Archive of Our Own

Tommy had been relaxing. Well, that may not have been completely true. Dream had just escaped, Ranboo had died, and Phil had promised him he’d be safe but he didn’t really know. So he was sitting holed up in Tubbo and Ranboo’s mansion, watching as Shroud and Michael played with one another. He was slowly teaching them sign seeing as Michael couldn’t talk, and Shroud would still need to communicate with him. Luckily Michael had fingers. 

The children didn’t know, but the room they were in was locked. Not by anyone hurting them no, by Tommy. He just couldn’t stand them getting hurt. It didn’t stop him from being startled when a large figure simply floated through the door. After nearly jumping off the bed he was sitting on screeching, he took in who it was. 

Tall stature, split-dye cloth covering the face, red and green eye holes. Two large horns, one with a shiny golden ring, and between them a small crown. His twin tails flicked back and forth with worry. Ghostboo. He let out a nervous laugh.

“Oh Primes, Tommy are you alright?”

Tommy swallowed and nodded. “Scared the crap out of me big man. What’s up?”

Ghostboo sheepishly nodded. “Right. Well for one, Tubbo wants to see you so we can talk, and it’s also lunchtime.”

Standing, Tommy unlocked the door and grabbed the two small hybrid children, and gestured for Ghostboo to lead the way. The ghost lead them through the endless hallways, taking turn after turn until they came across a large kitchen, in which Tubbo was cooking. He nodded at them to acknowledge their presence and gestured to the two barred chairs for the kids. 

Setting the kids inside, the two turned to Tubbo, who simply said. “Once they start eating we can talk. I have a plan.”

Tommy nodded, and soon took the children’s food to them. He then hoisted himself up on the counter, crossed his legs, and looked at Tubbo. “So what’s this plan of yours?”

Tubbo leaned back into the counter. “We leave.”

Ghostboo cocked his head. “Leave? Like, leave the SMP entirely?”

Laughing, Tubbo shook his head. “No, I mean leave the populated areas. We stick close enough to get fast help but live in an unexplored area. Not even Dream has explored the SMP in its entirety, so there has to be somewhere we can live.” 

Tommy thought it over. It wasn’t a bad plan. Despite him proper pissing near everyone on the server off, there were still a few that would care for them if needed. But living on their own would be tough, especially with two young children. But if anyone could do it, they could.

“What about your job with Quackity?” Ghostboo asked hesitantly.

Waving him off, Tubbo smiled. “He thinks it’s a good idea. He encouraged it. He doesn’t want us completely alone so he said he’d love to care for us if we ever need, but he thinks living in a new area would help throw off Dream.”

Tommy pushed himself off the counter and took a look at Ghostboo. The look he got in return was all the confirmation he needed. Turning to look at Tubbo, he grinned, a bit of himself already returning. “When do we leave?”

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It was quicker than he expected. Within the next week, the two children’s clothes were packed, all of their toys and extra belongings as well. Tubbo was quickly packed as well, all of his metal-working supplies easily fitted into a bag, and a smaller bag kept in his pocket filled with seeds of flowers that bees adored. It was about time he started beekeeping again, Tommy hadn’t seen him do it in a long while. His clothes were also packed, and a small memory box of old photos. 

Ghostboo didn’t have much, just his journal and a few belongings. He didn’t need clothes, with just a bit of focus he could change his appearance quickly.

Now, Tommy, Tommy was the quickest to pack. He had a few shirts, a cardigan or two, and spare boots and weapons for the journey there. A part of himself would never leave him, the one forced to become a soldier at such a young age, the one keeping him so prepared. He had a few diamonds, really not much. One thing he kept hidden though, was his own memory box. Photos and scraps of fabrics, old uniforms, and a newer in comparison document, slightly singed at the edges and yellowing. And two small discs sitting in the bottom covered up. 

He hadn’t played them since they got them back after imprisoning Dream. He tried, he really had. But it just…. Didn’t feel right. Like it wouldn’t be the same. Each note sounded wrong and discordant. So he tucked it away. Soon they gave their goodbyes to Quackity and the crew at Las Nevadas, as well as Puffy. As soon as they found a home and set it up, they would mark the coordinates and send Ghostboo back to give them the information. Besides them, no one would know where they were. It would be like the youngest of the server simply disappeared.

Opening the large mansion door, they bid farewell to the house. Tommy watched as the spider-hybrid stumbled and laughed in the snow. He had found him a while back, and it was clear he wasn’t just a spider. The child developed human-like traits and was able to speak and communicate what he needed. He fell over in the snow, soaking the small yellow sweater that Tommy had dressed him in, and the small leggings. The child had the extra limbs that spiders were commonly associated with, but only pulled them out to latch onto Tommy or to protect himself.

Michael fell over next to him, snorting and laughing in his own way. He took after Tubbo’s style, he wore a striped green sweater and a small pair of overalls. Ghostboo had bundled him up with a scarf for the quick trek through the snowy biome, careful to keep him as warm as possible. Tubbo himself dressed in a warm coat and underneath lay the old outfit he wore before the wars, before L’manburg. Before everything. They set out, hopeful and determined. 

They walked. And walked. And… walked. It took a long time to go anywhere new, but when they found the border between new and explored, they knew. The Prime Path abruptly stopped, leading to a large grassy plain before them. Everyone had ditched any warm clothing, and they soon whisked off through the grass, the children darting in and out between the blades of grass, laughing at one another. 

It lifted Tommy’s spirits. He would give these children the life he was robbed of. The life he and Tubbo and Ranboo had so desperately deserved. He was turning eighteen soon, there was no reversing what happened. Now all he could do was give these children the lives they deserve. 

At some point, the children were sleepy, Tubbo ended up carrying Michael, and Shroud simply latched onto Tommy’s back and tucked his head snugly into the crook of Tommy’s neck. The biomes turned from plains to beachside, to finally a large spruce forest. Tommy checked his comm box. Alright, he had their rough coords. He set Shroud down, who took it upon himself to pull along Michael as the group moved into the trees. 

The canopy kept out the sun, so the teens spent their time keeping an eye on the children and picking off mobs from afar. After a while, they came across a large clearing, and they stopped in awe. 

It was wide, big enough for a large home with still room. Bees flitted in and out between the trees, and natural sunlight beamed down from atop the canopy. Deer moved along in the background, and birds sang in the trees. Large dark trunks surrounded the clearing, like a protective border. The trickling of a stream caught in Tubbo’s ears, and if he squinted, he could see a stream deeper in the forest.

Just being there made them feel better. Like the place was meant for them, and maybe it was. Quickly, the teens started to collect materials. Dark wood, with a few stacks of lighter logs they had brought with them, Tommy and Tubbo took it upon themselves to build a home while Ghostboo entertained the children. It wasn’t hard at all, the children sat in the grass and watched the deer, or simply napped in the sunlight. 

Placing block after block, foundation after foundation, the two teens built a rather small temporary home, and ushered the children inside, as nightfall was soon. Tommy collapsed upon one of the beds and near deflated, the work exhausting him. He acted as if he was as strong as ever, but since his revival, he didn’t quite take care of himself as he used to. Shroud climbed in beside him and snuggled up close before falling asleep, Tommy following suit. 

Ghostboo floated about the small space, leaving torches in too dark areas, enough to give the small home a cozy atmosphere, and started making a bit of bread for Tubbo and maybe Michael to eat. Tubbo himself was sitting on the floor, rubbing at areas of his arms and legs to release the tension from walking for a few days and then building a home. When offered bread, he simply tore off a piece and popped it in his mouth, taking out a pencil and paper to start drawing rough dimensions for a home. 

His plan was simple. Three stories. The top floor would be for Tommy and Shroud, seeing as Shroud was a spider hybrid. He planned on making an attic as well, with roof access for nights when no one could sleep. The second floor would be for the Beloved_’s, with Ghostboo and Tubbo’s room, and Michael’s room. The bottom floor would have the living room, kitchen, and bathroom, which would be stocked with first-aid supplies Tubbo had brought. The home would also have two or three guest rooms, in case any of their friends came to visit. (They really only ever expected Quackity, Fundy, and Puffy.)

If things went well, they would go back to being the teens they once were, which meant they would need some medical supplies if Tommy was any example. 

Each room would have large windows, why let all of this natural sun waste? Even with the large home, they would have a lot of room. Tommy spoke of wanting to teach the kids sword fighting for defense and sport did he not? They could make room for a sparring arena, a large garden could also be added. Hell, he could add a basement to the building so he could do some metal-working. 

Tubbo yawned, the time barely passing midnight when he finished. Ghostboo rushed him to bed next to Michael and spent the night floating towards each of the windows, on the lookout for mobs. Luckily none came, and when the sun rose the two boys awoke, leaving the children in bed for a bit. 

“Tommy, come check this out,” Tubbo whispered, beckoning the blonde over to see the building plan. “I made this last night, you think it’s good?”

Tommy skimmed the blueprint and nodded. “Looks great big man! How long do you think it’ll take to build?”

Tubbo shrugged. “If we start now, I’m sure we could do it in a few days. This small house can sit over here until it’s finished, that way the kids have somewhere to sleep at night. You ready?”

Tommy grinned. “Always, just let me grab something to eat.” Pulling out some bread, he shoved some in his mouth and some in his pocket, before nodding. 

And so, once again, the two boys started to build. It was hard work, especially under the hot sun, but they made due. The foundations were built first, mapping out the length and width of the floor, and rising a block or two above Ghostboo’s head. The first-floor foundation was finished, with each room mapped out and planned. Now all they needed to do was start building. Light logs, Tommy knew oak, were used as side structures, giving the home a nice look. 

The dark logs of the spruce were fashioned into planks and were placed accordingly. Soon the walls were finished, and Tommy laid out cobblestone as the ceiling and floor. Shroud and Michael rushed in between their feet, eager to see what they had made. The two played and laughed in the home, darting in and out of the new rooms until they became hungry. Now it was time to find a few animals. 

Tommy was appointed to do so, as he was the stealthiest out of the group. Hunting was something he had to do often not only in Pogtopia but in L’manburg’s early days as well. Soon he returned with a few cows and pigs, making a small fenced cage and breeding them enough so that he could butcher one. He also returned with a lot of seeds and rabbit, and they made a small stew that night. Tommy spoke of the snare traps he set, which meant they could likely trap small rabbits and such, to allow the cows and pigs to breed to larger numbers without ending in the group starving.

That night Tommy went to bed dreaming of nothing, his brain too tired to string together some nonsense dream, sensing he needed the rest. He slept long, going to bed as soon as the sun disappeared below the horizon in its multicolor warm glory, bringing with it the cold and starry skies the night is so commonly associated with.

He woke slowly, a grandeur he didn’t often get. Since the escape of Dream, he woke quickly at many sounds, as if anything and everything were out to get him. But instead, he woke to the soft snores of his family, and the chirping of birds

Pushing himself up, he rubbed slowly at his eyes. Today they were supposed to finish the second floor, and if they have time start on the third. Despite it all being hard work, Tommy felt alive. Not surviving, truly living. Even with just these few days he’d laughed and joked around with his friends more than he had in so long. He’d seen the children he loved dearly run and laugh together, the way they should. They shouldn’t live in fear, or have to hide without knowing why.

Swinging his feet over the bed, the cold cobblestone floor woke him up near immediately on his bare feet. He cursed and dug around in his clothes, pulling on a pair of mismatched socks. The warmth allowed him to walk across the small space, nodding at Ghostboo as he sat writing in his journal. Ghostboo didn’t need to sleep. So for now, he would stay awake until the house was built and determined safe. Then he would probably go back to sleeping with Tubbo, even if he didn’t actually need the rest. 

Mixing up some batter, Tommy heated the furnace, and dripped some of the batter into the pan, making a small uneven circle. As it sizzled in the pan, he pulled out some of the meat he caught in a snare the night before and fried it in another pan after slicing it into strips. Ghostboo finished his writing, placing the book down and flitting through the chest, pulling out various plates and utensils.

He placed them on their makeshift table and prepared them in their small order, and Tommy dished up the pancakes and slices onto the plates before stuffing a small pancake into his mouth and heading out into the rising morning sun. The birds sang all around him, giving their own little tunes just for them in that moment to hear. It was nice. A small robin flitted over to Tommy’s shoulder, and he looked at it in surprise before scratching under its chin. It lightly pecked his face before flying off into the trees again.

Tommy carefully stepped into the brush, careful not to trample the land any more than necessary, and followed his little trail to his snares. Nothing was there except for the bait he laid last night, which he left there for another potential animal. He walked through the trees instead, collecting non-poisonous berries and seeds for new plants in the garden he planned on making. He also grabbed a fair amount of flowers like peonies and alliums to replant back at the home. 

He made his way back and could hear the laughter of the two mob children as they ran around the cows and pigs, making faces. Tommy scooped up Shroud in his arms. “Now Shroud, don’t be mean to them, they’ve been nothing but nice to you.”

The small spider hybrid frowned, his red eyes focusing on Tommy. “Sorry Papa,” He turned to face the cows. “Sorry animals..,” Tommy smiled at him and ruffled his hair. 

“Alright, now it’s time for Papa and Uncle Tubbo to keep building. If we’re lucky we can finish the second floor up today and start on the top, so you get your own room soon!” Shroud squealed and hugged Tommy before squirming to get down, and as soon as he did, Michael and Shroud started pushing at his legs, Michael signing over and over to starting building.

Tommy laughed at the children, waving them off as he pulled his hair back into a ponytail. Nodding to Tubbo, they set work on the second level. Again the two laid foundations and plotted out the room sizes. Each block made them feel stronger, happier even. The two made jokes, they laughed at Ghostboo desperately following the children around to keep them from running into one another, and they relaxed in the glorious sun. 

Despite it being quite a cold month supposedly, the weather was warm. It further pushed Tommy’s belief that this was there for them, they earned it. They quickly finished up the second floor, with the sun at its highest in the sky. Quick work. Sliding down the side, the two rushed to meet the others and cook lunch. They had the leftover stew from the night before and went to splash their faces with water from the creek before starting on the third floor. By the time it was time to end the day, the third floor was nearly finished. All that would be left to do would be the attic and decor. 

Tommy slumped down in the grass and watched a small family of ants march past him into a small anthill. Tubbo flopped down on the other side of him and sighed. “This is hard work man, I’ll never rag on how long it took Foolish to build our mansion ever again.”

Tommy laughed, rolling over to sit up. “You aren’t wrong boss man. Now come on, I think we can finish up the third floor and then tomorrow do the roof and decorations.” He turned to look at Ghostboo. “Hey! You think you and the kids can go gather some wood for furniture? I saw a birch forest somewhere near here.”

Ghostboo saluted and grabbed the kids, floating off in the direction Tommy had mentioned a few days earlier. Without distraction, Tommy and Tubbo finished up the foundation and walling and made sure they had everything needed. Their sink and such connected to the small creek, and the walls kept in the warmth and cool. It was about this time that the group returned, with a few stacks of birch. 

That night, Tommy stayed awake carving each piece of wood into framing for furniture and keeping an eye on the sheep he found last night, making sure they weren’t eaten before he could breed them. He would get wool and cloth from them, so he could make pillows and blankets, and other soft materials. Hell, he would also make more clothing for him, Tubbo, and the two kids as they grew further. 

After all, he had made the uniforms in L’manburg and re-attached the sleeve of Wilbur’s trenchcoat in Exile. To be fair, the stitching looked horrendous, but he hadn’t had supplies, Dream kept taking them. By the time the sun rose, he had made a few frames for couches and beds, and some pillows and blankets. 

Upon realizing Tommy stayed up all night creating furniture and blankets, Tubbo forced him to sleep, or at the very least relax while he finished the roof. Tommy didn’t doubt that if Tubbo wanted to, he could’ve built the entire home by himself. He had always been stronger than Tommy, but Tommy had always had mental and emotional strength. 

During the wars, Tubbo helped train people, and most knew he was doing something beneficial. Tommy was as well, but it was less known because not many people even realized what he was doing. All his annoying spells, or just being in people’s faces and making jokes, wasn’t ever for him. Maybe a bit, but he did it mainly to keep people’s spirits up, or to be a distraction. Only Tubbo, Wilbur, and Fundy had ever noticed, not that he needed the attention. 

Nowadays his distractions weren’t needed, and they instead wrote him off as annoying, an attention seeker. 

Tommy missed L’manburg sometimes. Mainly the people, the country he loved dearly but he only loved it because the people he loved, loved it. Wilbur loved it, Fundy grew up there, Tubbo made himself gardens and caught bees, Jack and Niki loved it and made their home there. He gave up his discs and some of his canon lives for it, and many of the people he cared for still shunned him.

Perhaps he should resent them for that. Wilbur would’ve, he would’ve become a fiery core and either hurt them with words or do as he did before death. And after revival. But Tommy couldn’t. Those people were his family, they always would be and he would always protect them, even if they didn’t do it for him in return. The only one he could never love again was Dream, and even still, his emotions towards the man are complicated.

 Wilbur always told him he had a big heart, and during Pogtopia he told him it would be his downfall. He had never believed him, he thought people would be there for him in the end.

They weren’t. 

When he was screaming and begging for help in prison, no one came to him. He still didn’t hate them though, he just came to realize he couldn’t rely on them. Besides his few friends, most would rather die than actually be his friend, to reciprocate the love and care he gave to others no matter who they were or what they had done. Despite being a minor, he hadn’t been a kid in a long time. That’s why he would protect his kids, to give them what he couldn’t have, and what he regrettably couldn’t give Fundy.

He hoped Fundy would visit soon, he missed his nephew. 

Instead of staying inside, he laid out in the grass, watching snips of Tubbo build between his frequent short naps. The constant sun made him sleepy, but it never became overbearing. It was always perfect. They really chose the best place, hadn’t they?

Shroud ran around, brushing his black hair out of his charcoal-grey face, excitably rambling to Michael about all the bugs and flowers he had found. At one point, Tommy awoke to the kids sitting in the grass in front of him, winding flowers and their stems into crowns, Ghostboo beside them teaching how to do it. Tommy’s heart had warmed. He and Tubbo had taught Ranboo that, back when he was alive. 

Originally, Tubbo had learned how to do it back in the early days of the war and excitedly rushed over to Tommy who had been preparing weaponry and uniforms. Wilbur let Tommy go to relax, and the two messed around in the river near the border and made flower crowns. They weren’t good at it, but they were wearable. Those were the sweet memories.

Soon the roof was finished, and Tubbo collapsed on the ground next to him, breathing in the sweet smell of the flowers and grass blades. The children and Ghostboo followed, and they simply laid there for a bit, not caring at all about the passing sun, nor the animals flitting about in the background. It was peaceful.

It had to end though, as Tommy pushed himself up off the ground and moved to lug the beds and furniture from the temporary home into their new one. It looked a lot like a large cottage, with little windows with flowerbeds at the sills, and small shutters. As you looked up, the windows got larger, but they were still openable, and some often could let you sit on the roof below the window. Tubbo was testing the stability of the home, and once it was deemed safe for them all, Tommy picked up the beds and shoved them into his inventory, crafting two more and hiking up the stairs to place them in the rooms. 

One large one for Tubbo and Ranboo, one in Michael’s room, and the two in the spare. He climbed the steps, marveling at how empty the rooms were. One in Tommy’s room, and another in Shroud’s, and the final room getting another two beds, seeing as that was the other spare. If Fundy brought along his son, they’d need a bed for him, so Fundy would sleep on Tommy’s level of the house. Shroud’s room had the easiest access to the roof, so that way he could go up there whenever his instincts felt like it. 

Once the beds were all situated, Tommy gave Shroud his blankets and pillows and put him to bed, pressing a kiss to his forehead before leaving, seeing that Tubbo and Ghostboo were doing the same. Tubbo and Tommy spent that night working on furniture and necessities for the home, while Ghostboo gave their location to their friends back in the main SMP.

By the time Ghostboo returned, he had gifts of paintings and other not necessary things but things that made everything more comfortable. Pulling things out of his inventory, he pulled out numerous bookshelves with stories upon stories, as well as a few music discs and a jukebox. The trio set up the home, and by the time they woke the children, the home looked like a home should. The walls were filled with paintings and pictures of the family from the old home. 

There weren’t many of Tommy, but that was mainly because he didn’t take many photos of himself. Mainly there were photos of him and Tubbo back when they first joined, and there were a few of him with the kids. There was only one photo of him with Ranboo, back on their first day on the server. They were both smiling, Ranboo a bit hesitantly but smiling nonetheless.

The children ran around, exploring the house as it was, laughing and scaring one another. Tommy moved outside to start moving anything left in the shack home and then demolish it. He dragged a few furnaces into the kitchen of the home and set them up, placed cupboards and the table. Finally, once they had everything inside, Tommy moved to the space beside the home. He rummaged around in his inventory before pulling out a hoe and tilling the ground beneath them. 

He made a few rows in the dirt and gazed at the placement. They were far enough apart and wide enough. Making more until he had a 6x6 farm, he then dug around in his pocket. He pulled out a few wheat seeds and melon seeds, planting them accordingly. Michael and Shroud brought in a few carrots and potatoes for him to plant, and he smiled, ruffling their hair in thanks. The two children squealed and ran off. 

Ghostboo came by to help the blonde plant, and soon the entire farm was made and completed. In a few weeks, they would have a sustainable food system! Tommy moved back to do a routine snare check while Tubbo and Ghostboo tended to the children and fed the animals. As he walked, his mind was occupied with thoughts of the children. Seeing as they simply found them, they didn’t actually know when their birthday was, or how old they were.

The trio had decided to collectively say they were both four, and their birthday was sometime during March. Later they decided it would be the 15th. He would have to get them something for their birthday, but what? Shroud seemed pretty simple, he liked lambs so Tommy would probably just make him a lamb plush, but Michael was strange. He didn’t care what he got, as long as he got something if that made sense. The boy wasn’t picky. Maybe he would make the boys matching outfits or… 

Then it hit him. It was perfect, and March was only a bit away, so he’d have to be quick in making them. He’d have to ask Quackity to gather the materials he needed, and maybe Ghostboo could get them, or Tommy would make the trip. It could be fast, especially if he could find a horse.

That’s a new one on his list. He went over his mental to-do list in his head. Get a horse, make the boys’ gifts, make sure the garden is successful, keep the animals healthy, find some bees for Tubbo and something for Ranboo, etc. He’d get some help from Tubbo and Ranboo for most of those, but the gifts were things he had to do on his own, for obvious reasons. 

The snares didn’t have much, so he simply reset them for the night and made his silent trek back to the home. He could hear shrieks of laughter and the soft thumps of someone falling in the grass. He thought nothing of it until he heard a soft sniffle. He quickened his pace until he finally breached the clearing, where Shroud was sitting holding one of his wrists, mouth twisted up in a tight pout.

He could see tears about to spill over, and Tubbo and Ghostboo were there trying to console him, but as soon as the spider-hybrid locked eyes with Tommy he frowned and let out a soft sob. “Papa my wrist hurts…” He cried, reaching two of his hands out towards Tommy, the other two being the hands cradling each other. 

Tommy bolted towards him and lifted him into his arms, checking over his hand. Nothing was wrong, but it was slightly red, indicating he must have landed on it wrong. Tommy grinned, his smile momentarily stopping the sniffles coming from his kid. “Aw, it’s nothing, big man! Just a scrape, you’re alright!” He ruffled Shroud’s hair, and the child slowly grinned back at him. 

“Let’s get you inside, ice up that wrist.” He laughed and carried the child inside, Michael following close behind him and apologizing. Tommy laughed it off, assuring the small piglin that he had nothing to be sorry for. By the time Tommy had finished wrapping the wrist for stability and icing it, it was time for the boys to head to bed. Tommy ushered him inside his bed after brushing his teeth, giving him goodnight hugs and kisses before closing the door. 

He made his way to Michael's room before his parents came to wish him goodnight, and smiled at him. The child once again signed “I’m sorry,” but Tommy brushed it off, and gave him a hug before leaving, passing by Tubbo and Ghostboo before they gave him their goodnight wishes. 

Tommy went downstairs and lazed on the couch, smiling up at the ceiling. Prime he was tired. Soon he heard a set of footsteps travel down the stairs and Tommy sat up, smiling at the teens as they plopped down next to him, Ghostboo sinking slightly into the couch. 

Ghostboo cleared his throat. “I forgot to mention, but when I was giving Quackity and everyone else our location, Quackity said he’d be visiting sometime soon, hopefully within the next week if possible. He said he’d be bringing Fundy along with him, so we should expect company soon.” He smiled. “Quackity said he’d give us updates on how the SMP is doing and such, and Fundy has his kid Yogurt, so they could hang out with Micheal and Shroud.”

Grinning, Tommy sat up. “That’s perfect. I needed to see if Quackity had some supplies I need for the kids’ birthday. You guys know what you’re getting them?” The teens nodded and soon got up to prepare for the night. Tommy simply trudged up to his bed and flopped onto it, collapsing into its warmth. He nodded off quickly to his plans of grinding to get the supplies he needed.

It took a few days for the group to visit, and in that time Tommy had built a small flower garden which he spent a lot of time in. Ghostboo often helped him plant and tend to the flowers, which he found he quite enjoyed. They also built a small place behind the home for the children to play in, with various play structures and hideaways. 

Tommy had been tending to the plants when he heard a yell of his name, and he lifted his head. Walking through the trees was Quackity, his bright duck wings shining in the light and a big grin plastered on his face. Fundy followed close behind, and upon seeing Tommy he smiled and waved. Tommy noticed the small kit on his shoulders and waved to the group, dropping the tools he had and brushing off his pants. 

He jogged over to them and smiled. “Hey, guys! Long time no see!” He chirped, smiling at the young fox kit. He showed them in, casually chatting and showing them around. He was about to start the tour when he crouched down in front of the small kit. “You’re Yogurt right?” 

The fox-hybrid nodded, hiding slightly behind his dad. Tommy smiled at the shyness. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. Do you want to go meet our kids? I have mine and then Tubbo and Ghostboo have theirs.” 

Yogurt pondered this for a moment before nodding. Tommy led them around back, and Fundy set Yogurt down, encouraging him to go say hi. He soon did, and soon the three were playing like they were old friends. Tommy returned them to the front of the home. Quackity smiled at him. 

“I didn’t know you had a kid.” He stated.

Tommy shrugged. “I’m not sure many people know. I know Puffy does, and obviously, Tubbo and Ranboo do. Other than that I’m not sure.” He grinned. “It’s really nice to see you lot though!” You should visit often.” 

Fundy smiled at his uncle and nodded. “Of course, it’ll be nice to bring Yogurt too!”

As Tommy showed them around, he conversed with them like they were old friends, like they lived just down the road. After a bit, he fell on the couch and gestured for them to join him. “So…” he drawled, picking at a quilt on the couch. “How’s life in the main SMP?” 

The two tensed slightly but smiled lightly after a moment. Quackity took it upon himself to explain. “Well as you know, Dream is out of prison. He doesn’t know where you are luckily. He hasn’t come for any of us yet, I think he’s just been grinding. I heard that Phil and Techno took back the supplies they gave him.” 

Fundy continued. “Nothing much has been going on though. Most people have just been grinding as well, gathering supplies to keep safe from him. We’re doing fine though, Quackity already loaded up our defenses while building the country. Which reminds me…” The fox-hybrid dug around in his inventory before pulling out a dark-colored shulker box. He handed it to Tommy, who peeked inside.

On the inside lay a bunch of swords and axes, smaller ones made of wood, shields, and some sets of armor. Supplies for a nether portal sat inside, as well as a few potions and ingredients, and some rarer raw materials that Tommy likely could’ve gotten strip mining but this was a lot easier.

Looking back to his friends he smiled softly, eyes filled with gratitude. “Did you guys take this from the Las Nevadas stock?” When Quackity nodded, he grinned and shoved the box into his inventory, reaching over to grab them both in a large hug. 

They spoke for a while, laughing and joking. Many tidbits of what had been happening on the SMP had been tossed around, but nothing big. However, there was still a small itch that Tommy had to oblige to before he nearly lost it. 

“Q?” He asked, looking towards the scarred man. He turned his head inquisitively and nodded. 

“Does… does Wil know we’re gone yet? We’ve been gone nearly two weeks and while I love this, I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time, I still can’t feel like I’m betraying him.”

Q’s expression softened into a sympathetic look. “I get it, kid. Wilbur hasn’t been doing much, just hanging in his van and all… although he found out you left a few days ago, a day before we set out on visiting you.” He frowned, thinking to himself. “Although he found out through Ranboo’s disappearance, and then he found out you and Tubbo were gone as well.” 

Tommy nodded painfully and turned his gaze to them, to another one of his families, and pleaded with him using only a look. “Tell me what happened.”

Fundy smiled hesitantly. “Well, he came to me first. Instead of asking nicely about how I had been, he started cussing me out, demanding to know where we had supposedly ‘taken his worker.’” He rolled his eyes. “Honestly how did you put up with Dad during Pogtopia Tommy?”

Tommy frowned to himself. “He wasn’t always like this. You remember. He used to be soft and sweet, like Ghostbur but with more common sense. People used to say his voice mirrored his personality. That’s how he attracted a siren shapeshifter.” He made an opening gesture with his hands, making a pop sound. “Then boom, a few days after he went to go see her like the sap he was, he brings back a child!” 

Giggling, Tommy recounted what had happened.

Tommy had been fourteen and was relaxing (napping) in L’manburg’s flower fields when Wilbur had stumbled up to him, eyes wide. “Tommy… Tommy!” He shouted, getting the younger’s attention. Tommy had opened his eyes and focused on Wilbur. He had a bundle in his arms, and the bundle was… screaming? 

Wilbur’s eyes were filled with worry and panic as he showed Tommy what was inside. A small baby with orange tufts of hair and two fox ears poked out of the blanket, and the baby was screaming his head off, tears streaming down his face. Tommy had stood quickly, holding his hands out for the baby. Wilbur handed him over with no question, and whispered, “He won’t stop crying, I don’t know what to do… Tommy help.” 

Tommy hadn’t known why he had been given the kid, he hadn’t had experience with any before, but he simply held the child, and poked his finger near the baby’s belly. The fox-hybrid slowed his crying and stared up at him strangely. “Hi..” he whispered at the child. Tommy made a face, puffing out his cheeks and crossing his eyes. The baby stared open-mouthed before doing the same and giggling when he puffed out all his air. Tommy simply wiped the baby’s tears and handed him back to his older brother.

The man stared at him, then looked down at the baby with an expression so soft it could’ve been plush. Wilbur held out a finger to the baby and the baby reached out a hand, just barely grasping around the man’s finger and giggling. Wilbur’s eyes lit up and he started peppering the baby’s face with kisses and promises of safety. Tommy simply sat down in the grass and waited for an explanation, and boy did he get one. 

Apparently the shapeshifter Wil was dating gave birth, and the boy was a shapeshifter, although his form was that of a fox instead of the mer of his mother. Sally, the boy’s mother, left soon after. It wasn’t out of malice, she loved her baby boy and Wilbur, but she needed to be somewhere else. They never heard from her again. Tommy had laid down and finally spoke up. “What’s his name?”

Wilbur stared for a moment before stating, “Floris, or Fundy for short. Floris Soot.” Tommy smiled, giving a thumbs up. 

Shaking himself back to the present, he urged Fundy to go on, and instead, Quackity spoke up. “He barged into my office, Fundy and a few others were trying to stop him, but I let him come in. He raged at me, wanting to know where I had imprisoned Ranboo. I told him I did no such thing, and we argued for a bit. Finally, he left after figuring out that Tubbo was gone too, and that I didn’t just kidnap Ranboo… Oh hey Ghostboo!” Quackity looked at the doorway, where Ghostboo had just floated in. 

The ghost gave a small wave and smile before heading into the kitchen to make some food for the kids. He quickly had it done and went out with it, waving goodbye to them and calling back, “Tubbo and I are taking care of the kids, do whatever you guys need to!”

Tommy nodded and returned his attention to the group. “Hey, guys I have a question. And it can go for both of you.” They nodded, and Tommy continued. “The children’s birthday is coming up and I have an idea as to what to get them, but I don’t think I can get the supplies in time. I need these. Most important though, I need two mini lodestones that are lightweight and easy to carry around.”

He held up a list, and Quackity skimmed over it. “I can grab this stuff and bring it back a few days before the party, we can stay until the party and celebrate no problem!” Tommy nodded and turned to Fundy. 

“I need a few more things as well, lots of cloth in basically every color. I think Puffy has some if you could go get her? She is invited to the party as well, could you do that?” Fundy smiled and nodded. 

“When’s the party?” He asked, looking over the list Quackity had and mumbling how many of what they had. Tommy counted off on his fingers. 

“Today’s the first day of March correct? It’s in exactly two weeks.” Fundy nodded. 

“We can get that in time. I’ll come by next week to give you the fabric though, I have a feeling it’ll take a bit longer to use that.”

Tommy grinned. “Well boys, I think we have a top-notch plan!”

Quackity and Fundy spent the night in the spare rooms and soon left the next morning. Fundy promised he’d be back the next week and probably stay until the party, while Quackity said he’d come back a few days before the party. He would accompany Puffy and show her the way. Tommy had smiled and waved them off before starting on the plans for his gifts. 

Mapping their dimensions out, he planned and worked out exactly what he would need for each thing. In the week before Fundy and Yogurt’s re-arrival, he spent a lot of time with the kids and made sure they were all okay and perfect. Once the two came back after a week of laughter and work around the home, Tommy hid up in his room while the children played, often Fundy sitting beside him as they simply spoke.

It hadn’t been just him and Fundy in quite a while, after Pogtopia they hadn’t spoken much. They both had their regrets and grudges, and now they sat together. They left that behind, and while they had learned from those experiences, they still stuck together. After all, they were family, that’s what family does. 

At one point during the creation of the gifts, Tommy paused in his sewing. “Wait, so if I’m your uncle right?” 

Fundy smiled, tilting his head. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Yes? You are my uncle.” 

Tommy set down the project and placed his chin in his hands. “If you’re my nephew, then Shroud is your cousin correct?”

The hybrid seemed to catch onto what he was trying to say. “Yes, Shroud is my cousin through adoption, like how Yogurt is my son through adoption. What are you going on about?”

Tommy looked up, face twisted into one of concentration. “Hush, I’m in a position of authority here, I’m in charge.” He smiled lightly and returned his face to the concentration, showing he was doing a bit. “So if Shroud is your cousin, what the hell is Yogurt to Shroud?” 

Silence. Tommy looked up to his nephew and near burst into laughter. He was staring at his hands, with wide eyes. His ears twitched, and his tail was swishing from one direction to the other, he was clearly entertained. “Tommy…” He started. “What the fuck have you done, neither of us will be able to think straight for an hour!” 

The blonde burst into giggles, falling over upon himself and clutching his sides. Fundy himself laughed as well, covering his face with his hands. He managed to choke out, “Someone get Ghostboo- or Tubbo. Anyone to fucking answer the question-” This just caused them to burst into more laughter, eyes watering and mouths hurting from the smiles.

Shroud must’ve heard the noise as soon he climbed in through the windows and stared at his Dad and cousin losing their minds over a half-assed joke. Shroud simply furrowed his brow in confusion and backed out the window, shutting it and leaving them be. In a few days, Quackity and Puffy arrived, and then Tommy spent a lot of time in his room, crafting the materials together, and turning the mini lodestones into small necklaces. The magnetized crystal formed into a nice diamond shape, and he was able to line it with gold so that way the sides didn’t poke the children.

With that done, he could focus on the harder bit. He hadn’t known how these were created, so he spent a long while researching and asking Quackity for help. Finally, the night before the party, the presents were done and wrapped, the two necklaces in small matching boxes. He had inscribed the boys’ names on the sides, and placed it all in a larger box, shutting it tight.

Emerging from his room, he held out his arms for the small spider that came running up the stairs. The boy jumped into his arms and giggled before yawning. Letting his head flop down on Tommy’s shoulder, Shroud muttered, “Tired…” 

Tommy laughed and started to the child’s room, tucking him in bed. “Goodnight Shroud. Sleep well, tomorrow’s a big day.” The boy nodded, snuggling his face into the soft pillow and quickly dozing off. He quickly left the room, shutting the door soundlessly and making his way downstairs. Tubbo and Ghostboo sat on the couch with Fundy, Quackity, and Puffy, planning all of the party. 

Tommy flopped down next to Puffy and leaned into her shoulder. “Hey Puffy. Are Michelle and Yogurt asleep?” She nodded and grinned at him. 

“Quackity told me the things you needed, and I think I know what you’re making them. Sentimental huh?” Tommy’s cheeks flushed and he sat bolt upright. 

“No clue what you’re talking about. Feelings? Yeah sure okay no way.” He blurted. 

Tubbo snickered, as well as Ghostboo, and he shot them a glare, warning them. Ghostboo stopped, but Tubbo just laughed harder. “Yeah- Okay sure Tommy- we’re ignoring how much you fucking love Shroud-” He paused to try and control his giggles but just laughed harder. “And how much you love me and Boo- Mhm sure Tommy. Feelings bleaugh.” He cackled, holding his sides. 

Tommy turned beet red and stood, moving over to smack Tubbo upside the head. Tubbo went sprawling to the floor, still laughing. Although he did hold up a middle finger, which Tommy easily returned. The rest of the group was quietly laughing at the antics, although Puffy seemed more happy than entertained. 

They spoke for a bit longer, planning when they’d open presents and eat the cake, as well as things to entertain the children. After that, everyone decided to head to bed, although Tommy stayed, and soon moved to the porch outside. He sat on the small railing and looked up at the stars and the phantoms flying through the air. The cold air was crisp and felt good as Tommy simply breathed. 

The door creaked, and soon a pair of footsteps approached him. Looking over, he saw Puffy standing near the doorway. “Hey.” She said, and he waved. Sitting next to him, she looked up at the stars as well. “Are you excited for tomorrow? You seem happier than I’ve ever seen you.” 

Tommy smiled, a real genuine smile, and nodded. “Since we came here, I’ve just felt freer. No burdens of impressing people or keeping people happy, or even fighting off wars. My only concern here is protecting my family and making sure that my kid is safe and happy. It’s… calming. Like here nothing matters. I can forget what happened to me, I can forget what’s been going on in the world. It’s like an oasis, a safe space meant only for us.” His voice was raw and rung out so clear anyone would believe him, for it was true. 

“If someone shows up on my doorstep tomorrow, someone that I do not want to see, I believe I have the strength to send them away.  I’m healing here, in this place. I’m happy.” He said the last word with confidence.

Puffy smiled, her eyes watering slightly. “Since I’ve met you that’s all I’ve wanted. For you to be happy. I’m glad you’ve got that now.” She smiled and nudged his shoulder. “Come on Mr. Innit, you’ve got to get some rest if you’re gonna help us chase kids around all day.” He chuckled and moved up to his room, laying down in the bed and nodding off quickly. 

That next morning he awoke to shrieks of laughter and small pounding footsteps. He pulled himself up out of bed, walking over to his closet to throw a sweater on and change his clothes. He emerged from his room to find the children running from bedroom to bedroom, pounding on doors and squealing that it was time to get up. Peering out the window, he saw the sun had just risen. 

Tommy laughed and leaned on the doorframe, and Shroud skittered over to him. “Morning Papa! I was gonna wake you up!” Shaking his head, Tommy smiled.

“Morning Birthday Boy, and I think you lot have woken every living thing within the clearing cause of your antics. Why don’t you and Michael go wake up Uncle Tubs and Boo, and I’ll start on breakfast.” 

Shroud giggled and nodded, running down the stairs with Tommy following close behind. He watched as the two boys flung open the door and took a running start at the bed, landing on Tubbo. He let out a groan and rolled over, trapping the boys under his arms. Tommy went down the last flight of stairs, hearing the boys shriek and giggle, asking Ghostboo to help. Finally, he heard the bed creak and heard the heavy footsteps belonging to tired Tubbo.

Tommy shuffled into the kitchen and moved some stuff around, pulling out a pan and heating the stove. Mixing up pancake batter, he dropped it into the pan, letting it cook as he watched everyone trudge downstairs half-asleep. “Morning!” He called, turning back to the stove to flip and remove pancakes. Once they were all cooked, he dished them out and handed them to everyone to eat. Pulling out an apple, he watched as everyone ate their food and slowly woke up from their drowsiness.

Once they were awake, Tommy put their day plan into action. He put the kids outside to play in the backyard while he and the others prepared the home for the party, and pulled out the presents. He set everything up and made lunch, and by the time everything was finished it was lunchtime. That meant it was party time. The children all rushed back in, and Tommy handed them their food before sitting them all down. 

The children near inhaled the food and stared at Tommy. Not fucking intimidating at all. Moving to the table behind him, he pulled out the largest box and set it in front of Shroud and Michael. “Happy Birthday you two. That ones my present to you.” The boys giggled and tore it open, each holding the small box and one slightly larger. Tommy reached into the box and pulled out two outfits, handmade for the two. 

“Adventure outfits. You lot can be explorers or whatever you please.” Shroud and Michael’s eyes sparkled as they nodded, and they returned their attention to the boxes. He pointed to the small ones first. “Open those.” 

Shroud picked his up and peeked inside. His eyes widened and he opened it fully, pulling out the small necklace with the lodestone. Michael followed suit, holding up his own. The light bounced off it and he smiled.

Tommy grinned. “The other boxes now.”

Opening them up, Shroud lifted the small contraption out of his as Michael did the same. They were small compasses, and Michael turned it on the side and squinted. “ Your Shroud?” He signed, looking up inquisitively. Tommy moved to his side, latching the compass to his overall’s belt loop. Shroud noticed and quickly did the same. 

Tommy gestured for them to put the necklaces on, and once they did he smiled. “Those necklaces are connected to the other person’s compass. They will lead you to one another always, so if you get separated or if you’re far apart, you can find each other or take comfort in the fact that you will always know where the other is in this bitch of an earth.” 

Tommy thought fondly back to his only good memory from exile, and even then it was slightly bittersweet. Ghostbur had given him his own compass and said the same thing he did. To know where your best friend was in this bitch of an earth. It was the best comfort he had, even if it had been used against him. 

“Tubbo and I were given ours long ago by your uncle. But…” Tommy hesitated. “He’s not around anymore.” He didn’t want to let them meet the current version of Wilbur. He wanted them to meet the L’manburg him, or Ghost him. But never Revivebur. Never. 

He’d tell them about him later. Once they were old enough to handle it, which Prime Almighty Tommy was going to prolong as long as he could.

Tubbo looked at him, smiling softly. “Those are amazing gifts, Tommy.”

Tommy smiled back. 

They opened more gifts, Tubbo and Ghostboo had made the two boys a series of stuffies and dolls for them to play with, and the others gave them lots of clothes and toys that they could mess around with. As the kids were stuffing their faces with cake, Tommy heard something. Tubbo looked up, staring at Tommy with wide eyes.

The two stood, telling Ghostboo to stay there with Puffy and Quackity, and gestured for Fundy to follow them, for he heard it too. They gathered in the kitchen for a moment. 

Tubbo swallowed. “What was that? The noise.”

Fundy furrowed his brow. “It sounded like a knock, like on the door. But that’s stupid, everyone is inside! No one should be out there. Maybe it’s the wind knocking a branch into the door?”

Suddenly they heard it again, a sharp rap, too precise to be a branch. Tommy fiddled with his hands. “Maybe it’s a wandering merchant. I’ll answer the door, follow behind me but please keep out of sight.” The two nodded, and Tommy approached the door. His hand floated above the handle before he quickly swung it open, paling at who stood before it.

Wilbur stood in shock, hand poised to knock again, with his red eyes wide. The tuft of white hair fell in front of his face, and he stared at Tommy. When his voice finally came, it was confused. “Tommy? What are you doing here?” His eyes turned harsh, and his brows furrowed. “Are you working with Quackity?!” 

Tommy paused. “What?”

Wilbur grabbed Tommy’s shirt. “Quackity came here twice, I know he’s-!” Wilbur was cut off by Tommy wrenching Wilbur’s hands off him and pushing him back. Wilbur shut his mouth and stared in bewilderment. Tommy in turn folded his arms and glared at Wilbur. 

“Fuck off Wilbur. I’m not ‘working with Quackity’ and no he’s not fucking working for me. You’ve actually just intruded on my home, and if you don’t leave I will fucking make you.” He spat, looking at Wilbur with anger. 

Wilbur blanched, seemingly taken aback by Tommy’s hostility. “My baby brother doesn’t want me around?” He asked, pain dripping from his tone.

Cringing at the referral, Tommy sighed. “Wilbur, please leave. I don’t want you here, no one is supposed to know we’re here, so please don’t tell anyone and just… leave.” He paled at Wilbur’s hurt expression.

“You promised me you’d stay by my side forever, have my back. And now you’re letting Quackity of all people in your home?!”

A flurry of anger and hurt and pent-up rage swirled inside Tommy, and he took a step towards Wilbur. “I was by your side always! Through L’manburg, Pogtopia, hell I stayed with you even during Limbo!” He screamed, closing the door and whirling to face his brother. “I stayed with you, I gave you endless support and love because I believed that when I needed you, when I was hurting, you’d be by my side! ”

Wilbur tried to get a word in, but Tommy was now on a roll.

“But you never were there! The last time I saw you like yourself was in the early days of L’manburg! You were happy and caring and now you’re a fucking shell of who you used to be! You turned cold and unfeeling, and you abused me and manipulated me!” Tommy sobbed. Wilbur’s eyes swum with hurt and guilt.

“Tommy I-”

“And still, I stayed with you! I believed you’d change! I thought if I gave up everything I was to you I’d get some fucking support back! I gave up my lives, my discs, everything I loved and cherished, but I never did get any support from you! You just fucking died protecting your beliefs, never once thinking of me! I needed you, Wilbur! I needed my brother, I wanted my brother.” Tears streamed down his face, but he continued on. 

“In my exile, which you probably still don’t fucking know about, at least GHOSTBUR TRIED ! HE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON BUT HE COULD STILL SEE I WAS HURTING! And now you took him, my only confidant and semblance of comfort, and haven’t changed…” 

He wiped his eyes, staring his brother down. “You may be my brother by blood Wilbur, but you lost the title of older brother a long time ago. Now please, leave. I’m not letting this amazing day be ruined because you’re too selfish to see past your own wants and virtues.” He turned, and Fundy opened the door for him, purposefully avoiding eye contact with his dad until Tommy was inside.

Tubbo started to help Tommy clean up so Shroud and Michael didn’t see how upset he was, and Fundy turned to his father. “With all due respect, which is none, you need help. You can’t just fucking come back and act like you haven’t manipulated us all.” He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a small card.

“Talk to Puffy, and when you’re a better person, because I really hope you can do it, you can come back, at the very least to me.” He turned to close the door but hesitated. “We all love you, but you never loved us the same.” With that, the door clicked shut, and Wilbur was left on the porch, eyes filled with tears, and heart heavy with guilt and a swarm of other emotions. 

Fundy watched as his father stumbled away, and turned to find his uncle. Tommy was sitting in the kitchen, Tubbo wiping his eyes and dabbing cool water on his face, mainly near his eyes. Tommy was still breathing a bit uneven, and Fundy placed a hand on his back. “You good?”

Taking a deep breath, he evened out his breathing and nodded. “You know, I was just thinking about how I hoped someone didn’t show up last night.” Puffy poked her head in the kitchen, sensing they were gone for too long, and immediately rushed to Tommy. 

“Are you okay? Are you all okay? What happened?” She asked, rubbing her thumb over Tommy’s cheek. He laughed slightly and grabbed her wrists. 

“We’re okay Puffy, someone just showed up.” 

Worry flashed across her face. “It was someone from the SMP wasn’t it?” At Tommy’s nod, she turned to Tubbo. “Who was it?”

Tubbo sighed. “Wilbur. He followed Quackity here, and apparently thought Tommy was working with him.” 

Fundy fidgeted with his hands. “I gave him your card Puffy, that way maybe he can get help.” Tommy laughed, pushing himself up to his feet. 

“Help is an understatement, that man needs theropay.” He exaggerated each syllable and got a chuckle out of his friends. “Now c’mon, it’s time for the stories and then we can make dinner and relax. The kids should be pretty tuckered out by now.”

Luckily the kids didn’t notice how tired Tommy was at that point, and they went to bed shortly after Puffy read them the stories she brought while they ate dinner.

As Tommy tucked Shroud in, the child grabbed his hand. “G’night Papa… today was s’per fun…” He slurred, eyes drooping as he tried to stay awake long enough to talk. Tommy smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead. 

“Good night Shroud, sleep well. Happy fifth birthday.”

Tommy moved to say goodnight to the other birthday boy, who was still slightly awake, giggling at how Tommy stumbled as he walked in the door. 

“You’re clumsy.” He signed, laughing at Tommy’s mocking frown.

“I’ll have you know Michael that big men aren’t clumsy, and I am a big man.” He moved to ruffle the kid’s hair, and Michael laughed a bit more before yawning. “Did Bee and Boo already say goodnight?”

Michael nodded. “ I was waiting for you to come say goodnight.”

Sheepishly smiling, Tommy hugged the child and pressed a kiss to his head. “Goodnight Michael, sleep tight Mr. Birthday Boy.”

The boy grinned and signed, “Soon I’ll be a big man too.” before falling onto his pillow, snoring softly.

Tommy himself staggered up to his room and lay on the bed processing the day’s events. Michael and Shroud had a wonderful birthday, and Tommy got to tell Wilbur everything. He really hoped Wilbur didn’t fuck it up for them, him leaving them be was the biggest courtesy he could give them at this point. 

Wilbur looked so hurt, and the small part of Tommy that still believed that Wilbur was the big brother who could do no wrong spoke up. He’s a good person, he didn’t know he was hurting me.

The bigger side of Tommy retorted back with He didn’t know, which is the problem. He’s supposed to be there for us and he wasn’t ever. 

Silence from the other part of him confirmed he was right, and he rolled over in bed, squeezing his eyes shut to rid himself of the depressing thoughts. Today was still a good day, and tomorrow will be too. They were going to be so happy here, and no one would ruin that for them. He’d go against Dream again if he had to…

The next few weeks passed in a sort of a blur. Nothing major happened, just their calm living, and Tommy cherished it. He hadn’t lived peacefully like this in a long while, and he was enjoying every second of it. He often spent his time checking the snares and hanging out with the animals. 

If he wasn’t doing that, he was playing with the kids, messing around with his friends, or in the garden. He actually really liked the garden. It was quiet, and he spoke with the bugs while he tended to the plants. At one point, he was replanting a peony when a small brown spider climbed onto his hand. 

He smiled and pulled his hand closer to his face. “Hello, how are you?” 

The spider jumped around slightly, and Tommy took it as he was having a good day. Moving his hand up to his shoulder, he let the spider hop down. There they stayed, tending to flowers, and letting the spider chase away any unwanted insects. 

But of course, the universe apparently had some blood fucking grudge against him, because as soon as he felt completely relaxed and into what he was doing, he heard a rustle in the forest. Darting his head up, he scanned the area, tuning out the sound of the trickling water and the chirping of the birds, the sounds he had become so used to in the past months of living there.

Finally, another sound came, one that was similar to a snap of a twig. A deer wouldn’t make that sound, neither would any other normal animal. They were too adapted to their surroundings. That was human. A quiet curse came from the direction, only solidifying his suspicions. Someone was there, someone was trying to hide.

He squinted, and just barely made out the shadow of the person there… or rather, two people? Fuck. Come on there was no way. From the bare silhouettes he could make out, he saw two large folded figures protruding from one of the human’s backs. Since the other towered over the one with the folded silhouettes, there was only one duo it could possibly be.

Tommy groaned, pushing himself up onto his feet and dusting off his pants. Stretching out his arm, the brown spider clambered down his arm, latching onto his finger. Tommy smiled at his hand before switching his gaze to the forest. “I can see you. Get out of the forest for Prime’s sake you fucking idiots.” 

He heard an awkward stumble. Emerging from the forest were Philza Minecraft and Technoblade. They stood there, shifting on their feet and avoiding eye contact. After a bit of this Tommy groaned. “Well come on now, no use in keeping you outside. Follow me.”

 With a wave of his hand, he started towards the front of the house, opening the door and setting the spider in the potted plant Tubbo had set there for mainly the bees. 

He’d collect him later, but for now, he was to deal with the duo behind him. Turning in the doorway he smiled, albeit a bit tense. “Sit on the couch a moment, please. Don’t fucking touch anything.” 

With that, he made his way up the stairs and first entered Michael’s room, where he and Shroud were playing. Crouching down to meet their eyes he smiled. “Hey guys, we have some company downstairs, so don’t be scared when you see them okay?” The boys made little “o’s” with their mouths and nodded, continuing their game as if nothing happened.

That was simple enough, now for Ghostboo and Tubbo. Turning to their room, he felt a bit of dread. Tubbo had some unhappy history with Techno, and Ghostboo loved Tech and Phil, so he had a feeling they may not take the news the same way. Although… now that he thought about it Tubbo said Techno helped Michael away from Sam had he not? That was nice, maybe they were on good terms now. Eret helped too, he should get their whereabouts to them as well. 

He stood before their door and hesitated before rapping softly on the wood. A call came from inside and Tommy opened the door, awkwardly standing in the doorway. Ghostboo and Tubbo sat on the bed, leafing through a few books. Ghostboo smiled at him. “Hey Tommy, what’s up?”

Sighing, Tommy sat himself down on the bed. “We have… company.” Tubbo cocked his head at the hesitance in his voice. 

“What do you mean company? The only people who know we are out here aren’t even supposed to be here right now.” He paled. “Is it Wilbur again?” 

Tommy shook his head adamantly. “No no, if it was I would’ve slammed the door in his bitchy face. It’s Techno and Phil. I just wanted to let you know.” 

Ghostboo perked up. “Techno and Phil? They’re here?” He paused. “How did they find us?” 

Pushing himself up and brushing his pants free of resting dirt he shrugged. “Was just about to ask them that big man. If you’d like you can join, but with the history some of you guys have I just wanted to tell you first so you weren’t fucking shocked.” He smiled, although a bit forced, and Ghostboo stood.

“I can come, I think it would be nice.” He turned to his husband. “What about you Bee?” 

Tubbo sat looking at the small scars on his hands, explosion scars, before shrugging. “Techno’s not the best but he’s far from the worst. And Phil’s Phil. I’ll come too.”

Tommy internally melted from relief. Techno likely would want to speak to him much, and he sure as hell didn’t want to talk to them alone. As they moved down the stairs, he found the duo awkwardly sitting on the couch, trying to keep themselves as small as possible to keep from touching things. Even Phil kept his wings up off the floor, which definitely wasn’t comfortable. 

Tommy flopped down next to Phil and grinned at him. “Let your wings down big man, the floor would be graced to carry the weight of the only man ever’s wings.” Phil startled but let them down, starting at just a touch before letting them droop completely down. There was an immediate change in his posture, and Tommy smiled. 

Techno still looked uncomfortable but seemed a bit more relaxed as Ghostboo chattered about what they had been up to recently. Techno seemed happy to see the ghost, albeit a bit sad. Tommy felt the same, but he couldn’t change what happened. Tubbo sat himself down next to Tommy and fidgeted with his sleeve collar. 

Tommy smiled. “So, how did you guys find us? Because we sure as hell didn’t tell you where we were.” 

Techno snorted. “That was very subtle.” He drawled, adjusting his cape. 

Flipping him off, Tommy looked to Phil. Noticing this, the hybrid straightened. “Oh! Well, we were just passing through the forest and we found you guys. We were just looking around for resources and such.” 

Tommy shrugged. “Always on the grind, I guess. Now for something important.” He turned to face them, his eyes burning with fierceness. “If you tell a single soul where we are, if you say even one word to try and sabotage our home here, I will personally find you, hunt you down, and make you regret it.” 

Even Techno, who prided himself on his ability to not be shaken, shivered slightly. The look Tommy had in his eyes told him without this place, he had nothing to lose. People with nothing to lose were even more dangerous than those with the world at their fingertips because when you have nothing to lose, you have nothing to fear. Those people would instead jump into whatever it was, with no regard for their survival.

“Do you understand me? Tubbo and I will personally hunt you down. That’s a promise. ”

Phil waved his hands. “No worries mate!” He said, a hint of nervousness in his tone. “Trust me no one will know.” 

Tubbo smiled, something that looked sweet, but if you looked a bit deeper, you could see the threat behind it. “Good.” He relaxed, seemingly okay with them being in the home. “So how’s the SMP been? We’ve been told Dream’s escape has made people on edge, afraid. Have people noticed we are gone yet?” 

Nodding slowly, Techno popped his knuckles. “A few noticed, and then it spread like wildfire. People have noticed you’re missing for the past few weeks. This is a nice house for that amount of time.”

Ghostboo laughed. “A few weeks? We’ve been here for roughly the past three months.”

Phil and Techno’s eyes widened. “Three months?”

Tommy shrugged. “I guess they took it as we were quieting down, although I’m surprised it took this long for people to realize. Anyone been searching?” 

“Yeah, Quackity and Puffy set forth people to look for you,” Phil mumbled, furrowing his brow. “It’s surprising they haven’t found you yet, if they’ve been looking for this long. You aren’t even that far from the SMP, if someone knew where you were it would be a very short journey by horse.” 

A loud laugh came from Tommy, and soon Tubbo and Ghostboo followed suit. “That-” Tommy started before stopping again. “The reason we haven’t been found is that they aren’t really looking-”

The boys laughed a bit longer before calming, wheezing breaths interrupting their normal ones. The two anarchists looked incredibly confused. “No, they are looking. I’ve seen them out and about searching.” Techno cocked his head, turning over the information in his head before his eyes lit up with understanding. “They know where you are.”

“Bingo! Right on the dot! Give the man his prize!” Tubbo droned, picking at his fingernails with an amused smile. “They’ve known since we left,” Tommy whispered something in Tubbo’s ear and he nodded. “When you leave, can you give Eret our coordinates please?” He chirped, leaning back into Tommy’s side.

Phil nodded, opening his small travel book and noting the coords as Tommy listed them off, and then closed it again. “You… you guys left because of Dream correct?” 

Tommy scrunched up his nose. “Not just him, but he was a major factor, yes.” 

“So then, what were the other reasons?” 

Ghostboo tapped on Tommy’s shoulder. Tommy looked at him and saw the way he was looked at before nodding. Ghostboo then floated to the middle of the room. “Our reasons for leaving were these: Dream escaping was dangerous, we are all extremely traumatized, and not many people enjoy Tommy’s presence.” 

He moved to float above the couch, as Phil paused. “What do you mean people don’t like Tommy being around?” 

Tommy snorted and raised a hand. He counted off on his fingers. “Jack, Niki, Wilbur, Dream, probably you guys, Skeppy, probably Bad, Sam, George doesn’t really like anyone, Purpled and I could continue. None of them particularly like me, because I’m loud and annoying and the perfect person to place all the blame on.”

He paused and then added. “Jack and Niki even tried to blow me up once. Didn’t work, but they had it all planned out. So suffice to say I don’t think people like me.”

Phil’s feathers ruffled up. “They tried to kill you?” He asked with worry and poorly disguised anger. 

Looking over to him with a dead look, Tommy raised his eyebrows. “You blew up my home and felt no remorse in not saving Friend, and you also broke out the one person who has mentally, physically, and verbally abused me. You betrayed me, destroy everything I’ve ever loved. You’re not much better.” 

Techno huffed. “Okay, so if that’s all things we did, then why, pray tell, Eret is allowed to see you?” 

Tubbo groaned. “Because they learned from their mistakes, and since then haven’t made a point to try and murder us and destroy everything we love? Since then, Eret has apologized to us and proved he was sorry, not only that he helped return my child, which if I’m honest is the only reason I haven’t kicked you out yet. Thank you for helping save my kid, but don’t push your luck.” 

Nodding, Techno looked away. Tommy stood and brushed himself off. “Alright boys, and the only man ever, I think it’s time for you to leave. Door’s that way, and the main SMP is over there.” He pointed in a certain direction before walking to the potted plant by the door and reaching a finger out, and he smiled as the spider crawled up his hand. 

“Shroud, Micheal! If you want to help out in the garden it’s now or never!” Loud footsteps rumbled down the stairs and the two boys burst into the living room, bouncing on their heels. Tommy snorted and opened the door as the boys rushed out, running towards the flower and vegetable garden. 

Luckily, the two men left quickly and without a word, and Tommy was left to himself and his family again. Many of their friends visited in the next few months, and Tommy enjoyed life. He felt happy, he started becoming more healthy and grew into his height, and everything was fine. 

It was nice, peaceful, and calm. They deserved this. His mental health had skyrocketed, and he was happier than ever before. 

And again the universe made it known that the world was out to get him. One night, a crisp autumn night, he was sleeping soundly when he heard a sound from outside. It wasn’t the normal snap of a twig an animal would make… that was human. Bolting up from his bed he threw on his shoes and tugged on his jacket. 

He raced down the stairs, careful to skip any loud ones. He ran into the husbands’ room and looked to Ghostboo, who was staring out the window. He turned to Tommy and paused. “I heard it too. Send a message to Quackity, I already sent one to Puffy.” Tommy nodded, opening his comm and opening a group. Inserting Eret and Quackity in the group, he looked outside to see the figure. 

Paling at who it was, he sent off a message as fast as he could. 

Tommyinnit Messaged Quackity and Eret: Help, he’s at the house. We are preparing defenses but we need you. Please.

Shaking Tubbo awake, Tommy sent Ghostboo to collect the children and get them out of the direct line of sight. Ghostboo nodded and whisked away, saying he was going to go take them to the attic. Tommy sorted through his inventory, grabbing his axe and shield, as well as potions. Tubbo was confused but dressed himself as well, and grabbed his armor and shouldered it on, Tommy soon doing the same. 

The blonde marched downstairs and hesitated before throwing open the door. He made his way to the side of the house and stopped dead in his tracks, hesitating to move forward at the sight. 

Dream stood, decked out in enchanted netherite, shield up and axe in hand as he stared at the house, looking right at the window which would’ve housed both of the children that night if they were not in the attic.

The man turned, showing the expressionless mask that used to haunt Tommy’s nightmares, and a series of bad memories flashed through his mind before he shook his head and bit his tongue. 

“How surprising. You went and disappeared, and built a home. I thought you had nothing left since, after all, I’m your only friend.” Dream said cooly, voice lilting out. 

Tommy blinked, muscle memory shifting into gear, he started to lower his weapons before Tubbo laid his hand on his shoulder and squeezed, bringing him back to the present.

“Tommy has more friends than you do Dream. And we would all fight the world for him.” Tubbo spat, staring Dream down.

The mask tilted, and Dream tsked. “You didn’t fight for him in exile.”

Tubbo sharply took in a breath. The comment clearly stung, Tubbo hated that he was manipulated into giving up his other half, but they had forgiven one another.

“You manipulated him into exiling me and you know it Dream. You never sent out my party invitations and told people that I didn’t want visitors. You purposefully made Ghostbur get lost in the forest. Don’t try and twist your words to fit my head.”

Dream stretched, popping his back. “Shame. It’ll be a lot harder to bend you to my will again. But I’ll do it. After all, I can always just kill off those you love, and bring them back whenever necessary. Because I’m playing with you. You’re just a toy.”

Tommy tensed and moved in front of Tubbo. “You wouldn’t dare Dream.”

The man laughed, the cold sound ricocheting off the trees. “Wouldn’t I? You can’t stop me!” He spread his arms out wide. “You’re alone, no one cares for you.”

Maybe those words would’ve broken him down, maybe those words would’ve turned his surrender all those months ago. But this was now, and he hadn’t been healing for no reason. His mouth twisted into a scowl and he spat out a long string of curses at Dream, trying to stall him. They just needed to stall, just until there were more people here. 

Quackity and Fundy could come, Puffy too. Eret… he wasn’t sure how much Eret could help, but maybe he could go and help Ghostboo with the children. Tommy gazed about their home and tried to stall for anything. He taunted Dream, not enough to prompt him to attack but enough to keep his interest off the house, away from the attic.

It wouldn’t last long though, Dream was already seeing through his plan and starting to look more at the house than him. “Wonder what’s in here, what you’re trying to protect.” He murmured. 

Tommy and Tubbo’s blood turned to ice and they froze momentarily before scowling. “Why do you do this? We left the damn Prime-forsaken SMP! We left, we’re out of your hair, no one even knows we are here!” Tommy yelled, grip tightening around the hilt of his axe.

“We left, no more reason for you to come for us! L’manburg’s gone, Pogtopia is gone, everything we’ve built is gone! Why bother keeping after us? What else do we have to do to get you to leave us alone?!” Tubbo’s voice broke at the mentions of their old home, and Tommy slid his hand into his best friend’s, squeezing lightly.

Dream shook his head. “That’s the issue. Tommy left. Tommy, you’re the reason people have attachments, I’ve said this before.”

Tommy slowly nodded his head. He remembered.

He remembered the pain of getting thrown around in the fight and the realization that the discs he won weren’t his. He remembered the feeling of panic and dread as Tubbo was threatened before his very eyes. He remembered the feeling of dread as they trudged behind Dream as he led them to his little bunker.

There they had sat, in the obsidian room, facing his two most prized possessions with their own stands, which somehow just felt wrong. He remembered the overwhelming feeling of being alone, despite his best friend being there next to him. The mention that Dream wanted to keep everyone’s possessions to have control, and listing off people’s attachments. 

Tommy remembered the shock of seeing Henry sitting in an enclosed space, looking incredibly sad. Tommy had reached out, but Dream had then done something that to this day still filled Tommy’s gut with lead.

He said was going to kill Tubbo. He remembered looking at his friend, tears welling in his eyes as he begged him, tried to convince him they could do this. But Tubbo had simply shaken his head and said his goodbyes. The tears had spilled over then, Tommy feeling so so alone. 

Tubbo said he was himself without his best friend, but at that moment Tommy knew. Without his best friend, he was nothing. Without the one who stood by his side, he had no fight. At that time, he still believed Tubbo would be the only one to stick by his side. Without Tubbo, it would be like exile, but with no way out. 

Tommy shook himself out of the memory. That was then, this was now. And now, he wouldn’t let himself be played like that. 

“Hate to break it to you Dream, but they’re not going to just stop being attached to things since I left. Sure, I was the reason they started to, but I can tell you they’re probably celebrating my disappearance. No one fucking likes me.” Tommy looked to his hands. 

“I tried lifting them up but it didn’t work. So why bother right? If they’re going to hate me, may as well just leave.” He clenched his hands and stared Dream down. “Please. Just go away. This doesn’t need to be harder than it should.”

“Pity. It won’t work, your words.” Dream ran a finger along his axe, feeling the sharpness. “Who would come to you now? If people do truly stand by you as Tubbo said earlier, who would come to help you?” 

“I would.” Came a voice from the forest. Tommy turned, and his eyes lit up with relief. Quackity and Fundy came in through the forest on horses, decked out in gear that made the two teens’ eyes widen. 

“Big Q, Fundy, thank Prime!” Tommy cheered. 

“Not just them.” Puffy came into the clearing and smiled, followed soon by Eret. Tommy smiled, his friends were here. But then something unexpected happened. Foolish came behind Puffy, towering over her, but not looking to her. Instead, he glared at Dream, ears pinning back slightly. 

“Dream.” He spat.

“Foolish! It’s nice to see you.” Dream chirped, leaning on his axe. 

“Foolish? What’re you doing here?” Tubbo cocked his head. “We didn’t tell Foolish we were here did we?” 

Tommy shook his head. “We did not big man.” Puffy shrugged sheepishly. 

“I thought you may want him here. Demigod and all.” Puffy smiled apologetically. “Sorry.”

Tommy shrugged. “I don’t have an issue with Foolish.”

Quackity coughed. “I brought a few people as well, sorry.”  

With wide eyes, the two boys watched as Sapnap, Karl, George, and a multitude of other people emerged from the forest. Tommy laughed incredulously, squeezing his arm nervously. “Why are you all here, you don’t even like us?”

Sapnap frowned. “Now where did you get that idea?”

Tommy’s face fell into one of bored amusement. “Maybe the fact that you’ve all probably tried to kill me? Or that you guys can’t stand me?” 

The dark-haired man shook his head. “We’ve uh, kind of realized how much you did for us after you left.” He pulled up his axe. “It’s time to repay you.”

Tommy cocked his head as he and Tubbo backed away from Dream, who was preparing to fight. Most everyone surrounded him to fight him, while Tommy and Tubbo backed up to Eret. 

It really reminded him of that moment all that time ago. When they were so lost and down, willing to die, and feeling the shock of Punz stepping through the portal.

“Punz?” Dream had stuttered, mask tilted enough to show one of his bright green eyes. It was wide with shock as he stared at the man balancing an axe on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Dream. You should’ve paid me more.” He stated, moving aside as the large glowing portal glimmered, figures stepping out. All of their friends, ones they wished goodbye and others that hadn’t been there standing, decked out in full armor and weapons, glaring heavily at the masked man.

“You came!” Tommy cried, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Dream tense, shifting to move towards the unarmed duo. Panicked, Tommy latched onto Tubbo’s arm and pulled him. “Tubbo behind! Behind!” 

Storming in front of them, Sapnap held out his axe and glared at Dream. His eyes burned with the ferocity he was so well-known for, and his mouth was twisted into a snarl. “Step away from them Dream.”

Tommy had never felt as much joy as he did that day, taking Dream’s lives and giving him a taste of his own medicine. 

Shaking back to the present, he turned to Eret, who had his axe out just in case Dream decided to approach and was looking up at the attic tensely.

“Big man, Eret, buddy, what does he mean?” Tommy asked as they watched the fighting go down. Fundy ran into the house and brought the children to them. The crowned man had visibly relaxed at the sight of the two children, albeit frightened as they ran towards the small group.

“I’ll keep them with Yogurt for tonight. Good luck.” He chimed and the two boys waved him off. 

Eret smiled, now getting to answer the question. “Well, back from what I remember in L’manburg, you always helped us feel better.” Tubbo nodded at that. 

“Yeah, every time we were low in spirit, you did something dumb to make us laugh. I always noticed.” He stated.

“Adding onto that, through every conflict we’ve gone through, and even after, you always thought of others. Sure you two threw a get-rich-quick scheme in here and there, but you always checked on others and helped them out. Even when they did things that didn’t deserve your kindness.” Eret smiled. 

“After you left people were left to go through their memories of you, and they all finally realized this. How much you’ve all done for us, even when we didn’t deserve it.” Eret squeezed their shoulders. “You’re good people.”

Turning their attention back to the group of people, they watched as Dream turned wildly, axe held out in a defensive stance. He tried to swipe out at someone, and when he moved someone reached out and swiped their sword where his arm moved, leaving a large bloody gash.

 The man audibly swore and pulled himself back, chugging a regen potion as his eyes darted wildly around, trying to find one way out.

He turned to move, and someone shot an arrow at him. He cursed again and collapsed, clutching his leg where it got inserted. He tried to pull out a potion but that too was shot out of his hands and he glared up at the group. “Fuck you guys.” He spat, wrenching the arrow out of his leg, ignoring the way the blood slowly seeped out of the hole in his pants, flowing sluggishly.

Pushing himself to his feet, he glared and growled, “I’m not fucking done, I will win!” The group laughed and pushed further towards him, closing in. 

After a bit of fighting, Dream was caught, and his armor was taken along with his weapons and potions. Sapnap led him away with a large amount of the people that came, but as he passed he gave them a wink. “He’ll go back in prison, don’t stress.” 

Tubbo wrung his hands. “How are we sure he won’t get out again?” 

Bad stalked up behind them. “We’re adding more guards, that way Sam can take breaks and people can also keep an eye on him.” 

Quackity moved up next to the boys and squeezed their shoulders. “And no more visitation except for guards. Sorry boys, but it’s the easiest way. The only one allowed to visit will be Puffy. Mom privileges y’know.”

Tommy smiled. “Hell, good enough for me.” He paused, furrowing his brow. “Do we need to come back to the SMP now that everyone knows we are here?”

George approached, which in itself was a surprise, and shook his head. “You left because you thought we would be better off. Many people thought we were, but things were depressing y’know? Some people even thought Dream had killed you, myself and Sapnap included. I practically had to keep him from storming around the SMP to find him.”

“But since you’re happy here, you can stay. We wouldn’t force you to come back. We just ask that you maybe visit every once in a while.”

Finally making his appearance, Ghostboo floated up. “Sure. We have kids that need to hang out with friends after all. We’ll visit more often, and if you’d like to come you can as well.”

The man nodded, pushing his goggles up onto his face and turning away, following Sapnap through the woods. The remaining people followed, and a few hours later Fundy returned with the children. All of them were extremely tired, so they ended up falling asleep on the couch, tucked into each other’s warmth as they napped. 

After that life was good. They often visited the main SMP, but still kept living in their home. The children grew, and friendships strengthened. Tommy became happier and healthier, and so did his friends. Life was good, and it was going to stay that way. 

One night, late as the moon rose up into the sky, Tommy climbed up the steps to the attic, followed closely by Tubbo and Ghostboo. Quietly enough to not wake the children, they stepped onto the roof and relished in the cold air in their hair and on their faces. 

Pulling out a jukebox, Tubbo set it next to where they sat. Holding a hand out to Tommy he smiled. “Cat or Mellohi?”

For the first time, Tommy pulled out the memory box and uncovered the discs he had hidden there so long ago, pulling out one. The moonlight shone off the disc as he handed it to Tubbo and simply stated. “Cat.” 

Tubbo complied, sliding the disc inside and waiting. Slowly but surely, the soft few notes tinked out, soon each one hitting its distinctive note as usual. Tommy leaned back into the shingles of the roof, gazing up at the stars. Humming each note as it played he smiled. 

This finally, finally felt right.

This was home.