Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 He unfurled his wings letting the cool air of the night brush through them. It was time.

The blaring alarms of the facility woke Tommy from his sleep. Red lights flashing in the halls were the only light in the dark. He jolted from his bed and ran to the door peering out the small eye slit at the top. He could see the other trainees leaving out of their rooms, clearly panicked but organized. They all walked in one direction following evacuation protocol, but one. It was the healer hero Lemon, the usual red and yellow balaclava covered his face as they raced down the hall. Pushing against the crowd, and past Tommy's room. 

Tommy watched as the halls emptied. His door was unlocked but still, he didn't leave his room.

A large boom came from the direction of where the hero ran, screaming and yelling followed. Taking a shaky breath he pushed open his door. The hall was silent besides the distant noise of destruction. The alarms had stopped blaring but the lights still flashed red. He knew he should follow protocol, but he was never one for the rules. He quickly made his way down the hall following where he thought the hero went, the sounds of fighting growing louder. 

He froze before turning the corner, cautiously looking around it. 

And there he stood, an Angel of death. His sharp talons embedded itself in the stomach of a guard. The sound of flesh ripping as the officer slumped to the ground. Blood splattered the green cloak of the villain, his wings pitch black in the blaring lights of the hall. The villain's head whipped towards his direction as Tommy ducked back behind the wall. He held his breath as slow melodic footsteps approached his position. 

He flinched as he heard a voice cut through the silent hall, “Is someone there?” It didn't sound like a question, but instead a malicious taunt. He knew someone was there. Tommy's heart pounded in his chest as the click of boots grew closer. 

“Zephyrus-” Another voice spoke, this one deeper than the winged villain. Zephyrus stopped just before the corner “Ares? Did we get what we needed?” The second villain gave a huff of approval. “Alright, I'll meet you out there.” Ares' heavy boots disappeared down the hall, and the winged villain chuckled. “Count your lucky stars,” he said, clearly referring to Tommy, still hidden behind the corner. The light footsteps of the villain disappeared down the hall after Ares. 

It was a week later when Tommy finally got answers. He sat outside of the disciplinary office. Fiddling with his clawed fingers in his lap. They were stained a dark red from his avian origins, not too different from Zephyrus. His mind remembered how he punctured through the guard like it was nothing. Clenching his fists he glanced up at the clock, why was he called here? Was it about the break-in? Is he in trouble not following protocol? Did they find out he saw Zepharus?

Possible reasons for why he was called there spun through his head, making anxiety pool in his stomach. He continued to look down at his hands, his eye-catching familiar numbers inscribed on his wrist. He's had them ever since he could remember. The door to the office opened slowly. Bad called to the young avian “Tommy, please come in.” 

Tommy sat across from Bad, the demon hero, better known to Tommy as the disciplinary advisor. His high-pitched voice betrayed his dark exterior. Tommy slumped down his wings folding awkwardly against the seat. Bad was a towering figure, his pitch-black face didn't help make him look any less intimidating.

“Now Tommy, Do you know why you’re here?” Really? He was going to start with that question? “No, I don’t.” He glared up at the demon. 

He hummed “Well I have a couple of questions for you if that's alright?” he asked as if Tommy could refuse to answer them. He waited for Bad to continue. “So during the break-in, last week, did you see anything unusual?” 

So this was about the break-in, did he know about him seeing Zephyrus? 

“No, I didn't see anything.” Tommy tried to sound as calm as possible, he could feel his wrist ache from the lie.

“Tommy.” Bad's face straightened “Tell the truth.”

“I swear! I was with the others when it happened!” Tommy defended his lie.

“I don't appreciate you lying,”

“I’m not.” Tommy shrunk in his chair, feeling Bad's eyes stare daggers through him.

He sighed at Tommy's disobedience “Fine, I believe you for now.” Tommy rolled his eyes.

“I actually called you in here for another reason too” Tommy quirked an eyebrow at him, curious. Bad’s demeanor changed, and his face softened. Eyebrows turned up in a sorrowful look.

“Tommy, during the break-in last week, Lemon was killed.” Tommy's breath caught in his throat, that couldn't be true. How, why?

“The syndicate killed him” 

Tommy could barely grasp what he was hearing. Lemon was dead? His mentor was killed? It didn't feel real, the one person he cared for in this god-forsaken place was dead. Tommy felt a hand on his shoulder, bad crouching down till their eyes were level. “I'm so sorry Tommy.” Tommy clenched his fists as tight as he could, feeling his sharp claws dig into his flesh. “Then what happens now? Tommy questioned. His face young contorted into a mixture of sorrow and anger.

Bad smiled, you become the next healer.

-

It has been almost a year since Sparrow's debut. His Red Wings, a symbol of hope and health. 

Tommy stood above the city scanning the wreckage of the most recent hero fight. Dream joined him at the edge of the roof “So what's the tally?” “12 casualties, 0 deaths” Tommy sighed, it had been a rough night, but at least it was a good report. “Good job, Sparrow.” dream patted his shoulder, “You should go rest up for the night.” But Tommy didn't respond as Dream left.

He grit his teeth nausea curling in his throat feeling the dried blood coating his skin. It wasn't his own, it was never his own.

Tommy left the building leaving the report to the police, making his way back to the facility slowly, using the rooftops instead of the street. He stopped to admire the gleaming white tower at the center of it all. Sure it was pretty, but why did it make his stomach curl whenever he saw it? 

He kept at a decent pace, flapping his wings a little whenever he needed some extra lift on a jump. Sometimes he wonders what it's like to fly. To be above the city at night where no one could see you. He could fly technically, but he didn't. It was illegal to fly, he never knew why it was outlawed. Perhaps it was because it was seen as dangerous, or because the government had a particular hatred of avians. It was common and practically mandatory to have your wings clipped every year.

That's one thing he enjoyed about being a hero was that he could enjoy the luxury of not clipping his wings. When he turned 6 and lost his baby feathers, they started clipping his wings. And every year he would fight it tooth and nail, he hated it. Only when he officially became a hero he managed to convince them not to. Sighting that it could help the hero agency's marketing for a hero to have wings.

Soon he was back at the facility, walking up to the gate. The guards let him through like usual, scanning the numbers on his wrist.

He walked through the sterile halls of the facility, heading to the east wing where he had stayed since he was promoted to the top healer position. The facility focused on training kids with gifted powers to be the best heroes, whether they wanted to be one or not. 

When he reached his room he scanned his number again. The thick metal door beeped as it was unlocked. It was a modest room, far better than the room he used to stay in when he was younger. It had one main room with a bed and a bathroom that also held a small washer and dryer. No windows were allowed so the only light was from the ceiling light.

A tray of food sat on his bedside table for him, but he was far too nauseous to eat anything right now.

He went to the bathroom to take off his blood-crusted costume to throw it in the wash. It was a bright red coat with a long tail that mimicked the tail of a bird. He took off his mask and placed it in the sink before turning on the warm water, soaking it to clean off the grime of the day's work. Tommy took a deep breath as he observed his reflection. His avian markings around his eyes only extenuated the dark bags that had formed from years of exhaustion.  His blond hair was curled in matted locks from his sweat. 

“Sparrow huh? They sure are creative.” A sarcastic tone coated his voice.

-

He could hear his alarm beeping beside him, but he didn't want to move. His bones ached from the past week of work but the sun did not rest so Sparrow couldn't either. With a grown he pulled himself out of bed. Throwing on his freshly cleaned gear, clicking the button to alert the guards to unlock his door. After a minute or two, a beep signaled its release. He walked down the empty halls again. It was always empty for him. He was awake before training started and back after the night curfew.

He walked past the cafeteria, and only a few guards sat in there waiting until the end of their shift to leave. Tommy walked past them and to the serving counter, a perfectly portioned meal sat on a tray for him. Reluctantly he took it and sat in his usual seat. He crammed down as much of the bland food as he could. Feeling his nausea from last night started to pick up again.

Tommy might be a very strong healer but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its side effects. It was manageable, but he hoped that today would be a calm one. He didn't know how much his body could take tonight.

He put his try back, passing by the guards on his way out. He noticed one watching him but didn't say anything. Instead he went through his usual routine of checking out and headed for the hero tower.

Being careful to avoid main streets as best he could. The sun rose on the horizon warm against his skin, countering the cool autumn breeze.

Sparrow had been a popular hero ever since his debut, his bright color and loud voice were very successful in the world of marketing. The initial hype had died down but he still was quite a notable hero. This landed him a role in the dream team. The top hero squad and he was the support healer. He had only been working with them for about six months.

He entered the plaza of the hero tower, spotting his patrol partner of the day. “Hey! Inferno!” he greeted his voice echoing on the walls. “Sparrow,” He greeted back, not quite as enthusiastically. Inferno pointed at the phone in his hand. Tommy walked up quietly to not interrupt further. Only hearing the tail end of the conversation. 

He always liked Inferno and looked forward to working with him every week, but by the look on his face, Tommy could tell something was wrong.

Inferno, looking up at Tommy with a sigh. “I'm sorry to have to ditch you like this, but something came up.” Tommy hummed “Nah it’s fine man.” The flame hero huffed, “Fuck, I was looking forward to hanging out, looks like you'll have to work with Dream and 404 today.” Tommy gave a nod, bummed out from the news. The hero gave one more apology before leaving in a rush.

Sparrow sat in the lobby, waiting for the rest of the squad to show up. They were always late to wake so he knew it would be a minute. He took this time to look at the morning news on his communicator. The top headlines are all about the fight last night. The ‘Hero Dream vs bomb villain’

The ding of the elevator signaled his squad's arrival. “Sparrow-” the harsh tone of dream calling him “Ayup,” he greeted in a much more casual manner walking over to the older heroes. 

“Where's Inferno?” they questioned 

“He said something came up.” 

“Did you ask him what?” 

“No? He was practically gone before I was in the door.” Dream scoffed at his answer.

“Fine, let's just go then” Tommy rolled his eyes, and mimicked dreams scoff. 

404 raising an eyebrow at him “Be tolerable today, he’s in a mood.” 404 warned. 

“Well, I'm in a mood, mood to fuck-” 

“Sparrow-” Dream cut in, “Not right now.” His porcelain smile mask contrasted his tone. Tommy huffed and followed the heroes silently. Tommy didn't hate Dream, but they sure did get on each other's nerves. They were polar opposites. Dream is calm, collected and always in control, vs Sparrow's chaotic and boisterous energy. It was clear why they didn't get along.

-

The hours went by slowly, stretched longer by Dreams and Sparrow's bickering. They walked down the street, stopped occasionally by a fan. It was seemingly a calm day, only agitating Dream further. Tommy noted how on edge he was, even more so than usual.

When their alerts blared from their coms, Tommy understood why.

It was the syndicate, they had attacked a well-respected lab. But something was off, why were they doing this now? 

It was in broad daylight, just barely past 2 pm. The syndicate never makes a move during the day. 

He didn't have time to think about it rushing over to the scene, just a couple blocks away from them. Crowds of people gathered at the entrance with their phones held high just to glimpse the scene. Police tape and officers holding them back. 

They managed to weave their way through the crowd, parting the wave of people after realizing who they were. 

The officers moved the tape for them to get through. They jogged up to the police chief "What's the situation?" Dream asked. "The three villains, Zepherus, Ares, and Revenant. They sent most of the people out, but have the head doctor as a hostage."

Dream gave a quick nod, "Okay I see. We'll try our best to get him out safely." The three of them walk up to the building's entrance. The chief quirked an eyebrow at them "So you're just going to walk in?" Tommy answered with a simple yep as they walked through the doors. 

The lobby was large, their footsteps echoing on the granite walls. "So where do we go?" Tommy asked, they didn't even know where the villains were, how could they save the hostage? "Maybe we should’ve asked a few more questions-" he thought out loud. 

"Just follow me, Sparrow." Dream was already fed up with him. Tommy was annoyed by him avoiding his very reasonable concern but followed the hero anyway. What else was he supposed to do? 

They went for the utility stairs and slowly made their way down to the main lab. The winding stairs were seemingly endless. A section of the stairwell had its lights off, making Dream stop. 

"This is the floor" he Whispered and conducted them to the door. "Be ready for anything" he said as he placed his hand on the doorknob. 

Quickly he flew open the door and rushed inside. No one was there. They cautiously made their way down the dark halls of the lab. A chuckle echoed from all around, the three heroes stopping in their tracks "Show yourself, Revenant!" Dream demanded. 

"Why should I do that?" The melodic voice of the villain made Tommy shiver. "What? You a pussy?" Sparrow taunted, gaining a scoff from the voice. 

The body of a man started to materialize down the hallway from them blocking their path. "This better?" Revenant stood only ten feet away, his body a silhouette, beside the two glowing eyes of his mask. The villain looked like a haunting shadow man. 

"Yes, now if you would be so kind as to let us though-?" Sparrow joked, knowing he wasn't gonna move. Gaining a laugh from the spector. "Yeah, no." 

Dream lunged and the man aimed a strike to his gut, but just as the hit should have landed, Revenant disappeared into the hall's shadows again. 

Tommy felt a kick land in the center of his back making him stumble forward. "You dick!" Tommy scoffed. 

Revenant appeared once again just behind the group. Sparrow slid into a defensive stance. "Dream you and 404 go ahead I'll fight this bitch." He said grinning under his mask. 

The two heroes nodded before running down the hallway. 

The villain stood tall spreading his arms wide, "Well? Come at me." He taunted. 

Sparrow made the first move, throwing a punch. Revenant disappeared as he did before. 

Sparrow felt another kick to his gut, it wasn't that hard. It was clear he was just toying with him. "Coward! You're just hiding!" He spat, annoyed by the villain's antics. 

His head whipped around as another blow hit his face. "I'm not a coward, simply an opportunist." The villain kept disappearing as soon as Sparrow tried to land a hit, and reappeared to strike the hero.

A slight breeze ruffled his feathers, from behind, he managed to dodge the villain's kick this time. "Oh ho, getting smarter~" 

Then another hit from the side, Sparrow blocking it with his arms.

Tommy Grit his teeth in frustration, but he had an idea brewing. Blocking another blow he grabbed the villain's leg before he could dematerialize again. He pulled it down and away from him. 

Sending the villain sprawling to the floor. Sparrow sprinted down the hallway away from Revenant. 

Revenant blended away into shadows following Sparrow closely. Sparrow came to a sudden stop at the staircase entrance.

"Running away already little hero? I thought you were the one who wanted to fight"

Sparrow grinned as he flicked on the light switch, Revenant standing a few feet away. Startled by the sudden bright light he didn't have time to react as Sparrow threw a punch at his face. He fell over from the blow. "You little shit!" 

Revenant cradled his face, Sparrow stood above him. His eyes quirked upward in a shit-eating grin "Sorry it was just a little hard for me to see before."

Revenant kicked at the hero's foot knocking him down beside him. "Bitch!!" Tommy cursed as he scrambled to his feet again. They were at a standstill, Revenant unable to use his powers, and Sparrow stuck guarding the light switch. 

"Mind moving?" The villain asked, "Yeah, No" he mimicked from their earlier conversation. 

Revenant was the one to strike first this time. They started exchanging blows. Sparrow was able to hit him a couple of times, unlike earlier. 

Their fight was cut short, and the sound of a large explosion came from above. The whole building started to shake. "What the fuck was that!?"

"Oh, shit" Tommy heard the villain mutter under his breath. 

"We need to get out of here-" Revenant said, 

"What about the others!?" He wasn't just going to leave them to die. 

"No time little sparrow!” Revenant lunged for the door to the stairway. Tommy let him pass, and started running down the hallway. “Where the fuck are you going, Sparrow!?” The villain questioned frantically. “I'm not just going to fucking leave them-!” He responded as the building shook again. “You're insane-” Tommy simply shrugged before continuing to sprint down the halls, searching for any sign of his Squad. Dust and dirt started to fall from above, and another explosion went off. 

Shit shit shit, where the fuck were they? He searched frantically, screeching to a halt as a pool of blood oozed out from under a door. He quickly threw it open, feeling instant regret at his choice after seeing what was behind it. The doctor sat dead in a chair he was tied to. Blood dripping from severed limbs and wounds Tommy assumed was from torture. He didn't have a pleasant death.

What he found odd was there were no signs of fighting in the room or hallways before. And with that no trace of the heroes or villains. Where could they be? The earth shook violently around him. Fuck he couldn't stay there any longer, he needed to get out. 

He ran back the way he came, choking on the dust that caught in his lungs. His mask wasn't as helpful as he wished it was. The roof tiles started to drop down from the ceiling, as the sounds of the bombs got closer to their floor. He was almost back to the stairs when he heard the distinct sounds of a cracking foundation. It felt like time slowed as debris fell from the ceiling above him. The feeling of a hand gripping his arm pulled him to safety from the collapsing roof.

He fell to the ground, the silence surrounding them as dust filled the air. The explosions had stopped, Tommy coughing violently as he sat up. He surveyed his surroundings. Revenant lay on the ground beside him. He looked like he had been knocked out. Without thinking, Tommy moved to try and nudge the man awake. Shaking his shoulder. “Hey- wake up” he chided.

The man stirred slowly, “What happened?” Revenant mumbled as he sat up, flinching as he placed a hand on his head. Sparrow was at a loss himself, not knowing how to answer he didn't. Instead, he looked around the room, the staircase was a no-go, and the hall to it was completely collapsed. Looking around it seemed like there was only one hall they could go down, and hope it had an exit.

Sparrow checked his communicator, no signal. Shit.

Sparrow stood up offering a hand out to the villain. “We need to get out of here.” Revenant looked up at him, “Now you're saying that?” he scoffed. But took Sparrow's offered hand anyway. Pulling Revenant to his feet, together they walked down the one hall that wasn't blocked off. 

Tommy's heart pounded in his chest, he hated this. It was dark and cramped, he could barely see anything. Having to rely on Revenant to guide them through the narrow passageway. “I bet night vision comes in handy for stuff like this huh?” Tommy asked, desperate for a distraction. “I guess but I don't usually get stuck in an underground lab that often.” Surprisingly he did not sound as irritated as Tommy expected. 

They scaled over some debris. Revenant reached out a hand to help guide Sparrow over it. “Um, so the question,” 

“Yeah?” Revenant turned to look at the hero, his glowing eyes were unsettling in the dark.

“Why did you save me?” he swallowed the spit that pooled in his mouth from the dust. “Like you could have left me to die, but you didn't. Why?”

Revenant hummed his voice changer making a weird buzz. “Well, the syndicate makes it a point to not hurt healers. I would have felt guilty if you ended up dying.” Sparrow scoffed at the answer. Bullshit. he thought. 

If they didn't hurt healers then Tommy wouldn't be a hero. When he got the news that he would become Sparrow it had come with an air of sadness. The night the syndicate broke into the facility, Tommy had been one of the last people to see Lemon alive. The only thing left of the healer hero was a severed arm. The agency pronounced him dead the next day, deeming the syndicate had killed him. And with the news of his death came a new era of heroes. The Captain retired right after the incident leaving the number 1 spot open for any hero to claim.

The silence of the cavern descended upon them again, Tommy didn't know what to say. “You know, that was very clever what you did earlier with the lights.” Tommy was surprised by the sudden compliment from the villain. “Really?” 

“Yeah, didn’t expect you to throw me across the room either.” Revenant laughed recalling Tommy’s quick moves. Tommy tried to resist smiling at the genuineness of the villain. “You're so weird.” 

“Tch, No I'm not” Revenant protested.

“Yeah, you fuckin are. Most villains don't usually compliment me after I beat them up.” He explained flatly.

“Well maybe I just have more class than other villains.” his retort made Tommy snort. 

“Yeah right, with that costume? Doubt.” The villain scoffed.

“You're so mean! I compliment you and all you do is insult me.” Tommy laughed lightly at how offended he sounded. 

“Are you asking me to complement you? That’s pretty pathetic.” He joked.

“Is insulting people the only thing you can do?” Tommy shrugged, and Revenant sighed.

They continued to walk, and Tommy started to calm down a bit. Their banter distracted him from the situation they were stuck in. But as they got deeper and deeper even their friendly banter couldn't keep the dread from seeping into their bones. “Damn how big is this fucking place,” Tommy commented as he climbed on top of a pile of rubble, his head barely skimming the roof, crouching to not hit it. They had only been stuck down there for 20 minutes but it had felt like hours. Tommy's eyes were adjusting to the dark making him able to see the outlines of objects, but his vision still wasn't nearly as good as Revenant's.

The villain made his way through the dark like it was nothing, I Guess that came with his abilities. Tommy thought. “So any idea if there even is an exit this way?” He asked the villain, not expecting an answer. “Well, from what I remember, we might be able to get into the sewer system somewhere down here. I just hope it's not blocked off”

This is such an odd situation, a hero and a villain working together to escape a collapsing building. It certainly wasn't something that happened every day. Then Tommy realized this was the longest he had ever spoken with the villain. Sure he would make some quips when they fought every once in a while, but never had it been an actual conversation.

Revenant made a sound of joy, “Yes! Here it is!” He said walking into a utility room, the door labeled employees only.  As Tommy walked in he noticed the various machines and engines that kept the used-to-be building running. Revenant walked to a hatch at the corner of the room. Gripping the metal wheel to try and twist it open. And failing. “Need help?” he asked, not waiting for an answer, Sparrow and Revenant opened the hatch. 

The stench of the sewer wafted into the room. Revenant looking down into the dark pit. “Heros first.” Tommy looked up at him, like hell he was going first.

After they had climbed down into the sewers Tommy groaned. “Great another maze…” Revenant patted his shoulder. “Just follow me, I know these tunnels like the back of my hand.”

“Is that cause you're a rat?” 

“Oh, fuck you.” They both chuckled. Tommy felt a wave of sadness and relief wash over him as they climbed out of the gutter in an alleyway a few blocks from the building. He was relieved he was out, but also sad because he kind of enjoyed talking with the villain when they weren't fighting.

Sparrow turned to the villain sighing. “Revenant?” The villain turned to him, his mask looking far less intimidating in the light of the day. “Thanks, for getting me out. I owe you one.”

“Sure.” a tinge of sadness in the villain's voice. Tommy offered out a hand for him to shake. “Genuinely, I would have died without your help” Revenant hesitated before taking Sparrow's hand. Not saying anything, just giving a jerky nod.

Now it was time for them to part ways. They might have had a temporary truce in the underground tunnel, but now they were back to being enemies. But before they left, Revenant turned to the Sparrow. “Do you mind keeping this on the down low?” Tommy agreed  immediately “Yeah, I think that would be for the best.” It was the least he could do, and it would look bad for him if anyone found out too.

They parted ways, Sparrow heading back to the wreckage site to see all the damage that had been done. Dream and 404 were already there waiting for him. 

“Sparrow, where were you?” Dream immediately began interrogating him. Tommy caught his breath before answering, 

“I got stuck down there for a bit. Got out through the sewers. You?” Dream ignored Sparrow's question immediately. 

“Why didn't you leave through the staircase?”

“It got cut off.” Dream luckily took that explanation for the time being

Tommy decided not to tell them about finding the doctor. His questions could wait for later. For now, they had far more important things to tend to. Returning to the hero tower to file the report and one more night patrol. His work day still ended late into the evening. 

It didn't matter if he got into 10 fights or 0 he was still required to start and finish his work day at the same time.

-

As Tommy lay in his bed trying to drift off to sleep, his mind kept returning to the oddities that happened that day. Dream being extra anxious. The syndicate attacking during the day. What could they have wanted with the doctor to torture him? What information did they want? But what perplexed him the most was the traces of fighting or lack thereof. 

Tommy had been a hero long enough to know that there were always traces of a fight left behind. And Ares left behind a lot of traces. So if Dream and 404 fought Zephyrus and Ares why weren't there any sighs? Something wasn't adding up.

Even though he was frustrated by the feeling of ignorance, he couldn't help but smile remembering his interaction with Revenant. He wondered if he weren't a hero and Revenant, not a villain could they have been friends? Laughing at the thought. That would be ridiculous.

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

Today was Tommy’s one day off. He worked 6 days a week Monday through Saturday. He felt like shit from the day before. His throat ached from all the dust he inhaled, and he could feel the lingering pain of a headache starting up. He lay in bed checking the clock every once in a while, watching the numbers slowly tick closer to noon.

He should be getting up to eat something but he couldn't bring himself to move. Instead, falling asleep once again. He ended up using the whole day to catch up on some much-needed rest. In the end, he only woke up to eat dinner because it is dropped off in his cell. 

Sunday was over before he even realized it, he was waking up for his next day of heroism. His routine was all muscle memory now. Brush your teeth, shower, get dressed, get breakfast, and leave. He didn't expect anything to change until it did.

Walking past the guards in the cafeteria wasn't even something he thought about. But as he sat down with his tray eyes half-lidded an unfamiliar voice greeted him. “So your Sparrow right?” it was a cheery voice. Tommy looked up to see who it was. It was one of the guards. He had brown hair and a blue pin of a character on his uniform. But why was he talking to him? Another guard from the table interjected, “Come on Connor you're not supposed to talk to him, did you read anything from the manual?”

Connor cocked his head to the side in confusion “There was a manual?” The older guard sighed “Christ, how did you even get this job?” Connor shrugged “They said they liked my smile” He answered casually. Connor sat at the table with Sparrow not even asking, “So what's something you like?” Tommy shrugged flabbergasted at Connor's pure ignorance of the rules.

Connor started a very one-sided conversation. Surprisingly, Tommy didn’t mind him talking to him, but still, he didn't want to be the reason a guy lost his job. “Um, Connor I like you dude, but you're seriously going to get fired if you get caught talking with me. I don't want you to lose your job.” Conner simply smiled brushing off Tommy's concerns “Well it's my job to lose, anyway I don't even know how I got it. I kinda just walked in here one day.”

Tommy laughed at his answer, he didn't care, did he? Tommy enjoyed the company, he finished his breakfast. Connor talked to him the entire time, He only interjected a couple of times to ask him a question or two. 

Tommy checked his watch, realizing he would be late if he didn't hurry. “Shit, it was fun talking to you Connor but I gotta go” Tommy frantically placed his tray back on the counter. Connor yelled at him as he left the room “Okay, let's talk more tomorrow!” Tommy couldn't help but smile, he looked forward to it.

The week went by in a blur, he talked with Connor every morning before he had to leave for work. Always happy to see that he wasn't fired the next day.

The syndicate has not made any more moves since the lab incident. Tommy didn't notice anything unusual about Dream, he was his usual high-strung self. This only made Tommy more confused and frustrated, he felt something was off but couldn't place it. 

-

The next thing he knew it was Sunday. He woke up in the early hours of the day as he did on workdays. But Tommy didn't mind, instead, he pressed the button to be buzzed through, not even bothering to get dressed in his uniform. Wearing his bland gray pajamas, he walked down to the cafeteria.

Entering Connor, sat at the table they now shared. He quietly made his way over to sit with him, Connor's eyes wide with surprise. “Whoa! You're not wearing your costume!” 

Tommy simply smiled, “Yep, it's my day off”

Connor was quiet for a moment as he scanned his face, making him worried by his silence. “What? Do I have something on my face?” Tommy rubbed his mouth to make sure no toothpaste residue was staining his face. “Oh no! It's just you're way younger than I thought you would be.” He stated, He then remembered that this was the first time Connor saw his entire face. Before he still wore his mask, which still covered the majority of his face when he ate. Tommy felt embarrassed by his slip-up. “Is there something wrong with that?” Tommy questioned, it would have sucked if Connor stopped talking to him because he was younger.

Connor quickly quelled Tommy’s worries. “No no, just surprising is all.” They continued to talk like normal, Connor leading the conversation, Tommy adding in his witty remarks. Soon he had to leave though, Connor's shift was ending and Tommy needed to head back to his room to get some rest.

-

He woke up doing his routine, Connor being there was a new normal. Tommy was headed out for work like he did countless times before. It was Monday so Dream was his patrol partner for the day. Arriving like usual waiting in the lobby for Dream to show. 

The morning and day were uneventful, but Tommy did notice Dream watching him more. He would spare an extra glance at him and he was quieter than when they usually bickered. Maybe he just didn't sleep well last night. He tried to reason Dream's odd behavior.

The night rolled around soon enough. The sun set earlier and earlier as the seasons changed from fall to winter. Tommy and Dream stood above the city admiring it from the rooftop. The cold air made Tommy shiver. He folded his wings close to himself, trying to shield his body from the winter breeze.

Their coms dinging with an alert. Ares was spotted a bit away from them along with Nemesis. Their pace wasn't as rushed as before when they needed to get to the lab. It was a simple spotting and they weren't actively causing a crime, so rushing to a place they might not be at anymore was a waste of energy. 

As they arrived at the alleged sighting spot, Tommy was surprised to see the villains were still there. They loitered around the street, not even bothering to hide. Tommy felt uneasy staring at the two. Something was way off. Was this a trap? Tommy didn't have time to analyze it any further as Dream dropped down from the roof landing harshly on the concrete. Walking up to the two villains with matching cotton candy-colored hair. 

Tommy sighed and joined Dream on the street, landing far more gracefully with the help of his wings. “Ares! Nemesis!” Dream yelled to get their attention. The villains straighten up immediately, turning to face the heroes. 

“We thought you’d show up,” Ares responds making Tommy snicker at the cheesy line. 

“Well duh? It's kinda our job?” Tommy quipped back, 

“Sparrow take this seriously.” Dream scolded. 

He huffed but readied to fight, lowering his stance and instinctively puffing out his wings. The villains mimicked. The air was silent with tension on who was going to strike first. 

Tommy lurched back in surprise as a dagger of water sprang from the ground, Nemesis. Dream and Ares both launched their attacks. Ares swiftly struck his blade through the air. Dream masterfully dodged the attack, countering with a punch. 

Sparrow focused his energy on dodging the attack's Nemesis through at him. He needed to get close. She was a long-range fighter so if Tommy could somehow get closer he would have the upper hand. More blades of water formed at his feet, Jumping out of the way. He slowly inched closer and closer, weaving through her attacks.

Something wasn't right. It was too easy, it was as if she was trying to make it easy. Tommy needed to stay focused, he inched closer and closer until he was a couple of feet from the fighter.

Lunging he tackled her, but it seemed like she wasn't even surprised. He put her in a hold with her arm pinned behind her back. This was too easy. He had only fought Nemesis a couple of times before but every other time he was never able to get this close. She was a very skilled fighter he could tell, so what the fuck was happening?

He looked over at Dream and Ares. They fought with movements too perfect. It was a dance, like a staged choreographed fight. Every swing, every duck and dodge was too perfect, too planned. His brow furrowed in confusion. Glancing back down at Nemesis she didn't even seem worried. Rather she looked bored almost. Ares finally caught a glance at Sparrow pinning down Nemesis. 

Yelling out her name, he pushed back Dream and made a swing at Tommy. He was able to doge easily, but let go of nemesis in the process. He jumped back to Dream's side. Nemesis sent a wave of water just strong enough to push them back. 

The villains fled the scene while Sparrow and Dream were ‘incapacitated’. They sat in silence for a moment. Dream stood up and walked the other way from the villains, walking into a dingy alleyway off the main road.

Tommy clenched his fist. Oh no, he wasn’t just going to let that slide. He stormed after Dream, grabbing his cloak to stop the man from walking away.

“What the FUCK was that!?” he demanded. 

“What do you mean?” Dream's tone was low as if he was trying to scare Sparrow into not asking any more questions.

“What the hell!? That was fucking weird!” he didn't say anything letting Tommy continue. 

“We weren't even fighting! Dream, what the fuck happened back there!?” Tommy had a weird feeling about Dream ever since the lab incident, and this just validated his worries even more.

“Sparrow let go of me.” He growled

“No! Not until you tell me what the fuck is going on with you and Ares” His frustration and confusion over the past week poured out. He wanted answers, and he was going to get them. 

“You know in the lab I went back to get you guys when the bombs went off, and I found the doctor. You wanna know what I didn't find? You or Ares or any fucking thing that showed there was a fight!- Tell me dream, what the fuck is going on!” Tommy confessed, Dream gripped the wrist that held his coat.

“This is your warning Sparrow, Leave it alone.” Tommy could feel his bones creak under the pressure of Dream's grip.

“Or what?” He challenged. Dream turned to him fully, his smile mask an inch away from Sparrows. “Or I will make your life a living hell.” It was clear he wasn't bluffing. But Tommy had already been to hell and back before, he could do it again. If it meant he would get answers. He let go of Dream's cloak, ripping his wrist from the older hero's grip.

“I refuse, I’m going to find out one way or another.”

“It's your death.”

With a flourish of his cloak dream disappeared into the alley leaving him alone.

Tommy grits his teeth. “Fuckin bitch” He muttered under his breath.

- 

Dream had disappeared and Tommy had no desire to search for him. Checking his com, he only had an hour left before his patrol was over. Might as well enjoy it. 

He meandered around the city alone. He knew that he should probably look for Dream or at least head back to the hero tower, but he was just so sick of it all. His entire life he always had someone looking over his shoulder monitoring everything he did. He was fed up with it.

He sat at the edge of a rooftop, the city lights bright on the horizon. Looking down at his wrist he traced over the numbers, they were smooth on his skin. The dark lettering blended into his dark stained skin from his talons. 

Trust was a hard thing to come by for Tommy, he might have known Dream, 404, and Inferno for half a year now, but still, he hadn’t even told them his name. He was only known as Sparrow, the little red thorn in their side. He wasn't surprised by Dream's threat. Dream liked Tommy in the beginning, but when his talking and loudness became too much was when he was pushed away. 

Tommy had always been too much. He tried to be tolerable he did. It felt like whatever he did, eventually, the person would leave him. Leave him like- He didn't finish his thought.

His alarm signaling the end of his shift rang quietly. He sighed. Time to head back.

He entered the facility and went to his room. Falling asleep as soon as he rested his head.

-

Waking up in the morning felt different after meeting Connor. He was enjoying breakfast now, it didn't feel like a chore when he had Connor there to talk his ear off. Tommy might talk a lot, but Connor was on the next level. You could ask him one thing and he could go on a 10-minute spiel about it. 

It might get annoying after a while, but for now, Tommy enjoyed it. Most people go out of their way to avoid talking to Sparrow, it was nice to have someone want to talk to you.

He walked into the cafeteria looking at their table, but he was nowhere to be seen. Dread curled in his gut. He knew he should've expected this. He knew it couldn't last forever. Still, Tommy couldn't help the sadness that sunk into his shoulders.

A lone guard walked up to him as he stood in the doorway to the cafeteria “Sparrow?” Tommy already knew what he was going to say “Disciplinary advisor Bad requested to see you.” He sighed, right.

He walked down the sterile halls of the facility. He had lived here his whole life, but it had been a while since he had walked down the hall to Bads office. He had memorized every turn to it when he was younger.

He bit his lip, anxiety running through his veins. Time seemed to slow as he approached the office door. Its grated window and wooden frame seemed off compared to the metal and concrete the rest of the building was made of.

Like he’d done hundreds of times before he gently knocked on the door. The soft voice of Bad welcomed him in.

He walked to the chair in front of Bad's desk, sitting far more formally than he did years prior. The room was quiet besides the papers Bad shuffled in his hands. Carefully he tapped them on the desk to even out the pages before setting the pile of paper down. 

Nausea climbed up his throat. Tommy tried to gulp it down. Stay composed, it's just Bad. He tried to calm his nerves. Bad straightened in his seat, his face set in a scowl as he looked down at him. “Tommy,” his voice felt like freezing ice to him. “I’m very disappointed in you.” Tommy bit his cheek and tried to endure his scolding with dignity.

“After all these years I thought you would have learned, matured even just a little bit, but no- you choose to be as stubborn as ever.” Tommy shrunk in his chair, looking down at his feet. He couldn't bear to see the disappointment on Bad's face. “Do you know what Dream told me you did last night?” 

Dream? But he thought this was about Connor. He looked up at Bad, confusion and worry scrawled on his face. “He said that you ran away in the middle of your patrol. You lost a fight and threw a tantrum about it.” Tommy was in disbelief. Dream reported him to the committee. Sure, he shouldn't have yelled at him and probably at least tried to go find him. But he reported him!?

Then it clicked, Dream was making true of his threat.  

“And that's not all,” Bad continued “I got other reports that you were caught speaking with a guard, consistently.” Tommy felt like an ant compared to Bad as he glared daggers of disappointment through him. “You know the rules, yet you deliberately go out of your way to ignore them altogether! You’ve broken my trust.” Tommy flinched at the words. You’ve broken my trust. A wave of fear flooded his body.

Tommy sprang from his chair stumbling over his words.“Bad please, I-”
“You already know the consequences of your actions.” Bad stood, making his way around the desk to tower over Tommy. Tommy backed away from him like a frightened animal. “Please, I swear, it won't happen again.” He pleaded, but Bad ignored him, calling in the guards to take him. 

Tommy struggled to get away from them. Thrashing to throw the men off of him, but it was futile. They grabbed at his limbs and pinned his wings and arms in a lock. He begged Bad to reconsider as they dragged him out of the office and down the hall. Tommy struggled against them with every fiber of his being. Nearing the medical ward,  he began to panic. A primal fear shocked through his body. They can't! He can't, he couldn't do it again. He hated it. But just like the years before he couldn’t stop them.

The familiar smell of medical supplies stung his nostrils. The doctor stood there, holding the door to the clinic office open for them. The doctor closed the door behind them. Locking it so he couldn't escape. The guards placed him on the padded examination chair in the middle of the room. The side of his face pressed into the cold leather of the seat. “Sparrow, I see you still have a temper. But you need to calm down.” the doctor spoke. His voice was deceptively kind. He breathed in panicked gasps, glaring at the doctor as he approached the chair.

He placed a calm hand on his restrained wings. “We’ve done this every year, and it still ends the same. So please don't fight me the whole time.” The doctor requested. Tommy bit his lip, taking a few deep breaths to try and calm himself down. He let his muscles go limp. “Fine.” It was pointless to keep fighting it. There was no way to stop it. “Good.” The doctor undid the restraints on his wings.

And with delicate hands unfurled them. Even though he wasn't fighting them anymore the guards didn't let up the pressure. Tommy couldn't bear to watch, closing his eyes tightly as they began to cut through his feathers. The snipping sounds made him shudder. He bit his tongue to fight off the urge to pull his wing away. He hated it.

-

When it was over, he was told to leave for his shift and that 404 was waiting for him at the hero tower. 

Making his way across the city he tried to forget about it. He tried to ignore how much lighter his wings were. How he fell harder, how he couldn't get as much lift as he used to. Over the past year, he had gotten used to having full wings, but now he felt like a baby bird trying to learn how to fly again.

When he got to the tower 404 stood in the lobby scrolling through his phone. Looking up To give him a quick wave. 404 walked over, sliding his phone back into his pocket. “Hey, sparrow, why were you late?” Tommy swallowed down his shame gesturing to his wings. “I had an appointment.” gritting his teeth he tried to mimic his usual upbeat attitude. 

404 simply acknowledged his answer. Not bothering to pry anymore. They left for their usual patrol.

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

The next day after his patrol with 404 was with Inferno. Tommy tried his best to seem unbothered by all the news and gossip surrounding his clipped wings. Even though he tried his best to act normal, Inferno was always far more perspective than he put off. And he was far less cautious when it came to asking questions like 404. 

“So why did you get them clipped?” He asked, trying not to seem rude. Tommy bit his lip, Shit what does he say? 

“What do you mean by that?” He laughed nervously

“Well your wings are like your whole symbol, so I guess I was wondering if there was a meaning behind it?” Oh, Tommy hadn't thought about that. He shrugged.

“Maybe I just wanted to get them clipped.” Inferno stared at him with an unreadable look. 

“Right...” It was clear he was suspicious of Sparrow's answer. 

“You know Sparrow I’m here if, uh... If you need anything.” He offered, cautious to not scare him away. Like he was a bird that was going to fly away if he made a sudden movement. And his caution was understandable.

Sparrow had never talked about anything in his personal life, let alone never even mentioned the facility or hero program. From what they knew he was just an average guy, from a normal home, that decided to become a hero. They knew nothing about him, and he wanted it to stay that way. So he brushed off Inferno's concerns. “Aww, are you worried about me?” He teased.

But inferno didn't return with his usual light joking back, instead a real air of concern. “Seriously dude. You have been acting off all day. Last week you seemed fine, but now… You and Dream have been acting weird.” Tommy tensed, he wasn't equipped enough to dodge this. So instead he stayed quiet. “Sparrow, Did something happen?”

He gulped down his spit. Of course, something happened, but Tommy couldn't tell him. What would he think of him if he did? He sighed. “I’m fine, Inferno.” Fuck, he sounded so sad. It was clear he wasn't fine.

“Sparrow?”

“Don’t- Please?” He pleaded with him to leave it alone. Taking the hint he wasn't going to talk about it, Inferno left the topic alone for the time being.

-

It wasn't long before the syndicate stuck again. Barely a week since their last fight with Nemesis and Ares. He had been on patrol with Inferno when they got an alert. Zephyrus was spotted making some suspicious movements.

When they arrived Zephrus stood at the edge of the roof, waiting for them. His dark wings splayed out to the night sky. Tommy folded his wings behind his back as if to hide them. “Hello, their heroes.” He greeted. His chilling voice sent shivers down Tommy's spine. They couldn't even get another word in before the alarm to the building rang out.

Startled by the sudden noise Zephyrus took this moment to strike. Charging at Inferno his talons bared. Inferno blocked the swipe, with his spear pushing away Zephrus. “Sparrow! You go see what set off the alarm! I'll handle him.” He instructed. Sparrow gave a nod and ran for the edge of the building. He spotted a shadow moving down the alley. Jumping down to meet the villain's accomplice.

“Nice to see you again Revenant” He greeted Sarcasm evident in his tone. “Oh, Little Sparrow!” The villain sounded… happy to see him? There was no hint of deception in his tone of joy which confused Tommy. Shrugging it off he noticed a suitcase in Revenant's hand. “Whatcha got there?” He gestured to it advancing closer to try and see it better. 

“Oh, This? Psh it's nothing for you to worry about.” He waved him off, “What you should be worrying about, is your little partner.” 

“Huh?” At that moment he heard a loud yelp of pain come from the rooftop. Looking away from the Revenant for a split second when he looked back the villain was already gone. Shit. He’ll let him go this once, but he needed to go help Inferno. 

The sounds of fighting did not stop, as he climbed the fire escape ladder to the top of the building. When he looked at the roof there was more than just Zephrus and Inferno fighting, Ares had joined the fray. Inferno was losing a gash in his arm impairing his movements. He threw a fireball at Ares, and he gracefully dodged. Sparrow sprang into action as he saw Zephyrus going to strike Inferno from behind. 

Tackling the villain before he could attack. Zephyrus turned, kicking Sparrow off of him in a swift motion. He landed a few feet away, both scrambling to their feet. His heart beat in his ears as adrenaline pumped through his veins. Instinctively flaring his wings but before he could think of blocking he felt a hard kick land on his chest. He fell back, but instead of feeling the roof below him all he felt was a rush of air as he fell off the edge. 

Slamming into the metal dumpster and rolling off its lid onto the ally floor. His eyes watered as he gasped for air. His lungs spasmed in shock at the impact. He wheezed with pain. His face pressed to the wet concrete. He tried to catch his bearings. The familiar sound of wings and a stomp told Tommy that Zephyrus followed him down.

Tommy tried to move his body, but he was paralyzed with pain. He tried to push himself to his feet, his whole body shook with defiance. “Oh, little sparrow” The villain cooed “why did you clip your wings?” He was mocking him. The familiar melodic tap of his shoes hitting the pavement drew near stopping at his side.

Zephyrus nudged Sparrow with his foot, pushing him to his back. He leaned over Tommy, a foot pressed roughly on his throat. Cutting off the airflow he had just gotten back. He gripped Zephyrus's ankle but was useless to fight him off. His body felt numb. Tears bridge his eyes as the world started to darken around him. Was he going to kill him? He thought as he continued to struggle under the boot of the villain. He gasped for air, but all Zephyrus did was add more pressure. His eyes begin to flutter shut.

All he heard before passing out was the muffled voice of Inferno. Warm hands lifted him from the ground. Quickly inferno slung him on his back, retreating. They dashed through alleyways and streets. But the villains didn't follow. Tommy regained consciousness soon after they left. 

He coughed trying to take a deep breath, Tommy's eyes stung with tears. When they got far enough away inferno set Sparrow down, taking a minute to catch his breath himself. 

Tommy rubbed his sore neck. Definitely gonna bruise. Inferno looked up at Sparrow sitting on the other side of the ally. “You okay?” He nodded “Yeah, I'm fine” His voice came out raspy and pinched. “You?” The flame hero nodded back.

They sat in silence for a bit, their adrenaline slowly wearing off. Tommy looked up at Inferno, his arm was still bleeding. “Do you want me to heal that for you?” He gestured to the gash. Inferno hesitated to answer. Rolling his eyes Tommy stood from the ground, walked over to him and crouched down by his injured arm. “Let me see it,” he ordered. “Sparrow, I’ll be fine. You don’t need to-” Sparrow poked his shoulder, making inferno grasp his arm with pain. “Bitch!” He yelped. 

Sparrow quirked an eyebrow at him, “Come on, don't be stubborn, This is literally my job.” He chided. Inferno groaned “Fine…” 

Sparrow moved to pinch the wound together, Inferno flinched at the touch. Working fast, Tommy focused his energy to his hands. A golden light emitted from the wound. And soon after it was fully sealed the only thing showing that there used to be a wound was a small white scar. 

He sighed with relief as the pain subsided, “Thanks, man.” This was why Sparrow liked Inferno. He could tell he wasn't just using him as a tool, sometimes actively working against Tommy when he needed to be healed. Which was annoying sometimes but also comforting.

Being a healer it was hard to trust anyone, you never know if they have an ulterior motive. Sparrow had been scouted for many other groups and squads, but he felt that they actually cared for him. Looking back at it now, maybe it was just blind nativity. Dream clearly didn't care for him, but maybe just maybe Inferno did. At least he wanted to believe he did. 

Breaking his thought as inferno cleared his throat. “How's your throat doing?”

Shrugging “Ehh it's okay” His voice was hoarse as he spoke.

“Maybe we should go back to the tower and get it checked out?” He offered, but that was a no-go for Tommy. He couldn't take off his mask while outside the facility. Rejecting the offer, stating he was fine. Tommy had gotten way worse injuries over the years. This was nothing.

-

They finished up their patrol, Tommy heading back to his room was stopped by a guard. But instead of him saying anything he just placed a small object in Tommy's hand and kept walking. 

Looking down at the object, it was a small blue pin. Connors blue pin. He spun around to ask where he got it from but the guard was already gone. 

Staring down at it he felt, dread pool in his veins. Anger flared as he clenched the pin in his hand. Marching down the halls he passed the medical ward heading straight for the disciplinary office. To Tommy's luck, the demon was still there. He slammed his hand down on the desk. “What the fuck did you do to Connor,” he demanded. Bad scowling at his foul language. 

“What happened to the guard doesn't matter. Where is this coming from Tommy?” He ignored Bad’s question,

“What happened to Connor?” he growled, his voice raspy from the fight. 

Bad sneered, “He was fired” 

“Do you mean literally or figuratively?” He remarked. Tommy was fed up with Bad’s vague answers, and Bad was fed up with Tommy's temper. He stood from his chair. Tommy clenched his jaw, he was scared but he refused to back down.

“I don't like your tone,” Bad warned.

“I don't care.” He couldn't care, what was there to care for? His wings. His friends. His freedom. They had always taken it away. He had nothing to lose anymore.

Fine, was all he said before Tommy felt an excruciating pain shoot up his left arm. It felt Like hot flames burned his wrist. He collapsed to the ground cradling his arm. A strained cry escaped his mouth. Bad leaned down to his level. “Apologize and I will stop it.” Looking up to meet his eye. “Fuck you.” was all he could manage. And somehow he felt the pain get even worse. “Apologize” Bad tried again. He grit his teeth so hard that he thought he could feel them cracking under the pressure, but he shook his head. He refused to give in.

Bad sighed, standing up. The pain ceased, and he gasped for air. Finally able to breathe from the suffocating pain. Bad called in the guards once again to take Tommy away, but not to his room or the medical office. Instead to the correctional wing of the facility. 

They threw him in a solitary confinement cell. It was cold and dark, but that was something he had already gotten used to long ago. He used to spend many hours there. But just because he was used to it didn't make him hate it any less. 

He hated how quiet it was, he hated how cold the floor was, and what he hated the most was how lonely he felt. He pushed himself into the corner and held his knees to his chest. The inside door was littered with scratch marks he made when he was younger. The room was so vulnerable yet invulnerable. Each claw mark on the wall tells a story, tells Tommy's story. Of many long nights and days he spent confined in this room. He had done everything in that room, he's cried, he's screamed, he's laughed. But never out of joy. Nothing in that room was good. Only a reminder of his failures, a reminder of what a failure he is.

Tommy closed his eyes, he didn't want to see it anymore. Instead, he focused on the phantom pain that still radiated from his wrist. Touching the numbers they felt hot themselves. Like a freshly branded scar. 

He pressed down on the hot skin. A sharp ping of pain jolted through his wrist. It wasn't nearly as bad as before but was just enough to take his mind off of things.

Wrapping his wings around himself to keep warm he drifted off to sleep. 

-

He didn't know when he woke up, possibly a couple of hours, maybe only minutes. Either way, Tommy was tired, but couldn't bring himself to fall back asleep. His brain jumped from thing to thing to distract from the growing dread as the hours went on. 

It was maddening waiting. He knew they couldn't keep him there for longer than a day, but that didn't help the growing anxiety that came with waiting for anyone to come. The time blurred together. He scratched a line into the wall every time he counted a minute had passed. A mindless task but it was something to keep him occupied.

Fuck, he felt so lonely. He was lonely . He had no one. The closest thing to a friend he had was Connor and inferno. Connor is gone, and he can't even tell Inferno his name. How could they ever be friends? Burning tears flooded his vision. He sobbed, unable to escape the dagger that stabbed his heart at the thought of Connor. 

Pulling out the enamel pin of the blue hedgehog, Tommy cradled it. He was dead because of him. He was dead. 

Hours passed by, his cries slowing down as he exhausted himself. He lay on the floor, wings splayed out as far as they could go in the cramped room. He focused on the sound of his shaky breaths. When the sound of the door lock chimed through the door.

He bolted upright, cocking his head to look at the door. The cold metal hinges squealed as they were pushed in. Bad stepped in, ducking to get through the door frame. He approached Tommy with slow cautious steps. Tommy folded in on himself, unable to look up at the demon. Staring down at the concrete floor. He kneeled on one knee in front of Tommy, level with him. 

“Tommy?” His tone was soft. So much more kind than Tommy deserved, he thought. A warm hand pressed against his cheek, cold and wet from crying. And he couldn't help but lean into the touch, closing his eyes to enjoy the heat “I'm sorry.” It came out as a weak croak.

Bad wiped a stray tear from his cheek, a smile evident in his tone. “I forgive you.” Tommy stayed silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. His mind was a mess. Bad was the one that broke the silence again. “Tommy about the guard, he was just let go because he was unqualified for the position.” 

A wave of relief washed through Tommy at the news. “Thank you, sir.” He looked up at his face, a kind smile stretched across it. “Promise me you will behave now.” He instructed. And Tommy did so.

-

After Tommy was let out of the cell and escorted to his room. Learned that he was in there for a day, missing his patrol with Dream. But he didn't mind, it was probably for the better anyway.

He was finally able to see the damage caused by Zephyrus’s attacks. Bruises littered his body, a particularly large one where he landed on the dumpster. His throat was swollen, he didn't know if it was more from crying or Zephyrus’s boot. Either way, he felt like shit. Going to bed early to get some extra rest.

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

Weeks passed by since the last syndicate spotting. Tommy tried to avoid talking to Dream as much as possible, and Dream did the same. A mutual cold shoulder. Inferno and 404 noticed the tension building in the group but didn't bother to comment. Inferno tried to once but they refused to answer, ignoring his question completely. 

Tommy went along with his weekly routine that he grew accustomed to long ago. But it wasn't the same anymore. Breakfasts were too quiet, and shifts were tense. He felt drained physically and emotionally after every workday. Even though he tried his best his sleep was even worse than before. Some nights he wouldn't even be able to sleep at all. He tried to seem unbothered by Dream's acts of ignoring him, but it dug deeper than he cared to admit. 

He was just so tired. The weight of emotions clouded his mind and oftentimes he would find himself spacing out. It felt like it was all too much, but also too little at the same time. His days were spent occupied with work. With the little amount of downtime he had he was tormented by the silence of the facility. It only made his thoughts louder.

Sometimes he wished that he could just stop thinking. The more he did the deeper a hole he dug for himself. The questions of the syndicate and Dreams motives. The worrying and wanting of someone he could trust. The need for anything to grab onto and never let go. It all felt like sand in his hands. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he thought about it, it would slip through his fingers and he would be left to grab at it again in a futile attempt to understand what he had done wrong.

What had he done to deserve this? Why couldn't he be a normal person with normal relationships? He acted complacent and did everything he was told but no matter what it was not enough. Was he destined to be alone forever? 

And as time went on, he felt himself losing the drive to even care anymore. Apathy seeped into his bones like a parasite. He didn't even bother acting like himself around Inferno. It was too much energy, so instead, he stayed silent. He couldn't get into trouble if he didn't talk. Right?

Inferno tried desperately to keep a conversation going with him, but all he could manage were simple answers. He watched the frustration bubble under the hero's skin for weeks before he finally burst.

-

Inferno had called a team meeting, the four all stood on the roof of a building. Sparrow sat against the roof's ledge facing inwards to the rest of the heroes. He and Dream stared each other down but did not speak a word. Inferno broke the silence with an exasperated groan.

“For fuck sake! What the fuck is going on!?” He yelled, fed up with their attitudes. Inferno turned to Dream and 404, who stood behind him leaning against a brick wall. “You guys have been acting off for weeks, and I'm sick of your bullshit.” His rage from the past weeks boiled over. “Someone needs to explain, I'm not gonna sit here and deal with your pissy moods for who knows how long.” He stated Inferno was stubborn as hell and Sparrow knew he was not getting out of this discussion. 

Silence fell over the group once again, Inferno grumbled before he called on Dream to explain. 

“What do I need to explain? Everything is completely fine.” Dream sounded calm, which only made Inferno more upset. He then turned to Tommy desperate for answers. “Sparrow?” He pleaded. All he wanted was some sort of explanation.

Tommy bit his cheek, as the eyes of the squad settled on him waiting for an answer. What was he supposed to say? That dream was working with the syndicate? That he threatened him and reported him to the hero committee? That Dream was the reason his wings got clipped? No, He couldn't say any of that. So what could he say?

He opened his mouth to speak but the voice that spoke next wasn't his own. 

“He found out about us.” The voice was deep, with a metallic ching from the voice changer. Their heads whipped over to the source. Ares and Zephyrus stood there. Shit, they were too distracted by their conversation to hear the villain's approach. 

Sparrow sprang up from his seat, readying himself for a fight. But none of the other heroes did. Inferno looked from dream to sparrow, clearly surprised by the new information. “Wait, dream- he- you? When?” 

Zephyrus chuckled “You've known for quite a minute, huh? Sparrow?” He taunted but Tommy was too confused by Infernos and 404's lack of caution of the villains that made his stomach knot. He turned to look at his team, Sparrow center of their attention. He felt all alone again. 

“Inferno? Did you know?” He didn't answer, he took a step toward Sparrow, his hands up as he tried to reason with Tommy.

“Sparrow, Please let us explain.”

“Explain what!? That you're working with villains!?” He backed away from them. He couldn't trust anyone. How long had they been working together? How long had they been lying to him? He was clueless about it all.

“Please, It's not like that.” He pleaded for Tommy to listen, but he was done with everybody lying to him. He shook his head as he backed away further his hands out in a defensive position. The sound of Ares unsheathing his sword caught both of their attention. He started to approach the two. 

“Ares, what are you doing?” Inferno questioned.

“It's clear he's not going to listen, we can't have him risking the whole operation.” Inferno stepped between them shielding Sparrow.

“What no, you can't kill him. Just give me a minute to talk to him.” He reasoned but it was futile.

Sparrow was already gone. He sprinted down the alleyways and streets as fast as he could. He could hear the nearby voices of the heroes and villains hunting him. A shadow passed over the moonlight, it was Zephyrus. 

Tommy felt a pair of hands pull him out of the view of the nights sky and into a dark corner of the alley. They sat hidden behind piles of boxes and a dumpster. Before he could fight to get away from the hands a calm voice spoke “Be quiet-” It was Revenant. His hand pressed over the cloth part of his mask that covered his mouth. The sound of frantic footsteps passed them and soon the sound of Tommy's pursuers quieted into the calm city noise. His muffled breathing was the only sound. 

After a minute he felt Revenant shift, “Follow me.” He removed his hand from Tommy's face as he stood up. He offered out a hand to help Sparrow up. But he didn't take it standing on his own. “Why are you helping me?” He whispered to the villain. Revenant simply shrugged and said that he would explain later. 

He led Tommy down a maze of alleyways, hiding from the sky as best they could as to not get spotted by Zephyrus. Soon they found themselves at the edge of a road that led into the public park. They scanned the sky for any sign of the winged criminal. “Alright we’ll have to book it.” Revenant directed. Sprinting into the shaded tree line. The park was dark, nearly pitch black. Sparrow stayed close to Revenant so as to not get lost in the thicket. Up ahead Tommy could barely see the outline of a rundown shack. 

They jogged up to it, Revenant guiding him inside. The door creaked on its hinges as he opened it. “What is this?” Tommy questioned still suspicious of him, he was a villain after all. “It's my shack, most people don't even know it exists so we’ll be good for a minute I think.” The silence settled over them, the wind wafted through the cracks in the little shed. 

It wasn't much, only made of one room, and a dusty window at one end. There was no furniture. The only things in the room were a stick and a couple of leaves. Tommy saw this as the perfect time to get answers “So…Why did you help me?”

Revenant sighed, walking past him, he leaned against the wall. The shack seemed to bend under his weight. “I don't know,” He shrugged, “I guess it's cause I like you.”

Tommy's face scrunched in disgust “Eww.” His childish response made Revenant snort

“Not like that, You just seem like a nice guy.” He explained further. 

Sparrow relaxed a bit. “Oh.” Revenant chuckled.

“Any more questions?” So many, Tommy thought. He shifted trying to narrow down what question to ask. He should deal with the immediate danger first though. Looking up at Revenant he furrowed his brows in worry.

“Are you going to kill me?” Revenant rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well, I don't plan to,” Tommy scanned his body language trying to sense any hint of deception

“-But Ares and Zephyrus are dead set on it.” He continued. Tommy blinked in confusion. What does that mean?

“Do you think they can?” 

“Oh Definitely, the reason you're not dead yet is because Inferno saved you.” Tommy bit his lip, Inferno saved him? Then he remembered the fight with Zephyrus the weeks prior, he was on patrol with him. Zephyrus almost killed him. He clenched his jaw, he was so much closer to death than he thought.

“And because you saved me… I owe you” He tacked on, but Revenant waved it away with his hand. “It's fine.”

After another minute of standing awkwardly in silence. Tommy moved to the wall, sliding down it to sit. He let his legs relax for a minute. He stared down at the cracked wooden boards of the floor. Scanning his mind for another question to ask.

“Why-” He began not really knowing what question to ask just yet. Revenant looked down at him waiting for him to finish his question. 

“Why are Dream, 404, and Inferno working with the syndicate?” He didn't expect him to answer it but he thought he might as well ask. Revenant sighed and slid down to sit on the floor opposite of him. “Little sparrow, How much do you know about the hero committee?” 

He shrugged. Revenant clicked his tongue “Well, to put it simply. They have done some very shady things.” Oh, Tommy knew where this was going, but he decided to play dumb.

“Like what?” He gulped down the anxiety that curled in his stomach, he knew what he was talking about. And he knew what he was going to say, but he wanted to hear it. He wanted to hear about all the shitty things they had done. 

“Well, I guess to name a few…” He hummed, stopping to think. He tapped his chin as he looked up at the ceiling “They kidnap children to train them to be heroes,” Tommy bit his lip waiting for him to continue “They lie to the media and public about their internal affairs, and they have some really messed up ways of getting healers to work for them…” His speech slowed at the end as if something clicked in his mind. Turned his gaze to Sparrow, his glowing eyes like daggers piercing through the hero.

“Can I ask you a few questions?” Revenant studied Sparrow. His eyes skimmed over his perfectly crafted hero suit. Tommy shrugged agreeing, it was only fair for him to answer a couple of questions himself.

“Why did you clip your wings?” Shit, not this question again. Tommy forced himself to push down the panic, his heart speeding up. “Um, Well, Maybe I just wanted to.” His answer was flimsy at best, but Revenant took it. Asking another question.

“Where are you from?” That was an odd question, but easy enough to answer.

“Born and raised here in L’manburg” He hummed at his answer in agreement almost.

“Okay, last question. Did you know Lemon?" Tommy went rigged, air caught in his throat as he heard the last question. Lemon? 

The name flooded his brain. It was all too familiar and all too painful. Memories of the former healer hero scattered his thoughts. His former mentor. The mentor that the syndicate killed. Oh god. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Were they going to kill him like they killed Lemon? Is that why he was asking?

Fear and panic spiked as he looked over at the villain. He had forgotten that Revenant was still a member of the syndicate. The syndicate that was out to kill him. He clenched his fists, His claws digging into his skin. “What are you implying?” His tone lowered, cautious and threatening.

Revenant seemed confused by his sudden shift in attitude. “N-nothing, I'm just curious because you're a healer too.” He stammered out trying to explain. Tommy grit his teeth, answering. “Yeah, you could say I've met him a couple of times.” It was a massive understatement, but he wasn't gonna tell him, a member of the syndicate, that he knew Lemon. A hero they possibly killed for the same reason they are hunting him now.

The sound of his alarm broke the tension that had been building from Revenant's odd question. “What's that?” Tommy turned it off.

“An alarm for when my shift ends.” Tommy stood walking to the door.

“Wait!” Revenant stood. Sparrow froze hand on the door ready to open it. “They are probably still looking for you, Shouldn't you at least wait a bit longer?” Tommy sighed. He was right. But he was far more scared about the repercussions if he were late getting back. 

He had about an hour's window to get back before he was considered late. With how far he was from the facility, he had to just bite the bullet. Turning to Revenant he thanked him for all his help. Leaving the villain alone in the dingy shack. 

He ran as fast as he could, his lungs burned from the cold air. He could feel his legs start to give out from under him, they started to go numb, but he kept running. Checking his com he saw he had 20 minutes left. Shit, He wasn't going to make it in time.

He was so distracted by running he didn't even register the sounds of wings above him. He felt a pair of boots slam into his back between his wings. Violently he fell forward face planting into the cement. A weight pressed into his back, crushing his already exhausted lungs. Gasping for air, he tried to climb out from under the weight of Zephyrus kneeling on his back.

He lifted his head to try and get a look at his surroundings, but a clawed hand slammed it back down. “Caught you.” The chilling voice of Zephyrus spoke in a jovial tone that only made Tommy's blood freeze. He felt like a helpless little bird in the claws of a hawk. 

The villain shifted on his back sending another spike of pain through his body. Zephyrus leaned down closer to Tommy. “I'm sorry that it had to be you little sparrow but we can't have anyone getting in the way.” He almost sounded apologetic. Tommy managed to squeak out a little ‘fuck you’ which made the villain snicker as he sat up again.

“It's rare to meet another avian like you, it really is too bad.” He sighed, observing Sparrow's bright red wings. Only two primary feathers stuck out from the end, all the others were clipped short. Tommy couldn't see it, but Zephyrus’s brows furrowed from behind his bird skull mask.

The villain scowled at the sad sight of another pair of clipped wings. Made sadder by the fact that Sparrow was one of the few avians that could probably still fly. Their races' wings grew smaller and shorter over the years because of unuse. 

He lightly brushed Sparrow's ruffled feathers, his wings flinching in response, so he stopped. Looking back up at the hero's face. “Why did you clip them?” His voice sounded somber.

Great this question again. He clenched his fists, and mustered up all the energy he could he pushed himself off of the ground throwing Zephyrus off. The villain fell off of his back from the sudden weight change. Sparrow scrambled to his feet, only making it a few steps before he was slammed into a wall. Zephyrus pinned him there, he was far stronger than Tommy was. He was already exhausted from running. 

His arm pressed against his throat, the brick walls dug into his skull. Tommy was face to face with him, his piercing blue eyes seemed to glow from behind the dark veil that hung down from his hat. “Whoa there little sparrow” 

Tommy struggled against his push, but the older avian was stronger than him. His heart drummed in his ears. He tried to think of escape methods but his brain was drawing blanks. All he could do was try and convince him to let him go, an impossible task. The syndicate never let a target escape, and he was their main target. Zephyrus was known as an angel of death. What chance did he have of surviving?

Tommy swallowed his pride once again, looking to the man for any sense he was human and pleaded for his life. “Please, I swear I won't tell anyone.” His voice trembled. Tommy bit his cheek when his eyes started to tear up against all his efforts to stay composed. He didn't want to die here. And to his surprise, Zephyrus’s eyes softened. His eyebrows turned up in a sorrowful look, for a split second as the villain contemplated. 

His heart almost dropped when he saw the same furrowed expression from before placing itself back into his eyes. Did his plea fail? 

Zephyrus spoke his tone serious, unlike the usual mockery Sparrow grew accustomed to. “How can we trust that you won't report it as soon as I let you go?” He grit his teeth. Fuck he didn't think of that. 

Closing his eyes to try and think of something to say. He sighed, looking down at the ground “I-i don't know…” Bawling his fists at his lack of a meaningful answer. The silence of the villain, made his anxiety rise. 

Then the villain sighed making his whole body tense. The pressure on his neck let up as the villain took a step back from Tommy. Zehyrus's crawled hand pinched the bridge of his mask in frustration. “Fine, I don't want to kill you Sparrow, but I can't have you report us. So let's make a deal.” 

He looked over at Tommy, his expression not as sharp as before. “I will let you go for tonight but if we find out you did anything to report Dream or us, I will have your head. Got it?” He stretched out his hand for Tommy to shake. Gulping down his fear, he placed a shaky hand in his. “Got it.”

And like that Zephyrus disappeared into the night. Tommy collapsed to the ground his knees like jelly. Sighing in relief, the immediate threat of death was dealt with. But his night wasn't over, his com buzzed with an alarm.  The screen flashed red, he was late.

Sprinting down the alleys as fast as he could. Eventually making it back to the facility. He could already feel the looming dread of punishment. Looking at his com he saw he was 10 minutes late.

Walking into the facility was suffocating, the walls seemed to push in. His heart was already beating fast but he couldn't even try to calm it down yet. 

A guard waited for him at the front entrance to scan his wrist, Tommy already knew what came next as he walked down the halls to the disciplinary office. It was far too soon for him to be in trouble yet again. 

He remembered the first time he came back late, merely 5 minutes. Those 5 minutes cost him hours. Promising to never do it again, until today. He cursed under his breath at his recklessness. Entering the office, his head already bowed in shame. An apology already slipping from his tongue before he was interrupted by Bads harsh voice.

“Don't even try it.” Tommy bit his cheek, as his scolding continued. “I thought we dealt with your rebellious streak weeks ago but it seems it didn't work. Perhaps I should have given you more time to rethink your mistakes.” He gripped the fabric of his pants tight folds bunched around his hands. “I got two reports from dream and 404, about your disobedience, and to add on top of that your tardiness. Tommy-” his voice became soft as he said his name. “Is there something more that's going on? Why are you behaving like this?” His sweet voice coaxed him, to tell the truth, but Tommy refused. He couldn't say. He could only shake his head, his words logged in his throat like a quark, and he was a bottle of secrets.

His wrist stung but he ignored it the best he could. Bad exhaled in disappointment at Tommy's silence. “I hate to punish you but you know the consequences. Two days and 10 hours for the reports and tardiness.”

“Yes sir.” It was quiet, but the amount of guilt and shame he felt raged inside his mind. 

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

He sat in his cold cell once again, rummaging over all the events that had transpired. As much as he might have wished it, he knew that no one could help him. He was alone, and it would stay that way. His entire squad had tried to hunt him down, they were going to kill him. 

Inferno might have tried to protect him, but that doesn't change the fact he had been lying. They all were. The people he should have been able to trust with his life and they all lied. Once again he was the odd man out. He gripped tightly at his hair pain spiking from his scalp. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid! He was such an idiot.

He knew he shouldn't trust anyone, yet he failed again. And where did that land him? Back in his stupid fucking cell! Leaping to his feet with an anguished scream. He lashed out at the stone walls around him. Crying out he kicked, punched, and scratched everything he could until his skin was raw and his vocal cords strained.

He slammed his forehead against the wall, sliding down to the floor slowly. Hot tears streamed down his face. Curling into a crumpled mess of emotions. It was all too much

Inferno said he was there for him, but he didn't even know him. And neither did Dream or 404. They couldn't care for him, no matter how much he wished they could. He learned early on no one could truly care for Tommy. He was a failure, a fuck up, and eventually, everyone will realize it and leave him all over again. The only reason anyone ever kept him around was for his healing ability.

He was useless, a nobody without his mask. Maybe it would have been better if Zephyrus just killed him. 

He sobbed on the cold floor cradling himself. His cries slowed as his tears ran dry and his voice gone. His mind slowed from all the emotions that swirled in his brain. Fatigue weighed on every limb. The dark of sleep enwrapped his brain, pulling him into the void of unconsciousness.

-

When he woke in his timeless cell once again his body ached sore, bloody, and tired. He focused on his breathing. Breathe in 5 seconds. They were working with the syndicate. Hold 3, They tried to kill him. Breath out 8. He was still alive. Zephyrus spared him. Repeat.  

The breathing calmed the anger that threatened to claw out of him once again. Slowly making his way through the exercise. In 5 What happens when he gets out? Hold 3. Will he have to work with the syndicate because he was part of the Dream team? Out 8. God, he was so tired. Did he even want to be a hero? Repeat.

He thought about it. At one point he wanted to be a hero, like Lemon. But Lemon is dead, and he was just done with everything. Dreams fucking moods, getting beat up time and time again by villains, and nausea that came with every time he used his healing. He was sick of it all. His mind wandered back to the day he first met ‘The Dream team.’

He was nervous, and for the first time in years, he would be working with another person. For the past previous 6 months he had been carefully monitored, Check in to his com with a report every other hour. And now the restraints were being removed. He would still be monitored but he was accounted for, and that's all they cared about.

Joining The Dream Team was his own choice. It was one of the few freedoms he had over his identity as a hero. After getting approval from his advisor, he applied to be their healer and they accepted. They let him join, they wanted him. They needed him. He was one of them and he loved it. He finally felt like a person. The way they treated him. But as time passed their patience waned. The only one that liked him was Inferno, and that might not even be true. He thought. They only tolerated him now. So what's the point of him staying around?

He didn't want to be involved in their weird plans with the syndicate. He didn't want to be a prisoner anymore either. He hated the facility, he didn't want to keep fighting. His mind came to the only viable decision. He was going to run away and disappear.

He had been preparing for it ever since his first debut. A collection of money sat behind a loose tile in the bathroom, collected from his hundreds of missions. He felt guilty about stealing from the people he was healing at first, but then again how else could he get money? He was never paid. All of it was collected by the facility. He was never allowed to purchase anything while out and never ate or used anything that wasn't provided by them.

They forced him to be completely and utterly dependent on them. It was the only way he could get money. He was content to live as their little hero sparrow, until now. He was not going to risk his whole future for their shit. He was done. He wanted his own life.

-

The time passed slowly but he was too busy planning his next move of escape to care. For the next 2 days all he thought about was what he needed to do once he was out. From his picked-up knowledge of society and the conversations he had with the other heroes, he could piece together somewhat of an idea of the outside world. 

As his time in the cell ended he couldn't help but feel his anxiety begin to ramp up as well. Eventually, the day came when he was let out and guided back to the room. He rested for the night until it was time for him to return to his hero duties in the morning. He dressed in his hero uniform and carefully removed the tile from the bathroom wall, a small crevice hidden behind it with a wad of cash stuffed inside. Besides the cash sat Connor’s blue pin. Taking it with him he stuffed it all in the medical kit that was strapped to his thigh. 

Going through the normal morning routine. As he was preparing to leave, a familiar imposing figure entered his field of view. Bad walked to him his pace calm. Sparrow straightened his stance squaring his shoulders like a soldier. “Sparrow.” He greeted his tone was jovial, not a hint of disappointment, which confused Tommy. Bad placed a hand on the young hero's shoulder offering to walk him to the gate.

Sparrow could only manage a jerky nod, his senses on high alert. Why was he here? Did he know about Tommy's escape plan? 

“I know you've been having a rough few weeks.” He began and Tommy just listened, focusing on matching his long strides. 

“But when you get back tonight, I have someone I want you to meet.” He smiled, seeming very fond of the person he spoke of. “I believe it will help you get back on track.” Tommy bit his cheek knowing that he wasn't going to return. 

“Thank you, sir. I appreciate everything you have done for me.” It was a half-truth. He didn’t like Bad, but he couldn't help but feel slightly sad. He resented him for everything he had done, all the punishments he put Tommy through. But he was the only stable thing Tommy had and now he was leaving him. He had been there all of Tommy's life, good and bad. He was the reason Tommy was here, but also the reason he was leaving.

With a wave, he left heading for the hero tower. His partner was Dream today, but he should have expected the whole squad to be waiting for him when he arrived. 

As he walked into the pristine white hero tower, he spotted all three members waiting for him in the lobby. Strolling over Tommy couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat. They all watched him approach silently, he stood in front of them. Everyone waiting for someone to break the silence.

“So you're still alive.” Dream's tone was neutral, emotionless almost. Sparrow nodded,” Sure am.” He bit back venom in his words. Inferno took a step forward “Sparrow I-” he tried to apologize but Tommy didn't care anymore. Cutting the man off before he could get any more words out.

“Don’t.” His harsh tone made Inferno shrink, Dream stepping forward to shield him from Sparrow's sharp words.

“So where were you for 3 days?” the porcelain smile mask tilted to the side. Tommy grits his teeth, but he couldn’t help but smile. This was the moment he was anticipating.

“Putting in my resignation. I Quit.” The words came out smoothly, and their reaction was even more satisfying than he expected.

Dream, did well at hiding his emotions but even he was visibly caught off guard. “Wait what? Do you really think we can just let you go!?” Dream snapped. “I don't care. I'm done.” And like that, he turned around to leave. Dream reached out to stop him but Tommy swiped his hand away and continued out of the door. Leaving the heroes speechless.

It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. A laugh bubbled in his throat, Holy shit. He never knew quitting would be so fun. He walked away ecstatic, and excited. He was going to finally get away. He hoped at least.

He walked along the street, taking in the warm sun. The birds chirping their morning song made him smile. He spotted trees in the distance, it was the park where Revenant took him. He wondered if he could find the shack again, as he walked into the park.

There weren't many people yet, only some joggers and a couple of old ladies. He veered off the paved trail into the bushes trying to recall where it was. After 10 mins of him mulling around a small building came into view. Found it.

He made his way to it, noting how peaceful it looked in the day compared to how creepy it was that night. The trees surrounded the clearing where it sat. The sun bounced off the straight edges, an oddity in the natural world.

He walked up to the shack. The door creaked as he opened it. It was virtually untouched since the last time he was there. 

Taking this moment he stripped off his uniform, wearing only his black pants and black turtleneck undershirt. He pulled out the cash and began counting it. “Okay, 700 dollars should last a minute” Yet again he didn't know how much things cost.

His clawed fingers folded the money and put it in his pocket. Now what to do about his avian features? Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes. Like when he was healing someone he focused his energy on his appendages and limbs. Once his energy was spread through his whole body, he focused on retracting it to his core. His fingertips tingled and his wings felt like they were being pressed tightly to his body. But it was bearable. Opening his eyes his hand looked unfamiliar. Human. He looked to his back his wings nowhere in sight. Fuck yeah! 

He pumped his fist, it had been years since he had to hide his avian origins so he didn't know how long he could hold it. Checking his com he saw that it was about 2 hours till the mall would open. He really needed some new clothes. He walked out of the shack feeling the warm sun on his face in what felt like forever. He had to always wear his mask, only on rare occasions he was able to take it off outside.

Making his way back to the trail he couldn't help but shiver. His undershirt wasn't much protection from the cold winter breeze. And the two slits on the back for his wings certainly didn't help with keeping him any warmer. 

Leaving the park he couldn't help but shrink as he passed by people. His heart started to beat faster. Reminding himself to keep calm. Tommy was painfully aware of how odd he looked compared to everyone in their autumn coats and jackets. 

Walking to the other side of the city it was a nerve-wracking endeavor, but he pushed through it. He did his best to avoid the main streets as much as possible. Going into small side streets and back allies. But eventually, he made it to the shopping center. Crowds of people gathered for the early morning market. He braced himself to walk through them. All he needed to find was a clothing store. 

He walked down the street spotting a small quant store, the sign flipped to open. His hand shook with anxiety as he walked in. A wave of warmth hit his face as he entered. A soft smell of cinnamon and baked pastries brushed his nose. He had already eaten but his mouth watered at the sweet scent. Walking in he looked over the clothes on the racks, the winter gear set up at the front of the store. 

It was quaint and quiet compared to the streets that buzzed with early morning chatter. He spotted a sky-blue sweatshirt, soft to the touch. The exact opposite of the harsh reds of his hero uniform. He pulled it from the rack, it was simple but it would work. 

He grabbed an extra pair of jeans, some gloves, and a knitted winter hat. The winter accessories were on sale so he might as well get them. He thought. He almost forgot to buy a backpack as he walked up to the front placing his things on the raised counter.

Looking up he spotted where the smell of pastries came from. On the checkout counter sat many different kinds of pastries and baked goods. Clearly freshly made from the steam that was still visible on some. He rang the bell to alert them that he was there. A woman's voice came from the back room. “I’ll be with you in a minute!”

Tommy fidgeted with his money preparing to pay. Tommy hadn't bought anything in his entire life but he had seen enough people purchase something to know how to do it. He was nervous when he heard a sound come from the back. The worker came out of the back room carrying a plate of freshly baked muffins. He couldn't help but stare in awe at how tasty they looked. But no, he was only here for some essentials. He couldn't afford to get caught up in buying fancy sweets. 

She set them down on the counter placing a glass dome over them before walking over to Tommy. She smiled as she greeted him. She had soft pink hair cut to her soldiers and a pin attached to her gray sweater. The name Niki was written on it. 

“Do you want a bag or just put them in the backpack?” she asked while scanning the items. “Backpack please” He eyed the pastries that lined the counter again. Her catching his gaze as she placed his last item in the bag. Ruffling through the cash he placed the bills on the counter took the backpack and slung it on his back.

Niki opened the tray with the muffins she had just taken out of the oven and placed it on the counter with Tommy's receipt. He looked up at her confused “But I didn't-” his question trailed off as he looked up at her. “Saw you eyeing them” Her smile had a knowing look “Call it first customer discount.” 

Tommy was surprised but happy at her kind gesture. Thanking her for the muffin as he walked out. She was nice. His first purchase had gone well.

Taking a bite out of the muffin was like pure bliss. He never knew anything could taste so good. The batter was perfectly fluffy and warm, with little chunks of berries spread throughout. He couldn’t help but curse at how good it was. 

The last time he had a muffin so good was the day he became a hero. Bad had brought him one of his ‘famous homemade muffins’ or so he was told. His brows furrowed at the reminder, guilt swirled in his gut. The last image of Bad waving Tommy off like he was a parent watching his kid go to school. Tears pricked his eyes, he blinked them away quickly. No, He wasn’t going back.

His resolve was strong, but that didn't change how ashamed he felt for leaving. After all, it was his ‘home’ since before he could remember. 

After he finished eating the muffin he opened up the bag to put on the hoodie gloves and hat. The warmth returned to his bones from the warm food and clothes. His nerves let up a bit from having more than just an undershirt. He was just a normal person in their eyes. He was just Tommy.

He walked around the market, looking to shop windows. This was one of the first times he didn't feel like he needed to rush around. The buzz of crowds of people still made him nervous but he could manage. He much prefers the sound of people to the silence of his cell for another day. 

He walked around the city enjoying the calm that came with not having to protect it. Hours passed by. Later in the evening, he walked back to the park. Establishing a spot in the shed. Because where else could he stay? 

Relaxing he could feel his wings relax on his back, pushing against the fabric of his new hoodie. Today has been good. The sunset in the sky. The cold of winter slowly descended into the night air. His breath was visible. 

Tommy looked at his old uniform a pile of red cloth in the corner of the room. His body was used to the normal schedule of his patrols, he was restless as he sat in the cold shed. Maybe I should walk around some.

He knew it wasn't exactly a good idea to wander around in his uniform but he couldn't hide his wings anymore. It was exhausting. He got dressed and left his newly acquired clothes and the shack.

Making his way around the city. Getting back into his normal rhythm of jumping from roof to roof. Tommy had a new vigor, he was freer than he ever felt before. He stopped for a second to catch his breath. Perched on the ledge of the roof he scanned over the city. Only the distant noise of traffic. So when he heard the sound of wings and feet hitting the ground he knew exactly who had joined him on the roof.

He didn't even bother looking over his shoulder as he greeted the winged villain. “Ayup!”

The villain made his way calmly over to the edge. Taking a step up to stand on the ledge with him. Zephyrus spoke “Dream said you quit” Sparrow just nodded.

“Good.” His words confused Tommy. It sounded genuine, not like a mockery. Why was he congratulating him? Sparrow looked at Zephyrus cocking his head, in a birdlike manner.

“What does that mean?”

Zephyrus's eyes were calm deep pools of blue and black. Not a hint of ferocity he was used to. “Good job on leaving the system.” The system? Did he know about Tommy being from the facility? His heartbeat picked up how could he know? Did Dream know? How did-

He was cut off by Zephyrus. “It really is a tough decision to quit being a hero.” 

“You sound like you have experience.” He chided making Zephyrus laugh. His laugh was soft, but it wasn't unnerving. It was calm and almost comforting to hear a laugh for the first time in weeks. That wasn't mocking him.

“ I haven't, but I have friends who have.” He explained. Oh, that makes more sense.

Silence engulfed them again. Tommy found himself being the one to break it.

“Why do you do it?” 

“Pardon?” 

“Why are you guys villains?” he rephrased his question. Zephyrus hummed in thought.

“Do you know what goes on behind the scenes in the hero industry?” He decided to play dumb again. He couldn't know if he could trust them yet.

“Revenant told me something about that like they kidnap children and shit.” A surprised look placed itself of Zephyrus’s features at Revenant's mention, but he brushed it off composing himself again.
“Yeah, something like that. It's a corrupt system that we are trying to take down.”

“And you'll go through anyone and anything to do that huh?” Zephyrus nodded. 

“That's why I'm happy to see you leave. It would be a waste to kill a healer like you.” And that was all he was to them a healer, huh? 

“Was that why you killed Lemon?” It was a question that taunted Tommy every day. It was suffocating. Why had they done it? He could finally get answers.

“Yes, we killed him because he got in the way.” The answer was so simple, but having an answer straight from the source made it worse and better. Lemon was still dead, he was talking to the killer. He finally knew why. All he could do was nod.

“Did you know Lemon?” And just like he told revenant.

“I met him once or twice. Kinda looked up to him is all.” Again a vast understatement. Zephyrus hummed again. Shifting, he pulled out a black card from his pocket. Sparrow took it from his hand. It was plain black with a white printed phone number on it. Looking up at the villain he raised his eyebrow.

“What is this for?”

“You’re a talented healer, if you ever need some extra cash we can work out a deal for you to work for us.” He was offering him a job. Tommy couldn't help but laugh at how odd of a situation it was. He composed himself looking up at the villain. “I'll think about it.” After that, the villain left him on the rooftop.

He sat there dumbfounded by what had just transpired. His com alerted him of the time. It would have been the end of his shift right now. The timer for him to get back to the facility started on the screen. It was the time of truth if he wanted to go back, it was now or never.

Tommy sighed making his way across the city toward the shack. He stopped on a bridge carefully unclipped the com and tossed it into the water below. His conversation with Zephyrus only cemented his conviction. He wasn't going back.

-

Bad sat in his office shuffling through paperwork. When the ping of Sparrow's shift end sounded, he checked his watch. An hour passed and still no sign of Sparrow returning. Is he late again? 

No, bad knew what he was doing. A guard entered to inform him of Sparrow's absence and his com being destroyed just a moment ago. “He’s Running” A distorted voice chimed from the back of Bad’s brain. 

“Sir, should we send out guards to search for him?” Bad was calm, a hum as he thought. A smile crept onto his face. It looked kind but had a sinister twist to the corner. “Send out a message to keep an eye out if they spot him, capture him. But I trust hell return in due time.”

“We need him.” The voice spoke again. He tried to calm it “I promise, he will come back.” he responded in his mind. “ He will have to. Eventually.”

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

It had only been a few days since he left the facility and his funds were running low already. Most of it was spent on food and clothes to survive the winter air that was slowly creeping into the city. The shack worked well to shield him from the weather but he couldn't live there forever.

He needed to get a job. He sighed at the thought of having to go to work again, but this time was different. He will actually get paid. In the morning he stretched his wings readying for another day of concealing them. He could only hide them for a couple of hours before but now he was getting more use to the suffocating sensation. The time increased to be able to hold it longer and longer. He was confident he could hold it long enough for a work shift.

He left the shack the sun was hidden behind a layer of clouds. Tommy could see his breath as he walked along the path. He hoped he could get a job soon but he was absolutely clueless about how. Along the city street, he looked in the windows, spotting his reflection. He looked like a runaway. The blue sweater had new stains from dust and dirt. His hair was a coiled mess of greasy curls stuffed under his hat and his face was thin with dark bags that hung under his eyes. 

He sniffed himself wondering if he smelled, but he couldn't tell. How is he going to get a job looking like this? But he couldn't do anything about it. It's not like he had a shower at the shack. Biting his cheek, he shrugged it off. He still has to try and so the job hunt began.

He scanned the windows of businesses and whenever he saw a help wanted sign he entered to ask about it. The first places were a bust, as soon as they saw how grimy his clothes were they were put off. Side eyeing him, some wrinkling their noses in disgust like he was a wild rodent. The workers bluffed that they already found someone. His confidence waned at every rejection. Tommy grumbled cusses at the shops under his breath. Fucking pricks.

The next shop he walked in was a small cafe. Only a few patrons sat at the tables the air was calm and quiet. He walked in and up to the counter. The barista was finishing an order not even acknowledging him until he set the finished coffee on the counter Calling out the order. They turned to Tommy. They were tall, their hair was dyed half black half white. His eyes were also a mismatch. One a light green the other a dark brown with a red tint. Their face didn't react when he saw Tommy, unlike the earlier shop workers, their eyes turned up in a smile. “What can I get for you?” they addressed Tommy with a neutral tone. 

Tommy scratched his neck “I saw the help wanted sign.” he explained gesturing to the front where it hung. “Are you still hiring?” He readied for another rejection. Instead, a sound of delight came from the barista. “Oh! Awesome, one minute I’ll get you an application sheet.” He said turning into the back room, returning a minute later with a piece of paper and placing it out for Tommy to take. “Just fill this out and just give it back to us when it's done.” Tommy smiled, took the paper, and stole a pen from the counter. He walked to a table in the back sitting down to fill it in.

Looking over the contents, he realized how clueless he was about the outside world. He tried his best to fill in what he could. 30 minutes passed of him struggling before he gave up. It was good enough right? The page was scribbles of messy writing, and half of the boxes were blank. His smile from earlier faded into an anxious grimace.

Tommy had a ton of experience writing up quick reports to give to the police but this was a completely different ball game. All simply because he didn't have the majority of the things on the sheet, or couldn't share them for his own safety.

Walking up to the counter he placed the paper on the counter. The worker walked over picking up the application, their brows furrowed as he examined it. They took a glance up at Tommy and back down at the paper, seemingly contemplating something. Tommy shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. 

The worker straightened up “Uh, give me a minute I’ll be right back.” Was all they said before disappearing into the backroom once again. Tommy fidgeted with the gloves stuffed in his pocket. He blew it. Again.

A couple of minutes passed of Tommy standing awkwardly at the counter. Before the sound of the back room door drew open again. Peering over the counter he saw the barista along with another man come out. He had broad shoulders and green hair. He held Tommy’s application paper in his hand. His eyes were soft as he looked over at Tommy. He approached calmly giving a smile. “Hello, Tommy.” His voice was soft and comforting. “I’m Sam, the owner of this establishment.” He explained “So I see you're applying for a job. Do you have time for a quick interview?”

They sat at the table in the back hidden from the other patrons. Sam observed the paper for a minute. Tommy squirmed in his seat. “So Tommy I have a couple of questions for you.” Tommy looked up making eye contact with him. Lots of questions recently. 

Sam started with some easy questions that pertained to the job, could he make coffee, how well did he work with others, previous job experience? And all Tommy could do was answer vaguely, suspicion raised every time he couldn't answer a simple question.

“So Tommy I noticed you didn't put your last name,” Sam left that in the open giving Tommy time to explain but all he could do was shrug. 

“Uh y-yeah, I kinda forgot it?” Tommy could feel his soul facepalm at his answer. Stupid. Sam looked up at him skeptically.

“You forgot your last name?” He shrugged again, looking down at his hands. Sam sighed, his face turned from skeptical to worried. He hummed in thought. 

“Well Tommy, you’re severely underqualified,” Tommy slumped in his chair. “But-” Tommy looked up at him “That is kinda the point of learning.” He looked at Tommy with a knowing smile. And Tommy returned it, “I mean, I would consider myself a fast learner.” His false confidence came back, a smug smile creeping into his face.

Sam stood lifting out a hand to Tommy. “You can start tomorrow afternoon if that works for you?” Tommy shook sams hand a wide smile cut across his face. “Works for me!”

Tommy was practically floating as he left the cafe. Fist pumping when he was out of sight. Hell yeah! He was ecstatic, ready to start his new job at the Catnip cafe. 

-

Sam walked over to Ranboo the messy application still in hand. His brows frowned with worry. “So do you think he's a runway?” Ranboo's question, made their boss look up from the paper. Clicking his tongue “Yeah, probably.” He chuckled at the thought of Tommy. It was obvious.

It was too soon for Sam to be worried about the kid he just met, but he couldn't help it. Tommy was young, only 16, and he couldn't remember his last name? Something wasn't right about him, but he shouldn't push. Not yet. He turned to his other employee “He's gonna start tomorrow afternoon. Do you think you can train him?” Ranboo smiled “I'll try my best Mr. Awesamedude,”

-

The next day came quickly. Tommy ate a plain piece of bread. It was bland and tasteless but he was used to that kind of food. Learning early on that it was cheaper to buy a big bag of bread and canned foods. He also bought a couple of cheap utensils to eat the various canned foods. He had a particular liking for fruits. They were sweet and not all that expensive, unlike meats and cheeses. 

In the facility, they would occasionally get fresh fruits but most of the food was made to be nutrition-packed supplements so that they could get all the vitamins and minerals in small meals. This gave them more time to train and less time wasted eating. 

Tommy ate quickly and left for the cafe. Since he didn't have his com anymore he guessed the time, hoping it was close enough. Walking in the door he was greeted by the same barista, finally paying attention to the name tag that was pinned to their green apron. Ran-boo. That's an odd name. “Ayup” He greeted them.

“Oh, your back! I’ll get Sam, He has a few things to go over with you.” He turned to go into the back room.

Ranboo gestured for Tommy to follow him opening up the gate to the counter. They lead him into the office, Sams eye-catching onto the two teens as they entered. Greeting them with the same kind smile. A manila folder sat open on his desk. “Tommy, glad to see your back. I have some paperwork I want to go over with, with you. Then after you can begin your training with Ranboo if that’s alright.” Tommy nodded sitting across from him, Ranboo leaving to tend to more customers.

It was just the two of them, a sense of dread pooling in Tommy’s gut at the familiar setting. It reminded him of Bads office, granted a bit messier. It was uncomfortable but he swallowed down his anxiety. Trying to focus instead on what Sam was saying. “So I will need some more information so I can set up your payment plan.”

Sam flipped through the papers in his hand turning them over to show Tommy. He handed him a piece of paper with a pen. It was another sheet to fill out but it was even more confusing than the application. He licked his lips. Shit. 

He looked up at Sam, confusion eminent in his features. “Umm, I might need some help.” Sam seemingly expected this having Tommy set the paper down on the desk. Slowly going through each section and explaining it. But with each new explanation it became more and more obvious he was severely unequipped for the real world. 

No address. No bank account. No education. Nothing to his name. Eventually, they got to the end of the paper. Tommy sat in defeat, slumped forward over the paper. The room was quiet, as Sam sighed. “Tommy?” he sounded upset, but not disappointed. “Can I ask you a question?” 

Tommy looked up at Sam, noting the concern on his face. The older man hesitated before speaking again. “Where are you from? Do you have parents or guardians?” Tommy tensed at the questions. Straitening up. The silence stretched on as the teen refused to answer. Fear and caution sparked in Tommy's eyes. Like a child that just got caught, or a cornered animal. 

Sam watched him with careful eyes. Waiting for an answer. Tommy's fear turned into defiance. His brows furrowed. “Does that matter?” Why did Sam need to know?

The concerned look only deepened on Sam's face. Don't pity me. Tommy thought, annoyance bubbling under the surface. Tommy hated being pitied. He wasn't some helpless child. He could handle himself, he's survived for years on his own. Tommy broke the silence standing up from the seat, “You know what? I’ll just leave if this isn't going to work.”

His frustration at Sam's invasive questions pushed out his sense of logic. Tommy took a step towards the door. Sam had pushed for answers too quickly and now Tommy was retreating. He was quick to try and remedy his error. “Wait, Sorry. That was a bad question.”

Tommy stopped turning back to Sam. His brows still turned up in concern but a small smile hung on his lips “That was rude of me to pry. I don't need to know that, I was just concerned is all.” His omission made Tommy relax some. “Fine, but no more questions like that.” Sam’s face softened again, “Alright,”

They went back to work on the paper, trying to find solutions to Tommy's lack of bank access. Landing on Sam paying him through cash and using the cafe's address instead. Sam didn't dare to pry for any more information about Tommy's past. Settling on him being a runaway.

After the paperwork was all done filling in as much as they could. Sam went to file the paperwork and Tommy was sent out with his new apron to be trained by Ranboo. 

Ranboo was kind enough. They tried their best to teach him the ropes and how to work all the machines. Making a few drinks for customers together. Slowly but surely Tommy got the hang of it. By the end of the day, he had a general understanding of some of the most popular drinks. He definitely wasn't confident enough to work a shift on his own yet, but it was only the first day.

-

The hours passed by the last rays of the setting sun streamed in the windows. A couple of hours till closing, only a few customers sat at the tables sipping their drinks. It was calm. Tommy found himself making conversation with Ranboo as he cleaned a machine. 

“So where did you get the clip,” Tommy asked gesturing to the hairpin that held a part of his Light brown hair out of their face. It was the shape of a small three-pronged golden crown. 

“Oh, I got it as a gift from a friend.” 

“Nice.” Tommy fiddled with the blue pin in his pocket. A friend. Tommy had kept it on him where ever he went since he left the facility. Like a lucky charm, he didn't want to risk losing it if his camp ended up being found. 

He pulled it out of his pocket, observing the character once again. Connor had told him it was supposed to be a blue hedgehog. Going on about the character ‘ Sonic,’ and how he ‘ Gotta go fast.’ The memory of Connor's ramblings made him chuckle. Wonder where he is now.

Ranboo caught a glimpse at Tommy's pin and he finished cleaning the machine. “Sonic nice, where'd you get it from?” He returned Tommy's earlier question.

“A friend.”

-

The shift ended swiftly. Sam stopped him before he left. They stood by the door, the sun's warm rays nowhere to be seen. Instead of only a cold winter night.

“Sorry for my question earlier. It was invasive and rude.” He apologized again. Tommy shrugged not really knowing how to respond. “Tommy if you ever need anything, just let me know.” Sam offered out but Tommy was reluctant to take any help. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” And like that, his first day at the Cafe ended.

He left for the shack his breath coming out as puffs of mist in the cold night air. Besides the paperwork and Sam's prying questions, Tommy would consider it a pretty good first day. Exhaustion seeped into his bones as soon as he sat on the cold wooden floor of the shack. His wings unfurled from his back as he relaxed from the long day. 

He cracked open a can with his talons. Careful not to cut himself on the sharp edges as he began to dig into the syrup-covered fruit. After his meal, he curled into a ball trying to keep himself as warm as possible under the cheap blanket he bought after the first night of sleeping outside. His wings wrapped around him under the soft cotton. 

It wasn't comfortable but it was warm. Better than the cell. He drifted off to sleep.

-

Ranboo walked out of the shop Sam waited outside to lock the doors. The brush of cold air made Ranboo shiver. Pulling his jacket closed to keep warm. He scanned the streets, only a few stores were open at this time. It was quiet. They turned to their employer, as he finished closing up shop. 

“So what do you make of Tommy?” Sam inquired turning to look at them. They hummed in thought. “Hmm, We’ll he seems fine. He can be a bit… vulgar at times tho.” He carefully chose his words. Not meaning to talk badly about him but his strong language was off-putting to Ranboo. 

“What do you think of him?” Sam's face scrunched with worry.

“I worry for him, I would have asked more about him but I don't want to scare him off.” Ranboo nodded in agreement. Ranboo moved onto a different topic.

“So when is the next meeting?” 

“Sunday, usual time.” 

End of Chapter

Chapter Text

The next week passed by swiftly. Tommy adapted to the job of serving customers and memorizing drinks. Which wasn't too hard considering Ranboo had them all written down on a clipboard to help them both remember.

Over the few days of working at the cafe, he got to know his coworker more. One of the first things he noticed about them was their terrible memory. Ranboo would often forget to put ingredients away, leaving them on the counter for Tommy to pick up after him. It was annoying but he understood Ranboo couldn't help it. 

The second thing about Ranboo he noticed was how often he apologized. Tommy might not have been the nicest guy around, but he wasn't unnecessarily mean. Ranboo seemed to crumble under the slightest bit of criticism. Their natural reflex was to apologize even if he did nothing wrong.

Tommy almost pitied them. So when he walked into the cafe on the first day of his second week he wasn't too happy at the scene that was unfolding in front of him.

A lady berated Ranboo who apologized profusely. Her squeals of disdain did nothing to calm the situation, and his coworker's timid response only made her more confident. Her explanation of what he did wrong transformed into insults.

“How can someone not even know how to make a simple cup of coffee!?” Her snobbish tone was unwelcome in the quiet cafe. The other customers stared daggers but none wanted to get involved. 

Tommy, already fed up with her attitude, interrupted her mid-sentence. His nose scrunched with disdain. 

“What the hell is going on?” She abruptly turned to him,

“Stay out of it,” she tried to dismiss him but Tommy was stubborn, he wasn't just going to walk away. He intercepted his body between Ranboo and the belligerent customer.

“Tommy don't-” Ranboo pleaded for him to stay out of it.

“This is my business, I work here bitch.” His refusal to back away only made her angrier. The tirade of abuse was redirected at him now. 

Tommy hated getting yelled at. With Bad, he couldn't argue a word, but this isn't Bad, this was a random lady. Tommy returned her insults with one of his own. Her face contorted from mild annoyance to one of rage. Her voice peeked and bounced around in the small cafe like a drum. To the shock and horror of the other patriots. Tommy needed to get her out of the cafe. 

She clearly wasn't used to the pushback from people and started to get more furious.

Pointing to the door he tried to convince the lady to leave. His own annoyance bubbled to the surface when she kept refusing. Like a toddler having a tantrum she just started wailing. Dumbfounded by her response he continued to try and get her out. Chanting the same words over and over to “Get out!”  She couldn't even get a full sentence out without Tommy interrupting her.

After a few minutes of her fit, she finally started retreating to the door. Threatening to call the cops.

“Get the fuck out! I don't care, Call the fucking cops!” He tried to usher her out of the door but didn't dare to touch her. She stood at the door entrance, still yelling at him as she opened the door. And before he could even react a coffee was flying at his face. The plastic cup burst open the sweet contents of the drink dousing Tommy along with his clothes. The lady left the cafe in a rush. Tommy's anger was already at a boiling point; he opened the cafe door following the lady out. She was already speed-walking away from the cafe.

“Don't come back!” He ended the encounter by flipping her off as she disappeared down the street. Huffing with annoyance at his soiled clothes he walked back into the cafe.

Everyone watched as he re-entered, silence settled over the cafe once again. “Sorry bout that, Mondays am I right?” He chuckled trying to shrug off their stairs. He made his way to the counter, looking up at Ranboo their face a mixture of shock and worry.

“A-are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a bit sticky-”

He sighed, wiping a bit of whipped cream from his soaked sweater.

“I'm just glad it was an iced coffee,” He jested, but Ranboo didn’t laugh instead he only looked guilty.

“That's actually why she was upset, I thought she asked for it iced-” He admitted shrinking into himself. But Tommy only laughed at the confession. 

“Thank god, that's what you messed up- if it were a hot drink this would've ended completely differently.” He smiled at Ranboo trying to reassure them. Making his way behind the counter for his afternoon shift, he reached for the green apron.

“Wait, you're gonna work like that?” Ranboo questioned gesturing to his clothes.

“I don’t exactly have an extra set of clothes,” He shrugged, but Ranboo seemed to have a thought brewing.

“I think I have an idea- follow me” They pulled him to the back corner where the restroom was.  A metal door was at the end of the short hall. Which Tommy hadn't noticed before. Ranboo fiddled with the keys unlocking the door, a steep stairwell hid behind it.

Cautiously he followed him up. A wood door was at the top, its hinges creaking as it opened. 

Inside stood a living room that opened up to a kitchen on one end. There was a dark green couch and coffee table sitting in the room, otherwise, it was completely empty.

“What is this place?” Tommy scanned as much of the room as he could while following Ranboo to a short hall in the corner.

“It's Sam's old apartment, he used to live here before he moved in with his partner-” They explained. Opening another door at the end of a short hall.

It was a small laundry room still furnished with a small washer and dryer. He pulled the chain that connected to the dangling bulb in the room. In contrast to the rest of the apartment, the room looked well-used, and a pile of unwashed white towels stood in a hamper. “This is where we usually clean the dirty rags but we can use it to wash your clothes,”  A smile creased their lips proud of themselves for their diligence.

Ranboo instructed him on how to work the machines properly, another set of instructions already written down on a piece of paper for specific measurements and details. After his explanation, Tommy turned to Ranboo again.

“Does this place have a shower too?” They nodded leading him to the bathroom. It was small, but it was nice. “I’ll let you wash off and stuff, when you're done just let me know-” Ranboo said, already heading to leave. “Umm- do you think Sam would be mad if we used his stuff this way? I mean he does pay the water bills,” Tommy chirped, slightly nervous to be in Sam’s old home unattended. “I don't think Sam will mind,” Ranboo smiled again before slipping out the door and back to work.

Tommy made his way to the laundry room, stripping off his clothes. Originally he was only going to wash his hoodie but as he looked down at his ragged clothes and the dusty knees of his jeans. He only now realized how grimy he really was.

Starting the machine he wrapped himself in a freshly cleaned towel and scrambled to the bathroom. Only releasing his wings once the lock snapped in place. Taking a deep breath, he studied his reflection in the mirror above the sink. His greasy curls twisted in elaborate patterns sticking up in random directions. Even his bright red wings looked dull from the dirt coating them. Wow, he really needed a shower.

The warm water felt like heaven, compared to the cold winter creeping in outside. After around 30 minutes he forced himself to turn off the shower and dried himself off. He waited in the bathroom listening for the washer to finish its cycle. Switching the load quickly before retreating back to the bathroom.

Perhaps it was an old habit from the facility but the bathroom just felt safe to him. Private and separate from the outside world. It was another half an hour until he heard the dryer finish. Quickly he got dressed and made his way down to the cafe. 

Burying his face in the warm scent of the cleansed blue fabric. It was somehow even softer than when he first bought it. He now felt ready to deal with the customers again. The alone time to breathe in the apartment cooled the rage from before. He was calm and collected, feeling better than he had all week.

As he put his green apron back on, he remembered a shower thought. “Hey, Ranboo- Where is Sam today anyway?” He had been too distracted to notice him missing until now.

“Oh, he had a business to attend to today. He should be back tomorrow.” Tommy nodded, accepting the simple answer.

The rest of the shift went normally. No more crazy lady, and only the usual influx of customers.

-

The end of their shift eventually came. Ranboo closed the shop slightly earlier than usual, locking the door behind them. After the store was closed Tommy turned to leave but halted when Ranboo began to speak.

“Tommy before you go-” Their deep voice was warm in the cool night breeze. “Thanks again for earlier” Tommy rolled his eyes in amusement, 

“Yeah, yeah- Don’t get too soppy. I'll see you tomorrow,” He waved and began the stroll back to the shack.

The night air was a comforting feeling, despite how the cold nipped at his nose. The downtown streets were empty besides the occasional passerby. The street lamps illuminated the sidewalk just enough to see but not chase off the looming shadows of the alleyways.

Just up ahead he spotted a uniformed hero making her rounds. Green vines crawled up her arms, red budding roses sprang from the tips. She wore a simple short red dress and a mask that curved into horns at the top. Rose Thorn. Also known as the Red Fairy. Tommy hadn't worked with her much, but he heard many stories about her strong abilities.

He knew she most likely wouldn't recognize him, but he still didn't want to risk it. Since he left he had been avoiding any and all forms of uniformed officers.

Hoping the hero hadn't spotted him already he ducked into the nearest ally backing into the darkness. His eyes trained on the illuminated street. Unexpectedly he bumped into something. Looking behind him to see what it could be. His blood ran cold.

A towering figure with gold-plated armor stood behind him. The gas mask covered their face entirely. It was The warden. An infamous hero turned villain, and Tommy had just bumped into him. He froze looking up at the terrifying sight of the imposing presence.

A firm hand gripped Tommy's mouth, pulling him to the shadows. “Be quiet-” The villain ordered, he nodded. Stunned at the precarious situation he found himself in. 

Rose Thorn's stride was casual but tense, she scanned the streets clearly looking for Warden. Tommy held his breath as her masked eyes scanned over the ally but she didn’t see them. A wave of relief and fear washed over him as the hero passed them by. Tommy could feel Warden's chest rise and fall with his slow breathing.

After a few minutes of them waiting in the alley. The grip of the villain started to let up. Tommy took the moment to pull himself away, stumbling a few steps forward. Warden didn’t make a move to catch him though. Glancing back at him, he now noticed the large wound that punctured his abdomen. His brows furrowed at the blood that coated the criminal's clothes.

“A-are you okay?” Tommy managed to stutter out against his better judgment. But Warden didn't respond, instead turning around to walk away. Tommy watched him take a few steps before his knees buckled under his own weight. 

Instinctively Tommy approached the figure. Gently he placed a hand on the crouched figure, but he didn’t respond to the touch. Definitely loopy from blood loss. Gritting his teeth he propped the villain against the wall. “Hey, can you hear me?” He snapped his fingers trying to get his attention, Warden only gave a dazed nod. Good. 

Warden's hand loosely clutched the injury, hiding it partially. Tommy moved his hand to inspect it better. Laceration in the middle right abdomen. He bit his cheek, at the placement. “That’s bad, definitely hit his kidney” His medical education from the facility made itself useful. Tommy Used Warden's hand along with his own to press down on the wound. “Apply pressure-” He instructed partially to himself and partially to the criminal. Once again he moved the Warden, laying him down, and tried his best to elevate his legs on what he could find in the alley. The villain was barely conscious at this point. 

Tommy bit his lip, Shit, What should he do? He didn’t have a phone to call for help, and Warden was bleeding out fast. Staring down at his human hands, he paused. He could heal him?

No- Warden already saw his face, and he can't hide his wings when he heals someone. But if he doesn't do something soon, he will die. The sound of a wet footstep echoed in the alleyway breaking Tommy's concentration. Whipping his head up to the noise there stood a tall figure that emerged from the shadows. A hybrid. His face was split down the middle, one half had the dark coloring of an enderman. The other was light, unlike any creature Tommy had ever seen before.

Tommy gave a sheepish smile as he realized how odd he probably looked crouched over Warden. “Uh- Hello?” The hybrid looked down at the body, seemingly realizing who it was. “Warden!” The hybrid quickly made his way over to them focusing their attention on the villain instead of Tommy. His ally then. They scanned him over with their mismatched eyes.

“He’s still alive,” Tommy chimed. “But he needs medical attention quick. I think his kidney was hit-” He explained the situation to the mysterious figure. 

“Okay- I’ll take him from here,” Tommy moved his hands away for them to take over. He stood taking a step back. Purple particles drifted around them, then a rush of air.

The two were gone in less than a second. Only Tommy stood in the alleyway. Sticky blood coated his fists as he clenched them. He barely registered what had just transpired before he found himself sprinting away from the crime scene.

His lungs screamed from the oppressive pain of his hidden wings pressing tightly to his back. The buildings raced past him and before he knew it he was back at his makeshift home. Unable to hold the transformation much longer, ripping off his hoodie, his wings flared out in a flurry of red feathers.

He coughed trying to catch his breath, sliding to the floor, panting for air. What the fuck was that. Everything had happened so quickly, it didn't feel real. But the blood coating his clothes told him it was. His body shook uncontrollably from the adrenalin rush. 

He took deep breaths trying to calm his nerves. He just helped a villain. Warden knows his face now. Who was the hybrid? He had never seen a hybrid like them before. What had he just gotten himself into? 

He scolded himself for his recklessness. What was he thinking!? He could only hope that Warden and his friend didn't come looking for him. That was just wishful thinking. He knew he had messed up interacting with them, but he didn't know how much. 

The dried blood on his hands crackled as he flexed them. Rubbing his hands together he tried to get as much off as he could. It flaked off his skin like paint. Grabbing a water bottle to try and wash some more off, but it was futile. Once blood dried on the skin, it was stained for at least a day, Not to mention the blood that had gotten onto his clothes. He kicked himself again.

Dark blood rimmed the edges of his sleeves. He tried to scrub it away huffing with frustration when they didn't budge. Sighing, Tommy decided to try again in the morning but he was just too drained to deal with it. 

So much had happened in a single day, he could only hope that the next was better.

End of chapter

Chapter Text

Tommy woke up groggy and utterly confused by yesterday's events. Cursing as he saw the remnants of blood that contaminated his blue sweatshirt. The ends of the sleeves were spattered with. Shit.

Water had done nothing to get the stains off. He put the sweatshirt on, luckily, the fabric was still soft. He just hoped that no one would notice. Sighing, he decided to leave for the cafe earlier than usual. Maybe he could use the cafe's washer to try and get the blood off? 

As he walked along, his mind tried to wrap around what he had done the night before. Why did he try to help him? Warden was an infamous villain, he was an idiot for not running. He had fought a few battles against him. He was extremely strong and could have killed him easily if he wanted to.

The small cafe came into view, a sign reading closed hung in the delicate glass doors. Huh?

“Tommy?” A familiar voice called his name, and looking up he saw Ranboo approaching him. His long strides slowed as they neared the teen. “Ayup” he greeted.

“What are you doing here so early, your shift doesn't even start till the afternoon?”

“Yeah, I know-” Tommy shrugged, “I just wanted to stop in real quick, but um why is it closed?” He gestured to the sign hanging on the door.

“Oh, Yeah! I was gonna tell you that, Sam is gonna be gone again today, but since he didn't want to leave us to run the store alone he decided to close it for the day.” Tommy hummed but was confused about the situation. “Wait then why are you here right now? Were you just gonna wait outside until I showed up?” Ranboo laughed, “Yeah kinda, but I was actually going to the bookstore today to meet up with a friend. ” They gestured across the street to another small shop. The wooden door was painted white, the rest a light yellow. The way the sun shined onto the paint made the store almost glow. “Oh,” 

Ranboo smiled, “Um, well since you are here,” Tommy turned to look at them, clearly hesitant to finish their question. “Do you want to like- wanna come with? or Hang out?” 

He wanted to hang out with Tommy? He didn't have any other plans for the day, he would’ve just gone back to sleep. “Sure,” He shrugged, Ranboos' smile grew more confident. They crossed the street, the older teen leading the way into the store. 

The golden bell chimed at the top of the door signaling their entrance. Immediately the smell of dust and old books wafted into Tommy's nostrils. It was an unfamiliar scent that made his nose itch. Taking in the scenery, it was a small place made even smaller by the rows and rows of bookshelves that created a maze of paper and wood. 

It was always slightly nerve-wracking walking into a new place, but he found it rather calming walking in with Ranboo. They clearly knew the place well as he maneuvered his way around the shelves. The dusty caverns of the store were a foreign place to him. It was small, cramped full of many books and trinkets, far different from the facility's sterile minimalist halls.

Ranboo made his way to the back counter, while Tommy lingered close by scanning the spines of the second-hand books. Tommy perked up when he heard Ranboo greet someone.

“Hey Wilbur, is Techno here?” Absent-mindedly he picked up a book scanning the contents, while he listened to their conversation.

“Techs just in the back, you can go in.” In usual Ranboo fashion he forgot about Tommy, as he heard him shuffle away to what Tommy presumed was ‘the back.’

The store fell quiet, and Tommy felt he was being watched. Looking up from the book he was pretending to be interested in. He noticed the clerk staring at him. He had curly brown locks that fell over his face and dark brown eyes that studied the teen as if he were a book himself.

Annoyed, Tommy placed the book on the shelf and faced him “Is there a problem?” The clerk looked surprised by Tommy acknowledging him. “Sorry I didn't mean to stare, I just haven't seen you around here before.” He explained straightening up. 

“Yeah okay, creep.” The face of the clerk contorted, offended by the jab at the end.

“I’m not a creep!”

“You know saying you're not a creep doesn't mean you're not a creep. Just like wearing glasses doesn't mean you're smart.” Tommy threw another insult at the stranger, causing him to adjust the round wire-framed glasses that sat on his nose.

“Did you just call me dumb?”

Tommy shrugged, “I don't know, read between the lines.” He smirked, he was so good at comebacks.

“Can you even read, child?” The clerk raised his eyebrow. 

“I'm not a child! I can read-”

“Oh really? Then what were you reading about in that book?”

A sputter of sounds came out of his mouth as he struggled to answer.

“Oh, fuck you.”

“Haha, child can't read!” The clerk barked with laughter until a voice cut through their conversation.

“Wilbur, don't patronize the patrons.” A man with long pink hair entered the room with Ranboo swiftly followed. Guess that's the friend they were talking about earlier.

Ranboo spoke up, taking the courtesy to introduce everyone. “Tommy, I see you've met Wilbur, this is his brother Techno.” They gestured to the bulky man that stood beside him. Tommy greeted them with a simple ‘Ayup’

“Tommy is my new coworker that Sam hired.” Ranboo tried to keep the conversation going. Then a ping of realization hit Wilbur's face, “Wait, you're the kid from the screaming match yesterday!” 

“Huh?” Tommy was confused, he didn't remember seeing Wilbur in the cafe when that happened.

“I mean yeah, but how do you know about that?” 

“We could hear it from across the street,” Technos explained in his monotone voice. Tommy could feel his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Was it really that loud?

“Oh,”

“Anyway-” Ranboo was quick to change the conversation, clearly embarrassed about the incident himself. “We are heading over to my apartment, Techno is going to teach me to cook.”

“Wait, but you were supposed to help me with the book inventory today.” Wilbur looked annoyed at the sudden change in plans.

“Plans changed,” Techno shrugged unapologetically, Ranboos face turning into a worried frown.

“We can always reschedule my lessons if you're too busy?”

“Techno, come on, you were supposed to help me.” Wilbur chided, Tommy looked between them Techno didn't seem like he was going to budge.

“I can help-” Tommy offered, surprising the rest of the group.

“Really?” The brothers looked skeptically at him, making him shrug.

“I don't have any plans today,”

“Great. There's your help.'' He said leaving the bookstore, dragging Ranboo along before Wilbur could get another word in. A face of confusion and annoyance scrawled on his face. He sighed in defeat, looking up at Tommy. “Are you actually gonna help or were you just saying that?” Tommy shrugged again- 

“Yeah sure, I'm bored anyway.” Wilbur seemed to perk up at the prospect of having a helping hand. “Great then follow me” Wilbur stood from leaning on the counter walking out from behind it. He led Tommy deeper into the store, at the back corner lay boxes filled with old dusty books. Wilbur flourished his hands at the piles of books, “This is what we have to sort today” He glanced at Tommy to see if he would rethink his decision. Instead, Tommy took a step forward and picked up a book, “So how are we supposed to sort them?” He looked back at Wilbur waiting for instruction.

They began to go through the books Wilbur explaining what to do. Tommy was to put the books from the same genre into a cart that was going to be stacked on the proper shelves later. Working through the book sorting was easy, but as the time crept on the silence became more and more noticeable. Tommy cleared his throat to try and start a conversation but nothing came to mind. He bit his cheek. Before Tommy had the chance to think of anything to say Wilbur began to talk.

“Sorry to drag you into doing this for me.” 

“Hm? Ehh it's fine. It's not too bad. Honestly, it's kinda calming,” Tommy answered truthfully, he kinda enjoyed placing the books onto their proper carts. 

“Haha really? Maybe you should be the one working here” Wilbur laughed.

“Do you like to work here?” Tommy looked up at Wilbur, as he shrugged, placing another book on the cart.

“I only work here 'cause my Dad owns it, kinda like a family business deal. Don't get me wrong! I don't hate it, it's just tedious sometimes.” Wilbur seemed guilty admitting it, but Tommy was too focused on what he called it. A family business? It was the first time Tommy heard of a business made out of a family.

“Family business? So you're just forced to work for your dad?” 

“Well no, he doesn't force me to do anything.”

“Oh,” Tommy laughed awkwardly. Wilbur's eyes seemed to scan Tommy again. “What?” Tommy raised an eyebrow in annoyance. He didn't like feeling like he was an animal being studied.

“Do you have any family?” Wilbur's question felt like a jolt of lightning struck him in the heart. Making his heartbeat pick up. Tommy hesitated to answer. But instead of saying the truth he couldn't help but get defensive, he narrowed his eyes in a glare. 

“How about you mind your own business.” Wilbur shifted uncomfortably, he knew he struck a nerve.

“Um sorry, I was just curious” he apologized before shifting his gaze away, returning to sorting the books.

Tommy felt guilty about how he answered, but it seemed like he couldn't control his emotions when the subject of family came up. When Tommy was young he was sold to the facility for a pretty penny once his healing abilities were discovered. He didn't even remember his parents' faces anymore, so he didn't know why it upset him so much. Tommys sighed.

“No, I don't have any family.” He answered the question trying to rectify his earlier discourtesy. Wilbur seemingly took it as permission to continue the conversation.

“Foster care?” 

“Yeah, something like that” He lied. Wilbur nodded in agreement.

“Techno isn't my real brother. At least not by blood.” Tommy perked up, curious to know more.

“We were both adopted by our dad.” A soft smile creased Wilbur's lips at the thought of his family. Which only made Tommy feel more lonely. He didn't have anyone like that, the closest thing he had to a family was- He cut off the thought. He couldn't bear to think of them right now. He was starting a new life. He couldn't stay stuck on them forever. 

Tommy was quick to change the conversation to a lighter topic. Talking with Wilbur came easily. They bantered, throwing insults and quips back and forth between each other. Tommy threw a book or two at Wilbur whenever he would call him a child.

The golden sun shone in from the small windows at the front of the store. The orange hues of sunset caught on the dust particles that floated in the air. They finished stacking the books onto the carts. “And we’re done for the day-” Wilbur stood to stretch his back. “I'll make Techno put them on the shelves tomorrow.” He gave a mischievous grin. He turned to Tommy, placing a hand out to help him up off the ground. Hesitantly Tommy took it, pulling himself to his feet. He brushed off his pants from all the dust they had collected from shifting the books. “Thanks for the help Toms” He smiled at the surprise nickname, “Yeah sure.” The room went quiet, both not knowing what to say. 

The front doorbell chimed as two familiar figures entered the store. “Wilbur, we’re back” He announced to the empty store. Wilbur's mood shifted from happy to annoyed in a matter of seconds. “We just finished and now you show up?”

“Lucky me.” Techno grinned knowing he purposely ditched. The two walked to the back of the store, Ranboo giving a quiet wave to Tommy. He returned it as the brothers kept talking. 

“You're the one that has to stack them on the shelves tomorrow because we did all the sorting.” Wilbur demanded, “Yeah okay fine.” He waved off his brother. 

“We are going to go out for dinner and I was wondering if you guys wanted to come along?” Ranboo interjected. Wilbur accepted the offer immediately. Everyone turned to Tommy, startled by the sudden invite. 

“Uh, I mean I don’t have much money right now-” He confessed, unsure if he could join. 

“Don't worry Toms, I'll pay for you-”

“Really? I don't want to be a burden-” Wilbur laughed. Patting his new friend's shoulder.

“It's the least I can do, especially since you helped with the books after someone ditched me.” He gave a pointed look towards Techno. As he looked away clearly not guilty.

-

They walked down the street to a local diner. Tommy walked by Wilbur as Ranboo and Techno strolled ahead of them. Tommy was kinda nervous, he had never eaten at a restaurant before. He felt his shoulders tense as they entered the bustling building. Families and people crowded the seats. A kind waiter greeted them at the front, leading them to a back corner, which was luckily quieter than the front.

“So how did the cooking lessons go?” Wilbur questioned Ranboo, his cheeks flushing. 

“It went okay… I might have forgotten the potatoes in the oven though.” Techno laughed, 

“You nearly set the whole kitchen on fire.” 

“So that's why we are eating out?” Wilbur gave a knowing look as Ranboo shrunk in his seat. 

The waiter came back with menus for them to look over. Tommy skimmed the pictures of food, they all looked so good, but he settled on some chicken tenders. They were the cheapest.  Wilbur looked over his shoulder as he took in all the food options. 

“What are you getting?” 

“I was going to get the chicken tenders.” A snort escaped from the older man.

“What?”

“You're such a child.” Wilbur chuckled, 

“What, no I'm not!”
“Everyone knows that only children get the chicken tenders” He teased.

“Fine! Then what are you getting?” 

“I was going to get a salad” 

“Pfft, Old man”

“Getting a salad doesn't make me an old man!”

“Then why do chicken tenders make me a child?” Techno snickered from across the table, 

“He’s got you there.”

“But how does getting a salad make me an old man?” He looked a mixture of offended and confused.

“It's like one of the blandest things you can get.” Tommy only knew this from what he heard Inferno say one time. Wilbur scoffed, moving to ask what Techno was getting, to take the heat off of himself.

“Veggie burger.” He said plain and simple, Wilbur immediately calling him a hipster. Techno rolled his eyes at the lackluster insult. Ranboo was last to be insulted. He hesitantly told them he was getting a burger. Tommy and Wilbur shared a glance.

“American.” They said simultaneously. The whole group burst out in laughter. The waiter eventually came back to get their order. Tommy couldn't help but smile the whole meal. Being surrounded by people he liked, and eating food that tasted way better than the bread he's been eating over the past week. Tommy enjoyed this. This is what he always wanted. To be able to talk, to laugh, and not worry about if he was just a tool to them. To them, he was just Tommy. 

He would talk and they would listen, instead of just telling him to be quiet. They would actually joke along with him.

When the meal ended, they left the restaurant together. Ranboos' apartment was the opposite way from the shops so they split off. Wilbur Techno and Tommy all started walking back in the direction of the bookstore. The stroll back was relatively quiet, they only made a couple of comments and jokes occasionally. Their car was parked in the alley to the side of the building. 

“Do you want a ride home?” Techno asked Tommy as he pulled out his keys. Tommy shook his head. 

“No thanks, It's not too far from here I can walk.” Techno shrugged, Wilbur looked at Tommy. “Are you sure? It's really no hassle.” Tommy rejected again, he liked the walk anyway. He waved to them as they drove down the street. Sighing he started the walk to his shack. 

-

Tommy wasn't expecting to see Wilbur again so soon. The next day the cafe was back to its usual schedule. Sam explained he just got sick the day before. He and Ranboo got to work on making the customer's orders. Tommy was just a little bit more comfortable joking and talking with Ranboo after yesterday's adventure.

The door chimed as another customer entered the store. Tommy would be lying if he said he wasn't happy seeing him again. He smothered the smile that crept up on his face after seeing their bookstore neighbor entering the cafe. Tommy made a fake annoyed face, “What are you doing here?” 

“Are you allowed to talk to your customers like that?” Wilbur scowled

“We have an exception for old men like you.” Tommy tried his best to hold back his laugh as Wilbur's face shifted, his mouth twisting into a silent gasp.

“Ugh, child.” Rolling his eyes he started to order and Tommy gave it to his coworker to make. 

“You're so lucky I'm working today.” Wilbur had a smug grin.

“Why?”

”If I weren't I would have more time to mess with you.” he sighed disappointed he couldn't annoy him all day again. Tommy stuck out his tongue at him.

“Thank Prime, I don't know how long I could look at your ugly face.” His nose wrinkled at the comment.

“Tch, I'll have you know I am very handsome.”

“Denial is a natural part of grief, Wilbur.”

“What? I'm not grieving.”

“Oh really? You should be, especially with that hairline-” 

“You little shit!”

“Ooo low blow-” Ranboo chimed in from the back, He handed back his order. Wilbur narrowed his eyes at the words scrawled on the cup. Tommy took special care to write ‘old man’ on it. He chuckled. “See you later child.” Shaking his head as he walked out of the cafe and across the street. A smile creased Tommy's lips for the rest of the day. 

The next day, Wilbur came back to bother Tommy and the next. And soon it was every day he would come to the cafe to make short banter with Tommy. A week passed of them talking consistently. 

-

It had been two weeks since he had first met Wilbur in the bookstore. On Wilbur's days off he would come into the store just to bother Tommy. Whenever he wasn't dealing with a customer or busy with something else he would always make a point to throw a jab or insult him. Tommy, of course, was the best at comebacks. 

He was still living in the shack, but Sam would let him use the shower and washer whenever he needed to. Sam didn't even bother to ask why Tommy didn't have one at home. He didn't want to repeat what happened during Tommy's first day at the cafe.

-

It was Tommy's day off. He was exhausted from work. Talking with Wilbur was fun but after hiding his wings for eight hours plus every day, it started to take a toll on him. He woke up with a slight cough. But even so, he didn't care. He ate a slice of bread and pulled himself up from the harsh wooden floor. He stretched his back out, his spine popping loudly. And he thought the beds at the facility were hard, sleeping on the ground for a month was not comfy.

Taking a deep breath, he hid his wings. Constricting his wings made his ribs ache. He definitely would not be able to hold it for very long today. Just to stop by the bookstore. He thought. The short walk was pleasant. Tommy was somehow short of breath when he finally arrived. Walking in he immediately went to the front desk. No one was there as he looked around. An unfamiliar voice sounded from the back of the store “I'll be with you in a minute.” It was a cheery tone, very much unlike Wilbur or Technos. 

A man with shoulder-length blonde hair came out from the back room. A calm smile crested his face. “Sorry mate. How can I help you?” Tommy didn't even think before the words slipped out of his mouth “You're not Wilbur.” The man seemed to laugh at Tommy’s confused face. 

“No, that I am not, but I can get him for you?” The man tilted his head slightly,

“Uh, yeah that would be appreciated.” He chuckled nervously. He went back into the back room, emerging barely a minute later with Wilbur.

“Tommy!? What are you doing here?” Wilbur had a delighted smile, as he walked over to the teen. 

“Well since you're always bothering me on your day off I thought I'd come and bother you for a couple of hours, as revenge.” Tommy gave him a playful grin. The blond man from before face shifted as if he realized something. “Oh, So your Tommy,” the man placed out his hand for Tommy to shake, so he did.

“I’m Philza Minecraft, but you can just call me Phil. I'm Wilbur and Techno's father.” He had a warm smile that Tommy couldn't help but return. “Nice to meet you.”

“Anyway Toms, do you want to help me with something?” Wilbur quirked an eyebrow at him.

“If that means sorting books again I would rather not.”

“I thought you liked doing it?” Wilbur sounded confused.

“Nope. Definitely the worst experience of my life, especially the talking with you, part.” Sarcasm seeped out of his every word. 

“Okay, whatever you say. But no, it isn't sorting more books.” Tommy waited for Wilbur to explain exactly what he was inviting him to do.

“I just need help with labeling some books.”

“Nope, you lost me.”

“Oh come on, you'll get to use stickers,” He tried to convince him. Tommy scoffed.

“Stickers? How old do you think I am?”

“I don't know, 10 or something? You tell me, child- Ow!” Tommy gave a light punch to his arm. He winced at the impact.

“I’m 16 you ass. And don't call me a child!” 

“Fine fine,” Wilbur rubbed his arm. “How about if I buy you some food? Then will you help me?” Tommy froze thinking for a second, with a groan he finally agreed. Wilbur led him to the back room. He didn't even realize Phil had left the room until he saw him sitting in the back working on labeling books while he and Wilbur were talking. “Phil, I bribed the child to help us.” Wilbur sounded almost proud of himself. 

Wilbur and Tommy continued to talk while they worked on labeling. Tommy found Phil to be a calm man, quite unlike Wilbur's talkativeness or Techno's bluntness. He guessed they all balanced each other out. The time passed quickly and soon they were done. Tommy finished labeling all the books he was given and Wilbur soon finished all of his. Standing to his feet. “I'm gonna go on break and get us some food. Do you want anything?” Wilbur questions his Dad. Phil asked him just to get something simple for him from the food joint down the road. Wilbur nodded and gestured for Tommy to follow him. “Come on Toms, let's go get some food.” His mood brightened at the thought of getting something good to eat, unlike his lackluster breakfast. 

They walked down the street, from what Tommy could tell it was just after noon. He had only been there for an hour or so. His wings ached even worse than in the morning. Tommy tried his best to act natural but his cough was not going away anytime soon. Every time a sharp pain buzzed through his body. He had to grit his teeth as he walked, trying to ignore it the best he could. Wilbur spared a glance at him. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Hmm? Yeah, why wouldn't I be?” 

“You just look a bit pale,” Tommy tried to brush off Wilbur's worried expression with a casual smile.

“I’m just hungry.” 

They continued to walk eventually getting to the same diner they went to before. They went in and ordered some food, getting Phil something to go. As Tommy ate he tried to ignore the swirl of nausea that climbed in his gut. Wilbur's brows furrowed with worry, as he watched Tommy struggle to eat the food. “Tommy, are you sure you're alright?” 

“Yes I'm fine, Wilbur- now stop being such a mother hen.” He tried his best to act as okay as possible. Eventually, they finished their meal, Tommy taking the rest of his in a to-go box. Feeling too queasy to finish it. They got back to the store, and Tommy stopped outside. “Well, I think I'm going to head back home.” He said, trying his best to give a smile.

“Do you want me to walk you? Just let me drop this off then-”

“No- no, I'll be fine on my own.” Tommy cut him off. Trying to convince Wilbur he was really okay. Wilbur looked reluctant but gave in. Trying to respect Tommy’s privacy.

“Fine, but if you need anything. I’m here for you okay?” And he sounded so genuine, so warm. It was weird, Tommy wanted so badly to keep talking to him, but he didn't have the energy to keep up the facade for much longer. He gave a nod and started walking back to the park. The whole time struggling to keep the illusion. His cough only made it harder for him to breathe as he staggered along. It's just 10 more minutes, I’m almost back. 

By the time he reached the doors, he flung it open toppling inside. Letting go of the mask as soon as he shut the door. He stopped on the ground in a coughing fit, he struggled to breathe. Wheezing as he tried to get control over it. After a few minutes, his breathing started to even out but not quite recovered from the fit. His body shivered. That was a bad idea. He thought slightly regretting his decision to go out. Exhausted from holding the illusion.

Wrapping himself in a blanket he stayed there on the floor of the shack for the rest of the day. His whole body ached, and cold shivers radiated through his body. Was he sick, or was this just a side effect of overusing his ability?

-

Tommy didn't even want to acknowledge the possibility of him getting sick. He couldn't not right now. The time passed slowly Tommy weaved in and out of consciousness. Before he even realized it, it was the next day. He felt better but definitely didn't have enough energy to go see Wilbur. He could barely hold it for 2 hours the other day. He needed to rest if he was going to be able to go to work the next day. So that's what he did, he ended up sleeping the entire day on the floor of the small wooden shack. He only was awake to eat the rest of the leftovers from the day before.

The night fell quickly. Tommy was still wrapped in his thin blanket when something woke him from his sleep. Sitting up, he listened in. It sounded like- Footsteps! Tommy quietly pushed himself to the corner of the room, praying for whoever or whatever to leave. When he heard the sound of a person talking he quickly tried to hide his avian attributes again. Clenching his jaw at the spike of pain that radiated from his ribs. He held his breath as the sound of the door hinges creaked as someone pushed it open.

End of chapter

Chapter Text

Wilbur sat in the back room. The sticker adhesive rubbed off on his fingers making them stick to the book covers as he lifted them from the piles. They had recently gotten a huge donation of old books, which Wilbur could only have guessed came from an old woman from how many cooking books there were. A faint ring of the door chime didn't even register in his brain as another customer entered the store.

His father leaned back in the wooden chair a few feet from where he sat on the ground. “I'll be with you in a minute,” Phil called out to whoever. He quickly finished with the book he had in his hand setting it down, before going to greet the patron. Wilbur continued with his task of putting the barcode stickers on the back of the books. Not bothering to listen to the muffled voices of his father as he spoke with the person.

Phil's footsteps approached the back door, “Wilbur, someone's here for you” Perking up. Who could it be? With an exaggerated groan, he stood from the floor. A t least he could take a break from labeling.

He let his father lead the way. Stepping through the door frame delighted by who he saw waiting for him. The boy's curly blond hair and dull blue eyes caught the morning sun that streamed in from the windows. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of Tommy's dirty grin.

“Tommy! What are you doing here?” He approached the teen.

“Well since you're always bothering me on your day off I thought I'd come and bother you for a couple of hours, as revenge.” Wilbur chuckled. Thinking back on the two weeks he had been going over to the cafe. Before meeting Tommy he would only go over there maybe once or twice a week. But after their first meeting, he couldn't help but be infatuated with him. He was always so fun to tease and his smile was very contagious. Wilbur couldn't help but think of him as a radiating ball of young chaos. Like a freshly born sun. 

Of course, he liked his family and friends but Tommy was just so exciting. He was unpredictable, and Wilbur liked the thrill of pushing boundaries. Wilbur knew Techno and Phil too well, they were calm and mostly collected. Both had their own chaotic sides in their own right, but they were not as fun to mess with as the boisterous 16-year-old. Meeting Tommy was like getting a new toy to play with and play with he did. Constantly poking and prodding the boy with light-hearted jabs and insults. Only encouraged more when he would return them with the same energy.

“Oh, So your Tommy aren't you?” Phil spoke, derailing his train of thought. “I’m Philza Minecraft, but you can just call me Phil. I'm Wilbur and Techno's father.” Phil introduced himself. Tommy gave him a kind smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“Anyway Toms, do you want to help me with something?” Wilbur took the opportunity to invite him to join Phil and him in their tedious sticker game. Only convincing him when he offered to buy him food. He knew that would work.

He dragged him to the back, sorting the remaining books into three piles for each of them to work on labeling.

“There is a lot more to do in bookstores than I ever thought there'd be.” He remarked, peeling a sticker from the sheet. 

“It's usually not this much work. We just got a big donation of books.” 

“From who?” Tommy cocked his head like a bird.

“No idea, but if I had to guess I would say an old lady. She probably died and they didn't know where else to put them.” Tommy’s brows turned upwards. 

“I hope not that would be sad dontcha think?” Wilbur shrugged, God, he’s such a kind kid.

“Yeah, I guess so,”

The conversation ended there, moving on to another topic. They soon finished labeling their stack of books, leaving Phil to finish the last of them. They got up to go get something to eat at the local food joint. Checking his watch he saw it was just after 12 o'clock as they walked down the street. It was quiet as they walked Wilbur doing the majority of the talking. Looking over to see Tommy watching his feet. A smile was on his lips but Wilbur couldn't help but notice how Rough Tommy looked. It was too dim to see in the shop but Tommy looked very pale. Wilbur only now noticed how much he was coughing and how his jaw was clenched as if he were in pain. 

“Hey, are you okay?” His brows furrowed slightly with worry.

“Hmm? Yeah, why wouldn't I be?” Tommy gave a big smile looking up at him, it was obvious how forced it was.

“You just look a bit pale,”

“I’m just hungry.” He brushed off Wilbur's concern. He wanted to push further to find out what was wrong, but he didn't. Instead deciding to keep a close eye on him the rest of the day. He would ask again if his condition got worse.

They entered the restaurant, sitting at a booth across from each other. As Tommy ate, Wilbur saw how much he picked at his food. As if he were trying to force down as much as he could without throwing up. Tommy only managed to eat half of the meal. Which was very odd from what Wilbur had seen the two weeks prior. He looked like a rabid raccoon scarfing down all the food on his plate before. Something was definitely wrong.

After lunch, they started to walk back to the bookstore. Tommy was even quieter than before. Wilbur turned to go back into the shop stopping as he noticed the teen not following.

“Well, I think I'm going to head back home.” He said, giving a lackluster smile. Wilbur was quick to offer to walk him home, but Tommy refused immediately. Almost panicked at the idea of it. Wilbur looked reluctant but gave in. Giving him a quick wave before walking into the store. 

He watched through the windows as the teen sulked down the street. Biting his lip, maybe he should have insisted more. Worry stirred in his brain. He sighed there was nothing he could do about it now, Tommy was too far away. It would have been weird to chase after him. He sighed walking into the backroom to give Phil his food.

“Where is Tommy?” Phil asked, seeing Wilbur enter alone. 

“He decided to head back home,” He shrugged, his father read him like a book.

“Is something wrong?” Wilbur leaned on the door frame.

“Did Tommy look pale to you?” The worry laced his eyes, as Phil thought back on the boy.

“He did look a bit ill.” Phil’s confirmation did not help calm his nerves.

He handed Phil his food and got back to work, moving the books in the back into boxes to be sorted later. 

-

The next morning Wilbur couldn't help but wonder if Tommy was going to show. The entire time thinking back on how unwell he looked the day before. As the hours passed he felt disappointed when closing time came and Tommy was nowhere to be seen. He hoped he was just getting some rest. What if something bad happened to him? The little voice in his head chimed. 

His brain recalled the story he thought up for the donated books. The story of an old lady dying, where there was probably no one there to help her. How her corpse would go unchecked and only months later would be found. As her flesh melted into the floor, no one was there to find her. What if something happened to Tommy, and there was no one there for him? What if like that old lady he tripped and hit his head- what if- 

He cut off the thought. He was overthinking again. Tommy was fine. He was probably at home sleeping, watching TV, or doing whatever teenagers do. Wilbur was just being a weirdo worrying over nothing. He took a deep breath, This shouldn't be what he should be thinking about.

They had a Syndicate meeting that night. That's what he should be thinking about. Not some random kid he just met half a month ago. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't get rid of his thoughts of unease.

-

It was a simple meeting that night to assess the hero committee's moves and plan accordingly. Wilbur wasn't much for information but he and Techno worked well when it came to plans of attack. 

Taking off his wire-rimmed glasses it was as if he could feel his energy spread through his body. His vision became brighter, and he felt lighter than before. Like a body finally able to float to the surface of the water after losing the brick attached to its foot. Okay, maybe he should stop thinking so much about corpses.

Techno had a similar pair of rectangular glasses to hide his origin during the day, while Phil had his ring. 

He got dressed in his dark trench coat and slipped on his black mask that made his face look like a void beside the two small glowing pin-prick eye holes. That’s one thing he always liked about his Phantom origin is how it made his eyes glow.

He left his messy room and greeted his family at the door. Techno wore his form-fitting leather armor, stained a dark red. His skull mask covered the top part of his face, black fabric mask covered the bottom half. His brother's golden glowing eyes tracked him as he walked down the stairs. His father finished zipping up his shoes and adjusted his flowing robes of green and black. His dark wings folded to his back. The flight feathers nearly touched the ground as he stood.  “Alright, are we ready to go?” His father's kind voice was masked by the voice modulator on his throat. “Yep.”

The three of them walked into their garage. Phil took the driver seat, Techno took shotgun and Wilbur was banished to the back. Like usual.

Wilbur messed with his brother's hair, weaving his fingers through its loose stands “Why didn't you put up your hair today?” 

“We're not planning on fighting, and I couldn't find a rubber band.” Wilbur continued to play with his hair. Techno decided to ignore his older brother's antics.

They soon arrived at the meeting spot. It was an average-looking office building that reached to the sky. The lights in the building were all off, but the upper floors weren’t where they were going. They made sure to check their surroundings before leaving the car and silently slid in the front doors. Walking to the elevator, they pressed a key code to the floor buttons. The elevator descended, arriving at their meeting room floor. 

Wilbur always enjoyed the dim lighting. Blue lamps hung from the ceiling in the hallways to the room. They entered the elaborately decorated double doors taking in their surroundings. They greeted the people already sitting at the long table at the center of the room. It looked like they were second to last to show up. 

Wilbur moved to sit across from Nemesis, Zephyrus sat at one end of the table, and Techno at the other. Pretentious bitches. He rolled his eyes at his family's dramatics. Lithe, sat at the chair by Ares, making small conversation. Warden fiddled with a small monitor strapped to his wrist. They all waited for the court fool, as Revenate would call him.

Not even a minute later, the fabled last person entered the room. His split black and white smile mask matched his lively voice. “I have arrived!” Jester's theatrical entrances could only be matched by Wilbur's ostentatious personality. 

“Quakityyyy” His voice cooed. Jester returned with the same energy. “Wilbaaa!” Phil snapped his fingers, “Hey! how many times do I have to say no names?” He scolded the two, but everyone knew it was useless. Jester took a seat by Wilbur propping his feet up on the table.

Techno stood. “Alright. Everyone is here, let's get started then.” Phil dropped a stack of papers on the table. “This was all the payments the committee has received and spent over the past month. Their expenditure margin has increased on medical and covering damage costs, thanks to sparrow quitting.”

Revenant's brain couldn't help but wonder where Sparrow had disappeared to. He had not been seen out since he quit and Dream has not reported any signs of him still in the hero business. From what they could tell he dropped off the face of the planet. 

“I think causing more financial stress has been working in our favor.” Zephyrus continued. 

“Kinda-” Jester cut in, all the eyes in the room turning to him. “It's only kinda working. The problem is the hero committee keeps getting financial support from Jschlatt. If he keeps supporting them it doesn't matter how much destruction we cause.”

You could hear a collective groan in the room at the mayor's mention. Jschlatt was one of the richest men in the entirety of L’manburg. If he wanted to, he could probably buy out every judge, cop, and lawyer in the city. Which was a pain in the ass. If he was the one backing them it doesn't matter what they did to the city. He would just push it under the rug like nothing ever happened. 

“So we attack the source.” Ares leaned over the table. “If we manage to get Jschlatt out of the picture, watching the hero committee fall is only a matter of time.”

“You can't seriously be suggesting we kill him,” Jester laughed at the idea. “He’s guarded 24/7, no one is getting near him.” The room went silent as they thought through their options.

“But what if-” Nemesis' calm voice cut through the room. “What if we don't attack him but his source of finance? It might not stop him completely but it would slow it down.” Everyone seemed to perk up at her suggestion. 

“That might work, Warden, do you know where the majority of his profits are from?” Zephyrus turned to the man sitting next to him. “Hmm, if I remember a lot of his profits come from his illegal weapon shipments and distribution along with donations made to him from his supporters.”

“We can't do anything about the donations but we can screw with his side business.” You could hear the silent cheer of having a new project of destruction. “Warden, Jester, If you guys can get information on Jschlatt's next shipment dates by the next meeting?” The informants nodded. They continued with the conference discussing other matters. Where they last attacked, where to attack next. Any new updates from the Dream team. They went over it all. By the time the meeting was over, it was past midnight.

They packed up their stuff and left the building reviewing all the new information they just flooded each other with. Even though Phil only mentioned him once Wilbur couldn't get Sparrow out of his mind. They got in the car and started driving back home. 

“Do you guys ever wonder where Sparrow went?” He questioned breaking the silence of the car moving on the empty highway. He watched his father through the rearview mirror. “I thought about it once, to try and find him but Dream said he didn't know his name or face so it's lost cause to try to search for him now," Phil explained

“Do-” He began weighing his words. “Do you think he was part of the program?” He could see Techno shift uncomfortably at the mention of it. “Why do you think that?” Even though Wilbur couldn't see it he could imagine Phil's brows furrowed. 

“Well,” He sighed, straightening up in his seat. “I talked with him once, and he said he met Lemon once or twice.” He regretted his confession as he felt the tension in the car grow.

“When was this?” Techno finally spoke, he knew he wasn't going to get out of this. “You know what, never mind-” He tried to brush off what he said earlier. 

“Wilbur, when was this?” Techno already heard too much to leave it alone now.  

“Promise you won't get mad?” Techno's stone face made no pledge but he continued anyway. “It was when you guys were hunting him, three days before he quit.”

Techno thought for a second before a realization flashed over his eyes, he turned to face his brother sitting in the back seat. “You hid him from us, didn't you?” Fury peeked behind his words. “Look tech- I didn't think he would-” 

“Didn't think what? He would turn us in? Report Dream?”

“He doesn't seem like that kind of guy.”

“How do you know that? What? Do you know something we don't?” Anger dripped from his words like venom.

“Boys-” Phil tried to calm the two, clearly getting more riled up.

“Oh come on Techno, don't be mad,” Wilbur said, trying to sound calm but failing.

“No, I'm going to be irritated. You possibly risked our entire operation on a gut feeling.”

“But I didn't! Everything turned out fine! You're just pissed 'cause I brought up the program aren't you?” Technos fist curled around the seat, gripping it tight. 

“You have no idea what goes on behind those god-forsaken walls Wilbur, so don't go flinging around the idea he could be part of it. That just makes him more dangerous to us.” His voice was low and steady.

“Why does it make him more dangerous?”

“Because it makes him a pon for the committee.”

“But you and Dream came from there and you're not-!”

“Me and dream are the exceptions, Wilbur.” 

The silence engulfed the car, Techno turned back around to sit properly again. “What would you have done if he was from the facility?” Wilbur waited for the answer, partially not wanting to hear it. “I would have killed him, for his sake as much as ours.”

Wilbur wanted to defend Sparrow more, he wanted to say that he was a good guy. But he couldn't. Techno was right he didn't know who he was at all. They stayed quiet the rest of the drive home, arriving at the house a little past 1 am.

Wilbur marched up to his room, throwing his costume on the bed before getting dressed in his jeans and yellow sweater. He put on his glasses and walked back down stairs to get his shoes. Phil caught a glimpse of him, “What are you doing mate?”

“Going out.” He said simply.

“This late at night?” Wilbur didn't answer and Phil accepted his silence. “Okay, be safe.” He said leaving Wilbur alone.

-

Leaving the house in a rush he trudged down the street. Eventually making it to the subway station. Luckily they ran the tracks all night. He arrived at his stop in a matter of 10 minutes. He had commuted this way many times when Techno or Phil couldn't drive him. He walked past the bookstore and headed in the direction of the park.

Hiking through the bushes he soon saw the familiar shack. His shack. He walked up to the door taking a moment to breathe before pushing it open.

He scanned the small room, and his breath caught in his throat as a scream escaped his lips. A figure was bundled in the corner. Wide blue eyes locked onto his. Curly blond hair poked out from under his hat.

“T-Tommy?” Wilbur said composing himself. “Is that you?” The teen shifted pulling the blanket closer to himself hearing the familiar voice “Wilbur?”

“What are you doing out here?” Wilbur glanced around the shack catching sight of the things strewn about the room. “Have you been living here?” 

“Uhhh, No?” He denied the obvious.

“Really? Then what are you doing in a shack in the middle of the night?” He raised an eyebrow folding his arms in front of him.

“I think the real question is what are YOU doing in a shack in the middle of the night?”

“You’re dodging the question!” Wilbur groaned.

“I’m not answering your question until you answer mine.”

“You're such a stubborn child.” Tommy stuck his tongue out at him, Wilbur sighed. “Ugh, Fine.” He closed the shack door and took a few steps to the opposite wall. Sliding down it to sit on the floor across from Tommy. He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “I got in trouble with my brother. I came out here to cool off.” He grumbled.

“What was it about?” Wilbur hesitated to answer, debating whether he should tell him or not.

“Let's just say, I ended up doing something that Techno didn’t approve of because it ‘ risked our entire operation’ ” He mimicked Techno's deep voice, “He can be such a prick.” Wilbur took a moment to think “It's just- sometimes, we don't see eye to eye.” He took a deep breath, before exhaling. “So? Are you gonna answer my question? What are you doing out here?” Tommy bit his cheek, shifting to a more comfortable position. 

“I've been living out here.” He admitted contradicting his earlier answer. 

“How long?”

“Ehh, only about a month or so” He shrugged

“Why?” Wilbur's eyes pulled for more answers, more than what Tommy wanted to give. So instead he just didn't say anything, letting the silence speak for itself.  Wilbur wanted answers but he didn't want to push for them when he had no right to know. 

It was a tranquil night as the leaves brushed against the late-night wind. Only now since he wasn't moving did Wilbur realize how cold it actually was. Their breaths came out in plumes of white mist. He wrapped his arms around himself, “Fuck it's cold.” 

Tommy nodded in agreement. Wilbur wouldn't be surprised if they got their first snow soon with how chilly it was getting recently. Wilbur stood to his feet “Let's get out of here”

“Huh?”

“It's too cold out here and I'm not gonna leave you to sleep in a shack.” The teen frowned, “Where?”

“You can stay the night at my house.”

“Really? But what about your family?” 

“Fuck what they think. They will just have to deal with it.” Wilbur picked up Tommy's backpack, throwing it at him. “Now come on and pack your stuff before we start losing toes.” Wilbur had a soft smile. As Tommy begrudgingly stood up and sluggishly packed his bag. Wilbur waited for him outside the shack to give him some privacy.

The door creaked open as Tommy joined him outside, “Ready?” He gave a small nod and Wilbur started to lead the way through the dark forest. His vision wasn't nearly as good as when he was Revenant but it was enough to navigate the woods with no trouble. Tommy on the other hand was tripping left and right. A branch smacked him in the face. “Oh shit, are you okay?” Tommy grumbled a sleepy response.

He stopped to wait for the younger boy to catch up. “How the fuck do you navigate through this shit?” Wilbur smiled, “Practice.” He held out his hand to Tommy to try and help him avoid an obstacle. Subconsciously Tommy took it. Wilbur guided them down to the paved path of the park. Letting go of his hand when they were in the clear.

The rest of the walk to the train station was quiet. And when they got onto the train was when he could see Tommy's true condition. He was pale, very pale. Dark bags ringed his under eyes, his face was curled in a pained expression. Tommy lifted his elbow to cover his mouth as he coughed. The train began to move, the sick boy closed his eyes as if to fight off the motion sickness. He sat rigid in his seat.

His eyes jolted open when a cold hand pressed against his forehead, looking over to the brunette confused. “What are you doing?”

Wilbur felt the heat radiating off his face. “Checking your temperature, it seems like you have a fever, kid.” Tommy swiped his hand away, “I'm fine you just have cold ass hands.” Wilbur deadpanned, it was obvious he was sick.

Tommy closed his eyes again, and Wilbur signed. He draped his arm around Tommy to steady him. “Yeah okay.” The boy didn’t protest against his warm touch. Instead, he leaned into Wilbur pressing his face against his shoulder. They stayed like that for the rest of the ride. 

He jostled the boy slightly. “Are you still awake? We're at our stop.” he groaned. Wilbur chuckled, as he pulled the half-asleep child to his feet. He still had his arm around him as they walked out of the station and down the road to his house.

Tommy was quiet as he scanned his surroundings, his blue eyes half-lidded. “We're almost there,” He reassured the boy as they approached a moderately sized house. Wilbur pulled him into the garage, dropping his arm from around his shoulders. “Stay here for a second,” He told him before he disappeared into the house leaving Tommy outside the door. 

As soon as he entered he was surprised to see Techno waiting for him on the staircase. His tail whipped nervously behind him. “Techno?” His younger brother's eyes widened as he saw him enter. He stood to his feet quickly.

“Uh Will, I uh- I just wanted to-” Wilbur smiled as his brother tried to awkwardly apologize. He was never good at the touchy-feely stuff. “It's fine Tech, I get what you were saying.” He put out his fist, “We're good.” Techno finished the fist bump smiling. 

“Anyway- where's Dad?”

“I'm right here mate.” He said leaving the kitchen to enter the room. “What did you need?” Wilbur scratched his neck, as he cleared his throat. “So, I kinda brought a guest home.” Techno's mood shifted drastically, a sigh escaping his mouth. “I swear if you found another possum-” He cut off his brother's sentence “No no, not like that. It's actually Tommy.”

Their faces shifted to confusion. “Tommy?” Wilbur fidgeted with his hair as he tried to explain the situation to his family. “You see, I ended up running into him while out, and well,” Wilbur struggled to tell them the truth he didn't want to embarrass him. Phil seemed to catch on to what Wilbur was trying to convey, his face twisting to worry. “I found him sleeping in a shack, and I didn't want to leave him there so…" he admitted.

“Wilbur you can't just be bringing home a random kid you met two weeks ago.” Wilbur sighed “I know Tech, but he looks really sick, if you saw him-” his sentence trailed off as he remembered how unwell he looked on the train ride there.

“Okay, he can stay the night, but I’ll have to call Sam in the morning.” Phil smiled at his son. The two put on their visibility aids to hide their origin from the surprise guest. 

Wilbur opened the door to let him into the dimly lit house. As soon as the two laid eyes on him they could see what Wilbur was talking about. Tommy stood awkwardly in the room anxiously shifting his weight from foot to food. Philza approached slowly, placing a hand on Tommy's forehead before he could protest. “Yep, you are running a fever.” He was surprised by the gentle touch. “How are you feeling mate?” Tommy's face scrunched, 

“Do I really look that bad?” He heard a chuckle come from Wilbur.

“Yeah, you look as pale as a ghost.” He had a smug smirk on his face, “Guess it's not just my cold hands.” He teased. Tommy glared at him before having to cough into his sweater.

Phil pulled his hand away from him, “Techno could you get the guest bedroom ready?” He nodded heading up the stairs. Wilbur left Tommy alone with his father so he could get him some clothes. Making his way to his room he could hear Techno shuffling with some sheets popping in his head to see his brother. “Need any help?” Techno huffed a no. Wilbur left him alone.

He rummaged through his drawers trying to find some old clothes he never wore anymore to give to the teen. Finding an old T-shirt and sweatpants.

A smile creased his lips at how familiar this whole situation felt. It reminded him of when he first found Techno. It was a rainy night. He was walking around the city with an umbrella, of course. When he spotted a figure in front of him. He looked soaked to the bone, blood trickled down his body. A shard of glass was clenched tightly in his hand. Somehow Wilbur had managed to calm him down enough to lead him back to his house.

Okay, maybe it wasn't exactly the same, but it felt similar somehow. Wilbur shrugged making his way down to the kitchen as he heard Phil and Tommy talking quietly. Wilbur entered the room “I got some clothes for you,” He lifted the folded fabric up to Tommy. He took it examining the clothes. “Thanks” It was a small smile, but it was a grateful one. Phil set down some medicine for Tommy on the table by a glass of water.

“That should help with the nausea.” Phil put the rest back in the cabinet, yawning as he checked his watch. “Holy prime, it's late! I'm going to head to bed. Wilbur, you take care of him.” Phil ordered, Wilbur, giving a small salute “Sure thing Captain.” He turned back to the teen, “Come on, I'll show you where you can sleep.” He took the medicine Wilbur's dad had given him and followed his host up the stairs.

Wilbur escorted him to the guest room that was just across the hallway from his. Smiling as Tommy's eyes widened at the bed set in the corner. “Haven't slept in a bed in a while I’m guessing?” Tommy laughed “Ehh the floor can be a bed if you look at it that way.” He chuckled, “Alright child. Goodnight. If you need anything, my room is just across the hall.” he nodded and Wilbur left to go to bed himself. It had been a long day.

End of chapter

Chapter Text

He was alone in the room. Tommy let go of his illusion. The pressure released from his ribs and he felt like he could breathe again. He stared down at the clothes Wilbur had given him, putting them on, they were comfy but a bit baggy on Tommy's wiry frame. He was naturally skinny even when he was at the facility, but after leaving it seemed like the lack of a proper diet had made him shrink even further. His wings were hidden under the shirt. His boney arms stuck out from the short sleeves like sticks. His eyes caught the familiar numbers inscribed on his wrist.

Taking a second to observe them. Brushing his fingers over it. The numbers felt raised a trickle of dull pain admitting from them, barely noticeable. He bit his lip. That doesn't seem good.

He'll worry about it more later but he was just too tired to care for the night. 

The bed felt like heaven after sleeping on the dusty wooden floor for so long. Normally he would be on edge being in a new place but he found it hard to stay alert. Hell, he could barely stay awake. He was glad he was at least able to make it to Wilburs without falling asleep, but he did get close to it on the train. The only thing that stopped him was the stabbing pain in his ribs.

Tommy wrapped himself in the soft sheets, so much warmer than his shabby blanket. He was out in a matter of minutes.

-

He awoke slowly, taking a minute to remember where he was. His back and bones ached. He cursed as he remembered how he had another shift today. 

A knock on the door made him sit up. He took a breath before focusing on suppressing his energy again. He stood and walked over to the door opening it. “Yes?” Golden-rimmed glasses stared down at him, “Oh good you're awake, I was just letting you know that breakfast will be done soon.” Tommy felt his stomach growl. He hadn't really eaten much over the past few days. He followed Wilbur down the hallway. Looking down he caught a glimpse of his wrist.

A spike of panic set through him. Shit. He forgot about it. Usually, he wore his sweatshirt to hide it. Carefully Tommy made sure to keep his wrist as close to himself as possible. Stuffing his hand as far as he could into the pocket of the sweatpants. 

The savory smell of food came from the kitchen, the sound of sizzling accompanying it.

Wilbur announced their presents in the room. Techno sat in the living room reading a book on the sofa. Wilbur pulled Tommy over to the kitchen island. They sat on the stools watching Phil cook. Tommy's eyes fixated on the stack of pancakes growing taller as the minutes passed.

A laugh broke his stair. “You look like a starving raccoon,” Wilbur commented. 

Tommy scoffed “I am not a raccoon!” Wilbur looked unconvinced, his smug smile fading to a softer one. “How are you feeling today?” He was startled by his sudden shift. 

“Ehh I’m doing okay.” Wilbur reached up to his forehead again.

“Your fever has gone down.” Tommy swiped his hand away.

“Well, of course, no sickness can keep me down for long!” He said just slightly too loud for his lungs. He had to lean over as he coughed trying to relieve some of the pressure. Wilbur rubbed his back until his coughing fit subsided. “Okay maybe I'm not completely recovered-” Wilbur snickered at how quickly he changed his mind.

A plate slid in front of him with two pancakes and a side of scrambled eggs. He looked up to meet the kind blue eyes of Phil. He smiled, sliding a fork over to him as well. “Eat up baby bird.” Tommy felt his throat tighten at the nickname. Did he know about him?

His worry subsided when Wilbur started to whine “Crow father I'm hungry too” 

“One minute chickity.” Phil began serving Wilbur up as he made little tweeting noises. Oh, I guess it's an inside joke? Tommy laughed at Wilbur as he acted like a baby bird begging for food.

Phil served the food to his whining son. Wilbur stopped his act as soon as it was set in front of him. He grabbed the syrup and drizzled it on top of the stack of pancakes. Wilbur looked over at Tommy "Are you gonna eat?”

“Oh- uh yeah. Haha,” He was so distracted by Wilbur whining he forgot about his own food. Tommy copied Wilbur using only his right hand. He watched Wilbur cut the pancakes with his knife and fork. Tommy shifted his left hand in his pocket. Instead deciding to just stab the pancake with his fork and eat it whole. Gaining an amused look from Phil. 

“Techno, food is ready," he called to his second son in the living room. Tommy continued to eat through the sweet battered cakes. There was the sound of pages rustling before Techno joined them at the counter. Phil set down another plate for him. “Thanks, Phil,”

Tommy scarfed down another bite. Swallowing before thanking Phil for the food as well “This is really good!” He said finishing off his first pancake. He laughed at the teen

“Slow down there mate, I don't want you choking.” Taking his advice he tried to slow down to chew his food.

Phil leaned against the counter picking at his own plate of food. “So Tommy,” He looked up at him. “I was going to call Sam and apprise him of your situation. But before I do that I wanted to ask you a few questions.” Tommy gulped down his food, he dreaded questions.

“Okay, but I'm only gonna answer the ones I want to.” Phil agreed to his condition.

“Where are you from?”

“Born and raised here.”

“Any parents?” Tommy picked at his food, shrugging his shoulders at the question.

“Okay, well do you have a last name?” Tommy shrugged again.

“Forgot it.” Tommy became painfully aware of Techno and Wilbur's eyes trained on him at his answer. It went quiet as Phil thought of another question.

“This might be a little personal, but do you have any special abilities?”

“No.” He answered immediately. He wasn't going to tell them about his healing. He wasn't going to tell anyone. Not anymore. He is powerless to them. It was the first thing he decided when he left.

“Okay last question, why aren't you using your left hand?” Tommy choked on his food at the unexpected question. Starting another coughing fit. Shit, what was he gonna say? He tried to compose himself, “I uh- just hurt it a couple of days ago is all.” He coughed out the answer. 

“Really? Can I take a look at it?”

“It's not that serious, I'll be fine” He tried to wave off Phil's new concern about his ‘sprained’ wrist. 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yep, perfectly fine.” Leave it alone. Leave it alone. Leave it alone. Tommy chanted in his mind trying to be as casual as possible on the outside. Phil sighed.

“Okay, but if it starts to bother you just let me know.” Tommy nodded

The rest of breakfast was unremarkable besides Wilbur's occasional glance at his hand stuffed in his pocket. They placed their dishes in the sink and Tommy made his way back to the guest room to get dressed. Wilbur caught up to him in the hall. “Tommy-” He turned to face his friend. “Is your wrist really okay?” he said, glancing at it again. 

“It's fine Wilbur.” 

“Can I just look at it for a second?” He said reaching for his wrist, Tommy twisted away shielding his left from Wilbur. “It's Fine.” He said firmly, Wilbur stopped, his face twisted in a worried grimace. “Right, sorry.” He said nervously scratching his neck. Tommy made a devious smile at him. “You're such a mother hen.” he stuck his tongue out at him.

“It's because you're such a child.” he flicked his forehead. 

“Ouch, I'm not a child!” Wilbur rolled his eyes,

“Fine fine, get dressed child. We’re going soon.” He pushed past him and to his own room. Tommy flipped him off as he closed his door. He slid into the guest room taking out his sweaty hand from his pocket. Wiping it off. He quickly got dressed in his blue sweater and jeans. He folded the clothes Wilbur let him borrow and put them on the neat bed. It was a habit he picked up from the facility. And he headed downstairs with his backpack of everything he owned. He and Techno were the first at the door. He put on his scuffed boots, with both hands this time. 

Techno had a skeptical look on his face but didn't bother to comment. They piled into the car, him and Wilbur in the back and Techno and Phil in the front. As they drove closer to their destination his anxiety started to spike at the realization that he would have to talk about where he had been staying with Sam. They were going to ask more questions and Tommy needed to be prepared to lie his ass off. The drive was quiet besides the morning news buzzing through the radio, but Tommy was too distracted to listen.

Thinking of what he might ask and what he could say. To get his story straight in his head. It didn't have to be perfect but it needed to be believable. With his limited knowledge of the outside and what he learned he put together a vague story of him running away. From what? He didn't know yet. Trying to remember what Wilbur had said when they sorted books the first time. What was the word? It was F something-

As the car slowed entering the street, Tommy fiddled with a loose string of his sweater cuffs. He hoped that his ploy would work. He hoped that Sam wouldn't ask too many questions, and he hoped that he wouldn't have to run away again. If worse came to worse he would just ditch. Maybe he would go to the neighboring town of Snowchester. He heard it was quite beautiful there during the winter.

The vehicle stopped in the cove by the bookstore. Reluctantly he got out with the rest and started walking over to the cafe. Wilbur trailed him like a protective parent. He insisted on going with him as moral support and Tommy was happy for his warm presence. Phil and Techno decided to stay to open up shop. The cafe wasn't even open yet but the doors were unlocked. The owner's soft eyes watched them as they approached where he stood by the counter. The teen shrinking under his gaze, his cheeks heated up in embarrassment. Sam was the first to talk “So Tommy, I was told Wilbur found you sleeping in a shack?” Tommy shrugged 

“It was a good shack,” He tried to joke to lighten his anxiety but Sam's brows furrowed. 

Not out of anger but worry. It was always so odd to him whenever they looked upset. It was never at him but for him. It was unfamiliar. It made him feel weird. He couldn't tell if he liked it or hated it when they looked at him with concern. Of course, he hated being pitied. He wasn't just some helpless kid. He had fought literal criminals before and had been in more life-or-death situations than he dared to count. So why did he feel so vulnerable whenever anyone showed the slightest bit of care for him? 

“Why were you sleeping in a shack?” His voice was soft, not demanding. He averted his gaze to the ground, not wanting to see their faces. 

“I- I ran away-”

“From home?” Tommy's face twisted in disgust

“I wouldn't call it a home.”

“Foster care, Right?” Wilbur cut in. That was the word! Tommy immediately agreed to it, working around his story in his head quickly to fit.
“Yeah, Foster care.” Sam sighed, seemingly understanding the situation Tommy was making up. 

“So you're a runaway,” Thoughts stirred in his mind as he looked down at the sunken frame of his newest employee. “I'm not gonna report you.” Tommy didn't realize that he could have been turned in to the authorities until he said it. But he said he wasn't going to. Sam continued, “But I can't have my employees sleeping outside.”

Tommy looked up to gauge his boss's emotion. His face was scrunched in thought but lighted into a soft smile. “I actually have a place you can stay.” Tommy perked up at the prospect of sleeping in a room again. “I mean you already use this place's shower, and no one else is staying here.” The realization of what Sam was offering hit Tommy like a wave. 

“Wait- Wait are you talking about the apartment above here?” Tommy gestured to the ceiling of the cafe. He was going to let him stay there?

“Wait, really Sam?” Wilbur spoke again, 

“I mean why not? No one else is gonna live there. It won't be completely private because we will still need to use the washer, but other than that it's completely livable.” A smile crept onto Tommy's face, still completely stunned by his offer.

“So what do you think?” He addressed the shocked teen.

“You really mean it?” 

“Of course, just don't go burning it down.”

And like that, Tommy had a new place to stay than just a shack. Sam took him on a tour of the apartment and Wilbur excused himself to let the two get settled. Even the bed was still there. Sam said it would have been more expensive to get rid of it so he just left it. They adjusted work and living situations to the new setup. He was gonna take out Tommy's rent from his paycheck, and just have Tommy doing the closing shift for the cafe so everything was locked up properly. There was a second exit door that led to the back alley so if he wanted to leave he didn't have to go through the cafe. Tommy set down his bag in the bedroom. 

“Is that all you own?” Sam questioned as he pulled out some old sheets from the closet for the bed.

“Yeah, most of it is food actually.” Tommy laughed thinking about how many cans he stuffed in there the night before. The room went quiet as Sam placed the folded sheets on the bed. 

“Thank you, Sam. For everything.” Tommy scanned his feet nervously. A hand ruffed Tommy's messy morning hair.

“Sure kid, Glad I could help.” Tommy felt lighter, as he stared at the kind man. He could have not done anything. He could have rejected him on the spot and it would have been justified. He could have reported him to the authorities. He could have fired him, but instead, he helped him. He gave him a job, a home, and a shoulder to lean on. Tommy was truly grateful.

He couldn't help it, he hugged him. Tommy's small frame was barely able to wrap around Sam's properly. “Really, Thank you” His voice was muffled as he spoke into his shoulder. Sam's warm arms engulfed him returning the gesture. He resisted the urge to cry when he rubbed his back. After a short minute of enjoying the warm embrace, he let go, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his act of vulnerability. 

“Okay kid, I'll let you get settled in. Ranboo is going to be here soon anyway, just come down when your shift starts.”

“Oh yeah Ranboo, guess I'll be seeing them more often too.” Sam chuckled,

“Yep, I'll catch them up on the situation so don't worry.” He gave a small wave as he left Tommy alone in the apartment. He inhaled the stale air of his new residence, a soft lavender scent. Sweet and calming like the last tenant. 

Tommy eyed the door listening in for anyone possibly coming. When he heard nothing he finally let the facade slip once again. Exhausted already from the move. He fell back onto the unsheeted mattress, taking a moment to rest his eyes.

So much had happened in the past month. He quit the Dream team and left the facility. He got a new job and met so many people and even made a friend. Though it had been rough the first week or so no one could convince him to go back. He felt free to actually live now, not just survive for the next day of work.

He stretched his arms to the sky. His sleeve slipped down, and the tops of his numbers peaked out from behind the fabric. Observing them he could see they were the same as the night before. They looked inflamed and it felt like brushing over an old cut when he touched it. It wasn't painful enough to bother him but it was impossible to shake off the worry that stirred in his mind. He hoped he just scraped it the night before. I’ll keep an eye on it. He made a note of it.

Sitting up he moved to sheet the bed, neatly folding every corner like he had been taught in the facility. Some habits die hard. After he looked down at the black bag in the corner of the room. Walking over to it he unpacked what remained of stuff he had. Taking out the layer of canned food he spotted the folded mess of his hero costume. Its bright red exterior and carefully fitted stitching. The metal mask was hidden right under it. 

He had thought he left that life behind but he just couldn't bring himself to throw it away. Not yet anyway. Cautiously he folded it, his ears searching for any sign of people. Tommy looked around the apartment for a place to hide the garment. Analyzing every nook and cranny until he found something odd. In the back of the closet was a false wall. Carefully he maneuvered it open. There was nothing behind it besides dust. Perfect. He hid the costume, returning the wall to where it was.

He dusted himself off before noticing the various other dirt stains that lined his clothes. I should take a shower. He thought, making his way to the laundry room to wash his clothes while he bathed. 

Tommy started to get more settled into the apartment as the hours passed. Using the time to explore it. The kitchen was empty besides the cans of food he stalked in it that day. The couch was relatively comfy, with a few lumps here and there. He spotted the forgotten pile of dirty rags in the laundry room. Tommy didn't feel like sleeping, still not used to the new living space. He might as well throw some of them in the wash.

Tommy waited until it was around the time his shift started, and headed downstairs for work.

-

At the end of the day, Ranboo showed him the cleaning and locking up routine before he left to go home himself. It was odd being in the empty cafe without the bustle of people or at least his coworker there. He turned off the lights to the freshly mopped cafe and headed up to his new abode. It was creepy being there alone but he would get used to it eventually he thought. Maybe I should do one more scan of the floor. He walked into every room looking from corner to corner for anything weird, turning off the lights as he left. Like Sam had asked him to do to save on power.

It was just an average apartment from what Tommy saw, after eating some canned fruits he decided to go to bed. He had work tomorrow and he needed the energy to hide his wings for the rest of that week's shifts. He might have been better than Sunday but he definitely wasn't at 100%.

-

The next morning he awoke to a knock at his door. Sluggishly he pulled himself out of bed. Careful to remember to throw on his hoodie to avoid the awkward wrist hiding again. Opening the door he was greeted by a familiar smile that he had just seen barely 12 hours ago. “Good morning. Sorry if I woke you up but I need some of those towels.“ Ranboo greeted. His voice had a deeper tone than usual. Still groggy with the early morning shift. Tommy gave a sleepy nod, gesturing for Ranboo to follow him.

“So how are you liking it here?” They asked, trying to make light conversation. 

“It’s good, if not a little creepy at night.” Ranboo chucked in agreement. They made it to the laundry room, he handed him the now cold clean towels. 

“Thanks for washing them.”

“Yep, it's one of the requirements of my stay,” Tommy shrugged, “Sam would evict me otherwise,” Tommy joked.

“Oh no- then you would be living on the streets” A sarcastic smile crept onto Ranboos face before they both laughed. 

Tommy was glad he could joke with Ranboo about his prior unfortunate living situation. Honestly, Tommy was scared that Ranboo would start pitying him, but he didn't. Ranboo had accepted it as a simple fact he already knew. W hich he probably did. Considering how Tommy looked when they first met. 

“I'm glad that you are here though-” Ranboo spoke again after their laughter died out.

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“To be honest with you-” Ranboo scratched the back of his neck “I was worried about you, and Sam was too, but we didn't want to pry.” They were worried about him? And there was, that weird feeling again. It made his heart ache and his shoulders tense. Why was he feeling like this?

“I guess I'm just glad to know that you're actually living in a place now, even if that is in our boss's former apartment.” It took a minute for Tommy to process that they actually cared. He scoffed,

“You guys are just a bunch of mother hens-” He laughed at their confession of concern. Ranboo shrugged, 

“Yeah- Perhaps.” He walked out of the laundry room with the basket of towels. Tommy followed him to the door.  “Well, I should get back to work, see you in a couple of hours,” He disappeared down the stairwell just as quickly as he came. 

Tommy felt warm from the interaction, unsure if he liked it or not. He decided to think about that later. For now, he wanted to just go back to his new warm bed and sleep until his shift came.

-

Later that afternoon Wilbur came into the cafe. A curious look on his face. He waltzed up to the counter leaning on it with one elbow. “How has living here been?” Tommy didn't know whether he should feel comforted or off put by Wilbur knowing where he lived now.

“What do you want, baldy?” Wilbur frowned at the new nickname, 

“I want nothing. I was just curious is all,” Tommy tipped his head 

“About what?”

“I've never seen Sam's old apartment before and now you're living in it,” Wilbur hinted at what he wanted.

“Okay is this some weird convoluted way of asking if you can come over?” 

“No~” Wilbur looked sheepish like his whole operation had been blown. “Okay, maybe, Yes? When you were over at my house we didn't get to hang out much cause it was so late and you were sick, so” He gestured as if to ask again for Tommy’s answer to hang out. He sighed, taking a moment to think.

“You're so clingy,” he huffed, feigning annoyance “Saturday when the cafe is closed.” His eyes brightened at his answer. “Now order your drink, your holding up the line,”

-

That Saturday Tommy felt a pang of regret as he stretched out his wings. The tips of his only uncut primary feathers touched the two walls of the room. They were so sore. W hat he would do to have a full day with them out. But he had made plans and he had to stick to them. He rolled out of bed, keeping his wings flared out to give him room to breathe for a bit. 

Slowly he shuffled his way to the kitchen, opening the pantry to the last slice of stale white bread. He really needed to go grocery shopping. He had been putting it off for the week, making it by on whatever foods he had saved and or found around. He ate the stale bread as the dim morning light was cast in from the kitchen's one window. 

It showed the back alley. There was no view, only bricks and the metal grate stairs that lead to the back door. He took the next hour to wake up slowly, taking a shower and getting dressed. As he waited for the bookstore to open across the street. 

Unlike the cafe, the bookstore was open almost every day. The cafe didn't have enough workers to be open all week without him and Ranboo never having a day off. There was just too much to do and too little staff to keep that up ethically.

Checking the clock on the microwave he saw it was around the time the bookstore opened. Might as well go to bother Wilbur. He felt another ping of pain as he concealed his wings. Not nearly as bad as the week before but enough to make him uncomfortable. I'll just have to take breaks. He once again ignored his aching ribs in favor of seeing Wilbur. 

Tip-toeing down into the eerily empty cafe, he was surprised by the dark figure pressed up against the window. The golden sun silhouetted him. Hands cupped around his face that mashed itself into the glass. He doubled over in laughter as Wilbur caught sight of him, a goofy grin reaching from ear to ear as he waved like an excited toddler. A muffed Tommy! Came from out the window only making him laugh harder to the protest of his diaphragm. 

It took him a few moments to regain his composure enough to walk. He wiped away tears from his eyes opening the cafe to his friend. 

“What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be working?” They walked towards the stairway. 

“Managed to convince Phil to change up my hours so our days off match up.”

“Clingy.” He rolled his eyes.

Tommy guided him up the narrow passage and to his new pad. He was quick to start searching around, looking in every room before meeting Tommy in the kitchen. “Kind bland in here, it needs some decorations,” He commented making his way to the cupboards. His face contorted into surprise at the entirely empty storage. “Jeez kid, we need to get you some food too.” 

‘We’ Tommy found it interesting how Wilbur would always say ‘we’ like everything he did was a group effort. It made Tommy feel included like he was part of the discussion about himself.

“Yeah, I was actually gonna stop by the store before I saw you standing there like a creep.”

“I'm not a creep,” He turned to look at Tommy, leaning against the counter. "How about we go shopping together? I need to pick up a few things too.” Wilbur offered and he agreed. They left for the store soon after. Tommy purposefully showed him the back alley entrance, using it for the first time himself.

-

Luckily they were in the shopping district so a local grocery store wasn’t too far of a walk away from them. The crisp morning air made his cheeks blush in an attempt to keep him warm. The sun did well to counteract the frost, but it wasn't long until it was covered by clouds.

He just hoped it wouldn't start snowing on their walk back. Entering the warm store was a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they were warm but Wilbur's glasses kept on fogging up from the temperature change. He cursed as he awkwardly wiped off the lenses with his sleeve. Tommy led them through the store a basket in hand. 

Stopping in the cans aisle. He started to pack his usual foods of canned fruit and other stuff into his basket. “Is that all you're getting?” Wilbur looked down at the teen crouched in front of the rows and rows of preserved foods. 

“I'm also getting some bread,” He said looking up at the older man, his face contorted into one of shock and horror. 

“Oh prime, you poor child,” He paused before shaking his head and started placing the cans back onto the shelf

“Oi, what are you doing?” Tommy looked at him annoyed.

“I’m gonna show you how to really shop, this canned shit isn't gonna do it kid.” Pulling the teen to his feet Wilbur proceeded to drag him through the store explaining the importance of a balanced diet. Tommy gave him a deadpan stare, sighing as Wilbur placed another thing in his cart. “Look, I appreciate all your advice, but I don't even know how to cook.” He seemed to freeze at the realization. He bit his cheek in thought. 

“I’ll teach you then.” He didn't even sound convinced of himself. 

“Really?” Tommy raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

“I might not be as good as techno but I know how to make a simple stir fry at least” He defended his flimsy cooking reputation. 

“Okay let's say you can teach me, I don't know if I have enough money to buy all this.” He gestured to his almost full cart. 

“Don't worry I can pay for it.” He smiled as if offering to buy his groceries was as simple as breathing. After a minute of thought, he finally conceded. They walked to the front to check out. The total was far lower than Tommy had been expecting. He reached for his pocket pulling out a wad of cash to pay for the groceries himself. Wilbur stopped him, scanning his card through before he could even protest. “I got it, kid.”

-

They left the store and both had a bag in their hands. Even though Tommy had seen people use a card before, he didn’t really know how it worked. Perks of being raised in the facility. He thought sarcastically of course.

“So how do those cards work exactly?” He asked, trying not to seem embarrassed at his ignorance. His eyebrows raised at the question but instead of asking why he didn't already know, like Tommy was expecting, he explained it for him. 

“They are connected to people's bank accounts, or where we can put our money so we don't have to carry around cash everywhere.” Tommy nodded. 

“Do you have a bank account?” He shook his head. He didn't know how to get one. Wilbur hummed at his answer.

“Do you want one?” Tommy shrugged

“It might be useful, but if it involves any dates and shit I’m out of luck.” 

“If you want-” He began looking at the boy “I can try to get you one later, we might have to forge a few things but-” He offered. He really didn't deserve Wilbur. He just bought his groceries, is teaching him how to cook, and is offering to help him make a bank account.

“You're too nice-” He huffed out in disbelief at his friend's acts of kindness. It was overwhelming. It was too much affection for him to handle. But he couldn't get enough of it at the same time. He loved being around him. He loved talking to him but felt like he didn't deserve it. He wasn't used to it.

He was familiar with the cold lonely white walls of the facility. He knew what to do when he was there. He knew how to act, how to react, and what to expect. But here in the city of painted walls, stores with lines of old books, and vibrant smells. He didn't know anything. It was exhilarating, to learn about the real world. Not looking at it from inside his birdcage but touching it with his own hands. To actually feel like a person. It was terrifying. 

It scared him how much he liked it. How he would rather die than go back to his old life. And how much he cared for Wilbur. Even though he had not known him for very long, he knew he would crumble if anything happened to him. Maybe he was the clingy one.

Nah, he was never clingy. He is very independent. He assured himself. Citing how he was always on his own and how he didn't need anyone. They soon returned back to the apartment.

-

Cooking lessons… was a disaster. In the end, the rice turned into mush and everything else was painfully bland. Tommy stared down at the abomination in the new pan Wilbur had bought him. It was supposed to be a stir fry but it was a far cry from any edible food. He looked up at his friend, his face buried in his hands in embarrassment. 

“I think you should be banned from the kitchen.” Tommy poked at the blob, slightly disturbed as he thought he saw it move on its own. Wilbur nodded, 

“I’m sorry…” His voice was muffled. Tommy frowned, Was he actually upset? Tommy patted his shoulder. 

“It's gonna be okay Wil, one day you'll make something edible.” His comment made Wilbur snort, removing his hand from his face to ruffle his blond locks. 

“You're such a little shit.” He sighed pulling out of his slump against the counter, “Right, how do you feel about going out to eat?”

Tommy agreed and they walked down across the street and to the bookstore. Entering, Tommy followed Wilbur like he followed Ranboo the first day but this time he didn't stop at the front counter. They went to the back room making quiet conversation. They greeted the two workers in the back. Tommy gave a small wave as Wilbur began to talk.

“We were planning to go out to eat, do you guys wanna come along?” They invited them, it was about lunchtime anyway. They agreed, and soon all four of them walked down the street together. Tommy was surprised when they both agreed. He thought there needed to be someone to be at the store. But they assured him it was fine. I t was their store after all.

They entered the same old diner, where they were becoming regulars at. Tommy skimmed over the menu thinking about getting something new.

“So how's living in that old apartment?” He looked up, meeting the kind blue eyes of Phil. 

“It's nice, I guess,” He shrugged, it was an apartment, what else was he supposed to say?

“Do you not like it?” Phil tilted his head,

“No no! I like it, it just gets creepy at night.” He reassured him. Tommy truly was grateful to be able to live there. Phil seemed content with his answer. 

“Hey Techno,” Wilbur cut in as their conversation died out. “Do you think you could teach Tommy to cook?” The teen was surprised at Wilbur's requesting Techno to teach him. And even more surprised at the man accepting.

“Yeah sure, I was going to have a cooking lesson with Ranboo on Thursday next week if you want to come.”

“Huh? Really?” Techno nodded. That was easy. He just hoped his cooking was better than Wilburs.

The rest of the meal went easily. They bantered as they ate. Tommy thought talking to Wilbur was easy but it seemed he had a knack for talking with his whole family too. The conversation flowed freely and Tommy couldn't help but feel his chest squeeze with pride whenever one of his jokes made the whole table laugh. Is this what it's like to have a family?

After the meal, they walked back to the bookstore. Tommy got locked in a chokehold after he called Wilbur ugly one too many times. Phil scolded them for their roughhousing, but they ignored him. Elbowing each other and tripping one another whenever they could. Tommy ended up hanging out at the bookstore for an hour or two, talking with them about anything and everything. 

But eventually, the spike of pain in his ribs signaled the end of his day. It was easy to forget the pain and suffocating feel of his wings when he was talking with them. Even though he wanted to stay longer and bother them some more, he was at the end of his rope.

“Well, Think I should go home now. It was fun bothering you,” He stood to leave, 

“Really? Already?” Wilbur frowned in disappointment. Tommy laughed. His round brown eyes reminded him of a pouting puppy.

“Yeah, I don't want to annoy you too much.” He smiled softly. He could only hope to not annoy him too much with his talking. Like he always did.

“Okay fine, do you want me to come over tomorrow?” Tommy paused to think, as much as he wanted to see him again he didn't know how much his body could handle. 

“As much as I would love that, I should probably rest tomorrow.” He explained, disappointed at his answer as well. Wilbur nodded acknowledging his friend's request. 

“Okay, I’ll talk to you later then” He waved him goodbye leaving the store and heading across the street. He snuck into the crack between the cafe and the neighboring building to get to the back alley door.

He collapsed into his new bed, his red feathers spread out across the room. He liked the apartment. He really did. It's just that the bland beige walls and how the room was set reminded him a bit too much of the facility. Perhaps he should take Wilbur's advice and decorate it. If he even knew how to do that.

He felt his frustration flare as he remembered the facility. It was all because of them, he didn't know shit about the world. He felt embarrassed every time he had to admit he didn't know about something that was common knowledge. Hell! He barely knew how to do math! 

He clenched his jaw to subdue his yells of frustration. His body relaxed a little thinking about all the people he had met because he left. They were all so kind. B esides the occasional customer. 

Ranboo, and Sam, both helped him adjust to his new way of life. They taught him so many new things. Tommy didn't know Phil and Techno as much as the others but they were still pretty cool. He admired Techno's ability to absolutely destroy Wilbur with one burn, and Phil was nice. 

Then wilbur. If Tommy had to describe what he thought an older brother was like, he would say Wilbur was the definition. He was annoying, always messing with him, but whenever he needed help. Somehow, he's there. Even if Tommy never asked for it. He had only known Wilbur for just over a month. Perhaps it was because he was never allowed to have any deep relationships or because he was just lonely, but Wilbur was already Tommy's best friend.

He knew it was a bad idea to cling to someone again and that it could go horribly. Like the Dream team. But, he just hoped that maybe this time, he could believe that they wouldn't leave him. That they wouldn't hurt, lie, and betray him. That they wouldn't die. All he could do was pray to Prime that he could keep them.

End of chapter

Chapter Text

Before he knew it, it was already Thursday. Tommy walked out of the cafe with Ranboo. Locking the door behind them. The sun had already set. The days getting shorter and shorter. He didn't even know if it was winter or fall anymore. All he cared about was keeping warm. A cold breeze made a shiver crawl up his spine. 

They walked across the street to meet up with Techno for their cooking lessons. He had been looking forward to it for the whole week. Only made more excited by Ranboo explaining what Techno had already taught him. Not only was he going to learn how to cook, but this was also going to be his first time going over to Ranboo’s apartment. The older teen also seemed excited to have Tommy tag along.

They greeted the bookstore clerks. Tommy took a moment to flip off Wilbur goodbye before the three of them left for Ranboos. They had to stop at the local store to pick up some ingredients for the recipe. Techno explaining that he was going to teach them to make chicken tacos.

Ranboo didn't live very far from the cafe, it took about 30 minutes for them to walk to his place. He lived on the second floor of a moderately small apartment building. They enthusiastically led Tommy inside, touring him around as their mentor got the ingredients ready for the lesson.

His apartment consisted of a kitchen connected to the living room, a bathroom and his bedroom. Tommy was surprised to see the odd decorations strewn around the place. More specifically a decorative axe that hung on his wall. He didn't think Ranboo was one for collecting weapons. Tommy jumped as he felt something soft rub against his leg. Looking down, it was a dark cat with striking orange eyes. 

“This is Enderchest,” Ranboo reached down to pick up the kitten. She looked so soft curled in their arms. “Do you want to hold her?” Ranboo already handed over the dark feline before Tommy could protest. Her fur felt like silk, she continued to purr as he held her in his arms. He let her sniff his hand before he stroked her black fur. A small smile creased his lips at her warm presence. Maybe he should get a pet. 

He looked up, his coworker's face seemed ecstatic at Enderchests reaction to the guest.   He tilted his head, “What's with that face” 

“Huh? Oh, sorry. It's just that she usually doesn't like new guests. She's a very jealous cat.” He explained, scratching under her chin. 

“Oh,” That made Tommy feel good.

A call from the other room broke their kitty-cuddling trance, “Are we going to cook or not?” 

Right cooking lessons!

He set her down gently and followed his host to the kitchen. Techno had all the ingredients laid out on the counter. They joined him and without delay, Techno began to explain the process and what they would be doing. “Ranboo, you're in charge of cooking the tortillas, and Tommy I’ll show you how to prepare the ingredients for the filling.”

He went over all the stuff they were going to put into the skillet after Ranboo finished with the tortillas. Drilling into Tommy to keep the raw meats and other ingredients separate and not to cross-contaminate. Needless to say, he was washing his hands a lot. Now was time to cook the ingredients Tommy had so diligently cut. First, they cooked the chicken, making sure it was all the way cooked through. Techno coached them on the spices he put into the pan. Tommy mistakenly sniffed the cheyenne pepper, starting a coughing fit. Ranboo patted his back, struggling to hold back his laughter. Their tutor chuckled at Tommy’s misstep.

They collected themselves before continuing the lesson. “Now this is when we put in the bell peppers.” Tommy scraped them into the pan, as Techno mixed it all together. The aroma of spices and flavors mingled in the air making Tommy's stomach growl. Ranboo slid passed to the frigid to get out cheese and some sauces to put on once the filling was done cooking. 

Tommy’s mouth watered as Techno served the teens the food they had created. The first bite was a bust of flavors foreign to his taste buds. It was spicy and tangy. He scarfed down the first taco, taking a moment to breathe as he started on his second. “This is one of the best things I've ever had.” He admitted between bites. Ranboo nodded in agreement. Techno seemed content, as he ate his own taco at a much slower pace than the two. 

“Is this your first time having tacos?” The man inquired and Tommy nodded.

“I’d always wanted to try them but never really got to,” He explained, taking another bite. It felt weird admitting that he was so inexperienced with different foods.

“This is my first time too,“ Ranboo smiled. “Definitely one of my favorite foods now.” Tommy felt better that he wasn't the only one. They ate in silence for a minute.

“So Tommy,” Techno began to ask another question. “Where did you come from exactly? And I don't mean city,” He knew what he was asking and recited the lie he told Sam. 

“Foster care, or something.” He shrugged. Techno's dark eyes studied him carefully. He shared a quick glance with Ranboo, a silent exchange as they both watched him.

“What about you? Where are you from?” Techno was taken off guard by the question. “Wilbur said you guys were adopted.” His face relaxed at his clarification.

“He talks too much,” Techno sighed but still answered the question. Albeit hesitantly. 

“It's true, we were adopted by Phil. None of us are related by blood.” A small smile edged its way onto his face as he continued to talk. “I was a runaway, Wilbur found me one night and took me home.” He chuckled “Now that I'm thinking about it, he has the habit of doing that.” Amused by how similarly Wilbur had done the same thing for Tommy. 

“But anyway, originally I was planning on leaving as soon as I could but I guess I got too attached.” He seemed embarrassed to admit his affection for his family. Tommy felt his heart ache with longing. He wanted to be part of a family. One of his own, where he could have his own fond memories.

“That sounds nice,” He took another bite out of the taco. Mismatched eyes trained on him, curious. 

“You don't have a last name right?” Ranboo asked, tilting his head slightly. Taking the attention off of Techno, to his relief.

“It's not like I don’t have one, it's just I can't remember it.” It was an important distinction to make. “What's your last name?” He asked a question in return. This was when he realized he didn't know as much about Ranboo as he thought.

“I can't remember it either,”

“Oh” Was all he could say, shocked by their resemblance in situations. Ranboo laughed nervously.

“I actually don't remember a lot of where I came from.” They looked down at their food, averting his gaze. “I have amnesia, so I can't remember much.” The room went silent. Tommy forced a smile onto his face. “I guess we're all pretty weird,” He laughed, the tension of their unfolding pasts was too much right now. They chuckled in agreement. The others went along with Tommy as he changed the topic of conversation. All too uncomfortable to disclose any more about their histories.

It was clear they all had more baggage than they wished to disclose. Even though it was uneasy to talk about, they were slightly comforted at the prospect that they were not alone in their oddities. 

After they finished eating, Techno packed up the leftovers as Ranboo and Tommy did the dishes. Tommy tried his best to keep his sleeves dry as the water splashed up, but he still refused to roll them up. Ranboo didn't notice but Techno's gaze caught onto his soaked sleeves. “Why don't you roll up your sleeves?” He didn't know how to answer, shrugging instead. He continued to rinse the soap off the pan. Techno's brows furrowed in the same skeptical look he had when Phil had questioned him. It was clear Techno suspected something was off about the teen but Tommy was going to ignore their nagging curiosity for as long as possible.

The time on the microwave showed that it was a little past 10 o'clock. “Prime it's gotten late,” They all seemed to realize it was the end of the cooking lessons. Ranboo walked them to the door, Tommy gave Enderchest one last scratch before heading out. Techno followed soon after, a brown paper bag in his hands.

They waved goodbye to his coworker. “What's that?” he asked as Techno handed him the bag, “Just some leftovers,” 

“Oh Thanks,” Tommy had rarely been alone with Techno for more than a few minutes. He liked Techno but he just never seemed to talk to him without someone else around. 

“Good job cooking today,” Tommy smiled at the compliment,

“Thanks,” 

Techno looked like he wanted to say something, as they stood on the sidewalk. It was quiet, it seemed they both didn't know where to go from there. “Anyway- I'm going to head back home.”

“Uh yeah, okay-” Tommy turned to go the opposite way, stopping as Techno spoke again.

“Tommy-” He looked back at the man, his brows creased in an almost worried look that Tommy had been seeing more often.

“Uh- stay safe.” Tommy nodded, and they parted ways. Techno headed to the subway station and Tommy to the cafe.

-

It had been a good day. He felt warm from the food in his stomach and the bag of food cradled in his arms. It had been going a little too well. So of course something had to stumble into his day to ruin it. Literally. 

He walked past an alleyway when a person plopped down in front of him merely a foot away. They laid face down, he seemed to be breathing but just barely. Golden bee wings folded to his back. The black, yellow, and brown color scheme made him freeze in anticipation. It was the vigilante Maverick. Taking a sharp breath when he saw the blood that dripped from his skull to the pavement. 

Against his better judgment, he knelt down to touch the figure. Prepared to jump back if he moved but nothing happened. He was out cold. Taking a moment to scan the street, there was no one around. Carefully he dragged him into the darkened alleyway. He didn't know what he was doing. He knew he should just leave him there. He knew he shouldn't get involved in a world he was no longer part of but... as he saw the blood trickle from the vigilanties various wounds he felt the familiar adrenaline pump through his veins. Countless times he had saved people, helped them, healed them, and every time the same sting of serotonin kept him coming back.

No. He wanted to help, but he wasn't going to use his powers. He couldn't. Even if he was passed out. Even if no one ever knew. He couldn't subject himself to being reduced to a simple healer for people again. He wasn't just a healer. He had other qualities, and skills that didn't involve his healing that he was going to use first. 

He looked over the wounds, most of them weren't serious. The only one he was really worried about was the head injury. It looked like he had been struck in the head by a blunt object. Probably had a concussion. But he couldn't know for sure. He sighed, annoyed at himself for what he was about to do. This was even stupider than when he met Warden in the ally way. He was starting to question what was wrong with him and why he kept getting in oddly familiar situations.

Grunting as he bore the weight of Mavericks unconscious body. He had plenty of practice with carrying unconscious people but Maverick was extra difficult. He didn't know if it was because Tommy was getting weaker or Mavericks gear was extra heavy. He chose to believe the ladder. He was grateful that the vigilante had passed out so close to the cafe. If it had been any further he wasn't sure if he could make it all the way back. To keep out of sight he decided to weave through the alleyways to get to the apartment's back entrance. Cursing as he remembered he would have to get him up the steep staircase. 

He felt like he had run a marathon by the time he got Maverick up and into his apartment. Tommy was ready to pass out for the day, but due to his past self's decisions he was stuck bandaging an unconscious (semi)criminal in his kitchen. Tommy scrambled to get out his old med kit. 

New dust coated its top. It was just an average medical kit but it felt nostalgic to crack open the case again. First he was going to check if he had a concussion. Or was he? He had the realization a little too late as he looked down at the bug-eyed goggles that covered the vigilantes face. Shit. He couldn't check unless he took off his mask. He debated the decision for a moment. Sighing and putting the flashlight back into the kit. Maybe I'll check it later. He worked on patching up other injuries. He had no broken bones, only a couple cuts here and there which were quick to clean. 

As the time ticked on he felt his anxiety pick up as the vigilante didn't wake and he was unable to check his condition properly. Tommy wrapped up his head to stop the bleeding, resisting the urge to remove the mask. Carefully Tommy dragged him to the couch. He laid him gently down so as to not reopen his injuries. He was unable to sit still as he waited for any sort of response from Maverick.

He waited for a half an hour with no response, his ribs started to really hurt at this point. He needed a break. Going into the bathroom he closed the door locking it behind himself just in case. He took a moment to breathe, splashing water on his pale face. He rinsed off the blood he had accumulated on his hands from Mavericks injuries. He felt like he had forgotten something as he sat on the closed toilet seat and he let out a groan of disappointment. He had forgotten the leftovers in the alleyway where he picked up his guest. Maybe he could go back and grab them real quick?

He bit his cheek seriously debating going back for them. Scolding himself as he got off topic. He literally had a stranger in his house. Well, not a complete stranger. Tommy had met his fair share of heros, villains, and vigilantes in his year of service. Maverick being one of them. He had only fought him a handful of times. Considering Maverick had only been a vigilante for a few months he didn't have many run-ins with him. The vigilante mainly focussed on retaliating against small criminal groups so Sparrow never really got involved in missions pertaining to him. 

He remembered the first time he had met the vigilante. Tommy happened to catch a robbery in progress, but before he could do anything to stop it a plume of yellow smoke emitted from the establishment. Everyone had been knocked out from the gas and the criminals were tied up. The only conscious person to leave the building was Maverick. Sparrow didn't bother to stop him when he left more so concerned for the citizens who had been also affected by the gas.

Honestly, Tommy admired how quickly and effectively the vigilante dealt with the situation. He kinda envied the vigilantes freedom to fight crime. Maybe that's why he felt so compelled to help him.

Tommy stayed in the bathroom thinking through his options on how to help the vigilante further without using his abilities. It had been about two hours since he had brought the vigilante back. He was seriously worried since it was a head injury it could be far more serious than just a concussion. 

-

Taking a deep breath he stood over the masked figure, whispering an apology as he carefully removed his mask. His brown hair fell over his young face. He looked barely older than Tommy himself. He pulled his eyes open to inspect them with the light. The pupil constricted slowly to the light. Yep, definitely a concussion. He checked the other eye with the same result. He couldn't know how bad it was until he woke up but he felt slightly calmer having confirmation that he at least wasn't brain dead.

He sat back on the floor. He felt guilty about looking under the mask. He would tell him when he woke up. He stared at Mavericks unconscious face, only now noticing the odd curvature and coloration of his nose and upper lip. Fuzzy ears were now visible that were hidden under the masks earphones before. So he's a hybrid too.

Hybrids weren't all too uncommon to meet, but most of them hide their origins. Tommy included. Although he did it for a different reason than most. 

Tommy sat by the couch waiting for the vigilante to wake as time ticked by into the early hours of the morning. 

-

Tommy hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep until he woke up to a stinger pointed at his throat. Bright blue eyes met his. “Who are you?” He sounded pissed and Tommy was the target of his wrath. His adrenaline picked up immediately as he took in the situation. He was against the coffee table. Mavericks hand gripped onto his jacket the other aiming the stinger blade attached to his wrist. Tommy's wings were exposed. “I'll ask you again, who are you-” He demanded again, Tommy took a breath trying to compose himself still a bit groggy from just waking up. “ I’m Tommy, nice to meet cha.” 

Mavericks face twisted into shock and confusion, like he had just said he was an alien or something. Mavericks eyes skimmed over Tommy. “Sparrow-?” How did- 

The simple name made him mind fully alert. Moving on instinct, his years of combat experience kicked in. He grabbed Maverick's wrist, twisting it he kicked him back to get some space, before pinning him to the ground. The untrained vigilante was no threat to the former hero. “How do you know that?” He demanded, the situation from earlier was turned on its head. Tommys eyes furrowed with caution as Maverick began to speak. “Sorry- I’m sorry I didn't mean to expose you like that. I didn't know I'd get that answer,” He seemed genuine but his response only confused Tommy more.

“I didn't give you that answer.”
“I know, um It's my ability,” He tried to shrug under Tommy's weight. “I can explain it more, but can you get off me first?” He pleaded. Slowly Tommy removed his weight, his keen eyes watching Mavericks every move. The vigilante righted himself. Leaning against the green couch where he had been laying just a few minutes earlier. He took a breath before explaining further. “My real ability is called interrogation, if I ask someone a question I get the true answer even if the person lies.” Tommy stood above him, arms crossed like a disappointed parent. “But I didn't lie, I gave you my name”

“This is where it gets complicated, I never know what answer I'm gonna get unless I ask a specific question,” He shrugged. Tommy was skeptical of Mavericks ability at first but started to believe him as he gave more details. “For example, if I asked you, ‘what do you do?’ I could get an answer like your job or even an answer like your ability, but if I get more specific I get more specific answers.” He was starting to understand what was going on now.

“I see, so it's cause you asked ‘who are you’ and not ‘ what's my name’ , you got my identity instead…” he let his sentence trail off. The air became awkward as both of them now knew too much and too little about each other. 

“What is your name again? I didn't catch it before…” Maverick scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. 

“I’ll only tell you if you tell me yours,” Maverick laughed,

“Nice to meet you Tommy, you can call me Tubbo.”

“Huh? But I didn't give you an answer!?”
“If you say anything I get the answer,” He smiled, at least he knew Mavericks name now. Tommy shifted uncomfortably, this was the first time he wasn't hiding his wings around someone in months. The first person to know he was Sparrow and it was someone he just had their first conversation with outside the battlefield. 

Tommys attention was re-grounded as he saw Tubbo cradle his head. Blood started to drip down his face. He felt guilt swirl in his stomach again knowing he was the reason the wound had reopened. Cautiously he walked back to the kitchen to pick up the med kit, crouching by Tubbo to open it up. “Sorry,” He apologized “For the way I reacted earlier.” He clarified, he held a towel up, as if asking to look at the wound. Tubbo seemed to get the gesture moving his hand so the former healer hero could see it. He dabbed away the blood gently, before returning to the kit to grab new gauze to wrap his head. 

“Um, also sorry about removing your mask.” He beat Tubbo to the question he knew he was going to ask. “I couldn't see your eyes through the goggles and I wanted to make sure you weren't brain-dead or something.” Tubbo seemed oddly surprised at the answer.

“So you really do have a medical education? It's not just you can heal shit?” Tommy nodded.

“Yeah, my healing is a bit more complicated than ‘touch someone then they are good to go,’ I have to know what I'm healing, like what's damaged and shit. Although I probably would still have some medical knowledge if it was like that. It's good to know,” 

It was weird to explain his ability to someone he barely knew, yet again, Tubbo had told him his ability. Tommy finished patching Mavericks head and pushed himself up from the floor to put the med kit away again. Tubbo examined his various injuries on his body, noticing how they were all patched up manually. "Why didn't you use your healing ability?” Tommy paused trying to think of his response, “I- I just don't like to.” It was a lie. They both knew the reason. The room was somber quiet. Tubbos' eyes seemed to be lost in thought. “I get it.” was all he said.

“So how did you get those injuries?” Tommy turned back to him trying to make light conversation. Tubbo seemed to perk up at the question.

“I was fighting some gun traffickers but I ended up getting pretty beat up. I think they knew I was coming or something.” He shrugged,

“But did you win?” A smile sprung onto his face, 

“Oh hell yeah, I did!” He did an elaborate reenactment of him punching a guy, explaining his night's adventure. Tommy laughed at the image Tubbo told of kicking a guy in the groin before throwing him out of the window. Tommy remembered a similar situation. 

“Prime, sometimes they are so dumb! One time a guy stole a purse and I swear not even a minute later tripped and fell on his face” Tommy laughed at the memory. The tense air from earlier seemed to be pushed out by their shared memories of idiots in the crime industry.

It was odd, not in a million years Tommy had thought he would be swapping stories like this with a guy he just met. Vigilante or not the two boys just seemed to click. Another question came to mind as they talked.

“How did you become a vigilante exactly?” Tubbo paused thinking about how to answer. 

“Hmm, I guess I kinda decided to one day.” Was it really as simple as that? Tommy thought he would have more of a reason to put himself in danger.

“How did you become a hero? I was surprised by how young you are. Honestly, I didn't know it was possible to be a hero before you turn 18” He laughed but the question wasn't as easy to answer as Tubbo thought it would be. Tommy knew how to answer it but he didn't know if he wanted to. He froze not knowing what to do. He was painfully aware of how his ability worked now. So he just shrugged, biting his cheek. The silence stretched on without Tommy answering. Tubbo seemed to realize Tommy didn't want to answer, immediately apologizing.

“Oh shit. Sorry, that was a bad question wasn't it?” Tommy nodded, not knowing if he could speak or not.

“Umm, give it 30 seconds then the question should time out.” He reassured Tommy so he didn't have to answer. Apologizing again when the 30 seconds were up. 

“Sorry,”

“It's fine, I just- don't like talking about it.” Tommy fidgeted with his fingers. 

“Eh, we all have our own secrets.” He sighed, checking his watch seeing what time it was. His face contorted to shock. “Well I think it's time I should go.” He slowly pushed himself to his feet. “Thanks for patching me up and uh, I won't tell anyone about your identity.” Tommy agreed to keep Maverick a secret as well. 

“Nice meeting you Maverick, and try not to die. I don't want to have to patch you up again.” Tommy joked.

“Aww man, but how am I supposed to talk to you without being mortally injured?”

“Pff, don't act like you don't already know my name.”
“True, then I guess I'll talk to you later.” They waved goodbye and Maverick left out the back door. 

The realization hit Tommy like a brick. Wait. Does that mean he was going to see Maverick more? Was that going to be in costume or out? Was he saying that as a joke? Did he just agree to something he was going to regret later? The answer, most likely, was yes.

End of chapter

Chapter Text

It was his day off. He was awoken by a knock on his back door. He sat in his room for a minute, listening for more sounds. Quietly, he crept out, cautious of whoever it could be. He squatted to the ground in the kitchen, listening through the door. The thought of it being Maverick passed through his head but was swiftly stifled when the familiar voice called to him. “Tommy! Wake up!” Wilbur yelled and knocked again, waiting for the teen to answer.

Relief washed over him. It's only Wilbur. He threw his blue hoodie on and went to greet his friend. 

“What are you doing here so early?” He tried to wipe the sleep away from his eyes. Wilbur was bouncing on his toes with excitement. 

“Get dressed, we’re going sledding today!”

“Sledding wha-?” Wilbur let himself in from the cold air outside. Tommy closed the door turning to Wilbur.

“It snowed last night, so we were going to go sledding.” Tommy's back was sore from work. He knew he was pushing his limits again and would regret it later but it was an invitation he couldn't refuse. Tommy had never gone sledding before and he was curious to try it. Swiftly he got himself ready. He threw on his gloves and winter hat, which he hadn't worn since moving in. As he slipped on the gloves he checked his wrist. The numbers were still inflamed. He debated changing his mind but seeing Wilbur look so happy to see him he couldn't bring himself to say no.

He walked over to his friend standing by the door.

“Do you have a coat?” Unlike Tommy, Wilbur was dressed for the snow. He wore a long wool trench coat and a dark blue scarf was limply tied around his neck matching his gloves that were shoved halfway in his pocket. He shrugged.

“Never bought one but I'll be fine.” He waved off Wilbur's concerns like he usually did. Following Wilbur out the door and across the street the soft layer of snow crunched under their shoes. Satisfying in a way. 

Soon he found himself crammed in the backseat of Wilbur's family car once again. Techno was driving this time. They pulled away from the unlit bookstore. The roads were surprisingly busy for how early it was. Phil shifted in his seat to have a better look at the boys in the back. 

“I'm happy to see you're joining us.” 

“I didn't have a choice, Will’s too pushy to refuse.” His jab made Techno chuckle,

“You got that right,” Wilbur kicked the back of Techno’s seat. Making Phil reprimanded him like a child. After the scolding Wilbur pouted in his seat his dad redirecting his attention back to Tommy. 

“So have you ever been sledding?” 

“Of course I have,” Tommy lied. He was used to being weird and not knowing things at this point but sometimes he just wanted to think he was just a normal kid with a normal childhood. So he had started the habit of lying about small things. It started when Inferno asked him if he had ever had a cheeseburger, he hadn't but he said he did. He learned sometimes it was okay to lie. Perhaps, he was lying to himself more than them.

“Hey Dad, do we have any old winter clothes?” Wilbur cut into the conversation and he immediately understood why he was asking.
“I bet we do,” He turned to Tommy, “We have some old clothes you can have if you want any?” He hated getting gifts but he had to admit he needed some new clothes. He swallowed down his pride and accepted. He really needed to expand his wardrobe anyway. Wearing the same few outfits for weeks was starting to get tedious.

The conversation seemed to shift as Phil turned back around to focus on the road. The car went quiet, only the morning news hummed on the radio. It was eerily similar to the first time he rode with them. The only thing that was different was the lack of intense anxiety about talking to Sam. 

He watched the buildings pass them by. A ridge of snow lined the road from the early morning traffic. A squawk escaped his throat when he felt the pitch to his side. Swiping away the hand as quickly as he could. 

“The fuck was that for!?” A devilish grin stretched across Wilbur's face, a spark of mischief lit up in his eyes. He went in to poke Tommy’s side again. Prompting him to fight back trying to block his hands. Fending off his continuous attacks to tickle his sides. Unfortunately Tommy was not successful at thwarting his advances. Snorts and squeals of protest sprang from the boy in between the laughter.

“Phil the childs ticklish!” Wilbur shared his discovery with his family. Tommy tried his best to fight Wilbur back, but it was futile. His ribs protested in pain, and he couldn't breath in between laughing and fighting. Tears bridged his vision. He begged Wilbur to stop because he was getting seriously light headed. Their back seat rough housing was only tamed as Phil stepped in to stop Wilbur from killing him. 

He gasped for air trying to recover. Wiping tears away from his eyes. Wilbur was still smiling as he rubbed his back as he coughed.

“Sorry, are you okay?” He chuckled. Tommy looked at him, his face scrunched as he glared daggers at the man.

“You're a bitch,” Wilbur poked his side again. Tommy flinched before punching him in the arm.

The drive was further then Tommy had expected. The buildings soon gave way to lines of trees. He saw a sign welcoming them to Snowchester. They pulled into the parking lot of what looked like a ski resort. There was a decent crowd of people sledding down the hill of snow just past the cabin lodge. Opening the door they were blasted by the fresh cool air of their neighboring town. Tommy trailed after the family, taking in the sight of evergreen trees and white powdered snow. The sun was covered by clouds but the snow was bright on its own. They entered the large lobby. He skimmed the various trinkets and items that lined the wall as Phil paid for their admission. Tommy felt bad for making them pay for him when they brought him along to their outings but Wilbur insisted on them paying everytime. Wilbur joined him, skimming the merchandise. Tommy spotted a bright red scarf hung up on a hook. Touching it was soft, the color was almost the exact same as his hero uniform. Just slightly darker.

“Do you want it?” Wilbur had seen him eyeing the scarf, and Tommy knew what he was going to offer.

“It's nice but I don't need it.”

“Are you sure? I can pay for it.” 

“It's fine, come on, Phil and Techno are leaving without us.” He didn't want Wilbur to spend any more money on him. They left the warmth of the lodge going to the shack to get their sleds. 

“Wanna share a sled?” Wilbur asked Tommy, eyeing the large two person sled.

“Clingy bitch.” He said but he was nervous to go on his own. So he agreed to sharing one. Wilbur and he trekked up the hill. Phil and Techno in their tracks after them with their own sleds. 

Reaching the top, he was winded, his breath came out in plums of mist. He had to take a minute while Wilbur adjusted the sled for them to use. He sat in the front being the lighter weight. Staring down the track it looked far steeper then it had before. Tommy looked around spotting Techno and Phil. An idea popped into his head, “We should race!” Tommy exclaimed. A spark of competitiveness lit in Technos eyes as he sat down a few feet away.

“Don't cry when you lose,“ He smirked

“Phil, are you gonna join?” Wilbur asked. The older man chuckled, settling on his own sled to join. 

“Ready?” Tommy nodded, gulping down his anxiety. 

“Set,” Wilbur counted down.

“Go!” The two yelled in unison.

They scooted forward as quickly as they could. Gravity taking hold of the craft. Wind rushed past them. Racing down the hill. The objects and people were a blur as they passed by them. Techno took the lead, being the first one to hit the bottom of the slope. He leaned back flat on the sled. Wilbur and Tommy were second and Phil came in last. Tommy was the first to get up to go again. It was so much more fun than he thought it would be. It felt so freeing. The wind rushing past, the cold sting on his cheeks and crisp air that made his eyes water. 

“Let's go again!” He demanded. Determined to win against Techno, but also because it was fun.

They proceeded to lose every race for the next half an hour. Tommy moaned in disappointment.

“How are you so much faster than us?” He leaned back on Wilbur. The man pushed his weight off of him to get out of the sled, leaving Tommy to sulk in it on his own. Wilbur straightened his back out. The siblings staring down at the youngest.

“It's because I'm more aerodynamic,” He explained simply.

“So it's because of Wilbur's fat ass?” 

“Yes,” Techno nodded, His brother turned to them scoffing.

“What!? No, because our sled isn't built for speed!”

“Okay, whatever you say.” Tommy laughed, Wilbur glared at them.

“Fine, if it's my fault, why don't we race again? Me vs you two.”

“Yeah!” Tommy sat up looking at Techno. His smile wide pleading for him to agree to the proposal and after a moment Techno nodded.

They trudged up the hill again. Wilbur was in front as Tommy walked by the pink haired man. Looking down at the fluffy snow on the side of the trail. He got an amazing mischievous idea. 

He clamped a ball of snow in his hands and chucked it at his friend's back. Wilbur startled and turned around immediately knowing Tommy was the one who threw it. Wilbur dropped the sled, grabbing some snow of his own. Tommy was horrible at dodging snowballs and was even worse at throwing them back. Tommy ducked behind Techno to hide as Wilbur threw another snow ball. He screeched

“Techno help!” A plum of powder burst in Tommy's face. Wilbur looked smug, but his face quickly shifted to fear as Techno leaned down.

“You know Wilbur, I like to protect my allies.” He was far better at aiming than Tommy was. The two of them worked together to overwhelm the man with snow. Wilbur screamed and spotted  their father approaching the battlefield. Tommy didn't even notice him missing until Wilbur called out his name. “Phill!” He begged for help from the man. “They're attacking me!” He tried to block their icy assault with his sled but Techno managed to pelt him with another snowball. “Phil!” He called again.

Their father laughed, “Alright mate you won,” Techno finally stopped. Wilbur sighed in relief. 

“He’s the one that started it.” Tommy accused Wilbur, and Techno didn't bother to correct him.

“You little shit! No I wasn't!” Phil laughed at their argument.

“Anyway, Techno, there is someone I want you to meet here, is it fine if I steal you away for a minute?” He nodded, turning to Tommy with a shrug.

“We’ll have to do our race another time,” he patted Tommy's shoulder, making him a bit disappointed. But he didn't want to make a fuss about it.

Phil and Techno walked away, taking the single man sled with them. Wilbur could sense Tommy’s disappointment. Wrapping an arm around him “Come on Toms, let's go down a few more times, yeah?” Tommy shook off his dismay. Replacing it with his same boistris joy from before. 

“Yeah! Let's go!” He grabbed the sled and started up the hill again.

-

For the last half an hour they spent hiking up the hill only to slide down it again. Tommy enjoyed it more and more every time. The sled slowed like it did dozens of times before but as he stood his sore legs protested. He knew it was getting too tired to walk up the hill again. He took a step forward, slipping on the packed snow at the bottom of the slope. Accepting his fate he laid down to catch his breath. Wilbur still sat on the sled laughing at the boy's fall. 

“Are you okay mate?” Phil walked up to them, a smile curling his lips. Techno nowhere in sight.

“Yeah, I think I'm done for the day.” He informed Wilbur. Covering his mouth as he coughed.

“Finally, you have so much more energy than me.” Wilbur sighed, exhausted. 

“It's cause you're old.” He rolled his eyes.

“Right,” Wilbur turned his attention to the forgotten Phil. “Where's Tech?”

“He’s talking with a friend,” Wilbur stood to his feet, stretching out his back as he did.

“Who?” Phil took a glance at Tommy and back at his son.

“Puffys kid, you know him,” Wilbur hummed

“OH, okay,” He turned to Tommy. “I'm gonna go return the sled, I'll meet you guys at the car” He was quick to walk away to return the sled. As if Tommy was going to ask to go again if he didn't do it immediately. Leaving Phil alone with Tommy.

Phil placed out a hand to help him up off the ground. The man's face shifted as he touched his gloved hands.

“You're freezing mate.” Tommys gloves were soaking wet. The damp fabric now only sapped the heat from him rather than containing it. He grumbled. Humans are so fragile. He never needed gloves before, his talons were relatively temperature resistant and his wings worked great as a shield from the biting winds. But in his human form he was far more susceptible to the cold. He nodded and ended up removing the gloves as they walked together to find Techno.

A gasp escaped from a ladies mouth, the two looked around to spot what caused such a reaction. It was a fox hybrid child no older than eight. She played around in a pile of snow, catching the passing guests attention. A mixture of shock and disgust spread among the crowd before what they assumed was the parent rushed to get her. Scolding her quickly before rushing her off out of sight of the guests. 

Tommy furrowed his brows in disappointment at the crowd's reaction. Phil's face twisted in a scowl matching his own. 

“It's sad how hybrids have to hide their origin.” Phil commented.

“Yeah,” 

“Do you know why they have to do that?” Tommy shook his head. After all the years of it being normalized he just accepted it as a fact that they had to hide it.

“Its because they are scared,”

“Scared? Of what?” A bitter smile set on his features. 

“I don't even know at this point.” It was obvious what Phil thought of hybrids but Tommy felt the need to ask him anyway.

“What do you think of hybrids Phil?” His face lightened up at his question.

“I think they are misunderstood, and shitty lawmakers only work to harm them,” Tommy didn't know much about politics but from what laws he did know quite a few targeted hybrids. 

“We are considered criminals since we are born, simply because we have an ability they don't.” He always despised how the statement rang true. It was something Zephyrus had said when he had first met the winged villain.

He was alone on the rooftops after a long night of healing civilians caught up in a robbery. The interaction was anticlimactic to say the least. They didn't even fight, he only came to introduce himself to the fellow avian hybrid. But that one line always stuck with him. 

He looked at the man, his golden hair and blue eyes strangely reminiscent of his own. Most hybrid traits could be hidden. In a crowd of people most wouldn't notice the subtle differences, the minuscule hits of othered blood. It was even difficult for a trained eye to spot the difference. In their society anyone could be a hybrid and no one could know. Tommy tilted his head, in a bird like manner.

“Are you a hybrid Phil?” It was an innocent question. One he had asked many times as a young boy to the fellow children at the facility. Only now did he think it might have been a bad question when Phil’s face contorted. His brows furrowed with surprise and confusion. He backtracked quickly, realizing his mistake. 

“Sorry, bad question,” he squawked, “You don't have to answer that,” He shrunk into himself, apologizing again. Changing the topic as he spotted Technos pink hair in the crowd.

Waving him over, he was confused seeing that Wilbur wasn't with him. 

“Where is Wil?” Techno approached them

“He went to return the sled, he said to wait for him in the car.” Tommy shrugged. The three of them headed for the parking lot. The teen could feel Phils eyes on him, his gaze hazed over in thought. He tried to take his mind off of the man's lingering stare by striking up a conversation with Techno.

“So where are we going after this?” The man shrugged, taking his time to answer.

“Hmm, Food.” He gave him a one word response. He really wasn't one for conversations.

They soon made it to the car, Tommy had done most of the talking on the way to it.

He slid tiredly into the backseat of the car. Looking out the window to try and spot the lanky man, seeing him jog to the car. Swinging open the door, Tommy was assaulted by a pillow of red fabric. 

“Wilbur wha-”

“Take it child, you look like you're going to freeze to death.” Tommy unfolded it realizing it was the scarf he was looking at earlier. Son of a bitch. He went back and bought it. And there it was again. The soft warmth in his chest. He wrapped the scarf around his neck. It might have been warm in the car but he refused to take it off now. They drove further into Snowchester. Wilbur looked up local restaurants for them to eat at. Parking a little bit away from the place they chose. They walked through the downtown area and little shops lined the streets reminiscent of L’manburg’s downtown area. But instead of hearing distant traffic he could hear the sea instead. The salty ocean air wafted through his damp blond locks. He could already tell his cheeks were windburned for their earlier excursion. 

The restaurant was buzzing with life. The four of them sat down. Tommy smiled. He was starting to recognize a pattern. It was becoming more and more common for him to eat out with them. They had seating spots in booths when it was the four of them. Tommy and Wilbur would sit on one side and Phil and Techno on the other. He liked how he felt closer to them in a way. How he started to learn some of their usual orders, what foods they liked. In turn he was also learning what foods he liked.

 They looked down at the menu skimming over the options.

“Hmm, I wonder if they serve hot chocolate here,” Wilbur hummed looking over the drinks.

“Hot chocolate sounds good,” Techno agreed. Phil looked up, meeting Tommys eyes, “Do you want some hot chocolate?”

“Sure,” He smiled. He had made hot chocolate plenty of times before at the cafe. He never tried many of the drinks at the cafe. Hot Chocolate being one of the few he enjoyed. He disliked the taste of coffee. Ironically. They ordered their food. He decided to try their ‘Famous Fish and Chips!’ that was so boldly advertised on the menu.

Their drinks arrived first. The ceramic cup warmed his cold hands stained pink from the cold. He took a hesitant sip of the drink wanting to taste it but trying to avoid burning his tongue on the steaming liquid. It was sweet and creamy. Definitely one of his favorite drinks. Wilbur and Technos glasses steamed up as they lifted the mugs to their face. He laughed as they struggled to wipe them off. Both refused to take the frames off to clean them, instead doing an awkward wipe with their sleeves.

Phils gaze had softened. He clearly hadn't forgotten Tommys earlier question, but he didn't seem as concentrated on it now. His eyes skimmed over the boys. The man fiddled with the golden ring on his finger. Tommy hadn't noticed it until now, his eyes widened.

“Phil, you're married?” The question took him off guard. He looked down at his hand and back up at the boy.

“Haha Well yes. I was married to Wilburs mother” Wilburs mother? He never knew Will had a mom. He tipped his head, turning to his friend.

“Wait, you have a mom?” 

“Had, I had a mother. She died years ago” Tommy looked sheepish.

“Oh, sorry for asking,” Wilbur gave a somber smile.

“It's fine. It was over a decade ago, she died when I was twelve.” He shrugged, but even with his reassurance it was fine he still felt bad for asking. He was still curious though,

“Aren't you adopted though?” Tommy followed Wilburs gaze to his father. The man took it as his que to answer.

“I married his mother which made him my step son, but when she died I had to adopt him to get custody.” He explained. Tommy nodded along. Techno sat back from the conversation sipping his drink slowly. The teen felt content with the answers and didn't want to pry any further in case it was still a sore subject.

Their food eventually came. It was the only time Tommy would stop talking to busy scarfing down his meal and was the first to finish. He leaned back in the booth satisfied. The other three leisurely ate their lunch, making light conversation between bites. Food tasted better around them. Tommy discerned, it was always easier to eat. The mundane chore of life became an enjoyable activity. Somehow, someway they made him enjoy the time when he would sit down to eat.

No more listening to whispered conversations between guards, instead part of the conversation. Crispy fried foods and warm drinks far more gratifying than the supplements he was served to survive his horrendous work week. He could finally enjoy eating out with friends. Even as part of the Dream team he never could enjoy a lunch with them. Forced to reject every offered fry for a chalky protein bar.

Then Connor came around. Tommy wondered where he was now. His blue pin was still stuffed in his pocket. In some way he owed Connor, if he hadn't met him he wouldn't have known how lonely he really was. He was too focused on work to have time to care about what he was missing out on.

But now he could slow down, to feel the breeze, the smell of green trees and the salty ocean air. To be engrossed in an activity, that wasn't just work, and be comforted by the bustling cafes and restaurants. His face felt warm with gratitude. This was the life he wanted to live.  

-

The three caught up with Tommy finishing their plates and paying for their meal. They walked out of the restaurant. Their misty breath was caught by the winter breeze.

“Do we want to go to the beach before heading back?” Philza questions the group. Tommy was ecstatic nodding a fervent yes.

“Why not? It's only a short walk from here.” Techno reasoned.

They sauntered down the sidewalk. Tommy took in all the scenery around them. There were lines of small cottages and homes. Snow peppered the ground and old lamp posts bordered the streets. It was nothing like the city. The fresh air and rural atmosphere made it feel enchanting. The rows of buildings eventually gave way to wooden docks. A small harbor in the port town. Only two old fishing vessels sat at the creaking structures. 

They kept walking passed, admiring the waves that ebbed at the beams. The sidewalk curved, turning away from the ocean. But instead of following it they walked into the tree lines. A well worn sandy path directed them beyond the evergreen trees that gave way to a field of tall grass and the beach just past it. 

Tommy stumbled down the dune. He could already tell his shoes were getting packed with sand but he didnt care. Jogging out in front of the group admiring the gray sea. Cold ocean wind whipped past him, stinging his cheeks again. He spread out his arms catching the draft. He wished he could take out his wings to enjoy it more. 

Techno and Wilbur stood elsewhere having their own conversation and Phil joined Tommy by his side, mimicking his welcoming gesture to the ocean breeze.

“This is what I'd imagine flying would feel like.” Tommy closed his eyes to take in the full feeling of air rushing past his body. He could hear the man chuckle.

“Do you want to fly?” Tommy took a deep breath.

“Always have, since I was a kid.” He tried to seem cheery but it was impossible to hide the melancholy he felt thinking about it. 

It was a similar winter day that was the first and last time he had ever flown. He had managed to slip away from the group of children being escorted to the medical ward. He had known what would await him behind the metal doors. The smell of disinfectant and saline solution couldn't mask the smell of fear that wafted from behind them. So at the first chance he got he ran. Managing to get out into the courtyard. In a moment of panicked instinct he flapped his wings. It was clumsy and uncoordinated but it gave him enough of a lift to make it halfway up the chain link fence. 

The barbed wire at the top tore through his skin and caught his foot as he tried to climb over it. He ignored the pain, sprinting away from the scene as fast as he could. Unfortunately in his distress he didnt think about the trail of blood and footprints he had left. And he was caught only a few hours later.

It was a brief taste of freedom. A whisper of what he always wanted. Snached away from him by the man he couldn't help but cling to. He was only ten when he met Bad that night. A bloodied and bruised child that sobbed for his mom and his only comfort was a ten foot tall demon.

Tommy observed the sea, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. 

“If you had wings, where would you fly?” Phils question broke his concentration. He turned to the man, dropping his arms to his sides.

“Hmm, I never really thought about it.” He supposed when he was in the facility all he wanted to do was to get away he never thought of a destination. Even now he didn't really know where or what he wanted to do. He hadn't thought that far, he had just been enjoying the moment. 

“Don’t know. Where would you go?” He returned the question. Phil took a moment to think.

“Hmm,” He laughed “You got me there, I don't know either” Phil smiled at the boy. 

The hybrid question Tommy had asked earlier still floated in the man's mind. Phil wouldn't tell him that he noticed Tommys irises that were more oval than round. His pointed ears and canine teeth that were slightly to promonet in his smile. The small giveaways of his not quite human origins. Phil wouldn’t pry for more than he needed and all he needed to know was Tommy was safe. 

The boy returned the smile, before he was tackled from behind. Wilburs arm wrapped around Tommys neck dragging him down into a headlock he scrambled to get out of. Techno stood by Phil, egging on his brother. 

“Throw him in the water!” 

“Wilbur let go!” He yelped. The older man dragged him forward closer to the sea. 

“Let's go for a swim,” He exclaimed, making Tommy struggle harder to slip out of his grip. He managed to slip free and ran to hide behind Phil and Techno. Using them as a blockade from Wilbur in a game of cat and mouse. 

Eventually sprinting passed Wilbur and down the beach. His already worn legs felt like jello. Wilbur wasn't doing any better, he cradled his side, slowing to a stop. Tommy slowed just a few feet ahead of him. Tommy coughed as he regained his air. Fuck, he shouldn’t of ran. A sharp pain stabbed his ribs as he coughed again.

“How do you still have so much energy,” Wilbur moaned. Tommy kept his back to the man to get his composure back. His face scrunched in discomfort, biting his tongue to distract from the rib pain. Wilbur seemed to notice his lack of response. “Hey are you okay?” Wilbur reached out an arm to him, Tommy nodded and the worst of the pain subsided enough to move again he forced a smile onto his face. Straightening up he turned to wilbur. A look of worry on his face. “Toms?” Tommy took a step closer to his friend giving him a light punch in the shoulder.

“That's for the headlock,” 

But Wilburs worry didn't leave his face, “Are you okay?” He could tell something was off.

“I'm fine Will, let's get back to the others.” He started to walk back towards Phil and Techno. He heard the man sigh as he walked past him, the older slung an arm around his neck. Leaning on him slightly.

-

The drive back to L’manburg was a pleasant one. They made it back around 3 pm. Phil had asked him if he wanted to grab the clothes before they dropped him off. He would have agreed to it if his body wasn't already screaming at him. 

“No, I'm drained from today,” He coughed out.

“Do you want to come over tomorrow to pick up the clothes then?” Tommy agreed without much thought. Techno dropped him off outside the cafe, he waved to them as they drove away. He cradled his ribs making his way into the back alley and into his apartment.

He slid to the ground, his back against the door. Practically paralyzed by the throbbing ache of his lungs. He slumped down curling into a ball on the cool kitchen floor. Fuck, Fuck, Fuck.

He cursed, letting out a whimper. The pain always felt worse when he would release the pressure, like his body could finally process all the damage he was doing to it. He stayed like that for a while waiting for the discomfort to subside. He really needed to stop pushing his limits. Even the first time he overdid it the day before Wilbur found him it wasn't nearly as painful. He dragged himself to his bed. He spread out his wings hoping it would help ease the pressure.

He grit his teeth, his back muscles cramped in protest of the stretch. He laid there for an hour trying to rest. He had done so much that day, but still, he found he couldn't fall asleep. He should have been exhausted and physically he was but his mind refused to turn off. 

The memories of the fresh air rushing past him and how he wished to feel it on his feathers. How he missed the ability to jump from rooftop to rooftop. To see the midnight city once again without worrying about his wings. He sat up looking over at the closet door. Behind it his old uniform called to him beckoning to be worn once more. It’s bright red hue that caught your eye no matter the time of day. Like the scarf Wilbur had bought him.

He imagined the feel of the protective vest, the heavy metal mask that concealed his identity. The long tail coat that would fall behind him like a sparrows tail.

He stood from the bed making his way to the door, his claws fingers clasped the cold metal knob. 

He could just go out for the night, it would just be a night stroll. He didn't even have work the next day. No one would know. He reasoned, not even trying to convince himself to stay. 

He missed it. He didn't want to hide his wings every time he went out. He cracked open the door slowly, the light behind him casted his shadow into the dark room. Carefully he pried open the false wall. Rubbing the corse fabric in between his fingers. Grime and dirt clung to it. Maybe he should wash it first. Looking at the time, it was only 6pm. It would be best to wait a little longer to go out anyway.

-

He climbed to the top of the cafe, his muscles straining under his weight to pull himself up. The familiar feeling of exercise was comforting, as he took a running jump to the next roof over. His feathers caught as much air as they could lifting him slightly. He ran along the cold winter air crisp, his breath visible under the moonlight. The clouds from earlier were nowhere to be seen.

His legs started to regain feeling. Sore muscles ached every step but he kept running. It was exhilarating being out again. His blood coursed through his veins in excitement. The wind pushed against his body. He could finally breathe outside air without the intruding pressure of his wings pressed against his back. Instead, let free to feel the wind again.

He had run about a mile before he decided to slow down for a quick break. 

He had his hands on his hips taking in deep breaths. Looking up at the stars he noticed something. It was too dark to see the figure properly, but the way the dark mass moved in the sky he could tell it was Zephyrus. It was too late for him to hide from the villain. Sparrow's bright red gear was to eye catching to miss. 

He watched him land gracefully on the asphalt roof across from the ex-hero. 

“Why hello Sparrow. I didn't expect to see you,” His presence seemed far more inviting ever since he had quit. The card he had given him was still stuffed in the pocket of his coat. The offer to be a healer for the syndicate never interested him. He didn't know why he kept it.

“Same here,” He could hear the man chuckle, 

“What are you doing running around at night?” The villain tilted his head in curiosity. He shrugged.

“Wanted some fresh air,”

“Really? Why wear your gear then?” He gestured to his outfit.

“What about you? Why are you out in your gear?” He dodged the question. 

“Haha, I see, suppose for the same reason then.” The conversation went quiet as they enjoyed the night's ambiance. Tommy took a breath as a question caught in his throat. He looked up at the stars, trying the question again. 

“What…What's it like to fly?” Zephyrus walked over to lean on the ledge of the building by Sparrow. He looked up at the sky with him.

“It's freeing,” It was such a simple answer and it was the one thing he always yearned for. Freedom in some capacity was always being withdrawn from him. He was free from the facility but in some ways he would always be trapped in their society. Forced to reject something that was inherently him, an integral part of his identity. His birthright. Like all the other hybrids forced to hide who they really were in fear of prosecution. Even though he refused to admit it he always was jealous of Zephyrus. In some ways the villain didn't have to worry about it. He had already broken far worse laws on a daily basis. If he were caught, flying would be a small charge compared to the crimes he had already committed.

“Do you want to fly?” 

“Psh, Don't we all?” He chuckled, leaning back to sit on the ledge with the older avin. He could feel his eyes scanning his clipped wings. Embarrassment trickled up his spine, as he folded them close as if to hide the damage. 

“Was it actually your choice to clip your wings?” He clenched his jaw at the question. Ugh, Why was everyone so interested in his wings? He sighed.

“No,” He bitterly admitted, it was getting harder and harder to keep lying about it. It's not like anyone believed him. He didn't want to say the real reason but he hated the lie he kept on spitting. He never wanted to clip his wings so why did he keep saying that it was his choice? 

“Why does everyone keep asking that? It's not like it's weird for avians to get their wings clipped,” He let his frustration seep out.

“Sorry, mate.” The villain apologized “I didn't mean to rub salt in the wound.” 

Zephyrus sounded genuine but Tommy had been mocked by him enough to distrust his words. They sat in silence once again. Zephyrus seemed to shift uncomfortably.

“Did you think about my offer?” 

“Yeah, I'm not too keen on the idea of being a healer again.” Tommy knew how valuable his ability was, how useful he was. In some ways he liked it. He liked the feeling of being relied on. In other ways he felt like a tool being used only for their benefit. He wanted to be needed but not just for his abilities.

“Okay, I understand.” Sparrow turned to look at the man, his eyes were soft. He expected the man to be upset or even angry, but he wasn't. “Sparrow,” His tone was soft. “I’m sorry that you had to figure out about us and the Dream team in the way you did, but-” He looked away to the ground, “I can't lie, I'm happy that you're not a hero anymore. It was clear that the hero committee used you to remedy the destruction. You leaving gave us an advantage. I know you might not care about our cause and what we're fighting against. And it wasn't necessarily your choice to leave the hero world. I guess what I'm trying to say is- ” their eyes met, no hostility between them. “Thank you.”

Tommy straightened up in surprise at the way he appreciated him. Even though he didn't even do it on purpose. He didn't know whether he felt good about it or guilty for unknowingly helping the villains. One thing that worried him though was apparently how important he was to the committee. 

“Your welcome I guess but was I really that important to the committee?” He tilted his head, Zephyrus looked confused by his question.

“You didn't know?” He shook his head.

“You saved them like thousands of dollars in medical costs. I would assume your pay would have reflected it.”

“Oh,” He was dumbfounded by how much he actually mattered to them, and even more put off by the idea that he was more useful then he had anticipated. This only meant he had a larger target on his back then he knew. In that moment he became painfully aware how dangerous it was for him to be running around in costume. Someone could have spotted him. The guards could be on their way to get him right now.The footprints lead right to him . 

His heartbeat started to pick up, seeing the red of his uniform against the backdrop of white snow. Blood, he was covered in blood. It was his blood. He stood quickly,
“I- I have to go,” Before Zephyrus could stop him he was already on the ground running. He sprinted through the alleyways. Fear and panic pricked his skin, a feeling of being chased. His heart leaped in his chest with anxiety, fear of that night repeating itself. The guards chasing him. His bloody feet making streaks of red in the snow. He felt his lungs constrict in terror as he felt a hand grab his wrist. A pain reverberated through his arm. Sharp stabbing pain from his numbers being touched to harshly. He turned to see the figure. Clumsily slipping to the ground from the ice coating the pavement.

His arm was still clasped in the person's hand but instead of the face of a guard, Zephyrus stared down at him. His whole body shook with adrenaline. Lungs fought for air, eyes wide with panic. “Sparrow-?” Worry and confusion coated his voice.

“Let go!” He instinctively yelled and the man complied. He scrambled to his feet. He didn't even know where he was going. He just needed to get away. He just needed to keep running. 

He barely made it a few feet before his knees buckled from under him, making him toppled to the ground. The snow did nothing to cushion the fall. A sob stuck in his throat. He curled in on himself, his legs were numb from the cold and adrenalin that infected his veins. His throat stung from the cold dry air. His heartbeat drumbed in his ears, drowning out the surrounding sounds. 

He felt like he was suffocating. Attempting to do his breathing exercise, but it was no use. His heart still pattered in his chest. Calm down. His mind screamed but his body refused to comply. They didn't know where he was. He wasn't going back. 

Black encroached into the edges of his vision. The fear of passing out struck his mind.

Claws intertwined into his golden locks, pain sprouting from his scalp as he tried another method of grounding himself. A pair of feet crunch the snow behind him, muffled to his ears roaring with his rushing blood.

A gentle hand slid under his hood cold claws pressed against the nape of his neck. The sensation jolted his mind back enough for him to process the man crouched in front of him. Muffled words slipped into the empty air. Sparrow's eyes skimmed his face frantically, desperate to understand what he was being told.

Zephyrus’s brows furrowed, realizing how useless his words were. It was quiet, but the tone perfectly snuck into his senses. One small chirp and the young avian's eyes had blown wider than dinner saucers. But instead of frantically searching, they locked onto the villain's faded blue eyes. “There you go, mate, " he chirped again, slightly louder.

Tommy's breathing evened out the slightest bit. Zephyrus’s other hand reached up to remove the claws that gripped the golden locks of hair replacing it with a gentle caressing. “Breath kid, you’re okay”

Zephyrus coached him to take a deep breath. It was rough and uneven but Sparrow copied to the best of his abilities. “There you go, Breath out,” His voice, calm and comforting, continued to guide him through his panic. Tommy closed his eyes to focus on the sound and fingers ruffling through his hair. Ever so slowly the panic from before simmered down enough for him to collect his thoughts. 

“S-sorry, I’m sorry” He looked down in shame. The melted snow soaked through his pants making scrapes on his knees sting. Tommy felt vulnerable to vulnerable under the gaze of the man. His gentle touch froze. Fear crept up Tommy's throat, bracing for some kind of insult of pain. Hesitantly he peeked up asses the villain. 

Concerned clouded the man's eyes from behind the vale, wrinkles of confusion creased his brow. Sheepishly he tried to hide his face.

“Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah,” He gulped down his embarrassment.

The crunch of boots caught their attention. Zephyrus’s wings fluffing protectively. A sharp glare angled at the trespasser. Sparrow’s head swivled to see the threat. 

“Sparrow?” The voice held a familiar ring.

End of chapter