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Tommy was nervous, to say the least. He hated moving to new houses. He should be used to it by now, though, seeing as he had been through so many foster homes in such a short period of time.
And yet every time, without fail, he messed it up.
He goes in too fast. He couldn’t help it. He was clingy. That came with being a kangaroo hybrid, Tommy supposed.
The innate desire to be held and loved and never let go was a part of him. He was still so young. Only a messy 8 year old who was too clumsy and too needy. At this developmental stage, kangaroos weren’t even supposed to be out of the pouch yet.
And yet here he was on wobbly legs hopping towards a new home. He did his best to walk like normal, but that was a bit difficult with the way his legs and feet were designed.
His social worker was walking next to him, a smile on her face.
“Tommy, I think you’ll really like this house. He’s a new foster, but when I spoke with him he seemed lovely and very excited to take care of you.”
Tommy bit his lip, forcing a smile.
She always said that. And she was always wrong.
He turned away every “loving ” parent with his clinginess. Once they realized just how much he needed to be held and swaddled in blankets, their love quickly died down.
Tommy was too much. He knew that.
Which is why he’d made a promise to himself on the car ride here.
He was going to hold himself back. No matter how much it hurt, he wouldn’t become the clingy, instinct-driven hybrid that no one could bear to love.
He would be good this time. Manageable.
No need to scare the new guy away and make him never want to foster again.
Tommy took a deep breath in as they landed in front of the door, holding it as his social worker knocked.
Tommy’s long ears flicked as a steady thump-thump-thump echoed from inside and towards the door.
The door swung open to reveal a very tall man with brunet curls and… long fuzzy ears— just like his.
Tommy glanced behind the man, hoping his suspicions wouldn’t be true.
He gulped as his eyes landed on a large, brown tail laying against the floor.
Oh no.
His new foster father was— was—
The man crouched in front of him, head tilted and a friendly smile on his face. “Hello! It’s nice to meet a fellow kangaroo hybrid, Tommy!”
Tommy’s mouth went dry, already feeling his instincts scream that he had found someone to take care of him. Tommy shook his head violently, grabbing at his scalp.
The man frowned, backing away. “I’m sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. Why don’t you come inside and I can show you your room? You can stay in there if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. My name is Wilbur, by the way.”
Wilbur hopped back into the house, large feet stomping on the carpeted floor. Tommy walked inside, his social worker stepping in after him with his bag in hand.
Wilbur walked over to a door, opening it and gesturing inside. “This will be your room. The bathroom is just down the hall, and mine is next to it on the left. I also have an office to the right.” He pointed towards each room respectively.
The social worker handed Tommy his bag, patting his shoulder. “I’m just going to talk to Wilbur about a few more things. Go ahead and get settled in.”
Tommy nodded, grabbing it from the woman and stepping inside.
The blond boy looked around, eyes tracing over every detail of the room. There wasn’t much to look at, truthfully. It had a bed with a Spider-Man comforter and the walls were a dark red. There was a TV set up on a desk and a small shelf.
Tommy set his bag down, not bothering to unpack. How was he going to do this when Wilbur was also a kangaroo hybrid? How was he going to handle seeing the man jump around like it was normal?
How was he going to stop himself from jumping in far too fast and wanting to just cling to the man and never let go?
Tommy threw himself on the bed, burying his face in a pillow. He had a feeling this would be his most difficult and painful stay.
Only a moment later, a small knock sounded. Tommy glanced over from where he was facing his pillow, Wilbur standing in the doorway with a shy smile.
“Hello, Tommy. I spoke with your social worker before she left. I thought we could use a proper introduction. I understand you’ve been to a lot of homes, but I want you to know I’m going to do my very best to provide whatever you need. I looked through your file and saw you liked red and that your favorite superhero was Spider-Man. But if anything here makes you unhappy or you’d rather have something else, just let me know. We can go shopping tomorrow for anything you’d like. Do you have any questions?” Wilbur asked.
Tommy bit his lip. “Do you have any rules?”
Wilbur’s ear flicked, blinking in confusion before he made a small ‘o’ with his mouth. “The only rules of the house are that you knock first before entering and no leaving the house without my permission. I’ll always knock before entering as well and I’ll also let you know if I leave the house. I don’t plan on leaving you here alone, but emergencies happen of course.”
Tommy nodded. Those were fair rules. He hoped Wilbur wouldn’t add more onto them. But that was always a possibility. He would have to learn them as he went.
Those were always the worst houses.
Wilbur hopped forward, reaching out to ruffle his hair. Tommy shied away, instincts screaming at him to jump right off the bed and into Wilbur’s arms. The man froze before immediately retracting his hand.
The brunet’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I’m uh… sorry about that. I’m a bit touchy sometimes, so I’ll try and cut back on that.”
Tommy blinked in surprise, emotions swirling between happy that Wilbur respected his boundaries and sad that he wouldn’t receive touch.
The man backed away, retreating through the doorway once more.
“You just get some rest. I’ll have dinner ready in about an hour.”
Tommy nodded and with that, the door shut.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur thought he could handle it. He thought he’d not get so overwhelmed.
Wilbur was so very wrong.
Naturally, Wilbur saw that Tommy was a kangaroo hybrid in his file. His face lit up as soon as he saw the potential foster child, thumb running over the small picture with the boy’s toothy grin.
His first foster and he could potentially adopt a kangaroo? It was like the universe had placed Tommy in his lap.
But he knew he couldn’t get his hopes up too much. He still needed to be careful and take this slow and understand Tommy may not want to be adopted.
So, he took a deep breath and decided to give the kid a chance.
But as soon as his eyes landed on the little boy at his doorstep, looking up at him in amazement, Wilbur nearly broke.
His instincts slammed into him harder than he’d ever experienced before. It was almost nauseating.
Tommy was just a baby. Just a joey. He shouldn’t even be out of a pouch yet! Wilbur wanted nothing more than to scoop him up and wrap him in blankets and hold him all day long.
His instincts demanded he be clingy.
Wilbur forced himself to remain calm, not wanting to lose this opportunity immediately. The social worker would probably try to take Tommy away from him and then he’d get defensive and it would just be…
A big mess.
So he needed to stay in control.
Wilbur let the boy walk to his room, slightly concerned by the way he walked instead of hopped. As if he was trying to be human.
Wilbur’s nose scrunched up at the thought. Hopefully the boy would see how he jumped and would learn to copy him.
He talked with the social worker, clearing some stuff up with her. She did ask about his instincts; she must have noticed his dilated pupils.
Wilbur answered honestly. It was hard, but he had it under control.
She smiled at him. “I’m sure Tommy will learn to love you. Just give him some time.”
Wilbur nodded, shaking her hand one final time before watching her leave. As soon as she was gone, he made his way over to Tommy’s new room.
The boy left his door open, so he knocked on the side. Wilbur nearly cooed at the sight of the blond all tucked into bed, wanting to gather him up and kiss his head goodnight.
Calm. Wilbur took a deep breath, forcing his body to relax.
He did some explaining of all the rules and all the plans they had before making his way over. He hadn’t even realized what he had done until Tommy flinched away from his hand.
Wilbur frowned, swallowing down the lump in his throat.
Right. No touch at all. Not even tiny ones like a hair ruffle.
This was going to be impossible.
Wilbur backed away, forcing himself to give the blond space before going to make dinner.
It was going to be a long ride.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Things had been going… alright. Wilbur had taken Tommy to the mall and a few other stores in the area for the boy to pick out some new clothes and some things to decorate the room.
Tommy was hesitant at first, but after Wilbur assured him that expense wasn't an issue, he picked out a few more things.
Wilbur knew he was still holding back, but at the very least it was something.
Other than that, his instincts had only gotten worse.
Tommy and he had barely touched at all. Tommy kept his distance like Wilbur was a plague. Wilbur wasn’t sure what to do about it, but he also wasn’t sure what would happen when they did touch.
He knew his instincts would explode, but he just hoped he could manage.
And he did.
The first time it happened. Tommy had brushed up against him, only to flinch away. Wilbur was too shocked at first to react, and luckily so were his instincts.
Then, again, Tommy had grabbed his hand without thinking, only to immediately pull away and cradle his hand to his chest like it burned.
Tommy had apologized profusely at the action, Wilbur calmly telling him it was alright and he could hold his hand if he wanted to.
Please want to.
Tommy didn’t grab his hand again for another whole week.
But Wilbur found the wait worth it when they were sat for a movie. Tommy was on the other side of the couch, shifting closer and closer to him. Wilbur tried to stay as still as possible, not wanting to spook the boy, who was clearly very out of it. Wilbur could tell Tommy wasn’t doing any of this purposefully; he was moving on instinct.
And then, Tommy’s head landed on his chest. Wilbur did his best not to tense, just breathing in and out as carefully as he could. Then, ever so slowly, he let his arm fall around the boy’s shoulder.
Tommy jumped as soon as he noticed, practically flying to the other side of the couch.
Apologies spilled from his lips. “I’m sorry— I’m sorry! I’m usually not so clingy. I’m—“
“Hey, hey. It’s alright, sunshine. Let’s just take a deep breath. You’re alright. I’m not mad.”
I liked it. Wilbur wanted to say, but didn’t. He wouldn’t scare the kid off.
He would let Tommy move at his own pace. No matter how much Wilbur wanted to wrap him in his arms and shower him with more affection than he’d ever received before.
Tommy’s face was still bright red in embarrassment and his eyes were watery like he was about to cry. Wilbur couldn’t help but scoot a little closer.
“Don’t worry about it, darling. I promise I’m not mad.”
Tommy whispered a quiet, “That’s what they all say…”
Wilbur frowned, not quite understanding what that meant. Tommy just curled into himself, feet tucking up beneath him as he turned away from Wilbur.
Wilbur opened his mouth to speak, to question everything, but he decided against it. Maybe it was best to just let Tommy do his own thing. The joey had slowly been getting more comfortable here. He just had to be patient, even as he saw Tommy walk back to his bedroom after the movie, feet moving like a human and not a hybrid.
They’d get there. It would just take time.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur had been up late. It was a hectic day at work. He was getting email after email and was told he had to work overtime due to time constraints and a recent departure from the company. AKA, someone got sick of this treatment and decided to leave without a 2 week notice.
Wilbur understood. But that didn’t change the fact that he had to pick up the pieces.
Typically, he wouldn’t worry about such a thing. He’d simply do as his job title asked and nothing more or less.
But now he had a kid to look after. Which meant he needed this job. At least until his music career picked up.
Being fired from your job was a big no-no on the adoption and fostering requirements.
Wilbur sipped on his third coffee of the day, typing away at his computer. He shifted to a new tab, deciding to take a short break and do some shopping he’d meant to get done earlier.
He needed to buy a few things for Tommy, as his birthday was coming up. Wilbur scrolled through potential choices, humming quietly to himself as he added a few things into the cart. When an ad popped up on Wilbur’s screen, he froze.
The company’s symbol had a few different animals all colored in greys and light browns with a small rainbow above it. Wilbur recognized this company. He recognized the product it was advertising to him as well.
This was a company called Instincts Inc. They made everything a hybrid could need to satisfy whatever instincts they had. Heat lamps designed for reptiles, soft pillows in the form of branches and leaves for bird hybrids to make nests, and of course the product that had Wilbur’s pupils dilating.
A synthetic pouch. It attached like a baby carrier, wrapping around the model with a child’s head poking out. Wilbur hated advertising companies. Of course they knew he was fostering. Of course they knew he was a kangaroo hybrid. And of course they knew his instincts were running wild. Wilbur tried to stop himself, but suddenly all he could see was Tommy tucked safely away. He could picture himself looking down and seeing Tommy smile up at him all curled against his chest. He could feel Tommy’s tiny hands scrunching up his shirt. His fingers curled up against the edge as the boy poked his head out to watch the world pass by from the safety of the pouch. Wilbur could imagine Tommy sleeping away in warmth provided by his own body heat. The weight on his back tethering him to the earth and letting him know Tommy was there . With him.
Wilbur suddenly came back to reality, not even looking at what he was doing before moving the mouse up to close the ad. He couldn’t force such a thing on Tommy. That was far too presumptuous of him. Tommy barely wanted to hug him right now.
He was being so selfish.
The brunet took a deep breath, closing his laptop and setting it to the side. It was late. He probably should be getting to bed soon anyway. He pushed his chair back, hopping out and into his bedroom. He went to the master bath, brushing his teeth and preparing for bed.
Entirely unaware of the purchase he made during his instinct haze.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur had been keeping track of everything he ordered. Tommy’s birthday presents had all arrived and were accounted for. The boy was turning 9 in about a week, so he went ahead and wrapped all the gifts and stuck them in the closet. He had plans to take the boy out bowling and to a trampoline park. Wilbur had loved trampoline parks as a kid. Maybe it was the love of jumping so high; the ability to use his leg muscles to their fullest. He didn’t really know.
But he hoped Tommy loved the ability to go all out like he did.
He had a total of 34 gifts wrapped. Which, if he remembered correctly, should have been them all.
Which is why he was quite confused at the sight of another box on his porch. His eyebrows scrunched together, picking it up and looking over the box. It was plain. There were no labels on it. The only thing was a small sticker on the top that said his name and address.
Wilbur shrugged, bringing it inside and placing it on the kitchen table. Tommy was eating breakfast, drops of milk dribbling down his chin as he slurped up the contents of the bowl.
Wilbur ripped open the box with ease, smiling a little at Tommy’s wide eyes. Sometimes he forgot that not everyone realized how strong he was. He often wore baggy clothes for comfort, not noticing that it hid the definition in his muscles.
Curiosity beat Tommy’s amazement, standing up on the chair to lean over the table and peek inside the box.
Wilbur pulled some styrofoam out, confusion etched on his features as he pulled out the object inside.
The breath left him suddenly, his heart rising up to his throat.
Oh no.
Wilbur hadn’t— He didn’t mean to—
Wilbur gulped, mouth dry as he looked at Tommy. The boy stared at the pouch in Wilbur’s hands, eyes wide and lips parted slightly.
Wilbur was going to sue these companies for all they were worth. They knew exactly what they were doing, showing him all those photos of the things he dreamed of.
Wilbur stuffed the pouch back into the box, a red flush overcoming his face as he stuttered out apologies.
“Sorry— Sorry, I hadn’t— I didn’t— Sorry…” Wilbur quickly shut the box, shoulders rising to his neck in embarrassment. He continued to come up with excuses as he walked to the small closet in the living room, shoving the box inside.
When he turned around, Tommy was gone. Wilbur’s words caught in his throat, choking on his own apologies.
He ruined it. Wilbur destroyed whatever fragile peace he built with Tommy. He pushed too far too quick. He probably made the boy feel hurt and betrayed. Tommy must have hated him now. Wilbur wouldn’t blame him. The boy probably saw the pouch and realized just how clingy and overprotective Wilbur was. Wilbur wasn’t Tommy’s dad. He had no right to act as one.
Wilbur hit himself in the forehead, tears of frustration building up in his eyes. He messed up. He really messed up.
Wilbur fell to the floor, curling into a small ball as he wiped at his face. Tommy would never warm up to him. Tommy would probably ask to leave now. Wilbur could practically hear the social worker’s boots climbing up his porch. Could hear the knock of disapproval before Tommy was whisked away and Wilbur was stripped of his right to foster.
Wilbur scrubbed the tears from his eyes, forcing himself up and back into the kitchen.
At the very least he could get cleaned up and prepared for the social worker’s arrival.
-/-/-/-/-/-
What was that. What was that?!
Tommy could only stare at the pouch Wilbur had bought. False hope began to rise in him, Tommy excitedly leaning in. He wanted Wilbur to put it on. Wanted to leap right into the man’s arms.
Wilbur then said sorry and stuffed the pouch back inside.
Tommy’s heart dropped in disappointment, feeling his cheeks grow wet as Wilbur shoved the box into the closet.
Was it just some cruel joke? Did Wilbur open it in front of him to tease him? Did Wilbur know how clingy he was?
Tommy messed up. He really messed up.
Tommy thought he had done pretty good. He only slipped up a few times. Just a few hand holds and a few hugs.
But apparently he was wrong. Wilbur must have seen just how clingy he was and was using this as a warning.
That must have been why Wilbur bought it.
Surely there was no way Wilbur actually wanted Tommy to cling to him. Tommy knew that couldn’t be a possibility. No one… No one would actually invite his clinginess.
And yet… His brain wouldn’t stop entertaining the idea. No matter how much Tommy tried to stop it, his mind wandered into all the possibilities and memories.
Wilbur had been welcoming to the touch. He had been so soft and kind with his words. Always gentle. Never forceful.
The man hadn’t shouted or yelled at him when he broke something. He constantly bought him nice things without asking him to do chores in return. He also made sure Tommy never skipped a meal.
Wilbur was the closest thing to a dad that he’d ever had.
And he ruined it.
He was too clingy. Tommy could already hear the boots of his social worker approaching the door— hear her knock of doom as he was dragged away to a new home.
Tommy rushed to his room, hiding out under the blankets.
Of course he ruined the one good house he had. He had a chance here and he went and destroyed it.
But Wilbur was nice, his mind whispered. Wilbur hasn’t shown any anger or frustration. Maybe Wilbur truly wants him to be clingy.
Tommy shook his head, ears pinning back as he whined. His own mind lied to him. It tried to trick him.
He loves me.
Wilbur must have hated him.
Why else would he hide the pouch away? Why else would he rush to get rid of it?
Tommy hated all these confusing thoughts. None of it mattered anyway. His brain would learn to be quiet when the social worker showed up.
It would realize how wrong it was as Wilbur spits on him and shoves him out of the house. Maybe next time it would learn not to get his hopes up.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Tommy didn’t see his social worker. Instead, Wilbur acted like nothing had happened. The only difference was that he wouldn’t look Tommy in the eye.
Tommy figured this was just another tactic to show that Wilbur knew how clingy he was. This was just to prove Tommy couldn't handle it. The urge to force Wilbur to look at him was strong. He wanted desperately to jump into the man’s line of sight and beg to be called sunshine just one more time.
But, he didn’t. Instead, he stayed far away. Tommy didn’t let his clinginess win. He wouldn’t let them even brush against each other. Whatever it took to prove Tommy could be good.
Though, he would admit, he found himself staring at the closet that held his dreams inside. Tommy had to keep forcing his eyes to look elsewhere, not wanting Wilbur to see how desperate he was.
Though, he was fairly sure he was failing. Because every time he looked away, Wilbur was looking right at him.
And it only got worse as his birthday approached. Tommy wasn’t sure how he would handle it. Another year of loneliness. Another year where he was just too much.
Tommy took a deep breath, once again looking away from the closet and towards the clock on the TV.
Only a few more hours until his birthday. He could do this. He could make it through tomorrow without being clingy.
Yeah. He’s got this! Right?
-/-/-/-/-/-
Tommy had been distant. Wilbur knew why and couldn't blame him. Though, he would admit his instincts had been wild these past few days. They screamed to go into that closet and rip the pouch out of the box. To cuddle Tommy and smother him with affection.
But, he held himself back. He refused to even look at the boy, as it only made his instincts worse. The only time he looked at Tommy was while the boy was staring at the closet. His eyes seemed distant. If Wilbur didn’t know better, he’d even say longing. But that couldn’t be right.
Now, the big day finally arrived. Tommy’s birthday.
Wilbur would have to give it his all today. He was going to give Tommy attention as well as space, proving that he could provide both. He was going to be better.
Wilbur laid all the presents in the living room before gently knocking on Tommy’s door. The boy opened it a moment later, looking at him with those big blue eyes that Wilbur adored.
Wilbur backed up slightly, smiling with as much joy as he could.
“Happy birthday, Tommy! I’ve got presents in the living room and I’ve got a few things planned for your big day!”
Tommy blinked in surprise. “You got me… Gifts? And you’re taking me somewhere?” He squinted. “Where?”
Wilbur grinned. “We’re going to go bowling and then we’re going to the trampoline park!”
Tommy’s eyes lit up, hopping in place a few times before settling down with an embarrassed smile. “That sounds fun.”
Wilbur giggled, walking with Tommy to the living room. As soon as Tommy saw the massive pile of presents adorning the floor, he gasped. Blond hair bounced with each hop as Tommy made his way towards the gifts, grabbing the one on top. “All these are for me?”
He looked at Wilbur as if it was a trick. Wilbur simply nodded. “All yours, sunshine.”
Tommy melted at the nickname, settling down on the floor and starting to rip open the boxes. He asked Wilbur for help on a few, the older kangaroo hybrid opening them with ease.
After each and every box, Tommy seemed more and more surprised. Like he was expecting all this to be a trick. To open a box that said all this wasn’t his and he wouldn’t be able to keep it.
But as Tommy ripped open the last box, finding nothing of the sort, he was near tears. “You’re sure? All this is… for me?” he whispered.
Wilbur nodded with a soft expression. “Yes, darling. It’s all yours.”
Tommy wiped at his eyes, smiling at Wilbur. “Thank you…”
“Of course, Toms. Happy birthday!”
Wilbur then helped gather up all the gifts, setting them on a chair he had gotten the boy. Wilbur then grabbed the bottom of the chair, lifting the entire thing with ease as he shuffled into Tommy’s room. He giggled to himself at Tommy’s amazed expression.
He hoped that Tommy would see him as his strong protector one day.
Wilbur then made his way back to the living room. “Let’s get some lunch and then we can go bowling.”
Tommy nodded eagerly, already settled at the table.
-/-/-/-/-/-
The day had gone wonderfully in Wilbur’s opinion. Apparently this was the first time Tommy went bowling or even to the trampoline park. Wilbur could tell that it was his favorite.
Wilbur laughed as he jumped on a small trampoline, sending Tommy into the air. The boy giggled loudly as he was sent flying, spinning before landing on the trampoline once more. He pushed off as hard as he could, shooting to the sky. Wilbur simply kept bouncing each time Tommy landed, sending him higher and higher until he was only a few feet away from the roof.
Until Wilbur was told by an employee that he had to stop—
Wilbur watched as Tommy fell back down, reaching his arms out and catching him before he could bounce again. Tommy laughed, looking at him with glee shining in those bright blue eyes. Wilbur smiled back, quickly setting him down before he could really understand what happened. The boy seemed too distracted to care about the touch, jumping off to the next part of the trampoline park. Specifically, the foam pit.
Wilbur chased after him, watching the boy disappear in foam squares before popping right back up. Wilbur chuckled to himself as tiny ears poked out of the soft material before his head appeared. The blond rushed to do it again, not having a care in the world.
He didn’t look anxious or afraid. Tommy seemed to be having fun and it was all Wilbur wanted. He hoped this proved to Tommy that he was sorry and would do better. He just needed another chance.
Tommy suddenly rushed towards him, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the foam pit. Wilbur grinned, jumping right beside him and launching the cubes away.
The brunet peeked out from under the foam, searching for his so— for Tommy. Only to not see him.
Wilbur’s brows scrunched together as he started to move the foam away in search for any sign of the boy. Suddenly, Tommy popped out with a loud “boo!”
Wilbur put his hand over his heart, laughing as he lifted Tommy from the foam. “Oh, you little gremlin! You nearly gave me a heart attack!”
He was over-exaggerating, of course. But the proud smirk on Tommy’s face made it worth it.
The two continued to play for a few hours, jumping between the different areas until it was about 6pm. Wilbur made sure to thank all the employees, apologizing for any times they got a little too excited with their jumps before heading to the car.
“And now!” Wilbur clapped his hands together, grinning back at the boy. “We’ll go to your favorite restaurant for dinner!”
Tommy whooped, throwing his arms in the air. The boy’s tail thumped from side to side, slamming against the cushion of the car seats as Wilbur started the car.
Dinner didn’t take too long. They ordered, the food came quickly, and then they went to get snow cones. Yes, snow cones at 7:30 pm. Tommy’s tongue was blue by the time they got pulled into the driveway, sticky syrup all over his chin. Wilbur just smiled at the boy fondly, wiping at the blue mess.
Tommy, surprisingly, leaned into it desperately. Wilbur had to hold his chin to keep him from falling forward. As soon as Tommy realized what had happened, his face turned red and he shot back up into his seat. The boy looked away for a moment, curling into his seat and tucking his knees into his chest.
Great job, Wilbur.
“Sorry—” the two spoke at the same time, interrupting one another.
Wilbur chuckled to himself as Tommy’s lips quirked upward. The blond spoke up before Wilbur could stop him again.
“I’m sorry if I was being… clingy today. I am usually a bit better and I’m sorry I let it get a hold on me, I—”
“Toms,” Wilbur interrupted softly. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. I’m not mad and you haven’t done anything wrong. Wanting to be loved isn’t a bad thing.”
Tommy’s head shot towards Wilbur, eyes wide and posture loosening. “Love?”
Wilbur paused for a moment, hesitating. The hesitation wasn’t for whether or not he loved Tommy. No, he knew that he did within the first week of knowing him.
But did Tommy want to hear it said out loud?
Wilbur swallowed, doing his best to keep his expression as sure as possible. “Yes, Toms. Love. I love you and care about you. So I’m more than happy to give you that affection.”
Tommy could only stare. His lips were parted slightly, like he couldn’t believe what he just heard. It was all processing in his mind, each word registering slowly.
Wilbur could give him time; he was capable of being patient.
After a few moments, Tommy looked away with just the smallest smile on his face. Wilbur could tell it was genuine. The boy then opened the car door, Wilbur quickly doing the same and following Tommy inside.
Tommy didn’t even look back at him, just saying a small, “Thank you and goodnight,” before heading into his bedroom. Wilbur felt his heart flutter.
He thought that went over pretty well. Maybe Tommy would be a bit more open to affection, now. He hoped the boy wasn’t scared of being clingy of all things. How silly would that be with Wilbur: the clingiest man to ever exist?
Wilbur nodded to himself, giving himself a pat on the back for the good work done today before heading off to bed.
-/-/-/-/-/-
It was 1 am. It was 1 am and Tommy hadn’t slept even a wink.
All Tommy could do was picture that box sitting in the closet. He could feel it weighing down on his chest. It sat on his lungs, constricting until he couldn’t breathe. Tommy did his best to take deep breaths, but it didn’t help.
He just kept running the events of the day over and over in his mind. Wilbur had been so happy with him. Wilbur caught him and laughed with him. Bought him so many things and acted like he wanted to do all those things. Then, Wilbur reached out and wiped his chin, and told him he loved him.
That he didn’t mind the clinginess.
Tommy’s mind felt like it was on fire. It battled between trusting Wilbur and saying it was all fake. That Wilbur didn’t really mean it. He didn’t understand the full extent of Tommy’s clinginess. That if he did, he would take back everything that he’d said.
But another part of his mind shouted over all those thoughts that Wilbur loved him. Wilbur wanted him. He’d said so himself.
Tommy thought he was going to explode. Maybe Wilbur had meant to buy it. Maybe Wilbur didn’t want to push. Maybe—
Tommy threw himself out of bed, rushing out of his room and to the closet. He couldn’t take it anymore.
He couldn't handle all this waiting and tiptoeing around. He couldn’t live like this.
Tommy yanked the box out of the closet, hopping as fast as he could towards Wilbur’s bedroom. The door swung open and hit the wall with a loud thud. Wilbur choked on his own spit as he sat up, looking dazed as he coughed.
As soon as the man came to, he blinked at the figure in the doorway. “Toms? Wha—”
Wilbur was interrupted as a box smacked into his face, making him fall back into the bed in surprise with a shocked noise.
The box fell into his lap before Wilbur’s eyes adjusted. The man’s mouth parted as he realized what the box was. Before he could say anything, Tommy jumped onto the bed, landing right behind the box and onto Wilbur’s legs.
“ Please, please, please. I can’t do this anymore just— please!” Tommy begged, opening the box and shoving what was inside onto Wilbur’s chest.
Wilbur suddenly realized what Tommy was asking for, face going slack in revelation. Tommy held his breath, waiting for Wilbur to throw him out of the room and yell at him.
Waiting for the facade to finally drop.
Instead, Wilbur grabbed the pouch and wrapped it around his back, clipping everything in place with practiced ease. Almost like he had done it before. Tommy felt himself lean in, pupils going wide as the man finished setting it up.
The brunet then opened his arms, signaling he was ready. Tommy leaped towards him, grabbing at the synthetic material and shoving himself inside. The pouch stretched with his weight, molding around him with ease. Tommy sunk deeper, mind falling into a haze as he looked up at Wilbur through the small slit at the top. Wilbur was looking down at him too, pupils the size of saucers. The man let out some kind of purring sound, and Tommy felt his entire body rattle with the force as Wilbur leaned back.
Tommy snuggled deeper, rubbing his cheek against Wilbur’s middle and curling into himself. His instincts screamed in satisfaction.
Safe-safe-loved-protected-home—
Tommy felt the weight on his chest lift entirely. He was home. He had his dad and that’s all he ever needed. He could be held forever and ever and his dad would carry him everywhere—
Tommy nearly sobbed. If it weren't for the pure euphoria of finally having his instincts satisfied, he would have. But instead his mind was too far gone to realize everything he had truly just gained.
With those comforting purrs, Tommy’s eyes began to close. Tommy purred back quietly, a smile on his face as he fell into unconsciousness.
-/-/-/-/-/-
It took Tommy a moment to realize exactly where he was. He woke up slowly, a warmth around him he wasn’t used to. His body was curled up and something silky clung to him. Total darkness surrounded him and there was a steady drumming in his ear.
Tommy curled closer with a happy hum, nearly falling asleep once again before realizing what all these things meant.
He jolted, scrambling to find purchase as he flopped around inside the pouch. He managed to grasp the top, pulling himself up and pushing off Wilbur’s chest. He was nearly at the edge of the bed when something snagged his shirt, pulling him back and stuffing him back into the pouch.
“And where do you think you’re going, little one?” Wilbur’s sleepy voice called, jostling Tommy with his movement. The top of the faux pouch opened, revealing a tired Wilbur with quite the bedhead. Normally, Tommy would have teased him about it.
But now?
Now he realized that he may have just lost everything. He jumped at Wilbur when he shouldn’t have. He was clingy and showed that full force. He ruined it, didn’t he?
Tommy felt like he couldn’t breathe. Or was he breathing too much? He wasn’t getting enough oxygen, that was for sure.
A voice broke through his panic, thumbs wiping at his cheeks.
Oh, he was crying.
Wilbur lifted him up and onto his chest, brushing fingers through blond locks. “Shh, shh, it’s alright. What’s wrong, sweetheart? Did I do something wrong?”
Tommy shook his head, sobbing into the man’s neck. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
Wilbur pulled back, expression entirely perplexed as if he couldn’t even think of a single reason as to why Tommy was apologizing. “Why are you sorry, love? I don’t understand.”
Tommy sniffled, looking deep into Wilbur’s brown eyes. They looked sad. Maybe a tad concerned.
But most importantly… filled with love.
“I’m sorry for being needy. I’m sorry for being clingy. I’m sorry for being too much! ”
Wilbur cooed sadly, brushing his thumbs beneath Tommy’s eyes again. “Sunshine. You’re not being too much. Not at all.”
Tommy shook his head. “I want to be held and I want to be carried all the time and no one wants to. And I’m too much! No one wants me! ”
Wilbur crushed him into another hug, burying his face in Tommy’s hair with a kiss. “Oh, baby. You’re not too much for me. You just needed to find someone who can provide for all your needs. And I’m here. I’m just like you. I have the same instincts and I love hanging out with you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more. Toms, I ordered the pouch because I wanted to hold you. You’re—” Wilbur huffed, squeezing him tighter. “You’re just my little joey and I want to keep you safe and warm and loved and I want to be able to look down and see you and I want to feel your weight pulling down on me and—” Wilbur pressed a firm kiss to Tommy’s head. “I want to love you. I want you to be my son and I never want to let you go.”
Tommy’s fingers twisted in Wilbur’s shirt, sobs ripping through him as he pressed into the man’s neck. “ Please. Please let me have that. Please be telling the truth.”
Wilbur purred, nuzzling his chin on top of Tommy’s head. “I am. I promise, I am. I love you, so much.”
Tommy let out a pleased sigh, body going slack. “Okay, daddy, I believe you.”
Wilbur choked up, letting out a shaky breath as he let Tommy slide back into the pouch. The joey shoved himself against Wilbur, sighing happily as he curled into the material. Tommy could hear the steady rhythm of Wilbur’s heart beating beneath his ear. Wilbur ruffled his hair, standing up and sliding off the bed. Tommy closed his eyes as Wilbur hopped around the house, making his way somewhere.
Tommy found himself unable to care that he didn’t know where they were heading. He was just happy to be safe and loved.
He found himself a home in synthetic material strapped to the man he called his dad.
Tommy smiled to himself, bouncing in time with Wilbur.
Yeah, this was the life.
-/-/-/-/-/-
Wilbur took Tommy everywhere. This was the best thing Tommy had ever experienced. The clingy monster in his chest purred with happiness as Wilbur would drag him back into the pouch. Each time Wilbur whispered that he was far too young to be out in the open yet. Especially outdoors.
Tommy hadn’t really been paying attention to his surroundings. After they ate breakfast together, Tommy leaped back into the pouch and let Wilbur gaze down at him lovingly. Tommy thought his heart would burst at the influx of admiration. He knew Wilbur felt the same way, heart overflowing with love.
Tommy closed his eyes, getting comfy in his usual position so he could best hear Wilbur’s heartbeat. Then, Wilbur began to move. Tommy didn’t care where they were going, closing his eyes for a nap…
Only to wake up to Wilbur still moving. He shifted around, his ears poking out and then his eyes. He gazed over the edge of the pouch, searching the area.
Oh, they were at the store. Tommy felt his head get shoved down by Wilbur’s hand, the man not even looking at him. Rather, Wilbur was reading a package of some kind.
Tommy pushed against the hand, popping back up. Only for Wilbur to shove him right back down. He squawked in offense. “Hey!”
Wilbur just hummed, patting his hair. “We’re out right now. Just stay inside.”
Tommy glared up at Wilbur, the man finally throwing the package in the basket and giving him a sly grin.
Oh, this man knew exactly what he was doing.
“Wilbur, it's a Walmart. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Wilbur just shook his head, shoving Tommy further down. “Much too dangerous.”
As soon as Wilbur retracted his hand, Tommy took the opportunity. He leapt out of the pouch, landing on the floor. His feet hit the cold ground, Tommy looking down to see what he was wearing.
Oops… He never changed out of his PJs…
Oh well, it was a Walmart, he’d fit right in.
Tommy giggled as Wilbur made an offended noise. He shot off down the aisles, Wilbur running after him at full speed. Tommy turned a corner, hopping past shelves of candy before Wilbur snagged the back of his shirt. Tommy giggled as he was forced back into the pouch, Wilbur grumbling.
Tommy’s laughter was interrupted by a scoff, and both his and Wilbur’s ears perked up at the noise. Wilbur shifted, Tommy’s head peeking out in curiosity. Wilbur tried to push him back, but Tommy wanted to see what the scoff was about.
It was an older lady. She had a typical “Karen” haircut and a sneer in her tone as she spoke. “Isn’t he too old for that?”
Wilbur tilted his head, brows knitting together. “What do you mean?”
She rolled her eyes. “The kid! He’s much too old to still need to be carried. I used to make my kids walk everywhere. It’s how they learn to be independent.”
Tommy shrunk back, ears pinning against his head as he felt his cheeks burn.
Maybe she was right. He was needy, even if Wilbur welcomed it. Maybe he needed to start being more independent—
Tommy looked up, watched as Wilbur’s face shifted from confusion to rage. Tommy didn’t think he’d ever seen the man so mad.
Wilbur rolled up his sleeves, jumping towards the woman. Tommy knew Wilbur was purposefully being intimidating, chest puffed out and muscles showing. The man huffed, and Tommy practically saw steam come out as he hovered over the lady. “ You need to learn when to be quiet. You have no clue on how to raise my child and I hope you realize your kids will never visit you in the nursing home you’ll inevitably end up in. Now shoo. And mind your business next time.”
The woman gasped in offense, turning around with a hmph before rolling her basket away.
Wilbur sighed as soon as she was out of sight, relaxing slightly. Tommy watched as the pouch opened, light shining down on him. Tommy had a handful of gummy worms in his hands, cheeks full of the colorful candy. The man rolled his eyes fondly as he finally noticed the packages of candy hidden in the pouch.
“ Tommy, ” he drawled, exasperated, with an adoring smile on his face. “How did you sneak those?”
Tommy just grinned. “It’s why I escaped. Grabbed some of these before you caught me”
Wilbur let the pouch close. “ Fine. Only because I love you. Are you alright, by the way?”
Tommy nodded against him, continuing to snack as Wilbur hopped away and back to their basket. “Yeah. It hurt for a moment but you made me feel better.”
“Good, because she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
Tommy looked up, hand twisting into Wilbur’s shirt as he listened to the quiet heartbeat once again. He moved back and forth with each breath as he bounced up and down with each hop.
It was like his own mini orchestra. A constant array of sounds and feelings all jumping around in his mind. All conveying the feeling of love, safety, and home. Such lovely noise.
Maybe Wilbur was right. All he needed to do was find someone just as clingy as he was.
And now Tommy had the best dad he could ever ask for.