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The difference between Tommy when he’s on camera and off-camera is somewhat jarring to anyone who doesn’t know him well.
On-camera, he’s arrogant. He’s loud, energetic, and likes to take all the credit. He’s somewhat mean, fully commits to the bit, and nowhere near shy.
Off-camera? He’s quieter- not quiet, but quiet er - and more calm. Far less arrogant, less ready to start up constant banter, less ready to argue anything.
Most of all, though, he’s a lot clingier. Not that he’ll ever own up to it, of course, but Jack notices it pretty quickly the first time they meet up.
A welcome hug. An arm slung around his shoulder for no real reason. Tommy leaning against him while they watch a movie with a muttered, “I’m tired.”
When Tubbo’s there, it becomes somehow even more apparent. Maybe it’s because Tubbo’s somewhat the same.
First, there’s Tubbo practically tackling Tommy in a hug the second he arrives. Both of them at various times grabbing Jack, or each other, by the wrist to drag them in a direction. Tommy resting his arm atop either of their heads any chance he gets with the most shit-eating grin on his face.
Not that Jack minds. He’ll deal with Tommy’s digs at his height any day; it’s just nice to be able to be around the two of them. In a way, it feels like being around family (not that Jack will ever say that, though).
“You talk a lot of shit,” Jack says as the three watch some Disney film he’s already forgotten the name of.
“Do not,” Tommy protests from where he’s basically pressed himself into Jack’s side.
“For someone who apparently ‘hates my guts’, you seem very happy to be cuddled up against me.”
“That was for the stream,” Tommy mumbles. “And I’m not cuddled against you.”
“It’s more like a weird hug,” Tubbo cuts in, stretching out further so his head rests more comfortably on Jack’s lap.
“My point still stands.”
“Shut up,” Tommy says, but there’s no venom behind it. “Tubbo, you’re crushing my legs.”
“Sorry.” Tubbo shifts the slightest bit, still sprawled out across the other two’s laps.
“Are you going to be quiet and let me watch the movie now?” Jack asks, with only the tiniest hint of annoyance in his voice.
“No,” Tommy responds instantly, followed by a yawn.
Jack rolls his eyes fondly. It’s moments like this that feel like home to him.
“Tommy, your roof is weirdly patterned,” Tubbo says after a minute.
“Can you be fucking quiet? I’m trying to watch the movie,” Jack says, a little more irritated now.
“Alright, dad ,” Tommy replied in a way that’s clearly meant to be mocking, but falls flat with how sleepy his tone is.
Jack focuses his attention on the movie again. By the time it’s done, both Tommy and Tubbo have fallen asleep. All he can do is smile fondly at them, tuck away a loose strand of hair that’s fallen over Tubbo’s face and lightly ruffle Tommy’s hair.
In that moment, it’s kind of hard not to feel like he’s extended his family by just that little bit more, and gained himself two brothers who seem to cause chaos anywhere they go.
Maybe one day he’ll tell them that. For now, though, he’s content to carefully reach for the remote and start up another movie.