Chapter Text
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The six of them spent most of the morning and afternoon in the hot spring cavern. Tommy and Tubbo had joined Ranboo in the spring proper, and were all happily chatting together while Ranboo continued to sip on the tea Phil and Tommy had made him.
Techno, Phil and Wilbur were in the other pool, with Techno and Phil softly talking while Wilbur kept to himself.
Eventually, Phil swam over to the rocks separating the two pools and smiled at the boys, "Are you feeling any better Ranboo?"
Ranboo nodded, "I still don't feel 100%, but I feel much better than I did this morning. I think I can control it now."
Phil nodded, "Good. Now, the next thing. You three have been getting by just fine so far, but it's clear your powers are getting stronger. I wanted to offer to trai—"
"You agreed!" Wilbur squawked and Phil sighed, "I agreed not to talk about things, I never agreed to just abandon them."
Wilbur opened his mouth again but hesitated. He sharply exhaled as he folded his arms and went back to sulking in the corner.
Techno turned to Wilbur, "I know you blame yourself; I blame myself too, but letting them around Dad isn't going to hurt them."
Wilbur scowled, "I don't blame myself," he hissed, barely a whisper, "If I blame anyone, it's him," he gestured to Phil, then dipped his head under the water and left, leaving the room in an uncomfortable silence.
"Kristin, help me," Phil whispered, soft enough that no one but his love could hear him.
He turned back to the trio, and put on his best smile, "We should get you home yeah? It's been a few hours."
"Shit, I have work today!" Tubbo swore as he threw himself over the rocky barrier and into the other pool, immediately regretting the decision at the swift change in temperature.
"Thank you, sorry!" he waved as he dipped under the water.
Tommy chuckled as he pulled himself into the other pool slowly, then helped Ranboo, who sadly warbled at the loss of the warm water.
"I know, we'll get you home and you can wrap up again."
Ranboo shook his head, "I have work too. I gotta go."
Tommy frowned, "Ran, you're still not feeling great, just call out."
Ranboo crossed their arms, "I've worked sick before. I have control of my powers now. I can do this."
Tommy shook his head, "And I'm putting my foot— er, fin down. You're staying home today. End of story."
The two stared at each other in a silent staring contest until Ranboo sighed, "Fine, I'll stay home today."
Tommy trilled happily, a little melody of victory and happiness. Ranboo rolled his eyes fondly, while Phil watched with a warm smile.
Ranboo huffed, "You're only coddling me because Puffy didn't call you in today. If you had work, this would be a different story."
Tommy shrugged, "Maybe so, but you're sick and you need to stay at home," in the nest his brain whispered, but he ignored it.
"Wait... did you say Puffy? Like the Puffy that owns the café?" Phil asked and Tommy nodded.
"You got it big man! I work there part time. Got the job there this summer since I helped out when she was short staffed last summer."
Phil stared at Tommy with an expression of utter bafflement, "I— last summer?"
Tommy frowned, "Uh yeah... why?"
Techno cleared his throat and Phil pursed his lips, "Ah, sorry no reason. It's very rare she takes on new people, she's quite strict with the help she hires," he chuckled and Tommy relaxed with a shrug.
"I suppose, but we all make it work."
"Techno, will you help the boys home? I have someone I need to talk to."
Techno rolled his eyes as he smiled, "Course you do. Will do. Come on guppies, back to your nest. Chop chop."
The three of them dipped under the water, and Phil was left in the cave as the sound of gently dripping water filled the air.
This was the second summer.
He had a café owner to have a discussion with.
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The bell chimed as Phil walked into the café, the smell of coffee drifting through the shop as the chatter of voices and the noise of the machinery filled the air.
He walked up to the counter, smiling at the girl that was standing there, "Would you mind fetching me Puffy? Let her know Phil would like to speak with her."
The girl gave him an odd look but nodded, leaving the counter to go into one of the back rooms. When she returned, an older woman was with her, her long curly hair split down the center, brown and white.
"Ah, Phil! To what do I owe this visit?"
"I'd like to talk to you about Tommy."
Puffy furrowed her brow, but nodded, gesturing to a room off of the main café, "Come to my office."
As soon as Puffy closed the door behind them, Phil turned to her, "Did you know?"
Puffy startled a bit, "Know what? Phil, what's going on with Tommy?"
Phil chuckled in disbelief, "You really didn't know Tommy was Theseus, did you?"
Puffy's face went white as a sheet, "I... thought he looked similar but I couldn't find any papers on him other than a confirmation that he had been in the system at some point. I looked through the records at the city offices but he's 18, most of that just becomes a note on his files."
"You thought he looked similar and you didn't tell me?"
Puffy scoffed, "For you to do what exactly? Interrogate him on if he remembers anything?" she paused, "Does he remember anything?"
Phil stiffened, frowning, "Well no—"
Puffy sighed, "Then how do you know Phil?"
"Tommy has powers, Tubbo and Ranboo too. They got them from the Moon Pool two full moons ago."
"But that moon wasn't a—"
"And, he's developed a siren voice."
"Oh stars," Puffy whispered as she ran her hands through her hair, "The other two, the prophecy's coming to pass then."
Phil nodded, "I believe so. I want to tell them but Orpheus is being protective."
Puffy chuckled at that, "Now who's not telling the other things? Where'd you finally find him?"
"He found the trio at the Moon Pool the day after they turned into mer and followed them home, promising to teach them how to deal with their powers."
Puffy laughed, "Creative, that one. Last place we would look for him is on land, and he knew that. It's a brilliant hiding place."
She frowned as she contemplated, "So what is it exactly you want me to do with this information about Theseus?"
"Orpheus won't let me talk to Theseus, but maybe one of you'll have more luck. I figure you will be informing the rest of the court."
She nodded, "Tommy's a good kid. I'll see what happens, but I don't think the best course of action is to pull him away from his life. Especially if he doesn't remember anything."
Phil chuckled softly, "You sound just like Orpheus."
"Maybe he's smarter and more mature than you give him credit for. You have to trust him eventually Philza."
"Maybe. Take care Puffy."
The two nodded to each other as Phil left the room.
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"Has anyone told you that your mer brain makes you a mother hen?" Ranboo chuckled.
Tommy stopped to turn and glare at him, but Ranboo just laughed.
"Do you really need to take all the pillows and blankets in the flat to build a nest on my bed?"
Tommy let out a content peep as he finished settling the last blanket, then let out a sharp affirmation chirp.
Ranboo shrugged, "Alright then."
Tommy trilled their call, and Ranboo answered.
pod safe nest
Tommy smiled as he crawled into the nest and situated himself next to Ranboo, clicking on the TV and flipping through the shows they could watch.
"You don't have to st—"
Tommy let out a hiss and Ranboo snapped his mouth shut.
Tommy chirped protect, safe, nest and Ranboo gave a small warble in return, pulling a blanket up around him.
He didn't know exactly why Tommy had fallen so deep into his mer brain (that's what they collectively decided to call it) but it had started sometime around when Techno had mentioned going back to their nest.
They didn't have a nest, they had beds.
As soon as they got home, Tommy set out to change that fact.
Ranboo did have to admit that being in the blanket nest soothed an itch in his brain that he had been shoving aside for a while. It felt nice. Safe. Home.
Except.
Ranboo warbled sadly and Tommy mimicked him.
Tubbo wasn't there. Not in their nest. Not with them. Not safe.
Ranboo let out a needy trill as he finally slipped into his instincts and Tommy curled up closer to him, responding with safe pod nest.
Ranboo shook his head, pod missing
soon
now
calm
anxious
They went back and forth, neither one seeming to gain any ground in their little argument. Tommy huffed as he turned on a movie, which was protested by Ranboo. He wasn't done with this conversation thank you very much.
Tommy let out another sharp hiss, a knock it off, and Ranboo fell silent, sulking.
The two watched the movie, and just as it was ending there was a faint sound of a key being inserted into the lock, and then the door opening.
Instantly Ranboo trilled out, and footsteps made their way down the hallway.
"What's going on, why are you—"
Tubbo's eyes met the nest and his eyes widened, "Oh."
pod home nest, Ranboo and Tommy trilled and Tubbo chuckled, a soft smile on his face, "What happened while I was gone? You two are like, full mer brain."
Ranboo frowned, crawling out of the nest to grab Tubbo's hand and pull him over to it.
Tubbo let out a surprised squeak as he was dragged across the room, "Ranboo, wait I'm still in my work uniform."
nest pod safe
Tubbo sighed and shook his head fondly, "Fine. Just for a bit though."
He kicked off his shoes and crawled up into the nest of blankets. He frowned as he looked at the mismatch of blankets and pillows, "Did you... steal my bedding for this?"
Tommy chirped happily, nuzzling into Tubbo's shoulder and oh it was so hard to keep his mind straight. This was silly and they had said that after the full moon they wouldn't indulge their new mer instincts but... just a bit couldn't hurt right?
Tubbo sighed as a small peep left his lips and the other two visibly lit up.
pod they trilled and he answered, letting himself fall deeper.
It didn't take long for the three of them to be happily trilling, chirping, and whistling to each other as they fixed the nest, making it comfy for the three of them.
And if they fell asleep curled up next to each other in it... well maybe they just were too tired to leave.
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The moon was high in the sky when Quackity made his way down the beach, to a very specific place nestled in between the rocks by the base of the lighthouse. He didn't know why tonight of all nights he decided to go there, he hadn't been there for at least a year, but something had led him down there.
As he got closer, he heard a voice drifting over the wind and a small smile crept onto his face. He was glad he decided to go.
~
"A thousand stars, up in the sky,
Reach out and link our worlds, yours and mine.
Let the tide rush over you,
And one day I know we shall meet again."
~
"I was kinda hoping you'd be here."
Wilbur’s head shot up, his song stopping as their eyes met. Quackity could see the pain in his eyes almost instantly and frowned, "Are... are you okay Wil?"
Wilbur pulled his knees up to his chest and stared out to the ocean, not responding, but not rejecting. It was a quiet offer that Quackity was familiar with, although the familiarity of the situation made his heart hurt.
It was almost like nothing had changed, and yet everything had.
Quackity walked over and sat next to Wilbur, keeping a distance while still providing a presence. They sat in silence for a few moments, watching the waves lap at the shoreline.
"You know... I am truly sorry about what happened Wil. I don't know exactly what I did but I never meant to hurt you."
"It wasn't your fault. It was mine," Wilbur mumbled, "I'm... not the kind of person you want to be around."
Quackity frowned, "How so? From my perspective, you didn't do anything. I was the one that took you up on your stupid dare."
"I wish it was that easy."
"It is."
"It really isn't."
"Why?"
"I can't..." Wilbur sighed.
"You can't say? Another secret?"
Wilbur nodded, resting his head on his knees, "...sorry."
Quackity hummed, "I don't mind you know."
Wilbur looked up, "Mind what?"
"You keeping things to yourself. I don't know what you've been through, and for all I know I triggered a trauma response with my antics that day. Everyone has things that they don't want to talk about, or at least things they aren't ready to share yet. And that's okay."
Wilbur scoffed softly, "You wouldn't say that if you knew."
"How do you know?"
Wilbur paused, deep in thought. He shook his head and Quackity smiled softly.
The two sat in silence again, neither really knowing what to say.
Finally, Wilbur spoke up in a whisper, "Do you... do you remember me telling you about my little brother?"
"The one that was taken into the system?"
Wilbur nodded and Quackity hummed in agreement, "Yeah, a bit."
"We found him."
Quackity startled, turning to Wilbur, "Oh my Prime, Wilbur are you okay? This must be a big deal for your whole family."
"It's been thirteen years," Wilbur whispered as he curled further into himself.
Quackity frowned, "He doesn't remember you at all, does he?"
Wilbur shook his head, dropping it back onto his knees as tears began to slip from his eyes.
Quackity scooted closer, trying to comfort him, "I'm sorry."
"Dad's being an ass about it, he wants to tell him and pull him back into the family, but I just... can't. He's his own person now. Stars Quackity, he's eighteen. We can't just yank him away from the life he has."
"You two were close, yeah?"
Wilbur let out a choked sob, "I miss him so much. He was so little. He would come into my room whenever he had a nightmare and would beg me to sing him to sleep. He was such a bright little ball of sunshine. My sunshine."
A soft smile crept onto Quackity's lips, "What's he like now?"
"What?"
"Your little brother, he's grown up now, but what's he like?"
Wilbur paused, sobs still threatening to completely overtake him, "He's... a little spitfire. He has so much confidence and it just radiates off of him. He's not afraid to tell you exactly what he thinks about you, and he puts up a brave front... but is really soft underneath it all," he chuckled, his face softening into fondness, "The little child that longed for someone to hold him and comfort him is still there though. He's been through so much. I just wish I could go back and sing to him one more time."
Quackity shrugged, "Why don't you sing to him now?"
"I don't..." he paused, "'s not really my place as a random person that just met him a month ago."
"Are you just a random person though?" Quackity pressed, "Or are you a friend now?"
"I..."
Silence overtook the small cove again, the only sounds being the lapping of the waves and the gentle call of the insects.
"You're afraid to get close to him because you're scared he won't ever remember you."
Wilbur’s head shot up and his glistening eyes met Quackity's. Instantly Quackity could tell he hit the nail on the head.
"Hey, hey. Wil, it's okay. He'll remember you. I'm sure of it. And if not, you guys can forge a new relationship."
Wilbur slumped down again, "You can't say that, you don't even know him."
"True, but I know you, and you're one of the most unforgettable people I've ever met in my life."
Wilbur let out a surprised chuckle.
Quackity lit up, "It's true! Who else would have flooded Mr. Sam's lab room just to get out of a chemistry exam? I still don't know how you managed to do it, but it was pretty great."
Wilbur actually laughed at that, "It was pretty funny. His face was priceless."
"Or what about that time that we got called into Ms. Rita's office after you set something on fire while playing with electricity, and you managed to walk away with not only no suspension, but with a free rest of the day for the both of us!"
"What can I say, I'm awful charismatic," Wilbur teased, gently bumping shoulders with Quackity who laughed, a fond smile creeping onto his face.
"There you are. I missed you."
Wilbur sighed as he stretched out, looking up towards the moon, "I didn't want to leave."
Quackity startled slightly at that, "What?"
"My Dad. He sent me to a... private school after what happened. Was worried that one of us would get hurt again. Thought it wasn't safe for us to be around each other."
Quackity froze, his mouth slightly agape. He sighed, "I don't blame you for what happened Wilbur."
"Quackity, you don't..."
"No. I don't care. It was my fault for not telling you that I couldn't swim well. You didn't know. I don't blame you."
It took everything in Wilbur not to throw himself at Quackity, instead opting to scoot closer so that their shoulders were touching. His mind kept screaming at him to leave, that it wasn't safe for him to stay, but another part wanted nothing more than Quackity's grounding presence. Noticing his hesitation Quackity reached over and grabbed Wilbur’s hand, turning to him with a smile, "It's okay," he whispered, "We're both here now yeah? We can start again. It won't be the same, but neither are we."
"Neither are we," Wilbur softly muttered as he gently pulled his hand away, returning to his spot on the sand.
"Do you mind if I ask... about that song you were singing when I got here?"
A smile tugged at the corners of Wilbur’s lips, "It's a lullaby my mother used to sing to my twin and I when we were younger. I used to sing it to my little brother when he was afraid after a nightmare. It reminds me of both of them."
There was silence for a few seconds, then, "Do you want to keep singing it?"
Wilbur looked back over the waves, "Do you mind?"
Quackity smiled, "Not at all. You have a nice voice."
Wilbur took a deep breath, his voice carrying out through the cove and over the waves.
~
My Dearly Beloved,
Be strong, I shall be there.
Always here beside you,
So keep your head held high.
The shadows of this world will try to steal you away into their arms,
But you belong in mine.
We are one within a dream,
I'll hold you close, so count the stars with me.
All our scattered memories,
I will find the pieces, one by one.
Ocean waves drift over me,
I'll keep you in my memory.
This dream that lives within your eyes,
I wish to see it come to life.
A thousand stars up in the sky,
Reach out and link our worlds, yours and mine.
Let the tide rush over you,
And one day I know we shall meet again.
My Dearly Beloved
~