A Bird Without Wings (SBI AU)

Chapter 13- Once I Had Wings

Tommy POV

Tommy headed over to Tubbo's house, already having called Phil to ask if he could sleepover. It was the late afternoon as they walked back, mostly in silence. Tommy still couldn't wrap his brain around it. He could actually get wings.

Tubbo shifted beside him, his wings ruffling anxiously. "Ranboo is joining us." he said shortly.

Tommy glanced towards him in surprise. "Okay, why-"

"He just needs somewhere to stay away from home." Tubbo explained, not really wanting to say more.

Tommy nodded, letting the subject go. They headed towards the front door of the house, quickly opening it and slipping inside.

Immediately Dream greeted them, hiding his dark green wings behind him. "Hey Tommy, hey Tubbo." he waved.

"Hey Dream." Tubbo smiled, moving to go to his room.

"Hey green boi." Tommy teased, using Wilbur's nickname.

"Oh shut up you little gremlin." Dream chuckled, ruffling the blonde's hair. 

Tommy moved out of his reach, following Tubbo to his room. Tommy entered the room, immediately spotted Ranboo, who was sitting on Tubbo's bed with his phone in hand.

"Hey Ranboo." Tubbo spoke softly, as though he were speaking to a lost deer.

Ranboo looked up, startled. His eyes widened with panic before he relaxed. He took a deep breath, not meeting their eyes. "Hi."

"You alright?" the brunette asked, cautiously moving towards him.

"Of course." Ranboo sighed, glancing towards Tommy. "Where have you guys been all day?"

"We met Karl Jacobs." Tommy grinned. "I'm a phoenix hybrid it turns out!" he exclaimed, a new spark of determination in his eyes.

"We don't know that for sure." Tubbo added, shaking his head. "It's just a theory."

Ranboo thought for a moment. "That's... interesting."

"Anyway what do you guys want to do?" Tubbo interrupted, changing the conversation quickly. Tommy watched in confusion, noting the look of appreciation Ranboo gave Tubbo.

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The three hung out for hours before the exhaustion finally caught up to them. Tubbo was the first to fall asleep half way through their second movie.

Ranboo lasted a little longer before falling asleep at the beginning of the third movie. At that point Tommy turned the TV off, not wanting to risk waking the two.

He pulled out a journal, one that he may or may not have "borrowed" from Karl without him knowing. He quickly filled through the pages, looking through anything that seemed interesting.

I've tried everything... but I'm still no closer to getting wings. Perhaps it's my own impatience that is holding me back. Or maybe it's something more-

A whine came from behind him, making him turn towards the couch. His eyes widened as he watched Ranboo toss and turn in his sleep. He was muttering words, becoming more panicked by the second.

"Don't... Please... I didn't do anything wrong-g! Don't take them! Please don't!... STOP! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG!" he shrieked, sobbing in his sleep.

Tommy jumped to his feet, throwing his book aside. Immediately he began shaking the boy awake, praying it wouldn't freak him out more. He glanced at Tubbo, who was still somehow asleep. How was that even possible?

Ranboo suddenly sat up in a panic, breathing heavily. He shoved Tommy away, his body trembling. "GET AWAY! Leave me alone! Please..." he sobbed.

Tommy slowly got to his feet, having fallen off the couch. He approached the boy once more, making sure to keep distance between them. "Ranboo, it's me. It's just Tommy. You're friend, remember?"

Ranboo looked at him with wide eyes, as his breathing increased. "I-I can't- breathe-" he gasped, his chest tightening in the panic.

"Breathe with me Ranboo, in and out. In... and out." Tommy repeated, overexaggerating each breath. 

Ranboo followed, attempting to copy the boy. It took a few moments before he finally caught his breath. He looked away, his face hot with embarrassment.

"Ranboo... what was that? What on earth were you dreaming about?" Tommy asked, genuinely confused for his friend.

Ranboo bit his lip, shaking his head. "I- uh- it's nothing."

"That's a pretty big nothing." Tommy commented. "You know, you would feel better if you told someone."

Ranboo nodded, sighing, "That's what everyone says... Puffy is always saying that at least."

"Did something happen? Is-"

"I had wings once." 

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-Snowy