Archive of Our Own

Wilbur woke with a jerk, his eyes shooting open to face the window. The view outside wasn’t as frantic as he felt. Light was softly streaming in, making patterns on the opposite walls. Wilbur could hear the birds outside, much cheerier than he felt. 

Sighing, Wilbur got out of bed to get dressed and start his day. He dressed in his yellow sweater and black slacks, and pulled on the maroon beanie Fundy was fond of stealing. Speaking of, his boy was probably up and about now, and Wilbur needed to get him before he got into too much trouble. 

Leaving his room, Wilbur walked across the hall to check Fundy’s room. His room was messy, toys and clothes and books on the floor and an unmade bed. But there was a distinct lack of fox boy in there, so Wilbur closed the door and left it for later. After all, out of sight, out of mind. 

Fundy was on the couch, paging through a book halfheartedly while waiting for his dad. When he saw him, Fundy shot up and ran over, hugging Wilbur tightly. 

“Hey, buddy,” Wilbur laughed, holding the boy close. “You okay?”

Fundy looked up at him, eyes bright and tail wagging excitedly. “You said Grandpa and them’re coming today!” 

“I did,” Wilbur said, remembering. Phil, Techno and Tommy were going to visit for a few days, and it had been all Fundy could talk about. Which made sense, the eight-year-old didn’t have much in the way of outside contact. While he did go to the village and such, he didn’t have as many friends as Wilbur did at that age. Fundy said it was fine, but Wilbur couldn’t help but think it was his fault. 

“So?” Fundy said, pulling Wilbur out of his thoughts. “When’re they coming?” 

“Soon, little champion,” Wilbur replied, bopping Fundy on the nose and laughing when he scrunched his face. “We gotta eat breakfast first. And you need to clean your room.” 

Wilbur made a quick breakfast, mostly reheating the bacon they had yesterday. Pointing the spatula at Fundy, he said, “Don’t tell your Uncle Techno what you had for breakfast. I don’t want him to come after me.” 

Fundy laughed and it was the best sound Wilbur’s ever heard. “Okay, Dad!”

Breakfast passed easily, the two content to enjoy each other’s company in silence. After breakfast, Wilbur cleaned up the table while Fundy went to get dressed and clean his room. 

The two met up again in the living room, Fundy vibrating out of excitement and Wilbur sitting in the armchair watching him fondly. It had been a while since the boy had seen his family, so Wilbur could understand his excitement. They all talked through the communicators, but nothing beat seeing the real people behind the screens. 

A ping came from Wilbur’s com on the side table. Picking it up, Wilbur opened the chat to see it was from Phil, reading a simple almost there m8 . Wilbur read it out to Fundy who cheered. Fundy ran to the door and opened it, leaning against the screen door. His tail was wagging excitedly and his ears were flicking to every noise outside. Wilbur went up behind him to place his hands on his shoulders. 

“Calm down, Funds. You’re gonna wear a hole in the floor.” Fundy looked up to Wilbur sheepishly and Wilbur wrapped his arms around him to show he wasn’t actually mad. The two stood there for a bit, looking out the screen door. Fundy was fixated on the path coming out of the woods, for that was where Wilbur’s family would be entering out of. 

A flash of pink in the trees and Fundy had shot out of the door, screaming, “They’re here!” Wilbur sighed but walked out after him. Sure enough, Phil, Techno and Tommy walked out of the trees then, all looking very tired. Even Tommy, though he perked up when he saw Fundy. 

Dropping his bags, Tommy started running at Fundy. The two collided—Wilbur and Phil flinched—and Tommy picked up Fundy to spin him around. “Fundy!” Tommy yelled. “How’s my favorite nephew?” 

“I’m your only nephew!” Fundy screamed back. They always did this, but it never failed to worry Wilbur. 

Wilbur jogged over to Techno and Phil, who didn’t lose their minds. He hugged Techno first, laughing when he was called a nerd. Then he turned to Phil, who hugged him tightly and wrapped his wings around him. 

“Hey Dad,” Wilbur whispered, shoving his face in the crook of Phil’s neck. “It’s good to see you.” 

“Hi Wil. I missed you a lot. You have no idea how crazy Tommy’s been since he found out we were visiting.” 

Wilbur laughed. “Oh, I know. I thought Fundy would ruin the house.” Wilbur pulled back to let Fundy hug Phil. Tommy ran up and jumped into Wilbur’s arms. 

“Wilbur! Big man! You have no idea how boring it was with just Phil n’ Techno.” 

“Aww, Tommy ,” Wilbur cooed. “Did you miss big brother Wilby?” 

“What?” Tommy screeched, “No! I’m the Biggest Man, I don’t miss anyone, ever!” Fundy popped up at Wilbur’s elbow and stared at Tommy. “Except for Fundy, he’s a gem and I’m glad he’s here.” 

After greetings were said, Wilbur helped bring their bags into the house. “Okay,” he said once they were all inside and standing in the entryway. It was kinda crowded, due to Phil’s wings and Techno’s...everything. Fundy was still glued to Tommy’s side. “Right, you guys know the deal. One extra bedroom, so we’re gonna double up. Techno, you’ll be with me and Phil and Tommy can share?”

Techno nodded and picked up his bags to go to Wilbur’s room but was stopped by Tommy. “Why do I gotta share with Phil?” He whined. “I’m always with Phil, I wanna be with Wilbur or Techno or Fundy.” He fixed Wilbur with a pleading face that Wilbur almost gave into, but was stopped by Phil. 

“If you’re with the twins or Fundy, no one’ll get any sleep. Besides, what’s wrong with me?” Phil raised an eyebrow at Tommy, who shrugged. 

“It’s okay Uncle Tommy,” Fundy piped in. “At least you get to share a room with someone.” 

Fundy turned to stare at Wilbur with his ears to the side, a tell that he was sad. Seriously. Wilbur was already having a hard time telling Tommy no, but with his little boy sad—even as a way to get Tommy in there with him—Wilbur was cracking. 

“Fine. One night. You can have one night together,” Wilbur decided. “Okay, go on and get settled. We can’t all stand in the entryway forever.” 

Tommy and Fundy cheered and ran off down the hall. “Sometimes I wonder who the eight year old is,” Wilbur sighed, watching them run away. 

“You and I both, mate,” Phil said, clapping Wilbur on the shoulder. “Seriously, it’s good to see you.” 

Wilbur nodded and Phil disappeared to put his bags down, leaving Wilbur and Techno alone in the entryway. Techno looked dead on his feet. Well, he often looked too tired, but this seemed worse than normal. Or not. Wilbur hadn’t been home in a while. 

“You okay?” Wilbur asked, taking Techno’s bags and setting them down. Techno nodded and hugged Wilbur again. 

“‘M tired. And I missed you,” Techno muttered. Wilbur smiled, though Techno couldn’t see it. 

“I missed you too. Been a long time since we’ve seen each other.” It was true. Techno had passed through for a day about half a year ago when he was going to a tournament a few towns away. Techno nodded against Wilbur’s neck. “Okay,” Wilbur said, patting him on the back, “Let’s get you settled in.” 

The two walked down to Wilbur’s room, passing Phil who was unpacking his things and Tommy and Fundy, who were playing and managed to get Fundy’s room all messy already. Great. Good job, Tommy, such a good role model. 

Wilbur pushed open his door and allowed Techno to enter. “I’ll be around if you need anything,” Wilbur said, waving a hand in the vague direction of the living room. Techno nodded and Wilbur left his twin to meander back down the hall. Tommy and Fundy were gone from his room, but Wilbur could hear them in the living room. 

Phil was still in the guest bedroom unpacking, but he stopped when he saw Wilbur. “Come here,” Phil beckoned. “I wanna talk with you.” 

Wilbur perched on the edge of the bed. “Am I in trouble? I feel like I’m in trouble.” 

Phil laughed and sat beside him. “No, mate, you’re not in trouble. I just wanted to check in. See how you’re holding up. Away from Fundy and them.” 

Leaning into Phil, Wilbur said, “I mean, it’s...hard, some days. Especially without Sally. But Fundy’s always been an angel. He understands.” 

Phil wrapped an arm around him. “I know. But you’re doing so, so well. I know Fundy loves having you as a dad. And if you ever need anything, you can call one of us and we’ll come. You know that right?”

“Thanks Dad,” Wilbur whispered, closing his eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” 

Phil was about to say something, but Fundy ran in then, tail wagging hard. “Dad! Uncle Tommy said he’s hungry and that I should ask you for food ‘cause you’d say no if he asked you!” Wilbur laughed and pulled back from Phil. 

“Well, Tommy was right. Why don’t you go see if Techno is hungry?” Fundy nodded and ran out of the room. Slapping his hands on his legs, Wilbur sighed. “Alright, I need to make something before Tommy tears the house down. Seriously, though,” Wilbur added on, “Thank you Dad.” 

Phil nodded. “Anytime, Wil.”

Out in the living room, Tommy was sitting on the floor, making fun of Techno, who had Fundy on his lap. Wilbur went over and nudged Tommy with his foot. “If you’re hungry, Toms, come help me fix food.” 

Tommy groaned but got up. “I will be right back, big dubs, don’t you worry.” Then, as an afterthought, “Oh, Techno, you’re here too.” 

Techno glared at Tommy. “One of these days, Theseus, one of these days.”

“Come on, get up. Up!” Wilbur dragged Tommy to the kitchen and handed him some carrots to peel. The two made lunch in comfortable silence, save for when Tommy turned on the sink and sprayed Wilbur. 

Lunch passed with minimal issues, the bulk of the conversation being the trip over. Because they weren’t travelling with Fundy, the three were able to go through Phil’s Nether portal, travel through the Nether for the bulk of the journey, and come out a few miles from Wilbur’s place at the village portal. Still, the trip took a few hours. 

Fundy was obsessed with the Nether, probably a bi-product of never being allowed there. Every time it was brought up, he would plead with Wilbur to be allowed to travel through the Nether, saying that it would be faster to get to Phil and them. Wilbur would agree, but say that Fundy was still too young to be in the Nether, even with Wilbur there. 

Today, when Fundy looked at Wilbur and opened his mouth to ask, yet again, if he could go to the Nether, Wilbur beat him to it. Pointing at Fundy, Wilbur said, “At at. You know what my stance is on this.” 

Fundy sank back into his chair sadly. Tommy stared at him a minute, then spoke up. “Ya know, Wilbur, I think if Fundy wants to go to the Nether he should be allowed to, hmm?” He cocked his head to the side and opened his eyes really wide, as if that would help convince Wilbur to let his little boy into the Nether . 

Phil shook his head. “I’m with Wilbur on this one, mate. You remember I didn’t allow you into the Nether until you were older?”

“You’re just saying that ‘cause you’re old,” Tommy proclaimed. “Oldza.” Fundy snickered behind his hand. 

“Watch yourself,” Phil said, pointing a fork at Tommy. “I brought you into this world—”

“And I can take you out of it,” Techno, Tommy and Wilbur said in the same monotone voice. Phil stared at them disappointingly and Fundy burst out laughing. 

Lunch ended and Techno retreated to the bedroom to take a nap. Phil and Wilbur argued about who would do dishes, and Wilbur almost won, but Phil pushed him down on the couch with Tommy and Fundy and told him that Phil would do the dishes because “I’m your dad, mate, I wanna do the dishes for you.” 

So Wilbur was put with Tommy and Fundy. He totally didn’t feel like he was at the kids table again, of course not, what are you talking about Tommy? Okay, maybe he was a little put out. But the alternative was dishes, and dishes were the bane of his existence. So the trade off wasn’t that bad. 

“Dad!” Fundy said, pulling Wilbur out of his thoughts. He was standing in front of Wilbur, bouncing slightly. “Can you go get your guitar for us?” Tommy perked up and crawled over to Fundy to kneel beside him. They were about the same height, which was a bit demeaning for Fundy and outright terrifying for Wilbur. 

“I’ll get my guitar, but we need to go outside so we don’t bother Techno.” Fundy nodded, pleased with this answer. Tommy sprung up and ran towards the back door, sliding around the corner and prompting Phil to remind him not to run in the house. 

Wilbur snuck into his room to grab his guitar. There really wasn’t a risk of Techno waking up, once the man was out, he was out. But, Wilbur knew his twin would tiptoe around if he were sleeping, so Wilbur would do the same. Moving quickly around the bed, Wilbur grabbed his guitar and a pick, cursing slightly as he dropped it on the floor. Thankfully, Wilbur’s vulgarity was covered by Techno’s snores, meaning Techno didn’t wake up and Fundy—if he were listening—wouldn’t pick up on Wilbur’s language. 

Leaving the room, Wilbur breathed a sigh of relief at not waking Techno and moved through his house to the back door. Fundy and Tommy were chasing each other across the expansive yard, and Phil was sitting on the porch watching them. Wilbur pushed the door open with his shoulder and left the house. 

“Ay!” Tommy screamed once he saw Wilbur. “It’s the Music Man!” 

“You’re darn right I am!” Wilbur yelled back. He sat down on the porch steps and tuned his guitar. Fundy and Tommy ran over and sat in front of him. Wilbur was thrown back to when he was younger and would play guitar every night after dinner. Tommy, from the time he was old enough to realize what was happening, would always dance around the room with Techno. 

Wilbur shook himself to get back into the present and kept tuning his guitar. When he was done, Fundy started clapping, even though Wilbur hadn’t played anything. Wilbur just laughed and let him pick the first song. 

After about an hour, Techno appeared in the doorway. He was obviously still tired, hair mussed, but he managed to get to the porch swing where Phil was sitting. Wilbur smiled at him and turned back to the yard. Tommy and Fundy had quickly grown tired of sitting there, and were dancing around the yard. Most of the time, they were just flailing around, but Tommy had pulled Fundy in and they were ‘ballroom dancing’. Maybe it could be considered ballroom dancing if you squinted, turned your head to the right, and if ballroom dancing was two people twirling around in a circle repeatedly. 

“Alright,” Wilbur said after a few more songs. “That’s enough. I don’t want you two getting dizzy and sick.” Fundy nodded and ran back to the porch, stumbling slightly. He grabbed the porch railing and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. “You okay, Funds?” Wilbur asked. 

“Yep!” Fundy said, nodding. “Just...dizzy.” Tommy appeared behind him and grabbed his shoulders, making Fundy jump slightly. He led the younger boy up the stairs and sat him down next to Techno. 

“Oh, hey Techno,” Tommy said. “Didn’t know you woke up.” 

Techno shrugged. “Well, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see my favorite nephew, could I?” Fundy nodded seriously at Tommy, who wasn’t having it. 

“But Fundy’s my favorite nephew!”

“Oh, right. Sorry, I meant my favorite family member.” 

This set off both Wilbur and Tommy, and they pulled Techno up and into the yard to jump on him. Much to his credit, Techno woke up quickly and was able to hold his ground. Fundy slid over to Phil and leaned into his side, watching his dad and uncles make a fool of themselves. Phil wrapped an arm around him and chuckled as Techno stood up and threw Tommy off him. 

“Were they always like that?” Fundy asked, still staring at them. 

Phil sighed. “Would you believe me if I told you this is tame for them?” Wilbur jumped on Techno’s back, prompting Tommy to jump on Wilbur’s and making them all fall in a pile of limbs. 

The rest of the afternoon passed peacefully. The boys quickly got tired of their spat and dispersed to do their own things. Techno went back to nap again, Tommy stole Fundy away to explore the property—even though they both knew every inch of Wilbur’s land—and Phil and Wilbur did some chores around the house. 

Afternoon turned to evening, the sky moving from bright blue to pale gold and dusky blue. Everyone congregated in the kitchen to help make dinner. It was a joyful affair, everyone on top of each other in Wilbur’s tiny kitchen. They ate on paper plates in the garden, talking and laughing. Fundy migrated over to Techno’s lap after he had finished, and now he was lying half awake, with his head on Techno’s shoulder. Wilbur kept an eye on him, for if Fundy was still awake, Wilbur wouldn’t send him to bed. Fundy managed to stay awake for about another half hour, then gave up, snuggling closer to Techno and closing his eyes. Techno adjusted so Fundy was curled up more on his lap. 

Wilbur watched them fondly, then whispered, “I think it’s getting to be that time. I can take Fundy in?” He reached out for his boy, but Techno shook his head. 

“I’ve got him.”

“Technosoft,” Tommy said. 

Wilbur giggled. “I raise you: Softnoblade.” Tommy nodded sagely.

“Don’t make fun of your brother,” Phil said lightly, standing and stretching his wings out. They slowly made their way into the house. Techno turned sideways to get through the door so he wouldn’t hit Fundy’s head on the frame, but Wilbur still stuck his hands out and followed Techno so closely, Techno thought he’d trip. 

Wilbur followed Techno to Fundy’s room, watching closely as Fundy was placed on the bed. His boy whimpered at the lack of contact and Wilbur swooped in to coddle him. Techno watched him with a raised eyebrow. 

“Don’t smother him,” Techno said. Wilbur pulled back and glared at Techno. 

“You’re acting like you don’t do the same thing,” Wilbur hissed, brushing Fundy’s hair back. Techno shrugged and looked like he was going to say something, but Phil walked in and interrupted him. 

“You boys should go to bed. You’ve had a big day and you need your sleep.”

Wilbur laughed softly. “You’re dadding so hard right now. I’m an adult, Phil.” Techno pointed at Wilbur and nodded. 

Phil smiled at Wilbur and pulled him close. “You’re still my little boy.” 

“Dad,” Wilbur drawled, going limp in his hold. “I’m not a baby.” Phil tried to shush him, but Wilbur was accidentally a bit too loud. Fundy woke up with a soft grunt, stretching out and squinting at his family members.

“Wha’s—wha’s happenin’?” Fundy mumbled, arching his back then curling into a ball. His tail thumped slightly on the bed. 

“Your dad is bein’ loud and woke you up,” Techno said, pushing himself off the wall and making his way to Fundy. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll sort him out.” Fundy giggled sleepily. 

Pulling himself out of Phil’s hold, Wilbur knelt by Fundy’s bed and bopped him on the nose. “Go on back to sleep, little champion. I love you.” 

Fundy smiled at Wilbur, grabbing his finger softly. “I love you too, Dad.” Wilbur’s heart melted at the sight. How was he so lucky to have such a wonderful boy? Wilbur didn’t deserve him. He stood and mouthed ‘goodnight’ at his boy then left Phil and Techno to say their good nights. 

Wilbur stopped in the guest room to say goodnight to Tommy, but he was already asleep on the bed, snoring loudly. Tommy was on top of the covers, not even in his pajamas and with his shoes still on. Wilbur sighed but pulled off his shoes and brushed his hair out of his eyes. “Goodnight Tommy,” Wilbur whispered, then slunked out of the room. 

He met Phil in the hallway, then hugged him tightly and wished him a goodnight. Techno was in the room when Wilbur arrived, in the middle of getting settled. Wilbur crawled in the bed beside him and curled up into a tiny ball, staring at him. Techno sighed but stuck out an arm. Grinning, Wilbur wiggled over to curl into Techno’s side. Ever since the two were young children, when they were in the same bed, Wilbur would be all over Techno. 

(Techno used to complain, until Wilbur heard his complaints and distanced himself from Techno. He lasted all of three days until Techno begged him to talk to him again.) 

The two quickly fell into a deep sleep along with the other members of the house. 

The next morning dawned calmly, the light waking Wilbur up and making him squint. At some point in the night, Wilbur had migrated almost on top of Techno, who had thrown an arm across Wilbur’s back. Yawning, Wilbur slowly pushed himself up and off Techno. 

Wilbur quickly got dressed, then made his way to Fundy’s room to check on him. The boy was still sleeping, tail wrapped around his arm and soft squeaks slipping out of his mouth. He was dreaming, tapping his feet softly on the bed. Wilbur smiled at him and left him to rest. 

Tommy was the only one up besides Wilbur. This would’ve been fine if he had just announced his presence like a normal person, but instead, he decided to stand just inside the kitchen doorway, meaning when Wilbur turned the corner, Tommy was right there , staring at him. Wilbur jerked back and gasped. 

“Tommy,” Wilbur hissed. “What’re you doing?”

“I was scaring you, Wilbur,” Tommy responded, smiling smugly. “Ha ha. I got you because I’m the biggest man.” 

Wilbur hit Tommy softly on the back of the head when he passed him to get to the sink. “You brat.” 

Tommy stuck his tongue out at Wilbur, which would’ve been more effective had Wilbur not been facing the other direction. Sighing, Tommy went over to Wilbur to help make breakfast. Throughout the next hour, the other members of the family appeared in the kitchen. First Phil, then Fundy, followed by Techno. 

Breakfast was quiet, everyone still trying to wake up fully. Fundy was half asleep, pushing his pancakes around halfheartedly. Wilbur, who was sitting beside him, pet the hair at the nape of his neck. 

“You tired bubby?” Wilbur asked. Fundy nodded. “Will you need to take a nap later?” Fundy made a face at Wilbur, who took it as a no. Tommy laughed. “Don’t laugh or else I’ll make you take a nap too.” Tommy immediately shut up. 

“Quit talkin’ about naps,” Techno grunted. “I’m tired and a nap sounds good.” 

“But you just woke up, Uncle Techno,” Fundy said, cocking his head to the side. 

“Yeah and you’re gonna make me fall asleep kid.” 

Fundy scrunched his nose at being called ‘kid’, but dropped the topic. After breakfast, he and Tommy cleaned up, then went outside to explore the forest more. Technically, Fundy wasn’t supposed to go into the forest without telling/bringing Wilbur, but Tommy was considered an adult, right? 

When asked, Tommy just asked. “Yeah, big man. I’m an adult. You can go tell people about your cool adult Uncle Tommy, who is most definitely an adult.” 

Fundy squinted his eyes at Tommy. “How old are you?” He asked. 

Tommy hemmed and hawed for a few minutes, mumbling the start of multiple sentences before trailing off. “Old enough to be your uncle,” He finally decided, not looking at Fundy. 

“Uncle Tommy,” Fundy said, running ahead so Tommy had to look at him and fixed him with a stare that he had picked up from Wilbur. 

“Uh, I’m seventeen,” Tommy muttered. Fundy nodded and fell back into step beside him. 

“So you’re not an adult,” Fundy stated, peering at Tommy out of the corner of his eye. Tommy deflated. 

“Well, maybe I’m not an adult, but I’m still fun! I can be the Cool Uncle, I’m much cooler than Technoblade, he’s all like ‘mehmehmehmeh I’m Technoblade, the ‘uman GPS’.” Tommy pitched his voice lower and waved his hands around. Fundy giggled. 

“Uncle Techno lets me ride on Carl when I go to your house,” Fundy said, smiling at Tommy sweetly, like he didn’t know what chaos he had unleashed. Tommy started screaming about how ‘Techno was the favorite one and Tommy would let Fundy ride his horse if he had one’ and on and on. 

Fundy nodded every so often to give the appearance of listening, but mostly tuned him out. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t heard before. After Tommy wore himself out with complaining, the two fell back into companionable silence. There was a lake by Wilbur’s house. Fundy had learned how to swim there, under the bright summer sun. Fundy didn’t particularly like learning how to swim, but did it anyway. 

Tommy and Fundy stopped at the edge of the lake and sat. Tommy found a rock and chucked it into the lake, nodding at the big splash it gave. The two sat there, throwing rocks into the lake, until Wilbur ran up. Seeing Fundy, he breathed a sigh of relief and slid to his knees beside the boy. 

“Fundy,” he breathed, “Why didn’t you tell me you were going?” 

“Uncle Tommy said he was an adult so it was fine,” Fundy shrugged. Wilbur glared at Tommy. 

“What?” Tommy sputtered. “I could’ve taken care of him if something were to happen. We’re in bright daylight, Wil, it’s fine.” Wilbur shook his head but didn’t say anything more on the topic, instead, slotting himself in between Tommy and Fundy and pulling them close. Fundy appreciated this, Tommy did not. “Wilbur! Why’re you bothering us during uncle-nephew bonding time?”

“Am I not allowed to spend time with my boys?” Wilbur asked, pouting at Tommy. “I missed you.” 

“Ah, that’s the sappiest thing I’ve heard all year! You’ve gone soft, Wilbur. Fatherhood’s messed you up, man.” Wilbur looked incredulously at him. 

“How could you say that when the light of my life is right here?” Wilbur pulled Fundy closer. “I cannot believe you, Tommy Innit. I have half a mind to kick you out for your slander towards my boy.” There was a bright twinkle in Wilbur’s eyes, and he was trying to hold back a smile. 

“You are so weird,” Tommy stated, going cross eyed as Wilbur poked him on the nose. Fundy giggled. “Don’t enable your father, Fundy, I thought you were on my side!” 

Fundy shrugged. “You did spend a while telling me you were an adult. I think I’m on Dad’s side for this.” Wilbur smiled down at Fundy and scratched him behind the ears. 

Tommy groaned and threw himself back onto the sand, squinting up at the sun. “Philza Minecraft wouldn’t treat me like this.” 

Wilbur leaned back also, bringing Fundy down with him. “Yeah, well, Dad’s not here, is he?” Wilbur smiled evilly at Tommy, who leaned away. Moving Fundy off him so he wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire, Wilbur threw himself at Tommy, who screeched and tried to crawl away. Wilbur was too fast for him though, and threw himself on top of Tommy. 

“No! Wilbur, please, don’t do this!” 

“You have left me no choice, Tommy! You must pay for your crimes!” Wilbur yelled, then started shoveling sand into his mouth. “Mmm, tasty,” Wilbur taunted around the mouthful of sand he had.

“No!” Tommy thrashed. “Please, Wilbur, mercy!” 

Instead of answering, Wilbur grabbed another handful of sand and offered it to Tommy. Sand was not something that could be held in one’s hand very well, though. Grains were falling out of Wilbur’s hand in rivers, catching the light and making it dance onto Tommy’s shirt. 

“Fundy!” Tommy called, “Fundy, please, help me!” Slowly, as if checking for permission, Fundy lifted a handful of sand and put it into his mouth. It did not taste good, a bit crunchy, like the toast Wilbur burns, and super dry. Fundy made a face and spit it back out. 

“Ew, Dad, that’s super gross! Why do you-why do you eat that?" Fundy said, rubbing his hands over his tongue. Wilbur just laughed. 

“Am I going to have to teach both of you how to properly eat sand?” Wilbur questioned, throwing a hand out to grab Fundy, who did not have the foresight to move out of reach. Fundy screeched, then tried to escape, thrashing in Wilbur’s arms. 

“Please, Dad, don’t make me eat sand!” Fundy said, squinting at Wilbur, who just shook his head and laughed. 

“Who’s making you eat sand?” The three froze, Wilbur’s hands stilling on Fundy’s back. Fundy poked his head up and started wagging his tail. 

“Grandpa! Uncle Techno!” Fundy shot up, off Wilbur and towards Phil and Techno. Stopping in front of Phil, Fundy pouted, pointing his ears to the side. “Grandpa,” he drawled, “Dad’s trying to make me and Uncle Tommy eat sand!” 

Phil turned his gaze onto Wilbur, who sheepishly smiled at him. “What? It’s a good source of protein.”

“Don’t do that, Wil. That’s rude,” Phil said, moving to sit by Wilbur, who was still on top of Tommy. The younger boy had given up on trying to get out from under his older brother, and instead was just lying there sadly. “Get off your brother.” 

Wilbur crawled off Tommy and settled down beside him. Techno and Fundy settled down beside Phil. There was a slight breeze, making the lake ripple and trees sway. Phil wrapped a wing around Fundy and drew him close. The family sat there for a few minutes, enjoying the scenery and each other’s company. 

Fundy’s stomach rumbled and Techno chucked softly. “Are you hungry, kid?” Fundy nodded. “Let’s go back and get you fed then. Phil ‘n I made lunch.” 

Tommy sat up then, frantically, sand falling off his shirt. “Did you say ‘lunch’ Technoblade?” He asked, enunciating each syllable of his name. He looked crazy, sand in his hair and clothes, eyes wide. He started crawling towards Techno like a little gremlin, but Phil pushed him back gently. “I am starving, Big Man. You should feed me immediately.” 

Techno just stared at him. “You are not my nephew,” Techno stated. Wilbur snorted. Then, after a beat of silence, Techno groaned. “Fine. I will feed you also.”

The family made their way back through the trees and out into the clearing where Wilbur’s house was. Fundy and Tommy raced to the house, disappearing inside. Techno cursed under his breath and started jogging to the house, mumbling something under his breath about ‘not lettin’ the kids burn the house down’. 

Phil and Wilbur didn’t run to the house like lunatics, nor did they start worrying about how fireproof the house was. They just meandered towards the house, Phil wrapping a wing around Wilbur. 

When they got in the door, the house was in complete chaos. Tommy was screeching something while running around the house, Techno was chasing him and Fundy was laughing, somehow on top of the fridge. Wilbur gasped, sidestepped his brothers, and ran to the fridge, lifting Fundy off it. Fundy wrapped his legs around Wilbur’s waist and giggled when Tommy tripped over the coffee table. Wilbur cupped the back of Fundy’s head and glared at his brothers. 

“Who put my boy on the fridge?” He hissed, giving Techno and Tommy The Dad Glare that he had picked up from Phil. Tommy shifted under his gaze. 

“Uncle Tommy put me up there ‘cause I asked! Then Uncle Techno got mad and started chasing him!” Tommy groaned and fell back onto the couch dramatically. Instead of getting mad at Tommy, though, Wilbur turned his glare onto Fundy. 

“Now, why would you do that?” Wilbur said sternly. Well, tried to say sternly. When Wilbur started scolding Fundy, the boy pulled his ears back and opened his mouth slightly, a sign of submission. Wilbur knew he should tell Fundy off for being on the fridge, but his boy looked so pitiful that all Wilbur’s words died in his mouth. 

“Sorry Dad,” Fundy muttered. Wilbur hugged him tighter. 

“It’s okay, Funds,” Wilbur said. Patting him on the back, Wilbur added, “Now, let’s get some food in you.” 

Tommy gaped. “How come Fundy doesn’t get told off?” Wilbur turned so Tommy could see Fundy’s face, still in the submissive pose it was in earlier, though Fundy closed his mouth and let his ears spring back up after a minute. 

“That’s how.” 

Tommy shrugged and dropped the subject. Wilbur bounced Fundy once then set him down, asking him to set the table. Techno pulled Tommy up and recruited him to finish fixing lunch. Phil leaned on the door frame and just enjoyed the fact that his sons weren’t arguing with each other over every little thing. Truly, a miracle. Such a joyful day. 

Everyone managed to get around the table without killing each other, and started eating. It was quiet, the sound of forks clinking against the plates and the birds outside the only noises. Phil was the one who broke the silence. “What’s everyone doing after lunch?” 

Techno shrugged. “Figured I’d take Fundy out. See if he wants some fightin’ lessons?” Techno seemed like he didn’t care about Fundy’s answer, like he was just asking to be nice, but everyone could see his side-eye to Fundy, obviously wanting his nephew to accept. Thankfully, Fundy jumped at the chance, perking up and wagging his tail. 

Wilbur raised a hand. “Wait, I’m not so sure about this. Isn’t Fundy a bit young?” 

“It’s not like I’m gonna give him straight Netherite and beat him up, Wil,” Techno said dryly. “Fundy’ll be perfectly safe.” 

Wilbur thought about it for a moment. On one hand, Fundy was his little boy, his little champion. How could Wilbur let Fundy go out and fight in good conscience? On the other, he’d be with Technoblade , who promised that nothing would happen to him. And Technoblade doesn’t break his promises. 

“Fine,” Wilbur said, sitting back in his chair. “But you better keep Fundy safe.” 

Fundy cheered. Techno did not cheer, but a small smile graced his features, which was basically cheering for him. 

“I’ll go with them, mate,” Phil told Wilbur, who was watching Fundy like he immediately regretted giving his blessing. “Fundy’ll be okay.”

Wilbur half-leaned on Phil. “Well, like, I know, it’s just…” 

Phil nodded. “I know, Wil. I’m a father too. But I’ll be there and Techno’ll be there. Fundy will be completely safe.” 

“Okay. I’m trusting you here, Phil.” 

Phil nodded and pat Wilbur on the arm. It makes sense Wilbur is worried about Fundy. After all, the first time Wilbur and Techno had expressed interest in fighting, they were ten, two years older than Fundy, but Phil still didn’t want them to learn. It’s hard, having your kids learn how to fight. Not that the fighting itself was bad, but knowing that, one day, the kids might have to use their skills. 

After lunch, Wilbur and Tommy cleaned up, then went off to do their own thing. Phil, Techno and Fundy went out to the backyard and pulled armor and weapons out of the shed. Techno strapped Fundy into iron armor, but declined armor for himself. Phil sat down on the porch steps and watched as Fundy and Techno got into fighting position. 

Fundy was lower to the ground in his stance. When Techno called for them to start, Fundy rushed forward to Techno, ducking under his arm and popping back up at the back. He swung at Techno with the sword, then jumped back as Techno blocked it. Fundy was quick on his feet, but lacked proper training. He was more on the defensive side, only swinging at Techno when he could land a hit. Which wasn’t that often, but it was the thought that counted, right?

“Okay,” Techno said, after he had bested Fundy. “Let’s go through this. Your stance is a bit low, but that’s fine. You’re quick on your feet, but you don’t really know how to properly attack.” He was basically parroting Phil’s thoughts, though the man was none the wiser. 

On the other side of the house, Wilbur and Tommy were gallivanting around. They didn’t want to stray too far from the house, lest the unmentionable happened and Wilbur had to patch up Fundy. So, the two were out front, Tommy poking around in the front flower beds and Wilbur sitting on the steps, laughing at him. 

After a bit, Tommy got tired of messing in the dirt and went to sit by Wilbur, leaning on his arm. Wilbur wrapped an arm around Tommy. “You okay, Toms?” 

Tommy shrugged and closed his eyes, leaning more into Wilbur. He muttered something, but didn’t speak up. This worried Wilbur, for Tommy was almost never quiet. Wilbur brushed his hair out of his face with the other hand. “Can you speak up for me? I didn’t quite hear you.” 

“Do you still love me?” The question hung in the still air for a beat. Tommy started to turn away, apparently satisfied with Wilbur’s answer—or lack thereof. Wilbur grabbed his arm as Tommy half-stood, eyes pleading for his brother to sit back down. 

“Tommy, of course I still love you! What brought this on?” Tommy sunk back onto the step, very obviously not looking at Wilbur. He started picking at his nails, and Wilbur gently pulled his hands apart before he could ruin them. 

“You’re always...you’re not living at home anymore ‘cause you’re living here, which is fine! I know you’ve got a life here with Fundy. But, like...I don’t know. It’s really dumb, I know—”

Wilbur, who was getting increasingly more concerned as Tommy went on, cut him off there. “ Tommy, no, it’s not dumb. Your emotions are not dumb. I’m very sorry you feel that I don’t love you anymore. I still love you very much, Toms, you’re my favorite younger brother.” 

“I’m your only younger brother,” Tommy said, trying to be angry but hiding a smile in his arms. Wilbur wrapped an arm around him again and pulled him close. 

“That means you’re my favorite,” Wilbur stage-whispered into the top of Tommy’s head. Tommy giggled a bit. 

“Thanks, Wilby,” Tommy said. Then, as if he had noticed what he called Wilbur: “Wait—no, I didn't mean that, I meant Wilbur. Wilbur, that’s what I said.”

Wilbur barked out a laugh. “Aww, Tommy ,” He drawled in That Tone Of Voice. “It’s okay, bubs. You can call me Wilby. I don’t mind.” 

Tommy wrinkled his nose. “Okay,” He said, suddenly done with the moment, standing up and making Wilbur’s arm fall off him. “I’m done with the mushy moments. If you want to, you can keep sitting there and doing all your—all your brooding and what not. I don’t have the time for that, I’m a big man with big things to be doing.” 

“Like what?” Wilbur pushed himself off the stairs. “What big man things, pray tell, do you have to do?” 

Tommy groaned and pointed at Wilbur. “See, that’s what—that’s what I’m talking about! You’re all like, ‘Oh, I’m Wilbur, I know big words and I’m pre—pretentious and crap’. I can’t stand you, Wilbur Soot.” Tommy was waving his hands around during his rant, and Wilbur ducked as one came suspiciously close to his face. 

“What? That doesn’t even make sense!” Wilbur laughed. Tommy shrugged. 

“That’s just how it is, big man.”

Wilbur threw an arm around Tommy’s shoulders. “Where to?” Throwing his other arm out, Wilbur added, “Anywhere you want, Toms, within reason, of course.” 

Tommy raised an eyebrow at Wilbur, who sighed sheepishly. “Okay, fine,” Wilbur allowed. “Maybe, maybe , I’m a bit pretentious. But am I, like, super pretentious?” 

Tommy thought about it for a minute and Wilbur’s heart dropped. Then, thankfully, he shook his head. “I mean, you’re not as pretentious as Techno, so we’re good. Seriously, have you heard the man?”

Wilbur fixed Tommy with a stare. “He’s my twin. Of course I’ve heard him. Lived with him for 17 years.” Tommy shrugged. 

“If anything, he’s gotten worse since you’ve gone. Like he has to make up for the fact that he’s the only one left to bother me.” 

“Tommy, be nice,” Wilbur said softly. “For real, where do you wanna go?” Tommy shrugged. 

“Don’t really care, big man.” Then, in a mutter like he hoped Wilbur wouldn’t hear, “Just as long as you’re with me.” Wilbur didn’t respond to save Tommy’s dignity, but removed his arm from around Tommy’s shoulder to link it through his arm. Tommy made a face at him, but allowed Wilbur to pull him along. 

“Follow the Yellow Brick Road!” Wilbur said, referencing a book Phil used to read to them. 

“Don’t see no Brick Road, Big Man,” Tommy said, staring at the ground like that would make a road appear in front of him. Alas, Tommy’s glare didn’t make a road magically create itself, and the two continued walking on the grass. 

“So, Tommy,” Wilbur said as they walked into the forest. He was still keeping an eye on the house, in case he was needed, but he figured they could go a bit inside the forest. Tommy cocked his head at Wilbur, and he continued, “How’s Tubbo and them?” 

Tommy went off on a tangent about Tubbo and his family, but it basically boiled down to the fact that they were fine, and Tommy and Tubbo were still causing a lot of chaos. Wilbur missed them all, especially Niki, but they still passed letters back and forth. In fact, Wilbur had seen Niki and Eret pass through a few weeks ago, on their way to one of Eret’s engagements. 

Once Tommy finished telling how he and Tubbo put a bee colony in Tubbo’s desk at school—something Wilbur was sure Phil and Eret didn’t know about, but Wilbur wasn’t going to snitch—the two fell back into a comfortable silence. Tommy kicked a rock down the dirt path, sighing dejectedly when he missed it and had to leave it behind. 

Wilbur pulled Tommy off the path and down a hill. There was a large rock in the middle of the forest, and once Tommy figured out where they were going, he unhooked his arm from Wilbur and ran there, climbing up onto it. Wilbur jogged over there and climbed up too, lightly pushing Tommy off the highest peak. Tommy crawled back up there, face determined. Wilbur had a split second to regret his life choices before Tommy was in his face, yelling a battle cry and pushing him off. Thankfully, Wilbur didn’t fall far, just kind of...slid off the back onto the next level. 

Tommy’s face appeared over the edge, slightly concerned. Seeing that Wilbur was laughing, Tommy broke out into a smile, reaching a hand down to help him up. Wilbur took it and was pulled up to the top again. They settled down, Wilbur half-laying down, Tommy slotted by his side. 

“Okay?” Wilbur asked, craning his neck in a weird position to see Tommy, who nodded. “Alright, lemme know if you’re uncomfortable.” Tommy nodded again and Wilbur leaned his head back. The two sat there in silence, the wind whistling through the trees and birds singing enough noise for them. 

After a while, Tommy was done with lying there. He had started fidgeting, then sat up. “Okay, big man, this has been nice and all but I have things to do.” 

Wilbur sat up too and pushed himself off the rock, reaching a hand out to Tommy, who took it and jumped down. The two started walking back to the path. “Oh yeah?” Wilbur challenged. “What things do you have to do?” 

“Big man things! You wouldn’t understand.” 

Wilbur gasped, putting a hand on his heart and pretending to be put out. Tommy beamed at him, and Wilbur felt a smile pull up the corners of his lips, much to his chagrin. Wilbur started running at Tommy, who screeched and ran away. Laughing, Wilbur chased after him. The two ran out into the clearing where Wilbur’s house was situated. Wilbur caught up to Tommy and tried to grab the younger boy, but Tommy tripped over a rock and accidentally kicked Wilbur, causing them to fall down in a heap of limbs. Wilbur grabbed Tommy around the waist and twisted so he took the brunt of the fall. 

Tommy groaned. “Tommy, are you okay?” Tommy nodded and thankfully got off Wilbur, who slowly stood and dusted himself off. 

“Wilbur?” Tommy asked, hands fluttering around Wilbur’s torso. “Wil, are you fine?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just...just a bit shaken.” Wilbur smiled at Tommy. “Don’t worry.” 

Apparently satisfied, Tommy dropped his hands and the concerned look on his face. Then, like he had just realized what happened, Tommy said, “You idiot. I would’ve been fine. Why’d you do that?”

Wilbur shook his head. “It’s fine, Toms. I’d rather get hurt than have you fall first.” Tommy muttered ‘ idiot ’ under his breath once more but dropped the subject. Wilbur threw an arm around Tommy in thanks and the two went to the backyard, where Fundy, Phil and Techno still were. 

Fundy was running towards Techno, their swords clashing. Fundy had gotten better, he was now able to hold his own against Techno for more than a few seconds. His stance was also better. Wilbur sat down next to Phil and winced as Fundy and Techno’s swords clashed. 

“How’re they doing?” Wilbur asked, watching Fundy closely. Phil smiled and leaned back, his hat tipping precariously. 

“Fundy’s taking to this like a fish to water. I’m proud of him.” 

“Has he gotten hurt?”

“No, mate. Techno isn’t going easy on him, but he isn’t letting Fundy get hurt either. He’s in good hands, Wil.” 

Fundy fell back on the ground, Techno’s sword pointed at his chest. Wilbur’s breath caught in his throat, half standing, but Phil pulled him back, shushing him gently when Wilbur tried to protest. Out in the yard, Fundy groaned, tipping his head back into the dirt. Techno moved the tip of his sword off his nephew’s chest and stuck a hand down to help him up. 

“Dad!” Fundy said, on his feet again. “Did you see that?” He bounced in place like he wanted to run over to Wilbur, but didn’t move, instead looked to Techno, who nodded and took the sword from him. 

“Good job. I think that’s enough for today though. Take off your armor and put it away.”

Fundy nodded and quickly put away the armor, then ran over to Wilbur. “Dad, did you see that?” Fundy asked again, hugging Wilbur. 

“Yeah, I did, bubs. You did really well! I’m proud of you.” Fundy smiled up at Wilbur. “Go on and take a shower for me, okay? Thank you.” Fundy nodded and ran off into the house. Techno put the swords away and sat down next to Wilbur, groaning and stretching out his legs. 

“Kid’s good,” Techno said. Wilbur found himself beaming with pride. That’s my son! He wanted to yell. Wilbur was so proud of his boy, and hearing Techno’s compliment—even just those two words—made Wilbur super happy. Seeing Wilbur’s smile, Techno shrugged. “Not sayin’ he’s the greatest fighter I’ve ever seen, but kid’s got a good head on his shoulders.” 

“Aww, Techno, lay off him a bit,” Phil said, smiling at his sons. “Fundy did really, really well, Wil. I’m surprised.”

Wilbur smiled at Phil. Techno sighed, but allowed a small smile to grace his face. Tommy laughed and plopped down next to Techno, nudging him in the side. “Admit it, you like Fundy!” 

Techno made a face at Tommy. “I never said I didn’t like Fundy, I’m just not gonna go easy on him. I didn’t go easy on you when I taught you how to fight.” Tommy, to no one’s surprise, didn’t like this, and the two started arguing loudly. Wilbur leaned into Phil and occasionally threw more gasoline on the fire when it seemed like Tommy and Techno would stop fighting. 

Fundy came back onto the porch after his shower and slid onto Wilbur’s lap. Techno and Tommy were still going, and Fundy watched them with wide eyes. “Why’re Uncle Techno and Uncle Tommy fighting?” He whispered. 

Wilbur whispered back, “They were arguing about Techno’s teaching methods.” Here, he paused, listening to their conversation. Techno and Tommy were going back and forth on the merits of eating bugs now. “I dunno what they’re on about now.” 

Fundy nodded and placed his head on Wilbur’s shoulder. “Are you tired?” Wilbur asked. Fundy shrugged, but Wilbur could totally tell he was sleepy. “You wanna take a little nap before dinner?” 

“Yeah,” Fundy whispered, almost too soft for Wilbur to hear over Techno and Tommy’s arguing. 

“Okay, bubs. Can you stand up for me?” Fundy stood and Wilbur pushed himself up too. 

“Goodnight,” Fundy said to the rest of the family. Phil smiled and replied with a ‘goodnight’, and Techno and Tommy stopped fighting for a minute to wish him a goodnight also. Wilbur led Fundy into the house, letting the screen door slam shut behind them. Once they got into Fundy’s room, the boy slid under the covers. Wilbur tucked him in and turned to leave, but Fundy grabbed his sleeve. “Stay? Just until I fall asleep?” 

Wilbur smiled. “Of course. Move over.” He got in bed beside Fundy, who immediately curled into his side, tail thumping slightly. Wilbur rubbed his back in large circles and hummed a song under his breath. He didn’t mean to, but Wilbur found himself slipping into sleep too. 

“Wilbur. Wilbur, darling. Wake up.”

Groaning, Wilbur woke and squinted. Phil’s face came into focus above him. Fundy was still asleep, half on top of him and mumbling. “Hey,” Wilbur said groggily. “What time is it?” 

“It’s six o’clock, mate. Time for dinner.” 

Wilbur hummed and turned to Fundy. “Fundy,” Wilbur sing-songed softly. “It’s time to get up and eat.” Fundy arched his back and woke slowly, rubbing his eyes. “There’s my little champion.”

Fundy smiled at Wilbur. It was probably instinct, but Wilbur couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m hungry,” Fundy slurred. Wilbur laughed.

“I know, buddy, that’s why we gotta get up to fix dinner.”

“Oh,” Phil interjected. “Techno, Tommy and I took care of it.” 

Wilbur immediately felt guilty. “I feel like a bad host now,” He said, ducking his head slightly. Phil shook his head. 

“No, Wilbur. You’re not a bad host. You were just tired. That’s okay. Here, you’ll feel better once you get something in your system.” 

Wilbur got out of bed and picked up Fundy, who nuzzled into his neck. The three went to the kitchen and sat down at the table, where Techno and Tommy were waiting, both staring at Wilbur. Putting Fundy down in a chair, Wilbur sat beside him and waved at his brothers. “Hi?” He asked. “Alright?”

They kept staring at him. Wilbur stared back, furrowing his brow slightly. “Okay then,” he said slowly after a few more seconds of blank staring. “That’s...actually really creepy.”

Phil appeared then with a plate of rabbit meat and set it on the table. “Alright, boys, dinner is...ready,” He trailed off, looking at Techno and Tommy, who were still staring at Wilbur . Like creeps. Like really, really creepy creeps. Techno was a naturally intimidating person, even to his twin. Tommy wasn’t as intimidating, but the fact that he was just...sitting there. Quietly. Wilbur shuddered under their gazes. 

They lasted about a minute longer before Tommy cracked. He bent over the table and started laughing. Techno groaned and turned his glare onto Tommy. “Seriously?” He asked. “We were—we were gettin’ to him!”

“You were doing that to just ‘get to me’?” Wilbur asked incredulously. Techno shrugged and shoved food into his mouth, like that would get him out of answering. Phil sighed and passed Fundy the peas. 

Dinner passed without any other issues, and after clean up, the family migrated to the living room. Techno was peering at Wilbur’s bookshelf and pulled out his anthology of Greek myths that Techno bought him for his birthday. Getting an affirmative from his family, Techno settled on the armchair and called Fundy over. 

“You wanna hear the story of Orpheus and Eurydice?” Fundy nodded and settled in his lap. “Right. So, Orpheus was the son of Apollo. You remember him, right? God of the sun and music and healin’ and stuff like that. Apollo liked Orpheus a lot, and gifted him a lyre. Which is like a string instrument. Like a harp or somethin’.

“Anyway, Orpheus learned how to play the lyre and he was super good at it. Eurydice fell in love with him, and the two married. They got Hymenaeus, the god of marriages, to bless their marriage, but he told them their life together wouldn’t last. 

“Which should’ve been the first sign, right? ‘Cause if the literal god of marriages told me that I wasn’t gonna be happy forever, I’d take that as a sign and step up !” Techno huffed over Fundy’s head, making his hair move slightly. Shaking his head, Techno went back to the story. 

“But Orpheus and Eurydice still got married, and for a while, everything was fine. They thought, ‘Hey, maybe Hymenaeus was wrong! Maybe we know better than he does!’” Here, Techno paused again to stare deadpanned at his brothers. “But, one day, Eurydice was out with her friends, frolickin’ in a field. In some stories, Eurydice runs off, in others, a shepherd starts chasin’ her. Regardless, Eurydice gets bitten by a snake and dies of her wounds.

“Orpheus finds out, and the man is really sad. He starts travelin’ around and playin’ his lyre. It’s said that his songs are so sad, the whole world knew about his lost love. Then, Orpheus goes down to the Underworld to see his wife. Hades, god of the Underworld, doesn’t want mortals who are still alive to go down there, but because Orpheus was protected by the gods, he allowed Orpheus in. 

“Orpheus played his lyre for Hades and his wife, Persephone. Hades liked his music, and gave Orpheus a deal. Hades would let Eurydice follow Orpheus back to the Overworld, only if Orpheus could get up without looking back at her. Easy right? If you really loved someone, you wouldn’t look back at them. I know I wouldn’t.

“But Orpheus looked back. Eurydice was still a shadow, so she didn’t have audible footsteps. Orpheus made it to the exit, but looked back in time to see Eurydice disappear back into the Underworld. Orpheus was upset, understandably so, but he couldn’t do anything about it. He died, but his head was taken by the nine Muses and was cursed to sing forever.” Techno closed the book. “That’s the story of Orpheus and Eurydice.”

Fundy thought about it for a minute, then shook his head. “That’s not a good story, Uncle Techno. Doesn’t have a good ending.”

Techno shrugged. “Well, it was the first one I could think of.”

Wilbur exhaled forcibly through his nose, the closest to a laugh he would give. “Fundy’s right, Tech. Out of all the myths you could’ve chosen, you went with that one?”

“What can I say? It’s my favorite myth.” 

Tommy groaned and went limp on the couch. “What about the story of Theseus?”

“Ended badly also,” Techno said, taking his glasses off. “Remember his dad?”

“Well, yeah, but like, other than that, it was a good story.”

“Good things don’t happen to heroes, Tommy. We’ve discussed this.”

Phil laughed. “I’m not as well versed in Greek myths like you are, Techno, but there’s got to be a good myth without all the death and stuff.”

Opening the book again, Techno paged through it, humming slightly. Finding one, Techno cleared his throat and started reading. 

The rest of the night passed peacefully, nothing worth noting. After yet another wake-up scene (though less of a wake-up scene and more of a ‘normal event’ for Wilbur and his family), they found themselves in the kitchen. 

There was also nothing worth noting here, unless you are interested in the mundane conversations that they had. If you are interested in that, you can go through and read the past two days, for I am sure there are enough mundane conversations to satisfy you.

“What are you thinking about?” Phil asked Wilbur. They were on the couch now, watching Fundy and Tommy run around the house like crazy people, playing some elaborate game about mobs and hunters. Techno was off doing who knows what.

“Can I...talk with you? Privately?” Wilbur whispered, watching Fundy and Tommy to make sure they didn’t hear. Phil nodded and the two went to Wilbur’s bedroom. They sat down and Wilbur immediately leaned into Phil, who wrapped an arm and a wing around him. Wilbur shoved his face into Phil’s shoulder and closed his eyes. 

“Wilbur, baby, what’s wrong?” At this, Wilbur started crying, soft sobs escaping him. Phil immediately turned so Wilbur could fall into his lap. Phil rubbed his back with one hand and cupped the back of his head with the other. “Hey, Wil, it’s okay. Let it out, there’s a good lad. You’re alright, darling. It’s okay.”

“I’m so-sorry,” Wilbur blubbered. 

Phil shook his head. “No, Wilbur,” He chided gently. “Don’t apologize. This is a healthy way to deal with emotions. Can you follow my breathing? That’s it, good job.” Phil started taking loud, exaggerated breaths that were probably overkill, but Wilbur was able to follow them easier. After Wilbur had gotten a hold of himself, he pulled back slightly. 

“I’m sorry,” Wilbur said again, not looking his father in the eyes. Then, hurriedly, like he knew what Phil was going to say: “I know, I know! But I am sorry.”

“Wilbur,” Phil said, lifting his son’s chin so he was looking at him. “Please, darling, I never want you to think you have to apologize to me for crying. Do you think you can tell me what’s wrong?”

Wilbur shrugged. “I...I don’t know. I just...couldn’t keep it in any longer.”

“That’s okay, take your time.” Wilbur whimpered again and shoved his face into Phil’s shoulder. Phil shushed him softly. 

“You’re so much—so much better at this than I am,” Wilbur whispered. 

“Better at what?”

“This!” Wilbur said, waving his hands around. “Being a—being a Dad and knowing what to do!” 

Phil sighed. “Wilbur, I’ve more experience with being a father. And even then, I don’t know what to say a lot of the time. It’s trial and error, but I know that you’re doing so, so well. Is this what you wanted to talk with me about?”

Wilbur nodded. “I just...I don’t feel like I’m being the best—the best dad I can for Fundy.”

“Why not?”

“Because I—I look at how you raised us and I’m trying to do the same but it’s not the same because I’m not you and I’m not good enough—”

Phil shushed Wilbur gently, cutting off his sentence. “Hey, hey, no. Listen to me. I tried my darnedest to raise you into the men you are, and I still made mistakes. A lot of them. That’s just how parenting is. Fundy looks at you like you’ve hung the moon and stars, Wilbur. He wouldn’t look at you like that if you’re failing at raising him. I know how you’re feeling and it is totally normal. But you are not failing. I’ll repeat that as many times as you need me too.”

Wilbur hugged Phil tightly. There was a growing wet spot on Phil’s shirt due to Wilbur’s tears, but neither of them commented on it. “Thank you,” Wilbur whispered. “Thank you so much.”

Phil nodded—even though Wilbur couldn’t see it—and pulled back a bit so he could wipe Wilbur’s tears. “It’s okay,” Phil said, smiling at his boy. “I’m so proud of you.”

It took Wilbur a few more minutes to calm down, but once he did, he roughly shoved his hand across his eyes and took a deep breath. Phil could watch him collect himself, going from the boy who cried in his father’s arms to the man who had to put on a brave face for his own son. 

“Okay,” Wilbur said, voice only a little shaky. “Thank you for talking with me. I’m fine now.” He didn’t look fine, but Phil knew his son enough to tell that Wilbur was done with the conversation. 

“Alright, Wil. I’m going to find Techno and make sure Tommy and Fundy didn’t go crazy. Do you want to come with me or stay here?” 

“I’ll go,” Wilbur said, standing and shaking out his arms. The two left Wilbur’s room and returned to the living room, where Fundy and Tommy were still running around. They hadn’t seemed to have lost any energy at all. Swooping in, Wilbur grabbed Fundy from behind and picked him up. Fundy screeched and started kicking, narrowly missing Tommy. 

“Dad!” Fundy said, trying to twist around so he could face Wilbur. “Dad, put me down!”

Tommy pointed at Fundy and laughed. Phil reached for Tommy, effectively cutting off his jeers. Tommy stumbled back out of Phil’s reach, but ran into Techno, who had just entered the back door. Tommy froze and slowly looked up at Techno, who raised an eyebrow and looked from him to Wilbur. 

“Techno!” Wilbur hissed. “Techno, get him! He’s right there!” 

“Wait, Techno, big man, we can talk about this!” Tommy started, laughing nervously. Shrugging, Techno wrapped his arms around Tommy, effectively cutting him off, both from talking and from escaping. 

“Take that, Uncle Tommy!” Fundy said, still caught up in Wilbur’s arms. Wilbur laughed and placed Fundy down, patting the top of his head.  

“Hey!” Tommy yelled. “How come Fundy gets to be put down?”

“Fundy isn’t a little gremlin,” Techno grumbled, moving a foot back when Tommy tried to step on him. “Rude.”

“Alright boys, play nice,” Phil said lightly. Techno let go of Tommy with a sigh and stepped back again as Tommy tried to punch him. “Tommy,” Phil raised an eyebrow at him. 

“Sorry Technoblade,” Tommy drawled out, looking suspiciously not sorry, but Phil left it for now. A beat of silence. 

“Who’s hungry?” Wilbur said, making his way to the kitchen. Fundy and Tommy latched themselves to Wilbur’s side. “Alright, we've got two people who are hungry. Do you guys want anything?” 

“We’ll follow you in,” Phil said. Wilbur nodded and retreated to the kitchen, leaving Phil and his oldest in the living room. Techno stared at Phil, slightly concerned. 

“You okay, Phil?” Techno asked slowly. 

“Yeah, mate,” Phil said, smiling. “I just wanted to check in with you. Where were you this morning?”

Techno waved a hand to the shed. “Out. Practicin’ form and such.” Then, quieter, like he wasn’t wanting Wilbur to hear, “Wilbur was cryin’.” It wasn’t a question. 

“Yeah, he was. But he’s okay now, and I don’t want you bothering him about it unless he brings it up first, understand?”

“Okay Phil. But are you sure he’s okay?” Techno was concerned, even if he didn’t want to show it. It was obvious Wilbur was crying, and even if it wasn’t, Techno could still tell. 

“Wilbur’ll be fine, Tech. Thank you for being concerned, but Wilbur is okay. Now, let’s go on, alright?” Phil patted Techno on the back and the two went to the kitchen, where the rest of their family was situated, all laughing and play-fighting. Wilbur was trying to get food on the table, while Fundy and Tommy were doing everything they could to deny him that right. Techno laughed and joined in, taking the platter from Wilbur and lifting it high above their heads. 

Phil leaned on the doorway and watched his family fondly. When Phil had met Wilbur and Techno for the first time, two little babies on his doorstep, he had no idea that this was their future. But all the trials were worth it. All the nightmares and fights and crying were worth it for this one moment.