Chapter Text
Tommy woke up surrounded in a warmth so loving he thought he was still dreaming. He’s dreamt of this before. Of waking up in someone’s arms. He knew it was his father’s arms in his dreams, but he could never see his face.
So, Tommy (still thinking this was a dream) curled into it, letting himself be swallowed before he had to wake up. The arms around him shifted slightly and a gentle and sleepy hum rang through his mind. Fingers scratched at his scalp and he melted further.
This dream was nice, Tommy thinks.
“My sunshine...” He heard whispered in his ear, something soft and light and yet held so much weight.
Tommy hasn’t heard that before. He’s been able to make out a soothing voice from his dreams, but never words.
He really doesn’t want to wake up.
A kiss is pressed onto the top of his head and his lips twitch up in a smile.
He feels a smile grow on the face in his hair and the fingers continue to thread through it.
“You’re home. Finally.” The words were whispered almost desperately, like the person didn’t want this to be a dream.
No… Tommy didn’t want to wake up... he didn’t want to wake up in his tiny bed and see his uncaring ‘parents’.
He whined.
Immediately the arms around him tightened and there was a soft hushing from above him.
“It’s alright. Sleep as long as you want, darling.”
Tommy hummed his approval and quickly drifted once more.
-------
He woke up in his dream again. Terrified to open his eyes, but he knew he couldn’t fall asleep again. The warmth encompassing him hadn’t gone away.
Eventually, out of the need to get his day started, he opened his eyes.
His breath caught in his throat.
This wasn’t a dream-
The arms around him shuffled slightly and brown eyes met his blue. A hand cupped his cheek.
“Good morning, sunshine.”
“D-Dad…?” Tommy asked in disbelief.
The brown-haired man smiled warmly and pressed their noses together, “Right here.”
“That wasn’t a-a dream?”
Wilbur shook his head, “It was real. I’m real. You’re...” Wilbur’s thumb brushed across his cheek as the man’s eyes grew watery, “real.”
“What happened?” Tommy asked as he slowly started to sit up.
Wilbur kept his arms wrapped around him as he sat up as well, keeping Tommy pressed against his chest, “Well, sweetheart... The god of chaos decided to mess with us. He took you away from my when you were six...” Wilbur took a shaky breath, “And then I found you. I found you. And now you’re home. I’m so sorry...” Tears ran down Wilbur’s face, “I promised to protect you. To be there. To keep you safe. And I-I failed.”
Tommy hugged his father tighter, “You did your best. I-I’m happy I’m home.”
Wilbur let out a choked sob as he buried his face in Tommy’s hair again. Tommy let silent tears fall down his face while Wilbur sobbed. Wilbur held him as tight as he could and rocked them back and forth.
Tommy didn’t know he was missing. Sure, he missed his dad, but he thought he was dead. He didn’t think about ever getting it back.
But Wilbur knew he had been kidnapped and kept away from him for a long time. He’s had years of grief building up and it was all finally pouring over.
Eventually, Wilbur calmed down, wiping away Tommy’s tears with his thumbs before fisting away his own.
“Let’s get you some food. You’re skin and bones.” Wilbur said, poking his ribs and causing him to giggle.
Wilbur grinned at the sound before poking him again.
Tommy giggled again, “Dad don’t-”
Wilbur continued to poke at him, making Tommy giggle and gasp for air, “Wilby-Dad-Wi-Wilbur m- st-stoooop.”
Wilbur giggled along, happy tears trailing down his face as he stopped and pulled him into another hug.
He kissed his head again, “I love you. I love you.”
Tommy stopped giggling, a content smile on his face as he breathed in the warmth, “I love you too.”
Wilbur let out a content sigh before hoisting him up in his arms.
“I can walk.”
“No.” Wilbur responded, making his way towards the steps.
“I can actually?”
“Nahhhh.” Wilbur continued as he hopped down the stairs.
Turning into the kitchen, he set Tommy down beside him and looped an arm around his shoulder and kept him pressed to his side.
“You’re not going to let go of me, are you?” Tommy asked with a smile as he was dragged around the kitchen, Wilbur attempting to do everything one-handed.
“Nope.” Wilbur said, popping the ‘p’, “Probably not for another... 100 years?”
“Wilbur, I’ll be dead by then.” Tommy joked with a chuckle.
Wilbur looked at him with a face one would describe as terrified before it shifted to confusion, “What do you mean, dear?”
“Oh, wait, I guess I’m like... a demi-god or something? Are they immortal?”
“Sweetheart, I guess I never told you, huh?” Wilbur laughed, “I adopted you. And also made you immortal.” He added.
“Oh...” Tommy breathed.
Wilbur just chuckled at Tommy’s bewildered expression as he cooked a few eggs, keeping him pressed into his side.
Wilbur pulled him over to the couch, sitting them both down. Tommy curled up as Wilbur laid a blanket over their legs, placing the plate of eggs on Tommy’s lap. Tommy gently poked at it and ate slowly, relishing in the warmth they provided as they slipped down his throat. He leaned on Wilbur’s shoulder, and Wilbur squeezed his shoulder gently. Rubbing his hand up and down slowly and resting his cheek on Tommy’s head while listening to his breaths.
Wilbur’s fingers curled around his hair, “I’ve missed you.”
“I did too. I was told you were... were dead. But I remembered a few things and I- I missed that.”
Wilbur squeezed his shoulder again, “I’m not letting you go again.” He whispered.
Tommy chuckled, knowing it was a half joke. One he thinks he’s okay with right now.
So, that’s how they sat. Just starring at the wall. Tommy curled up and Wilbur curling around him. Wilbur occasionally mumbling a lullaby or sweet nothings.
‘You’re home’
‘I’ve got you’
‘Love you’
‘My sunshine’
‘Sweetheart’
‘Never again’
Tommy thought it was more for Wilbur than himself, but he didn’t comment on it.
It was still... nice. Nice to hear the genuine words dipped in affection. The scent drifting off them filling the cozy room with even more warmth.
-------
A little later the door opened and in came a blonde-haired man with wings and a pink-haired man behind him.
Wilbur still had Tommy wrapped up in his arms, and Tommy can feel the gentle smile on his face as he sees the two enter.
Tommy looks them over and recognition falls over him.
“Uncle Techie?”
Techno froze in place, and Tommy could feel the smug grin stretching up Wilbur’s face.
He almost missed the way Techno’s eyes began to water before he wiped it away.
“Hey, kid. Been a bit, yeah?”
Tommy hummed and snuggled deeper into Wilbur’s hold. Wilbur squeezing him in return.
“No greeting for me?” Phil asked with a chuckle.
“Grand-Dadza.” Tommy muttered.
Phil chuckled. They weren’t really related. But they still considered themselves family.
Wilbur pressed another quick kiss onto his hair before nuzzling his cheek into it again, “Is it done?”
Their faces darkened.
“All taken care of.” Phil said as his wings ruffled a little.
Tommy blinked and pulled out from under Wilbur to look at him, “What are you talking about?”
Wilbur quickly pulled him back in, “Don’t worry about it.” He muttered.
“This about my uh... kidnappers?”
Wilbur’s grip tightened and his voice went from sweet to angry, but Tommy could tell it wasn’t aimed at him, “Yes.”
“What did you uh... do?” Tommy asked with a nervous chuckle.
Wilbur hummed and pressed his nose into Tommy’s hair, “Don’t worry about it.” He repeated.
Tommy decided to not worry about it.
-------
Per Wilbur’s words, he very much did not let Tommy go. Almost everywhere he went there was a god attached to him. Wilbur would sometimes hold him for several hours and refuse to let him go.
If Tommy wanted to get up and have a snack?
He’d have to shuffle their way over there.
And he’d randomly get pulled into hugs.
Passing by Wilbur?
Pulled into a hug.
Standing in the same spot for more than half a second?
Wilbur somehow appears and pulls him into a hug.
Walking around?
Wilbur randomly appears and tackles him into a heap of limbs on the floor.
Neither questioned it when Tommy would yawn and Wilbur would pull him into his arms and go to the bedroom, laying them both down and making sure Tommy was comfortable.
Tommy didn’t complain.
He’s slept alone and cold for several years.
He likes being held.
-------
It doesn’t take long for Tommy to get introduced to all of Wilbur’s instruments again. He can’t help the smile and chuckle escaping him when he plays, and Wilbur just looks completely entranced. Giddy even.
His father watches the lights dance off Tommy’s marks and bobs his head along. Wilbur cheering and clapping with anything that would be even the slightest bit difficult.
If Tommy sat at the piano, then Wilbur would sit next to him. Shoulder to shoulder.
If he was playing guitar, Wilbur would drape himself over him and rest his chin on top of his head.
Wilbur, Tommy quickly learned, was a fan of touch.
Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been able to hold his son in 8 long years that made him just a TAD clingy. Tommy didn’t mind all that much.
It hasn’t inconvenienced him so why should he care?
-------
It was getting around time for the festival, and Wilbur dragged him around everywhere with him, getting the town to start celebrating again. They did so gladly, and everything was set up as it had been 8 years prior.
This time the town celebrated the return of the god’s son and the day music returned.
Wilbur kept his arm around Tommy’s shoulder the entire festival. Showing him around and showing him off to all the town’s residents. Tommy’s face heating up slightly at all the praise Wilbur was giving despite not really knowing him.
The townsfolk just smiled warmly at the embarrassed boy and told him his father truly did love him.
They were happy he found his way home.
It seemed every time someone even LOOKED at Tommy, Wilbur’s hold got tighter. Like he was afraid Tommy would be taken again.
Which was fair, Tommy supposed.
Then it came time for their duet. Wilbur got up on stage and sat down with his guitar, Tommy walking to a piano. The crowd gathered excitedly.
Tommy looked at Wilbur, and his father gave a warm smile and nod. He turned to the keys as Wilbur began to strum lightly.
He opened his mouth and began to sing.
“When I was young, I fell in love with story
With the eleventh hour, with the blaze of glory
The theater lights dim and all goes quiet
In the darkest of rooms, light shines the brightest”
Tommy’s marks began to glow, and everyone’s eyes went wide.
“When hands are tied and clocks are ticking
An audience convinced, we're leaning in
Holding our breath again”
Tommy leaned towards the piano, closing his eyes as he played. The crowd holding their breaths as the lights on Tommy’s skin began to twinkle.
“Just when we thought the game was over
The music lifts and our dying soldier lives!
And we breathe a sigh of relief
We're leaving, we're leaving our shadows behind us now
We're leaving, we're leaving it all behind for now”
The lights danced and the crowd swayed.
Cheering for the lost son’s return.
“But even dust was made to settle
And if we're made of dust, then what makes us any different?
I guess we give what we've been given
A family tree so very good at giving up
When we've had enough
Though truth is heavier than fiction
Gravity lifts as the theatre director calls”
Tommy turned back to Wilbur, who was watching him fondly. He gave a warm smile and turned back to the crowd.
“And it makes us brave again
And it makes us brave again
And it makes us brave
So we're leaving, we're leaving our shadows behind us now
We're leaving, we're leaving it all behind for now
And it makes us brave again
And it makes us brave
We're leaving, we're leaving”
-------
Tommy and Wilbur ended up leaving the town, going exploring around the world.
Wilbur found the sights he’d seen searching for Tommy in a new light.
Better when your head is up than downcast, isn’t it?
Anytime they passed somewhere that caused a particularly bad memory for Wilbur, Tommy would press into his side and whisper,
‘I’m right here.’
Wilbur would wrap him in a hug, and they’d shuffle away.
They played all over the world. Tommy always taking the lead as Wilbur accompanied. The god was rarely seen playing music alone. And when he was, there was a sunshine boy sleeping soundly on his shoulder.
ToM added a statue of Tommy at a piano next to Wilbur’s, smiling at each other in a way one can only say is pure love.
Love.
A word Tommy slowly grew accustomed to.
And after several years of exploring the two had seen it all.
It took a hundred years, but they managed it.
So, Tommy tugged on Wilbur’s sleeve and asked, “What now?”
And Wilbur replied by scooping the forever 16-year-old in his arms and holding him close, “We can go to my home, little one. Would you like to see it? Where the sun always shines, but it can’t compare to you. Where flowers bloom forever even in the coldest of snow. Where there is no death or sickness. Where I can snap my fingers and give you whatever you desire. Where we can sing and dance for all of eternity and forevermore. Where there is the softest of beds and coziest of blankets. Where there’s a warmth that seeps into your very being that one could only describe as magic. Where we can do whatever we want, and be together always without the threat of being torn apart. Father and son. Home.”
Tommy nodded and curled up into Wilbur’s chest.
Breathing a goodbye to the mortal world before Wilbur whisked him away.
-------
Tommy weaved a few flowers together, his tongue sticking out as he did so. Wilbur sat back on his hands, watching his boy play with the flowers as a gentle breeze swept over the hill. He closed his eyes and breathed everything in.
They’ve been here for a while now. Wilbur of course having to leave occasionally to fulfill his duties as a god. But he didn’t keep track of much on Earth, just making sure music was still able to be played and occasionally blessing children.
Wilbur’s peace was interrupted by a light weight on his head. He blinked a single eye open to see Tommy standing in front of him with a proud smile.
Wilbur gently picked up the new hat and examined it. A beautiful flower crown made from hydrangeas with splotches of lavender weaved in. Wilbur placed it back on his head.
“It’s beautiful, Toms. Thank you.” Wilbur laid back on the grass fully, putting his hands behind his head and looking up towards the sunny blue sky. It reminds him of Tommy’s eyes.
Tommy laid down next to him, shuffling so his head was on Wilbur’s chest. Wilbur wrapped and arm around his shoulder, pressing a quick kiss into his hair.
Tommy smiled and snuggled further into Wilbur’s hold. Wilbur started carding his fingers through Tommy’s golden hair.
And there they sat. Just breathing. The peaceful breeze keeping a constant noise of the world around them in their ears.
Here it was like the world was frozen and yet constantly moving. A strange combination that kept everything from changing and yet nothing ever truly the same.
After minutes, days, years perhaps, they stood up, stretching their limbs as Wilbur held his hand out gently. Tommy interlocked their fingers and they turned to walk away, heading straight for the tall castle in the distance.
-------
The doors opened without a push, and they walked down the red carpeted hall.
They stopped at a hall with a large glass cabinet that spanned what could be a hundred feet tall and even more wide. Glass shelves without a speck of dust stacked with flower crowns full of a rainbow of colors each in their own designated space. Equipped with a tag that included the date, the type of flowers and their meanings, as well the gifted’s name.
He floated to the top, Tommy floating up with him as he slid a panel open. He took the crown off, placing it down in its own spot. He snapped his fingers and a metal plaque formed. The date, the flowers, the meaning, and his name etched into it.
Wilbur smiled and gently glided down the rack of healthy flowers, looking them all over and smiling to himself. Remembering each and every day Tommy made these for him. Every moment.
He lingered on the first few. They weren’t perfect. A few next to them that Wilbur made for Tommy to show him how to do it. Tommy has become a master at it now.
What is it they say?
10,000 hours of practice makes one an expert?
They’ve definitely spent that much time here.
-------
Wilbur settles back onto the carpeted floor, and they walked to the dining room.
It used to be a grand room when Wilbur first brought him here. Wilbur didn’t need to eat, so he designed this room of the castle to make Tommy feel like royalty.
Though Tommy, not unkindly, said it made him feel small and everything less intimate. Wilbur quickly changed it to something small and cozy.
Tommy technically didn’t need to eat here either, but he said it made him feel more human, and Wilbur can’t deny mortal’s food is delicious.
They sat across from each other at the small wooden table. Wilbur snapping his fingers and food appearing before them.
They both dug in without a second thought. Though, Wilbur could tell Tommy had something on his mind.
He gently set his fork aside and looked into Tommy’s eyes, which were looking anywhere but him, “Toms? What’s up?”
Tommy’s gaze snapped to him, “I was just thinking.”
Wilbur hummed, “About what, sweetheart?”
“About... and don’t- freak out I guess.”
Wilbur raised a brow.
“I was thinking... maybe we could go back to the mortal realm?”
Wilbur blinked a few times, “What?”
Tommy quickly waved his hands in the air, “It’s not that I’m unhappy here or anything! I just remembered how long it has been since I saw anything down there, and I’m curious how much has changed.”
Wilbur hummed and looked to his empty plate, “Honestly, I haven’t been keeping track either. I know there’s some new, rather strange instruments and a few things I don’t entirely understand, but I haven’t really tried to look that deep into them. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. If that’s what you truly want, I suppose. Just... it’s dangerous and it very possibly got more dangerous since we’ve been there. You have to promise me you’ll be careful and use our communication tool if you should need me.”
“Of course, Dad. I promise.”
Wilbur nodded, “Fine then. We’ll get going whenever you’re ready.”
“I think I’d like to sleep first.”
Wilbur hummed and smiled at him, “Alright. I suppose getting some rest wouldn’t do any harm.”
Tommy nodded and stretched. Wilbur interlocking their fingers as they walked through the giant castle. They made it to a large room with a bed fit only for a king.
Wilbur pulled the blankets back and Tommy shuffled inside, him following behind. He pulled the blankets over Tommy’s shoulder as Tommy snuggled into him. He ran a hand through his hair and placed his chin a top Tommy’s head.
“Have a good rest, sunshine.” Wilbur whispered as he snapped his fingers. The sunlight fading to dark.
“G’night, Dad.”
-------
Tommy woke up to the same sunlight there always was. It was blinding at first, but his eyes quickly adjusted. Wilbur shifted next to him and pulled him impossibly closer.
“Did you have a goodnight sleep?”
Tommy hummed sleepily and nodded, “Did you get any sleep?”
Wilbur chuckled and Tommy felt himself move with the force, “I don’t need to sleep, darling. You know that.”
Tommy shrugged, “Sometimes you like to sleep though.”
Wilbur hummed and pushed a few hairs behind Tommy’s ear, “It’s nice to be awake sometimes too. Seeing you sleeping peacefully and making sure you’re always with me.”
“Clingy.” Tommy smirked as he tried to pry himself out of Wilbur’s hold.
Wilbur just gripped him tighter, “Mmmmm... maybe.”
“You’re literally not letting me go.” Tommy said as he pushed against Wilbur but to no avail.
Wilbur just shrugged and put his chin on Tommy’s head with a satisfied sigh despite all of Tommy’s squirming.
Tommy sighed and stopped moving around. Wilbur playfully hummed his approval and scratched at Tommy’s scalp.
“When do you want to leave, Dad?” Tommy asked.
Wilbur’s grip tightened, “Are you sure you want to, baby? What if you get hurt?”
“Then I’ll call you to me and you’ll take me back here before anything real happens. But nothing is going to happen. I’ll be careful.”
Wilbur adjusted his grip slightly, “You’re just a baby though.”
“Wil.”
“Toms.”
“Wilbur.”
“Thomas.”
Tommy sighed, “Dad, come on. I’m not a baby. I’m like... at least 400 years old. I actually lost track…”
“As I said. A baby.”
Tommy threw his head back in a groan but it didn’t get far because of Wilbur’s hand running through his hair, “Daaaaaaad. Don’t you want to explore the world a bit? You’ve been slacking on your god duties. It might be best to reconnect y’know?”
“I couldn’t leave my sunshine. Not even for my godly duties.”
“Well, now it id take your son to work day.”
Wilbur sighed, “Okay, sweetheart. But if anything, and I mean anything, happens then I’m taking you back here, okay?”
“Okay Dad. Deal.”
Wilbur hummed, “Alright then. Are you ready?”
Tommy nodded, burying his head in Wilbur’s chest and squeezing his eyes shut.
This was disorienting last time if he remembered correctly.
-------
Tommy opened his eyes to the sound of... he isn’t sure. Everything is loud. There are footsteps and some kind of honking?
He glanced around with a look of awe.
Giant silver and blue towers well... towered over him. The weird, almost see-through colors shining with the sun. Around him were tons of people walking by. People on the streets playing music.
Must be ToM.
Wilbur had his arms still firmly around him as people walked around, talking into these small silver boxes. Tommy looked towards the middle of the street and saw strange metal carriages zooming past.
They didn’t have horses. How did that work?
Tommy knew the world would have changed but this...
Just opening his eyes and the only thing he recognizes is humans and street musicians!
Even their clothes are different. A variety of colors and strange fabrics. He wanted to go to a clothes shop just to feel all the different materials.
Wilbur had given him the finest silk clothing when they arrived in the godly realm. And Tommy liked it but he also loved his baggy and scratchy tunic. All this seemed new. So, so incredibly new.
Tommy glanced at Wilbur who was now shoving his hands over his ears and looking a bit pained.
“Dad?” Tommy asked concerned, “Is everything okay?”
Wilbur just shook his head for a second, “Sorry. I forgot humans have... give me a second.”
Wilbur shook himself off, rubbing his temple, “Okay. I forgot humans made a bunch of gadgets that play music ALL THE TIME! And everyone has one and it’s just very loud.”
Tommy frowned, “I’m sorry... I didn’t know it would hurt you. We can go home if you want?”
Wilbur shook his head, “No, no. It’s just very loud and giving me a headache. I’ll adjust soon enough.”
Tommy nodded then spun around, arms wide, “Dad! What is all this?! There are towers everywhere! I’ve never seen one that tall before! And what are these metal carriages? How do they work?!”
Wilbur chuckled and ruffled his hair, “I think the towers are called ‘skyscrapers and people work there. As for the carriages I think they’re called ‘cars,’ and I have no clue how they work. But they do play a lot of music.”
“They play music in that tiny carriage-car?”
“It comes from this little box.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t know how to explain it because I don’t know either.”
Tommy blinked a few times before shaking his head, giving up on all that.
They just started walking, stopping to hear a few street musicians and Wilbur occasionally throwing a golden coin inside.
They didn’t notice it was real gold until they counted their change that night.
-------
They ended up in a strange grassy area. It had these big, angled tubes and thin seats hanging by chains.
It looked like a torture chamber just out in the open, but without the pointy stabbing tools.
Rather everything was rounded. Hollow metal pipes as rails.
Strange.
“What is this place?” Tommy asked with a shudder.
“I’m not sure...” Wilbur said, squinting at the odd blue shade of everything.
Tommy rounded the corner and stared up at this strange net like contraption. It was a pyramid of nets making a pathway to the top.
“I have a strange urge to climb that.” Tommy said.
“But what if you fall?” Wilbur asked.
Tommy stomped on the ground, weird wood chips and bits of black stuff crunching beneath him, “This is soft. I don’t think it’d hurt much.”
Wilbur hummed unsure, “Just be careful.”
Tommy nodded and started his ascent,
carefully placing his feet on the strange black rope with metal rings around the junctions. After almost slipping and Wilbur giving heavily concerned glances his way, he made it to the top.
“WOOOOO!” Tommy yelled and threw his arms in the air, “Dad! Dad, look at me!”
Wilbur gave a wobbly smile and clapped lightly, “Great job. Come on down?”
Tommy rolled his eyes but started his decent. Only wobbling a few times!
He landed on the ground with a soft thud and ran off to continue to explore. He climbed up the strange steps that had a grid of holes in it and made it to the top where there was a hall with the metal pipes as rails. A strange rope bridge in the center and the ends of the halls lead to the tubes. He walked over the wobbly bridge, careful to test for loose boards beforehand.
He felt the bridge wobble and he grabbed the ropes fearfully. He turned around and saw Wilbur walking across as well. He smiled back at him before continuing to walk across. He made it to the end and stared into the black abyss that was the strange tunnel.
“It leads to the other side, right?” Tommy asked as he looked to Wilbur.
Wilbur shrugged, “I think?”
Tommy squinted at it, “Is it just a weird slide?”
“Oh yeah... it does kind of look like that. Except incased instead of just wooden planks.”
“So is this a... a playground?”
“The modern world is quite odd.”
Tommy shrugged before sitting down and stretching his legs out in front of him. He pushed off and slid down. Yelping at how fast he went.
He fell off the edge and landed in the soft ground. He glanced up to see Wilbur barreling down on him and they crashed into each other.
Wilbur shot up to his knees, waving his hands over Tommy, “Oh, Toms, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”
Tommy just started laughing. Loud and boisterous, curling into himself with the force. Tommy punched at the ground, gasping for breath.
Wilbur just grinned. It’s nice seeing Tommy like this. Even if he is older than any mortal, he’s in the body of a child.
His child.
And it’s good to see him acting like one.
Wilbur decided to play along, “It’s your fault for not moving!”
“You gave me like 2 seconds!” Tommy wheezed.
Wilbur cackled, “You’re just too slow. Age has taken a toll on you.”
“OI!”
-------
The two ended up going down the slides for most of the day, finishing up on what they assumed was the swing. Chains were an odd choice, but they supposed it kept it from snapping like a rope would.
Wilbur stood behind Tommy and pushed him lightly, letting Tommy swing forward and kick his legs out. Tommy smiled as the wind brushed through his hair.
Other people had come and gone. Yeah they got some weird looks and some whispered, “Let’s come back another time…” but they couldn’t care. Laughing as they played together.
-------
“We should probably find an Inn.” Wilbur said as he and Tommy walked down the less crowded streets; an arm looped around Tommy’s shoulder.
“Are one of these buildings an Inn?” Tommy questioned.
“I’m not sure. I think I saw something about a Holiday Inn? I’m not sure if it’s open on non-holidays though.”
“Only one way to find out.”
-------
The two stepped through the doors, Tommy marveling at the glass door that swung open while he approached.
He stepped back, letting them close before taking another step forward. This has to be some kind of strange magic.
After doing this a few times, he and Wilbur finally walked in. A young adult with red and blue glasses was sitting at the counter, looking rather uninterested at a strange silver box in his hand. Wilbur remembers it being called a phone. He knows because music plays from it often.
“Hello. Welcome to Holiday Inn.” The young man greeted unenthusiastically.
Wilbur smiled, “We are visiting town and would like the best room you have available.”
The man blinked before typing something.
He opened his mouth to say the price when Wilbur dumped a pouch of golden coins in front of him, “This should cover about a month, yes?”
The man’s eyes went wide, and he blinked before grabbed one of the coins and squinting at it. He then bit it and tried to bend it.
His eyes went wide once again and he shoved two cards into Wilbur’s hands, “Yep! That’ll do!”
“What are these for?” Wilbur questioned as he glanced at the strange rectangle.
“The keycard?”
Wilbur blinked then smiled and nodded, reaching his hand out as Tommy interlocked their fingers. He glanced at the card to see the room number was 317.
He looked around at the sound of music before a silver door opened beside him. A few people walked out of the box like room.
He’s been here before. He’s seen this thing before.
He walked inside with Tommy and began inspecting the buttons.
“What is this? Why does this room even exist?” Tommy asked.
“I think if... you press a button, it’ll take you to that floor.”
“Huh?”
Wilbur pressed the number 3 and the doors closed.
Everything shifted and Tommy nearly fell over if it weren’t for Wilbur’s grip on him and the rails.
“What was that?!?” Tommy yelled as the world shook.
“I’m not sure! I just heard music in here before and saw two different places when the doors would open!”
The room stopped and the doors opened with a friendly chime.
The two scrambled out and Wilbur rushed to find their room, dragging them away from that death box.
-------
Eventually they landed in front of room 317. There wasn’t a lock though. Just a strange black box over the door handle.
He looked to the card and saw a few pictures showing how the card was to be held and pressed against the black box.
He did so and it beeped before the sound of the door unlocking filled the hall. He gently opened the door and was hit with a scent he didn’t know how to describe. It smelled clean and also not at the same time.
Unnatural but nice.
Wilbur let the door shut behind him with a soft click.
The inside was nice. A calming light blue, almost grey tone to the walls. Paintings set above two separate beds depicting flower fields and rivers. Tommy immediately went exploring, jumping onto the bed and crashing into it with a soft spring. Wilbur smiled fondly as he poked around everything. He drew open the curtains and looked over the city. A beautiful sunset behind the city skyline.
“Sunshine, come look.” Wilbur called.
Tommy got up from his face down position and gasped excitedly. He rushed over to Wilbur’s side and pressed his face against the window.
“Whoa...” Tommy breathed.
Wilbur smiled warmly at the true sunshine. His sunshine. He didn’t want this moment to end.
Maybe coming down here wasn’t a bad idea.
-------
But Wilbur knew the moment had to end when Tommy yawned. He wrapped an arm around Tommy’s shoulder and started pulling him gently away.
Tommy whined and pulled away just slightly, still following Wilbur’s lead, “Daaad.”
Wilbur chuckled, “Come along. You need to get to sleep.”
“‘M not ‘ired...” Tommy yawned.
Wilbur pulled him to his chest, running fingers through his fluffy hair, “The sun is setting, dear. Sunshine needs to rest too. It’s time for you to sleep so you can shine tomorrow.”
Tommy hummed tiredly and melted into Wilbur’s hold to the point Wilbur had to keep him upright.
“Seems someone forgot what toll being tired takes on the human body, hm? Wilbur teased.
Tommy didn’t even respond.
Wilbur hoisted him up once more and settled them down on the bed, tucking the blanket around Tommy’s back before pulling him even closer. His nose buried in golden locks.
“Night, bubba.”
“Night, Dad”
-------
Tommy woke up to the sun shining down on him. A hand scratching gently at his back and head. A sweet humming in his mind.
Sometimes it still hits Tommy how different this all is.
So different than those 8 years.
You’d think he would have mostly forget about it by now, but every time he wakes up warm, it makes him feel so special. Any thoughts he doesn’t deserve this are immediately wiped away by Wilbur’s warm voice and reminder that he is loved. Truly loved and held precious.
A reminder that Wilbur didn’t have to care. A reminder that Wilbur could have just left him missing. A weight off his back.
But Wilbur searched and searched, and the world suffered because he was lost.
And the world is a better place because he’s returned. It made Tommy never want to leave.
“Morning, sleepy head.” Wilbur teased.
Tommy grumbled but didn’t make a move to get up.
“Come on. Up and at ‘em.” Wilbur pushed, “Can I see my sunshine’s eyes?”
Tommy lazily opened an eye and Wilbur cooed.
“There he is. Back in the land of the living.”
Tommy shoved his head back into Wilbur’s sweater, squeezing his eyes shut, “‘ive more minu’s...”
Wilbur chuckled and brushed a hair out of his face, “Sure, baby. Five more minutes.”
Tommy didn’t go back to sleep. Just enjoying their usual cuddles.
-------
Wilbur nudged him after the five minutes were up, “Come on, Toms. Time to get the day started.”
Tommy finally made an effort to get up. His hair sticking up in all different ways as Wilbur chuckled at him. Tommy glared back at him. Hating that Wilbur’s hair was always perfect. Cascading down right next to his eye in brown curls. His face always a soft smile while looking at him.
The absolute fondness radiating off of him made him blush slightly.
“You’ll need some breakfast, yes? I think I saw some tables back down the steps. Perhaps they serve food. I can go get it, if you’d like?”
Tommy nodded with a yawn, “Sure.”
Wilbur brushed his hand over Tommy’s hair, trying to tame it only for it to pop back up again. He sighed fondly before pressing a kiss to his forehead and disappearing.
Look, just because Wilbur could walk down three flights of steps didn’t mean he wanted to. He was a god. He could float down and phase through the floors.
-------
When he arrived, he appeared in front of the man at the desk. The man glanced up from his silver box and jumped when he saw Wilbur standing right there.
“Hello!” Wilbur greeted cheerfully.
“Hey, man. You need anything?” The man asked, sounding a lot more cheerful than when they met before.
Wilbur clapped his hands together, “Actually, yes! Do you serve food?”
“Uh yeah. We have free breakfast and lunch down the hall there.”
“Free?”
“Well, it comes with your payment of the room.”
“Oh, okay. So I can take what I want?”
“Yes. First come, first serve.”
Wilbur hummed and nodded, “Thank you, sir.”
The man nodded and Wilbur stepped away.
-------
Wilbur stepped into a medium sized room where there was a bar of food already out and prepared. He walked up in line and grabbed a plate. It was strangely thin and didn’t seem sturdy, but others were using it so who was he to complain?
He scooped up some eggs and fluffy golden brown pancake looking things.
They had strange square shapes inside, but it looked like it was supposed to be a pancake. There were also large tubes with a variety of colorful foods inside. Some were golden brown circles while others were thin and flake like.
Based on the labeling…
Cheerios, Fruit Loops, and Frosted Flakes.
He doesn’t know what those are, but he takes a bowl and fills it up with the different kinds. Next, he looks for drinks.
He isn’t entirely new to the modern world.
He’s seen humans put drinks into a large container that somehow keeps things cold. So, he opened the black rectangle and pulled out some milk cartons and orange juice bottles. He closed it and disappeared. Going unnoticed by the people inside.
-------
Wilbur popped back up.
“Boo.”
Tommy jumped and Wilbur cackled.
“I told you to stop doing that!” Tommy yelled with his face reddening.
“Awww, but you’re adorable when you’re all embarrassed.” Wilbur cooed.
“STOP!”
Wilbur giggled to himself, setting the food down on the bed next to Tommy, “I wasn’t sure what you wanted or what half the stuff was, so enjoy.”
Tommy gave a small ‘thank you’ before digging in. As he was eating, he pointed to the strange black rectangle standing on the dresser in front of the beds.
“What’s that?”
“Oh! I think that’s called a TV.”
“A what?”
Wilbur shrugged, “Music comes from it as well as I think... plays?”
“Plays?” He echoed.
Wilbur nodded, searching for the device that he’s seen control it. He found the rectangular device and spammed a few buttons.
The TV turned on and they both jumped.
On it were just some people talking. Only the upper half of their body showing, and it kept jumping to different people.
“What?” Tommy questioned, pressing his hand against the device, “How are there people in here? What’s this barrier?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but I do know what’s happening is an act.”
“Should we ask Phil?” Tommy questioned.
“No! No, I can handle this. We’ll be fine without him.”
Tommy smiled smugly, “Are you embarrassed Grand-Dadza knows more about the modern world than you?”
“No!” Wilbur responded, his face red, “Let’s just watch some TV, okay?”
Tommy smiled and sat down. Wilbur sitting next to him and messing with the remote.
They seemed to be on something called a ‘Disney Channel’ and a movie called ‘High School Musical’ was playing.
They watched the movie with intense curiosity. And after two hours of sitting completely still. The screen went dark and names scrolled across the device.
“Dad, Dad, Dad.” Tommy bounced in the bed, “I want to do that.”
“Do what?”
Tommy grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him down so they were face to face, “I want to go to high school.”