Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Thomas Inman was four when he chirped.

It startled him, seeing as he'd just been playing in his room when it happened. His parents weren't arguing for once, which was nice. They were talking quietly in the other room, and the house was quiet. It was always a bit too quiet, but his mother didn't like the sounds of the disks they had so he could rarely play them. But that didn't matter, because it was nice and quiet and he was playing with a stuffed cow and nibbling on a cookie.

The sound was weird, it felt so different than parroting back 'hello' and 'goodbye.' It felt more personal somehow, though he didn't know how to express that.

Thomas let out another one of the sounds curiously, reveling in the feeling of rightness and contentment that came with the sound. It warmed his chest like he’d never felt before. He let the sounds fall from his lips quietly but continuously, trying to ignore how he felt he shouldn’t chirp too loudly.

Because that's what the noise was- chirping. And he’d never seen anyone else chirp before.

"Thomas, was that you?"

Thomas nodded, looking to his father for answers. He hadn't ever heard that sound before, and he was curious. It sounded nice.

His father frowned, crouching down to Thomas's level. "Don't make those sounds, son."

Thomas pouted in return but didn't do it again. They weren't that loud, so why was it a problem? But father was scary when he was mad, and he liked it better when he wasn't so he nodded. His father dropped a hand to ruffle Thomas's curls for a second before leaving, quiet conversation picking up in the other room. But it felt different this time, tenser.

He frowned to himself as he squeezed the hoof of the plush toy. He didn't want to make his parents upset, he'd have to try and not make the sound.

He ignored how right it had felt, he had his parents- he didn't need anything else.

Thomas was five when his father left.

It hadn't been fast really- though it felt like it. He'd been packing clothes and the like onto a llama for an hour or so that morning, arguing with his mother just quiet enough that he couldn't make out what they said. He didn't try to listen- he was sure he'd heard it all already anyway. The bits and pieces he overheard weren't especially important or nice either, more like thorns pressing into his hands than anything.

"-your son-"

He pulled the blanket over his head again, fat tears soaking into the covers. He already knew he wasn't normal by that point, every once in a while a bright red feather would grow out of his arm or cheek and his parents would have to pull it out. He didn't see any other kids with feathers, though maybe it was just because they were less lazy about pulling theirs out. He didn't like doing so, but he knew it was important- he didn't know why.

"-keep him."

He heard the slam of a door, and the arguing stopped. Thomas scratched at his arm, opening pinprick scabs once again. He jumped out of the bed near-soundlessly, he was supposed to be quiet in the mornings. He crept down the hall, wondering if his father would return tonight or the next day. He liked it better when he came back the same day, if he didn't then his breath smelled and he would bump into things. Which was funny unless he broke something.

"Mom?"

"Go back to bed," She whispered at him without turning from the door. "Sleep a little longer."

The blankets weren't as warm now that he'd gotten up, but he pulled them over his shoulders anyways. It was always just a little too cold, even when it was sunny here. Something about his blood pressure? It wasn't normal, but it was better than the feathers.

His mother didn't seem surprised when he didn't come back the next morning. But Thomas watched the door all day, playing mindlessly with his toys and staring incomprehensibly at the colorful little book he'd been given. He knew it was about a chicken, but he didn't understand the letters yet.

That night, when he sat at the table he tried asking about his father but his mother didn't reply.

But it was okay, because sometimes he got sad too, and he knew he just needed to cheer her up! He was good at that, the girl he saw sometimes at the park had said so. He babbled on about his cow (Henry) and the book he'd been trying to read. He didn't like how quiet it was, and a rumbling in his chest seemed to snap.

Chirp!

His mother's head shot up straight, eyes narrowing in on him. He hadn't meant to, he hadn't chirped much since his father had told him not to. Not loud enough for them to hear at least, sometimes he'd chirp to himself at night to make it a bit less scary in the quiet.

"Thomas, you're not allowed to make those noises. Please be quiet."

"Sorry."

The table went quiet, much more than before he'd made that stupid sound. His mother's shoulders shook for a moment before she sighed, reaching over to pat his head before rinsing off her plate. "You can play for another hour and then I'll put you to bed. Don't be loud."

Her door shut with a click, and he wondered how he was supposed to take off the latch on the booster seat.

Thomas was six when he started going to school.

School in his village wasn't very extensive of course, but he wasn't complaining. He was ahead in all his classes, and he liked it that way. He didn't know what he wanted to do, but he dreamed of going on adventures, battling mobs, saving people, and flying. His mother made sure he knew how to farm and smelt iron of course, but she also gave him a little wooden sword and let him attack trees in the backyard. He liked it a lot, he knew he was lucky to still have her. But Thomas still dreamed about flying a lot.

It was on one of those days when he accidentally chirped again, loud enough for her to hear.

It had been a good day, another kid had shared his apple with him which was nice because a lot of kids didn't like him very much. His birthday was in two days, and he was excited to be bigger. One day he'd be old enough to go on adventures, and big enough to lift an iron sword like the one he saw on the blacksmith's wall. And when he was playing with the little sword he felt strong, especially when his mother was watching. She was sitting on the porch with a bottle of lemonade, obviously tired from work. It was nice when she watched him fight, he felt safe.

Until he chirped again.

He dropped his sword as soon as he did so, all too aware of his slip-up. "Thomas, come here please."

He shuffled up quickly as if it would make the conversation go faster. He was careful with the chirping, he knew he had to chirp sometimes otherwise it would be too hard to not chirp loudly. But today had been exciting and he'd forgotten to pay attention. She grabbed his arm when he got close, and he stared at the mud that clung to his shoes.

There were nails digging into the skin on his arm but he knew it wasn't on purpose. He hadn't been hurt by her, his father was rough sometimes when he'd been around- but he hadn't really hurt him either. He was lucky, he had a family and a home and a little wooden sword and a cow stuffie to play with. “Remember what I said about those noises?”

Thomas nodded, pushing down on the instinctual sounds that threatened to spill from his throat. He really was trying to remember, he'd been working so hard on it. “They’re ugly,” He recalled. “I’m sorry, it was an accident.”

The pressure on his arm lessened, and he made sure to not pull his arm away this time. He was learning, he was proving to her that he could learn- he could be normal. If he could be normal, then his mother wouldn't leave like father, he could do this for her. “Don’t do it again, sweetie.”

She pushed a slice of a melon into his hands and nodded towards the house. "Why don't you go read some? I think you just got a little excited, I know you don't mean to make the sounds."

"Yeah," Thomas agreed readily. "They're annoyin', sorry."

He took off the blue long-sleeved uniform shirt when he got to his room, it was thoroughly dirtied. He made sure his door was locked, of course, he may not chirp but he wasn't a good son by any means. There were feathers on his chest, starting below his collarbone- not many, but they were there. He'd been told to pick all of them, and he had before, but they were so pretty and he didn't like doing it. So he only picked the ones that could be seen, the ones on his arms that were red at the top, and changed to yellow near his elbow and blue near his hands.

There were two feathers on his arm, just below his elbow on either side. He didn't know why they kept growing back, but there wasn't anything he could really do about it. His mother called him a hybrid or a half-blood. He remembered his father calling him a hybrid freak as well.

Thomas hated this.

He let his fingers curl over the feather on his right side as much as possible, wincing preemptively for the pain. Yanking out his feathers was always the worst, they hurt a lot more than not making the ugly sounds or not making little blanket piles to sleep in. They were weird though, and they had hurt his parents so he took them out anyway. He had thought they were pretty when he’d first seen them, like the parrot he’d seen at the treeline one day- but his parents had reminded him that no other kid had them. They were weird.

“C’mon,” He muttered to himself. He didn’t know why it still hurt, he wished he didn’t have to.

He yanked the feather out, clenching his teeth at the pinprick of blood on his skin. He put the feather in the little box on his bed, already having planned to bring a few in to school for show and tell. He was excited for that, some of the other kids had such cool things to bring in. One time a zombie's head had been brought in, another time a box of cookies. He didn't think his feathers were as cool, but they were pretty.

"Thomas! You left your shoes in the hall!"

He yanked his shirt back on as he rushed to grab the shoes, giggling at his mother's fond expression. "Sorry!"

She ruffled his hair, and he grinned at her happily. He hadn't known how that night would be the last in the house, how that night would change his whole world.

Show and tell had been fine, the other kids weren't as excited as he was about the feathers but they had smiled and his teacher had looked proud of him so it was alright. He was just, confused why he couldn't have them on him. No one seemed to mind the feathers, some of them liked them. So why couldn't he show them off?

He rolled up his sleeve, letting the one feather he'd forgotten to pluck the other day be visible to the kids around him. their eyes bugged out for a moment, one of them whispering a little 'wow' under their breath. He felt special, he felt proud of his feathers for a bit. He made them, the feathers were a part of him.

But then the kids seemed to notice that the feather was growing out of him, and everything was wrong.

“It’s ugly,” A kid declared, leaning forward even more. “I’m telling my dad you’re weird.”

Dread pooled in his gut, threatening to boil over. He didn’t want to keep pulling them out, and he didn’t want anyone else telling him how ugly he was. He already knew, he didn’t need someone else finding out.

“You can’t tell them.”

“Oh yeah? And who's gonna stop me, freak?”

He didn’t flinch at the sudden hatred in the kid’s voice, but it was a near thing. “I will, bitch!”

Another kid laughed, crossing his arms over his chest. "No you won't, I'll stop you from stopping him!"

His fists clenched together, and he pulled down his sleeve again. "You can't do that."

The first kid smirked, teeth glinting. "Watch me."

And then he was running towards the school, laughing carelessly as Thomas rushed after him. He was going to tell a teacher, and then his dad and then his mother would know he hadn't listened. He panicked, letting out a sound dangerously close to a squawk as he gained ground on the kid.

He shoved him, sending the kid tumbling forward onto the hard steps of the school just as the teacher glanced out the window.

“He has feathers in his arms,” The kid complained to his parents as Thomas rubbed the sweat from his palms onto his torn jeans. “He’s ugly and I’m not sorry.”

The confusion on the adults' faces was palpable and near-humorous for a moment before there was a strange glint in their eyes. He didn't like that look, it reminded him of the first time he'd chirped. Of how different he was. “Feathers? Are you sure, honey?”

Suddenly, Thomas wished he had just yanked out the feather, he couldn’t now. The principal was looking at him suspiciously like he knew he wasn’t normal. Like he knew he was a freak.

“Thomas, roll up your sleeves.”

“Fuck no.”

The kid’s father glared at him for the curse, the principles look hardening as well. “Thomas, do as I say or else.”

Thomas didn’t like the phrase ‘or else,’ they rarely turned out well for him. His mother had said it before he was told to start plucking his feathers, and the sting on his cheek had been much worse than the sting in his arm. His father had said so before then even, the night before he’d left and never came back. He didn’t like being called Thomas, and he didn’t like the ‘or else.’

But he didn’t get what he wanted.

The principal grabbed his arm in a tight grip, pulling up the blue uniform shirt to his elbows and exposing the one feather he’d left in. There were a few scabs on his arms, picked off again and again. But he could feel the breath disappear from his lungs when the adults zeroed in on the feather.

“I told you!”

“Yes you did,” His father answered blankly, one arm coming up to pull the kid closer to his side.

The mother spun to look at the principal with disgust, fists shaking in fury. “You let monsters go to school with the children? What kind of teachers have you hired?”

“I assure you, we did not know that someone had smuggled it into our school,” The principal placated. “We didn’t-“

“Are there zombies in your school as well? Other freaks and dangers to our children?”

“No, I assure you-“

Thomas zoned out, unable to focus on the yelling and the hatred spat from the adult’s mouths. Because of him. The kid grinned at him in victory, one front tooth missing. Thomas wished he had just broken the fucker’s nose.

The door closed with a quiet click and his mother's expression was blank.

Thomas shifted on his feet anxiously, terrified for a reason he couldn't quite explain. His mother had to leave work early to go to the school, and when the principal had told her what happened she'd been quiet and apologetic. He'd been left in the hall for the conversation, but that didn't make him feel any better about it.

He wished he'd just pulled out the stupid feather before any of this had happened. It was already dark outside, and he could've sworn he saw a skeleton on the walk home.

"Mom?"

She walked past him, pulling a drink from the fridge and uncorking it. He shifted on his feet again, he wanted to let out a little chirp to fight the nerves in his chest- but that's part of what got him into this mess in the first place. He hadn't seen his mother with that drink since his father left, and he didn't like that she had grabbed it now.

“Why couldn’t you just do one thing for me?” She asked, not looking up from the table. “Why couldn’t you just be normal.”

He felt like he was choking like he couldn't breathe somehow. “What?”

She turned back around, building rage in her eyes. “You’re loud and pushy and annoying,” She hissed at him, standing up and walking to a cabinet. “But I took care of you anyways, because you were my son.”

He felt something lodge in his throat, his breathing quickening though his mind only latched onto one thing. “Were?”

She didn’t reply, pulling open a drawer and taking out a leather satchel. “I only ever asked you to try and be normal, to not be a freak.”

“But- no I didn’t-“

“Your father left because of you, because you could never shut up.”

His eyes stung, hands shaking despite not being able to understand. Why was she stuffing his blanket and some loaves of bread in his bag? Why did she throw his coat at him and why were his eyes still watering?

“Get out.” Her words were crystal clear, would be ingrained perfectly in Thomas's mind for the rest of his life. And despite her anger and unfairness, there was genuine hurt and fear in her eyes. Maybe that's what hurt the most. “You’ve done enough damage.”

He was holding the bag now, threadbare coat wrapped around him but open in the front. His stuffed cow was back in his room, he didn’t have any money or anywhere to go. “But-“

“GET OUT.”

He yanked the door open, throwing himself out of the house as his mother collapsed into sobs and shrieks behind him. He fell to his knees, and snow soaked the cloth. The house across the street had its lights on, a young boy looking at him strangely before pulling shut dark curtains. He wasn't crying, only staring forward at the snowbank in terror. All because of one feather?

The door slammed behind him.

Thomas Inman was seven years old, and he was homeless.

Chapter Text

For the first week without a home, Thomas didn’t know where to go.

How long was long enough to stop walking by your old home? How long was long enough to stop walking by the school? How long was long enough to stop plucking the feathers out of your flesh and leaving them on the porch of your mother’s house, like some sort of deranged cat?

It took only a week for Thomas.

Of all things to snap him out of it, it wasn’t the hunger or thirst, not the loneliness or the sleepless nights. It was a new lock on the gate and the realization that it wasn’t his home- and that she wasn’t his mother anymore. She was not required to care for him, and she could very well call the iron golem on him if she chose to.

There wasn’t anything for him here- he had nothing.

Nothing but a handful of pathetic feathers poking their way out of skin that shouldn’t be there. Nothing but a fucking satchel with a quarter stack of bread and a blanket with little bees stitched on the side.

He didn’t know where to go, so he just walked. He knew where the nearest village was, he had traveled there a few times for trade or to visit some family friends. He wouldn’t talk to them, but it was better than walking past the school and his the house.

By the time he got to the village, he only had a few bits of food left, and his water bottle was empty. He knew what he’d have to do of course- but he waited. He watched the villagers and how any other lost children or homeless adult would steal or beg. Not because it looked too hard, just because he wanted confirmation.

He wasn’t nervous though, it didn’t look too hard in all honesty. And he was the biggest man who could do anything, he would be owning the streets before long. He would get good enough that they would have to steal from him.

“Okay,” He muttered to himself. “Okay, okay okay- alright!”

He wasn’t nervous.

He only had one bit of bread left, and he’d already set up a little camp in the woods. It wasn’t much, just a little cave in a birch forest with some wood planks to keep out the mobs but it was more than he’d had since he got- since he’d been traveling.

Thomas crept into the village square with long sleeves coming down to his fingertips and a spare bit of cloth forming a hood of sorts. He didn’t draw attention to himself as much as possible, slipping through the crowd with a natural ease that came from trying to escape notice before- though he was obviously nervous.

He bumped into a man, catching himself against his coat before turning away quickly. The man scowled at him and brushed the dirt off his coat, but didn’t seem to notice that the pocket was empty.

“Sorry sir,” He muttered, trying to sound younger than he was. It seemed to work, the man didn’t notice the missing bag. By the time he was far enough away for the pounding in his chest to diminish, his fingers were shaking. Maybe he shouldn’t be so scared, but there was an iron golem just looking for someone to fuck with the villagers- and he was a stranger.

“Not now, Thomas,” He scolded himself. The memory of his mother casting him out rose with the name, but he didn’t let it distract him.

The pouch had a good amount of emeralds all things considered, and he just hoped the man wouldn’t remember what he looked like. And though he found himself bundled up between a cart and the side of a building that night with a newfound sense of paranoia- the day felt like hope. He would make it on his own just fine, he could look after himself.

That would show her.

He didn’t focus on what exactly he meant by that, nuzzling his head into the crook of his arm. It wasn’t that cold out, but he wanted a hug. It felt like a little pit in his chest, but he couldn’t exactly ask a stranger for a hug anyway. He didn’t need one- he would make it.

He was a big man after all- old enough to get his own meals and not depend on anyone else.

He was on his own for nearly two months.

Whether that was impressive or to be expected could differ from crowd to crowd, but Thomas didn’t dwell in crowds for very long. He traveled to four different towns in that time, moving anytime the town seemed too small or he got too familiar. Despite a few close calls, it worked out alright. He stole pouched of emeralds or bread or other materials from travelers and shoppers alike, fashioning himself a stone sword for when mobs would get too close or kids would try to pick on him. Water was easy thankfully, there was always a well and usually a few fires in common areas.

His feathers still grew in, mostly on his arms and neck. He stared at them for a long time in the mostly clean surface of a metal pan or the wavering reflection in a river. He would grip them tightly with trembling fingers and try to decide if it was worth it. He wouldn’t fit in with the feathers, and hybrids were still very much hated in every town he visited.

In the end, he plucked the ones off his neck but left those on his arms. Unless of course, he woke up crying from a nightmare and ripped them out in desperation for his home back.

It wasn’t a big deal.

He’d noticed that his arms were scarred though- something he hadn’t had time to notice before. There were light spots along his arms and chest from where feathers had been plucked and the scabs rebooked by him or the feathers once more. More weren’t raised, but some were.

Of course; this strange cycle was lonely and repetitive, but it was all he had. All he had until the one fateful day that he’d never truly expected to happen to him. For him to get something good.

Maybe in another life, Thomas would run into a musician, or a warrior, or a father. Maybe in another life, he would be adopted into a strange unconventional family which would be his everything until he would traverse into the Dream SMP. Maybe in another life, it wouldn’t be enough to save him from betrayal, and he would one day be abandoned by them.

But in this life; he did not stretch his thieving fingers into the satchel of an avian, or the pockets of the one day revolutionary, or run off with the sword of a legend.

Instead- he hid with another lost child with nowhere to go.

Said boy blinked mismatched eyes at him in question, curled up behind the same hay bales Thomas had just jumped to hide behind. Despite his obvious curiosity, he didn’t ask, which Thomas appreciated. He’d gotten a bit cocky trying to nab a half-stack of bread- but in his defense, he was really hungry. He’d left his bag hidden in a safe spot beforehand, but had only escaped with one measly loaf which was disappointing and so not worth it.

The mystery boy looked odd, though Thomas couldn’t exactly judge. He had dual-toned skin, eyes, and hair. He was holding a torn and slightly burned little book in his hands and was obviously unsure and wary of him. Still, they seemed to have a common goal at the moment, and they waited together for the villagers to pass, searching the other for any hint of malice or threat.

But Thomas wasn’t very good at keeping quiet in awkward situations.

“How do?”

The boy seemed to go through some sort of epiphany in a second, chuckling awkwardly. “I mean- I’m hiding from the iron golem so not great.”

“Pog,” Thomas nodded sagely. “What’s your name?”

“Ranboo.”

Thomas nodded, humming quietly under his breath in an effort to commit the name to memory.

“Whats- uh what’s your name?”

He hadn’t talked to anyone really for a bit, besides a tasing thank you or excuse me, but he already knew he didn’t want to say ‘Thomas.’ What kind of shit runaway has a name like Thomas anyways? He considered the name for a minute before settling with a nod to himself. “Tommy.”

“Uh, okay,” Ranboo smiled.

They quieted as footsteps fell near them, passing by seemingly without a care. Tommy noticed how Ranboo clutched the little book closed to his chest. He’d have to ask later.

“Why- why are you hiding from them?”

For a moment, Tommy thought of the strange sounds he makes and the colorful feathers that sometimes grow from his skin before he would pluck them. But only for a second before he flashes a too-wide grin full of mischief and speaks with the same loudness that gets people to disregard him. “I stole all the women in town, and they’re jealous, pal. They’re in-tim-o-dated.”

Ranboo looks at him for a second with a look he can’t decipher, his eyes flicking from his face to the loaf of bread clutched desperately between his hands. “Uh-huh.”

“Why are you hiding, then?”

Ranboo grins, a bit awkwardly and self-deprecating but it’s a grin nonetheless. “I- uh… enderman.”

And it’s only then that Tommy realized what the dual-toned skin meant, the too-large form and the gangly claws wrapped around his little book. Maybe he should be more observant all things considered, but Tommy thought he was just observant enough- fuck you.

“Well, that's fucked up, innit? I will share some of my women with you.”

Ranboo closed his eyes momentarily, unbeknownst to him beginning a lifetime of exasperation towards the other boy. He recovered quickly, eyes narrowed only half-seriously towards the other. “Please tell me this isn’t your normal.”

“I got bread,” Tommy offered.

Ranboo just chuckled, accepting the offered half-loaf with obvious relief. “On second thought- I like your normal.”

Tommy decided he might keep Ranboo.

“Why do you have so many feathers?”

Tommy’s breath stalled in his chest as he belatedly realized he’d left the little cloth much of feathers open on the ground. He’d gotten to know Ranboo really well over the past two weeks, well enough that he trusted him enough that it scared him.

“Because I can, bitch.”

“But I’ve never seen you steal them?”

Tommy shifted, adjusting the sword where it was balanced against his leg. Their little ‘camp’ a bit away from town was in a good spot, and he knew the nearest mob was far away enough not to worry. He still stared off into the dense oak forest to appear busy. “I don’t steal em, I just collect em.”

“Why?”

Tommy scowled, wondering if the was really all that attached to Ranboo. “Because I fucking can, dumbass. Fuck you- you’re still small and don’t know shit.”

“Tommy, I’m older,” Ranboo reminded him with a grin. He didn’t brag often, but Tommy could hear the little bit of pride creeping around his sentences sometimes. If he didn’t think Ranboo needed a serious confidence boost, he might’ve teased him for it.

“No.”

Ranboo just rolled his eyes, knowing Tommy would continue in his denial no matter what he said. “Yeah- okay. But why feathers?”

Tommy paused, considering. He knew Ranboo was a hybrid obviously, and why he hadn’t said anything he didn’t know. Maybe he wouldn’t have to pluck feathers from his neck if he said so? Well- maybe not since the feathers were ugly anyway, but still.

“I’m uh- it’s a… well…”

Ranboo tilted his head a bit, waiting patiently. Tommy wasn’t sure what for considering his words had all jumbled and ran off apparently, but it was nice or whatever.

He rolled up his sleeves again, hands shaking at the memories the action provoked. There wasn’t just one this time either, he had a few of them laying against his skin, vibrantly colored ones that matched the ones in the bag.

Ranboo’s eyes widened, jaw-dropping just enough that Tommy could see where the skin split off at an angle due to his enderman genes. He leaned forward curiously, hand almost reaching out to touch his arm before settling again on his lap.

“You’re uh- parrot?”

“Yeah,” Tommy breathed out, his breath shaking as he struggled to ignore the uncomfortable air. Which meant a lot of word vomit, obviously. “The Scarlet Macaw I think? I read about them in this town a bit ago- big fuckers because I’m the biggest man obviously. But they have wings and shit and I’ve only got the feathers and noises, but that's fine cuz those are shitty enough to hide anyways-“

“Noises?”

“Well yes.” Tommy’s cheeks colored, and he waved his arms wildly before him to distract. “I don’t make them often, don’t worry. I’m stealthy like a tiger- like a moth. They usually happen when I get excited or sad or scared- but I don’t get scared or sad so i’s really just when I get excited.”

Ranboo frowned, fingers curling around his quill in the way it did when he wanted to write down some new discovery. “You’ve been hiding them?”

It was Tommy’s turn to frown then, shooting an incredulous glance at Ranboo. “No shit, it’s not like we’re both here cuz hybrids are wanted.”

Ranboo didn’t flinch at the statement, but Tommy winced for him. He mumbled an apology under his breath but didn’t bother taking back the statement. They both knew it was true- being a hybrid used to be punishable by death or jail time thirty years ago, and from what they could tell nothing had really changed.

“But it’s hurting you,” Ranboo tried to reason with him. “You can make noises- would it be squeaking or something? Just when we’re alone- but it’s better than nothing.”

“I don’t need to.”

“But you can,” Ranboo reminded him. “Whose gonna judge you, Tommy?”

He started to reply before pausing, the gears in his head turning. If he was just with Ranboo then it should be fine- he trusted Ranboo, he knew that. His hands shook at the thought of chirping again, but he was already on the streets wasn’t he? And Ranboo let out little vwoops sometimes and he never said anything. He actually liked Ranboo’s enderman noises, they were oddly comforting.

“Sometime,” He replied quietly as if someone would jump from the shadows. “I can chirp, it’s just- it’s been a bit.”

It had been two months.

“Okay,” Ranboo smiled. His hand hesitantly came to rest on Tommy’s exposed wrist lightly, and Tommy fought against the urge to do the same to Ranboo. He wasn’t clingy, being clingy just got you hurt more when you were ripped apart. “Vwoop.”

Despite himself, Tommy smiled at the now-familiar sound.

He would chirp again.

Chapter Text

Tommy was surprised at how quickly he and Ranboo had bonded.

Within a few weeks, he felt comfortable enough to turn his back on him. Within a month he could confidently say he trusted Ranboo with his life, he thought Ranboo felt the same. Ranboo was someone who showed care through gifts or acts more than words like Tommy, but once Tommy figured that out it was obvious.

Ranboo would take the longer shifts at night, give him random trinkets he thought Tommy might find interesting- whether it be a little allium flower or a metal coin. The allium was Tommy’s favorite, though he didn’t tell Ranboo it was still in his bag wrapped in some cloth. In return, Tommy tried to do the same- giving him paper for books and checking whatever shelter they had at the time for leaks water could drip through.

It was nice to trust and do things for someone like that.

They didn’t talk much about their pasts, despite both knowing the other had been through shit. But Ranboo was surprisingly enough more open about it, though maybe because his memory issues made him more detached. Oftentimes his trauma was only words on a page accompanied by blind fear and learned reactions. It was still more than Tommy thought Ranboo deserved.

“Did you ever go to school, Ranboo?” Tommy asked one day, having been helping Ranboo read a book.

“No,” Ranboo replied easily. “I wrote down that I wasn’t allowed in school.”

“You’re plenty good at this,” Tommy admitted. “Just rusty I think.”

Ranboo paused, brow furrowing in consideration. “I wish I remembered if they did teach me or not.”

Tommy reached over to pat his arm, closing the book and setting it aside. Ranboo was clearly about to say something, and he’d learned how to show Ranboo he was listening without staring at him.

“I don’t remember them,” Ranboo admitted. “Not what they looked like, or how they treated me, or what their names were. But I remember how they died.”

Tommy didn’t look up, but he wondered if he should move closer. Ranboo always seemed more at ease when he could hold something; whether it be grass, stone, or a tool or some sort. He remembered seeing Ranboo calm down or at least relax a bit just by picking something up several times.

He held out his hand wordlessly, feeling although there was something lodged in his throat. Maybe he could have handed over something else, but fuck off. He was doing it for Ranboo, nothing else.

Ranboo took it, clearly careful to not hold it too tightly or to scratch him with his claws.

Tommy didn’t really feel confidant in the action, but he could almost feel Ranboo relax just a bit at it. He wasn’t used to it, he couldn’t even remember the last time he’d been touched for so long- with so much weight behind it. Both of them hadn't had much good touch he didn't think, but they were working up to it. He squeezed his hand anyway because it was Ranboo, and Ranboo needed it. And maybe it wasn’t that bad or whatever- not that he liked it or anything.

“When I woke up the house was on fire,” Ranboo whispered as if too much noise would bring the sky crashing over their heads. “Apparently someone hated me enough to set it on fire because I could hear both my parents screaming inside the house. I couldn’t breathe and it felt like I’d been stabbed and then-“

“Yeah?”

“I was outside. I don’t- I don’t really…know how I got there. I was just outside and then the house collapsed and they thought I did it.”

Tommy frowned, holding Ranboo’s hand a bit tighter to remind him he was still there. It shouldn’t surprise him- he knew people looked for any excuse to blame hybrids. Maybe it was just sad.

“I left…after that. I don’t remember them, I didn’t have a book back then so I don’t have anything written down but I- I miss them.” Ranboo laughed suddenly, but it sounded sad and Tommy looked up to find a tear burning its way down his skin. He reached up quickly and clearly to pat it off with his sleeve before looking back down.

“I don’t remember them though- is that stupid?”

Tommy paused, his own memories of his parents coming to mind. He didn’t want to say the wrong thing. “I don’t think so,” He finally replied, with all the stubbornness he could. “And I’m the smartest so there.”

He paused, shoulders curling in a bit as he couldn’t help but add on. “I hate my parents for what they did to me,” He admitted. “But I miss them from before- and from what I wish they were I guess.”

He couldn’t see Ranboo from where he was looking down, but he knew Ranboo was surprised. He hadn’t spoken at all about his past life up until this point- besides his slight insight with the chirping business. Ranboo hadn’t been especially open either, but he’d talked before- about his memory issues, and how he’d met a girl named Nikki who taught took care of him for a while after he was on the streets. Nikki had apparently been forced to move after a while- leading to Ranboo moving around when other kids took that as an invitation to go after him.

Ranboo's voice was unsure, but no longer as sad sounding when he spoke again. “Can I- do you…”

Tommy felt words jumble in his throat- words he’d practiced in his head in preparation for when he’d finally talk coming to mind. He wanted to trust Ranboo, he already did if he was honest. He trusted Ranboo more than anyone obviously, but he felt nauseous still at the idea of talking about it.

He squeezed Ranboo’s hand again, trying to calm his shaky breath. “Not yet,” He muttered. “Later, I promise. I’m just- I…”

Ranboo squeezed back, the small contact between them practically overwhelming. He knew they were working on it. On getting over past expectations for touch at their own pace. “Okay.”

By prime, Tommy appreciated Ranboo. He loved-

“Let’s get some sleep, yeah? Big things to do tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Ranboo laughed, releasing his hand. “Definitely, definitely.”

Despite everything- life was good.

Tommy had a bit of a hero complex.

It was anyone’s guess why; maybe because he knew all too well what it was like to be left without one. No matter the reason, Tommy typically went out of his way to help others, though he’d never admit to it. He pulled cold cats to his chest to warm them up, helped cattle out of traps, spare a bit of food to homeless children who were too young to steal like he could.

Ranboo had just written it down as a part of Tommy, it was normal and it was never an issue really. In fact, it had even been an advantage in the past. Once- a hungry child had given them a handful of string that Tommy attached to one of his feathers and gave to Ranboo, once a fox had spat out a piece of iron.

He didn’t expect Tommy to get attached to one of his rescues though.

Tommy stood before him anyways, another boy behind him with a black eye and a large scrape on his arm. It was as dirtied as the shorter boy’s face, and Ranboo was itching to wash it off.

“Ranboo, they were being assholes,” Tommy informed him. He thought Ranboo would be better at talking to the kid than he was, what with his general avoidance of gentleness when he could help it.

The guy had been in a bit of a scuffle, ganged up on by two other kids with nasty faces. Ugly ones too, as he’d told the boy on his way to where Ranboo had been filling water bottles at the town’s well. He hadn’t noticed the boy was a hybrid until afterward; twin antennae pocked out from his hair, just barely visible above a mop of dirty brown hair.

That hadn’t made him more protective at all.

“Did bullies get you, or adults?” Ranboo asked eyes not lingering on the extra appendages.

The boy grinned sheepishly, clearly more relaxed at seeing Ranboo, which made sense as he’d likely not realized Tommy was a hybrid. “Just some mean kids, other orphans. One of them has no balls after your friend finished.”

Tommy smirked at that, looking far too proud. Ranboo just rolled his eyes, pretty much resigned to Tommy’s antics. “Oh, I’m sure. This happen often?”

“They only noticed a few days ago,” The boy explained. “My antenna grew and I couldn’t hide them anymore.”

Ranboo nodded in understanding, fingers twitching. Tommy knew he wanted to get the kid’s injuries cleaned up, but how he likely wouldn’t say anything if he thought it’d make him uncomfortable. Tommy had no such qualms when the guy had already been comfortable enough to follow him to Ranboo. “Well, how about you let us stop you from dying? You can thank us later.”

The kid chuckled, holding out his arm. “I wouldn’t die from this.”

“Well fuck you, you could actually,” Tommy replied easily as Ranboo pulled out the newly filled water bottle and gently held the injured limb.

“Is he always like this?”

“You get used to him,” Ranboo pipped up cheerily. “What’s your name?”

“Tubbo,” He smiled, his shoulders loosening some of their tension. “I haven’t seen you guys around here, though? Are you new?”

“You could say that,” Ranboo agreed while Tommy handed him bandages. Ranboo was much better at healing than him, had better bedside etiquette or whatever. Tommy would usually just wash it off and move on, Ranboo would bandage it up (adding healing herbs if they had any) and check on it whenever he saw fit. “I’m Ranboo.”

“His full name is Ranboob.”

“That’s Tommy.”

Tubbo laughed, only stopping with a wince when Ranboo tied off the bandage. “Thank you, big man. I have not died.”

“Indeed you have not.”

Tommy just grinned, feeling how the wind rushed between the gap in his teeth. He’d knocked it out last week and Ranboo had been very close to a heart attack at the impressive age of eight when he’d run up with blood pouring from his mouth. “You wanna leave here?”

Ranboo shot him a surprised look, but Tommy wasn’t too worried. Tubbo looked shocked as well, considering. “Like- for real?”

To prove Tommy’s point, Ranboo smiled as well- nervously wringing his hands in front of him. “I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed.”

“We could break you out mission impossible style,” Tommy grinned impishly, unable to stop from fidgeting around in excitement. He could feel excited chirping building up in his throat at the idea, and though he was working on the issue he didn’t let himself chirp yet. He trusted Ranboo, but he wasn’t entirely certain about Tubbo yet, despite his offer. “We’ll be like ninjas in the night.”

“Or we could just walk away?” Ranboo offered, but it was too late. Tubbo had evidently gotten excited by the idea as well, sharing a mischievous grin.

“I have the room in the attic,” He replied. “If you really want to?”

Tommy spun to Ranboo, eyes preemptively widened and bottom lip jutting out. “I am doing puppy eyes, Ranboob. Can we break our poor friend Tubsters out of the jail?”

Ranboo groaned, trying in vain to glance away fruitlessly. Tubbo seemed to have caught on quick, joining Tommy in his efforts. “Please Mr. Boo? I am so very poor.”

It was meant as a joke, but Ranboo glanced over at Tubbo’s bandaged arm in consideration before sighing. “I hate both of you- I hate you so much.”

Tubbo and Tommy didn’t seem to care, cheering wildly. “Thank you so much Mr. Boo, I will be awaiting my rescue.”

“Oh we are going to be so cool,” Tommy assured them. “Ranboo we could get on the roof next door and sneak over! We could be like raccoons- we could be like little raccoon boys.”

“We are literally hybrids-“

“But raccoons, Ranboo, raccoons!”

Ranboo sighed, dropping his head into his palms to hide his quickly growing grin. Tommy had a bit of an obsession with raccoons lately, like he’d been with parrots before (and still was to an extent). He didn’t know what Tommy’s obsession would be next, but he had no doubt there would be one. “What time should we sneak you out, Tubbo?”

Tubbo wiggled a bit with a wide grin on his face, which Tommy figured must be a bee thing. “I get locked in my room after sunset, but the others will still be walking around for another two hours.”

Ignoring everything wrong in that statement- Tommy began mentally planning the route and the timing. “Get anything you got packed before then, yeah? Grab anything else in the house too.”

“They know my face,” Tubbo reminded him. “They’ll know I did it.”

Tommy looked to Ranboo for approval for what they both knew the solution was, and once Ranboo nodded he just grinned wildly. “Guess we’re hopping town, lads! We’ll go pack too!”

“…really?”

“Eh,” Ranboo offered. “This place is pretty boring anyway.”

Tubbo snickered, antennae poking up from his hair just a bit more, Tommy wondered if that meant he was excited or if he just felt safer. “Right you are, big man.”

Tommy felt his face hurting from smiling, optimistic in a way he hadn’t felt so strongly since he met Ranboo.

Chapter Text

Maybe they were a little young to ‘finally settle down,’ but Tommy thought they had earned it.

He was eight- Ranboo and Tubbo unfortunately nine but they didn’t talk about that. They found a desert temple and looted villagers enough that they actually weren’t in danger of starving if they took a day off- and with three of them they could always split up to cover more ground anyways.

So where they found a little oak forest with flowers under the overhang of a large mountain it barely took any time to agree.

That wasn’t to say they had a house yet, but they were working on it! They had collected wood from the forest, had replanted the saplings, and set up a little path going to the nearest village from the edge of the forest. Tommy liked making paths he discovered.

Maybe it was just a soothing motion, but he also liked the idea of having set routes out of places and to others. Having a path would have made traveling before so much easier in all honesty.

But despite how perfect the location- the actual building of the house was more complicated. They wanted to build it into the mountain, but with a front room outside of it. And it was easy to say that Tubbo and Tommy especially had very different decoration ideas.

“Cobblestone is the best fucking block, fuck you bitch!”

Tubbo sighed for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last ten minutes, but there was a ridiculous grin on his face so Tommy wasn’t worried. “That doesn’t mean we’re making the whole house out of cobble! It’s ugly.”

“You’re ugly,” Tommy retaliated with a smirk. “Bitch.”

Ranboo’s shoulders shook from where he was trying to cut mushrooms and ignore their argument.

“I am sad,” Tubbo declared, straining his neck so he stared straight at the floor.

Tommy grinned cheekily, watching with glee as Tubbo let out obviously fake sobs. “Good.”

“I’m going to just build the house from birch planks,” Ranboo warned them. “That way you can stop arguing.”

“Noooo-“

“Ranbooooo-“

Ranboo just snickered to himself. He didn’t particularly care about what the house looked like so long as it had a roof, and they could build their own rooms and vaults. He’d put his input in obviously, but there wasn’t much about the house that would truly bother him.

The group wanted a main room with as many cushions and blankets as possible and a fireplace, they wanted separate rooms and connected vaults. Tubbo had already picked out a spot for a designated bee farm, and Ranboo had scoped out a spot for a mine, Tommy had found a good farm spot. They weren’t entirely sure how well they’d do at that as opposed to pickpocketing- but they were optimistic.

“What about oak wood then?” Tubbo suggested. “At least for most of it.”

Tommy hummed, bounding his leg as he thought. “Alright, oak wood. It’ll match the trees that way too. We could also grow vines along the house? It might keep it more hidden.”

Ranboo perked up a bit at the suggestion, sweeping the mushrooms into the pot Tommy had set up for him. “We could put glass on the roof of the front room and put leaves over it? Not for- not for a lot of it- but it would look nice.”

“Oh, yeah actually! It would help with day and night too,” Tubbo agreed. “You want your room to have a grass floor Ranboo?”

“Maybe,” Ranboo admitted. “If- if that's okay.”

“Course, bitch boy,” Tommy rolled his eyes. “My room’s gonna have a cobblestone floor as it is the best block.”

Tubbo just laughed, shaking his head amusedly. Tommy shuffled in his seat as the group stalled into a comfortable silence. “Do we want to make a nest room too?”

“A nest room?”

“Yeah,” Tubbo replied offhandedly. “I think those are normal for hybrids, right? You don’t have to Tommy- but it’d be good to have one.”

Tommy grinned at the idea, trying to figure out what they needed to start on. He loved the idea of having a home- of belonging. Belonging with Tubbo and Ranboo; his flock. Ranboo and Tubbo felt like his forever, they made something deep in his chest sing and made him grin wildly and feel like he could conquer anything. And not to be sappy or anything- but they were his best friends, his platonic soulmates, and scarlet macaws mate for life.

“Chirp!”

He paled, eyes going comically wide at the sudden sound. he hadn’t meant to do that- he’d been building up to chirping again but hadn’t yet. He-

He looked up to find Tubbo with a wild grin and Ranboo with a soft smile, both looking at him in awe.

He scowled, feeling his face grow hot. “Oi fuck off or I’ll de-fan-state you.”

“Defenestrate,” Tubbo corrected him. It wasn't surprising since he had learned the word from Tubbo. “You chirped!”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“We’re just glad you did,” Ranboo assured him. “I’m- it’s nice.”

With that, Ranboo turned back to the momentarily forgotten pot of mushroom soup, grabbing the wool grips to pour it into the wood bowls. Tommy paused, considering for a moment.

“Chirp?”

Ranboo’s ears perked up and his tail lashed once, but he didn’t turn back around. Tubbo just grinned looking down at the paper he’d been working on. Tommy smiled to himself, aware of how the tightness in his chest had loosened some.

“That’s a yes on the nest room I’m guessing,” Tubbo chuckled to himself.

“Fuck off.”

Tubbo shot him a wide grin as he stood, eyeing the soup Ranboo had already gestured him towards. He reached out to ruffle Tommy’s hair on the way, pausing when he heard him gasp.

Tommy felt as though he truly couldn’t breathe, eyes going wide and limbs stilling almost deathly. The three of them had gotten more touchy lately, but it was all fleeting with him. A touch on the wrist or a brush of shoulders was what they gave him, despite the other two comfortable enough to hug. He didn’t blame them, he was more than used to it actually. His mother had ruffled his hair and held his arms, but moved away if he tried to initiate the touch. He was ugly he knew, and strange and lucky she had given him even that much.

Tubbo paused, not removing his hand as he searched his expression. “Tommy, are you alright?”

“Yeah,” He chuckled nervously, ducking his head down but not moving away. “Thank you.”

Tubbo frowned, tilting his head almost comically. “For what?”

“For touching me even though it’s uncomfortable,” He clarified. “I know you guys don’t have to.”

For a second the others were quiet, staring at him intently enough that his skin crawls even more. He doesn’t know if he wasn’t supposed to mention the touch, he wouldn’t think they’d care but they seemed pretty upset. He wrung his hands out, nails biting the skin.

“Oh, Tommy-“

Tubbo pulled him close- close enough that his shin was pressed over Tubbo’s shoulder nearly over his head. It felt like the touch burned because there was so much of it. He stiffened even more if possible, conscious to not let himself lean into the touch. He helplessly looked up at Ranboo, eyes locking onto a tear burning its way down his cheek in concern.

“Ran-?”

Ranboo turned his head into the cloth on his shoulder to stop the tear before starting forwards, one clawed hand gently coming up to hold the back of his head. “Relax, Tommy. You’re allowed to- you can hug him.”

For a minute he didn’t understand before Ranboo gently nudged his head to rest against Tubbo’s. In an instant- it was like his body knew what to do when he didn't. He slumped over Tubbo, limbs falling into a more comfortable position that made him want to chirp in delight. It felt as if he had actually melted, molding his body around Tubbo’s like he could belong. Like this home they were building would be more than a temporary stay. Like he could stay. “Oh.”

Tubbo buzzed lightly against him, and it made his chest warm. "Aww."

"Shut the f'ck up," Tommy growled back, voice slurring a bit as he struggled to get used to the new sensation. He instinctually fought back a chirp, but did push his head into Ranboo's palm tentatively.

Ranboo continued gently massaging his scalp, a small smile on his face. Tommy felt his eyes drift shut before he slammed them back open, determined to not forget the look on Ranboo’s face at that moment. “It’s not uncomfortable, Tommy,” He assured him. “It’s happy for us too.”

Tommy felt awe at the idea that this was what they felt when he touched them, that he might be good. That he might be something happy to them, that he might be just a little bit as precious as they were to him.

Because they were precious.

He let out a few more content chirps and tried not to cry when they held him tighter for it.

Chapter Text

Tommy was a special breed of dumbass.

He was the biggest man- the smartest and strongest, don’t get him wrong. But really, why the fuck did he make such stupid mistakes.

Maybe it was just the pain talking- but Tommy swore that he would never hide a potential injury from his flock again. Well… it was working alright so maybe it was just one of those ‘gets worse before it gets better’ kind of things.

He remembered way back with his mother, when he got sick enough to stay home he would usually just sleep all day. It was miserable sure, but there wasn't much to do about it- and she couldn't stay with hi or she could get sick and have to call in sick to work. He wished he could just sleep all day now, but he was living without adults so that was out of the picture. He just had to power through.

Tommy was used to hiding injuries truth be told. Not major ones, but the habit stuck over. Years of hiding small scabs from yanking out his own feathers, hiding bruises or scratches from when his father still lived with him, more bruises from when schoolyard bullies had picked on him. It was just a part of life- if you got hurt then you keep it to yourself if possible.

Unless you’re Tubbo or Ranboo, then you were legally obligated to fucking tell him so he could help.

Maybe someone would call that hypocritical, but genuinely fuck you, he didn't even know what that word meant. So there.

But fuck his back hurt.

It had been itchy for weeks, sore for days, and today it felt like he’d scraped it open somehow. He’d checked it though, his back was red but intact. Fucking ridiculous if you asked him, it felt much worse than that. But that didn't mean it wasn't stupid. 'Sorry, can't work today cuz my back has some wired rash.'

Fuck that.

"Tommy?"

Tommy grunted, not looking up from where he was painstakingly organizing their chests. It wasn't a job he usually did- he didn't see the point in it really. But it was better than farming or hunting, and he'd thought it would keep Tubbo and Ranboo off his back.

Apparently not.

"Yeah, Ranboob?"

Ranboo rolled his eyes but didn't leave. He knew something was wrong, and he was sure Tubbo would say so too if he wasn't off gathering flowers. He wished he was there, Tubbo was a lot better at confrontations than he was. "Tommy, can I-"

"You can grab me that bag of seeds there."

Ranboo handed over the mentioned bag of seeds, they were planning to sell the excess seeds to the villagers if possible. They didn't want to have a big enough farm that it was too readily noticeable after all. He hesitated only a moment before powering through. “You good?”

“Course,” Tommy grit out. “I’m fan-fucking-tastic.”

Ranboo frowned, setting down the gathered iron ore atop the furnace. “Tommy?”

“Boob boy,” Tommy mocked. “Fuck off.”

“Tommy,” Ranboo tried again. “You don’t- you don’t look so good.”

“Well, fuck you bitch,” Tommy grumbled back. His back fucking stung. “I am the most handsome, jaw-drawing man-“

Tommy collapsed.

It felt like someone had stuck a dagger in his back- like someone had set the back of his shirt on fire. There really was no other way to describe it- it burned. He caught himself from hitting his head with his forearms, his head spinning faster with his fall. Ranboo’s hands were flittering nervously around him but not on him. Ranboo was considerate like that.

“Tommy, can you hear me?”

Tommy grunted, shutting his eyes tight. “F’ck you, it’s just my back.”

“Okay- okay.” Ranboo helped Tommy to lay on his side, before slowly pushing the back of his shirt up. He heard the concerned hiss behind him.

“What?” He bit out impatiently.

“Tommy,” Ranboo hesitated. “Why didn’t you tell me your wings were coming in?”

Tommy’s eyes shot open, regretting it instantly as his head throbbed. “The fuck do you mean, wings?”

“Oh no,” Ranboo groaned. “Tubbo’s not gonna be back for hours, and you’re going to- you’re going to grow wings now?”

“Ranboo, what the fuck do you mean-“

“Tommy,” Ranboo whined, purple static jumping off him. “I- okay, okay. This is fine, this is fine.”

“I don’t have wings,” Tommy informed as he curled over himself as much as possible. “I have fucking feathers growin' out me arms, but I’m not that inhuman.”

“It’s not a bad thing,” Ranboo reminded him. “I know you’re used to saying it is but- it’s just not.”

Tommy groaned, overwhelmed by the feeling of skin tearing on his back as his body reformed to make way for the new intrusions. For the new fucking limbs about to sprout from his back. “Ranboo-“

“I’m here.”

Tommy whimpered, twitching as the process really began. “Stop it, fucking-“ He cut himself off with a harsh cough.

Ranboo really wished Tubbo was here, but he wasn’t so he just tried to pet down Tommy’s fluffed hair to calm him. “It’s gonna be- it’s gonna be okay.”

“Please,” He whimpered, breathing shaky. “Make it stop-please please please make it stop.”

Ranboo bit down the concerned vwoops trying to escape him as he pulled Tommy’s hands to his chest. Tommy instinctually latched onto his shirt, wrinkling the fabric as Ranboo let his hands slowly rub against this forearms. He wanted to help, but he knew there wasn’t anything he could do. “It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m here Tommy.”

“Boo,” Tommy gasped weakly. “Boo Boo Boo-man, please make it fucking stop-“

He let out a weak cry and Ranboo felt a shudder run through the smaller teen’s body. He let the concerned ender sounds out, growing more confidant with it when the noises seemed to help if only minutely. Tommy pressed his face into the base of Ranboo’s neck, pressed into the heavy jacket there in some attempt to not hurt Ranboo. Tubbo was on his way back, and he would most definitely be better at this than him. He just had to hold on and be there for Tommy. “You’re safe, Tommy. It’ll be over soon.”

“Ranboo,” He sobbed. “It hurts, it hurts so fucking bad. Make it stop, make it stop make it stop makeitstopmakeitstop-“

Ranboo tucked his chin over Tommy’s head, the positioning felt natural even if it was new. He let his pearl hum in his chest. Tommy’s breathing didn’t get any worse. It didn’t get better- but it stopped getting worse. “It’s gonna be alright, you’re gonna- gonna be okay.”

Tommy didn’t reply; he just cried and shook and frantically burrowed his head into Ranboo as his back burned. It was disturbing to see Tommy like this, it hurt.

“Please please please pleasepleasepleaseplease-“

Ranboo couldn’t help him, he couldn’t make it stop as the skin on Tommy’s back thinned and tore and bled slowly. Couldn’t stop the twitching limbs from tearing their way out of Tommy’s back slowly- as if they had all the time in the world, yet roughly like they were being wrenched out. He couldn’t stop how Tommy’s head warmed worryingly against his chin or how he shook and cried and pleaded into his jacket.

“It’ll be alright,” He comforted; voice catching. “It’ll be okay, it’ll- it’ll be alright.”

Tommy whined.

“Ranboo?” Ranboo whined around as fast as possible, ignoring Tommy’s answering grunt of pain in favor of practically breaking in relief. “Tubbo- Tubbo his wings are growing in, I don’t…”

Tubbo dropped the bundle he was carrying, pulling Tommy’s shoulder against him to brace him up. He was still buried in Ranboo’s chest, but he let go of one of his arms to grab weakly at Tubbo. It was agony, like his entire body was being restructured as opposed to just his back.

“It ‘urts.”

“I know,” Tubbo soothed him. “You’re almost there, though. Oh my god, Tommy, you’re gonna have wings, how cool is that?”

Tommy didn’t answer, but Tubbo hummed like he had anyways. “You’re going to look so badass, man.”

“Yeah?” Tommy wheezed out, still shaking.

“Of course,” Tubbo chuckled. “We’re just…”

“Almost there,” Ranboo confirmed.

“Almost there.”

Tommy whimpered again, hating the feeling of being so helpless. He trusted Tubbo and Ranboo a lot- far too much for his comfort if he was being honest. That was the one thing he occasionally missed about being alone; never having to rely on anyone else. He wouldn’t give Tubbo or Ranboo up for the world though- not for anything.

“There you go,” Tubbo hummed. “Almost done!”

Skin cracked and tore as the wings shifted, bent and bloodied feathers somehow still attached. It made sense, Tubbo supposed. The server’s corrupted magic had been transforming players into hybrids for a long time, but it had never made it easy or sensical. Logically; human-mob hybrids shouldn’t exist, shouldn’t manifest randomly.

Tommy’s wings twitched and he felt Tommy tremble against him. A whisper of a scream tore through his throat, he didn’t have enough energy or oxygen to scream properly. Something in his throat felt like it was tearing as well.

“Almost done,” Tubbo reminded him. “Just stretch them straight so your back can heal, big man.”

Tommy just whimpered, and Tubbo felt Ranboo’s pearl hum through Tommy’s body in comfort. Tommy really was too small, all things considered. He was tall, but thin and still malnourished despite the time that had passed. It was mostly due to habit of course, but they were working on it. They all had plenty to work on.

The wings slowly straightened, and Tommy endured the cracking and stabbing pain along his spine. Fuck.

The skin on his back cracked again as the wings seemed to click perfectly into place. By prime, it felt so much more natural- despite the lingering pain. He doubted it would ever go away, it was just too much. He felt Ranboo’s gentle claws swipe a cloth over his back, catching slightly on half-formed scabs and smearing more blood over his skin. The tension in his body disappeared, and he slumped over into their holds. Into his flock.

He let out a weak chirp, instincts practically singing as Ranboo clumsily mimicked it. It wasn't perfect but it helped.

“Done?” Tommy asked weakly, feeling his grip on consciousness slipping.

“You can sleep now,” Tubbo assured him. His... wings twitched against his back.

He passed out.

Chapter Text

Tommy had not had many valuables in his life- at least nothing considered valuable by most.

He had a little pouch of feathers kept in rebellion, he had a handful of emeralds long since spent, and he had a home that was dear for his flock residing in it. It was poetic in a way that they would be the ones to give him the most valuable possession he had ever owned- both monetary and sentimental.

Tommy held onto the disk he'd been handed with unhidden shock and awe. He blinked confusedly, trying to think of why Tubbo would be handing him such a rare item.

“It’s cat,” Tubbo explained. “I was trying to get a disk for you cuz I kept seeing you pause outside that one shop a bard plays at.”

Tommy felt something burn in his chest, warm and comforting. He chirped quietly, feeling a bit overwhelmed. “Oh,” He breathed out as he ran his hands over the vinyl. “Oh, that's- thank you.”

Tubbo smiled brightly, buzzing carefully in response. Tommy smiled, letting some more shy chirps out. He rarely chirped unless it was a special occasion- but he’d been doing it more and more since noticing how genuinely happy it made his flock.

Tubbo pulled him in for a quick and intense hug (minding his still sensitive wings) before skipping back outside. Tubbo was like that- sudden and intense and sweet in one fell swoop. It was dizzying if he was honest, especially after such a grand gesture. Tommy just stood there for another minute, running a hand over the vinyl with a small giddy smile. He was so amazed he didn’t notice Ranboo watching him.

Ranboo was watching though, and he wished he had thought of that sooner.

He’d given Tubbo things before, but any gifts he’d given to Tommy hadn’t felt especially personal. Not because he didn’t know Tommy as much as he just hadn’t gotten around to getting him a meaningful gift yet. There hadn’t been a rush, but now he was excited.

He set off as soon as the sun went down, determined.

He really hated the actual giving of the gift though. It was like the offer of friendship he'd extended with a little purple allium plucked from the ground, nervous and awkward but well-meant. He hoped Tommy would see that like the first time because he felt extremely out of his depth.

He was nervous.

"A gift?" Tommy asked, eyes wide and already excited. Ranboo hoped fervently that he wouldn't let him down.

“I-um, it’s… well you see-“ Ranboo trailed off, looking more awkward than Tommy had ever seen him, which was quite the accomplishment in all honestly. Ranboo was forever awkward, but he’d calmed down loads since Tommy had met him, and only occasionally seemed awkward enough to not just be his charming self. Not that Tommy would say that of course.

Nevertheless, Tommy figured he should try to help. “See what Ranboo?”

Ranboo took the second to take a breath before bringing his hands out from behind him to hold out a disk.

A disk with purple and white stripes on the inside.

“Ranboo,” Tommy’s eyes widened helplessly. “Is… is this-?”

“Mellohi,” Ranboo confirmed, his tail wrapping around his own ankle. “I- I saw how happy you were when Tubbo gave you cat and I just- I wanted to…”

Tommy cooed involuntarily, bounding forward to wrap around Ranboo. His nose was just tall enough to hook over Ranboo’s shoulder comfortably, his wide smile pressed into the too-big suit jacket they’d found in the lost and found a week ago. Ranboo returned the embrace near-desperately, heart jack-hammering against Tommy as he calmed down. He felt Ranboo's claws lightly shaking against him, but Ranboo didn't mention how fluffed up his wings were so he didn't say anything either.

“There ya go, Ranboob,” Tommy chuckled. If anyone were to bring it up Tommy would deny it, but he was being soft in every way. One hand was reached up to ruffle split-colored hair as the other rubbed circles on the other’s back. “Thank you.”

Ranboo exhaled a bit shakily, nuzzling his head against Tommy’s. “You’re- you’re my person,” Ranboo explained as best he was able. “You and Tubbo, you’re…you’re my people- my-“

Pack, flock, hive, haunting, family.

“Mine,” Ranboo summarized uncertainly. “I don’t- I don’t know how else to say it.”

Tommy chuckled, pulling back just enough to stare at the bridge of Ranboo’s nose with a small smile. “You’re mine too, Ran.”

"Guys," A chocked voice came from the doorway, and when they turned they found Tubbo standing with tears in his eyes and a helpless little smile on his face. "What the fuck- that was so cute."
Tommy laughed violently but didn't pull away aside from one arm held out to their missing member. "Get over here then," Tommy teased. "Don't need ya collapsing on the floor, now do we?"

Tubbo barreled into them, knocking them straight to the floor in a jumble of smiles and bruises and complaints.

Pack.

The gift-giving didn’t stop with Tommy, of course.

Ranboo placed more meaning on gift-giving than the other two, it was just how he expressed himself best they’d learned. Whether it was a grass block, extra food, shiny rock, or a more meaningful gift it was done with the same intentions- with the same love and thought behind it. Tubbo was more partial to physical affection and simply time, and Tommy definitely had a penchant for assuring words. They all went out of their way to show both of course, but Tubbo and Tommy planned something big after the disks.

Only a week after the disk incidents did Tommy and Tubbo’s quickly constructed and lovingly executed plan come to fruition.

It came in the form of a small leather-bound book.

“It’s for you to write in,” Tommy explained, shifting from foot to foot. The book was held out in front of him confidently, though he didn’t feel it. “I know you’ve got your other one- but it’s a bit fucked up innit? It’ll hold up better, and you can keep in on ya for safekeeping.”

Ranboo wordlessly accepted the book almost reverently. There were little allium’s sloppily stitched onto the borders of the leather, his name stitched onto the corner and the words ‘DO NOT READ’ in a scratchy font where a title might go. Tommy was proficient with a needle, of course, having been taught by his mother as part of his chores when he was young. But despite knowing that and having gone to him for help stitching holes in shirts, he hadn’t realized how skilled Tommy was with it.

It was just so much effort for him.

He looked up with a lost and giddy smile, eyes locked on the little feather growing from the side of Tommy’s face. “Thank you,” He whispered.

Tommy just nodded, rubbing the back of his neck before obviously directing his attention to Tubbo with a wild wave of his hands. “That's not all, Big R! Can’t have you losing the gift after all.”

Tubbo giggled along, pulling something else from behind his back.

“It’s a little harness for your belt,” Tubbo smiled as he held out a jumble of leather strips. He could see bits of iron embedded in the leather for protection, likely scrapped from enchanted weapons if the purplish sheen was anything to go by. They’d begun sewing bit of discarded enchanted metal into things when they could, it was a neat trick which Tubbo was by far the best at. “It’s nothing too fancy- but I thought it would help you not leave the book home.”

Ranboo accepted the leather wordlessly, eyes wide and hungrily taking in everything before him. He attached it to his belt and slid the book in- his most valuable possession despite it not having been written in yet. He looked up with wet eyes and a hopeless smile. “Thank- thank you.”

“Aw,” Tubbo dabbed his sleeve at Ranboo’s eye. Tommy chuckled and hesitantly slid an arm around Ranboo’s waist. “Your welcome, man.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tommy grumbled. “Just fuckin’ hug us or something.”

Ranboo laughed weakly as he complied, wrapping long arms around the two and settling his head over Tubbo’s. His pearl hummed in his chest. Everything in him felt warm- like he could just stay there forever without consequence. The new book rested against his thigh, and the new weight was grounding. “Thank you,” He whispered again.

“No problem, Boob boy,” Tommy assured him, ever ready to try and move on from moments like this. His head was still nestled against Ranboo’s shoulder though so he didn’t try to release them. “Can’t have you forgetting about us, now can we?”

Ranboo laughed, pulling them closer if possible. He didn’t know how to say how grateful he was.

The sun streamed through the windows lazily, resting the three boys curled up asleep hours later. Life was peaceful.

Ranboo and Tommy would start planning to give back to Tubbo as well tomorrow.

“Tommy, I think you’ve shrunk,” Tubbo declared plainly.

Tommy felt the immediate need to beat Tubbo over the head with an anvil. “I think you’re an im-be-cel actually.”

Tubbo just scrutinized him from where he was sitting on the kitchen’s countertops. Ranboo was standing across the room, so he really thought Tubbo was just bullshitting. “Yeah, you’ve definitely shrunk, big man.”

“People don’t shrink, Tubbo,” Ranboo said before hesitating. He glanced over at Tommy critically. “Until they do.”

Tommy glared at him, wondering how easily he could set Ranboo on fire before he’d put it out. “People don’t shrink, bitch.”

“Pretty sure they do,” Tubbo declared easily. “You have.”

“I DIDN’T FUCKING SHRINK-“

The two just laughed, which was very fucking rude. He made sure to tell them so, but they didn’t seem to care.

“You came up to around my nose before didn’t you?” Ranboo asked curiously. Tommy pointedly stayed sitting, he didn’t have to take this shit. Honestly, though, they were being obnoxious and lying.

“I was as tall as you,” Tommy protested. “Am as tall as you.”

Neither of the two look as though they quite believed him, but they were pussies anyways. He crossed his arms and sized Ranboo up. He was slouched a bit as always, but he didn’t seem that much taller. “That doesn’t even make any fucking sense,” He complained. “People don’t just shrink.”

Tubbo snickered, one arm reaching out to poke at his wings lightly. “People don’t typically grow wings either, big man.”

Ranboo seemed to light up at that. “You think it’s a hybrid thing?”

“Mhmm,” Tubbo confirmed, eying his wings like some sort of fascinating insect. Tommy would’ve been offended if he didn’t know that was just how Tubbo was. “Well, he’s a parrot, isn’t he? And birds need to be all light and shit to fly- Tommy needed to be smaller.”

“Ooo,” Ranboo grinned back. Tommy felt tempted to mimic the sound but refrained. He was good at mimicking sounds and it was fun, but it likely wouldn’t help his case here. “How- how much more do you think he’ll shrink?”

“Oh fuck no-“

“Maybe just taller than me?” Tubbo suggested. “His wings would be big enough then, yeah?”

“Listen,” Tommy interrupted, hands held up placatingly despite his instinct to bite them. “I refuse.”

Ranboo froze for a second, rolling his eyes. “Please tell me you don’t think you can just refuse-“

“No, no. Fuck off, I refuse,” Tommy insisted. “I have not given consent to shrink. You don’t wanna- wanna be a wrongun do you, Ranboob?”

“I wouldn’t-“ Ranboo sputters. “I’m not the one who-“

“Unbelievable,” Tommy lamented. “Ranboo’s a fuckin’ wrongun Tubbo. He’s a fucking- a fucking no-asker. We need to leave him- leave him sitting in a ditch.”

“Tommy!”

“You’ll help me, won’t you Tubbo?”

“Tommy,” Tubbo snickered. “We’re not gonna leave Ranboo in a- in a ditch somewhere.”

“I think we are.”

Ranboo groaned, dragging his hands over his face in mock pain. “Do I get a say in this? Do I- Can I talk?”

“No,” Tommy deadpanned. “You cannot, actually.”

“Oh, I see,” Ranboo nodded. “Understandable.”

Tubbo snickered and all three of them collapsed into their own cackling. They were actually fantastic at acting out their jokes and bits really, but once one of them started laughing it was all over. It was nice actually- having something so normal and personal to the three of them. Like the home or the disks- they meant so much to Tommy. It was just his flock being themselves, and it was incredible.

Still- they were staring at him expectantly which wasn’t that incredible. Actually, it was obnoxious of them.

“Fine,” He grumbled, ignoring Tubbo’s responding cheer. He hopped off the counter and-

“FUCK I DID SHRINK-“

Chapter Text

A feather lay limply by Tommy's feet, a spare cloth under it to catch the droplets of blood that fell off of his arm.

It was strange- how simultaneously grounding and far away the feeling was, the slight sting in his arm and the tickling feeling from the blood that dripped slowly off his skin. He breathed in deeply, catching the faint metallic taste in the air.

He'd felt off all week, like nothing around him was quite real. Like any moment now he'd be at the house pulling a feather off his arm or biting down on chirps. He missed her sometimes- but only when he felt lost or in pain.

He tensed his hand, trying to stop the shaking that tugged at the sensitive feather and skin without actually ripping it off. No matter what Ranboo said he didn’t have a death wish, and no matter what Tubbo said; he did have self-preservation instincts.

Just because he knew it was harmful in a way didn’t mean he would stop.

Even if it fucking hurt.

“Fucking pussy,” He grunted to himself. He’d done this plenty before, it was fine. It was better than fine actually, it was what was expected of him. Even if his mother left him and fucking hated him, it was almost soothing now. It was control over himself and it was release for pent-up emotions and it was security because he was not going to let some shitty fucking feathers ruin his life again.

Was is again if he hated his life before? If he was always hungry and scared and lonely?

He breathed in deeply, it reminded him of when Ranboo had spilled water on himself. His breaths getting deeper as Tubbo coached him and Tommy carefully dabbed up the water in an effort not to spread the burns.

He breathed out and tugged.

It took a lot less effort than you would think- but fuck did it hurt. Skin still clang to the end of the feather’s barb, blood quickly pooling and lazily dripping over his pale skin. The path wasn’t completely straight, and when he brushed his thumb over it he was transfixed on how it spread so thinly and vibrantly.

There wasn’t a lot of it, but it caught his attention more than anything around him.

It felt familiar.

It felt familiar in a way that Tubbo’s hugs and Ranboo’s purrs and their cute little home was becoming. It was familiar like hunger in his gut and static in his mind- even if he’d felt those less lately. It was relieving in a way, because as crazy as it sounded- he felt homesick for it. And wasn’t that just sad.

The feeling was familiar and comforting for it because he knew it would hurt. He wasn’t waiting to see if it would or not because he already knew.

“Tommy?”

He flinched, wide guilty eyes snapping to Ranboo standing in the doorway. He shouldn’t feel guilty- it's not like Ranboo was the one getting hurt.

“Tommy,” Ranboo repeated in that same tone- voice cracking around the edges. “Tommy- Tommy, why?”

Tommy smiled weakly, vision blurring a bit. “What- never seen a man pluck his feathers before?”

“Tom- Tommy no. You shouldn’t- you don’t have to do that.”

Tommy chuckled, rubbing a thumb over the drying blood. “My mother used to tell me to,” Tommy admitted, feeling sickly nostalgic. “To make me normal.”

Ranboo let out a sad warble that Tommy’s throat ached to copy. Ranboo made the most interesting sounds when he was all instinctual. “I’m sorry, you- you didn’t deserve that.”

“I did.”

“Why?”

Tommy paused, unsure- or at least unable to fully grasp onto the whys of his life. Why was he born a freak, why did his father hate him, why did he stop plucking all the feathers, why did his mother kick him out, why didn’t he fight harder to stay. Why did he trust Ranboo and open up? Why was he still plucking feathers for a woman who deserted him? Why was he still terrified of his father?

Why, why, why, why, why-

“I’m used to it,” He finally admitted, like it was some dirty secret instead of just life. “It’s normal. I’ve been doin’ it all my life.”

Ranboo whined, hands pulling at the edge of his shirt. “You shouldn’t- I can’t...”

"That's abuse, Tommy," Ranboo settled on quietly. "That's- that's abuse."

“I deserved it,” Tommy told him. He felt defeated like nothing had really mattered. “It doesn’t hurt so bad anyway.”

“Tommy.” Ranboo’s voice broke. “You…I-“

His hands were clenching and unclenching in a way that practically screamed how lost he felt. He needed to hold something to calm down, Tommy knew that. But Ranboo didn’t grab anything, he just made a distressed enderman sound in the back of his throat.

“Tommy, please-“

“Hey, just…” Tommy paused, unsure and hesitant before opening up his arms. “Get over here…”

Ranboo complied easily, practically diving forwards to wrap his arms around Tommy’s back and hold the back of his shirt in tight fists. Despite himself; Tommy relaxed into the hold. He was practically sitting in Ranboo’s lap for how tight Ranboo clung to him. Like he was completely protected and hidden. His instincts sang in response, and a half-choked chirp stumbled past his lips when Ranboo pressed his nose into his pulse point.

“I’m sorry,” Ranboo whispered. “I’m so- I wish you had told us.”

Tommy thought that was a bit hypocritical actually- with how Ranboo never said how eye contact was uncomfortable unless he initiated it, or how Tubbo never said that he hated going outside when it rained. “Sorry,” He muttered instead, tipping his head against Ranboo’s. He felt more relaxed, he hadn’t even realized how tense he’d been.

“I’ve been trying not to, but it’s normal,” He tried to explain. He didn’t know why he felt he needed Ranboo’s approval but felt relieved when Ranboo didn’t give it. “It used to be.”

“I- I know.” Ranboo let out a little distressed warble. “You didn't deserve that, Tommy. Please- I... you didn't deserve that."

"I-"

"You didn't," Ranboo spat. Tommy hadn't heard him so aggressive ever if he was honest, and it was jarring. "You didn't- you could never deserve that."

"Oh," He breathed, pressing farther into Ranboo. A bleary chirp crept out in an attempt to comfort Ranboo, who responded with an enderian chirp of his own. He mimicked it subconsciously, and Ranboo curled around him even more.

Ranboo sighed, clearly still upset. "Just… can we- can we make a deal?”

“What kind?”

Ranboo pulled back, looking into Tommy’s eyes unflinchingly with more sorrow than Tommy expected. “Tell me if you feel like you need to do that- tell me and I’ll distract you- just…please.”

Tommy hesitated, trying to grasp the why once more. There was no question that he’d die for his flock- kill for them. But having that sentiment returned seemed a bit unexpected. “Okay,” He whispered instead of trying to reason it out. “Yeah I- okay.”

Ranboo sighed, hooking his chin over Tommy’s head instinctually as his pearl picked up a steady hum. “Good. That’s- that's good.”

Tommy couldn’t help but think to himself that he would definitely tear his feathers out again, but maybe it could be better. And when Ranboo finally stepped back to rinse off the cut he thought maybe he could believe he shouldn’t have to do that. Maybe.

He didn’t want any more ugly scars anyway.

Tomm had the best ideas- even if Tubbo doubted him.

It was quite rude actually, Tommy knew it was a good idea. Ranboo even seemed on board mostly! Tubbo was just being a little bitch, and Tommy made sure to tell him so.

"Tommy," Tubbo stressed. "It's not going to do anything."

"Awww, but please?"

Tubbo chuckled, swirling the given glass in his hand lazily as he contemplated Tommy's request. "I don't know, this isn't going to do anything."

Tommy laughed, nearly bouncing in his excitement. "Oh but it will! Come on- Tubbooooo"

"Tommyyyyy," Tubbo teased, glancing at Ranboo. "What do you think, Boo?"

"Oh yes," Ranboo agreed. "You should definitely."

Tubbo sighed, uncorking the potion bottle distastefully. Tommy thought it was stupid that Tubbo was agreeing after Ranboo, he was plenty trustworthy. "I don't think this is a good idea," He said again.

"What you scared?" Tommy challenged, still grinning maniacally.

Tubbo rolled his eyes. "Bottoms up."

Tommy leaned forward from where he was perched against the counter, letting out a little click as Tubbo set down the emptied bottle. "Well?"

"Well, what?" Tubbo rolled his eyes. "Just because I'm a bee doesn't mean sugar water will..."

Tubbo's eyes widened, closing and opening lethargically as he was suddenly hit with what felt like a wall of pleasant buzzing. It felt like a fuzzy blanket over his senses, like he was floating all of a sudden. "Oh," He breathed out, posture slumping a bit as he set the empty bottle on the couch.

Ranboo just chuckled walking forwards to stand next to Tommy. "I didn't think it would work that fast."

"Oh, this is perfect- very pogchamp," Tommy grinned. "Ranboo look he's all loopy!"

“Woah,” Tubbo breathed out, antenna raising up in interest. “Woah.”

Tommy snickered, watching gleefully as Tubbo’s pupils dilated.

Bzzzzzzzz

“Oh my god,” Ranboo giggled wondrously. Tubbo blinked almost sleepily, head turning towards him with a small pleasant smile. “Can he- can he understand us?”

“I don’t think so,” Tommy replied, keeping his laughter as restrained as possible. “Holy shit.”

Tubbo stumbled forwards, and Tommy tried in vain to ignore the shock at him having gone so instinctual so suddenly. he leaned into Ranboo’s shoulder and held out an arm for him loosely. The buzzing was pleasant and relaxed in a way Tubbo didn't usually let himself get.

“You look so dumb right now,” Tommy informed him as he stepped forward to hug Tubbo. Ranboo snickered at him, but he ignored him. “So dumb.”

Tubbo buzzed.

“Aww.”

“You look so dumb right now,” Ranboo teased him. “Your wings are fluffed up.”

Tommy scowled in response, face reddening at the reminder of his wings. The fucking things broadcasted his emotions painfully accurately- and because of it Tubbo and Ranboo were memorizing all his tells and facial expressions they hadn’t already. They were all smug about it which was obnoxious as hell. “Fuck you.”

Ranboo just chuckled, throwing an arm around Tommy's shoulder so he and Tubbo were tucked securely against him- Tubbo buzzing between them almost violently. "How long do you think he'll be like this?"

Tommy shrugged, leaning against them more heavily to Tubbo's audible delight. "Fuck if I know- I reckon we're trapped though, Big R."

"Agreed," Ranboo smiled. "If you walk backward we could at least make it to the nest room?"

Tommy perked up at the mentioned room. They'd been using it any time one of their instincts were loud, or just when they felt like it and it was heaven. It was a pit dug into the floor lined with soft red wool and covered in different blankets and discarded sweaters. Ranboo had put some sloppy homemade candles from when he went through a phase, Tommy put a hard-earned jukebox in to play his beloved disks, and Tubbo always kept a small ice-packed chest filled with some sweet drinks.

Ranboo shot him a knowing look and Tommy scowled in response. "Fuck off- let's just fucking go already."

Ranboo's shoulders shook in an effort to not cackle and startle the bee happily buzzing between them. He tapped Tommy's back and they stumbled backward awkwardly, Tubbo practically hanging between them.

"Wha?"

"Don't get all awake and shit now," Tommy grumbled good-naturedly. "Almost there, lazy bitch."

"S'ry," Tubbo hummed unapologetically. He pushed his face farther into Ranboo's suit. He'd taken to wearing it constantly, and it was deceivingly soft despite its nature. "Nest?"

"Nest room," Ranboo confirmed as he reached behind their little train to twist the lopsided doorknob. "Tommy's being clingy."

"Fuck you," Tommy hissed. "Am not."

"Sorry," Ranboo chuckled without missing a beat. "Tommy's being cuddly."

Tommy's face pinched up like he''d eaten a lemon, visibly restraining himself from screeching. "Oh look we're here," Ranboo giggled, pitching forwards to fall into the pit.

Tommy did screech them, eyes going wide as he clutched at them in shock. Ranboo laughed, pressing his face into his sleeve. "You should've seen your face," Ranboo chortled, seemingly no longer worried about startling Tubbo.

"Fuck off," Tommy hissed at him, burying the lower half of his face between Tubbo's antennae defensively. "Fuck off, fuck off, fuck off-"

"Guysss-"

Tommy sent another glare at Ranboo before burying his face farther into Tubbo's hair. "Fine."

"Fine," Ranboo mocked.

"Oh, fuck off-"

Tubbo buzzed contentedly as they dissolved into bickering.

Chapter Text

Home wasn’t quiet per se, but its chaos was recognizable.

It would be loud with laughter, loud with play arguments, and failed experiments with TNT cannons. It would be Tommy begging to have another pet, trying to get Ranboo to stop mining, and bribing Tubbo to not plant the new beetroot farm in the shape of a penis. The three of them were so used to each other after the time they’d been together that they could recognize each other’s voices flawlessly.

Tommy was ten, Ranboo and Tubbo were eleven.

So when the three heard people in their forest that wasn’t their pack they were… put on edge.

Ranboo growled deep in his throat from where he was perched in a tree with Tubbo and Tommy. He might’ve felt embarrassed at it slipping out if Tubbo wasn’t buzzing angrily and Tommy’s wings weren’t fluffed up and stuck out like they’d been struck by lightning.

The intruders were oblivious to their presence.

“We could take them,” Tommy whispered after a moment, glaring impressively for his age.

Tubbo sighed, rubbing his palms against his overalls. “They’re adults, Tommy.”

“They’re fucking pussies,” Tommy hissed back. “Fucking pussies I tell you.”

Ranboo considered the strangers contemplatively- determined to not let his instincts rule the situation. The balance between instincts and logic was a strange one some days, but a fairly simple one by this point.

There were three of them- two guys chasing another with weapons. The chasers were screeching at the top of their lungs, taunts and wordless shouts falling off their lips. One had a bow and arrow while the other had a sword, the one being chased had an axe and a fishing pole.

“I don’t think it’s that simple,” Tubbo admitted begrudgingly. “We may have to fight though.”

Tommy scowled, jumping to glide shakily into another tree to keep up with the group. They were running towards their home, and he was becoming more and more on edge because of it. “Good. I’ll take the green bastard.”

“No,” Tubbo interrupted. “I don’t think we need to fight him actually.”

Tommy paused, looking away from the group fleetingly. “Explain.”

“He’s probably a hybrid,” Tubbo complied. “See the mask and cloak?”

Tommy looked back at the stranger more critically, noting how much of him the mask and cloak did cover. Tommy didn’t have any feathers on his face (though the skin there was itching lately so the may not be true for long) but if he did then that's how he would hide it, and the cloak could cover a lot.

“Fuck.”

Tubbo nodded, loading a crossbow. None of them had expected this invasion- and certainly not the possibility of having to rescue another hybrid from two hunters. “Do you have your sword?”

“Yeah just- fuck I don’t wanna do this,” Tommy groaned.

Tubbo just chuckled in response, seeing how Tommy was already scanning the scene. Ranboo didn’t seem as excited for the idea, holding his axe loosely as opposed to Tommy’s tight grip. “Guys, we don’t know if that's-“

“Because humans normally chase hybrids around without trying to hurt them,” Tommy spat bitterly. “Lead him somewhere safe if you don’t want to fight then. You’re the more comforting one.”

Ranboo nodded thankfully despite being put on what Tommy was already considering babysitting duty. That really was just Ranboo for you- he generally didn’t attack anyone first. Tommy shifted on his feet, waiting for Ranboo’s nod before jumping down as Tubbo shot his first bolt.

“WATCH OUT!”

The hunter in the lead shrieked as the bolt slammed into a tree beside them, only a second away from impaling them. The one who had spotted them had a pair of large clout goggles.

The one with the flame-patterned shirt looked at him with wide eyes, likely shocked that another hybrid would willingly jump into the fight. Hunters were always making stupid assumptions like that- like they thought hybrids didn’t have the capacity to care for each other. Tommy’s flock had all had to run from hunters before- before and after they had met. They hadn’t found any hunters since they’d settled down, but of course, the peace would only last for so long.

Tommy didn’t wait for him to regain his balance, charging forward with a shout to meet the man’s hastily raised sword.

“What the fuck-“

Tommy swept his way around him, slicing the back of his iron armor deeply. Hunters typically weren't the riches out there, but most had at least some diamond armor. He could guess that the two weren’t professional easily enough given that they hadn’t thrown any potions and given how unstealthy they were.

Sure some hunters were more confidant than others, but it was like they wanted the guy to know they were there.

Tommy snarled to himself as the stranger finally tried to land a hit on him. Egotistical bastard. He leaped out of the way and tried to lead the guy onto his path. He had traps set up all around their home, each one memorized by his flock or easily recognizable enough when not in a hurry. (There was one time Ranboo had gotten caught for an hour, but Tommy had fixed that one.)

“STOP-“

“FUCK OFF.”

Tommy quickly blocked a hit that sent him rushing back to avoid the second hit, but he managed to keep from letting his brief faltering go further than that. The guy was visibly agitated and was getting more and more aggressive. Tommy could only hope that meant he wouldn’t stop to think too hard about the next part.

The path behind him would turn to birch slabs rather than oak soon, he only had to watch out for a misaligned torch marking the spot before-

“Why’d you-?”

The torch crossed into the corner of his vision, and he snapped his wings out quickly, throwing himself back to cross the section seamlessly. He stumbled on the other side, and the hunter leaped forward to take advantage.

The tripwire was sprung, and the stranger’s eyes could only widen for a second before a net hidden in the path snapped up. Tommy grinned wildly, feeling adrenaline rushing through his veins. “Holy fuck it actually- it actually worked.”

The stranger’s yells quieted down, replaced by slightly panicked grumbling and threats.

He glanced over the handiwork he hadn’t really expected to work. The ropes were thick, with spare bits of iron and stone weaved between them at the intersections to hopefully stop them from easily trying to cut it. “That's what I thought, bitch!”

The man sputtered in disbelief, tangled hopelessly in the net. “Kid, what are you-“

“Goodbye!” He cheered over his shoulder as he ran off. He didn’t doubt Tubbo would beat the other man given that Tubbo was determined and it was a life or death situation for them, but his instincts demanded that he protect his flock.

He was giddy as he ran home, half gliding over several areas. He hadn't really gotten his wings quite strong enough to truly fly- but he was getting closer day by day. Like how Tubbo was getting used to accepting hugs (though forever awkwardly) and Ranboo was slowly starting to straighten up more comfortably and openly warble in Ender. His flock was strong, and he knew they could survive anything thrown at it so long as they had each other. He was just glad this little hurdle had been solved so quickly.

He was close to the house when he saw Ranboo heading towards him- his obnoxiously tall and lanky form unmistakable around their home. Tommy hoped for a moment that the stranger wouldn’t be too much of a hassle until he felt his breath catch in his throat.

Ranboo looked alright physically, unhurt and awkwardly waving Tommy over. He was standing next to the guy with the mask and cloak, and from this close Tommy could see a creepy smiley face painted on the front of it. It looked as though it had been painted on with paint and well-cared for, though Tommy could see smudges of coal and maybe blood on the side of it.

What really caught his attention was how hunched over Ranboo was.

Sure; Ranboo’s posture could be shit most days, but it was never this bad. His entire form just screamed that he was uncomfortable and anxious. His shoulders hunched around his ears in a way that shouldn’t be possibles and his neck pushed down into his chest in a way that defiantly wasn’t comfortable.

Tommy fought the urge to let out a confused sound- though it felt different in his throat than his usual chirps. Something was wrong, something was wrong.

“What the-“

“Hey, Tommy,” Ranboo offered awkwardly. Tommy knew that tone- it meant Ranboo knew that he wouldn’t like what he had to say. The last time Ranboo had used it had been when he’d accidentally splashed water on himself trying to make himself hot chocolate. “Um- we have a bit of a situation?”

Tommy groaned, already glaring at the stranger standing awkwardly beside Ranboo. He was taller than Tommy but still shorter than Ranboo and seemed awkward in his confidence. “What the fuck did you do bitch-?”

“I’m Dream actually-“

“FUCK OFF! FUCK OFF YOU MASSIVE-“

“It’s not his fault,” Ranboo interrupted. “It just- it just turns out that maybe we shouldn’t have attacked them?”

Ranboo’s hands were shaking against their side, and Tommy forced himself to release his tense breath. “What do you mean?”

“They weren’t- I mean they’re not-“ A few clipped words in Ender fell from Ranboo’s mouth, hands twitching in a way that told Tommy he should probably try to calm him down.

“I’m not mad at you,” He assured him. “Just- what happened?”

“We made a mistake,” Ranboo stated regretfully. “They weren’t enemies.”

Fuck, Tommy just couldn’t catch a break. He closed his eyes for a second, declaring to himself to never try to help anyone ever again. This was embarrassing. “Of fucking course they’re not- I fucking hate it here.”

Ranboo laughed nervously, but his hands stilled some so Tommy considered it a win in his book. Dream chuckled sheepishly, and Tommy hoped he felt just as awkward.

“Maybe we should talk?”

Tommy groaned, already hating how much of a massive headache the situation had turned into. “Fine, but we should get your… friends? I got the dark-haired bastard in a net at least, Tubbo probably beat your other friend.”

Tubbo nodded in confirmation but Dream still seemed uncertain on more than one account but nodded his head thankfully as he followed behind Tommy.

It was strange how quickly the situation had been flipped on its head, and Tommy resolved to not attack as quickly next time (that was a lie, but it’s the thought that counts right?).

“So why the fuck are you wanting to help the people hunting you?” Tommy asked curiously as they walked, trusting Ranboo but still wanting to know. Dream didn’t seem too opposed thankfully.

“It wasn’t real- we were just playing.”

“But… they were yelling at you?”

“Yeah but like,” Dream shifted, pulling with some string out of his pocket to fiddle with. “As a joke- it’s a game.”

Tommy blinked, unsure how to take the new information. Sure he’d played (or at least seen) chasing games as a kid (more of a kid) but adults didn’t do that did they? For adults or hybrids, the chasing and hunting down was real. It was dangerous and more of a life or death situation than anything.

“It’s not because you’re…” Tubbo trailed off uneasily.

Dream cocked his head a bit curiously before seeming to realize. “Oh! Oh, no it’s not- I’m human.”

Tommy glanced at Dream’s mask with a curiosity of his own. He figured it was like Tubbo wearing a hat, or him wearing a larger cloak- a way to hide hybrid features. “Then your mask?”

“For security,” Dream decided after a heavy moment. He shifted uncomfortably. “It’s more for comfort than practical reasons.”

“Oh, okay,” Ranboo nodded understandingly. “So those guys aren’t hunting you down to butcher and murder you, good to know.”

Dream wheezed, choking on his own breath to their amusement and vague concern. They came across the clearing then, and he could tell almost perfectly that Dream hadn’t really thought they beat his friends.

“Holy- Sapnap?!”

The man in the net just grumbled from where he was still trying to cut through the tempered ropes. “Can you let me down?”

Tommy sighed, feeling vaguely embarrassed but justified as he found the hidden switch buried in the tree’s roots to release the net. “You’re lucky I didn’t kill you, bitch.”

The man glared at him as Dream untangled him from the rope. “Not my fault you already had traps set up. Who does that, anyway?”

“It’s our home,” Tommy protested. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Sapnap,” The guy replied. “Our other friend who you better not have hurt is George.”

“About that,” Tubbo pipped up casually. “What about mildly maimed?”

Dream spun around to face him, voice rising. “What?!”

“Mildly maimed,” Tubbo confirmed. “He’s got an arrow in his arm, but I left him bandages.”

Tommy ignored Dream looking as though he was entering a cardiac arrest to send a begrudgingly bemused look at Tubbo. “Why would you do that?”

Tubbo glanced at Tommy curiously. “So he wouldn’t bleed out?”

“You thought he was a fucking hunter then.”

Tubbo shrugged easily. “I didn’t want to kill him that quickly- I thought we could use him to figure out if there were more of them.”

Really Tommy shouldn’t be surprised that Tubbo’s first instinct was tactical torture. He really should get around to building Tubbo that torture room he’d been asking for. “Oh, alright.”

“Can we please find George?”

“Sorry,” Ranboo offered offhandedly. “I’ll walk you there, they’ll follow.”

Tommy took the opportunity to brag to Tubbo about beating Sapnap, clutching his sword like a trophy. He’d trained to be able to protect them, and he was beyond elated to have proven himself- even if it hadn’t turned out to be necessary. They reached the third hunter fairly quickly, finding the revealed pit with the crossbow-wielding man in it. True to his word; Tubbo had left him bandages to wrap himself up.

“GEORGE!”

“DREAM!”

Sapnap rolled his eyes, accepting a few ladders from Ranboo to help him out. “Sapnap.”

Tommy laughed, startling George who had likely assumed they had been scared off. Once he reached the top he threw the three uncertain looks as Dream fussed over his injury. “Why are you here?”

“It’s our home, bitch.”

George rolled his eyes, hissing when the removed bandages took some skin with it. “I mean why are you not dead, children.”

“I’m not a child,” Tommy spat in response. “And I beat Sapnap easily you fuckin’ wanker.”

Sapnap could only grumble at George’s curious look, Dream chuckling along. “Then why are you helping us?”

“They misunderstood the situation,” Dream explained. “They thought I was a hybrid.”

George’s eyes flickered from Ranboo to Tubbo to Tommy before his expression twisted a bit in understanding. “Ah, I see.”

Tommy rolled his eyes, rocking on his heels anxiously at the situation. “Fucking dumbasses, of course I beat Sapnap if you couldn’t see what it looked like.”

“HEY!”

Tommy chuckled, sending a smirk at Sapnap. “You know I’m right- you fucking lost. I am the biggest man, and I love swords like I love women.”

“You’re good at that,” Sapnap complimented reluctantly, seeming a bit out of his depth at the comparison. “Can’t believe I got beat by a child though.”

“I’M NOT A FUCKING CHILD YOU-“

“He practices a lot,” Tubbo offered. “He runs with Ranboo into pillager outposts for fun.”

Ranboo chucked amusedly as he pulled a potion out of a nearby chest. “I go for supplies, Tommy goes because he’s an adrenaline junkie.”

Tommy made an offended noise deep in his throat, glaring at his friends. “I resent that you-.”

“I see, I see,” Ranboo interrupted as he held out the potion to George. “Healing.”

George nodded and knocked it back, cringing at the taste before handing the potion bottle back with a sigh of relief. “Thanks.”

“Of course, I would have offered it sooner but I- I thought you had a healer on your team,” Ranboo admitted. “You do have potions?”

“Oh, Bad’s still at camp,” Dream suddenly exclaimed. “We told him we’d be back hours ago- he’s never gonna let us live this down.”

Sapnap groaned, pulling out his communicator. “I’ll talk to him.”

George snickered in response. “You’re going to get grounded again.”

“Fuck off,” Sapnap scowled, but noticeably couldn’t refute him. He walked away from the group as the sounds of an outgoing call began, the group stood fairly awkwardly.

Tommy glanced at Dream again, finding him playing with the sleeves of his obnoxiously green hoodie. “How do?”

For a second it was quiet, and then Dream broke out in wide unrestrained cackles, doubling over and clutching at his stomach as Tommy scowled ad definitely did not turn bright red. “What the fuck man-“

“Sorry, sorry,” Dream wheezed. “Just- ‘How do??’ What?!”

Tommy scowled, ignoring George and Ranboo also dissolving into their own laughs as Tubbo chuckled. “It’s a perfectly reasonable question dickhead- I was fucking trying to-“

“How do,” Dream mocked playfully in a poor British accent. “How do my fine sir?”

“FUCK OFF-“

“How do?!”

Tommy scowled, though it kept twitching up at the ends. “I hate you- I hate you so much just leave already-“

“You’re the one who trapped us, Tommy!”

“ONLY BECAUSE-“

“I leave you guys for five minutes.”

Tommy tensed at the new voice before seeing the look of relief on Sapnap’s face and realized it was likely this ‘Bad’ they had talked about. he turned easily, but froze once he saw the man. He blinked, fighting the sudden urge to screech at the stranger or start screaming. Because this Bad was not human.

His skin was pitch black and almost looked as if it didn’t end in some areas, pure white eyes and small dark horns were visible under his red-lined hood, and a little smile accompanied relaxed hands on hips. He also wore a cloak, though it was longer and had more layers of fabric in the back, Tommy noticed a barbed tail flick some dust up from the ground.

“This whole thing would have been so much easier if you were here,” Ranboo declared. “Why- just why.”

Dream cackled at Bad’s little confused expression. “He stayed up late making more health pots,” He explained. “So we let him off the hook for the manhunt today.”

“Dream broke his arm,” Bad explained with an exaggerated eye-roll. “This muffinhead forgot that cliffs exist, apparently.”

“I was trying out a boat-clutch,” Dream corrected. “I almost got it, too!”

“You’re a hybrid?” Tubbo asked hesitantly. “Like- like us?”

“Demon,” Bad corrected, white-void eyes seeming to stall on Ranboo for a moment. “Not a hybrid technically, but with the discrimination.”

Tubbo hummed in understanding, clasping his hands behind his back. Tommy would have called him downright relaxed if he didn’t notice how his antenna drooped and his eyes critically glanced between the newcomers. Tubbo was terrifying when he wanted to be, and Tommy knew he was categorizing the hunters and Dream. “Well, now that we all know how fucked up things are- want some tea?”

“I…wouldn’t mind?” George offered uncertainly.

“Great!” Tubbo grinned, full of sharp teeth. “Follow me!”

The walk back to the house wasn’t long considering how close the hunters had gotten before the trio had interviewed- but it felt like forever. Aside from awkwardly warning them to not step into traps there really wasn’t much they wanted to talk about yet. All the conversation topics that would’ve naturally come up due to the circumstance were heavy and not meant to be an ‘on-the-go sort of thing.

And Tommy had never especially liked silence anyways.

As soon as they reached the house, Tommy bound forwards to put cat in a jukebox. Everyone else filed into the house after him, taking a moment to appreciate how well hidden the house was otherwise. The outside had plenty of leaves and vines over the bit sticking out from the mountain and the glass let in soft tinted light. The one in the kitchen was blue and green, and one in the living room a soft yellow and orange.

It was warm.

Tommy grinned uncertainly at the invited intruders, gesturing with faux-casualness towards the couch. They only had the one, but he saw Ranboo grabbing the chairs from the ‘dining room’ so he figured it would be fine. “Rest up dickheads, but if you get mud on the couch I’ll commit so many felonies.”

The group settled down uncomfortably, obviously glancing around.

Their living room and kitchen were open to each other aside from the wide counter that was sat on more than anything. The couches were wide enough to sleep on comfortably, made from soft black wool that sunk down when you sat on it. They had a table before it with some cards Ranboo had bought and several loose sheets on paper for farm designs, red stone contraptions, and shopping lists.

Bad seemed especially interested in the little potted plants that lined many of the walls. Ranboo and Tubbo had a bit of an obsession with flowers, and Tommy didn’t mind. He really liked the alliums and poppies actually.

Tubbo hummed happily as he started the water, and Tommy let out a sharp whistle.

Ranboo instinctively pulled his legs up onto his chair as two dogs rushed into the room. (Tubbo had them keep most of their pets in their rooms or outside, but Tommy’s dogs could open doors he insisted.

Bruno and Mars panted happily in the doorway for a second before springing forward and half-leaping onto Sapnap’s lap to greet him. Tommy wondered if they would have still licked him if he was lying dead on the floor, probably. His dogs had no fucking loyalty.

“Down, boys,” Tommy scolded despite making no move to help. “You’ll get dirt on the fucking sofa- awww.”

Sapnap shot them an incredulous look as he struggled. “How many-?”

“They’d bring in half the jungle if I let them,” Tubbo stated unhelpfully. “I caught Ranboo trying to bring in three new cats yesterday, and Tommy trying to fit a cow through his bedroom door.”

Tommy sputtered indignantly, ignoring how his wings puffed up behind him. “I couldn’t leave Henrietta out to the cold, Tubso! That's not very pog, and also child abuse.”

Tubbo groaned, already tired of the repeated argument. “Henrietta is a boy and also a cow, Tommy!”

“Speciest,” Tommy hissed back. “That's speciest and I’ll get you fucking arrested or some shit- I will. I will fucking sue you.”

Ranboo sent a sympathetic smile to their guests, who seemed more comfortable. It didn’t escape his notice that they looked just over or under his head when he spoke to them. “You get used to them.”

"Bitch, you're just as bad you fucking hypocrite-"

"Oh my- language, for goodness sake," Bad complained.

"Oh, language this you-"

"Tea!"

Tommy dropped his glare for a moment as he stood to help Tubbo pass out the drinks. Dream awkwardly refused, but aside from that the air of the room felt more natural. Cat was playing in the background, and it was relaxing. Of course, it was also boring though.

"So why did you think it was a good idea to charge around our home fighting anyway?"

George choked on his tea as Bad whipped around to glare at the group. "You did what?"

"It's not what it sounds like," Dream protested. "We didn't know anyone lived here!"

"There are torches," Tommy complained. "And a path leading to the fucking forest-"

"I was running," Dream complained. "It's hard to pay attention to why torches are set up when you're running!"

Ranboo chuckled, setting his cup on the table. "Tommy he has a point."

"No, he fucking doesn't," Tommy complained. "Boo-man we've been able to watch our backs on the run before!"

"You ran into a tree, Tommy-"

"THAT TREE HAD A VENDETTA AGAINST ME!"

"Tree's don't- trees don't have vendettas Tommy! They just- they just don't do that!"

"They do if you hit them hard enough," Tubbo piped up. "Were you hitting on the tree Tommy?"

Tommy yelped- turning bright red as he tried to find his way out of the word trap. "I wasn't hitting on the damn tree, Tubbo. She just hated me because I stole her girl-friend! I was- I was just too cool you see, and the tree's girl-friend was like- 'Oooo' and told the tree 'I don't want to date you any-mo' and then it hated me for it!"

"When did the tree turn into a girl?" Dream questioned incredulously.

"Why did you guess she wasn't one," Tommy challenged. "Are you- are you sexist? Because I don't do that here- no way! We don't want any sexists here or I'll get you canceled."

"How can you-?"

"Canceled."

Dream slumped back against the couch, gasping. "Oh, I've been canceled."

The group broke out in giggles, finding themselves relaxing more and more as the conversation progressed. Tommy wouldn't say he trusted them, but he could admit that all four of them were funny. Tubbo and Ranboo seemed to agree too- Ranboo's usual anxious hand-wrenching kept to a minimal and Tubbo's antennae not twitching as much. But that didn't mean he wanted to have the conversation.

"We saw a guy getting chased through our home with weapons," Tubbo attempted to ward them off. "Of course we'd think the worst."

Sapnap snorted in disbelief. "Then why'd you already have traps set up?"

Tommy scowled in response. Of course, three kids with no adults around and plenty of fighting experience would've been suspicious. Their initial paranoia likely even more so. "Because there are mobs, dipshit."

"Language!"

"It's not just that though," Dream pointed out. "You also asked me if I was a hybrid, and Bad mentioned discrimination."

"Yeah, what's that about anyway?" George asked, turning to Bad rather than the three-cornered kids.

Bad shifted nervously, and Tommy could see his tail wrap around his ankle. He wondered if humans could see the subtle body language, or if only hybrids could really notice that as easily. "Hybrid and other creature discrimination have never been a secret."

"Yeah, but I thought it had died off," Dream admitted.

Tommy laughed bitterly against his better judgment. "Like humans would ever accept us."

"Tommy," Tubbo hissed. Yeah, maybe it was in poor taste considering there were three humans in their living room but Tommy didn't bother apologizing. Tubbo would though, and he turned to the others with an apologetic smile. "They haven't- it's just quieter now. Most towns won't actively hunt hybrids, but no one accepts us really. There aren't jobs for us, or homes. it's alright though- we made our own."

Bad winced. "I can imagine how the manhunt would have looked to you guys, and I'm sorry."

His words seemed to spark something in the others; like they only then realized what the situation would remind them of. Like they only just realized why they would know what that would look like. Tommy glared at the ground.

"It's just a game," George said. His words sounded hollow, but they still rattled around in Tommy's brain for a moment. "We would never hurt each other. I'm sorry it looked like that."

“Hunting isn’t a game,” Tommy replied offhandedly. “When you’re a hybrid. It’s just life.”

“I thought the hybrid hunts had died down,” Sapnap repeated sadly. It sounded like he was mourning something, Tommy wondered if he'd known another hybrid. “Were all of your parents hunted?”

The group fell silent, tense and unsure how to continue until Tubbo cleared his throat. “Mine were,” He began offhandedly. “I grew up in an orphanage until I met Tommy and Ranboo. I don’t remember much about them, but I know my mum was a bee hybrid.”

Sapnap nodded but didn’t press on the subject thankfully. It was well known that hybrids could generate randomly- but Tommy guessed Sapnap hadn't thought of that. He felt his wings settle down a bit, and was thankful that none of the four could read his wings like his flock could.

Tubbo hummed to himself as he began twisting some dandelions into a crown, Tommy could see his antenna perking up at the scent slightly. “In any case- this is a good area for us. Tommy and I can go to the village if we’re careful, but we’re self-sufficient enough anyways.”

“Not Ranboo?”

Tommy chuckled, sending Ranboo a fond glance. “Bitch boy can’t exactly blend in, can he?”

Ranboo rolled his eyes, flicking a bit of dust at him in retaliation. “Watch it or I’ll put birdseed in your shoes.”

Tommy grumbled in response, ignoring Tubbo’s light giggles at the reminder of Tommy’s reaction to birdseed. He had yet to fully keep his gaze off the newcomers, but he turned more towards them to address them anyway. “We got it handled, bitch. You fuckers better not lead the village to our home or I’ll fucking stab you.”

Bad grumbled, but Dream just held up his hands placatingly. “I believe you, we won’t.”

“I don’t understand,” Sapnap admitted. “Bad, why didn’t you ever say anything?”

Bad crooked his head a bit, his hood folding over his face a bit. “It’s not really something I wanted to talk about, and hybrid discrimination is different than demon discrimination. Demons are feared so less people actively hunt us. Hybrids are more outcasted because of disgust or superstition. It sucks but I’m not usually in danger because of it.”

George sat up straight, and Tommy could imagine his eyes widening. “Is that why you always make me go on supply runs?”

“George!” Bad giggled, relaxing back against the wall. “I thought it was obvious!”

George grumbled as the rest of their group dissolved into laughter, and Tommy was tempted to join in. Despite his hesitation, he did like them- not that he’d ever say so of course.

“And anyways; hybrids usually find their own packs. It’s a survival instinct that all hybrids have- to form packs, ” Bad admitted, facing Tommy’s flock more. “Usually with at least one adult.”

“Fuck that,” Tommy declared without hesitation. He ignored Bad’s ‘language’ with ease, already getting used to it. “I don’t need no fucking adults, and neither do they. We don’t know nobody.”

Dream snorted despite himself, earning a glare from George. Tommy played with the sleeve of his shirt nervously, and he heard an uneasy ender sound come from Ranboo. “We didn’t have time to wait,” Tubbo explained. “We didn’t need help anyway. Everything worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

“You tried to kill us,” Sapnap reminded him. “I don’t think that means you’re fine.”

“We can- we can defend ourselves,” Ranboo argued. “That should prove it.”

“You shouldn’t,” Dream insisted, seeming to search for the right words. “You shouldn’t have had to do that.”

Tubbo laughed, looking at the finished crown scrutinizingly. “Why not? It’s just how it is, it’s all good.”

The newcomers fell silent for a second, though Tommy didn’t know why. Bad was partially right; they had formed their pack together- but they were fine on their own. Tommy had never felt happier actually, even if sometimes Tubbo would wake up crying for his parents, or Ranboo would cough on smoke no longer there, or he would pull at feathers until they bled.

“Man that's fucked up,” Sapnap whispered only to get cuffed lightly on the shoulder by Bad.

“Would you-” Bad hesitated. “Would you mind if we came to visit sometimes?”

Tommy glanced at the other two, finding small hopeful smiles. They were cautious obviously, but even Tommy in all his distrust could admit it was nice to talk to other people. “I guess,” He decided. “You should bring us shit though- for being such amazing hosts.”

Dream chuckled, seemingly more relaxed. “Of course.”

Chapter Text

Tommy really shouldn't have gone to town alone.

It had been a month since Dream had rushed his way through their home, dragging his friends with them. And they visited whenever they could, which ended up being about once a week. It was strange to have them around after so long of only his flock, but it wasn't entirely unwelcome.

Despite everything; it had been nice.

Sapnap set Tommy’s hair on fire by accident, George had fallen asleep on every single flat surface in their house (and a few other places he shouldn’t have been able to), and Dream’s loud obnoxious laughter had kept more than one of them awake. George had helped Tubbo improve with his crossbow, Dream had helped make Ranboo a split-dyed cloth mask for when he felt too exposed, and Sapnap was usually down to sparring Tommy when he felt like he had far too much pent up energy.

They weren't his flock, but they were his friends.

He was happier than he could ever remember being, despite the unease he still had when the Muffinteers were around. It wasn’t anything against them, but he was most comfortable with Tubbo and Ranboo and could tell they felt similarly. He thought they’d always be like that- just a bit.

Really; he should stop expecting the good moments to last.

“Thomas?”

In a second, it was as if there was ice water pouring down his back. His shoulders snapped up, eyes widening and breath stalling as his brain did fucking cartwheels to comprehend what he was hearing.

He turned around.

There she was- wide disbelieving eyes and a satchel filled with what he knew were items to barter with. She stayed like that for a moment before rushing forward with a wide smile. “Oh, Thomas! It’s lovely to see you here.”

“Mother?”

Tommy hated himself for it- for letting her keep that title. He’d never been sure of what else to call her though, he didn’t actually know her first name. He could call her Ms. Inman, but he hated attaching himself to her by last name.

“Oh my, you’re so grown up now my dear!” She cooed at him. Her hands came forward to hold his arms gently, and he fought not to wrench himself away from her touch. It felt different than his flocks- acidic and musky. Like vomiting bile. “I came by this town to trade, it’s a lucky coincidence that I found you. How are you?”

“I’m alive,” He found himself saying. “I’m happy.”

“You’ve done well,” She smiled. “But you can come home now.”

"Home?" His breaths were coming out shaky, and they were too loud in his ears. If she noticed she didn't react.

“I found a doctor,” She whispered to him happily. “He says he can help- can help you. He can fix it so that your- so they stop growing in. Thomas, you can come home!”

“I-“ His throat felt dry. “I am home.”

She frowned then, and it made him feel inexplicably guilty. "Thomas, your home is with me. You're my son."

"You threw me out," He whispered, unable to speak up over his pounding heart. "You got rid of me."

"You disobeyed me," She reminded him. "I tried to protect you and you threw it in my face. I'm the only person who can see past your- your abnormalities and care about you."

Her words had thinly veiled disgust as she mentioned his feathers, and her eyes raked over the long-sleeved shirt he was wearing with approval. it made his skin itch. "Not just you," He said mostly to himself. "Not just you."

"Only me," She insisted. "Only a mother would love a child as-"

“I’m not- I’m not broken.”

She sighed sadly, one hand coming up to cup his cheek. He leaned into it for a moment and hated how it felt comforting rather than painful. “You’re not broken,” She agreed. “You’re just a little… wrong, right now.”

He felt like his breath had been stolen again as she rubbed a lazy circle on his skin. “Don’t worry,” She cooed at him. “We can fix you.”

Maybe before he’d been kicked out, Tommy would have agreed. Would have been relieved to maybe finally earn his mother’s approval and care. To finally be worth something.

But Tubbo and Ranboo were more caring than she ever was, and a hundred times more understanding. He found himself wondering why exactly it was a hard decision- despite his fear. “I don’t,” He took a shuddering breath. “I don’t need to be fixed.”

“Thomas-“

“I don’t need to be fucking fixed,” He repeated firmly. His hands shook, but his glare was steady. “I don’t need you- I don’t even want you.”

“I’m your mother,” She scolded him disbelievingly. “I won’t tolerate this sort of disrespect, Thomas.”

“I don’t care who you should have been. You’re a fucked up part of my past,” Tommy declared. “And you can stay there.”

He stepped back, and her hand didn’t follow him. There was disgust in her eyes and betrayal. How she could think of this as betrayal was beyond him, but he forcibly stamped down the flicker of regret. He would be struggling enough without it. “You’ve done enough damage.”

He backed up, unable to turn his back on her yet. Her blue eyes were icy rather than the sky-like color he remembered. He wondered if his would be similar if he had somehow stayed- rather than the sky blue that Tubbo had complimented. At least now he knew his eyes didn’t match hers. The thought was oddly comforting.

She didn’t look away when he disappeared into the alley, but he wasn’t especially worried. This was his home, and he knew all the nooks and crannies of the village. He ducked through multiple allies and shortcuts to ensure he wasn’t followed before walking on unsteady legs.

“Fuck,” He breathed out when he reached the treeline. His shaking had only gotten worse as time progressed, and he knew it meant he’d gone into some sort of shock. “Fuck.”

The way home was muscle memory, and he was glad for it. If a single skeleton had spawned in the area it was likely he wouldn’t be able to defend himself.

He found himself in front of the door with the sun already sunk on the horizon. He didn’t remember it being so late, or when he’d arrived.

That probably wasn’t good.

He knocked on the door, despite the door not having a lock. Maybe it was because of the faint buzz in his ears, or the strange disconnect he felt from everything at the moment.

The door opened cautiously, and Tommy found Tubbo looking up at him with clear concern in his eyes. he must be looking like a right wreck if he was so easily able to see that something was wrong. There was a question from further in the house before Ranboo appeared behind him with a curious warble. "Tommy?"

"Hey," He replied. Everything still felt disconnected, like he was controlling his body through a redstone system or something. He wondered if Tubbo could build something like that. "How do?"

“Tommy,” Tubbo whispered. A hand brushed against his cheek, and he felt water smear across it. “You’re crying, big man.”

It was as if he’d fallen from the sky back into his body in an instant. He gasped and choked out a sob. His breaths were coming out heavy and shaky, he choked on his tears as he struggled. "Fuck, I-"

"Tommy," He was maneuvered further into the house and lowered down to soft carpet. "What happened?"

"I saw her," He rasped out. "I saw her- she was in the fucking village and she knows a doctor and she called me fucking Thomas."

He grabbed out of the arms holding him as tight as he could and met concerned eyes. "Don't fucking call me that- I'm not him-"

"Okay, okay! Tommy, Tommy, Tommy."

"Tommy, what happened?"

“She- she made me,” Tommy breathed out. “She made me fucking pull them, prime I didn’t want to. Please, please believe me I didn’t want to. It hurt.”

He took a gasping breath and could see the realization in Ranboo's expression. “It hurt so fucking bad and I- I felt so fucking broken. Why was I broken?”

“You’re not-“

“-so sorry, Tom-“

His ears were ringing, the sound rattling around in his spinning head. Distantly he remembered something about your sense of balance relating to fluid in the ear? He hadn’t attended school for too long so he wasn’t sure. He cried out weakly at the pounding in his head.

“Breathe with me, Tommy.” His hand was on someone's chest, and he could feel crisp denim near the bottom of his palm. Tubbo. “In, and out. In, and out.”
He tried to match the breathing, but could hardly keep his head up. “C-can’t-“

“It’s alright.” Long claws brushed his head and guided it to rest on their chest. He clutched at the jacket but mainly stayed limp against them as his eyes tried to focus on what he was beginning to realize was Tubbo. “You’re doing so well.”

Prime, he had been doing well. He’d been eating more, and sleeping without nightmares. And then she had decided to waltz back into the life she’d left him to with promises of doctors and being normal.

“I don’t wanna fucking do this anymore.” His voice cracked pathetically. “Please don’t let me.”

‘Don’t let me be alone.’

He didn’t want to be alone- despite how terrifying it was to not be. He was tired of waking up with his hand shoved in his mouth to muffle his cries and putting on big fake smiles that Tubbo and Ranboo were forced to pretend to not notice.

“You’re not alone, Tommy,” Ranboo whispered to him. “I promise.”

“Yeah,” Tubbo chuckled nervously as he traced lines onto his cheek. “You couldn’t get rid of us if you tried, boss man.”

Despite himself, Tommy let out a little choked giggle. He felt exhausted, and tears were still streaming down his cheeks.

“Promise?”

He felt a gentle nudge against his forehead and Ranboo’s purring stutter into existence. he let out a small lazy chirp to accompany it, but couldn’t do anything else as his eyes slipped shut.

“Promise.”

Unlike the last time someone intruded on their home, they were right to be nervous.

Tubbo had noticed the hunter approaching their home through the window, and there really was no mistaking him for anything but a hybrid hunter with his purposeful strut towards their home.

“Go, go, go,” Ranboo muttered frantically as he put away anything in the front room that could give them away. Tommy could tell he wasn’t happy about removing the few grass blocks in the room, but he didn’t like the removed jar of feathers or suspicious amount of honey bottles either.

It reminded him of plucking feathers.

He shook his head violently as he frantically rushed Tubbo after Ranboo. “Tommy, what-”

Tommy didn’t bother explaining, knowing Tubbo likely knew anyways. It wasn’t like Tubbo could keep his antenna hidden beneath his hair anymore- even if it was longer. And with growing had come a sudden inability to control them as well, so they often twitched or perked up with his emotions. Especially when he was stressed.

“Go hide,” Tommy insisted as he switched to riffling around a chest. “I’ve got this- go.”

Tubbo hesitated for a split second before nodding and leaving, pulling an anxiously shaking Ranboo behind him. Tubbo was always logical and likely had reached the same conclusions Tommy had despite his panic.

Tommy sighed, pulling a green half-cloak that Dream had forgotten last time he’d visited. It went down to his knees and blended in well with the leaves around them. He’d taken to wearing it when hunting or searching for berries, but it would do well to cover his wings with the thickness of the fabric.

A heavy knock came from the door, and his heart flipped in his chest. He briefly checked that the long-sleeved shirt covered his feathers, and bit down an anxious chirp before opening the door.

“Hello,” The lone man greeted with yellowing teeth. “Whats a young kid like yourself doing all the way out here?”

The hunter, because he was a hunter, had diamond armor and a diamond sword strapped to his side. His belt had several splash potions, and a pair of clippers strapped onto it. His tunic had polar bear fur on the shoulders and some sort of shinning scale scattered around his sleeves. Tommy imagined the scales had come from a dolphin hybrid, the polar bear fur from a polar bear hybrid.

He bit back a shiver.

“I live out here,” He said hesitantly and meekly. It was a struggle to not curse the man out, but hunters rarely traveled alone and he could painfully imagine the glint of a crossbow in the trees. “Why are you here?”

“I’m traveling,” The man replied carelessly. “Are your parents home?”

It was obvious that the man suspected there weren’t any adults in the area. His eyes suspiciously flitted around ad his stance open with an egotistical casualness. If it weren’t for Tubbo and Ranboo being inside the house Tommy likely would have just lead forward to claw his eyes out.

“No.”

The man grinned with sharp teeth, his hand moving to rest on the sword in its scabbard. “Did they leave you here all alone? Not even a babysitter for you?”

The hair on his arms stood up, and he fought to see his wings from poofing up to make him bigger. He couldn’t help the small glare on his face though- judgmental prick. “No, my father and brother went to town to trade,” He lied.

“Oh, I see,” The hunter hummed unconvincingly. His smirk was patronizing and Tommy realized that the man had to know. “Then you wouldn’t mind if I took a look around?”

“I would actually,” He grit out, keeping his expression as distrustful and confused as possible. “Stranger danger.”

The man blinked, hand settling on his belt warningly. Tommy noticed a lead looped on the belt and his hands shook under the cloak. “Pardon?”

He felt nauseous.

“He said stranger danger.”

Tommy nearly lost it there, a bright grin taking over his face as Dream stepped into the clearing. He had another bright green cloak on, his mask securely on his face to cover what he was sure by his tone was a pissed-off expression.

The hunter gaped, shooting a reaffirming look between the two. “Are you his- his older brother?”

Okay; that wasn’t a bad guess. Dream’s hair was darker than Tommy but both had blonde hair and the matching cloaks likely helped. Dream’s head tilted a bit, walking over to stand next to Tommy casually. His hands went to rest on his hips, parting the cloak and revealing a netherite sword and a very clear lack of extra appendages. “I am. What do you think you’re doing?”

The hunted tensed, face paling slightly with the realization that he’d fucked up. Served him right.

“Oh, you see I was just…” The man straightened up, some sort of faux confidence fueling him. “I was just hunting in the area- my men found some large feathers around the area and I thought-“

“You thought it was appropriate for you to corner a kid in his home during the few hours where his family was away?”

The hunter coughed uncomfortably, shifting on his feet. “Now when you say it like that-“

“Let me ask him then,” Dream hummed sadistically. Tommy dropped the wide grin he’d been sporting to a more fearful expression. “What happened?”

“He’s trying to threaten me to get in our home,” Tommy ‘tattled.’ He felt giddiness bubbling in his chest, but he sniffed pathetically anyways. He was going to get actor of the year no matter how good Ranboo was. “He has a sword.”

Dream turned to the hunter and crossed his arms, the movement making his own netherite sword’s enchantments sparkle in the sun deviously. The man quickly removed his hands from where they’d rested incriminatingly on the sword. “Is that so?”

“N-no sir,” The hunter hurried to assure him, wide eyes flickering panicked between them. “I was just having a- a conversation with the lad. Bright young man you’ve got there, you must’ve done a fantastic job raising him?”

“Children don’t live on their own in the forest,” Dream grit out. “So I don’t see why you felt the need to interrogate him.”

“Of course not,” He laughed uncomfortably, taking a few small steps backward. “So s-sorry.”

Dream neared forward on the balls of his feet as Tommy tried to hide his look of wonder. “If I ever see you here again,” He spat with a low voice. “Then I will hunt you for sport, and feed you to my wolves.”

The hunter practically scampered back from him, small apologies and ‘no pleases’ falling off his lips like a leaking bucket. He hit a root and fell over onto his ass before shooting up straight to book it into the surrounding foliage.

“Holy fuck that was pog.”

Dream laughed uproariously, bending over as he struggled to not fall to his knees. Tommy grinned to himself in response, it always felt like an honor to make Dream cackle like that.

“Tommy, you are so weird,” Dream declared. His hand twitched towards him for a moment before he let it rest against his side- which Tommy noticed and appreciated. Despite how much he’d found himself trusting the ‘Muffinteers,’ he still wasn’t the biggest fan of them touching him all the time. He only really let himself be physically affectionate with Tubbo and Ranboo, and he felt it was justified.

“Tubbo and Ranboo are hiding,” Tommy informed him as he held the door open the rest of the way. “They miss you because they are clingy but won’t say it.”

Dream just chuckled and walked into the house. “Sure, Tommy.”

Chapter Text

If people were going to keep walking in on their home- Tommy swore he’d find a way to move it.

It would fucking suck to do, but really this couldn’t keep happening. At least this time it was a hybrid though.

The fox hybrid in front of him didn’t seem very worried about having walked in on their home either, casually humming to himself as he hopped around. He opened the chest filled with extra seeds and hoes beside the farm and jumped little circles around Tommy. It was obnoxious.

"Oh for fucks sake- stop fucking jumping!"

The fox giggled, having been tormenting Tommy for the past five minutes or so. "You started it."

"I did not!"

"Yes, you did!" Fundy giggled. (What kind of name is Fundy anyways?) "You- you said hi, and now I've made that your problem."

Tommy groaned, pulling jokingly at the roots of his hair to Fundy's amusement. He hadn't asked, but Fundy seemed about a year or two younger than him. And never let it be said Tommyinnit wasn't good with children. He was incredible.

Fundy was just incredibly annoying.

"Come on you fucking prick," Tommy grumbled. Coaxing Fundy down his path to the home was turning out to be much more of a struggle than it should have been. His eye seemed to catch on everything, having to stop and gawk or mess around every few steps. "I need to get inside, it's too fucking early to deal with your shit."

"It's noon."

"It's too early."

Fundy looked like we would've retorted again if his eye didn't catch on the shinning tinted glass only visible from fairly close. He skipped forward, and Tommy half-heartedly sped up, just to make sure Fundy wouldn't break or steal anything of course.

“Oh, is this- is this your burrow?”

Tommy groaned at the thought, glaring lightly at Fundy. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was what it was like to watch after him. “It’s not a fucking burrow-“

“Then why it's built into a hill?”

“FOR AYE-ES-TE-TIK AND SHIT!”

Fundy giggled, glancing over the house once more before opening the door and skipping inside. Tommy followed after, cautious but desperately trying not to grin. “You have a lot of plants.”

“Tubbo’s a fucking bee, what’d you expect?”

“Tubbo’s a hybrid?”

“I’m a hybrid,” Tommy replied. “So’s Ranboob.”

Fundy blinked questioningly, gaze flickering to the top of his head as if to check for some sort of extra ears he’d missed before returning to his face. “What kind of name is- okay.”

Tommy grinned at the thought of Ranboo’s face when Fundy would meet him. “I’m a parrot, which means I can fly whilst you can only walk like the fool you are.”

Fundy brightened up, and before Tommy could react he found Fundy next to him and lifting the back of his cloak. He tensed for a moment before reluctantly proudly letting Fundy inspect his wings. He relaxed further after a moment; Fundy’s paws gently brushing over his wings with something like reverence.

“My grandpa has wings too,” Fundy chittered. “But his are boring and black- I’ve never seen colorful ones!”

Tommy felt his heart stutter for a moment, wondering if Fundy’s grandpa could teach him how to finally fly. He moved past it though, he wasn’t especially eager to invite another person into his home. “I’ve never met another bird hybrid,” Tommy admitted. “It would be cool if your grandpa wasn’t old.”

Fundy giggled, giving his wings another pet before letting the cloak fall back over the wings. “Yeah, I’ve only met two other hybrids.”

Fundy’s ears suddenly perked up, and after a moment of straining his hearing, he heard Tubbo absently humming out a song as he approached. By the sounds of it, it was that ‘right round’ one that they’d overheard at the village last month. Tommy gave Fundy a lazy grin to reassure him it was safe, flopping back onto the couch to rest.

“Well, get ready to meet another one.”

Suffice to say, Tubbo was a bit surprised to open the door to a curiously staring fox hybrid. He might have screamed in surprise if he wasn’t used to Tommy and Ranboo bringing home strays. Of course, it would escalate to a person eventually- and , of course, Tommy would be the one to do so first.

Because Tubbo just knew this wouldn’t be the first time.

“Tommy I know you have a hoarding problem, but this is ridiculous.”

Tommy squawked in offense, rolling his eyes and scoffing to distract from the very noticeable blush on his face. It was a valiant effort, but he was stuttering so it didn’t help too much.”

Tubbo chuckled and nodded along to Tommy’s rant, closing the door behind him and pulling a sad torn grey beanie from his head to expose his antennae.

“This is Fundy,” Tommy explained once he’d settled down. “I caught him digging through the trash.”

“I was foraging,” Fundy corrected him. “You must be Tubbo- Tommy said you were a bee.”

Tubbo chuckled with an exasperated (and mildly surprised) look thrown at Tommy. “That I am! I’m surprised Tommy let you in.”

“It wasn’t my choice,” Tommy bit back grumpily. “He fucking barged in like a-like a-“

“Fox?”

“EXACTLY!”

Tubbo snorted, setting down a hefty bag of emeralds that Tommy was almost certain was stolen. Old habits de hard, they’d all done it. “Did you at least tell our other roommate?”

“I thought he was strip mining,” Tommy admitted. “He’s always strip mining.”

“He was shaking,” Tubbo explained. “I made him take a nap- but he should be awake now.”

“RANBOOB!”

A grumble came from farther in the house, but so did the little telltale signs of moving from Ranboo’s room. Despite any of Tubbo’s attempts to soundproof it- noise carried ridiculously easy. And while Ranboo didn’t move around carelessly like Tommy, he was lanky and almost too small for his body and was constantly bumping into things.

It was quite funny, actually.

“What did you do now-“

Ranboo blinked, taking in the fox hybrid for a moment before sighing and nodding in greeting. “Are you here against your will?”

“Uh…no?”

“Okay,” Ranboo nodded in approval. “Then I’m too tired for this. Tubbo do we have any more coffee?”

Tommy cackled, enjoying how Fundy’s eyes widened at Ranboo’s demeanor. Ranboo could be downright soft most times, but when he was tired he was just… off. He was sarcastic and confidant and fucking done with everything. It was hilarious.

Unless Ranboo directed his sarcasm at him of course- that wasn’t appreciated in the slightest.

“You must be…Ranboob?” Fundy interrupted much to Tubbo’s obvious relief. Ranboo on caffeine was almost worse than tired Ranboo when he wanted to be. And Ranboo often chose violence.

Ranboo groaned, sending a glare at Tommy that made him grin excitedly. “Why- why have you done this?”

“I don’t know what you mean, Ranboob.”

Fundy was a child of chaos really, but even he felt a bit overwhelmed when the two got lost in their argument. Tubbo sipped from a glass of water absently and sent Fundy a small knowing smile. Fundy supposed he must’ve just been used to it.

“You’re just upset because you shrank again-“

“I DIDN’T FUCKING SHRINK YOU FUCKING-“

“Tommy,” Tubbo chuckled. “You can’t change the facts, big man.”

“Watch me,” Tommy hissed back. “I don’t have to take shit from you. I’m the tallest.”

Ranboo chuckled but didn’t interject, Tubbo just smirked. “Fundy’s pretty close, I’d say.”

Tommy’s gaze instantly snapped to Fundy, scrutinizing his height almost maniacally. “I’m taller, but you better not fucking grow any more.”

“Tommy stopped growing,” Tubbo explained. “For his chicken bones.”

“Bitch,” Tommy shot back absently. “Are you done yet?”

“No, I grow fast,” Fundy grinned. “I’ll be- I’ll be taller than you in no time.”

“No, no I don’t think so,” Tommy refuted with his nose stuck up in the air. “I’m the tallest one, bitch. I will simply shrink you if you grow.”

“Tommy,” Ranboo protested through his barely concealed laughter. “You can’t just- you can’t just shrink people.”

“I can, and I will.” Tommy turned back to Fundy and eyed him suspiciously. “I reckon you won’t even get that tall anyway. But if you do- then you don’t really need your legs no more.”

Ranboo burst out into cackles, ignoring Fundy’s widened eyes glancing at him. “He’s not serious is he?”

“Maybe,” Tubbo hummed. “Depends if you grow or not, I guess.”

Tommy grinned at Fundy’s appraising look, glancing towards the sword strapped to his belt. (Correctly this time, Bad had taught him how to so he wouldn’t keep tearing the leather) “I’ll stop drinking milk then,” He decided. “But Dad’s not gonna be happy.”

“Your dad can speak to me about it,” Tommy declared. “I’ll set him straight.”

“Oh that reminds me!” Tubbo gasped, turning to face Fundy fully with wide eyes. “Can I touch your ears?”

“…What?”

“Your ears,” Tubbo repeated impatiently. “Can I touch them- they just look so soft man.”

“No?” Fundy replied exasperatedly. “Tub- Tubbo, why would I-?”

It only took Tubbo about seven minutes to convince Fundy, and to end up with a purring sleepy fox on his lap.

Which was bullshit because Ranboo had bet on seven minutes exactly.

It was only after a few weeks of Fundy running off to meet them that he brought his dad. Tommy might have teased him about it- but he really didn’t know how long was ordinary to bring your parents around. Was a month normal or short enough to call clingy? Tubbo and Ranboo weren’t much help either for obvious reasons.

“Oh, wow,” The man breathed out. “You’re real.”

Tommy scowled, wondering if the guy lived under a rock. “And you’re a bitch.”

Fundy squeaked in response, giggling behind his paw. Tubbo was already trying to reach for his ears again- apparently his fascination with the soft fur not gone yet. “I told you!”

“Yes you did,” The man agreed. “But you also told me you cleaned your room last night.”

Fundy huffed in response, rolling his eyes and patiently leaning into Tubbo’s touch. “I did.”

The man looked as though he was about to argue before Tommy rolled his eyes and interrupted. “It’s too fucking cold out for this- we’re going inside.”

Fundy perked up. “Did Ranboo make cookies?”

“He tried,” Tommy declared. “I refused to eat them because I do not have a death wish no matter what Tubbo says. Ranboo threw up, and Bad brought muffins over yesterday.”

“That's good,” Fundy declared. “I’ve been wanting to try those- you talk about them a lot.”

“I do not.”

“Yes, you do.”

Tommy scowled at his friend, feathers twitching under his cloak. He’d taken to wearing it whenever he left the house if possible, though the color was a bit obnoxious. “You only say that because Ranboo says that.”

“Ranboo is smarter than you,” Fundy reminded him smugly with a twitch on his ears. “And Tubbo and I are smarter than you two.”

“Fuck you, bitch.”

Fundy’s dad snickered in response, and Tommy immediately decided he didn’t like the man. His scowl didn’t seem to dissuade the little smirk on his face either, so he was sure of his opinion. "Can I get a name for the little chicken boy?"

Tommy growled in response, trying viciously to keep a little grin from his face. Not because the guy was funny of course. "It's Tommy Danger Kraken Innit, the bee is Tubbo. And you're a bitch."

The man giggled again, which was becoming more and more obnoxious in Tommy's opinion. "Nice to meet you, gremlin child."

"Fuck off," Tommy scowled. "I didn't fucking-"

“Wilbur,” He offered like it was important. “Wilbur Soot.”

Tommy didn’t bother asking why he said his last name so insistently- he thought it may be like how he would never say his, or how Tubbo introduced himself as Tubbo Underscore to humans but not to hybrids. Last names were funny things- they could mean everything or nothing at all and it usually depended on what would hurt you most.

Tommy still felt the name ‘Inman’ like a brand on him some days, which is why he tagged on Innit. It was easy to remember, and a name fitting of a big man like him.

“Glad to hear it, fucker.”

“Nice to meet you,” Tubbo smiled. “Sorry about Tommy, he’s an acquired taste.”

Tommy scowled in response. Ranboo had started reading out the fucking dictionary for Tubbo, and he’d been insufferable since. (Tommy might have learned that word from said dictionary reading) “I’m a fucking so-fish-tik-ated taste bitch. Tell ‘em Ranboo.”

“Oh yes definitely,” Ranboo agreed dutifully. “I’m Ranboo.”

“Fundy,” Fundy said with a roll of his eyes and an impatient wag of his tail. “Can you show me how to shoot now?”

Tubbo grinned widely. “Of course- Tommy is going to stay here to bitch at your dad to make sure he won’t try to hurt us, and Ranboo’s gonna stay to keep Tommy semi-in-line.”

Tommy would have offered a very thought out and definitely available response, but Tubbo and Fundy had already disappeared. Which wasn’t that surprising honestly, Tubbo could sneak up on people scarily well and Fundy was a literal fox after all.

“I’m not going to bitch at you,” Tommy grumbled, shooting a lasting glare where Tubbo and Fundy had disappeared. “He’s only saying that cuz I fought the last person to come here- but he did too so he’s a hypocrite.

“Tommy you interrogated them twice before they left-“

“Anyways,” Tommy yelped, turning his ire to Ranboo for a second before grinning nervously at Wilbur. “Why don’t you fucking sit down at least.”

Wilbur seemed a bit surprised at the little bench they were at, but Tommy knew their home like the back of his hand. He settled on the bench easily, and Tommy sat next to him soon after. Ranboo was glancing anxiously towards the house, so Tommy just gave him a lopsided grin. "You don't have to stay, Ranboo. I know your cat's being clingy."

"She's pregnant," Ranboo corrected. "And thanks."

Tommy gave a half-wave as Ranboo left, keeping his other hand near his scabbard just in case. Wilbur didn't seem as guarded, though Tommy could see a crossbow slung over his back.

"Did you build this?" Wilbur asked as he ran his hand over the bench. It was good in Tommy's opinion, one of the legs was a bit stumpier than the others though.

"Yeah, me n' Tubbs. Ranboo would've, but he forgot and went strip mining," Tommy chuckled. "It's okay though because Ranboo doesn't use it as often It's big enough, but he doesn't sit still often."

Wilbur quirked an eyebrow. "I would've thought you'd be the hyperactive one."

Tommy scowled, valiantly fighting back a string of curses. "Don't ever fucking talk to me like that. Ranboo gets antsy if he sits still, I do too sometimes but not the same way."

Wilbur nodded absently, eyes sliding over the little beehive Tubbo upkept. "You three live here alone?"

Tommy didn’t pause, he recognized the gist of the approaching conversation from the few times the Muffinteers had brought it up. “Been on our own for a bit now, Big W. I’m a big man- I’ve got jobs and wives and shit.”

“Tommy,” Wilbur chuckled. “Being an adult doesn’t mean having wiv-“

“Or husbands if you’re into that,” Tommy amended to Wilbur’s surprised laughter. “I like girls though, I like girls.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Wilbur replied. “But- but Tommy-“

"I have all the girls actually- I won't share either. I'll only share with Ranboo and Tubbo."

“What the fuck is wrong with you, child?”

Tommy squawked in response, letting himself fall into an offended ramble as Wilbur teased and laughed at him full-heartedly. It made his child warm, and he realized after a moment that he felt comfortable. Like he did with Dream and Sapnap and Bad and Gogy.

“How are you so loud,” Wilbur chuckled. “it's got to be a talent."

"It fucking is," Tommy agreed. "I'm the most responsible though-"

"I call bullshit!"

“I've been fending for myself,” Tommy bragged. “Doing big man stuff and fucking providing, man.”

“Providing,” Wilbur repeated incredulously.

Tommy rolled his eyes. "Well this place didn't grow out the ground, we made it."

“How long have you been living here?”

Tommy did pause at that, clicking his tongue absently as he tried to remember. it wasn’t that time had dragged- but it all seemed to blend together when he looked back. He remembered being homeless at 7 and living alone for a while, living with Ranboo for a month, living with Ranboo and Tubbo for another- and then turning eight and finding their home. It was about halfway through March…

“Almost two years,” He decided. “I think we have another three weeks? We’ve been here a while.”

He let out a little hesitant chirp when he realized just how long it had really been. He wondered if Ranboo had remembered- or if it was written in his book.

“You’ve done well,” Wilbur complimented. “This place is really nice-looking."

Something in Tommy's gut seems to sing at the compliment, the same spot that aches when he suppressed chirps and tore out feathers. His wings fluffed out a bit, and Wilbur's smirk reminded him that Fundy said his grandpa had wings.

"Yeah," He grumbled. "It's okay, I guess."

“I’ll come back,” Wilbur declared. “To check in on you, yeah?”

“Do what you want,” Tommy replied easily. “I’m not your fucking mum.”

“I’ll miss you too.”

Chapter Text

Tommy let out a little stream of chirps, feeling calmer than he’d felt all day. Ranboo certainly didn’t seem to mind, his tail whipping back and forth happily as he let out a happy little warble of his own. Tommy didn't perch often, but when he did- it was on Ranboo.

He couldn't help it, sitting on Ranboo's shoulders was soothing in a way that few other things were. He was just so high and he could see so much, the air felt cleaner and he felt inexplicably lighter. It wasn't like Ranboo minded either, he often liked it just as much as Tommy actually! His enderman instincts meant he liked picking people up as well as blocks, and though he usually preferred to hold them in front of him- his instincts also wanted to make his pack mates feel safe and happy. It was the best of both worlds for both of them.

Tommy was still only ten, but he liked to think he knew Ranboo better than people could normally know each other. Like how he knew Tubbo, and how they knew each other and him.

“You should perch more often,” Tubbo mentioned. “You always seem happier, you know.”

“Yeah,” Ranboo piped up. “I don’t mind.”

Tommy hummed in response, mulling it over. “Could be nice, I guess. It makes me feel fuzzy though.”

“Awwwww.”

“Don’t aww me, fucker,” Tommy scowled. He rubbed his cheek against Ranboo’s hair absently for a moment, unable to stop a few more additional chirps. “I’ll fucking stab you.”

“Tubbo, he’s so soft!”

“He is,” Tubbo chuckled from where he was half skipping, half floating around. His wings had grown in last week, which none of them had expected to happen so late- but Tommy felt incredibly jealous about. Due to how thin his bee wings were, they just sort of... slipped through his skin. It still bled of course, but the process took all of fifteen minutes, and Tubbo hadn't even passed out afterward. Life truly wasn't fair. “Oh my god, is he trying to preen you?”

“Am not!”

“Maybe,” Ranboo smirked. “I don’t know why you’re embarrassed- it’s not the first time.”

Tommy just grumbled, rubbing his cheek to Ranboo’s head a few more times. Maybe it wasn’t the first time, but it was still fucking embarrassing. He couldn’t help it though, his brain was buzzing with affection and he needed to let it out. On top of that- he was working on not suppressing his instincts still and didn’t want to hinder that for some red cheeks. he was a big enough man to participate in regular cuddle sessions and telling his flock he loved them- he could do this.

And he knew Ranboo and Tubbo loved it when he did anyway, so there was that. He sighed a bit as his instincts lessened, perching always got him a bit soft, unfortunately. He lifted his head as they turned around a larger tree.

And immediately found himself face to face with wide black eyes.

“AHHHHHH!”

Ranboo jumped back, apparently just having noticed the man he’d nearly run into, Tubbo whipping out his crossbow in response and aiming it threateningly. Tommy felt his heart jack-rabbiting in his chest, wings pushing the cloak as they had instinctually raised to make himself bigger.

For a moment it was still, the stranger not seeming as much stressed at the situation so much as startled. His hands remained empty, though he glanced between them in a way that reminded Tommy of a predator. His bigger build and assortment of potions and weapons on his belt convincing Tommy that he was someone to be wary of skill-wise.

“Uh.”

It was hard to stay aggressive when the guy in front of you was so awkward. Plus, after his initial shock- Tommy noticed the tusks.

The man had the two tusks, decorated with a gold bracelet, twin ping ears poking out from long pink hair, and a thin tail that came down to the back of his knees. Strangely that wasn’t the oddest thing about him, given that he dressed like some sort of king despite the sword on his hip, bone mask on his face, and combat boots with fresh bloodstains.

And maybe it was a bit naive to trust the man because he was a hybrid, but Tommy couldn’t help it. He rested his elbows on Ranboo’s skull as casually as he could manage and sent the stranger a (seemingly) lazy smirk.

“How do?”

Ranboo startled, hands flying to Tommy’s knees like he’d somehow forgotten that Tommy was perched there. The stranger looked just as surprised, though he didn’t react visibly.

“I’m doing alright,” He replied after a moment, and Tommy noticed Tubbo letting the crossbow fall to his side. “Didn’t expect to find a totem pole of hybrid children in the middle of the woods.”

“Well, what are you doing here then?”

“My…brother told me to come here?” He shifted on his feet in a way that Tommy couldn’t tell was more battle preparation or anxiety. “Wilbur.”

“Oh,” Tommy relaxed, letting his wings slip back under his cloak. If the (freakishly tall) man tracked the movement with his eyes then Tommy didn’t say anything. “We know him, Big W. He comes by a lot.”

“Yeah I know,” He chuckled. “Hard not to notice when your brother starts disappearing into the forest for hours with his kid and comes back with flower crowns and some leftover burnt cookies.”

“They weren’t that bad,” Ranboo protested.

The stranger snorted, and Tommy resisted the urge to imagine what the expression would look like on a full-blooded piglin. “Kid, they were practically charcoal.”

“As nice as that is,” Tubbo piped up. “Why did Wilbur send you here?”

“He said someone named Tommy was decent at fighting but also a hotheaded idiot who needed real training,” Techno deadpanned. “Any idea who that could be?”

Tommy scowled, ignoring how his cheeks heated at the comment. Sure he hadn’t had much real training given that the only people who would were constantly traveling, but experience was just as good. “Oi, you can tell Wilbur to fuck another fish if he-“

“That sounds perfect, actually,” Tubbo smiled. “I’m sure you can guess which one is Tommy. I’m Tubbo, and that’s Ranboo.”

“Technoblade,” Technoblade replied. “I’m guessing Wilbur didn’t tell you I was coming.”

Ranboo laughed nervously, lowering the axe Tommy hadn’t even noticed him drawing. “Not exactly, no.”

“Ah,” Technoblade shifted on his feet again. Tubbo and Ranboo didn’t seem to know how to react either, and Tommy wondered if he was forever doomed to be surrounded by socially awkward people.

“For fucks sake,” He sighed. “Ranboo, walk back to the house- you too Tubbo. Technoblade come ‘ere.”

Ranboo didn’t hesitate for a way out of the awkward situation, spinning easily and walking towards their home while Technoblade and Tubbo startled forward after a moment to walk beside them. Tommy started humming Cat under his breath as they went, hoping his flock would feel more comfortable quickly enough.

“Did Wilbur really not tell you anything about us? That's quite rude, innit?”

Technoblade chuffed, glancing around them with a critical gaze. “Nope. Wilbur likes to push me out of my comfort zone socially, figures he’d forget to mention a little group of children living in the woods.”

“We’re not fucking children,” Tommy scowled. “We’ve been living inda-pent-dant-ly longer than you’ve been alive, bitch!”

“Children,” Technoblade stressed much to Tubbo’s amusement. “I highly doubt that, what are you anyway? Seven?”

Tommy scowled, but Ranboo had apparently grown confidant enough to speak again. (Which was both relieving and annoying.) “Tubbo and I are eleven, Tommy’s still ten.”

Technoblade smirked at him, much to Tommy’s displeasure. He grumbled menacingly, but he didn’t seem to react much. “I’m the only one here with fucking people skills, you can’t intimidate me,” He snarked, fighting a grin as Ranboo dissolved into witch-like cackles.

“Because peer pressuring three socially awkward people is such high-tier people skills.”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU-“

Suffice to say, they got along with Technoblade like a house on fire.

Technoblade and Wilbur began to take turns coming around after that, with Fundy coming every few days, and the Muffinteers dropping by every month or so. Ranboo took after Techno in many ways, enough so that he would have questioned whether or not they were related if not for the clear lack of piglin features on Ranboo and Techno’s… uninterest in anything but farming, reading, and fighting. Techno took it upon himself to teach all three of them about PVP, teaching them some skills they had missed due to a lack of schooling as well when he could manage it. Between his teaching, Wilbur’s life skills (mainly brewing potions and debating), and the Muffinteers continued random info dumps or skill shares- it would suffice to say that the trio had a very strange hodgepodge of information packed into their brains.

It was a strange routine that Tommy can’t help but love- especially when the two groups happen to meet and their respective chaos blended together beautifully.

Dream and Technoblade got into the most incredible battles.

Wilbur and George got along like a house on fire.

Sapnap helped teach Fundy how to sass his way out of any confrontation.

Bad just seemed to love encouraging and groaning at their antics. He might have been the ‘Dad’ of the Muffinteers group, but sometimes Tommy thought he was secretly more chaotic than some of them combined. A chance glance at Bad often found a mischievous smirk on his face as he prodded people into increasingly hilarious situations.

Tubbo admired- and seemed to emulate that.

Tubbo and Ranboo came out of their shell more as time passed, though there were days where they would ask Tommy to tell the others that they were busy so they could sneak away for alone time. Ranboo to mining and cuddling alone with animals, Tubbo to taking care of his bees or quietly working with red stone. Tommy occasionally took a day off as well, to listen to his disks or practice tricks or even go flower picking on one occasion.

Days where the three of them were home alone were refreshing despite their love for the others. Days where they huddled together in the nest room to nap or joked around all day, days where they would try and fail at baking and end up with flour everywhere and days where they went exploring together, or mining, or even fucking fishing. They just spent the day together and basked in each other’s presence.

And even though Tommy was regrettably somehow nearly Tubbo’s height now, he couldn’t help but think that life is better than before. He loved his flock, but the new company is nice, and the lack of it is nice still.

He was just…happy.

The three didn’t tell any of their friends their birthdays, chasing to keep it as a ‘them’ thing and just telling their friends a few days or weeks later their new age. Tommy turned eleven and started wearing a green bandana and a little obsidian circlet with inlaid gold with a bee and a little crown sloppily engraved in it. Tubbo turned twelve and spent a full week working with the chests full of red stone dust they get him, spending the nights cuddling with them and the new weighted blanket. Ranboo didn’t know his birthday, but they always celebrated it a month after Tubbo’s and he got a few rare enchantments for his pickaxe and a pressed allium encased in glass that clipped to the spine of his memory book.

Wilbur was furious that he missed his chance to layer on the mockery at Tommy being ten, but gave him a box of photographs of them. Dream showed up as soon as he heard with three new bees for Tubbo. And Fundy didn’t buy Ranboo anything but spent an entire day strip-mining with Ranboo without complaint because that's just how he showed his care.

So Tommy was eleven when he finally meets ‘Grandza.’

The man before him was tense, battle-worn, and quite obviously displeased to not knowing what’s going on. But despite it, his face was kind, and he smiled at Tommy gently.

“Philza Minecraft,” He introduced himself. “Have you heard about me?”

Tommy groaned, their home really was becoming a pitstop for weird adults wasn’t it? The man seemed especially self-important too, which was a whole other bitch and a half to deal with. “You must be Fundy’s grandpa or some shit?”

Philza looked a bit taken aback, studying Tommy more closely than he would’ve liked. It made his wings want to puff up in anticipation beneath his cloak. But despite his unease, he couldn’t help but look at Philza’s wings with some admiration. “And you are?”

“Tommy. You here to pick up Fundy or some shit? Wilbur said he’d do it today, but Fundy told me you had wings.”

“Oh,” Philza untensed a bit. “I thought you might’ve heard about me for… never mind. Yes, take me to Fundy please.”

Tommy nodded, gesturing towards the path as he led the way. He felt how Phil’s gaze seemed to stall on the wings that his cloak had shifted to show- his steps stopping for a second behind him. He elected to ignore it though.

He whistled absently as they walked, accidentally mimicking a spider hiss when he heard one off-path and scaring the shit out of Phil. That was fairly funny, though that trick had grown stale in Tommy’s book long ago.

“Does Wilbur come around often?”

Tommy glanced at Phil quizzically, wondering if he knew who Fundy even was to Wilbur. “Well obviously- Fundy doesn’t live here or anything. He just comes over a lot. Usually, Wilbur or Techno hang out, but Wilbur’s off checking on Sally today, and Techno was busy.”

Phil smiled. “Wilbur still talks to her then? I thought they might work it out.”

“Oh no,” Tommy laughed. “They talk, but not like that. I think Sally has a partner right now? I met her a month or so ago- had this little Selkie fucker with her. They were nice, but they don’t visit often.”

Not for lack of trying though- Sally and her partner simply couldn’t visit often. They had to stay in the ocean more often than not, and the pass between their home and Tommy’s flock’s had a hunter training ground.

Tubbo liked to joke that there were at least seven people trying to adopt them at any given time, but Tommy politely told him to shut the fuck up because they weren’t children who needed to be-

Tubbo was wrong.

“Ah,” Phil hummed in thought. “Is he still writing songs at least?”

“Yeah,” Tommy laughed. “He plays for me sometimes, very pogchamp. He doesn’t often though.”

“He’s only played for me a few times since Fundy was born,” Phil chuckled. “I imagine he’s grown a lot.”

“Fundy or Wilbur?”

“Both.”

Tommy hummed, feeling a bit off guard. His views on parental figures were still a bit skewed. Wilbur and Bad were the only good ones he’d seen- ones he respected anyways.

Both of them were kind and considerate, though still chaotic and hilarious in their own regards. Wilbur was charismatic of course, he could talk circles around you obnoxiously enough- but often used it to reinforce bedtimes and make Fundy try to think his way out of a word puzzle. Bad was just as persuasive if not more so; he could have you ready to hand over all your valuables to him without hesitation with a few cheeky taunts and innocent questions. (He’d nearly succeeded once, though he’d assured Dream he would have given it back anyway.)

He didn’t think Wilbur would ever leave Fundy alone long enough for him to sprain his pinkie, let alone grow up. Tommy found it clingy (Ranboo said that was hypocritical) but Fundy seemed to love it despite getting flustered so maybe it was just a parent thing. And Bad had literally gotten along with Sapnap’s friends so well that he might as well have adopted them as well, so there was no question there.

He’d heard good things about Phil from Fundy and he seemed nice enough, but the neglect rubbed Tommy the wrong way.

He wasn’t projecting though. His situation had been different.

The house came into view, and Tommy saw some awe and resect on Phil's face, it made his chest puff and he left out a smug little chirp. “Right then, come in.”

The door swung open easily, but Tommy had pushed it a bit hard so it slammed against the wall. Fundy yelped, nearly barreling straight into Tubbo who was sitting beside him with a plate of sloppy-looking sandwiches. Fundy only took a moment to recover before his ears perked straight up.

“Grandpa!”

Philza chuckled, pulling Fundy into a tight hug for a second as he visibly relaxed. Tubbo seemed a bit surprised at the intrusion but seemed to recover quickly when he saw the wings. “How are ya, mate?”

“Good- I’m good. I’ve been working on Tubbo’s TNT cannons,” He explained with an excited wag of his tail. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”

“I missed you too, mate,” Philza chuckled warmly. “You’re growing so fast.”

“Yep,” Fundy said. “I’ll be taller than you real soon- I’m already taller than Tommy.”

Tommy let his wings flare-up in mock aggression, a smirk on his face. “I told you what’d happen if ya got taller than me, Fundy…”

Fundy yipped, jumping into stutter-step behind Phil and sticking his tongue out. “No, please! I need my knees!”

“Not for much longer!!”

Tommy jumped around Phil, Fundy doing the same until everyone was cackling while Phil stared on bemusedly and laughed along. “I’m gonna get ya!’

Fundy was red in the face trying to suppress his giggles, voice cutting out at his loud shrieks. “No! Please-“

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

The group looked up, finding Wilbur standing in the doorway with clenched fists. Tommy didn’t feel scared, but having Wilbur (who he’s only just beginning to trust) so obviously angry in his home sets him on edge.

“I wanted to check on you,” Philza replied. “You haven’t taken off the compass I gave you.”

Wilbur scowled but made no one to remove the small compass pendant that Tommy knew lay under his sweater. He stepped in and let the door shut behind him. “How kind of you to visit after only a year, Phil,” Wilbur mocked. “Next time you visit Fundy might even still remember you!”

Philza winced but remained seated. “I told you last trip was the last one.”

“And the one before that,” Wilbur snapped. “And the one when I was seventeen.”

“I’m sorry, mate,” Philza tried to placate. “I meant it this time.”

“You always do,” Wilbur replied. “You always fucking do until your wings start twitching and you start wearing that fucking hat again.”

“Wilbur,” Philza protested. “I’m here for good this time. I chose a successor for the Antarctic Empire, I sold my elytra. I-“

“Too fucking late,” Wilbur shouted, Philza standing up to meet him. “You don’t get to come back here like nothing’s happened- like you haven’t left us hanging countless times! You fucked up-and I don’t want you around anymore!”

“Son-“

“I’M NOT YOUR FUCKING SON!”

“WILBUR-“

“Whoa, there!” Tommy shouted as he shoved them apart. Both men staggered for a moment but didn’t move back much, unfortunately. His wings were drawn up behind him to appease his instincts screaming at him to protect his nest. “Calm yourself or get the fuck out of the house. I don’t know what shit you guys have with each other, but you can dish it out outside.”

Wilbur tensed up more if possible, looking seconds away from exploding before he seemed to pause and deflate. Tommy found himself feeling almost lost as Wilbur nodded sharply towards the door and followed Phil out. The two continuing the argument that Tommy was too exhausted to track.

Fundy’s ears were pressed almost flat against his head, frowning down at his lap.

“Want to get back to work on the canon?” Tubbo asked hesitantly. Tommy felt a small fond smile at his words; Tubbo was remarkably bad with his emotions. It wasn’t really what you would expect from him when you first met him- what with his bee-loving, mother henning, awkward ways. But Tubbo was terrifying when he wanted to be, smarter than a whip, and also unfortunately an expert at ignoring his emotions and necessary conversations.

It was strange that Ranboo was the most open given his memory issues, but Tommy was working on it.

“Yeah,” Fundy chuckled. “That’d probably be best.”

Fundy gulped down another glass of water before following Tubbo out, leaving the room even emptier.

Tommy’s shoulders shook, but he didn’t pay it much attention. He felt spent, exhausted, and drained. He hadn’t felt this way since-

“Fuck,” He breathed out, letting his hands tug at his roots for a moment before stopping at the concerned warble from Ranboo. “Just- fuck.”

Ranboo hummed, considering him for a moment before settling on the couch with his arms open. “Here just- come here, okay?”

Tommy slumped against Ranboo without hesitation, sighing happily when Ranboo’s claws gently carded through his hair. Contented chirps followed after, but not as freely as normal. Ranboo didn’t mention it. “I’m proud of you.”

What?

He tried to pull back to check Ranboo’s expression, only for Ranboo’s free hand to stroke at his feathers- soothing his instincts. Ranboo didn’t mention his obvious motions, just holding one arm loosely around him as he gently shifted frazzled feathers back into place as well as he could from his position. “You protected our pack,” Ranboo explained. “I know it was scary, and you’re overwhelmed- but you did good.”

A weak few peeps of insecurity slipped out, but Ranboo purred before he could get embarrassed. “Wilbur’s good,” Ranboo reminded him. “I think Phil could be too. But both of them are hurting, and they need some help figuring themselves out.”

Tommy couldn’t help but agree. Wilbur reminded him of him a bit- when he’d been fresh off the street and trying to carve a home for his new friends in alleyways and cheap campsites. When Tommy would mock the others because he knew they would just leave anyways, and Tubbo would bite out stinging words that cut deep, and Ranboo would avoid them or cross them off of his friend’s list after any fight. It hadn’t lasted too long for them; because they were kids who had nothing and no one and quickly learned they could have each other.

Tommy wondered if Wilbur would be closer to Phil if they’d met younger as well; because he could smell cigarette smoke on Wilbur, and could see how his eyes lingered suspiciously and planned out escape routes. He was sure Wilbur saw the bloodied fists and drinking from puddles and sticky fingers on him too.

“Maybe we can help,” Ranboo acknowledged. “But don’t beat yourself up, trying. Or I’ll have to stage an intervention.”

“Oh, please,” Tommy snorted. “You hate confrontation.”

“Oh, definitely,” Ranboo chuckled. “But I’d do it.”

Tommy’s heart warmed, and he pressed closer to Ranboo for a moment before settling back. He was a bit too keyed up to fully relax, and he knew he’d need to do some damage control today. “Why don’t you go get Tubbo and ask him to start supper,” He suggested. “It’s getting late, and I’ve got to check on Wilbur.”

“I could cook-“

“Fuck no. Are you trying to poison us, Ranboob?!”

Ranboo laughed, shaking his head at Tommy as he walked further into the house. Tommy allowed himself a moment to smile, eternally grateful for having met his flock before steeling himself and opening the door.

The sun was low on the treetops, and Tommy knew it was starting to get colder. But he wasn’t concerned yet. His light cloak shielded him from the bit of wind that chilled the air, and he didn’t need anything more yet. Though they would have to insulate the house for Tubbo’s sake soon enough. He shut the door firmly behind him and started for the bench, knowing Wil likely would have gone there to cool off. It wasn’t special to him like it was to Tommy, but he did like it there.

Sure enough, Tommy found Wilbur sitting with his head in his hands, Philza nowhere to be seen.

He sat cautiously on the bench, knowing sometimes it was better to be alone when you were upset. He didn’t say anything for a moment, though he hated the silence.

“Hey, Tommy.”

“Hey, Wilbur.”

He drummed his fingers against his thigh, considering. He couldn’t relate to Wilbur he didn’t think, not for this. He’d never been close to his father- hadn’t even been around him for very long. And the memories he did have of him were painful, the ones of his mother were harder- but ultimately he’d grown to see them as toxic most of the time.

And Phil didn’t seem like his parents- didn’t seem deliberately hurtful like them, though he was sure Wilbur was hurt.

“Philza went to my house,” Wilbur explained as he leaned back. his face was dry, but he looked exhausted. “He’ll be stickin around for a bit.”

Tommy hummed, absently tracing a small feather under the collar of his shirt. The feathers on his skin had stopped growing in so much after he’d grown his wings, but there were still old ones. He imagined they would fall out eventually, though he wasn’t in a hurry to get rid of them. he already had enough small scars from doing so prematurely and he didn’t want anymore.

He didn’t want to hurt himself like that anymore.

Wilbur sighed, knocking his shoulder into Tommy’s for a moment. He appreciated the sentiment- he knew Wilbur was touchy, but he never broke Tommy’s boundaries. Not that Tommy wasn’t touchy, he just wasn’t especially so with people not in his flock. And as much as he liked Wilbur, Dream, Techno, and the rest- they weren’t flock. “I am sorry, Tommy. I didn’t mean to stress you out. I know how Phil would get about arguing in his nest- especially with outsiders. I just…”

Wilbur groaned, carding his fingers roughly through his hair. Tommy winced a bit, knocking shoulders in return and nodding in invitation. Wilbur seemed relieved at the offer, sending him a quick thankful smile before frowning again.

“Fucking Philza.” Wilbur’s voice was undeniably hostile and he spat his words- but his eyes didn’t look anything but hurt and lonely. “He always shows up at the last possible moment. Always too late.”

“Too late or just in time?” Tommy asked. He knew that those could be very different things, even if it was only a matter of seconds. He was too late to be saved from his childhood, had gotten found out just in time to be able to take care of himself and be given pity food. Things like that mattered.

“I don’t know,” He said. “Maybe both.”

Tommy stayed quiet for a moment, considering how that could work. Wilbur didn’t seem to mind, but he broke the silence anyways.

“He’s a prick sometimes,” Wilbur declared. “But he’s Phil, and he’s my father.”

“I thought your last name was Soot?”

Wilbur seemed to consider it for a moment before letting out a little sigh. “I thought so too- we’ll see if ‘Minecraft’ sticks.”

“You’re shit at making this whole ‘normal family’ thing seem appealing,” Tommy declared. “I’ll stick with my flock.”

“Toms, you can’t opt out of having adult figures-“

“Why not,” Tommy replied, voice hardening. “They opted out first.”

They grew silent.

“I opened a server.”

Tommy quirked his head, tracing absently at the plain white mask with the face on it. He’d asked Dream for one like his since small thumb-sized feathers had sprouted on his cheekbones. They were pretty, starting with a golden feather to a few blue to a bit of red near his ears. Tommy had thought he was done with feathers on his skin, but these ones he didn’t mind. They were small, but beautiful and soft- though he couldn’t exactly walk into town anymore.

The mask would help with that, and the little “:D” drawn in black paint set him apart from Dream’s signature smile. He liked it- how it was so reminiscent yet unique from Dream’s. Dream wasn’t flock, but he was a bit of a teacher of sorts to Tommy. His friend too of course, but Tommy looked up to him a lot.

“You’re leaving?”

Dream shifted nervously, and Tommy felt something harden in his gut. “Not forever- not even permanently. I just…”

Tommy waited, he was better at being patient than when he was younger. Patient to jump in and grab a stranger's wallet, patient to wait for some hunters to pass by, patient to wait for his friends to return from their various adventures. Maybe if Tommy had grown up with a typical family or without people to care for he wouldn’t be as patient, but that was just theory. Tommy thought he was destined to live as he had, he couldn’t imagine anything different really.

“I feel guilty,” Dream admitted. “I didn’t know about the discrimination against hybrids or demons. And now that I know I see it everywhere. I saw an orphan get kicked in the head for trying to get some food, I saw a man with white eyes thrown in jail for being possessed, I saw a sheep hybrid with wool shorn from her face and deep scars from where they did it.”

He paused, a huff of breath escaping him. “Her name’s Puffy, by the way. She sort of adopted me.”

Tommy snickered at his friend.

“Anyways,” Dream struggled not to laugh for a second before settling. “I see it everywhere now and I- I hate it. I hate it so much. And I want to do something about it.”

“So,” Tommy prompted. “A server?”

“I was going to name it the Dream SMP,” Dream chuckled. “But George called me a self-centered prick and Sapnap rolled his eyes and said ‘of course,’ so I’m calling it Safe Haven now.”

Tommy smiled, biting back the urge to tease his friend for the name as well. He felt really touched honestly, and he didn’t want to cheapen the moment just yet. “That's a good name, man.”

Dream stretched out, and Tommy set the mask beside him on the bench. Tubbo and Ranboo had gone with Sapnap and George to cause havoc somewhere, Bad resting from a concussion he’d gotten on his trip. Tommy knew Dream was telling him first for a reason, Dream did everything for a reason.

“So it’s a safe place for hybrids then? Like a private world for safety?”

“Not just for hybrids,” Dream explained. “For all sorts of people who get abandoned or hurt in public servers. Like Sapnap’s friend Karl who isn’t human but isn’t mob, or Bad’s friend Skeppy who’s somehow part diamond, or my friend Connor who’s- actually, I don’t know what his deal is.”

Tommy nodded curiously, feeling something stir in his gut at the thought. “Do you know more hybrids- more alive ones?”

Dream nodded, seeming almost sheepish. “I asked Bad to take me to a hybrid hideout so I could understand more- it’s why I haven’t been visiting as much. We brought food and stuff obviously, but it was… it’s not what I was expecting. I don’t know what I expected.”

Tommy hadn’t ever been to the rumored hideouts- the ones with anywhere from five to twenty hybrids who hid together in little communities from hunters, but he could imagine what they were like. He could imagine how scarred and paranoid they would be. “I’m glad you’re… I’m glad you’re doing that. Prime knows it’s needed.”

Dream nodded before sighing a bit sadly. “You’re not coming, are you?”

Despite himself, Tommy chuckled. “I can’t say until I talk to Ran and Tubs, but I don’t think so.”

“How come?”

Tommy thought of Fundy, and the weird family he’d come from for a moment, but that wasn’t the whole reason. He also thought of a jukebox by a little wooden bench, a nest room with too many blankets, the living room they sat in with enough flowers, and cats and dogs to be its own little ecosystem. He chirped absently and heard another bird echo it back.

“I spent so long homeless,” He finally said. It was strange to admit it out loud to Dream, even if he’d definitely know. “So did Ranboo, and Tubbo might as well have. We finally have our home now, though it probably won’t be our home forever. We can’t leave it- not yet.”

Dream nodded, rubbing his hand absently over the soft couch. “It’s a standing invitation, bird brain.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Tommy grumbled back. “Just don’t fucking die or some shit- that’d be sad and Tubbo would cry.”

“I won’t.”

“And get a fucking communicator for me would ya? One that works across servers so Ranboo won’t complain.”

“I’ll call, I promise.”

Tommy turned as quick as possible and buried his face in Dream’s chest. His arms holding onto him as tight as he could for a moment before he practically threw himself backward and rooted through his enderchest. He could feel Dream’s shock, but he refused to acknowledge it. It wasn’t that he refused to touch him, but he never initiated any contact with Dream before save for fist bumps or anything that came with sparring.

Dream chuckled as Tommy busied himself with grabbing the drawstring bag and a handful of string. It was tattered and worn, obviously well-loved but not so much cared for. “What's that?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know, bitch boy.”

Despite himself, he opened the bag and pulled out four feathers. Each of them different from the others and started tying them on strings. He’d learned to tie them once when he’d thought of giving one to Ranboo and Tubbo- but it hadn’t felt right. The necklaces felt more like goodbye, or good luck at least. Unless they had to leave home, he wouldn’t give them one.

But the Muffinteers…

“Make sure the others get one, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Dream replied solemnly. “I’ll make sure.”

Tommy nodded awkwardly as he tied the last one. The drawstring had another handful of feathers in it, and he placed it back in the chest.

“Tommy… this isn’t goodbye.”

“Feels like it.”

Dream sighed, angling his mask downwards. “You know why I have to do this.”

“I know,” Tommy replied. “Doesn’t mean I have to fucking like it- even if I agree.”

Dream stayed silent for a moment, one hand coming up to brush along the front of his mask before running it through his hair. Tommy remembered when the hunter had mistook them for brothers and smiled. “Tommy, I-“

“I know you’ll be back.”

Despite himself, Tommy smiled, and as he handed over the necklaces he felt less bitter and more accepting. It was relieving. “Don’t worry about us, yeah.”

“I will,” Dream promised. “But we’re not leaving yet. Still have today and tomorrow.”

Tommy nodded, heading towards the door with Dream right behind him. “Let's make it count.”

Chapter Text

"Why isn't Drista allowed in Safe Haven?"

Dream groaned, sick at the thought of his little sister. He'd spent a week with her before coming to visit the 'bench trio' since he'd be on his own server- and it was easy to say it was more than enough time. He loved his sister, he really did. He just couldn't... be around her all the time. For his sanity.

"She's obnoxious."

'Like Tommy?"

Dream hesitated, unsure who was worse. "Sometimes."

"Oh, god," Ranboo snickered.

"What'd she do?" Fundy asked curiously. "Do you need us to fight her?"

“It’s not a big deal,” Dream chuckled. “My sister just teases a lot honestly. Most recently; teasing me for being single still. When you’re an adult, people want you to get married right away. She likes to tease me and say I won’t be an adult until I’ve gotten married.”

“That's stupid,” Fundy remarked.

“Yeah,” Tubbo snickered. “How would you ever be an adult, Fundy?”

Fundy screeched in offense, slapping at Tubbo’s shoulder to show his displeasure. Dream laughed along lightly, he was going to miss this. He was elated for Safe Haven, and what it could provide for people- but he would miss this.

He had to leave tomorrow morning, set up a bit for the newcomers. Sapnap had brought up the idea of a community house before they decided it would be better to have a community land of sorts- with small houses for people getting started, and supplies stockpiled for everyone. That way people could start getting supplies before going out to stake a claim on their own lands and doing whatever they wished with them. A Safe place shouldn’t be full of rules really he’d decided- more of an unconditional safe space so long as the intent wasn’t to hurt the others in the space.

Violating other people’s safety would result in a three-strike penalty and then a temporary ban which could be lifted if enough people petitioned. Sapnap had jokingly called it the three lives system, but it really was more of a ‘you get three chances to not be an asshole’ kind of thing. He thought that was the fairest, and the others had agreed with him.

Bad had gone ahead with his friend Skeppy to place torches and some protection around spawn, as well as use the creative inventory he’d temporarily granted them to break the end portals in the land. He’d decided that leaving them open would result in too many territory disputes, but he could probably set up a system for opening one if someone really wanted to try their luck.

Once Tubbo managed to fend off Fundy, he shot Dream an exaggerated wink. “Maybe you could marry George?”

Dream just laughed, knowing the kids must’ve had a bet going on. They’d been into making really wild bets recently, and would absolutely under no circumstance tell anyone what they were until afterward. “I don’t even want to have a partner right now. I’m starting up a server and got adopted, I think I’ll be plenty busy.”

“Oh yeah,” Ranboo piped up. “Is your half-brother going to join the server?”

“Probably later,” He replied. “I’ve met Foolish once over coms, he’s a bit busy right now finding himself.”

Tubbo hummed a bit, his antenna twitching curiously before settling. “You could always just ban anyone who makes fun of you too- I’d help.”

“Tubbo-“

“And if you won’t- then don’t worry, Dream,” Tubbo rushed to cut off what was most likely the beginning of a mini-lecture. “I’m sure you’ll be a great partner someday.”

Fundy perked up a bit, looking at Dream with his ears perked up. “You could be my wife, Dream!”

Dream choked, nearly doubling over with his coughs. “Wha- what?!”

“Yeah!” Fundy exclaimed, tail wagging at the idea. “We could do a wedding in this clearing, and Tommy could be the flower girl, and Dad could officiate it! Oh! Tubbo do you still have those white curtains? The ones with the lacy bits at the end?”

“Guys-“

“I do!” Tubbo gasped. “Tommy knows how to sew quickly, he could probably make it into a dress.”

Dream was visibly holding back his wheezing, unsure how serious they were. It was practically impossible trying to tell with Tubbo or Fundy, it could honestly go either way. “Fundy, I’m flattered but-“

“I could put a diamond on some gold rings?” Ranboo offered with a small smirk sent at Dream- no confusion on whether or not Ranboo was serious. “I got good at making rings when I made Tommy his circlet, and I fixed my crown last month.”

Fundy yipped in excitement, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Grandza’s coming over later so I can ask Dad to tell him to bring me my suit! I still have one from Sally’s wedding.”

“That's incredible,” Ranboo grinned. “Truly incredible. I’ll come with you, Fundy. Tommy’s with Wilbur so we can grab them both.”

Fundy rushed forward to hold Dream’s hand between his, and from this close Dream could hear the faint snickers falling from Fundy’s mouth. “Fear not, baby. I shall return for our wedding.”

And just like that, he and Ranboo rushed off with Tubbo being long gone. Left in the clearing where the soon-to-be-wedding-venue would reside, Dream couldn’t help but marvel at how his life was turning out.

He could only hope Tommy’s sewing wouldn’t leave him too uncomfortable

“Awwwww!”

Dream scowled, shooting Tommy a particularly nasty glare. He wasn’t really being mean about it, but he was still teasing him and Dream would remember to make him pay for it. “Don’t even think about it.”

“You’re all grown up now,” Bad snickered from where he was sitting. Despite his words, he was taking pictures with his communicator, and Dream just knew that he wouldn’t delete them.

Dream sighed but could admit that for the short time span- Tommy really had made a nice curtain dress. The dress was sleeveless but fairly high on his neckline, and the ‘lacy bits’ had been stitched along the bottom hem of the dress, as well as along the bustline. Dream was sporting a white veil as well- which clipped to the top of his mask and hung down to around his mid-back. It was surprisingly tasteful for being a cheap joke costume, and Dream could only wonder why Tommy had put so much effort into the bit.

Either way, Dream thought he was killing the look.

The others seemed to agree, Fundy giggling and jumping around. Tubbo was giggling as well, assuring Dream that he looked “very nice, boss man” and “very pog.”

By this point, Dream was so used to the lingo that he felt genuinely complimented- and that scared him.

“Alright,” Wilbur clapped, a bright grin on his face. “Places everyone! Let’s make this happen!”

Tommy grabbed Ranboo’s hand and pulled him to the back of the walkway, and Dream could only follow as Fundy skipped up to the little stage they’d scraped together. It really was a strange setup. Bad had baked a few batches of muffins that Wilbur had set up as nicely as possible, and everyone but Fundy and Tubbo were wearing cheap party hats. Fundy was in a full-on tux, Tommy wearing that old cloak he'd snagged, Techno wearing a netherite chest plate over mud-stained sweatpants and a silk shirt, while George hadn't changed from his usual t-shirt.

Truth be told, Dream found it disgustingly endearing and typical.

Sapnap came to stand next to him, apparently taking the place as the 'father.' Likely since Bad was still a bit too hurt to be doing too much, and Puffy hadn't actually met the others yet. Regardless, Dream rolled his eyes as the event seemed to begin.

"I forgot to grab the jukebox," Tubbo realized, and Phil could only sigh. Before anyone could move, Tommy began loudly and aggressively humming the avengers' theme song, Ranboo joining in after only a moment. Dream fought to keep in the cackles that wanted to come out, he just knew it would only get worse.

Phil sputtered as a poppy hit him square in the face, Bad only snickering when he expertly dodged an allium so it hit Sapnap instead.

Truly; Dream had no idea why he was letting this ridiculous bit play out- but couldn't help but hold in his own laughter. They were hilarious, even if they made him a curtain dress and made him hold a bouquet of hastily picked (and half-wilted) flowers. Tommy hummed the theme song slightly-less aggressively, and Dream started forwards. He felt awkward but walked between the two sparse rows of criss-cross seated guests holding Sapnap's arm. Sapnap certainly didn't seem awkward, proudly beaming with only the occasional snicker.

"Come on honey, it's your big day."

He rolled his eyes, Sapnap was going to get it later. "I'm all grown up now, I'm all grown up."

Sapnap gleefully stepped to the side, and Wilbur cleared his throat dramatically.

"Friends, families, furries-"

Fundy squawked in protest, but ultimately didn't say anything as Wilbur continued with only the twitching of his lip giving him away. He continued on with his speech, only occasionally throwing in something that didn't seem to fit the 'serious wedding' they were playing at. Dream spaced out for a moment, wondering what exactly Fundy had bet on that called for them to act out a full wedding.

"-take Dream to be your lawfully wedded partner, until death do you part."

"I do."

Dream snapped back to attention to listen to Wilbur addressing him, trying not to glance at where Tommy was staring at him with a comical expression.

"I do," Dream uncertainly echoed at the end, seeing Fundy wildly nodded his head in agreement.

"Say 'uwu'," Ranboo hissed at him, which Dream strongly ignored.

"If anyone had any reason why this wedding shouldn't take place, then speak now or forever-"

"I object!"

The clearing was silent for a moment before little giggles threatened to spill as George stood up straight. His party hat torn off his head as he started towards the front.

"Dream, come here," George snickered, pulling Dream by the arm a bit to the side. He had a look on his face that just screamed trouble, and everyone was eagerly anticipating it.

"What? Why?" Dream asked, feeling more baffled by the moment.

George glanced around for a moment before quickly springing off the area a bit and returning with a few more...feathers in his arms. "Here, take this...chicken."

Dream stared at the chicken he found himself holding, wondering if the day could possibly get any weirder. Wilbur mock-scowled at George, shaking his head condescendingly. "You're making a mockery of this church."

"Dude, my chair had crushed white dye cushion on it," Sapnap complained. Tubbo's expression was carefully blank, and Dream just knew it had to be him. "What do you-"

George snickered, leaning in close to Dream’s mask and pressing a kiss at the center of it. He turned back to Fundy with a wild smirk, holding a shocked Dream’s hand as he pulled him away.

“Wha?”

George dragged off Dream to finish their preparations to leave the server, leaving the clearing of ‘wedding’ guests to start dissolving into laugher. Fundy was practically choking, Tommy could hardly breathe, and half the attendants were on the ground.

“WHAT THE FUCK-“

Chapter Text

It was strange talking to Phil. He was doting, to say the least, chirping out little reminders out of nowhere like ‘drink water,’ ‘eat a snack,’ ‘have you been sleeping enough?’ They came out of nowhere, and Phil would brush past the little interjections as if they’d never happened most of the time.

Tommy found that he both loved and hated it.

Loved it because it was sweet of the man to check on their health in a way no other adult really had, and he appreciated the sentiment. But he also hated it. Hated it for how it seemed like Phil didn’t trust him, hated how it always seemed to remind him of what he didn’t have, hated it for how it almost made him feel like a fucking child living with his mother.

Because Phil tried to act like their father a lot- and he wasn’t.

He could tell it neared the same on Tubbo and Ranboo- reminding them what they didn’t have, or what they’d lost. It felt out of place, because they knew. They knew how to cook full meals, tend to a farm, mine for ores, set up defenses, properly mob-proof an area, fix a broken bit of red stone, purify drinking water, defend themselves. They knew how to steal, read, write, sew up new wounds and cry about old ones.

They knew- and they didn’t need anyone to try and re-teach them how to.

And they didn’t want it either.

Truth be told, the three had talked about it before; if they would ever want to be adopted or find a home. They’d talked about it when they’d been homeless, talked about it under their breaths while nesting, talking about it when they sat at the bench and watched the darkening sky.

They had all came to the agreement that they didn’t. None of them thought they could ever trust an adult like that again, couldn’t trust anyone completely like each other. And they’d been right thus far. They trusted the Muffinteers, and Techno, Wilbur, Fundy, Phil- but not to the same extent they trusted each other.

The Muffinteers seemed to accept that- and would only visit between adventures spontaneously. They never made Tommy feel like a charity case though Dream did sometimes ask about their experience growing up as hybrids. They visited because they wanted to and because they liked spending time with them. Sure, they sometimes gave them things- but it was never more than a batch of cookies, a helmet with triangles cut out for Tubbo’s antennae, a spare enchantment book they already owned.

Wilbur and Techno accepted it as well. Tutoring them occasionally, but still playing around with them, and not being overbearing. Heck- Tommy was going into town next week to pick up Wilbur’s guitar from the shops since Tubbo had accidentally damaged the bit where the strings attached to the instruments yesterday. It wasn’t a one-way thing or a pity thing. Wilbur and Techno came over because they liked spending time with them, and it showed.

Phil’s visits didn’t feel like that very often.

It seemed more like he was there to watch after them than to spend time with them, spending time in their house making sandwiches, helping with various chores, and watching after them from a distance just as often as he told stories or goofed around. Tommy knew his intentions were good, but he felt more like an obligation than anything- which was odd on countless levels considering that no other adult had ever felt obligated to take care of him.

He hated it.

Hated how Phil would force him to sit down while he wrapped his bloodied knuckles. Hated how he hadn’t been able to find the sweet berry jam because Phil hated restocked it in the other cabinet. Hated how fucking determined Phil seemed to be to say that they were ‘like family,’ or that Phil would ‘always be there.’

He wouldn’t be.

But Philza either didn’t notice or didn’t care about the frustration Tommy felt. He continued his doting and ‘parenting.’ Wilbur and Technoblade noticed, and he’d seen them wince or even hide their face as if embarrassed by it.

Tommy wished they’d just do something about it.

“Can I talk to ya, mate?”

Ranboo glanced up anxiously, and Tommy couldn’t help but emphasize. Philza’s expression was startlingly blank, though Tommy couldn’t see a sword strapped to his side at least. Wilbur had just left with Fundy, Techno hadn’t visited today. It had already been odd that Phil had stayed behind, but this was really messing with Tommy’s ordinary schedule.

“Sure,” He replied. “What’s up?”

Phil hummed lightly, rising from where he’d been relaxed on the couch. There was a glass bottle of some experimental sweet berry lemonade that they’d made earlier, emptied but still carried. Phil was like that, saving glass bottles and spare paper almost obsessively. “Just walk and talk with me a minute, it shouldn’t take long.”

He sent Ranboo a small reassuring smile before nodding and standing. “Sure, I’ll help you walk your old bones out.”

Philza chuckled and nudged open their door. He sent it a considerate look when it squeaked, and Tommy knew he’d be re-oiling it later. Not that it mattered. That stupid door always squeaked.

Tommy shut the door behind him with a small slam, knowing it was one of Ranboo’s pet peeves. Ranboo knew he did it intentionally when he wanted to rile Ranboo up a bit, and Tommy was already looking forward to a playful argument about it later.

He hummed cat to himself as he started his stroll down the path, absently checking that the torches were upright and burning as they went. Despite his annoyance with the man, he was nice to spend time with. He had a lot of respect for him and wanted him to treat him like a friend, not some sort of pity orphan.

Honestly.

“What is up, Mr. Minecraft? How are we?”

Phil chuckled, wings stretching out behind him. “We’re all good, mate. I just wanted to suggest something to you.”

“Finally going to write us into your will?”

He groaned, sending Tommy a small glare. “Not if you keep bringing it up, I won’t.”

Tommy snickered, holding his hands up placatingly. “Sorry Philza Minecraft, creator of Minecraft.”

For a moment, Phil’s eye twitched and Tommy nearly doubled over in laughter. But then he seemed to let out a breath and steel himself for whatever conversation he wanted to have. Tommy waited patiently while he collected himself, they were coming up on the bench anyways.

“Sit down then,” He prompted. He let his wings stretch out over the back of the bench, pushing the cloak around his shoulders and slouching over. They were a bit bigger now, and he could get about ten feet off the ground if he tried. It was obnoxious how long it was taking, but apparently plucking out his feathers before had confused his body a bit and it thought he was younger. Phil had told him that after Ranboo had (for once) treasured him into asking.

Phil settled for a moment similarly, though with a straighter back. It wasn’t quite sunset yet, but the view was still nice.

“How would you, Tubbo, and Ranboo like to come home with us?”

Tommy really didn’t know why adults seemed to think that he made the decisions for his flock, but he was a bit glad for it. Ranboo got anxious about confrontation, and Tubbo admitted to feeling out of his depth as well with it. Not to say he was some sort of leader, of course, he was just typically chosen as a spokesperson.

And thankfully, he’d talked to his flock about this general topic when Dream had offered them a spot in his new server. And he knew what they wanted.

“Not very much, actually.”

Phil blinked, seeming taken aback. “I mean to live, Tommy.”

He rolled his eyes, biting back a sarcastic remark because really- what else would he be talking about. “Yes, I know, Philza.”

“Tommy,” Phil sighed like he had something important to say. “You guys can’t live here forever-”

“Pretty sure we can.”

“-and you deserve a family-“

“And I’ve got one, thank you.”

“-so why won’t you?”

“Philza,” Tommy groaned. “I have a family, big man.”

“I mean a real one.”

Tommy scowled at that, feeling genuinely upset. He didn’t think Phil had meant that how it sounded- but he was feeling pretty fucking pissed off regardless. “Oi, you can fuck off with that. I have a real family. If people can adopt kids why can’t kids adopt kids? Tubbo and Ranboo are my flock.”

Phil winced, wings pressing closer to the back of his chair apologetically. “You’re right. I didn’t mean that- I’m sorry.”

Tommy just let out a huff of air, willing his feathers to lay flat. “Fine.”

Phil sighed again, which was getting obnoxious. “That doesn’t mean I don’t think you should come live with us.”

Tommy just sighed, trying to remember what he’d learned from Bad and Wilbur about communication. “Okay, but why?”

Phil smiled sadly, still holding onto the empty glass bottle. “Because you shouldn’t have to live alone out here.”

“I’m not alone,” Tommy replied. “I have my family.”

My flock.

“You’re all kids,” Phil reminded him. “You should have someone to look after you, an adult.”

Tommy considered it for a moment, a daydream he hadn’t thought of in what felt like a lifetime. About what life would have been like if his parents had kept him; if they hadn’t plucked his feathers and squeezed his hands painfully to remind him not to make the ugly chirping sounds. If adults had loved and raised him instead of not wanting him.

If he hadn’t ever met Ranboo and Tubbo.

“No thanks,” He decided. “I could give two shits about what adults should or shouldn't do.”

Phil seemed taken aback, clearly not having received the answer he had expected. But there was something else there, an annoying determination that Tommy was sure would be obnoxious. “That’s okay,” He said despite the look in his eyes that screamed that it wasn’t. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Phil helped him stand despite his protests and walked him back to the house before leaving. And when Tommy walked home, he found Ranboo anxiously standing by the door with an iron axe, and Tubbo pulling bread out of the oven and- this was home.

His heart swelled in his chest despite the scratches and bruises that hadn’t quite healed.

“Phil, this has to stop.”

Phil paused from where he’d been wrapping a few loaves of bread in cloth, glancing back at a decidedly irate Wilbur. He knew why Wilbur was upset, even if he didn’t understand why it made him so upset. “It’s just some bread, mate.”

“Yeah,” Wilbur grumbled. “Just like how yesterday it was just some tea, and last week it was just some jams. They’re not your fucking kids, man.”

“They are,” Phil dismissed him. “They will be.”

‘They don’t want to be!” Wilbur exclaimed. “They are obviously annoyed and upset at how you’ve been treating them. It’s embarrassing!”

“They aren’t used to it,” Phil corrected him. “Like how Techno wasn’t, how you weren’t.”

“Yeah,” Wilbur snapped. “But I actually wanted a family back then. You asked me to come to your home and I agreed. They already have one, and they don’t want anything else.”

“He’s right you know,” Techno piped up from behind his book. “Tommy might blow a vein if you keep mother hen-ing them.”

Wilbur sighed, rubbing his forehead in an attempt to calm down. Phil appreciated it and turned away from the bread in turn. “They deserve a family, we owe it to them to prove one.”

“That right there is why Tommy’s upset!” Wilbur exclaimed. “He doesn’t like pity- none of them do. And by acting like it's a sense of obligation, you’re just upsetting them.”

Phil considered it, nodding slightly. “I’ll be sure to tell them that we care about them, then.”

Wilbur groaned, seemingly exasperated. “Technoblade, help me out here.”

Techno lowered his book, which was about when Phil really wondered if he’d really been that bad. He’d seen Techno unwilling to pause reading when a skeleton started at him- simply swinging wildly as he continued to absorb information on the Roman gods, and how they related to the old Greek ones. It took a lot to make Techno stop his reading when he was invested.

“They don’t want a family,” Techno stated. “Not a traditional one. They rely on each other, and trying to get them to rely on an adult unconditionally is going to feel like a trap and scare them off. You don’t have to be someone’s family to take care of them, friends take care of each other too. They don’t want a family like this, they just want supportive friends and their pack.”

Phil frowned, shoulders slumping over a bit in consideration. He hadn’t really thought of it like that, obviously. It just didn’t sit right with him that the three of them had grown up without good adults in their lives, and he’d wanted to fix it.

“Phil, they don’t need us,” Techno explained a bit softer. “I know that kids should have families, but it’s too late now. They have each other, and you can’t change that. They’ve already had enough choices taken from them.”

“They’re kids,” Phil whispered. “We can help them.”

“Techno’s right,” Wilbur decided, softly and with more understanding than Phil could really grasp. “We can help, but not like that. They’re a family already.”

Phil frowned deeper, rubbing his forehead between his fingers. “I could help them.”

Wilbur huffed, seemingly done emphasizing with him. “Try fucking being there for the family you have already before adopting some kids who are perfectly fine on their own.”

Phil’s head snapped up, searching Wilbur’s expression for a moment before slumping down with an expression the seemed older than he really was. “You may have a point- both of you.”

Wilbur snorted at that, standing and stretching his back out. “Of course we do.”

Techno just rolled his eyes, picking up his book and searching for his place. Phil couldn’t help but wonder for what felt like the hundredth time if they should look into getting him some glasses. He really did squint a lot.

“I should bring over some stew tomor-“

“PHILZA FUCKING MINECRAFT.”

"What’s your full name anyways?”

Tommy paused, forcing down memories of the last time someone had called him by his full name, and the dreaded time before that. It was a silly thing to remember, but he was so used to being just Tommy. “None of your fucking business.”

Techno looked unimpressed, but that was just his resting expression so Tommy wasn’t too worried. “What's your full name?”

“Fuck you.”

He groaned in response, chucking the potato he was washing into the basket carelessly. “You wanna say why you’re not gonna tell me? I need something to call you when you’re annoyin’ me on purpose.”

“Because fuck you, that’s why.”

Techno seemed resigned to forever call him Tommy for a moment, rolling his eyes but dropping the subject. Techno was good like that, he may be emotionally constipated but at least he didn’t typically push on conversations like this. Phil was good at it, but usually because he’d notice when someone was uncomfortable- which wasn’t the best when he felt like hiding.

“Theseus.”

Tommy paused, wondering briefly if Techno was just talking to his chat before dismissing it. “What?”

“What about Theseus,” Techno offered. “You’ve got a hero complex so it fits well enough.”

Oh.

That was quite nice, actually.

Tommy ignored the warmth in his chest at the idea of being renamed, even if it was just a dumb joke Techno had used because he was obnoxious. He liked that idea- of Techno naming him. Like he was getting rid of another tie to his mother and father, like he was reclaiming his name for himself. He wasn't Thomas ‘Tommy’ Innit. He was Theseus ‘Tommy’ Innit. “Yeah, alright- that’s… yeah okay, alright. Theseus it is bitch.”

If Techno noticed how obviously red Tommy’s face got or how soft his voice was for a split second then he wouldn’t mention it. It wasn’t often Tommy would be vulnerable if he could help it, and Techno was perfectly fine not trying to comfort a child. That would be bad on every front if you asked him.

“Theseus gets all the women- like Philza Minecraft but not married.”

Techno groaned, chucking a half-washed potato at Tommy, who only cackled in response. “I regret it already.”

“No, no!” Tommy snickered with a bright grin. “Call me Theseus, bitch! I’ll be Theseus, Techie!”

it was Techno’s turn to smirk, looking at a quickly reddening Tommy. “Techie, huh?”

“I didn’t-“

“Theseus, you shouldn’t have,” Techno cackled, practically bending over himself as Tommy ruined bright red.

“Shut up, shut up, shut up! Bitch fuck shit FUCK!”

“I’m gonna tell Wilbur- or is it still Wilby? I heard you call him that last time I was-“

“FUCK OFF, TECHNOBITCH!”

Chapter Text

“Watch where you’re going!”

Tommy offered a small apologetic nod behind his mask to the stranger he’d bumped into. The crowd was thick today, since a few traders were in town, and there was a festival in a few days. It made it almost painfully easy to snag an emerald pouch here and there.

Tommy never went to town too close to the festivals usually, but he’d felt antsy lately, and the crowd would help keep him inconspicuous. It was better than trying out homemade fireworks again in any case.

He adjusted the mask on his face, hating how it rubbed against his skin. It was a useful gift and he did feel safer with it, but he couldn’t understand how Dream could wear it all the time. Maybe it was because he didn’t have feathers on his cheekbones. The feathers were small, but sensitive to touch in a distracting way.

He sighed at the reminder. The very thing that required him to wear a mask in the first place being so uncomfortable under one.

He made his way to the bulletin board in town, where news was commonly posted. Last week they’d been a listing for help needed, and he was feeling optimistic today. As he got closer, he noticed a small crowd gathered around it, various reactions going away nothing as to what the sign meant.

“Excuse me, you’re in the way.”

The man he’d elbowed past scowled at him but moved away and he sent him a sarcastic two-fingered salute in response. He turned to the board, but his good mood vanished before he’d even read past the first poster.

There was murmuring around him, a few cheers, a few chuckles. Someone smiled, someone pulled out a communicator, someone pulled a flyer from the board and took it with them.

He felt like he couldn’t breathe.

He shouldn’t be surprised, it had seemed like the area they were in at least was backtracking. He met few people who didn’t hate hybrids, fewer who weren't at least mildly disgusted by them. It had always been a matter of time before hybrids were outlawed again, only a matter of time before they could legally murder him for being what he was.

Why had he forgotten?

“About time,” The woman standing beside him hummed. He didn’t know when she’d gotten there, but he vaguely recognized her. He had done a shift at the farm she worked at once, she’d given him an apple. “I’ve been wanting to be rid of those freaks for years now. Nothing good will come from them, I’ll tell you that much.”

Tommy nodded placatingly, knowing better than to argue. Still, it made him nauseous to do so. “Are they sending out guards to help the search?”

“I’d imagine so, it took them about a month to do so last time.”

He nodded again in thanks, ignoring the churning in his gut as he turned to walk out of the town. Every side glance made his hands shake, every person walking past raised the hair on his neck.

One more step.

The blacksmith waved at him, he couldn’t seem to respond.

Breathe in, breathe out.

A kid rushed across the street before him, clutching a wooden sword as she chased her friends.

Keep wings folded close.

He checked that his mask was firmly in place absently as he walked past the village’s iron golem. The poppy reminded him of blood.

Breathe-

The village was behind him, and he felt as if it were glaring at him. Like the town was condemning him for the freakish and ugly feathers that had shot up from his skin, and for the disgusting peeping that escaped him on occasion. He stemmed down the urge to sadly trill at the thought, nails digging into his palms. He listened out for screaming, for the whistling of arrows.

One more step.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Keep wings folded close.

Bite the inside of his cheek.

Dig talon-like nails into his palms till it bleed.

He walked past the treeline, feet falling on the path he’d laid with a deafening sound.

Clunk

Clunk

Clunk

Clunk

His breathing seemed to echo against the mask, sticking to his face and making his scalp tingle. Fuck he wanted to scrape it, scratch it raw until the itching and the watching and the whispering in his ears went away.

The door was there, it was some sort of wood. There was a small carved letter in the corner, he couldn’t remember how it’d gotten there.

Breathe in, Breathe out.

Knock.

Suddenly he could hear the barking of a dog, probably Bruno or Mars. There was some faint bird call from the forest behind him, he hadn’t heard it before.

Tubbo opened the door, face paling a bit when he saw Tommy’s mask.

“Hey, big man,” He soothed quietly. He made no move to touch him or to close the door. “Can you take your mask off for me?”

His throat seemed to tighten, and he quickly shook his head. Tubbo didn’t seem especially surprised, just smiling and nodding placatingly. His antennae twitched downwards, he was worried. “That's alright. Do you want to step inside?”

He wanted to get away from the eyes that watched from the shadows and behind him. He stepped into the house, Tubbo quietly shutting the door behind him. Phil had oiled the hinges last week, and it went near-silently.

“Hey, Tommy.”

Tommy turned a bit, seeing Ranboo standing with his hands open and facing upwards. Close enough that he could hold, his fingers twitched at the thought, but he couldn’t seem to move them. Tubbo crossed back into his vision, sitting on the couch just to his right.

“You’re home. You’re home, and you’re safe. You’re home, and you’re safe, and you’re real.”

His breath made him blink as it came out heavier.

“Breathe in with me, alright? Look,” Ranboo’s hand came to rest on his chest, expanding with it for four seconds. Tommy mimicked it shakily, leaving his hands by his sides. “And out.”

He breathed out, his hands were shaking.

“And in again. Tommy, can you hold my hand?”

His hand came up mindlessly, settling in Ranboo’s own barely. Ranboo made no one to grasp it, just letting it rest there. Tommy felt like his skin was buzzing, but he followed Ranboo’s breathing.

“Good, good. Now in again.”

It came easier, and he squeezed Ranboo’s hand gently. Ranboo squeezed it back, thumb beginning to rub circles into it.

“You’re real, and you’re here. You’re home, and you’re safe. You’re Tommy. You’re Theseus. You’re our best friend.”

His skin felt awkward on him- like it had shrunk, but it was there. He breathed in deeper, holding onto Ranboo’s hands with both of his own. He breathed in deeply again and basked in it.

Ranboo smiled, and Tommy felt himself begin to cry. “There you are.”

Tommy hoped that Ranboo and Tubbo wouldn’t slip into their own panic attacks. He would always try to help, but he wasn’t sure if he was present enough to be much good at it.

They were all sitting on the couches, Tommy’s hands finally having stopped shaking when he explained what had happened. Tubbo’s antennae were worryingly still, and Ranboo was wringing his hands hard enough for Tommy to have had to hod both of them if only to keep him from slipping his skin off.

They were handling it better than he had thought, and it was almost embarrassing for him. Honestly, how was he supposed to protect his flock if he slipped into a fucking panic attack at the first sign of danger? He bit back the depreciation, knowing this wasn’t the time.

“Jail us,” Tubbo whispered to himself. “They want to- they want to lock us up.”

“Like fucking animals.”

The words sat there for a moment, and Tommy regretted saying it aloud. It was true though, and it hurt. He was used to it, from everyone but his friends and flock. Hybrids would never be accepted, all for a few feathers or antenna or differently colored skin. Tommy wanted to cry- to scream and bleed and sob. He wanted to do something about the situation. He wanted the world to see how much it hurt him, and to regret it.

He stayed silent, silent tears occasionally dripping from their eyes as they sat in the room that suddenly felt so much colder.

Like their home was already becoming cold from what they might have to do.

“We need to send a letter to Phil, Wilbur, and Techno,” Ranboo said quietly into the silence. “Their home isn’t that close to any villages, so they probably don’t know.”

“Use the communicator,” Tubbo replied.

Ranboo blinked for a moment, likely having forgotten they had one.

“It’s in my room,” Tommy reminded him as he let go of Ranboo’s hands. “Atop the dresser with the blaze rods.”

Ranboo nodded before leaving the room, leaving the two to their thoughts.

“I’ll text Dream after,” Tubbo decided. “He should be ready to hurry the whitelisting of other hybrids.”

Tommy nodded thoughtfully, suddenly infinitely more glad for Dream’s server. They both ignored the thought that they may be joining it. His stomach twisted uncomfortably at the thought of abandoning their home.

“I don’t want to leave,” Tubbo whispered.

“We won’t,” Tommy scowled. “We won’t- I won’t let them.”

“I don’t think it’s your choice big man.”

Tommy ran his hands over the mask that sat in his lap. He understood why Dream wore it now, it had been especially hard to take off. “Fuck that.”

He refusing to consider it- that he would have to abandon his home again. He was almost twelve, and he didn’t want to lose home again. Not when home finally felt like home. Not when he finally had a fucking home.

“I won’t fail,” He insisted as Ranboo walked back into the room. He didn’t respond, neither did TUbbo. They waited for Ranboo to type out the message to Phil, then he passed it to Tubbo to message Dream. Tommy traced a feather on his cheek but didn’t tug on it. Ranboo kept a careful eye on him.

Tubbo set down the communicator, and Tommy lowered his hand. They couldn’t just leave, and it wasn’t especially likely the town would come after them anyway. They’d done a good job of keeping themselves from being recognizable in town- especially as anything more than a street kid.

They had requested a book from the town’s librarian for Ranboo, it had an enchantment he’d been wanting for ages now. Tommy had planned an odd job of helping someone replant their field in the next few weeks, and he would be getting paid for it. Wilbur had dropped off his guitar to be fixed a bit ago as well, Tommy was due to pick it up tomorrow.

“I’ll go to town tomorrow,” Tommy decided. “Get Wilbur’s fucking guitar, and then I’ll break the bits of the path near the front of the forest on my way back.”

“And then?”

He ignored the unease curling in his gut, set on a confidant smirk as if Ranboo and Tubbo would ever be fooled by it. They knew him too well, but the faux confidence was better than the crushing grief in his chest. “We’ll be fine.”

They ignored how none of them knew how to answer the question.

“Is it just the Kingdom of Eragon?”

“No,” Tubbo replied a bit snappily. It was a good question on Dream’s part, but he’d had the same question from Wilbur earlier and he was starting to feel hopeless. “Brisingr and Eldes’ are doing the same, and it would take months to find an area that wouldn’t just push the hybrids back anyways.”

Dream sighed, and it crackled over the communicator. Dream had bought them a nice one, but there had been some flour pressed into its speakers and it sounded off when certain noises came through. “That's- that sucks.”

He huffed out a laugh, spinning an arrow between his fingers. “You could say that again.”

The house was empty aside from him, and it made him anxious. They’d insisted on Ranboo going to town with Tommy just in case. He would be wearing a facemask, hood, and sunglasses. It wasn’t a long trip and it was safer to send them together in all honesty.

“How's whitelisting going?”

“Good,” Dream replied. “We sped up a bit like you suggested yesterday. Purpled, Hannah, and Punz are successfully moved in. Slimescicle can come in as soon as he stops insisting he’s human long enough to get me his emergency contact.”

Tubbo giggled a bit at the mention of the man who Dream had relentlessly complained about for a while. “That's good.”

“There’s room for more.”

“That's nice.”

“Tubbo.”

“Dream.”

Both of them chuckled, and Tubbo’s wings fluttered at the sound. It was hard not to with how genuinely joyful Dream’s laugh was.

“You guys know you’re always welcome.”

“We know.”

“Then, why-?”

Tubbo sighed, stretching back. “I don’t think Tommy’s ready to give up on this place. He’s got it in his head that he has to protect us- that he has to save us, and our home.”

“He does have a hero complex.”

Tubbo groaned. “He does, and it’s frustrating. I love him for it, but I’m worried. He’s gotten himself in so much shit for it.”

“He’s gonna end up running himself to the ground at this rate.”

“Yep,” Tubbo agreed. “To fucking bedrock. Technoblade tried to talk him out of this before, but it didn’t work.”

“How do you feel, Tubbo?”

A cat jumped into Tubbo’s lap, and he absently pet it as he thought. He didn’t know the name of the cat, but it was one of Ranboo’s. Tommy had teased him about his “pussy army” before, but Ranboo hadn’t stopped getting more cats.

“I’m alright,” He decided. “I’m scared, and it’s not safe here- but I’m alright. Me and Ranboo will talk some sense into Tommy, make him realize we’re alright with going. It might take a while, but when we get there you better have a bee picked out for me.”

Dream chuckled, and Tubbo heard the relief in it. “Of course. I’ll build a nest room in one of the apartments.”

Tubbo smiled, touched by Dream’s thought. Safe Haven’s community village, as Dream had started calling it, seemed really nice- and it would be a relief to have a nest room ready for them when they moved in. Because they couldn’t stay here. “Thanks, big man. I don’t want to be overly optimistic, but I’m excited!”

“I’m excited for you to be here too,” Dream laughed. “And we can- we can show you everything we’ve built! Puffy and Eret have already heard so much about you guys, I’m sure they’ll be happy to meet you.”

“Don’t let Tommy hear that, it’ll get to his head.”

“That kid doesn’t need it.”

“Agreed,” Tubbo chuckled. “Two days ago, he-“

Ranboo burst through the door, it slammed against the wall hard enough there was sure to be an indent. He looked like a wreck, hood down with purple blood smeared across his temple and his left arm. Tubbo shot to his feet, wide eyes meeting Ranboo’s own in growing horror. His worst fears realized as Ranboo’s tear scarred face stared back.

“Tommy’s been captured.”

Chapter Text

Honestly; the room Tommy was in was very villain-esc.

You would think they would try to make it humane since they were so convinced they were the good guys, or whatever. But Tommy woke up in a cold stone and concrete room with an iron door, tied up excessively to an old wooden chair. He couldn't feel his hands, his wings were exposed behind him, and his whole body felt like a giant bruise. He couldn't see his wings since they had a chain wrapped around them and tied around something- but he could feel the dirt and blood sitting uncomfortably between his feathers.

Honestly; he was almost embarrassed on their behalf.

Almost. They did try to hurt Ranboo, beat him up, and then leave him in a cell after all.

He choked on his breath, pressing his stinging lips into a thin line to try and muffle the noise. On the off chance that he could find a way out of his cell, he didn’t want to draw attention to himself.

Really, it was rude of the town’s guards to have roughed him up so much upon his capture. He’d been cooperating and they’d thrown it back in his face!

Well… he’d been mostly cooperating. Mostly. He would never knock a man’s head against a conveniently placed bell and bash his sword across another’s temple.

Honest.

He sighed to himself- more like a sharp exhale with how his chest hurt to expand. Maybe he hadn’t exactly been cooperating, but the whole thing was fucked anyway. A harsh sound came from the door, and the handle jumped. It seemed he had run out of time, or they'd heard him somehow. Let the goons enter center-stage he supposed.

The guards even looked ugly.

"It's awake."

"Good, he should be here soon," The second guard replied carelessly as the door slammed behind them.

"Who?" Tommy asked, ignoring their disgusted looks at the reminder that he was half-human, and could in fact speak.

"Shut up."

"Fucking make me," He snarled in response. They didn't attack him, thankfully. Likely because he winced as the bruise on his jaw shifted. They seemed happy enough to remind him he was helpless anyways, one of them choosing to stand behind him. The guard was fiddling with his restraints, likely checking he hadn't tried to cut them while they'd been gone.

"You've been bought," The guard informed him. "Don't ask why- seems like a waste of emeralds if you ask me."

"You're the waste of emeralds," Tommy spat. "Fucking chicken-headed bitch."

The guard wasn't amused, and the rope tightened greatly. He bit back a protest, glaring at the guard in his vision. "You really are dumb- any human would have tried to bribe us by now."

"Well fuck off, I know you wouldn't-"

A hand connected harshly with the poorly wrapped cut on his side, and he cut himself off to suck in air. It came out high-pitched and pathetic honestly, and the guards seemed to agree. "Fucking shithead," He hissed back petulantly.

Maybe Tubbo was right that his self-preservation instincts were shot.

"What's that?"

"Eat. Shit. Bastard."

Or Ranboo was right that his mouth ran faster than his brain.

He coughed and breathed a bit wetly, the punch to his chest only making the rough treatment from earlier hurt more. "Any other not-so-smart comments?"

He would have replied, but the other guard beat him to it. "Careful; that's not our property, remember? And the guy's gonna be here soon."

"It was talking shit."

"Says you," Tommy protested. The man ignored him that time, and Tommy took the moment to try to reign himself in. Tubbo would have figured a way out by now, he was sure. Ranboo could've pulled a main-character-clutch (as Techno called it) and suddenly learned to teleport. He pressed his lips tightly together.

"Fine, what's the rich guy want it for anyway?"

"The rich guy," Another voice interrupted, the rest of the room giving him their attention. "Thinks that's above your pay-grade."

The guards snapped to attention, and Tommy assessed the man. He didn't seem fit, but the guards made up for it. "Sir."

"I see you weren't lying," He hummed self-importantly. "An avian child- some sort of parrot I'd assume."

"One winged freak, as requested."

"Well that's rude," He tsked. The guard laughed, which deepened the man's frown.

“What's it gonna do? Shit on me?”

Tommy couldn’t help but take offense to that, despite everything. He wasn’t a fucking pigeon or something. Still, he kept quiet. No attention was good attention.

“I wouldn’t,” The second guard chuckled darkly. “I’ve heard there’s a turnip hybrid in the Amon-gus arenas with a higher kill count than the royal guard.”

“Doubt it.”

“I wouldn’t-“

The second guard grabbed Tommy’s jaw, looking closer at the feathers there. He tried pulling away, but the man’s hold was firm. “Its eyes are different.”

“Well, it’s not-“

The guard’s spare hand brushed against the sensitive feathers and he jerked. Strong enough to tear his face from the man’s grasp and hiss. The guard yanked his hand out of the way just as Tommy’s snapped his freed jaw at him. The other guard rewarded him with a harsh slap.

Fuck, he’d nearly forgotten how much that could hurt.

His cheek stung, but he didn’t let himself react besides a glare. The man at the doorway chuckled, causing the guard he’d snapped at to scowl in return. “What?”

“You’re acting like it’s a stack of TNT, it’s just an animal.”

Tommy really didn’t understand why they kept addressing him like he wasn’t there. “Well, fuck you too-“

His breath rushed out of him as he curled over his stomach as much as possible. The punch making him gasp louder than he would have liked. The assholes above him seemed entirely unbothered, aside from the one guard shaking out his fist.

“It’s feral,” The guard grunted. “Hardly worth anything like this.”

“It can learn,” The man replied. His eyes dug into Tommy in a way that made him feel insignificant, like a few bars of iron or a stack of carpet. Merchandise. It made sense really, he wore a rich robe of nobility, with golden bracelets and a greasy posh expression. “Might want to muzzle it though.”

His head snapped up, mouth going dry at the thought. “What the fuck?”

He wasn’t hit again thankfully, but he didn’t like the look on the guard’s faces. It really made him wonder if they could understand a word he said. “I asked a question, dickhead. What the-“

The merchant grabbed the back of his neck, hand surprisingly firm for what he was sure was an overpaid and lazy profession. “It’s annoying me, do hurry up.”

“Let’s talk about this-“

The cloth was shoved into his mouth, and one of the guards kept him from trying to throw them off as the other tied the cloth around the back of his skull. They didn’t seem bothered by him in the slightest actually. “You put the metal over the cloth,” The man explained unnecessarily. “Otherwise it cuts through their face and can slip off. The cloth keeps it secure.”

With that, the metal grid was slid over his face and tightened the leather straps over the cloth. He winced at the pressure but found himself glad it wasn’t cutting into his skin. It was still humiliating though. The man left his hand on the back of his neck, holding it in place as he absently traced the small feathers along his cheeks. It hurt in a way that didn’t make sense, but had him squirming weakly in his grasp all the same. “Not all avians have these, actually. They’re usually a mark of some sort of adolescent trauma. It helps signify to other avians that they’ve been hurt, and helps avians get more in touch with their instincts.”

He couldn’t help but be interested; it made sense. It could also explain why Phil had been so gung-ho about adopting them. His instincts must have been difficult to get around. He wished the man would stop fucking with his feathers though.

The cloth in his mouth tasted like sweat and oil- he wondered if it had been tied around a blacksmith’s ass beforehand.

The unwanted touching of his cheek feathers made it hard to concentrate over the uncomfortableness. Like an obnoxious itch from a bug bite that had been irritated, or the horrifying anxiety from having a fat zit on your face before a presentation. The merchant might have known that, as he kept touching the damn things as he tilted Tommy’s head back and smirked at his companions.

“Perfectly tamable,” He insisted. “I have a pet hybrid at home; a cat hybrid. I know these things.”

“The fuck do you have one of those for?”

“She’s a sign of status,” The man scowled- lip curling in distaste. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. It takes patience and dedication to tame a hybrid, they’re not especially intelligent.”

Tommy twitched angrily, making the merchant glance at him again. His eyes were curious, but not like Tubbo when he was looking at a bee or piece of red stone. More like how Ranboo’s fur ball of a cat would look at fish; predatory and demeaning. He fucking hated it, but the gag in his mouth and the metal that really was already starting to hurt kept him from voicing that.

The prick hummed lightly, leaning closer. "You were right though, his eyes are strange-"

Tommy lurched his head forward- crashing their skulls together aggressively and making the merchant screech. The guards lept to attention and rough hands held him still tight enough to really hurt. Even so; he couldn't help but feel a smug sense of accomplishment as the man rubbed at his head. "Brat!"

One of the guards let out a suspicious sounding cough, and Tommy beamed behind the muzzle- getting more pressure on his lip for his efforts. Tommy-1 Asshole-0.

“Just put the brand on his arm,” The merchant grumbled, glaring at Tommy appraisingly. “We’ll see if the little avian is so stubborn after that.”

Wait.

Tommy froze, eyes widening and heart racing at the demand. He had feathers growing from his skin, wings on his back, and sharp nails. The feathers used to be big flashing signs of his worthlessness, and then they were reminders of his past life, and then something he was tentatively proud of. But they’d never been entirely horrible- no matter what he’d been told. There had always been a part of him that liked them because they were his.

A brand would not be his.

A brand would be sizzling, screaming, deformed flesh shouting to the world that he was property. That he had a set value, that he could be sold and bought. That he was a mindless creature that was less than human.

And that hurt.

A hand moved his arm roughly, and he was powerless. He thrashed against the bonds, the hands, the weight of it all threatening to collapse him. He struggled for all his wroth, he struggles for his freedom, for his life.

It changed nothing.

His sleeve was torn, revealing his upper arm's skin. He shut his eyes tight as he struggled, able to stop nothing. Tears stung at the corners of his eyes, desperate, embarrassing, sobs muffled against the gag behind the cruel muzzle that tore at his lip as he struggled. He just wanted to be okay, to be back to a day ago- or was it two? To be home, and safe, and with his flock.

Where was his flock?

Distressed chirps were spilled and caught in the gag along with his cries as the iron was pulled into his vision. Red-hot and practically steaming in the chilly night’s air. He couldn’t see what it was exactly, but it hardly mattered. He trembled at the sight of it, and the merchant chuckled at him.

His hand brushed through his hair in a mockery of comfort, amusement rolling off the man. “Don’t worry, poor thing. You were never going to make it on your own anyway, you’ll make an impressive pet once we get you trained up.”

He didn’t even have time to send a glare at the man before the hot metal was searing against his skin.

Breaking into a cell where one of his best friends was being possibly tortured should not feel nostalgic- but Tubbo found himself thinking it was anyway.

He couldn’t help but remember years ago- when Tommy had decided to wait so they could break Tubbo out of his old stay. He remembered shushed giggling, and dramatic escapes that didn’t matter in the end. He was almost positive the orphanage would have let him leave; but leaving himself in the dark of the night was exhilarating, it was freeing. It was him making a choice, and escaping with people by his side.

People like him.

His heart thudded in his chest anxiously, and he wished they could go back to simpler times. Even if back then hadn’t been all that simpler- just different.

The bottle dropped, and the weakness smashed over the guard’s head. Ranboo jumped down in a graceful fury of motion. Ranboo wasn’t typically so, but in battle he was deadly precise. Technoblade had trained him after all. The guard was dragged into a darker area, hedges hiding his unconscious form. Tubbo couldn’t help but want to beat the shit out of the idiot who stood in their way.

Ranboo nodded at him, making eye contact for a moment. He knew what he was trying to convey.

Ranboo didn’t like eye contact that much, but around his flock it was doable. It was the same as Tubbo cuddling into them, as Tommy wearing short sleeves. It was trust.

They slipped into the building.

It was a fairly simple setup. There were only a few guards patrolling, and they managed to slip by them without any fuss. Likely because there were a few empty bottles of wine in the staff room they passed.

Finally, they came to a room of interest- just outside an area labeled 'Cells.' It's like they wanted their prisoners to escape. Tubbo decided not to complain, angling his head to peak into the room for a moment.

There were three people in the room, arguing dispassionately over payment. Tubbo thought he had an idea where they could shove their coins, but he crept past the room and motioned for Ranboo to do the same. It wasn't worth the risk.

The next hallway had a series of doored-off rooms, though the keys were all hanging on a peg attached to the outside of the door. Overconfident bastards.

"In here," Ranboo whispered, rousing Tubbo from his thoughts from where he'd been checking another room.

The door was the same as all the rest, of course. A bucket of water outside it and a few other cells. When they walked in though; nothing could have prepared him for the sight.

Or maybe not the sight, but the smell.

It smelled a bit like burning- like when you dropped a piece of steak into a fire. but it was heavier, like when Fundy had accidentally dropped some of the hair from the cow into the fire as well. It terrified Tubbo with its implications. The implications being painted over Tommy's skin.

“Fuck,” Tubbo whispered, fingers ghosting over the bruise on his cheek. It only covered one of the feathers there- but said feather was crumpled pitifully there and it made his heart hurt. “Tommy.”

Ranboo grimaced, glancing away almost as quickly as he looked at him. “We gotta hurry,” He reminded Tubbo as he busied himself with shredding the ropes knotted against his skin. His blue-tinged fingers glared at Tubbo, besides the bruises and cuts and the fucking muzzle that was digging into his face.

Tubbo loosened the latch as evenly as he could with how his head was spinning. The harsh leather straps leaving imprints on his skin. He bit his lip and struggled not to cry.

He’d never been much of a crier really; favoring denial more than anything. Ranboo was unusually held together actually, considering how Ranboo’s cryptonic tears were usually the ones to make an appearance. But by prime, this made him want to cry.

“Tubbo…”

He looked up, finding Ranboo staring at the torn area on Tommy’s shirt, and when Tubbo craned his neck he saw why.

It was ugly.

It was revolting.

It was the size of his fist.

It actually made him want to cry.

It was a circle with two arrows crossed over it- the Kingdom of Eragon’s crest. It was dark red and cracked like dried leather, bleeding and stark against Tommy’s pale skin.

He breathed out heavily, he couldn't afford to lose his head.

"Get some cloth," Ranboo decided. "We have to wrap that one before we go."

Tubbo nodded, tearing the bottom of his shirt as Ranboo brought out a health potion and handed it to him. There was another bottle in his hand, but Tubbo paid it no mind.

“Third-degree burns are extremely suseptical to infection,” Ranboo explained. “I brought some disinfect, give him the health pot first though.”

Tubbo nodded, opting to remove the cap on the splash bottle and for it over Tommy rather than risk getting dirt or glass in it. As soon as the potion sunk beneath his skin, Ranboo removed the cap on the clear liquid in his own bottle. He sighed, holding his arm down. “This is gonna sting.”

He was right of course, but Tubbo hated it. Tommy jerked and writhed near-silently, only a quiet half whimper escaping. All Tubbo could do was help hold him down, glancing at the hallway every now and again just in case. The jerking ended as quickly as it began, and as Ranboo wrapped the white bandages around Tommy, Tubbo checked the communicator. He’d brought it with him on a whim, but it was seeming pointless since he had yet to get a text from anyone.

Dream had promised to bring help, but one would think he would have texted by now. It made Tubbo’s gut churn- at the thought that they may have misplaced their trust in him. He didn’t think they did, but it wouldn’t be the first time he’d thought that.

“Tubbo,” Ranboo breathed out shakily as he tied off the bandages. “It’s… it’s bad.”

“We’ll make it-“

“He might not.”

“He will,” Tubbo insisted. “Stand up; take a breath.”

Ranboo complied, head slightly ducked as Tubbo exaggerated his own breath. “We’re okay. Tommy’s okay. He’s alive, and we’re going to get him home. We can do this.”

He felt small under the thought of what it would mean if they couldn’t. He was sure Ranboo felt the same; Tubbo knew he couldn’t ease all of Ranboo's fears. But they could get Tommy out. They would.

They had to.

“We’re getting him out of here,” Tubbo reminded him. “Here- take my shield.”

Ranboo nodded and accepted the item, his other hand holding firmly onto his axe. Ranboo was tall sure- deadly in battle too, but he was also thin and lithe. And Tubbo happened to be built like a tank.

Albeit a short one; as Tommy so often reminded him.

He braced himself and heaved Tommy into his arms as securely as possible. It helped that his bones were (at least he thought) hollow, but Tubbo couldn’t help but feel proud of himself regardless of the reason. He took a breath to steady himself, and they left the cursed room.

Thankfully; it seemed the 'customer's' greed was going to cost him his prize. The arguing in the room they passed was louder and more passionate than before. Ranboo's hand tightened around his axe. They slipped outside, the darkness making them feel safer.

He turned back to Ranboo and offered him a momentary smile. They both needed to be sharp and alert, and Ranboo's tendency to get lost in his head when anxious wouldn't help matters. He exaggerated a deep breath, and Ranboo mirrored him.

“They haven’t noticed yet,” Tubbo reminded him. “The palace guards shouldn’t get here until tomorrow- and none of the guards know where we live.”

Ranboo paused, and Tubbo realized he must have forgotten about the palace guards. Thankfully it didn't send him spiraling. He recovered quickly, sending Tubbo a firm nod as they continued.

The torches around the town faded behind them, leave g their path darker than before. But they knew the way home easily, and Tommy's path once they reached the tree line guided them. It was ironic that Tommy had brought them together to build their home, and even now he would guide them home so they could help him. Tubbo ignored the parallel in favor of pushing his aching muscles onwards. They were running out of time.

Tommy didn't move in his arms.

The dark around them was beginning to be more a hindrance than a comfort, Tubbo's steps were faltering despite the path under his feet. He was exhausted, and they still had quite a while to go.

“He’s not going to make it like this,” Ranboo admitted amidst their silence. “He lost too much blood, and the…branding only threw off his internal temperature.”

Tubbo grit his teeth, hoisting Tommy farther onto his back. He didn’t want to imagine what that would mean. What it would be like with only two of their trio. Without the stray feathers on the floor, or the protective stance to hide behind. Without the loud laughter and quiet affirmations and soft yet demanding touches. Without grumbles while cuddling and giggles amidst play fighting and bright grins in dangerous situations. Without Tommy.

It was almost unbearable to think about. Because Tommy found him, found Ranboo. Tommy invited them to join him because they had no one else and reminded them that arguments were temporary but they were forever. That they were his, and each others'. “He’ll make it.”

“Tubbo-“

“He’s going to make it, Ranboo!”

“Tubbo, look!”

He ignored his back’s groaning and craned his neck upwards. He could have cried when he saw what Ranboo had noticed. A group of four rushing towards them. Bad, Dream, Phil, and Techno were booking it towards them. He would think more about it later, for now, he could only shake in relief.

“HELP!”

Someone grabbed Tommy from him, and only Ranboo’s hand on his elbow stopped him from grabbing back. They took off through the break in the treeline- Philza.

“Are you guys okay?”

“We’re fine, we’re fine. Just some bruises and scratches. Let’s go.”

His breath was slowing down from its relentless hammering, and he felt woozy on his feet. “I think I might- I might pass out.”

He was lifted off his feet almost immediately, legs gripping loosely around someone as his head was pushed to rest on their shoulder. A gentle rumbling ran beneath him, and he relaxed into Techno's hold. “You can sleep now, Tubbo.”

“Is Wilbur coming?”

“He was dropping Fundy off with Sally when we left,” Techno explained. “He wouldn’t have been able to keep up with us, so we figured he should just come late. No leaving children home alone.”

Tubbo chuckled lightly and nuzzled his nose farther into Techno. it was strange, but everything felt distant and odd and weird at the moment, so he couldn't really tell what was strange about the situation. Everything felt to be crashing down on him at once, and he wanted to crumble under the weight of it all.

The decree.

The incoming guards.

Tommy’s capture.

The time limit.

The rescue.

The injuries.

And he still didn’t even know Tommy would be alright.

“Sleep would be nice,” He decided, as the darkness rushed towards him.

Chapter Text

Tommy had a love/hate relationship with sleep.

When he was little it had been easy, but he’d quickly grown apart from it. He’d spent days with headaches from not sleeping or a faint dreamy feeling that followed him around. He’d tried everything he could to make himself tired; impulsive bouts of exercise, tea, milk, warm water, a handful of bitter herbs, and cocoons of blankets. Sometimes things helped, but the problem was never solved.

When his wings grew in, it had gotten a bit better- they were a calming presence on his back. But it was still a matter of chance and stress that determined whether or not he’d feel rested the next day.

Now was no exception.

He’d been asleep for a long while, not that he knew how long it was between his periods of dozing. The people awake were rightfully concerned as he continued to sleep, and he was growing tired of it quickly.

Sleeping did not leave him feeling energized, and he still hadn’t truly woken up for long.

Truthfully, it was exhausting. He was exhausted.

Everything felt muted, like it was stuck behind a wall. The wall that normally prevented him from sleeping now having locked him in. He felt trapped in the few, moments he woke up and tried futile to cling to consciousness. He couldn’t even wake up enough to open his eyes most of the time, let alone speak.

And when he had managed to open his eyes, it hadn’t helped anything.

He’d been laying on his stomach for obvious reasons, facing the standing mirror Ranboo had made for him after a few too many narcissistic jokes. Tommy had hated it at first, covering it with a blanket at night. but over time, it grew to be a comfort. He would wake up and see his wings there against all odds. See himself without feathers plucked from his face. See himself alive and well, and see him getting better through time.

He woke up from his exhausted state and immediately was met with the sight of his arm.

It wasn’t bandaged at the moment, they’d likely been letting it air out to cool it down. Maybe things would have been different if he’d woken up a few hours before and, or afterward.

He opened his eyes and wanted to vomit.

His mind felt blank as he looked at the skin- the burn. The claim on him as property.

Because that's what they saw him as; an untamed pet. A decoration. An animal. A pest. Something that could be sold for coin as easily as a stack of wheat or an iron sword- maybe less.

His eyes slipped shut again soon after opening them, and then he felt a hand brush through his hair. Some must have seen him open his eyes for that cursed moment. The hand was calloused and firm, but gentle. Too big to be Tubbo’s, too short to be Ranboo’s, too small to be Techno’s or Bad’s, too practiced to be Dream’s. Because really, Dream was nothing if not slightly awkward when it came to expressing affection.

Phil was trying to talk to him, but the words settled over him. He couldn’t understand it, couldn’t do anything but stare at the mark and ponder what it meant.

All his life; he’d been defined by his feathers. His chirps were silenced, his feathers plucked. He was avoided, outcast, hit, cast out, shouted at, glared at, glanced over. Just like Ranboo. Just like Tubbo. Just like every other hybrid he’d met who lived near villages or interacted with humans. He knew Phil had faced it, Techno as well. Wilbur hadn’t- and he’d done a good job of keeping Fundy from as much of it as possible. But it was still there.

It throbbed.

It stung.

It-

Hands wiped at his cheeks, carefully brushing tears off of the feathers on his face before they could splash down on the still-burning skin. He didn’t flinch from the touch. It was strange; he flinched from most unexpected touches- from those not in his flock of course. He just couldn’t find it in him to do so at the moment.

The hand carding through his hair calmed him, gently and a bit shakily. He wondered if the person was scared of him- scared of being bit or clawed. The static buzzed in Tommy’s ears- it was detached. Everything felt a bit detached actually. The hand pushed. The blankets cradling a body as it was pushed into them. The lamp in the corner was turned down. A sound in the room. Talking.

There was no response. The door closed.

Eyes closed.

“He’s asleep again,” Phil announced.

Techno nodded, unsurprised. Tommy had woken up and passed out within minutes for days now. Like his body couldn’t decide if he should be alive or not. If it went on much longer they were going to have to try to find someone with more medical experience without a hatred for hybrids.

Bad tried his best of course, but there didn’t seem to be much he could really do for Tommy.

“How long?”

“Longer,” Phil replied. “He spoke to me.”

Tubbo perked up, antennae flickering in interest. “What’d he say?”

“Said sorry,” Phil said tiredly. “Also mumbled that it was bright as fuck.”

Bad’s nose scrunched up, and Tubbo was sure if Tommy was awake he would have been given a firm ‘language’ for his troubles. As it were; Bad didn’t seem to think telling off an unconscious Tommy was worth it- not that telling Tommy off ever had much effect.

“Another few days of this and we may have to move him to a real hospital,” Bad reminded them.

“He’s nearly there,” Phil insisted. “You’re enough.”

“We’re on a time limit,” Techno reminded him. “The royal guard is-“

“I know!”

Techno paused, apprising Phil quietly as he composed himself. His wings trembled for a moment, pulling close to him. They were all exhausted from the work. They were trying t destroy all evidence that they were there as the guard got closer, keep Tommy’s condition stable, and keep everyone fed. It was a bit much, especially with how unpredictable the guard was.

Phil took a deep breath, old breathing exercised with Will and then with himself coming into practice. He’d learned healthy coping mechanisms to help Wilbur, and had started using them himself soon afterward.

“Sorry.”

Another deep breath, his shoulders dropping in a conscious effort to relax. They were going to be fine- they were perfectly capable.

“How close did the patrol get?”

“Near the swing set,” Techno replied after a moment. “I took it down along with the path there. They turned back earlier, but if they see going they’ll run into the apiary.”

Tubbo grimaced, wishing he’d built it closer to home. He’d gladly tear it down to keep them safe, of course, but it would suck. “I’ll help you tomorrow,” He decided. “Get the bees to a hive I found a bit west of us.”

Techno nodded gratefully, wishing it wasn’t necessary. The patrols the village had been sending out were tiring, but it was unlikely they’d stop too soon. They’d be lucky if they quit before they found the house. And that would be significantly harder to hide.

“We’ll get through this,” Phil assured the group. Then he turned towards Bad, making his tail flick sharply as he brought himself to attention. “You said Tommy should be up in another day?”

“If he keeps going like he’s been, yes. We don’t know how he’ll come back though.”

Ranboo frowned, the iron ingots in his hands clinking together. “What do you mean?”

“Trauma changes people,” Bad explained. “I’ve been talking to Puffy- Dream’s mom, about it a lot recently since she’s a registered phycologist. Tommy might be a lot different when he wakes up, more scared or angry even. He might not even be responsive.”

Ranboo remembered walking in on Tommy with blood on his hands and crumpled feathers clutched in shaking fists. A blank stare and tears rolling down pale skin.

How long had Tommy struggled with what his parents had done to him before he’d been able to help?

How much worse would intentional his mind be with torture on top of the neglect and abuse?

He breathed out shakily, rolling the ingots between his fingers to ground himself. He’d likely picked up the breathing from Tommy, though the anxious fiddling with precious metals was all him.

“How can we help?”

Bad smiled at him, fangs glinting. “I’ll message Puffy for advice, but a lot of it is just going to be being there for him. Asking him open-ended questions and not making fast or sudden movements.”

Phil nodded, thinking of battlefields of paranoid and terrified soldiers. There weren’t cannons going off near them, but it was a battlefield all the same. They would be fighting the incoming patrols, and Tommy’s likely decimated mental state- and they were on a time limit. They really couldn’t stay for much longer.

“How long do we have, Techno?”

He grimaced, lips curling over tusks. “About a week, give or take.”

Everyone felt some degree of dread in them at the thought, the approaching deadline looming over their heads. Deadlines always felt more real the closer you got to them, but they also supplied a remarkable source of drive. Each person’s mind filling with tasks, things to keep in mind, determination.

Ranboo was the first to his feet, plan already in motion in his mind. “Than we better get started.”

There wasn’t much change once Tommy really woke up.

There was no moment where anyone felt like Tommy would be okay, no heartfelt hug or sob-fest, no meaningful talk or tension-relieving joke.

When Tommy started waking up, he was almost no better than when he was asleep.

He mostly just lied in bed, not bothering to move aside from turning over, pulling blankets closer, eating or drinking when coaxed to, or quickly heading to the bathroom. He didn’t change from the torn and bloodied clothes they’d found him in, didn’t brush his teeth, wash his hair- or anything else. He only ever moved when he was told to, ate when prompted, drank when a glass was placed in his hand.

He was like a corpse.

It was driving them all mad with worry.

Puffy had talked to Bad about it, had said Tommy had likely fallen into a state of depression due to a build-up of stress, whatever traumatic events occurred, and old memories being brought up. She’d given them some advice but admitted there wasn’t much they could really do but be there and keep him alive.

The patrols got closer, his wounds were treated, the house was seeing packed up little by little as time went by. Lawnchair broken down or shoved into the few shuckers they owned, perishable foods being consumed quickly while the nonperishables were dipped into less frequently. They couldn’t exactly head back to the village for supplies after all. Things kept moving, but Tommy didn’t.

Didn’t do much of anything.

And he fucking hated himself for it.

He roused himself from his unconsciousness out of boredom, strangely apathetic yet overwhelmed by anything and everything in his waking state. It was like anything slightly inconveniencing was just another reason to not bother trying. Because he'd already failed, and he was tired of being hurt. It was too much.

He was exhausted.

He was exhausting.

No one else seemed to agree with his last thought though.

Phil brought up food, Bad stepped in to check up on him, Ranboo and Tubbo were constantly popping in and out, and Techno would sometimes just it with him. It warmed his chest when everything felt cold and dead. It made things feel a bit more bearable, despite how guilty it made him feel for being so stationary.

Oddly enough; Techno was the first person Tommy had a conversation with for more than thirty seconds. It might've been because Techno was less likely to burst into tears, or just because Techno had been someone who pushed him to get better without letting him do whatever he wanted. The rest of them were great, but the unwavering presence Techno had helped Tommy more than the sickly-sweet reassurances, or maybe it was just a good mixture..

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” Tommy admitted out of the blue.

Technoblade didn’t respond for a moment, but that was fairly understandable.

It was just the two of them- Techno had woken him up with a rude slam of his door, and promptly told him they were going on a walk. Tommy hadn’t really had a choice in the matter, but he’d taken his allowed ten minutes to put on some new clothes, the dark green half-cloak, and the circlet Ranboo had given him. It had made him feel a bit safer- though he was still hunched over and suspiciously glancing every which way.

But he had Techno with him; which was about as safe as you could get.

“Being kidnapped?”

‘Kinda,” He replied. He swung his legs over the log, a bit miffed that it was big enough that his shoes didn’t scrape the ground. “Being helpless. Not being able to do shit.”

The wind brushed by him calmly, it set him a bit on edge. His life had been thrown into shambles, for what felt like the hundredth time since he'd been born. H almost wished the sky was green, or that it was raining blood- if only because the normalcy in the air stung. It made him detest that he could hear the baa of a sheep, feel the breeze, the watch the rustling of the leaves.

“I cried like a fucking baby," He spat.

His legs slammed into the log, dust filling his shoes uncomfortably and making his eyes sting. It wasn’t because of anything else obviously.

“Tommy, you were tortured.”

“Ranboo’s house was set on fire,” He replied. “He has burn scars on his chest and feet, and his breathing goes wonky if he runs too far. Tubbo had a torch shoved in his face once; I know you can see the scars there. I got one burn and I had to be fucking rescued.”

Technoblade sighed, and Tommy wondered how disappointed he was. If Phil saw himself as his father then maybe in another world Techno would be his brother. But that wasn't this world, and Techno was just a mentor who had taught him to fight confidently, to read well, to watch out for the well-meaning mistakes of others. Tommy thought that meant more than some 'brotherly' bond anyways.

But it would make this more painful.

"I'm trying," He said, softer than before. He wanted Techno to understand at least, though there wasn't much to say. "I'm trying to be strong- not a fuck up. I'm trying, and I'm sorry. I really am. I just- I'm not... I couldn't stay that way. And I will do better, I swear I will!"

"Tommy," Techno emphasized, cutting off whatever words would have tried to escape him next. "Tommy, who said you have to always be strong?"

"Well its fuckin expected, innit? I want to protect them, I just messed up."

"You didn't mess up, you saved Ranboo."

"And then I passed out for days and we're in more danger now. If I'd been awake I could have helped."

Techno groaned; exasperated. His voices were screaming at him to help, and he was trying. But it was harder to figure out the how. "Why do you think you need to be invincible?"

“You’re strong and shit,” Tommy scowled. “I’m supposed to be that.”

Techno shifted his weight, the conversation long haven drifted into the uncomfortable territory of ‘emotions.’ It wasn’t his favorite place to be by any means, but it was an important place. It was what gave heroes motivation, but it also helped shape ordinary people. People with lives ahead of them and skeletons in their closets. Ordinary people.

“Being strong doesn’t mean you’re invincible,” He attempted. It was something he wished he'd learned when he was younger; before the whole 'Blood God' thing had stuck. “Being Achilles just means you fall that much harder when you do fall."

Tommy didn't jump back in which gave Techno some hope, but he didn't look entirely convinced either. "I lost us our home," He said like it was some shameful secret. "If I hadn't gotten caught they wouldn't have known we were here."

"They were already sending guards," Techno pointed out. "And I'm pretty sure you can build a new one."

"I fucked it for them," Tommy insisted. He seemed terrified, and Techno couldn't help but wonder if he was terrified of a yes or a no. Terrified that he was right and had made Tubbo and Ranboo's lives worse, or terrified that he couldn't pin the blame on himself solely. That he had to accept that there was nothing he could have done to save his home.

“You guys support each other,” Techno reminded him. “You saved Ranboo from the guards, and he and Tubbo came back to save you from them. It’s equal.”

“I made Tubbo cry.”

“Ranboo too.”

“Ranboo always cries.”

Techno chuckled, hearing the fondness in Tommy’s tone. “My point is that the three of you care about each other, of course, they’re both going to worry about you. And there was nothing to be done, you didn't fail them.”

Tommy paused, wondering vaguely if accepting it would make him careless; less careful to protect them. He would hate that more than anything else, really. It was who he was, what he worked for. They were his.

"You sure about that, big man?"

Techno didn't quite smile at that, but it was pretty close. "One thousand percent."

He didn't magically return to 'normal' after the talk.

Maybe he should have, but he just couldn't really bring himself to. It just felt exhausting, and heavy to try to do so. Not when it barely felt worth any effort to do anything. He didn't spend long in that state of mind- for better or worse. Because the world didn't pause for him to figure it out. But it was alright; because he still had Tubbo and Ranboo. And they had been through the world's bullshit before and helped him rise despite it.

The corners of his eyes had sharp crusts in them, so he shut them again. His hands felt like they were weighed down with static. Like they were numb or had lost circulation.

He considered moving them to see if they were still working, but didn’t bother with it. He had all the time in the world to lie there.

“Tommy,” Ranboo whispered. “You can’t keep doing this.”

He knew what Ranboo meant, so he didn’t ask for clarification. He didn’t agree with Ranboo; he could keep doing this actually. Could stay quiet and out of the way. He didn’t bother explaining it though, he didn’t think it would go over the best, and didn’t have the energy to anyways.

A clawed hand tentatively brushed through his hair, and Tommy melted further into it. Maybe he should have held himself back so Ranboo wouldn’t feel pressured to stay, but he was just selfish in the end. It felt nice, he could feel guilty about it later. Ranboo kept it up, thankfully.

The hand in his hair slowed, touch more fleeting than before. “Please, I’m worried about you.”

Well, now he just felt like an asshole.

He sighed, wings twitching toward him. To protect him or his wings, he wasn’t sure. “I’m fine, Ran. Just…tired.”

“Tommy,” Ranboo practically begged. “You haven’t gotten up for days. Please, just- come outside? Don’t you want to see the flowers? Or Tubbo’s bees?”

“I’ve seen them.”

“Not today, you haven’t,” Tubbo decided from wherever he’d entered. His light touch on Tommy’s arm became firm as he gently pulled him to sit as well as he was able. Tommy could have tried going limp, but it seemed easier not to argue, so he sat up. “Walk to the bench with us, that’s all.”

“Guys-“

“Tommy.”

Let it be known, that Tommy didn’t flinch at Ranboo’s tone. Ranboo knew he wouldn’t take that sort of sternness well, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t upset. His voice wasn’t especially firm or commanding, it was the opposite actually. Ranboo’s voice was wobbly and hesitant, fists clenching themselves as his eyes glassed over.

Ranboo really had the worst genetic luck, and Tommy hated almost nothing more than seeing Ranboo cry.

“Okay,” He muttered. “Okay, gimme a sec.”

It took more than a moment to get his limbs to respond, awkward and unnatural though it felt. But he soon found himself standing in front of his two flock mates, feeling lightheaded and greasy from not moving for so long. Really it felt like he would be better off staying in bed than parading his filth around, but what could he do really?

Walk through the house, past a slightly-shocked Techno and Phil, out the front door.

The breeze hit him all at once, clearing some of the grimy gunk that had been wearing him down. He still felt gross, but a bit less so.

He also felt exposed.

His wings must have given him away with how hunched they were because Tubbo and Ranboo quickly came up close around either side of him. Their fingers interlacing with his naturally as they began the short walk.

It was nice.

Really nice, actually.

Despite that, it wasn’t perfect immediately- or at all. He felt a bit sluggish, skin greasy and hair plastered to him partially with old sweat. His legs shook beneath him, muscles have been deteriorating. It felt so different than the numb indifference that had coated his world while he was laying down. It reminded him of jumping across treetops and slipping the wallet from the pocket of a stranger.

Well not exactly, but more than before.

Finally, they reached the bench, it was just like Tommy remembered it. Which was strange to think given how it hadn’t been all that long, but everything had changed in that time. It was nice that the bench was still exactly the same.

“Here,” Ranboo offered, holing Tommy’s arms more securely as he moved to help him sit down. Tommy might have been offended if he didn’t know better.

It was funny really; how Ranboo was arranging Tommy like he would a grass block. Tommy figured it was his instincts kicking up, so he wouldn’t say anything. His chest warmed a bit at the thought though, and it made going outside feel like something that could be worth something.

His lip quirked up a bit. He was really going all out for Ranboo adjusting him on a bench.

“There we go,” Ranboo muttered to himself. He sat himself close to Tommy, arm leaning against his own as Tubbo burrowed into his other side as best he was able. Tommy’s own instincts seemed happy for it, and he knew if his tongue still didn’t feel like lead and his stomach tied in knots he might have chirped.

Maybe.

If his chest wasn’t so heavy.

Tubbo sighed contentless leaking into his tone. Tommy noticed how he seemed to melt against the bench like it was a part of him he’d missed. Like their home gave him security and support that he couldn’t have otherwise. He had to protect their home; to keep his flock whole and safe and happy.

He didn’t realize that it was less the bench and more that Tommy was awake and responsive next to him and Ranboo. That the bench was cold without him there, and their home all-too quiet.

He pushed the thought awake from his head, for the time being, knowing he had a bit more time to think on it before he’d have to fight again. And he would have to fight again because life wasn’t fair and this was his place. To fight for his and his flock’s survival, to struggle in a world of people who couldn’t look past his feathers. To be outcasted, exiled, hated, and thrown into conflict. That would always be his future; no matter how the universe might shift and change.

But at the moment; the wind brushed gently through his feathers. He winced slightly at it running through his crumpled cheek feathers, but basked in how it seemed to right some pain in his wings.

The sun was warm.

He breathed deeply, subconsciously using Ranboo’s tail hitting lightly against his leg to time his breaths. It was just instant- from previous attacks or stressful days.

In for four.

Hold for seven.

Out for eight.

It took him a moment of feeling silly, like a fraud or a paranoid wreck- but it was worth it. Some of the fog that had been clouding his mind seems to have lifted, at least a little. Tommy breathed in deeply again, and let a small smile flicker over his lips.

The breeze brought up goosebumps on his arms, the light hairs there catching his attention. It didn’t smell like anything in particular to him, but it felt cleaner. Like he was less of a greasy recluse like he was functional.

It was nice.

“Dream left some photos of Safe Haven before he left,” Tubbo mentioned. “Said it was for Wilbur, but Wilbur conveniently forgot it.”

Tommy let out a small hum, matching the opening note of some song he couldn’t bother to remember. Really what was the point of it anyway? “Is Wilbur moving there?”

“Probably,” Ranboo said. “I doubt he’d want to raise Fundy here. Plus; I think he thinks we’re gonna be there.”

“Rude of them to decide that for us, innit,” Tommy drawled, prompting surprised giggles from the other two.

“Yeah,” Tubbo replied after a moment, a bright smile not completely reaching his eyes. “But they haven’t completely packed our stuff yet, so they haven’t completely taken over.”

Tommy sighed, wanting to have the energy to get mad. It wasn’t fair of them to try and decide for them what they could do next, they hadn’t been there when they’d been forced to leave their homes. They hadn’t been there to help build their home.

But he was still tired, and the energy fizzled out before it even sparked.

Tommy set his lips into a line, gnawing absently at the inside of his mouth. Tubbo and Ranboo were everything to him, but he didn’t want them to lose the home they’d gained either. “It’s not fair,” He said less strongly than he’d have liked. “It’s not.”

Ranboo leaned against his side a bit, Tubbo’s eyes cast towards his feet. because really, they didn’t have anything to say to that.

It had never been fair.

"We need to decide," Tommy admitted after a moment. "I don't want us to lose our home; but..."

"It's better than losing one of you," Tubbo filled in.

“I don’t want to lose you guys,” Ranboo whispered. “Not on top of everything else. Not ever.”

“The plan was to leave tomorrow when you were still asleep,” Tubbo admitted to Tommy. “The guards will get here in a few days at their current rate.”

“How does that work anyways,” Tommy grumbled. “It takes like five hours to walk here- not ten fucking days.”

“We tore down the path,” Ranboo explained. “They have to search the whole area, not just along the path. They’ve gotten lost a few times actually, it’s pretty funny.”

Tommy giggled, relaxing minutely into Ranboo's side. Really, there wasn't much of a choice. There never seemed to be too much of a choice for them, but at least this time he actually liked their option. Dream's server may be the only way out. "Do we have no other options?"

“I don’t think so, big man,” Tubbo admitted a bit anxiously. “We’re wanted men.”

Despite himself, Tommy snorted. And maybe before he would have loudly proclaimed that criminals got all the women. But for now, a small laugh and a smile was the best he could do.

The other two didn’t let that stop them, Ranboo’s hand tentatively reaching out to hold his. The digits manipulated and traced between his large hands. “We’ll get through this. Home is with the three of us, not our house.”

Tommy paused, accepting it. “But it’s a really nice fucking house.”

The other two dissolved into giggles, Ranboo shaking his head fondly. It reminded him of meeting Tommy; stolen bread passed between dirty fingers with loud jokes filling the distance between them- a bridge. He didn’t regret crossing it, traveling with Tommy and creating their haunting with Tubbo. Their pack.

"We'll build another."

Somehow, Tommy felt a bit more at peace with the decision he didn't have too much say in. Because he wasn't going in alone, and it was all to protect his flock anyways. They would make it- because there was no other option. They would make it because they had allies, and friends this time.

“It’s us,” Tubbo declared. “No matter what. Us.”

Tommy nodded, facing the skyline. “Always, Tubso. That can’t ever change.”

They left the area the next day- the majority of their things already having been packed up slowly in order to get it out of the way. It wasn't as emotional as Tommy feared it would be, even with the lighthearted stories swapped around. Once the trinkets and photos were down, the plants replotted outside, and the animals moved or released- it was just a house. Just an empty room, with walls and a ceiling and floors.

Tommy's cobblestone floor earned a quick huff of fond laughter, Ranboo's grass floors earned a soft smile, the stains left behind from Tubbo's over-complicated redstone contraptions a slight smirk.

But it was all just materials anyways; just walls and ceilings and floors. Just a shell to hold all the fond memories and people they would be taking with them.

To their new home.

And despite his fear and his insecurity for leaving the place; Tommy was excited. He sort of missed traveling a bit, seeing new things, and meeting new people. It had to be expected after moving around constantly for the majority of his childhood.

They left the house before sunrise, and he laid his hand flat against the door after closing it. The wood beneath his palm was familiar but ultimately meaningless. The soldiers were only an hour or two away, and the last of their things were packed. Tubbo had spent all of the day prior working on something he didn't say anything about- which likely meant the place had been thoroughly booby-trapped in preparation for the incoming soldiers.

Tommy would've called him out if he didn't crave the sweet revenge Tubbo would bring.

He shifted uncomfortably on the balls of his feet. His shirt was pressing uncomfortably against the brand on his arm, and his fingers itched to pull the mask Dream had made him over his face. He truly hadn't realized how nice it was to just- have the option to hide away like that. But he didn't want to be afraid, so he kept it off.

"We'll join up with you soon," Phil promised. "Just as soon as we pick up Fundy, and pack the last of our things back home."

The three just nodded, having already had this conversation several times. Sally and her partner had decided to stay awhile longer to everyone's displeasure, but Fundy would be joining Safe Haven by Sally's request and Wilbur's insistence. "We'll see you then," Tubbo grinned, thin wings fluttering excitedly behind him.

Techno sighed, playing idly with the gold chain wrapped around his wrist. "Yep, we're very sad to see you go. Not like we'll see you in two days or whatever."

Tommy laughed, wings fluttering good-naturedly behind him. "I know you'll miss me, Blade."

"No, I really won't," Techno groaned at the nickname. "I couldn't care less, Theseus."

Techno's own nickname (or technically full name) did nothing to dissuade Tommy, only making him grin wider and bounce in place a bit. "But, Techno, I-"

"Well look at the time!" Tubbo interrupted with muffled bits of laughter from behind his hand. "We should go, Tommy."

Tommy scowled playfully at Techno, making sure to make it known that he was not backing down of his own desire. "Fine."

"Here we go," Ranboo muttered, pulling up the link Dream sent and entering the authorization code. Safe Haven was whitelist-only to prevent any hunters from logging on, so as soon as Dream verified their request they would be good to go.

"How long do you think-?"

Ding!

"Oh," Tubbo blinked comically. "Well, that was fast."

Tommy giggled tiredly, giving Wilbur one last hug on account of him sending him puppy-god eyes. He was freakishly good at it, unfortunately. They'd see them all on the server in a while, so it wasn't a goodbye. It felt more like a promise; that next time they'd see each other they'd be safe. That they'd have room to grow and learn more about each other.

After all; their childhood wasn't done yet.

The trio's personal codes were already confirmed, so they linked arms in preparation. Ranboo held his finger over the accept button, as they spared the other's a last glance before they left. Not because they wouldn't see each other again, but for reaffirmation.

"See you soon, mate," Phil smiled warmly.

Tommy smiled, wings fluffing up minutely as Ranboo accepted the invite.

The world went white.

"FUCK!"

Tommy groaned, head spinning violently and stomach lurching from the server hop. They'd elected to hop straight from the public server to Safe Haven to avoid potential hunters in the main Hub. That wasn't necessarily the best or most comfortable decision considering how much more jarring it was- but it was the smartest one. After all; nausea and a headache would be gone in minutes to hours, and being captured was not something Tommy was particularly looking to relive.

That didn't make it any less sucky.

He breathed in deeply to calm himself, the air was sharp and chillier than their old world, or at least this part of it. It made him apprehensive, though he'd been nervous for what felt like ages before. How similar would the server be? How different? He didn't want to lose everything only to never regain it here.

Maybe he was a bit paranoid.

He opened his eyes.

Honestly, there wasn't anything unusual. There was the same land as back home, though they were in a different biome. There was a row of chests about ten blocks before him, and a podium with a book atop. Likely the server rules, since Dream had told him he'd put them at spawn for easy access. They were already signed, and each player on the server was supposed to get their own copy.

So he'd have no excuse to break the rules.

"Hello!"

Tommy perked up, spinning around to face Dream with a wide grin on his face. It dropped a second afterward, shock taking over his features.

"Welcome to Safe Haven," Dream laughed. His green eyes squinting as his smile widened. It was strange, the smiling pulling at the skin on his cheeks and smearing his freckles around. The minute and ordinary details of his face jumped out at Tommy like grass blocks did for Ranboo. "It's good to see you."

"Dream," Tommy said a bit breathlessly, a beaming smile taking over his face as he rushed forward to pull him into a hug. Lingering self-worth issues and sadness aside- Dream had shown him his face. He couldn't not feel honored.

"OH MY GOD, YOU HAVE A FACE!" Tubbo gaped, eyes lighting up with something Tommy had categorized as being 'dangerous-to-anyone-within-a-50-block-radius.'

Ranboo cackled, only overshadowed by Dream's responding wheezes of air. "Tubbo you can't just tell someone they have a face!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Tubbo quieted down instantly. "Did you not know?"

"I-" Dream choked on his breath, high-pitched sounds escaping him as he struggled to regain some form of composure. "I knew I had a face, Tubbo-"

"Oh thank prime," Tubbo sighed. "You got me worried there for a second."

"Why wouldn't I-"

"It's good to see you!" Tommy interrupted. "Love what you've done with the place, so modern and cool."

Dream groaned in response, helpless grin betraying him. "I regret letting you on here already."

"Your fault! You've shown us your face now, you're stuck with us."

"Speaking of," Ranboo piped up. He sounded a lot like Phil, likely because Ranboo had disclosed he liked how calm and collected Phil could be about big or stressful revelations. Tommy was proud of him for figuring out how to be more confidant during said situations, so he didn't tease him for it...much. "Why did you take off your mask? Not that we're upset, it's just a bit sudden."

Dream shrugged nonchalantly, though Tommy thought it was obvious how nervous he seemed. Maybe because he knew how to read Dream's body language, but Dream was pretty expressive for being a previously masked entity. "I got tired of it," He replied easily. "And the strap was close to breaking anyways."

"Fucking pog, man!"

Dream laughed again, and combined with his genuinely delighted expression- it made Tommy feel something warm in his chest. Like Dream was genuinely happy to have them there, and to help them. Something he only fully accepted about Tubbo and Ranboo up until that point.

Chirp.

Dream froze deadly still, eyes widening and jaw-dropping. It would have made Tommy a lot more anxious if his it wasn't quickly replaced by a wide beam. Tommy chuckled in response, knocking their shoulders together. "I trust you too, asshole."

Just like that, the awe was broken, Dream collapsing into tea-kettle-esc gasps as the other two started calling. Tommy only grinned, nearly splitting his cheeks from how wide it was. "Am I wrong?"

"No, no! It's just- Tommy oh my prime you can't just-"

"WHY? I'LL DO WHAT I-"

"Tommy, oh my fucking prime-"

Tommy grinned as his nerves depleted more by the moment. How could he be uncomfortable for long when he had his flock by his side? When he was with people who had all been hunted or outcast for things they couldn't control. With people who understood. Despite everything, he couldn't bring himself to be especially distrustful of them after everything he knew they had in common.

They were all the ones who had to glance around and plan out escape routes. Who had bloodied fists and bruised eyes, and had to drink from puddles and slip fingers into pockets and live in the dust.

They had been left behind, thrown out, chased down, beaten, hit, and degraded. They'd found families in back alleys and survived in the wilderness for survival.

Maybe Tommy would let his flock extend a bit eventually, but for the time being, he was happy. Happy with Ranboo and Tubbo. Happy with just the three of them- independent and messy. Maybe that was more than enough. But maybe they could find more trust and love and companionship anyways.

He was starting over once again.

But he wasn't seven years old with a backpack and no where to go.

He was twelve in three days; with a group around him who had been put through the same shit, a flock of three who had learned to trust each other without question, and an entire world for them to explore freely.

Theseus 'Tommy' Innit faced the new world head on, and felt his fears melt away.