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Chapter Text

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Chapter Text

"It's not true..." Tommy whispers, trying to convince himself that this was just another one of his many bad dreams, that in just a second he would wake up. "Tell me you're lying.. please.."

He wishes that this is all just a dream.

He wishes that he can wake to Wilbur comforting him from this nightmare and tell him that all the wars, the exile, the abuse was just a bad dream and everyone is okay and happy.

Sam heard him anyway and quickly looked back up at him from where he stood, his gas mask not hiding his saddened wide eyes and worried furrowed brows.

Tommy looks at him with an almost hopeless expression, gripping the ends of his shirt and tilting his head to the side a bit.

"Please, please just-" He took a deep breath in, slowly bringing his arms toward himself and hugging himself for some kind of comfort as his eyes glass over. "Say.. something. Anything. Just not- this, not that.."

But there wasn't anything else to say, because Sam wasn't lying. He wasn't playing a prank on the kid, he wasn't lying.

And the silence of the taller man broke Tommy's heart, because he knew. He knew he wasn't lying.

Sam swore months ago to himself that he would never let Tommy get hurt again, that he would keep the boy safe and sound and away from his abuser.

He didn't want this is to happen, the regret and guilt made his stomach twist and his heart drop.

If only he paid more attention. If only he had been more quicker. If only he was more stronger.

But those wasting time on wishing won't change the fact that Dream escaped prison somehow, someway, and that Tommy's life is in danger once more.

Tommy took in a quiet and shaky breath, feeling his heart beat quicken, "Please tell me your lying, Sam. Please just- just tell me your..."

Tommy stopped his sentence with another shaky breath, more clearer to hear as his breath hitched. Tears quickly began to surface in his eyes.

He felt the same dread in his stomach all those months back in exile when Dream visits, the same feeling of being cornered and had no where left to go.

He felt tears swell up in his eyes and his legs start to shake in fear, his heart quickening it's pase and thumping loudly in his ears and making a headache appear.

His legs gave out under him, and he let out a gasp, tears falling down his red face and blurring his vision.

Sam was quick to wrap his arms around Tommy before he hit the ground, hugging him tightly as the boy begin to finally let himself cry out in agony.

"No, no- please say- say your lying dammit..!" He cried, gripping into the back of Sam's creeper pattern hoodie. His voice quiet and breaking, sounding similar to a time where he was separated from his friends and family and forced to stay with an evil masked man.

"Tommy.. Oh, Tommy.. I.. I'm so sorry.." Sam whispers into the blonde's hair, shedding tears of his own as his heart aches for the boy in his arms, wishing desperately that he could've done something to stop his tormenter from escaping.

Tommy didn't deserve this, he didn't deserve any of this.

He was just a boy.

Tommy cries harder at his words, taking a big shuddering breath to try and calm down but having no avail. He felt like he was on fire from inside his chest but also drowning in the deepest and darkest parts of the sea.

He felt trapped, even though the hug was so comforting and warm.

It wasn't enough to ground him. It wasn't enough for him to feel safe.

Not anymore.

Panic breathes and loud cries with his scarred hands gripping onto the sleeves of Sam's sweater, Tommy knows there's nothing he can do.

And there isn't.

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"Tommy is here by exiled. Dream, take him out of my co--"

"Stop right there!" A familiar high pitched voice shouted out, startling everyone and making their heads quickly turn to see who it was.

Tommy's eyes widens in confusion and shock when he sees who is running up to them, shoulders tensing more and a bead of nervous sweat rolling down his face.

It was Badboyhalo, the one who always stays out of the conflict of L'manburg's drama since day one.

Why was he here?

Bad never attends meetings like these, and Tommy once overheard the demon mumble about how he could care less for what happens in L'manburg. What if he's here to help Tommy's exile?

Tommy's never done anything bad to the demon besides from a few pranks, but what if Bad overheard their 'lovely conversation' and heard what Tommy's done?

What if he hated him too?

But to his and the others surprise, Bad stepped up and looked Dream straight on with an angry expression.

The once so cheerful and wholesome demon they all knew was gone and replaced with fury and determination.

"I'm not going to let you exile a child, Dream. This is ridiculous." Bad said, crossing his arms and blocking the masked man's view of Tommy protectively.

"I don't think you're the one in power, Bad. You know what will happen if you step out of line." Dream drawled out, taking a few steps closer and putting a hand on the handle of his netherite sword that was attached to his belt.

"I don't want to have to hurt an old friend, you're very useful to me and have served some good here. But if push must come to shove.. then will if I must."

Bad's expression grew more angrier, if that was even possible, and he scowled at the dirty blonde. "Excuse me? Did you just threaten me?"

His dark horns suddenly seemed sharper and longer, his already long nails growing sharper and the slits of his eyes beneath his hood glowing a bright white, his height grew a couple more inches taller.

Fundy and Tubbo backed away from the two demons, exclaiming confused shouts with fear in their eyes.

Quackity's face lit up and he cheered on his friend, ignoring his own fear of them. "Woo! Kick his ass, Bad! He wants Tommy gone!"

And Tommy's face was full of confusion, his mouth slightly agape.

Stumbling away from the two towering demons, he shakily called out to the shadow demon; "H-Hey, you really shouldn't get hurt because of me BBH--"

He stops himself when Bad turns his head back at him, a warm smile on the man's face unlike the previous scowl from just a few seconds ago.

"Don't worry for me Tommy, I'll be just fine. Though, you should close your eyes for a few moments. This shouldn't take too long, and afterwards I'll take you home."

And so Tommy hesitantly nodded and shut his eyes tight, covering his ears just in time as Dream throws the first punch that was quickly caught by BBH.

Ranboo had left in a hurry, feeling too nervous to stay but wishing the best for Tommy.

Tubbo and Fundy still stood in shock, wincing everytime a loud punch sounded or blood was shedded.

Quackity, being himself, was still cheering BBH on with a proud grin. At least someone was having fun, Tommy thinks grimly.

And normally Tommy would be cheering on and shouting praises with Quackity, but today he was far too socially drained for that.

All the arguing and worrying over his almost-exile made a lot of his energy go down the drain and be replaced with a tired, grumpy Tommy.

He really just wanted to lie down. A five hour 'nap' sounds very pleasing as of now.

It took around a whole 20 minutes for Dream to get tired and Bad to finally have the upper hand and pin the green man down, summoning his enchanted netherite sword and earning a bloody laugh from Dream.

"You can't kill me-" He laughed, actually thinking that the pissed of demon above him was too kind hearted and weak to do so, even despite literally fighting with him. "I'm your best friend! You won't do any--"

Dream gasps loudly as true fear is finally drawn into him when a hand grips his neck tightly and abruptly, long black claws digging into his skin mercilessly and drawing small bits of blood.

Bad's glare hardened, baring his sharp fangs with a look of disgust and his eyes glowing white. "You seriously must be a stupid human to even think such thing. We're not friends, we never were- you sick traitor."

Bad leans a little closer, relishing in the way Dream shook under his gaze as blood dripped from his head, his broken mask showing half his face.

"I'm not friends with such low-life humans such as yourself; ones who abuse their power and torment children." He whispered to him, feeling satisfied at the widened hazel eyes.

And not wasting another second, he draws back his sword, the sun's light striking it and blinding the ones watching for a split moment, before he harshly swung it down and plunged it through Dream's chest with a final snarl.

[ CANNON: Dreamwastaken was slain by Badboyhalo ]

[ Quackity: FUCK YOU DREAM ]
[ Ranboo: what just happened?? ]
[ Tubbo: I have no clue man ]
[ Georgenotfound: I literally just woke up- ]

__

Tommy awkwardly fidgeted with his hands as he trailed behind Bad, a soft frown on his face and glancing up at the demon from time to time as they walk to his mansion.

He didn't know what to say, or if he should say anything at all.

Of course, he knows a simple thank you would be necessarily, but underneath his loud and endlessly determined facade, Tommy's honestly an awkward and nervous wreck.

He doesn't want to say anything wrong either, considering that Bad has a much more powerful form and was able to take one of Dream's lives so easily.

And what did he even want Tommy for? Why is he bringing him back home?

Is he going to finish Dream's job and take Tommy's last life instead? What if this was his plan all along?

What if Bad was secretly planning to take his last life this whole time as revenge for all of the cussing and wars he's done?

Before he could worry himself in an endless hole of doubt and fear, Tommy noticed that they were already at the mansion, already walking towards the tall, intimidating doors of the house.

Without intending to, his lips begin to part and words start to blurt out all at once.

"S-So what the fuck was that all about back there, BBH? You went all psycho on Dream and beat the shit of 'em, like-- some sort of killing machine or- or.. Batman!" Laughing a but forcefully, his arms raise to hug himself and his fingernails dig into his skin unconsciously.

He hadn't noticed that he stopped walking all together, standing a few feet farther than Bad was from the doors. "You really got him good, haha.."

His hands trails up to his shoulders almost defensively and as a instinctive reminder that he was here. His arms blocked his chest and making an 'x', something the back of his mind noted.

'Good.' He thought while continuing to babble. 'Maybe it would make it harder for Bad to stab through..'

Bad had stopped walking too the moment he noticed the absence of the blonde behind him, standing a comfortable distance from him.

He blinked at the blonde's rambling with a confused tilt of his head. It took a few minutes, but then he realized that this was Tommy's way of stalling.

He must be thinking that Bad's intentions were worse than they really were, and considering he literally just killed a man infront of him; Bad doesn't think Tommy knows that he's just inviting him in for a cup of tea and a quick check up.

The sweet demon's expression softened into a sympathetic smile, and he chose that moment to break the blonde's rambling.

"Tommy?"

Tommy gulps, instantly stopping and averting his eyes, licking his lips nervously. "Y-Yeah, big man..?"

"It's okay," Bad gently says, taking in the way the boy's eyes snap to him and widen, seeing something similar to hope sparkle beneath the apprehension. "I'm not here to hurt you- quite the opposite actually."

"Really? Are- are you for real?" Tommy breathed out, his grip on his shoulders now loose and his heart beating in his chest. "Like-.. y-you're not.. mad at me for anything?"

Lightly laughing with a dismissive wave of his hand, Bad chirped. "Oh no! No, not at all! What I did was for you, not a part of some 'evil plan' or something."

And all he could do was stare.

BBH shook his head with his smile growing at the clear look of awe on the young boy's face. Walking back towards the doors, he waved over his shoulder for him to follow.

And with little to no hesitance, Tommy did.

_

It's been an hour or two since BBH had invited him in, and true to his word, his intentions were pure and kind. They laughed together at jokes while drinking some tea Bad had made for them, catching up on some things and just enjoying each other's company.

And while this was very out of character of Tommy to stay here and not cause disruption, he was just tired of all the drama concerning him and wanted a break from it all.

Plus Bad was someone that always had a comforting aura around him and was nice to him the whole time he's known him, so Tommy guesses he could stay a while here.

It's not like BBH had made any hints or harsh side marks of Tommy needing to leave.

In fact, the tall demon was only encouraging his stay. He even hinted at Tommy spending the night here too!

Tommy hadn't had a 'sleepover' since the early days of L'manburg!

And while it was relaxing and fun being here in BBH's (ridiculously huge) mansion, the events of earlier had been eating at the back of Tommy's mind the whole time he's been here.

He still didn't quite understand why Bad would do such thing. It was so out of character for him!

He knew the guy was a softy for children and shit, but would he really go as far as taking one of someone's canon life to defend one? Without any repayment?

(Tommy ignored the part of his brain yelling at him for calling himself a child, since beyond all his arguments and brash words of being a man, he still knew that he was just a young kid deep down.)

The blonde had always thought that BBH was all but a coward and someone who hated fighting all together, but had he seen his 'ultimate-super-badass' demon form sooner..

Well, Tommy would be treating Bad like some sort of superhero, similar to how he thinks of Philza Minecraft and Technoblade. (If you ignore what they did in the past..)

It just can't be that simple.. right?

Noticing the falter of his smile and his laughter fading, Bad tilts his head and hums a silent question. And Tommy couldn't help but answer it, he felt safe but still skeptical. He didn't know what else to do.

"It's just- ugh." He scrunched his nose in mild frustration, setting his cup down on the coffee table and waved a hand around. "You've brought me here after defending me and I want to be grateful- and shit, I truly am, man- but I.. I'm just so confused on why."

Raising his head to meet the white hue of the shadow demon's own, Tommy takes a breathe and tries his best to explain. "Why did you even try at all? Why did you stop Dream? Fucking hell man, why did you kill Dream just for me?"

"W-What's so special about me- about our bond that you'll go that far?" Tommy gulps down the burning sensation in his throat as tears began to form.

He didn't want to look so weak, he really didn't, but he just couldn't stop himself from showing such vulnerable side of him to Bad.

He didn't know why he felt so safe. It made him frustrated and confused.

"I.. I thought you hated me.." He mumbled, looking down at the cup of warm tea that was now almost empty and cold.

And he did, Tommy had truly thought that Bad was just putting up a front on being the nice guy to him. He thought that he didn't care what happens to him, that Tommy was just a nuisance to have around.

"Wait what?" BBH's eye-lights widen and he stiffens in his abnormally big chair. His shocked expression softened and his voice was quieter and gentle. "Do.. Do you really think I hate you, Tommy?"

The blonde didn't say anything. He continued to stare down at the ground in embarrassment.

"Tommy I don't hate you. You're a good kid, one of my good friends- I could never hate you." Bad reasoned, leaning forwards in his chair and gazing down at the teenager with sympathy.

Tommy squeezed his eyes shut, curling into himself in the velvet red chair he sat in and covered his eyes with a hand.

He couldn't understand it, he didn't know why those words meant so much to him.

Why they made his heart warm up, so similar to the way it did when he would hang out with Tubbo and Wilbur, before everything went to shit.

He felt so happy, but so sad.

He sniffles.

"Why did you safe me." It came out a but aggressive and less of a question than Tommy intended, and he silently cringed at himself.

God, he was such a mess. How could anyone want to be friends with him? Much less someone like BBH.

What makes him so special to deserve such nice treatment?

He heard Bad shift and footsteps but didn't make any move to look up, instead just tensing his shoulders.

"You're a good person Tommy, believe it or not, and you don't deserve to have such treatment like that. You didn't deserve to be exiled over something dumb. You're just a kid!" Bad said, his voice closer and he saw his legs sit down infront of him, far enough for him to reach out and pat his head.

It still didn't make sense to him.

He still doesn't understand why Bad would even still want to be friends with him, but he guesses it wasn't up for debate anymore.

It didn't matter, because at least Tommy wasn't alone anymore.

At least he finally had a friend that would be there by his side to back him up. Someone who he knew wouldn't turn crazy on him or leave him in the dust for a new life.

Someone who understood that he was just a kid.

And finally, for what seemed for so much longer than it really was, Tommy let's himself break. He finally and fully takes off the mask. Because now he knows it's okay.

He'll learn to understand.

He'll learn how much his worth truly is.

He'll learn to love and trust again, and find companionship in someone new.

Someone as kind as him.

"You're the first to apologize and- and defend me like that.." Tommy looks back up at BBH, eyes filled with unshed tears and eyebrows furrowed. But his eyes held so much admiration and hope that made Bad's heart squeeze.

"Thank you so much for that."

And Bad simply smiled, gently whipping away a tear that fell from his eye.

"You're welcome Tommy, but no need to thank me. Someone should've done that a long time ago."

Tommy smiled back.

Chapter Text

"That's so not fair." Wilbur grumbles as he stomps up to his room, dark crow wings behind him puffed up with aggravation.

Techno had stolen his guitar from his room and didn't even get scolded, instead it was Wilbur who was being scolded by Phil. Just because he started to raised his voice the tiniest bit.

"He never gets in trouble! It's always me! Not him!" The brunette shouts as he slams his door shut, not caring for his volume and pacing around in frustration.

Whenever his brother did something bad, Phil never gets mad at him or scolds him. The most he does is let him off with a gentle slap on the wrist, but if it was Wilbur who did it, it's suddenly the end of the world.

It's not fair. That was his guitar, it literally has his name on it! He told him repeatedly to not touch it and it wasn't to be played with carelessly, but Techno didn't listen.

Soon his anger and jealousy turned into sadness, his pacing ceasing. He flops onto his previous neatly made bed, ruining the sheets.

Tears gloss over his brown eyes and he sniffs, a pout forming on his face as he fixes his crooked glasses. "It's not fair.."

That pink flamingo gets all of their dad's love and attention without even trying or lifting a wing.

And even though Wilbur was a crow like his dad, Phil didn't seem to love him as much and barely spends quality time with him ever since they adopted Techno.

He's always excused with an empty promise of later or the classic, 'Techno and I already made plans, sorry Wil.'

It was so.. frustrating! So stupid!

No matter what he does or tries, Phil never gives him a big proud smile and an exclaim of how much he's proud of him like he does with Techno. It's only ever lazy pats on the back and a simple 'good job'. He doesn't get a reward gift like a new sword or anything.

"I wanna be loved too..." Wilbur warbles out as he couldn't keep it in any longer, bursting into tears and covering his eyes, having taken off his glasses before. His wings curled around him protectively and sad chirps coming from his throat, now always unanswered.

He tried to keep his cries silent as best he could. He didn't want to be humiliated any further by being seen as a cry baby.

Wilbur jumped when a few small thumps against his door and a muffled familiar high pitched chirp sounded from behind his door, wiping his tears away quickly and hesitantly making his way towards the door.

His black wings shuffled behind him nervously, and he held back a curious chirp. Finally opening the door, Wilbur widens his eyes at the sight of his baby brother standing in front of him, staring up with his wide blue eyes.

Tommy lets out a happy chirp and flutters his fuzzy fledgling wings as a greeting, making a grabby hands up towards Wilbur.

The crow avian boy relaxes instantly. "Oh, it's just you." He whispers, letting out a watery laugh and obliging the fledgling's request of being picked up with a warm heart.

"Hey little man, shouldn't you be napping?" He asks through his slowly ceasing tears, gently bouncing him like he's seen the mothers on TV do.

Tommy gurgles in nonsense, not being able to form words yet, clapping his hands with a big smile. Wilbur shuts the door with his foot before going back to his bed. "Let's lay down, okay, Tommy?"

The blonde little terror giggles, letting Wilbur adjust him to sit on his chest as he leans against the headboard.

Tommy's mini wings try their best to flap behind him as he taps a hand on Wilbur's cheek, oblivious at the fond gleam in his eyes as he just watches him with a small smile, ignoring the coldness of his tears drying on his face.

"Wee!" Tommy suddenly blurts out, and Wilbur has never sat up so quickly in his life before.

"What? Toms, are you--"

"W-Whhh...!"

"Are you trying to say my name?!" He lit up in growing excitement, feeling chirps bubbling up.

"Will--"

"You can do it, Tommy! I believe in you!" He encouraged.

"Wilb- bahh--"

"Almost!! C'mon! Say Wilbur!"

"Will-... Wilby!" Tommy shouts, placing both of his hands on Wilbur's face when he leans closer. And he looked so proud and certain of himself, that Wilbur didn't have the guts to try and correct him.

"Yes! Yes, yes! You did it, Tommy!!" Wilbur chanted, so excited that his baby brother's first words were of his name, feeling like this was the best reward anyone (like Techno) could get. He felt loved and appreciated in his family again. "You said my name!"

"Wilby, Wilby!" Tommy squeals with shared giddiness, closing his eyes while smiling so huge Wilbur was almost afraid his face will break. It was sorta creepy to be honest.

He laughed along with him, holding him close and laying back down, now feeling the tiredness and draining from the crying and excitement settle in when he finally got comfortable again.

After a few more minutes of giggling and babbling, Tommy seemed to feel the same way. His own eyes begin to blink slower and his movements turn sluggish and limited.

It seemed Tommy missed his nap in order to show Wilbur what he could do.

"Let's take a nap Toms," Wilbur mumbled after holding back a yawn, closing his eyes and letting Tommy move closer and lay on his chest with his head tucked under his chin.

He wraps his arms securely around him, finding comfort in Tommy's sleepy chirps and warmth as he hugs him as they both drift off to sleep.

Wilbur wonders how Tommy knew in that moment that he needed someone.

Well, at least he gives good cuddles.

Chapter Text

It started on a comfortable cold evening as Theodosia was making her way to the hotel she shared with Jack, almost completely wrapped in her own mind as she wanders absent mindedly and fidgets with her hands.

A lot has been on her mind lately, mostly about her birthday was in a couple of weeks.

Usually her family was too busy for her birthday or they just completely forgot. If she was lucky enough, Wilbur or Phil would bring her a small gift before they all went to bed.

But unfortunately, that didn't happen as often as it did as she got older and eventually Phil and Techno moved away to explore greater lands that were just too far from home.

When it was just her and Wilbur, he started to remember again and would bring her new clothes or something small to hang up on her wall.

It was nice, even if it wasn't much and if she never got a birthday cake like the other kids. Theodosia didn't mind that part very much; she didn't like too much sweets anyway.

Plus Wilbur wasn't the best of cook or baker and they hadn't known Niki at the time, who would be the one to bake everyone's birthday cakes.

But when they moved to Dream's SMP, it seemed like he forgotten her birthday all over again.

The last time Theodosia remembers spending it with someone was with her best friend Tubbo. But that was almost four years ago now, it was back in the Pogtopia days.

It was late at night and they were in her small room, she had awkwardly offered to share the cupcake, but Tubbo had just shook his head and smiled sadly at her while saying she deserved the whole thing.

She then blew out a candle that sat on top the cupcake he had bought from Niki's bakery, feeling silly at making a silent wish as a warm rose of happiness blossoms in her heart.

Theo had ate it up quickly in mild fear and paranoia that Wilbur or Techno would caught them and take it away from her. A part of her knew her brothers would never do that, but she was just too wary.

Theodosia didn't have time to fully savour the taste, but she still remembers the feeling of biting into soft frosting and sprinkles and the baked filling.

She's still embarrassed of being so amazed at the cupcake and almost crushed Tubbo in a hug. He had giggled and welcomed her.

Now, Theodosia wouldn't call herself buddy-buddy with everyone on the server, but she did get along with a large majority of them.

Okay, fine. Everyone would be considered her friend. What could she say?

She was considered a 'social butterfly' as Wilbur had put it once.

Her almost-exile was ten months ago, almost a whole year, but it still had a large impact on her.

Luckily for Theo, Dream was put to a stop before things got ugly and she was sentenced to exile from L'manburg, by most of the server in the courthouse.

Even though it was a long time ago and everyone was over it, even Dream had managed to stop obsessing over Theo being gone and had been hanging out with her again to make it up for all their friendship lost.

He was just stubborn and couldn't accept the fact that he had an attachment to her as well, or at least that's what George had mumbled to her one day as Dream was making a mess of himself trying to apologize across from her.

Theodosia still wonders about what would happen if they didn't defend her that day and if Tubbo had actually allowed the exile.

It opened her mind, you could say, since she started being mindful of everything she does and more careful with the things she says.

Theo's still that loud and energetic girl, don't worry. But she couldn't help herself but ask herself what would become of her if she was really gone?

What if L'manburg was actually better off without her but the people were just too nice to say anything?

Is it because she was one of the founders that they didn't exile her, and not because they're friends? Was she even worth all that trouble?

So suddenly knocked out of her building worries in her mind, accidentally bumping into the one and only; Badboyhalo with a mischief looking Antfrost on his shoulder.

Theodosia didn't really understand the whole 'egg empire' thing, but they haven't hurt anyone (to her knowledge at least) so she guesses they're cool.

Even though the posters they put up around L'manburg are a little weird, but she wasn't one to judge.

"Oh, hey BBH. Sorry big man, I didn't see ya there!" Theo apologizes with a smile, stepping back and brushing away imaginary dust from her shoulders.

It was a bit of a pain to always crain her neck to meet the eyes of Bad, since the demon was literally 9'6 feet tall.

Antfrost had jumped down from his perch on Bad's shoulder, the silky cat that could somehow talk walking up to the blonde girl, running against her legs silently.

"Hello little man." She whispers with kind eyes as she leans down to pet him gently. Theo would never admit it, but she always found herself calmer in the presence of Antfrost.

Must be because she loves animals so much.

Bad smiled down at her, tilting his head downwards and waving a hand dismissively. "It's no problem at all, Theo! What's gotten you so distracted anyway?"

"Oh um-" Straightening her back and ignoring the displeased noise from the cat as her hand drew away. "Nothing much, just some.. things that's been on my mind lately, nothing to worry about!"

"Hm? What's bothering you so, little bird?" Bad asks with a worried tone, using an old nickname he heard her father and brother call her before. Everyone else had just started borrowing it too.

She chuckles dryly, shrugging. It wouldn't hurt. "Well if you really wanna know, it's soon to be.. a 'special day' to me but.. uh, I don't think it's gonna be celebrated this year so I'm pretty bummed about it."

"Oh no! What's the special occasion?" He asks as he holds Antfrost in his arms and petting him, the Siamese cat looking down at her with his wide red eyes, and if she didn't know any better, she'd say he looks concern.

"Don't worry about it BBH." Theo says, ignoring the urge to just tell him the secret. She'll safe it for a Puffy therapy session instead. "I'll figure something out eventually."

"Okay, if you're sure about it. But if you need any help, I'm always here to listen!" Bad smiled, reaching a hand down to ruffle her blonde hair. Theodosia giggled and tried to swat his hand away. She missed moments like these, everyone is so busy now and days.

"Alright, alright! I'll see you around big man." Theo says, feeling a little better than before as she waves them goodbye, resuming her walk down the street to the hotel.

Bad watches her leave, barely glancing at Antfrost when he speaks. "You know she means her birthday right? Everyone always forgets it even though they're all her friend."

Bad hums with a nod. "Yeah, I know. We have to figure out something soon."

Chapter Text

"Tommy? Tommy, is that you?"

Chapter Text

Techno hums an unspecific tune as he makes his way through the park with a plastic bag in hand, his long bubblegum pink hair tied back into a messy bun and he wore his usual white button up and black cargo pants with a belt.

Wilbur always said he tried to hard, but unlike him, Techno actually likes to have style when going out.

It was seemingly a peaceful day, not too hot or cold outside and there was a comfortable amount of people wandering about.

They even had Techno's favourite purple berries at the store, which they for some reason usually don't and would always leave him disappointed.

He's been craving some berries for the last week, so he couldn't wait to get home.

He was torn out of his thoughts when loud quacks sounded not too far, snapping his head over to the park's pond and seeing ducks quickly swimming away from.. a raccoon splashing and chasing after them..?

That wasn't even the strangest thing- another is that Techno recognizes the species being an albino raccoon.

And Techno doesn't know where they're supposed to be located at, but he's sure that this little guy is far away from home.

Most of the ducks managed to get away or just straight up ignore the raccoon as if it happened on a regular basis, but one unfortunate soul was chosen as the rodent's victim as it chases after it through the water and on land.

Techno stared with slightly parted lips and a deadpan face, trying to process what he was seeing.

He didn't get to since the raccoon passed by a little too close to his boots and made him jump back at it's sudden appearance.

He accidently loosened his grip on the bag as he stumbled, making his precious berries be exposed to the ravage raccoon.

It caught their attention and they paused their hunting for the duck, who was relieved and quickly went back to the pond.

Techno huffed from where he stood, putting his hands on his hips and looking down at the raccoon disapprovingly like a father would.

"Look at what you did, you made me drop my food!" He scolded, ignoring the way his voice went as high pitched as it could for a usual monotone one.

But the fluffy raccoon had also ignored him, instead shuffling closer to the purple berries.

"Wha- you're not even paying attention are you!?" Techno said, uncaring that the animal couldn't even respond or probably even not understand a thing he was saying.

The little thing was now trying to break open the plastic that kept the berries safe and clean, chittering up a storm.

The pathetic sight made Techno soften, sighing once more before crouching down. It was lucky he was in a good mood today.

The albino raccoon startled backwards at the movements, staring up at the pink haired man for a moment before practically screaming at him.

Oddly enough, it didn't seem aggressive or defensive, more like the raccoon was making a demand instead.

And so Techno listened with a shrug, taking the bag and opening it, snapping off a stem with two berries on it from the batch. Just a snack for the little guy.

Bringing it closer to the raccoon and teasing it by holding it up just a slightly from his reach, a smile forming on Techno's face when it chitters with annoyance with it's mini hands in the air.

Man, if only Techno had this on camera.

"Ok fine, here you go." He chuckles, finally giving the raccoon the berry.

And it looked so happy as it rushed towards the pond, dipping it in the water and fumbling with it before nibbling on it.

Figuring this was the end of their interaction, Techno gathered his things back in the bag and stood back up, sparing a glance at the happily eating raccoon.

For some reason he felt like he was leaving his kid at daycare, but except of picking them up later he's not coming back at all.

Wow, that was sad. What the heck even made him think that?

Oh no, he hopes he didn't get attached to it. Wilbur wouldn't let him hear the end of it if he found out.

He shook his head, rubbing the back of neck with a grumble before making his way back home.

As the albino raccoon finally finished his berries, he noticed the lack of that humans presence near him.

He looked behind him at the retreating back of the pink haired man, suddenly feeling a strong urge to follow after.

So he did.

__

It wasn't until people on the street had start giving him (or more like something trailing behind him) bewildered looks was when Techno had found out the little raccoon was following him.

He stopped in his tracks, turning around abruptly and raising a brow at the small raccoon jumping back while staring back up at him. The fright lived shortly though, since it then perked back up and chitters loudly at him.

"What are doing? All I did was literally two purple berries, and that's all it takes for you to follow me?" Techno deadpans. The raccoon makes a squeak like noise.

"I can't take you home you know. Phil doesn't like it when we bring wild animals home." Techno says, mostly to try to reason with himself than the oblivious raccoon in front of him.

He also ignored the pass-byers looks of confusion of a grown man talking to a raccoon on the street.

Wow, he's ignoring a lot of things today. A new record!

Techno knew it might've been a bad idea to give it food, but it was just too fluffy and cute for him to ignore it.

He knows Phil would he mad at him for taking a raccoon that probably had rabies or something. But it doesn't seem so have anything wrong with it, it would've been very obvious if it was sick anyway.

And plus, just looking into the raccoon's (somehow) beady blue eyes that beamed up at him, just begging for him to take him home, was enough to persuade him.

"Well... I guess you can stay for a little while." Techno mumbles, resisting the urge to smile when it squeals and chitters and waddles closer.

Since he figures he's already in to deep, Techno holds his hand out for the raccoon to sniff before picking it up.

It huffs through it's nose before giving his hand a small lick of acceptance. How adorable.

"Alright, here we go." He grumbles as he lifts the albino raccoon and adjusts to hold him like a small puppy, gently rubbing him thumb against the soft blonde fur as he turns back towards home.

He spares a glance down at it, finding amusement while watching it chitter and purr happily in his arms. "Okay, since we're all settled now, let's go home."

__

Needless to say, Phil wasn't very happy with Techno the moment he stepped in with an arm-full of raccoon that eyes held both looks of contentment and mischief and somewhat angry.

"Uh, Techno?" Phil had called out from where he stood in the living room's doorway, looking at the two in concern.

"Huh?" Techno replied absent-mindedly and without even glancing back, laying back on the couch with the raccoon on his lap.

He stopped by the pet store and got a cat toy with a string and feathers at the end with a puff ball. Theseus, the street raccoon's new name by yours truly, seemed to love it so he got it for him.

He was waving the toy around just out of reach of the raccoon, grinning at the frustration noises coming from his new 'cat.' Theseus was very entertaining.

"Why do you have a raccoon?" Phil asks, raising a brow.

Techno hummed. "Well Phil, as you may or not know; work and Wilbur have been stressing me out and I saw this little dude and thought-"

Theseus lets out a squeak from being suddenly picked up, making a little angry face at the abruption of his play time.

Techno turned him to face Phil, a proud gleam in his eyes and a small smile present. "Why don't I take him home? He was lonely and it's a terrible place out there. A win-win."

And his father just stared at him with his mouth a little agape, wondering where he went wrong.

"What's going on, bitches?" Wilbur appeared out of no where with a devilish smile. Phil sighed, quietly scolding him for his language.

Techno grumbled, pulling Theseus closer while glaring at the brunette at the doorway. "Don't swear around my child, Wilbur. You're a bad influence."

"Woah, when did you get a raccoon?"

"Just today."

"Please don't tell me you're keeping it." Phil desperately says while rubbing his forehead, feeling a small headache coming on.

Techno frowns at him, letting Theseus go back to playing with the cat toy. "Duh. He's part of the family now, be nice to him. And don't dehumanize my kid."

Phil sputtered, and Wilbur brushed past him to sit on the loveseat next to the couch. "He's an animal!"

"Nooo~ he's your new grandson, Philza!" Wilbur swooned, watching the fluffy albino raccoon paw the toy back and forth on the floor, completely oblivious to the conversation about him.

"Look at him, he's so cute! A little warrior! Get 'em little guy!" He cooed.

The eldest brother tilted his chin up with pride, his smile widening as he closes his eyes. "Right? Theseus is gonna be the best warrior you could imagine. He'll be defeating the Dream Team in no time."

"He's a raccoon, I don't think you can train him to be a guard dog Tech."

"It's only a matter of time Phil." Technoblade replied, looking back down at his boy.

___

"Don't stare at him like that, you're freaking him out." The pink haired man said with a slight frown, glancing up from his book. The visiting teenager sitting at the stool of the breakfast counter that stared into the young raccoon's eyes unblinking.

"Why do you always come over just to steal our food?" Wilbur asks from where he leaned against the wall while munching on a bag of crisps. He was ignored.

"We're bonding." Tubbo mumbled, slowly bringing a hand closer to the slightly nervous raccoon that sat on the counter in front of him.

Poor Theseus. He just wanted to eat some bread.

"No, you're being weird. Stop staring at him like that." Techno deadpanned, putting his book down on the table.

He tensed up when Tubbo starting petting his feral cat a little too aggressively for his liking. The raccoon seemed to give up on life and let's him do whatever.

Unfortunately Tubbo took this as an invitation to pick him up all together, Theseus looking to br holding back swear words.

Tubbo smiled big, holding up the albino raccoon and looking up at him with stars in his eyes, as if he created the world itself.

"Let's name him Tommy!!" He exclaims proudly.

"No. I already declared him as Theseus, now give me my son." Techno grumbles, mumbling barely audibly the last part as he yanks the raccoon away from Tubbo's grasp.

Theseus chitters and practically slumps his whole body against his chest, and a distant soft rumbling coming from him, a purr perhaps if Techno focused on it.

The shorter brunette gasps dramatically and puts his hands on his hips. "You can't just take him from me like that, that's very rude man!"

"Too bad, it's my pet raccoon."

"Did Phil say you could keep him?" Wilbur butted in again, throwing away the empty bag.

"Not exactly, but I have a feeling he'll warm up to him." Techno responded, looking down at the now sleepy raccoon in his arms. Today must've tired him out, poor thing. "Isn't that right Theseus?"

Theseus chitters, closing his eyes contently.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Theodosia fidgets as she stares down at the far ground of L'manburg upon the mountain next to her dirt shack. Her unevenly cut blonde curls was let loose and flowing from the gentle breeze of wind, her lips pursed into a thin line.

She wasn't one to do this type of stuff, since she was always on her feet doing something and never taking the time to actually rest besides sleeping.

Even then, her sleep hours were few to none. Though they were still longer than the time she got in exile, she was still very tired.

Hearing sudden soft footsteps behind her, she turns her head to look, moving her hair from her face while a small smile graces her face. "Hey Ghostbur,"

Ghostbur smiles back her with a giggle, waving his hand with great enthusiasm. "I knew I would find you here Theo!"

Theodosia lightly laughs, gently combing her hand through her curly hair with habit. "Oh, you did, didn't you?"

Nodding and humming an agreement, he speaks again cheerfully, "I remember taking you and Fundy on adventures when you were just a little girl! You really loved the mountains."

"Did I?" The blonde almost absent-mindedly mumbles, looking at the ghost of her father with fondness in her ocean eyes. "Well, it's kinda blurry for me but I bet it was so fun, big man."

Ghostbur chuckles again, walking closer and sitting next to her swiftly, his shoulders just barely brushing against hers like a distant memory.

Theo looks back at the sight of her country, taking a deep breathe in and letting her thoughts overcome her once more.

She misses her brother.

It's been so long since they've spoke, he could barely look at her ever since the day of her exile.

She knew he felt guilty, even if much like her old self, he would deny any emotions and declare himself as a brave man. But she knew that her exile and the death of their father still haunts him everyday.

If only she knew how to help Fundy.

Unfortunately she was just too scared of fucking up and saying the wrong thing, or not saying anything at all.

They used to do this, back when it was just the beginning of L'manburg and when they didn't even know the true meaning of fear and heartbreak.

Theodosia misses times like these, just sitting here next to someone and enjoying the way the grass felt around her fingers and the sound of birds chirping, the wind blowing and creating a slight cold breeze that she didn't quite mind.

The silence was comfortable and calm, something she hadn't had in a long time. It was soon broken by Ghostbur.

"Aren't you cold? You don't have a jacket or scarf and you're wearing a t-shirt, I saw everyone else wearing some extra layers." He comments, a genuine concerned expression on his face despite having blank white eyes.

"Nah, I'm good Ghostbur. I'm used to the cold." Theodosia shakes her head before looking back at him, the corners of her mouth perking up at the feeling of familiarity and she shrugs a shoulder. "Besides, it's only some wind."

Wilbur used to fuss over her like that when she was younger, always saying that she needed to put on a jacket before going outside even though it was just a small breeze.

He even used to make Fundy walk with her everytime she went on adventures in the forests.

Though most of the time Fundy and Theo would just agree to split up, messaging each other and meeting up when they were done.

Ghostbur nodded hesitantly with an uncertain look. Theodosia sighed and looked down, closing her eyes and running a hand across her face.

Sometimes he acted just like him. Sure, Ghostbur might be the aftermath ghost of her dad, but he will never be the same Wilbur.

He was just a splitting image of his old personality, before he gone bat-shit crazy in that ravine.

Theodosia will never be able to see that full version of Wilbur, the one where he's not insane that made her scared or a naive ghost that made her feel guilty and sad.

The one where he's himself.

His true self.

The one she will forever remember and miss, the one she can happily call her father and not feel forced to. The one she grew up to love with all her heart.

Good grief, where had he gone off to?

A startled noise escapes her and she jumps when a soft but cold hand covers her own that rested on her cheek, snapping her eyes open and meeting the empty ones of Ghostbur.

"What the fuck are you doing, big man?" She awkwardly chuckles but doesn't make a move to pull away.

It's been so long since someone had given her a hug or even bothered to hold her hand or pat her on the back.

(Theo will never again count Dream's abusive and nauseating touches as that type of form of deprived affection. She was past that.)

The last time someone did, it was when Tubbo and her had successfully put Dream in prison. And that was months ago.

Even though Tubbo wasn't one for hugs, Theodosia pulled him into a long, tight one because she knew he really needed it too.

Tubbo even was crying like a little bitch the whole time, cause she gives the best hugs! (She was actually the one crying while the brunette was comforting her-)

And even though Ghostbur's touch was cold and almost unfamiliar, it still belonged to the ghost of her dad. A part of her wanted to pull away and scream that he didn't have the right to be chummy with her after what he's done, that she'll never forgive him and feels disgusted at him.

But the other half reasoned with herself, knew that this wasn't pogtopia Wilbur and was Ghostbur; someone who didn't even know half of what he's done.

Someone who was oh so similar to the Wilbur her and Fundy miss dearly. Someone innocent and didn't deserve to carry the burden that man left behind.

Besides from them, Ghostbur was all that was left of him. The only thing that they can feel and talk to.

And even though he wasn't really him, Theodosia felt herself relax beneath his hold.

She knew. She knew he can't replace Wilbur, but... When he looks at her like that, she could almost imagine it was him instead.

It was just so easy. Too easy.

"Theo, I know you miss him." Ghostbur spoke, his voice so gentle and soft with his eyes lidded and holding a sympathetic expression. She tenses again. "I can see it everyday in your eyes that you still miss him, that you still love him."

Theodosia lets out a shuddering breathe, finally willing herself to pull away from him his touch. She stares at the pale ghost with wide, glassy eyes, feeling herself start to shake.

She couldn't bring herself to stand up and walk away, even if she wanted to.

"O-Of course I fucking do.." She whispers almost harshly, trying to calm her breathes and not let out the tears from the years of his absence. "He's-.. He's my dad."

If it was even possible, Ghostbur looked even more sad at her words, his brows pinching further and his bottom lip wobbling slightly.

He was always an emotional wreck. Even in the afterlife.

"I'm sorry for making you so sad, Theo, I never meant any harm.. I- I may only have the happy memories of Alivebur and basically a rebound for everyone but, um, I still really want to help you." He ranted, trying to reach out again.

"I-I don't need your help!" She says, voice raising but not yet shouting. She shuffles away a bit. "You didn't help me then, why help me now?"

Theodosia stopped herself from lashing out at him, closing her eyes and staking a deep breath. She recalls the steps Puffy told her.

Close your eyes, count to 5 three times, taking slow and deep breathes, un-tense your body.

Happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts..

When she reopens her eyes, Ghostbur was still looking at her sadly and one black tear fell down his face. "Theo..." He whispered.

She slowly shook her head, blinking away her tears and sniffling. "I really don't need your help, I did fine on my own without him for three years already. I.. I'm actually beginning to be better."

"I appreciate your concern- I really do- but it's just.. it's too late. You're too late.. I needed your help in exile but you didn't listen and disappeared on me when- when I needed you the most." She felt fresh tears and she tried to blink them away. But they just kept coming.

She fiddles with her hair nervously, looking anywhere but him. "Look. You're nice and all, but you're not him. You're not Wilbur. You don't have to carry his burden with you all the time, you know."

She glances back at him, a look of understanding flashing in both their eyes. "You're different from him, you don't need to try and fix what he destroyed or whatever. And I mean this in respectfully, but that's not your job."

"Do you understand what I mean?" Theodosia asks, trying her best to not sound annoyed. Puffy also helped her with that a bit. They're still working on it though.

Ghostbur nods with a small smile, sniffling and wiping his tears away and leaving behind smudges of black ink. "Yeah, I think I do.. Thank you for that."

She relaxes once more, returning the smile while rubbing the back of her neck. "Your welcome, buddy."

She still felt hurt and a piece of her heart was still missing, but at the moment she didn't mind.

At least she got some closure, even if it was from the ghost of her father and only a little.

It was enough for now.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Tommy was doing his big man things in his big man dirt house when all of a sudden, the doors were kicked open by a 9'6 tall wholesome demon!!

"TOMMY! RUN AWAY WITH ME AND SKEPPY" Bad yelled out with a big smile pointing at him.

Miniature sized 4'2 Skeppy appeared from Bad's shoulder, waving his hands in the air with his tongue out like how my cat does when she's happy

"BE OUR NEW SON!!!"

They both said at the same time and Tommy the builder was REALLLYYYY happyyyyy!!!!

Wowowowowowowow!!!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

"Woah!! I always wanted parents of my own!" Tommy beamed. He hopped into Bad's arms and he used his wings to fly them out of there

Nasty and mean Wilbur dead soot saw them and cried like a little baby man🙅

"that's my brother you're taking awayyyyy!! Bring him back!!!"

"NO STAY AWAY FROM MY BOY" Bad shouted angrily at the old man that probably smelled bad.

💥

His eyes shined a white beam that shot at Wilbur, leaving behind only his stinky crusty dusty beanie on the ground.💥💥🏃

"Yay thank you papa!!" Tommy smiled huge and hugged his new demon dad while Skeppy cheered.

And then the three of them flies away from the dream smp and live a happy life travelling the world!🌈📯🌠🎉🎊🎶

Sadly sapnap didn't wanna go bc his husband(s) are in the so but he sends cards and stuff and welcomes his new baby brother to the family 😄😄😄😄

The end 💞💞💞💕💞💕💖❤💖💕❤💞💖💖

Chapter Text

"..I-I know you think I'm selfish for assuming," Tommy starts to say, head down to avoid eye contact from Dream's menacing mask and figure. "But, I think it'd be better for both of us.. A-And I really need this--"

He quivered at Dream's loud scoff, he felt even more nervous than before.

"--This.. break..." Tommy takes a shuddering deep breathe in before he continues to speak, trying to gather what ever is left of his confidence. "There's just so much going on and I need a break- just, just a small one, you know? I-I'm not saying that our friendship has to e-end or anything.. I just..."

"You what? You just what, Tommy?" Dream says mockingly, tilting his head with his arms crossed over his green hoodie that the younger loathes.

The permanent smile on his mask made the action look far more intimidating than Tommy had ever wished for it to be.

The blonde fidgets with the ends of his new white sweater, eyebrows furrowed and a thin layer of sweat forming. (The same sweater that was a gift from Dream in 'guilt' after having an argument with him and pushing him in mud, ruining his old shirt.)

"I..." He failed to re-gather his confidence, it turns to ash and dust under the threatening gaze of the admin.

Tommy felt as if he was doing something so very wrong and got caught doing it, even though he just wanted to tell Dream he needs some space from everyone (mostly him, but he would never say that out loud less he has a death wish).

Even though he craves the attention and support and loves having someone there with him, sometimes it gets overwhelming and he just needs a break from it all.

It's like petting and loving on a cat for longer than usual, and despite loving the attention, the cat can get over-stimulated and suddenly bite or scratch you.

While Tommy doesn't bite or scratch people since he's not a cat, he can still get over-stimulated at times. He would either start to feel claustrophobic and start to breathe fast, or he will get too excited due to the pent up energy.

It just depends on the situation at hand to be honest.

Which is why sometimes Tommy would get too loud and aggressive with Tubbo or with one of his other friends, a time before he was sent to exile.

He calls those the 'okay ones', while the 'bad ones' always made Tommy feel trapped and suffocated as if he could barely move anything and wanted to so bad. He would feel like everyone was watching him but neglecting him at the same time and everything was spinning and going too fast.

(The feelings was similar to the times in Pogtopia with Wilbur, or at the festival, or exile, or the first week bunking in Techno's basement with solid fear, or the bombs setting off in L'manburg..)

Those were really horrible. At least they only ever happen rarely at night.

Since it's been a while since he gotten comforting physical contact like a hug, a pat on a shoulder or words of encouragement, he gets easily worn out now after coming back.

Tommy had gotten so used to physical contact and being a social butterfly, that in exile it made his mind all over the place and become kinda used to always feeling being cold.

The warmth of another was now so unfamiliar and startling, it can hurt.

"Um, I can't really.. handle the.. nice things you do for me at the moment. Heh, um, does that even make sense?" Tommy lets out a small fake laugh, sounding a little like a wheeze.

He felt out of place in his own house. But then again, when did he ever feel safe here?

His doors don't even have locks for prime's sake.

Tommy licks his lips anxiously, glancing down at the clenched fists of Dream's hands. "But, um, I also need this break to get used to being back in L'manburg and around everyone after so long too."

He tilts his head down fearfully and drops his arms by his sides, not wishing to look at Dream's menacingly still figure in front of him any longer.

While he was glad to get that off his chest, since he's been starting to feel caged in with Dream's friendship these past two weeks, he's terrified of what will happen next.

And Tommy knows what would happen, of what Dream would do and say to him. He knows.

It's always been the same, but it still terrified him each time.

This isn't the first time he tried to bream free after all.

And his own nightmare in human shape spoke again, sounding like screeches of forks on chalkboards in his ears; he never liked hearing Dream's voice.

"Yeah right. I bet you're only saying this because of my outbursts, Tommy. They-.. I must be too much for you I guess.." Dream shrugs, his voice dropping into a sad tone as he folds his arms.

Tommy snaps his head up with wide eyes, his eyes that lost it's spark long ago since the day a certain someone died. He quickly shook his head, clenching the ends of his shirt.

"A-Am I really that much of a monster to you?" Dream asks, faking being hurt to lure Tommy back in from guilt, as he always does.

In the back of Tommy's mind, a voice that sounds eerily similar to the brave boy he once was, yells at him to not respond and get out the hell of there as fast as he can.

But as per usual, Tommy only ignores it and falls into Dream's trap of guilt tripping, believing the lie that he made him sad.

Tommy stutters out quickly, "No, no, no! That's not true! I just.. I thought tha--"

"Oh, just quit it! I already know you've been trying to get away from me these past couple of months, but guess what?" Dream taunts, getting closer to him until he was backed into a corner of his own home.

Tommy briefly remembered being forced to change how his house looked like a week after he returned by Dream. The man had said that it looked ugly and no one would want to be friends with someone like a feral raccoon.

And despite his snapping argument that they never cared about his house and raccoons aren't so bad anyways, a harsh slap to his face made him reconsider that.

Then the next day, Tommy was quick to start changing his house into looking more like a cottage built into the side of a mountain.

It was worth it though, his house looks so nicer now and more spacious. And people even complimented him on it.

He had ignored the faint stinging in his cheek that night as Dream held him close and pets his hair oh so gently while whispering sweet nothings, the warmth of another feeling heavenly in the cold and empty house.

Tommy was so touch starved ever since the old days of Schlatt being president and his first exile, that he barely even cared who the love came from.

Just like the old days for an example;

In Pogtopia when Wilbur started to lose his mind, he would still give Tommy tight hugs after shouting and gripping his arms so hard, maniacally ranting about how everyone didn't care and betrayed them.

Each time Tommy would start to cry while leaning into the hug, the crazed man that used to be like his older brother 'comforting' him in the ravine of cold stone.

(And from that, now those memories in Pogtopia gave him nightmares and makes him feel nervous about hugs from older men.)

He still remembers the feeling of false comfort that Wilbur gave him. How it felt to be abused and hurt but loved at the same time..

Even though he lost his mind, Tommy still loved him.

He missed the familiarity of someone to have.

Tommy was brought back from his thoughts by Dream's sudden movements. He looked back at the admin and felt more scared.

Dream pushed away his mask to the side, so that if anyone were to barge in, they would only see his mask looking at them while the blonde could see his whole face.

Tommy wishes he couldn't.

When Dream takes off his mask while their alone, the gesture isn't done because of trust as someone would think.

While Dream knew Tommy wouldn't tell anyone what he looked like, since there was no reason to and seemed useless, there was something else that no one ever knew about him.

Tommy's eyes widen in fear, and he's reminded of the real reason he actually stays.

Dream doesn't have a normal human face, he never did. Instead there was a dark void of emptiness of where his eyes and nose should be, only the bottom half of a human face.

He doesn't have a heart, he doesn't have lungs to breath or a nose at all, he doesn't function like a normal human being. Because he isn't human.

He was a monster.

Chapter Text

"I-I'm sorry but I don't know why I'm here, I.." Tommy stuttered out, slowly stepping away from the distraught man in front of him. "I must've done something wrong to end up here.

"I mean, you look different but the same? Whatever it is, I'm not supposed to be here. T-This isn't my universe.." He ranted with a nervous laugh, running a hand through his hair as he averts his eyes everywhere. He was in the same ravine he and Wilbur escaped off to.

He seriously wasn't supposed to be here- whatever here was.

When Dream offered that chance of jumping universes, Tommy instantly refused the idea since he knew the man wasn't making things up and would do something like this.

He already brought him back to life before, he could probably make him time travel or some shit too.

Or maybe that was only... who was he talking about again?

Tommy jumped when the other version of Technoblade stumbled closer to him, his arms stretched out and shaking as tears began to form in his velvet-brown eyes. A faint mumble of Tommy's name leaving his mouth.

The blonde's eyes widen at the appearance of his eldest brother, lips parting with a question on the tip of his tongue before he was suddenly pulled into a hug.

He hadn't gotten a hug in years.

(Well, one that didn't feel suffocating or threatening at least.)

And he sure as hell as never seen Technoblade cry. Not in his whole lifespan.

Even when they were just toddlers and slobbering weird babies, Techno was always the quiet and observant one out of the three of them.

"Techno..?" He mumbles, so hesitant to even brush his fingers against his back incase he would draw back with alarm and have a feral look in his eyes.

But he didn't.

He only squeezed him tighter and sobbed in his shoulder, crouched over his frame in a slight awkward angle.

Techno was crying. He never cried before.

"H-Hey big man, is- is everything okay?" Tommy whispered, his voice cracking and scratching against his throat. Must be sore from all the yelling and crying he did earlier.

Dying hurts like a bitch.

"Tommy..." Techno finally spoke, his voice sounding so small and heartbroken he almost didn't recognize it. "Oh my poor Tommy.. My poor Tommy, I'm so sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

What?

That can't be right.

Techno hated him.

Tommy knows he's in a different universe but not a different time line because he looks the same as he did a couple years ago, but Techno hates him. He left him and Wilbur with their dad, he stopped talking to him years ago.

Why is this one different?

He doesn't understand.

"O-Oh, please... please forgive me.." Techno sobbed, holding him so tight and close, more than Tommy has ever had ever since pogtopia. "Please, I didn't mean to leave you."

And something tells him he means it.

"I-It's okay." Tommy whispered, slowly returning the hug. He stared off into the distance, wondering why he felt his heart warm. "I forgive you, I forgive you.."

He didn't know what else to say.

Chapter Text

"Happy birthday Theseus!" Technoblade announced in a high pitched voice and a smile on his face, carrying in a long wrapped present in an obvious shape of a sword, and balancing a small cake in the other hand.

The birthday girl jumps excitedly in her seat, staring star-eyed them. The sight reminded him of when she was a baby, curious and full of endless life.

Theodosia had to hold herself from blowing out the already lit candle as the cake was set down in front of her.

She looks up at her dad and he nods. "Go right ahead, make a wish."

She closes her eyes and puffs out her cheeks, some curly strands falling in front of her face. She reopens them and blows out her candle, smiling big when Techno claps loudly and cheers.

"Alright, this one is a big one." He says, holding out the long, wrapped present to her.

Theodosia was quick to tear through the wrapping, her smile only growing bigger when she sees the shiny iron sword, her own nickname carved into the handle and filled in with gold glitter.

"I have my own sword now!" She exclaims, beaming up at the piglin hybrid. "Does this mean I can train with you?"

Technoblade pretended to think about it, humming lowly and looking away. "You know what... Why not? You're old enough." He shrugged with a grin. "I started training when I was eight."

"Liar!" Theodosia laughs, resting the sword against the wall.

"No, I really did!"

_

They had a few slices of cake and tested out the sword before it was Theodosia's bed time. Techno had continued his reading of the Greek myths of the gods, more specifically the tale of Theseus, and tucked her in.

Besides from the sword, she also got a really fancy jewelry box and a two new necklaces, now resting on her dresser.

He paused in the doorway, glancing back at the blonde who was about to turn off her lamp when she noticed his hesitance.

"What's up big man?" She asks, raising a brow and sitting up.

Techno sighed and sat back down on the foot of her bed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Did you.. Did you really enjoy your birthday?"

"Huh?" Theodosia frowned, she wasn't expecting her dad to say that. She thought he maybe forgot something.

"Well you didn't get a lot.. of presents and.. you probably wanted more than just four small gifts huh?" He mumbled awkwardly.

Theodosia had to push down another the urge to laugh. Not in a rude or condescending way, it's just a little funny to watch a big and tough man act all shy and insecure.

"And.. I'm sorry that you didn't get to have the birthday you wanted." Techno shrugged stiffly.

"Let me stop you there, big man."

Theodosia looked up at her dad, taking a real look at him. He looked tired and... sad. Her prides probably gonna hurt after this. "I love you."

The look he gave her was 1000% hilarious but she'll laugh about it later.

"I love you because you're you; my dad. I love the things you give me, even if it's not 'much' like you think. And.. I wouldn't have you any other way." She said calmly, smiling at him proudly. "You're doing great."

And then Technoblade burst into tears. Nah just kidding, but he did looking close to bawling his eyes out.

He laughed, wiping away a single tear that managed to fall. "Who- Who taught you that? Last I checked I suck at emotions."

Theodosia giggled. She knew he was grateful.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

He never got a response, the quiet finally getting to him and he began to shake.

Chapter Text

Tubbo and Tommy were doing as they do every day; fight with wooden swords in the empty field that was close to the Tommy's house, competing with each other playfully and just having fun.

It was nice, compared to the amount of times they've been thrown into wars and have yelling matches with the adults of the server.

Today was their break from all the drama.

Or, well, it was supposed to be.

They were laughing loudly and obnoxiously, as one teenager does, when Tommy fell over in the dirt and broke his sword. Tubbo was about to declare his victory when a loud and sharp sound of wind came from above.

Both their smiles fell as a large shadow of a cylinder appeared above them.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Tommy shouted, scrambling out of the way and pulling Tubbo with him.

They barely made it when the unknown object crashed to the ground, creating puffs of dust and dirt particles flying. The two teenagers coughed and waved their hands to try and clear it around them.

They were stunned to silence when a bright purple glow came from it as a metal door slid open, steam flowing out and the mechanics hissing, a shadowed figure climbing their way out and looking around.

The dust clouds slowly departed and made their view clear. Tommy variously nudging Tubbo's arm with his mouth agape, the brunette nudging him back a little harder.

There stood an alien, that was obvious from the antennas and two more pair of eyes beneath the normal ones, and the fact that it came from a UFO.

Yet this didn't alarm Tommy in anyway, for some reason. Maybe it was the fact that almost everyone on this server had some strange abilities or a hybrid of any sort.

"Holy shit! This is so fucking cool!" Tommy manage to exclaim with a huge smile. Tubbo nodding before his face fell as Tommy began walking towards the alien.

He quickly grabbed onto his hoodie sleeve. "Woah, woah. Wait a bit boss man, what if they mean trouble?" He whispered harshly and rather loudly.

The blonde tuts and shakes his head, "I'm sure that wouldn't happen Tubbo, they look harmless!"

Before he could say another word, Tommy was already striding up to them and calling for their attention, Tubbo sighed loudly before following after him.

"Hey! Big man, what's up?!" Tommy called out, waving his hand in the air and having a big smile on his face, too excited at the possibility of gaining a new friend that was absolutely extraordinary.

The alien had pale skin and dirty blonde hair, a purple hoodie that looked fairly comfortable. Overall normal clothing for a not so normal person.

He glanced away awkwardly for a moment before returning Tommy's gesture. "Uh, hi."

Tommy paused before letting out a quiet gasp, eyes focussed on the stranger's head. "You're hurt! Did you hit your head on something when you crashed?"

The alien hummed questioningly and gently touched where he assumed the hurt was. "I didn't even noticed," He drawn his hand back, dark purple bits of blood on his fingertips.

"Here, let me-" Tommy said with a worried, light frown, walked closer and bringing his hands up. "It looks small enough for me to heal it."

A soft red light glow came from his hands, surrounding the cut for a few moments before it slowly disappeared and he took a couple steps back.

"Wow, thank you, it feels like it never was even there." He said with a hint of a smile. Amazement shining in his eyes, even if it was subtle.

And that seemed to be enough for Tommy to beam at him, "No biggie, big man. Let's be friends!"

"Oh, uh, sure."

Tubbo blew raspberries, folding his arms and glancing between them, feeling an unfamiliar bitter feeling swirling in his stomach while watching the them interact.

"Hey, Tommy! Do you wanna come with me to kidnap some bees?" Tubbo asked with a grin, jogging up to the younger who just got finished farming in front of his dirt house.

Tommy took off his gloves and gave him a nervous smile. "Sorry big man, but me and Purpled already have plans right now.. Maybe later?"

That's when Purpled, or the alien that arrived a couple months ago, came out from the hobbit house while typing away on his communicator. "You ran out of coal and low on iron, we should-- Hey Tubbo."

"Hi." He responded dryly with a slight furrow of his brows, barely sparing the alien a second glance. Tubbo gave Tommy a quick wave. "I'll see you later when you're free."

He turned and began to leave, but not without casting Purpled a quick glare, making the alien confused.

"Wait! Do you want to stay and help us?!" He heard Tommy call out behind him.

"No, I'm good!" Tubbo called back, his fists clenching. A feeling of betrayal sets in his heart, anger creeping in towards the two, mostly towards Purpled.

He knows it wasn't his fault, but couldn't Purpled steal someone else's best friend? Anyone else besides Tommy?

Tommy was supposed to be his best friend, but now they barely even hang out as much as they used to because of that new alien guy.

Tommy was so interested in him and learning about his story ever since that day he crash landed here. Everytime Purpled would get hurt, even a simple and small paper cut, Tommy would drop everything and rush to his side to heal him. That used to be Tubbo.

Did he do something to upset him..? Is that why he's distancing himself so much?

He doesn't understand.

They were sitting at the bench, Tubbo finally mustering up the courage to bring up his feelings, the sun just starting to set and birds were twittering in the background, a gentle breeze brushing through their hair.

"Hey Tommy? Can I ask you something?" He spoke up, fidgeting with his hands as he stares down at his lap with furrowed brows.

"Of course. Anything you need?" Tommy replied, turning to him with a tilt of his head.

"Um.." He hesitated. What if this ruins their friendship? "D-Did I do something to upset you?"

"What do you mean..?"

Tubbo gulped. Better now than never. "You've been so distant with me lately and hanging out with Purpled more and more ever since he arrived, and.. Prime, it's so stupid but.." He took a shuddering breath and looked back at him.

"I feel like you don't like me anymore. Like you prefer him over me now, and- and that scares me." He confessed, feeling his throat tighten and his vision blur with unshed tears. "B-Because I don't want to lose you."

Tommy's eyes had widened and he stared at him, listening with parted lips as guilt set in.

A tear slid down his face, falling and dampening his pants. "You're my best friend Tommy. I really don't want to lose you to an alien of all things." Tubbo laughed bitterly.

"So- so please, can you tell me if I d-did something wrong to make you forget about me?" He whispered, bringing his hands up to wipe his tears away. "Am- Am I being too sensitive?"

Tommy sighed but a sympathetic smile graced his face. He scooted closer and held his hands, despite neither of them being a fan of physical affection. "No, you're not being too sensitive or anything of that sort Tubbo. Your feelings are completely valid bud."

Tubbo copied his smile, feeling more tears replace the old but this time they were more filled with relief than fear and sadness. "Really?"

"Yeah! I'll never forget about you or not include you ever again. It's not your fault Tubbo, I was just too excited about having a new friend that I forgot about the one I already had." Tommy pulled him in for a tight hug, resting his chin on his shoulder and he could feel his smile. "I'm sorry for hurting you."

And Tubbo hugged back even tighter, his heart swirling with tranquility.

.

.

.

"Is it the wrong time to mention that me and Purpled are fiancés?"

"Are you serious?" Tubbo deadpanned, pulling away.

Tommy barked out a loud laugh, and Tubbo broke into a smile of his own, surprised at himself for not feeling any more jealously or sadness at hearing the news. He also found that he didn't mind Purpled being added to their duo- er- trio now.

Guess that's what closure does.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Believe it or not, Tommy used to be religious. He used to pray everyday to the prime God, before eating dinner and when he waked up and before going to bed. He wore a prime necklace underneath his shirt all the time, rarely ever taking it off.

His parents raised him to believe in the Prime goddess and Lord XD, they gave him the necklace before leaving to far out lands when he was a fourteen.

Wilbur was a family friend and kept an eye on him, the rest is history. His parents stopped sending him letters and returning his calls after his fifteen birthday.

But then he was exiled, and XD stopped listening to his prayers.

There used to be this feeling in his heart after he prays and for the rest of the day, he used to feel happy for himself and relieved for praying to his god.

And he didn't know what he did wrong or if he was just too busy for him, but one day that feeling just left him no matter how much he prayed. The abusive markings on his skin grew worse and more frequent and his heart was ultimately breaking.

He remembers crying and begging for his god, or anyone the very least, to save him as Dream grew unhinged and angry, hurting him so much he couldn't breathe.

He begged, and begged, and begged, and begged.. for another chance.

He was left alone in the pile of his own blood and starving, Dream having had took the rest of his food once more. He couldn't eat very well for a long time when he returned.

No one answered his calls.

He was alone.

Whatever bit of hope he had left had faded away that day.

He escaped soon and was back in L'manburg where he felt at least a tiny bit safe, they locked Dream away but he still hadn't told anyone of what happen in exile.

Tommy made one dumb move, something so foolish of him that it made him what to rip his skin off just thinking about it. He visited Dream.

Then there was a lock down and he was trapped there for a whole week. It sounded so simple, but being in the same room with no escape from his abuser was torment for Tommy.

Especially when Dream killed him and brought him back to life, claiming to be a god.

"I'm a god."

"I'm actually a god!"

"I'm your god, Tommy!"

. . .

Tommy used to be religious.

But now he couldn't fucking stand even looking at a cross.

He couldn't stand walking by Church Prime, he wanted to tear it down and watch it burn. But he also didn't. He stopped going to church, he stopped praying, he took all of his prayer books and cards with quotes of XD and hid them away in a box he buried.

He tried his best to keep anything religion related off of his mind and never mentioned his old god ever again. Even if it connected him to his parents, he didn't care because it shouldn't hurt this much.

He shouldn't feel so neglected and betrayed and lied to.

But y'know.. it's kinda funny. Because who the hell was he to actually think he was special enough that XD himself would take the time and help him, out of all people?

Tommy couldn't believe he was that stupid to think that.

Tommy couldn't believe he thought he was loved.

Chapter Text

"Tommy, you have to show us what you're hiding. You can't hide in there forever, it's already been two days." Tubbo sternly said, crouching down close to the messy nest of stolen blankets, pillows, and clothes.

Chapter Text

"I have a kid!" Theodosia exclaimed proudly, holding up a spider hybrid toddler who just stared at the human boy. "His name is Shroud."

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

She had called a hand full of her most trusted friends to come to the shared mansion of Skeppy and her. It was about time that she told them the truth about herself, considering they only know her of being a man.

The group she called here consisted of; Antfrost, George, Dream, Callahan, and lastly her son Sapnap.

Speaking of which, she looked up the moment she heard the footsteps of her friends and their shouted greetings, her stomach dropping and her eye lights flickered.

She forced a welcoming smile on her face, having no human mouth and just a white silhouette with small canines that formed into a smile.

When they first met each other, they used to be scared by the very tall shadow demon but once they learned they were a huge softie, they looked forward to her smiles and didn't hesitate to bother her.

Skeppy immediately ran to her side and hopped up on her shoulder when she sat down to even all of their heights. It still amazes her how far this tiny diamond man can jump.

"Bad! I missed you, did you miss me?" He said, hugging on her hoodie and waving his hands, sticking his tongue out. "I brought them here just like I said I would!"

He drank too much coco coffee earlier, that's why he's a little more hyper than usual.

Bad chuckled and nodded, her tail curling by her side. "I see that, I'm glad you did. And yes, I guess I did miss you." Skeppy giggled like a hyena.

"What's the sudden meeting for? Did something happen?" George said, gaining her attention and her momentary happy mood slipped away.

"Is everything okay Dad?" Sapnap asked, walking closer than the rest. Bad waved a hand dismissively. "Everything's fine! I just need to get something off my chest."

"Is it Skeppy?" George joked. Skeppy crossed his arms and faked a frown as the rest laughed.

"No!" Bad laughed, but her smile slowly fading away and her stomach twisted in knots again. She fiddled with her hands. "I- um- it's actually serious."

Everyone quiets down at that and wore concerned expressions again. The growing tension didn't do any good for her.

Dream spoke up this time, his mask pulled aside. "It's okay, Bad. We'll listen to whatever you have to say." Callahan nodded in agreement.

"Okay, here goes nothing." She breathed out barely above a whisper, not meeting their gazes as she speaks. "I think- no, I know- that I'm transgender. I have been wishing for all of you to address me with she/they pronouns for a while now, a-and think of me as woman instead of a man."

Holy muffins that took a lot out of her to say.

It was silent for a couple moments and Bad squeezed their eyes shut, starting to feel shameful of herself. "I'm sorry--"

"Aw." BBH coos with a pout, her eyes filling up with dull red tears. Happy tears of course. Her voice cracked as she quietly asks, "Really?"

"Yeah. Just like Antfrost said we still love and care about you, nothing will change that." Dream reassured, coming closer as did everyone else.

"Are you still okay with your name?" George asked, fixing his giant mushroom hat.

"Yes, my name is completely fine." She replied, a smile growing on her face again. She felt Skeppy bounce on her shoulder. "You're BadGirlHalo now!"

And when she tells you her heart warmed, she means it. Well not literally of course.

"I have a mom now?!" Sapnap grinned, bouncing up and down and his tail whipped about behind him. He laughed with glee. "I have a mom!"

"I want a mom too. Can I borrow yours?" Callahan signs, snorting in amusement as his deer ears flickered. Everyone started laughing again.

"No! You can't steal my mom!" Sapnap half yelled, wrapping his arms around her stomach protectively and sitting between her legs.

The deer hybrid shrugged, "I could."

Dream suddenly gasped and pointed to Bad. "Group hug now!!"

George tilted his head. "I do I have to as well?"

"Yes!" Skeppy and Dream shouted at the same time and her fate was sealed.

"WAIT NOT AGAIN--" Bad tried to protest before she was attacked by her friends, all their added body weights crashing into her made her fall back with a groan that faded into a laugh.

Sapnap was hugging her waist with Callahan next to him doing the same, Antfrost had his arms around the same arm she had pet him with.

Skeppy had jumped on her chest just as Dream was at her left side with his arms around her neck. George had joined in after she fell, hugging her like Dream is on the other side.

"You're squishing me!" Bad said but made no move to push them off, and she was strong enough to do so, but she let them be. For now at least.

Right now though, she just laughed among with them and felt grateful that she had such amazing friends.

Chapter Text

"You're our sunlight Tommy," Dream said, slowly cradling his cheek and tilting his head up so he stared into the haunting mask he wore. A rare occurrence, the mask practically glued to his face.

Tommy wished that was the case as of now, since he hated looking into Dream's eyes that glowed neon green in the dark. It was scary everytime.

His own eyes traced over the crack on the porcelain mask, briefly reminding him of his own lightening bolt scar on the side of his face from Doomsday.

He made an uncomfortable noise when Dream's hold tightened. "And you will never leave us again, you're never leaving his grace."

Tommy's eyes widen and he grew more distressed as other angels were beginning to hold him in place as a larger presence grew closer behind him.

He began to struggle against the stronger hands on him, trying to twist his head away from Dream, who only grabbed his face with both of his hands aggressively.

"No! No, I don't want to!" He cried out in fear, feeling his throat and nose burn as tears blur his vision. "Please, just let me go home! I'll be good- let me go!"

Dream didn't even say anything, simply grinning sadistically as the angels spoke.

"We know you'll be good, you're finally where you need to be." The one on his left said, their voice soft and masculine but their hold never wavering.

"This is your home." The other said, voice feminine and monotone. "Stay still sir."

Tommy whined and shuts his eyes, not understanding how the angels that were supposed to represented peace and mercy and everything good in life could let this happen– even help this happen to him.

He's just a kid.

He doesn't know what he did to deserve this.

Another voice filled the silence, right behind him and making him jump, earning a chuckle from Dream.

"Have no more fear child. This shall be the end of your suffering on that affliction server. You will find great outcomes here with us after this is done with." The towering entity of XD spoke with calmness, but their words only striking even more fear in Tommy.

"W-What? What are you gonna do to me?" He choked out, cold tears falling endlessly down his face and he could barely breathe.

"Aww, little Tom.. don't worry, it's nothing too bad." Dream cooed with a poorly sugarcoated tone, bringing him closer and wrapping his arms around his neck, making Tommy's chin rest on his shoulder.

The blonde's hands clenched into fists, shaking in the angels grasps.  "I don't wanna.. please, I don't want to stay here!"

"You have no choice." XD spoke, surrounding him with unease.

"This will hurt!" Dream mocked cheerfully, shrugging his shoulders with an excited expression, leaving the younger blonde confused for a moment.

And then a needle was struck into Tommy's neck, making him cry out and his dam of tears break free. He distantly heard cooing from Dream before even more pain was added to his body.

His vision was covered in pure white, his hearing fading out momentarily and everything around him sounding muffled.

All he could focus on was the horrible pain in his back, unknowing of the blood bubbling out as wings burst out his back and feathers fly around them.

When he came back, his breathing was shallow and his bones ached.

He quickly noticed he was in the arms of XD, who looked so much like his abuser except with a mask with his name carved on it, the 'D' open and revealing a glowing green pupil in the dark abyss of his face.

Two large halos were above his head and even larger wings of four were wrapped around Tommy. "There, there." XD pats his head.

His cries never stopped, only slightly quieting down into sobs, even as his body freezed when another pair of arms wrap around him.

"You're never leaving me again." Dream whispered into his ear, tightening his hold for a second and hurting his ribs.

Tommy never hated someone so much like he does right now.

Chapter Text

Everyone was panicking, running in ever direction that wasn't near the withers chasing them, the big explosions sounding off next to them making everyone's ears ring as they all scream and cry.

Grime and blood on everyone's clothes and tears streaming from their eyes as their country is torn apart once more, leaving most their homes destroyed. The blasts of explosives knocked them back, causing some to have severe injuries and left to be saved by a friend or family member.

Tommy couldn't take it. He couldn't handle witnessing the merciless demise of his country.

The same country that he built with alongside his older brother, who had now passed away and formed into a ghost, a cold blue but happy shell of who he once was.

Much like Tommy has been ever since his death and his exile, except he hasn't have the sweet release of death yet and isn't happy. How could he be happy while he watches his home be blown up by two people he once called family with the help of his abuser again?

Tommy would rather be anywhere else than here.

So that's what he'll do. He'll fly somewhere else, somewhere far away and safer than this mess of a hell. Maybe it's an impulsive decision he'll regret or be grateful of in the future, but right now he could care less.

He could already feel the wind in his hair and feathers.

His wings behind shift, sensing his conclusion of flight. They were always a sight to behold, nothing like his father's wings, to which he is grateful of now.

Tommy's feathers weren't dark grey like his, instead a pure white fading into a baby blue that were very much like the colour of his eyes.

He wasn't allowed to use them while in exile, Dream saying that he would fly back to L'manburg if he allows it, which had made his wings feel a bit stiff and restless. At least Techno had let him fly around whenever he lived with him for the five months after he ran away from Logstedshire, so his wings healed.

Tommy took a stance, and with his gaze straight up at the sky, he took off.

He instantly felt relieved.

He was getting closer to the clouds, the wind felt a little humid under his wings from the smoke and ashes, but was still great to feel again.

He wanted to bring Tubbo with him but he wasn't strong enough to hold someone and he couldn't find him amongst the crowd of frantic people. Even in the air he couldn't recognize anyone with the face of his old best friend.

Hopefully he got away safely. Same with Niki, Jack, and Ranboo. They may not be his closest friends anymore and he was a sort of wary of them now, but they were his best friends once and he still cared for them.

Tommy was so close, so close to freedom and breathing in fresh air... when he was shot down.

An arrow pierced his left wing, another arrow landing a hit in his chest, both of them tainted with green particles swirling and giving it away of what it was. Poison.

And then he fell.

Tommy flapped his wings as hard as he could to try and regain his flight, but his body was pulled quicker and quicker to the ground. It was just too late.

He stared straight up towards the sky as he fell, tears quickly blurring his vision and he felt his injured wing fold.

The sun pleaded to have him back, the clouds swirling around to try and calm the sun, and gravity couldn't do anything to save him. All because fate was greedy in taking away his freedom.

He landed harshly on the side of his folded wing, earning a nasty crack, barely audible over his own screams. His lungs and body hurt so much he felt like he could pass out from exhaustion. Tears were streaming down his face and in that moment he could barely breathe.

He couldn't differ whether Dream's hurtful fists could even compare to this pain.

The sun was taken away from him, being shielded by the dark and stormy clouds and the harsh winds persuading them. He saw the flash of lightening before he heard it hit the ground.

The weather seemed to sense his upcoming demise of inevitable death and it cried alongside with him, the rain pouring down and mixing in with his tears, making it difficult to know if he was still crying at all.

He felt the blood before he smelt it, the raw iron scent making the seeping wetness on his back worse to experience.

He saw his wing that wasn't shot twitch next to him, outstretched and still desperate to fly despite the dirt on it's bent feathers. His other wing was surely broken.

His shoulders ached and he couldn't move his arms or legs.

That's when he saw the other arrow that had struck through him. It was weird to see something sticking out of your abdomen. He then wished he hadn't noticed, the pain grew worse in his chest when he did.

The rain forced the polite mix of dirt and grass to form into messy mud, further staining his clothes and the rest of him that touched the ground. If he survived this, it would be hell trying to clean the mud off his feathers and hair.

Tommy cried and sobbed for someone to help him, or at least be with him as he died, for what felt like hours. It probably was. Or maybe it was just ten minutes.

His throat burned and his eyes hurt from crying but he carried on until he heard the thud of multiple footsteps running. He sighed in relief when they grew closer and he instinctively chirped, his song a sad and broken tune.

"Oh," He rasped out, his voice just barely above a whisper. "Oh thank prime, I'm not alone anymore."

He slowly opened his eyes, not knowing when they had slipped closed, and smiled when he saw who it was. It was Jack. His old friend, Jack Manifold!

"Tommy?!" He cried out in horror, not expecting to find the injured hybrid when he followed the cries for help just as he was escaping the destruction of L'manburg.

"Jack!" Tommy chirped, surprising the older at the joy in his voice and the smile on his face. "I- I'm so glad you here, big man!"

"What the hell happened to you? How— Who did this to you?!" Jack says in shock, quickly crouching down next to the blonde, who he noticed was loosing quite a lot of blood. His hands hover over the wound on his chest, unsure of what to do.

Tommy's smile wavered at the corners, he blinked a couple times as if he didn't understand. Then it was like he remembered where he was.

"I don't know." He mumbled, whimpering a sharp pain coming from his wing. "I- I was flying. I was flying so high y- you should've seen it! It was s- so amazing, Jack.." Tommy's smile faded completely and new tears resurfaced. Not that either could tell with the rain. His voice cracked. "But then I g- got shot down.."

"Um, that's okay. It's gonna be okay!" Jack said despite his worried expression, frantically searching for anything that would help in his inventory. Barely anything was in it, none helpful at all.

"Shit.." He let out a shaky breathe. He realized he couldn't do anything to help him.

Moving him would only make the pain (and possibly his condition) worsen, his blood was getting darker by the second and his breathing is getting shallow and oh prime he didn't know what to do--

"Jack. Hey, hey. Jack Manifold!"

Tommy's weak shout made his head snap back up, his heterochromatic eyes wide with fear and his mouth was slightly agape. If he were to see himself he would've been embarrassed.

The blonde was staring up at him with half lidded eyes, a certain look in his eyes that made his expression soften with sadness.

"Hey big man.." Tommy spoke softly, a small sympathetic smile gracing his face. "It's okay, you don't have to do anything alright? You.. b- being here is good enough. I know you're doing you're best."

Jack hesitantly nodded his head, exiting out of his inventory. He pursed his lips and pushes his pride aside, gently lifting Tommy's head up and shuffled closer, laying his head down on his lap.

"Aw, thanks man." Tommy said, his smile growing.

"Don't mention it. Seriously." He responded quietly. He kept glancing around them, hoping for someone with good intentions would walk out into the clearing and help them.

Jack might've held a small grudge for Tommy forgetting about him and whatever, but he didn't want him to die, no matter how many times he tries to convince himself that he wants revenge.

Deep down, he still wants to make amends with him and be friends again.

"Hey Jack..? I don't- I don't think anyone's coming." Tommy whispered, his smile slowly fading away. His voice grew groggy and tired. "'S just you an' me, huh?"

Jack swallowed. He began to grow restless and scrambled to reassure him. "No, no, you're going to be fine. Someone- someone will rescue you! And your wing will heal, and we'll get out of here soon!"

"Yeah..?" Tommy looked at him with deep sadness because he knew the truth.

"Yeah," His voice cracked. "You're going to be just fine."

They both knew he was lying, but they still took some comfort in the little possibility that someone will find them.

They laid there in silence, the rain poring down and soaking them but they paid no mind to it. It was like that until Tommy spoke up again.

"Jack." He said, continuing when he got a hum in response. "I can't feel my wing anymore a- and my stomach feels numb.."

"What?! No!" Jack shouted, his face stricken with dread and heartbreak. He's already spilling away. "No! Th-That's not good at all!"

"It's not.." The blonde nodded as best as he could. His eyes were half lidded. "I- I'm s-scared to be honest. I don't wanna leave you guys, not like this."

"You're not dying." Jack forced out, sounding like he was trying to convince himself more so than him.

"I am," Tommy muttered back, his body decreasing it's fight inside. "I'm too cold."

"Then I'll warm you up." Jack tried to bargain, but everyone knew no one could bargain with death.

Tommy didn't respond, his eyes slipping shut.

"Is there anything I can do to help you?" Jack asked weakly, barely above a whisper.

"You what you could." Tommy struggled out in a whisper of his own, his skin turning paler as seconds ticked by.

Tommy was sad that he couldn't say goodbye to Tubbo, but he would wait as long as it takes. He did it in exile, he could do it again. Even if it's in some place far above in the heavens. Drista might be there, maybe she'll wait with him too.

Jack's begging became muffled in his ears, all he could hear now is beautiful strumming of a guitar. His wings didn't hurt anymore, and his body has never felt so healthy.

He let out a blissful sigh, subconsciously sealing the end of his life and letting go.

And meanwhile, he was unknowing of the mess he made of his past friend in the middle of a forest.

"I'm n- not ready- no, no, no— please d- don't go!" Jack had begun to cry, something that was so unlike him to do but his mind was so clouded with grief to care. "Tommy!"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry for hurting you. P- Please don't leave me again." He sobbed, hunching over his body that laid limp and silent in his lap. His arms wrap around his head, cradling it gently and wiping away blood and dirt.

His skin was so cold.

Jack lost his friend, and he didn't even get to say the things he want to say before he was already gone. He had so much to say.

Words don't matter anymore, he's lost his final chance. Tommy was dead.

Chapter Text

Large mists of smoke swirl around the hunched figure on the ground, the large bubbling lava falling in front of them shadows their face as they slowly stand. Dream smiles wide behind his mask, expecting the lanky teen of Tommy to be revealed and see his tear stricken face.

But as the boy's shadow grows and grows until it's inches taller than him, his smile drops and he stumbles back.

That's not Tommy..

Did he make a mistake? How?

He was so sure that he did it correctly. Just who did he bring back instead?

"What the- who are you?" Dream demands, shaking his head and straightening his back in an attempt to appear threatening. The unknown man finally moves, taking a step back and facing the lava, making his face finally visible.

Dream's breath hitches. So he did bring back Tommy, just maybe not the right one.

What appears to be the older version of teenage Tommy, runs a hand through his hair and lets out a long breathe of annoyance. "Jeez it's hot in here, how do you live like this?"

He blinked, almost at a loss for words before gathered himself again. "You're really are Tommy, aren't you..?"

"In the flesh! Though I don't recall ever meeting you in my life, stranger. But your Tommy did say that you're.." The older blonde purses his lips, crossing his arms and having a mocking look of thought. "Hm. I haven't cussed in a while so forgive me."

His blue eyes flicker back to the masked prisoner, a flare of a menacing judgment and challenge that reminded him of when Tommy had first challenged him.

Except this time there was no hidden fear or regret behind his persona.

"You're an fucking prick." He sneered.

Dream's suddenly mindful of the intimidating height difference between them.

There was also other things different about this older Tommy. He wasn't wearing a red and white baseball shirt, tan khakis, and his old grey shoes.

Instead he had on a black jacket with a fur hood, just barely covering a velvet red turtleneck underneath. He wore black cargo pants and cuffed fur boots.

There was thin silver necklace chains around his neck and he wore emerald earrings. And if Dream didn't know any better, he'd say there was an golden band around his middle finger.

But then again, he is known to make reckless and harmful choices. It was his thing after all.

Anyway, Tommy's hair was slightly longer and more curly, almost like a mullet, drifting to the left side of his face and partially covering his eye. He had light stubble on his chin that led up to his sideburns, his freckles more apparent and had spread down his neck and hands.

He wore round glasses that sat comfortably at the bridge of his nose, a thin golden chain dangling with a red bead at the end, connecting up to his emerald earing.

All of the scars that used to be scattered on his body were gone, only a single small scar on his eyebrow present.

He looked around Wilbur or Technoblade's age but still younger than Philza. Maybe in his late twenties?

"Now," Older Tommy broke his chain of thoughts, the blonde cracking his hands and a smirk turning his lips up. "Let's have a talk about what you've done, hm?"

This shouldn't be a problem, they sound like nice people.

Ranboo was new to him, half enderman and half.. unknown. He was more welcoming than Tubbo was but almost just as baffled, he could tell. He reminded him of a younger Techno.

After Tom explained what happened, he was surprised when his other timeline friend suddenly gave him a tight hug. Tubbo was never one for hugs.

"Is everything okay?" Tom asked softly, patting the teen's back gently. Having kids of his own made him learn how to comfort people better and have much more patience.

"I'm sorry, I just miss my best friend so much. He didn't respond to our texts since he visited Dream, I- I was so scared." Tubbo mumbled into his shirt, looking up at the blonde adult. "Is he okay? Is he coming back?"

Tom looked into his brown eyes and his eyebrows pinched together at the sight of a deep burn mark on his right side. Tommy had said both of them had scars but he hadn't thought it would be this bad.

He also hadn't said who scarred either of them. Who would do such a thing to a child?

If someone would ever hurt his kids he'd go crazy.

Speaking of which, where is this boy's parents??

He pushed those thoughts aside to respond, keeping his voice away from revealing his anger. "Of course, Tubs. He misses you so much. Don't worry, he'll be back soon, okay?"

It was clear to see that Tubbo wasn't used to being spoken to like that, with much care and reassurance.

The deer hybrid nodded before hesitating, remembering how his Tommy didn't like much of physical contact anymore. "Sorry for hugging you, big man."

"No no, it's okay! I don't mind at all; I have kids back home and they love hugs so much I'm used to surprise ones." Tom chuckled as he adjusted his glasses, the dangling bead swinging. "You can hug me anytime for as long as you want."

Tubbo didn't detach himself from the hug and instead squeeze his arms a little, resting his head back against his stomach. If you squint, you would see tears forming in his eyes.

Tom didn't mind his sudden silence, his Tubbo sometimes would do the same, as do one of his own kids. His youngest girl gets shy when showing her affection.

The man was oblivious to Tubbo's newfound jealousy of his children getting open love from a wholesome father, one that he never had. Not even a mother. They left him years ago.

He never gotten even a single hug from anyone he had deemed a parental figure; they've never thought him as their son.

This was his first hug from an adult that actually felt safe. So excuse him if he latches on longer than anyone planned.

"Uh, if you don't mind me asking T-Tommy..?" Ranboo caught his attention once more and Tom smiled at him. "Just call me Tom to make it less confusing."

"Okay." Ranboo nodded. His expression got sadder as he continued. "If you don't mind me asking Tom, but why did you come to us first? Is there something upsetting our Tommy? Did- Did we do something to hurt him?"

"Oh, no! You both did nothing wrong." Tom exclaimed, fatherly instincts completely kicking in. "Tommy forgives you for the mistakes you did, he knows you didn't mean any harm, both of you."

"Really?" Tubbo whispers in a hopeful and shocked tone.

"Really." He smiles at him, guiding Tubbo along with him to sit on the couch. He had no issues with the change and sat down.

"Come sit with us Ran, I need to tell you both something important." Tom patted the spot next to him. The enderman drummed his fingers on the back of his hand before giving in and sitting down.

Ranboo flickers his gaze between looking up at Tom and the floor, still feeling nervous and skeptical of the whole situation.

"Even if you're from a different universe or some shit, you're still a bit bossy." Tubbo said half heartily, his mechanism of using humor slipping out.

It gained a genuine laugh from the blonde so it was okay.

'Please never change,' Tubbo thought solemnly, staring up at him. He wished his Tommy could've had a happy life like this one did.

"What did you want to tell us?" Ranboo asked, taking out the allium from his suit pocket, twirling it between his fingers to occupy their nervous twitching.

Tom nods. "So little 'ol alternate me had said it's very difficult living here. He said.. you were having some trouble coping after the wars. Well, not in those exact words but I knew that's what he meant."

Both of them made questioning hums.

Tom sighed, shaking his head in disapproval. "I don't know why these people in this server even let you in wars. You're both kids, you shouldn't have to worry about that."

Tubbo pursed his lips and mumbled a 'yeah'. Ranboo didn't meet either of their eyes, and not because he's part endermen. They were surprised he even said that, since everyone else ignored that part or acted like it was an achievement.

Neither Tommy or Tubbo were proud of fighting in the L'manburg wars. They were terrified and didn't know what else to do, also wanting so badly to prove something to their older friends they looked up to.

It's not something to be proud of. It ruined their friend, destroyed their home, and killed so many people. It was horror that was brushed off by everyone.

Ranboo hated watching the destruction of the country, it made him wonder how much more it hurt his friends. He doesn't know how to help that, and it makes him feel so sad.

"I'm sorry you had to endure that. Neither of you, including your Tommy, should be hurt or punished for something you couldn't control." Tom continued, his voice fading to barely above a whisper and filled with frustration and sympathy. "Someone should've been there for you."

They didn't know what to say, but they felt relieved that an adult was finally saying the words they've been yearning to hear for years.

"Tommy told me he loved you both so much, and he feels bad about never saying it. He thinks you would get angry with him if he did." Tom said.

He knew their younger version of him currently didn't have the right mentality to directly say his vulnerabilities to anyone, so he'll speak for him while he's here.

"What, why?" Tubbo asks with a frown, brushing his bangs aside. If you studied him closer, worry was in his eyes. "I thought he felt safe with us? With me?"

"He shouldn't feel bad about it.." Ranboo mumbles sadly, although he does have a feeling he knows as to why Tommy gets distant. He just couldn't remember.

"He said he felt scared, even if there was no reason to be scared with either of you." Tom replied, keeping his expression controlled despite his heart aching for the teenagers. "He feel does safe with you, never doubt that. But from pass experiences he's now too afraid to say it aloud."

"Oh." The deer hybrid calms down, but now he feels sad again. He looks down. "I get like that too."

Tom purses his lips, glancing between them and wishing so badly that they had a happy ending and beginning like he did.

"Tubbo, Ranboo.. Is- Is there anything I can do to help you?" He asks with pinched eyebrows, his eyes reflecting their shared sadness.

The younger two looked up at him and each other before slowly shaking their heads in sync.

"No, sorry boss man, but there's not a lot you can do." Tubbo spoke for them. He paused for a moment and gave Ranboo another glance. "Unless we can have another hug..?"

Tom laughed and nodded, "You're so silly, of course you can!"

They both lit up with smiles and embraced him, the blonde giving them securing and comforting squeezes while they laughed and squeezed back.

"I'll give you as much hugs as I can!" Tom exclaimed. "I'll give you lot the moon and stars if that's what you wanted."

"That would honestly be dangerous for our solar system." Ranboo sweat dropped with a grin. Tom snickered.

If he wasn't protective before, then he sure is now.

Chapter Text

Things have been going great ever since that fateful day of being rescued by the one and only BBH.

Tubbo and him have settled things between them and Tommy helped him reside from being president, and even helped him with his wedding with Ranboo and babysits their adopted piglin son whenever.

Dream had been scared off enough to leave them alone, only ever sometimes watching them from a far before fleeing into the woods. Each time they see him they bring out their swords with a silent threat.

George had came up to Tommy a few days after his almost exile and apologized, saying that he should've pressed harder to Dream and helped him. He gave him a mushroom pin as a gift too.

Tommy had instantly forgave him and told him it wasn't his fault, giving him a big hug while George made uncomfortable noises but still had a smile on his face.

The blonde wears the mushroom pin on his shirt everyday.

Quackity makes sure Tommy still doing okay every few weeks with visits or text messages. Their meetups were so refreshing and fun.

Fundy had went off to do his own things but still keeps in contact. They've mend some things between them and bond over the hurt Wilbur gave them.

Niki had eventually forgave him and started talking to him with real smiles again with the help (and therapy) of Puffy. She had started baking again and oh, how he missed her baking.

Jack was a little harder to get through but eventually he gave in and confessed his feelings, to which Tommy did his best to validate and help with, mustering up to tell his own side of the story.

Their friends again, sometimes having small arguments that easily get forgotten or dealt with. Like they used to.

Jack and him had even made a cool hotel together named 'The Big Manifold-Innit Hotel'! Well, Sam Nook (a robot Sam had built for him) did most of the building and they just got the supplies.

It was still fun though!

Tommy and his friends finally felt safer now that Dream's gone.

So Tommy had decided to go on a couple month adventure now that everything is okay again. Bad had fathered him and fussed over what things he had the day he left, he can still remember the tight and warm hug he gave him.

They didn't stop talking though in that short period of his break; both of them sent messages and letters almost everyday.

It was honestly the most fun Tommy had ever had in so long. He saw so many beautiful sights and brought back fancy trinkets and trades from foreign villages. The only problem was Bad.

In their messages, Bad's writing had been drifting more and more towards this 'red egg' that grew underground. It made him concerned enough that he cut his trip a few weeks shorter and turned right around.

And when he came back, he didn't expect to be met with giant red vines wrapping around his shared home with the elder demon, no did he expect everything to be quiet and devoid of anyone home.

He called for Bad and searched the kitchen and his room, where he usually was found. He peaked in the little rooms made for Skeppy, and he risked burning his clothes to look in Sapnap's room.

Even if it's been a while since Sapnap has lived with them, he had moved out to live with Karl in a kingdom they made, but he still left most of his stuff in his room.

No one was anywhere.

Tommy huffed and pulled out his communicator, dropping his bags in his own room and paced back on forth, ringing Bad up. He noted that none of the vines hadn't even touched his door, nonetheless crawl it's way in his room, unlike the other's.

A little weird. He was glad either way though.

"Hello?" Bad's voice spoke through the phone. Tommy perked up.

"Hey BBH! Where are you? I can't find you or anyone home! Not even Skeppy and you know how he is." He ranted with a chuckle at the end, the demon chuckling too before pausing.

"Wait, you're here?! Why didn't you tell me you came back?" Bad asked with both excitement and slight worry.

Tommy didn't want to tell him about his own worrying about the egg, so he tried to come up with a reason on the spot.

"I wanted to surprise you! I missed ya lots out there. I also didn't really know where I was going either and didn't want to stray to far and get lost." Tommy huffed a laugh as he finished his rant, trying his best to not appear too awkward.

"Aww, I missed you too!" Bad said in a high pitched tone, a big smile obvious in his voice. "You said you're at the house right? I'll come and get you. Oh, I have so much to show you!"

"Yup, still here waitin'. I'll see you soon big man." Tommy replied and hung up after the other said 'see you soon', pocketing his communicator and running his hands over his face, loudly sighing.

He let out a screech, the sound being slightly muffled behind his hands. Why did he feel so nervous?

Why did it feel like something bad was gonna happen?

After a lovely reunion between the two giving each other a long hug and Bad almost crying in joy, they decided to start the tour of whatever was new to town.

To be honest, Tommy was disturbed at the sight of the giant prison built and had questioned Bad about it. He just shrugged and said it was one of Sam's projects.

(Which was strange since Sam hadn't even mention anything about building a fucking prison of all things.. He'll ask him later.)

Another thing that bugged him was the thick vines that plagued half of the grounds, even worming it's way on to buildings and homes. The sharp redness of them made him uneasy.

He stared at Bad's back, noticing the red outlines of the his clothing had been practically drained into pale white. Small and thin red vines were wrapped around his neck like a collar. He could see faint scratches around it.

He wanted to rip it off his father's neck, whatever the hell the plant is. He wanted to stomp on it and tear them all apart, but he forced his arms by his sides.

Tommy took a breath in and voiced his concerns. "Hey uh, Bad? What's with all the vines around here? Did a plant infest the SMP?"

Bad looked behind him down the boy, the white slits of his eyes widening and a silhouette smile grew. "So you did noticed the egg's vines! I was wondering when you'd ask."

"Yeah, didn't really know how to bring it up." Tommy said with a forced chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

Bad turned back looking ahead, continuing to lead the way to somewhere he hadn't mention of yet. "Don't be nervous Tommy, it doesn't bite."

He pursed his lips. That sounded unnecessarily mysterious.

"Anyway, like I had told you once over our chat letters, the egg is something amazing I had found. I'm not the only one who saw the egg's potential." Bad gestured around them. "The egg is already making this server a better place."

Tommy stopped in his tracks, his frowning growing deeper, tilting his head. "A better place? How can an, uh, egg do that exactly?"

"Hm." The demon paused as if he was listening for something, standing there silently for a few moments before turning around with a happy expression. "Why don't I show you!"

"What-" He barely got out before he was being carried in the shadow demon's arms. He didn't have time to fully process it as Bad started sprinting. "WHATT?!"

Tommy was gently placed down on the crimson floor, coughing into his fist at the dense air. It was like the Crimson Forest from the Nether had plagued the room.

What the fuck is that in the corner?! How can an egg get that huge?!

Bad walked past him until he was standing in front of the giant egg. He spun around and spread his arms wide, his tail swooshing behind him and white eye lights thinning in a grin. "Welcome to the Eggpire, Tommy!"

That made Tommy freeze.

Bad looked so much like pogtopia Wilbur, when he lost his mind.

He hated being correct, in this sense at least. He had hoped that he was just over thinking everything and Bad was okay.

"BBH?" He said with his tone pitching high, his concern and fear showing. "You're acting very strange.. Are you doing alright? Is- Is there anything I can do to help you?"

He took in a shaky breath, his mind flashing to the memories of Wilbur yelling at him and hurting him and the next second sobbing into his shoulder, variously apologizing. It had been maddening.

He didn't want BBH to become like him. But he didn't know what to do.

"You know, it's valid to feel sad and stuff, Puffy does really good therapy sessions if you need someone to talk to." Tommy ranted, avoiding eye contact. He jumped at the sudden loud laughter.

"Tommy, I'm fine!" Bad giggled. He didn't believe that. "I'm more than fine, now that you're here!"

"Really?" He squeaked out, leaning away slightly.

"Yes! The egg is very interested in you and wants to get to know you, isn't that exciting?"

'No. That's terrifying.' Tommy thought as his eyes widen, gaze darting to the red vines that started to drag themselves across the floor towards his direction. 'Shit.'

He made eye contact with Bad, who started to tilt his head with a light frown forming.

'I need to leave.'

He made a run for it.

Tommy was so close to leaving the cave before two large vines took hold of his ankles, yanking him and making him fall. He screamed as more vines caught him and wrapped around his body.

He tried to move his arms and kick his legs, but they simply tightened. He felt trapped.

What a shit luck it was that he was claustrophobic.

"BAD!" Tommy shouted as he struggled, turning his head to look at the demon who just stood there, watching. "BAD! PLEASE-! Get me out of here!"

"I'm sorry Tommy, but I can't." Bad said in a sympathetic tone, clasping his hands tightly until they shook, the vines around his own neck visibly tightened.

He couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.

"Why?!" Tommy cried out, stopping his struggling and stared at the man he had trusted with his soul to nothing to help.

Distantly, he heard voices whisper, overlapping and sinister. At first it was a mumble.

"Just listen to the egg." Bad said, his voice becoming quieter than before as he looked away. "It'll help you get better."

"B- But I am better! I promise!" Tommy pleaded with his last hope, a part of him already knowing everything he did now was useless. "Don't let it take me!"

He hadn't known when he started to cry, or when the vines carried him closer to the giant egg. His panic grew, the crimson colour highlighting his figure.

"Please! I don't wanna listen! I want to go home!"

"Bad?! Bad, please, don't leave me here!"

"I'll be here the whole time, don't worry Tommy." Bad soothed with a small smile.

And all he wanted was to be held by a person he loves rather then suffocating vines.

You can be held, be loved, and never be ignored again, child. You can have your father back. Your family back. They can love you again. And you'll be happy.

All you have to do is listen to our song.

Tommy wants his dad to be safe, he wants his family to be home again. He'll do anything to make sure they're okay.

He stops fighting. He was getting tired anyway.

And all he remembers last is the colour red.

Chapter Text

They found the young alien in the mess of his crashed spaceship near a hill that wasn't too far from their home. They lived on a farm so they didn't have any neighbors to worry about or find him before they did.

At first, they were hesitant and wary to even get close to him. Techno had brought a bat, Phil had a frying pan, and Wilbur had a pillow.

He didn't know what he'll do with a pillow, but adrenaline rushes does wonders to the human mind. Technoblade during his tournament competitions proved that.

They moved aside all the broken metal pieces and brushed away the smoke with their hands, pausing in shock at the sight of an unconscious strange being still strapped in their chair.

It had two long dark grey ears that were hanging low and a fluffy striped tail, similar to a raccoons but the ears had thin whiskers sprouting from inside.

It had two scaled horns that were slightly curved on top of it's head, navy blue that shined a baby blue at different angles. Four mini horns were on it's cheeks, just under it's eyes.

It had curly blonde hair (that also looked like fur) that was a mess and almost covered one of it's eyes. It had long whiskers like a cat, a few bent from the crash and two canine teeth were just barely peaking out from it's upper lip.

A weird bright green spacesuit and a helmet that had the glass part broken, making cuts on it's face. Wilbur spotted what seemed to be something similar to a smiling emoticon badge.

The creature's blood was black as it trailed down it's face, the scratches and old scars on it's face a grayish colour.

The main thing that caught their eyes was how young the creature looked. Even if It was a whole nother species, each of them couldn't help but take it home and care to it's wounds.

They even placed it in their guest room with sheets tucked around it and a glass of water placed on the bedside. Wilbur took care of it's wounds and checked on them everyday.

At one point, Techno had snapped out of it and tried to reason with the others. He did have a point; bringing in an alien into your home with no weapons in the house was very risky and dumb.

But did Wilbur and Phil care? Nope!

The alien had been sleeping for a couple weeks by now, not once stirring or waking up and just quietly snoring. Even when they had to remove the spacesuit and clean the cuts with alcohol.

Luckily it was wearing clothes underneath that was unharmed and only had faint ash on the sleeves.

The fabric was fascinatingly soft and silky but also stern, having short sleeves that revealed blonde fur that had old scars scattered in various places and trimmed curved claws.

The shirt was white with a red upper half, like a simple baseball t-shirt. There was a black earpiece in both it's ears, blinking a small red dot in the middle of it, he was unsure if it was a hearing aid or not.

One of It's pant leg had to be cut (which was difficult to do) since a chug of metal had been sticking out of it, dark blood staining everything it touched.

The pants were a light brown and rough, almost hurting their hands. It also had four pockets, two on each pant leg.

A photo slipped out of the pocket they had to cut, two other completely different aliens in it while the blonde raccoon they found is in the middle.

They all were smiling and looked comfortable and close around each other, probably best friends or family members.

There was an alien on the right, shorter than the others and had deer antlers that was decorated with trinkets with small deer ears. It was holding on the raccoon's arm and making a weird symbol with it's hand.

It wore a thick puffy jacket with light yellowish fluff surrounding it's head, baggy pants with matching boots as if it was winter. It had an extra pair of arms that looked like a bugs, the other two pair normal but hooves.

Four big wings that looked like a bees' attached to it's back, a sharp stinger behind it. Brown hair swept to the side and red eyes piercing through camera lens, a golden and yellow flush to it's cheeks with hive patterns.

The other alien was the tallest and had a slight slouch in order to fit completely in the picture, split down in the middle of black and white, grey freckles on both sides.

It wore a suit that had red and green stripes, oddly human like clothing. It's ears were long and pointy like an elf, two equally long and pointy tails curling in front of the raccoon alien.

There was a floating crown thing above it's head of heterochromatic mop of hair. It's canine teeth clearly poked out of it's mouth and it had red and green eyes that looked dull and sparkled at the same time.

They all looked so young.

What made them truly wonder is how the alien they have now looks in the photo. It looked happy and scar free, neither of it's horns weren't broken.

The one in front of them looked almost nothing like the photo. They wonder what happened to it and how they crashed landed here.

Anyway, Phil had warned them that when it wakes up to be on high alert and expect it to become hostile. It made sense for it too, waking up in an unknown planet surrounded by strange creatures was quite alarming.

They didn't expect it to just stare at them silently with wide eyes, not making a single move and barely blinking. Wilbur noted that it's eyes were a much duller and grey blue than the photo.

Phil had tried to speak with it and show they meant no harm, but the alien had just chitter and lower it's ears, finally looking away in what seemed to be disappointment.

It flinched at every sudden move they made and stayed curled up on the bed, not eating or drinking anything they gave it, not even making any move to try and escape.

It's good to know that it at least let's itself fall asleep.

It didn't even lash out and get aggressive when Wilbur cleans It's wounds or when they get close or visit it practically every hour.

It didn't open it's mouth in a snarl or lift it's head other than adjusting it's position by a few inches, only giving short chitters and warbles. It did show fear and confusion through it's eyes.

After three days of it not doing anything and barely sparing food a glance, all of them grew worried for it.

They didn't want it to kill itself, death being this slow is painful and when it gets worse, Wilbur knew he wouldn't be able to look at it without crying.

He's not usually a sentimental or an easily sympathetic guy, but watching a child let itself slowly die out is saddening. Even if it most likely didn't understand what they said, he wanted so badly to help it and talk to it.

So one particular night, Wilbur's thoughts had made it difficult to fall asleep. It was the fifth night of the alien being awake and it still hadn't moved or ate, no matter how much they tried to persuade it.

He had realized that one of these days they will find the alien cold and completely unresponsive, starved and too unhealthy and they did nothing to help. He didn't want to be the one to bury it.

He couldn't attend another funeral. He didn't want to see another dead body, even if this one wouldn't be human.

But even if it's not human, it still had a sentiment mind, he could tell. Everytime he managed to catch it's eye there's something going on in it's mind, so cloudy and so many emotions he didn't know of.

Wilbur couldn't let him die.

He got out of bed and quietly made his way to the guest room where the alien resides in. He opened the door as quietly as he could to not wake his family, choosing not to completely shut the door behind him and left a crack open.

"Hey, are you awake?" Wilbur softly whispers, tilting his head so he could see the alien's face. He was indeed awake and glanced at him with confusion. "Oh good, hello there."

A smile grew on his face and he went closer to him, making sure his movement were slow and his expression was soft so the alien wouldn't get scared.

"Sorry if I woke you," Wilbur says despite knowing he couldn't understand him and the fact that he was probably already awake.

He got a small chitter in response, the alien slowly lowering his head back down on the pillow. His ear flickered in the direction of the door.

"I couldn't sleep. I, uh, kept thinking about you." He pursed his lips, glancing away as his eyes gloss over with sadness. "We're really worried about you. We- I don't want you to be hurt, even if we literally just met, um.."

"It's just, you haven't been eating or anything and barely take care yourself. I'm not an expert on aliens but I'm sure this isn't normal." Wilbur ranted quietly and looked him in the eyes again. Faded baby blue that reminded him of his father's the day his mother passed.

For a split second he could see him take his place along with his mother despite their major differences. The thing that all had in common was the sad, hopeless, and lonely look in their eyes.

"I wish I could understand what you're thinking.." He confessed, looking away again at the ground.

He was silent for a few moments, fidgeting with his sleeves before movement from the other caught his attention. He was instantly surprised.

The blonde alien was patting the empty spot next to him, his hand a little stiff from lack of use. He shuffled so his back was touching the wall but didn't look afraid or wary, almost as if he knew Wilbur meant no harm.

Said man perked up and looked at him with wide eyes, glancing between him and the spot, asking a silent question. When the alien nodded his head in confirmation, Wilbur moved closer very slowly, watching for any hints of alarm.

Even as he laid down next to the young creature and made himself comfortable, he caused no discomfort and instead it stared up at him, like it was waiting for him to continue speaking.

He decided to ask about the photo they found. "A- A picture fell out of one of your pockets when we were fixing you up. Who were those people with you? You looked different, happier."

The alien glanced away for a second with clear hesitance on his face, his ear twitching and a churr  coming from him. As he gazed back into his eyes, Wilbur saw that sadness was glossing over the alien's expression.

"Did they mean something to you? Were they family or friends?" He asks with furrowed brows, feeling both sympathy and pity for him.

He could barely imagine himself crashing on to an unknown planet with no one to understand him, having gone through obvious pain and suffering with invisible unhealed wounds that the alien had.

He would miss his brother and dad so much, especially if all his possible ways of connecting to them was destroyed.

The alien stared at him for a few seconds before nodding. Inside Wilbur perked up again. He could understand him?

Afraid of spooking him, he didn't address his hopes and paid attention to the current topic.

"What happened to them? What happened to you?" Wilbur asks, and the alien looks down at the comforter, their hands twitching.

"Well," Wilbur licked his lips albeit nervously and tried his best to say words of comfort. "Whatever did happen, just know you're safe here now. With us, I can promise you you won't ever have to feel that same pain again. We won't hurt you, no one will hurt you as long as me and my family are here."

He slowly brought his hand up, pausing to check for any disapproval. But the raccoon alien didn't move back or squeak loudly in fear, instead he simply got a look over.

With the alien's chitter of consent, he gently cradles his face, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. "And we're going to stay with you for as long as you wish. You're going to be okay."

He melted into the hold, his ears falling down and a mixed purr came from his throat. Wilbur pushed down a coo and his extreme inner excitement.

His fur was so soft. It felt like he was petting a well groomed cat with long fur.

Wilbur didn't know what happened to the alien's friends slash family, but he didn't mind. Right now the child of some sort needed protection and comfort and loving.

Maybe he was becoming like Phil, adopting any stray he sees without a second thought.

Oh well.

"I'll name you Tommy." Wilbur whispers with newfound fondness, scooting closer and letting him curl up close and lean in his touch.

Chapter Text

"You haven't quite made any effort to speak to me or much less stick around whenever I'm around," Philza said with a frown. "It's just surprising that you would even stay here, especially on the run from.. Y'know who."

"I guess." Tommy mumbled in response, trying to distract himself with whatever is in the house. He wasn't in the mood for talking, much less of a topic like this.

Phil didn't get the hint. "I know we aren't on the best of terms, but I'd like to know why."

"Why what, big man?" He asked, trying to tug on his patience. Maybe Phil has zero patience and he'll give up. (Tommy knows he's only hopeful thinking.)

"Why don't you like being around me, Tommy?"

He couldn't even open his mouth to answer, not like he should. Phil wouldn't like his answer. He would kick him out for thinking so lowly of him. He would lash out and take his things away like Dream would.. wouldn't he?

"You make me feel bad!" Tommy exclaimed, making Phil jump back in shock. The boy clenched his fists and slowly opened his eyes, expression softening.

He repeated his words slower, feeling embarrassed and not meeting Phil's eyes. "I don't like being around you, because.. you make me feel bad."

A few moments pass, momentarily silence filling the air and not helping with the racing thoughts of either of them.

"Kid, I- I didn't know." Phil finally spoke in a whisper, a light furrow of his eyebrows. He reached a hand out hesitantly, but took it back when Tommy stiffened.

"How could you?" Tommy forced out, shrugging his shoulders and giving him a weak smile. "We don't know each other, man. We're just.. friends of friends. Strangers with memories, at most."

Phil pursed his lips, glancing at the ground with guilt. "Yeah, maybe, but that does not excuse what I've done."

He looked back to him, folding his hands as he full hearted spoke the words the boy has yet to hear from anyone else truthfully. "For what it's worth, I am so sorry, Tommy. You were so young and I should've known better."

Tommy knew that it was best if he didn't say anything to consult the man's own hurt. From past experiences, he's frightened of saying the wrong thing, or making him think that it's okay and what he's done didn't have any long lasting affect on him.

Which was a lie. Every little thing Philza had done has had some type of affect on him, even if he didn't mean for it to.

From murdering one of his best friends right in front of him, to helping with his abuser and murderer's prison escape. That shit torn him apart.

It kept him awake so many nights in his room, the shadows watching him to the point where he could barely call his home his anymore.

It kept him from reaching the type of happiness and contentment that he longed for.

Tommy couldn't even breathe without the painful memories of clogging his mind, the faint burn of a hand belonging to Dream gripping his throat, never letting him go no matter how many miles he was from him.

It wasn't okay and they both knew it. There was no need to sugarcoat it. Philza was a fully grown adult, possibly even way past that point of age with immortality, and he could handle the truth.

"I.." Tommy started, lightly biting his lip. A part of him was still wary of exposing his weak points to him. "What you did seriously hurt me, Phil. I don't- I don't know if I can forgive you, I-I'm sorry."

He shouldn't be apologizing for the consequences Phil had known of. But old habits die hard, as they say.

"Don't apologize, I understand." Philza lowered his voice sympathetically and nodded, a small smile turning up his lips. He seemed to notice his hesitancy. "You are not obligated to forgive me or anyone at all, Tommy, alright?"

"Yeah," Tommy whispers, blinking away tears that burned his nose and most likely reddened his face. He nodded and fidgets with his sleeves, ignoring the way his voice previously cracked.

He breathed in and out, forcing his voice to be a little louder than the last. "Yeah, okay."

This turned out a little better than he thought.

Things between them weren't completely healed or forgiven, but it's a start to mending it.

And maybe Tommy could stick around longer this time.

Chapter Text

Forever waiting for that validation.

Forever waiting for that burst of courage and the opportunity to leave.

At this point, Tommy isn't sure which one he ached for the most.