Work Text:
Simla, India 1914
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“A very long time ago there was a young prince who lived in a different world. A world where dragons, giants, and fairies exist. Everything was as it should be… Until a dragon the size of a castle stormed the kingdom. The little prince went to investigate the loud noises and screams. He saw his father, the king, be taken by the beast. The beast used its mighty wings to fly away. The little prince cried out to his father as it got further and further away.” A woman with puffy curly brown hair says dramatically. She sits by a lake with a giant head statue peeking out of it. A waterfall nearby and a baby elephant splashing in the water.
“Have you ever met a prince, Puffy?” A boy with a soaked white t-shirt and shorts asks with wonder. He climbs up the head statue and sits down, looking down on Puffy.
“Yes Tommy, I have met a prince. You. ” She smiles brightly.
“I meant a real prince!” He rolls his eyes.
“All boys are princes who turn into kings. All girls are princesses who turn into queens. I think it’s everyone’s right.” Tommy spends the rest of the day running through the forest, holding up a stick for a sword. Claiming one fine day, he will be king .
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Tommy is under the covers of his giant bed. All push with pillows and blankets, woven with different colors. His father stands out on the balcony staring at the sun set with his hands behind his back. Tommy sits up.
“I’m going to miss it here,” his father sighs. “It stirs up imagination.”
“Wish we could stay here forever,” Tommy grumbles. Phil turns around, the sun hits his father’s hair and it glows bright yellow, like his own. But Phil's hair is straight while Tommy’s curls.
“I know sunshine.” Phil sits on the bed. “But now that England has gone to war, I must go too.” He leans in. “You understand that, don’t you?”
“But why do I have to go to America? It’s full of… Americans!”
“Because it’s safer, mate. And it’s the city your mother grew up in. And it’s called-” He laughs in between his words.
“New York.” Tommy flops all the way down and sighs. For a moment it’s silent. “Dad?”
“Hm?”
“Puffy said that all boys are princes and all girls are princesses.”
“Puffy is a very wise woman.” Phil nods seriously.
“Then it’s true!” His eyes widen and his voice grows higher.
“You can be anything you wish, sunshine. As long as you believe.”
“What do you believe?”
“I believe that you are and always will be, my little prince.” He leans in like he’s telling a secret, speaking a wish, whispering for no one to hear, all except for Tommy.
“Gross!”
“Why you little-” His father jumps for Tommy as he squeals. He tickles him until they can’t breathe from laughing too hard. Their faces turn red and tears almost come out of their eyes.
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Tommy looks out on the dark ocean as they cross the sea. The boat has multiple floors, each layer covered in lights and flowers. He can hear faint laughter and music playing in a different room. Tommy stays on the side of the ship with the least people, letting the breeze of salt water cool him. Behind him his father wraps his arms around Tommy’s neck and places a necklace. It’s a round locket with crows and vines carved into gold. Inside it, his father and mother’s picture. Although the picture has no color, Tommy made his father explain to him a thousand times what she looked like. Raven hair that pours over her shoulders and warm chocolate eyes.
“What did you like most about her?” Tommy suddenly says. He stares at Phil’s lame outfit. White shirt with metals and stiff black pants. Nothing his father actually would wear outside of duty.
“Tough question…” There’s a pause as he stares out into the sea a bit longer. When he turns to Tommy an idea sparkles in his blue eyes. “I loved the way her eyes lit up when she had a bad idea. Just like yours do.” His father pulls him away from the rails and puts them in a dancing position. Tommy steps on his father’s toes. “I love when she snorted as she laughed.” They kept spinning around the deck. “But I think more than anything else…” The music begins to pick up. “I loved dancing with her.” They skipped and twirled faster than before, Tommy let out his giggles and screams. Until finally Phil picks him up and twirls him in the air.
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They finally arrive in New York. They ride a carriage being pulled by a horse. It trots along the stone road, people step to the side, voices overlap, smoke rises from buildings. They turn to a dead-end where a dark green brick building, with round windows and doors, is stuck between fancy houses and shops. They stop in front of the green building and ring the bell. Tommy already wants to go back to the forests in India, this place looks pompous.
Next to the door is a sign that reads ‘Dream’s Seminary for Boys’. Leaves scattered on the ground move with the wind. His father turns around and motions for Tommy to come forward. Tommy races up the steps standing face to face with the man he loves most. Phil opens his mouth to say something but is cut off when the door opens. They quickly turn to the person standing at the door.
“Hello! You must be Phil Watson!” A tall man with jet black hair, and almost white eyes says cheerfully. Tommy thinks he’s kind of creepy but in a weirdly cool way. The man steps to the side and lets them walk through another set of doors. Phil holds Tommy’s hand. The entrance has a crystal chandelier, everything is painted in the same green as the outside, but has gold trim. Rugs cover dark hardwood floors and pictures of people from the past line the walls up the stairs. “Dream will be down here shortly. We were just preparing the young muffin’s room.” He turns to Tommy. “All of your things arrived.”
“What’s your name mate?” Phil asks.
“ Oh right, sorry. My name is Bad, Badboyhalo.” He shakes Phil’s hand enthusiastically.
“Phil Watson,” a voice echoes from above. It makes Bad flinch. They see in the stairway a man wearing a green formal suit with his blond hair in perfect order. He walks gracefully down the stairs, smile strained, and never breaking eye contact. Tommy moves slightly behind his father. “It’s nice to meet you.” When he reaches the end of the stairs they shake hands as well. “And this must be little Tommy.” Tommy holds back a glare and a curse for calling him little. Only his father is allowed to call him that. This man is a wrongin’ .
“I was just telling them-” Bad begins to say, a lot less cheerful than before.
“That will be all Bad.” Dream waves Bad away. “Now, follow me.” They go to the left where there’s a giant window and the further they get into the building the more it’s filled. Paintings of all kinds, benches with pillows, books in full shelves. “Class begins at eight. We cover all the subjects literature, math, science, and of course both French and Latin.” Dream full speeds ahead while Tommy lags behind to see the scenery.
“Oh, well Tommy already knows Fren-” Phil tries to explain.
“Lunch is at one thirty, which after we take our daily walk.” Dream continues on. “Unless the weather is extreme. The boys attend classes on etiquette where they are personally trained in all the graces of society.” Tommy already hates this place. He doesn’t need all of this, he would rather follow his dad into war. Phil grabs Tommy’s hand and they catch up to Dream. “Study hall is between four thirty and six thirty, followed by a light supper. And before bed we read one of the classics. Something the boys always look forward to.” Tommy highly doubts that and he just wants this man to shut up. “Sunday is the day of rest, students are only allowed to write to their parents, and of course we attend church. Have you any questions?” Did this man even breathe during the whole speech?
Tommy stares at the end of the hall where he sees two boys. Both with brown hair, one curls, the other straight and long, enough to braid. Their skin is slightly coated in dirt and their clothes have holes, their hands red, some parts of their arms have bruises, and black lines at the bottom of their eyes. The one with long hair has bulkier arms while the short hair one is tall and skinny. They mop the hardwood floors slowly, never looking up from their task. Tommy wonders if he’ll have to mop the floors too.
Suddenly an arm wraps around him and it’s not his father. It’s that jerk Dream. He pulls him along, away from the boys. They walk into a classroom with only six students, all wearing a green shirt with black pants. Great… A uniform. The teacher’s desk is at the front of the room with a black board behind it. At the board is a young man, the teacher, Tommy guessed. Brown swishy hair and blue eyes, and he wore a green tie with three hearts on it. The teacher stops whatever lesson they are learning and turns to Dream. The students watch intently.
“This is our teacher, Charlie.” Dream explains, gesturing to the man. Charlie beams brightly and waves. “Boys, say hello to the new arrival. Tommy Watson.”
“Hello Tommy,” they all say together in a monotone voice.
“I’m sure you have plenty of stories of India to tell. No doubt you’ll become popular in no time.” Dreams says but looks at his father. A boy in the back raises an eyebrow. And Dream keeps rambling on about rules while Tommy scans the room of boys. One is too tall, one is too short, one has bright red hair, one looks like a bully, another is practically bald, and one wears a black beanie. “We have a reputation for sending the most poised and charming young boys out into the world.” Tommy notices the shortest boy rolling his eyes, Tommy wants to do the same, but knows he won’t get away with it when there are so many eyes on him.
“I have no doubt,” Phil sighs. He’s not buying this man’s act either. Dream’s eyes fall on Tommy’s locket.
“Also, I’m afraid jewelry isn’t allowed.” He goes to take it from Tommy’s neck but Tommy covers it with his hand. Who does that!
“Back off, you don’t have the right to take it.” Tommy is starting to drop his nice act. “Can’t I at least wear it in my room?”
“Only if you insist.” They stare each other down.
“I do.” Tommy lifts his chin a bit higher.
“Oh snap!” The short boy says over the whispering of the others. But one sharp glare from Dream shuts them up. Tommy is starting to like that boy.
“Continue on with class.” Dream waves his hand and they leave the class. He leads them upstairs to the largest suite. Instead of a green room, it's an offset white with a flower pattern. Tommy’s suitcases are set up in the room on a smaller bed than he’s used to but still bigger than average. The room has three large windows, each one having a bench under it. They tried to decorate it with Indian stuff but it clashes. And the best part of it, there’s a fireplace opposite from the bed.
“This is splendid, thank you for all the care you’ve taken, Dream. I want Tommy to feel at home while I’m away.” Phil says the next part is a little more threatening. “No expense should be spared.”
“Of course not.” The man covers his anger well. “Now I’ll let you say your goodbyes, I know you don’t have much time before your boat leaves.” He promptly leaves the room and shuts the door. Phil walks over to the window with Tommy trailing behind. He’s never afraid to follow his father. Phil sits at the bench under the window.
“We’ll write to each other everyday.”
“Clingy,” Tommy snickers and Phil rolls his eyes fondly. “But yeah,” he says a bit quieter.
“How do you like your room, mate? I brought as much of home to you as possible. All your toys and clothes. It’s just like-” Phil didn’t finish with home . Because this place is never going to be as wonderful as home. They both know it. “You know… I think I spot something over there.” He points to the bed and Tommy smiles for the first time all day. He goes over and picks up a cow plushie. He runs back over to his dad and hops onto his lap.
“His name shall be Henry!” His father laughs.
“I’m sure he’ll be your best friend.” Then his father leans in, like he always does. “You know, when you leave the room, all the toys come to life.”
“They do!” Tommy believes because it’s his father, because he trusts, because he’s a child.
“But before we can catch them they go back to where you left them as quick as lightning.” His smile fades. “When you’re afraid or lonely or miss me, just tell Henry. He’ll give me your message, wherever I am, and I’ll send one right back to you.” His father's voice is thick and tears brimming his eyes. “So that when you hug him, you’ll really be getting a hug from me.” His throat bobs and he hangs his head low. Tommy launches himself deeper into his father’s arms. Phil’s arms curl tighter around his small son and yet wants to pull him in more and more and more . But there is no space left for him to pull into.
“I’m going to be alright, I’m a big man.”
“I know,” Phil’s voice cracks. They stay that way for as long as they can until it’s time. Phil leaves and Tommy watches him from the window. Phil looks up from the carriage to Tommy’s window and whispers, “goodbye my little prince.” He hops into the vehicle, leaving Tommy in silent tears. He hugs Henry tighter.
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The next morning, all the little boys wait for their breakfast at the table, waiting for their newest member. Tommy rushes out the door, trying to adjust his shirt, and walks while putting on his shoes. Then his father’s words echo in his ears.
“You know, when you leave the room, all the toys come to life.” Then his father leans in, like he always does.
Tommy turns swiftly back to his door and peaks in, Henry is still sitting on his bed peacefully. “Gosh you're fast,” he says to himself. He goes to the stairs to find Dream waiting at the bottom.
“Tommy, we’re not accustomed to delaying everyone’s breakfast for one child.” Dream huffs. “You’re not the only boy here.” Tommy resists rolling his eyes, it is far too early for this. Charlie walks up as Tommy approaches Dream. Dream and the teacher start talking in French about boring things, then Dream turns his attention back to Tommy. “You remember Charlie, he’ll be teaching all your classes including French this afternoon.”
“Do I have to?”
“You most certainly do.” Dream acts aghast. “Now apologize to Charlie this instant. That was very rude.”
“I wasn’t trying to be-”
“Now!” Tommy would very much rather learn how to shoot people’s faces off with his father than deal with his man a minute longer. But unfortunately, until the war is over, he’s stuck here. The dumb part of this is that the teacher doesn’t even look like he cared. Tommy sucks in a breath and starts to talk in perfect French, it puts Dream’s French to shame.
“This child doesn’t need French, he might as well be French.” Charlie grins.
“My father did try to tell you.” It was Dream’s turn to roll his eyes.
“Perhaps he can tutor some of the students that are falling behind. He might even be able to help with your pronunciation.” Charlie sniffs the air. “Is that pancakes I smell!” He cheerfully leaves. Dream practically stomps into the dining room with Tommy in toe. One point for Tommy, zero for Dream. Tommy sits next to the very short one child. Nice! The two boys who were mopping yesterday come into the room and start to dish out the food onto people’s plates. The one with short hair scoops up porridge into Tommy’s bowl. All is silent.
“Thank you,” Tommy says. They all gasp and the boy’s expression is shocked. The boy with the long hair is wearing the same expression from the other side of the table. He looks as if he’s ready to jump over the table and protect the other.
“ Tommy , there is no talking at the table.” Dream growls. Tommy is already doing a magnificent job of making this man’s life a living nightmare and he’s here for it. Tommy doesn’t even have to try or that much. So he’ll push some more.
“Doesn’t seem natural.” Another gasp fills the room.
“I won’t ask again.” Tommy wants to say ‘then don’t’ but one glance at the boy who just served him says that wouldn’t be a good idea. The boy turns his gaze away quickly.
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It’s been three days and since Tommy “knows” all the rules he now gets the same treatment as the other kids. All Tommy did was answer it wrong, Dream goes over and beats Tommy’s hand with a ruler until it bled, saying ‘you deserve it, study more’ . Tommy can’t hear anything now and he can’t manage to move anything, not even his eyes. He just stares at the wooden desk not really seeing the desk. Even when they are dismissed he can’t bring himself to move. Until stinging comes from his hand. He flinches and the short boy stops what he’s doing. He has disinfectant and wipes it on Tommy’s wound. He notices the scars on the other boy’s hand. So Dream is abusive. Great . On the other side of him is the really tall kid, his hand is on Tommy’s back. And now that Tommy is… Awake? He feels the boy rubbing circles on his back.
“The name’s Tubbo by the way and that’s Ranboo.” Tubbo gestures with his head towards the other boy.
“Hi,” Ranboo says sheepishly.
“Hey,” Tommy responds. Tubbo keeps cleaning Tommy’s hand.
“Dream will get mad if he sees a bandage so this is the best I can do.” Tubbo pulls away, as well as Ranboo. Tommy can’t stop himself from wanting more. It’s the most contact he’s had since he’s been here, other than Dream hitting him of course.
“Thank you,” Tommy whispers.
“No problem!” Tubbo grins widely and Tommy manages to muster his own smile. They leave the classroom together and go to their rooms for independent studies but they have quiet conversations along the way.
Instead of studying, Tommy sits under one of the windows with a pen and paper in hand. His hands shake with new pain but he promised he would write to his father everyday. He has to leave some details out though. Dream looks at all their letters and this letter won’t reach his father if he says anything about Dream beating him. That and… Even if Dream didn’t read the letters his father wouldn’t be able to do anything about it. It would just make him angry and sad and frustrated. His father just needs to focus on surviving. So he grits his teeth and begins.
‘Dear dad,
I miss you already. Things are fine, don’t get me wrong. It’s just nothing like I imagine. No talking, no running, no making up stories. These people are crazy and boring. Except for two of my classmates, Ranboo who should be too tall to exist and Tubbo, too short for his personality. I think I’ve convinced them to be my friends or partners in crime, take your pick.
I am proud of you, for fighting. I hope this reaches you and makes at least the moment you read it happy. I love you forever.
Your Tommy’
And somewhere out there a father smiles despite the war that rages on. Screams coming from the hallway snap Tommy out of his daydreams of his father coming back. Opening his arms wide and Tommy running straight into them. When Tommy steps out of the room he hears Bad trying to calm down Tubbo. He kicks and screams and cries on the floor of his own room.
“I’ll-I- I’ll get you a cookie, would that be nice, right little muffin! I’ll be right back!” Bad frantically tries to calm him. He speed walks out of Tubbo’s room and down stairs to the kitchen. Tommy steps out of his room.
“Aren’t you a bit loud,” Tommy deadpans. He doesn’t really care if the boy is loud but it does sound agonizingly sad.
“I want my mom!” He sobs. Tommy notices some blood peeking through his shirt, probably from dreaming teaching him a lesson. Tommy doesn’t have the supplies Tubbo has, he just has words.
“You’ll see her soon.” Is the best thing Tommy can come up with.
“No I won't, she's dead! And I’ll never see her again!” His words lose breath and his chest moves up and down rapidly. Tommy’s heart squeezes. The boy was happy the last time Tommy talked to him, that was like… An hour ago. What happened?
“Well… I don’t have a mother either,” Tommy uncharacteristically says softly. Tubbo stops his kicking and tries to calm his breath.
“You don’t?” He looks up. “Where is she?”
“In heaven but that doesn’t mean I can’t talk to her. I tell her everything and I know she hears me.”
“How?”
“Because angels take our messages and give them to our loved ones.” Tommy steps closer and closer, then he sits next to Tubbo. Tubbo’s door creaks but they don’t hear. Ranboo peaks his head to watch and listen. “And our loved ones live in mansions and walk streets of gold. They hold banquets that last days and they never tire.” The boy with short hair Tommy found mopping on the first day, steps down a metal stair that comes from the attic. He sits and listens intently.
“The angels fly through storms, fire, and hail just to deliver the messages we give to our families. To them it’s like a walk in the park.” Tubbo gives a hum, Ranboo gives a tired smile, and the boy from the attic just sighs in disbelief. But these are the things Tommy has to believe in, it keeps him from crying too much, hurting too much. “They can send messages to us too. Of course, you can’t hear them if you kick and scream like that.” Tubbo looks shamed, turning his head down. That won’t do. “But they always try again, just in case we missed it.” Nice save. Tubbo grins. The boy from the attic accidentally moves his leg and the metal clangs. They turn to the door of Tubbo’s room and Ranboo turns too. They get up, not caring that Ranbo was watching, and see the boy run back upstairs.
“That’s Wilbur and the other one is Techno. They aren’t allowed to talk to us.” Tubbo sniffs, whipping his nose on his sleeve.
“Why not?” Tommy frowns.
“They are servants.”
“So?”
“Doesn’t that mean something?”
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Tommy goes up the metal stairs later that day. Trying to make his steps light and unheard. At the top are two doors but Tommy goes to the first one. When he opens it, there’s a broken fireplace, a window on the side, and a thin cramped bed. Techno is treating Wilbur’s wounds and one of them is humming. He can’t tell who. The floors creak and immediately Techno stands up and he is intimidating. Both of their eyes widen but Wilbur turns away while Techno settles his expression.
“I’m sorr-”
“Is there anything I can do for you?” Techno asks. It’s monotone and it cracks from lack of water. Tommy thinks he’s cool by looks alone and his voice is just selling it.
“Um… No I just-”
“Then begging your pardon but we’ll all be in trouble if you stay.” He finishes and Tommy can only nod, backing away slowly. That man is awesome! The next day when no one is watching and the servants are working somewhere else, Tommy, Ranboo, and Tubbo sneak into their room and leave a box. In the box lays a pig with a crown and a blue sheep. Tommy figures they need some sort of comfort in their cold room. So they also drag an extra blanket up there for them. The one they have is threadbare.
When the boys come back to the room later that day and see the box they scan their room and the open door behind them. Wilbur carefully lifts the top like it’s glass and melts into a smile. Techno follows suit and they pick up their new friends.
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It’s been a couple more weeks and once again all the little boys, Dream, and Bad gather in the living room. Dream plays the harp, Bad sits by the piano, all the other boys sit around the room. Some on the couch, some on chairs taken from a different room, or on the ground. The boys and even Bad try to keep their eyes open as Jschlatt, Tommy learned his name, is reading from one of the classics. Tommy was right, the boys do not look forward to this at all. They all take turns yawning except for Dream, who obviously likes seeing them suffer. Tommy and Tubbo lean against Ranboo who is just staring off into space. Jschlatt finishes reading.
“Tommy, pick up where Jschlatt stopped.” Dream says without stopping his harp playing. Tommy gets up from his seat wishing to puke if he has to read more about Clementine fighting with her father. Jschlatt reluctantly gave Tommy the book just to piss him off. Tommy stumbles backwards when he does let go. The boy chuckles under his breath as Tommy just settles back down with Ranboo and Tubbo.
“Father, you are right. I should marry the man,” Tommy begins. “I should put away my childish dreams and wishes.” He looks around and sees Bad snoring and the kids closing their eyes. Tommy looks down at the page and reads ‘so I will’ but that wouldn't make a great story, now would it? So Tommy makes something up. “But I won’t. I’ll marry who I want and it will be because I love them, not for money, or status.” They all perk up at the sudden change of tone, even Bad wakes up. “And with that Clementine runs out of the house hoping on a horse with the stable boy on it. They run off to the coast and buy a ship and crew.” The boys gather closer to Tommy, except for Jschlatt. Dream stops playing his harp and grabs the book from Tommy’s hands, but that doesn’t bother him. “They become pirates, taking on the waves that are as big as cities, and shoot cannons at military ships that they pass.”
“Yah!” Tubbo throws a fist in the air. Bad leans in.
“Stop!” Dream shouts, cutting Tommy off. All the boys go back to their spots. Bad sighs and sits up straight again. “What are you doing?”
“I didn’t like her having to marry a stuck up jerk so I imagined a better story for her.”
“Imagined it?” He says it with disgust.
“Yeah, don’t you ever do that? Believed in something just to make it seem real. It isn't a crime or anything.”
“I suppose that would be easy with the child that grew up with everything.” His voice deepens. “From now on there will be no make believe in this school. Whether it’s reading hour or at any other time!” He gets louder. “Is that clear!”
“Yes Dream,” they all say together.
“Now, go to your beds this instant!” They line up and start walking up the stairs. As Tommy walks by Dream, Dream slaps him. He must feel generous today if all he gets is a slap, that or he’s too tired to deal with him “properly”. Tubbo is in front of him and Ranboo behind as they walk up the stairs.
“I’ve never heard a story like that before.” Tubbo looks over his shoulder with glee. “We always read that boring garbage.”
“Do you have more?” Ranboo meekly asks.
“I want no talking!” Dream shouts from below and then goes to his office.
“That man needs a change in attitude,” Tommy mumbles. When they reach the top Tubbo grabs Tommy and Ranboo’s arms and pulls them into a circle.
“Let’s sneak into Tommy’s room and then he can tell us a real story!” Tubbo whispers excitedly.
“Sure thing big man.” They all grin. Later that night when Dream starts playing his harp again, all the boys sneak into Tommy’s room except for Jschlatt. They all manage to fit on his bed. Wilbur and Techno find their way downstairs and put their ears up to the door.
“A very long time ago there was a young prince who lived in a different world. A world where dragons, giants, and fairies exist. Everything was as it should be… Until a dragon the size of a castle stormed the kingdom. The little prince went to investigate the loud noises and screams. He saw his father, the king, be taken by the beast. The beast used its mighty wings to fly away. The little prince cried out to his father as it got further and further away. But the boy picks himself up, gathers everything he needs, and sets off to find his father.”
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A month has passed and Tommy adjusts Ranboo’s shirt. He reminds Ranboo of the words he needs to say in French to his family.
“My father hates it here,” Ranboo admits it quietly. “Says he doesn’t belong.”
“Why does he send you here then?” Tommy scrunches his face.
“Because he wants me to belong.”
“Well, you're all set to go boob boy.”
“Don’t call me that,” the boy sighs. Tommy laughs and then pushes him down the stairs. Down stairs is filled with parents, light music, food handed out by Techno and Wilbur. They all hug their children and Tommy can hear Ranboo’s parents praise him for his French. Some twirl and dance, they mingle, and play. But Tommy’s father isn’t there. And why would he be. He’s at war. His heart is sick, it aches, and squeezes. He just wants him here .
Somewhere out there is a father who grabs one of the few men alive, carrying him on his back. An enemy plane flies overhead and a gas bomb drops. It doesn’t take long for him to lie down out of breath. Out of fresh air.
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Two months have passed which leaves Tommy blowing out the candles on his cake. He’s seven now, that‘s right! A bigger number for a big man. The boys shout for joy, ready to fill their watering mouth with something sweet.
“I want a big piece!” Tubbo yells over their voices.
“I’m sure Prince Tommy will give everyone their fair share, right prince ?” Jschlatt rolls his eyes, arms crossed, the only boy sitting.
“I told him that’s what you are,” Ranboo says quietly.
“I am but not just me, all boys are princes and they all turn into kings.” Tommy turns to Jschlatt. “Even bullies like Jschlatt.” The boys roar with laughter.
“Why you little-” He begins to stand up.
“Ok that’s enough!” Dream puts a hand on Jschlatt’s shoulder to keep him seated. The doorbell rings and so Dream leaves the boys to their own devices. As he walks to the door he passes Bad playing the piano, it’s light tune, and gentle on the ears. Dream opens the door to a stranger wearing all black.
“I’m Mr. Beast, Phil Watson’s solicitor.”
“Oh, yes. Come in.” Dream steps to the side to let the man in. “We’re just celebrating little Tommy’s birthday.” He grits his teeth just mentioning the kid and special treatment he gets. Much to Dream’s dismay Tommy’s father made sure Dream would celebrate it while he’s at war.
“Can we talk in private?” Mr. Beast says curtly.
“Of course, follow me.” In the other room Ranboo goes up to the piano and starts playing an upbeat tune, Bad is taken by surprise, and then joins in. They laugh and all the energy picks up. Walking by the loud room are Wilbur and Techno. They carry clothes and sheets in baskets. Tommy stops to wave at them and Wilbur weakly waves back.
As Dream and Mr. Beast pass the room where they play, Mr. Beast stops and stares at the sight. All laughter and giggles of young children. Shortly after he follows Dream to his office.
“I’m afraid your check to us this month will be rather large.” Dream says with utter glee. “Considering the cost of his birthday.” He opens the door but Mr. Beast stares at him.
“There will be no check.”
“Excuse me?” He growls. Mr. Beast gestures to the office and Dream stomps in, Mr. Beast trails behind. Wilbur and Techno catch sight of it and run off to finish their chores. Behind Tommy, Tubbo wraps a blind fold over Tommy’s eyes. Tommy then tries to find his way around the room, trying to catch any boy in his path. Jschlatt just sits and watches looking like he wants to punch someone. Some of the boys hide under tables and climb on chairs.
Mr. Beast steps out of Dream’s office not too long after. He takes one last look at the young boy with a glowing smile and shakes his head. He leaves. And leaves sorrow in his steps. Dream storms out of his room and shuts the case of the piano. It makes all the boys pause and stare at him. Dream rips the blindfold off of Tommy and he glares at the man.
“The party is over, I want everyone to go to their rooms this instant.” Dream says sharply.
“But-” Tommy begins.
“You will stay behind. I have something to tell you.” No one leaves. “ Move!” They all file out quietly, except Bad who still sits at the piano. Tommy’s heart sinks as far down as it can. His limbs shake as he remembers the cuts from the ruler and his bruises burn. When His father gets back, he’ll tell him everything, and his father will shut this place down. Or at least give someone else the job.
“Bad, get Tommy a black outfit from his room.”
“But-” Bad begins to say.
“Do as I say!” Dream and Tommy stand still, watching each other’s eyes carefully. As Bad quickly leaves the room.
“Why do I need black clothes?” There’s a long pause and Dream goes to sit at his desk in the other room. Tommy slowly follows but stays standing in front of the desk.
“I am afraid I have bad news… Your father-” Tommy begins to shake his head and his throat bobs. “Your father has died, he was killed in battle several weeks ago.” Tommy is glued in place, staring but not really seeing. “I’m sorry but that’s the reality.” He doesn’t look sorry at all. “There’s nothing anybody can do to change it. What’s more, the British government has seized control of his company and all of his assets.” Tommy turns away trying to keep in the tears, staring at one of the balloons. “Leaving you penniless, without money . And since you have no relations to speak of, this puts me in a terrible position.” Dream notices he’s not paying attention. “Don’t you hear me! You are alone in the world!” The balloon pops and makes Tommy turn back to Dream. “Unless I decide to keep you here, out of charity .”
Tommy screams at the top of his lungs falling to his knees. Tears come out in buckets and his hand clenches his shirt over his heart. His forehead touches the ground and his throat is in agony. It rips and burns from his crying. He struggles to suck in a breath. Distantly he can feel Dream kick him yelling at him to shut up. Tommy jumps at him throwing his fist out, hoping to make contact with that heartless expression but Dream just steps to the side. He grabs Tommy’s head and slams it into the wall. Tommy's vision goes black but he can still feel the ache in his chest, burn in his throat, and sharp pain in his eyes. Not awake, not asleep.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
Lighting and thunder go off outside. The sky has turned to night and the rain makes it colder. Distantly Tommy feels Dream drag him by his hair upstairs into his room. Mindlessly Tommy changes into his black clothes and picks up one of his storybooks and of course, Henry. He holds them close to his chest. Dream stands by the door and swiftly turns out of the room, not bothering to see if Tommy is following. He is but he drags his feet, if only to annoy Dream with the loud scraping of shoes against wood. Ranboo and Tubbo peek out their doors to see them pass.
It takes every ounce of him not to cry more. He knows his eyes must be red, a part of his hair has dried blood, and his throat is closing on him. He can’t bring himself to care. His father is gone. Gone . No more stories, no more hugs, no more India, no more love. He doesn’t get to see his smile or hear his hiccupping laugh anymore. It’s all gone. He‘s gone.
“Because I wasted a lot of money on you, everything you own now belongs to me.” Dream bites. “Your clothes, toys, everything . It will hardly make up for the financial losses I’m suffering for.” A storm rages outside and their footsteps echo louder in Tommy’s ears. “From now on you must earn your room and food. You will live in the attic with Techno and Wilbur and work as a servant.” They scale up the winding metal stairs where the cold gathers. “If you don’t do as you're told you’ll be kicked out. And believe me, this city isn’t kind to anyone, let alone brats who beg for money.”
They arrive at the attic but they don’t go to Wilbur and Techno’s door, they go to the door next to it. When Tommy is in the room Dream hands him one skinny candle in the dark. There are no lights in the attic or at least a working one.
“Be in the kitchen at five am.” His eyes trail to Tommy’s necklace where his parents lay behind metal and carvings. The only place they exist now on Earth. “I can have you arrested for taking this!” Dream yanks the necklace off of Tommy. Tommy sucks in a breath, his eyes burning again, and fist clenched. But he can’t, he needs to live. “You’re lucky I even let you keep that toy and the book. But if this happens again, I’ll call the police.” Light flashes through the room and thunder strikes closer to the building. Dream stomps out but before he leaves completely he turns around with his dark eyes. “I expect you to remember you are a prince no longer.”
The wooden green door slams. The room is entirely made of that color Tommy has grown to hate. It’s nothing like the green from India or what his father wears. There is a one person sized bed, that’s bent in the middle with old age, and a thin blanket and pillow. A giant window that stares at a person’s large home. The roof drips and a mouse peaks his head out and then hides once more. Around the room are broken items. A broken desk, dresser, picture frames, and pots… And Tommy.
He sets down the candle on one of the broken dressers then collapses on the floor, hands and knees with his head down. He can no longer stop the tears. The book is thrown to the side and Tommy lays on the ground staring at the mouse hole. He brings Henry to his chest once more and buries his face in his soft fur. The dragon has taken the little prince’s father and now is left crying for him. But there is no sword Tommy can pick up, there is no bag for him to pack, there is no dragon for him to slay, and father to save.
“Dad,” Tommy sobs. “ Dad , please- please don’t leave me. I need you. ” He cries the words over and over again, well into the morning. And in the morning he picks himself up, leaving Henry in the damp room. In the kitchen there are a couple of people Tommy has never seen. But he’s seen Techno and Wilbur, who for some reason were working outside very late and missed the whole fiasco. They look at him with confusion but see his outfit. Wilbur’s eyes widen and Tommy wants more than anything to punch that stupid expression off of his face. He doesn’t need anyone’s pity.
Then Bad walks over and holds him. And he would cry more tears but he wasted them all. Although, it doesn’t feel like a waste. In fact his father deserves more tears. He will always be missed and only missed by him. He deserved better, better than Tommy.
Bad tells him what to do in the kitchen but with gentle words. He works in silence next to Techno and Wilbur. They look like they want to say something but that never comes. Tommy is asked to serve the morning meal, so he picks up the pot of oatmeal, while Techno and Wilbur grab the other things. They file out and the eyes of all the boys land on him. He burns with embarrassment on his cheeks and his chest. He used to be one of them and this is how they find out he’s not anymore. Tubbo and Ranboo fix him with the same look Wilbur did but he finds himself wanting a hug instead of punching them.
“Tommy, what happened?” Fundy asks in the most kindest voice.
“Tommy Watson, you are to serve them without making conversation. Understand ?” Dream cuts everyone else off. “Boys, Tommy will be working here as a servant from now on. You aren’t allowed to speak to him any longer, is that clear?”
“Yes Dream,” they all hesitantly say except for Tubbo and Ranboo who say nothing. Dream doesn’t seem to notice that though. Tommy, Techno, and Wilbur slowly go around the table giving the boys their food. Tommy almost spit in Jschlatt’s food, just because he gave Tommy an expression of satisfaction of Tommy’s new position in the school. But he can’t be on the streets.
Tommy mops the main hall while they learn math, and when Jschlatt goes to the bathroom he tips over Tommy’s bucket, and gets his dirty shoes on the newly cleaned floor.
Then Tommy gets pushed around in the market. Too many people coming and going and he’s too small to do the same. The basket he carries is half his size and heavy with groceries. To top it all off a boy decides he wants some of Tommy’s food too. He grabs something from the basket and is about to take off but Tommy snatches it back and pushes the boy to the ground. The boy doesn’t bother trying to steal again and goes after someone easier.
While walking back the cloak around him goes flying off in the wind. Tommy goes chasing it because he’s cold enough already. It lands at the feet of man with green and gold clothing. The man almost reminds Tommy of India.
“I’m Sam,” the man says in a soft voice. Not quiet, just… A nice voice.
“Tommy,” he says a bit shyly.
“Is this yours?” Sam picks up the cloak and holds it out to Tommy. Tommy just nods, not sure why he’s being so awkward. He wraps the cloth around Tommy. “You know, I’ve seen you around.”
“You have?” Tommy’s eyes widened. Is this guy going to kidnap him?
“Yes, I live next door to your school.”
“Oh right the rich bi- I mean-” The man starts laughing.
“It’s alright young lad. Let’s walk.” He places a hand on Tommy’s back and they stroll towards the school. The first time in a long time, Tommy babbles about his everyday life and the man listens intently. When they reach the school Tommy’s pains throughout his body come rushing back. For a short while he had forgotten them. They part ways and Tommy watches the man until he goes into his home. He reluctantly goes back inside the school through the back door.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
A couple of weeks go by of the same routine. He sits in his warped bed staring out the dark window. The thin blanket is wrapped around him and Henry sits in his lap. A creak comes from the side of the room, a few boards from the wall are moved to the side. Wilbur peaks his head in, eyes widening, and a sheepish grin on his face. Tommy hasn’t tried to talk to them or anyone really. He can’t bear to look at Tubbo or Ranboo. Tommy’s not sure why. It’s not his fault he became a servant. Wilbur and Techno always look like they want to say something, but they always turn away.
“What do you want?” Tommy turns away.
“I thought you would be asleep.” Wilbur steps into the room fully.
“That didn’t answer my question,” he growls. He doesn’t want to, Wilbur seems nice. But today was just… Too much . He wants to cry again. But he can’t, not with anyone. He can’t trust anyone. Wilbur's expression falls and looks like he’s about to step back into his own room.
“I just… Came to give you your birthday present.” This makes Tommy lock eyes with him.
“For me?” He breathes and he can see Wilbur wanting to coo at him.
“Yes, I didn’t have a chance to give it to you.” He smiles widely, Tommy’s never seen him smile before, and he can’t help but feel like it should be wider and brighter. It isn’t the way it should be yet. Wilbur walks over and sits next to Tommy and holds out a pillow. On the pillow is an embroidered picture of India. Tommy traces the mountains and river with his fingers. “Techno made the pillow but I embroidered it. Happy birthday Tommy.” He says the last words with such fondness that light tears stream down Tommy’s face.
“It’s beautiful,” Tommy whispers. Wilbur chuckles and gently whips away Tommy’s tears.
“You're so tiny.” He hears Wilbur say under his breath. But Tommy doesn’t have the heart to yell at him that he’s a big man. “Tommy? Why don’t you tell your stories anymore?” It catches Tommy off guard.
“They’re just make believe, they don’t mean anything.”
“Oh but they’ve always meant something to me.” Wilbur takes a shaky breath. “There were days I thought I would die until I heard you talk about knights, and dragons, and kings. Fighting for honor and glory and love.”
“There are no such things!” Tommy pushes Wilbur off the bed, Wilbur’s throat bobs. He leaves with a sorrowful glance and Tommy’s chest burns with shame and loneliness. Does he really believe it doesn’t exist? He wraps his arms around himself until his hands grip his arms so hard they turn white. He curls in on himself and more tears dampen his black clothes. Forever mourning. “Dad? Can you hear me?” He chokes on a sob. “I’m so scared.” Over in the other room Techno and Wilbur lay side by side hearing Tommy’s sobs. Wilbur buries his face into Techno’s chest as Techno protectively wraps his arms around him.
“He’s so young,” Wilbur cries.
“I know,” Techno says, furrowing his brows.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
The next morning comes. Tommy rakes up the leaves in front of the school as winter takes over the air rather than the autumn . All the boys move around him, ready to leave for church. Except for Tubbo and Ranboo who stand behind him.
“Tommy? Tommy, are you still a prince?” Tubbo asks. Not in a taunting way, just asking in a way that he’s lost.
“You should get back in line before you get in trouble,” Tommy’s voice rasps.
“Are you still a prince?” Ranboo asks.
“Ranboo, Tubbo, get in line!” Dream shouts from behind and smacks them across the head. They flinch and then do as they are told. As they walk away Tommy can hear Wilbur mock Dream to Techno. He can’t help but chuckle at his antics.
Later that day Tommy is sent out to get more food for the kitchen. Wilbur tries to make the head cook let him and Techno go too but they are shot down. Tommy still struggles to get through the crowd and finds himself wondering if Wilbur and Techno would have the same trouble. Probably not, they are much taller and older than him. Then he wonders if they would help him get through the crowd kind of like a br- No he’s just being silly. They wouldn’t.
Just then, when Tommy is distracted, a little girl puts some coins in his hands. Before Tommy can question why, the mother pulls her away scolding her for handing money to a strange boy. He just stands there, not sure what to do until he catches a bakery in the corner of his eye. He kind of feels bad for not trying to return the money back to the kid but not as much when he thinks of food. Tommy walks in feeling very out of place. He’s covered head to toe in dirt and the bakery is frilly and spotless. Tommy’s mouth waters at all the different pastries.
He ends up getting a cinnamon roll and then goes to sit on the curb. Just when he’s about to take a bite he notices a mother holding a baby, and her other child around Tommy’s age trying to sell flowers. They are bright and yellow like his father’s hair when the setting sun shone behind him. He wants to cry again. They are covered in dirt too, wrapped in thin clothing with holes, the breeze kissing their red skin.
Tommy stares down at his cinnamon roll and sighs. He approaches the flower sellers and hands the girl with pink flowers in her hair his cinnamon roll. The flower in her hand slackens and she turns to her mother. The mother nods and the girl takes the treat. Tommy quickly turns away.
“Niki, give him a flower, “ the mother whispers.
“Wait!” Niki shouts, Tommy looks over his shoulder. Niki trots up with a flower in hand and holds it out to Tommy.
“For the prince,” the mother says. Tommy breaks out in a grin. Remembering all the light that used to be in his life. The warmest of sun, his comfy bedroom, millions miles away from this city… His father’s hugs and dances. He presses the petals to his nose and walks away. Before he goes back to all the biting words of Dream, he puts the flower in between the handles of Sam’s door. Sam peaks out of the curtains just in time to see Tommy leave.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
The mouse in Tommy’s room scurries across the floor. He just stares shivering as the snow blows relentlessly. He’s afraid if he shuts his eyes they’ll freeze shut. He wiggles his toes just to know that they're still there.
“Tommy?” Wilbur’s voice carries through the wall. Tommy can only hum in response, his eyes getting heavier and heavier. His fingers tighten around the cloth and he brings his knees to his chest. Anything to keep a little heat he has left. He hears Wilbur and Techno whisper to each other but he’s too out of it to care. The loose panels on the wall open and Techno peaks his head in. Tommy can’t bring himself to be curious. With soft steps Techno goes to his bedside and places the back of his hand on Tommy’s cheek. His eyes widened.
“Cold,” Techno says to himself. Then he bends down, getting his arms under Tommy’s leg and back, and cradles Tommy in his arms, taking his blanket with him.
“ Wh- what are you doing?” Tommy’s breath is seen as he shivers through his words. Techno doesn’t answer and instead takes Tommy to his and Wilbur’s room. “This is a crime you know.” Tommy means it but his voice won’t let him say it the way he wants to. Wilbur is setting up two mattresses on the floor in front of the fireplace they have. He gathers all the blankets and pillows and arranges them like a nest.
“Set him in the middle,” Wilbur tells Techno. Techno nods and gently places him. When he does Wilbur pulls more blankets on him and slips in right next to Tommy. He wraps his arms around him holding him close. Techno gets under the blankets too, getting as close as he can without wrapping his arms around them.
“What are you doin’?” Tommy asks again, warmth seeping into his skin and heart. He curls into Wilbur’s chest, trying to bury the embarrassment of always wanting this since he’s been here away. Wilbur chuckles.
“It’s cold, so we got to cuddle for warmth.”
“How did you even get wood?”
“We stole it from Dream,” Techno says. Tommy gives a quick laugh and they join him. They settle down and Wilbur begins to run his hand through Tommy’s hair. Tommy just keeps melting like a marshmallow in hot coco.
“Is it ever this cold where you come from?” Wilbur asks sleepily.
“No,” Tommy manages to say through his sleepy haze.
“Tell us more about India, Tommy.” Techno surprises Tommy with his request and even more so with how sweet and Techno says his name. “We miss your stories.”
“The air-” Tommy begins. “Is so hot there, you can taste the spice and curry and saffron.”
“I don’t know why but I imagined coconuts,” Wilbur comments.
“No,” Tommy chuckles. “Tigers sleep in the shade of the forest and baby elephants play in the lakes. And when the warm wind blows it sounds like a song, it echoes through the mountains.” Wilbur and Techno have their eyes shut, imagining the world Tommy paints for them. They imagine all three of them playing in a lake in a forest surrounded by mountains, where no one in this city could find them. And the sun warms the Earth and the hearts of people around them instead of the snow freezing the people’s compassion. Techno shifts placing an arm over Wilbur and Tommy. It’s the safest Tommy’s ever felt. “The sky is all different colors, like the feathers of a peacock.”
“An-and what’s your dad like?” Wilbur asks. “Techno and I have never had parents.”
“You don’t remember them?” Tommy frowns to himself.
“We were left at an orphanage when we were babies and they sent us here once we were old enough. But they went bankrupt so we were forced to become servants.” Techno answers.
“My dad-” Tommy begins, having a hard time swallowing, and forming words. “My dad is the best.” A few stray tears fall and a couple of sobs escape. “He always made time to make breakfast for us. H-he took me to different places and taught me the history about them. Most of it was boring.” He spits out a laugh and it gets Techno and Wilbur giggling. “And he would tell me all kinds of stories before bed and wouldn’t leave until I fell asleep… He whispers, “he loved me.”
“He sounds wonderful,” Wilbur offers as if his father is still alive.
“Yeah,” Techno agrees. They all slip into sleep.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
A boy covered head to toe in soot is thrown out of the school while Tommy throws some trash away in the alley.
“You got soot all over the place!” Dream pushes the little boy against the brick wall. “You can forget about being paid this week!” He goes back inside the school and the boy notices Tommy watching. The little boy whips his tears away and storms off, leaving two buckets of soot behind. Tommy stares for a moment and then a grin stretches on his face. He goes back into the kitchen.
“Wilbur, Techno!” He whispers as loud as he can. They are washing dishes but look over their shoulders at him. Tommy motions for them to follow and goes back into the alley.
“What do you want, gremlin child?”
“I am not a child! I’m a big man!” Tommy walks over to the buckets and points to them. “I need you to carry this to the roof.”
“Why?” Techno raises an eyebrow.
“It’s going to be great, you just have to trust me.” Wilbur and Techno turn to each other and then shrug their shoulders. They pick up the buckets of soot and find a way onto the roof, not without Tommy giving them a heart attack a couple times by slipping. They are a bunch of worry warts like his father. Tommy wonders if they would get along with his father. Who is he kidding? Who doesn’t love his father!
He’s dead, his brain reminds him. A wave of emptiness goes over his chest but he quickly shoves it down. They hover over the chimney with the buckets and hear Dream practice his harp.
“Sprinkle it in until Dream shows his face,” Tommy instructs them. They start to laugh but Tommy shushes them. They pour a little soot and a little more and a little more until Dream looks up the fireplace. “Now!” Then they dump all of the soot into the chimney. They burst out laughing while Dream covers his eyes, almost in tears screaming. They go back into the kitchen laughing all afternoon while doing their chores, making fun of Dream.
Later that evening Tommy goes into Jschlatt’s room to refill his fireplace. He stumbles in with the wood that barely fits in his arms.
“You’re late, it’s freezing in here now because of you.” Jschlatt snaps while Tommy just ignores him by doing his chores. “Ew, what is that smell? Is that you?” Tommy quickly puts a harmless smoke bomb in between the wood.
One afternoon before he was a servant, Tubbo taught him how to make one. Then Tommy taught Wilbur and Techno and they made one together wondering what they were going to do with it. Well… Tommy knows now.
“Ever heard of a bath rat?” Tommy lights the fire and promptly walks out trying to push away his smile. When the door is shut he grins and goes to do his next chore. That never comes: the smoke bomb fills the whole house and everyone waits outside while Tommy, Techno, Wilbur, and other servants open the windows and fan the smoke out. It was worth it.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
The door to Tommy’s room creaks open slowly. He immediately shoots out of bed and stands firmly watching the door. Tommy holds his breath but his heart doesn’t beat any slower. Did Dream find out what he did? Is he going to get beaten more? Doesn’t he have enough cuts and bruises?
Tubbo’s head peeks in and Tommy finally breaths and warmth fills his chest before he stamps it out. He can’t be too happy, Tommy still doesn’t know why he’s here. Tubbo quietly and slowly steps into the room and shuts the door. His eyes scan the room. He sees the dust, the broken furniture, and the gaps of the roof. Although Techno and Wilbur helped clean up the room a bit. Throwing out stuff they couldn’t use, fixing what could be fixed. Now there is a lot more room, but Tommy ends up finding himself in Wilbur and Techno’s room most nights.
“This is where he put you?” Tubbo says softly, finally laying eyes on Tommy. He frowns not in pity but in anger. Tommy hopes the anger is at Dream.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Tommy responds coldly. That’s when Tubbo’s expression shifts into something more sorrowful.
“Do you hate me now? Did I do something wrong?” Tommy’s eyes widened.
“N-no you didn’t, I don’t hate you.”
“You don’t talk to me anymore.”
“Dream said-”
“Since when do you listen to Dream!”
“Not so loud,” Tommy shushes Tubbo.
“Tell me the truth .” Tubbo steps forward and Tommy turns his head away. “ Tommy .” Tommy knows he can’t get away from this. Everything in him wants to keep away, to hide this feeling of shame but his resolve crumbles. Tubbo’s eyes are too fierce and Tommy’s lonely .
“I- I thought you wouldn’t want to be m -my friend, after… Since I’m a-servant now.”
“You idiot .” Tubbo wraps his arms tightly around Tommy. Tommy’s eyes tear up but none of them fall. He latches onto Tubbo and relief floods his body once more. One knock comes from the side of where the loose boards are. Tubbo pulls away immediately and stares at where the sound came from. “What was that!” Tommy shushes Tubbo again but with a giggle.
“One knock means I’m here, two knocks means all is well, and three means the coast is clear, the dragon Dream is asleep.” Tommy walks over to the wall and knocks three times with a grin. Then he goes back to Tubbo’s side while Tubbo chuckles at the dragon part. Wilbur steps in first with Techno close behind with a stoney expression, both have blankets wrapped around themselves.
“We have a visitor,” Tommy says cheerfully to the boys. They stand on both sides of Tommy.
“Hello,” Tubbo says. Techno and Wilbur just give a weak wave.
“Why are you here?” Techno asks. Wilbur lightly hits him on the arm and scowls.
“I-I thought it would be nice to hear more of Tommy’s stories.” Tubbo grins sheepishly. “I want to know what happens to the prince and the dragon.” Tommy smiles and Tubbo pushes Tommy onto the bed, Tubbo makes himself comfortable and the other two boys join. They lean in. “After the king was taken to the dragon’s lair, he wakes up by the dragon’s treasure. He looks around and doesn’t see the dragon. He sneaks around the piles of gold and right at the mouth of the cave appears the dragon. The dragon roars, making the king cover his ears. The dragon uses its tail and flings the king backwards. When the king is out again, the dragon makes a cage and puts him in it.”
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
“He’s suffering from acute amnesia, one of the rare side effects of poison gas. His eyes will heal in time, his memory… Who can say?” Sam and a doctor stand at the side of a hospital bed. Each bed barely apart, almost all under a window, they have curtains separating the beds, and nurses run back and forth between patients.
“This… He isn’t my son,” Sam says. He stares at a man with straw blond hair, almost lifeless. He has a bandage covering his eyes but Sam stares feeling how the man looks, broken .
“I-I’m sorry Sam. He was found in severe shock, with no coat, and no identification. Since your son was the only name not accounted for, we assumed this must be your son.” He gestures to the man in bed. “I am sorry.” The doctor places a hand on Sam’s shoulder before he leaves.
“All the hoping, I must be a fool.” Sam whispers to himself. Hoping for some type of answer. Another useless hope. His son is dead but this man is here. They didn’t say he was dead, they said he’s missing in action, that thought in his head appears again. It’s more painful to hear it with another disappointment right in front of him. He holds his head down, pressing his nails into his hands. “Maybe you know what happened to my son? You were after all in the same regiment.” He stares at the man again and sees his injuries. “Maybe my son is like you… Waiting for someone in a different hospital to take him home, away from pain.” Sam sighs. “I guess you need to be taken care of.” He gives a sad smile and waves the doctor over.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
“The plumber will be here when I’m at the bank. Don’t talk to him too much, he's paid by the hour.” Dream grabs his gloves as he talks to Bad. “And make sure those Latin tests are corrected by the time I get back.”
“Y-yes Dream,” Bad stammers. Dream strides out of his office and out the door. Ranboo peers over the staircase watching him, and Fundy waits behind a door along with Jack, and Quackity. Bad settles into a seat going to work immediately. Fundy leaves the room he’s in and stares out the window, waiting for Dream to be far enough away. Once Dream is away from the building, Fundy turns to Ranboo and nods. Ranboo turns to Tubbo who sits on the floor grinning ear to ear. Ranboo nods and Tubbo starts screaming and kicking. “Oh no-not again- not again !” Bad says to himself as he rushes out of Dream’s office up the stairs.
Fundy, Jack, Quackity, and Ranboo gather at Dream’s office door. They walk inside. Techno and Wilbur turn the corner to watch this all unfold. They turn to each other and shrug. Bad tries to comfort Tubbo but can’t get close enough without getting bit or kicked. The four boys in the office search each cabinet and drawer and hiding place they could think of. Meanwhile Dream realizes as he puts on one glove that he forgot the other one. He makes his way back to the school. Tommy is washing some dishes when Bad comes barging in.
“Tommy! Come quick, I think Tubbo is possessed!” They go out running into the hallway, Bad holds Tommy’s hand leading him, and Techno and Wilbur are still puzzled, still watching. Ranboo opens the last drawer and lights up when he finds what they have been looking for.
“Found it,” Ranboo whispers to the other boys. They gather around him. Dream comes back into the school.
“What is going on?” He stops Tommy and Bad who were just about to get up the stairs. They stare at Dream in silence. “Get him to shut up !”
“On it!” Bad says and goes back to running with Tommy. Dream goes to his office, the handle beginning to turn. Wilbur and Techno’s hearts stop, Wilbur grabs Techno’s sleeve. The boys in the office see Dream open the door but Dream's head is turned away from the room. They let the expression of defeat cross them. When Dream is about to enter the room Techno screams the loudest and the longest anyone has ever heard come from him, even from his own brother. Wilbur stares in bewilderment, Dream whips around in just as much shock. Techno finally stops and they all just stare.
“I-um-I-” Techno stutters and Wilbur steps closer to his brother. The boys in the office sneak out without a sound and gently shut the door. “I-” All the boys are out of sight.
“What is it? Speak clearly !” Dream curls his fist, Techno and Wilbur flinch.
“I thought I saw a mouse.” Techno would be embarrassed if he wasn’t so afraid. Dream scoffs and turns to walk into his office, but instead bangs into the closed door. Techno and Wilbur bite their cheeks to stop from laughing. Dream growls to himself and when Dream is out of sight, Techno and Wilbur leave giggling.
Tommy and Bad make it up the stairs only for Tubbo to stop screaming and skip down the stairs like nothing ever happened. Bad facepalms and shakes his head. Tommy can’t help but laugh with Bad joining in.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
Tommy comes back to the school after getting things from the market, passing Sam who is helping a man out of a carriage. Later that night all the boys but Jschlatt, sneak up to Tommy’s room. Wilbur covers Tommy’s eyes while Techno just stands near. The boys enter the room and that's when Wilbur uncovers Tommy’s eyes with a grin. Tommy smiles widely.
“What are you doing here?” Tommy asks.
“We brought you something,” Tubbo explains. The boys line up. “Prince Tommy.” Tubbo bows. “We want to present you with something he rescued.”
“In a most dangerous adventure,” Fundy says next and bows.
“Our very own crusade.” Quackity bows.
“Risking all our lives.” Jack bows. Ranboo holds out Tommy’s locket. It’s open and Tommy catches a glimpse of his mother and father again. It’s enough to get tears pricking his eyes. Of course with the coming of tears comes memories of better days where he was loved. But… Isn’t this love too?
“I-I don’t know what to say… Thank you!” He grins cupping his hands as Ranboo places it in them. Tommy quickly hides it.
“What now?” Fundy asks. “I don’t really want to leave yet.” He pouts. The other boys nod.
“I can tell a story,” Tommy offers. They give excited gasps and gather on the bed. Just as he is about to begin, Dream bursts through the door. They all turn and their faces drain of color.
“What is going on here!” Dream shouts.
“It wasn’t their fault, I asked them to come!” Tommy stands in front of them and immediately tries to cover for them. It won’t be enough and that all know it.
“All of you go back to your rooms, I will deal with you later!” All the boys push and shove out the door. Wilbur and Techno still stand behind Tommy. “As for you two servants, you’ll be locked in your room for three days, with no food or water.” Their hearts stop and Wilbur reaches out to Techno’s sleeve. “GO!” Wilbur gasps and Techno grabs Wilbur’s hand. He leads them out of the room and into theirs. “ You ,” Dream pauses. “You will perform all of Techno and Wilbur’s chores along with your own without any meals as well!” He huffs. “It’s time you learned this world isn’t about your fantasy, it’s a cruel, nasty world out there. And it’s our duty to make the best of it, not to indulge in ridiculous dreams, but to be productive and useful! Do you understand!”
“I do.”
“Good.” Dream goes to walk out the door.
“But I don’t believe that.” Dream slowly turns around and goes right up to Tommy’s face.
“Don’t tell me you still fancy yourself a prince!” Dream laughs coldly. “Look around you, better yet look in the mirror!”
“I am a prince, all boys are.” Dream scoffs but Tommy just stares at him straight in the eyes like a wild bull. “Even if they live in attics, or dress in rags, even if they aren’t smart, or young, they are still princes, still kings !” Tommy’s eyes begin to tear up. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that!” There’s a pause and Dream raises his fist making contact with Tommy’s skull. Tommy’s falls to the ground, blood dripping from his mouth.
“If I find you with any of the boys up here I will throw you out into the streets!” Dream stomps out of the room slamming the door. When he exits he sees Wilbur and Techno waiting by their door, listening to their conversation. They run deeper into their room, Techno jumping in front of Wilbur, ready to take any blow Dream tries to hit Wilbur with. Dream just shuts the door and locks it. Tommy sits on his bed staring at the wall. He opens his locket, moving his finger around the picture of his father. Wilbur and Techno enter Tommy’s room again, sitting on either side of him.
“What are we going to do?” They don’t say anything. “I’m scared. I-if I get thrown out I have nowhere to go.” Tears stream down Tommy’s face. Wilbur turns Tommy’s face to his and whips away the blood from Tommy’s mouth.
“That’s not true, you have us.” Wilbur gently whips away Tommy’s tears. “We’re like brothers.”
“ Really ?” Tommy’s voice is too vulnerable but he can’t bring himself to be afraid of that kind of attachment. He’s going to latch onto it no matter what. Because that would make them the only family he has now.
“Yes,” Techno agrees.
“Let’s make a pact to always look after each other.” Wilbur grins and Tommy nods. Wilbur brings Tommy close and wraps his arms around him, Techno hugs the other side of Tommy. Warmth sweeps into them and when they pull away it seems all too soon. He just wants to grab them again. “Now… What to do about food?” He stands up tapping his chin with his pointer finger.
“Starve, I guess.” Tommy shrugs, staring at his necklace. Techno takes the necklace from his hands and puts it around Tommy’s neck.
“No, we eat a big feast before we go to sleep,“ Wilbur explains.
“What?” Tommy and Techno say at the same time. “What feast?” Tommy finishes.
“Just look around.” They do but just see dust. “Look over on that table, it’s covered with a beautiful cloth and candles.”
“He’s trying to be you,” Techno whispers in Tommy’s ear. They chuckle.
“And there are trays and trays of good food.” He turns back to the two of them. “Come on, tell me what kind of food there is.” Tommy sighs.
“Muffins?”
“Yeah! What kind?” Wilbur’s smile grows.
“All of them!”
“Blueberry,” Techno mumbles.
“And they will all be hot.”
“Yes!” Wilbur says and then looks down at his clothes with a serious expression. “But we’re not dressed for such a meal.” He thinks for another moment. “I’m wearing… A silk blue vest with a white under shirt and black pants. I’ll have rings and a gold pocket watch.”
“I would wear a red long shirt with diamonds on the cuffs!” Tommy stands up to join Wilbur. They both look at Techno who sighs but ends up with a smile.
“White poet shirt with a long red cape and high boots.” He stands up. Wilbur pretends to smell the air and he hums.
“You smell those sausages?” He walks over to the small table with his brothers trailing behind. Tommy picks up the fake sausages and throws them at Wilbur. Wilbur gasps and starts doing the same thing. Techno pretends to dump water on Wilbur’s head and they argue that there was no water to begin with. Across the way Sam grins at the boys from his window. Sam turns to the man in the bed behind him, still sleeping as the world turns without him.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
The prince finally finds the dragon’s cave, when he approaches the dragon comes flying out. He roars and spits fire, the prince dodges shouting his own battle cry. Not knowing whether his father was dead or alive. The boy’s sword makes its mark in the dragon’s eye. The dragon rears backwards, flinging the prince off, and landing on the ground. The dragon hits his head on the side of the mountain. It falls to the ground, making the boy fly in the air for a second. Once back on his feet he rushes to the cave and sees the cage where his father sits. The prince breaks his father from the cage and the king, his father wraps him in a strong embrace.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
The sun reaches Tommy’s eyes. He blinks and blinks but ends up keeping his eyes closed. But his mind is awake and his eyes fling open. Wilbur and Techno still sound asleep next to Tommy but the room is completely different. The bed is lavished with warm blankets and plush pillows all colored gold embroidered with plants. The floor is now covered in different rugs clashed with color. The walls have cloth over the moldy wood. A bigger table is in front of the bed, expensive silverware and cups and plates, with a gold cloth, and all the food Techno, Wilbur, and him imagined and even more. Muffins, sausages, orange juice, eggs, grapes, tea. On the table and bedside table there are different flowers, yellow, and red, and purple. Hanging on the bed frame are three robes, one blue, one red, one yellow. Tommy puts on the yellow robe.
“Wilbur, Techno!” Tommy shakes them awake. “Wilbur!” Wilbur opens his eyes with a smile and pushes Tommy off of him.
“Give me a-” He notices the room and he shakes Techno awake. He groans but pauses like Wilbur. “I think you went a little too far this time Tommy.”
“It wasn’t me.” Wilbur and Techno stand up.
“Look, robes!” Tommy points to the other two. Techno and Wilbur turn to each other and shrug. Wilbur puts on the blue leaving Techno with the red one. They walk over to the table where three new decorated chairs are.
“This is… A little scary,” Techno finally says. The other two nod.
“Think we shouldn’t eat it?” Tommy pouts.
“I’m not that scared,” Techno laughs. Wilbur and Tommy join him in his laughter. They take their seats and clink their cups full of juice together.
Across the way Sam hands a similar cup filled with the same juice to the lost soldier. The soldier sits straight up in bed, his eyes still covered by the cloth to protect his eyes.
“Thank you for all your kindness, I’m sorry to inconvenience you.” The soldier’s voice is gentle like a light wind blowing through a field of long grass.
“It is nothing, I’m glad to be of help.” Sam moves over to the window to see the boys enjoy their morning and food. There's silence. “Do you remember where you are from? A name maybe?”
“No… Everything is just a blur,” the soldier sighs. “Maybe one day I’ll have it all sorted out.” laughter from the other building drifts in.
“You will, I’m sure you will.” Sam smiles even if the man cannot see.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
The day passes on into the night and Dream can’t find Tommy’s locket. He marches up into Tommy’s room and rips open the door. He finds Tommy just staring out the window but he quickly stands up to face Dream. Wilbur and Techno are still locked in their room.
“Where is it!” Tommy holds onto his locket around his neck. “Give it to me, give it!” He strides forward holding out his hand. Tommy fumbles to do what he is asked and in that time Dream notices the room. “What is all of this? Where did it come from?”
“I don’t know,” Tommy squeaks. “I just woke up and it was here.”
“You stole all of it didn’t you?” Tommy shakes his head frantically. “Just like you stole this locket!” Dream rips it off his neck once more.
“NO!”
“You're nothing more than a dirty thief.” He takes a quick breath before Tommy can say anything. “It’s my job to protect the children of this school from animals like you!”
“But Dream-”
“Pack your things! You’ll be leaving with the police very shortly.” Lightning cracks the sky with violent light. Dream shuts the door and locks it, Tommy throws himself at the wood.
“ DREAM ! Dream! I didn’t do it! Please Dream!”
Tommy continues to scream and the soldier in the house next to him unwraps the cloth around his eyes. He blinks for a while until his eyes adjust to the dim light. He finds his way downstairs where Sam sits by the fireplace.
“Oh, you took off the bandages?” Sam smiles, noticing the soldier’s bright blue eyes.
“Yeah, there didn't seem to be much of a point.” The soldier chuckles.
“Come in and join me.”
Rain falls down to earth harshly and unforgivingly. Wilbur closes Tommy’s window and sits on the bed where Techno and Tommy are.
“I’m sure they’ll believe you,” Wilbur whispers. He whips under Tommy’s eyes like he did yesterday.
“N- no they won’t, I need to get out of here.” Tommy’s voice cracks. Wilbur quickly pulls Tommy into his embrace. Tommy pushes his head further into Wilbur’s chest, feeling for just a moment, safe. Just then the window flies open with the wind and rain, and they flinch. Techno moves to the window and sees the police’s car pull up to the building.
“They're here,” Techno growls. Then he scans the room and sees a long plank of wood sticking out of the broken wall. “Wilbur, help me with this plank.”
“W-why!”
“We promised to look out for each other, and Tommy needs to escape.” Wilbur hesitates but one look at Tommy’s scared expression makes him move. They take one side and position the plank to help Tommy into the other house where a window is still open. When it reaches the other side they turn to Tommy. “Don’t fall.” Tommy rushes towards them and laches himself around their waists. They take a moment to drink it all in before Techno separates them. Tommy holds back a whimper and then sighs.
“We’ll find each other again, right?” Tommy asks.
“Of course, we’re brothers after all.” Wilbur reassures and pushes him towards the plank. The wooden plank is now slick with the rain and the moment Tommy steps out of the window he is too. He gets on his hands and knees crawling slowly to the other side. When he’s half way there four police officers with Dream leading them come into the room. Dream pushes Techno and Wilbur out of the way.
“What is he doing!” Dream shouts. Tommy’s eyes go wide, he quickly looks over his shoulder, and then goes even faster. “The monster is getting away!” Tommy reaches the other side and Wilbur and Techno beam proudly. “Go next door and find him!” Dream shouts at the police. “And take these ones with you.” Dream pushes Techno and Wilbur towards the police. Their eyes go wide but they summit. Two police officers place a hand on the back of their necks and lead them to the car outside. They pass the hall where all the boys peak out their heads watching with terror. “Stay in your rooms!”
Tommy sneaks around the warmer, dryer house, but lightning is seen through windows and thunder is heard through walls. He finds his way downstairs where Sam and a stranger are sitting.
“I heard you calling someone in your sleep last night,” Tommy hears Sam say.
“Sometimes when I dream I sense a part of me that is missing.” The voice is familiar but Tommy continues to scan the room. “It’s strange having your heart remember what your mind can’t.” Tommy finds the front door to the house about to leave but sees the police and Dream by the door through the window. He jumps into the first room he sees. The doorbell rings and Sam excuses himself to the door.
“A child from my school has escaped into your home.” Tommy hears Dream’s harsh voice break in. Dream pushes through with only two police officers right behind him. “Check upstairs first.” Lighting strikes the house turning off all the lights. “ Oh come on !”
“I’ll go get some candles,” Sam says. Tommy races into the room where Sam has just been and closes the room off. Dream and the police race up the stairs and Tommy backs away from the door.
“Who’s there?” Tommy gasps and turns around. The figure sits on a chair facing the fire. The soldier goes to look but Tommy runs to the corner of the room and sits behind a small table. He curls into himself and tears fall from his eyes.
All hope drains out of his chest. It’s over, it’s all over. He’s going to be caught and who knows where he’ll be now. He just wants his dad, his brothers, he just wants to go home. Why is that so wrong? Why is that so bad? The soldier gets up from his chair and slowly walks over to where Tommy hides. Tommy tries to quiet his sobs but he just coughs and hiccups.
“What is it? Why are you crying?” The soldier’s voice is soft and low. So painfully familiar but he can’t bear to lift his head. “Please tell me, I won’t hurt you.” He eyes the door. “Won’t you tell me your name?” There’s a pause.
“Tommy,” he manages to get out. But his throat closes immediately.
“Tommy?” The soldier says breathlessly. “That’s a wonderful name.” Lighting strikes again and the lights turn back on. Tommy raises his head and his heart flies but he’s frozen in place, unsure. Scared he’s making this all up like he always does.
“Dad?” Tommy whispers. He stands up. “Dad.” The soldier- Phil furrows his brows.
“What did you say?”
“Dad!” He grins from ear to ear, rushing to him. But Phil stops him, holding Tommy at a distance, Tommy is trying so hard to get closer.
“Tommy, do you know me?”
“Don’t you remember me! ”
“He must be in here,” Dream’s voice is muffled by the door.
“ Please! You got to know me!” Tommy manages to get his arms around Phil only for Phil to grab his arms and push them down. “Remember India! And Puffy! And Henry and the little prince and his father! And the locket with mom’s picture in it!”
“No!” Phil’s heart screams to remember to know what’s going on but it feels like he just woke up. He doesn’t know, he doesn’t know, he just doesn’t ! It tears his chest open left to bleed out.
“ DAD PLEASE!” Tommy’s voice is growing hoarse now, burning and scratching his throat. Dream, Sam, and the officers come into the room. “Dad!”
“Tommy!” Dream yells.
“Do you know this man?” Sam asks Tommy.
“DAD TELL THEM!” Dream sees Phil’s face and he looks between the two for a moment. He knows.
“This boy has no father. Take him away!”
“ NOOOOOOO!” Tommy screams louder. Phil stops struggling and just lifts his arms as a police officer rips Tommy off of Phil. “ DAD!” He cries and sobs as he’s dragged out into the rain. He kicks and wiggles, yanking on the officer’s arms.
“I-I’m so sorry,” Phil's voice trembles.
Over and over again Tommy screams for his father. Sam approaches Phil who turns away searching for anything, anything! Just one memory of this boy, of India, or the locket, or the story. Just anything, anything, please! His breath catches and he does. He sees a little newborn in his arms with Kristen’s smile as bright as the sun. And the little boy dancing on a boat on Phil’s toes. That’s his son, they're taking his son! Phil runs out into the storm. The officers try to push Tommy, Wilbur, and Techno into their car. Tommy still reaches out screaming for Phil.
“TOMMY!” The officer’s grip slacks and Tommy breaks away. Phil and Tommy close the distance and Tommy jumps into his father's arms, wrapping his arms and legs around him. Finally he’s safe, finally he’s home .
“Dad, don’t leave me!” Tommy sobs into Phil’s shoulder. They pull back their heads and Phil searches his son’s face and then kisses his forehead and they hug tighter. Wilbur and Techno get out of the grips of the other police officer and move closer to the two. “I missed you.”
“I love you sunshine,” Phil recites over and over again. “I love you my little prince.” Dream quickly struts away and the police round up to discuss what’s happened. Wilbur and Techno rush forward and wrap around Phil and Tommy. Phil doesn’t even think and just takes one arm away from Tommy and pulls them close. They bury their faces in Phil’s wet clothes. Phil turns his head to the sky, rain drenching them but he still finds himself saying, “thank you.” Sam watches from the doorway grinning. Sam lost his son but this brings solace even for just a moment.
↢⤱↣ ↢⤱↣
Phil walks out of the school which has a new sign by the door that says ‘Bad’s boarding school’. He approaches Sam who waits by his carriage.
“You got everything straightened out?” Sam asks.
“I did, they released all my property back to me. Dream is arrested for child abuse, a new man runs the school, and apparently I have two new sons.” Phil chuckles. “I just came to say goodbye and thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
“No more than you tried to do for my son.” They shake hands.
“Take care Sam.”
“And you too. You must be glad to be going home.” Phil turns to the entrance where all his son’s walk out hand in hand. No speck of dirt soils their skin, new clothes gifted, and no disheartened expressions.
They notice all the other boys playing in the yard. When the other boys notice Techno, Wilbur, and Tommy come down the steps they rush to meet them. Each one gathering for a hug. Tubbo and Ranboo hugging the longest and hardest.
“Ranboo and I are going to visit you, we don’t care what you say!” Tubbo shouts, Tommy cringes from the loudness close to his ears.
“Can’t wait.” Tommy grins.
“Don’t be too happy without us,” Ranboo says. They pull away and slightly shove each other. Until Jschlatt approaches, they just stare but then Jschlatt reaches out a hand and Tommy takes it. They shake and Jschlatt smiles genuinely. When they pull apart all the boys of the school rush to the stairs and wave and shout goodbyes.
Tommy, Phil, Techno, and Wilbur hop in the carriage. Able to fit on one side. Phil sits in the middle and puts his arms around the shoulders of his boys. His boys wave until they're out of sight and squeezes his boys close. Never to let his princes go again.