Archive of Our Own ^beta

The camera hummed to life, flashing twice before the full picture was revealed. A young boy's face is peering into the camera, his blue eyes piercing as he grins before he turns the camera around to the rest of the room. Its walls are bare, a sterile white with two trash bags lying empty on the ground, flat like the rest of the room, void of any life.  

"Sup bitches, or really just hi Tubs. Hi, I hope you got my CDs! Especially ‘cause my shitty foster parents just threw out my own collection, glad I'm sending them to you."

He pans to the piles of clothes on the floor, it's a jumble of colors, with half of it folded, and the rest a conglomerate mess, reaching halfway up the wall. A stain of color in the neutral room, an echo of the boy being there. 

"As you can see I'm once again being thrown out with the trash!" 

To emphasize his point he looks at the trash bags on the floor chuckling at his joke. Sadly the tone is much more somber than the recorder probably means to convey. 

"Yeah, they got sick pretty fast. Only a week, and now I'm off to some other bullshit place." 

The recorder moves to the pile of clothes on the floor, pulling out a faded red sweater before throwing it at the trash bags. 

"Got to pack up my 'sentimental'." His figures wiggle in front of the camera forming quotation marks, before turning it back to the young boy's face. His blond curls bounced as he adjusted to sit on the floor and lean on the pile of clothes. "Apparently the next house is very fucking far out, a good few miles from the city. So there goes those plans of a sleepover at your place or sneaking into your bedroom for late-night movies." 

The blond flips the camera back over, so it was recording the door, where a dark hall can be seen, with many photos decorating the opposing wall. None of the photos are visual to the camera, nor important as the boy points the lens down to his socks, and wiggles them, chuckling at the movement. His legs were covered with scars, maybe a hundred of angry red marks, some more passive than others. 

"Yeah, I've got a few new scars, some from climbing a tree when I wasn't supported to."

He chuckles a bit more broken, wiggling his toes, and moving the camera to rest on his knee. 

"I wish we could talk, but still no phone. No one wants to get me a bitch ass phone. And I doubt that'll change anytime soon." 

The boy sighs something heavy, a weight fully pressing on his being, stilling him for a while. A minute passed, maybe more, before he sighed again.

"I'll call it here, so Tommy innit out! Got to get my shit together before they throw me out, don't want to leave my stuff behind. "

With that, the screen goes black. 

*****

A click of the small camcorder button, lights up the screen once more. 

This time the scene is a rush of trees, and street lamps before a concrete wall interrupts it. 

"Tommy, please don't record this."

"Why? You going to say something bad?" It was a sly comment, Tommy having a teasing tone, that held a challenge in it. The other person didn't appreciate it, sighing as they continued whatever spill they were doing before Tommy turned on the camera. The concrete wall continues to fill the view as the camera rolls.

"I want you to be on your best behavior, Mr. Watson isn't someone to piss off."

"Then why the fuck are you sending me there?"

"You're sixteen, and not many people have the space for a growing boy." 

"Totally and it's not just ‘cause I'm me." The venom of the words was sharp enough to cut through the screen that recorded the words. 

"No Tommy. I promise that's not it."

"Really Mr. Puffy, bitch." The last part was said under his breath but the camera caught it loud and clear. 

Puffy sighed, just as tired as Tommy was with the situation, neither of them wanting to have the conversation as they lapsed into silence. The scenery cleared up to an open area filled with plants, and fences. There even was a cow that Tommy zoomed on, illuminating its horns and spots.

"Tommy I know you aren't excited, and I know Tubbo isn't either. It's pretty far out, but I can promise I'll bring Tubbo by a few times. Just try to be nice to Mr. Watson and Mr. Blade."

"What type of names are that? Blade, man kill people?"

"Yes, he's a war vet, so please don't get on his bad side." Tommy was eerily silent after the comment even as Puffy continued her spill. 

"He's kind, but stand-off-ish, Mr. Watson is much more approachable. And this is very important; they are both hybrids." 

"What?" Tommy said in disbelief, as he turned the camera away from the cows, and fields to the front of the car. Where a woman with duel dyed hair sat, her eyes staring at Tommy through the rearview mirror, a dark green. They're relaxed with age, as she looks at Tommy, brushing some stray hair behind her ear and horn.

"They are hybrids, and since you should be developing your hybrid traits soon, I want to warn you. They know how to work with hybrids, many different kinds. It's the main reason the organization was open to them."

"Open? Wait, what type of hybrids are they? How-?" 

"Let me answer firefly."

Tommy zoomed in, forcing on the texture of her horns, including the damage to them. Hundreds of small scratches, and a deep crevice haft way down it.

"I've known Mr. Watson and Blade for years, but you know by their first names; Philza and Technoblade. We were all part of the war unit."

Tommy refocused the camera onto the road laid out in front of the car, barren besides the occasional passing car on the two-lane street.   

"The foster organization wanted someone who could take on a developing hybrid, I wish I could have but I don't have the space and I'm sorry 'bout that. But they are very kind, maybe a bit aloof in Phil's case but they are great people."

"Why them? Why not Sam?"  

"A bunch of us are moving right now, it's not an environment for someone who's going through a very important stage of life."

Tommy scoffed, leaning back as he turned the camera back to the window, watching the fields pass them by.

"You need stability Tommy, trust me moving around will make everything worse. So please just try to live with them as amicably as possible. You can do fuck all after you're 18 but please for our sake and Tubbo don't run." 

Tommy was silent, as was Puffy, the constant hum of the engine the only sign of motion before the camera clicked off, darkening once again.

*****

The video this time was dark, as Tommy cussed. 

"Fuck, man, why was the scissors opened. Shit did I-" 

The screen got suddenly lighter before focusing on Tommy's face, his eyes slightly red, as he pulled out the camera placing it on a wooden dresser to his right. The room was much warmer than his last one, with cream colored walls instead of pure white. 

"Huh, welp here I am. This is apparently Mr. Watson's house, where he lives with his partners? I don't know, it was a bit much." Tommy turned back to his trash bags, pulling out some of the few pairs of clothes he had, including the same red sweater from last time. 

"I don't think I told you Tubbo about this sweater did I?"

The camera couldn't respond but Tommy didn't need it to. 

"It came from my first social worker, a parrot hybrid, look-" Tommy turned the sweater around to show the gaping holes in the back reaching from a person's shoulder to their lower back. "He gave it to me once he moved away, a 'momentum of the good times.'" Tommy held it up to his face, before holding it close and squeezing his eyes shut. 

He started to rock back and forth, sniffling a few times, for a minute. It was terror, he was terrified. It was obvious as he looked up from the sweater tears dripping down, staining the sweater with a similar pattern that it already possessed. 

"I can't cry already. I just got here." Tommy finally pulled back the sweater, folding it up, before placing it in a drawer just below the camera.

"Fucking hormones." The boy continued to move his clothes into his drawer allowing the silence to fill the sound, as he moved to fill the room with all that he has to his name. Books, five in total, he puts on the shelf on the wall directly across from the camera. A small blanket with embroidered music discs on the cover, and a matching pillow, right next to a plush cow. Finally, Tommy rolled up the trash bags, throwing them into his drawers before slamming them shut, the camera shook with each abrupt movement.

The boy finally plopped on the bed groaning as he lay there. He didn't try to move for a good 5 minutes, and when he did he grabbed the plush cow and brought it close to the camera. 

"Apparently Mr. Blade, aka bitchnoblade, bought this for me," Tommy said as he poked the cow's cheeks, its black bead eyes staring into the souls of the watchers. "Yeah, that's something, isn't it? I called it Henry when they asked what I'd name it. Man seemed embarrassed once he asked the question, fucking dumb isn't it." Tommy didn't seem upset, instead looking more solemnly at the little cow named Henry in a moment of panic. 

"I hope they don't treat me like a little kid ‘cause of this. I was crying because of it. It was fucking shit. No clue why, Phil said it's normal." 

Tommy said nothing as he turned the camera off, recording the moment he tossed Henry back to the bed before it cut. 

*****

The camera buzzed to life, its picture clearing as pretty quickly revealing Tommy. His hair was damped and dark compared to his normal light blond. 

“Hey Tubs, so apparently there’s a very strict policy here at the Watson’s house: you can’t go out after curfew. Wait fuck. I mean I can stay up but I can't go out once the moon rises.” Tommy started to straighten out his curls, pulling at the knots with his fingers. “So yeah, I got a warning about that from Mr. Philza’s wife.”

Tommy hummed a sharp note as he fought a very nasty curl, before grabbing an actual brush to tug out the knot. 

“So yeah, she was nice about it. Explaining -” The tugging wasn’t going as well as Tommy hopped, pulling the brush as far out as he could. 

“- some unsavory folks try to hide out in the woods. Vampires and-shit!” The brush escaped Tommy’s hold, flying away as the teen was flung back to the floor below. “Ow.” The camera barely picked up Tommy’s expression of pain before the door rattled with a knock.

“Yo mate?”

Tommy jumped up, eyes wide as he looked at the camera. He was petrified but the voice beyond the door was steady.

“You good Tommy?”

“Yeah, yeah just, ummm, dropped my brush.” Tommy covered, as he quickly snatched up the brush, before turning towards the silent door.

“Damn, mate got Techno jumping up, like a deer.” The man chuckled, bringing Tommy’s shoulders up to his ears. “Glad you're good. Tech and Kristin have finished breakfast, come down when you want.” 

The footsteps echoed before fading away along with the knocker.

“Ummm.” Tommy visibly relaxed, shoulders dropping as he spun back to the camera. 

“That was Phil I think. He’s pretty, ummm, concerned for me. He actually tried to hug me before Kristin stopped him.”  Tommy’s hands found their way back to his hair, pulling the newly untailed locks out. Small water drops coated them before he shook them off.

“Kristin had done most of the talking the first day.” Tommy fully backed away from the camera, grabbing a shirt and pair of pants from the closet before walking out of frame. 

“Yeah, she actually showed me around. So she’s probably the head of the household.” As Tommy shuffled out of frame, it allowed the camera to fully capture the items Tommy’s foster parents had left for him. A tiny notebook was stapled to the wall, with a pen attached to it beside the other dresser, which had a covered mirror, curtains draped over it to hide its properties. A strange choice to some but a common respect on the side of the supernatural. There were a bunch of small buckets in front of the mirror, with many having colorful labels. There was a single piece of paper full to rest on top of the buckets. 

“Apparently they want me to paint my room.” Tommy shuffled back into the frame, straightening his white shirt with its iconic red sleeves. “So yeah may record that or not. Let’s see how they are having a camera in their face.” Tommy finally collected the camera, and two other things off the dresser before exiting the room. The hall is much more open than the previous house, with art decorating the square space with a light neutral green coating the walls. Tommy slowly descends the stairs, the carpet cover making the boy silent as he snuck down. 

Not quiet enough though. 

“The kid’s up.” A much rougher voice called out, the air carrying it far out. 

“Not a kid.” Tommy clamped his jaw wanting to say more as he turned into the dining room, but he chose not to. 

“Good morning sun- Tommy. Sorry pet names are common here. “ A lady apologized as she waved at Tommy before walking into the kitchen, leaving a man with pink hair at the table, reading the newspaper. Four plates resided right in front of the man. The camera soon pivoted to the right to the kitchen where the lady, Kristin, had walked. There was a blond man in there as well, with huge feathered winds engulfing his form. 

“Morning mate.” the man, Phil, said as he turned towards Tommy, his wings fluttering slightly as he did. The older man’s brow lifted slightly as he made eye contact with the camera. 

“Nice camera mate, got a record to keep.”

“I wish.” Tommy blurted out before quickly getting interrupted by the same rough voice from before. 

“Phil seriously?” 

Tommy panned back to the pink-haired man. His ears slightly upturned, as he looked towards Tommy and the rest of the occupants of the room. 

“What? It’s a cool camera.”

The man, Technoblade, didn’t press, looking back at the newspaper and sipping his drink. 

“I’m recording.” Tommy’s finally voiced.

“It’s all good mate,” Phil replied, bringing plates of food to the table. Pancakes stacked high, a bowl of fruits and two bottles of syrup. Everything a family would have for a normal breakfast. A daily occurrence by nature for a complete home. 

“Yep, we get it Tommy, come sit.” Kristin directed Tommy to the table, before joining him at the table. Tommy placed the camera off to the side, recording the whole table. Soon Philza joined the others bringing a large pitcher of orange juice with him. 

“Dig in mate.” Phil encouraged filling his plate. Tommy did move a bit slower as he grabbed his food, avoiding the other’s hands. Techno’s eyes were focused on his actions, unbeknownst to Tommy. The elder seemed to note something as Tommy finished filling his plate, getting the syrup passed to him from Kristin. Techno got his food last, as soon as the others started to eat.

“So how was your first night?” Kristin started the conversation watching as Tommy paused in his eating. 

“Good.” 

“Did you see the paint cans and my notes?” 

Tommy nodded, focusing on his food, rather than the woman in front of him. 

“I hope you found a color you like. If not, we can always get more options, those are just samples we’ve had from our last paint overs.”

“You’ve painted that many times?” Tommy looked incredulously at the trio.

“Oh prime no, it was for our friends paint overs as well. We just collect trash and find a new purpose for it.”

“Or because it’s unwanted.” 

“Techno that ain’t true,” Phil added to the man’s unwanted comment. It’s implicating a knife in the peaceful morning. Tommy’s shoulder hiked up in response. 

“I’m cutting the shenanigans, we can’t pretend that it’s normal to suddenly have a child after 10 years.” Techno’s eyes locked on Tommy’s. “We all know that Tommy’s a flight risk. Even last night you snuck downstairs and left the house. In a new environment, your first thought was how far you could get.” 

Tommy’s face was hidden from view, but his shoulders were raised, and pushed back as Tommy stared at the man. 

“You’re a developing hybrid, who has been kicked out of many homes for running or causing havoc. Not saying those aren’t deserved, but you are high on the list of less likely to find a home. And I bet you already know that.” 

They never stopped their gaze. 

“So I want you to know what our intentions are before you start to fight.” 

The air is heavy as Technoblade eye’s flicker to the camera before returning to Tommy.

“In a perfect world, we’d earn your trust, but this isn’t a perfect world. You don’t trust us and may never will. Our job is to help you adapt, and heal after you develop and prepare you for the real world. I doubt you expect to stay past your 18th birthday.”

Tommy growled a low rumble that Technoblade cocked a brow at. 

“Technoblade.” Phil added his own hiss to the noises.

“No Phil, I'm not sugarcoating this. I’m not going to try and give the kid false hope that this will all be perfect. He may not stay.”

“But-” Kristin interrupted, pulling everyone's eyes to her. “Tommy we are to be a home to help you. And Technoblade’s right you may not stay, which is entirely your choice. We’ve never done this before, having a much more violent past, but we want to help you.”

Tommy fell back into his chair, moving his food with his fork as Kristin continued. “No matter what Tommy, we are here to help you, keep you safe, help you grow, and encourage your potential. Those are our goals. Yours is probably different, but we can work together.” 

Technoblade’s expression stayed neutral, with no dramatics as he added on.

“You don’t have to do anything to help us, we simply ask you to help with some chores, and respect our rules. Which are only there to keep you safe.” 

“I assumed you noticed something?” Philza said directly at Techno, Tommy’s perked up as he looked back to Technoblade. Technoblade nods to the camera and Phil completes the thought.

“He records as much as he can. He’s been through hell and called a liar.” Something struck a chord with Tommy as he whipped his head to Phil. “Techno’s right. We are here to help you. This may not be your permanent home, but we will try to make it a good one.”

Kristin nodded, adding on as well. “This place is your home till you decide it’s not.”

“Feel free to grab food, clothes, blankets, pillows from around the house. My closet is a free-for-all, just don’t touch my papers.” 

Tommy’s eyes widened as Technoblade and Kristin seconded Phil’s words adding their tiny exceptions as well. Technoblade asks not to be disturbed when his door is shut, or have his gold be touched, while Kristin just wishes to have her crystals and books stay out of Tommy’s hands without permission. 

“Really I can take stuff?”

“Yeah mate, you're a hybrid, and you may have instincts that contradict common sense, and we know that. Now what about you?” Phil asked almost suddenly, shaking Tommy from his thoughts. 

“What?”

“Any rules or boundaries you want to set?” 

Tommy looked shocked, a deer in headlights as he glanced around the table. 

“Mate, we’ve known each other for years, but you for less than a day. So anything that bothers you or you don’t want to be touched, tell us.”  Phil added to his last question after a moment of silence, taking the hands of his partners as he spoke. Technoblade held a hand out to Tommy but the boy didn’t take it or maybe didn’t notice it as he stared at Philza.

“I don’t?” Tommy shrugged before looking off into the camera avoiding the eyes of strangers. 

“Well then here are some that I heard are good. We won’t enter your space without asking, including your room, or touch anything that belongs to you.” Phil suggests. 

Tommy says nothing, only nodding as he slowly starts to cut his pancakes with his fork. 

“Tommy,” Kristin starts, bringing the young boy’s eyes up, and greeting him with a gentle smile. “It’ll be okay.” Phil offered similar encouragement and smiled. While Technoblade simply nodded. 

“You’ll be okay kid.” 

Tommy said nothing at Techno’s words instead heaving food into his mouth. Soon a new conversation started consisting of the adults talking with no input from the teenager. Soon Tommy excused himself, leaving his half-finished plate on the table. 

The camera shuts off capturing Phil’s last words before it completely shuts off. “We fucked up didn’t we?”

*****

“Hello!” Tommy yelled as the camera flickered on, greeted with the boy’s smiling face, before he backed up, to talk to the camera fully. “So this is so fucked up but after I changed the SD card and started recording the data got corrupted.” Tommy groaned, rubbing his face before actually looking at the camera. 

“So yeah, that sums up the last fucking ass of a week!” Tommy reached out of frame pulling back with a notebook in hand, red cover, with crude doodles decorating it. "So first, Technoblade did apologize to me, in a letter." Tommy held up said letter to the camera, before pulling it back. "He was saying sorry for being so rude and crass and forgot most people aren't hardened like him. Apparently he's gone through a lot, including being in the system as well. Which I don't know how to feel about that." 

Tommy said before looking at the letter, and reading over it again. Before being shaken out of his stupor by the door echoing a knock.

"Hey, Tommy?"

"Yes M-Kristin?"

"Are we still good to go shopping tomorrow?"

"Yep, we're good."

"Perfect." Footsteps left the door, quiet through the walls of the home.

"As you can see, erm heard. We're going shopping tomorrow for clothes, but first the things of this week." Tommy quickly held up the notebook and tried to keep a smile on as before cutting the act.

"I've been so confused, I mean Technoblade gave me a notebook as soon as he learned about the SD card fuck up. He said it's always nice to keep a record even if it's just a book. So yeah I've been writing stuff since the beginning of the week. Let's see."

Tommy flipped through the pages, straight to the being. The camera can't see the message on the pages, but Tommy grinned slightly, before focusing on the camera. 

"So after that fun talk at breakfast, I basically tried to get my bearings around here. Found the garden that Philza joined me in, learned he's a crow hybrid, and his family is pretty fucked. Like the last time he talked to his parents was 20 years ago or some shit. Man also offered to take me flying, we'll get back to that. Umm ate berries, and talked with the man, then we collected a bunch of berries to make pies."

The paper rustled as he flipped to another page, checking something before flipping back. 

"Made pies and Kristin joined me in choosing a color for my walls. If you couldn't tell." Tommy gestured to the now-light neural red walls. "Apparently Technoblade had done the same color before, but changed it last year?" Tommy shrugged, flipping to the next page. 

"The next day Technoblade gave me the apology letter, and I have no clue if you noticed but the man is a subtle hybrid, you know, pointy ears and sharp teeth but passable for a human."

Tommy smirked as he looked at the camera. 

"Wanna know what he is? He's a piglin! I even saw his tusks, man is so fucking cool! And-" 

Tommy's grin stayed wide as he started to ramble about the piglin's strength and gold tendency. Not to mention all the weapons he had.

"The man has a fucking forge outside. I told him the best thing he could do to fully apologize is to teach me to make a sword. And of course, he agreed 'cause I'm the great Tommy innit!" Tommy bostured proudly puffing out his chest before the door once again echoed.

"Yo Tommy, Phil wants to know if you want to go flying?"

"Now!?!?" Tommy shook with excitement as he ran to the door. 

"Yep apparently the rest of the week is going to be rainy, so he wants to fly before it gets too much!"

Tommy flung the door open to reveal Technoblade, in a cream sweater.

"Sounds good boss man! Let me=!"

"I don't think you should grab your camera, I wouldn't want you to lose it while flying with the bird brain!" 

"Aw man," Tommy whined as he grabbed the camera. "Fine, let me sign off first."

"Sounds good, runt." Technoblade was heard walking away, just as Tommy moved out of his room, closing the door and almost skipping downstairs. 

"So I'm going to get off now, and go fly with the bird man, hopefully, it's not my last recording." Tommy winked at the camera before moving to click it off.

"You ready mate?"

"Fuck yes!" Was the last thing heard before it faded off. 

*****

The camera flickered back on yet the screen remained black. Muffled voices could be heard all around, but unclear. Soon the voices faded and footsteps filled the void left. Everything was still muffled, then suddenly the screen was flooded with light, before the familiar pink hair tied up in a ponytail came into focus with clothing racks off to the side. 

“You did sneak it in?”

“Duh, got to show Tubbo my new drip.” Tommy said as he panned the camera to the side recording the colorful racks that they slowly passed by.

“Make sense, just don't record in the changing room.”

“Ew.” Tommy's disgusted at the comment said a lot.

“Just checking Sunshine.” 

“Sunshine?” 

The camera turned towards Kristin, whose face was shadowed thanks to her black sun hat. She gave the camera a soft smile.

“Yes sorry, I usually use nicknames for people I know,” Kristin explained, stopping just before bumping into Technoblade who started ruffling through the rack.

“Why sunshine though?” Tommy inquired.

“Because the first time Kristin saw you, it was sunset and your hair was glowing in the light like the sun,” Techno explained, making Kristin's face take on a red hue as she chuckled.

“He's right. You were the new sun in our lives, so your nickname reflects it.”

“Huh?!” Tommy's shock was violently clear, as Technoblade finally pulled out a red shirt and held it up to Tommy.

“Ugly,” Tommy responded. 

“It's a single-tone shirt.” Techno's face gave nothing away but his tone conveyed his confusion and annoyance at Tommy's immediate dismissal.

“Yes, but it's ugly.” Tommy continued his protest.

“Uh huh totally,”  Techno said as the trio started to look through shirt after shirt, whether getting vetoed by Tommy or approved. They got at least 9 shirts, all wild in color but still with a good majority with some type of red in the design.

“Sure, this one is ugly,”  Techno said, holding up the plain red shirt again to Tommy. The teen’s tone was obvious as he responded. “Yes, it’s the ugliest piece of shit I’ve ever seen.” 

“How?”

“It’s color and the pattern is ugly, it looks like something out of the 80s.” Tommy explained much to the confusion of everyone else.

“Huh, hybrid trait.” Techno said as he grabbed the basket with their chosen wears.

“What bitch?”

“Ooo that’s cool. Congrats Tommy.” Kristin said, patting Tommy on the back and shaking the video feed.

“What?” Tommy sounded just as perplexed. 

“What’s happening?” Philza’s voice interrupted Tommy’s panic, as the camera turned to the avian. 

“I don’t know they aren’t telling me!”

“Tommy can see beyond the normal human light range.” Techno said, so nonchalantly. 

“Oh nice.” Philza said with the same nonchalant vibe. 

“I what?” 

“Look at this shirt, where does the color change?” Kristin said, holding up the same shirt that Tommy had called ugly. He reached out, pointing at the invisible border, undetected by the normal eye. 

“Yeah mate there’s no change.”

“What the fuck?!?” Tommy flipped the camera to show his shook, racking his hands through his golden curls. 

“Congrats mate, that means it won’t be long till you are fully developed as a hybrid.” Phil said as the group started to walk further into the clothes racks. 

“Why can’t it happen when I’m born?” Tommy groaned, tilting the camera up and capturing the steel beans in the picture. 

“It does for some people you're just unlucky there.” Phil commented before pulling out a pair of pants for Tommy to judge. The trio pulled out a bunch of pants for Tommy to judge, just so he could take them to the dressing room, leaving the camera with the other three. 

“How long do you think 25 pairs will take?” Techno teased.

“Forty five mins, top.” Philza challenged.

“You two stop.” 

“Bitch turn off my camera, don't need to hear your dumb fucks convos.” Tommy screamed from the changing room. 

“Suffer.” Technoblade called back. Kristin turned the camera to the other two. 

“Brash little punk isn't he.” Philza commented, waving at the camera.

“Yep, but it makes it fun.” Kristin said, as they waited and watched for Tommy. The boy did come out a few times, shoving clothes he didn’t like into Techno’s arms once the man was called to the door. It was a silly sight to see Tommy so casually throw jeans at the piglin, not noticing when it gave the man an unexpected hairstyle. That didn’t stop Philza from laughing at the boy’s actions on his mate. 

Thirty-five minutes later, Tommy was done, back in his original sweatshirt and pants with a pile of suitable pants and shorts, to the teenager’s standards. 

“Glad to see ya mate,” Philza said as they walked. 

“Prime, I hate clothes shopping,” Tommy complained, taking back his camera that had been pointed at his face. “Bitch you guys didn’t stop the recording.”

“Sorry it was too good an opportunity, runt.”

Tommy groaned as he finally shut off the camera. 

*****

The screen clears up as Tommy lights a candle, the light allowing the camera to record the young boy's face. 

"Hey, I'm about to go downstairs to sneak a snack, and I want to record it to see, you know, if they are lying about me getting food anytime." Tommy hummed as he moved, sneaking out of his room, and pointing the camera around, the dark home. He turned into the dining room, searching for anything or anyone. Yet none decided to show their face. 

"No one yet." Tommy dared to whisper as he snuck to the fridge, popping it open, and scanning the contents. The light blinding to the sleepy teen and the camera, blowing out the image for a second before it recovered.

"What to eat?" Tommy hummed as he opened a drawer moving around the vegetables, before shutting it and moving to the next drawer. Tommy shuffled through the cheese drawer, grabbing a small stick of cheese and ripping off the wrapper, and shoving it into his mouth.

"Really runt?" 

Tommy shouted before quickly covering his mouth, and removing his hold on the camera.

"Sorry sorry, I'm-"

"You good kid," Technoblade said as he closed the fridge door, and moved further into the kitchen lighting a small candle, before turning back to Tommy. "Needed a snack?"

"Yes sir."

"Please never use sir on me. I'm - it reminds me of the war, and we aren't there, runt."

"Sorry, I just-" The camera got a lovely view of the floor as Tommy shook slightly.

"You're all good, so whatcha want?"

"Huh?"

"What would you like to eat? I'm up as well, might as well make us both something to eat?"

"umm, cheese... sandwich?" Tommy hesitated to say, as he turned the camera back up to face Technoblade. 

"Sounds good, want some soup with it?"

"Umm sure man, I don't really care." Tommy turned the camera to the dining room, completely barren of life, besides the shadows of the pair in the kitchen. 

"Here's an idea, how 'bout we play a board game and you get it set up while I cook." 

"Sure?" Tommy didn't sound sure but he did as he was told, opening a shelf with his free hand before grabbing out a board game. Something Tommy remembers being simple and quick. Battleship was the game he chose. 

He pulled it out and moved to the table, using the little light to set up the game boards and pieces, before turning the camera back to the kitchen.

"Why are you up Technoblade?"

"Couldn't sleep, it's one of those nights, where my brain can't turn off."

"Oh, that sucks."

"Yeah, it does." Technoblade moved to the cupboard grabbing two plates before coming to the table with two grilled cheese sandwiches and small cups of soup. 

"Battleship?"

"Yeah, something small for your tired old man brain." 

Techno rolled his eyes as Tommy adjusted the camera to see both of the males and their boards. Neither really took long to set up their ships, before looking at each other in a silent bet, with Technoblade holding out a fist and Tommy doing the same. 

"Rock"

"Paper" 

"Scissors." 

"Shoot."

"Surprised you did shoot," Tommy said as he looked at his board choosing the spot to launch his first attack. "5E"

"That's a miss," Techno said, moving one of the pieces to the board.

"I'm missing a ship, crap."

"Which one and b2?"

"Miss, it's the one with 2 hits. H8."

"Miss, okay." Technoblade grabbed his ship and removed it from his board.

"Thanks."

"Yep of course runt. and D7."

"Miss. I3," Tommy started nibbling on his sandwich as he moved his pieces. Technoblade was a bit more purposeful as he bit into his sandwich. 

"That's a miss, E5, so why did you stay up?" 

"Miss, I just couldn't sleep. B3."

"Just that or is it more? B3 is a miss, E6."

"Fuck, that's a hit. I just couldn't sleep. B8."

"Hit, and I don't believe that, are you sure it's not the nervousness of potentially getting kicked out? G4."

Tommy was silent as he moved the next pieces."Miss, F2."

"Miss, E7."

They kept going in silence, miss, B9, a hit, E4, another hit.

"If you are nervous I don't blame you, I was in your place before. B7." Technoblade restarted the conversation. 

"Hit, how did you deal with it?"

"I didn't honestly, after I turned 18 I went to war, didn't really have time to deal with it."

"B6, but you had to, I mean you're fostering now? and you're married."

"B6 is a miss, and you have no clue how much Philza and Kristin had to convince me. I never thought of myself as a parent and still don't. The marriage was for a strategy not for romance. E3"

"Hit, and what do you mean by strategy? How does strategy equate to marriage, let alone a gay one? B10."

"And you've sunk my ship, nice job. E2 and it is for strategy. Phil and I met in the war, and fought together but once we were 'retired', we had nothing. No family, besides Phil's brother, so we made a plan. Marriage for tax benefits, until something changes."

"Fuck my ship is sunk now, umm D8. Why did you put retired in quotes? What happened? And are you still married?"

"Nope, not married now, technically. D8 is a miss. It's complicated but it boils down to the army needing more men, hiring me and Phil to go back into it. Phil had met Kristin by then and was planning to get married soon. But war happened and it got delayed, we basically were married till last year."

"That's weird."

"We did what we needed to, to survive. And now we have you, another survivor of life's challenges. H8."

"That's a miss. So did you do, umm sex?"

"Oh Prime no, I knew for a long while I was asexual, and Phil completely got it. He even encouraged me to look up QPRs in my free time. So we are that. A Queer Platonic relationship."

"Cool, I knew someone else who was looking into that with their partner too, of course, they are still kids so they ain't doing it anytime soon."

"It's nice to be accepted, even if it's for something so small."

Tommy nodded as he called out his next move.

G5, a miss, H4 another miss, D3, miss. C3, J6, G2, F8, B6, J10, I6, D1, J3, C10, C9, A2, I3, miss after miss they played. 

"Bitch where the fuck are your ships?"

"I was about to ask you the same question," Technoblade smirked as he moved a white ping to I3, pausing to rub his chin as he thought.

"So Phil and Kristin are married and you and Phil are a QPR. C2." Tommy started again.

"Yep, and that's another miss. D5." 

"Everyone is a hybrid right? Miss, and H2."

"Miss, and yep. I'm a piglin, Phil's a crow, and Kristin is a bit weird. I9."

"Miss again. How is she weird? C5."

"Miss and she is like a fusion, mostly elf, but the insane magic of a dragon. She's quite peculiar, thankfully it doesn't really affect us. A4."

"Miss, and she knows about the whole QPR thing right? F9."

"Yes, she does. F9 is a miss. She knew when they started to date, so yeah. A5."

"That's cool, did you ever want kids? F9."

Tommy's hands shook as he hovered his hand close to the game board holding the white piece between his shaking digits. 

"Miss, and I never did. I figured I was so damaged from being in the system I'd be a horrible person to another child. I wasn't exactly liked in the system, so I doubted that I'd be liked by others still in the system. E10."

Tommy nodded, the candle flicking more, reflecting off Tommy's glossy eyes. 

"Miss."

"Tommy, that doesn't mean I'm unhappy you're here." Techno's eyes had widened, once the boy had asked, yet he still reached out to the boy. "I was apprehensive, but I also knew how hard it was for me to be at the older age in it. I hoped that maybe I could-" Techno sighed heavily as he looked down at his board. Tommy's eyes flickered to the piglin's outstretched hand. His own hand hovering over it, shaking like a leaf dangling in the wind. Just waiting to be blown away after he started to feel safe and secure. 

His palm soon made contact with Techno's, and the older man wrapped his figures around the teen's hand, thumb rubbing the top of his hand.

"I didn't know what would happen. But I don't regret having you here. I was hostile at first, 'cause I've been there, and seen the false promises. This has been an interesting moment of reflection and how I wish I had those true promises. So thank you, Tommy."

Tommy stared at the man, his eyes glistening as his tears fell, sparkling diamonds landing with soft plops.

"Sorry sorry, I-" Tommy's voice is cut off with a sharp hiccup, as he tries to rub his eyes, soft cries lost into the wind. Technoblade gently rises from his seat, never releasing the boy's hand as he walks around the table, to comfort him.

"You're doing great Tommy, oh little Theseus, you're a strong warrior, let it out. Don't stop the dam from breaking, let it go. I promise it'll be okay." It was so quiet a whisper in the air that the camera watching wasn't meant to hear, as Technoblade wrapped the quivering boy in his arms. Tommy flung his own arms around him, and there the piglin rocked the boy, keeping a steady rhythm, till the sobs turned to quiet gasps, to soft breathing. A game long forgotten. 

"I promise you'll be okay," Technoblade said, carefully wrapping his arms in a way to pick up the sleeping boy, and not disturb him. They disappeared up the stairs, as soon as the piglin could, walking out of frame.

It wasn't long till he returned collecting the plates, and flicking the camera off before it could capture the other tears that fell that night.  

*****

"Sup, bitches!" The camera screen filled with Tommy's smiling face, his eyes clear as he pulled out his notebook. 

"Quick update before we go down to dinner with the Watsons. I haven't really recorded a lot this week, haven't felt the best, got an annoying pain in my back, so I've been a bit "snappy" as Phil puts it." Tommy winced as he read his notes, something there that he didn't want to share with the camera. "But besides that, Phil took me out shopping for shoes, and oh my gods, I saw Ranboo. This fucking bitch was like 10 feet taller than last time, and he just said hi. So obviously I dragged him through my shopping trip."

Tommy's pout was very exaggerated as he stared at the camera. "You know what? It pissed me off, especially when I learned that you, Tubbo, and a bunch of families were moving closer to us. Apparently, no one remembered to tell me that! Everyone is going to be close and NO ONE FUCKING TOLD ME! OW!" Tommy groaned as he rubbed his back, trying to reach back with his arm. "It sucks! But they won't be here for a few months because of everything."

Tommy growled, something deep, and harsh, before he clapped a hand over his mouth. Wide eyes stared into the camera, Tommy was shocked about the sudden noise, as he slowly pulled his hand back. Nothing was there, as Tommy expected it. 

"What-"

"Tommy?" Phil cut the teen off as he knocked on the door. "Dinner's ready, come done when you're ready."

"Yes, dad-fuck Phil I meant Phil!" 

Philza just chuckled, laughing as he walked downstairs with a quick, "Of course mate."

"Fuck no more updates, really just living life, actually bet Technoblade at battleship though. So yeah." Tommy paused before, picking up the camera and hopping up, to head out of the door of his room. The hall hadn't changed besides one picture that Tommy zoomed on. A photo of him, Kristin, Technoblade, and Philza, smiling with white powder all over their aprons. 

"We went to a cooking class a week ago, Phil just got the picture back. for the record, Technoblade started it." Tommy giggled, a smile evident through his voice. "Maybe I'll take it with me when I go." 

Any cheer was gone as Tommy hissed, adjusting the camera in his hold, as he started down the stairs.  

"Sup!" Tommy yelled, as he turned the camera right to the dining table, where Technoblade and Kristin were already seated, and Phil was just bringing over the last of the food.

"Sup Tom, don't let the food get cold," Phil answered back, his cheeks flushed, as he giggled at nothing. 

"What? Old man already lost his mind?" Tommy teased, causing Phil to squawk as Tommy stole his seat. The avian's wings puffed up before slapping Tommy on the shoulder, shaking the camera with it. 

"Don't make me drop the camera dick head."

"Glad to know we have our audience again." Technoblade started, causing Tommy to turn the camera to him. 

"Yeah bitch, got to keep you in check." Tommy's smirk was evident as Phil scooteched over the chair, and helped Tommy to place the camera in the empty space, so it could get a whole view of the family. As they started to dig in, scooping potatoes, corn, some steak, and such onto their plates. Tommy really went hard on the steak, making sure to eat almost an entire slab. Kristin and Phil just giggled, as the teen's enthusiasm. Not even stopping as the boy glared at them.

Finally, Technoblade spoke, "So who's heard about Sam's dumb plan for his house?"

"Bitch you guys never told me Captian Pussy was moving in."

"Tommy!?" Phil said incredulously but also cracked with giggles. 

"Sorry sunshine, we didn't know you knew them well," Kristin added in. 

"Bruh of course I do, why would Puffy drive me here if I didn't? She ain't part of the system."

"Good point," Technoblade said, launching Tommy into a rant, about the system and the annoying staff. Most weren't pleasant, and Phil and Kristin were focused on the boy's words as they slowly ate. Technoblade even poked Tommy a few times to remind him to actually eat. 

"Hopefully we can get the wolves under control then," Technoblade said offhandedly. 

"Wolves?" Tommy looked to the piglin, as Technoblade rose from his seat and walked out of frame. 

"Yes, we've had a spike in wolves around here and hunters. It's a bit annoying. Hence the rules. We don't need you getting shot. It also sucks, cause they chased out the vampires and the faes." the clinks of glass could be heard as Technoblade spoke. 

"But what about the others?" 

"Don't worry Tommy, we'll get it," Phil said as he reached over to the boy taking his plate. 

"It sucks to have so many people move in so fast."

"It'll be fine Techno, you have to get used to people one way or the other." Technoblade just groaned, obviously not liking the idea. Tommy's face fell a bit, his eyes squinted as he looked down. 

"Tommy dear, can you help me with the dishes?"

He nodded, picking up the food, on Kristin's orders. As he passed the camera and clicked the device off. 

 *****

The camera hums to life, as Tommy's face comes into view, yet still fully in shadow. His eyes glow slightly, as he walks under the tree's canopy. The smallest light breaks through the leaves as he goes. The boy sniffles as he tries to whip his eyes with his shirt, not caring for the snot getting on his red sweater. He's lost in thought, not even addressing the camera as he walks further in.

"I'm sorry." His lip quivers as he walks further before veering off to sit at the base of a tree, setting the camera down in front of him before curling up. "'M stupid. I-i." Tommy didn't make out any words as he sniffled, gasping for air, as he curled up at the tree. 

"I broke, something, and-"

The situation was clear, Tommy broke something, and just like the child he is, panicked, and ran into the night. A broken soul, fearing the pain of a whip never brought near but lingering in his mind, like a scar. A wolf, ready to pounce once he gets too comfortable around the beast. 

It may never happen but that hasn't stopped others in the past.

A howl echoed through the woods quieting the young boy's cries as he listened. His eyes were wide and glossy. 

"I'm so fucked. I can't find my way, and it's midnight. They're probably asleep and-" The howls cut him off again as he looked around, before dashing to the camera and running. He flipped the camera holding it up over his shoulder, showing the glowing pair of eyes, staring at Tommy as he ran. He dropped the camera down, the ground flying past in bouts of colors as Tommy sprinted for his life. The harsh growls were loud to the camera as Tommy darted right. Lost in the woods was no way to go, especially when everyone you know is asleep in their bed, not even knowing of the panic you were experiencing. 

Tommy's harsh breaths are the only thing that the camera can hear, and that was till the sharp pounding of paws filled the air. They found their prey, and they didn't want to give him up. Tommy gasped something sharp, as the camera dripped, the ground feeling the screen before it flipped fur blocking the night sky for a mir second. 

Tommy screamed as a wolf whimpered, and yelped. The camera was unable to capture the true danger that the boy was in. The sky shifted as the wolves continued to growl, scratching at bark as Tommy cried, a pained noise. 

The desperate cry of a wounded animal as the wolves yipped and scratched at the bark. Barks and howls covered the quiet boy's pleas, and the footsteps running into the woods.

Pink hair, and fur entered the frame briefly before a wolf yelped, as something cracked. 

"Techno!" Tommy called out, gasping out, a cry as the wolves growled.

Something happened beyond the view of the camera's frame, before wings flew into the frame and just as quickly out, and more of the wolves yelped. The yelping continued, as shuffling was heard. 

"Technoblade watch out!"

Tommy yelled, in all the panic of a small child, but it happened. Whatever was unseen happened, the warning too late, as Phil also shouted. Blood splattered on the lens before the wolves howled, fleeing. The noise was silent as they did. 

It was quiet before something dropped.

"Tommy!" Phil called.

Tommy said something that was drowned out by his cries and gasps.

"Oh sunshine it's alright. It's alright, we're okay."

The battery runs out just as Tommy speaks.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."

"It's alright kid, it's alright."

*****

"Hi, guys." 

The screen remains black, but small glowing eyes can be seen, lighting up Tommy's face in the dark room. "I'm so sorry. I-" The light disappeared as Tommy moved, before reappearing as he looked into the camera. 

"I just need to talk." 

"So last night, I broke Kristin's crystal, I was sneaking around the house. Couldn't sleep type bullshit, and I knocked it off. Nothing happened and yet I heard the yelling and screaming from like years ago. Next thing I know I'm outside, I literally forgot I had my camera till I was in the woods." Tommy giggled something painful, as he hissed before sniffling.

"Then I got chased and was able to run up a tree but still got bit. I made the joke of being a werewolf once we were at the docs. But-"

The sniffling came back in full force, a silent cry as he tried to stay quiet.

"But then Technoblade came in and he fought off the wolves, and then Phil flew in. Kristin wasn't there but there were a few crows that started to pick on the wolves. Like fucking kids toying with the adults." Tommy's laugh was hoarse as his eyes glistened with tears. "But then-Techno... He got bit. I yelled and cried. I felt horrible, as he kept fighting. I-" 

Tommy didn't finish mumbling out apologies before a knock was heard. Quiet but still loud in the stillness of the night. 

"Sunshine."

"Shit," It was a whisper, as Tommy covered the camera with his blanket, before calling out to Kristin. "Yes ma- ma'am."

"Oh dear, can I come in?"

"S-sure. I can't stop you." Tommy choked out a cry as the door swung open, hinges creaking as it did.

"I'm not mad at you dear, please you don't have to call me ma'am," Kristin said, her voice clear as she came closer, a small glow penetrating the blankets as she did. 

"Sorry, I-"

"Shhh, it's all good dear. You've done nothing wrong. You are amazing, dear, never forget that."

"But I got- Techno."

"He's fine, it's the worst he's gotten in years, but not in his lifetime. It's nothing, Tommy. He's sorry for making you panic."

"But I got him hurt it. If I didn't panic and run he wouldn't-"

"Oh Tommy, it wasn't your fault."

"I-"

"No Tommy it wasn't. I can replace a crystal, I can't replace you. You'll never be in trouble for an accident, just like this. You aren't in trouble for getting hurt, or Technoblade getting hurt. We want you to be safe no matter what." 

Tommy's whimpers were muffled by Kristin's shushing and her quiet words of reassurance.

"Are you okay? Did you have a nightmare?"

Tommy said nothing, but most likely nodded as Kristin asked "Want to tell me about it?" Tommy did something that had conveyed more to her.

"It's alright we all have nightmares. Come." Kristin said as the bed shifted, and Tommy quietly asked 'What?"

"Come, sleep in our room for the night. Technoblade would love the company and to talk to you about the night and apologies for everything." Tommy quickly leaned over to the camera, flipping off the cover. The light finally illuminated Tommy's tear-stricken face and Kristin's tired smile.

"You can bring it if you want?" Tommy shook his head bringing the camera up, before clicking it off.

*****

"Hello!" Tommy yelled into the camera, as he held it up, looking off to the side for a second before plopping back down to his bed. "sup bitches, I've had a few days, ow!" Tommy said as he got back up, groaning as he tried to rub his back with his hand.

"Ugh if you couldn't tell the pain hasn't left, honestly I think it got worse. It's been a few days since the wood thing, and umm the nightmares. Honestly, I was scared about that. It had me leaving. But I felt so sad, anyway Kristin helped a lot, she took me to her bed, where Phil was fast asleep, but Technoblade wasn't. We made a whole pile in Phil's nest? That's what Kristin called it. ow!" Tommy hissed, as he moved off the bed, walking to his closet, and pulling out the red sweater, much clearer than the last time he wore it. 

"Why the fuck is my back being a bitch! It's like needles are in my back! OUCH!" Tommy bent over before he could even get his shirt off, heaving as he stayed bent. "I was hoping recording could help with the pain but- fuck!"

Tommy yelled as he finally pulled his shirt over his head.

"Ow what the hell?" 

Tommy wobbled standing up straight, walking back till he was leaning on the dresser. "I can't, shit." Tommy used the wall to hobble back to the camera, sitting on the bed just before he doubled over again. 

"What's going on?" Tommy hissed as the pain got him again. "I need- what the fuck?" 

Tommy's eyes widened as he looked to the camera, terror on his face as a single tear fell. "Something just moved in my back." It was a whisper, but the reality was real, the skin shifted on Tommy's shoulder blades, something tugging at the taunt skin. 

"Oh fuck fuck!" Tommy yelled as he gripped his shoulders, pulling them close before his back stopped spasming. "TECHNOBLADE! PHIL! KRIST-" Tommy couldn't even continue his shout before he screamed. It was worse than when the wolves attacked, it lasted much too long for the little boy, especially as the door burst open, Technoblade eye scanning the room before landing on the hunched boy, who was finally able to gasp for air. 

The piglin looked around as Philza pushed his way in, rushing to Tommy's side and looking into the teen's teary eyes. Kristin also rushed in and looked around.

"Tommy-"

"Back." Tommy cut Philza off, grunting as his back pulled just a bit. Technoblade came closer, his right arm housing a bandage as he looked at Tommy's back.

"Oh prime," Technoblade said as he looked at Phil. "Wings." 

"Pick him up," Phil yelled, Technoblade did as he was told, picking up the boy just as he screamed again baring his face into the piglin's shoulder. "Bathroom now!" 

They all rushed out, disappearing. The camera was only able to capture the screams from the developing avian as his wings sprouted through his back. There were two hours of yelling, before Kristin reappeared, carrying Tommy completely unconscious back into his room, careful of the newly formed wings. They were a lovely array of colors, the top feathers being almost white, before fading to gold, then orange then red. A sunset decorating the wings that were just cleaned back on Tommy's damped hair.

Gently she laid him down, keeping his back up and coxsing his wings open. Technboalde and Philza joined her caring pillows and boxes that they carefully placed beneath Tommy's wings.  

"That should be enough," Phil said, in a completely different outfit from before, sporting a tank top, and shorts. Almost like a beach dad without the Hawaiian shirt. 

"Yeah, why couldn't you have picked a piglin?" Technoblade teased, he had also changed, as he smirked at Philza. 

"Shush you too. Let's let him sleep." Kristin said as she brushed a hand over Tommy's cheek. "I can't believe it though, a phoenix in this day and age." 

"We're lucky," Phil said, as he leaned over to Tommy, placing a kiss in his locks, before wishing him a good night, before the trio left. Though not before Technblade clicked off the camera.

*****

"Sup bitches." Tommy whined into the camera, it was fully focused on Tommy's face as he turned back to it. "No clue what I caught last night? I think ugh. This sucks." 

Tommy groaned looking up to the window, before actually moving a bit. 

"Wings suck, how the fuck does Phil deal with it?" Tommy hissed as he fully sat up, moving slowly, while bringing the camera with him. "I've got wings and a tail. I didn't even notice Phil had a tail really. Ugh, everything hurts." Tommy said as he hung his head. I don't know what's going to happen now. I-" Tommy paused looking over to the food on his bed, before his eyes widened and he grabbed the sweater, the same one he tried to put on the night before. 

"Guess this now has a use," Tommy said, placing the camera off the bed before he unbuttoned the bottom of the sweater opening up the holes fully so Tommy could slip his wings into them. He fumbled with the buttons to get them closed again. "I want- something." Tommy groaned just as someone knocked on the door.

"Come in." Tommy hissed before pulling his arm away from his struggle. 

"Hey, runt." 

"Not a runt." 

Technoblade just chuckled, before walking behind Tommy and buttoning his sweater. 

"Guess someone knew first didn't you?"

"What?"

"You have a sweater for wings, you had an inkling didn't you?" 

Tommy shook his head, looking at Technoblade as he came back around, to sit on the bed with the new avian. "You didn't? So where's this from then?" Technoblade asked, gently pulling at the red fabric. 

"It's from my first social worker. He was a parrot hybrid."

"Oh, interesting. What's their name?"

"Grian I think. Never was that good with names-? What's that look for?" Tommy asked as Technoblade's eyes widened before he buried his face in his hands, shaking slightly. 

"You're kidding, that was you."

"The fuck you mean what's going on?" Tommy asked. 

"Oh kid," Technoblade chuckled, huffing out a sigh or something akin to it. "Grian Phil's brother."

Now it was Tommy's turn to look like a shocked puppy. "WHAT!?"

"Yes, and you were the kid, Grian wanted to get Phil to adopt. But they had already moved you before he could."

Tommy just blinked, staring at Technoblade, like he was going to grow his own wings now. 

"But he's a parrot and Phil's a crow."

"Genetics is funny like that. I'll tell the parrot to reach out and have a reunion soon." 

Tommy didn't pause in engulfing Technoblade in a hug, squeezing the man with all the strength he had. 

"Come on kid Time for breakfast, and your first preening session." Technoblade attempted to move Tommy, but after a few shoves and a heavy sigh, he gave up. Standing with the avian clinging to him like a leech. 

"Can't believe you."

"Fuck you!" 

Tommy said, clawing his way up to fully cling to Techno's torso. 

"Sloth, want me to take the camera?"

Tommy said nothing as he shook his head, allowing Technoblade to walk them out, and flick off the camera just before they left. 

*****

"So," Tommy didn't start the entry like the others. No treating just his thoughts laid out for the watcher. "I realized, umm." Tommy pulled at the blanket covering his shoulder a bright red one that he kept close. 

"I don't... I don't know. Yesterday we called Grian, who called me a little bird and then I was teased you know. Grian can't get here for another month, and Phil is determined to make sure I can meet him before then but.." 

He stopped breathing in the blanket's scent. 

"I don't want to leave. I can't imagine not being here. Not just because Tubbo's coming but I want Mom, Kristin, Technoblade, and Phil. I need them but I can't. Not now. I stole Techno's blanket for fuck's sake. I just."

Tommy sniffled, breathing in deeply before focusing on the camera. 

"So I made a plan. I'm going to show my video to them and hopefully, with this last video I can convince them to let me stay." 

Tommy sniffled again, rubbing his eyes, before focusing on the camera. 

"My social worker stopped by, a weird woman didn't like her, and she definitely felt the same. Apparently, avian's aren't her cup of tea. She relented to allow me to stay for another two months, to wane off the avian instincts of flock here and to meet Grian, but-!"

Tommy tried to breathe and stop the tears, but it didn't work, and the tears flowed, dripping down to his pants. 

"I can't leave please I can't. I don't want to leave my home. It's here, with Technblade, Philza, and Kristin. They are" 

Tommy sniffled, a cry breaking out, before he finally could speak again. "They're my family. Please let me stay." And with that, Tommy turned off the camera. A silent please to stay home.

*****

"That's truly something isn't it mate?" Philza said in a hushed voice, less he disturbed the small blond sleeping on his lap. 

"Glad we helped?" Technoblade said as he moved off the couch, turning off the TV before standing next to Phil's legs.

"Yeah, I think we did a lot."

"So what do you want to do my love?"  Kristin asked as she leaned on Phil's shoulder placing her hand in the little teenager's hair, Tommy fast asleep on Philza. His golden wings were covered by a blanket Technoblade had gotten almost an hour ago. 

"I say we do what we're all thinking." 

"So he's staying?" Techno said getting nodes from all of them.

"He did show us his records, he trusts us with his life," Kristin said before moving off the couch as well. 3 Hours of their lives were spent learning more about Tommy's life, his struggles, and the things he saw. So much that he couldn't show all of it, fast-forwarding multiple days to show them the fun stuff. That was till Tommy had fallen asleep, leaving the control all to Philza, who was so ready to watch everything the teenager had recorded. Kristin and Technoblade gently persuaded him to skip to their time. Also known as stole the remote to move it along, since Phil wasn't going to move with a sleepy teenager on his lap. 

"Yes, he has to stay now right?"

The other two nodded along before Technoblade started to move out of the room.

"Enjoy the couch, Phil."

"What? You're leaving me?" Phil's voice went much higher than he meant, making Tommy stir just a bit. The avian quickly soothed the youngling with a small chirp and petting his head.

"I'm going to bed." 

"Love you dear but I'm doing the same," Kristin said leaning over to give Philza a quick peck on the cheek before also retreating out of the room. Both said good night before they left the room. 

Phil groaned, knowing he'd have to be the one to get Tommy to bed. The poor little sleeping avian chirped in his slumber. Phil couldn't help the smile that decorated his face, nor the small tears of the pain sitting his eyes. Their little hatchling had gone through so much pain that he can’t help but be emotional. He'd make sure this little one would never be hurt like that again.   

"Welcome home, Tommy."