the final moments before pogtopia - also papa puffy & protective karl + quackity

ok ngl i totally hit a wall here with like. this Entire chapter and had to really force myself through it. despite the election being one of my favourite arcs i just could not for the life of me write it out so that's why this chapter is so short unfortunately. ALSO. i meant to update this yesterday night so my apologies.

((Disclaimer: I did not initially expect this big of an audience when I wrote this fic. It was supposed to be the most self indulgent thing in the world and I didn't think that many people would read it. I Was Wrong. When starting off with this story I was essentially just toying around with darker themes and 'what ifs'. This characterization of c!Wilbur is NOT to be taken as canon interpretation. Very sorry for any people upset with my portrayal of him, this was just a 'hey. what if the RP was a bit darker and more realistic/graphic. From this point on he becomes a much more exaggerated and violent version of himself. I also started writing this fic when I was very new to the fandom and I Regret That. Anyways thank you, and you can keep reading now.))

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

“I wish we had some snacks or something,” Sapnap whined quietly to himself. George gave him an amused glance.

“Hey mrs. God?” The blaze hybrid called up to the ceiling, “do you have anything for us to eat?” He asked. Many others around the room snorted or huffed amusedly at that.

There was no response.

“Rude…”

Wilbur stood tall on a large tower in the now rebuilt L’Manberg. It was night, and the country spread out much further than it had before. The buildings below them were glowing warmly.

“Tommy,” he began, turning to the boy standing quietly at his side, “I have a plan.”

Tommy couldn’t help the smirk at those words, knowing exactly where it was headed. Try telling me Wilbur’s a saint after this Phil, I dare you.

“L’Manberg needs leadership, that’s a given.” He hummed, staring out onto the horizon.

“That’s why they have you, Wil.” Tommy supplied, ever the diligent little follower.

“Yes but the people and I don’t have a connection.” Wilbur shook his head, “they need to be sure in their hearts that I’m correct for this role.”

Outside the walls a pack of wolves descended on a sheep and her child, tearing them to pieces. Wilbur watched without reaction, staring intently as the canines feasted.

“Tommy we’re going to have an election.” He declared, moonlight casting a shadow on the side of his face Tommy could see.

“An election?” The blonde asked, brow furrowed.

“An election.” Wilbur affirmed, nodding.

“Hey this means a bunch of us have joined!” Quackity exclaimed happily, “I’m so ready to see myself kicking ass in HD.”

Niki was glaring at the screen, arms crossed bitterly but also… her face seemed almost sad.

“I run for president, someone as my vice, of course,”

The pink haired woman grit her teeth, clenching her fists.

“and we don’t tell anyone else there even is an election!” Wilbur spread his arms out wide, a hint of something not quite him in his eyes. “Along comes voting time and, oh, look; there’ll be no one to vote for but myself!”

“I knew it!” Quackity leapt from his seat, eyes wide with vindictive glory. “I knew that goddamn election was a sham from day one!”

Everyone else watched him, some amused, some bored.

“You done?” Karl grinned.

“Absolutely not,” Q shook his head, “I kept telling everyone ‘Wilbur is trying to run a one party system under the guise of democracy’ but nooooo . It was always ‘ Oh Quackity! Wilbur Soot would never hurt a fly! He’s impartial! He just wants what’s best for L’Manberg!’ ...” He took a deep breath, seating himself.

“I hope you all feel like massive idiots right now.” He declared cooly, hands folded neatly in his lap.

Tommy said nothing, only staring at his older brother, face impassive, before breaking into a grin.

“Tommy!” Puffy cried, for some reason shocked that he’d do such a thing; as if he didn’t have an awful track record of doing underhanded things just for the fun of it. He grinned sheepishly.

“Government corrupts.” Technoblade said dryly.

“To hell with you!” Tommy replied, “I’ll have you know I was just as corrupt before becoming vice president thank you very much.”

Many people in the room raised a brow at that, giving him an unimpressed look. He faltered, smiling nervously.

“Anyways it was Wil’s idea,” he shrugged them off, “bad role model or whatever.”

Phil frowned, not sure what to make of that statement or the most recent memory in general. Wilbur wouldn’t… he was a good kid he wouldn’t just rig an election that… that wasn’t like him.

“Well that’s just brilliant,” The blond laughed, “let’s rig an election!”

“Oh Tommy,” Sam sighed, putting his head in his hands. Tommy laughed loudly.

“No no,” Wilbur shook his head, “no we’re not rigging it.” He denied, “it’s just that they won’t be able to vote for anyone other than m-”

“LETS RIG THIS BITCH!” Tommy cried excitedly, jumping up and down.

“You are fourteen years old,” Tubbo scolded, “have some class.”

“Like Wilbur.” Ranboo nodded.

“Wilbur doesn’t have class, he just lies.” Tommy informed them. “S’not my fault he likes being all high and mighty. At the end of the day our actions here were the same.”

That was a key thing Tommy had noticed, actually. Tommy and Wilbur had both done morally wrong things, but Wilbur had always been adamant with his silver tongue that he was actually in the right. He’d always made others believe it, but looking back, Tommy wondered if he’d believed it himself as well.

At least Tommy had no problem admitting he was in the wrong (sometimes); Wilbur was convinced he could do no wrong, always twisting words and such to make himself look better.

“Tommy,” Wilbur began tiredly, seeking after the young boy bouncing around ahead of him, “Tommyinnit.”

Tommy looked back, still smiling. “What’s up?”

The president stopped in his tracks, waiting for the young boy to notice and stop too. He took a deep breath.

“I want you to be my running mate.” He said, “I want you to be my vice president, Tommy.”

The blond looked back, tilting his head like a confused dog. Eventually he broke out into a wide grin. “Poggers.” He gave a thumbs up.

Niki couldn’t suppress a groan of frustration at that. How easily Tommy had brushed off such a large gesture sent her into fits of madness. Many others looked over to see her hunched over, stewing angrily.

“Something you would like to share with the class, miss Ninachu?” Tommy asked, shit-eating grin on his face. Ranboo rolled his eyes, trying to telepathically signal to the other that egging the woman on was probably a bad idea.

“Yes, actually,” Niki began, lips twisted into an ugly frown, “You didn’t deserve that. You didn’t deserve to be vice president.”

“Niki I don’t know if you know this but I actually happened to lose the election,” Tommy laughed, “I wasn’t vice presi-”

“ Shut up,” Niki hissed, “you are so annoying! You shouldn’t have been chosen for the role of vice president! Wilbur should have known better he-”

“He just chose someone he trusted is all, it wasn’t a big deal-”

“Then why didn’t he choose me!?” Niki cried, voice cracking. It was silent for a few moments before she dissolved into sobs, burying her face in her hands, “Why didn’t he pick me?” She whispered hollowly. “Even once?”

The others watched sadly as she sobbed, long mourning cries of a man already mourned too many times.

“Well that’s obvious innit?” Tommy said, tone light as if it was a casual discussion. People in the room looked to him, waiting for him to answer. He was smiling, though the look in his eyes was hard to decipher.

“He cared about you too much.” He laughed, turning back to the screen and avoiding everyone’s gazes.

Niki looked up, eyes wide and sniffling, trying to understand what the boy meant. She wiped hastily at her eyes, the confusion of his words bringing her rage and sadness to an abrupt stop. She straightened, lost in her own head as she contemplated Tommy’s answer.

The rest of the group had no idea what to say.

The screen shifted to a small cramped office, reminiscent of Wilbur’s quarters during the war. There was a large window, much like the first, and a swivelling chair before it. Tommy was leant back comfortably, hands behind his head as he did loops in the chair, humming to himself contentedly with his eyes closed, a small smile on his face.

The boy opened one eye as he heard the door creak open, turning round to face the entrance and sitting up straighter.

Wilbur made an entrance, scrolls of parchment in his arms and a terribly withered disheveled air to him. Tommy gleamed up at the scarily tall man, flashing a peace sign.

“What’s up Wil?” He greeted, leaning over onto the desk with his elbows and framing his face somewhat adorably.

“For someone rigging an election you sure are cute…” Puffy muttered. Tommy grinned.

Wilbur set down the scrolls on the desk, letting them sprawl out messily. He carded a hand through his hair, sighing loudly. He looked as though he’d been up all night.

“Things aren’t going smoothly, Tommy.” He frowned, eyes flitting over a specific paper he had rolled out. The blond curiously peeked over, trying to get a glimpse of what the older was reading before Wilbur gave him an unimpressed glare and he backed down sheepishly.

“In what way?” Tommy asked, “you gotta give me some context!”

Wilbur ran both hands over his face, half groan-screaming as he did. He massaged his temples, going over the notes again, and the Not-Wilbur look was once again visible in his eyes.

“Coconut2020.” He hissed, like the name was acid in his mouth, “They’re doing well.”

“Well they did offer free cookies,” Tommy laughed, not noticing Wilbur’s irritation at his antics.

“That’s not the only thing,” Wilbur smacked another piece of paper, “Swag2020 is also doing… good. Too good…”

“Eyy! Big Q!” Tommy grinned, hair bouncing happily, “good for him!”

“Aww Tommy!” Quackity smiled. The boy in question blushed.

“Tommy!” Wilbur cried loudly, slamming his hands down on the desk and scaring the younger. Tommy was taken aback at the loud noise, smile slipping from his face instantly.

“S-Sorry Wil…” He laughed nervously, “I’ll be more serious.”

“Thanks.” The president replied dryly, seemingly unimpressed and still rather cross with him. Tommy curled in on himself without even really realizing.

“He shouldn’t’ve yelled at you like that.” Puffy’s nostrils flared at the memory. She’d never met Wilbur and he seemed kind from what she’d seen, but she didn’t appreciate anyone talking to Tommy like that.

“They’re brothers,” Phil interjected, “it’s normal for them to get frustrated with one another.”

“Not like that…” The sheep hybrid frowned. Phil levelled her with a glare.

“Oh I’m sorry, are you their parent?” He asked, not trying to hide the bite to his tone. It was evident the past few memories had put him much more on edge.

“Someone has to be…” Puffy muttered bitterly. The bird hybrid’s eyes widened, wings flaring as he stood.

“What did you say?” He asked, voice dangerously level.

“It’s nothing,” she shrugged, “just you know… If I was their parent I probably would’ve acted more like it. Showed up when they needed me, you know?”

“You bitch. ” Phil hissed, face the angriest any of them had ever seen it, “I’d like to see you raise three boys on your own!”

“But you didn’t,” Puffy refuted, “you raised one. Hi Techno.” She waved cheekily, only further aggravating the winged man more. Techno waved back silently.

“I did my goddamn best,” Phil growled, “I was the best father I could manage to be.”

“ Then where were you when Tommy needed you ?”

The room quieted at that, and a couple eyes turned to look at the blonde in question, but Tommy was staring at Puffy, eyes wide with wonder.

“Tommy?” Phil looked slightly taken aback, “when did he ever need me?”

“He’s your son!” Puffy cried, shocked, “he always needed you!”

“If he needed me he would’ve told me,” Phil rolled his eyes, looking over at Tommy, “right?”

Tommy frowned, swallowing thickly. He crossed his arms, biting his lip. “Yeah.” He managed, trying to sound as sure as possible.

“See?”

“Oh go fuck yourself Phil that was so clearl-” Puffy’s speech faltered as she felt a hand on her forearm. She looked down to see Sam, clearly signalling for her to cease. She frowned.

“I think that’s enough,” Techno commented, “we should just let the magic god screen do its thing. Who knows, it might prove one of you wrong, but we’d have to keep watching to know.”

“Fine.” Puffy huffed out, seating herself, “but I’m not taking back what I said.”

“Wouldn’t expect you to, hag.”

“I’m younger than you!” Puffy swivelled around, craning her neck to look at Phil who was smiling down at her.

“Guys.” Sam sighed, looking on the brink of something awful.

“Sorry…”

The two seated themselves, though Puffy could feel Phil glaring holes into the back of her head.

Tommy opened his eyes, being greeted with darkness. He blinked a few times, trying to come into awareness. It was late at night, past midnight for sure, and he was laying in his bed. He wasn’t sure what had awoken him.

Sitting up wordlessly, he ran his hands through his hair, sighing.

“Jesus,” Tommy muttered, “I remember this shit.”

Ranboo looked to him, confused.

He stretched out, yawning tiredly. Just as he was going to return to sleep, he caught something out of place in his room. Squinting tiredly at it, he was finally able to make out wide eyes staring back at him from the corner of the room, shielded in darkness.

“Oh my god…” George mumbled, leaning closer to get a better look while Karl screamed loudly, hiding his face in Quackity’s shoulder.

Tommy let out a terrified shriek, backing himself up.

The figure didn’t move, just blinking occasionally. Tommy frowned, peering at it before recognition crossed his features. “...Wilbur?”

“What the hell is he doing?” Sapnap asked.

“Watching me sleep.” Tommy replied, and many of the people in the room seemed to grow concerned at how nonchalantly he’d answered.

Wilbur watching him sleep had become a constant in Pogtopia. The man almost never slept, and he was terrified that Tommy would abandon him in the night; so he spent many of them silently staring at his younger brother as he slept.

“Hey Toms.” The figure, now identified as Wilbur, whispered. His large piercing gaze was broken momentarily as he stepped out of the shadow and into the moonlight. Tommy swallowed thickly.

“W-What’re you doing?” The blond laughed awkwardly, scolding himself for being nervous around his big brother of all people.

Wilbur said nothing, only sighing. He seemed to do that a lot those days. Wordlessly, he made his way over to Tommy, seating himself on the edge of the younger’s bed. He motioned for Tommy to lie back down. Tommy complied.

With his younger brother back under the covers, Wilbur smiled softly. He began to run his fingers through Tommy’s hair as the blond watched him with wide eyes, unsure of what to say.

“The results for the election are tomorrow.” He hummed, stroking the side of Tommy’s face.

The shorter laughed nervously, shifting under his brother’s touch.”Yeah big dubs, that’s why I was catching some Z’s, you know? What about you?”

Wilbur, who had been looking off into space since he’d sat down, made eye contact with Tommy, and it took everything in the blond’s power to not rear back. His older brother’s eyes were almost unrecognizable.

What the fuck. What the fuck. What the fuck.

“Couldn’t sleep.” Was all Wilbur said, still combing his fingers through Tommy’s hair.

“This is getting really fucking creepy.” Fundy whispered. Tommy bit his lip, feeling his chest grow tighter.

“No matter what happens,” The tall man began, “you’re on my side, right Tommy?”

Tommy took a deep breath, studying Wilbur’s features. The man seemed… sharper, more dangerous in that moment. Tommy could barely recognize him.

“Of course Wil.” He smiled weakly.

Wilbur smiled back softly, leaning down and kissing Tommy on the forehead. “I love you.” He whispered.

“I love you too…”

Tommy wanted to keel over and stab himself through the stomach after watching that, but at the same time he felt a little relieved. He’d never tell them about what Wilbur had really done, but maybe that alone was enough to see how fucking weird he was near the end.

“I didn’t like that.” Fundy frowned, “Like. Like at all.”

“Can’t imagine anyone did, big man.” Tubbo laughed, though his eyes gave away the fact that internally he was spooked.

“Wilbur was very… nurturing with you, Tommy.” Sam commented, choosing his words carefully.

“Like a mother bird mhmm.” Ranboo nodded diligently, and Tommy laughed loudly, brushing off his discomfort. He wasn’t sure what to say to Sam’s comment, so he didn’t reply.

“Jack you’ve been uncharacteristically quiet,” Puffy noted, turning back to look at the bald man, “is there something wrong?”

Jack smiled weakly, thinking back to the death glares he’d been receiving from Karl and Quackity every time he considered opening his mouth, looking over at the two who were staring back, practically daring him to speak. He shook his head. “Nope! Everything’s good in Manifold-land!” He laughed anxiously, sweating bullets.

Puffy gave him an unimpressed glance, telling him she didn’t believe shit , before turning back to the screen.

Tommy panted loudly, giving his all as he and Wilbur raced through the dark forest. Overtop of their L’Manberg uniforms they wore large cloaks, obscuring their identities as they ran deeper and deeper into the woods.

When they finally stopped to rest, both of them looked heartbroken.

“We’re banished…” Tommy whispered, tears building in his eyes, “from our own nation. That- Wilbur that’s our nation!”

“Huge L to you both.” Quackity laughed loudly, “now you’re homeless!”

“That was so insensitive Big Q I am going to cry now.” Tommy huffed, tilting his nose up in disdain.

They walked over to a small dirt hill, chatting absentmindedly about things they missed already. Tommy began to dig out a little cave-like den in the hill, much like his first home.

“What is it with you and hobbit houses?” George asked, confused but smirking all the same.

“Cozy.” Tommy shrugged.

“Wilbur c’mere.” Tommy motioned, waiting for his brother to approach. He placed a sign on the outside of the house, writing on it ‘Home’. “I’ve built us a house.”

“It’s pathetic.” Wilbur snorted, amusedly stepping into the tiny little den.

“He’s not wrong.” Techno said, “I remember that dingy little place. It sucked.”

“It did not suck!” Tommy cried, offended.

They spent a couple minutes silently crafting and setting up chests inside the house. It wasn’t until Tommy heard an odd clanking that he looked over, eyes widening dramatically.

“Wil…” He whispered, shocked.

The Wilbur Soot was dressed head to toe in diamond armour. He was frowning, looking worn down and ruined.

“In all my time on this server, I have never worn armour,” He muttered, “but now? Now I have no choice.”

“Honestly never thought I’d see the day.” Sapnap muttered as everyone thought back to how adamant Wilbur had been on not wearing armour.

“We’re on our own, Tommy.” Wilbur sighed, looking up at the blond with that same haunting stare from the night before, “just you and me.”

Tommy frowned, hugging himself. Pogtopia, even the idea of it, was not pleasant. The things he’d gone through within that cramped crevice, the thing he’d watched his older brother degrade into, he would never forget.

Unfortunately, no one in the room, not even Tommy, was prepared for what was to come next.

twitter is @47bats instagram is @bi0sl

i love villain jack but i also love that he is extremely easily intimidated i think its so fucking funny that he has murder on his mind but one wrong look can send him spiraling and that hes scared of everything. also a personal favourite of mine has always been the feral boys interacting with tommy so rest assured you will see LOTS of that as we move along.

next chapter things are going to get heavier (finally!!) and i'm very excited to write about it T-T.

& JUST TO CLAIRFY I DONT HATE C!PHIL.. i think his actions ARE somewhat understandable from a sort of deluded point of view. he's convinced himself that everything is fine with their little family and that his dead little middle child was perfect in every way shape or form simply to cope and also because of the terrifying amounts of guilt he feels. anything good wilbur might've been is amplified 10x in his grief-riddled eyes and the blame he feels is IMMENSE. so he harbors resentment towards himself and it manifests in unhealthy ways. he is not excused though and i cannot WAIT for him to get a taste of his own medicine cause MAN. he is going to have to pick up his jaw off the floor after next chap.

HUUUUGE thanks to all of u for the support on this fic! if u want to talk abt it u can @ me on twitter or if u have any constructive criticism or ideas i'd love to hear them too!! see u guys soon!