Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Avians and Humans have been at war for as long as either group can remember. After battles upon battles, a sanctuary for Avians was created. Avians flocked to this destination where they crowned a king and began to fight together against the Humans.

Their territory expanded until it covered the entire expanse of the forest. After that, they went into a stalemate. Both parties knew if they kept pushing, the war would only escalate and lead to an uncountable number of deaths. So, they started keeping to themselves. Avian hate was strong amongst Humans, calling them animals and slaughtering any Avians unfortunate enough to be in their territory.

Avians began to sneak into Human villages, finding any others and taking them back to their sanctuary. This system worked for a while with minimal casualties. It’s been working even into King Wilbur’s era.

Though recently… the Humans have been getting bolder.

-------

Wilbur huffed, scribbling on a piece of parchment. The door to his office opened as Phil (his head advisor) stepped inside.

“Wil, we’ve got a message from the scouting party.”

Wilbur glanced up, looking at Phil worriedly, “What happened?”

“It seems the Humans have tried to test us. They’ve started encroaching on our territory and have set up a small military camp.”

Wilbur sighed, rubbing his face, “Do they want to go into a full-fledged war?”

Phil’s expression saddened, “They are greedy and taught to hate us. The fact we stand, that we fly, offends them deeply.”

Wilbur nodded, looking away, “Should we allow them to take that part of the forest? It’s not like we use the very edges of it-”

“With all due respect, your majesty… We cannot give them any ground. If we let them take this, they will continue to push and see this as us becoming weak.”

Wilbur nodded, “I know… it’s just… I’m sending our people in to die. I’m sending them in to kill.”

Phil gave him a sad smile, “The price of being king. Your citizens know this is a decision you must make. The soldiers know that we have to defend this place. It’s why they signed up. If we let the Humans gain ground, it may cost us many more lives.”

Wilbur took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, “Very well. Inform the soldiers to say goodbye to their families. An attack will be executed in a week’s time.”

Phil nodded, turning away.

“Phil.” Wilbur started.

Phil looked back at him, seeing the way Wilbur’s feathers were ruffling nervously, “Yeah, mate?”

“Would you mind coming to see me after you’ve sent the message?” Wilbur asked, not looking him in the eyes as his cheeks grew red.

Phil smiled at him, “Of course.”

“Techno as well?” He added softly. Techno is his general and not-by-blood brother.

“I’ll get him.”

Wilbur nodded, continuing his paperwork.

-------

Wilbur was already there when Techno and Phil arrived, sitting in his nest of a bed while he shuffled anxiously.

They smiled fondly and walked over, Wilbur chirping when he saw them. As soon as they were in range, Wilbur reached forward and grabbed them by their arms, yanking them into the nest. He quickly adjusted them, laying his wings over them as he chirped happily.

Phil and Techno chuckled.

Whenever Wilbur gets stressed, he does this. His instincts scream for a cuddle session, and it helps him relax.

Though… it’s been happening a lot more recently. And he’s been a bit more… restless.

Wilbur huffed, repositioning again. His feathers puffed up and smoothed out repeatedly. He grunted, twisting and turning.

Techno and Phil tried to calm him down slightly, brushing their wings against his. Wilbur just grit his teeth, batting their wings away before folding his on top and shoving them down.

Phil and Techno looked to each other.

So… It’s as they expected.

Wilbur finally flopped down, sighing angrily.

Techno glanced at Phil, nodding his head towards Wilbur in a clear sign of, ‘You say something!’

Phil leveled him with a glare but sighed in defeat after a second.

“Hey, Wil…” Phil said softly.

Wilbur hummed.

“Listen… you’ve been doing this a lot lately and-”

Wilbur’s head shot up, “Am I bothering you? I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s been up with me lately…”

Phil smiled softly, “You’re not bothering us, mate.” Earning a small mumbled, ‘speak for yourself’ from Techno.

Phil quickly smacked Techno with his wing and continued, “But something is clearly bothering you.”

Wilbur groaned and let his head crash into the soft pillows below, “But I don’t know what it is! I just- I keep feeling like- like there’s something off. Look at my nest!”

Phil glanced around. Yep. It was a bit bigger than before.

“I keep expanding it! Phil, please, I can’t get sick. Not right now.”

Phil and Techno laughed, causing Wilbur to look at them with confusion, “What?”

“Oh, mate. It’s very clear what’s happening.” Phil said with a grin.

Wilbur tilted his head in question.

Phil’s grin turned into a smirk, “You… have fledgling fever.”

Wilbur’s eyes widened and he scrambled up, getting stuck in the blankets and nearly falling over while Techno cackled.

“No!” He squawked, “I don’t have fledgling fever!”

Phil continued to smirk, “Oh yeah? Hm, let’s count up all the signs: you’ve been feeling like something is missing, even when your entire family is in your nest, you’ve expanded your nest for some odd reason…”

Techno coughed, “To fit a new member,” he coughed again.

Wilbur glared at him, wings puffing up behind him and betraying his emotions.

“Not to mention… When did this all start?”

“Uh… about two weeks ago?”

Phil raised a brow, signaling for him to continue that line of thought.

Wilbur’s wings dropped and his eyes went wide in horror, “A-after I visited that orphanage…”

Techno cackled as Wilbur stared off into space, completely in shock.

Phil chuckled, laying his hand on the poor man’s shoulder, “Wil. It’s alright. You’re like 25. It’s okay to want a fledgling.”

Wilbur groaned into his hands, “I don’t- I can’t- I don’t have time for a kid! I don’t even know how to raise a kid!”

“You’ll make time. I’m sure you’re going to be a great father.” Phil soothed with a small chirp.

Wilbur instinctually chirped back, clearly distressed.

“And… I’m sure the kingdom would love to have a prince.” Phil smiled encouragingly.

Wilbur looked at Phil. All his instincts went from 10 to 100 now that he actually understands. They’re screaming at him, saying how the nest isn’t full, it isn’t big enough, it isn’t soft enough-

Fledgling! Softer! Make it softer! Bigger! Fledgling! Baby chick!

Wilbur sighed, “H-how would I even go about it?”

“Check out the orphanages. Did any of the kids there make you feel a connection?”

Wilbur thought back, shaking his head. He doesn’t remember any fledgling there being anything more than just that. Although at the time he wasn’t really slammed with the same instincts he’s being slammed with now.

“No? Okay. We can check out a few more or even go back. We’ll find you your fledgling.”

Wilbur nodded, “Okay, but after this battle. I don’t want to adopt a kid just to leave a day after.”

They nodded.

Phil beamed as he clapped his hands together, “Wonderful! I’ll work on the paperwork then. I can’t wait!”

“Can’t wait to be a grandpa, old man?” Techno chuckled.

Phil glared, softening when he heard Wilbur laugh, clearly relaxing.

Wilbur settled back down, draping his wings over them. His instincts have calmed down now that they’ve been answered. He has to admit… he’s starting to look forward to this.

-------

Wilbur stood at the edge of the burned down camp, sadness in his eyes. His general stood next to him, his colorful wings plated in armor as a sword (still dripping with blood) was strapped to his side.

He can see from here the soldiers who have died, both Human and Avian. He took a deep breath, taking a step forward. This is tradition amongst Avians. Their king is to come to the battlefield after the battle is won or lost and close the eyes of the Avian fallen.

The medals on his suit clicked as his boots thudded in the mud. This was always the hardest part of being king. 

Out of respect, he bends down to a Human solider, long dead, and shuts her eyes. 

This is something the Human king should do, but alas… they have no true respect for those that serve in battle. Wilbur steps around the camp, closing the eyes of both Avians and Humans alike. Sending them off to wherever is after with as much respect as he can. 

He’s happy that the Avian’s casualties are much less than the Humans, but he’s sad too. Sad that any of this blood was shed, and that any of these lives were lost. A sad day in the history books. A time where some families will never be whole again. Where children will never see their mothers or fathers again. A day where death swept over their peaceful land and left with more than it came with. 

Wilbur shuts a poor Avian’s eyes. He looked young. Too young to lose his life. Maybe it’s the fact he’s having fledgling fever, but the thought of someone so young being in any kind of danger nearly had him collapsing into a chirping mess of dread. But he can’t. So, he allows his fingers to linger on the poor one’s eyelids and whispers.

“You did well… May you fly forever in a golden sky, knowing you have made a difference in our blue.”

He takes a deep breath, glancing around. He thinks that was it. The last of the fallen.

He began his track back towards the others when he heard something shuffle. It was faint, barely audible, but it might mean a survivor.

Wilbur let his feathered ears perk up, picking up on a soft whine. He quickly followed it, pace becoming faster as he weaved through the camp tents. The whines got louder and the damage to the camp only became clearer. There was crates everywhere, pieces of cloth and wood thrown about. 

Wilbur rounded a corner, stopping in his tracks when he saw the person.

No, the child.

The Human child.

Why is there a kid in a military camp?!?

The poor thing was completely covered in soot, his clothes torn and dirtied as he shivered and whined inside the small hole of debris he’s found himself in.

Wilbur bent down, hands out placatingly, “Hey, little one…” 

The boy’s head snapped towards him, eyes wide and frantic as he started to squirm. The small shelter began to creek and groan.

“Hey, hey! Calm down… It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.” Wilbur tried to sooth. He felt the way his wings fluttered behind him and how something began to curl inside his chest.

He ignored it.

The boy’s breathing grew quicker, and Wilbur knew he had to work fast.

“My name is Wilbur. May I have your name?”

The boy shook his head, “Please! Please, don’t eat me!”

Wilbur almost wanted to laugh, but he knew this wasn’t the time.

He cooed lowly, “I’m not going to eat you… Why would I do that?”

“B-because you-you’re animals…” 

Wilbur sighed. Right. The indoctrination of the young.

“Well, I’m not going to eat you, okay? I don’t know why they told you that, but I have no interest in eating Humans. Do you think you could come out so I could make sure you get home?”

The boy jumped and suddenly the weak shelter began to collapse. Wilbur squawked in concern, reaching inside to pull the boy out. The child pushed back, forcing a clearing to open up. Wilbur pulled back, watching the child slip through just in time as the entire thing collapsed.

He stood up, watching the kid run straight into a dangerous forest.

“Hey! Wait!” Wilbur shouted after him.

This boy has to be around the age of 8 and clearly malnourished. There’s no way he’s going to survive out there. The nearest Human camp is at least a week’s walk. 

He has to catch him. 

Wilbur spread his wings fully, spanning around 18 feet. He pushed off with so much force it knocked away debris and caused the trees to rustle. He took off into the sky at extreme speeds, soaring through the air as his wings beat. 

Wilbur is, to put it simply, huge. His wings are the largest of any avian he knows. He’s an eagle after all. 

Wilbur flew above the trees, eyes scanning through the green for any sign of the child. 

For just a moment, he caught a glimpse of that golden hair, and he dove. Wings pulled in as he nosedived towards the surface of the earth. 

He unfurled his wings and caught himself just before he hit the grass, landing with a loud thump. He looked over just in time to see the boy trip on a tree root and roll down a hill. 

Wilbur gasped, rushing towards him and carefully sliding down after the blond. 

The boy groaned from the bottom of the hill, hands grabbing onto his now bleeding leg. Wilbur dashed towards him, dropping to his knees as the boy screeched in fear.

“I’m not going to hurt you! I’m here to help!” Wilbur promised as he started to check his leg.

That… was most certainly going to be broken.

It broke Wilbur’s heart the way the child started hiccuping and sobbing, barely getting any air. 

Wilbur carefully scooped him up, wing tucked underneath his back and curled around his shoulder to provide a little bit of comfort.

“Oh, little one… You’re going to be okay. I promise.”

The boy’s entire body shook, and he took another greedy gasp. It was clear he was about to pass out either from the panic or from blood loss and malnutrition. Seriously, did no one give this kid any food?

And just like that, his head lulled on Wilbur’s shoulder. Wilbur felt it as his heart fluttered, wings copying it excitedly. A happy trill tried to escape his lips.

Fledgling!

Wilbur shook his head. Nope. A Human. Sorry instincts. 

Wilbur then checked the boy over, making sure he wasn’t bleeding anywhere else.

That’s when he noticed it.

Bruises. So many bruises littered the boy’s body. He would have said they were just from the attack… but these were old. 

Not to mention… quite a few were hand shaped.

Hurt! Fledgling! Chick!

Wilbur couldn’t help the warbled chirp of concern, wings shuffling to cover the boy more. 

Oh. Oh no. 

He’ll deal with this crisis later. He needs to get the boy some medical attention and fast.

With that he spreads his wings, taking off into the sky.

-------

Wilbur landed with a heavy thump next to Techno, covering the boy back up with his wings as soon as he could.

Techno turned at hearing him land, eyeing his wings, “Uh… What’s up?”

Wilbur smiled sheepishly, “So… let me explain…”

Wilbur unfurled his wings, showing the unconscious boy. Human boy.

“Wilbur. That’s a Human child.” Techno said as calmly as he could manage, guiding him towards the small camp they set up with some medical supplies.

Wilbur covered the boy back up, nodding, “Yes, Tech. Thank you for stating the obvious.”

Techno shrugged, “Didn’t seem like you quite registered it yet.”

Wilbur’s feathers puffed up in irritation, “Of course I noticed. I even gave you a warning.”

“No warning is a good enough warning for this.”

“… Fair.”

As soon as they made it into the medic tent, Techno closed the curtains and kicked everyone out. Wilbur gently laid the child on the bed, looking down at the sleeping little one. He seemed a lot calmer now.

Wilbur slowly reached a hand out before he even knew what he was doing, eyes trained on his golden locks. 

Suddenly he felt his hand get slapped, pulling back with a yelp.

“What was that for?!?” He screeched at Techno.

Techno gave him a look, “I see it in your eyes, Wil. They’re all dilated. The answer is no. We are not keeping the Human child.”

Wilbur pouted, “But Tech-”

“No. I don’t care.” Techno started, already wrapping up his leg and a few scrapes, “Once he’s decently healed up, we’ll take him back to the Humans.” 

“Techno-” His instincts were getting louder.

“I’m serious about this-”

“Techno.” Wilbur ordered, voice angry and commanding.

Techno looked back with wide eyes. Been awhile since Wilbur’s used that tone with him.

Wilbur gently peeled back the boy’s grimy shirt, revealing the hand shaped mark around his neck, “Can you honestly tell me that this is just a bruise from the battle?”

Techno gaped at it, face turning angry as he spit, “Can’t even take care of their own.” Techno shook himself off, “But it doesn’t mean everyone will treat him this way-”

“That’s enough. We’re taking him back with us, and until we learn more… we will not send him back into the Human territory.”

“You can’t just kidnap him.”

“I don’t plan on it. If he wants to go back to the Humans, and we can ensure his safety, we will send him back. I am not sending a child back into an abusive environment. I simply cannot stand for that.”

Techno sighed, looking back to the boy, “Phil’s not going to be happy about this…”

-------

Phil sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Wilbur. When I said go find a kid, this is not what I meant.”

Wilbur smiled sheepishly.

“Wil…” Phil said sadly as he put a hand on his shoulder, “I can see it in your eyes, mate. I’m sorry, but this can’t work.”

Wilbur’s brows furrowed, wings shuffling angrily behind him, “What do you mean?”

His instincts had been very happy when he was carrying the boy back. He’s been thinking about this all the way here.

Phil sighed, looking at the sleeping child, “He’s Human. He can’t survive here.”

“He can. Besides, I already talked to Techno, and I’ve decided to keep him here until he’s healed. Then, if we can find him a good Human family… we’ll give him back.” Wilbur then clapped his hands together, beaming, “Unless he decides he wants to stay, of course!”

Phil looked to the boy laying on the firm mattress of the medical bay. When Wilbur got here, he originally started heading for his own room. His eyes were dilated and clearly anxious to get the boy into a nest. 

Both Techno and Phil explained he would recover better in the actual med bay. Wilbur reluctantly carried the boy over and the doctors looked him over. 

“Wilbur I’m… I’m sorry. Even if he wants to stay, he just can’t.” 

“Why not?”

“Look at this place. It’s meant for Avians, not Humans. Why this area is so wonderful for us is the steep hills and cliffs. There are places you cannot walk and have to fly. He won’t be able to walk around.”

Wilbur thought for a moment, “Then I’ll carry him until we make another way.”

“That could weaken our defenses.”

“A way that would allow us to get rid of the pathway if necessary.”

“He’s still a Human, Wilbur. He can’t-”

Wilbur glared, “Are we the speciesist now?”

Phil huffed, “No, but as your advisor, I have to give my opinion. The people will not respect him as prince.”

“I actually think a Human prince would be a wonderful thing! Aren’t we all fighting for inclusion? This is a good start.”

“You’re not listening-”

Wilbur’s wings spread slightly, making him look bigger, “Enough. The boy will stay here for a month until he has fully recovered. I will then question him if he wants to stay and if he agrees, he will be my prince. If he refuses, then I will personally search for a worthy family.”

Phil backed off, nodding, “Okay. It’s not that I care he’s a Human, I don’t. It’s that… I’m worried about you.”

Wilbur tilted his head to the side.

“I can imagine what the things people sent to kill Avains told him about us… they aren’t friendly. He probably thinks the same as other Humans. So, if he hates you… and decides to leave… Do you think you can handle it?”

Wilbur thought back to the way the boy was scared that he’d get eaten, then calling him an animal. His face saddened slightly. Will the boy be just another stubborn Human?

He shook himself off. No, there’s a chance to change the boy’s mind. He’s so young. It’s possible.

“I can handle it.” Wilbur said, both of them knowing it was a lie.

If the child stayed for a month, allowing Wilbur’s instincts to grow even louder…

He’d be devastated.

But he wants to try. The boy deserves a chance.

Hopefully… this will be the start of a new era of peace.

-------

Wilbur stayed by the boy’s side the entire time, carefully watching over his sleeping form. As the child’s eyes began to open, Wilbur perked up.

The kid glanced around a little, taking everything in with a sleepy mind. 

Wilbur stood up from his chair, getting into his line of sight, “Hello, little one.” He crooned. 

The boy’s eyes darted to him, sitting up quickly and shuffling away.

Wilbur put his hands up, wings tucked behind him, “I won’t hurt you. Look, we got you bandaged up.”

The boy pulled the blankets back, looking over his bandaged arms and casted leg. His eyes grew wide at the cast, reaching out and poking it.

“Your leg broke on that tumble down the hill… We put it in a cast so it could heal faster. With some healing potions, it should be better in a month.” Wilbur explained.

The boy looked at him in confusion, “Why?”

“Why what?” Wilbur titled his head.

“Why did you waste your supplies on me?” 

Oh, this child knows how to make his heart crack into tiny pieces. 

“It’s not wasting…” Wilbur said calmly, a hint of sympathy thrown in, “You needed help, of course we helped you.”

“But you killed the soldiers…” He whispered, quickly clamping a hand over his mouth and looking wide eyed at Wilbur, “I’m sorry- I’m sorry I-”

Wilbur shook his head, taking a step closer, “They were in our territory, trying to take our land and hurt my people. I wish it didn’t have to come to that.” 

The boy looked to the bed, fiddling with his fingers, “Then why didn’t you kill me?”

Wilbur bent down next to the bed, smiling at the boy, “Because you’re just a kid. You shouldn’t have been there. If we had known, we would have made sure you got to safety first.”

“I’m not a kid. I’m a big man! Old enough to fight!”

Wilbur chuckled, “Is that what they told you? That you were old enough to fight?” A hint of concern in his voice. 

The boy flushed red, “Well… no.”

Wilbur cocked his head to the side, thinly veiled worry on his face, “Why were you there?”

The boy shrugged, not looking him in the eyes, “They… they offered me some food and a place to sleep sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” Wilbur pushed.

The blond ducked his head, as if ashamed, “They didn’t always keep their promises…” 

Wilbur let a concerned chirp escape him, the child looking up at him with wide eyes.

Wilbur chuckled sheepishly, “Sorry about that. That wasn’t very nice of them.” Wilbur didn’t need to know the rest of the story to piece it together.

If the boy misbehaved, he lost his privileges to eat and sleep under a roof. Maybe it was worse than that, maybe better. It doesn’t matter now. What matters now is that the boy is safe and sound under his castle’s roof. 

“If I may ask… What’s your name?” Wilbur questioned.

The boy looked away and shook his head nervously. 

Wilbur tilted his head to be in the blond’s sight again, “Oh? Well… I’ll just have to keep calling you child then.”

The boy’s cheeks puffed up in anger, but he still mumbled quietly, “‘S ‘ommy…”

“Tommy?”

The boy, Tommy, nodded. 

Wilbur smiled brightly, “Well then. Nice to formally meet you, Tommy. Do you remember my name? I told you when you were quite out of it, so it’s okay if you don’t.”

Tommy squinted his eyes, as if trying to remember. After a few moments of silence, Wilbur almost answered for him, but he said a quiet, “Wilby…?”

Wilbur’s wings puffed up, trills wanting to escape his lips as his heart soared. Tommy shuffled back nervously, looking at his wings with wide eyes.

Wilbur did his best to make his feathers smooth down, but they were still slightly puffed up at the unavoidable warmth flooding his system. He reached over, carefully taking Tommy’s hands in his (being extra careful of his talons on Tommy’s fragile skin). 

Tommy flinched, but he didn’t pull away.

“Very close. My name is Wilbur. But if you want to, you can call me Wilby, sweetheart.”

Tommy blinked owlishly at him, and it nearly had Wilbur cooing again.

“O-okay… Wilbur. I’m sorry for not remembering…” He mumbled as he looked down, his face becoming neutral as if repeating something he’s memorized, “I will not use any more supplies until I have learned my lesson. Is there anything I may do to make up for my mistake?”

Wilbur squeezed his hands, making Tommy look up and meet his eyes, “Tommy, you will never be denied food or a roof over your head here. Anything that you need, I will do my best to provide. You are under my protection, as king of the Avians. If you ever need anything, anything at all, that be a snack, medicine, blankets, pillows, clothes, or even just to ask a question, you may come to me directly at any time. Never hesitate to come to me. You’ll be here for a month while your leg recovers. There will be things you need, so tell me. If I am busy or you don’t know where I am, go to one of my guards, they will escort you to me. Everyone in this castle knows that you are here and has been ordered to help you in any way you need. You are free to walk the castle as much as you wish. The only rooms off limits are the dungeon and weapon rooms for your own safety. My office and bedroom are open if you ever need me. You are a guest here, and we ensure our people are taken care of, Avian or Human.”

Tommy stared at him with wide eyes, as if he’s never seen someone kneel beside him and offer him the world. 

“Okay?” Wilbur prompted with a smile.

Tommy nodded, giving a small ‘Okay.’

Wilbur beamed and backed away, “Wonderful. Now, why don’t we get you something to eat? It’s been a long day for you, and I’m sure you’re hungry! Would you like to stay here or go to the dining room? Or I could take you to your room?”

“My room?” Tommy questioned quietly.

Even if Wilbur only knew the boy for a short time, he could tell this was not how he used to be.

Not how he used to be before he was broken.

Something told him underneath all this trauma, there was a boy as bright and energetic as the sun. 

“Of course!” Wilbur said with a laugh, “Wouldn’t want to be in here forever, would you?”

Tommy fiddled with his fingers, shrugging. 

Wilbur waited a second longer to see if he would say where he’d like to eat, but no response. 

He sighed, gesturing to the door, “Why don’t we go to the dining room?”

Tommy just swung his legs over the edge of the bed, trying to stand.

Wilbur squawked, rushing over and making the boy jump before he could touch the ground, “Your leg, sweetheart. There’s a crutch for you.” He reached to the side of the bed, handing the item over. 

Tommy took it, carefully getting off the bed as Wilbur stayed beside him. Wilbur kept his hands out just in case the blond fell.

Tommy managed pretty well, waiting for Wilbur to lead the way. Wilbur stepped forward, occasionally glancing back to make sure Tommy was okay. 

After Tommy nearly stumbled, Wilbur’s instincts started to scream at him.

Hurt! Fledgling! Nest!

Wilbur took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. This… This is a nightmare. 

Eventually, they made it to the dining room. 

Tommy sat down opposite of Wilbur, keeping his distance. His bird instincts weren’t very happy about this development, but the boy needed space.

It only took a moment before food was brought in, Tommy’s eyes going wide at just how much there was. The table was lined with a variety of foods, Tommy’s jaw dropping and mouthwatering. The boy’s eyes then shot up to Wilbur, nervously looking between him and the food.

Wilbur smiled, “You can start eating anytime, by the way. You never have to wait for me to eat.”

Tommy carefully started loading his plate, taking a bowl and scooping up some soup after seeing Wilbur do the same.

As soon as Tommy took a bite… he was a whole other person. He started to gorge on the food, shoveling bite after bite into his mouth. 

Wilbur laughed, “Sweetheart, you might want to slow down before you choke.”

Tommy gulped down another bite, Wilbur practically seeing the food make his throat bob from how big of a bite it was. Tommy nodded sheepishly and started eating slower, a smile on his face as he tasted every flavor. Licking his lips with a grin to ensure he got every drop. 

Wilbur smiled, content with just watching the kid enjoy his meal.

-------

Tommy was still quiet after all of that. Wilbur showed him to his room along with some clothes they thought would fit him. They had to sew up the backs where holes were for wings, but they fit fine.

Tommy slept until noon the next day, waking up with a sleepy smile and less bags under his eyes. 

Wilbur walked him around the castle, making time to just sit and talk to the boy. 

After about a week’s time, Tommy started opening up a bit more. He was a bit louder, a bit more willing to ask questions. Their big breakthrough was when Wilbur offered to take him to the garden. Just a small thing inside the courtyard. He can’t even see the rest of the kingdom from there. Wilbur’s been keeping Tommy away from the sights of his civilians. He doesn’t think Tommy is quite ready (nor his people) for the announcement of his presence. 

Tommy eagerly agrees, and Wilbur takes him to the garden.

Tommy then proceeds to bounce between the blooming buds, sniffing each and every flower and asking questions about them. It was a bit of a shock, seeing this quiet boy absolutely rambling off question after question without a care in the world. Wilbur answered all of them the best he could, even calling on the head gardener to answer some. After spending nearly the whole day there, Tommy finally calmed down. Once he realized how much time had passed, the boy’s face flushed red as embarrassed stammers of ‘sorry’s spilled from his lips.

Wilbur ended his rambling with soft hands on his shoulders, bending down to his level and saying, “I told you I was here for whatever you needed. You’re not a bother. I find spending my time with you quite enjoyable.”

The boy’s eyes went wide and his jaw went slack, scanning Wilbur’s face for any hint of trickery. As soon as he saw none, he relaxed. Wilbur could see Tommy’s eyes grow wet, but he looked away and wiped them off before they could water the flowers. 

After that day, Tommy’s been more open. Asking question on question about the castle. 

“How old is it?”

“How old are you? Older than it?”

“Who’s that?”

“What is a ‘library’?”

“Can we have chicken for dinner?! Oh wait-”

Wilbur had laughed harder than he ever had before at that question. Tommy grew embarrassed and stammered out apologies, but Wilbur waved him off. Avians didn’t eat birds off principle, although they didn’t judge Humans for eating chickens or turkeys. If an avian was starving, they’d eat what they had to, as most would.

Tommy started to cling to him a lot more. Wilbur was the one to wake him up, the one to read books to him (because nobody taught this boy how to read apparently), the one to eat with him, to play with him, and to do everything with him. Phil and Techno started talking with the boy, Tommy shyly talking back.

Within a day of knowing him, he had Techno and Phil wrapped around his little finger. 

Wilbur started to gift the boy with toys. A few different barn animals as stuffed animals that Tommy adored. His favorite was a stuffed cow he dubbed Henry, squeezing it tightly and giving Wilbur the brightest grin and ‘thank you’ he’s ever seen.

Wilbur had to dig his feet into the floor, stopping himself from rushing forward and scooping the boy up. Wanting desperately to just wrap him in his wings and take him to the nest. 

His instincts have been getting antsy, unhappy about the lack of confirmation that Tommy was going to stay and be his fledgling. 

Tommy’s leg was healing well, and it felt like Wilbur was losing precious time. 

Two weeks in and Tommy truly showed how much he trusted him.

-------

Wilbur went to bed that night, mind racing and instincts screaming at him. Only two more weeks to convince Tommy to stay. He closed his eyes and willed himself to finally succumb to sleep, focusing on the pelting rain on the castle walls as rolling thunder washed over him. 

He’d finally fallen into unconsciousness when he was awoken by a creaking sound.  He groggily opened his eyes, groaning slightly as he sat up a little and squinted at the light spilling through the door. There was a small figure basked in darkness as the door shut behind them. 

Wilbur blinked blearily a few times, tilting his head as his vision adjusted.

Oh. 

“Hello, little one.” Wilbur greeted Tommy sleepily.

Tommy didn’t speak, just shuffling nervously. 

“Did you need something?” 

He could hear Tommy’s ragged breathing through the silence, Henry clutched tightly to his chest. 

“Tom-” He started but was interrupted by a flash of light and a loud boom.

Tommy jumped, stuffing his face into Henry as his body shook.

“Oh… oh, love…” Wilbur said, lifting the blankets and opening a wing, “Are you afraid of the lightening?”

Tommy nodded vigorously.

“Come here, sweetheart.” He crooned. 

Tommy slowly started to shuffle closer, jumping once more and sprinting when lightening lit up the room. Tommy leaped into the bed, curling into a ball and pulling the blanket over his head as he tucked his face into his knees. 

Wilbur’s instincts suddenly erupted, screaming both happily that Tommy was in the nest and sadly that he was scared. 

Wilbur cooed, chirping something comforting. Tommy’s gotten used to his random chirps and trills at this point. He doesn’t even flinch anymore. 

Tommy whined, stuffing his face further into the bed. 

Wilbur gently peeled back the blanket, curling an arm around Tommy and pulling him closer. Tommy didn’t protest, instead curling into his chest. Wilbur quickly wrapped a wing around him, tucking it between Tommy and the bed so he was completely engulfed. 

He then pulled the blanket up over his shoulder, completely covering Tommy’s figure. Another strike of lightening and Tommy jumped, nearly knocking his head into Wilbur’s chin. Wilbur just pulled him closer, tucking his head under his chin and running fingers through golden hair as comforting trills tumbled through his throat. 

Tommy slowly relaxed, fists bunching up Wilbur’s shirt. 

Another loud boom, but Tommy didn’t jump this time. Instead, he just sighed happily and nuzzled his nose into Wilbur’s neck. 

With the pattering of rain and the ruffling of feathers, the two fell asleep. 

-------

Wilbur woke up once again to the sound of the door opening, a frantic looking Phil coming in.

“Wil- Tommy- He’s missing-” He panted.

Wilbur chuckled, shushing him playfully as he lifted a wing. Phil glanced at the bundle tucked into his side, Tommy sleeping soundly with a peaceful expression on his face all squished up against Wilbur’s chest. 

Phil’s face morphed to awe, glancing to Wilbur, “Oh, he’s precious.”

Wilbur nodded, covering Tommy with his wing again, “Very.” 

“Are you going to let him out of the nest after this?” Phil teased.

Wilbur’s feathers ruffled, him shaking his head, “The instincts keep screaming about how he’s just a baby that needs to be protected. While I agree on most of that…” Wilbur smirked, “I want to take him flying today.”

Phil grinned, “Already? Ready to parade him around to the people?” 

“I’m ready for him to see his, hopefully, new home. The view alone is enough for anyone to want to stay here forever.” Wilbur brushed his talons through Tommy’s hair softly.

Phil nodded, “Then I’ll leave you two alone. See you later.” 

“Bye!”

The door shut. Wilbur let himself get comfortable again. Knowing Tommy, he wouldn’t be up for another couple of hours. 

Apparently, he was wrong because as soon as he shut his eyes, he felt a hand in his feathers. His wings jerked back in surprise, fluffing up defensively. 

Tommy stared at him wide eyed, his hand held close to his chest, “I-I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to-” tears started to prick his eyes.

Wilbur quickly sat up, trying to do damage control, “Oh, hey… sweetheart, it’s okay. You just startled me is all.”

“You-you’re wings are just really pretty and I- I wanted to feel them…” Tommy mumbled with embarrassment.

Wilbur stretched out his wing, Tommy amazed at the sight, “Thank you. I work hard to keep them nice and clean. Phil and Techno help me preen them.”

Tommy tilted his head to the side, acting enough like a bird for his instincts to scream at him again, “Preen?”

Wilbur nodded, running his fingers through his own feathers, “Mmhmm. It’s when we basically clean and fix up our wings. We take out old feathers and straighten the ones out of place. What you just did when you ran your hand through them is pretty similar to what we do. It’s usually done with people who are really close.” Wilbur leaned forward, stretching his wing out towards Tommy. A very clear invitation and message. 

Tommy slowly reached his hand out, Wilbur chirping his encouragement. 

Tommy quickly pulled his hand back to his chest, shaking his head slightly.

Wilbur sighed, “That’s okay. You don’t have to. But I do have a question for you…”

Tommy leaned forward, Wilbur whispering in his ear, “Would you like to go flying with me?”

Tommy’s eyes lit up (Wilbur thought he saw them sparkle), “You can take me flying with you?!?” 

Wilbur nodded, laughing as Tommy bounced up and down in the nest, “I can! Come on! Let’s get going!” Wilbur grabbed Tommy’s wrist, pulling the both of them off the bed with a thump. 

Tommy giggled, getting up excitedly as Wilbur began to drag them along. Tommy’s foot had healed enough to walk without a crutch, though he still puts minimal weight on it.

They rushed through castle halls, giggling to each other like they were little kids off to do some mischief. 

As soon as Wilbur reached the gates, he screeched to a halt and greeted the two guards and ordered them to open the gate. Slowly, the palace doors opened, revealing shining grass and the morning sun rising in front of them. 

Tommy stopped beside him, admiring the view as he brushed his fingers across the fresh grass. 

Wilbur reached down, plucking a small dandelion and blowing it in Tommy’s face. Tommy sputtered, trying to blow the fuzz away from his mouth. Wilbur chuckled, bopping his nose before scooping him up. Tommy made a noise of surprise before settling his head on Wilbur’s chest. A content sigh left his lips as Wilbur tucked his head under his chin. 

“Are you ready to fly, my dear?”

Tommy nodded, face turned to see what was ahead of them. 

It was breathtaking. The sun was just rising over the horizon. The castle overlooked a beautiful land scape of cliffs and hills. It was like columns of land shot out of the ground with no natural way to climb up without wings. 

Wilbur’s wings unrolled, extending fully. Tommy marveled at them, watching as the feathers swayed softly in the mountain air. 

“Hold on tight!” Wilbur shouted as he started to run towards the edge. Tommy gripped on to him tighter, squeezing his eyes shut and burying his face in his chest.

Tommy felt it as Wilbur’s wings beat and his feet pushed off the ground. Then it was like he was falling.

Wilbur laughed from above him, “Open your eyes!”

Tommy carefully pried his eyes open, quickly growing wide at the sight before him. 

They were flying. Soaring.

The wind rustled his hair, flowing through it like nothing he’s ever felt before. He looked around, watching as Wilbur turned and started flying towards the columns. Houses sat on top of them. Child Avians playing in the grass in their yards. A few looked up, waving excitedly at their king. 

Wilbur soared past them, flashing them a smile and dancing between the cliff sides like he didn’t have a single fear. 

His wings beat powerfully behind him, closing and opening as they went through narrower passageways. 

Wilbur shot past other Avians, Tommy watching as they all flew around like this was normal.

This… this was incredible.

Tommy stared at all the Avians around him and at all their little houses. They looked just like Human villages, and he thought it was incredible. He thought it was beautiful. Wings of all colors painted the people with rainbows. He watched as two Avians flew slowly next to each other, baskets of food in their hands as they chit chatted. He saw a child kick a ball over the edge of the cliff and their parent dove down to grab it. He wondered at the Avians jumping off the cliffs and allowing themselves to plummet down towards the earth before landing softly on another cliff. 

It was incredible. 

Wilbur looked at Tommy’s awed expression, smiling gently to himself.

That’s enough of just the people.

Time to really show him how much fun flying can be.

Wilbur let his wings shut, head pointing towards the ground as he gripped Tommy tighter. 

Tommy’s grip slowly got tighter and tighter as they plummeted.

“Wilbur?” Tommy started, the ground growing closer and closer, “WILBUR?!”

Wilbur’s wings flew open, catching them and sending them flying just above the ground. Dew flew up from the grass below, flicking Tommy’s face with droplets of water. 

Tommy giggled, high pitched and childish. Wilbur relished in the sound, beating his wings once more and causing more dew to fly up.

Then they were at the forest, Wilbur flying a little higher so he could swiftly spin through the treetops, dodging and weaving between them with practiced grace. 

The wind whooshed through the leaves, creating a crisp sound flowing through their ears. Branches snapped from the pressure of the wind beneath Wilbur’s wings. Leaves shaking off their branches and floating to the ground.

Wilbur burst through the trees, flying over a crystal blue lake. Tommy watched as their reflection rippled over the surface of the water. His own eyes staring back.

Wilbur slowly drifted closer to the water, wing tips scraping against it for a moment. 

“Go on!” Wilbur shouted with a big smile.

Tommy carefully released one hand from Wilbur’s shirt, fingers skidding across the water and creating spurts of spray behind them.

Tommy laughed in awe, reaching further until his hand was fully inside it. The water flowed like a horizontal waterfall, creating a rainbow behind them. 

Wilbur laughed along, reaching the end of the lake and pulling them upwards and towards the sky. They went up, and up, and up, until they burst through the clouds. Wilbur floated for a moment, wings lazily out behind him as he held Tommy to his chest and curled around him. 

He looked down, smiling softly as he watched Tommy throw his hands in the air with a small ‘whoop!’

Then he began to fall backwards, quickly adjusting himself to a nosedive. Tommy screamed, joy and excitement radiating off of the sound as they plummeted towards the ground. Tommy’s arms spread out, not even holding onto Wilbur anymore.

Wilbur held him just slightly tighter, heart expanding in his chest at the thought of Tommy trusting him to not let him fall.

Wilbur adjusted his wings slightly, letting them pull him back towards their land. 

They dove back through the cliffs, Wilbur opening his wings and turning so they were vertical as he flew through a tight passage. Tommy giggled as Wilbur dove once more, wings curling behind him as he went through a small cave. They burst through the other side, a small waterfall flowing over them and splashing them. 

Tommy laughed, hand reaching out to touch it. Wilbur spun around, rocketing past it once more and letting Tommy run his hands through it. 

Wilbur beat his wings once more, taking off into the sky and surfing the cliff face. They made it to the top, Wilbur doing a final flip in the air before his feet planted gently on the ground. 

Tommy turned back towards him, grabbing his shirt and jumping in his arm excitedly. A huge smile on his face as he bounced with glee.

Wilbur laughed, smiling happily back. His expression full of adoration. Wilbur’s instincts cheered with delight, making his feathers ruffle. Wilbur leaned down, nuzzling his nose excitedly against Tommy’s, a few happy chirps slipping past his lips.

When he pulled back, that excited smile Tommy had was gone, now filled with something more confused. A small smile pulled at Tommy’s lips, and he planted his face in his chest, snuggling as close as possible.

Wilbur’s heart burst, wings curling around the both of them. 

“Did you have fun, little one?”

Tommy nodded, “Yeah! That was so cool!” 

Wilbur chuckled, nuzzling his nose into Tommy’s hair as he started walking back into the castle, “I’m so glad.”

Tommy squished the side of his face against his chest, a single eye looking up at him, “How are you not scared?”

Wilbur hummed, smiling softly at him, “I trust my wings. They have never failed me, nor my country.” 

Wilbur tightened his wings around him as he whispered, “And they’ll never fail you either.”

Tommy blinked at him before just closing his eyes and listening to Wilbur’s steps.

“Let’s get you some breakfast. How does that sound?” 

Tommy nodded, content with hearing Wilbur’s heartbeat.

-------

“Sorry, Toms… I’m going to have to go to a meeting. Techno and Phil will watch after you for the day.” Wilbur apologized as they finished up breakfast, genuine sadness on his face, “I wish I could spend the rest of my day with you, but I have duties I must attend to.”

Tommy shrugged, looking at his plate, “It’s alright. It’s not like…” Tommy sighed, cutting himself off.

Wilbur frowned at him, wanting to push but not wanting to frighten the boy, “I’ll be back soon, I promise.”

Tommy forced a smile, nodding.

Wilbur smiled back, getting up and heading off.

“So, Tommy…” Phil started, “What would you like to do while Wilbur is away? Look at the garden perhaps?”

Tommy wrung his hands together, red crawling up his cheeks, “I was wondering if you’d uh- um…. If you could… maybe… like…”

“Spit it out, kid.” Techno grumbled, earning a wing smack from Phil.

“Could you teach me how to chirp?” Tommy blurted out, hands flying over his mouth.

Phil and Techno stared at him with wide eyes, Tommy’s face growing as bright red as a tomato.

“I just uh- I mean like- Wilbur, y’know… chirps and stuff sometimes. I figured it was like- your language? And I wanted to be able to-to speak to Wilbur and know what he means…” Tommy mumbled.

Their faces softened instantly, suddenly turning into smirks as they looked to each other.

“Oh yeah, kid… We can teach you our language.”

-------

It’s the final day. Tommy will be completely healed up and ready to leave the next morning. 

Wilbur did his best not to think about it. His instincts were on him. Absolutely screaming that Tommy was his fledgling. That the baby wasn’t safe with the Humans and better off with him.

It was torture to reign them back in. To calmly explain that Tommy was raised by Humans and might not want to live here the rest of his life. Tommy has the right to say where he wants to go. As much as he and his instincts want him to be, he isn’t Tommy’s parent. He doesn’t get to make those decisions. 

He focuses back on his plate. It was dinner time. The food was long gone and it was getting time to go to sleep. This was normally the time he’d say goodnight to Tommy, head to his office to finish up some work, then head to sleep himself. 

He gripped the fork tighter, trying to stop the tears from dripping down his cheeks.

Tommy might even say yes! Tommy might say he wants to stay with him. The boy seems happy here.

There aren’t any big signs aside from the occasional shock of living around Avians. He’ll get used to that though. 

Surely he’d say yes?

“Well…” Wilbur said with a sigh, looking at Tommy with a shaky smile, “Goodnight, Toms… I’ll see you in the morning, okay?” 

Tommy nodded, shakily smiling back, “Goodnight.”

Wilbur stood up, beginning to walk away.

Tommy felt an elbow jab into his side. He looked up, seeing Phil and Techno staring at him. They nodded in Wilbur’s direction. 

Tommy gulped nervously, looking between Wilbur’s retreating form and the others.

They nodded more intensely towards the king. 

‘Now or never’ They were saying.

Tommy took a deep breath, opening his mouth.

Chirp

Wilbur’s head practically spun around 180 degrees, his body following shortly after. His entire body was twitching, eyes dilating slightly before going back to normal. His head titled to the side, and he chirped something back. 

From what Techno and Phil had taught him, chirps aren’t really words per say…

They’re more like instinctual communication. Ups and downs creating different meanings. Inflection on certain portions meaning a different emotion and idea conveyed.

Wilbur’s chirp meant something like a question. 

A ‘What was that?’

Tommy wrung his hands together, trying to ignore the snickering from Phil and Techno.

Chirp

Wilbur’s wings ruffled behind him, making a rustling sound as he started rushing towards him. Tommy yelped as Wilbur scooped him up, wings curling around him and shutting out all light.

Techno and Phil burst out laughing as Wilbur rushed out of the dining hall. 

Tommy chuckled along, looking up and seeing Wilbur staring at him with big, wide eyes. His pupils completely dilated and breathing a bit heavy. 

Wilbur rushed through the halls, holding him protectively against his chest until he reached his door. 

He shoved it open with as much force as he could, slamming it closed behind him. 

Tommy began to wonder if Phil and Techno knew this would happen…

All he said was a simple ‘Thankful. Grateful. Happy.’

Meaning he wanted to say thank you for letting him stay here and that he had a wonderful time.

Wilbur’s instincts seemed to have taken control though.

Wilbur threw himself onto the bed, chirping repeatedly and so fast Tommy couldn’t quite translate. He thinks it was just ‘Happy! Happy!’

Wilbur had them just sitting in the nest, him completely engulfing the boy while he nuzzled into his hair.

Tommy chuckled, eyes landing on Wilbur’s feathers. His chuckles died down as he stared at them. They looked so soft. Like clouds attached to Wilbur’s back. 

He slowly reached out, brushing his fingers across them. His eyes went wide with fear.

The last time he did that unprompted, Wilbur got defensive of them.

But this time, Wilbur just stared at him with wide eyes. Suddenly, Wilbur let go of him, turning around so his back was facing him. Then, he slowly started to unroll his wings, laying them out on the nest. 

They were huge, taking up the entirety of the bed. Wilbur turned slightly, looking at him and chirping again as he waved his wing around.

Oh. Oh.

Tommy’s hand shakily reached towards the wing once more, gently shuffling through it as he dragged his hand down the feathers. One caught on his fingers as he tugged on it, his eyes going wide as he pulled back.

“Did-did I hurt you? Did I do something wrong?”

Wilbur whistled something high then it dipped lower into something sincere.

The higher part meaning ‘praise’ while the lower meant ‘content.’

Together…

‘Encouragement’

Tommy let his fingers run through Wilbur’s feathers once more, smiling at the softness. Wilbur closed his eyes, a content smile on his face as Tommy continued to stroke his wing.

Tommy looked at how big the wings were. He doesn’t know if he can even do all these. There’s just so many feathers.

After about twenty minutes of preening, Tommy was practically asleep. His face smushed against Wilbur’s back as he stared at his hand. His palm continuously went over the same place at the base of Wilbur’s wing, eyes distant and eyelids drooping.

His arm fell to his side, eyes fluttering.

Wilbur chirped questioningly and looked back. Tommy was half asleep, leaning on his back between his wings. Wilbur’s eyes crinkled in a smile, and he shifted. Tommy didn’t even jump as a wing scooped him up, gently bringing him into Wilbur’s lap. Tommy’s head hung limply in front of him, Wilbur gently pushing his forehead back until the boy’s head was resting against his chest. Wilbur looked down with a dopey smile at the sleepy Human, talons landing in his hair. Tommy hummed as Wilbur started picking through the knots, shuffling through each individual hair. 

Tommy distantly realized this was probably Wilbur preening his hair since he didn’t have wings. 

Wilbur’s claws against his scalp were surprisingly soft and comforting. The Avian pulling with just the right amount of force to sooth him.

Wilbur pushed his face to the side just slightly so he could reach the baby hairs on his neck, trilling something incredibly quiet to not disturb him. 

Tommy wasn’t exactly sure how to translate it. 

Tommy hummed as his mind began to drift. 

It only took a few minutes for Wilbur to be done with his hair. He woke up slightly at Wilbur wrapping his arms around his middle, pulling him up slightly. Then Wilbur fell backwards, turning around so Tommy was between him and the bed. Wilbur sighed contently, feathers puffing up and smoothing down happily as he shuffled them around until the boy was completely encased. Once the blond was properly tucked in, Wilbur chirped softly. 

‘Happy. Good.’

Tommy gave a dopey smile, deciding this was the perfect time to mess with the king a little bit. He slowly reached his hand out from beneath Wilbur’s wing, fingers clawing their way out from under. 

Wilbur chirped something concerned, cutting into a short, quiet, yet firm whistle.

‘No. No. Not safe. Not safe.’

Wilbur’s wings puffed up again, feathers covering the boy’s hand. Tommy giggled to himself as Wilbur unwrapped one of the arms around him, slowly reaching to his hand and stuffing it back into the little protective bubble. 

Wilbur chirped happily, trilling softly.

‘Yes. Yes. Safe! Safe!’

Tommy giggled to himself, sleepy and dopey. 

Wilbur’s chin rubbed into his hair, arms tightening around his middle once more as the king snuggled as close as possible before settling down. The Avian gave another content sigh, eyes falling shut with a big smile on his face.

Sleep finally came to claim it’s next victim, dragging the boy into the deeps of the ocean where he would be surrounded in warmth and cradled so gently all the aches in his bones would disappear.

-------

Tommy thought for sure Wilbur would have let him go in his sleep. That the man wouldn’t have stayed in practically the same position. 

But, as his eyes blearily opened, Wilbur was still on top of him. The king’s wings were still protectively around the boy, soft trill like snores escaping him.

Tommy smiled again, letting his eyes close once more. Sleep was not ready to release her victim.

-------

Wilbur awoke slowly, sighing contently as he snuggled closer to the fledgling. This made his instincts quiet. Ever so pleased with themselves. 

Then it hit him, his eyes growing wide. 

Today was the day Tommy could leave. Suddenly, his instincts woke up, slamming him with desperate cries. 

Wilbur groaned slightly, looking down at the sleeping blonde.

Fledgling!!! His instincts cried.

Wilbur shook them off, gently nudging the boy. He just can’t wait for an answer. 

“Toms… Sunshine… Hey, sweetheart, could you wake up for me?” 

Tommy groaned slightly, twisting his head around to look at him, “Hmm…?”

Wilbur chuckled to himself, sitting up. He ignored Tommy’s frown. 

“Hey, bubs… I just need to ask you a question then you can go back to sleep, if you want.”

Tommy nodded, sitting up as well.

“I was wondering if… if you’d like to stay here?” Wilbur cringed.

Tommy stared at him for a moment.

“You don’t have to! I just… I like having you here and I-”

Wilbur was cut off as Tommy threw himself at him, burying his face in his chest.

Wilbur sat in shock for a moment, feeling his shirt grow damp. He gasped slightly, wrapping his arms tightly around the boy. One hand threading through his hair, while the second rubbed circles into his back. 

“Shh… Shh… it’s okay, my dear.”

Tommy shook his head, grabbing onto him desperately.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Wilbur asked.

“I-I thought y-you were gonna kick me out when I was all healed up- I thought you didn’t really want me and- and you were just being ni-nice until I left-t!”

Wilbur tightened his hold, face morphing to shock, “Oh, oh no, baby… I planned on asking you to stay since the first day I found you. I should have made that clearer. I’m so sorry you thought you were just a guest here. I’ve always wanted you to be a permanent resident.”

Tommy sobbed, holding him tighter. 

“You want to stay?” Wilbur asked.

Tommy nodded vigorously, doing his best to give a happy chirp. It sounded a bit off, but it was enough for Wilbur’s instincts to call back.

Wilbur chirped, Tommy pulling back slightly to see the giant smile on his face. Wilbur’s eyes were crinkled at the corners, cheeks pulled back so it forced his eyes into a squint. It looked a bit painful, if Tommy was being honest. 

Chirps forced themselves out of Wilbur’s mouth, Wilbur rubbing his cheeks to try and sooth the pain a little. His wings shuffled behind him, flapping excitedly. Wilbur jumped forward, nuzzling his cheek into Tommy’s hair as more chirps forced their way through his throat. 

Tommy laughed, tears slowly dripping down his cheeks. Wilbur just kept nuzzling his face on Tommy’s head, causing the poor boy’s cheeks to squish up as chirps echoed through his ear. Tommy giggled, trying to chirp. Wilbur chirped back, laughing and brushing his nose against Tommy’s.

Wilbur knows this isn’t the last step. They still have a lot to do before their relationship can be built up to father and son. 

But Tommy is so worth it. 

-------

Wilbur paraded Tommy around the castle, carrying him around and rushing up to Phil and Techno.

“He decided to stay!!!” Wilbur shouted as his wings flapped behind him.

Techno and Phil chuckled, watching the excitement radiate from Wilbur. 

Tommy was smiling too, sticking his head in the crook of Wilbur’s neck proudly. Like that was his spot.

Wilbur seemed to agree, arms wrapped around the boy and gently holding his head there. Wilbur’s wings wouldn’t stop flapping like an excited little fledgling. It made Phil’s heart warm. 

“We’re glad to have you, mate.” Phil said to Tommy.

Tommy smiled brightly, trying his best to chirp a thank you.

The three Avians melted. There was something so wonderful about his little chirps. They weren’t quite right… but that made them all the more special. 

Tommy was going to do just fine here.

Or so they thought.

-------

It had been another month when it happened. 

Tommy ran up to Wilbur, pulling on the man’s kingly robe.

“Yes, sunshine?” Wilbur asked as he looked away from the people in his meeting.

“Can I go draw?” 

“Toms, I’m in a meeting and you know I have no issue with you drawing.”

“I meant I want to go draw outside the castle. I want to go down to that lake you fly me over all the time!” 

Wilbur stared at him, instincts concerned about the boy being so far from the nest without him. He would just end this meeting and go spend time with his so- Tommy, but the Humans have set up another camp just outside their territory and are clearly planning on coming further in. He has to stay and make plans. 

He sighed, “Okay. Take the two gate guards with you, alright? I have to stay in this meeting.”

Tommy beamed at him, hugging his middle, “Thank you!” 

Wilbur chuckled, ruffling his hair, “Of course, my dear. Just be safe.”

Tommy nodded, waving bye as he walked out, “I will!”

-------

The two guards Wilbur was talking about were the two who always watch the gate in the mornings. There’s only four gate guards and they switch off shifts. Sometimes they’ll call in others if one is sick or something, but for the most part, they’re always there.

Tommy bounced up to them, art supplies under his arms, “I want to go down to the lake!”

One of the guards rolled his eyes, “How about a please?”

Tommy shrunk back slightly, “Oh, yeah… sorry. Could you two please take me to the lake? Wilbur asked me to ask you.”

These guards have never been the nicest to him. He just assumed they were grumpy though.

The guards nodded, grabbing his arm slightly rough and dragging him outside. The guard grabbed him under the arms and yanked him up as he jumped off the cliff. Tommy watched in amazement as the guard’s wings opened and they glided towards the forest.

He was set roughly down, but he couldn’t focus on that. The lake was beautiful and just waiting for his artistic touch.

He plopped down on the grass, unrolling some parchment and getting his ink and quill ready. A quill gifted from Wilbur’s wing itself. 

He started on it, drawing the lake and a few trees. Then he added some figures in the air. He didn’t really know how to do angles, so it was kind of just… him and Wilbur floating above the lake and smiling.

He smiled to himself, writing their names above their respective person with a little arrow pointing to them. He supposes the arrow probably isn’t all that necessary. One of them had wings and the other did not.

He stared at Wilbur’s name, an uncertain expression on his face. Before he could convince himself to stop, he crossed Wilbur’s name out and wrote something else. 

Yeah. That sounds right. 

Would Wilbur like it? Would Wilbur be disappointed or confused?

Would Wilbur think he was being ridiculous?

No. Wilbur will love it. He’s pretty sure about that.

But just to be sure…

Tommy stood up, walking up to the very bored looking guards. He shoved the painting in their faces.

“Do you think Wilbur will like it?” He asked with a red face.

They stared at the parchment then looked to each other, communicating with their eyes. Clear anger was written on their faces.

“You’ve got to be kidding me?” One asked.

Tommy blinked, holding the drawing close to his chest as he took a step back, “No? Do you… do you really think he won’t-”

“He’s going to hate it, kid.” The other said.

Tommy’s expression fell, compltely heartbroken.

“In fact, I’m surprised you haven’t realized this sooner.” 

Tommy gulped, taking another step back as they stepped forward. Their wings were ruffling slightly, puffing up to make them even bigger.

“You don’t belong here! You’re a filthy Human who has no right to be anywhere near us, let alone the king!”

Tommy felt tears well up in his eyes, “B-but Wilbur said-”

“‘B-b-but Wilbur said!’” They mocked, “Wilbur said all those things to be nice. He never meant them and never will! Think about it! You can’t get around anywhere on your own. You’ve only been a hindrance since you got here.”

The guard grabbed his arm, Tommy’s eyes going wide as tears tracked down his cheeks. His breathing began to pick up, fear taking over his mind.

“You’re a useless brat!”

‘YOU USELESS BRAT! NO FOOD FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS!’

“All you are is a waste!”

‘Why did we ever pick you up? You’re such a waste of resources.’

“You’re unimportant and a pity project!”

‘We just felt bad for you. Turns out we would be better off leaving you on the street. Would save our ears from your constant whining.’

Tommy dropped everything he had, turning around and bolting as memories continued to play in his mind. 

“Good riddance!!!” He heard from behind him as laughter echoed through the trees.

Tommy rushed through the bushes, using his wrists to wipe away the tears falling from his eyes as he sobbed. 

Useless

Waste

Pity

Just a Human boy with no one to love him.

He kept running.

-------

Wilbur finished up his meeting, walking towards the gate. 

His eyes widened at seeing the two guards still there.

“John! Eric! Did Tommy come talk to you?” Wilbur asked.

They looked at each other, concern etched on their features, “Yes.”

“Then where is he?” Wilbur questioned, already getting annoyed. 

“Sir- He told us you knew?” John said cautiously. 

Wilbur tilted his head, “Knew what?”

“Sir… Tommy left.”

“HE WHAT?!?” 

“He told us to take him down the mountain and then he’d go back to the Humans! He said he talked it over with you and you had agreed! We thought that was part of the deal-”

“You let a child walk into the forest alone?!? You let Tommy leave?!?” Wilbur screeched, feathers fluffing up. Phil and Techno came around the corner, hearing the commotion.

“He said you agreed!” Eric defended.

“I don’t care!!! I want you to track him down and bring him back here-” Wilbur stopped himself, anger settling down at a realization.

Tommy… Tommy left. He… he left to go back to his kind.

He left.

Wilbur’s wings drooped, face falling to something dejected.

“D-don’t bring him back. Just- just follow him and make sure he gets plenty of food and water. Lead him to the nearest Human camp. I’ll send another guard soon so you can trade out with them. That’s… that’s all.”

Eric nodded, opening the gate and taking off into the sky.

Wilbur stared towards his disappearing figure, face becoming blank.

Phil’s hand landed on his shoulder and turned him around, forcing him to meet Phil’s sad gaze, “Hey, Wil… It’s okay. You’re okay.”

Wilbur grabbed Phil’s wrist, prying the hand off of him, “I think… I need to go for a bit. Could you please take over the guard posts for taking care of Tommy? Just make sure there’s always someone there and switch them out every couple of hours.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to go after him? Maybe get an explanation-” Techno started.

Wilbur snapped, “Of course I do!!!” 

Techno took a step back.

Wilbur’s breathing grew heavy, “But if I go out there… I won’t be able to stop myself. I’m barely holding it in right now. I can’t… I can’t force him to stay.”

His wings shifted behind him unhappily. 

Wilbur grit his teeth, shoving past them and rushing away, “Just take care of it, Phil.”

“I will.” Phil said as he watched Wilbur disappear.

-------

Phil gently opened Wilbur’s door, looking inside.

Wilbur wasn’t there. 

His brows furrowed for a moment before realization dawned on him. He stepped out and walked to Tommy’s room.

He could heard the sniffles before he opened the door. He gave Techno a worried look as he opened the door softly.

Wilbur was sat on Tommy’s bed, small nest made out of Tommy’s blankets and clothes. Sobs ripped through Wilbur’s throat as he clutched one of Tommy’s stuffed animals close to him. 

Wilbur was curled in on himself, chirps and whistles escaping him. 

“Wil…” Phil started, but as soon as he took a step towards the nest, Wilbur whipped around. The king whistled low and sharp, feathers fluffing up and wings stretching out.

A threat

Phil took a step back, noticing Wilbur’s completely dilated eyes. As soon as he was an appropriate distance away from the small nest, Wilbur settled back down, grabbing the toy again and crying into it as he curled his wings around himself. 

Phil sighed, closing the door.

-------

Another week passed.

Wilbur had moved back into his room, taking most of Tommy’s things and adding them to his own nest. He hasn’t spoken once since Tommy left. The king has been in a constant state of sobs and desperate trills. 

Soft, sad, delicate calls of,

‘My fledgling is gone… come home, come home. Someone bring my fledgling home.’

It broke Phil’s heart as he watched the king wallow in his misery. As king, Wilbur needed to get back to work. He needed to be there for his people but-

But Phil has seen Wilbur in a battlefield.

He’s seen the Avian close the eyes and cry over hundreds of dead bodies of both enemy and ally. 

Never has he seen Wilbur this broken. 

Absolutely devastated. 

Wilbur’s been in a constant state of fighting his instincts. Phil can see it in his eyes. They’re calling to him, screaming inside his head to fly after the fledgling. That Tommy belonged here. That Tommy was safe here and not out there. That he was going to be hurt out there and he’d be much safer in the shelter of his wings.

The hardest part is Wilbur mostly agrees. Wilbur knows that flying down and grabbing the boy will only ruin whatever relationship they have. He wants Tommy to be happy more than anything else. 

And if Tommy is happier without him… then he’d have to fight his instincts. 

Phil knew Wilbur was lying when he said he could handle it if Tommy left. 

But Phil didn’t know it would be this devastating and this debilitating. Wilbur has barely eaten. He’s only been wrapped in his nest and sobbing over Tommy’s things. 

Techno stepped up to him, watching from the doorway as Wilbur started writhing in pain, grabbing his head and pulling at his hair.

“Wil-” He started only to receive a loud, sharp caw. Wilbur’s beady eyes staring at him with as much anger as they could muster.

Phil grabbed Techno’s shoulder, pulling him back and closing the door.

“Phil-” 

“I know, Tech.” Phil said as he dragged them away.

“He needs help! We have to go in there and help him!” 

“I know!” Phil shouted, “But the moment any being that isn’t Tommy takes a step into the room, Wilbur will rip them to shreds. Wilbur is struggling right now, and he needs us to understand that. He’ll be even more hurt after he gets out of this if he hurt us.”

Techno huffed angrily, stomping towards the kitchen, “I’m at least going to toss some food in there. He needs to eat.”

“Okay, just be careful.”

Techno nodded and left without another word.

-------

Techno took deep breaths all the way to the kitchen, trying to ignore the anger rising inside of him.

Wilbur was going to waste away in there. His own instincts were screaming at him to help his best friend. His brother. His king.

Maybe they could find another child?

No. Wilbur would never have that. He’d probably only get sadder and fall into his instincts again. 

Plus, the child deserves better than to be a replacement. 

Techno was stopped by voices. They were quiet, whispering to each other.

“I think we have to tell him.”

“You’re joking. We can’t do that, it’s too late.”

“You’ve seen the king! He can’t even function. He’s barely eating either.”

“But what about us?!”

“The whole kingdom is at stake! We still have the parchment; we can just hand it to him and make up some story about it or something. We don’t have to say it was us that scared the kid off.”

Techno’s eyes widened, listening closer.

“You really think he’ll buy it? Plus, do we really want the Human back here?”

“I think the kid is probably already with the Humans so it’s possible he’ll stay with them.”

“Yeah, but if he doesn’t then he might tell Wilbur about what we said.”

“I don’t know! This just can’t keep going!”

“We can just ride it out. Just a bit longer and Wilbur will get out of his instincts.”

A sigh, “Yeah… you’re probably right.”

The other chuckled, “I usually am.”

Techno stepped through the doorway, crossing his arms as he stared at the two guards. They stared back with wide eyes.

“H-hey General Techno-” 

“Do you have something you’d like to share before I force you to?”

They chuckled nervously, gulping.

-------

Techno shoved the two handcuffed guards to their knees just outside Wilbur’s door. Muffled cries coming from inside.

“You’re going to have to face a very instinct driven Avian and admit what you’ve done.”

Phil stood to the side, a dark look on his face. Techno told him what happened. What these two did.

They gulped, watching as Techno opened the door.

“Wil. We have news about Tommy.”

Wilbur immediately sat up, twisting around and staring at them. He got up, rushing towards the entrance. 

‘What?’ He chirped.

Techno looked down at the guards, kicking one in the back. 

John grunted, “Fine! We- we took Tommy down the mountain and to the lake, like you asked. Then, he showed us his drawing and we were just really annoyed with him. He’s a Human in our territory and we’re supposed to just act like it’s normal! He’s a bratty kid who’s more trouble than he’s worth.”

Eric shrunk back, looking ashamed, “And we told him as such.”

Wilbur stared down at them with a blank expression. 

“He-he ran away and- and we didn’t stop him.”

Techno interrupted, “Tommy also left his drawing.” He held out the rolled-up piece of parchment. 

Wilbur grabbed it, rolling it open. His face went from blank to heartbroken. He stroked something on the page, tears welling up in his eyes.

‘Dad’

Wilbur’s face went stern once more, rolling the drawing back up and handing it to Phil, “Put that in my office.” He ordered.

Phil nodded. 

Wilbur looked back to the guards before him, eyes piercing their very souls.

Wilbur stood up straighter, wings expanding as he tilted his chin up.

“You two… are to be banished from these lands.”

They squawked, immediately beginning to protest.

Wilbur whistled high and sharp, piercing their ear drums and making even Techno freeze. 

The order of a king to silence.

They shut their mouths, wings pulling as close to their bodies as possible to make themselves look smaller. Look obedient.

“You forced Tommy out of his home. Now I shall do the same to you. Pack your things. You have 12 hours to prepare. If you try to return, you will be killed on sight.”

They gulped, nodding.

“Go!” 

They stood up, Techno unlocking their handcuffs as they rushed off. 

Wilbur’s began to walk away, brushing past Techno as his steps echoed through the halls. Techno and Phil trailed after him.

“Techno, Phil, thank you. I’m going to need you to grab a small army. We might have to fight off some Humans.”

His wings flared as his expression became dark, “I’m going to get my son back.”

-------

Tommy didn’t know why there were Avians flying above him. They dropped food and containers of water sometimes, which was very helpful. Maybe this was just Wilbur’s way of saying goodbye. 

Tommy teared up. He didn’t want to say goodbye. He wanted to go back home and snuggle into Wilbur’s nest while Wilbur wrapped him up in his wings. He wanted to be held again like he was something to cherish. 

But he couldn’t go back now. Surely Wilbur would be mad at him for running away? He was scared and in the moment, but that doesn’t matter. 

None of it matters. Because he ran away, and Wilbur is probably mad, and he doesn’t want to see Wilbur angry. Especially with him. 

He’s been living this perfect little life for long enough, it’s time reality smacks him in the face. 

Reality is he’s more trouble than he’s worth. Reality is he’s just an orphan, peasant Human who has no place to call himself the son of the Avian King. 

He has no wings. He’ll never fit in. 

It’s best for everyone if he just keeps walking. 

A little over a week into his trip, he spots a military camp. A Human military camp more specifically.

His nerves flare up, memories coming to the forefront of his mind.

This. This is his reality, and he needs to face it head on.

He takes a deep breath, stomping forward. He looks to the sky to see the Avian following him circle around a distance away.

So, this is the end of the road, huh?

He stops for a second, waving towards the Avian. 

The Avian waves back and flies away. 

“Goodbye…” Tommy breathes, ignoring the tears stinging his eyes.

He deserves this. He deserves nothing Wilbur gave him. 

He can only keep moving forward, knowing Wilbur is doing the same.

-------

Wilbur spread his wings, taking off into the sky. 

“Come on wings… don’t fail me now.”

He rocketed through the air faster than ever before.

-------

Tommy stepped up to the camp, watching as soldiers rustled around. None of them paid him much mind. He carefully stepped through the camp, looking around for some kind of commander.

He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw him.

The King… Dream. He was talking to his general, Sapnap.

Dream looked rather bored, eyes scanning the area until they met Tommy’s. His brows scrunched up in confusion, turning to his general and whispering something. Sapnap’s eyes landed on him as he started walking backwards. 

“Hey! Kid!” Sapnap shouted, him and Dream walking towards the frozen boy.

Dream stared down at him, as if he was a bug beneath his feet, “What are you doing here? Did you stowaway? Are you stealing our resources?”

Tommy shook beneath his gaze, “N-no, sir. I was a part of Mason’s group-”

“Where are they? They haven’t sent a letter back in two months.”

“They’re… they’re gone… They trespassed into the Avian’s land and were attacked.”

Dream growled, clearly disappointed, “Then how are you still alive?”

Tommy shrunk back, “The king, W-Wilbur, found me in the rubble. I injured myself trying to run, then I passed out. I woke up in his castle and the king told me I was going to stay there until my leg was fully healed, then he’d take me back to the Humans.”

“So, they dropped you off here?” Sapnap asked.

“N-no… I ran away…”

Dream crouched down slightly, still towering over him as he placed his hands firmly on his shoulders, “What’s your name?”

Tommy gulped, “Tommy.”

“Well, Tommy…” Dream’s hands tightened, “I need you to tell me everything you can about their defenses.”

“What?”

“Guard routes, how many soldiers they have, important rooms, unguarded areas, and any secret ways to get in.”

“I don’t-”

“I mean it, Tommy. This is important information for your people.”

“B-but Wilbur was really nice! He never yelled at me and he always made sure I was fed. Phil liked to take me to the garden and-”

Dream’s fingers dug into his shoulder’s, enough that he knows it will cause a nasty bruise, “They’re animals, Tommy. Filthy, disgusting animals that are better off being put down.”

Tommy tried to rip himself from Dream’s grip, but it remained firm, “No! They’re not animals! They’re super kind, and they love me! Wilbur gives me hugs and doesn’t shout or hit me when I get scared of the thunder! He’s- He’s like a father to me…” He mumbled.

A sharp slap sounded through the camp, Tommy’s eyes wide. A blooming pain erupted from the side of his face as tears began to trail down his cheeks.

“You traitor!”

“Dream. He’s just a kid-” Sapnap started.

Dream picked him up by the back of the shirt, lifting the kicking boy off the ground, “Silence, Sapnap. This boy has turned his back on his own kind. He sides with filthy winged beasts. You think you’re one of them, Tommy?” Dream smiled with all his teeth, “Then let’s teach you how to fly. And how do little birdies learn to fly?”

Sapnap looked away, shame written on his features, but he still did nothing as Dream dragged Tommy away.

-------

Dream held the boy by the shirt, laughing as his feet dangled over the edge of the cliff. Tommy grabbed desperately at Dream’s arm, trying to pull himself up as his feet kicked desperately below him. Waves crashed against the cliff face, pulling back and revealing sharp rocks awaiting him. 

Dream laughed, “You want so desperately to be one of them. Last chance to change your mind!”

Tears fell down Tommy’s face and to the water below, “I don’t know anything! I don’t-”

“Aww, come on. You were there for two months. You have to remember something.”

“I can’t! I c-can’t! I don’t remember!” Tommy cried out, beginning to chirp desperately.

“Oh! You even sound like one of them!”

“Dad!!! DAD, PLEASE! I’M SORRY!”

Dream sighed, sounding rather disappointed, “Oh well… time to learn how to fly!”

“Please!!!” 

“Bye bye, little birdy.” Dream smirked as he released.

Tommy lost his hold, starting to plummet down the cliff. Another chirp ripped through his throat before he shouted out again as he closed his eyes, “DAD!!!”

Time slowed down. He could hear each wave crash against and hit each rock. 

And he heard a… a whistle. It wasn’t a whistle like someone was whistling… 

It was like an arrow piercing the air. Slicing through it at incredible speeds. 

The whistling got louder, and louder, and louder until it began to pierce his ear drums. He squinted an eye open, both going wide.

Wilbur

Wilbur was hurtling towards him, wings tucked behind him as close as possible while his arms were stretched out towards him. A look of desperation on his face as his hands became claws, talons ready to grab him.

“Tommy!!!”

He stretched out his hand, tears floating in front of him, “Daddy!”

Wilbur’s hand slid beneath his arm, other hand securing his head as his wings flew open with a snap. The air caught on his wings, sending him flying back into the air.

Tommy ignored the splash of water on his back as they started to ascend. The momentum keeping them moving as Wilbur glided into the air, keeping him pinned to his chest. 

After a moment, the momentum disappeared, leaving them there.

Wilbur’s eyes were wide, wings curled around him slightly.

“Dad…” Tommy breathed; fists white from how hard he was gripping onto the man.

Wilbur looked down, smiling slightly as he breathed. 

Then they started falling once more, Wilbur’s face morphing into something stern as he dove towards the ground. Tommy just let himself breath, trusting Wilbur to never let him fall.

Wilbur’s wings tucked into his back as he fell, opening last second as his feet collided with the ground.

The ground cracked beneath his boots, Wilbur standing up tall as his wings stretched out to their full 18 feet. Feathers puffed up and rattling dangerously.

“Your highness.” Dream said as he stood up straight and dipped his head in a slight bow, though Wilbur could see the way he shook.

Good, his instincts cried, be afraid.

“Dream.” Wilbur greeted without a single nod. 

I have no respect for you, nor your title.

Dream glared but didn’t say anything about it.

“You just threw a child over the edge of a cliff.” Wilbur said.

“He is a traitor to our kind.”

“He is my son.” 

Dream took a step back, eyes wide in surprise. Tommy looked up at him, eyes wide with amazement and happiness.

Wilbur spared him a small glance and a reassuring smile before returning to glaring at Dream, “You threw my prince off the side of a cliff.”

“He ran to us! It’s not our fault he ran away!”

Tommy looked ashamed, staring at Wilbur with worried eyes.

Wilbur sighed, “I know.”

Tommy looked down, tears filling up his eyes.

“But it is not Tommy’s fault either.”

Tommy snapped his head up, confusion etched on his face.

“As not only the king, but as his father, I should have ensured my people treat him right. I should have talked to him more about possible discrimination he might receive. I should have looked for him sooner so that I could get the story straight from him. I should have made sure he never felt like a burden or a waste of time. That is on me. I take full responsibility for my citizen’s and my son’s actions. However, you had no right to throw the prince of my nation off a cliff.”

“He didn’t tell us he was the prince.” Dream defended.

“Did he not tell you he was important to me?”

Dream was silent.

“You knew that this would anger me greatly. Is what you want a full out war? Because I think I have every right to wage war on you for this action.”

“I have a camp of soldiers, you’re just one avian. Do you really think this is a battle you can win?” Dream snarked.

Wilbur smirked, whistling. The trees rustled and Dream’s eyes went wide. A small army flew above the trees, decorated in the best armor one can have. 

“You are out matched, Dream. What do you think? Should I make my move and take out the king in this game of chess? Or shall I spare your pawns a very painful death?”

Dream took a step back, “We won’t encroach on your territory.”

“No, no. I want more.”

Dream glared.

“I want it ordered that any Avians in your kingdom will be given safe passage to our country. I will send my best people to oversee this. If I find out you so much as call them animals, I will ensure your head is severed from your body.”

Dream stared at him, trying to seem somewhat intimidating but utterly failing.

“Deal.” The king of the Humans says.

Wilbur smirks, wings lowering slightly, “Be on your way then. I’ll be sure to discuss the details with you in later letters.”

Dream nodded stiffly as he turned and walked away, heading back to the camp.

Wilbur sighed, smiling softly down at Tommy. Tommy smiled shakily up at him.

Wilbur bent down, brushing his nose against Tommy’s, “Let’s get you home.”

Tommy nodded, tucking his head beneath Wilbur’s chin.

Wilbur’s wings opened once more, pushing against the ground as they took off into the air. 

The ride was quiet. Tommy just closing his eyes as he listened to Wilbur’s occasional wing beats, the wind brushing past his ears. 

With all the tiring events as of late… Tommy felt exhaustion way down on him, slowly closing his eyes.

Just as Wilbur drifted through the air, Tommy drifted to sleep. 

-------

Tommy woke up to Wilbur’s wings shuffling and a soft thump, Wilbur’s steps beginning to echo around them. Tommy opened his eyes blearily, just staring at the halls as they walked through the castle. He only fully came back into awareness when Wilbur sat down on his bed, pulling back a bit and forcing Tommy away from his comfortable position.

“Hey, Toms…” Wilbur whispered softly, brushing a curl behind his ear, “Bubba… you awake?”

Tommy nodded, looking at Wilbur’s soft expression. He glanced around the nest, heart warmng at the sight of all his things.

Wilbur smiled, “Good. Now I just need to ask you something, okay? I’m not mad, I’m not angry with you, and you aren’t in trouble.” Wilbur grabbed his hands, cupping the smaller in his larger, “I just need you to answer me honestly for both your safety and the kingdom’s.”

Tommy nodded.

“Did you tell them anything about our defenses? Any weak points or guard posts? Any names?”

“I- I told them that…” Tommy looked into his eyes, “I told them that you loved me, and that Phil loved to take me to the garden. I told them I couldn’t understand how they thought you were animals when all you ever were was nice to me. You fed me, took care of me when I was scared, and hugged me when I was lonely. I told them I thought of you like… like my father and I just couldn’t understand why they hated you so much and-”

Tommy was cut off by Wilbur scooping him up once more, squeezing him tightly.

“Sunshine… You’re just so wonderful, don’t you realize that?”

Tommy choked up, squeezing Wilbur tighter. Wilbur just fell backwards, allowing Tommy to lay against his chest as his wings wrapped around him. They laid in silence for a minute before Tommy asked.

“Why me? Why did you pick me?”

“Well… I had already been wanting a kid and the timing of our meeting just… it felt like fate. Then my instincts got attached to you and wouldn’t let you go. And then… as I got to know you…” Wilbur sighed, “I just fell in love with you more and more every day. That laugh. That smile. Your witty jokes. The way you dance. The way you love so passionately even the smallest of things like flowers. I just… Oh, I love you.” 

Tommy ignored the tears dripping down his cheeks, “I- I love you too.”

Wilbur smiled, pressing a kiss to his head, “I love you so much, my sweet little prince.”

-------

Tommy took a shaky breath, adjusting the goggles on his face. Wilbur’s hand landed on his shoulder, Tommy looking over it to see Wilbur’s soft smile.

“You’re doing great. I bet it’ll work this time. I’ll be there to catch you if it doesn’t.”

Tommy shakily smiled back. He was nearly as tall as Wilbur now. Only a few inches shorter. Tommy spread his arms, artificial webbing expanding beneath them. 

“I think this one will work this time.” 

Wilbur patted his shoulder, removing his hand, “Twentieth times the charm.”

Tommy wiggled his fingers, hearing the wings snap shut and open back up as he did.

He took another deep breath, staring over the cliff face, “Okay… 3… Wait, no, let’s do from 10. 10… 9… 8… 7…”

“654321 GO!” Wilbur shouted as he pushed him off the cliff, cackling as Tommy screamed.

Wilbur jumped down after him, wings tucked into his back.

Tommy flailed around, wind throwing him every which way.

“Come on, Toms. You know how to do this.” Wilbur said beside him, “Just take a deep breath and trust yourself.”

Tommy closed his eyes, breathing slowing down. He felt the wind bend around his body, around his artificial wings. 

He lifted his hands, wings expanding fully. The wind threw him back up, forcing him into a glide.

Tommy laughed in disbelief, glee written all over his face.

“It’s working, Dad! It’s working!” 

Wilbur flew next to him, smiling brightly, “Look at you go!”

Tommy wiggled his fingers, wing adjusting and turning him to the left. He closed his fists then pulled his arms to his side, diving towards the ground. He looked up, watching as Wilbur fell next to him, smiling softly at him.

Tommy looked back to the ground, opening his hands and spreading his arms out. The wind caught him again, shooting him forward as he danced between the cliff faces. Then he just glided forward, heading towards the trees. 

Wilbur flew above him, Tommy getting slightly off balance due to Wilbur’s wing beats. Wilbur smirked at him, Tommy laughing nervously. The king grabbed the back of his shirt, flapping his wings harder as he pushed off into the air. Tommy screamed as he was dragged further and further up until they burst through the clouds. Then Wilbur threw him as hard as he could, releasing him into the firmament. 

Tommy looked into the sky, body horizontal as the momentum disappeared.

A memory replays from his childhood.

“What is your favorite part of flying with me, Toms?” Wilbur asked.

“When you go into a barrel roll inside the caves and burst out through the waterfall! Or! Or! When you dive down and pick up a bunch of speed!” The 10 year-old shouted excitedly.

Wilbur chuckled, “I’ll try and do that more often then.”

“What about your’s? What’s your favorite part of flying?”

Wilbur looked up to the sky, smiling softly, “As fun and exciting as all the dives, rolls, and gliding are… My favorite part is this moment… this moment between flying and falling. Just for a second, even less maybe,  nothing  has a hold on you. You have no more momentum upwards, and gravity can’t touch you. There’s no sound in your ears. No rush of air entering your lungs. It’s like this moment that you’re in another reality. Physics have no hold on you. You’re completely and utterly  free . That… that’s my favorite moment.”

Tommy understands now. There’s no fear. No worries. Nothing to hold on to.

He’s just… floating.

Then he’s being pulled back into reality as gravity finally grabs hold of its earthly resident, pulling him down. Tommy lets gravity do the work, pulling his weight down naturally so he’s in a nosedive. His arms tucked into his sides.

An excited smile grows and grows on his face the closer he gets to the ground. 

He should be afraid. He should be scared his wings won’t be able to hold against this much force.

But he’s not. Because Wilbur will never let him fall. 

Tommy forced his hands open, spreading his arms as wide as they could go as he rocketed through the air.

“WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!” He laughed boisterously, dancing between the treetops like Wilbur once did. He burst through the green, soaring over the lake. 

He stared down at his own reflection, so different from that little boy years ago… yet completely the same. Wilbur’s reflection appeared next to him, his wings spread out in all their beauty. Flying side by side. 

It looked right.

Wilbur smiled at Tommy through the reflection before beating his wings, spinning around Tommy in slow circles. Tommy laughed, Wilbur smirking as he flapped his wing harder to force water to spray into his face.

Tommy sputtered, glaring playfully at the older. Wilbur just laughed, flying back so he was beside Tommy once more. Another two reflections appeared. One with colorful wings like a parrot and the other like that of a crow. 

They flew in a V like pattern, Tommy at the head. 

Tommy pulled up, using his momentum to fly into the air once more. 

Wilbur gave him an extra pull, bringing him further up before releasing him again.

Even the second time… it’s just as breathtaking.

Tommy plummeted, opening his wings and gliding back towards their land. He dodged and weaved through the cliff faces, turning his wings vertical so he could squeeze past a narrow opening. His cheers echoing through the entire kingdom. 

Then he reached the mouth of the cave, smile only widening. He wrapped his arms around himself, shooting into the tunnel as he spun. The cave only making his childish excitement louder. He could hear the whooshing of three others behind him as he burst through the waterfall, laughing brightly. He looked back, watching as the others all followed him. Other Avians even beginning to join in. Laughing and spinning around him before falling back into formation. 

Fledglings waved from their homes, wings flapping excitedly behind him. 

It was moments like this Tommy remembered.

He was a prince. He was royalty. One day soon, he’d rule over these people. Wilbur will entrust his kingdom to him and watch as he grows as his head advisor. 

Tommy waved back; face slightly red from all the attention.

Tommy then pulled up, getting a little help from Wilbur once more to get back up. The Avians all split off, heading back to their homes as Tommy glided back towards the castle.

Tommy spread his arms out, trying to slow his descent. It… didn’t work quite well.

“Wilbur…. WILBUR!!!” Tommy shouted as he got closer and closer to the grass.

Wilbur shot in front of him, landing and holding his arms out to catch him. Tommy rammed into him, sending them crashing to the ground.

Both of them laughed, cheeks hurting from how much they were smiling. 

Wilbur then cupped his face, shaky breath leaving him as a single tear ran down his cheek. Tommy blinked a few times, processing Wilbur’s emotions.

Wilbur rubbed his thumb softly over his cheek, “My little prince…” 

More tears spilled down his cheeks. 

“Dad? Are you okay?” 

Wilbur nodded, “You have no idea what it’s like to- to fly for the first time with your son. It’s… I’m so proud of you.”

Tommy flushed red, chirping out a small thanks.

Wilbur chuckled wetly, “Love, you’re not making it easier.”

Tommy laughed, snuggling into his father’s chest and shoving his head into the crook of his neck. 

“Then my mission is complete.”

Wilbur sighed, kissing his head and squeezing him slightly, “You will rule so well one day, my wingless prince.”

Tommy's Drawing: