.

Walking back to the living room, Schlatt went to grab his phone not going to ever put a foot again in Wilbur's apartment and he was really reconsidering Tommy's friends with his son, but the blonde seemed to be different from his older brother. Either way, he just grabbed his phone, going to text Quackity after a while hoping to not be blocked, being relief at seeing the message send. 'can you bring the kid's toy? I'm not going anywhere close of your stupid boyfriend.' that was what he sent. Just wanting to get the toy of his kid back to see if that would comfort him in any way.

Parenting felt like way too much at that moment, trying to schedule between his work, doctors appointment and passing time with Tubbo and making sure the kid would actually get attention. Schlatt went to get some of the old bottles that lay in his cabinets cover by the kid's snacks, grabbing the shot that the kid had used at first for apple juice now being fill with whatever alcohol he was holding.

Quackity woke up from his nap to the sound of the shower running, he quickly looked to see if the Duck was still there happily it was and Wilbur didn’t throw it away while he slept. He picked up his phone to check the time, seeing instead a message from Schlatt about the plushie, a small petty part of him wanted to keep it to remember Tubbo but the more reasonable part of him knew he could hand it back.

“Will I’m going out,” he yelled through the door that lead to the bathroom but his voice must have been drowned out by the shower because he didn’t respond, “be back soon.” He said anyways

He would be out late tonight anyways for class, which Wilbur knew about so Quackity would simply hand the stuffed animal over, give Schlatt a dirty look then leave. Like they were teenage girls in an argument over a boy which in some ways they were.

Quackity knocked on Schlatt’s door, not looking the most presentable with bed head, bags under his eyes and mystery bruises covering his body

The shot glass was left on the counter, a few shots wouldn't get him drunk that easily. So he was still kinda in all his senses, going to open the door well aware it was Quackity. he opened the door, reaching for the toy within wanting to make much conversation with the other. "The kid insisted to go and see you, but I told him already that you don't want to see us so it won't happen again." He said, the last thing that he wanted was Tubbo causing problems to someone else.

Schlatt was going to close the door don't caring much about it, not expecting Quackity to speak to him or even look at him in the slightest. Once the stuffed animal was in his hands, he walked to the bedroom were the kid was, checking if the boy was still asleep or had waken up by the door because the kid always seemed to wake up when someone knocked on the door.

Just as Schlatt thought, Tubbo was sat up rubbing his eyes tiredly yawning as papa walked in. He was about to ask who was at the door when he saw Quackity standing behind him. Quackity didn’t know why he was there, he didn’t think about it he just wanted to see Tubbo again the kid was his only joy right now as it was for Schlatt.

“Ducky!” He piped up, all sadden from earlier gone as he jumped off the bed, Papa having to catch him before he fell but quickly getting to his feet running to hug Quackity’s leg, “papa said you left!”

Quackity avoided Schlatt’s gaze, crouching down to hug the toddler and tell him he’s sorry for disappearing but he wanted to gift Tubbo his teddy back

“But Mr Duck is for you!” The boy frowned, “I made him special.”

"He's just leaving lamb." Schlatt told the kid thinking that it would be better for the kid to say goodbye instead of never speaking with Quackity ever again. He now seemed to noticed how tired the other looked, but Schlatt had promised himself to don't get in Quackity's problems.

Keeping Quackity around while he was dating someone that would judge a literal five year old for everything just seemed stupid, what kind of person you gotta be to do that? Judge a small child that was just trying to pass time with his other dad.

Schlatt left to go back to the kitchen and empty the last shot he was about to drink. Not wanting to drink infront the small kid, no matter what was the reason for it. But he stayed in the kitchen going to let Quackity have a small chat with Tubbo about why he was going and why he didn't go to the house anymore. It didn't need to be the true, just a excuse for Tubbo to understand it.

Quackity walked out into the kitchen holding Tubbo to his chest, the boy's mind was filled with questions but not all of answerable, “why did you and papa fight?”

“Because sometimes adults are dumb, really dumb so you stay small and really smart forever okay?”

Tubbo hummed sadly, “are you Tommy’s papa now?” He pressed his head further into Quackity’s shoulder, “can you still be mine too?”

They reached Schlatt by this point, Quackity noticing immediately the shot glasses the other threw into the sink out of view of the toddler, “I’ll always be your other dad,” he bit the inside of his cheek thinking over what he was going to say next, “I promise I’ll make time to see you even if it’s just for a moment.”

That made Tubbo smile, he promised to make it the longest moment of his life.

Schlatt frowned at hearing what he considered Quackity just lying to the kid without any regards of how he would have to deal with it afterwards. "Don't fucking lie to him. At least say the true to him, I'll have to deal with it." Even if that made the kid smile and the kid seemed happy to actually have his other dad.

Those type of days, Schlatt regretted having call Quackity for help instead of calling the police or anyone else, or just no one, he should have keep it quiet and deal it by his own; even if work would have been hell.

There was a little thing that schlatt preferred to keep from Quackity, and that was that they were moving to small house that was good enough for the two of them and Schlatt would have no concerns in the world. After that, the most likely thing to happen was that the kid would never see Quackity again which maybe was for the best.

Quackity met Schlatt’s gaze, his tone more serious than normal for the man, “dude, not in front of the kid.” Tubbo looked between the two of them, his smile from before gone now.

He knew what Schlatt was like when he drank, in the nicest term he was an asshole. Didn't filter a thought even worse than he normally didn’t, he doesn’t know what Wilbur said or did but they should know Quackity would never encourage it.

“Sorry about your papa,” Quackity reassured Tubbo bouncing him in his arms, “he’s just being silly.”

He didn’t want maybe his last memory of Tubbo to be him crying, if it was the last time he at least he wanted to remember that smiling face and dimples.

Schlatt sighed, walking out the kitchen to don't ruin Quackity's goodbye to the kid because well the kid had cried enough and a drunk Schlatt wasn't good to deal with a kid crying. "Lock the door when you leave." That was the last thing he said to Quackity before going to his bedroom.

Schlatt found Wilbur's comment stupid, it was like the man wasn't with another man. What was the point of calling a small child that? He didn't know but every time he thought of it, it just bother him more.

after a few days of that interaction, Schlatt's apartment was emptied and they were gone without any note. And it was Wilbur the one who ended noticing that the kid and Schlatt were gone after Tommy insisting that Tubbo haven't play with him in a while. So to shush his brother, Wilbur went to knock on the door for it to be open by a random woman that seemed to be living there now.

Quackity didn’t take the news well, thinking Wilbur was lying to him till he saw it himself. The old woman living there seemed concerned that these men kept knocking on her door, “does this mean I can’t play with Tubbo anymore?” The boy frowned

Quackity excused himself to Wilbur’s bedroom, grabbing his phone and texting Schlatt a string of messages asking where he was and why he was gone, he couldn’t just run away like this and leave him.

Tubbo pulled his legs to his chest looking out the window of their house, “when are we going home papa?” He asked for the several time today

With phone ringing like crazy, Schlatt turned it off. There was still things that needed to be unpacked but his chair was there. "Here is our home now. You get your own bedroom and garden to play." He tried to point out the good things for the kid, being sure it would take him some to get used to the new place but it wouldn't be bad.

Grabbing his phone to read the massages, Schlatt found it hypocrite that Quackity would complain about him 'running away' and 'leaving Quackity'. His massage simply being that he found a better house for him and Tubbo.

"We could get a pet here, like maybe a cat or dog." He told the kid, thinking that would be better for the kid seeing that he wasn't that social and a pet could make him feel less lonely now that Quackity wasn't going to visit them.

Tubbo shrugged, all of it sounded good but he liked where they lived it may have been small but he liked the tree in the backyard and Tommy being next door. Without daycare, he wouldn’t see his best friend at all.

“Cats are cool I guess,” he said not wanting to seem ungrateful at the new house, “Ducky likes cats.” He said jumping down from where he sat by the window and picking up Mr Bee

Tubbo was never the biggest fan of change, maybe in time he’d get used to the new house but for now, it didn’t feel like his home. Things didn’t creek in the same way and there weren’t any grumpy old lady neighbours who scare him.

Schlatt had a plan for Tubbo to still see his best friend, because he can dislike Wilbur a lot but that didn't mean he would leave his son with the only friend he had ever made. He was planning on to the apartment building one day, catch Wilbur's brother that hopefully wasn't as much of a bastard as Wilbur and get to plan playdates with them insisted of Wilbur.

He nodded. "We can get one." He offered, thinking it would be good for the kid to have a little companion while he tried to get used to the new place.

The house was in a suburban area, having a big yard even if the house was rather small. And Schlatt hoped that Tubbo could find someone else to play with. They could plan a tree in the backyard so it would look more like the apartment yard. "We can try to play some flowers in the yard." He offered, going to pick up the kid to show him around.