Archive of Our Own ^beta

Wilbur’s pen scribbled against the face of the tablet. His lips pulled into a flat line as a recording played in the background.

Garbled humanese echoed through the room. Wilbur held a black, rectangular device in his hands, clicking it on.

“We— looki— tea—“ came through the device. 

Wilbur huffed, turning it off. He’s been trying to make a good translator of humanese, but it was rather difficult without a human there. He’d had to make a lot of guesses about how the language worked, and he wasn’t entirely sure they were accurate.

Look, he’s a scientist, not a linguist. 

But, humans have been a passion project of his for a while. 

Sure, they’re an absolutely terrifying species, but that’s what makes them so interesting!

It’s like those giant gordiga worm riders.

If the worms were highly intelligent and became aggravated at just the sight of the riders. 

Humans are… not very nice. The first time anyone tried to make contact with the species, they shot down the ships. The Space Federation didn’t know the humans had that kind of weaponry, so they marked the planet as a danger zone. 

A few more adventurous travelers tried to land, only to be killed on sight.

The footage of those attacks were horrifying…

Humans jumped out of nowhere, biting down on their throats and ripping them out. They’re surprisingly strong for such lean creatures. 

One of the groups that went to Earth managed to escape. However, they lost a few good crew members, and a human got onto their ship. 

Sadly, they had to kill the creature because it was trying to kill them.

Luckily though, the Space Federation got their hands on the body before it could be sold! Which meant they got to do an autopsy! 

Wilbur found the results fascinating.

The human’s body was nearly 40% muscle! Its bones were incredibly strong. 

They set up some telescopes outside of the human’s view and have started studying them from afar. While most humans live together in what appears to be a mostly civilized society, there’s a few who appear to still partake in hunting. 

A human hunting is… more than just scary. 

They’re so persistent. They manage to chase down their prey even if the creatures are faster than them! Their endurance is astounding. As for their intelligence… They learned quickly. Once a human picks up on something, they’ll be able to master that skill within months. 

Humans appear to be interested in art and other creative outlets. They are constantly creating and inventing. Other aliens even made copies of some of the art they had seen, and put it in museums. 

However, humans are brutal. Even to their own kind sometimes. 

In most cases though, humans are incredibly protective of each other. Especially of their family and young. 

Wilbur supposed he could somewhat relate to that aspect. He was very protective of his crew. He loved them to the end of the universe and back. They picked him up out of the foster system and let him join their little band of misfits. A Nekvot (his adopted father, Phil), a Bruuk (his adopted brother, Techno), and himself, a Stradrel.

Such a unique combination, and yet it works! 

They all got along swimmingly. They complimented each other perfectly. 

Something buzzed in his pocket and Wilbur was quick to look at the contact ID. 

He gasped and quickly shut down the recording, picking up the comm. 

“Hello?” Wilbur said.

“Hey, Wil.”

Wilbur smiled. “Puffy! Is this a ‘good news’ call or a ‘bad news’ call?”

The call was silent for a moment. Long enough for Wilbur’s hopes to deflate.

“Yes and no…” Puffy finally said.

Wilbur raised a brow. “How is that? Do they have a match with me or not?”

“Not… exactly, but they do have a kid.”

Wilbur perked back up, pacing the room. 

Puffy worked for the Space Federation’s fostering division. She’s the one who placed him with Phil and even was there through the adoption process! 

Ever since he was adopted, Wilbur knew he wanted to foster. Having been a foster kid himself, he really wanted to give back. 

There’s a really long waiting list, though.

Mostly, the universe has been at peace and there’s a lot of families out there who want kids. 

Because Wilbur is in a cargo ship, they’re more hesitant to allow him to foster. The Space Federation believes most kids need more stability, so they prefer homes that are on-planet instead of on a ship. 

Not to mention with the mix of species here, it’s hard to find another that could fit in. When Phil had signed up for fostering, he had been in a stable home on-planet. After Wilbur was adopted, Phil took up the job of cargo running.

So, it’s been a difficult process. Every time Puffy calls him, he gets his hopes up only to have them crushed when they ultimately say he’s been denied. 

He’s never heard of both good and bad news before. Hopefully the good outweighs the bad. The Zooph knows not to get his hopes up, so she wouldn’t have brought this up if there wasn’t a chance.

“They’re letting me foster?” Wilbur asked.

“Yes…” Puffy answered hesitantly. “But you might not want to.”

Wilbur’s head flew back in shock. “Huh?!? I’ve been trying for 3 years! What do you mean I wouldn’t want to?”

“Okay, so… This is a very… horrible case.”

Wilbur’s tail fell to the floor and his eyes widened in horror. “Is this an abuse case? Oh, I’m going to need to find a therapist, and I’ll learn their triggers— Do you have a list? What about—“ Wilbur asked frantically.

“Wilbur,” Puffy interrupted, Wilbur’s mouth snapping shut, “this is one of the worst cases I’ve ever seen, but that’s not why I thought you might not take it.”

“Why…?”

“So, the reason the Federation is okay with this is because every other foster home has declined. I also put in a good word for you.”

“Get to the point, please. The stress is killing me,” Wilbur groaned.

“Okay… I’ll… He’s a— I’m just going to send you the file,” she sighed. 

Wilbur could hear the distant clicking and quickly rolled his chair over to his computer. As soon as he typed in his password, the files popped up.

Wilbur opened them.

“Just… have an open mind,” Puffy encouraged.

The file loaded, and immediately Wilbur’s jaw dropped.

“A human?!?”

“I know! Just— Hear me out!”

“Why do you have a human child?! They aren’t supposed to be past the blockade yet!”

“If you’d just read the file, then you’d find out!”

Wilbur sighed into his hands, scrolling through it. The first thing it showed was a photo. Wilbur’s eyes softened at the sight. 

The child had a golden hair poof on top of his head. Hair sticking up every which way. It was hard to see how tall he was due to the background being just a grey wall.

The boy’s eyes were sunken, a dull blue staring right into the camera.

Wilbur frowned. “What… happened? Humans don’t usually look that way, do they?” 

Puffy sighed, something sad in her tone. “Listen, Wil. This kid… He’s been through so much. We found him on a rogue research shuttle owned by Dreamons.”

Wilbur gasped. Dreamons were known for their lack of empathy.

They cared very little about anything other than science. 

And while Wilbur loves science, Dreamons take the pursuit of knowledge too far. 

The Space Federation had to step in and regulate their experiments. However, there’s a few Dreamons who manage to avoid their radar, leading to the Space Federation hunting them down.

“The Federation has been hunting down this group for years… We don’t know how long the kid was in there. But… it’s bad, Wil. It’s so bad.”

Wilbur felt his heart break as he scrolled through the file. 

Photos. So many photos of marred arms. Skin bubbled up and wrinkled. Scars across the boy’s face. 

When he finally got past those photos, there was a wall of text explaining the scars on his abdomen. 

And, of course, his name and age.

“Name: Unknown.

Age: Unknown. Assumed to be about 6–7 human years of age, or approximately 9–10.5 galactic years of age.

Found locked in a small, box-like room with no lights. A torn blanket over his curled up form. He only stared at us as we entered. He did not try to attack. When asked questions, he gave no verbal response. When relocated to the Federation Home for Children, he gave no verbal response.”

How could the Dreamons do this to someone who was just a child? Wilbur wondered, heart breaking.

“I don’t know,” Puffy answered. Oh, he must have said that out loud.

“The poor thing… How… how long was he with them?”

“We’re not sure. We believe about 3 galactic years.”

Wilbur let out a shaky breath. “And he didn’t even try to defend himself when the Federation came in?”

“No. He just stared at them. He’s broken, Wilbur. Beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. If… if the autopsy of that one human is anatomically correct for all humans… The child is…” She swallowed thickly. “Missing quite a few organs.”

Wilbur felt like crying. 

In fact, he did. He felt a single tear run down his cheek. 

“That’s… What can I do?” Wilbur asked, sadness turning into determination., “How can I help?”

“As you know, the Federation prefers to place children in more stable homes. Places that aren’t always moving. Which is why you weren’t given the opportunity.”

“Mmhmm.” 

“They were trying to do the same thing with the human, but no one wanted to take him. They were all afraid he’d snap and hurt them. Which is a fair concern, but I don’t believe he will. Not for a while at least. He hasn’t spoken since we found him about a month ago.”

“He’s been with you an entire month?”

“Yes. Which is why the Federation is trying to get him out as soon as possible. He needs a home. He needs a place to feel safe, and the FHC isn’t good for that sort of thing. It’s more like a holding area, and we all know he’s been held in a single place for too long. Which is why I vouched for you. They were hesitant, but I explained that I think it would be best for the boy to be in a moving home like yours. He needs some stability, yes, but he also needs changes in scenery. He’s known nothing but the same thing every single day. He needs change. He needs to see that the universe can be better. That we can be there for him, and he can learn to live again.”

Wilbur took a deep breath. “That makes sense. I can show him the universe,” he mumbled to himself. He could show the boy love.

He could hear Puffy smile. “Also, I told them you researched humans so you were probably the best bet for communication. They were about to shut me down immediately after I said that. Because you’re another scientist after all, and they were scared you’d take this opportunity—“

“I’d never,” Wilbur hissed, offended.

“I know that. That’s what I said. I promised them that I knew you and knew you wouldn’t do that. With some hesitancy, they agreed to let you foster him.”

Wilbur sighed, smiling shakily. “Okay. Yeah, yeah, I’ll take him. I’ll need to talk to Techno and Phil, of course. I know they’ll say yes, though.”

“Great! I’ve got the paperwork all in order. I’ll send it over. All you need to do is sign it and have Phil sign it since he’s the captain of your ship.”

“Of course. Talk to you again soon.”

“Bye, Wil!”

———

Wilbur took a shaky breath, hands wringing together as he rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. He had taken a small pod to meet up with the federation. 

After more discussion with Puffy, it was decided that it was best to keep the boy from meeting the other two crew members for a bit. At least until he settled in a little so they don’t overwhelm him. 

So, that means Wilbur is all alone. 

He’s not nervous at all. Nope. Not one bit.

The door slid open and he jumped. 

Puffy stood in the doorway, smiling gently at him. Her fluffy fur bouncing slightly.

“Hey, Wil. Are you ready?”

Wilbur’s mouth went dry so he just gave a shaky smile and nodded.

Puffy nodded and stepped forward and to the side. 

Right behind her was a little boy. 

And, oh… He was tiny. Smaller than Wilbur had initially thought. He barely reached his knees. Wilbur softened immediately, previous nerves washed away as Puffy and the boy approached him. 

Puffy stopped and so did the golden child, looking straight at him.

Wilbur smiled gently, bending down so he was eye level and resting his arms on his knees. “Hello, Skitra.” The ‘r’ rolled into a bubbly purr.

Wilbur’s eyes widened just slightly at the slip of that name, and he could see Puffy smirking from the corner of his deep blue eyes.

The boy just stared, legs wobbling.

Puffy’s smirk turned to a frown. “He isn’t able to stand for long. His muscles are too weak, we think.”

Wilbur frowned for just a moment before pulling it back into a smile. He held out his clawed hand, talking in the softest voice he could. “I’m going to take you to my ship. I promise I’ll take good care of you. No one will hurt you ever again, and you’ll be safe. You’ll have lots of strong protectors to keep all the bad people away. I promise.”

The boy didn’t take his hand. He just stared at it blankly.

Wilbur’s tail swished minutely behind him, smile turning more sympathetic. “Come on, little one. Let’s get you home.”

As soon as he started standing up, the boy collapsed. Legs buckling beneath him as he came hurdling towards the ground.

Wilbur reached out, barely catching him before he could faceplant onto the floor. 

Instead, the boy’s face planted into his chest. Wilbur held him up gently, trying to let the boy hold himself up again if he could. The boy’s entire weight (which wasn’t much) was on him, hands grasping at his black space suit and arms shaking.

Wilbur looked up at Puffy, question in his eyes. Puffy gave him a small, sad nod and smile.

Wilbur let his arms fall around the child, one under his knees and the other cradling his head and back. 

He was so small. The boy sat back slightly, letting Wilbur take his weight with ease instead of trying to hold himself up.

Wilbur stood up slowly, trying not to startle the poor thing. As soon as he was standing, he looked down to see the golden boy had his head against his chest, eyes distant.

Wilbur sighed. “You’re alright, you’re okay. I promise. Everything’s going to work out fine.”

Wilbur looked to Puffy, wanting to ask her a question, but she was already gone. 

Wilbur let his mouth fall shut, silently turning around and walking back into his pod.

It was small, only had a cargo bay and two rooms, but it would work. Wilbur gently put the child in a seat, slowly strapping him in. 

He pulled on it, ensuring it was tight enough while the child just stared at him. “Is this too tight?”

Silence. 

Wilbur sighed, chuckling sadly to himself. “Right. Don’t know why I expected you to understand me.”

He stood up, getting in his own chair and buckling himself in. A few blue and see-through screens came up beside him. He taped a few buttons, inputting the location of their ship. He made sure the shades were on so the boy couldn’t see out. No need to overwhelm him.

“The pod is about to take off. It’s going to shake a little, but once we break through the atmosphere, it’ll stop. Then we’ll go into hyperspace, which will feel like a big push against you. After a moment, that will end and we can unbuckle,” Wilbur said as he acted out what was going to happen. Shaking his body slightly and leaning against the chair. Hopefully it got the message across.

Wilbur clicked a final button, and the ship started to vibrate. 

The boy didn’t seem phased. 

———

After docking the pod, Wilbur unbuckled the child and let him walk down the ship’s corridors, the sound of the child’s feet slapping against the cold metal ground echoed around them. 

They reached a metal door. Wilbur gently coaxed the boy closer, showing him the panel next to it. A small camera on top of it.

“Just show your face here, like this,” Wilbur said as he put his face into the camera’s view. 

The door opened for a few moments before shutting again. Wilbur pointed at the blond, and then to the camera.

“It should register your face as well.”

The boy went to where he pointed, allowing the camera to scan him.

It beeped and the door slid open swiftly. 

“Good job!” Wilbur praised gently. “Now, let’s get you inside.”

Wilbur guided him into the room. It was a simple room. The wall had pull out compartments. There was a bed in the far-right corner with colorful blankets on it. A closed window in the back that he could open if he wanted to.

Wilbur thought it was best not to overwhelm him with the vast expanse that is space. 

There were little decorations all over the room. A few toys in a chest to the side. 

“I couldn’t find anything from Earth, so I picked out some things from my old room. Phil, my adoptive dad, got me these stickers.” Wilbur pointed to the walls and roof where there were tons of little planets and stars strewn about. “And he researched where they would be on my home world. He did his best to copy what the sky would look like.” 

Wilbur walked to the chest of toys, digging through it. “He also got me lots of toys from my home world. Here’s a whistle you can use to make music.”

Wilbur took the oddly shaped thing and blew into it, making a high pitched whistle. 

He set it back inside, finding another toy. “This is like a puzzle. You flick all the little switches to get to a prize inside. I never could figure this one out as a kid and shoved it to the side. Guess I forgot about it,” he chuckled. 

He turned around, seeing the boy curled up in the corner and watching him intently. 

Wilbur smiled softly at him, standing up and grabbing the blanket off the bed. Wil walked over to him, holding it out. 

“Are you cold? This is your blanket, you can have it.”

The boy remained still.

Wilbur sighed, carefully covering the child with it. “There. That’s a bit better, isn’t it?”

Silence.

“Well… I better get back to working on that translator. If you need anything, you can press that button there”—Wilbur pointed—“and I’ll be here. Also, I’ll come check on you every now and then. I’ll bring some food too.”

No response.

Wilbur stood up and left, hoping the child would allow himself a little freedom once he was gone.

———

The translator was functioning slightly.

He doesn’t think he could get a whole conversation out of it, but it was about ready for introductions. It only needed a few tweaks. First, he needed to get his foster child some food. 

He went into the kitchen, grabbing some Jaskt jam and Hegphy bread. He spread the jam onto the bread, making sure it had a good, thin layer of the orange stuff. 

He then took some grilak—a golden, round fruit—and set them under the sink. Water flowed over it, washing it and giving it a nice texture. He then sliced it up, spreading it across the plate.

The boy probably won’t be able to eat much for a bit. Wilbur then took a glass, shuffling through the fridge until he found what he was looking for. He smiled as he brought out a jug of blue liquid. He shook it vigorously before opening it up and pouring it into the cup. 

Wasdrek juice. A true delicacy. 

It was his favorite juice as a kid. It should pair well with the Jaskt jam. Hopefully, the colorful food will coax the boy to eat it all. 

Wilbur placed the plate and cup on a tray, walking back to the human’s room. 

He let the camera see his face. It beeped, the door sliding open.

“It’s me!” Wilbur called before walking inside. 

He frowned at the boy still huddled against the wall. He shook off his expression, smiling gently. 

He bent down, placing the tray next to the golden haired child. “This is for you. I’ll have a translator soon. Hopefully we can at least get names across. I don’t know if you’ll like this food. The taste is pretty vibrant, but I assumed it would be better than whatever they gave you. Should I mention them? Probably not. Sorry,” Wilbur rambled. 

The boy looked at the food as Wilbur pushed it closer. As soon as it was within reach, the boy held his arm out and stared at him.

Wilbur blinked at the outstretched arm. 

The boy’s fist was closed, eyes distant.

Wilbur tapped his fist, confusion etched on his features. “What’s this gesture?” 

The boy just stared. Wilbur tilted his head to the side, shoving the tray closer with his tail.

“Is this like… a ‘thank you’? I haven’t seen a human do this before.”

The boy just stuck his arm out further.

Wilbur pulled back, eyebrows pinched together. “I’m sorry… I don’t understand?”

The boy’s mouth opened, Wilbur perking up slightly. It took a moment, but eventually a wheezed, incoherent word escaped the boy’s lips.

Wilbur smiled shakily. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”

Another few attempts until, eventually, Wilbur recognized the language.

Dreamonic.

“Oh! Sorry, my Dreamonic is a little rusty. Let me see…” Wilbur pulled out his tablet, holding it out to record the boy.

He repeated the word again.

The tablet loaded for a moment before it translated.

“Sample.”

Wilbur was more confused now than before.

“Sample? What…?” Wilbur’s eyes traveled over the boy’s arm. Scrapes and… and circle shaped scars. 

Wilbur’s eyes went wide. Oh… oh, this poor boy. He was trying to give his arm so that Wilbur could take a sample of blood. 

Wilbur schooled his horrified expression, smiling as gently as he could. “Skitra…” Wilbur gently took the boy’s arm in his clawed hands, lowering it with a small push. “No need for that. You’ll never need to give me a sample. A…” Wilbur did his best to copy the word in Dreamonic. “Sample.” Wilbur shook his head in a gesture he knew the human would understand.

Finally, the boy’s face gave an expression. His brows were pinched as he stuck his arm out again, repeating the word “sample” in a more questioning tone.

Wilbur pushed his arm back down, repeating in Dreamonic, “Sample, no. No sample.”

The boy was the most expressive he’s seen him. Completely and utterly befuddled.

Wilbur stood up, ready to leave the boy to his meal when he scrambled up and started following after the older. Wilbur raised a brow, but he certainly wasn’t going to tell the child not to leave the room. 

The boy trailed after him, feet shuffling across the floor. Wilbur only looked back every now and then, ensuring the child wasn’t losing him. 

Suddenly, the kid tripped over his own feet, eyes wide as he started to plummet to the ground. Thin arms outstretched to catch himself.

Wilbur’s tail whipped out, landing on his chest and keeping him up. Blue, fluffy fur at the end of his tail. 

“Careful,” Wilbur said gently, tail pushing the boy back to his feet. 

The boy stared at him, something between amazed and confused. Mostly confused. 

Wilbur kept walking like nothing happened. The boy walked behind him once again, arms swinging at his sides. 

Wilbur tried not to smile at how cute it was. 

Wilbur made it back into the kitchen, heading to the counter to prepare his own lunch. 

The boy just stood next to him, following him around. Wilbur did his best not to trip over the little one.

Wilbur went through about the same process, cutting up his own food and getting some bread and jam. He was going to make himself a different lunch, but if the boy was watching, perhaps it was best to have the same meal. 

The boy stared at the knife he was using. Wilbur was careful to allow him visibility of it at all times while also keeping it away from him.

Once he had finished making his lunch, he put it all on another tray and started heading back towards the human’s room. 

As soon as he got inside, he plopped down opposite of the child’s tray and began to eat. 

The boy looked at him curiously, stepping into his spot. His gaze snapped between the two trays and Wilbur. 

Wilbur just kept eating.

Slowly, the human sat down at his tray. 

The boy then looked at him, hesitantly stretching his arm out again. “S-sample…?”

Wilbur shook his head. “No sample.”

The boy then looked back to his food, reaching out and grabbing the bread. He carefully brought it to his mouth, keeping his blue eyes trained on Wilbur. 

Wilbur just kept eating.

Tiny teeth bit into the fluffy bread. 

Immediately, the boy’s eyes grew wide. He pulled the bread back, staring at it in amazement. 

Wilbur couldn’t hide his smile.

The human stuffed it in his mouth, chewing it and scarfing it down faster than Wilbur had ever seen.

After the two had finished eating, Wilbur stood up and left. The boy didn’t follow.

———

Wilbur grinned as he hopped over to the human’s room, two devices in hand. 

He made it to the camera, the door opening with a swoosh. 

The boy looked up at the noise, eyes just a little brighter. 

Wilbur headed over, plopping down across from him. “Hey. I’ve got something for you!” Wilbur shook the device.

The boy just stared. 

Wilbur smiled and flicked the device on. 

He spoke into it, “Hello?”

The device repeated it in Humanese. 

The boy’s eyes went wide and he leaped at him. Wilbur flinched back as the boy ripped the device from his hands. 

The child stared at it, flicking all the buttons and holding it to his ear.

Wilbur reached out slowly. “Hey, hey… easy with that-“

The boy’s head snapped towards him, and he quickly threw the device back at him, clearly afraid. 

It all happened too fast; Wilbur wasn’t ready. The device smacked him in the face, falling to the floor and splitting in half. Its contents spilled out in colorful wires and chips.

The boy stared in absolute horror. His entire body began to shake, and he gripped the edges of the blanket so hard his pale skin turned even whiter. He curled into a ball, blanket covering his shaking form as he repeatedly said something in humanese. 

Wilbur grabbed the second device, clicking it on.

This one translated humanese to Common. 

“I’m sorry— I’m sorry— I’m sorry— I’m sorry—“ the child repeated.

Wilbur’s heart broke. He reached out slowly, hand carefully landing on the boy’s back. The boy jumped but didn’t move away. 

“It’s alright. I’m not mad…” Wilbur cooed as he gently rubbed his thumb over the human’s spine. “Shhh… Don’t be scared. No one’s going to hurt you, Skitra. Not under my watch.” 

Wilbur continued to whisper softly to him, gently rubbing his back. After a few minutes, the human’s sobs and mutters stopped. 

The boy gently pulled back his blanket, carefully peeking out at him. His eyes were red and puffy. Cheeks flushed red. 

“There he is,” Wilbur cooed softly, hand reaching up to cup the boy’s face.

The child’s eyes tracked his hand carefully. Wilbur’s clawed thumb gently ran across the boy’s cheeks, wiping away the tears there.

The boy stuck out both his arms, sticking them in his face. “Sample! Sample! Sample!”

Wilbur just shook his head, hands pushing the boy’s arms back down. The child just stared, blinking at him. 

A single tear fell down his cheek, and Wilbur was quick to wipe it away. “No sample. I’m not mad. We can get this fixed easily.”

Wilbur quickly gathered all the pieces again, standing up and leaving to get it fixed. The boy didn’t follow.

———

Wilbur returned about an hour later with the reconstructed device. Luckily, it was just the casing that broke. Everything inside was still intact. 

Wilbur flicked it on, handing it to the boy. “Hello.”

The boy stared at him, then at the device now in his hands. Wilbur held up his own, waiting for the child to speak.

“H-hello…?” a voice spoke through Wilbur’s device.

Wilbur beamed. “Hi! Oh, it’s so good to finally speak to you. I’m sorry it took so long to get this thing working.”

The boy listened as the words were translated, a tiny, almost unnoticeable smile on his face. 

“My name is Wilbur.” Wilbur patted his chest. “Wilbur.”

The boy stared at him for a moment before repeating, “Wilbur.” 

It wasn’t exactly right. There was a thick accent that meshed the letter together a bit weirdly, but it was understandable. 

“That’s right! Can you tell me your name…?”

The child looked conflicted, eyes boring into his. After a moment the boy spoke again.

“Tommy.”

Wilbur beamed. “Tommy.”

Tommy’s lips wobbled up into a smile as he gave a small nod. “Tommy.”

“Well, Tommy. I want you to know you’re safe here.”

Tommy tilted his head. “Safe?”

“Yes. No more samples. No more experiments. You’ll be fed and given shelter. I’ll be here to make sure this is a good home for you.”

“Home? Will you take me home?” Tommy asked, hope sparking in his eyes.

Wilbur’s smile turned shaky. “Ah… I can’t do that.”

Tommy deflated, all hope leaving him and his eyes glossing over once again. “Oh…”

“I’m really sorry. I wish I could make you happy, but Earth is blocked off. I’m not allowed there.”

Tommy remained silent.

Well… There went that conversation.

“I’ll be back with some dinner later, okay?”

Silence.

Wilbur sighed, standing up and walking out.

———

Tommy sat in his dark, cold prison for a while. There was a lot of shouting and yelling outside, but he didn’t dare try and leave.

Leaving meant more samples. More samples meant more pain.

The door opened, and there were new aliens standing there. They started shouting and rushed inside, trying to speak to him.

Tommy just stared. 

Did these new aliens need more samples? 

Lots of aliens come and go. Some took lots of samples. Some took only a few.

For the most part, it had just been those green blob monsters, though. 

The strange new aliens picked him up and began to carry him out of the room.

The samples taken outside of the room were his least favorite. 

They normally took him to this small metal room with really bright lights. A few trays full of sharp tools. 

He really didn’t like the sharp tools. 

They hurt so bad that he often fell asleep. 

That’s the only thing he looked forward to during those samples.

However, these new aliens didn’t take him to the silver room. Instead, they took him to a separate ship and placed him in another strange room. The blanket given to him was a lot better than the one he had. 

He held out his arm, waiting for the sample to be taken.

No one ever took it.

———

Tommy stared up at the sheep-looking alien. They were talking in a soft voice, wool bouncing up and down. They tried to give him food, but they wouldn’t take any samples. Which had Tommy very confused. 

He just continued to be distant.

Distant meant the hunger wasn’t as bad. 

Distant meant the terrible, lonely thoughts in his mind couldn’t take hold. 

Distant meant he was okay.

The next thing he knew, he was being taken out and towards another room. 

After what felt like a lot of walking, the sheep creature stepped to the side to reveal yet another alien.

This one was purple with what appeared to be blue… gills? The whites of its eyes were a soft green, while the irises were a deep blue. It had a tail that was very long with fluffy blue tufts of fur at the end. It curled up like a chameleon’s tail. Like a fruit roll-up. 

It had webbed fingers and small fin-like things on its arms. It wore a strange black space suit with a yellow heart on its neck area. Its knees seemed to naturally bend forward slightly, yet it was still incredibly tall. 

Like, taller than anything he’s ever seen. 

It also had two sets of pointy ears. 

Despite all the sharp edges of its talons and body, the creature still seemed very soft. Maybe it was the thin coat of fur it had. Maybe it was the way it was looking at him. 

Tommy doesn’t remember anybody ever looking at him that way before.

The creature bent down in front of him, speaking to him in the same language the newer aliens did. The old ones seemed to have a different language. 

Tommy felt his leg muscles burn as they began to shake. He wasn’t quite used to holding himself up for so long.

Before he could stop himself, he collapsed to the ground.

The purple creature grabbed hold of him gently, and Tommy held onto it for dear life. 

He’d already done too much. They were going to want more samples. More more more—

The creature moved its arms to cradle him, lifting him up high into the air. 

Tommy found himself laying his head against the creature’s chest, relaxing instinctually into the steady heartbeat beneath it.

It sounded so… so human.

The creature started walking away and into the new ship. The alien set him down and buckled him in, still talking to him.

Tommy appreciated it, even if he couldn’t understand. 

Soon enough, the entire ship began to rumble, and they were off. 

———

The weird purple alien took him to his new cell. The new cell was a lot nicer than his old one. There were little planet stickers and stars around the walls, making this one a lot more colorful.

There was an actual bed in the corner and small compartments in the wall. 

But beds weren’t for bad test subjects, so he hid in the corner. The alien rustled through a treasure chest-looking thing, pulling out what appeared to be toys. It looked at him with a spark in its eyes.

Was this another test? 

The purple alien talked to him in a soft, bubbly voice before giving him a blanket. 

Tommy didn’t take it. If he moved too quickly, he could be punished. It could be a test. The other aliens did that a lot. 

The alien then laid the blanket over him gently, speaking to him in a hushed voice.

Then the alien left him alone. Always alone.

———

The purple creature came back not too much later, holding a tray with some strange-looking stuff on it. There was what appeared to be golden apple slices on the plate. A piece of bread with some orange jam on it. 

He figured this alien would make him go without food again, but maybe that’s just because he didn’t know when Tommy last ate. He doesn’t want his test subject to die, after all. 

The creature set the tray down next to him, speaking gently. 

Tommy stuck his hand out, ready for a sample to be taken. 

The creature gave him a confused look and tapped his fist, speaking in a questioning tone. He pushed the tray closer with his long tail, but Tommy didn’t drop his arm. 

It was a bad idea to try and eat without letting them take samples first.

The creature didn’t move. 

Did no one here understand how this works?! He wasn’t eating until they took a sample! 

He opened his mouth, trying to speak. It came out raspy and it hurt his throat a little.

It had been a while since he’d spoken.

“Sample,” he finally got out. 

The creature perked up and reached for something. He pulled out a tablet and said something. Tommy assumed the creature wanted him to repeat himself. 

“Sample,” he said again.

The creature looked at him with furrowed brows before his eyes widened. 

He then shook his head. “Sample.”

No? No sample?

“No sample,” the creature clarified in a somewhat accented version of the words. 

Huh? 

He didn’t want a sample? But—but what about the food?!

The alien stood up, walking out of the room.

Oh! He must’ve been taking him to the… the silver room. 

He didn’t want to go to the silver room.

His stomach grumbled, and Tommy sighed. He had to. 

He stood up, rushing after the alien. The other ones were never too keen on him being late. 

He stumbled after him, tripping over his own feet. His foot caught on the tile, the friction causing him to fall forward.

The floor came plummeting towards him, and he squeezed his eyes shut as his arms shot forward. 

Something firm pressed against his chest, keeping him from hitting the ground. 

He carefully opened his eyes, looking down to see the fluffy end of the alien’s tail holding him up. The alien crooned something gentle before pushing him softly back to his feet. 

What just happened? The old aliens would have made a snorting sound at the fact that he fell. 

They would have kicked him and told him to get back on his feet. 

Maybe… maybe this alien wouldn’t hurt him?

Tommy walked after him as they went into another room. 

It appeared to be a kitchen. The alien walked up to the counter, one Tommy wasn’t tall enough to see over. 

The creature grabbed a knife, Tommy’s eyes widening. 

The alien didn’t do anything other than cut up some food. Tommy also noticed that he allowed him to view the knife whenever possible. 

It warmed some part of him. 

Once the alien had set up another tray, he turned and walked away. 

Tommy followed after him, watching his steps closely. 

Now that he saw the back of the alien, he noticed that there were long, pointy scales running along his spine. They slowly got shorter as they traced down his tail until they were nearly invisible.

The two ended up in his cell once again, the alien sitting down and beginning to eat. 

Tommy sat opposite of him, glancing at his plate. 

The alien didn’t bring him to the silver room? 

He didn’t… 

Tommy extended his arm. “Sample…?”

The alien shook his head. “No sample.”

Was he… really not going to take one? Was this some trick?

Tommy looked at his food, slowly taking it and putting it up to his mouth. He glanced at the alien once more to ensure he wouldn’t try to stop him. 

The creature just kept eating. 

Tommy slowly bit into it, eyes going wide.

It was so delicious!!! He began to scarf it down. 

It’s the best thing he’s ever eaten! 

It’s so good! 

He didn’t notice the small smile on the alien's face. 

———

The alien comes back again. This time he was holding a device. 

Was he finally ready to take a sample?

The alien plopped down and smiled at him, holding up the device.

“Hello?”

Tommy’s eyes widened.

Human!!!

That was a human!!! Was it a radio or something?!? 

A walkie-talkie?

Before he could stop himself, he reached out and yanked the device away, ignoring the shocked look on the alien’s face.

He had to ask for help. He had to communicate with them. 

He could finally go home. He wanted to go home!

He started flicking buttons randomly, hoping to get that voice back.

Please, he just needed to hear something he understood.

Suddenly, a bubbly sound came from beside him. 

He looked over, eyes wide as he saw the alien reaching towards him.

Oh, no.

What was he thinking?!? He just ripped something out of the alien’s hand! He was going to strap him down in the silver room! He was going to hurt him! 

He had to beg for forgiveness. He had to-

He threw the device back. Hopefully returning the item in a timely manner would lessen his punishment. 

The device smacked the alien in the face, falling to the ground and shattering.

The blood rushed out of Tommy’s face and his heart dropped.

He messed up.

He really messed up. His mouth went dry as he gripped the blanket tightly. His entire body began to shake violently. 

Before the creature could speak, Tommy curled into the corner and hid his face in his blanket. Tears pricked at his eyes as he muttered apologies. 

The others never took to his begging, but maybe this one was different. 

A hand landed on his back, making him jump. 

The creature spoke to Tommy softly as his thumb ran over his spine softly. Croons coming from the alien. 

Sobs ripped from his throat as he prepared to be grabbed and yanked away from his small corner. 

But—

But nothing happened. 

The alien just kept rubbing along his back soothingly and speaking in soft whispers. 

Eventually, his tears had mostly subsided, and curiosity got the better of him. He lowered the blanket and blinked up at the taller. 

The creature cooed, hand reaching out towards his face. Tommy watched the hand with wide eyes.

This was it. He was going to sink those claws into his face and rip it apart. Maybe study his eyes. 

Instead, a thumb gently glided over the skin, wiping away the tears there. 

This was too good to be true. It was too much. There was no way this was real.

It was a trick. It was all a lie. 

He stuck his arms out desperately. “Sample! Sample! Sample!” 

He had to take it now. The alien couldn’t possibly keep this up much longer, could he? 

The taller just smiled and pushed his arms away. 

Tommy blinked in disbelief. 

This… it… it couldn’t be real…

The alien wiped away another tear. “No sample.” 

He stood up and gathered the broken pieces of his device. Then, he left. 

Like he hadn’t just shattered Tommy’s understanding of the universe.

———

The alien returned with the fixed device once again. A big smile on his face.

“Hello,” came through it’s speakers once more.

Tommy knew to stay still this time. 

The alien then held up another, similar-looking device, staring at him as if he was expecting something. 

Tommy opened his mouth, speaking hesitantly. “H-hello…?”

The older lit up, eyes gleaming with excitement. 

“Hi!” came through the device.

Oh… oh, it was changing the languages! What was that called again…?

A… trans-la-tor? Right?

“Oh, it’s so good to finally speak to you. I’m sorry it took so long to get this thing working.” 

Why was he apologizing? This was more than another other alien had ever done for him. 

Tommy felt his lips pull upwards slightly. They hadn’t done that in awhile.

“My name is Wilbur. Wilbur.” The alien, Wilbur, said while patting his chest. 

“Wil-bur.” Tommy repeated back. It didn’t sound exactly like the strange accent coming from the translator, but it was close. 

“That’s right!” Wilbur praised. “Can you tell me your name…?”

His name? What was his name…

It had been a long time since he’d heard it. 

Oh! That’s right!

“Tommy,” He answered. 

Wilbur’s eyes glistened with excitement once again. He was very expressive.

“Tommy.” It was thickly accented but understandable. 

Tommy’s lips pulled up more. 

“Tommy,” he repeated. It sounded so right. So special.

Wilbur smiled. “Well, Tommy. I want you to know you’re safe here.”

“Safe?” Like… actually safe?

“Yes. No more samples. No more experiments. You’ll be fed and given shelter. I’ll be here to make sure this is a good home for you,” Wilbur answered.

Home. Home? 

Could he go home? His heart jumped in his chest at the thought. 

Could he finally go home?!?

“Will you take me home?” Tommy asked with sparks in his eyes. 

Wilbur’s smile wobbled. “Ah… I can’t do that.”

His heart plummeted back into his stomach. The hope in his eyes draining away. 

Of course he wouldn’t take him home. 

“Oh…”

“I’m really sorry. I wish I could make you happy, but Earth is blocked off. I’m not allowed there,” Wilbur apologized.

Tommy remained silent. Why did he ever get his hopes up?

“I’ll be back with some dinner later, okay?” Wilbur offered.

The disappointment was too great for him to even respond.

Wilbur sighed, standing up and leaving.

Tommy ignored the tears stinging at his eyes as he settled into the blanket once more.

Right. No matter how nice this place seemed… he'd never be allowed home. He’d do good to remember that.

———

A month in, and Wilbur had somehow kept Tommy from meeting the rest of the crew. 

It wasn’t too difficult given the boy rarely left his room. 

The translator worked for the most part, but there were still some words that slipped through the cracks. 

Wilbur’d been trying to teach the boy Common, and he’d been doing really well. Humans were very quick learners. 

He wanted to ask Tommy to teach him about humanese, but he felt that might be too much like an “experiment” for right now. 

As for progress on Tommy’s behavior…

It’s… going.

He only recently stopped trying to give samples for food. The first time Tommy ate the food without offering Wilbur his arm, he nearly exploded in joy.

It was progress. 

Wilbur had been trying to coax him to sleep in his own bed rather than the corner. He’d tried everything from setting his food on the bed, to putting toys there. 

The most he would do is eat on the bed, but then he’d sit right back in the corner. 

They hadn’t initiated contact since Tommy broke the device. Which was extraordinarily difficult for Wilbur. 

His species was very tactile, and not being able to hold his little Skitra had him slightly antsy. 

He knew he had to be patient though, so he held back. 

No matter how much he just wanted to wrap his tail around the blond. 

The human was warming up to him, though. He’d noticed the more relaxed stance Tommy had taken on. 

Communication was slow. Tommy didn’t particularly like speaking to him, but he did enjoy hearing Wilbur talk. 

It was something small he noticed in the blond’s posture. 

From the videos he’d seen, he knew humans, especially their children, were very tactile and social creatures. 

They liked being around other children and people. 

Wilbur wished he could introduce Tommy to more kids, but that would probably just send him into shock.

Not to mention he was a human, so other children probably wouldn’t want to hang out.

Speaking of him being a human, the boy hadn’t tried anything harmful. He hadn’t even tried to look threatening. 

Wilbur thought it may be time to introduce him to the crew. It was best if he got comfortable sooner rather than later. 

———

Wilbur waited for Tommy to finish eating before he spoke. “Hey, Tommy?”

Tommy looked up, eyes slightly less dull than they were when they first met. “Yes?”

“I want you to meet some people,” Wilbur said as slowly and calmly as possible.

On the inside, he was terrified they’d spook the boy. He was afraid they’d reset all his progress. 

But, he knew if he let that nervousness show, the boy would pick up on it. 

Another thing Tommy seemed to be good at: picking up on emotions. It was like he had this sense that told him something was off with only the smallest of details.

He wondered if this was universal to all humans.

Tommy’s eyes turned glassy as he spoke flatly in Common. “You going to take me to silver room?” 

The “silver room” was something Wilbur had heard of a few times now. Through a few context clues and some questions, he managed to gather that it wasn’t a very nice room. 

He promised to never take the boy to a room like that.

“No. Remember? I said no silver room,” Wilbur corrected gently. 

Tommy looked to the floor. “I… Okay.” 

Wilbur could tell he didn’t entirely believe him. 

He rose to his feet, watching as the boy stood up after him. 

They’d also been working on strengthening his muscles. He’d gotten a lot better at walking and standing on his own. 

Wilbur led the way, hand open at his side. 

It was a small gesture. A welcome in case Tommy wanted to hold his hand.

“They’re very nice. They’re my family.” 

‘Your family too,’ Wilbur thought to himself, but he didn’t voice it. He had no right to say something like that. Tommy probably had his own family on earth that loves and misses him. 

“They help run the ship,” Wilbur said instead.

Tommy didn’t reply, just moving slightly closer to him.

They went through a few more halls, Tommy inching further towards him with each turn. 

They finally reached a door. Tommy’s hand slipped into his as the door slid open. Wilbur gave him a gentle squeeze of reassurance. 

Inside was a living room. A few couches and chairs set up in a circle in the middle of the room. 

On those chairs were two creatures. 

One wore a black uniform just like Wilbur’s, except it bore green accents. The alien had feathers down his face and along his entire body. His mouth was shaped like a beak, eyes black and beady. Talons were set gently in his lap. 

The other alien had a pink hue to his skin. His build was bulky with hooves for hands and feet. Long hair curled around his arms and face. Tusks protruded from his head and lower jaw. 

Tommy’s hand tightened in Wilbur’s fiercely. 

Wilbur squatted down, smiling gently at the boy. “The one with the black feathers is Phil. He’s my dad.” 

Tommy looked over to Phil, who gave a small wave. Wilbur waved him over, Tommy watching with wide eyes as the creature got up and walked towards them. 

Tommy’s hand tightened so much his knuckles turned white, and Wilbur nearly flinched. Phil bent down to eye level, holding out a taloned hand.

“Hi, mate. My name is Phil.” 

Tommy scooted closer to Wilbur, mumbling quietly. “‘m T’mmy…” 

Phil perked up. “Well, hello there, Tommy. It’s so nice to finally meet you,” he cooed softly.

Tommy’s face flushed red, and he didn’t respond.

Phil looked to Wilbur, who nodded at him. The winged alien then stood up, heading back towards his seat. 

“The pink one is Techno,” Wilbur whispered to the boy. 

Tommy nodded shyly. 

Wilbur proceeded to wave him over.

Techno stood up, feet thudding against the floor as his hulking figure approached.

Tommy stiffened, and he huddled against Wilbur, hiding his face in the alien’s arms. 

Techno’s eyes widened, and he took a step back. 

Wilbur cooed at the younger, gently running a hand down his back. “Techno won’t hurt you, Skitra…”

Tommy hid behind Wilbur. “Scary…” he whispered.

Techno looked down, sadness written on his features. 

“Oh… He’s not scary,” Wilbur reassured. “He might be a bit bulky, but he’s a softy. He’ll keep those under his protection safe. And guess what?” Wilbur prompted.

Tommy looked up at him, receiving a boop to the nose.

“You’re under his protection.”

Tommy blinked at the brute. Wilbur nodded his head at Techno once more, watching as he slowly made his way over. Steps now careful and quiet. 

Techno bent down, hands out placatingly. “He’s right. You’re part of my crew. You’re under my protection,” he said, sounding so soft. 

Wilbur would have to tease him for that later.

“No… no samples?” Tommy asked quietly.

“No samples, kid,” Techno replied. 

Wilbur had told him of what those Dreamons had done to their newest crew member. 

Tommy nodded. 

Wilbur smiled, standing up. Tommy gripped his hand, shuffling behind his legs. Wilbur wrapped his tail around the boy’s shoulders. “Let’s get you back to your room. We can talk to Phil and Techno more later.”

This was already overwhelming. It’s best they keep the interactions short, for now.

Tommy nodded, allowing Wilbur to lead him back to his room. 

Once they had gotten inside, Wilbur stopped him. 

Tommy watched as Wilbur went to his corner, grabbing the blanket and walking to the bed. He gently folded it and placed it over his arm, smiling at the blond. 

“Tommy, I really would like you to sleep in the bed rather than the floor. Can you do that for me? Please?” 

Tommy stared for a moment, eyes dancing between Wilbur’s soft smile and the soft mattress. 

He took a step, then another, and another, until he climbed onto the bed and laid back. His head hit the pillow, eyes wide as he looked at the sticker-covered roof. 

Wilbur appeared in his vision, smiling as he unfolded the blanket and gently tucked it around him.

“There we go… Better?” 

Tommy stared right into his eyes, something sparking inside.

They looked alive.

“You…” Tommy bit his lip. “You’re…” 

“You can ask me anything you need to, Skitra,” Wilbur coaxed gently. 

“You’re really not… not going to hurt me?” he whispered, fingers curling around the edge of the blanket.

Wilbur slowly brought his hand to the boy’s face, cradling it gently. “Never. I’ll never hurt you. And I won’t let anyone ever hurt you again.”

Tommy smiled, eyes closing as he allowed himself to lean fully into the hand. 

Wilbur had to actually hold his head up.

Tommy hummed, head falling backwards and hitting the pillow. His eyes remained shut, soft breaths escaping him.

Wilbur’s eyes widened, his body frozen for a moment.

That… was the first time he’d fallen asleep in front of him. 

He let out a shaky breath, grin pulling at his lips. An act of trust. A symbol of progress. 

He stood up, whispering a final goodnight before leaving the room. 

———

Tommy was more outgoing after that. He smiled more. Wandered around more. 

Though, never without permission. Wilbur tried to tell him that he didn’t need to ask to leave his room, but the boy insisted on it. 

He still hadn’t opened his window either. Maybe he didn’t know how?  

Wilbur would have to ask about that.

Currently, he was sitting at the table, having just woken up. He sipped on his juice, tablet in hand as he scrolled through the galactic news. 

No wars, so that was a plus. Though there were some tensions rising in Delta 6. None of his concern though. They were constantly at each other’s throats in that quadrant, but nothing ever comes of it. 

An announcement for a celebration pops up on his screen.

He doesn’t need any news alerts to tell him that he needs to return to his home planet of Atherth soon. The festival of Atherth is a pretty widely known event. 

It’s also a more… private event for his kind. 

Every cycle, his species will have a deep, gut feeling that brings them home. They hold a festival for their reunion. It’s often a place to find potential mates as well as spend a day with one’s family. After all, only family of their species were allowed. 

Maybe he could bring Tommy… He wanted to show his Skitra his home planet. It was quite a beautiful place. 

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of shoes slapping against the floor quietly. 

He looked up, watching as Tommy shuffled towards him.

Wilbur smiled down at the boy as he stopped in front of him. “Hey, Toms. Good morning.”

He finally left his room without his permission. 

“Good morning,” Tommy replied, looking to the ground as he dug his shoe into the floor.

“Is there something you need?” Wilbur asked. 

“Could you… you— I… Please… you—“ Tommy stammered. 

“You can ask me anything. Go ahead.”

Tommy held his head up, looking at him in a moment of confidence. “Could you get me something to eat?” 

His shoulders quickly drew closer to his neck and he flinched back, ready for a hit.

“Of course I can,” Wilbur replied, standing up and walking to the kitchen. “Is there anything you want in particular?”

“Could I… have those gold things?” 

“Sure.” Wilbur grabbed a few of the golden fruit and placed them under the faucet, letting water run over them. He then sliced them up, setting the cut pieces on the plate and handing it to the eager Tommy. 

Tommy walked to the table, reaching up and setting the plate down. He then tried to pull himself onto the chair, legs kicking beneath him as it was a bit too tall.

Wilbur chuckled to himself, pushing the kid the rest of the way with his tail. 

“Thanks,” Tommy said as he sat down, stuffing the slices in his mouth. 

Wilbur leaned against the table, eyes fond and smile soft.

Wilbur’s had an open spot in his heart for a long time. Just waiting for someone to come and fill it. 

It was why he had been so desperate to foster and adopt. The hole in his heart got so big, he was beginning to think of moving away from Phil and Techno. 

They were family, no matter what. They could handle not seeing each other everyday. He wondered if it was time to start his own family.

Last festival he had met this girl named Sally. 

She had beautiful red fur and curly red hair. She smiled wide, and she was a great dancer. 

But sadly, it didn’t work out between them. She didn’t want kids. 

Wilbur knew that wouldn’t work for him. 

They wished each other the best and moved on. 

That only left Wilbur even more ready to start a family. He had started talking to Phil and Techno after that, asking if they were okay with him going off on his own.

Phil said he was fine with him leaving the nest, but he’d be missed. Techno, the big softie, put on an uncaring expression and said he’d be glad. 

Wilbur, of course, pointed out how his eyes were watery. 

But now that hole was filled. As soon as he saw Tommy’s file, he knew everything had lined up perfectly. Everything worked out for him as it should have.

Now, if he was given the chance, he would have rather not met Tommy. He would give it all up if it meant the boy never had to go through what he did. 

But, there’s nothing Wilbur can do about what did happen. All he can control is what happens now. 

And right now he will ensure Tommy feels safe, loved, and cherished.  

“Hey, Skitra?” Wilbur prompted.

Tommy hummed his acknowledgment.

“How come you haven’t opened your window yet?” 

“I have a window?” Tommy asked, confusion written on his face.

“Oh, I thought you knew. There’s a window in your room. Do you know how to operate it?”

Tommy shook his head. “There wasn’t exactly a window in my cell…”

Wilbur swallowed back the anger at that word.

Cell. He was a prisoner. An experiment. 

He’s a child.

“Oh, I’ll show you then. We’re currently on-planet right now, though. So it’s not the best view,” Wilbur chuckled as they walked towards Tommy’s room. 

“I haven’t seen out of any window, so I’ll take what I can get,” Tommy said.

Wilbur stopped, looking back at him with a confused face. “What do you mean? You haven’t looked out of a window?” 

“No? I never got the chance to before.” 

“You mean… you’ve never actually seen outer space?” 

Tommy shook his head. “No.”

Wilbur’s jaw dropped. How could he not realize that? Tommy only ever goes to the kitchen and his room. He’s never seen outer space!!! 

“Oh, we’re going to fix that. Once we’re off-planet, I’ll take you to the observation deck, okay? It’s a wonderful sight to see.” 

Tommy shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.”

Wilbur opened the door. “It is a big deal, Tommy. You’ve been in space for so long, and you’ve never gotten to see the beauty of it all.” 

Wilbur clicked a button next to the window. It turned see-through. Tommy clambered onto the bed, looking through it.

They were in a hanger, Phil and Techno loading cargo onto the ship. There were several other aliens rushing about, helping load the ship up as well. 

Tommy crouched down. “C-can they see me?” 

Wilbur shook his head. “No, it’s one way glass on this setting. You’d click this button if you wanted it so everyone could see you.” He gestured to another button that sat just above the first.

Tommy stood back up, eyes glistening. 

Tommy hadn’t been allowed on-planet yet. The hustle and bustle of it all was probably a bit much for the time being. 

But, hopefully at their drop off location, Wilbur could walk Tommy around for a bit. The planet they were going to was less populated, so it should be better for him.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Wilbur said as he placed a hand on Tommy’s shoulder. He counted it as a win when the boy didn’t flinch.

Tommy was really beginning to accept his life here.

“We will probably head back into space while we’re asleep. I’ll wake you up and show you space, okay?”

Tommy nodded without a verbal response.

———

Wilbur felt the strings vibrate beneath his fingers. 

He learned to play the avow when he was a kid. 

The instrument belonged to his home world. It had a strange S shape. Notches throughout the body of it with strings tied to different places. Small holes underneath it allowed the noise to echo through the whole instrument, creating a haunting, deep sound. 

He began to sing in his native language. It wasn’t words per se. It was more like a deep, rumbling, and eerie noise his species could emit. It was a more traditional song. 

He hummed, throat expanding and mouth widening to allow it to vibrate more. It sounded like a call… in a way. He allowed his lips to close, shaping the notes into something higher and more melodic. 

His fingers danced slowly along the strings of his avow, pairing nicely with his voice. 

The sound of a door sliding open stopped his song. He glanced over, eyes narrowing on the figure. 

It was a bit late for a visitor. The newcomer really should have gone to bed a while ago. 

“Tommy?” Wilbur questioned, seeing the boy stand there with his blanket in his arms.

Tommy blinked sleepily at him. His eyes were distant, almost like he was in a trance. 

“Toms?” Wilbur chuckled slightly.

Tommy walked inside, the door shutting behind him. He slowly padded over to the bed, Wilbur tracking his movement. 

He reached up, gripping the comforter and trying to pull himself up onto the bed.

Wilbur’s tail naturally went to help him up, pushing him onto the mattress. Tommy readjusted himself, slotting his body between Wilbur’s arm and the instrument. 

Wilbur made an ‘o’ shape with his mouth. Head tilted as Tommy made himself comfortable. The blond pulled the blanket up to his chin, eyes closed as he leaned against his chest. 

“Music ‘s nice…” he mumbled quietly. 

“Oh… You like my song?” Wilbur asked.

Tommy nodded softly. “Mmhmm…”

Wilbur felt his heart swell. Tears pricked at his eyes. 

Oh, he was just precious. 

Wilbur let his arm fall comfortably around the boy, tail wrapping around him. “Well, then… I guess I can play a few more songs then.” 

“Sounds ‘ood…” Tommy yawned, body fully relaxing.

Wilbur choked up. 

What was he even supposed to say? 

He supposed he shouldn’t say anything. He should just sing as the boy requested. 

And so he does. He sang even long after the blond had fallen asleep.

And when he started to hear soft snores, he placed the avow to the side, making sure to be as quiet as possible. He then gently grabbed the blond, adjusting his position as he fell back into the comfy bed. Tommy laid curled into his side, half on top of his chest. The blond gently rose and fell with each of Wilbur’s breaths. 

Wilbur’s eyes crinkled, and he couldn’t stop the purrs if he tried. His chest rattled, and his tail wrapped around the boy. Arms held him close as Wilbur leaned down and whispered into his ear.

“Goodnight, Skitra.” He hesitated for a moment before pressing a quick kiss to his hair and pulling back. 

He smiled to himself. 

His baby. 

———

When Wilbur woke up, there was still a Tommy sleeping on top of him. Eyes closed gently and body practically melting onto him.

There was something so sweet about seeing him so calm. It was this knowledge that he felt safe around Wilbur. 

He didn’t know how to describe it. 

He ran a clawed hand gently through the boy’s hair, whispering softly. “Hey, Skitra… Time to wake up.” 

Tommy mumbled sleepily, refusing to get up. 

Wilbur chuckled, nudging him. “Come on, little one. You need to see space.”

Tommy raised his head, blinking sluggishly at him. 

Wilbur just flashed him a smile. Tommy shot up, eyes wide.

“I— I— I’m sorry! I didn’t mean— I—“ Tommy began to pant.

Wilbur’s grin fell, lips forming a tight line. Tommy kept stammering, cheeks flushed red in embarrassment. 

Wilbur just reached out, cupping the boy’s cheeks in his larger hands. It still amazed him how his palm was as large as Tommy’s face. “Hey, hey… I’m honored that you felt so comfortable with me. You did nothing wrong.” 

Tommy stared with his mouth parted slightly. Wilbur didn’t falter, keeping up his smile and warm hands. 

Tommy released a breath, eyes fluttering as he leaned his entire body weight forward. Wilbur let out a shocked noise, quickly catching him as he face-planted into his chest. 

“Thank you, Wilbur…” Tommy mumbled. 

Wilbur smiled, hugging him tightly. “Nothing to thank me for, Skitra. Nothing at all. Are you ready to go see space?”

Tommy nodded.

Wilbur slowly got up, keeping Tommy sat in the crook of his arm as he walked out of the room. It’d been a while since he’d been to the observation deck. 

Once he had made it, he ensured the windows were turned off for the big reveal.

“Ready?” Wilbur asked once more.

“Yeah,” Tommy replied.

“Alright…”

Wilbur clicked a button, the windows turning see-through.

Tommy’s eyes widened, a small gasp escaping him. Wilbur smiled, bringing him closer to the window. 

Outside sat a beautiful array of stars speckled in the inky black that swirled with colorful gas clouds. They twinkled in the vast expanse like they were waving at them. 

It all felt so empty and yet so full. It was like a sea of planets and suns. All floating through the void with no destination. 

It made everything else feel so small. 

Tommy reached out, palm pressing against the glass. The window was cold against his skin, reminding him of how empty it all felt. 

Tommy stared with wide eyes, not aware of the breath he was holding. 

He’d never seen this before. 

Nothing could compare.

It was all so… big. Suddenly, nothing else mattered. 

Everything was so small. That star—right there—it was bigger than he could truly imagine. 

And yet, from his perspective, he could cover it with his thumb. 

And that galaxy… it swirled and danced like it was listening to music.

Maybe that’s what it was doing. Maybe there was no destination. 

Maybe the universe was simply listening to one big song that he couldn’t hear. All the planets and stars and moons and asteroids… They were all spinning together in unison. All a part of this great dance. 

He wondered what was in the center. Who the conductor of it was.

“It’s pretty, isn’t it?”

Tommy finally took a breath in, answering with a quiet “Yeah…”

Wilbur smiled fondly. “I wish I had shown it to you sooner.” 

“It’s okay…” Tommy replied, eyes still transfixed on the beauty of the void. 

“Y’know… the universe isn’t so bad…” Wilbur whispered softly, looking at the boy. “It has a lot of wonderful things to offer. I’m sorry you saw the dark side of it all before you got to see the light.” 

Tommy laid his head against Wilbur’s chest, hand pulling away from the window. He didn’t respond, just stared out the window with a distant expression. 

Wilbur didn’t push him, instead just holding him and allowing him to continue to watch the stars drift by. 

——

Tommy was… starting to accept it all. He slowly came to the realization of what this all was. It was like the foster system back at home. Wilbur had explained the basics of it. That he was taken away from the Dreamons, and how they never should have abducted him in the first place. 

He was placed in Wilbur’s care after being taken from a bad home just like how he would be taken from a bad foster family back on earth.

He was beginning to understand that Wilbur and his crew wouldn’t hurt him. 

Still…

It was home. Where he could reach out and touch the grass. Where he could feel the dirt under his nails. 

Wilbur had begun to take him out of the ship. Tommy had walked a few of the less populated planets. 

It was fun and all… It just reminded him of earth. Whenever he saw stalls of unfamiliar fruit and bakeries of new breads… it just made him crave the food back home. 

When Wilbur took him out shopping, happily putting a variety of clothes up to him, he couldn’t help but remember the cotton of earth. 

Now, here he was, curled up in his bed as he watched stars slowly move by. Eyes distant as he remembered the patterns and constellations of home. He tried to find the Big Dipper. There were so many stars, he could probably make up any shape he wanted. 

He wondered what it was like for the creator of those constellations. What an honor to shape the stars. 

His eyes slowly drifted closed, longing deep in his gut only growing larger. 

——

Wilbur was so excited for today. He was also so incredibly nervous. 

Today was Tommy’s birthday! Tommy had told him what earth day he was born on, and with a few calculations, he figured out when his next birthday would be! 

Wilbur had Phil and Techno watch Tommy while he rushed out into the market. He made Phil stop at a very special market known for its huge amount of gifting opportunities. 

Tommy’s first birthday with him needed to be special. It needed to be memorable. 

He had a special gift for him in mind for a while now, and he already ordered it to be made. He just needs to pick it up today around lunch. So, until then… he had a lot of shopping to do!

——

Wilbur came back with bags hanging from his arms and several on his tail. Wrapping paper stuck between his arms and body. He bounced happily back towards the ship, walking up the ramp and rushing to his room. He sent a quick note to Phil that he was back and was going to be wrapping the gifts. 

He plopped down onto the floor, quickly opening the bags and unrolling the wrapping paper. 

He took some scissors, allowing it to rip through the paper with little resistance. He placed a box inside, pulling the paper over and taping it down. He then took a bag, stuffing several toys inside. 

He grabbed a metal box, smiling softly at it as he rubbed his fingers along the cool metal. There was a button on the top, ready to be pressed by the birthday boy. 

He hoped Tommy would like it. 

This was going to be an epic party! 

——

Wilbur tied one last piece to the wall, backing away with a smile.

“Happy Birthday!” was written in humanese. Well, apparently it was called English, and there were also many other languages on the planet.

Which was absurd! Why have multiple languages for one species?

Learning that fact definitely helped him with the final touches on the translator though.

Wilbur quickly sent a message to Phil.

“All ready!” 

Phil sent a message back, saying he was bringing Tommy in.

A moment later, the door slid open, Tommy walking in. His jaw dropped, eyes wide as Wilbur spread his arms.

“Happy birthday!” Wilbur shouted, Phil and Techno appearing behind Tommy and shouting the same.

Tommy smiled wide, eyes becoming slightly wet. He quickly wiped them away, rushing up and tackling Wilbur’s legs.

Wilbur patted his back, smiling wide. “We got you presents!”

Tommy looked up at him. “You did?!”

“Yep! Come on!” Wilbur exclaimed, walking him over to the couch. 

Tommy sat down, Wilbur excitedly grabbing presents and shoving them in his direction. He ripped open a bag, gasping when he saw what was inside. 

There was a Mooshroom plush. It was red with mushrooms growing off its back. 

“I did some research, and I found this one looks similar to your ‘cow,’ so I got it for you!” Wilbur grinned. 

Tommy stared at it for a moment, silent. He set it to the side, giving him a watery smile.

“Thank you…” 

Wilbur’s brows pinched. 

It sounded… sad? 

Why would he be sad if he was getting gifts?

The rest of the night was spent giving gifts. Every time Tommy opened something Wilbur had gotten him that was specifically earth-like… Tommy just became sad. 

Wilbur’s heart sank every time he’d give a watery smile and a breathy thanks. 

He thought he did good? 

Did he ruin Tommy’s birthday with his gifts?

Wilbur decided to shelve a few of the gifts, pushing them away without letting Tommy see.

He focused solely on the more alien gifts. Toys and clothes along with a few movies he and Tommy could watch together. A few special snacks that Tommy hadn’t tried. 

Techno gave him a dagger with a red jewel in it. It was also forged out of netherite. A very special weapon with material from his home world. 

Phil gave him a quill made from his feathers and special paints. 

After Wilbur moved all the earth-like gifts away, Tommy started to perk back up. His grin was wide, and he laughed and giggled. 

Wilbur released a breath, letting himself relax. 

Tommy doesn’t like those kinds of gifts: noted. 

After they’d gotten through at least 100 gifts, Wilbur pulled out the metal case. 

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and relaxing. 

This was a very special gift. It was a gift Tommy may refuse. 

Wilbur didn’t think he would… but there was that possibility. 

It was a scary thought.

He had gone to Phil several times, pacing back and forth as he muttered about it. So many times he wondered if he should back out. If he should just wait until another time to give it to his kid.

Phil told him to calm down. That everything would be fine.

Tommy was happy here. 

Wilbur turned around, putting on a smile and trying not to seem nervous as he shakily walked towards the blond.

His Skitra.

“So… Tommy…” Wilbur breathed, looking to Phil one last time.

The alien gave him a small nod of encouragement.

Wilbur nodded back, getting on his knees as he smiled at the boy. 

Tommy just blinked at him.

“This is a very serious gift. I hope you like it, but it’s okay if you don’t.” He held it out, the button upwards so Tommy could press it. 

“Go ahead and open it,” Wilbur said.

Tommy reached forward curiously, finger pressing the button down.

With a swoosh, it unlocked, the top folding back to reveal the contents.

It was a black suit with a yellow heart on the neck. Just like Wilbur’s, except there were red accents. 

Wilbur watched as Tommy’s body began to shake. Wilbur’s smile began to falter as he saw the boy’s grinning face slowly drop. The blond’s fists clenched and unclenched, breathing coming out in short huffs.

Like he was angry.

Wilbur’s brows pinched together. “Tommy…?”

Tommy’s hand suddenly shot forward, shoving the case out of his hands. It clattered onto the floor, the suit slipping out and sitting wrinkled next to it.

Wilbur looked at it with wide eyes. Phil and Techno stood shocked behind him. 

Wilbur looked back to Tommy, the boy’s eyes burning with anger.

What…?

“NO!!!” Tommy screamed.

Wilbur leaned back in shock, unable to find words. 

“I don’t want to be here!!!” Tommy stomped his foot, face red and puffy as liquid started to pool in his eyes.

“O-okay…” Wilbur breathed, ignoring the way his own eyes stung.

Tommy said no…

He didn’t want to be a part of the family.

“I want to go home!!!” Tommy cried, foot stomping more heavily as tears finally fell down his puffed up cheeks. 

“I can’t take you home…” Wilbur said, sounding slightly distant.

Tommy said no.

Tommy’s lips wobbled as he threw his arms in the air. “Take me home!!! Take me home! Take—take…”

Tommy’s anger slowly melted away as his shouts turned to sobs, hiccups, and shaky breaths. He brought his fists up to his eyes, wailing as he rubbed at them.

“Take me h-home! I want to go home!” 

Wilbur snapped out of his daze.

Oh…

Tommy was getting sad earlier because he was seeing things that reminded him of earth. Things that reminded him he could never go home. 

This wasn’t Tommy saying he didn’t like him or trust him…

In fact, it was quite the opposite.

If Tommy was still afraid of him, still afraid he’d be hurt for even asking for food… then there was no way he would act out like this.

He was just a kid. And right now… Wilbur was the one keeping him from going home.

Wilbur reached out, slowly dragging the boy into his arms. He planted a hand in his hair, holding Tommy’s head to his shoulder as he buried his face into the boy’s curls. The other arm wrapping around his back and pulling him close.

Tommy squirmed, pushing against him as he sobbed. “Let me go home! Take me home!!!”

Wilbur just held him tighter, whispering over his shoulder. “I can’t… I’m so sorry…”

“W-why not?!!!”

“The Federation won’t let me…” Wilbur answered, feeling a tear run down his face.

He ignored it.

“I WANT TO GO HOME!!!” he screamed again.

“I know… I know you do… I’m so sorry…”

Tommy hiccuped, coughing out a breath. His hands snaked around the older, clutching at the back of Wilbur’s shirt as he sobbed. 

“I want to go home!”

Wilbur slowly began to rock them back and forth. “I know, Skitra… I know…”

“Let me go home! Please…”

Wilbur squeezed his eyes shut, tears spilling out. “I can’t… I’m so sorry…”

Tommy burrowed into his shoulder, tears wetting his suit.

Wilbur leaned back, letting himself sit more comfortably as he crossed his legs. Tommy cradled in his arms and lap as he rocked them.

“I’m so sorry… I’m so sorry…” Wilbur continued to murmur, rubbing Tommy’s back as he cried. 

“I wanna go home…” Tommy whispered.

Wilbur squeezed him tighter. “I’m sorry.” 

He should have recognized the signs earlier. He offered to let the boy stay here when he wasn’t ready to accept it yet. 

Of course Tommy acted out on it. He’s been holding it all in for a long time now. 

The truth is… Wilbur has been in contact with the Federation ever since Tommy had first asked if Wili was taking him home.

The Federation is a difficult thing to deal with. They’re slow and there’s a lot of paperwork. He’d fought for it, but they’d shut him down each time.

He wouldn’t ever stop fighting for it. 

But it didn’t look like he’d ever get permission to take Tommy back to earth.

So, he was all Tommy’s got as the boy in his arms begged and pleaded to go home.

As he clawed at Wilbur’s back like it would somehow change his fate. As if it could turn back time and fix all of life’s wrongdoings.

Eventually, Tommy’s cries began to subside to the occasional hiccup.

Wilbur stayed there, humming to and holding him. 

“I’m sorry…” Tommy finally said, eyes distant. 

“You don’t need to be sorry.” Wilbur said, pulling back to see Tommy’s sticky face. Snot was running down his nose, hair stuck all over his forehead. 

Tommy sniffled. “But I—”

Wilbur cupped his face with one of his hands, smiling gently. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I shouldn’t have offered that to you. You aren’t ready, and you never have to be. I’m sorry I can’t do more for you.” 

Tommy pushed into Wilbur’s hand. “It’s okay…”

Tommy shoved his face into Wilbur’s chest, gripping his suit once more. “I’m tired.”

“I bet you are.” Wilbur gave a small chuckle, standing up and carrying Tommy with him. “Let’s get you to bed. You’ve had a long day.”

Tommy nodded, eyes slipping shut.

A new feeling of calm rushing over him.

——

After Wilbur had put Tommy to bed, he headed back into the living room. The lights were dimmed when he arrived, showing that the ship had entered its night cycle. 

He sighed and began to pick up all the trash. Bits and pieces of tape and wrapping paper thrown about. 

He bent over, collecting another piece and shoving it into the crook of his arm before moving to another. His tail picked up a box, bringing it closer so he could deposit all the trash inside.

He ignored the tears lingering on his lashes. Ignored how heavy they felt.

He shoved the toys Tommy got into a pile, putting the food in a separate one.

His eyes avoided the metal container on the floor.

The dim lights created a soft, almost depressing atmosphere. The toys looked old and forgotten. As if they would never feel a child’s hands again.

After 15 minutes, he’d cleaned up the room. 

Except one thing. He sighed, accepting he’d have to get to it eventually. 

No matter how much it hurt, his eyes slowly turned to the box. To the uniform thrown out of it and sitting, wrinkled, next to it. 

He walked over, shoes clicking against the metal floor. Wilbur bent down, long fingers grasping the tiny suit and box. The couch bounced beneath him as he plopped down on it, setting the silver case to the side. 

The fabric was tough yet stretchy beneath his fingertips as he held it in front of him. 

He couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Sobs ripped through him as he buried his face in the fabric, fingers tightening around it desperately. His chest shook with the force of his cries, tears running down his cheeks.

He wanted his Skitra. He wanted him so much. He wanted him to wear this suit and promise to stay. 

He wanted his son. 

But he wasn’t his son, was he?

A hand landed on his shoulder, and a moment later there was another.

“Phil… Techno…” Wilbur greeted quietly as he hiccuped. 

“Wil… I’m sorry,” Phil said in a near whisper. “I’m sorry.”

Wilbur shrugged, pulling the uniform away. His eyes stayed trained to the golden heart, thumb running over it.

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not,” Techno grunted. “You’re hurt. That’s not okay.”

Wilbur huffed. “Well, I can’t just make him be happy here, now can I?” he snapped. “I can’t make this his home, and I can’t stop him from missing earth.”

“That’s not what I meant. Of course you can’t force him to do anything. But that doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t crushed.”

“I don’t… I don’t have a right to call him my son… I have no right to feel that way.”

“You have every right to feel that way,” Phil said sternly.

“How? He certainly doesn’t think of me as a father.”

“That isn’t relevant to how you feel. You’re right, he doesn’t think of you like that… but that doesn’t mean you can’t think of him as your son. You care about him. You love him. That will never change. Maybe one day, Tommy will look up at you and see you as a father figure. Until then… you can look down and see him as your son. You can continue to love him and continue to hope that feeling will be reciprocated.”

Wilbur let out a shaky breath, smiling slightly. “You’re right. As always.”

Phil snorted, patting his back. “Now pack that away. Save it for a time he’ll be ready for it.”

Wilbur nodded, folding it carefully and slotting it back into place. 

For another day.

——

Surprisingly, things were less tense after that. 

Tommy broke out of his shell completely. His smile was more vibrant than ever. He asked more questions. He didn’t flinch anymore. 

It was like the chains were broken. There was nothing holding his Skitra back any longer. Maybe that breakdown was what he needed. 

Sometimes, though, Wilbur would still stop and see him staring out the window. A longing look in his eyes. 

Wilbur would then leave him to it.

——

Tommy also got much more… clingy. Which Wilbur wasn't entirely against.

Except when he would be holding a knife and nearly drop it because the boy jumped on him and tried to crawl up his legs to steal a snack. 

But Tommy constantly came into Wilbur’s room to give him a hug and would randomly plop into his lap while he was eating. 

It was nice. 

As mentioned, Wilbur’s species was very tactical. They always liked to have their tails intertwined with a loved one. Children often slept in their parents’ bed for a long time. 

It was strange to him that some cultures kick the children out at young ages. Some must learn to fend for themselves as soon as they’re born!

Stradrel were a species of family units. Call them coddlers because they liked to stick together.

From his observations, humans had a varying degree of clinginess. 

Some humans liked to be hugged while others seemed to avoid it. 

Wilbur was scared Tommy would be the avoidant type, but he seemed very comfortable with the occasional cuddle. 

Techno was from a planet that’s less about coddling. So, when Tommy first hugged him, he was frozen for a solid minute. 

Phil’s species was also quite the coddler to babies. Though, once the child had aged, they were usually less clingy. 

Tommy was only 7 in human years. 

Wilbur was quite happy to have Tommy cuddly time on a daily basis. It was strange how fast Tommy went from breaking down to this. 

But, he supposed it made some sense. Tommy released all the sadness that filled him. He let it go. He hadn’t said anything about wanting to stay here… but he also didn’t mention Earth very much. 

Only in a passing memory, or if he sees something that reminds him of it. 

From the little that Wilbur’d heard, it seemed like Tommy had always been a foster child. Tommy didn’t say how he lost his parents, but he had been alone since he was born. 

Poor kid never had a stable home. 

Wilbur was happy he could provide even a semblance of stability.

Speaking of species differences… Wilbur was beginning to feel it deep in his bones.

It was nearing time for the festival. He was being called home, and every piece of him wanted to bring Tommy with him.

Now, the only thing left to do was ask the boy if he wanted to come.

Wilbur hoped he’d say yes. 

——

Wilbur knocked on Tommy’s door, a small “come in” echoing through the metal.

The door slid open with a swish, revealing Tommy sitting on his bed with a book in hand.

He closed it with a snap, setting it to the side. “Is it dinner already?” 

Wilbur shook his head, making his way inside and sitting next to the blond. “No, I just wanted to ask you something.”

“Oh…” Tommy shuffled nervously. “What is it?”

“It’s nothing bad, I promise.” Wilbur chuckled.

Tommy relaxed.

“There’s just this festival my species holds on my home planet. I was wondering if you wanted to come? I was thinking I could show you around. If that’s something you’re comfortable with.”

Tommy beamed at him, tension leaving Wilbur’s shoulders at the expression. “That sounds cool! I haven’t been to a festival before!”

Wilbur smiled, ruffling his hair. “It’s a lot of fun. I think you’ll like it.”

Tommy grinned, leaning into the hand. “I can’t wait!”

——

Tommy flicked a few of the switches on the small box, biting down on his tongue. He could figure this out. He knew he could. 

Tommy snapped a final switch, the whole thing lighting up with a beeping sound. Tommy gasped as a lock clicked. A button showed up, ready to open the device and grant him his prize. He grinned, standing up and rushing out of his room.

“Wilbur! Wilbur!” Tommy shouted as he rushed through the halls. Wilbur was in the living room, his peaceful reading getting interrupted by Tommy’s shouts. Tommy sprinted into the room, Wilbur putting down his tablet in worry. 

“Tommy? Skitra—” Tommy rammed into him, squeezing his legs and beaming up at him. “Are you okay, Tommy?”

Tommy’s face fell and he backed away, shock taking over his expression. The boy blushed. 

“Sorry… I interrupted you…” he mumbled.

Wilbur shook his head, bending down on one knee to be eye level with him. “You didn't do anything wrong. What had you so excited? I want to know.”

Tommy gave a small smile before pulling the device out from behind him. Wilbur gasped. 

“You figured it out? Good job! Are you going to open it?” Wilbur asked.

Tommy nodded, pressing the button at the top and watching as the puzzle folded outwards to reveal its contents. It was a star. A plastic-like star with a cheap string threaded through it. Tommy grabbed it, watching it dangle from its place on the necklace. 

“Awww, that's cute!” WIlbur cooed. “Do you want me to help you put it on?”

Tommy fiddled with the string for a moment, untying it as red crawled up his cheeks. “Uh… I…”

Wilbur tilted his head, smiling softly. “Take your time.”

Tommy looked to the side, squeezing his eyes shut and holding the necklace out.

Wilbur blinked at it. “What…”

Tommy shook it. “Just take it!”

Wilbur’s eyes widened. “This… You’re giving it to me?”

Tommy nodded.

Wilbur cradled it gently, breathing in awe. “Thank you… I’ll cherish it forever.”

Tommy opened his eyes, watching as Wilbur clipped it around his neck. Wilbur’s hand tightened around it, the softest smile settling on the alien’s face. Tommy felt something bloom in his chest at that warm look. 

Wilbur liked his gift. Liked to have this piece of him.

Wilbur suddenly reached out, wrapping his arms around Tommy and scooping him up. Wilbur buried his face in Tommy’s hair, sniffling slightly. “Thank you…”

Tommy wrapped his arms around Wilbur’s neck, burying his face into it. “Thank you.”

Wilbur made a choked sound before he squeezed him tighter. Tommy felt warmth rush through his body. It’d been awhile since he’d felt this warm.

——

Wilbur was a tad nervous about bringing a non-Stradrel to the festival, but he’d seen a few others doing it with children and sometimes spouses. 

So, he should be fine. He just needed to keep Tommy close to him.

He was currently on the observation deck, watching as the planet got closer and closer.

Suddenly, something tackled his legs, nearly knocking him off balance.

“Tommy!” Wilbur reprimanded playfully as Tommy giggled.

He quickly reached down, scooping the boy up and allowing him a better view.

Wilbur pointed to the big, orange planet. It had green-colored strips—almost like Wilbur’s eyes—flowing down the planet in two big, thick lines. 

“That’s my home planet,” Wilbur said proudly. 

Tommy beamed, bouncing up and down in his arms excitedly. Wilbur moved his hand to cradle the baby’s back once again, being careful of how Tommy nearly jumped right out of his arms. 

He smiled softly at his planet.

There was something special about showing Tommy his home world. Something that bubbled deep in his chest and expanded through his muscles. It made them feel relaxed and safe. 

Wilbur had his Skitra, and he was home. Where there was nowhere Tommy could be hurt, and he could show Tommy pieces of his culture. 

It warmed him, making his tail unroll and roll back up again happily. A gentle, fond smile on his face. Tommy’s hand gripping his shirt. 

He felt like melting.

Instead, he just held his Skitra close as they approached the planet. Tommy rattled off question after question. Wilbur chuckled and answered each one, cradling him softly.

This… this was home.

——

As soon as they landed, Tommy took Wilbur’s hand, jumping excitedly as the ramp slowly lowered. 

Wilbur chuckled as Tommy dragged him out. 

In the distance was a huge village. It lit up with colorful lights. They could feel the bass of the music from here.

“Are Phil and Techno coming?” Tommy asked as they began to walk towards the village.

“No. This is a more… private event for my species. I’m sure they would be allowed, but they choose not to come to ensure everyone here feels comfortable.”

Tommy paused, looking up at him with pinched brows. “Then why am I allowed in?”

Wilbur stopped, eyes going wide.

He’d have to explain the whole… family thing…

“Well… Um… Because you’re my Skitra. My…” Wilbur tapped his chin in thought. “I mean you’re… part of the family, in a way. At least, in my culture you would be.” Wilbur flinched, looking at the boy nervously. 

He didn’t just ruin what they had, did he?

He didn’t just destroy all of his work again, right?

Right?

Tommy just blinked at him for a moment, making Wilbur’s nerves grow even more.

Then the boy shrugged. “Okay.”

Wilbur let out a breath, a smile reappearing on his face as they continued their walk to the village. It only took a few minutes to reach it. 

There were shops lined with foods of all kinds. Stradrel of all different colors and appearances were everywhere. Lights had been strung up between the buildings. Every creature was laughing and cheering. Music played from all around them.

Tommy huddled closer, eyes wide. 

Wilbur smiled down at him, tail wrapping around his waist.

“There. No one will hurt you,” Wilbur said gently. “No need to be nervous.”

Tommy smiled, looking around.

Stradrel were huddled in groups. Families laughing with their tails intertwined. 

Wilbur began to pull him along. “Come on! There’s so much to see!”

Tommy laughed, rushing to keep up with him.

——

They got plenty of food. Gorging on delicacies you could only get during the festival. 

Tommy licked his lips happily, beaming at him. Wilbur laughed, ears perking up at the sound of nearby music.

He grabbed Tommy’s hand, pulling him through the throng of Stradrel.

Cheers and shouts rang out around them as they got closer to the center of the crowd. They burst through the front line, Wilbur grinning wide at the sight.

A band was set up with instruments, playing their upbeat songs with smiles on their faces.

Stradrels danced in the center. Their tails intertwined in the air as they spun around each other. They hopped on one foot to the other, twirling in small circles as they grinned. Their tails knotted them together, keeping them close. The crowd around them clapped, some even grabbing hold of partners and bringing them onto the dance floor.

Wilbur grinned down at Tommy, taking his hand and dragging him into the courtyard. 

Tommy stumbled with a startled laugh. “I don’t know how to dance!”

“You don’t have to!” Wilbur shouted with glee. 

He bent down, taking Tommy’s hands and spinning him around. 

Tommy giggled, spinning faster and beginning to sway to the music.

“That’s it!”

They danced and danced. Sweat dripped down Tommy’s forehead as they twirled and twirled.

The crescendo of the song hit, Wilbur reaching down and grabbing beneath Tommy’s arms. Wilbur threw him up into the air, Tommy’s laugh echoing over the crowd. His grin was so bright, it was almost blinding. 

It felt like time was frozen for a moment. Like this was the happiest Wilbur had ever been.  

His cheeks hurt from how much he was smiling.

This was the best festival ever.

——

A few hours had passed, and the festival was still going. Wilbur and Tommy found themselves worn out, so Wilbur decided to show Tommy the more quiet beauty of Atherth. 

That was how they ended up here. 

Wilbur sat crisscrossed in a quiet field of Rastha reeds blowing softly in the wind. Tommy in his lap. He was curled around the boy, chin on his head and eyes half-lidded. His arms were wrapped tightly around Tommy, tail covering the boy as well. 

Tommy was facing outwards, looking over the beach in front of them. Greenish water lapped against the sand in time with the tides. 

Purrs echoed through Wilbur’s chest, making the environment even more comfortable. 

Tommy looked up, seeing the moon. It took up a rather big portion of the sky. The moon provided a decent amount of light, keeping the area well lit. There were millions of stars sparkling in the sky. Many of the stars were quite big. Almost like tiny suns in the distance. Galaxies visible even from the ground. 

It was pretty. 

“Hey, Wil?” Tommy said quietly, not wanting to interrupt the moment.

Wilbur hummed, laying his cheek on Tommy’s hair. “Yes, Skitra?” 

“Why do you call me that? What does it mean?” Tommy asked.

Wilbur paused, a small bit of embarrassment crawling up his cheeks.

“Wilbur?” Tommy questioned his silence.

Wilbur sighed, looking up towards the sky. “You see all that?” 

“Yeah?” 

“All those bigger stars are our suns. We consider them all light bringers. Our culture is important to us. And in our culture, each of those are named. Each and every star in the sky.”

“That’s a lot…” Tommy said in awe.

Wilbur chuckled. “It is. But you see that right there?” Wilbur pointed to the moon.

Tommy scoffed. “How could I not?”

“Well, that one is the most important one. It’s made of a special rock that creates light. We call that light Skitra. It brings us life and joy. It means bright.”

“Sunshine…” Tommy breathed in English. 

Wilbur tilted his head. “What word is that?”

“It’s our word for the light the sun brings… It’s…” Tommy felt tears prick his eyes.

Wilbur began to panic. “Tommy? I’m sorry! Did I say something?” 

Tommy shook his head, wiping the tears away. “N-no. No, it’s really nice.”

Wilbur calmed down, smiling gently. “Oh, Skitra. Come here.”

Wilbur somehow brought him closer, engulfing him in a hug. Tommy relished in it, closing his eyes and listening to Wilbur’s soft purrs. 

They vibrated in his mind, making him feel warm and fuzzy. 

“Hey, Wil…” Tommy prompted again.

Wilbur chuckled. “Yes?”

“What are those… spiky things on your back? They click against each other sometimes and I can see them move a little when you walk.”

“Oh. Watch this,” Wilbur whispered, releasing him. 

Tommy looked back, watching as Wilbur turned so Tommy could see his back.

The spines suddenly rose, webbing connecting each one as it opened like a sail. 

“Whoa…” Tommy breathed. 

“It helps us glide in the water,” Wilbur said. “And they also…”

It suddenly ripped into two, expanding like wings. 

“WHOA!” Tommy shouted, watching as Wilbur moved them back and forth. 

“We can’t fly with them, sadly. They just help us glide in the air.”

“THAT’S SO COOL!” Tommy exclaimed.

Wilbur smiled. “You want to swim with me?” 

He’d love to swim with his Skitra. It would mean the universe to him.

Tommy shrunk back. “I don’t… I don’t know how to swim.”

Right. Not an aquatic species.

“That’s alright. I won’t let you drown. Do you trust me?” he asked with a soft smile and an offered hand.

Tommy smiled back, taking his hand.

Wilbur led them into the ocean. Tommy kicked his legs beneath him, smiling at the water.

Well, he doesn’t know if it’s the exact same as water or not… 

It’s silky and thick, yet his body flows through it with ease. 

Wilbur’s sail opened up, staying vertically along his back. 

“Hold your breath.” Wilbur grinned.

Tommy took a big breath, cheeks puffing out.

Wilbur grabbed beneath his arms, pulling him below the liquid. 

Tommy’s eyes opened to see Wilbur’s staring back. They shone a deep blue beneath the waves. Everything had a green tint to it. So much that Tommy could barely see what was around him save for the bright glow of Wilbur’s eyes and the general outline of his form.

Tommy gripped onto Wilbur’s arms, eyes widening at the feeling of them.

It was like his fur became stiff. It didn’t flow freely like hair would. 

Wilbur spun around him a few times, tail brushing against him. Wilbur then went behind him, grabbing under his arms once more before rocketing through the water.

Tommy gave a shocked hum at the speed. His eyes squinted from all the liquid rushing into them. 

Wilbur suddenly burst out of the water, sail splitting in two. 

Tommy gasped, watching as the waves flew past him. They were gliding over the water, Wilbur grinning down at him.

“This is so cool!” Tommy repeated.

“Take a breath!” 

Tommy did, and Wilbur’s sail shut as he dove back into the water. He plunged further into the depths. Tommy glanced around, eyes wide as he watched other creatures swim past. 

A whole little world down there. 

Wilbur sped back to the surface, sail opening once more as they began to glide.

Tommy laughed loudly.

He didn’t realize Wilbur could do all this.

He supposed that was the beauty of this festival.

A chance for them to have a break from life and just live. 

How nice. 

——

They stayed out in the ocean for a little while longer, eventually heading back to the reeds. 

Wilbur shook himself off like a wet dog. Fur still stiff.

“Why does your fur do that?” Tommy asked.

“Do what?” Wilbur questioned with a head tilt.

“It’s not soft anymore.” 

Wilbur perked up. “Oh. That’s something special about it. When it comes in contact with the ocean here, it becomes stiff so it’s more dynamic. It helps us swim. It’s a complex chemical reaction that I’m not entirely sure how to explain,” he chuckled. 

Tommy smiled up at him. “You’re so cool.”

Wilbur blinked at him, heart warming.

Tommy just called him cool.

Wilbur bent down, scooping the boy up and booping his nose. “Aww, thanks! I think you’re pretty cool, too.” 

Tommy giggled, shoving his head under Wilbur’s neck.

“Let’s get back to the ship.” 

Tommy nodded, and they were off.

——

Wilbur pulled the blanket up around Tommy’s form, smiling gently as he tucked his Skrita in. Tommy blinked at him sleepily. 

“Could… could you sing?” Tommy murmured, face turning pink as he tucked his nose into the blanket.

Wilbur ran a hand over his head, chuckling softly. “Of course. Anything in particular?”

“The one you first sang to me.” 

Wilbur thought back. He must mean the one Wilbur sang when he came into his room.

“Sure.”

Wilbur ran a gentle hand through Tommy’s hair as his voice began to vibrate through his throat: deep and melodic. 

Tommy let his eyes slip shut, a soft smile on his face.

The boy was out in no time.

Wilbur couldn’t stop the way his heart fluttered. The way everything inside him just felt so right. 

He leaned over, lips pressing softly on Tommy’s forehead. “Love you,” he spoke in a quiet confession. 

Today was perfect. It was better than he could have ever imagined it would be.

Having Tommy at a special festival meant for family… 

It just meant so much to him. It felt like everything clicked into place. Like everything was just as it should be. 

Nothing could ever ruin it.

Nothing.

——

Wilbur stepped into his room, stretching as he yawned. It was a rather long day of fun. 

He wished it didn’t have to end. 

Just as he laid down in bed, his comm began to vibrate. 

He groaned, sitting up and grabbing it.

Puffy?

Wilbur clicked to answer it. “Puffy? What’s up?”

Muffled speech echoed through the device. 

Wilbur’s eyes went wide, mouth parting as his lips began to quiver. Tears pricked his eyes.

“Okay.”

He ended the call.

——

“Hey, Tommy,” Wilbur greeted, walking into the dining room to see the boy eating.

“What’s up?” Tommy asked with a full mouth.

Wilbur chuckled, leaning on the table. “We need to pick up some cargo later. Do you want to help?” 

“Sure!” He put his arms up, flexing his nonexistent muscles. “I can help!”

Wilbur ruffled his hair, making him squawk. “Mmhmm. Sure. I’ve also got a surprise for you after.”

Tommy’s eyes lit up. “A surprise? What is it?” 

“That would ruin the surprise, wouldn’t it?” 

Tommy groaned, Wilbur snickering. “You’re so annoying.”

“Hey! I thought I was cool!”

“I changed my mind.”

Wilbur rolled his eyes. “Just hurry up. We’ll land shortly.”

Tommy took the smaller boxes while Wilbur and the others took the larger. It didn’t take long to pack everything inside the ship. It was a rather small load. 

“Okay, Tommy,” Wilbur started as they finished the last box. “Why don’t you go to the dining room? I think Phil made dinner.”

“What about you?” Tommy asked.

“I’ll be there in a bit,” Wilbur answered.

Tommy nodded, running off towards the dining room. 

Wilbur sighed, closing the ramp and walking to his room. 

He went to the wall of drawers, pressing a button and watching as one popped out.

Inside laid the metal case.

He gently took it out, sitting on his bed and clicking the top button. It opened with a swish. 

That golden heart taunted him. It taunted his soul. 

He ran his fingers gently along the fabric, eyes welling up with tears. 

Wilbur supposed he had no use for it anymore.

Walking over to the bin, he held the suit above the open container. 

The endless abyss stared back at him. Like once he released his grip… all his hopes and dreams would disappear into the nothingness. 

Old and forgotten.

His grip loosened slightly, fingers releasing the object. 

It began to fall. 

Wilbur choked on a sob, hands reaching out and snatching the suit before it could fall any further. He pressed it against his chest, burying his face into it. 

He couldn’t. He just couldn’t do it. 

He folded it once more, shoving it back into the case and throwing it into its drawer. 

Then he rushed out of the room, walking to Tommy’s.

He took a bag, stuffing a few pieces of clothes into it along with other important items. 

Tommy would need it.

——

Tommy wasn’t sure what to make of the surprise. 

It was a surprise! So it should be fun and exciting! Last time Wilbur surprised him, he got a fun vacation on a really cool planet! It was like a theme park but for aliens! 

Super fun.

But, right now… Wilbur just seemed so distant.

And very clingy.

There wassn’t a moment when the two were within eyesight and not cuddled up. If he was eating at the table, and Wilbur came in, the alien lifted him up and set him in his lap.

Which Tommy wasn’t against. 

It was just strange. 

Wilbur would even come in at bedtime just to sit there. 

He’d wrap himself around Tommy’s “sleeping” form and simply hold him. 

He doesn’t think Wilbur realized he was awake. 

But, they were getting closer and closer to the surprise.

Tomorrow morning Wilbur said they’d arrive at the surprise. 

Wilbur squeezed him tighter from where he was laying next to him, pressing a kiss to his hair. 

Tommy leaned into it sleepily, mind drifting in the comfortable warmth.

Whatever it was, he was sure it would be great.

Wilbur was probably just worrying over nothing. 

——

Wilbur had brought Tommy to the observation deck early in the morning, letting him nap in his arms as they waited for the surprise.

It was much too early for surprises, in Tommy’s opinion.

He was nudged awake, groaning as he opened his eyes.

“Are we there yet?” he mumbled.

Wilbur smiled sadly at him. “We’re here. Close your eyes.”

Wilbur carried him to the window, tail wrapped around his eyes to ensure he didn’t peek.

Wilbur’s tail moved, Tommy blinking his eyes open.

He gasped loudly.

There, in the distance…

Was a bright, blue and green planet.

Earth.

Tommy pressed his face against the glass. “W-what?!? How?!? Is that real?”

“It’s real, Skitra. You can go home.” 

Tommy’s head snapped back towards him, a big grin on his face. “I can?!”

Wilbur nodded. “Mmhmm. I got permission from the Federation to spend a couple of hours on planet.”

Tommy bounced up and down in his arms animatedly. “Yes! Yes! Let’s go! Let’s go right now!”

Wilbur chuckled. “We’re going, we’re going! We just need to say bye to Phil and Techno first,” he continued softly.

Tommy nodded eagerly as they walked into the very room they first met. Phil gave him a sad smile before hugging him tightly.

“Bye, little one.”

Tommy blinked at him. Why so sad? 

Phil released and quickly walked away, leaving the room in a rush. Techno pulled him into the tightest hug, so tight he couldn’t breath. 

“Bye, runt.”

“Bye?” Tommy said, and in a moment, Techno was gone. 

He looked up at Wilbur with a confused expression. Wilbur just gave him a sad smile, then began to walk to the pod.

——

It only took a moment to break through the atmosphere. They had to use special camouflage that masked their signal to the human’s weapons. 

They landed safely in a grassy field.

Wilbur opened the ramp, Tommy jumping at his side.

As soon as it was safe, Tommy rushed forward. He fell face first into the grass, laughing boisterously.

Wilbur couldn’t help but smile at the sound as he walked after him.

“So this is earth, huh?” Wilbur asked.

Tommy sat up, beckoning him over. “Yeah! Isn’t it pretty?! Look at all those flowers!”

“You’ll have to show me.” Wilbur smirked.

Tommy grabbed his hand, pulling him into a field dotted with all kinds of colors. 

He dug his hand into the ground, feeling the dirt beneath his nails as he rubbed his face into it. He took a deep breath in, feeling the fresh air enter his lungs. 

It was like no other. Nothing could compare to the crisp smell of the oxygen here.

The smell of freshly bloomed flowers. 

Tommy bent down, picking as many as his small arms could hold and rushing to Wilbur.

The man was sitting in the field, happily watching Tommy run around. The boy grinned as he hopped towards him, dumping all the flowers in his lap.

“Smell them! They smell nice!” 

Wilbur looked them over, picking a few and bringing them to his face. He took a deep breath in, eyes going wide.

“Oh, they do!” he laughed.

Tommy laughed with him. “Give me a second! I’ll go get more!” 

Then he was off again, jumping and rolling in the field.

Wilbur smiled wryly, twirling a stem between his fingers. 

Tommy was home. 

He felt tears prick his eyes, smile wobbling. 

“Wilbur! I found more!” Tommy shouted.

He wiped the frown away, forcing another smile as Tommy bounded up to him. 

The boy leaped at him, Wilbur having to reach out to catch him. They collided, sending Wilbur to the ground as he lifted the blond into the air.

Tommy giggled, letting the flowers rain down on Wilbur’s face.

The alien blew them away, laughing loudly as he brought Tommy closer, peppering his face with kisses.

His Skitra laughed louder, pushing him away playfully. 

Wilbur pulled Tommy to his chest, rolling himself down a hill and allowing them to pick up speed. Flowers and grass crunched beneath them.

But nothing else mattered.

Nothing other than that laugh. 

He hadn’t seen Tommy this happy before.

And he guessed he never would again.

——

A few hours later, they were worn out. They laid on their backs, looking towards the bright blue sky. Hands behind their heads and Wilbur’s tail wrapped around Tommy’s waist.

He just wanted to stay here forever.

But alas… his comm buzzed, signaling it was nearly time to leave.

He sat up, smiling at the boy.

Tommy grinned back.

“Let’s get back to the ship,” Wilbur said, holding out his hand for Tommy to hold.

The boy took it without hesitation.

Wilbur led them back to the pod, releasing Tommy’s hand so he could grab something sitting in the corner.

A bag.

Wilbur gripped it tightly, walking to Tommy and handing it over. “You’ll need this. The nearest town is only a couple minutes walk.”

Tommy took the bag with a confused expression, looking up at him with pinched brows. “Huh?”

“You’re home, Tommy,” Wilbur said, smile strained. “You can go home.”

Tommy gasped, looking back towards the ramp. Towards the earth.

“R-really?” 

Wilbur nodded, “Yeah, Skitra. You’re really going home.”

Tommy looked back at him, grin on his face as he breathed heavily. Like he didn’t quite believe it. 

“I am? I— I really am!”

“You are. I’m so happy for you.” 

Tommy’s smile faded, frown taking over as he examined Wilbur’s expression.

He didn’t seem all that happy.

There was a shaky smile forced onto his face. His body was shaking, and his eyes were watery. 

“It’s time to go, Tommy,” Wilbur said, voice nearly a whisper.

He wasn’t sure if it was for Tommy or himself.

Tommy looked between him and the field, brows pinched in contemplation.

A ridiculous part of Wilbur hoped he’d change his mind. 

But…

Tommy took a step towards the ramp. He looked back to Wilbur, as if daring the Stradrel to stop him.

Wilbur just nodded softly, giving him a small wave.

Tommy turned back around, shoes slapping against the metal. Each footstep haunting Wilbur’s mind.

And soon enough—

It was the crunch of the dirt. 

And Tommy kept walking. 

And walking. 

And walking. 

And—

And Wilbur couldn’t see him anymore. 

His forced smile faded, lips quivering as tears slipped down his cheeks. 

He fell to his knees, one hand covering his face as he sobbed into it. The other hand gripped tightly onto the star shaped necklace he always wore.

His Skitra was gone.

Tommy was gone.

And he was never coming back.

He’d never get to run his fingers through the boy’s blond hair anymore. He’d never get to wrap his tail around him again. Never take Tommy gliding again. Never give him another birthday present. Never kiss him goodnight. Never tuck him in. Never hold him close after he’d had a nightmare. Never whisper sweet nothings to him again. 

Never get to say the words right to his face—

I love you.

Why didn’t he say it?!? Why didn’t he say it when he could hear him?!

What was he so afraid of?! 

He never got to say “I love you.”

He never… He never got to call him son.

He wailed harder.

He’d never get to sing to him again. Never get to watch as those sleepy eyes closed.

And he was so selfish.

Tommy begged and screamed to go home.

Wilbur should be happy for him. 

He should be clapping and cheering that the boy got to be with his people. 

But he just can’t. He just wants his baby back. He wants his Skitra back. 

He needs Tommy back. He will never recover. He’ll never be able to get over this.

Wilbur had lost his son. 

His baby boy. 

Wilbur hiccuped uncontrollably. 

Almost so loudly he didn’t hear the crunching of grass.

It got louder.

And louder.

And louder.

Wilbur moved his hands, peeking out from behind them.

He gasped, watching as blond hair bounced towards him.

Skitra!

Wilbur stood up in disbelief. The boy had a bright grin, waving frantically.

The sound of grass became the sound of metal as his feet thumped against the ramp.

Wilbur held his arms out, ready as the grinning boy leaped at him. “Tommy!”

“Dad!!!” 

Tommy’s arms wrapped around his neck, Wilbur’s arms tightening around his back. The breath was knocked out of Wilbur, but not from the impact.

No… it was because—

Dad

“T-Tommy? I thought you—you wanted to go home? This is your last chance! You can’t change your mind later! This is your last chance to go home—“

Tommy buried his face into Wilbur’s neck, whispering softly, “You are my home.”

Wilbur choked on a sob, spinning around and away from the ramp. His tail shot out, shutting the ramp as he marched away. 

Precious cargo in his arms. 

He sat in the driver’s chair, holding Tommy close. His nose buried in golden hair as tears dripped onto Tommy’s scalp.

“My Skitra… My baby… Stay with me. Stay with me, please.”

Tommy smiled into his neck. “Yes.”

Wilbur squeezed him tighter, tail wrapping around him. “Say you’ll stay. Say you’ll stay with me.”

“I already did.”

“Don’t leave me. Be my baby,” Wilbur whispered repeatedly. 

Tommy turned his head and pulled away, ignoring how Wilbur tried to push it back. He looked Wilbur in the eyes, watching as he sniffled and how tears rolled down his cheeks

“I want my suit,” Tommy said, staring him right in the eyes.

Wilbur took a shaky breath, relaxing. He smiled, lips still quivering as he placed them on Tommy’s forehead. He bonked their foreheads together, looking into those bright blue eyes.

“I love you.”

Tommy closed his eyes. “I love you, too. Can we go home now?”

Wilbur grinned. “Yeah. Yeah, we can go home. Let’s get you home.”

Tommy let Wilbur separate them, placing him on the other chair and buckling him in.

The ship slowly lifted off the ground, blowing the flowers away. 

——

Wilbur stepped off the pod, looking up to see Phil and Techno smiling sadly at him.

“Hey, Wil… Are you alright?” Phil asked.

Techno frowned at him. “I know that was hard—“

Wilbur smiled as Tommy walked out from behind him.

“W-what? I thought—“

Tommy grabbed onto Wilbur’s arm, smiling proudly. “I decided to stay here.”

He then looked up to Wilbur, grinning like he knew what was about to happen. “I decided to stay with my dad.”

Wilbur melted, squatting down and scooping him up. Tommy giggled, grasping Wilbur’s suit tightly.

Phil and Techno softened, joining the group hug.  

“It’s good to have you aboard, kid,” Techno said.

“Welcome to the family,” Phil greeted. 

Wilbur nuzzled his nose into his cheek. “Welcome home, Tommy.”

——

Tommy looked in the mirror, touching the golden heart on his suit. Wilbur stood behind him, hands on his shoulders and a proud smile on his face.

“You’re officially part of the crew, Toms!” Wilbur grinned.

Tommy smiled softly at the mirror. “Yeah. It’s nice. Now… let’s go explore the universe!”

Wilbur chuckled, bending down and pressing a kiss to Tommy’s hair. “I’d give it all up for you.”