Archive of Our Own

Tommy nodded along to his music, his footsteps matching the beat. He might’ve looked a little crazy to anyone watching him, but he was a big man who didn’t care about how others perceived him. He was just that awesome and if anyone thought otherwise then he’d fight them.

He was so awesome and cool that he would never trip while he was walking home at all. He was Tommy Innit, the man who never tripped. If anyone saw him trip, they were seeing things and they were on drugs and hallucinating.

Tommy brushed his pants off as he got back to his feet, wincing at his palms. He’d scraped them when he HADN’T fallen. He’d never trip, he was simply too poggers for that.

He reached for the headphones that had fallen off his head, pausing as he heard a noise from the alleyway next to him.

Tommy slowly turned his head, looking into the darkness. It was late afternoon, the sun casting long shadows on the ground. The alleyway twisted out of his sight. Tommy kept staring.

And then there was another noise.

The smart option would be to leave. The smart option would be to get away from suspicious noises and walk away like nothing happened. The darkness was dangerous in L’manburg. It’s why his curfew was before the sun set. Phil was always super strict about it. It was pretty much the only rule he ever even enforced.

That would be the smart option.

However, Tommy was a sixteen year old boy, and smart options didn’t quite appeal to that demographic.

He slipped his headphones into his backpack, shouldering the bag before creeping into the alleyway. It was probably nothing more than a cat or a dog. He’d just check it out and then hurry home before the sun set any more.

Tommy peeked around the corner. The buildings blocked most of the sunlight, leaving the narrow area dark and suffocating. Luckily for him, Tommy had never been claustrophobic. He could see another turn in the alleyway up ahead, so he kept going.

His shoes scraped against the concrete. There were very few windows overlooking the small space, since they’d just be staring straight into another building. There were many places like it in L’manburg, Tommy knew. Tubbo loved studying maps, so he’d found dozens of little alleyways and forgotten spots between buildings.

The interesting thing was that Tommy didn’t remember this area being on any of Tubbo’s maps.

He emerged from the narrow passageway to a more open space. None of the buildings had windows that faced that direction, which was a little strange. There should at least be some. The clearing had one more exit that Tommy could see, but that’s not what drew his attention.

There was a teenager sitting on a stack of boxes, fiddling with something silver in his hands. He looked up sharply when Tommy stepped in, despite the fact Tommy was pretty sure he hadn’t made a sound.

Tommy waved faintly. “Hi.”

The boy put the thing in his hands in his pocket, jumping off the boxes. He was wearing a purple hoodie, despite the fact that it was August. That was just a little strange. Maybe very strange. 

“You’re late,” the boy said, walking towards him.

“Am I?” Tommy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I was told seven, sharp,” the boy said.

“And you expect someone to be able to find you in a place like this?” Tommy asked brazenly. He didn’t know who this boy was or what he was waiting for, but it was a weird place to be doing it.

The boy rolled his eyes. He slipped his backpack off. It was all black and frankly, boring. Tommy’s was bright red and covered in pins and patches and it was the greatest thing to ever exist.

“Here.” The boy held an orange envelope out to Tommy. He took it, confusion lacing his features.

“Thanks…?” Tommy said. The boy put his backpack on, walking past Tommy, towards the exit.

“Wait, this isn’t drugs, right?” Tommy called after him. There was no way he was getting caught up in something like that. Phil would kill him.

The boy glanced back, giving Tommy a nasty look. “We don’t deal in drugs. You should know that.”

“Hey, I just had to check.” Tommy put his hands up. The boy just rolled his eyes, turning to leave.

“Hang on, you didn’t even tell me your name,” Tommy said. The boy paused right before he left Tommy’s sight.

“My name isn’t important.”

Before Tommy could say anything else, the boy disappeared into the alleyway.

Tommy huffed. He’d met some strange people in his life, but that had to be the strangest interaction he’d ever experienced.

He didn’t have time to linger on it, though. The sun was still going down. He chucked the envelope into his backpack before hurrying back the way he’d come. The boy in the purple hoodie had already disappeared.

Tommy took a picture of the alleyway so he could tell Tubbo to put it on his maps. Then he slammed his headphones on his ears and started running.

***

Tommy shoved the door open, panting. The sky was nearly black, but he’d technically gotten back before his curfew. There was no way Phil should get mad at him.

“They didn’t? I was told it was- hang on, I have to go.” Phil hung up the phone as Tommy stepped into the living room.

“Who was that, old man?” Tommy asked, kicking off his shoes.

Phil rubbed his forehead. “Just issues at work.”

Tommy didn't meet Phil's eyes. It was always work. “Was Connor causing problems again?”

“I swear, I don’t know why they hired that man,” Phil said. “He was supposed to give a presentation today, but apparently, he completely forgot about it.”

Tommy wrinkled his nose, dropping his backpack on the couch before collapsing into it. “Can’t you just fire him? You’re his boss.”

“He’s the nephew of one of the higher-ups,” Phil said, shaking his head. “Even if I tried, it wouldn’t go through.”

“That’s so corrupt and evil. You should tell me more about it so I can report on it,” Tommy said, perking up.

“I’m not letting you put my work drama in your school paper,” Phil said, smiling.

“Come on,” Tommy complained, dragging out the vowels. “Nothing interesting ever happens at school. I need a juicy story to share.”

“A corperate issue isn’t a juicy story,” Phil said.

“It could be!” Tommy said, digging his notebook out of his backpack. “Corperate Corruption… Incompetent worker tanks reviews, but nepotism won’t allow him to be fired!”

“No one’s even heard of my company,” Phil said. “They’re not going to care.”

“I’ll make them care,” Tommy said childishly, his pen hovering over his page. “Come on, Phil. Just one story. You never let me write about your job.”

“Because I don’t have any interesting stories to tell,” Phil said, shrugging.

“It’s not the point if they’re interesting!” Tommy said, flopping back on the couch. “I’ll make them interesting! That’s my job!”

“It’s your job to embellish and exaggerate?” Phil asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Exactly,” Tommy said, snapping his fingers. “That’s what all reporters do.”

“I think this newspaper business is getting to your head, Tom.” Phil said, standing up. He ruffled Tommy’s hair as he walked past. “I’m going to get dinner started.”

“Is Techno home yet?” Tommy asked, propping himself up on his elbows.

“He had to leave for a work emergency,” Phil said, shaking his head.

Tommy pouted. “He hates me. My own brother hates me. This is evil and the worst thing ever and I think that he should be fired.”

“From work or from being your brother?” Phil asked, amused.

“Both!” Tommy said. “Because then he has to stay home and entertain me. How come he gets to leave at night but I have to stay in?”

“Your brother is an adult,” Phil said, stepping into the kitchen. Tommy trailed after him, sitting at the island while Phil got out pans and ingredients.

“I’m so close to being an adult, though,” Tommy said. “I’m a whole sixteen years old. I’ll be seventeen in April! That’s practically an adult! And I’m such a big man that no one would ever dare mess with me!”

“Tommy,” Phil said, a note of warning in his voice. “We’ve talked about this.”

“But I was younger then,” Tommy said. “Now I’m old and grown up and a big man!”

“You brought this up two months ago,” Phil reminded him.

“I’ve grown since then,” Tommy said. “Ranboo wants to start going to the gym. What if I go with him? Then I’ll be buff and no one would mess with me.”

“You’re only going to attract trouble that way,” Phil said, sounding almost bored of the argument. 

“Okay, what if I got a weapon? I could totally figure out how to fire a gun. Or stab someone with a knife. No one would mess with me if I had a knife,” Tommy said, making slashing motions in the air.

“I’m not giving you a gun or a knife, and the answer is still no, Tommy,” Phil said. “You’re not going to change my mind.”

Tommy groaned. “So you’re saying I have to wait all the way until I’m eighteen to go out at night? What’s going to magically change when I’m eighteen?”

Phil sighed. “You’ll be an adult when you’re eighteen. I can’t stop you.”

“This is so unfair. And mean. And evil. You hate me,” Tommy said dramatically.

“You’re not allowed to go out at night because I love you, kiddo,” Phil corrected. “You’ve seen the news reports.”

“Yeah, but they exaggerate stuff. I would know, I’m a reporter,” Tommy reminded him. “They embellish stuff for headlines and to sell papers.”

“Not everything is exaggerated,” Phil said, something a little too serious in his tone. Tommy said up straighter.

“Like what?”

“We’re not going to talk about that,” Phil said.

“How come?” Tommy pressed. “You can’t just say something like that and not tell me what you mean.”

“I’ve been alive a lot longer than you, Tommy. Believe it or not, I know what I’m talking about,” Phil said.

“I already know you’re old,” Tommy said, rolling his eyes. Phil’s phone dinged. He set down the vegetables to glance at it.

“More work drama?” Tommy asked, pretending not to make a face.

Phil shook his head. “Just Candy Crush. My lives are refilled.”

“Oh my gosh, Phil, you’re so old,” Tommy said, leaning back on his chair. “Only old people play Candy Crush, you know.”

“Hey, I’m almost at level 1,000,” Phil said.

“Because you’re old,” Tommy emphasised. “Old and ancient.”

“I’m not even forty yet,” Phil said.

“Doesn’t change the fact that you’re old,” Tommy said.

Phil sighed. “Why don’t you come help me with dinner instead of just sitting there?”

Tommy jumped to his feet. “Do I get to use a knife?!”

“I’ll cut the vegetables,” Phil said, sliding the cutting board away from him. “You start the noodles. The water’s nearly boiling.”

“Boiling water isn’t as fun as knives,” Tommy complained, but he still went to the pantry to grab the package of noodles.

“Those are the sticky kind, so you’ll have to keep stirring them so they don’t stick to the bottom or sides of the pan,” Phil said as Tommy totally didn’t struggle to open the package of noodles. He would never struggle to do something as simple as open a package of noodles because he was too big and poggers for that and the noodles would simply cower before him.

He didn’t need to cut them open at all because he just pulled open the bag because he was cool and amazing. Tommy put the scissors away before dumping the noodles in the pot and rooting around for a wooden spoon. 

“How long will they take?” Tommy asked, looking over his shoulder at Phil.

“It says on the package,” Phil said. Tommy grumbled to himself, leaving the spoon on the side of the pot to retrieve the package.

“Eight minutes,” Tommy read aloud. He set a timer on his watch before returning to the noodles. He stared into the pot as he stirred, mind wandering to the homework he didn’t want to do that totally wasn’t in his backpack. 

He jumped at the sound of an opening door. He spun around. “Is Techno home?”

“Keep an eye on those noodles,” Phil said pointedly.

Tommy made a face. “Changed my mind. Techno can stay my brother. You’re getting fired instead.”

“You volunteered to help,” Phil said.

“You asked me to help,” Tommy corrected. “Get it right, old man. I think your memory is slipping.”

“You can wait to see your brother for five minutes,” Phil said.

“Not unless he comes in here,” Tommy said. “Techno! Techno!”

“Give me a minute!” Techno called.

“He hates me,” Tommy said, pouting at Phil. 

“Your life is so difficult, isn’t it?” Phil asked sarcastically.

“The most difficult ever,” Tommy said. “I’m going to die, Phil. You’re going to make me die, Philza Minecraft. I just want to see my bestest brother ever and I’m going to die and it’s all going to be your fault.”

“Oh no, whatever will you do?” Phil asked dryly.

“Be a ghost, I guess,” Tommy said. “I’ll haunt you.”

“You would,” Phil said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tommy demanded, raising the spoon like a weapon.

“Hey, you’re the one who said it first,” Phil said. He didn’t turn away from his vegetables. “I was just agreeing with you.”

“You’re horrible. Terrible. The worst parental figure a man could have,” Tommy said.

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not quite a man yet, then,” Phil said. Tommy gasped dramatically.

“More betrayal. I can’t believe this. I’m going to haunt you so hard, Phil.”

“Have fun with that. Just keep an eye on the noodles while you’re haunting, alright?” Phil asked. Tommy grumbled to himself, but turned back to the pot.

Tommy intended to leave as soon as the noodles were done, but Phil kept roping him into doing the next step before he could leave. Dinner was finished by the time Techno emerged. 

“Techno!” Tommy shouted, jumping at his brother. Techno caught him before Tommy could tackle him to the ground.

“I’ll get you one day,” Tommy muttered bitterly.

“Maybe if you train another hundred years,” Techno said, setting him back on his feet. “But you’ll be dead by then.”

“I’m gonna put a rat in your bed,” Tommy threatened.

“You don’t want to start something, Tommy,” Techno said.

“We are not having another repeat of the prank war,” Phil said loudly, interrupting the fight before it could get physical.

“You’re no fun,” Tommy complained.

“You can pause your fun for one dinner,” Phil said, setting the pot of soup on the table. “Okay? No pranks and no fighting until dinner’s over.”

“Fine,” Tommy said, dropping into a seat. “Only because I helped so it’s going to be the best food ever.”

“Do I have to worry about food poisoning?” Techno asked, looking at Phil.

“I supervised him.”

“Hey!” Tommy shouted. “I’m sixteen! I’m not going to be giving anyone food poisoning!”

Techno raised his eyebrows. “The time with the donuts?”

“That was- I didn’t even make them, I just bought them- It wasn’t my fault!” Tommy sputtered. “And it was forever ago!”

“Three months,” Techno said, holding up three fingers. “It was three months ago, Tommy.”

“Three months is forever,” Tommy said, smacking his hand down. “Three months ago I was barely sixteen and I was young and inexperienced. Now I’m a big man.”

“You always say that,” Techno said.

“Which means that at some point, it’s got to be true,” Tommy said.

“Sure,” Techno said. “You keep telling yourself that.”

“I can take you in a fight,” Tommy said.

“You really can’t,” Techno said. “We’ve tested this theory.”

Tommy stuck out his tongue. “I changed my mind. You are fired from being my brother.”

“Oh no,” Techno said sarcastically. “My life is going to get so much worse without an annoying little brother.”

“I’ve never been annoying in my life!” Tommy proclaimed.

“That’s the biggest lie you’ve ever said,” Techno said.

“I hate you,” Tommy decided. “Phil, disown him.”

“I’m not disowning anyone,” Phil said, pouring soup into each of the three bowls on the table. 

“Just say Techno’s your favorite, then,” Tommy muttered, picking up his spoon to spin. It wasn’t working very well, since it was heavier on one side, but he didn’t drop the spoon even one time. If Techno said that, he was a liar and had it out for Tommy because he was getting Techno written out of the will. Slander and lies.

“I don’t have a favorite,” Phil said, placating.

“It’s okay, Phil, we both know it’s me,” Techno said, grinning at Tommy with something sharp.

“I’m gonna throw your books out the window,” Tommy threatened, narrowing his eyes.

“Don’t you dare,” Techno said. “I’ll follow them by your camera.”

“Hey, I paid good money for that!” Tommy said, slamming his hands on the table. He yelped as hot soup splashed onto his hand.

“What did I say about fighting, boys?” Phil asked, passing Tommy a napkin.

“That I’d win,” Tommy said. “Every single time.”

“You’ve never won against me,” Techno said.

“One day,” Tommy said, pointing at Techno. “One day.”

“Like I said, train a hundred years,” Techno said.

“You haven’t even trained that long!” Tommy said. Techno just shrugged.

“Rules of the game, Theseus.”

“Don’t pull out the nicknames,” Tommy said. “You’re being disowned, remember?”

“How could I forget?” Techno asked, rolling his eyes.

“Eat, boys, it’s going to get cold,” Phil said. Tommy glared at Techno, but picked up his spoon.

“One day, Techno. One day.”

“Sure, kid. Sure.”

***

Phil rapped on Techno’s door, late that night. 

“Who is it?” Techno grunted.

“Me,” Phil said, pushing the door open. Techno had the first aid kit spread across the floor, wrapping a thick bandage around his arm.

“What’d they say?” Phil asked, sitting next to Techno. Techno held out his hand for Phil to tie it instead, a practiced motion.

“They claimed that they sent someone to collect the information,” Techno said. “Apparently, they heard that our guy was the one who wasn’t there.”

“Really?” Phil asked, surprised. “It was that 3rd rank… what was it, Purple? Something like that. He’s been very reliable on past missions.”

“I’ve sent my men to track him down to figure out what happened,” Techno said. “Either way, I don’t hink we’re going to be doing much trade with that new gang.”

“If you pissed them off, Tech-”

“It wasn’t just me,” Techno said, rolling his eyes. “They’re shady. And too aggressive.”

“Clearly.” Phil tied off the bandage tightly. The wound wasn’t quite deep enough to need stitches, which was good. They didn’t keep those supplies in the house, in case Tommy found them. He started packing everything back into the kit.

“We’ll need to retrieve the information, regardless,” Phil said. “Figure out what that Purple did with it. I’ll assign Foolish’s team to eradicate that new gang’s forces.”

“Foolish’s?” Techno asked, raising an eyebrow. “They don’t have that many recruits here yet.”

“If they’re strong enough to do that to you,” Phil said, pointing at Techno’s arm. “Foolish’s team is going to be necessary.”

Techno shrugged. “You’re the boss.”

Phil zipped up the first aid kit, standing. “Do try to head to base first, next time. If Tommy had seen you-”

“I know, I know,” Techno said. “You’ve given me the lecture a thousand times, Phil.”

“I just want to be careful.” Phil glanced at the wall Tommy shared with Techno. The teen was supposed to be fast asleep, though Phil doubted he really was.

“He’s going to be fine, Phil,” Techno said.

“I know,” Phil said. “I know.”

***

“The teachers would never let us publish that!” Tubbo said.

“Then we sneak it past them!” Tommy said, snapping his fingers. “Come on, the people have to know this story!”

“Tommy, we’re not getting inter-student drama published in the newspaper,” Tubbo said. “They want articles about people who win chess competitions and basketball games, and students who win the science fair and the art gallery.”

“But that’s so boring!” Tommy said, throwing his hands in the air. “I want to write about something interesting!”

“Then update your blog. You haven’t touched that thing in months,” Tubbo said.

“No one reads that,” Tommy said.

“And so many people read the school newspaper,” Tubbo said sarcastically.

“They would if I were allowed to publish about Jacob cheating on Lacey,” Tommy muttered.

“You’re going to get fired if you even try,” Tubbo said. “You’re already on thin ice with Mr. Sam.”

“He’s not going to kick me off the committee,” Tommy said, waving a hand. “There’s no one who’d want to replace me.”

“Because you scared everyone off of touching the newspaper.”

“That was my plan all along!” Tommy said proudly.

“Right,” Tubbo said. “Sure.”

“I’m just saying, I-”

Tommy came to an abrupt stop as an unfamiliar boy marched up to the duo. He had blond hair and violently purple eyes. He must’ve been wearing some kind of contacts. He was a little taller than Tommy, which was saying something because Tommy was so tall and poggers and amazing.

“Hey, what-”

The boy grabbed Tommy’s collar, glaring at him.

“You didn’t deliver it,” the boy said darkly.

“Hey, hey, there’s no need to fight,” Tubbo said quickly. “Whatever Tommy did wasn’t personal. He’s just a jerk to everyone!”

“Not helping,” Tommy hissed.

“I’m trying to keep you from getting your butt kicked,” Tubbo loudly whispered back. The boy cleared his throat.

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about, man,” Tommy said, holding his hands up. It was a little difficult to breathe with his collar choking him.

“Don’t act dumb.” The boy let go of Tommy, pushing him back. Tommy rubbed his neck, swallowing a cough.

“I’ve never seen you before in my life,” Tommy said.

“It was literally yesterday,” the boy said.

Tommy blinked. “Wait, were you that kid in the alleyway?”

“You bothered someone in an alleyway and expected them to not be mad at you? Okay, this one is on you, Tommy,” Tubbo said.

“Tommy?” the boy asked, squinting. “That’s not your name.”

“Prettyyy sure it is,” Tommy said. “Well, I guess my birth certificate says Thomas, but Tommy suits me way better, don’t you think?”

The boy tilted his head. “You don’t know who I am, do you?”

“You did refuse to tell me your name,” Tommy said.

“You don’t know what was in that envelope,” the boy said.

“Why would you accept an envelope from a stranger?” Tubbo demanded.

“He looked trustworthy!” Tommy said defensively. Tubbo looked at the boy. Tubbo looked back at Tommy.

“You need to fix your trustworthy meter,” Tubbo said.

“He’s standing right there,” Tommy said.

“He has a point,” the boy said.

“Now you’re not helping your case,” Tubbo said, crossing his arms. “If you want a fight-”

“I just want my envelope back,” the boy said. “I gave it to you by mistake.”

“It’s at my house,” Tommy said, nodding backwards. “If you really need it that bad, it’s like a five minute walk that way.”

“You’re just… going to show me your house?” the boy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s not exactly a secret,” Tommy said, glancing at Tubbo. He shrugged. This guy was strange, but maybe Tommy should’ve realized that when he met him in an alleyway.

“Fine,” the boy said, throwing out a hand. “Lead the way.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Tubbo asked, tugging on Tommy’s sleeve. “Alley guys are kinda sketchy…”

“You’re an alley guy,” Tommy said.

“I like architecture and city planning, there’s a difference,” Tubbo said defensively.

Tommy rolled his eyes. “It’s fine, Tubbo. You can wait here, I’ll be back in a few.”

Tubbo glared at the boy suspiciously. “He won’t even tell you his name.”

“I don’t need his name. I’m just getting him his envelope,” Tommy said, shrugging. He glanced at the boy. “Unless you wanted to tell us…?”

“Not happening,” the boy said.

Tommy sighed. “Fine, whatever. Just follow me.”

He started walking towards his house. The boy followed after him. He was wearing a gray hoodie that day, which was even more ridiculous because the sun was high in the sky and no one in their right mind would be wearing anything with long sleeves.

“Is there a reason you’re wearing that?” Tommy asked.

The boy looked at his clothes. “It’s cold.”

Tommy looked up at the sun. He looked back at the boy. “It’s not.”

“It’s none of your business,” the boy said.

“You kinda suck,” Tommy said. “No, you really suck, actually. You should learn to be better and cooler. I’m a good example. The best example, actually.”

“You’re a loud teenager with no self preservation,” the boy said. “Why were you in that alleyway last night?”

“Why were you in the alleyway last night?” Tommy shot back.

“Because I was tasked to pass on my envelope,” the boy said, surprisingly. Tommy wasn’t expecting an actual answer.

“Well, I was just… curious.” Tommy’s answer sounded lame to his ears. The boy narrowed his eyes.

“Curious, huh.”

“I’d never seen that alleyway before and I heard noises,” Tommy said, shrugging.

The boy stared at him. “You realize that could’ve gotten you killed, right?”

You weren’t going to kill me,” Tommy said.

“I’m not the only thing lurking in the darkness,” the boy said.

“Oh yeah, because there’s monsters hiding in the alleyways,” Tommy said sarcastically.

“There are much worse things than monsters,” the boy said.

Tommy gave him a side eye. “Like what?”

“It’s really not important to you,” the boy said. “As long as you stay out of alleyways, you’ll be fine.”

“That’s super ominous. And just makes me want to explore more alleyways,” Tommy said.

“Didn’t your parents ever teach you not to poke your nose where you don’t belong?” the boy asked.

“They did, but then I decided to have joy and whimsy in my life,” Tommy said. “I’m sure your life is boring and not whimsical at all, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t call it boring,” the boy said.

“You’re not going to elaborate, are you?” Tommy asked.

“No.”

“I lied before. You suck a lot,” Tommy said. “You need to work on your people skills.”

“I have people skills where it matters,” the boy said.

Tommy wrinkled his nose. “You do not, I can assure you. You’re all quiet and ominous and going ‘You can’t know my name or I’ll have to kill you’ and ‘Don’t look in the darkness or it’s gonna look back’. Do you think that’s people skills?”

The boy sighed. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re annoying?”

“You know, lots of people tell me that at first- oh, wait, we’re here.” Tommy stopped at the two-story building. The boy looked it up and down.

“Huh.”

“What? Expecting a mansion?” Tommy asked.

“It’s become extremely obvious that you have no idea who I am or what I do. So, no,” the boy said.

“You still refuse to tell me your name, so it’s a little hard to know who you are,” Tommy said, rounding the house.

“You said you lived here,” the boy said as Tommy pushed his window up.

“Yeah, but I’m not allowed to have friends over right now,” Tommy said, climbing inside.

“We’re not friends,” the boy said.

“I’m not allowed to have creepy alley strangers at my house either,” Tommy said, rolling his eyes. The boy climbed in after him, glancing around the room.

“You’re… normal,” the boy said.

“Were you expecting something else?” Tommy asked, unzipping his backpack. “I’m not secretly a murderer or a magician.”

“Why were those the two things you immediately went to?” the boy asked.

“Because they’re the obvious options,” Tommy said, holding the orange envelope to the boy. He flicked it open, glancing at the papers.

“What’s that for, anyways?” Tommy asked.

“Work.” The boy shut the envelope.

“What kind of work has you handing off envelopes in sketchy alleyways?” Tommy asked. His eyes widened. “Wait, are you a spy?”

“No, I’m not a spy,” the boy said.

“That’s why you can’t tell me your name!” Tommy said excitedly.

“Are you a child? I told you, I’m not-”

“And you’re not allowed to tell me because that’s out of the spy code of conduct,” Tommy said, nodding along. “Don’t worry, mysterious kid, your secret is safe with me.”

“Don’t call me a kid, I’m almost definitely older than you-”

“Oh yeah? You’re like, my age,” Tommy said. “How’d you get to be a spy when you’re still a teenager? Do you go undercover in schools and stuff?”

“No, I don’t-”

“How old are you, anyways?” Tommy asked. “I can tell you’re not an adult.”

The boy narrowed his eyes. “Sixteen.”

“Ha, you are my age!” Tommy said loudly. “When’s your birthday?”

“October,” the boy said shortly.

Tommy deflated. “Well, mine’s in April. But you’re not that much older!”

“Why am I entertaining this?” the boy asked, seemingly more to himself than Tommy.

“Because I’m cool and awesome and you have the privilege of being in my presence,” Tommy said.

“Right,” the boy said. “I’m leaving. You should get back to your friend.”

“Oh, shoot, right, Tubbo,” Tommy said. The boy climbed out of Tommy’s window. Tommy hopped out after him, shutting the frame.

“You’re not going to lock that?” the boy asked.

“There’s nothing to steal in my room,” Tommy said, shrugging. “Unless they wanted my old switch or my school computer.”

“Suit yourself,” the boy said, rolling his eyes. 

“Now that you’re going and I’m never going to see you again, can you tell me your name?” Tommy asked. “I promise I won’t tell anyone about your secret spy job.”

“I’m not a spy,” the boy said. “And I’m not telling you my name.”

Tommy sighed. “Well, worth a shot. See you, creepy alley guy.”

“I’m not-”

“You don’t tell me your name, I pick one for you!”

Tommy walked back to where Tubbo was waiting for him, and he did not look back. He did not look back because there was nothing to look back for.

It was just some kid he met in an alleyway and a misunderstanding.

***

Tommy grunted as Techno slammed him to the mat again.

“I nearly had you,” Tommy said, sitting up.

“You need to learn when to give up, Theseus,” Techno said, cracking his knuckles.

“It’s never okay to give up, Tech,” Tommy said, standing. He stretched, rolling his shoulders. “Again?”

“Phil’s going to get annoyed if you come home with bruises again,” Techno said.

“He won’t know,” Tommy said. “What happens in the Pit, stays in the Pit.”

“You’ve really got to stop calling this place the Pit,” Techno said.

“It’s the best name for it,” Tommy said. “Because I named it. I only name the most amazing things.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Theseus,” Techno said, squaring up. “Again, if you really want.”

“I’m a big man,” Tommy said, raising his fists. “I can take it.”

Tommy could not, in fact, take it.

“You should’ve quit while you were ahead,” Techno said, handing Tommy an ice pack.

“When wa’ that’, ‘ech?” Tommy asked, pinching his nose. His white shirt was stained red with his blood.

“Before we started,” Techno said.

“‘M no’ a qui’er,” Tommy said.

“It’s not broken, is it?” Techno asked, squinting at Tommy’s face. Tommy kicked his leg to make him back up.

“I’s jus’ a noseblee’, ‘ech,” Tommy said. “‘Ll be fine ‘n a ‘our.”

“If you say so,” Techno said. “Don’t let Phil see you like that. He’s going to think you got beat up on your way home.”

“No one cou’ bea’ me up,” Tommy said. “’m ‘ big man.”

“Sure, Tommy,” Techno said. “You’re still the one with a bloody nose right now.”

“Tha’ was on pur’ose!” Tommy said.

“You purposefully gave yourself a bloody nose,” Techno said.

“Tuh ma’e Phil disown you,” Tommy said. “Par’ of my plan, big man.”

“You have no plan,” Techno said.

“I ‘ave all ‘he p’ans!” Tommy protested. Techno just rolled his eyes.

“You’re covered in blood. Let’s head home.”

“Wai’, I di’n’ bea’ you yet,” Tommy complained.

“That’s not going to happen, Theseus,” Techno said, holding out his hand to help Tommy up. “Let’s get out of here.”

“On’y if you ge’ me a mi’shake,” Tommy said, still pinching his nose.

Techno scoffed. “Fine.”

***

Purpled’s sneakers scraped against the sidewalk as he made a sharp turn. He’d long since lost his assailants, but he couldn’t be too careful.

He looked around, pressing a hand to the wound on his shoulder. He took the bandana from his pocket, sloppily tying it on to help with the bleeding.

Purpled cursed. He was on the wrong side of town. There weren’t any bases or safe houses close enough to get to. Purpled usually avoided this area on purpose because of that. It was suburbia, filled with tranquil, quiet streets, and parents that would call the cops if they saw a suspicious teenager loitering.

He did not need that attention, and especially not now. He tightened the bandana a little bit. It might be a while before he could get somewhere he could properly address it.

At the end of the street, he glanced at the signs. The name was distantly familiar. He must’ve been here before-

Oh. He knew when he’d been here. That kid, Tommy, who’d taken the earnings and transfers report by accident. If he wasn’t such an obvious idiot, Purpled probably would’ve killed him. The only reason he hadn’t was because Quackity had been getting on his case for how many times he’d had to call the cleanup crew.

Purpled bit his tongue, tasting blood. The nearest safe house was far. A hospital was obviously not an option.

It would be stupid to get help from some random kid. There was no way to even know if he’d be home, let alone if he’d call the cops.

And yet, with the amount of blood spilling from his arm, Purpled was pretty sure they’d hit an artery.

He bit back whatever smarter moves there may have been. It had already been a night full of mistakes. What was one more?

***

Tommy was spinning a pen in his hand, trying to concentrate on the homework in front of him. Math was one of his least favorite subjects. Usually, he would be on a call with Tubbo, but he had a robotics competition, so Tommy was on his own.

“You… use cosign?” Tommy muttered to himself, squinting at the triangle. “No… then what-”

Something knocked at his window. Tommy jumped so hard he fell out of his chair. He scrambled to his feet, staring at the window. A figure stood in the setting sun, something red reflecting off their shoulder. It took Tommy a second to recognize who it was.

“Spy creepy alley guy!” Tommy said, opening his window. “What happened to you?”

“Got in a fight,” the boy said through gritted teeth. He wasn’t wearing a hoodie for once, and had a purple bandana around the wound on his shoulder. “This was the only place I could come.”

“You need to get more friends,” Tommy said. “Come on, get in. Don’t bleed out outside my house.”

Tommy helped pull the boy inside. His breathing was shallow and red was soaking through the purple handkerchief on his shoulder.

“I’m going to get the first aid kit,” Tommy said. “What happened to you?”

“Shot,” the boy said, leaning his head against Tommy’s wall. “I already got the bullet out.

Tommy stared at him for a moment. “You got shot?”

“I’ll explain after you get the first aid kit,” the boy said. “I owe you that much, for showing up here.”

“And you have to tell me your name,” Tommy said, pointing at him.

“Fine, whatever.” The boy did not sound thrilled to agree, but he had, so Tommy was going to take that as a win.

He rushed down the hallway, grabbing the first aid kit from the hallway. Phil was always good about keeping it stocked. He said it was because Tommy was accident prone, but Tommy knew that it was really because of Techno. Tommy would never get into any accidents ever. Never ever.

“You good, Tommy?”

Tommy froze, the kit in his hands. He slowly turned his head, finding Techno walking across the hallway.

“Yeah, just- needed some bandaids,” Tommy said, shutting the closet door casually. It slammed a little too hard.

“O-kay,” Techno said, giving Tommy a strange look before stepping into his room. Tommy kept standing there for another second before booking it back to his room.

The boy hadn’t moved, but the blood had spread. Tommy locked the door behind him, kneeling next to the boy.

“So, what happened?” Tommy asked, pulling out a roll of bandages and an alcohol wipe.

“I told you, I got shot,” the boy said, using his free hand to untie the handkerchief and pull his sleeve up. The wound was dark and messy, red dripping down his skin. Tommy winced.

“So- clean it first, right?” Tommy asked, looking helplessly down at the supplies in the kit. He’d only ever seen stuff like this in movies, and he hadn’t exactly internalized it.

“With alcohol, yeah,” the boy said. “Got the bullet out with a knife.”

“Yeah, you’re going to have to tell me the whole story,” Tommy said. “You- uh, you’re not going to scream, right? Do you- like- bite something? Scream into a pillow?”

“I’m not going to scream,” the boy said evenly.

“But-”

“Just do it,” the boy snapped. Tommy pressed the alcohol wipe to the center of the wound. The boy’s back arched, but he didn’t make a sound. That was almost concerning, but Tommy was also treating a bullet wound from another teenager, so he had bigger problems in his life at the moment.

Tommy cleaned out the wound and some of the blood from the surrounding area. The boy instructed him on how to put on the gauze and the bandages, freakily coherent considering it was his own wound he was helping to patch up.

All in all, it probably took a little longer than what was strictly safe, but it was Tommy’s first time patching a bullet wound. He thought he deserved credit for that.

“Are the bandages going to be enough?” Tommy asked, watching the boy’s arm, already expecting for red to bloom through on the white.

“It’ll be fine, for now,” the boy said. “I’ll stitch it up when I have the materials.”

“You just… have the materials to give yourself stitches?” Tommy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You only need a sterile needle and thread,” the boy said.

“That’s… not very reassuring,” Tommy said slowly. He rooted around in the first aid kit for a minute, passing the boy some painkillers. “Here, I’ll grab you some water.”

“It’s fine.” The boy took the pills dry. Tommy stared at him.

“Somehow, everything you do makes it worse,” Tommy said, sitting back. He set to reorganizing the first aid kit to how everything had been before. “So, your explanation? And name?”

The boy sighed. “I’m only doing this because I owe you. I shouldn’t have gotten you involved in any of this.”

“Hey, man, so long as you don’t wind up dead, it’s fine,” Tommy said. “I’d prefer getting mixed up in… whatever’s going on than have someone dead on my behalf.”

“It wouldn’t be on your behalf,” the boy said, shaking his head. “It was my fault. I screwed up. I knew better.”

“Being real vague, there,” Tommy said.

The boy rubbed his forehead with his uninjured arm. “I went to a meeting alone. Protocol is having at least three members with you, in case it’s an ambush, but I was impatient and wanted to get the deal done with.”

“So you went on your own,” Tommy said, nodding along. “You got out of there alive, didn’t you?”

“Usually, I don’t get shot,” the boy said, a little bitterly.

“What exactly is it that you do?” Tommy asked. “Exchange information? That sometimes gets you shot? And you couldn’t go anywhere normal like a hospital? Are you sure you’re not a spy?”

The boy met Tommy’s eyes. They were still a violent purple. Maybe they weren't contacts. “Something like that.”

“I knew it!” Tommy proclaimed, much too loudly. He slapped his hands over his mouth. He whispered, “I mean, I knew it.”

“Right,” the boy said.

“And your name?” Tommy prompted.

“Purpled.”

Tommy stared at him. “Come again?”

“My name is Purpled,” the boy said evenly.

“You know I meant your real name, right?” Tommy asked.

“It is my real name,” Purpled said.

“Is it because of your eyes?” Tommy asked. “Am I allowed to ask that?”

Purpled rolled his eyes. “I don’t know. Maybe. Probably. I was never told.”

“I can see why you wouldn’t want to share your name, though,” Tommy said. “If my name was that stupid, I wouldn’t want to share it either.”

Purpled glared at him. “It’s not because my name is stupid. It’s for safety.”

“Because someone’s going to do so much with your identity,” Tommy said sarcastically.

“You really know nothing about this city,” Purpled said.

“Excuse you,” Tommy said. “I actually know a ton about the city. My friend’s a city nerd. And I’m a reporter. So I know everything there is to know about L’manburg.”

“You’re the type of kid to only see the brightest layer of this place,” Purpled said. “You have no idea what the underground holds.”

“Like people who will shoot you?” Tommy asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Like people who will torture and kill you. People who will kidnap your entire family to use against you. People who will do anything they can to get ahead.” Purpled’s voice carried a weight that made Tommy squirm, a weight that made it sound like he’d seen all of it before, a weight that mad it feel impossibly real.

“I don’t have those kinds of issues,” Tommy said. “I’m only sixteen.” The excuse sounded weak in his ears because he knew Purpled was only a few months older than him. The excuse sounded weak in his ears because he was acting like a child. The excuse sounded weak because it was.

“Keep it that way,” Purpled said, looking away. “You don’t want to see anything else the city has to offer.”

Tommy pulled on the zipper of the first aid kit. “No, probably not.”

“I should go,” Purpled said, trying to push himself to his feet.

“You literally just got shot, you’re not leaving,” Tommy said. Purpled stayed sitting.

“You’re not allowed to have creepy alley guys over, remember?” Purpled asked.

“I didn’t know you had a sense of humor,” Tommy said, grinning. “But seriously, big man, you should at least wait a little longer before leaving. I thought you had nowhere else to go.”

“I was bleeding through the handkerchief and needed a place to lie low to fix something else up,” Purpled said. “I don’t have any safe houses in this area of the city. Your place was the only place that’s uninvolved with anything that I could go to.”

“Glad to be of service, I guess,” Tommy said. “At least hang around for an hour. Phil’s not home yet and Techno isn’t going to bother us. You need time to, like, replenish blood. Or whatever.”

“That’s going to take more than an hour,” Purpled said. Because he was so knowledgeable in bloodloss.

Well, he probably was, but that was besides the point.

“But it’ll be better than if you don’t wait for an hour,” Tommy said. “Come on, you said you owe me.”

“Styaing longer will make me owe you more,” Purpled said. “Trust me, you don’t want a favor from me. That’s dangerous.”

“Maybe I just like collecting favors from people,” Tommy said, crossing his arms. “You don’t know.”

“That would be incredibly strange,” Purpled said.

“You’re one to talk, Mr. ‘Creepy Alley Guy’,” Tommy said with air quotes.

“I was there for my job,” Purpled said.

“Your spy job.”

“My spy job.”

“You admitted it!”

“Yeah, whatever, I’m a spy and I have a mission to get back to,” Purpled said, using the windowsill to pull himself up. “So if you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way now.”

“I do mind, actually,” Tommy said. Purpled stopped, looking at Tommy, annoyed.

“What is it?”

“What if you’ve got other rival spies after you? Like the people who shot you?” Tommy asked.

“I almost certainly do. I don’t know what that has to do with you,” Purpled said. “I can handle it on my own.”

“What if they come here?” Tommy asked, a hand on his chest. “What am I supposed to do if spies try to murder and torture my family, like you said?”

“That’s not going to happen,” Purpled said, sounding bored, which was so rude against Tommy’s completely valid concerns.

“You can’t be sure about that,” Tommy said. “And you’re injured.”

“Then what do you expect me to do?” Purpled asked, raising an eyebrow. “I made sure no one was trailing me. If you’re really that afraid, I can get protection posted outside your house until this blows over.”

“I’m not scared.” Tommy scoffed. “I’m a big man. I’m a big poggers man. I never get scared of anything.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Purpled asked.

“If you’re a spy, then you know self defense, right?” Tommy asked. Purpled’s hands tightened on the windowsill. 

“I know self defense. If this is going where I think-”

“You’ve gotta teach me!” Tommy said brightly.

“No.”

“Come on, man, please?” Tommy asked. “I gotta protect myself if your enemies come after me. They’re gonna think we’re friends now.”

“I told you that I made sure I wasn’t followed,” Purpled said.

“But could you have been followed when you came to my house for your envelope?” Tommy asked, crossing his arms.

“No one followed me,” Purpled said, rubbing his forehead.

“You said you owed me a favor,” Tommy said.

“I also said I was a bad person to be owed a favor from,” Purpled said. “Or did you just ignore that part?”

“No, see, it works out still,” Tommy said. “You fulfill your favor, so you don’t owe me anymore, and I learn self defense.”

Purpled stared at Tommy for a long minute. “You don’t know what you’re getting into.”

“I’m a fast learner,” Tommy said, shrugging a shoulder.

“Why don’t you just go to a class like a normal teenager?” Purpled said.

“Because I’d have to ask my dad, and then my brother would know,” Tommy said.

“Why does that matter?” Purpled asked.

Tommy blinked. “No reason.”

“Feels like there’s a reason.”

“There’s no reason at all.”

“You’re lying to me.”

“I would never have a reason at all I just need to know self defense.”

Purpled stared at Tommy. Really, his eyes could not be natural. Who had purple eyes? It was weird. Very fitting with the whole creepy alley guy aesthetic. 

“Fine,” Tommy said, breaking eye contact. “I want to know self defense so I can beat my brother. He always wins.”

“And he can’t know that you’re learning because….?”

“Because that defeats the purpose!” Tommy said, throwing his hands in the air. “I just need a couple of lessons. I already know the basics from my brother. Come on.”

Purpled pinched the bridge of his nose. “If you never bother me again afterwards.”

“Woo!” Tommy shouted, pumping his fist. His eyes widened, and he whipped around to face the door. “Just won a round, Tech! I’m the best! So much better than you!”

Techno didn’t respond.

“Phew,” Tommy said turning back around. “That was a close one.”

Purpled was already gone, and the window was shut.

“Oh,” Tommy said blankly.

***

The wound made it a little hard to breathe as Purpled ran, but he wasn’t risking having that stupid kid follow him.

What kind of person asked someone like Purpled to teach them self defense? From everything Purpled could see, Tommy was just some normal kid. He didn’t know what he was getting involved in.

Purpled looked down at the phone in his hand. It was a fresh burner, nothing in it but the number he’d stolen from Tommy’s phone when he wasn’t looking.

If Purpled had any other option, he’d walk away and pretend like nothing had happen. If he had any other option, he’d never see that kid again.

But he was a man of his word, and he repaid favors. If the kid needed self-defense lessons that badly, Purpled could figure something out.

***

“Yeah, Techno, I-” Tommy’s phone buzzed. He cut himself off to glance down at the notification.

He’d barged into Techno’s room after school the next day, spread out on Techno’s bed while Techno was working at his desk. He’d tried to convince Techno to tell him what he was doing, but Techno refused. Some secret work stuff, or something.

“Teenagers,” Techno muttered. Tommy was surprised that Techno even noticed he’d stopped speaking.

“What? It’s one text,” Tommy said, throwing his hands in the air. “Besides, you’d do the same. You do the same, all the time. Remember that time we were in the middle of Monopoly but you got a text and walked straight out of the house?”

“It was a work emergency,” Techno said evenly. Tommy rolled his eyes. It was always a work emergency with Phil and Techno. 

Tommy squirted at his phone. He’d gotten a text message from an unknown number.

Unknown: ‘Six, tomorrow. Place we first met.’

Tommy: ‘who is this’

Unknown: ‘You know.’

That was entirely unhelpful. How was Tommy supposed to go somewhere to meet someone when he didn’t even know who he was talking to?

Tommy straightened up. Unless…

Tommy: ‘Purpled?? when’d you get my number???’

Unknown: ‘I have my ways.’

“One text, right,” Techno said, rolling his eyes.

“Shut up, I can talk to my friends. You weren’t even listening to me,” Tommy said, sticking out his tongue.

“What was that about being mature?” Techno asked, raising his eyebrows.

“I’m the most mature man ever. Trust me,” Tommy said. He raised his voice, shouting into the hallway. “Phil, can I hang out with someone tomorrow?”

“With who?” Phil called back..

“Tubbo,” Tommy lied.

“Of course, mate,” Phil responded.

It wasn’t that Tommy wanted to lie. It was just that Techno was right next to him, and he couldn’t explain much about his ‘new friend’, especially when Purpled specifically said he would disappear after he taught Tommy some things.

It was fine. They’d never have to know. Tubbo could cover for him.

The more important part was that Tommy was going to finally learn enough to take Techno on and win.

“Where are you going?” Techno asked, looking up as Tommy slid off his bed.

“My room,” Tommy said, tapping on his phone.

“Why?” Techno asked.

“What, you want me to stay?” Tommy asked, raising an eyebrow. Techno hadn’t been listening to him. It had just been something to distract Tommy from the homework he was supposed to be doing.

Techno looked away. “Do whatever you want, kid.”

“Not a kid,” Tommy called over his shoulder as he headed out of Techno’s room. Techno just scoffed behind him. 

***

“You’re joking, right?” Tubbo asked. “You’ve got to be joking.”

“I’m telling the truth, Tubs,” Tommy insisted.

They were walking through one of the quieter parks in the city. Tubbo had been thrilled when they discovered it. The trees were just starting to turn colors for the fall. School had just barely ended for the day. Tommy was supposed to meet Purpled in a few hours, but he still needed Tubbo to cover for him.

“That’s the sort of stuff that happens in movies, not real life,” Tubbo said. “You’re not being serious.”

“Dead serious!” Tommy insisted. “I wouldn’t joke about something like this.”

Tubbo raised his eyebrows.

“Okay, well, I would, but I’m not this time! I swear!” Tommy said.

“You’re not lying about a creepy alley guy showing up at your house after he got shot, and you getting him to agree to give you self defense lessons so you can beat Techno,” Tubbo recited evenly. “Then he mysteriously disappeared through your window. And then miraculously texted you, despite never getting your phone number.”

“Okay, it sounds crazy-”

“It sounds like you need to get more sleep,” Tubbo said.

“I’m not seeing things,” Tommy said. “I’m being perfectly serious!”

“Right,” Tubbo said, obviously not believing him.

“Also,” Tommy said, drumming his fingers on his backpack straps. “I need you to cover for me.”

Tubbo narrowed his eyes. “For what, exactly?”

“I told Phil I was hanging out with you when I’m going to meet him,” Tommy said sheepishly.

“You want me to cover for you to go meet a stranger who texted you to meet you in an alleyway,” Tubbo said. “Are you trying to get killed? You realize I’ll be a suspect when you go missing, right?”

“I saved his life, Tubs. He can’t kill me now,” Tommy said.

“Or he’s going to kill you because you learned his real name and, again, he’s a mysterious stranger in an alleyway,” Tubbo said.

“He’s just a spy. It’s his job to be secretive,” Tommy said flippantly.

“Did he tell you that? Because people can lie. Especially creepy people in alleyways. Just because he’s our age doesn’t mean he’s not dangerous,” Tubbo said. “What if he’s like, in a gang or something? Or the Mafia?”

“You’re just scared,” Tommy said.

“For good reason! You should be scared!” Tubbo said, throwing his hands in the air. “You’re ridiculous!”

“Come on, Tubbo, please?” Tommy asked. “This is the only way I’m ever going to beat Techno.”

“You’re doing all this to beat Techno?” Tubbo asked. “Just enroll in a martial arts class or something normal.”

“You know, Purpled said the same thing,” Tommy said. “Techno would know if I did that.”

“Yeah, well, he’s going to figure it out eventually!” Tubbo said. “How many times are you going to meet up with this alley guy?”

“He has a name,” Tommy said.

“That he refused to tell me. Or you, until you stopped him from dying, apparently.”

“If it’s sketchy, I’ll just leave,” Tommy said, waving a hand.

“Oh, yeah, you’ll just leave- you’re so oblivious! You wouldn’t see sketchy if it punched you in the face!” Tubbo shouted.

“I so would!” Tommy said. “‘I’m- like- basically trained to see sketchy. What do you think I look for when I’m reporting?”

“You report about kids cheating in school and sports,” Tubbo said. “Not people who get shot.”

“It’s an opportunity to widen my horizons,” Tommy said.

“You’re an idiot,” Tubbo said. “You are an idiot. You’re going to get yourself killed.”

“I’m not, Tubbo, come on,” Tommy said. “He knows where I live. Why would he have me specifically go out and meet up with him if he could just kill me in my sleep?”

“Okay, morbid, but-”

“You were the one who brought up dying-”

“But that doesn’t make it better,” Tubbo insisted.

“Come on, Tubbo, please?” Tommy asked. “You’ll be my best friend forever!”

“I’m already your best friend forever, idiot,” Tubbo said. He sighed, rolling his eyes. “Fine, whatever, I’ll cover if you really insist that much.”

“You’re the best, Tubso!” Tommy shouted, pumping his fist.

“It’s not my fault when you get killed, got it?” Tubbo asked.

“That’s not going to happen,” Tommy said dismissively.

“It better not,” Tubbo said. “If you get yourself killed, I’m so going to kill you.”

“I’m not going to get killed!” Tommy insisted.

“Whatever you say, Tommy.”

***

Tommy’s eyes darted around as he slowly entered the alleyway he’d first met Purpled in. It was a good thing he’d taken a picture of it, or he’d never have remembered where it was. His hands were tight on the straps of his backpack. He peeked into the main area of the alleyway, where it opened up in a small space. Purpled was leaning against one of the far buildings.

He was already walking towards Tommy. His last chance to leave, a voice in the back of his head said. It sounded a lot like Tubbo.

Tommy pushed it away and stepped inside, grinning at Purpled.

“Y’know, when you disappeared, I wasn’t sure you were going to pull through,” Tommy said.

“I fulfill my deals,” Purpled said seriously. “Put your pack down. We have limited time.”

Tommy tossed his backpack aside, facing Purpled with unearned confidence.

Purpled crossed his arms. “Show me what you’ve got.”

Tommy pulled his legs together, leaning forward, just a little. His fists were at his chest.

“I thought you said you had some experience with this,” Purpled said, looking Tommy up and down judging-ly. Tommy shifted his weight uncomfortably.

“I do,” Tommy said, frowning.

“Well, whoever taught you was clearly wrong,” Purpled said. He walked over to Tommy, pushing him back so his weight was even over both his feet. He pushed one of Tommy’s feet back, widening his stance. He pulled Tommy’s arms up so they crossed and his fists were right in front of his face.

“Punch me,” Purpled said, backing up.

“You don’t have-”

“You’re not going to hurt me,” Purpled said, unimpressed. Tommy might have thought he was bluffing, but he had cleaned a bullet wound from the other boy without him even screaming, so maybe he was just like that.

Tommy took a step forward, throwing a punch at Purpled’s chest. Purpled caught his arm, twisting it and forcing Tommy to spin around. Purpled kicked the back of Tommy’s knees, keeping his arm behind him. Tommy hit the ground, pain spiking through his legs.

“You need to anticipate what your opponent is going to do,” Purpled said, letting go of him. Tommy rolled his shoulder, scowling as he got to his feet.

“You just told me to punch you, not that you’re going to do that,” Tommy said.

“No one you’re fighting is going to warn you about what move they’re going to do,” Purpled said. “You have to be prepared for a counter attack.”

“Shouldn’t I learn how to, you know, attack, first?” Tommy asked. “Since apparently I’m so bad at that?”

“Learning to attack and then learning to react isn’t going to do anything,” Purpled said. “Again.”

Tommy set his stance the way Purpled had shown him and raised his fists. This time, he started punching with his right hand, but then switched to hit with his left halfway through. Purpled raised his arms to block it, then stepped to the side. Tommy, already off balance, was easily pushed to the ground.

“Keep your balance,” Purpled said, as though that was going to be news to Tommy. “You’re not going to get anywhere if you’re constantly falling.”

Tommy stood, brushing the dust off himself. He set his stance and raised his fists, meeting Purpled’s eyes.

Purpled nodded once, methodical. “Again.”

It was a grueling hour. By the end of it, Tommy hadn’t landed a single punch and he was covered in bruises. He usually did better even against Techno. Either Techno was going easy on him, or Purpled was just that good.

Tommy got to his feet after their latest bout, rubbing a sore spot on his arm. “I’m going to get you next time, I swear.”

He was knocked to the ground again as Purpled threw his backpack at him. 

“What was that for?” Tommy asked, struggling for breath.

“The sun’s going down soon,” Purpled said. “You need to go home.”

“But I haven’t-”

“Same place, next week,” Purpled said. “Practice what you’ve learned in the meantime. Use it or lose it. And start exercising more. Your punches are weak.”

“Your punches are weak,” Tommy muttered bitterly, a complete lie. Purpled’s punches hurt.

“Tell no one about this,” Purpled said, starting towards one of the alleyways.

“What if I already did….?” Tommy said sheepishly. Purpled stared forward for a second before slowly turning around.

“I thought you wanted to get these lessons in secret to beat your brother.”

“I didn’t tell him,” Tommy said. “I told my friend, Tubbo. The one we were with when you came to get the folder? I kinda… told my dad that I was hanging out with him.”

“Is he going to tell anyone else?” Purpled asked, something sharp in his voice, almost a threat.

“No, of course not,” Tommy said. “Tubbo’s the best. Don’t tell him I said that.”

“Then we won’t have a problem.” Purpled left Tommy in the alleyway.

Tommy got to his feet, throwing his backpack over his shoulders. The sun was steadily going down, making the city glow golden. He left the alleyway, swiftly walking home. Every part of him ached, but he felt like he’d made some good progress.

Purpled said to practice, but he couldn’t show Techno yet. Once he beat Purpled in a fight, he could go up against Techno. That would surely mean he was ready.

So, Tommy was going to have to find another sparring partner.

Hopefully Tubbo wouldn’t be too against the idea.

Tommy kicked off his shoes once he got home, making a beeline for his room. The bruises were starting to show on his arms and he didn’t really feel like explaining them to Techno or-

“Hey, Tommy,” Phil said, stepping out of the kitchen. “How’s Tubbo?”

Tommy jumped. “Phil! You scared me, old man. You can’t be doing that to my young and spry heart. It’s going to get old and have heart attacks like yours.”

“I don’t get heart attacks,”  Phil said.

“Tubbo’s good,” Tommy said, stepping past him. “When am I allowed to have friends over again?” 

“In October,” Phil said.

“That’s still a whole month away!” Tommy complained. 

“You know what you did,” Phil said. Tommy rolled his eyes. He threw one party when Phil and Techno weren’t home and suddenly he wasn’t trustworthy. There hadn’t even been that many people there! 

This was awful and terrible and Tommy was going to revolt. Viva la Tommy Innit. Down with the Tyranny of Philza Minecraft.

“Did something happen?” Phil asked, glancing at Tommy’s arms.

“I just tripped. Down a hill,” Tommy said, looking at the bruises on his arm.

“Make sure to put some cream on those,” Phil said, stepping past him, down the hallway.

“Uh huh,” Tommy said, trailing after the man until they reached Tommy’s bedroom door, which he ducked into.

Tommy sighed in relief, throwing his backpack on the ground. He changed into a long-sleeved shirt. It was still a bit warm to be wearing sleeves, but it was nearing fall. It wouldn’t be that strange.

He sat at his desk and pulled out a notebook he was supposed to be using for school, flipping to the front page.

Tommy scribbled down everything he remembered from the evening. It was a good thing he’d practiced writing so many news reports during class, or his hand might’ve started hurting.

The next time Techno was out of the house, Tommy snuck into his room and stole a couple of sets of his weights. When he eventually realized, Tommy could just say it was a prank. That would most definitely set off a chain reaction, but Tommy was prepared.

And so Tommy’s half-self imposed, half-forced by Purpled’s training regiment began.

***

The second week was not as much of a drastic improvement that Tommy had hoped it was going to be. He had expected to show up and be able to take on Purpled at least a little, but he was just as bad as the week before.

“You’ve been practicing?” Purpled asked, raising his eyebrows.

“You told me to,” Tommy said. Tubbo hadn’t been entirely excited about it, but he had played along with Tommy’s practicing. They’d managed to rope Ranboo into it too- without telling them about the part that Tommy was training with a stranger from an alleyway.

He wasn’t really a stranger anymore. Tommy had already met him four times. When did someone stop being classified as a stranger? Tommy already knew his name and…. Not much else, but he had some sort of strange spy-secret-identity thing going on. Tommy was sure of that much.

“I swear I practiced,” Tommy muttered, getting to his feet after another round.

“You’re not going to magically improve in a week,” Purpled said. “It’s going to take time.”

“How much time?” Tommy asked. Purpled looked Tommy up and down in a way that made him feel judged. Did Purpled do that often? It was going to get annoying, fast. 

Purpled sighed. “Three months.”

“Three months!?” Tommy exclaimed. “That’s, like, forever! You can’t be serious.”

“Improvement doesn’t happen overnight, and I’m only training you once a week,” Purpled said. “Even three months isn’t going to make you a professional. It’ll just enough to occasionally beat me.”

“So you’re saying that if we trained for, like, an entire week, then it’d-”

“I just said that improvement doesn’t happen overnight,” Purpled said. “You have to build strength and muscle memory. It takes time.”

“That’s too much time,” Tommy said childishly. He knew he wasn’t going to beat Techno after just a week of training, but three months felt ridiculous.

“If you want to quit, I’m not stopping you,” Purpled said. “Say the word and I will gladly walk away.”

“No, no,” Tommy said quickly, shaking his head. “I’ll do the three months.”

“Then again.”

***

Tommy was a fast learner. Not so much that Purpled enjoyed their lessons, but he was just entertaining enough to keep Purpled to stick around.

He’d already retaught him the basics- seriously, what was Tommy’s brother thinking- and he’d never said how much he’d train the kid.

Purpled wasn’t entirely sure why he showed up at the third and fourth week. Maybe it was that he’d already cleared the evening from work. Maybe it was because he was bored. Maybe it was something from his dying conscious. 

Whatever the reason, Purpled showed up each week. He was waiting every time Tommy stepped into the gap between buildings, bright eyed and an innocent smile on his face.

Purpled should’ve been annoyed by it. He was annoyed by it.

But still, he put up with it. Week after week. And suddenly, it had been a month. 

At that point, they were already a third way through Purpled’s prediction, and Tommy’s progress was perfectly on track.

It really wouldn’t be that difficult to continue teaching him. It helped keep Purpled sharp, too.

That was it. That was all. 

***

At the end of the first month, Tommy could successfully hold his own in a fight for nearly five whole minutes with Purpled. Five whole minutes! He still always lost, but the improvement was noticeable.

They’d started meeting a little bit earlier, so they had time to talk afterwards. At first, it was just about what Tommy was doing to train, but eventually, it had turned to talking about anything and everything.

Purpled never talked about his personal life, but that was fine. Tommy had so much to talk about in his personal life. His news reporting had fallen to the wayside for his training, but he kept it up during school, where he couldn’t practice.

Tubbo and Ranboo were getting better, too. Tommy had the direct experience from Purpled, but Ranboo had the height and Tubbo had the strength. Altogether, they were rather evenly matched, which was good for practicing.

“And that’s the last thing Ken ever said in that class,” Tommy was saying. He was lying on the concrete, a jacket under him and his head on his backpack. “I mean, you’re not going to get anywhere back-talking Ms. Niki. She’s like, the best!”

“Uh huh,” Purpled said, flicking through the notebook Tommy was keeping track of his training in.

“Oh! But now that it’s October, I can finally have friends over at my house again,” Tommy said. He propped himself up on his elbows. “Would you wanna come over at some point?”

“What?” Purpled asked, glancing up.

“I wouldn’t have to keep lying to my dad about who I was hanging out with, then,” Tommy said, something bright in his face.

“How would you explain us meeting, exactly?” Purpled asked, raising an eyebrow.

“We wouldn’t have to tell the truth about that,” Tommy said, rolling his eyes. “Just say you’re from my school. They’re not going to look into it. There’s no way for them to know”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Purpled said, looking away.

“Why not?” Tommy asked. “You don’t strike me as the shy type.”

“In case you’ve forgotten, I still have secrets, Tommy,” Purpled said pointedly. Tommy frowned. He’d gotten so used to Purpled that it was strange to remember how he’d acted when they first met.

“It’s just my dad and brother,” Tommy said. “You met Tubbo, once.”

“Because that’s the only chance I had to talk to you,” Purpled said. “I was under time constraints. I had no other choice.”

“What makes me so special, then?” Tommy asked.

Purpled met his eyes. “Nothing. I just owe you.”

Tommy pretended his shoulders didn’t slump, he put on a fake smile and acted as though the answer hadn’t meant anything. “Right. Just for the favor.”

“Just for the favor,” Purpled echoed, somewhat distant.

Tommy left quickly after that.

And yet, he still showed up to the next practice. He showed up to the next practice and smiled because maybe Purpled was doing this for a favor and maybe Purpled didn’t care at all, but maybe Tommy could make him care and maybe Tommy could make him stay.

Time was ticking. The second month was nearly over.

***

“Can you teach me that?”

Tommy and Purpled had finished another practice and were sitting down on some of the old furniture someone had left in the alleyway at some point. Tommy was trying to finish up a report from school while Purpled was just listening to his muttering. He’d been stuck on the same one for days when he just needed to get it done.

“Huh?” Tommy glanced up. Purpled was looking at Tommy’s hand, where he was twirling his pen. “You mean I know something that you don’t?”

“I don’t know everything,” Purpled said.

“Y’know, that’s actually kind of surprising,” Tommy said. He straightened his spine, a grin on his face. “But it shouldn’t be! Because I’m awesome and amazing and I know all of the things.”

“Right,” Purpled said dryly. “So, can you teach me?”

“Sure.” Tommy tossed an extra pen to Purpled. “But I’ll warn you, it might take a little while to get it right. Tubbo and I learned together, but it took us weeks to perfect it.”

“I have time,” Purpled said ominously.

“Well, you start-”

Purpled and Tommy got a little too invested in the pens. By the time Tommy looked up again, the sun was nearly set. He had to race home, but luckily enough, Phil and Techno were both out.

They got home after it was dark, bearing pizza.

“How was your day?” Phil asked.

“Great,” Tommy said absentmindedly, staring at the spinning pen in his hand.

“You sure, mate?” Phil asked.

“Yeah, of course,” Tommy said, finally setting down the writing utensil. He pulled three slices onto his plate. “Just- school. Y’know.”

“Well, let me know if you ever need help with homework, or anything,” Phil said. “I’m not the best at some subjects, but your brother-”

“I don’t need Techno to tutor me,” Tommy said, something sharp in his voice.

“Don’t go thinking I’d want to tutor you, either,” Techno said. Tommy stuck his tongue at him, uncaring of how childish it looked.

His phone, which had been sitting on the table, buzzed. Tommy barely glanced at it, expecting a text from Tubbo or Ranboo, but did a double take when he read the name.

“This again?” Techno asked as Tommy dropped his pizza, snatching his phone up.

“As if you don’t do the same thing,” Tommy snarked.

“For my work,” Techno said. “If I’m on call-”

“Did you ever consider that this was for a school project, and that school is my work?” Tommy asked.

“Is it a school project?” Techno asked, raising his eyebrows.

Tommy was silent for a moment. “No, but-”

“Tommy, Techno does have a point about your screentime,” Phil said.

“I’m not even on it at all at school,” Tommy complained. He sent off his reply before lightly tossing his phone back to the table. “I get my homework done, my grades are fine. What’s the problem?”

“You need a healthy amount of interaction with the real world.” Phil said.

“I get that every day at school!” Tommy said. “Plus, I hang out with Tubbo and P- Ranboo all the time. And I have to deal with Techno sometimes. What more interaction would I need?”

“You hang out with who?” Phil asked, catching Tommy’s slip.

“Tubbo? You know, my friend since kindergarten?” Tommy asked, playing dumb. “And Ranboo, who I’ve known since freshman year? Who you’ve met? Many times? Don’t tell me that your memory is going bad, old man.”

“I’m not old,” Phil said.

“And I’m not a kid,” Tommy said smugly.

“You are a child. That’s an objective fact,” Techno said.

“And Phil’s old. That’s a fact too,” Tommy said. “Can’t defend him from the truth, you know.”

“Boys,” Phil said, even though he had been the one to start it. However, since Tommy was so mature and responsible, he gave up the fight.

Phil had to step out halfway through dinner to take a call, which Tommy entirely planned on rubbing in his face. He couldn't scold Tommy for his screen time then go and do the same thing.

 “Did you want to come to the Pit with me on Saturday, Theseus?” Techno asked, surprising Tommy. He almost never offered for Tommy to come.

“I’m good,” Tommy said, pushing his chair back and standing.

“You’re good?” Techno repeated.

“Uh huh,” Tommy replied. “I’ve got a life outside of you, you know.”

“You’ve just never turned down an invitation before,” Techno said. “You’re usually begging for me to take you.”

“What, you want to take me that bad?” Tommy asked. “I’m gonna tell Phil that you really wanna beat me up. He’ll ground you.”

“I’m an adult,” Techno reminded Tommy, uselessly.

“Phil’s still your dad,” Tommy said. “He could ground you if he really wanted.”

“Which I could just ignore,” Techno said.

“You could try,” Tommy said. “He could kick you out, too.”

“I’m not going to kick Techno out,” Phil said, walking back into the room.

“Who said that?” Tommy asked, grabbing his plate. “I don’t think anyone said that, Phil. You’re hearing things. More evidence how you’re losing your memory, and hearing. You should really call a doctor about that.”

“Whatever you say, Tommy,” Phil said, shaking his head. Tommy walked towards the kitchen, pausing for just a moment.

“I’m gonna hang out with Tubbo tomorrow,” Tommy said. “Y’know, that healthy interaction that’s apparently so important? Being off my phone?”

“Have fun,” Phil said, distracted. He didn't even pick up on Tommy's pointed jab. Instead, he was flicking through a set of papers that must’ve been from his work. There was an orange envelope at the bottom. It reminded Tommy of how he’d met Purpled.

What a crazy chain of events.

***

It turned out, Purpled did have a lot of time. 

He had messaged Tommy the day before during dinner to meet up again that afternoon. Tommy didn’t know why, but he wasn’t going to turn it down. Apparently, it was just to show Tommy his progress.

Tommy was starting to think Purpled might be a little bit insane. He came back the next day flawlessly spinning his pen without even paying any attention to it.

“How are you doing that?” Tommy asked, squinting at him.

“You taught me,” Purpled said, catching the pen.

“But you’re not supposed to get it yet,” Tommy said. “It’s supposed to take you, like, weeks to learn and then you’re still not supposed to be as good as me.”

“I’m a fast learner,” Purpled said.

“So am I!” Tommy said, throwing his hands in the air. “What, did you stay up all night practicing?”

“I don’t need much sleep to operate,” Purpled said. “I don’t sleep at night, anyways.”

Tommy stared at him. “I was joking. Purpled, I was joking. You didn’t seriously stay up all night to get that right, did you?”

Purpled blinked at him. “What else was I supposed to do?”

“Take your time? Practice like a normal person?” Tommy said incredulously. “Whatever happened to progress doesn't happen overnight? Man, you’re ridiculous sometimes.” 

“Sure,” Purpled said, pocketing his pen.

“Is that it?” Tommy asked. “Is that the only reason why we’re here?”

“Why else would we be here?” Purpled asked.

Tommy’s face lit up. “We should hang out together!”

“We train together every week,” Purpled said.

“That’s training,” Tommy said, reaching for Purpled’s sleeve. He always hung off of Tubbo or Ranboo when he wanted something from them, but Purpled pulled his arm away. Tommy pretended not to notice. “Training isn’t anything like hanging out!”

“I don’t ‘hang out’ with people,” Purpled said.

“Becuase you’re too cool for that?” Tommy asked, raising his eyebrows. “Please. Come on. It’s not like you have anything else interesting to do, do you?”

“You don’t know what my plans are,” Purpled said.

“That’s a no,” Tommy said, snapping his fingers. “Just come on a walk with me! We get to wander around and judge people and look at all the Halloween decorations.”

“I’m not-”

“Pleaseeee, Purpled?” Tommy asked, drawing out the word. “You’ll be my best friend forever if you do!”

“I don’t want to be your best friend forever.”

“Let’s go!” Tommy asked, successfully snagging Purpled’s sleeve and dragging him out of the alleyway. Purpled didn’t actually fight back. If he had, Tommy would’ve lost miserably. That meant he totally wanted to hang out with Tommy, he just needed…. A little forceful convincing.

Tommy ran his mouth at everything they passed. Purpled passively listened, rarely responding, but he looked at everything Tommy pointed to. He followed Tommy up and down the city streets, only complaining a little bit the more Tommy dragged him around.

He did seem interested in all the Halloween decorations people had put up, cobwebs across windows and pumpkins on every doorstep. The holiday was coming up quickly. Tommy had already made plans with Tubbo and Ranboo. Purpled adamantly refused when Tommy tried inviting him along.

They ended up at a park a few hours later, just as the sun was setting. The trees were orange and red, thrown into harsh light from the sunset.

“So,” Tommy said, leaning back on the bench. “Am I a great tour guide or what?”

“I’ve lived in this city my entire life,” Purpled deadpanned.

“Good enough,” Tommy said, leaning back on the bench. “Make sure to rate me 5 out of 5 because I’m the best ever.”

Purpled just rolled his eyes. Tommy could almost pretend there was a faint smile on his face.

***

“Hey, Tommy,” Phil said, knocking on Tommy’s door.

“Come in,” Tommy called. He could use a distraction from the blank piece of paper in front of him.

“It feels like you’ve been so busy lately,” Phil said, stepping into the room.

“Just- school, you know,” Tommy said. He was tapping his pen on the side of the paper. He was supposed to write something about the most recent football game for the paper, but nothing was coming to mind. Tommy had rewatched the video of it half a dozen times, but the words weren’t coming to mind.

“How are your classes going?” Phil asked, sitting on Tommy’s bed. Tommy set down his pen, turning to sit in his chair backwards.

“Well, math’s still crap, but everything else is alright,” Tommy said noncommittally. His report card wasn’t going to look awful, he was pretty sure. Tommy had never one to care much about grades, anyways.

“And your clubs? The newspaper?” Phil prompted.

Tommy glanced at the blank paper. “I dunno. Fine, I guess.”

“You guess? You used to tell me every story you’d write about for it,” Phil said.

Tommy huffed. “Well, maybe I just got more mature. Did you think about that?”

Phil frowned. “I didn’t- I’m sorry, Tommy, I just wanted to check on you. Techno said that you’ve been avoiding him, and, well-”

“Oh, so you notice when Techno tells you, huh?” Tommy asked, bitterly, unfairly.

“Tommy, don’t-”

“No, no, I get it.” Tommy turned back to his blank page. “I’m fine, Phil. You don’t have to worry about me. You’ve got work and Techno to focus on.”

“Techno’s a grown adult,” Phil said, standing. “You’re still a kid. My kid.”

Tommy’s shoulders slumped. He leaned back against his chair. “I know, Phil, I just- I’m frustrated with this story. That’s all.”

“I’m sorry about that, kiddo,” Phil said softly. “I wish there was something I could do to help.”

Tommy glanced at him. “Just- stay? For a little while?”

Phil sat down. Tommy kept looking at his paper. Just as he was about to start writing- Phil’s phone rang.

Tommy turned back to look at him. He didn’t say anything, but Phil looked conflicted.

“I’m sorry, Tommy,” Phil said, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “I have to take this. It’s work. I’ll be right back.”

“Right.” Tommy looked back at his page. There was a pen mark from the sound startling him. “Take your time.”

He only managed to finish one sentence by the time Phil poked his head back into Tommy’s room, an apology already written on his face.

“There’s been an emergency at work. I have to run in to fix it,” Phil said. “I… probably won’t be back before you go to bed.”

“What do you even do that makes you come in at night?” Tommy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, it’s- I mean, I-”

“Whatever.” Tommy tightened his grip around the pen. “Just go. I don’t care.”

He didn’t want Phil to close the door. He wanted Phil to brush off his job one time, just like he did to Tommy. He wanted Phil to come in and help Tommy talk through the article so he could finally get the dumb thing written.

None of those things happened. Phil shut the door. It was already dark outside. Tommy crumpled up the blank paper, tossing it in the overflowing trash can he refused to look at.

It was fine. Tommy was fine. Mr. Sam could get someone else to write the article for once.

***

Phil looked up from his stack of paperwork suddenly, glancing at the clock. His eyes went wide at the time. Tommy had reminded him, that morning, of an event at his school that Phil was supposed to attend.

He grabbed his phone, wincing at the text messages he hadn’t seen from Tommy. He pressed call, holding the phone to his ear. It took Tommy a few rings to answer.

“Hey, kiddo, I’m so sorry. I lost track of time,” Phil said apologetically.

“Yeah, I figured,” Tommy said. “It’s fine. I didn’t want to go, anyways.”

“I promised-”

“I said it’s fine,” Tommy said forcefully. “Just drop it, okay? I don’t care about some stupid event.”

“But-”

Tommy hung up. Phil frowned at his phone. He should go home to properly apologize. He knew he’d been spending too much time at work lately, but there was always another crisis he needed to be fixing.

Phil glanced at the stack of paperwork on his desk. He had meeting scheduled for later in the night. Techno already knew he wouldn’t be coming home until late.

As much as he hated it, he turned back to the papers, gripping his pen a little too tight.

***

“What is up with you today?” Purpled asked, grabbing Tommy’s arm.

They were in the middle of the fight in the alleyway. Tommy was breathing hard, almost off balance but not quite. He was glaring at Purpled, something deeper than the other boy deserved.

Tommy ripped his arm away. “Nothing. Let’s go again.”

“You’re really bad at hiding your emotions,” Purpled said bluntly. “You’re not going to get anywhere if you’re just angry.”

“Didn’t you say I needed motivation?” Tommy asked, bite behind his words. “My whole reason for being here is because I’m angry that my brother keeps winning.”

“What happens if you have to fight someone you’re not angry at? What happens if you panic and your anger isn’t enough?” Purpled asked, sharply, forcefully.

“I don’t know, okay!” Tommy shouted. “I don’t know! I’m not angry at anything! I’m angry at everything, and it’s useless, because I can’t do anything about it!”

Purpled studied him for a minute, silently. Tommy’s anger hung in the air, almost something palpable.

“Let’s make a deal,” Purpled offered. “We go one round, and you put all of your anger into it. All of it. I don’t care if you break my bones, got it? But after that, you have to channel it. Anger can be motivation, but it’s worthless without focus.”

“Fine,” Tommy said, because he was bitter and he was angry and it was unfair, because Purpled hadn’t done anything to earn his ire. It was unfair, because Purpled was doing so much more than he ever really had to. It was unfair, because Purpled was his friend and it was unfair because he was also the only one of Tommy’s friends he was regularly willing to punch.

Tommy didn’t really pay attention to the next match. It went on longer than normal, he was pretty sure, but he couldn’t tell if that was because Purpled was letting it or he wasn’t paying proper attention to the time.

He saw red and it wasn’t blood because despite what Purpled said, Tommy wasn’t able to even get close to breaking his bones. He saw red and it was unfair and Tommy was on the ground after the fight, sporting new bruises and renewed clarity.

“Thanks,” Tommy eventually muttered when he sat up.

Purpled shrugged with one shoulder, noncommittally. “I used to do that when I was a kid.”

“You’d fight like that when you were a kid?” Tommy asked.

“Sure. I’d take down people twice my size when I was angry enough,” Purpled said.

“Why were you so mad?” Tommy asked.

Purpled glanced at him, his purple eyes reflecting the sunlight.

He looked away. “It’s a long story.”

“Which is code for you’re not going to tell me,” Tommy said.

“It’s better that way,” Purpled said.

“And it’s not because of your super secret spy background,” Tommy said. “Not at all, huh?”

“No,” Purpled said. “How would I even be a ‘super secret spy’ as a child?”

“I don’t know when you got recruited,” Tommy said. “Maybe you were one of those spies who had to go into schools and bust then when they were… being evil. Or whatever those kids were there for.”

“Those are for high schools, and it’s to bust drug rings and gangs,” Purpled said. “They rarely work.”

“Sounds like you need to get better at your job, then,” Tommy said, getting back to his feet. “I’m good now.”

“Good,” Purpled said. “Then again.”

***

“Woah!” Tubbo shouted. “What was that, Tommy?”

They were in the little training gym they’d set up in Tubbo’s basement over the past couple of months. Tommy had just showed off a flying spin kick that he’d finally gotten down after weeks of working on it. Falling on concrete repeatedly was a surprisingly fast teacher.

“Just something Purpled taught me,” Tommy said, only a little smugly. He’d told Tubbo and Ranboo more about Purpled after his first few meetings with him. 

Tubbo was still a little suspicious, but Tommy had slowly been giving him stories about Purpled to get him to warm up to him. Just in case they ever happened to run into each other again, of course.

“In what situation would you even use that?” Ranboo asked, eyes also wide in awe.

“Haven’t figured that one out yet,” Tommy said. “But I can do it. That’s the important part.”

“You’re gonna have to teach us how to, too,” Tubbo said. He glanced at his watch. “Next time, though. It’s getting close to sunset.”

“Already?” Tommy asked, pushing his curls out of his face. “I swear, it keeps happening earlier and earlier every day.”

“That’s how seasons work,” Ranboo said.

“I know,” Tommy said. “I know everything. I’m just cool and awesome like that. Didn’t you know?”

“Oh, Tommy, did you finish your report for Mr. Sam? He was asking about it but couldn’t find you at school,” Tubbo said.

“I- uh- haven’t finished it yet,” Tommy said sheepishly.

“Really? It’s just about how the parent event went last week,” Tubbo said. “Didn’t you go?”

“Phil had work,” Tommy said, not meeting Tubbo’s eyes.

“Oh, well, why didn’t you just say so?” Tubbo asked, thankfully breezing past the topic.

“I was there, I can cover it,” Ranboo offered.

“Thanks, Boo,” Tommy said.

“No problem,” Ranboo said. “I’ve got to run, too. See you at school?” 

Tommy and Tubbo bid him goodbye. The sun was setting, but Tommy only lived a few minutes from Tubbo’s house.

“Tommy,” Tubbo started. They were standing on his porch. Golden light reflected off the trees from the sun. They were mostly bare now.

“Yeah, Tubso?” Tommy asked, glancing at him.

“Are you okay?” Tubbo asked.

Tommy blinked. “Yeah. Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’ve been skipping Newspaper Club,” Tubbo said, leaning on the railing. “Putting off writing your reports when you’d always have them ready a week early. Are you under too much stress? I can tell Mr. Sam-”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Tommy said, shaking his head. “I’ve just got- writers’ block, or something. I’ll get over it.”

Tubbo frowned. “If you say so.”

Tommy cleared his throat. “Well, if that’s it, I can-”

“Phil missed another school event, you said,” Tubbo said.

“Yeah, well, he’s got work,” Tommy said, not looking at his friend. “The school stuff never ends up mattering that much anyways.”

“That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t make time for you,” Tubbo said.

“He does,” Tommy said, defensive in every way that didn’t make sense and very way that wasn’t fair. “What are you saying about-”

“I’m not saying anything,” Tubbo said. “I’m just worried about you. You’re my friend.”

“I’m fine,” Tommy said, half reassuring himself. “Really. Don’t worry about it.”

Tubbo met his eyes. “You can tell me if you’re not fine, Tommy.”

“I’d tell you,” Tommy reassured him.

He didn’t know if it was a lie.

Tommy went home. He didn’t look at the half-finished papers on his desk.

***

Purpled punched, but Tommy blocked with his arms. He lost his balance, so he purposefully fell back, rolling to his feet and lunging at Purpled again. Purpled tried to catch his arm, but Tommy dodged, hooking a foot around Purpled’s leg and pulling.

There was a flash of shock in Purpled’s eyes as he went down. Tommy stumbled to the side as Purpled hit the concrete.

Tommy stared at him as Purpled got back to his feet, looking at his palms. They were scraped and red. Tommy had been wrapping his hands and arms since the second week, but Purpled had never bothered.

Purpled dusted off his hands. “Well, then.”

“Are you good?” Tommy asked, almost hesitant.

“I’ve gotten much worse,” Purpled said, rolling his eyes. “What matters is that you just beat me.”

“I only knocked you down,” Tommy said.

He couldn’t have beat Purpled. Purpled was Purpled. That wasn’t how it went. They fought until Tommy messed up and Purpled corrected him and they did it again.

“That’s all you need,” Purpled said, shrugging.

“So… that’s it? I’m ready?” Tommy asked.

“Yeah,” Purpled said, sticking his hands in his pockets. “If your brother is anywhere near the level you described him, then beating him won’t be easy, but you’re capable now.”

“Woah,” Tommy said, staring at the ground. “I’m ready.”

“I said that. It’s getting late, you should-” Purpled froze as Tommy grabbed him in a hug.

“You’re the best, Purpled!” Tommy said. He only clung for a moment. “I never could’ve gotten this far without you!”

“Wait until you’ve actually beaten your brother to say that,” Purpled said, amusement almost lining his features.

“Come on, if I can take you, I can totally take Techno!” Tommy exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. “Thank you, Purpled! For everything.”

“It was my side of the favor,” Purpled said simply.

“Well, you’re still the best,” Tommy said. He looked up at the sky, jumping. “Shoot, it’s getting dark!”

“I just said that,” Purpled said. Tommy grabbed his backpack.

“I’ll let you know how the fight goes!” Tommy called over his shoulder as he ran out of the alleyway. He raced straight home, only pausing outside the door to catch his breath.

“Techno!” Tommy shouted as he entered the house, tossing his jacket aside.

“There’s no need to shout, I’m right here.” Techno was sitting in the living room, reading some long, old looking book.

“Techno, can I come to the Pit with you tomorrow?” Tommy asked, something bright and eager in his eyes.

“Eh? You haven’t come for the past few months,” Techno said.

“Cuz I got bored of it,” Tommy said. “But I wanna go again.”

Techno shrugged. “As long as you still have your outfit.”

Tommy grinned, sharp and planned. He was ready.

He was awake at two in the morning, desperately dialing a phone number. He was pacing in his pajamas, a rolling feeling in his gut.

Tommy was not ready.

“Why are you awake at this time of night?” Purpled didn’t sound groggy at all when he answered. Tommy wondered if he’d already been awake.

“I can’t beat him,” Tommy said. “I can’t- I’m not going to be able to. Three months isn’t enough time. I don’t-”

“Listen, Tommy,” Purpled said seriously, grounding him. “Your brother doesn’t know that you’ve been training. You’ll take him off guard. You have the speed and the element of surprise. You’ll be able to win at least one round so long as you use that to your advantage.”

“But-”

“You managed to beat me,” Purpled said. “And I was prepared for you. At the very least, you’d have improved enough to impress him, if that’s what you’re so worried about.”

“I don’t want to impress him, I want to beat him,” Tommy said stubbornly, childishly. Maybe all he really wanted was acknowledgement. He didn’t know. The only way Techno would care was if Tommy actually beat him.

“If you don’t beat him, we can always go back to training,” Purpled said, not sounding nearly as hesitant as he once would have.

“I don’t…” Tommy sat on the ground. His curtains were open. He couldn’t see the stars very well with the light pollution, but he knew they were there. “I don’t want all of this to be for nothing.”

“It wasn’t,” Purpled said, as though it was a simple fact, as though it was nothing. “You’ve gotten stronger, no matter if you can reach your arbitrary goal. You still made progress, didn’t you? Not some scrawny kid anymore.”

“Is that what you thought of me when we first met?” Tommy asked, smiling weakly.

“Well, I was mostly annoyed that you were late, but pretty much,” Purpled said.

Tommy chuckled. “I don’t know how far I’ve actually come from that, Purp. It’s only been a couple of months.”

“Progress doesn’t happen overnight,” Purpled said, that stupid mantra that he repeated over and over again until Tommy had found himself saying it to Tubbo or Ranboo when they were frustrated over things at school.

“Yeah, I know, I-” Tommy’s shoulders slumped. “I know, Purp. I just- What if it wasn’t enough? What if it’ll never be enough?”

“Your brother isn’t a god,” Purpled said. “He’s just a person, just like you. Yes, he’s probably stronger and more capable than you right now, but that doesn’t mean he’s unbeatable.”

“What if he is?” Tommy asked quietly.

“Then I’ll go beat him up for you,” Purpled said. “You think your brother can hold his own against me?”

Tommy laughed, covering his mouth in a half-attempt to not wake up Techno or Phil. “I dunno… You’d probably have a chance of beating him. More than me, anyways.”

“And who’s the person who’s been training you for the past three months?” Purpled asked. Tommy blinked.

“Hey!” Tommy said. “You can’t just-”

“If I can beat him, and I’ve been training you, that means you can beat him,” Purpled said. “It’s simple math.”

“I’m nearly failing math, Purpled,” Tommy said, but he felt more like laughing than throwing up, so that was some improvement, surely.

“Stop that. Make Tubbo help you more. Didn’t you say he was a math kid?” Purpled asked.

“He’s in a different class, I can’t exactly cheat off him,” Tommy said.

“Then get more creative. Is it really that difficult?” Purpled asked.

Tommy was silent for a moment. “Yeah, you’re right, I haven’t been trying to cheat enough. You’re so right, Purpled.”

“I always am,” Purpled said.

Tommy was quiet for a long time. He half expected for Purpled to hang up on him or fall asleep.

“Purpled?”

“Yeah?”

“What if I chicken out tomorrow?”

“I’ll make a deal with you,” Purpled said seriously. Purpled really liked his deals. “If you take on your brother tomorrow- and you don’t have to win, just if you step into that ring- I’ll tell you everything about my- what did you call it?”

“Your super secret spy job?” Tommy asked, perking up.

“Yeah,” Purpled said. “I’ll tell you everything about it if you step into that ring tomorrow, got it? Call me after.”

“Okay,” Tommy said. “Okay. Deal.”

There was silence over the line again. Tommy wondered where Purpled was sitting. He wondered if Purpled had any siblings. He wondered if Purpled was safe at home, sitting up in bed with the lights off just because Tommy had called him, or he wondered if he was wandering the alleys somewhere, quietly doing whatever spies did at night.

“Purpled?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you stay on the call?”

“Yeah,” Purpled said, again. “Of course.”

Tommy fell asleep on the floor, his phone next to his head as the streetlight streamed in through his window.

***

“Just give me another minute, Techno!” Tommy shouted, hopping on one foot to get his shoes on.

“I told you to be ready early, Theseus!” Techno called back.

“It is early! It’s way too early!” Tommy argued. It was nearly ten in the morning. Techno had woken him up eight minutes before. In those eight minutes, Tommy had rushed around, getting ready as fast as he could.

Tommy’s phone was dead, so he shoved it and a charger in his pocket before he ran out of room. He grabbed a pack of Poptarts from the kitchen before racing to the door.

“Ready to go,” Tommy said, chest heaving.

“Water bottle?” Techno asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Uhh-” Tommy glanced behind himself. “I don’t… know where it is.”

Techno rolled his eyes, holding his other hand up. Tommy’s scratched, covered in stickers, red bottle was there.

“Thanks, Tech!” Tommy said, grinning as he grabbed it.

“Get a move on,” Techno said, opening the front door. Tommy rushed out, climbing into Techno’s car.

“You better not get any crumbs on my seats,” Techno said, starting the car.

“I’d never,” Tommy said, ripping open his packet of Poptarts and immediately spilling the crumbs.

Techno stared at him.

“Okay, that was not my fault,” Tommy said, brushing them off. “They packaged it like that!”

Techno took a deep breath before finally pulling out of the driveway. Tommy’s leg was bouncing and he desperately wanted to talk to Purpled, but his phone was dead and he couldn’t talk to him with Techno there, anyways.

The drive to the Pit wasn’t far, but it felt excruciating. Adrenaline filled Tommy’s veins. He was torn between anxiety over losing and the thrill of finally being able to show off to Techno.

They split up in the locker room. Tommy set his things down, plugging his phone in, and stared at his reflection in a mirror.

He didn’t look all that different from the last time he’d ben there. His hair was a little longer- too long, almost, he was going to have to get a haircut soon. Maybe he was a tiny bit taller, but not any miraculous amount.

Tommy looked the same and that made his stomach turn because how could he be the same after all that effort? Tommy looked the same and it made his stomach turn because what if everything Purpled had helped him with was for nothing?

Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Even if he didn’t beat Techno, he’d improved. Purpled’s voice was loud in his head and stupid and motivational and it didn’t even make sense because Purpled never sounded anything like that.

Still, it helped Tommy square his shoulders and walk out of the locker room.

Tommy wasn’t up first against Techno. He sat on one of the benches, trying to keep his leg from shaking as he studied the fight.

Distantly, he remembered the first lesson he’d ever had with Purpled. Techno’s form never looked anything like what he taught Tommy. He’d never noticed it before. He wondered if Techno had done that on purpose.

No, surely not. Techno didn’t actually think Tommy could beat him. It was just Tommy’s own need to beat him, not the other way around.

“Tommy,” Techno called, because time had passed and the moment was just the same, and he hadn’t been paying attention and he was watching intently.

Tommy stood and almost tripped. His legs were shaky and that was wrong because he wasn’t supposed to be nervous. How was he supposed to beat Techno when he was nervous?

He climbed into the ring, the Pit. There weren’t many other people there on a Saturday morning, which made things easier. Tommy wasn’t used to losing with an audience. Not anymore. It had been ages since he stood against Techno and lost.

Tommy adjusted his stance, staring Techno head on.

Tommy wasn’t used to losing to an audience.

The bell dinged. Tommy moved before Techno could, getting around his side and hooking his leg around Techno’s ankle. He shoved Techno while kicking, pulling Techno’s leg up. To his surprise, Techno actually fell. Tommy fell on top of him, also pulled off balance. Techno started to get up, but Tommy kicked his elbow. Techno looked more shocked than Tommy did.

While it technically wasn’t on purpose, Tommy had kept Techno pinned for long enough for the bell to ding again. Tommy scrambled off his brother, his heart pounding.

He’d done it. He’d done it and it had been easy. Three months of training with Purpled, and it had all come down to that. The match had barely a couple of minutes.

“Where on earth did you learn that, Theseus?” Techno asked, rolling his shoulder.

Tommy grinned, confident and sharp. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Tech-no-blade?”

Techno widened his stance. “Again, then.”

Tommy faltered. He’d already won. He’d won and that was it. That was everything he wanted. What was the point of going again, when he knew Techno was going to win again? What was the point of going again, when he’d already reached his goal?

But the bell dinged, and, well, Purpled hadn't trained Tommy to quit.

***

They ended up going for eight rounds, each much longer than the first had been. Once Techno realized that Tommy actually knew what he was doing, he stepped up his game. Techno had one five of the other rounds, but Tommy had won two. While Techno was actually putting effort into fighting him. Three, counting the first.

Tommy practically ran back to the locker room, grabbing his phone off the charger. He hopped from one foot to the other while he waited for Purpled to pick up.

“How’d it go?” Purpled asked as he answered the phone. If Tommy didn’t know any better, he’d have said that Purpled almost sounded groggy, but Purpled never sounded groggy or tired or- anything other than flat or vaguely interested, most of the time.

“I did it!” Tommy yelled. He flushed, lowering his voice. “I did it, Purpled, I did it! I beat him.”

“Obviously,” Purpled said. “What do you think the point of all that training was?”

“I just- I wasn’t expecting to actually manage it!” Tommy said. “I wanted to, of course, but- it just-”

“Were you doubting my abilities?” Purpled asked.

“No, no, I’d never,” Tommy said. He paused. “Well, maybe a little bit. But only a little bit.”

Purpled exhaled, almost a chuckle. “I guess I owe you some answers, then, don’t I?”

“Same time, place?” Tommy asked.

“Always. Go gloat to your brother,” Purpled said. He knew Tommy so well.

They hung up. Tommy slung his bag over his shoulder, hurrying out of the locker room. Techno was waiting for him, staring at the ground.

“Tech-no-Blade, can you believe it? Can you believe that I won those rounds, Techno?” Tommy asked excitedly.

“Still trying to figure out how exactly you managed that,” Techno said.

“I’m just that awesome,” Tommy said. “That awesome and cool and poggers. I told you I’ve gotten more mature. Does this mean I’m allowed to walk home at night alone now? Since I can beat up you, that means I can beat up anyone who tries to bother me, right?”

“Have you been training with someone?” Techno asked.

“Well, maybe Tubbo and Ranboo and I have been working a little bit,” Tommy said, not quite meeting Techno’s eyes. It wasn’t a lie. Tubbo and Ranboo had worked with him the entire time. He just didn’t mention Purpled.

“You three got together and just figured out how to properly fight?” Techno asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Well since someone wasn’t teaching me, I wanted to figure out how to do it for real,” Tommy said, crossing his arms. Techno didn’t say anything. He started walking towards his car. Tommy trailed after him.

“Were you teaching me wrong on purpose?” Tommy asked quietly once the doors were shut.

“I didn't want you getting hurt,” Techno said.

“Then actually teaching me how to fight would help that,” Tommy said, frowning. He hadn’t- that didn’t make any sense, why would Techno-

“It’s better if you didn’t know about it, Tommy,” Techno said. “Walk home while it’s light. It’ll be better for everyone.”

“Why are you and Phil always so cryptic about that?” Tommy demanded. “You know that the city doesn’t magically change when it gets dark, right? It’s the same old city whether it’s bright or not. People can get murdered during the day, people can be safe at night. What difference does it make?”

“You don’t understand, Theseus,” Techno said. “Drop it. And buckle.”

“No. We’re not going anywhere until you explain yourself,” Tommy said, crossing his arms childishly. “What changes at night that makes things so dangerous, huh? It’s easier to commit crimes at night? You could stub your toe on a rock you didn’t see?”

“You’re old enough to know why it can be dangerous at night,” Techno said.

“Not if everyone refuses to tell me,” Tommy said. “What? Is it gangs? Serial killers? Just tell me, Tech, and I’ll drop it. Like you said, I’m old enough to get it.”

Techno’s hands were tight on the steering wheel. “You shouldn’t have to get it.”

“What do you think you’re protecting me from?” Tommy asked, throwing his hands in the air. “I’m not a little kid, Techno. I’m being serious. I’ll be an adult in a couple of years. I’m sixteen.”

“The night is when people do things they would never dare to do under the sun,” Techno said, cryptically, unhelpfully.

Tommy slumped in his seat. “Fine. Don’t tell me. Whatever.”

He buckled. Techno started the car.

***

Tommy zipped his jacket up as he sat, shivering in the alleyway. He’d gotten there early out of excitement. Their training had slowly moved earlier in the evening as the sunset got earlier and earlier. They were at five now, and ran until the sun was about to set. 

He’d been shivering there for ten minutes until Purpled walked into the alleyway, nearly thirty minutes early. He blinked at Tommy, who was perched atop a stack of old boxes.

“How long have you been here?” Purpled asked.

“Not that long,” Tommy said, trying to stop himself from shaking. He couldn’t look weak in front of Purpled, not after his victory.

“You could’ve just called me,” Purpled said.

“Well, you’re here now,” Tommy said, hopping off his throne of cardboard. “Do you always get here thirty minutes early?”

“Unless I have something to do right before, yeah,” Purpled said.

Tommy stared at him. “Why?”

Purpled shrugged. “Tell me about the fight.”

Tommy paced as he told the story- only exaggerating a little, and Purpled sat on a long-broken chair and listened. His expression didn’t change, but Tommy could almost see something like pride in his eyes. Maybe Tommy was imagining it.

“And then I called you,” Tommy said. He was a little out of breath, talking so much in the cold air. He picked at a loose thread on his jacket. “Your turn?”

Purpled leaned forward, his hands intertwined beneath his chin. “Are you sure you want to hear? You aren’t going to be able to go back to living like a normal kid after this.”

“Please. I’ve known you for months,” Tommy said. “I know you, Purpled.”

The silence that stretched between them was tense and it was comfortable. It was familiar and it was strange. It was everything they’d ever spoken about and every secret they’d ever kept.

“I’m in the Mafia, Tommy.”

Tommy laughed. He laughed because obviously Purpled was joking. He laughed because it was simply ridiculous. He laughed because he knew Purpled, and he knew Purpled wasn’t in the Mafia. He laughed because the Mafia was something that parents told scary stories to their children about to keep them inside at night.

Purpled wasn’t laughing. Purpled wasn’t laughing but that wasn’t all that unusual because Purpled very rarely laughed. It wasn’t because he was being serious. It couldn't be because he was being serious.

Tommy stopped laughing.

“You're not being serious, right, Purpled?” Tommy asked.

Purpled pressed his lips together. “Tommy-”

Tommy took a step back. “You’re not being serious. You’re joking. I said- I said the spy thing as a joke Purpled, I didn’t-” 

But it made sense, now that Tommy thought about it. Why else would a sixteen year old be so good at hand to hand combat? Why else would a sixteen year old have gotten shot in the middle of the night and have no one else to go to? Why else would a sixteen year old hold deals and favors so sacred?

Purpled stood. “If you never want to see me again, I get it. I’ll never bother-”

“No!” Tommy shouted. “Stop it, that’s outrageous-”

Purpled looked at him incredulously. “I just told you I’m in the Mafia, Tommy. I’m not joking. I’m not exaggerating. The Mafia that everyone whispers about and pretends isn’t everywhere in the city? I’m a 3rd rank Commander.”

“Well, I don’t know what that means, but you’re my friend, Purpled. I’m not going to drop you just because you have hobbies,” Tommy said.

Purpled stared. “I kill people, Tommy.”

“Yeah, well, I assumed, when you said you were in the Mafia,” Tommy said, almost sarcastic, almost a joke.

“What’s wrong with you?” Purpled asked, squinting. “Seriously, what is wrong with you?”

“I’m loyal to my friends, how’s there something wrong with that?” Tommy asked defensively.

“Because I told you I’m in the Mafia!” Purpled said, raising his voice. “You’re not supposed to be okay with that!”

“Says who?” Tommy asked, crossing his arms. “I’ll fight them, with all the fancy skills that you taught me, and I’ll win.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Purpled said, rubbing his forehead. “You’re ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous.”

“You know me, Purpled,” Tommy said. “There’s no reason you should think I’d abandon you just because you’re in the Mafia. It actually makes way more sense. And I mean, it’s kinda cool, isn’t it?”

“I feel like this is concerning. This is concerning, isn’t it? Do I need to talk to your parents, or something? Why are you okay with this?” Purpled asked. “What’s next, Tubbo’s gonna tell you he’s a serial killer and you’d help him bury the bodies?”

“I mean, if he had a good reason for being a serial killer, sure,” Tommy said. “Tubbo wouldn’t serial kill anyone who didn’t deserve it.”

“And if I’d killed people who didn’t deserve it?” Purpled asked, a challenge, almost a desperate plea for Tommy to cut him off in everything but his tone.

“You’re a sixteen year old in the mafia. I hardly think you’d be the one to blame in that situation,” Tommy said.

Purpled stared at him. Rarely was he rendered actually speechless, from Tommy’s experience, but he just stared at Tommy.

When the silence started to grow uncomfortable, Tommy ventured. “So, what do you do in the Mafia? You promised me all the answers.”

Purpled stared at him. Purpled stared at him like Tommy was crazy and looked as though he wanted to leave, but he didn’t. He stayed there and he answered every one of Tommy’s questions.

It was interesting, really.

In any other situation, maybe Tommy would’ve been scared. He should’ve been scared, by all accounts. But Purpled was his friend. He trusted his friends. And maybe it was a little stupid of him, maybe he was putting his life in danger, maybe he was being ridiculous, but if that all meant that he could put a little more trust in his friends, then Tommy thought it was worth it.

***

Tommy didn’t really need training anymore. There was no reason for him to continue meeting up with Purpled. He’d beaten Techno. He met his goal. He bragged about it to everyone he knew. Techno still seemed confused as to how Tommy managed it, but Phil was proud. Tubbo and Ranboo were ecstatic. And Purpled, well, he was Purpled.

They didn’t talk about it. They didn’t text. They didn’t call. But on Thursday, at 5pm, in the cold November air, they both showed up in the alleyway.

“What are you doing here?” Purpled asked. He was sitting on the railing of a fire escape- a dumb place to put it, really, since there were almost no exits from the building, but it was surrounded on each other side by other buildings, so there wasn’t much of a choice.

“I dunno.” Tommy sat down next to him, swinging his legs. “Whatever you are, I guess.”

They talked. Tommy talked about school and his friends and his brother and his dad. Purpled only gave him the details he asked for, but he talked about the Mafia. He answered every single one of Tommy’s questions. And while the answers weren’t always pleasant, the fact that Purpled was opening up was.

Tommy left before it got dark. Beating Techno a couple of times wasn’t enough for Phil to trust him out at night, still.

The next week was the same.

They didn’t really text anymore. They only called on late nights when Tommy couldn’t sleep and he didn’t want to wake up Tubbo or Ranboo. And still, like clockwork, every week, they both appeared in that alleyway.

November blew into December. Tommy stole Christmas decorations from his house to hang up in the alley. Purpled rolled his eyes, but helped him all the same. He pretended to not care, but Tommy caught him staring at the lights one too many times to believe that.

They didn’t talk about it. They got each other Christmas presents. Tommy lied when Phil asked who it was from.

New Years Eve fell on a Thursday that day. It was far too early for any countdown or fireworks, but the boys sat together and stared at the Christmas decorations that were still up.

“Tommy,” Purpled ventured, after a long stretch of comfortable silence. “You’re really interested in the Mafia.”

“I think most people would be. If they had a friend who was a 3rd rank Commander-” Because Tommy knew what that meant now- “they’d ask questions, too.”

“Would you ever be interested in joining?” Purpled asked, glancing at Tommy. Red and green lights reflected off his purple eyes. 

“It’d be cool,” Tommy said, almost hesitant, almost unsure. “Might be a bit young, though.”

“I joined when I was thirteen,” Purpled said. Tommy’s eyes widened a fraction, but he didn’t ask the obvious question. “They don’t care about your age. Just what you can do.”

“I dunno if I can do anything the Mafia might care about,” Tommy said, pulling his knees up to his chest.

“You can fight nearly as well as me,” Purpled said. “And I’d vouch for you. That’s saying something.”

“You’d do that?” Tommy asked.

“Only if you wanted to join,” Purpled said. “I’m not going to force you, or even tell you it’s a good idea. It’s difficult work and you’re going to have to hurt people that might not deserve it. But, y’know, it’s not all bad, sometimes.”

“Like what times?” Tommy asked.

“Like when an annoying kid comes and accidentally steals your highly classified information,” Purpled said.

“When a- Hey!” Tommy said.

“I didn’t say I was talking about you,” Purpled said smugly, grinning, and Tommy knew that there was one point that neither of them could’ve imagined laughing together and now he couldn’t imagine not. 

“If you assumed it was you, well, that’s on you.”

“Shut up. You know exactly what you were doing,” Tommy said, shoving Purpled. He caught himself before he hit the ground, snickering at Tommy.

“Hey, it’s how we met. Can you really say it was so bad?” Purpled asked.

“Yeah, actually, it was awful,” Tommy said dramatically. “I regret everything!”

“Sure you do. That’s why you kept hanging around me for the next few months,” Purpled said, scooting back into place. “You don’t have to give me an answer right away. And you can say no. I’m not going to be offended or anything. It’s better for you if you didn’t join, really. It’s just if-”

“I’m in.”

Purpled blinked at him. “This is a big deal, Tommy. Once you’re in, you give your life to the organization.”

“I wanted to be a reporter when I grew up,” Tommy said instead of answering. “I thought it was fun, doing research, investigating people. But…” Tommy looked down at his hands. “I don’t… want to, anymore.”

“You can change what you want to be when you grow up without joining the Mafia, you know,” Purpled said, teasing.

“Well, yeah, but I just- I didn’t have a backup plan. This was supposed to be it. I was gonna go to college for journalism, I was going to get a job as a reporter, that was it,” Tommy said. “But I- I can’t. I don’t know why. I can’t.”

Maybe it had all just been a phase, in the end. Reporting had been a phase, but Tommy had based his life around it.

He hadn't finished an article in months. He's been skipping his club and avoiding Mr. Sam in the hallway and dodging the question whenever Tubbo or Ranboo raised it.

“So your backup plan is joining the Mafia,” Purpled said flatly.

“You’re the one who offered,” Tommy said, childishly.

Purpled sighed. “I did. There’s still an onboarding process, of course. You’ve got to meet the Boss and all, but… I think you can make it.”

Tommy straightened his spine. “Y’think it’ll take more training?”

Purpled looked up at the sky. It was starting to snow. “Maybe a little.”

Tommy grinned. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard about this super high ranking Mafia member who just so happens to have a soft spot for me.”

Purpled scoffed, rolling his eyes. “A soft spot is a bit of an exaggeration.”

“Come on. It’s been months! You can admit we’re friends.”

“I’d rather die before admitting that,” Purpled said.

“You’re so dramatic,” Tommy said. “But you’d help me train, right?”

Purpled sighed. “Well, I did make a deal with you, didn’t I?”

“Yes!” Tommy pumped his fist. “This is going to be awesome!”

“Most people don’t quite have that reaction to joining the Mafia,” Purpled said, a half smile on his face.

“Well, most people aren’t as cool and awesome as I am,” Tommy said. “Maybe they should get on my level.”

“Your level,” Purpled said, smirking. “Right.”