Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He was so scared.

Tommy was so fucking scared.

He was so scared, he might throw up.

He heard footsteps, someone walking around, and Tommy was shaking so hard. 

Tommy was certainly going to die today.

This was it, he’d be found out. There was no way he wouldn’t be seen, not down here.
 

He’d gone on for so long, he’d always been so cautious, he’d let his guard slip for just a moment, he’d been looking for food, or water, or anything - just anything, and he’d practically dived down in a feeble attempt to hide.

He wasn’t dangerous, he was in danger.

When the law had passed, and Tommy had seen hybrids get shot down, when it had all begun to feel like the Salem witch trials or something, Tommy had only felt endangered. He’d never felt dangerous. 

The law that had practically banned the existence of hybrids. Insisting they were dangerous, and inhumane, and that they were to be killed off on sight. 

He remembered passing by, keeping his eyes down low as he tried to make it through the crowd without being noticed, but they were all so focused on the horrific display, a public show of what they were to do to a hybrid, and Tommy had tried so hard not to look.

Tommy had tried so hard not to look at them, not to watch their eyes widen, before falling shut, and then they’d fall limp, they’d be gone before Tommy could even hear the gun fire, one by one.

He remembered watching the news that day, watching in horror as they announced it, he remembered the way the cold terror had run through his veins, keeping him sat there, frozen, across from the television.

He remembered having snuck on a train, in search of somewhere, anywhere, where they could find peace and sanctuary, or at least - stay. He’d been so hopeful, too.

When they’d started prodding around the compartments to check for any stowaways, Tommy had realized they’d find them, and he’d crept to the door of the compartment, his legs shaking so hard his knees almost buckled from just that.

That was when Tommy had ran, he’d left them behind, his best friends. An enderian, a ram, and an alien, he’d left them behind. He’d ran, and he’d hoped they’d make it out safely, that they’d be fine on their own, they had each other.

Tommy, he’d only done it to save them. They would have been caught, had he not run out, had he not sacrificed himself to lead the bad men away.

Every passing moment, he wondered where they were, what had happened to them when he’d left them behind, and whether or not he’d really even saved them. He hoped so, he truly hoped he hadn’t just left them within their final moments.

He was so hungry, and he was so tired, he truly was.

The figure neared, and Tommy ducked further into the shadows. He’d taken refuge in an abandoned convenience store, no doubt driven to bankruptcy, given the sudden decrease in the country’s population. He’d been hiding among the shelves in the storage room, tucked away in a dark corner, where he was sure to be found out sooner or later.

He heard them mutter to themselves, before pacing, just in front of Tommy, they could see him, there was no way they couldn’t, Tommy could see them through the gaps between the shelves, their green attire, their brown leather combat boots, their white mask with an oddly unnerving smiley face.

Then they paused, and Tommy wondered briefly whether or not the - man, he assumed - could see through the mask. 

“Hey,” they spoke up, and Tommy felt his blood run cold, “kid, are you okay?”

He stepped forward, now stood in front of Tommy, and crouched, presumably looking Tommy over.

”You’ve got wings,” he observed, and Tommy just stared, he’d practically forgotten how to talk, “are you hiding?”

”Drop the bullshit,” Tommy said shakily, “just kill me, don’t fucking toy with me.” 

“Why would I kill you?” Dream laughed after a moment.

Tommy watched the man raise a hand, pressing it against the wall for support, and then offer Tommy his free hand.

“If you trust me,” he said calmly, “follow me, and I’ll take you somewhere safe.” 

“That’s a trick,” Tommy shook his head, “I’m not stupid, that’s a trick.”

”Why wouldn’t I just kill you right here?” The man asked, “why would I bother tricking you?”  Then he paused, “I’m just making it sound - like a trap.” 

He really shouldn’t trust him, but Tommy was so hungry, and so thirsty, and so tired.

“Where’re you gonna take me?” Tommy asked, and the man shifted on his feet.

“I shouldn’t say where, just in case.” The masked man said quietly, and after a moment, Tommy nodded, and hesitantly took his hand.

”I’m Dream,” he said, taking a step back, “you’ve been here for a while, haven’t you?”

”A couple days,” he nodded, “Tommy.”

”Well, Tommy,” Dream nodded back, “stay close and quiet.”

Good enough, Tommy figured, he’d trust the man blindly, because he figured - Dream - was right, he could just kill Tommy here, so he’d take his chances.

Dream pushed through the store doors, and gave Tommy another glance.

He hoped he’d get food, he hadn’t eaten in days. He also hoped he’d get water, because his tongue felt like cotton, and he had to work to keep his eyes open.

“You’re an avian?” Dream asked, and Tommy nodded, he’d been told to stay quiet.

”Can you fly?” Dream questioned, taking a moment to look around, before taking a turn, they walked along the sidewalk, which Tommy found was unnervingly empty, dead. Even the houses lining the roads around were darkened and empty, and had been for a long time.

”I don’t know,” Tommy replied, “I’ve never tried.” At a point, Tommy could glide, but now, even letting his wings show put him in danger, he couldn’t risk it.

”I know some can,” Dream nodded, “some can’t, trauma to the wings, their wings might be too small, or they neglected them for too long,” Dream listed from the top of his head, and Tommy wondered how many avians the man really knew.

”Yours are a neat shade of red, though.” Dream added.

”You from around here?” Dream asked, and Tommy shook his head quickly.

”Came in on a train with friends,” Tommy said, “ran before we were found.” He almost winced as he spoke, he hated looking back on that, knowing he could have done something differently, something that could have meant he’d still be there with them.

“What happened to your friends?” Dream asked lightly. 

”Not sure, I guess I left ‘em behind.” Tommy said softly.

Purpled was gonna try and take them down with a pocket knife, while Ranboo suggested they kept hiding. Maybe if they had trusted Purpled to stab the shit out of them, or if they had tucked themselves away under the load and hoped the lack of light concealed them well, maybe they’d still be here.

It was his own idiotic impulse that had gotten them killed.

“I’ve got my knife, Tommy,” Purpled whispered hurriedly, “I’ll stab them, or something, get back.” 

Nine years old, and he’d been considered a dangerous criminal, and had been granted a death-sentence should he ever see the light of day again.

At ten, he’d seen his parents die by the hands of the supposed law, hidden away, where they didn’t dare look for fear of giving his spot away. He’d stayed there for hours, hand over his mouth to muffle his terrified sobbing.

By eleven he’d been on a train with who he’d called, at the time, his best friends, to god-knows-where, technically a fugitive, running from the law, running for his life.

”You won’t win, not if they’ve got guns,” Tubbo objected, where Ranboo had chimed in anxiously, “they probably do, get down, hide.” 

Tommy could distract them, he could run out, and keep running, and they could take their chance and get out while they chased Tommy down, and in the moment, it had been a pretty solid plan to Tommy. 

He’d left them behind.

He’d left the three of them behind, and he’d only hoped his distraction would have helped them get out on their own, he’d only hoped, he hadn’t even been sure of it. He’d left them behind, and he’d probably left them to die.

”I wouldn’t blame ‘ya,” Dream nodded, and Tommy gave him a glance, “harder to travel or hide in a group.”

”Yeah.” Tommy said dryly, and he wondered if Dream had ever had to do the same, he guessed not.

Tommy watched as Dream motioned for him to follow, and as Tommy lead him up the stairs of what looked to be a church, or at least - what looked to have once been one.

He nodded and followed behind Dream as Dream opened the church doors just enough to let Tommy and himself slip in, and Tommy realized they were alone, and he felt the colour drain from his face.

Somewhere safe, being - what, an abandoned church, company being the colonies of dust bunnies settled in each corner?

He followed this Dream-guy down a hallway, and he was honestly starting to doubt him, or his sanity, this was no space-space, not to Tommy, at least.

Dream made his way to another door, and as he opened it, Tommy almost felt flash-banged, as the church had been so dark, and as the door opened, it lead down a stairway and into what felt to be a new building, street, town even, entirely.

Making their way down the stairs, having closed the door behind them, Tommy could hear chatter around, and people moving freely, and he felt his heart soar, because maybe he’d really been taken someplace safe to stay, at least for now.

”Hey, see?” Dream spoke up, “I told you to trust me, I’d take you somewhere safe.”

”I trusted you.” Tommy nodded quickly.

”Wilbur!” Dream shouted, and Tommy flinched, and held back, just below the stairs as Tommy waved down a guy with round rimmed glasses, and wildly curly brown hair.

“Show Tommy around,” Dream said calmly, “he might feel better around you.”

Tommy didn’t quite understand what he meant by that, feel better? But Wilbur seemed to.

“Hey,” Wilbur gave Tommy a smile, “another avian?” 

“Another?” Tommy repeated curiously.

”Yeah, we’ve got two already,” Wilbur informed him, “we don’t usually have too many of one certain hybrid.” 

“What are you?” Tommy asked bluntly, and Wilbur almost laughed.

”Phantom,” he replied, “the only one.”

”So what, you’ve just got like, one of each?” Tommy asked, crossing his arms.

”Pretty much,” Wilbur nodded, “we’ve got three blazeborns, and then others - we don’t even know what they are.”

”Diverse.” Tommy hummed absently, peering around. He could spot one of the blazeborns Wilbur had mentioned, a boy with a black bandana and a broken horn, pretty distinctive.

”I won’t bother introducing you to everyone,” Wilbur shrugged, “I’m sure you’ll get around,” he added, “but if you need anything, Puffy’s in charge of like, resources, supplies, whatever you’d call ‘em,” he summarized, “apparently we needed like, a military or -“ Wilbur paused in thought, before shaking his head, “Punz is head of defence.” 

“Defence?” Tommy asked, and Wilbur nodded, “Y’know, if we were to get found, he’d step in and protect us while we work on getting everyone out,” Wilbur explained briefly, “his brother is like, his second-in-command, then there’s Sapnap and Eryn,” Wilbur pointed towards the blazeborn Tommy had noticed earlier, so he must be - Eryn, Tommy guessed.

”If you really need like, anything else,” Wilbur cleared his throat, “you’d come to me, or to Phil.” 

“Phil?” Tommy asked with a raised brow.

”Yeah, the avian with the bucket hat,” Wilbur shrugged, a very brief but notable description of the man, “he’s my dad.” 

“So he’s old,” Tommy nodded, “because you’re old, so he must be ancient.” 

“Old?” Wilbur scoffed, “I’m not old, you’re just a fuckin’ child.” 

Tommy hummed in protest, and narrowed his eyes, “I am in fact, a very big man,” he insisted, “you’re just old, cry about it.” 

“Child,” Wilbur muttered softly, and glanced back, “look around, make some friends, I don’t care,” Wilbur stepped back, “don’t be a shit-disturber.”

”Fuck you, old man.” Tommy huffed, ruffling his wings out in emphasis. 

“Yeah, yeah, there are kids here your age, go make friends.” Wilbur repeated, and spun on his heel.

”A big man needs no friends.” Tommy said solemnly, though still took a glance around.

He’d noticed Eryn, the blazeborn from before, speaking to another - he guessed blazeborn, though this one lacked the horns and tainted eye Eryn had, who wore a matching white bandana. 

Then there was a woman, with long, curling ram horns, who wore clothes that honestly reminded Tommy of a pirate, or something. She had long, and very thick looking hair, spit down the middle black and white, who’d just emerged from a hallway on the right, and she had a resting kind smile. 

Cool, he still had no clue who - anyone was, minus Eryn, who Wilbur had been so kind to point out, but anyone of importance, he’d left Tommy to search for on his own, and god forbid he actually ask for help.

As he scanned the room, narrowed magenta eyes caught his for just a moment, before the boy’s gaze snapped back to the man before him, and Tommy’s breath caught in his throat.

Chapter Text

He couldn’t breathe. 

Tommy couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t breathe, oh god, Tommy couldn’t breathe.

The eyes, god the eyes, his heart raced so fast he was pretty damn sure he was about to drop fucking dead. 

A patched purple hoodie, with the hood pulled down for the first time in what Tommy knows to be years, and the boy’s antennae flitted low, nearly flat against his head, and Tommy saw his shoulders tense defensively. 

He had the same telltale purple marks along his neck and hands, and Tommy could only assume he had them along his arms and cheeks, as well. 

But now, he held himself with authority, he seemed to know his place here, he knew what he was doing. He had the confidence he’d always tried to pretend he’d had before, when he’d held his pocketknife in fists clenched so tight his knuckles had gone white. He had the confidence he’d always tried to feign, and he held himself in such a way that showed it.

If he was here, were they?

Tommy stepped forward, and his legs begun to shake beneath him, threatening to give out.

”Purpled?” He watched the boy flinch as he spoke up, but refused to even glance Tommy’s way.

“Purpled,” he repeated, finally urging himself to move, and watched the other, and he prayed to any and every god and demi-god out there that he was right on this.

”Tommy, don’t.” Purpled muttered, and Tommy’s gaze softened.

“What?” He kept his distance, but man, did he want to hug Purpled so bad, he wanted to hug him until he almost crushed the boy, he wanted to cry.

”Don’t,” Purpled repeated lowly, “just don’t.” 

“Who’s that?” Tommy asked quietly, gesturing towards the man Purpled had been talking to until now.

Purpled stayed quiet, rather, glancing at the man expectantly, who nodded, almost as though they’d had a silent conversation. 

The man had blonde, almost shoulder-length - but not quite - hair tied up into a low ponytail, wore a white hoodie with black stripes, and a golden medal with an engraved P. 

“Punz,” he said, and Tommy crossed his arms uneasily, “his brother,” Punz paused, “you should go.” 

Purpled had a brother? 

He’d never told Tommy he’d had a brother, in fact, Tommy was sure Purpled had told him he’d lost his family ages ago.

“I should go?” Tommy repeated, and Punz nodded. Tommy glanced at Purpled, who now seemed to be avoiding - even looking at Tommy.

”Tubbo and Ranboo,” Tommy said, “please, are they okay?” 

“Purpled?” Purpled closed his eyes, and Tommy only felt worse.

“They’re fine, Tommy,” Purpled said flatly, “you should go.” 

“They’re here?” Tommy smiled in relief.

”Fuck off, Tommy.” Purpled said bluntly, glancing back up at Tommy with narrowed eyes, he glared at Tommy.

That hurt, that really fucking hurt.

“Get away from the door, dumbass.” Purpled said absently, and Tommy gave him a side-glance.

”Tommy, what’re you thinking?” Tubbo asked hesitantly.

“I’ll go.” Tommy said, with no further explanation, and he saw Purpled’s face darken into a glare.

”Get back here, Tommy.” Purpled ordered, and Tommy stared from his place.

”They’re too close, no time.” Tommy shook his head quickly, “I’m going.” 

Maybe if he’d better explained his idea, they’d have gotten it, and things would have gone - differently, gone better.

“Tommy?” Purpled’s voice cracked unevenly as he watched Tommy’s hand grasp the door, “Tommy, stop,” he’d said, “Tommy, what are you doing?”

As Tommy glanced back, he saw the pure, unmasked terror and betrayal flash through Purpled’s eyes as Tommy slid the compartment door open just a crack.

“Tommy, don’t.” Purpled said hesitantly, and Tommy took a shallow breath, pressing his ear against the cool metal for a moment.

“Tommy, stop, not cool.” Tubbo said nervously, and Ranboo watched him with wide eyes.

“Tommy wait,” Purpled stepped forward, and he’d never seen Purpled so genuine, “Tommy please,” he whispered shakily, “don’t.”

Tommy opened the door just enough to get out, but not so much that the other three could be seen.

“Tommy please,” Purpled whispered, “please don’t,” He felt a hand wrap around his wrist, and he heard Purpled protest hurriedly before Tommy jumped out.

“Tommy,” a hand was set gently on his shoulder, and Tommy flinched, and Wilbur cleared his throat, “you okay?”

”Yeah, I’m fine,” Tommy said unevenly, taking a step back to turn to Wilbur.

“Any questions?” Wilbur asked, “you didn’t get the chance to ask any earlier.” 

“Yeah, uh,” Tommy paused, “what is this?” 

“What?” Wilbur crossed his arms, giving Tommy a puzzled smile, “what do you mean?”

“Like, some sort of - rebellion?” Tommy asked, “it sounds like one.”

He noticed Purpled scoff from behind him, and something muttered from Punz, before he heard creaking steps. 

Purpled was alive, Purpled was okay, Purpled was right there, within arm’s reach.

Purpled didn’t want to talk to him, Purpled had told him to “fuck off, Tommy”.

”Well, I guess so, but we don’t really do anything,” Wilbur shrugged, “if we find anyone - that needs somewhere to go, we bring ‘em.”

”Like Dream did - with me.” Tommy nodded.

”Exactly, and we’ve got people - in charge of different things, like jobs, Puffy’s got people that work in groups to go out and grab food and stuff,” Wilbur explained, “or, as I said, Punz is on defence,” he motioned towards the man, “Purpled second to him, and they’d stay back if we were like, found out, or attacked.”

”I got that,” Tommy nodded, “but you have a leader?” 

“Somewhat,” Wilbur hummed, “Phil, then there’s Techno, and I’m third.” 

“So you’ve got like, this system?” Tommy took a quick look around, “but really, you’re just a safe-house?” 

“I guess so, yeah,” Wilbur nodded, “it just - sounds cool, calling it a rebellion, Y’know?”

”Then make it a rebellion,” Tommy suggested, “Y’know, like, tag places, let it be known.”

Wilbur paused, before giving him a slow nod, “follow me.”

“Follow you where?” Tommy asked, and Wilbur smiled back at him.

”To Phil, I like your idea.” Wilbur answered.

Woah, Tommy wasn’t ready for that yet.

He was still adjusting to all of this, hell, he still hadn’t even - met most of the people here, no fucking way.

”Nope, no, not yet,” Tommy shook his head rapidly, “I just got here, let me chill.”

Wilbur paused, before shrugging, “fair, yeah,” he cleared his throat, combing his fingers through his hair, “have you eaten anything?”

”Trick question?” Tommy asked hesitantly, before Wilbur sighed.

”I’ll be right back,” Wilbur said, “stay right here - right fucking here, don’t move.”

“Got it,” Tommy nodded, watching as Wilbur hurried off.

“Tommy?” Came a quiet voice behind him, followed up by a hushed whisper to the figure, and Tommy hesitantly turned.

Tubbo, he smiled softly, the boy’s - thick, oddly fluffy hair nearly covered his eyes, but beneath it, a half of his face had been scarred beyond belief, horrible burn scars. His horns hadn’t grown much, Tommy noted, but he had. 

Well, not too literally, Tubbo had always been - really short.

”Tommy.” Tubbo repeated softly.

”Tubbo.” Tommy smiled widely and nodded.

They were alive, they were okay, and they wanted to talk to him.

”Ranboo?” Tommy glanced up, and Ranboo had certainly shot up - even taller than he had been before, though he almost seemed - shyer than he had been, he’d always been quite timid.

“He doesn’t remember much,” Tubbo said quietly, “of - any of that, or anything at all, he’s got a really - really bad memory.” 

“What he said,” Ranboo said hesitantly, “but I think we were friends.” He added.

”We are.” Tubbo nodded, and Tommy grinned, are, present, they are friends.

“You made it out.” Tommy said softly.

”So did you.” Tubbo nodded.

They stood there for a moment, in an odd silence - not a very pleasant one, but not quite uncomfortable, either.

”You’ve made friends,” Wilbur came rushing back in, an apple in hand and a plastic cup of water.

“Old man.” Tommy greeted him calmly.

”Gremlin child,” Wilbur nodded hastily, “I know avians can’t eat meat, so for now, here’s an apple, first thing I grabbed.” 

Tommy nodded and practically grabbed the apple out of his hand upon sight, and while apples weren’t his favourite thing ever, he hadn’t eaten in days, and the thought of - anything edible made his mouth water.

“You eat like a gremlin child, too.” Wilbur observed, watching Tommy tear through the apple in morbid curiosity and puzzlement.

“Ha’nt eat ‘n days.” Tommy huffed, reaching up to cover his mouth as he spoke. 

“Drink the water, don’t choke, bossman.” Tubbo chided, and Tommy nodded contently, holding up a hand as he swallowed, and followed it with a large gulp of water, and he hadn’t realized until - just now how badly his throat had been absolutely burning.

He heard the door burst open, and as commotion around the room came to an abrupt stop, Tommy peered over Wilbur’s shoulder, he saw a woman with short bubblegum-pink hair come rushing down the stairs, nearly tripping over herself as she did. 

She had a hand pressed to her mouth, and tears streaked her cheeks as she came down, and Tommy heard Tubbo gasp, practically leaping to the woman’s side.

“Niki,” Tubbo said in loud concern, “Niki, Niki,” he repeated worriedly, “where are they?” 

“Caught,” she whispered in a choked sob, “we were caught, I’m so sorry, she’s gone, they took her.” 

“You’re lying!” Tubbo’s cheeks were wet with tears in an instant.

”She told me to go, I ran, they let me go because I’m not - they couldn’t see the scales on my hands, the gloves.” Niki said shakily.

“Hey, hey,” Wilbur said softly, having turned to set a gentle hand on Niki’s forearm, “breathe, Niki, it’s not your fault, breathe.” 

The gloves, Niki held in her shaking free hand.

“I’m trying!” Niki sobbed, muffled further as she pressed her hand against her mouth with more force.

“Aimsey?” Ranboo asked hesitantly from Tommy’s side, and Tubbo glanced back sorrowfully. 

“I’m so sorry.” Niki repeated in a breathless whisper.

Chapter Text

Right.

Fuck.

For a moment there, Tommy had almost forgotten why he was even here, to hide.

He’d let his guard down.

And hearing Niki, inconsolable, pulled away to explain the incident, brought it all back. 

Wilbur sighed, and gave Tommy a weak smile, mumbling something Tommy couldn’t quite comprehend, but he watched Tommy expectantly for a moment; Tommy followed Wilbur back to Phil’s makeshift office meekly.

Wilbur knocked once on the door, opening it without so much as a “come in” from the other side, and Tommy peered inside. 

Seated, was a man, with short blonde hair, and a bucket hat, Phil, and across from him, with his back turned to the pair, was a - man ? - with a long pink braid.

“We lost Aimsey, Phil.” Wilbur said quietly, and Phil looked up, his face stricken, “Niki came back, she isn’t doing so hot.” 

”We just lost Guqqi a while ago, too.” Phil nodded slowly, glancing down at his desk for a moment. 

So this wasn’t anything new to them, losing their members, Tommy figured.

“Tommy’s back.” Purpled said quietly.

”We know.” Ranboo nodded.

“You’ve talked to him.” Tubbo said, and Purpled nodded in return.

”And?” Tubbo waited, and Purpled shrugged.

“I told him to fuck off.” Purpled mumbled.

“What?” Tubbo’s brows furrowed.

”I told him to fuck off, Tubbo.” Purpled said through gritted teeth.

”Purpled!” Tubbo scolded, “he’s been gone for years, we thought he died, you cried for months! We all did!” 

“And?” Purpled crossed his arms.

”And you told him to fuck off?” Tubbo’s voice raised, he threw his arms out in frustrated emphasis.

“He’s had years to come back!” Purpled’s mask slipped for a moment, and Tubbo observed just how devastated he truly seemed, “he’s had years to find us and explain himself, he didn’t.”

”He has his chance to now.” Tubbo nodded.

”He left us for dead, he doesn’t deserve a second chance anymore, Tubbo!” Purpled shouted back.

“We were ten!” Tubbo insisted.

“We’re sixteen now! It’s been five years, he left us to die there, Tubbo!” Purpled shot back, “grow the fuck up, he didn’t care about us, he doesn’t.” 

“You don’t know that!” Tubbo shook his head quickly.

”And you do?” Purpled laughed coldly, “you talked to him for what, a couple minutes? A couple - awkward hellos, what does that tell you?”

“It told me he didn’t forget about us!” Tubbo replied.

“I didn’t forget him, I want him gone, Tubbo.” Purpled’s antennae flitted as his tone evened out.

”Don’t say that!” Tubbo gasped.

”Not dead Tubbo,” Purpled said lowly, “I’m not a heartless bastard like he was, I want him gone, I don’t want to see him.” 

“Don’t say that.” Tubbo repeated in a harsh whisper.

”He left us to die, he ran on us when we were fucked,” Purpled seethed, “he didn’t give a damn.” 

“You don’t know that.” Tubbo repeated.

”I do, Tubbo, I fucking do,” Purpled said bitterly, “I know I want him gone; I don’t want to see him, I don’t want him around, he’ll find some way to fuck us over again.”

”Give him a chance, talk to him, let him explain.” Tubbo said softly.

”Don’t tell me what to do.” Purpled glared.

”Please, Purpled.” Tubbo whispered.

“Fuck you, Tubbo.” Purpled said coldly, straightening up.

”Purpled..” Tubbo sighed in defeat, watching Purpled’s back as he stormed out.

”Why don’t we like Tommy?” Ranboo asked, and Tubbo gave him a soft smile.

”We’re losing people, we need to get Puffy to look over the groups, we’re fucking up somewhere.” Wilbur insisted.

”What’s wrong with the groups?” Tommy asked hesitantly, sparing Phil an awkward glance.

”We can’t keep sending out people like Aimsey, where it’s harder to hide it all,” he said vaguely, “we need to send out human numbers, or - whoever can look human.” Phil explained.

”Punz looks human.” Tommy suggested.

”Punz needs to stay, he’s on defence, we need him.” Phil shook his head.

”We usually send out Foolish and Niki, they’re human,” Another piped up, and Tommy could identify his origin in an instant, he was piglin, with bright pink hair, and tusks that stuck out as he spoke, “but their partners keep getting caught.”

Niki’s partner must have been Aimsey.

”Techno.” Wilbur hummed quietly to Tommy, who nodded.

”The problem,” Tommy spoke up hesitantly, “you’re - going down in numbers, find more people, with more people it’ll be easier to put together - your groups.” 

”Easier said.” Phil shrugged.

“No, Tommy had a - great idea, actually.” Wilbur chimed in.

Tommy paused, frozen like a deer in headlights, he hadn’t been so ready to share his little idea quite yet.

“Fuck you, old man,” Tommy grumbled, he’d been put on the spot, and Phil looked at him with genuine curiosity, and he had no way to deflect the sudden spotlight Wilbur had pushed upon him, “not that great of an idea, fuck off.”

”Go on, Tommy.” Phil encouraged him kindly.

Tommy sighed, and took a moment to think, to word it in his head. “Well, y’know,” Tommy shrugged, “start tagging your shit with spray paint, catch attention, bring people in.” 

“Spray paint?” Techno repeated flatly.

”Y’know, make up a symbol, or something, or a name, start tagging it around, let them figure it out.” Tommy clarified.

“A name?” Phil repeated, passive-aggressively pushing Tommy for more.

“Some sort of fuckin’ rebellion, Y’know?” Tommy shrugged again, “make up a sign, and start putting it places for others to find.

Phil gave him a nod and a bright look, before looking down at the desk, his hands hovering absently for a moment, before he grabbed a blank page and a pen, sliding it over to Tommy. Tommy stared at it blankly, before giving him a puzzled glance.

”Draw us a symbol.” Phil instructed, but in no way was his voice very stern, if anything, he was almost encouraging Tommy, encouraging him to speak his mind, share with them his thoughts.

”A peace sign, but like, not,” Tommy nodded, drawing a rough circle, with a sharp dip down the middle, in a V shape. 

“What’s it mean?” Wilbur asked.

“No clue, it’s just easy to draw, distinctive.” Tommy set the pen down.

”Name?” Phil smiled.

“Red Rebellion, red like blood.” Tommy offered, and he heard Wilbur click his tongue mockingly beside him.

”The colour red can mean danger, sacrifice, or love, don’t be so blunt, Tommy.” Wilbur scolded him lightly.

”Poetic.” Techno commented quietly.

“There ‘ya go then,” Tommy huffed, “the fuckin’ Red Rebellion.”

“We’re still at a loss.” Techno hummed quietly, and Wilbur gave him a raised brow.

“Nobody’ll wanna go out, not to draw a circle on a couple ‘o walls, too risky.” Techno added in, “if we keep losin’ people out getting food, who’s gonna wanna risk it?” 

“I’ll go out.” Purpled piped up.

Wait, Purpled?

”I’ll do it too, it was my idea.” Tommy said quickly. He glanced back at Purpled, who stood leaning against the doorway with crossed arms.

“That’s a start,” Wilbur nodded, “can you hide your - those?” Wilbur asked hesitantly, and Purpled sighed and pulled up his hood, over his head, his hair falling flat against his forehead as he did so.

”You two can go out tomorrow morning.” Phil nodded, and Purpled’s eyes caught Tommy’s, his glare darkening before Tommy’s flitted away.

”I’ll find you somewhere to sleep tonight, Tommy.” Wilbur cleared his throat.

”Purpled’s room, with Tubbo and Ranboo?” Phil suggested, “they’ve got two bunk beds.” 

“No.” Purpled said bluntly, and Phil paused, before nodding.

”He can sleep with you tonight, Wilbur,” Phil leaned back in his chair, “you’ve got some space, set him up on the floor - or bed, you can take the floor.”

”Why do I have to take the floor?” Wilbur scoffed.

”Be nice, Wilbur.” Phil scolded lightly.

”I don’t think he should take the floor,” Tommy hummed, “might cripple his old man back.”

Phil raised a brow and smiled, waving them off expectantly.

”Come on, you fucking gremlin.” Wilbur grumbled, and Tommy grinned.

”I’ll take the floor, old man.” Tommy smiled sweetly.

On the way out, Tommy caught Purpled’s glare, his cold narrowed eyes, and he had to fight back the urge to say something, anything, to try and talk to Purpled again.

He knew he probably shouldn’t, but he really wanted to.

He’d talk to Tubbo and Ranboo, maybe they could explain to him what the fuck was up with Purpled lately.

Chapter Text

That morning, he’d woken up with a stiff neck, and his mouth felt dry, like cotton again, but he was - pretty used to that, to be honest, which he realized was sort of sad. 

He’d noticed Wilbur had already gotten up, and honestly he’d probably kicked Tommy on the way out, knowing him, spiteful bitch.

But he felt better now, having been fed reasonably in comparison to the sole apple Wilbur had offered him yesterday, and they’d been given a can of red spray paint for parting.

“Wilbur told me ‘bout your idea, bossman, pretty cool.” Tubbo had said with an approving smile, and Tommy had gleamed under the praise, because hey, at least Tubbo would talk to him.

“Yeah, spread the word, Y’know?” Tommy nodded, “but like, not too obvious that we get busted.”

”Graffiti, modern.” Ranboo chimed in contently.

”Careful, letting your wings show.” Tubbo added in, and Tommy could hear Tubbo’s voice quiver just so very slightly - enough to tell Tommy that Tubbo was just a little bit nervous. They’d already lost each other once.

“Be safe.” Ranboo said quietly, and Tommy appreciated him.

“Good to go?” Phil asked, and Tommy gave him a grin and a confident nod.

“You sure you’re ready?” Wilbur asked worriedly, checking Tommy over, and Phil gave him a knowing side-glance, “you just got here, shouldn’t you wait a few days before going back out?” 

”Yes, Wilbur, I’m ready, fuck off.” Tommy huffed, Wilbur had been pestering him all morning, making sure he’d been given enough food to eat and water to drink, and making sure Tommy was alright.

“You sure you’re okay to do this?” Wilbur fretted.

”It was my idea, I’ll be fine, Wilbur.” Tommy sighed, and gave Wilbur an affirming smile.

Wilbur had insisted they’d find new clothes for Tommy sometime soon, but Tommy hadn’t minded. He’d grown used to this shirt anyway, white with red sleeves, and holes he’d cut out to fit his wings.

He remembered Purpled popping up last night, in Phil’s office, and he’d honestly doubted Purpled’s word. He‘d expected the boy to back out after getting a chance to think it through, but there he was.

What did he have against Tommy? He hadn’t even given Tommy a chance to really talk.

Speaking of Purpled, he could see the guy talking to Punz in the corner, though it looked like he was being scolded by the man, huh.

“I still don’t trust you, kid.” Punz said with crossed arms, giving Purpled a discerning look.

“I’ll be fine.” Purpled glared right back, but only lightly, playfully, even.

”You said that last time,” Punz chided, “then almost got yourself killed.”

”They missed, though.” Purpled said with a slight grin.

”Take a gun, or something, Purpled.” Punz insisted, and Purpled rolled his eyes.

“I’ve got a switchblade.” Purpled shook his head, “and I’m going.” 

Tommy saw Punz mutter again, then push Purpled forward by the shoulder.

“Don’t get caught.” Had been Techno’s words of parting, as opposed to Wilbur’s concerned everlasting goodbyes, and Phil’s tipped hat and trusting smile.

Purpled had set off in the same patched purple hoodie, which surprised Tommy none, and black cargo pants, rather than the black jeans Tommy had seen him in yesterday, and Tommy briefly wondered what he’d had in his pockets.

They were quick to leave the church, they tried not to stick around for too long to avoid any unwanted attention. Tommy noticed Purpled almost seemed to ignore Tommy, walking at his own pace, looking anywhere around but at Tommy himself.

They’d walked along the train tracks until they’d found a reasonably inhabited part of town, somewhere their tag would be seen, but not too seen, and Tommy had begrudgingly passed over the can to Purpled. Purpled seemed to know where he was going, Tommy noticed.

“What’s up?” Tommy asked hesitantly, and Purpled hadn’t given him even so little a look sent his way, “you doin’ okay?”

He heard the passing of cars within the distance, and the chatter of birds among the trees, Purpled still wouldn’t talk.

“C’mon,” Tommy sighed, he was getting desperate, “answer me,” he begged, “say something, anything, Purpled.”

“Stop, Tommy.” Purpled said flatly.

Hey, at least Purpled had said something, “stop what?” Tommy asked pleadingly.

”Stop trying to - get me to talk, stop.” Purpled said bitterly, “you’re not my fucking therapist.” 

Does Purpled have a therapist?

Tommy remembered Wilbur saying something about having a resident therapist, was it Puffy? That sounded about right; god knows both of them could use a fuck ton of therapy.

“Why?” Tommy asked, “why won’t you just - talk to me?”

Purpled gave him a quick glare, and Tommy decidedly dropped it with a soft exhale.

Tommy nodded defeatedly, and let the odd silence fall back over them, and debated for a moment trying to get Purpled to give in and talk to him, to keep going, before deciding against it.

He’d ran, he’d just fucking ran.

He heard them shout out behind him, and he heard the clicks of the safety turned off and the guns reloading, they all had guns now, just as a precaution.

He kept running, even though he shook so hard his legs might give out on him, and he was so, so scared, he felt missed shots whisk past his head, he could hear their bounding footsteps, following after him.

He hoped that by the time they’d given up, the three of them would be long-gone. 

It was loud around here, especially in contrast to the dead silence back at - the shelter? The church? Whatever the fuck he was meant to call it.

Tommy let Purpled fall behind him in pace as Purpled looked around, stumbling as he reached down to grab the can of spray paint back out of one of his many pockets.

He heard Purpled pointedly slam his heel into the dirt, he’d often done that to grab their attention when they were ten. Tommy took a moment to look around himself, before giving an affirming hum, and he heard Purpled tip the cap off and shake the can.

“Right there.” Tommy said, and Purpled lifted his arm, pausing to mentally draw out the symbol out before he started. Tommy would say Purpled started out steadily, he took a step back, because that stuff did not smell great. 

Purpled coughed, and reached up to cover his nose and mouth with his arm as he went on. The tag itself was comically large, and in such a bright shade of red, it would surely be seen by someone at some point. As Purpled finished the symbol, he sputtered as he stepped back.

”This shit burns.” Purpled muttered harshly, eyeing the red symbol for a moment. He side-stepped, before raising the can again. 

“They tell ‘ya not to huff it for a reason.” Tommy nodded, and Purpled scoffed quietly.

“Red rebellion.” Tommy hummed a reminder, and Purpled let out a huffed exhale, but otherwise seemed to have ignored Tommy. Purpled shook the can again before he kept at it.

Purpled wrote slowly, making sure the letters were drawn even and legible. He coughed again, practically choking himself. Purpled lowered the can and letting it fall to the ground as he nearly buckled over, taking another step back. 

Tommy figured his lungs hadn’t taken kindly to the fumes, and he was sort of glad he’d passed on the job to Purpled.

“Nice,” Tommy nodded, admiring the dripping tag for a moment, “circle looks like an egg,” he observed. 

”Fuck off,” Purpled shot back absently, though not as bitter as usual, more so banter, Tommy smiled softly, “as if you could do any better.”

”I reckon I could, actually.” Tommy nodded confidently, and Purpled rolled his eyes and tugged his hood back down.

Tommy had heard it before Purpled had, footsteps, commotion, accusative shouting from just behind them, bounding footsteps, and Tommy’s wings fell on reflex, in a feeble attempt to hide them.

They were supposed to make this a quick job, to have been done and gone before they’d even had the chance to have been noticed.

While Purpled, he may be fine, given, his hood was up, and minus the eyes, such a vibrant shade of magenta they looked like contacts, unnatural. Tommy, however, his wings were out, and they were on show for anyone in passing.

Given, they probably weren’t helping their case, they were committing some act of crime here, minus just - existing, this was vandalism, graffiti, something illegal. Not that it mattered much, they themselves were illegal.

They both froze, and they locked eyes, for a moment Tommy could almost read Purpled, before Purpled ducked, grabbing the aerosol can. He grabbed Tommy’s wrist, an all-too-familiar motion, and kicked off of the ground into a sprint.

They ran before the guns were pulled out, and Tommy staggered momentarily, nearly pulling Purpled back with him, before leaping forward.

They ran along the wall out into the open street, which - in contrast to where they’d just come from, was unusually busy, Tommy noted.

Purpled ducked into a short alleyway, and Tommy ran alongside him, trying his hardest to keep up, Purpled had always been just a tad faster than Tommy.

They cut along a right corner, and Tommy stumbled briefly, Purpled pulling him along with a harsh tug as Tommy righted himself.

He could feel Purpled’s grip tighten as he pulled Tommy around another sharp corner, throwing him against the wall, before backing himself flat against the building with widened eyes, but an otherwise masked expression.

They were still, and quiet, and Tommy almost thought that maybe they’d be okay, before Purpled threw himself off of the wall. Letting go of Tommy’s wrist to peer around, he kicked himself back forward. Tommy stumbled to follow behind, he’d always been just a few paces slower, behind Purpled.

Running, Tommy was losing his breath, he could hear them behind him, chasing him in hot pursuit, he couldn’t even slow down, he’d be caught for sure. 

He felt Purpled’s hand wrap tightly around his wrist once again, and as Purpled’s grip tightened, Tommy noticed his pace in comparison gave Tommy a boost. 

They exchanged a glance, and for a moment, Tommy recognized those eyes, fearful but confident in their abilities.

They ducked back behind a store, and Tommy recognized it as the store from earlier, and he took a breath, they’d made it back to their part of town. They crouched, and Purpled’s hand lifted from Tommy’s wrist to his shoulder, holding the both of them up and still as they took shaky breaths. 

Purpled’s hood had fallen at some point while they’d been running, and Tommy watched his antennae twitch as he tried to listen for their followers.

They stayed like that for a short while, exchanging occasional glances as they listened close, Purpled’s hand on Tommy’s shoulder, which Tommy found comforting, reassuring.

”Good?” Purpled whispered, and Tommy nodded in agreement. He couldn’t hear anything, they just have dropped out or lost the pair among the alleyway maze.

Tommy looked up, and for an instant he worried the two of them had gotten themselves lost, but he quickly recognized the surrounding area, and the wall they leaned against, Tommy panting, Purpled’s breath even, but shaky.

Hey, they’d finished the tag, though!

“You alright?” Tommy asked, and Purpled nodded once.

“Come on,” Tommy gave him a smile, and pointed around the corner, and Purpled shot him a puzzled glance, before sighing and following.

”This is where Dream found me.” Tommy explained, carefully slipping through the back doors, he held it open for Purpled before letting it fall shut behind the two.

”Good for you?” Purpled said sarcastically, glancing around cautiously. The place was dusty, and Tommy watched Purpled’s nose scrunch as their movement now disturbed the once-settled dust, sending it flying.

“I was like, right there.” Tommy pointed, the corner, now looking at it, it hadn’t been very dark at all, no wonder he’d been seen so easily.

”Cool.” Purpled said dismissively.

“I never knew you had a brother.” Tommy brought up, and Purpled gave him a look.

”I don’t,” Purpled shrugged, adding a muttered, “not technically.”

“Wilbur called Punz your brother - he called himself your brother.” Tommy recalled.

”Yeah,” Purpled started, before pausing briefly, “just drop it.” Purpled cleared his throat.

Tommy nodded, and maybe he’d ask about it eventually, maybe he’d just ask Wilbur later, he supposed it wasn’t all too important.

“Do you go to therapy?” Tommy asked suddenly, and he saw the puzzlement flash through Purpled’s eyes.

“Excuse me?” Purpled questioned.

“You mentioned therapy, do you - go to therapy?” Tommy clarified, “I feel like you probably should if you don’t, but I don’t know.” He rambled, because now Purpled would acknowledge him, listen to him at the very least, “what would you really even tell them though?” He wondered, “I’m guessing we’re all goin’ through it right now.”

Purpled gave Tommy a look that fell between a pointed glare, and a look of utter confusion for a passing moment, “that is between me, and my therapist.” He shot back in a mumble, and Tommy smiled softly.

This was nice - not nice in a nice way, just nice, better than their little dispute yesterday.

”Purpled, please, what’s wrong?” Tommy sighed, leaning back against a cleared shelf, he figured they’d be here a short while, he may as well settle down, let his heart still, “at least tell me - where I fucked up, how I can fix it.” 

“You can’t fix it.” Purpled replied bluntly.

”So I did do something,” Tommy started, “what did I do?”

“Oh, do you really want to get into this?” Purpled asked with a raised brow, “I’ve been waiting on this moment for years, Tommy.” He added with a bitter side-smile.

”Yes, I do, I really do, Purpled.” Tommy nodded pleadingly.

“You sure?” Purpled asked again, “I’ve got lots to say to you.” 

“Yes, I am very sure.” Tommy nodded quickly.

“Fuck therapy if I finally get to yell at you, Tommy, fuck you.” Purpled crossed his arms.

“Wait, wait,” Tommy held up a hand, and took a breath, “I ask, you answer.”

Purpled’s glare only darkened, but he stayed quiet, and Tommy cleared his throat. 

”Why won’t you talk to me?” Tommy asked for a start.

”Because I don’t want to see you,“ Purpled shrugged easily, “I don’t want you around, Tommy, I fucking hate you.” Purpled answered calmly.

That hurt a little more than it should have, he’d agreed to this, but still.

“Why?” Tommy asked, “what did I do?” 

“Don’t even Tommy.” Purpled spat.

”What happened to us, Purpled?” Tommy’s voice raised in frustration, “you won’t tell me shit, please, what happened?!”

“What happened?” Purpled scoffed, “Tommy, what happened?” He repeated mockingly, “you left us for dead, Tommy!”

”Left you for dead, on the train?” Tommy shook his head, “I saved you!”

“Bullshit you saved us,” Purpled insisted, “fucking bullshit!”

”I was only trying to help you guys out, listen to me,” Tommy pleaded.

”How the fuck was you saving your own ass supposed to help us?” Purpled cut him off.

”I ran, I distracted them so you guys could go!” Tommy insisted.

”You’re lying,” Purpled shook his head, “you’re fucking lying, you left us, that’s it, you just ran and left us.” 

“Why?” Tommy sputtered, “why, why the fuck would I do that?”

“Because we dragged you down, Tommy, I don’t know?!” Purpled threw his arms up, grabbing at his hood in frustration, pulling it back up and further down, “you left us, I don’t know, why’d you do it?” 

“I did it so you guys could get out, they’d chase me and you guys could run!” Tommy explained, and Purpled blinked.

“Tommy you left us, we needed you!” Purpled lashed, “I needed you!” Purpled took a sharp breath, before going on, “We waited for you, but you never came back for us, I thought you died out there, Tommy!” 

“I didn’t, I’m right here,” Tommy said shakily, “I’m right fucking here, Purpled!”

”You never came back for us,” Purpled seethed, “did you - ever think of us? Even once? Did you ever think to come look for us?”  He didn’t wait for Tommy to respond, “we looked for you for years, Tubbo didn’t want to give up.”

“And you did?” Tommy asked breathlessly.

“I gave up when I realized that you, dead or alive, weren’t fucking coming back for us.” Purpled said lowly.

”I’m here now,” Tommy repeated in a broken whisper.

“Too late, Tommy.” Purpled muttered bitterly, spinning on his heel.

“I’m sorry, Purpled,” Tommy said, and Purpled froze, “I’m so sorry, I know I should have waited, and listened to you guys, I was reckless, but I wasn’t careless,” he said softly, “I only wanted to save you guys, I didn’t mean to ditch you, please believe me.”

Purpled stopped at the doors, pressing his hands against the cool metal. He took a deep breath, before tossing his head aside, but not quite looking at Tommy.

”I’m not sorry, Tommy,” he said quietly, “neither are you, we’re even.” 

Tommy was truly so sorry, but he wouldn’t say so, he’d only be risking another blowup.

”Where are you going?” Tommy asked, and Purpled pushed through the doors.

“Back to the church,” Purpled said simply, “we’re not friends, Tommy, but don’t be a bitch.”

Chapter Text

We’re not friends, but don’t be a bitch, Tommy.

Tommy smiled, because he was pretty sure that meant they could at least be civil with one another. He considered that a personal win, a start. 

But maybe that also meant he had a chance to fix everything with Purpled.

Now he knew what he’d done, and while he had no clue how to actually work anything out with the guy just yet, he had a start.

He followed behind Purpled hurriedly, rushing to catch up before Purpled left him there. 

Tommy knew how to get back from here, he’d come from the store to the church just yesterday, so retracing his steps from then would be no trouble.

They’ve been gone a while.” Wilbur muttered, and Phil gave him a shrug.

”They probably went downtown.” Phil offered, and Wilbur frowned.

”Tommy’s wings were out when he left, and Purpled’s hood could fall.” Wilbur worried.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Phil shook his head.

”You don’t know that.” Wilbur protested, and Phil gave him a soft chuckle.

”I do, because they seem like smart kids.” Phil insisted.

”I’m smart, but I would have been caught, if you hadn’t been there to save me.” Wilbur said.

“Smart?” Techno repeated teasingly, yet monotonously from beside Phil.

”Yes, very smart.” Wilbur nodded with a huff.

”Wilbur, you ate sand as a kid,” Phil raised a brow, “like, not - just to try it, you regularly ate sand, like it was a snack.”

“That’s normal.” Wilbur said, because surely it was, kids ate stuff like that all the time.

“No, Wilbur,” Phil crossed his arms, “no, it wasn’t, you were a weird kid.”

”It was salty,” Wilbur insisted quickly, “and crunchy, like,”

”You weren’t smart, you were weird.” Phil joked, and Wilbur rolled his eyes.

“You’re still weird.” Techno corrected Phil lightly.

Purpled practically crept inside the church, grabbing Tommy’s forearm roughly with a finger up to his lips to shut him up, and Tommy’s mindless chatter came to an abrupt stop.

The church, the main floor, was large, and empty. It was also very dusty, and it was clear that it had been shut down just around the time the rest of this part of town had been ages ago. It lead out into several hallways, or rooms that now lack doors, and a large staircase leading up to the second floor. 

Tommy nodded, and Purpled’s hold on his arm loosened, but stayed as they walked.

They veered off into a small hallway on the right, with many doors around, one being a storage closet, two being bathrooms, and other rooms Tommy had yet to figure out, given the absence of a sign or such on them.

Purpled was quieter with the door than Tommy would have been, carefully closing it behind them as they reached the stairs. Now Purpled let go of him, and Tommy bounded down the stairs, and finally he felt the immense relief.

They’d made it to and from, and now they were back, both of them in one piece. Minus having been chased down, they’d made it out pretty well, and they’d been successful on their little mission.

Wilbur straightened up, pushing himself off of the wall he’d been leaning against to make his way to Tommy as Tommy stepped down on onto the floor, and Wilbur grinned widely.

”Welcome back.” Wilbur said, and Tommy gave him a bright smile in return. 

“We tagged the wall,” Tommy told him proudly, “and made it out, save yourself the heart attack, old man.”

”I wasn’t that worried, Tommy.” Wilbur scoffed, but even Tommy could tell that had been a blatant lie, with or without the look Phil gave Tommy from behind Wilbur.

Phil stood with crossed arms, and he gave Tommy a look that told him plain as day that he was proud of the two of them.

Tommy saw Purpled track Punz down almost immediately, and the two started off into somewhat scolding and playful banter.

”I’m back.” Purpled declared proudly.

“How’d it go?” Punz asked, crossing his arms.

”It went fine,” Purpled said, “put the weird symbol, and the weird name on a wall,” he went on, “doesn’t stand out, it was already covered in spray paint and shit.” 

“And?” Punz pressed with a raised brow.

”That’s it,” Purpled paused, “did it, now we’re back.”

”That’s not it.” Punz said blankly.

”Got caught, lost ‘em.” Purpled admitted with a shrug.

”Fuckin’ hell, Purpled.” Punz scoffed, his eyes darting for a moment as he thought.

”Don’t give me that shit, I’m right here, alive, fuck off.” Purpled huffed, giving Punz a glare.

“Good job, Tommy,” Phil said sincerely, and Tommy’s heart soared at the praise, “Wilbur was worried sick, we’re glad you made it back safe.”

“I was not.” Wilbur glared, and Phil chuckled.

Knowing Wilbur cared, even if it were really just for the numbers, still made Tommy’s heart hurt in the best way; knowing Wilbur cared was beyond comforting.

“We’ll work on getting you clothes soon, Tommy.” Phil said, and Tommy shrugged.

”Don’t rush it, I don’t really care.” Tommy said, and Phil shook his head.

“No, we’ve really got to get you some new clothes, you’ve got holes in your jeans, and you could use something warmer for winter.” Phil insisted.

“The jeans are a fashion statement.” Tommy said defensively.

“Right.” Phil nodded with an easy smile, and Tommy only gave one right back.

“A rebellion, huh?” Techno said, and Tommy nearly flinched.

Techno had a near-invisible yet intimidating presence. He was there, and he was scary, but at the same time, he didn’t stand out very much.

”Yeah.” Tommy nodded, and Techno nodded back.

”Anarchist?” Techno asked, and he may as well have been speaking another language, Tommy looked at him confusedly.

“Anti-government?” Techno clarified, and Tommy shrugged.

“Prime, Techno, don’t push your - anarchist grudge-y beliefs onto him.” Wilbur scoffed loudly, and Techno very blatantly ignored him, watching Tommy expectedly, awaiting an answer.

“I guess so,” Tommy said, “not exactly all-for the government.”

“They’re fucked up.” Tommy added after a passing moment of silence.

”But in the long run?” Techno asked, and Tommy paused.

“Still fucked up.” Tommy replied bluntly.

“You’re a bright kid.” Techno said quietly.

“Thanks?” Tommy gave him an unsure smile, he wasn’t so used to receiving compliments, and he could tell Techno wasn’t so used to being the one giving them.

Running, he’d just been running, he’d dropped his blade. He’d running and he was running out of breath. 

Fourteen, he’d considered himself to be pretty spiteful, given, he hadn’t had much already, but now those he’d threatened to hunt were hunting him down, silver bullets flying. 

He’d ducked around another corner, nearly slipping as he did so.

He was never one to stand down from a fight, but he knew when he had no shot, when to finally back down before his own pride got him killed. He’d bitten his tongue and made a run for it.

He’d have been caught, had it not been for the man with the wings. Stood there, at the dead-end of the alleyway, arms out, ready to catch him as Techno came in crashing. 

The man with the bucket hat, at the time he’d been around his early twenties, Techno could tell upon meeting him, bright blonde hair and healthy feathers.

He’d threatened to stab him that very night, and had threatened to hurt him for the next following month, he’d been fearful, yet too prideful to admit to such.

Wrapping his wings around Techno and braiding his hair, Techno had learnt to trust, he had learnt how to take help, rather than biting at the hand that feeds him. 

“Techno being social.” Wilbur said quietly, and now Techno’s neck snapped, giving him a blank stare, yet somehow a glare that shot daggers at Wilbur.

”Don’t push it.” Phil chimed in with a quiet laugh.

“You just did.” Techno said bluntly, crossing his arms stubbornly.

Phil raised his hands in mock surrender with a grin, and Techno glared at the ground in a childish silence.

“Dream wants you, Phil.” Came a blunt voice from behind him, and Tommy nearly jumped forward, clutching his shirt over his heart in surprise.

”Shit, sorry.”They added quickly with a soft laugh, eyeing Tommy in concern, and Tommy turned, glancing up.

Well, he didn’t really have to look up, they were shorter than him. And while they locked eyes, the man appeared to have only one working eye.

The other was a milky white, with a twisting scar running down his eye to his mouth, the side of his face stuck a permanent numb scowl.

But besides the scar, Tommy could recognize him easily, with the jet-black hair, tucked away under a beanie, holy fuck.

”Weren’t you the fuckin’ - vice?” Tommy asked with a raised brow, defensively, “Quackity?”

The vice that had been part of the reason Tommy was even here right now.

”I was - I resigned, that was shit,” Quackity said politely, clasping his hands behind his back uncomfortably, “I was against it, by the way, I voted ‘fuck that’.”

Tommy shot Wilbur an uneasy, questioning look, Quackity was quick to speak up again.

“I’ve got wings, you’re fine.” He said quietly, and Tommy gave him an odd look.

“I don’t see shit.” Tommy said accusingly.

”I’d rather not get into it,” Quackity shook his head, “ask Phil, he’s seen them.” 

“Phil?” Tommy asked, and Phil simply nodded, before tapping Wilbur and Techno’s shoulders, who, practically in-unison, groaned dramatically.

”Why do we have to come?” Wilbur said bitterly, and Techno nodded, apparently still against speaking, solely to prove his point.

”Because,” Phil said, “besides, let Tommy go make some friends.”

”I have friends, Phil.” Tommy piped up quickly, and Phil gave him an unbelieving smile. 

“Make some friends, I guess, Tommy.” Wilbur said, passing Phil a side-glare, and now Tommy could tell he really wasn’t that upset, he was simply playing up the theatrics to annoy Phil; it was probably working.

”I have friends.” Tommy frowned, and Wilbur would have gone on to tease him, before Tubbo gave Tommy a tap on the shoulder, and Wilbur a bright smile.

”I’m his friend,” Tubbo said cheerfully, and Tommy grinned smugly, “I’m his best friend.”

”Tubbo,” Tommy nodded politely.

”Tommy.” Tubbo shot back with an enthusiastic nod.

”You’re happy.” Tommy noted, and Tubbo shrugged.

”I guess so,” Tubbo hummed, “ ‘m glad you made it back.” He added.

”You didn’t think I would?” Tommy asked with a smile, and Tubbo paused.

”You didn’t - last time.” Tubbo frowned, and Tommy sucked in a breath through his teeth, before giving him a slow nod.

”Right.” Tommy cleared his throat.

“Sorry,” Tubbo said in a whisper, “killed it again.”

Tommy clicked his tongue, and mouthed a quiet ‘yeah’, drawing out the end with a low breath.

“Wasn’t fun,” Tubbo commented quietly, breaking the awkward silence that had begun to settle in the air, “don’t do that to us again.”

Tommy let further silence follow for a passing beat.

”How - what did you guys do - with me gone?” Tommy asked hesitantly, and Tubbo’s head tilted in thought.

“Just hid a lot, honestly, it was harder, without you.” Tubbo said after a moment.

”Harder?” Tommy repeated, “how?” 

“Well, you and Purpled were, like, in charge, and when you left, Purpled wasn’t - like that anymore, I ‘dunno.” Tubbo explained slowly.

“Wasn’t like what?” Tommy pushed.

”Wasn’t very confident, Y’know?” Tubbo shrugged, “you were always there to boost him up, you worked well together, without you, he wasn’t very sure of himself,” Tubbo explained, “we were all upset, so we kind of just hid out for a while, now he’s just really bitter about it, you leaving us.”

”Where’d you hide?” Tommy asked.

”Anywhere we could - we,” Tubbo cut himself off, almost as though debating, before finishing, “we waited for you, Tommy.” 

“I know.” Tommy said with a short exhale.

“I waited for you, I’ve been waiting for you.” Tubbo said softly.

”You’ve been?” Tommy repeated, and Tubbo gave him a gentle smile.

”I’ve been waiting, I knew you’d make it, so I’ve just - kinda been waiting for us to run into each other somewhere, Y’know?” Tubbo said.

”Yeah, I know.” Tommy smiled in return, and he felt his eyes sting with tears, because holy fuck, they’d waited on him, while he’d had no plans on - or even any clue how to get back to them, how to find them.

“I missed you, Tommy,” Tubbo sighed, “I really did, you guys were my best friends - my only friends, you were my everything.”

Tubbo had waited for him, he’d been waiting, expecting him, and he’d welcomed him with open arms.

”Need a hug, bossman?” Tubbo asked, and Tommy paused, before nodding.

“You look like you could use one too.” Tommy commented, noting the way Tubbo’s brows furrowed as he held himself together.

”Yeah, I could.” Tubbo replied, before stepping forward, and wrapping his arms around Tommy.

They rested their heads upon each other’s shoulders, holding each other close and tight, and Tommy smiled through the now falling tears.

Chapter Text

Running his fingers through Purpled’s hair, Tommy couldn’t sleep. They’d had a few close calls today, and he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about them.

Tubbo and Ranboo had already fallen asleep a while ago. Side by side, Ranboo clutching Tubbo’s hand tight even asleep. 

Purpled laid with his head on Tommy’s legs, and Tommy was pretty sure Purpled had fallen asleep too, but he couldn’t quite tell, he never could. Purpled’s breathing had evened out, and his expression had stilled, going calm, he’d lost his usual habitual poker face. 

Tommy combed through Purpled’s hair idly, they’d settled down in the basement of a house, who’s house it had once been, they weren’t so sure, but it worked. 

Tommy was so scared, but he tried so hard to stay strong for them, and he knew Purpled was the same. They tried to push forward for Tubbo and Ranboo, but at - ten, eleven, Tommy couldn’t even remember anymore, they were so young, and so scared. 

Tommy stepped back, giving Tubbo a soft smile, and Tubbo gave one in return, before practically choking back a sob, and rubbing his eyes vigorously.

”Don’t mind me.” Tubbo mumbled, before clearing his throat.

“I’d cry, but I think I’ve cried too much lately, I just can’t anymore.” Tommy said, and Tubbo gave him a noise that could have either been a laugh or another sob.

”I’m sorry,” Tubbo said breathlessly, “I’m bad at this.”

”Bad at what?” Tommy asked.

”Sad stuff, I can’t have sad talks this early in the day.” Tubbo explained, and Tommy hummed in agreement.

”Let’s pick back up on this at like, midnight, I’ll probably cry then.” Tommy said, almost as though it were a serious suggestion, and Tubbo’s smile widened.

“Have you met everyone here yet?” Tubbo asked wth a sniffle, and Tommy shook his head. Tubbo took his hand, and glanced around.

“I’ll show you around, I bet Wilbur did a shit job at that.” Tubbo offered.

”He did.” Tommy nodded in amusement.

”Well, that’s Sapnap,” he pointed with his free hand, towards the blazeborn he’d seen talking to Eryn yesterday, “he’s on defence, I think - he’s got something going on with Quackity and Karl.”

He didn’t look much different than yesterday, he still had the white bandana, and the white hoodie with a flame symbol, over black cargo pants, and checkered shoes. He looked pretty cool, Tommy thought.

Defence, like Purpled and Punz. 

He’d have to ask about that sometime soon.

He’s met Quackity, but he wasn’t so sure who Karl was just yet.

”Both of them?” Tommy asked with a raised brow, and Tubbo nodded.

”Yeah, they’ve all got this - weird thing, I don’t really know.” He laughed, and begun leading Tommy down the hallway, towards what looked to be some sort of common room.

It was a large room connected to both of the main hallways, and seemingly lead off into more. There were couches and chairs strewn around, as well as a bookshelf and tables with papers and such scattered on them.

”That’s Niki,” Tubbo pointed towards the pink haired merling that had came in crying that night, seated on a couch, her head shot up at the mention of her name, and she gave Tubbo a smile, “she’s talking to Puffy, resources, and our resident therapist.”

So that was Puffy, the one with the split hair, and the ram horns.

”Foolish is somewhere around here, he’s her son.” Tubbo explained simply.

“Oh, there’s Bad, he’s Sapnap’s dad,” Tubbo pointed out now another blazeborn, one with ashy black skin and a hood, his eyes where a void white, they glowed. He had on a cloak, black with red accents, that he had pulled down over his head.

”Is he related to that one?” Tommy asked, pointing himself to another person, they were reading, one with wavy long hair, a crown, and sunglasses - from this angle, he could see their eyes were quite similar to Bad’s, a glowing white. 

”No, but that’s Eret, they’re nice.” Tubbo shook his head.

He’d take Tubbo’s word for it, but they looked pretty cool, in Tommy’s opinion.

“Sam, right there,” Tubbo’s arm was still raised, and Tommy wondered whether or not it was sore by now, holding it up to point for so long, “he’s cool, I guess, he’s talking to Ponk, resident medic.” 

Tommy couldn’t tell what he was, but he had on a mask, and various pieces of attire that made Tommy think he were a welder, or something. Though what he could see, was the guy had natural green hair, which was cool.

Ponk had on a sweater with the hood pulled over, underneath a mask, that covered his head and his mouth, leaving just his eyes showing. Tommy could see tufts of curly white hair peeking through the slot for his eyes. 

Tommy also noticed he was missing an arm, and he winced at his own observation. He wondered briefly how easy it was to get a prosthetic arm.

”You guess?” Tommy asked with a raised brow and a smile, and Tubbo shrugged.

”Haven’t talked to him much.” Tubbo explained dismissively.

Maybe he’d talk to Sam, he looked like a pretty fun guy, in Tommy’s opinion.

”You’ve met Dream, Sapnap, and George is probably asleep in his room.” Tubbo added.

“Who’s that?” Tommy asked, noting the one Bad was talking to, Tommy couldn’t quite tell what he was.

He had - not scales, diamonds, along his shoulders and arms, mainly his elbows, he could see as the man had his hoodie sleeves pinned up. He also had them along the top of his hands, and if you looked closely, just along his cheekbones, under his eyes.

”Skeppy.” Tubbo said, and Tommy nodded, “he’s got this weird thing going on with Bad, they fight like they’re married, they’re not, but they’ve divorced like twenty-two times already.” 

Tommy raised a brow at that, and Tubbo muffled a laugh at the reaction, and shrugged with a grin.

”I think that’s all for now, ‘rest are probably in their rooms, but Y’know, privacy and whatnot.” Tubbo concluded.

”Resident therapist, huh?” Tommy repeated, and Tubbo hummed.

”You could use a therapist.” Tubbo suggested, and Tommy scoffed.

”Rude,” Tommy said defensively, “but also probably true.” He added.

”Tommy, we all need therapy, don’t be like that, you need it.” Tubbo shot him a look.

”Mhm, mkay.” Tommy crossed his arms stubbornly.

They stood in a somewhat awkward silence for a long moment, because it was so much harder to talk to someone that had once been your best friend than someone that is your best friend.

Too much has passed, too much still needs to be discussed. There were too many holes in their friendship now, that Tommy wasn’t so sure he could mend.

”I haven’t seen Ranboo in a while.” Tommy observed, breaking the silence, and Tubbo nodded.

”He’s got a really bad memory, Tommy,” Tubbo said quietly, “I’m not so sure he remembers you.”

“Does he remember any of it?” Tommy asked.

”Some, in bits and pieces, but not a lot.” Tubbo shrugged.

”And you’re just fine with that?” Tommy frowned.

”He can’t control it.” Tubbo said quickly, ready to diffuse any sparks that might come of this conversation.

“Still, you don’t mind that he’s forgotten me?” Tommy said defensively.

“Not entirely, you heard him yesterday, he knew we were friends.” Tubbo pointed out.

”He said he was pretty sure we were,” Tommy insisted, “pretty sure.” 

“I don’t know what to tell you, Tommy,” Tubbo exhaled, “he’s got a bad memory, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Tommy said quietly. 

“Have you eaten yet?” Tubbo asked, and Tommy shook his head, “it’s probably lunch time, come eat with me.” 

“You sure we have enough food?” Tommy frowned, and Tubbo nodded.

”We sent people out every few days to make sure we do, it’s fine.” Tubbo reassured him, grabbing his arm.

”What’s up with you and that other one,” Punz paused in thought, “Tommy?” 

They’d been in Punz’s room, Purpled seated on his bed, while Punz stood, leaning against the wall. They’d been quiet for a while, Punz broke the somewhat comforting silence.

“What?” Purpled glanced up.

They’d been rummaging through older rooms and closets around the church, and they’d found a few walkie-talkies, if that was what they were called, Purpled wasn’t so sure. They’d been trying to figure them out, if they still even worked.

”I don’t know,” Punz ran his fingers through his hair, “what’s wrong?” 

“Nothing.” Purpled shrugged dismissively, looking back down, he pressed buttons on the device mindlessly, waiting for some sort of indication it was on and working.

“Something’s up, talk to me.” Punz insisted, flipping his around in his hand.

”Knew him a while ago,” Purpled said simply, “travelled with us,” he clarified, “Tubbo and Ranboo.”

”But you’re fine with Tubbo,” Punz pointed out, “so what’s up with him?”

“Just don’t get along anymore.” Purpled said briskly.

“Sounds like you used to.” Punz pressed, and Purpled gave him a quiet sigh, flicking the antennae of the device as his own twitched.

”He ditched us, he was an asshole,” he summarized, “I’m over it.” Purpled added quickly.

”You’re not.” Punz said amusedly.

The radio in Purpled’s hand let out a brief pause of static, before beeping, and the screen lit up. On the screen, showed several icons, along with the channel it had previously been set to.

Punz handed his own over, and Purpled hummed as he pressed the button he’d found, and it lit up as well. He took it back, and noted the two were already set to the same channel. 

“Have you talked to him about it?” Punz asked, and Purpled nodded.

”He’s still an asshole.” Purpled said quietly, and Punz nodded slowly.

”I mean, actually talked to him about it,” Punz said with emphasis, “did you?”

“Close enough.” Purpled shrugged, and the radio he’d been holding let out more static, and Punz’s repeated.

He held it up to his mouth, waiting for the static again, before mumbling a “hello?”, Punz’s came out shaky, and oddly distorted; they were old, but they worked. 

“Figured ‘em out?” Punz asked, and Purpled shrugged again.

”Just enough.” Purpled replied. 

On his side, were four more, they’d found either a group of six, or three groups of two. Either way, they all looked identical to each other, so they all should work with each other. They’d give one to Sapnap; as of right now, defence was pretty short in terms of numbers.

Shockingly, not too many were quite fond of the whole self-sacrifice idea, staying back while the others got out. Not too many of them knew how to fight, though, anyway. 

Though, hopefully, it’d never come down to that.

Chapter Text

As far as he’d known, he’d had no family, or at least, none that had stuck around for very long.

For as long as he could remember, he’d been alone. 

He’d known how to fend for himself, and he’d known how to run, or how to fight, he’d made a habit out of memorizing his surroundings, of noting any possible exits or weapons to be used in his own defence.

Well, he knew that at a point, he’d had someone there, who had taught him not quite how to live, but rather how to survive.

They’d taught him how to run while leaving behind no tracks, how to hide for hours at a time, how to stay just as quiet as humanely possible. They’d taught him just the bare minimum, how to survive, being what he was, and then they’d left.

Or they’d died.

Purpled had never been too sure what had happened to them, if they’d even really existed, because he wasn’t even so sure they were real.

It was all so vague, like a dream, blurry and hard to look back on just until he’d first been caught, and suddenly everything was so fast and vivid, and looking back on it made him feel as though he were still there, running.

He hadn’t been very afraid, not as he should have been, he’d just been determined to get away. 

The first time he’d ever been caught, at nine, he’d somehow managed to evade capture. He’d refused to sleep for another couple days after that.

He’d met Tommy and Tubbo somewhere around then, and he still remembered the way they stared at him, somewhat in awe, mostly confused.

In awe, that they’d found another living hybrid, let alone one their age.

Confused, as to what the fuck he was.

He’d summed it up to some sort of alien-hybrid, and while he’d always found space fascinating, and the stars nice to look at, he never longed for them or anything like that. Sure, he found more comfort in the night, but that was probably just because the dark made it easier to hide, or to get away.

They’d stood there, across from him, while Purpled clutched a knife so tight in his hand his knuckles had gone white.

Looking back on it now, the knife had been incredibly dull. Even if he were to try and cut Tommy, it wouldn’t have done much damage, anyway.

”What are you?” Had been the very first thing Tommy had ever said to him, a question that Purpled had taken to as a threat.

”I’ll hurt you.” Purpled had said bluntly.

Tommy held his hands up in mock surrender, and grinned.

“Why bother?” Tommy had said, “we’re both gonna die anyway, spare me my life for now.”

Purpled had honestly agreed, though he’d refused to say so, not to Tommy at the time.

That sort of mentality would have been very unhealthy and very unusual for anyone, let alone a nine year old, he’d come to learn after his practically mandated therapy sessions with Puffy.

He still had that sort of mindset sometimes, but now that he had a place to be, where he belonged, and people that cared about him, he was a little less reckless with his life now as he had been before.

”Come with us.” Tubbo had offered, giving Purpled such a warm smile, that he’d actually almost considered their offer.

”No.” Purpled said, and Tubbo nodded.

”We won’t hurt you,” Tommy insisted, “why would we? You can see my wings, can’t you?”

But to Purpled, you could never be too careful.

They could have been luring other hybrids in to be killed in exchange for their own sad, pathetic lives. The wings could be fake, there were so many risks to take there, he refused to be so careless.

They’d parted ways, in a way. They had backed off, and Purpled had watched their backs as they walked off, just until he could no longer see, hear, or sense their presence, and then he’d made a run for it.

From then on, he’d gone back to his usual cycle of running, hiding, and more running and hiding.

Until they’d met again.

He’d been caught off-guard, having been half-asleep when he’d jolted himself awake upon the sound of footsteps, and he’d held his breath, he’d stilled.

Even then, he’d been spotted, and his ears had rung for too long as they just about missed him, and he’d managed to duck out into an alleyway. They’d chased him down it, of course.

Going through, it felt like a maze, and he’d prayed he wouldn’t run into any dead-ends, because then he’d surely be done for.

He hadn’t screamed when a hand had grabbed onto his arm, yanking him back, and into an opening off the side, and when another hand pressed over his mouth tightly, he’d simply froze again, letting the air burn still in his lungs.

He hadn’t been let free until the footsteps had come bounding towards them, and then past them, and they’d trailed off until they were no longer heard.

When he’d spun around, there had stood Tommy and Tubbo again, and Tubbo had on his familiar bright smile, and Tommy had a grin. Purpled had feared for a moment that their little act had meant Purpled would have owed him a favour, but they had reassured him that he’d owed the pair nothing of the sort.

That time, when Tubbo had asked him to come with them, Purpled had begrudgingly agreed.

For the longest time, it had been just the three of them.

An avian, a ram, and an alien.

“What are those?” Tommy asked.

“What?” Purpled frowned, and Tommy pointed.

”On your head, what are those?” Tommy asked again.

“I don’t know.” Purpled had shrugged.

”What do they do?” Tommy asked, and Tubbo watched and listened from his side intently.

”They tell me what’s around me.” Purpled said simply.

”How?” Tubbo spoke up this time.

”I don’t really know,” Purpled repeated, “if I close my eyes, I know there’s a tree behind me, and I know you two are in front of me,” he explained, “I can’t see you, but I know you’re there.”

”How?” Tubbo asked again.

“I’m close to the tree, I guess, but you guys give off heat.” Purpled had said simply, and Tubbo had nodded, having accepted the answer as it was.

“Can you fly?” Purpled asked, and Tommy shook his head.

”I’ve never tried, so I think they’re too weak.” Tommy explained, and Purpled had nodded.

They’d gone back and forth, asking each other questions, and it was almost like a game that they played each and every night, until the three of them had known each other like the back of their own hands.

“What do the marks do? What are they for?” Tubbo asked.

”They look cool, I guess?” Purpled replied unsurely. Even he didn’t quite know.

And from there, Purpled had learnt trust.

True, genuine, trust.

He’d trusted them with his life, and he felt the burden of their own trust in him, their lives, on his shoulders, on his mind.

They’d ran together, and they’d hidden together, and they’d all worked together to keep each other alive.

Well, Tommy and Purpled had naturally fallen into the leadership role, fighting over it or working together in it most of the time.

Tommy was reckless, and brave, and Purpled evened him out, being calculating, and cautious.

They’d made up small conversational games to pass the time, and they’d taught each other tips and tricks to sneaking around that they’d learnt over time when they couldn’t sleep.

“I’d die for you, Y’know?” Tommy had said one night, “both of you, you mean the world to me.”

“Why would you have to die for us?” Tubbo said with a grin.

”Well, Y’know, if I ever have to, I’ll die for you guys.” Tommy shrugged easily.

Tubbo laughed, and gave Tommy a nudge, “you better not.“

“If it comes down to the three of us, I’ll be the one dying,” Purpled scoffed with a smile of his own, “fuck you both, that’s not up for discussion.” 

“Why you?” Tommy said, giving him a glance.

”Because you two are better than me, you two deserve to live,” Purpled shrugged, “I couldn’t live without you, anyway.”

That had probably been the closest he’d ever come to talking about his feelings, at least - at a reasonable hour. It didn’t count when they’d been awake for days, and they’d been talking so late into the night that by the time they’d all made themselves and each other cry, the sun had started to rise.

“How are we better than you?” Tubbo asked, giving him an almost worried look.

Purpled, in return, had just shrugged again.

”You need therapy.” Tommy said thoughtfully.

”Fuck you, you need it more.” Purpled shot back.

“I’m on his side.” Tubbo said solemnly.

”No, you need therapy too, you both do.” Purpled said firmly.

“We all do.” Tommy corrected him, and laughed quietly.

They’d found Ranboo along the tracks of an abandoned railroad, they’d taken a shortcut, rather then trying to find some odd path around it through the woods that would have taken them hours, rather than minutes.

Ranboo had been weird, at first, in Purpled’s opinion. He had been terrified of them, and he’d been oddly forgetful, unsure of what his own name even was. He had been really fucking weird at first.

And of course, Tubbo had offered him a place in with the three of them, to travel with them, and Purpled had closed himself off again for a few nights.

Until he’d finally warmed up to Ranboo.

He’d noticed Ranboo would walk beside him when he purposely fell behind the group, or sit with him when he’d chosen to sit alone, and he’d try to strike up conversation with Purpled even when he wasn’t in a very talkative mood.

And so it had been the four of them from then on. 

Just until they’d boarded the train.

They’d had the bright idea to sneak onto a passing cargo train, because maybe then they’d find somewhere safe, a sanctuary, somewhere they wouldn’t need to be so scared. 

All had gone well until the train had come to a screeching stop, and they’d heard them outside the train. They’d been checking for stowaways like them, and they’d had no clue what to do. 

“We need to go, like, before they find us.” Tubbo insisted, and Tommy held up a hand, and he went quiet.

”They’re gonna find us.” Ranboo whispered.

”I’m thinking.” Tommy mumbled.

“Get away from the door, dumbass.” Purpled said absently, and Tommy gave him a side-glance, “I’ve got this,” Purpled held up a knife, a new one that he’d snatched at a point, a couple months earlier, “I’ll stab ‘em fuckers.”

”Don’t, just - wait.” Tommy insisted, glancing towards the door.

”Whatever you’re thinking, Tommy, don’t,” Purpled said bluntly, “you’ve got - this look, don’t.”

”What?” Tommy paused, giving Purpled a confused glance.

”You look like you’re gonna pull some stupid shit, don’t.” Purpled said, crossing his arms.

“You don’t know that.” Tommy said quietly.

”I do, I know you Tommy, and you’re about to pull some stunt, fucking don’t.” Purpled glared.

”We could run, just - run, Y’know?” Tubbo said nervously.

”Tommy, hey, stop,” purpled said, watching as Tommy edged towards the compartment door, “Tommy.”

Tommy was quiet, so fucking quiet, Purpled was nervous.

“Tommy, stop, what are you doing,” Purpled said quickly, “get the fuck back here.”

“I’m thinking.” Tommy mumbled.

”I’ll cut them, okay?” He insisted, “so fucking stop, come here.” Purpled said, his tone now edged with worry.

Tommy was silent, dead silent.

”Tommy, stop, come here.” Purpled said, stepping forward.

”Tommy, what’re you thinking?” Tubbo asked hesitantly.

“I’ll go.” Tommy said, with no further explanation, and he saw Purpled’s face darken into a glare.

”Get back here, Tommy.” Purpled ordered, and Tommy stared from his place.

”They’re too close, no time.” Tommy shook his head quickly, “I’m going.” 

“Tommy?” Purpled’s voice cracked unevenly as he watched Tommy’s hand grasp the door, “Tommy, stop,” he’d said, “Tommy, what are you doing?”

Purpled watched in almost utter betrayal as Tommy slid the compartment door open just a crack.

“Tommy, don’t.” Purpled said hesitantly, and Tommy took a shallow breath, pressing his ear against the cool metal for a moment.

“Tommy, stop, not cool.” Tubbo said nervously, and Ranboo watched him with wide eyes.

“Tommy wait,” Purpled stepped forward, and Tommy had never seen Purpled so genuine, and Purpled hated to admit that he’d been so fucking scared, “Tommy please,” he whispered shakily, “don’t.”

Tommy opened the door just enough to get out, but not so much that the other three could be seen.

“Tommy please,” Purpled whispered, “please don’t,” he wrapped a hand around Tommy’s wrist, and he tried to pull Tommy back, but Tommy jumped out, and Purpled took a leaping step back, pressing himself against the compartment wall.

He could hear them outside, as they noticed Tommy, and the click of a gun’s safety turned off.

He could hear Tommy break into a sprint, and they followed in mad pursuit, and Purpled pressed a hand to his own mouth as he strained to listen.

Their bounding steps trailed off, and Tubbo glanced at Purpled.

”Let’s go.” Tubbo said, and Purpled nodded quickly, extending a hand to help Ranboo up.

”He left us.” Purpled whispered, and he felt Tubbo set a hand gently on his shoulder, before grabbing Purpled’s hand, and the three of them, hands linked, jumped off the train, and ran like hell the other way.

As they ran, Purpled waited for the sound of bullets fired, for the sound that would inevitably come, telling them that Tommy had been caught.

They never came.

That night, he let Tubbo and Ranboo cry into his shoulder, and he’d held himself together just until they’d literally cried themselves to sleep. Then he’d carefully laid them down. He’d stepped away, making a run for it himself, before staggering and dropping to his knees, his own cries muffled by his sleeve.

That morning, they’d finally really talked about it.

”Do you think he’ll come back?” Tubbo asked, and Purpled’s eyes flicked away for a moment in thought.

”I don’t know,” Purpled answered him truthfully, “I didn’t think he’d really ditch us, but,” he cut himself off, narrowing his eyes as he looked away again.

”Don’t look at it like that,” Ranboo piped up, “he’ll come back, it’s Tommy.”

”Yeah,” Tubbo nodded, “he’ll come back,” he echoed, and smiled oddly, as though trying to convince himself, “Tommy’ll come back.”

Tommy never came back.

He never came back for them, they never ran into him again, and months had passed, into they’d finally come to the conclusion that Tommy had been caught that night, and killed. Accepting the fact had hurt.

He’d only let himself break down that night, after he’d let Tubbo and Ranboo have their turn, and he’d only let himself go when he’d been sure they were asleep, and wouldn’t be able to hear him.

He made sure they wouldn’t be able to see him at his worst, when he felt most vulnerable, on his knees, screaming into his hand, because to him, it felt as though the world had fallen apart.

And maybe he’d been a little dramatic, he probably had been, but Tommy had meant the world to him, just as Tubbo and Ranboo had, and losing him meant losing one of the only few people he’d ever grown to trust and love. 

He would never get over that, over him.

He’d fallen passive, and they’d gone into longer ‘hiding’ periods than usual.

Tommy had left them.

He’d ditched them, left them there to fucking die.

And suddenly it had been just the three of them; Tubbo, Ranboo, and Purpled.

“Promise me something, guys.” Tubbo said quietly.

“What?” Purpled asked, while Ranboo gave a curious hum.

“Promise that - neither of you will leave,” the following ‘like Tommy did’ he didn’t say, but was acknowledged.

”I promise.” Ranboo said lightly.

”Yeah.” Purpled nodded, and Tubbo gave him a playful glare.

“Say you promise.” Tubbo said firmly.

“Well now it feels weird, if I’m prompted to.” Purpled scoffed.

”Say you promise.” Tubbo repeated.

”I promise.” Purpled said genuinely.

”Promise what?” Tubbo raised a brow.

”You’re pushing it.” Purpled retorted.

”You promise what, Purpled?” Ranboo echoed with a grin.

”Fuck both of you,” Purpled rolled his eyes, “I promise I’ll stay.”

Saying he’d never leave also meant saying he’d stay forever.

At thirteen, they knew better than to make such foolish promises; promises that they knew they couldn’t keep, at least not for forever.

And it had been just the three of them for years.

They’d come across a very run-down, abandoned part of town, and there, they’d went into hiding.

They’d been starving for days, too afraid to take their chances and leave to find food, or water, or anything.

He’d always tried to be the braver one, to be the one they could rely on, because he hated to admit to the fact that he was truly so fucking scared of everyone and everything out there, he was beyond afraid of the unknown. 

But alas, someone had to go, before they starved to death.

He’d been trying so hard to trace his steps for his way back, and, given, it had been the middle of the day, he’d been too distracted to keep up with everything going on around him.

The birds, the small rodents and animals that scattered as he took steps that were so heavy he felt as though he were weighed down with a chain, tied back. 

His body had kicked into action before his mind had.

He’d blinked and he’d been running.

He’d been vaguely aware of the fact that he’d been chased.

He’d heard them, and he’d known they were there, until they weren’t, but he kept running until he couldn’t.

He kept running until his legs gave out beneath him and he came crashing to his knees on the hard, jagged concrete ground.

He wanted to cry again, he was now lost. He’d probably die here, alone. 

He needed to take care of them, Tubbo and Ranboo needed him, they were waiting on him.

He was so tired.

“Hey, kid,” Purpled flinched, both at the voice, and the gentle but firm hand on his shoulder, “you okay?”

He’d jumped up to his feet and pulled out a knife, a classic move for him, and watched the other, but even he knew he was in no state to really fight anyone. 

“Come on,” they’d laughed, “you look half-dead, I’m not scared.” 

He’d narrowed his eyes, but they weren’t entirely wrong.

“Go ahead, try and stab me,” they grinned playfully, “let’s see if you can even stay upright long enough to.”

He couldn’t. 

He took one step forward, and his legs gave out beneath him. 

He saw the other’s expression change from taunting, amused, to genuine concern for him.

”Hey,” they said quietly, “I’m only fuckin’ with you, come on, you look terrible.”

He’d have been crazy to take up their offer, he hadn’t known who they were, and they were human, so it had to be some sort of trap.

And he’d been fucking delirious, missing sleep and in the worst shape he’d ever been in, he needed the help.

He’d come to learn later on that the man’s name was Punz.

And the man, Punz, would show him a church, rather to a smaller space within the church, and down the stairs, seemed to be a little haven.

Far away from the eyes of the public, a handful of free hybrids, working together to just - live, rather than survive.

“It’s kind of just, like, a little hideout, Y’know?” He’d explained, and Purpled nodded.

Purpled nodded, glancing around.

“You gonna stay?” Punz asked with a raised brow, and Purpled paused, staring at him.

”I need to get,” Purpled trailed off unsurely, and Punz gave him a glance, and a smile.

“If you tell me where they are, I can get your friends for you,” Punz offered, “you should stay back, eat, sleep,” he shrugged.

Looking around, he noticed others, with wings, and horns, and he felt - oddly safe here.

”Okay.” Purpled exhaled.

Nobody here would hurt him, and he took comfort in how they kept their wings and traits on show. The man, Philza, Punz had said, seemed to run the place.

A little hideout.

He’d finally found somewhere safe, somewhere he belonged.

He belonged here, and he belonged by Punz’s side.

He had a spot in defence, right below Punz, if not just beside him in terms of power. He had a place here.

He’d never admit to it, but he’d quickly started to see Punz as a brother to him. 

When Punz would run his fingers through Purpled’s hair absently when they were tired, and shoulder him playfully in passing, he was just like a brother to him.

Punz, however, he was totally willing to call Purpled his brother and vice versa regardless, and while Purpled never enabled him, he never protested, or corrected him. 

Or, of course, when Punz had demanded he see the supposed resident therapist, Puffy, and he still has to go, three years later, every week or two. It was horrible, and he hated it, but Puffy was also - really sweet, to be honest. He couldn’t bring himself hate her.

“You’re a pain in the ass, Y’know that?” Punz scoffed, and Purpled nodded.

”Mhm,” he hummed, “let’s go again.”

”I swear, I’m going to like,” Punz laughed, “actually manage to hurt you, kid.” 

“Then hurt me, I don’t care,” Purpled shrugged, “that’s the point, fighting, you hurt people.” He said vaguely.

”I don’t want to hurt you,” Punz shook his head, “find someone else to spar with.” 

“You’re annoying.” Purpled glared, and Punz gave him a glance.

“You’re a brat.” Punz shot back.

Purpled just grinned.

And Tubbo and Ranboo, they fit in just fine. They’d found their places and fit in like puzzle pieces, and they silently acknowledged that the three of them, they were safe here.

They’d spent three years there, watching others around them come and go, getting caught.

As time went on, the two of them, Tubbo and Purpled, they’d noticed Ranboo’s memory had grown worse for wear, and by sixteen, he’d forgotten everything, he’d forgotten about Tommy.

They’d agreed that it was probably for the best.

He still tossed and turned in bed, restless, replaying that night over and over, wondering where he’d gone wrong, how he could have stopped Tommy. He thought back to every little mistake he’d ever made, that put his friends at risk, and he couldn’t stay put.

“You’ve gotta sleep sometime, Y’know.” Punz chided him, and Purpled hummed dismissively.

He’d had one arm resting on Purpled’s shoulder, holding him down, leaning the boy against him. 

”It’s been, what, a couple days, now?” Punz’s hand carded through his hair idly.

“Only a couple?” He shrugged.

”No more of that.” Punz said sternly, and Purpled almost laughed.

He’d grown comfortable here, he’d found a home here. 

He’d made friends, and then he’d lost them.

Hannah, Boomer, Walli, he remembered them very well. They’d been so close, the four of them. They’d gone out on a resource run, and the three of them had never returned. He’d assumed the worst, no matter how damn much it had hurt to. He hadn’t let himself break down that night the way he had when Tommy had left, though.

When he’d seen the boy, with the blazing blue eyes burning even brighter blue fire, and familiarly tattered red wings, he’d wanted to punch a fucking wall.

He’d wanted to cry, to say something, to hug him, or to start shouting at him, anything. 

Instead, he’d tried so hard to blatantly ignore Tommy.

Until he’d been the one to try and talk to him, and Punz had intervened, thank fuck. 

He’d noticed Punz introduce him as Purpled’s brother, and that was beyond comforting, but he could see the puzzlement flash in Tommy’s eyes in it.

He’d tried so hard to just ignore him.

But he really couldn’t. 

He couldn’t ignore Tommy, he needed to talk to him, even if he were to just yell at Tommy, to drag him to hell and back for what he’d done.

But Tubbo, he was fine, he was so perfectly fine with Tommy being back. 

”I’ll go,” he’d offered, and he’d regret even standing there, listening in, the moment the words had been said, the damage had been done. 

And he had, he’d lashed out at Tommy, yelled at him, and he’d wanted to cry.

And he had. That night, Punz had let him - just cry. 

He cried because of Tommy, he cried for Hannah, for Boomer and Walli, and for all he’s lost, that he’d never get back. He’d never get them back, and that had been tearing him apart for years.

He’d never get back what he’d had with Tommy.

He’d set the intercom aside when Punz had set a hand on his shoulder, and sat down beside him. 

And Punz had wrapped his arms around him, the two of them seated on the bed, and he’d let Purpled just break down for the first time in years. He’d say that had been the second time he’d ever really cried that hard.

He didn’t know what to do about Tommy. 

But what does it matter? Tommy’s never given a fuck.

But Tommy had been so genuine when they’d talked, more so when Purpled had gone off on him, and he’d finally had something to say, some explanation, rather than excuse.

He should fucking hate Tommy, but did he really?

Chapter Text

Tommy was reading, finally he had something to do in his free time; finally he actually had any free time.

Or, well, he’d been trying to read.

He’d picked up a random book off of the shelf, and he found the story so utterly boring. But right before he’d intended on giving up, and putting it back, Karl had tapped on his shoulder. Karl, with the cool yet total eyesore of a hoodie, he’d given Tommy such a bright smile, and had mentioned how much he’d loved that one, and that Tommy had great taste.

So now, after having been given praise for it, he couldn’t just put the book back, he had to pull through with it. He had to finish the book, no matter how mentally exhausting it seemed to be. 

He’d finally gotten something new to wear, somewhat. They were Wilbur’s older clothes, they were temporary, while they washed Tommy’s as per request - meaning he’d refused to put Wilbur’s on until they’d promised him he’d get them back.

A navy sweatshirt with sleeves that were far too long for Tommy’s liking, and beige pants Tommy had to cuff the ankles of to avoid tripping over himself. They weren’t his style, not at all, but they were clean, and comfortable.

“Hey, Tommy,” Wilbur said, and Tommy’s head shot up, sort of like a deer in headlights, “Phil’s calling a meeting, he wants you there.”

“What?” Tommy paused, “Why?” 

“You’re important, I guess?” Wilbur offered.

“You guess?” Tommy scoffed. Wilbur nodded, and Tommy gave him a very harsh glare, with no true heat behind it.

”I’m very important,” Tommy corrected, “say it,” he commanded, “say it Wilbur, Tommy is very, very important.”

“You’re very important.” Wilbur said solemnly, before cracking into a muffled giggle, his hand flying up to his mouth. Tommy scowled, and Wilbur gave him a lasting grin. 

He stared at the wall idly, listening to whatever seemed to be going on behind the door, out there, while he was stuck in here. He could hear a faint chatter, but he couldn’t seem to tune into any of it.

If they’d had a clock, he’d be counting down the minutes.

They’d both been here for a while, in dead silence, while Puffy tried to figure out how to start. He could hear the faint buzz of the light above them, one of the few rooms that still had a working light. 

“Okay, Purpled,” Puffy spoke up, and cleared her throat, “you seem stressed.” 

“I am.” Purpled said blankly.

”Alright,” Puffy nodded encouragingly, “you wanna tell me why?” She urged.

”Not really.” Purpled said tiredly.

Puffy sighed, and set the pen down, “we won’t get anywhere like this, Purpled,” she chided.

”Like what?” Purpled frowned slightly.

”Like this, you’ve told me nothing,” Puffy gestured with her hands, “I can’t help you, if you can’t help me.” 

“I’m not your therapist, help yourself.” Purpled joked flatly.

“No, but I am your therapist,” Puffy said with emphasis, “and I can’t do anything for you if you won’t talk to me.” 

“I’ve told you plenty.” Purpled protested.

“Well, the first thing you’d told me, and the only thing you’ve told me was,” Puffy paused, skimming through the very few and brief notes, “that, quote, ‘this is stupid’.” 

“This is stupid.” Purpled said in emphasis.

”How?” Puffy asked, “how is this stupid?”

”Talkin’ about my feelings and shit, that’s stupid,” Purpled mumbled, “and it’s a stupid job, listening to people talk about their feelings.” 

Well, was this even considered a job? She didn’t quite get paid for it, she kind of just did it.

“Why don’t you like talking about your feelings?” Puffy asked, picking the pen back up subtly, “why is it stupid?”

” ‘Cause like,” Purpled started, before cutting himself off, staring at her hard for a moment, before muttering, “that’s a trick question.” 

“I’m here to help you, Purpled,” Puffy said softly, “I’m here to help you work through your feelings,” she explained, “you seem like you need someone to talk to, so talk to me.”

”I’ve got people I can talk to,” Purpled scoffed, “I have friends.”

”Punz literally put you in therapy because you wouldn’t talk to him,” Puffy deadpanned, “you don’t talk to Tubbo, I’ve asked, you have all of two friends here.”

”Okay, rude, I have friends,” Purpled shot back, “and also, you asked?” He crossed his arms, curling up in the armchair, “where’s my privacy?” 

“I can’t help you.” Puffy said with an exhale. 

“I don’t need help.” Purpled bit back.

“Don’t you?” Puffy said softly.

”I don’t.” Purpled insisted.

”Punz put you in therapy because you need it,” Puffy said, “you punched a hole in your wall on your fourth day here because Punz said you need it.” She went on, “you’ve been in therapy for three years, you get worse but you won’t let me help you,” she insisted, “You cried yourself to sleep last night, but wouldn’t tell Punz why,” Puffy pointed out, “even then you tell Punz more than you tell me.”

”How the fuck do you know all that?” Purpled laughed dryly and straightened up defensively. 

“We talk.” Puffy hummed.

”About me?” Purpled gave her a look.

”A lot.” Puffy nodded.

”So then surely you know enough about me.” Purpled said.

“Not enough to help you,” Puffy shook her head, “I need you to talk to me.”

”There’s nothing to talk about.” Purpled mumbled.

”There’s plenty to talk about,” Puffy smiled, “why are you here?”

”Because Punz made me come.” Purpled shrugged.

”Why does he insist you get help,” Puffy offered, “if you don’t think you need it?”

”Because he says I do.” Purpled said.

”And he cares about you,” Puffy nodded slowly, “and I care about you, I’m only here to help, because I care about you.”

Purpled was quiet, watching Puffy with an expression she couldn’t quite read.

”What’s stressing you out?” Puffy asked, in such a gentle tone, she was almost whispering.

Purpled was quiet for another passing beat, before saying, “Tommy.”

”Why?” Puffy gave him an even softer smile, finally picking up the pen. She’d been trying for years to get him to talk, and finally, she’d gotten somewhere.

Without a knock, or any previous warning, the door swung open, nearly taken off of it’s hinges, and Puffy slammed down the pen frustratedly.

”Meeting, both of you need to be there.” Techno said flatly, and Puffy returned the blank stare for a moment.

Just as she was finally getting somewhere, she grimaced, and nodded.

“I just don’t get why I need to be here.” Tommy crossed his arms, and Wilbur shrugged.

They’d been seated already, in an empty room, in a circle around a small table, the chairs having been stolen from various rooms. There were various flashlights lit up around the corners of the room, as the lights in the room didn’t work. Wilbur had guessed it had something to do with the wires, perhaps they’d been cut, or the bulb had shorted out ages ago.

”Phil wants you here, don’t ask me.” Wilbur hummed.

Tommy groaned dramatically, and Wilbur gave him a glance.

”You’ve eaten?” Wilbur asked, and Tommy nodded. He made a point to ask Tommy whether or not he’d eaten come every mealtime, and while some may find it endearing, Tommy found it a little annoying. Of course, he’d already eaten.

He’s probably healthier now than he’s ever been, Tommy knew. Puffy and Foolish made rounds to make sure everyone here had been provided food and water, no matter how selfless they were, insisting they don’t need it. So Wilbur was just one of many, asking, making sure he’s well.

Speaking of which, Puffy sat across from them, with crossed legs, her hands folded on her knee. While she held herself so properly, Tommy could tell on her face that she was practically dead tired, waiting for the meeting to start. She made little comments to those beside her, though didn’t lead conversation on for too long each time.

Beside her, to her left, was Dream, who was quiet, and with the mask on, practically unreadable to Tommy. He quipped back to Puffy, cracking quiet jokes or giving in his two cents, but let the two of them ball back into silence just as Puffy intended.

On Dream’s left, was Wilbur, and, of course, beside him, was Tommy. Tommy, he was looking around, as opposed to everyone else, who seemed to be fairly used to this.

Beside Tommy, was Techno, who looked over his long nails idly, his hands lacking his usual bulky rings and jewellery in the moment. His hair was braided, though messily, as though he’d slept in it, and hadn’t bothered fixing it up.

To Techno’s left was an empty seat, presumably Phil’s, whenever he made it.

And finally, to Phil’s side, seated Purpled, who stared off, practically refusing to look at anyone here, in a stone-set cold glare, that made Tommy wonder whether or not that was his resting expression. He had crossed arms, and was leaning back in his chair, and seemed unbearably bored. He seemed to be ignoring Puffy, but she didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Is he supposed to be here?” Tommy whispered to Wilbur, who simply shrugged in return. Purpled crossed his arms and slid further down his seat, giving Tommy a raised brow, and Tommy nearly winced.

“Second in defence, Tommy, I’m here in Punz’s place.” Purpled said firmly. They must take turns, Tommy figured, considering Purpled’s position was at-most a step down from Punz’s, if not levelled with.   

“Right.” Tommy nodded quickly, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

Before Tommy could make himself feel any worse, the door finally creaked open, and Phil walked in with an apologetic smile.

”Sorry.” he hummed, pulling out his chair, and quickly seating himself.

”You’re late,” Techno deadpanned, and Phil nodded, “even Wilbur got here before you.” A joke, Tommy could tell, even in such a monotonous way of speech. Wilbur, to his side, sputtered for a moment, and Phil smiled and nodded.

“Are we starting an update?” Puffy asked, and Phil nodded politely.

”Might as well.” Phil replied.

“We’re good on all,” Tommy assumed she meant food and whatnot, “but we don’t have very many people to go on rounds.” Puffy worried.

“How many have we lost?” Dream asked.

”five,” She answered, “Lazar when we started,” she listed, “Connor, Antfrost, Guqqie, and we’ve just lost Aimsey.” 

“Right.” Phil nodded slowly, taking a respectful moment of silence before going on.

”Defence is too low, three of us can’t protect shit against their guns.” Purpled spoke up, his tone bitter, chiding, as though he’d mentioned this before.

”Who’s on defence, again?” Wilbur asked.

”Punz and I, and Sapnap.” Purpled said, almost in a lashing tone.

”I’ll act under defence.” Dream offered, and Purpled gave him a glance, holding his set gaze for a moment, before nodding.

”That makes four.” Phil nodded again, and Purpled shot him such a cold glare, it almost gave Tommy chills.

”Are you fucking dense?” Purpled snapped, kicking his heel off of the ground as he straightened up in his seat, “what the fuck is wrong with you?” He laughed dryly, “against any of them, the four of us won’t even slow them down.” 

The room fell into a dead silence. The way he’d spoken to Phil, with absolutely no filter, the way he’d gone off on him - Tommy was shocked, at the very least.

“We have guns.” Wilbur added in, cutting the tension that had been so taught, you could have bounced a coin off of it.

“Fucking handguns!” Purpled shouted, as Tommy shouted, “we have guns?!”

”They’re still guns, use ‘em right.” Wilbur shrugged, and Tommy gave him a stare with widened eyes.

”We have guns?” Tommy said in a strained voice, and Wilbur nodded.

”Yes, we do, but only defence knows where they are.” Wilbur answered quietly.

”Doesn’t fucking matter,” Purpled said briskly, “because whatever they’ve got’ll take us out clean before we can even pull the trigger,” he hummed moodily.

”We’ll look back on that.” Phil said quickly, clearing his throat. Purpled, in return, shot him yet another harsh glare.

“Why am I here?” Tommy spoke up, and Phil gave him a glance.

”Because you’re a great help,” Phil said simply, “you’re bright.” 

“Right,” Tommy nodded dismissively, “but I have no place here.”

”You’re like, the founder of this, or something.” Dream suggested, and Phil nodded.

Tommy exhaled, “so, if we were to have another meeting, I’d have to be there, because I’m actually important?” 

“You’d have your own office, if we had a room for it.” Wilbur told him.

”We technically do,” Dream added in helpfully, “we have plenty of extra rooms, but given, with no light, or furniture, it wouldn’t be a very great space to work in.” 

“So, again, we have no space for it.” Wilbur repeated with a raised brow, and Dream nodded.

“You’re like, head of rebellion.” Puffy dubbed him with a smile.

”That works.” Phil gave them an affirming nod.

”So, like, technically, does that mean, I’m like, above Phil?” Tommy asked with a slight grin.

”Nope, don’t even,” Phil scoffed lightly, “I will not let a child have more authority than me.”

Tommy gave him a scowl, and Phil simply laughed. 

Tommy took a quick glance around, Puffy gave him a bright smile.

Dream - well, technically Dream always had a smile.

Purpled was staring down at the table, presumably still pissed off. Tommy paid no mind to him, because at least right now, he wasn’t pissed off at Tommy.

Techno looked at him, his expression less blank, more so neutral, which Tommy was sure meant something positive.

Wilbur, was - Wilbur, he gave Tommy a grin that teetered the line between playful to endearing.

He had a place here.

Chapter Text

That morning, he’d been half-asleep, still trying to adjust to the bright chatter around him, when it had happened.

He’d rubbed his eyes, glaring around at the crowd beside him, he was so tired, and it was so loud in here.

When they’d all went dead-silent upon a knock on the door, and you could’ve heard a pin drop. 

Tommy could feel the tension wearing him down to the bone, and for a moment, he was afraid.

He’d practically frozen, staring at the door in what he could only describe as wretched hope, hope that they weren’t about to get caught right now.

Punz had been the first to step up, making his way over almost immediately. He glanced back and stood there, waiting below the stairs for Purpled to follow him before he made his way to the door. 

When he’d opened it, there had stood a man Tommy didn’t quite recognize; none of them did.

A blazeborn, Tommy guessed, with buzzed hair, and glasses, one side tinted blue, the other red. He had on a blue and black striped shirt, and he stared at them in the same shock they were at him.

”I found it.” He said, and smiled, “holy shit, I didn’t think I’d get anywhere with it, that tag was so fucking vague, I found it.” He breathed.

Tommy cracked a grin, because his idea had worked. When he’d thought of the tag, shortly thereafter he’d recognized the symbol to look like the clock upon the church, the hands frozen in time to match the sign. It hadn’t been intentional, not at first, but it had worked.

The chatter filled back in with the sounds of air let go from lungs, and terrified laughs that had been held back.

”Come on in.” Punz offered unsurely, and the man nodded, closing the door carefully behind himself.

He followed behind Punz, glancing around with a smile, but eyes that almost seemed to mirror their own momentary fear, and distrust.

”The name’s Jack,” he introduced himself, “I honestly - I really didn’t think I’d find it,” he repeated in utter disbelief, “but here I am, and here you are.”

”Here we are.” Tommy mumbled to himself quietly.

His sign had actually worked, he wanted to laugh out loud to himself. It had worked, he had just actually brought someone in, he couldn’t believe any of it. He felt his heart racing in his chest, he couldn’t believe it had actually worked.

He felt Puffy’s presence before he’d seen her, the way she strode into the room in either determination, or confidence. 

“Jack,” she said with a friendly smile, “we could use the numbers,” she hummed, “if it’s not too much to ask, I know you just got here, resource could use your help.”

Tommy did not miss the look she and Punz exchanged, competitive glares sent each other’s way. Puffy’s was brief, but Punz watched her agitatedly as she went on.

”We go out, gather food and whatnot, we could use more numbers.” She explained simply.

”See, I’m not really in to that,” Jack laughed apologetically, “I don’t particularly want to go back out there, either.” 

“We need more on defence.” Punz supplied, and Jack gave him a thoughtful look.

”I like the sound of that one,” Jack nodded, “I might just take you up on that.”

This time, it was Punz that sent Puffy a cocky grin, while Puffy looked less than amused. 

“Both of you,” Phil said sternly, “he’s just gotten here, give him some time.” He reprimanded.

Punz cleared his throat, while Puffy nodded once, and stepped back, her cheeks reddening significantly, presumably self ashamedly.

”Tommy,” his head practically snapped up at the mention of his name, “Purpled,” Purpled glanced up in surprise, “the both of you might need to go back out, spread the symbol, is that alright?”

”Yeah,” Tommy nodded, “if it’s working, we should keep going at it.” 

“That’s fine.” Purpled replied blankly.

”You’ll head out soon, then?” Phil guessed, and Tommy nodded eagerly.

”Jack, I’ll take you for a tour,” Phil hummed, “you don’t need to join anything, ignore those two.” He added, “they’ve got some fucked up feud going on.”

”We need more people.” Puffy said poutingly.

”So do we,” Punz retorted, “we’ve got three people, three to save your asses if we get found out.” He said bitterly.

”Shut the fuck up, Punz,” Purpled spoke up snappily, “you’re both acting like little kids, grow the fuck up, the two of you.” 

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Punz glared.

”You aren’t helping your case here.” Purpled said blankly.

“Off you go,” Punz scoffed, “go tag some walls or some shit, kid.” 

“Don’t kill each other.” Purpled said scoldingly.

”Oh please,” Puffy scoffed, as Punz gave a brisk “as if.”

The two of them exchanged another heated glare, and Tommy had to muffle his snort with his sleeve at it.

Tommy was practically skipping in glee as they walked. He had on such a bright smile his cheeks hurt, and Purpled shot him puzzled glances every so often. He ruffled his wings as the breeze passed through them, almost like a chill. Tommy had also wondered briefly if Purpled’s antennae were still so quick to flit and flinch at the same feeling, as they once had before. Purpled had his hood up, a wise decision.

They’d been practically rushed out through the church doors, Phil had seemed just as eager to spread the symbol of the rebellion as Tommy had. He found reassurance in that, in himself. Wilbur had given him the same words of parting as before, reminding him to stay safe, and to come right back to the church as soon as possible.

They’d taken a different path this time, they were walking along the old train tracks, Tommy hopped from one track bean to another as he went, and Purpled stuck to the side of it, rather than on the track itself. 

Of course, Purpled had been the one to take the can of spray paint this time too, but Tommy wasn’t so upset about that.

He was beyond overjoyed, he’d finally found himself useful.

”What the fuck is up with you?” Purpled finally asked, shaking the aerosol can idly as he walked.

”It worked, Purpled,” Tommy said cheerfully, “our sign worked.”

”Yours,” Purpled hummed, looking back ahead, “you came up with it, no help from me there, Tommy.”

”You still helped,” Tommy insisted, “you were the one that painted it.”

”You could have done that just as well, if not better, on your own.” Purpled said. 

“It would have looked like shit.” Tommy shook his head.

“It’s a circle, Tommy, please don’t tell me you can’t draw a circle.” Purpled scoffed.

”I don’t write very nice,” Tommy shook his head, “even I can’t read my own handwriting.” 

“Right.” Purpled nodded.

Tommy looked up, and held an arm out, pointing ahead, “how’s there look?” 

Given all of the older graffiti across the bridge already, it would fit right in, just as the last one had. A clue that had been hidden right in plain sight, only seen by those searching for it, searching for even the thought of a safe haven, somewhere to flee, to go to.

“That works.” Purpled nodded, and Tommy hopped off of the tracks.

He watched Purpled shake it vigorously once more, before he flicked the cap of it off, and he reached up to bury his face within the crook of his elbow. Tommy stepped back, he’d understood the paint hadn’t smelt too good, and he would take the other’s word for it.

He watched Purpled draw out the shape, coming together into the symbol he was now so proud of. He beamed as the paint dripped, and he heard Purpled cough into his sleeve.

“It’s looking great.” Tommy grinned.

”Shut the fuck up, Tommy.” He heard Purpled murmur, muffled by his arm as he spoke. The can rattled as it was shaken once more, and Purpled crouched down, taking a step back as he begun to write.

“I was being nice,” Tommy frowned, “can’t you take a compliment?”

”Not from you, no.” Purpled shot back, but he was joking, Tommy could tell. For once, he was actually joking around, he had some sort of lively tone to his voice, the first time he’d heard that from Purpled in years.

It seemed to have more meaning now, knowing that he’d actually gotten somewhere with it. The symbol, meant to resemble the peace sign, and the mention of the word red, how had Wilbur explained it, what red represents? Something oddly poetic, which was probably why he couldn’t quite remember it. 

“You have wings.” Came a small voice behind the two of them.

Tommy whirled around, and he heard the can drop as Purpled’s hand hooked around his wrist in an instant.

But he paused, and he felt Purpled’s grip on his wrist loosen. They’d both expected someone of authority, someone with a gun, someone that would have killed them on sight. They weren’t expecting a girl stood there, looking up at them in the same level of disbelief.

She had long dark hair, but what stood out were the white cat ears that flicked uneasily as they stared at each other.

Chapter Text

“You’ve got ears.” Tommy observed bluntly.  

Atop her head sat white ears, that flicked nervously as they stared at each other. Then she cleared her throat, glancing at the two of them curiously.

“I don’t know what he’s got,” she said awkwardly, glancing at Purpled, “but they look real, you’re real, right?”

”Yeah, we are,” Tommy nodded quickly, he shot a glance at Purpled himself, who looked very confused, and somewhat offended, for as far as Tommy could tell through his masked expression. He’d learnt to crack the code in Purpled’s poker face long ago.

“What are you doing?” She frowned, “with your wings, you’re going to be seen.”

”It’s a tag,” Tommy grinned, “we’re spreading the word, we’ve got somewhere to stay, if you want to come with us.”

”Do you really?” Tommy’s heart fluttered in the way her eyes lit up. He’d given her a chance, he was offering her safety and comfort, and the way any trace of terror and exhaustion had simply vanished from her manner had felt so oddly contagious to him.

”Yeah,” he nodded, “are you done, Purp?” 

“I am,” Purpled nodded, crouching down to retrieve the previously dropped can, “and don’t call me that, Tommy.” 

“Why not?” Tommy pouted, crossing his arms.

”I will cut your tongue out, don’t call me that.” Purpled snapped flatly.

Tommy frowned, watching him for a moment. He’d called Purpled that all the time before. He’d thought they were getting better, or that Purpled was getting used to him. He felt as though he could never seem to figure Purpled out anymore.

”Noted.” Tommy nodded, and glanced back at the other.

”We’re done here, right?” Tommy hummed, “come back with us, what’s your name?”

”Tina,” she smiled, “I’ll go with you, if you say it’s safe.”

”It is, I can promise you that much.” He nodded. “How long have you been running for?” He asked.

”I used to stay with a whole bunch of people,” she hummed, “we used to stay in a warehouse, but that got raided, I made it out alone.” She said, pausing, Tommy noticed subtly the way her face had fallen as she spoke.

“I’m sorry.” He said sincerely.

”We would’ve gotten caught eventually, I’m just lucky to have made it out.” She nodded.

“You’re right on that.” Tommy said, hoping to ease the mood. 

“How many are there of you?” Tina asked.

”I can’t even count,” Tommy grinned, “which is how you know it’s safe.”

”We just lost someone like, two days ago, Tommy,” Purpled said bluntly, “then another a couple of weeks before then.”

”They went out on their own accord,” Tommy huffed, “don’t ruin this for me.”

Tina’s eyes narrowed for a moment, before she smiled.

“Somewhere is better than nowhere.” She said plainly.

“Were you followed here?” Purpled asked quietly, and Tina paused.

”I don’t think so.” She said, and Tommy glanced back, he noticed Purpled looking around warily. “Why?”

“We’re being watched.” He muttered, and Tommy straightened up. Purpled tucked the can of spray paint back into his pocket, and Tommy shifted on his feet.

He knew better than to doubt Purpled, especially on something like this.

”Let’s go,” Tommy said carefully, “not to the church, but let’s just walk.”

“They’ll know we know.” Tina replied worriedly.

”It’s better than standing here, waiting to get shot.” Tommy insisted.

”Let’s go, to that one store, that’s around here, isn’t it, Tommy?” Purpled asked.

“Yeah,” Tommy nodded slowly, “I can take you to it.”

Tommy could feel them now, the eyes on the three of them, they were being watched. 

“Keep your hood up, Purpled,” Tommy murmured, starting into a walk, he held himself to look just about as calm as he could manage.

He heard them following, and he felt his heart racing, bounding in his chest. 

Purpled took careful steps beside him, and Tommy stared straight ahead. He knew where he was going, he knew where he was taking them. He just hoped they’d make it in time.

“There’s a few of them, listen.” Purpled said quietly.

He heard, not one, but a couple different pairs of footsteps. Equally as silenced as theirs, but still there. He tried to keep himself going at a steady, clueless pace.

”I’m sorry.” Tina whispered, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know they were there.”

For the most part, they were taking this well. They were quiet, and they were trying their hardest to seem as calm as they could, to seem oblivious to those following behind them. Tommy would give them that much.

”I almost didn’t catch it.” Purpled said simply, and Tommy figured that was about as close as he could come to saying ‘it’s okay’.

“I’m surprised you did.” Tina nodded, “even I couldn’t hear them.”

”I couldn’t hear them,” he shook his head, “I felt them watching us.”

“What do we do?” Tommy asked quietly.

”You two keep going.” Purpled instructed, and Tommy noticed the slightest shift in his steps, shifting his weight on his ankles, the way his heels lifted more than they had, the way he’d tried to make himself lighter on his feet.

”Don’t pull something stupid, Purpled, keep going.” Tommy refused.

”I’ve got a weapon, I doubt either of you two do, keep going.” Purpled said bluntly.

”I’m not leaving you behind,” he paused, “again.” Tommy added, and he noticed Purpled falter just slightly, and he noticed him quickly try to cover it up.

He saw Purpled spin on his heel, and with braced knees, he’d grabbed a hand knife out his pocket, and he’d flipped it open so quickly, Tommy would have cut his own finger off trying to attempt that.

But in the same moment, Purpled seemed to have froze. Tommy couldn’t help but glance back, and he let his own expression slip out of his carefully pieced together mask.

”Hannah?” Purpled asked bewilderedly.

There stood a girl with long brown hair, braided, and green eyes. She had roses tucked behind her ears, and it took Tommy a moment to realize they were growing, roses and vines across her neck, her arms and her legs. 

He heard someone drop behind them, and he spun so quick he’d stumbled, and he was only even further confused. 

A boy with white hair, and translucent white eyes, his skin was so oddly pale. He had on a wide grin, he almost seemed proud of something, of himself. He’d dressed himself up in various shades of green, and he had slightly webbed hands.

Behind him, where he must have come down from, sat another man his age, in a blue sweater, with dark previously buzzed hair, now grown out. He had light blue eyes, and Tommy compared them to his own. He sat atop the building, and he leaned his arms on the metal bars of the railing. He leaned back, kicking himself off of the wall, letting himself drop from the building, landing clumsily beside the other.

“You’re alive.” Purpled stated.

”We couldn’t have died that easily, tell me you have more faith in us, Purpled.” The girl gave him a wide smile.

”I couldn’t say I had, when you never came back.” Purpled said carefully.

”We had to go into hiding for a while.” Hannah answered.

”You’re coming back?” He asked hopefully.

”Obviously,” the man with white hair scoffed, “we didn’t scare you, did we?” He asked.

”No,” Purpled shook his head, “not at all.”

They had, though, they’d scared all three of them so bad, Tommy was still shaking, and he could tell Purpled was still so cautious.

Walking into the church, Tina following behind quietly, Tommy had noticed Purpled had been quiet on the way back. 

He was usually quiet, but this time it was different. He seemed to be in an odd mood. This time, Tommy couldn’t read him.

Walking down the steps, Tommy had noticed he’d avoided speaking to him, even looking at him, since earlier.

Purpled didn’t look back at them when he’d opened the door, rather he walked in, he hadn’t even held the door open for them.  

Instead, he’d been partaking in a hushed conversation with the three they’d come across earlier, and as soon as they’d entered, they’d branched off.

He noticed Wilbur’s stricken expression, glancing back from Tommy, to Tina, to Purpled and his found friends. He seemed to struggle for words, what to point out first. 

Tommy simply shrugged.

”We made it back,” he said, “we found some people, this is Tina.” He turned, before pausing.

Between entering and now, Tina seemed to have disappeared.

“Right here.” She cleared her throat, and Tommy flinched, and he heard her giggle from his other side.

“So we’ve taken in two today,” Wilbur nodded, “and they’re back?” He glanced over.

”You know them?” Tommy asked.

”They never came back from a resource run.” Wilbur nodded.

“Well, they’re back now.” Tommy nodded, “how’s Jack doing?” He asked.

”He’s settling in just fine,” Wilbur smiled, “defence and resource are still fighting over him.”

”Punz and Puffy?” Tommy sighed.

”I think he’s learning more towards defence, which pissed her off.” Wilbur grinned.

”They do need more numbers.” Tommy hummed.

“So does resource, though,” Wilbur said, “we need as many as we can get.” 

“I’m working on it.” Tommy huffed.

”No pressure.” Wilbur hummed with a smile.

“You’re making it worse, Wilbur, stop.” Tommy scoffed.

”Let’s go eat, gremlin.” Wilbur laughed.

“Where were you?” Purpled asked, and Hannah hummed dismissively.

”We stayed in some warehouse, weird group of people,” Boomer answered, “it was kind of shit, to be honest.”

”Kind of?” Walli repeated, “you complained and whined like an insolent little bitch every single day, kind of?”

“Shut the fuck up, Walli,” Boomer scoffed, “I was not whining like an,” he paused, frowning as he spoke slowly, “insolent little child.”

”That’s a big word for you, Boomer.” Hannah grinned.

Tubbo had noticed the three of them, of course he had. They’d been gone for ages, Tubbo had assumed they’d been caught and killed off. Of course, he’d given them their moment of silence and respect once he’d come to the conclusion, so seeing them back had shocked him.

Purpled seemed to have fallen right back into step with them, right where they’d left off, and he felt a twinge of hurt in the fact that Purpled couldn’t seem to do that with Tommy. 

He’d also noticed just how Purpled still seemed to be avoiding Tommy.

Ranboo stood a pace behind him, and Tubbo wondered whether he’d really talk, or if he were just here for moral support.

”We need to talk.” Tubbo said firmly, setting a hand on Purpled’s shoulder. He felt Purpled flinch beneath his touch, and he retracted it calmly.

“Later.” Purpled said quickly. No doubt he could already assume what Tubbo wanted.

”No, I want to talk to you now, you’ll be back.” Tubbo insisted.

Purpled seemed to pause, before clearing his throat, “I’ll be right back,” he hummed, and he seemed to slip away with ease.

The look he’d given Tubbo as he turned, however - if looks could kill, Tubbo would be six feet under.

”We’re not doing this right now.” Purpled said firmly.

“We are, we have to talk about it at some point.” Tubbo said quickly.

“We did, we have.” Purpled insisted.

“You can’t keep doing this to him, Purpled.” Tubbo said carefully.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Purpled scoffed.

“You’re hurting him.” Tubbo insisted.

“Him being here is hurting me, Tubbo,” Purpled said firmly, “don’t tell me what to do, or how to feel, I’ll do whatever the fuck I want to.”

“He’s trying his hardest, Purpled,” Tubbo said softly, “he is trying so hard to make it right.”

”He’s never going to be able to make it right, Tubbo,” Purpled mumbled, “I can’t just forgive and forget, or whatever the fuck it is you’re doing.”

“I can’t forget, but I want to forgive him, he had his reasons.” Tubbo said encouragingly.

“Give him a chance.” Ranboo said quietly, and Purpled gave him an acknowledging look, though with furrowed brows. Tubbo could tell he had something to say to Ranboo, but he wouldn’t dare. 

”He had his reasons to leave, I have my reasons to hate him.” Purpled said simply.

”You can’t just leave it at that,” Tubbo sighed, “you need to talk to him, and I mean, really talk to him.”

”I can’t even fucking look at him, Tubbo,” Purpled snapped, “I can’t talk to him.” 

Tubbo noticed Ranboo flinch as Purpled’s tone raised, and then it dropped just as quickly. 

“Just try,” Tubbo pleaded, “I’m begging you, Purpled, please just try.”

Purpled took a moment of silence, before glancing back up at Tubbo.

”I’ve got to go see Tubbo, that meeting cut is short, she won’t leave me alone.” He said flatly.

He turned, and Tubbo watched him do so in silence. Tubbo let his shoulders drop, and it took everything in him not to let himself break down. 

Tommy was finally back, shouldn’t all be fine, now? He’d gotten his explanation, for everything that had happened, but why did it still feel as though everything was coming down around him?

He vaguely registered Ranboo’s arms around him, and he let himself lean into the other wordlessly.

Chapter Text

So here he sat, being scolded for what felt like the fourth time that week, and he was pretty sure it was Wednesday. 

Puffy had her hands on her hips, and was giving Foolish that one look, at all mothers have in their own special way, the one that made your train of thought stop dead on it’s tracks. Her hair had fallen messily over her shoulders, and her bangs were entirely unkept, but she was still very, very intimidating. 

She was giving him the look.

The one that made you feel guilty for absolutely no reason at all. You could have been a saint, have done absolutely no wrong in your life, and that look would make you feel as though you were being told to confess to murder, and you most certainly would have.

He was terrified, to say the least. She probably had good reason, he supposed, but she was making a very big deal out of something so small. She’s been stressed lately, he knew that, and that must only be adding on to it all.

He wasn’t even so sure what for anymore, but he had a guess it might be his terrible sleep schedule, or lack of. She wasn’t enraged, screaming at him, more so seething quietly as she judged him. 

Judged was a strong word, she’d say. In her own opinion, Puffy was just worried for him. He was her son, she had every right to be. Even if she had to take a harsher approach, she didn’t like to yell, especially not at him. 

She was just worried for him, and how quickly his already questionable mental health might deteriorate, or his health in general, if he kept this up. Or if they were to get into a bad situation, just how he might do if he’d been taking such poor care of himself. 

She felt mean, and a little bit insane, but she was just worried. As a mother, she felt as though she had every right to be. In their conditions, even more so. When living at all was a privilege. 

“I’ll get more sleep, then.” He sighed, exasperatedly, “if you’re really that worried.”

”That’s not what this is about, Foolish,” she seethed, “it’s not about me, or what I think, it’s about you, the damage you’re doing, and the risk you’re putting yourself in!” 

He didn’t reply. Instead, Foolish just gave her a tilted look, green eyes full of worry, with a crease in his brow.

In the end, she was always a little too busy worrying for her son to take care of herself. So when she finally took a moment to take a breath, she couldn’t go on. Her eyes softened as she looked at him, letting out an uneven exhale.

He wrapped his arms around her, and while she made no noise, he felt her shaking in his arms. He heard her hitched breaths, and he felt her pain.

Sapnap was most certainly going to be stuck here for a long while. With Karl’s head on his lap, and Quackity leaned right up against his shoulder, he was going to be here for some time. Not that he minded, though.

Karl was rambling, telling them a story that Sapnap had long since lost track of, he just liked to listen to Karl talk. He ran his fingers through Karl’s hair, watching him in pure adoration. He couldn’t recall how the story started, or even how it was going now, but he loved the sound of Karl’s voice. 

Quackity had his head buried neatly into the crook of his neck, and had taken a hold of Sapnap’s other hand with both of his. Sapnap could feel every shallow exhale against his shoulder, and swears he could almost feel Quackity’s heartbeat. He was silent, but his eyes were open, wearily watching Karl in the same way Sapnap was, albeit sleepily. 

He could swear with all of his heart that he truly loved these two. If he could draw, if he really had the talent, which he didn’t, he could draw them perfectly, matching every detail of their face. He’s memorized every little thing about them over time. Every freckle, every mark, everything.

Hell, he could do it even with his very poor artistic talent.

Karl’s usually unruly brown hair, unkept until Sapnap finally pulls him close and finds time to brush it out with his hands. His oak brown eyes, a warm, natural shade that matched his hair. His rosy cheeks, and upturned lips, always quirked into a darling smile or moving as he told his stories. 

And Karl, he was eccentric. He was the spark you felt before the connection was forged. He was the burst of light and sound before the fireworks splayed out. He was just about as bright as the sun, if not brighter than. 

Quackity, he was the seamless, shining iron sword you dread wielding, dread scratching up. He was the dazzling trails of sparkling colour just before the smoke clouded the horizon. He was a shooting star, something you make a wish on, watch it go, and never see again. 

Sapnap, he was the one to tuck the sword away safely. He watched the fireworks go off in awe, and he admired the stars above. 

Quackity’s blue beanie, and his black hair kept tidy beneath it. His eyes, one brown, the other a milky, almost pearly white. The jagged scar that ran down from his brow to the corner of his mouth, giving him a very tilted smile that Sapnap had grown to absolutely love. His golden duckling wings, tucked beneath his shirt. When given the chance, which was very rare, Sapnap could run his fingers through his soft feathers for hours, just as he could Karl’s hair.

Quackity ran his fingers over Sapnap’s knuckles, gliding them across the rough skin along the back of his hand. His eyes flicked back and forth between Karl and Sapnap, and as the seconds ticked by, the lids of his eyes fell further and further down. 

Techno sat across from Phil now, and they’d settled into a fine silence.

It was never uncomfortable, because it was never because they didn’t know what to do them, it was because they’d had nothing left to say. They’d already spoken their mind, the ins and outs of their every thought, and then some. 

Techno sat with a book in hand, and Phil was tending to his wings.

Techno would offer to lend a hand sometimes, and Phil always accepted it, without even a split moment of second thought or hesitation.

He himself found it calming, and amusing, and Phil had always described it to be the same feeling as when someone ran their fingers through your hair. The only reason he’d always been so reluctant to ask, was the burden Phil’s content nod and motion forward gave him.

The burden of trust.

The weight on his shoulders knowing Phil was entrusting him with something so dear, his wings. The thought terrified him, to say the very least.

It wasn’t quite like when Phil would braid his hair for him, careful not to tug, but pulling just enough to keep the braid tightly wound. 

It was Phil trusting him with his soul, or at least that was how Techno thought of it. For those with wings, their wings weren’t quite like their arms.

They were far more sensitive to touch, easier to hurt. Tugging a feather not quite ready to come out, or pulling the wing down in an awkward angle. It came down to instinct, as well. 

Their wings were a part of them, and knowing Phil trusted him with such, scared him to the point of shaking. 

“I can’t reach, can you pull some of these for me?” Phil spoke up, and Techno paused.

”Sure.” He nodded simply, setting the book down.

He pulled himself up from the chair, carefully maneuvering around Phil and the desk. Phil stretched his wings out as soon as Techno was stood behind him, and Techno was glad Phil couldn’t see him.

His brow was furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line, despite the way his sharp teeth dug into the flesh of his mouth at that. Phil had always referred to them as tusks, the canines on the sides of his mouth were much longer and sharper than the others. 

He ran his fingers through the black feathers, and caught several in his fingers, the motion as his hand slowly glided down enough to pull them out. He shook his hand out over the desk, watching them drift into a scattered pile. 

Phil’s shoulders were anything but tense, and he seemed calmer than Techno thought anyone should be in this situation, no matter who it was, or who with. Techno’s shoulders were so rigid he felt them starting to cramp up. 

He was terrified that he might mess up, and he might hurt Phil. Which, considering him, and his reputation, should be the very least of his worries. But alas, he put the utmost care into his handiwork as he worked through the other’s wings.

Tommy had been seated here for awhile now, and he’d been half asleep. His head dropped every couple of seconds, and he’d been just about ready to pass out. The common room itself was empty, which was odd, rare, even. 

Until the couch shifted slightly beneath added weight, and he glanced over wearily. Purpled sat there rigidly, glancing back at Tommy in a manner Tommy couldn’t quite read. He looked tired. Just as tired as Tommy was, actually.

”Yes?” Tommy hummed sleepily, reaching up to rub his eyes.

Purpled only watched, and after a long moment, he stood back up, folded his arms over his chest.

“No, stay here.” Tommy made a grab for his wrist, and while it slipped, Purpled had frozen in place. Then he slowly sat back down, shooting Tommy a wary glance. 

Tommy sat up, looking at Purpled, who’s eyes seemed to dart between Tommy’s, and literally anywhere else, indecisively. 

“Did you need something?” Tommy asked, “or are you just here to chill?” 

Purpled gave him nothing in return. Tommy clicked his tongue and nodded to the silence, and leaned back into the couch. 

“Tubbo keeps saying I have to talk to you.” Purpled spoke up. 

“Haven’t you already?” Tommy pointed out.

”That’s what I said, but he won’t take that as an answer.” Purpled frowned. He pulled his knees up to his chest.

”Then talk.” Tommy urged with a nod.

“I don’t know how.” Purpled replied truthfully. 

“What do you mean?” Tommy asked.

”I don’t know how to talk to you, Tommy.” Purpled let his head fall back against the couch, his eyes resting half-lidded. “I don’t know how to talk to you without yelling at you, or crying.” 

“You can cry.” Tommy said carefully, “you can yell at me.”

”Tubbo doesn’t consider that talking.” Purpled scoffed lightly.

”Then try,” Tommy insisted quietly, “try to talk to me, yell if you want to, cry if you need to, talk to me.” 

Purpled sucked in a breath through his teeth, and let it go just as unevenly. Tommy found the silence dreadful. 

“Did you ever think to come back for us?” Purpled asked.

”I was hoping you wouldn’t stick around.” Tommy answered honestly, “I didn’t go back, I meant for you guys to run as far as you could.”

”Did you look for us?” 

“I tried, but it got risky, so I stopped venturing out to find you. I looked for you in every crowd, everywhere I went,” Tommy explained, “and then I looked for you in the bounty posters, and on the news.”

Purpled nodded, and glanced away, turning his head. Tommy let his own gaze drop away in return.

”Do you regret jumping out?” Purpled asked in a whisper. 

“Yes.” Tommy nodded weakly.

”Would you do it again?” Purpled glanced over.

”If it was worth your lives, yes.” Tommy replied.

Purpled looked at him in a dead silence, and he was still, as though sometime between Tommy’s answering and now, he’d turned to stone. Until he nodded once, and let his head fall back against the couch, gaze on the high tiled ceiling above.

Purpled closed his eyes, and Tommy picked at his nails absentmindedly.