To Each Their Own, and Their Own to Each

Walking through the streets was a little surreal for Tommy. The tall buildings looked like they were from a dream, and the shadows they cast looked even more frightening than the nightmares. It was mid-day, and Tommy felt thankful for the shade, even if it was slightly fear inducing.

Tommy clutched his hood with an iron grip. He wasn't sure if he should be here. Tommy had read about this city in sparse books he could find as he traveled. His hooded cloak covered most of his body and provided protection from the elements, though, if he were to take it off, the light tank-top that exposed his shoulders would cause him to get burnt and the cargo shorts weren't too attractive. Gotta look a little decent for the ladies so he covered them up.

He made his way through the shaded streets, trying to find signs of life. Soon he came to an area that looked like an outdoor market. Many people surrounded the different stalls that sold an assortment of different foods, clothing, and other easily accessible items. Tommy rolled his eyes.

He noticed how weirdly the different gods and goddesses looked. One goddess wore a beautiful icy dress that seemed to have a train that would melt away as she walked. A god had floating rocks that circled him as he purchased more food. Tommy made a mental note to avoid the menacing dude. The amount of people here was starting to get slightly overwhelming but he ignored the feeling

He made his way into the open area to get a closer look at the shops. They had to have SOMETHING of value. He was near the edge when he ran into somebody and fell backwards. He looked around confusedly.

"Ah, sorry about that."

Tommy's piercing blue gaze stared straight up at the man.

His eyes were a hazy grey-brown that were accompanied by dark circles around them. His curly brown hair flowed out from a beanie and his wide and wall frame was covered by a yellow jacket-like tailcoat that can no sleeves and black jeans. The two ends of the tailcoat curled up in spirals.

"Oh shit, you're a boy. You looked tall enough to be a man." The guy chuckled.

"Uh..." Tommy stuttered. He hadn't planned to talk to anyone.

"Where are my manners? I'm Wilbur." He reached out a hand.

Fear sparked in Tommy as the hand got closer. He scooted backwards with a glare and got up himself, meeting Wilbur at eye level.

-

"Jeez, you really are tall." Wilbur laughed. The boy frowned.

Wilbur smiled at him kindly for a moment. The boy seemed really skittish and he didn't want to scare him off.

-

Tommy was a big man! He wasn't going to be scared of this lanky ass guy.

-

"I haven't seen you around here before. Where do you come from?"

Wilbur could visibly see the boy hesitate.

"That's not really important."

"What's your name?"

The boy hesitated again.

"Tommy. I have to go."

"Wait a minute!"

But he was already gone. Wilbur frowned. He clutched the bag he'd been holding the entire time filled with simple food. He shrugged, sighed, and left for the house.

-

Wilbur trudged through the front door, bag in hand. He was met with his father.

"Welcome back, Wil." Phil greeted and went back to cooking something.

Techno skipped down the steps hastily.

"Did you get my potatoes?" He asked monotonously.

"Yeah, in the bag." Wilbur murmured.

Techno eyed him and Phil spared him a glance.

"Something you wanna talk about?" Phil chuckled.

"There was a boy at Gringle's named Tommy."

Techno shifted his gaze to him, his eyes lighting up with interest.

"We haven't had any newbies in awhile."

"I know, that's the thing. He didn't appear like a god besides his eyes. The blue glowed a little too bright like Phil's eyes."

Phil looked over and blinked.

"Sense anything?"

"Not really.. Either he's good at hiding it, hasn't developed yet, or he's human."

"Humans can't find this place without a god's help. You didn't see anyone else did you?" Techno pondered.

"Nope." Wilbur popped the P.

"How old do you think he was..." Phil mumbled.

"Maybe 16 or 17? Don't even think about getting another kid. Are we and Techno not enough?" Wilbur sighed dramatically.

"Of course you are enough, but I am a refuge for many."