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Tommy had curly hair.
Anyone who could see knew that. It was just that -not many people knew the full extent of it.
No one else in his family had curly hair, so he never learned how to take care of his curls, most of the time he just ran a comb or his hand through it and called it a day.
His mom always fawned over his hair when he actually styled it curly, and his dad's fond glances didn't go unnoticed. It was just difficult to keep up with and a lot of work, especially without product to keep his hair healthy and at least somewhat manigable.
He was trying to be more confident, try to help himself feel more comfortable in his own skin. So he decided to try to wear his natural hair for a change.
So, finally he asked his mom to help him find something he could put in his hair to help him manage his unruly curls.
She eagerly agreed, excited to have her sons natural hair out and about, and they got some from the store while they were out.
He picked out a cheap one that looked good, it was a milk spray for naturally curly hair and it smelled amazing, like coconut and something else he couldn't quite place.
He tried it out the next day after a shower, you were technically supposed to use it on dry hair, but Tommyinnit was never one for following directions.
After what felt like hours, his hair was dry and curly, fluffy and poofy. When he finally exited the bathroom his mom grinned, cooing and doting on him. He rolled his eyes as she immediately ran her hand through his blond curls, scrunching at them and watching as they puffed right back up.
She didn't leave him alone for awhile.
His dad just watched in amusement, smiling fondly when Tommy leaned into the hand in his hair. Tommy couldn't really complain, -it felt nice.
The only problem was he forgot about his meet up he planned with Wilbur.
Now that wasn't a problem in and of itself, he loved Wilbur, and he was ecstatic everytime he got to meet up with the man he saw as a big brother.
It was just that Wilbur had never seen his natural hair before.
And he was a bit nervous on how he would react. Don't get him wrong, he knew Wilbur, he was supportive and kind, he's just never had anyone outside of his parents see his hair like this before.
He was have worried that Wilbur would laugh at the mass of fluffy golden curls on his head, even though he knew Wilbur would never do that. He was just feeling insecure, okay?
He felt vulnerable, showing this natural feature of his to someone, no matter how close they were, he couldn't help but feel exposed.
So when Wilbur showed up at his house to pick him up, knocking politely on the door despite his parents adoring him and always telling him to come right in, he didn't really wanna be the one to open the door.
His mother just smiled reassuringly at him and went to answer the door.
She pulled it open and grinned at Wilbur, "Hello, Wilbur, please come in"
Wilbur smiled widely at her, "Thank you, Mrs. Innit"
Tommy's mom snorted, before looking over to her son hiding in the corner, she smiled softly at him and gestured to Wilbur, "Come on, Tom, Wil's waiting for you"
Tommy gave her a pleading look, but walked over nonetheless.
He locked eyes with Wilbur and smiled nervously, "Hey, Wil"
Wilbur blinked at him for a second before making a noise in the back of his throat like he was trying not to squeal and Tommy's dad coughed to cover a laugh.
Tommy furrowed his brows slightly, tilting his head to the side as his mom grinned widely.
"Hey toms" Wilbur grinned, "ready to go, swee- Tommy?"
Tommy grinned back, walking closer to Wilbur and allowing the man to sling an arm over his shoulders; this was the usual procedure: Wilbur waiting until they get out the door to shower him in affection and brotherly (and maybe a bit of paternal) love that always made Tommy's heart warm as he giggled and batted the man's hands and face away as he presses tiny kisses all over Tommy's face.
He saved the endless pet names til it was the two of them, soft and warm, curled up on the couch or a bed watching a shitty movie and feeling the domestic, familial calm wash over them.
Wilbur was always private with his affection and Tommy got that, he was okay with it; I mean, it's not like Tommy goes around pecking people on the cheek or indulging himself in a probably-too-long embrace in front of everyone.
He was more just honored that he got to see that side of his brother, soft and fond, tactical, clingy and oh so affectionate.
So it was no surprise that the second they closed the front door behind them Wilbur yanked him into a tight hug, ignoring his slightly startled yelp.
He grinned and wrapped his own arms around the man, letting Wilbur sway and rock them back and forth with a soft, fond hum.
Wilbur buried his face into Tommy's blond curls with a grin Tommy could feel against his scalp, "I missed you, baby," he murmured into unruly gold, "Ash and Mark kept making fun of me cause I was 'sulking' and 'pouting' all week 'cause I missed you lot's"
Tommy snorted, slumping further into the warm affection.
Wilbur huffed a small, fond laugh into his hair, "They always act like they're any better, Lovejoy rehearsal just isn't the same without my little one," he cooed half-teasingly, "Joe was asking about you all week too, even though I already never shut up about you"
Tommy flushed, whining and pulling away lightly, "Wil," he drew out in mock irritation.
Wilbur grinned, smug and fond. His eyes flickered to Tommy's hair and his eyes lit up again, another small choked noise escaping his throat.
Tommy raised an eyebrow, "You alright, Wil?"
Wilbur nodded vigorously, "Yeah, never better, [email protected]," he reassured with a wide smile, "you just look so fucking adorable is all"
Tommy blinkes at the man, flushing bright red and scowling at the amused look on his brothers face.
"What's wrong, Tommy?" Wilbur cooed teasingly, "You don't like being called adorable, darling? What about pretty? Cause you're precious, fluffy, golden curls are gorgeous, really brings out your beautiful, blue eyes, sweetheart"
"I hate you so fucking much"
Wilbur hummed, "No you don't"
"Yes, I do"
Wilbur just huffed, pulling Tommy's wrist gently to lead him to his car, the latter still burning red and unable to stave off the fond grin slowly overtaking his face.
"Whatever," Wilbur huffed as he hopped into the drivers seat, waiting for Tommy to jump into the passengers side before making a show of pouting as he turned on the car with a twist of his keys in the ignition.
Tommy rolled his eyes fondly, "Fine, I don't hate you, happy now?" He drawled.
Wilbur's lips twitched like he was fighting back a smile, "Would you say you love me, angel?"
Tommy groaned dramatically, his head hitting the headrest of the seat.
"Yes, Wil, I love you, now are you done being a dramatic bitch?"
Wilbur grinned, humming, "Probably not, but you're safe for now"
Tommy snorted fondly, rolling his eyes and slumping back against the seat.
Wilbur smiled lazily as he started his playlist hooked up to the bluetooth, "Sorry, toms," he muttered, not sounding apologetic at a, "what else are big brothers for if not embarrassing their baby brothers?"
Tommy glared at him half-heartedly, shoving at the man's shoulder lightly before they pulled out of his driveway.
Later that night after they made it back to Wilbur's flat, Tommy was snuggled into the man's arms, the latter's face buried in golden, unruly curls and grinning against the boys scalp.
Tommy huffed but melted further into his big brother's hold anyway. Wilbur simply tightened his arms around the boys waist gently, comforting.
"You comfy there, darling?" He asked fondly, a content smile tugging at his lips.
Tommy yawned, jamming his head under the man's chin, forcing him to lift his own head up to accommodate him with a fond laugh.
The boy hummed contentedly, "Very" he mumbled.
Wilbur grinned, running a gentle, callused hand through Tommy's curls, twirling one around his finger.
"You can sleep if you want, baby," he murmured softly, "I don't mind"
Tommy nodded slightly against the man's neck, letting his eyes slip shut and falling asleep to the feeling of being safe in a pair if strong arms, a hand rubbing circles on his back and a hand kneading his curls gently.
He was out within minutes, safe and content.
Wilbur's smile softened, he pecked a kiss to the boys brow softly, lingering.
"Sweet dreams, little one"