Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I better get something good this time,” Jordan grumbles as he makes his way through the nether, inventory holding a decent amount of gold bars. He was off to trade with the piglins again. He hadn’t been having luck lately with them. He was getting soul sand, string, netherack, anything that wasn’t something he’d actually want. He’d consider kicking their asses and taking his gold back, but one man versus an entire group of piglins aren’t odds he likes.
If he didn’t get anything good this time he’d probably give up on it. The trips had become monotonous. His entire life sometimes felt like that if he’s honest. For a while he had just been going through the motions. Hunt, trade, maybe do some more mining, not that he needed materials with no ideas for new builds. It just sat in a chest collecting dust.

“Alright guys, you better have something go-“ Jordan stopped the one sided conversation he was just starting with the piglins that should’ve been just around the corner. Well, they still were, just they were all dead now. Jordan wasn’t concerned about that though, given piglins we’re more animal than person. The more concerning fact was what had killed them, which was currently staring right at him.
Jordan heard of dragons, but being face to face with one was a much different experience than listening to what he thought were tall tales. He scrambled to pull out his sword as it started to move, shocked when instead of trying to devour him, it simply shifted how it was laying on the ground. He stared, blade lowering when he noticed the sword pierced through it’s breast, glowing with an enchantment.

“Get on with it,” the dragon suddenly spoke. It-no, her voice was deep and regal, a sad acceptance to her tone. Jordan stared in confusion, still trying to process that the dragon was actually speaking to him. “I can tell you plan to kill me. Just do it, or do you plan to watch me bleed out human?” She glared at him before looking away, waiting for a killing blow.

“…oh…OH!” Jordan sheathed his sword as he rushed forward, it finally clicked that she was dying and he should probably stop that given she wasn’t trying to kill him and she wasn’t just some mindless mob. He kneeled next to the dragon, able to hear the wheezing as she breathed now. He hesitated before grabbing the hilt of the sword. “This is gonna hurt,” he warned before pulling it out, deciding it’d be better to get it done and over with.

“What are you-" Without warning the dragon let out a loud roar. Her claws dug into the earth, powerful tail flailing behind her so hard it flung a piglin corpse far out into the nearby sea of lava. “Why the hell-“

“Saving you,” Jordan said as he pulled a healing potion from his inventory and poured it over the wound. “Here, you’ll need to drink some too.” The two stared at each other for a moment before Jordan scowled. “You're gonna die if I don’t do anything so just drink it! Not like you can get worse.”

After a moment she opened her mouth, letting him pour it inside. She swallowed, not taking her eyes off him for even a moment. “If you’ve done something foul to me-“

“I just don’t want to watch you die. Since you're not, you know, some mindless mob like everything else in the nether.” Piglins we’re the smartest thing here, and you could slip on gold shoes and suddenly you were a friend to them, so not exactly smart. “Plus, you could’ve tried to bite my head off, and you haven’t.” Jordan sighed in relief as he noticed the wound seeming to heal. “Thank Prime…does it still hurt uh, ma’am?”

“Yes, but not as bad, and don’t call me ma’am. It’s a human term,” the dragon says as she shifted to get more comfortable. She didn’t seem to trust him completely which was understandable. “My name if you were polite enough to ask human is Shyrlonay.”

“I was more concerned with you not dying…but call me Jordan.” He crosses his arms. “And you could thank me.” He didn’t realize how rude she would be once she wasn’t slowly dying. He figured…well actually he didn’t really think before he acted huh?

“…right. Thank you,” Shyrlonay said, looking at where the sword had struck. “Your human magic has seemed to fix it…mostly.”

“Its alchemy, and those were the only two I brought so that’s all I can do,” he said as he stood up and brushed off his pants. “I’m guessing the piglins attacked you?” He didn’t really want to go yet. He’d either be heading home or searching for more piglins to trade with if he didn’t stick around. Chatting with a dragon seemed like the best option.

“Yes. Usually they aren’t an issue but…” Her eyes suddenly narrowed as she spotted where Jordan had tossed the now bloodied sword. She suddenly opened her mouth, a steam of fire coming out and turning the blade to nothing but ashes. “That,” she growled.

“Why…” Jordan went quiet at the look he was given. He got the message and decided to drop it. “Okay Syhlan…can I just call you Shy?”

After a moment the dragon nodded. “I see no issue. Better than hearing you butcher it with your human tongue.”

“Right. So…I’ve never met a dragon before…and since I saved your life, mind answering some questions?”

“So you saved me only to interrogate me?” Shyrlonay snapped, eyes narrowing. “Of course you wanted something in return..”

“NONONO! No, I swear it wasn’t that just-well I’m curious, and I can help if those piglins show back up,” he offered.

“They are dead.”

Jordan sighed “Well if MORE piglins show up. You know, just until you can go do more dragon things.”

She raised a brow, the corner of her mouth twitching upward. “Dragon things?” Jordan just shrugs, giving her a nervous grin before she sighed. “Alright, but then we part ways, human.”

“It's Jordan.”

Shyrlonay rolled her eyes. “I don’t care. We won’t meet again after this anyway. You can go back to your human activities and me to my, ‘dragon things."

-

“I still prefer piglin.”

“Well cows don’t stab people.” Jordan bit into his steak as he watched Shyrlonay enjoy the cow he had brought. He was trying to get her to stop hunting piglins, given they fought back. He’d much rather his friend eat chickens, or cows, or pigs even, anything that didn’t try and kill you. “You know I think that should be more important, that your food doesn’t try and murder you. Much safer.”

“I’m no coward just because of one incident. It won’t happen again…probably.”

“Probably?” Jordan scowled. A few months ago he wouldn’t have dared berate the dragon like this, but now that he had gotten to know her visit after visit, (it was hard to find her the first few times, but like hell he was going to miss out on befriending her) he knew she would never hurt him intentionally. “You should be more worried than that, you only have one life. I won’t let you-“ Jordan was silenced as a wing smacked into his face to shut him up.

“My scales are too thick to pierce by their swords, it was the enchantment that allowed that piglin to hurt me, and the only reason I was so injured was a lucky hit.”

“Wait, the enchantment? Some sort of strong piercing enchantment?”

Shyrlonay shook her head. “No, you never would have heard of it, at least if there are truly no dragons in the overworld. It’s called Draconic Scourge, specifically for my kind.” For once there was a sadness in her eyes. “There were more of us before the piglins did the damned thing. My own mother told me of the bloodshed that resulted because of it. Most dragons went deep into the nether afterward. Some like me prefer not to hide, and carry on destroying any piglins that dare to bring back that enchantment to use against us.”

“I-well I mean what if you didn’t hunt them? That’d be-“

“Safer?” She snapped, anger evident by the smoke coming from her mouth. Her features softened after a moment, shaking her head as she looked away. “My mother shared that sentiment. I did too, until they found the den we shared…”

Shyrlonay let out a low crooning noise and Jordan moved to grab onto one of her front talons. She looked at him for a moment before the talon gently gripped his hand. “Do you wanna stop? I didn’t mean to bring up anything bad Shy.”

“I will be…” She paused for a moment. “…yes actually. I think that’s enough. I’m sorry if I soured the mood.”

“You got your point across at least.” Jordan forced a small smile, going to pull his hand away since he should probably get going now. He frowned as instead of letting go, the dragon simply held on tighter. “Uh, Shy?”

“Yes?”

“I gotta go,” Jordan said as he gestured in the direction of the portal he used to get here.

“Oh, right.” Shyrlonay let go, smiling again. “I liked that though, holding your cute little hand, we should do it more often.”

“My-excuse me, my hands are not cute! Their….masculine.” He could feel his face heat up. “It means um, it’s what a human male is supposed to be,” he said as he noticed the confused look on his friend's face. It was the easiest way to describe that. He wasn’t getting into gender roles with Shyrlonay today, no thank you.

“Well then I enjoyed holding your small masculine hand.” The teasing tone made Jordan pout, which only seemed to please his friend even more. “It’s comforting, thank you…it’s nice having someone to talk to again.”

-

“I’ll admit…it’s not that bad,” Jordan said as he chewed the cooked meat. “Kinda like pig but….different?” Jordan took another bite, getting more comfortable where he was leaning against Shyrlonay.

“Hoglins and pigs are similar based on what you’ve told me. I’m not surprised you liked it though.” She said, seeming very happy with herself.

“Sure,” he chuckled, smiling as he finished. “You have the rest, I’m nice and full. Thanks Shy. I actually got something besides food for you this time." He reached into his inventory, pulling out the large block of emerald. "I know you said you like gold so I figured-"

"What is THAT!?" Shyrlonay's eyes were wide jaw slightly opened as she stared at the block. "You brought this for me?"

As soon as he nodded the emerald was snatched from his hands, the dragon turning it over in her claws. Jordan smiled softly, enjoying watching the elated expression on her face as she examined her gift. "I didn't realize how much you'd like it."

"I love it," she said as if correcting him. "I didn't know green could be so….GREEN. I only see it on the undead piglins, and it's never this beautiful…" A deep rumble started in her chest as she looked at him again. "Thank you."

"Uh, yeah! Of course." He doesn't think she's EVER looked at him like that before. He likes it, in fact he probably likes it more than he should. "I could um...bring more if you want," he says, trying not to think about why he could be feeling so…soft.

"Yes! I mean-if you can." She looks back at the emerald. "It's just that you don't see anything like this in the nether. It's beautiful."

"Right... you've never been to the overworld before…" Jordan grins, suddenly jumping to his feet. "I need to take you there!"

"Wait what!?" Shyrlonay's eyes widened. "You mean leave the nether? I couldn't-"

"It'd only be for a day," Jordan assures, beaming with excitement as he thinks of everything he could show her. "I'll get some stuff ready. We can hunt down food and I can show you the forest and the ocean and-oh you'll get to see the sky!"

"What is-"

"No! It's a surprise!" His grin fades a bit as he realizes he's been doing more talking than listening. "Do...do you want to go out there?"

"Well…I don't see why not…" She gives him another look that makes his heart beat faster and his face warm. "It sounds like fun. Plus I want to know more about where you come from."

"Perfect! I should start getting stuff ready. Uh, see you tomorrow!" He left in a hurry, both due to excitement and because he was getting worried she'd hear how fast his heart was beating.

Does she look at him like that on purpose? Can she tell what it does to him? He hopes not...he thinks. It's all so confusing, but it'll hopefully go away. They're just friends after all.

-

"Okay, it feels way, way cooler. We're past the portal then? Can I open my eyes?"

"Yeah yeah! Uh, slowly though! It's bright." Jordan's face hurt with how hard he was smiling. Very slowly Shyrlonay opened her eyes. They widened as they took in their surroundings. The portal was in grasslands, bordered by an oak forest. The sky was blue, only a few white puffy clouds in the sky with no sign of bad weather to come. She squinted at the sun until Jordan smacked her side.

"Don't stare at the sun you'll fuck up your eyes," he scolded. "It's very, very bright. More than lava. It lights up the entire overworld when it's out."

"Impossible!" Shyrlonay gasped, only glancing at the sun to check it's size. "It's so small!"

"That's just because it's so far away. It might be bigger than the entire overworld!" Jordan said, throwing his hands in the air for emphasis.

"Oh...so that's how…" she looked down, noticing now the portal had been surrounded by netherack. Right in front of her though was grass, not that she had a name for it. She stepped forward, a delighted gasp escaping as she felt it.

"Grass," Jordan said. "It's a plant. Plants need the sun to grow, and a lot more water than you'd find in the nether."

"Tell me more, tell me everything," she said, pure joy on her face as she waited for Jordan to lead the way.

-

Jordan thought there would be more action through their day. Running around, setting things on fire on accident, hunting down dinner.

What they mostly did though was just talk, and walk. She asked about the sky, the trees, the mobs running around she didn't recognize, and everything else. He didn't think he would ever be so happy to explain things that he didn't think about twice in his day to day life.

Nothing was more beautiful though than Shyrlonay. She was so excited, so happy. So...amazing.

Yeah he was whipped. Fuck.

Jordan didn't think he could just wait for it to go away, cause at this point there's no way it would. There was always the possibility of saying something...but would Shyrlonay get upset? He didn't know how dragons did romance, And she could get suspicious if he asked. Maybe-

"Jordan!" Shyrlonay shouted as he realized he just walked off the ledge right into the water. He only had a second to think before he plunged into the water. A moment later the back of his shirt was grabbed and he was roughly yanked out. "I got you!" Shyrlonay said, gripping the back of his shirt in her teeth. She gently set him down, looking him over worriedly. "What happened? Why did you fall in? You're not hurt are you?"

"I'm fine I'm…" Jordan paused in reassuring her, grabbing onto her face. "What happened to your scales?" He asked, realizing where her face had dipped into the water they had turned almost black.

"My scales? Did something happen?" She frowned as she reached to feel her face. "What..?"

"I mean maybe it's fine? They're pretty black now but….does it hurt? Maybe some ominous tingling?"

She shook her head. "No…maybe it's a temperature thing. Water in the nether when you can find it is pretty warm. And my scales are different if I take a dip in lava so…it will probably go away on its own. I mean the only difference is my head is a bit heavier so even if not I just look a little different."

"Right…" He hesitated then let go of her face. "Let's go get something to eat then. I can start up a fire to dry off once we do."

-

"I think I finally have a new favorite," Shyrlonay said as she tore into the squid. "You sure you don't want any?"

Jordan shook his head. He was leaning against her, in just a pair of shorts while everything else dried. "I had my fill of fish, don't worry." Seafood had been a good choice, especially now he knew what to bring her whenever he visited. Though maybe she'd start coming out on her own now…

"Today was the best day of my life," she suddenly said, looking at where the sun was barely peeking out from the horizon.

"We can do this as much as you want." Jordan looks up, hands resting on his belly. "I can show you more biomes and places, except maybe the REALLY cold ones. Maybe we could even build you a home here, live together…" His face slowly softened as he spoke, thinking about the possibilities that lay ahead, unaware of the small smirk on Shyrlonay's face as she looked at him.

"Jordan, now forgive me if this is just a difference between our species but...are you talking about what you'd do with a friend or something else?"

Shit. His face heated up, eyes wide as he looked at her. She had that small smirk, but it was slowly fading away. She glanced away, occasionally looking at him, still wanting an answer. It'd be so easy to say no, to keep being friends and not change a thing but...well what's life without a few risks?

"Well…" he started, trying to think about how to word what he wanted to say. "It can be...but it doesn't have to." She was holding his gaze now, and Jordan had to ignore the butterflies in his gut. "It just depends on what people want...what we'd want." There, he said it. If he was honest he was hoping that she'd either say yes or eat him for trying. It'd be easier than how much the rejection would hurt.

She smiled again, a rumbling purr in her chest before she sighed. "Yes. I'm glad you finally said something. I was starting to worry I had been wrong."

Wait, what? "You-you knew?"

She shook her head. "I suspected. You always brought overworld meat when you came. I finally decided I should give you a nudge before I bit my own tail off in frustration."

"Oh." He processed for a moment before he started to grin. "Wait you-you said yes meaning-oh my god!" He laughed, both in happiness and at himself, knowing if he had just said something they would have figured this out sooner. "So...what now?"

"Well…I suppose we'll figure it out." He nodded, moving to lay against her again. She curled up more, now just resting her head in his lap. "Is this alright?"

"Yeah." He smiles at her, one hand scratching along her scales. "It's perfect."

-

"The end," Jordan said as he closed the book. "You like that one?" He asked his wife.

"Yes," Shyrlonay said as she nodded, jingling together the emerald and gold ring that hung from her ear. Jordan had a matching set, though his ring was on his finger. The gold ring since there was usually one when people got married, and the emerald because she had simply insisted on it, and he couldn't say no. "That dragon was an asshole though. And I thought Ben was a male name?"

"Look I'm not gonna judge what the fictional royalty wants to name their kids." Jordan closed the book and set it aside. "I wish they made dragon sized books though. Maybe I can try to make some so you can read on your own." Or pay for that. Gold is easy enough to gather from the nether, and he doesn't trade with piglins anymore.

"I prefer hearing you read though," she said as she gently bumped her head into his. Jordan leaned into the contact, smiling softly as he brought a hand up to scratch at her cheek. They couldn't really kiss, but this was their equivalent. He'd still kiss her occasionally, a small one on the forehead or cheek, but she preferred the soft bumps and nuzzles.

"Oh I still will," he assures her. "But you know, in case you want to read and I'm busy."

"Right…" Shyrlonay seems to think for a moment. "It would be better for us if we ever have any hatchlings."

"Yeah…" Jordan took a few moments before his eyes widened. "Wait, kids!? Like, kids kids?"

"Well...yes. If you want that of course. I know it's not certain we even can but…" her eyes wandered around the home they had built, a man made cave Jordan had made for them both. The ceiling was made of glass to let in both the sunlight and the stars. It was open, with a portal to the nether towards the back and some smaller rooms on the side for storage, sleeping, and other activities like when his wife wanted a lava bath without heading to the nether. There was room for more though, and he could guess she was imagining a cave, or maybe multiple for their own kids.

"Well…if you want we could try." The idea appeals to him too if he's honest. "We'd have to experiment with uh….the making part, but I don't see why not." He'd need to get some parenting books for sure just in case it worked out. They'd have no clue what their kid would look like or their exact needs so it wouldn't be even close to easy…

"I think we have a decent chance, or I hope we do. There's definitely some issues to work out...but we won't know what until we try." She nudged Jordan, letting him get up before she did. "Come on."

Jordan watched her head towards their sleeping cave and his eyes widened. "Wait, right now?"

"Well no better time than the present."

"Of course just, go ahead while I grab some things." He gave a tiny wave before heading towards where he stored some potions. There's no way he's not grabbing some strength and fire resistance potions before they do anything.

-

Jordan had figured trying for a baby wouldn't be easy, but it didn't help that there were no other dragons Shyrlonay knew to talk with about how any of this worked. Her mother had told her some things apparently, but there wasn't any way to know for certain if she was pregnant or not.

So they went into it with that in mind. As much as Jordan wanted to celebrate when her appetite grew, and she seemed to maybe grow a bit, he didn't. Anything like that could be after the egg was laid and healthy. Health was another thing they worried about. Jordan feared having a kid who was a mess of genetics more than not at all. Adoption was possible after all, but he knew they'd both be devastated if their baby wasn't able to survive after all that.

"Jordan!" He snapped out of his thoughts as Shyrlonay called him. "Huh, what?" He headed out of the smaller cave where he had been looking over what they had stored, finding his wife standing in the main room. "Yes hon? Is something wrong?"

"I...I feel bad. In my abdomen." Jordan frowned, noticing how she shifted from talon to talon.

"How bad?" He asks, grabbing onto one of her front talons to try and ease her worry.

"Not too much just, it keeps happening. They weren't as bad at first but…" Oh. Oh shit what if-

"Let's get you to bed," Jordan says as he releases her talon, moving his hands to hold her face. "Just in case...you know." He presses his forehead against hers for a moment before pulling away. "I'll gather some things up and I'll read to you, okay?"

Shyrlonay nods, seeming to relax a bit. "Can you get the book, the one with the gold dragon on the cover?"

"Anything you want." He wasn't about to deny his wife anything when she might be laying an egg soon. "Just go rest."

-

Shyrlonay was sleeping, tired from what had happened. She had passed out not long after the deed was done, once Jordan assured her he'd take care of them while she rested.

Them. It was funny to think they still didn't have a clue what gender the baby was, but they at least knew they'd done it. They'd made a baby, and the egg in his arms was proof. It was the same color as netherack, probably to blend in and hide it from anything dangerous. Shyrlonay had explained once how if they thought she was pregnant she'd be staying out of the nether, since piglins did destroy eggs. Fuck piglins. He'd kill every last one if they so much as looked at this egg.

"Can you hear me?" He whispers to the egg, knowing they probably can't but wanting to speak anyway. "Daddy is gonna protect you okay? No one's ever gonna hurt you, not on my watch." The egg doesn't respond, for obvious reasons. Jordan doesn't need them too though. He lays down next to his wife, falling asleep with her and their newest addition.

-

It happens when they've just started waking up one day. They're both snuggled in their cozy nest of pillows and blankets, and it feels like they'll probably have a nice slow start to the day. Jordan doesn't want to even open his eyes, and Shyrlonay lets out a few sleepy grumbles that they should get up, but shows no sign of actually starting to do so.

Then they hear the scratching.

At first they are confused, then they both realize the egg is wiggling. Soft taps and scratches come from inside, and suddenly Jordan is sitting up to stare in amazement as his wife lifts her head to join him.

"Do-do we do anything?" He asks, only met with a shake of the head. Right, she knows as much as him right now. He considers asking her to maybe try and help break the shell, but before he can there's a crack in it. He has to force himself not to panic because it's supposed to crack now, it's supposed to break open and-

A piece suddenly comes off, a little claw peeking through before it tugs more shell off in an attempt to get out. Shyrlonay reaches over, giving the shell a careful tap to help break more off. There's a tiny squeak from inside at the action, before a bigger chunk of shell breaks.

"Oh my god," he whispers, trying not to cry at the sight of two blue eyes staring straight at him. Their on a little pudgy face, and more becomes visible when with a little babble the baby breaks off more shell. The two parents move to help get him out, because now they finally know that yes, it's a boy.

"He's so tiny," Shyrlonay murmurs as Jordan uses his shirt to wipe egg goo off their baby. He has itty bitty talons and tiny wings that lay against his back. Little leathery ears that twitch with every noise, and scales that contrast against pale skin, plus a little tail that curls up at the moment. His face is definitely human, and so is his chubby baby belly.

Overall, their baby is perfect. "We gotta name him," he says as he lets the baby grab his hand and nom on his finger. No teeth, good thing they have formula. He's a little happy the kid didn't take after mom in that regard. He won't need to worry about him choking on bits of meat.

"How about... Tobin," Shyrlonay suggested. She had decided after the egg was laid that she'd choose a human name for their baby, on the grounds that once he was older they'd choose a dragon name for him to use if he wanted, or just as his middle name.

Jordan snorted. "Like in the book?"

"Well you were reading it when I laid his egg." She moved to sniff at the baby, who responded by squeaking and reaching to touch her face.

"True...what about Tubbo?" It was close, and he definitely liked it better than Tobin. Sure it wasn't exactly normal, but nothing else about him was. In a good way of course.

"It's cute." She pressed her nose gently against Tubbo''s cheek, purring as the baby let out a mix of squeaks and giggles.

"Yeah. You um, wanna hold him while I make him a bottle?" Jordan asked. Shyrlonay eagerly nodded, and he handed Tubbo over to her gentle talons. Tubbo let out his own high pitched purr, snuggling against his mother's warm scales.

"If I could I would be crying right now," his wife whispered as he wiped away his own tears.

"I'll do the crying for both of us then." Jordan sniffled as he stood up to go make breakfast for Tubbo. He glanced back, more tears coming at the sight of Shyrlonay whispering softly to the baby as he sucked on his own thumb. This was better than he could ever have hoped for.

-

"Daddy...I'm scared…"

"Hey it's okay Tubbo! Daddy is right here," Jordan assured, smiling up at his son. "You're old enough to try flying though, so we gotta practice."

"But….but daddy doesn't fly." The five year old argued. He was sitting on the ledge to the practice pit Jordan and his wife had made. It was well cushioned so any fall would be harmless, but Tubbo didn't operate on adult logic, so the height still made him nervous.

"Daddy would if he could." He spread out his arms. "Come on, I promise I'll catch you. I just need you to try a few times then you can have some yummy honey okay?"

"....honey?" The five year old perked up at the thought of the sweet treat. "From...from da bees?"

"From the bees," Jordan said with a nod. He'd come back one day with some and Tubbo had loved it, so now Jordan made sure they always had some, and had gotten Tubbo a large bee plush which the kid wouldn't sleep without.

"Well…jus a few jumps?"

"Only three, then we can have some honey." After a moment Tubbo spread out his wings before he jumped. He flipped them, only slowing his descent though. It'd take more practice before he had the strength to actually fly, but this is why they were practicing. Jordan easily caught his son and covered his face in kisses. "There's my baby!"

"Daddy!" Tubbo squealed, purring and giggling now. "I jumped!"

"You did! I'm so proud! Can you do it two more times for daddy?"

"Mmhm! Gonna get some honey!" As soon as Jordan set him down Tubbo started climbing up the steps to go jump again, intent on his reward and definitely less afraid. If he could Jordan would want it to always be like this, Tubbo always full of smiles and giggles.

He reached his arms out as Tubbo got up again. "Alright, daddy is ready!"

Chapter Text

Tubbo let out an unhappy growl as something nudged his side, stirring him from the cozy realm of sleep. He swatted at the source of the nudge before hiding against the warm body next to him. It shook as he heard soft laughter, and his blanket was tugged off of his head.

"You can't hide from the morning forever," his mom said as she nudged him again. Tubbo would argue but it was too early to argue, and his mom wouldn't take no as an answer.

"Fine fine…" he sat up, his blanket falling off him as he stretched out and yawned, before scratching at his ear, making the emerald hanging off smack against his head. He could probably get away with sleeping in more if he used his own cave, but he didn't like the thought of his mother sleeping alone, plus he liked hearing her purr and she was rather warm…

Okay yeah he was a bit of a mama's boy.

"Eggs for breakfast?" She offered as she stood up, stretching out as well before heading towards the main cave.

"Raw!" Tubbo responds as he follows after her. "And I wanna get fresh piglin too."

"We can hunt for piglins after eggs." Tubbo cheers internally. Mom had told him how horrible they were, and that mixed with the fact they were pretty tasty made them a great hunt.

The two had plenty of eggs, mom having them raw as well. Tubbo ignored her when she told him to not play with his food and continued to gleefully crush them in his talons and slurping up the gooey insides. It was tasty, and then he didn't have to cook. Mom could cook...kinda, but it was more so just making meat not raw than anything else, and she'd sometimes burn it. Tubbo didn't blame her though, she mostly ate food raw anyway, and dad had been the one to cook everything before he left.

"Alright, let's go!" Tubbo said as he finished. He jumped up, rushing towards the nether portal. He jumped through, grinning as he felt the heat of the nether hit him. He liked the nether. It wasn't home, but it was fun and exciting.

"Follow me," his mom said as she spread her wings and took flight. Tubbo quickly followed after her, knowing he'd be getting more lessons on flying if he got left behind. He did decently, enough that he was able to keep up. It'd be easier though once he was an adult, he hoped so at least.

There isn't much time to prepare when they find a small group of piglins in the nether wastes. He dives down, landing right on top of one piglin as his mother lands on one of the others, almost instantly killing it. Tubbo focuses on his piglin, holding on as it panics. He manages to get a good grip on its head, snapping its neck after a moment. "I got it!" He cheers, looking over to see his mom had killed the other two.

Time to eat.

-

"...do you think dad could be on the way home now?" Tubbo asks his mom later in the day as the two are relaxing together. Tubbo had a book about bees his dad got him, and his mother had one of the bigger ones dad had got her so they were easier for her to read and turn the pages.

"I...maybe," she says without looking at him. It'd been 5 years since they'd seen him after he left them. Tubbo never learned why, just that it was to protect them both. She got upset when he prodded too much, but Tubbo understood she just missed dad as much as he did.

He knew dad had to be out there though. He promised he'd come back, and his dad would never break it. But maybe… "What if he needs help? Our help. I mean we could always-"

"No Tubbo." He frowned at the unmoving tone of voice. Normally he would drop it, but he was tired of waiting. He just wanted dad back, and it could be the three of them again.

"I'm not a baby anymore, I could handle it. Besides don't you want dad ba-"

"Of course I want him back!" She snapped, angry for just a moment before she moved to apologetically nuzzle at him. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't yell. I just...I can't lose you both."

Tubbo stayed still for a moment, letting her words sink in. "You think he's dead don't you!?" Tubbo snaps, fists clenching. He can tell he hit the mark by how she doesn't meet his eyes, how she doesn't even try to deny it. "You-you don't think he's coming back!"

"Tubbo it's just been so long and-"

"No, he's coming back, he promised!" He glares at his mother before he turns to head to his cave. He doesn't want to hear why she thinks it, because then he might think it and that would be worse than anything else he can imagine. "I'll still believe in him even if you won't." It's harsh and mean, and something he'll probably regret later but right now he's just upset. He won't consider dad being dead, it can't happen. He's just taking a long time, or maybe he got stuck for a bit. He'd never die before he could come home, he's too strong.

He heads inside his cave and sits on the bed, hugging his knees to his chest. It's not the cleanest, some toys and plushes littering the floor, but it's been worse. He spots the old bee plush beside him and pulls it close, hiding his face in it as he sniffles. Part of him knows his logic is dumb and childish, but it's so much easier than the alternative.

His mom had said no, but what if he went to look for dad anyway? He could leave a note, pack some supplies while she slept and leave. She'd taught him how to fight and hunt, even if it was with tooth, claw, and flame and not a sword and shield. He knew a bit of the latter though from using a wood sword with his dad as a kid so…. it'd probably be fine. All he had to do was wack stuff with it, easy peasey.

"Tubbo?" He looked up to see her slowly making her way into the cave. She was cautious, trying to tell if he wanted her to leave or not. It made a heavy pit of guilt form in his gut. If he was gonna leave, he wasn't gonna let their last conversation be THAT.

"Hi mom…" he kept one arm hugging the plush, the other reaching towards her. She smiled, moving closer to rest her head over his shoulder as he hugged onto her neck. Her wings moved around him, cocooning him. "I'm.. I'm sorry I said that stuff." He is, even if part of him is still angry, and even if he wishes she still believed too.

"It's alright." She pulls away, only enough to look him in the eyes. "The reason your father left was to protect us," she starts, and Tubbo tenses a bit as he realizes she's finally telling him, after five years he finally gets to know. "There's an enchantment, Draconic Scourge. I mentioned that Piglins killed many dragons, but that's how they did it. It's specifically made to hunt us Tubbo...and humans started trying to recreate it."

"Dad went to stop them, didn't he?" Tubbo asks.

"He did. You see why we can't go after him right? Humans would kill us both without hesitation...and I can't lose you."

Tubbo bites his lip, thinking for a moment before he moves to hide his face in her neck. "I understand… I won't go after dad."

"Thank you." She nuzzles against his cheek. "I'm going to bed a little early. Climb in whenever you're tired, unless you need your own space tonight. I'm always here for you though." She pulls away, smiling at him before she leaves his room.

It makes him feel even worse for lying.

-

When Tubbo was around eight his dad had asked him if he wanted to go play with some other kids. He'd said yes of course. Afterall there wasn't anyone else around his age that he knew since there wasn't a place they knew of for hybrid families like his. There was a chance humans would react badly to what he was.

But his dad had a solution. It had taken a lot of testing and experimentation but he had made a sort of...disguise for Tubbo. One bottle of it and he looked human, even if he felt like his skin was a bit too small on him when he used it. The only issue really was if he tried to fly, or breathe fire, or do anything involving the traits he got from his mother, it broke.

"It has to be here somewhere…" Tubbo whispered to himself as he searched the storage. He had started packing as soon as he was sure mom was asleep. He didn't want to risk her finding out he was still going to leave, so ideally he'd be gone by morning.

"Here!" Tubbo started pulling out ingredients to bring with him. He might as well grab everything since mom will know he left anyway. He had a few potions brewed already, since he hadn't had to use them in a while.

Tubbo and his friends weren't supposed to be near the cliffs, but his friends liked how private the spot was and Tubbo followed after them whenever they did something they shouldn't. They were his friends since he was little, he didn't want to upset them. Sure he got a bit of scolding from the adults, but his friends thought he was cool. The worst they did was maybe steal a few sweets, so it wasn't like they hurt anybody, and Tubbo tried to secretly leave gifts for whoever they messed with.

They were messing around, some harmless rough housing. Tubbo was watching two of his friends go at it when one got shoved a bit too hard, a bit too close to the edge. It felt like the world slowed as his friend fell off the cliff, and before he knew it his body acted without thinking.

He leapt off the cliff, falling after his friend as he ignored the shouts from the others on the cliff. He pointed himself down, heart beating wildly in his chest as he got closer and closer, just like the raging water down below, the water that would turn his scales heavy and drag him down.

Suddenly he was grabbing his friend, the potion effect breaking as he spread his wings and flapped as hard as he could. He felt the water hit his tail, but he started to ascend. He dropped back onto the cliff as soon as he could and tossed his friend away from it, towards the others. "I-is he okay? Is..." He went silent as he realized they were staring at him, a mix of horror and shock in their eyes.

"Guys?" Tubbo took a step forward, only for them to scramble away, including the one he had saved, now that he had realized what was happening. They didn't look at him like a friend, they looked at him like a threat.

Tubbo heard shouting and noticed a group of the adults heading this way. Shit, one of them had gone to get help. He only now realized that someone had left after he jumped. He took one step back, hesitating before he turned away and took off.

Tubbo shuddered at the memory. Those humans had proved what would happen if he got found out for what he really was. They wouldn't care about him anymore, he'd just be a monster to them. He could guess what could've happened if he didn't leave when he had.

Tubbo left the storage cave, packed up and ready to leave. He'd already left a note on his bed for mom...he hoped she wasn't mad at him.

He looked back at the cave, his last chance to stop, to not go through with this. He shook his head and turned away, walking outside and taking off into the sky. He needed to find a village to ask if they'd heard of his dad or the enchantment. It shouldn't be too hard, right?

-

Tubbo whines as he flies, a headache building behind his tired eyes. It'd been a week of just traveling and he'd been unlucky enough not to stumble across a town yet. The mobs were easy enough to deal with, but it was cold at night without his mother, and he felt vulnerable sleeping all alone. He had his plush bee at least. It was comforting enough that he got some sleep.

He moves to land as he sees a spot, deciding he'll do some walking now. His wings are sore from all the flying lately, so they need rest.

He trudged through the forest, trying his best to stay alert for mobs. Nothing but some sheep, bees, pigs-

"Bees!" Tubbo gasps softly, perking up. Bees mean honey. He deserves some honey, he really wants some honey, and it would make his current experience better. With that in mind Tubbo started to follow after the bee, a bit more of a skip in his step now.

The closer he got the happier he felt knowing he'd be getting the sweet treat. It probably wasn't far, soon enough he would-

Tubbo slows to a stop, eyes widening as he sees where the beehive is. There's a fire crackling under it, smoke keeping the bees passive as a boy with curly blond hair and a bounce in his step collects the honey. A fluffy tail hangs behind him, two fuzzy ears on top of his head. Tubbo hides behind a tree as he watches the boy, feeling worse than before he found the bee. He could try and fight for it, but he was so tired and it was just honey…

Oh, he could just ask. Duh. Tubbo pulled a potion out, looking at it for a moment before he popped the cork and chugged it down. He could feel that skin too tight feeling as it took effect, part of him wanting to abort and stretch his wings out, but he resisted. All he would do was ask about his dad and the enchantment, then steal the honey and be on his way.

Tubbo peaked out from behind the tree, watching the boy as he left with the honey. He followed after the boy, opening his mouth to say something a few times, but always closing it again without a word. He was just waiting for the right moment is all, it wasn't like he was-

A twig snapped under Tubbo's foot and his heartbeat sped up as he rushed to hide behind a tree. His eyes squeezed shut, hands trembling as he listened. "Wilbur? You better not be fucking with me bitch!" That was him, the other hybrid. Tubbo listened for a moment, sighing in relief as he heard him start to walk away. "Stupid fuckin mobs."

Tubbo peeked out to watch the hybrid walk, letting him gain some distance before he resumed following him. Okay, maybe he was kind of scared. Yes they were both hybrids, but Tubbo had seen a few hybrids in the village he used to visit when he had friends. Cat hybrids, fox hybrids, dog hybrids...all nice and fuzzy. Their hybrid status didn't mean they were a threat.

This...well if he's honest he isn't sure what type of hybrid the boy is, maybe some sort of cat. He wouldn't have anything to worry about unless someone just didn't like hybrids in general. While he did look like a human at the moment, he still was used to avoiding anyone that wasn't mom. He'd work up to talking to the hybrid...in a few hours.

Tubbo kept following the hybrid, the sky starting to turn to night when they came to a campsite, the light of the fire lighting the area in a warm glow. It was next to a structure Tubbo couldn't quite identify. "I found some!" He looked at the hybrid again as he held up the collected honey, realizing there were two other people.

"Great job Toms!" Said a man with fluffy brown hair and big round glasses, two large bird wings on his back. He sat against a log, a fox hybrid sitting by him plucking at a guitar. The man looked over, murmuring to the fox hybrid as he moved his hands to different strings. The look in his eyes reminds Tubbo of his mother, and it made the ache of homesickness in his heart grow only stronger.

He wishes she was here.

Tubbo took a deep breath before he started to approach them. Sure it's been two years since he talked to anyone but mom or a friendly mob, but it'd be fine. Just like how it was with his friends before-

"Hey!" Tubbo froze as Tommy noticed him, ears pressed back as he glared. "Who are you?"

"Tubbo, I just-I saw you guys and I decided to just, come over." He went quiet for a moment before clearing his throat. "Here I am."

Wilbur was the first one to speak. "I'm Wilbur, and this is my son Fundy. Over there is my brother-"

"I'm Tommy!" Tommy says, the perfect model of confidence. Tubbo feels a bit better, grinning at Tommy. The blond returns it, ears perking as his tail sways behind him. "So what are you doing here anyway?"

"I'm looking for-" Tubbo paused, mouth opening wide as he yawned. "Sorry." He really hasn't been sleeping well lately huh?

Wilbur smiles, seeming amused. "It's fine. I was just about to play a song, why don't you sit with Tommy?"

Tubbo looks over at Tommy. The maybe cat hybrid had sat back down and was giving Tubbo a thumbs up. He hesitated before he walked over, sitting on the ground next to Tommy. It feels nice, like he's part of the group, even if it's only because they think he's human.

Wilbur starts to play, singing softly as he strums on his guitar. It's beautiful, and makes Tubbo glad he followed Tommy here. Multiple nights with little rest, and the safe and calming environment start to try and drag him into the realm of sleep. He resisted, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head whenever he dozed off too much.

It became harder and harder to stay awake though. He leaned against something, faintly hearing Tommy grumble something. He fell asleep to the sound of Wilbur and the crackling of the campfire.

"DADDY! MOMMY!" Tubbo shouted as he ran out of the sleeping cave, tears running down his cheeks. Where were his parents? Did mommy and daddy really disappear?

"Tubbo?" Tubbo turned to see his dad running out of a different side cave, rushing towards him.

"DADDY!" Tubbo held his arms out as he ran at his daddy. He was scooped up and hugged tightly as he cried into his shirt. "Daddy you and mommy were gone! Couldn't find you!"

"Daddy's here now." Tubbo feels a hand gently rub his back. "Mommy is just out hunting food. Did you have a nightmare?"

Tubbo nods, lifting his hands to rub at his eyes. "A-a big monster was tryin to get me. He was big a-and mean and he had a big scary smile cause he wanted to eat me!"

"That sounds scary, but daddy won't let the monsters get you okay?" He carries Tubbo back to the sleeping cave and Tubbo whines.

"Don't wanna go back to sleep. Monster might be back…"

"What if I tell you a story?" Tubbo shakes his head. He doesn't think a story is gonna keep the monster away, he's too scary. "No story? Okay...what if daddy sang to you?"

"Sing?" Tubbo stops hiding in his daddy's shirt to look up at him.

"Mmhm, and you don't gotta nap if you don't fall back asleep from me singing, okay?"

Tubbo scrunches up his face, thinking very hard like big boys do before he nods. "Okay daddy."

His daddy smiles and leans against the pillows. Tubbo looks at him as he cuddles against his chest. "Now what should I...I know." Tubbo purrs as daddy starts to sing softly. It sounds really nice.

"Hey, bitch."

Huh? Tommy?

"Come on, wake up." No, no let him go back to sleep. He wants to dream about dad again, dream about when it was just him and his parents and everything was so much easier. Maybe if he pretends to be asleep he'll just leave him alone. "Get uuuuuup." Tubbo yelped as he was suddenly violently shaken as Tommy grabbed his shoulders.

"I'm awake, I'm awake!" Tubbo says, opening his eyes as he tries to grab Tommy's arms to stop him. Tommy laughs, stopping and laying his arms above his head. Tubbo narrowed his eyes at him before it clicked in his brain he was laying on top of the other boy. Their both laying on a sleeping bag outside, the blanket taken off already, probably in Tommy's attempts to wake him up. Well that explains why he slept so well, but also this was a stranger! "Sorry," he says as he gets up and stretches.

Tommy shrugs. "It's fine, you can just owe me one." He grins, and Tubbo can't help but smile back. The other boy stands up, starting to head towards the structure Tubbo saw last night. He can see it's a van with a...flaming hot dog on top? "Come on, Wilbur is makin breakfast. Should be done about now." Tommy looks back at him. "Also your hair is a mess."

"Likewise," Tubbo says as he combs his fingers through his bedhead, watching Tommy flip him off.

"Hey it isn't messy, it's just part of the natural Tommyinnit charm. You fell for it already so you can't say shit!"

Tubbo stares as Tommy disappears into a van, given no time to argue against that. He's definitely not mentioning he was afraid at first, especially since it includes the kinda stalking him part, but mostly because now that he's slept well it's clear the only thing making Tommy intimidating is his height.

"Oh shit!" Tubbo scrambles to pull a potion out and downs it so fast he coughs a few times after. It probably would've worn off if he had slept any longer. He needs to be more careful, and definitely not fall asleep near anybody else.

Tubbo steps into the van, hit with the mouthwatering scent of what must be breakfast. "Good morning, I hope you slept well." Wilbur is at the stove, bacon sizzling in one pan and scrambled eggs cooking in another. He wore a white apron with the words 'Bitch Boy,' sewn on in the color red. Tubbo snickered a bit at the apron, and Wilbur just gave him a knowing look.

"Yeah, I did. Sorry about that by the way."

"I told you it's fine!" Tommy protests, drying his hands next to the sink. "You're definitely a clingy bitch though."

Tubbo flushed red in embarrassment and crossed his arms. "I'm not clingy."

"You fell asleep on me."

"I was TIRED. There's a difference. Besides if anything you would be since you're a cat hybrid."

"I'm a raccoon, bitch!" Tommy says as he crosses his arms.

Tubbo frowns. "But….raccoons are grey."

"Well I'm special!" Tommy smirks as he puffs out his chest. "My whole family are hybrids. Cool right?"

"Really? Cool." Tubbo paused for a moment, looking between Tommy, Wilbur, and Fundy. "Wait, if you're all related-"

"Complicated, also eat," Wilbur says as he gives Tubbo and Fundy a plate of food, Tommy moving to the counter to make his own. "Basically, I'm our dad's biological son, while Tommy and our other brother are adopted. Fundy is my biological son, but his mother was a shapeshifter so he doesn't have to have wings like me."

"Ohhhh…" Okay, that definitely makes more sense. Tubbo takes a bite of the eggs, eyes widening before he starts to dig in.

Wilbur smiles, seeming to take that as enough praise. "So, Tubbo, after breakfast would you mind if I asked a few things? You did kinda just….show up."

"Oh, right." He still needs to ask about dad. And...he shouldn't stay too much longer. He needs to keep looking so he can get back to mom.

Tubbo expects to have to explain himself once they finish washing dishes, but Tommy has other plans. "You can talk to him later, I wanna show Tubbo around the smp." Smp? Is that where he is?

"I mean Wilbur did ask first-" Tubbo starts, stopping as Wilbur speaks.

"No, it's fine. We can talk during lunch. I'm sure Tommy can handle you, and it'll be better than him rushing us." he says, and Tubbo feels a pang of guilt, knowing Wilbur wouldn't want him anywhere near Tommy if he knew what he really was.

Tommy was already out the door at that. Tubbo smiled, but it disappeared when he heard an angry shout from Tommy. Wilbur looked worried, the first one to head out with Fundy following behind, and Tubbo quickly followed after them.

"What are you doing here, Dream?"

"I'm just here to personally greet our two newest members of the smp," replies someone Tubbo doesn't recognize, someone that when Tubbo sees them, makes his eyes go wide and body freeze. A mix of emotions clog his brain, but shock is at the forefront.

"Hm?" The man, Dream, looks towards Tubbo. A smiling mask rests on his face, hiding his expression from Tubbo. He's tall, but still the ends of pitch black wings touch the ground. His arms are crossed, the talons easily seen against a vibrant green hoodie. His tail moves behind him, slim and long, occasionally hitting against the dirt.

For the first time in his life, he's looking at another dragon hybrid.

Chapter Text

"Who is this?" Dream was staring at Tubbo, or at least Tubbo thinks he is. Hard to tell with the mask afterall.

"Tubbo, he showed up last night." Wilbur explained. "I figured you knew...uh, Tubbo this is-"

"I'm Dream, and this is the Dream smp. My smp." He steps closer, and Tubbo hears a small growl. He...he isn't happy.

Tubbo ducks his head down, looking away from Dream's face, or his mask at least. "I-I didn't know." He definitely doesn't want to make Dream mad. He's bigger than Tubbo, definitely not the same type of dragon though. He looks up at Dream's wings again, and he can't help but smile just a bit. It's someone like him. He never thought he'd see another hybrid unless his parents had more kids.

Dream seems to notice, the growling stopping as he spreads out his wings. "You like dragons?" His wingspan is definitely bigger than Tubbo's is. He seems proud of his wings, and very open about them near people Tubbo wouldn't ever let know.

"Yeah." He stands up straighter. "It's-their real." There was a part of him that worried it was fake, that he'd wake up, or it would be a costume, but there's no denying Dream is like him.

"Obviously. Their from my mom's side if your curious." Tubbo has to hold back from saying, 'me too!' He just wants to spread his own wide and ask Dream a million different questions.

"I don't like people in my smp without me knowing, but since you seem like you won't cause trouble, you can stay."

Tubbo watched as Dream took off into the air and flew away. "Wow."

"Tubboooo no! Your gonna give the bastard an even bigger head!" Tommy whines.

"I mean it was a good way to get Dream to let you stay," Wilbur says. Despite it sounding like praise he isn't smiling. "But I'd stay away from him. He's a bastard."

"He... didn't seem too bad?" Tubbo won't admit it...but he just wants Dream to be a good guy.

"Tubbo he's a real bitch! 'Oh I'm a flying lizard, look I'm so amazing!'" Tommy scoffs, and Tubbo has to hide how that bit especially hurts. "He's annoying!"

"Techno would turn him into a pair of boots," Wilbur jokes, and Tubbo can't help but shudder.

What would they have done to him if he had shown up how he really looks? Do they just not like Dream or...well he can't ask, it'd be too suspicious. "So...you wanted to show me around Tommy?" He's glad Tommy seems to drop the subject of Dream at the reminder, grinning as he gestures for Tubbo to follow him.

"Yeah! Come on, we hopefully don't run into Dream or his, 'Dream team.' It's what he calls his group of him, George, and Sapnap."

"Are they hybrids too? You know...like Dream is?"

"A dragon? Nah. George is human I think, and Sapnap is a blaze hybrid, but distant I think. He still looks mostly human."

Oh. Tubbo was hoping for a second that he'd be meeting three dragon hybrids, but one was still great. "Why are they so bad anyway?"

"They're bossy, thinking they can tell people what to do. Bunch of wrongins. You got me, Wil, and Fundy though. You don't need them, trust me." Tommy grins, and Tubbo smiles back at him, if a bit forced. Sure he doesn't need them, he doesn't need anyone, but he wants them.

He knows he has to keep moving but it's been so long since he's had actual friends, and what if he never is able to come back? Not to mention, the only other dragon hybrid that Tubbo has ever met is here. He can't just leave, not right away. He can just stay for a week, maybe a bit longer if he has to. He'll see how Dream is, talk to his friends, and then show Dream what he is, if it seems safe. Maybe Dream would even help him?

"For our first stop on the Tommyinnit tour, we have Ponk's lemon tree! I personally think he's a bitch though."

Tubbo looks at the tree, laughing a bit at Tommy's bluntness. "Should I assume everyone that isn't your friend is a bitch?"

"Pretty much. They don't have the Tommyinnit seal of approval."

"Well I'm glad I earned mine." Even if Tommy doesn't seem to like dragons, at least he's nice besides that.

Tubbo decides to ignore how maybe he should raise the bar.

"Hell yeah. Now stop distracting me, we gotta keep the Tommyinnit tour going!" Tubbo chuckles, following after Tommy as he keeps going.

-

"And for our last stop, the community house!" Tubbo tenses as they approach a square built over the water, staring into the depths. One wrong step…Tubbo shudders as he tries not to think about it. "Big man?"

Tubbo looks back at Tommy, feeling a bit of panic flare in his chest as he realizes Tommy probably noticed how worried he was. "Sorry, it's nothing," he assures.

Tommy stares at him for a moment before he grabs Tubbo's hand and continues to cross. Tubbo doesn't say anything, but he does feel a bit better. He gives Tommy's hand a squeeze, which is returned a moment later.

The community house seemed fairly plain with not too much decoration. There were some chests and some useful things for crafting, plus a staircase to a higher floor. "Who made it?"

"Dream and his friends," Tommy says. "But it's for everybody to use so they don't technically own it."

"It's nice, though the van is cozier." It was smaller for sure, but breakfast inside with everyone was so nice and cozy, just the light from the windows brightening the inside...though maybe that memory makes him biased.

"Yeah, the Camaravan is pretty poggers. I mean, of course it is since I helped."

"Right. Speaking of the van, we should probably get back for lunch..." Wilbur wanted to talk to him after all.

"Yeah yeah. Can we spar a bit before we eat though? Gotta see how easy it is to kick your ass."

"Who says I won't be the one to kick YOUR ass?" Tubbo says as they walk out. Tommy is still holding his hand, which he's very happy about, mostly cause a bridge over water is kinda terrifying when you sink like a rock.

"Hey Wi-" Tommy started to greet his brother, interrupted as Tubbo started trying to wrestle him to the ground. "Wh-hey!"

"You said you wanted to spar!" Tubbo grins as Tommy grabs at him. He remembers doing this with his old friend group, wrestling each other to the ground, getting scraped up and dirty. They'd laugh after, sometimes snacking on something someone brought. Even though they didn't want him around, he hopes they're still doing well.

Tubbo tussles with Tommy for a few minutes before he manages to pin him down. "No fair!" Tommy whines as Tubbo grins down at him. "I didn't know you were gonna start that!"

"You're the one that wanted to spar." Tubbo gets off Tommy and offers him his hand. Tommy pouts at him for a moment before grabbing onto Tubbo's hand and getting up.

"Yeah, but with you know, swords!"

"Oh. Right, swords." Okay, he actually might get his ass kicked then. "Well... don't judge me then, I don't have that much experience."

"It's fine big man, neither do I. Still gonna win though, my dad and my brothers taught me. Their badass! Well...except Wilbur." Tubbo looks over at Wilbur, who flips Tommy off before resuming making lunch. Fundy is by him, tail wagging as he watches Tommy and Tubbo. Tubbo waves when he spots Wilbur looking at him and Wilbur smiles as he waves back.

"Here!" Tubbo yelps as Tommy shoves a shield and sword in his hands. "First to three hits wins! Shield ones don't count though."

"Right right…" He never used a shield as a kid, so this would be... interesting. Tubbo looked at it for a moment before finding what seemed to be handles, so he held it by that. This was probably right. Even if he lost he just had to be good enough Tommy wouldn't be disappointed.

"Ready?" Tommy grins at him, confident as ever. Tubbo nods, trying to copy how Tommy is holding his sword.

When Tommy rushes at him he instinctively holds his sword to block. Tommy gives him a confused look but swings anyway. It hits, the sensation traveling up his arm and making him drop the wooden sword in surprise. "Wait time-" Tommy bonks him on the head with his sword, and he yelps. "Ow!"

"Strike one! Better not have handed me that win big man," Tommy says with a shit eating grin.

Tubbo flushed dark red as he picked his sword back up. "Well yeah! Can't beat you too badly." It's a lie, and part of him wonders if Tommy knows it is, but he won't dwell on it. He decides instead to charge and try the method of swinging fast and HARD.

Tommy responds by raising his shield to block. Tubbo feels the shock of each hit but keeps a grip on his sword this time. Tommy keeps blocking, and Tubbo thinks maybe he'll get tired and drop the shield, until between a hit Tommy suddenly thrusts his shield forward Into Tubbo. Tubbo stumbles back, and Tommy smirks as he moves to hit Tubbo in the gut with his sword. "I win again!"

Tubbo almost growls in frustration as he steps back. "Ass," he grumbles. "One more time!" He needs to do better, he CAN do better. He lets Tommy prepare himself before he swings at him. Tommy brings his shield up again, and Tubbo tries to bash his own into Tommy to make an opening, Tommy thrusting his shield to meet him.

Pop.

Tubbo shouts, Tommy immediately recoiling away from him. "Tubbo? You okay?"

Tubbo doesn't respond, dropping his sword and shield and cradling his wrist. "I'm sorry I think I just sprained it." Just what he needs.

"Let me see," Tubbo almost jumps as he sees Wilbur rushing over. Fundy is right by him, ears pressed against his head.

"I'm not a child, it's just a sprain."

"Please?" Wilbur asks, the worry in his eyes making it impossible to refuse. He holds his hand out, Wilbur looking at it for a moment. "You're right, though it doesn't seem like it's too bad. You know how to deal with a sprain?"

"Oh, yeah I got them a lot when I was younger." Flying into walls, a few crashes, and climbing in the nether caused them. He was better now thankfully. "It's not that bad even, I've felt worse."

Wilbur stares at him for a moment before letting him go. "Right….Tommy get him some ice-"

"I'm fine!" Tubbo says harsher than he means, a bit of panic seeping into his voice. "I-nothing cold. I'm sorry." Nothing cold, or they'll know then they'll hate him and he'll be alone again.

"I-okay." He's surprised by how easily Wilbur gives in, but he's not gonna question it. Wilbur moves to grab his sword and shield, and Tubbo wishes he knew what he was thinking. "Hey Tubbo," Wilbur starts as he looks at his shield. "Was your shield strapped on?"

"...wait, those are straps!? Oh! I thought it was a handle!" Wait, why were Tommy and Wilbur staring at him like that.

"Uh, big man? Someone taught you to fight, right…?"

Tubbo felt his face get hot, not meeting Tommy's eyes. "Well...I played with a toy sword as a kid with my dad."

"Oh my god," Wilbur says, Tubbo looking up to see him looking at him in disbelief. "And you were out here alone!?"

"I'm not helpless! I wrestled Tommy to the ground, I just...can't do other stuff." That sounded much worse out loud than it did in his head. "Look I would if I could, but no one was around to teach me."

"No parents?" Tommy asks, starting to walk towards where their lunch sits. Tubbo follows him, Wilbur right next to him. He's close, hovering even. Tubbo decides not to mention it.

"Mom…" Can't use swords and shields cause she's a dragon. Yeah, not giving the truth on that. "...she doesn't know how to." It doesn't sound convincing, but they can't deny it. "Dad is...dad is missing. I came out here to find him. He left when I was younger and never came back." Not a complete lie at least.

"That fuckin sucks man," Tommy says as he grabs a sandwich from the table to give to him. Tubbo takes it with his good hand, noticing how Tommy looks a bit like a kicked puppy, even if he's trying to hide it.

Tubbo is about to tell Tommy he better not feel guilty about his wrist when Fundy talks. "Why didn't your mom come with you?"

Oh. "Well-" Tubbo pauses for a moment. Would they try to take him back if they knew he ran away? "She's just-busy. That's all." He bites into his sandwich, hoping they take that as a cue to change subject. He doesn't notice how Wilbur's face hardens for a moment, before once again softening in concern.

"Well you're not leaving until that's better," Wilbur says as he points to the sprain. "AND you need to actually know how to fight."

"Oh, hell yeah I'll teach you! You'll be able to kick ass in no time, instead of sucking so hard."

"I can too! I'm older than you anyway Tommy."

"Fuck you, I saw Tubbo first!"

Tubbo smiled a bit at that, the two glaring before Tommy glares at Fundy as he takes a bite of food. Tubbo wants to protest. Staying that long means getting more attached, and getting attached means they could hurt him in the ways that matters. But...Tommy DID kick his ass, and he would like to know what he's doing. Not to mention it was probably too late to avoid getting attached at all if he's honest. Plus he thinks Wilbur would keep him captive for his own good if he still tried to leave, or worse, look for his mom. "Alright, but no longer than that." Tommy cheers with a mouthful of food, Wilbur and him starting to bicker when the older scolds him for it.

"Welcome to the family," Fundy says, and Tubbo tries to ignore how soft the statement makes him feel.

-

"He's lying," Wilbur says to Tommy as he watches Tubbo and Fundy. Fundy won rock paper scissors to teach Tubbo first. Since his wrist was sprained it was just movements and how to stand. Fundy was good. Wilbur was proud of him.

"Obviously Wilbur. Dumbass should've let us ice it."

"Not that." Wilbur doesn't take his eyes off Tubbo. "About his mom. I definitely don't like his dad, though I didn't want to ask why he left yet." Does Tubbo even know?

"Oh." Wilbur glances at his brother, noticing the grimace on his face. Phil was the only parent they ever knew, and he wasn't the best, but he'd never leave them. Well he did, but he knew they could handle themselves. Wilbur tried not to get angry about it anymore. "What do you think happened?" Tommy asks, and Wilbur can hear a growl in his voice.

"No clue about his dad, but if he's lying about his mom like I think he is?" Wilbur's fists clench as he takes a deep breath, knowing as angry the thought makes him he can't freak out. He doesn't exactly want Tubbo to know what they're talking about. "I think she might have hurt him."

"What!?" Tommy's outburst draws Fundy's and Tubbo's attention. Wilbur and Tommy wave them off, and after a moment they return to what they were doing. "Hurt him how?" He asks, quieter now. Wilbur looks at him, knowing Tommy must be just as pissed as him. He loves his brother, and he knows better than anyone how attached he can get to people, especially with how well him and Tubbo seemed to click.

"If she does know he left she's at best a dumbass for letting him go alone, and at worst doesn't care. If she doesn't know...well maybe she locked him up sometimes, or hit him." Tubbo's reaction to him just wanting Tommy to get a bag of ice wasn't normal. Did Tubbo hear that before? Did he make his mother mad and it was an easy tool to hurt him with? Does he not like that cold cause he's been locked outside before?

"...I think he drowned." Wilbur breaks out of his thoughts at that, eyes wide. He motions for Tommy to continue instead of saying anything. "When we got to the community house he just sorta stared at the water Wil. He looked so fuckin scared. I mean I obviously lead him across. I'm such a big man he knew I wouldn't let anything happen to him."

"You're definitely his favorite."

"Damn right I am!"

Wilbur chuckles, smiling for a moment before he frowns again. "Don't mention this to him alright? I don't want us scaring him away. I think it'd be best if we just be there for him…and beat the ever living SHIT out of his mom if we see her."

"I can do that." Tommy grins. "So we're keeping Tubbo right?"

"Wh-Tommy he's not an animal, we can't just keep him here."

"But I like Tubbo!" Tommy whines. "He's cool. And he's not a furry like Fundy or an old man like you.

"Hey!" Tommy laughs and Wilbur glares as he crosses his arms. He doesn't really mind though. Tommy being a gremlin is how he shows affection to his family sometimes. He may be a little shit but he's Wilbur's little shit. "Look, maybe you can get him to stay if you put on that 'Tommyinnit charm.'"

"Oh I will." Tommy smirks. "And I know how."

-

"Thanks Wilbur!" Tubbo says as he steps out of the small bathroom the van had. During dinner Tommy had poked fun at the wrinkles in his clothes from sleeping in them, and Tubbo had ended up mentioning how he would again since he hadn't packed any sleepwear. He only brought a few outfits that were more practical since he figured that'd be fine. Apparently Wilbur wouldn't stand for that, and had grabbed a hoodie and some cozy shorts for Tubbo to use. He had to admit it was much nicer, plus Wilbur's scent was good, friendly. It made him wish he had brought something with his mom's scent with him.

"No problem. You can keep those if you want."

"But-" Tubbo starts, not wanting to just take Wilbur's clothes.

"It's fine, or I wouldn't have offered. Besides, you look so tiny in it." Tubbo pouts at the teasing. He's not tiny! He's just still growing is all! "Anyway, Tommy is waiting for you if you're ready to head to bed."

"He is?" Tubbo's eyes widen and he moves past Wilbur.

In the main room of the van two blow up mattresses are set up, Fundy on one and Tommy on the other. Fundy is already asleep, but Tommy is sat up on the other bed reading. He notices Tubbo after a moment and grins. "Hey big man!"

Tubbo smiles and gives him a tiny wave. "What are you reading?" Tubbo asks as Tommy slips a bookmark into his book.

"Animal Farm. Wilbur wanted me to check it out." Tommy sets the book to the side before he looks up at Tubbo. "Come on, get in."

"Tommy you don't have to-"

"If I minded I would've made you wake up last night." Tommy avoids his gaze for a moment, ears pressed back before he speaks. "Sides, you were pretty warm. And I know you love it, you were purring. Really loud too. What, do you got some cat hybrid in you or somethin?"

Tubbo's eyes widened. "Oh uh...or something I guess." He knew he was at his normal temperature like this, but he wasn't aware he could still purr. "Well-yeah just give me a sec. I need to take my uh-my medication." Tommy nods as Tubbo moves to down a potion. He definitely doesn't like being human this long, but he has to until he gets some time to himself.

"What's that for?" Tommy asks as Tubbo climbs into bed. "I won't tell if it's drugs as long as you share."

"Wh-god no." All he really knew about drugs was from one time dad gave him a lecture on how they were basically poison. "It's...private. I hope that's alright." The mattress is pretty comfortable, and so is the blanket Tommy moves to cover Tubbo with.

"It's fine," Tommy says. "Also since you're a clingy bitch might as well start now. You're just gonna do it in your sleep if you don't."

Tubbo would argue, but Tommy is stubborn as a mule, and he basically did that last night. He doesn't say anything As he scoots closer to Tommy. The other boy sighs after a moment before hugging him closer and...oh.

He's purring.

Tubbo can't help but cling onto Tommy as he hears it, the sound is familiar and comforting, and Tubbo let's out an involuntary whine. "Sorry."

"You apologize too much." Tommy says as Tubbo snuggles up closer to hear the purring better.

"I didn't know racoons could purr."

"Most people don't. If they did I'd have to fight off the women with a stick." Tubbo chuckles, his own purrs starting to surface. It's the safest he's felt since leaving home after all.

"I actually-" Tommy yawns. "-like it too." Tubbo only hums in acknowledgement, not awake enough to respond anymore.

"Goodnight Tubbo." Tubbo doesn't even make a sound, only moments later falling asleep.