Tommy leans back in his chair. He sighs heavily, letting out all of his exhaustion in a single breath. His body deflates without that extra air. He closes his eyes. He feels like he could sleep right here, even with the knowledge that his back is going to physically kill him in the morning. Tommy is many, many unsavory things, but a freeloader is not one of them. Foster kids learned to work or they grew okay with starvation. It was a simple fact, and Tommy will give up hours of sleep in exchange for staying at the tailor shop. Tommy has gotten a lot better about mitigating his work over the months of working here, but he still isn't fast enough to do everything he wants to do in his allotted time. It pains him, but Madeleine assured him that repetition breeds skill. He will get faster soon, so for now, he will deal with the tiredness.

Tommy sits back up in his chair, opening his eyes. He slaps his cheeks with both of his hands. The minute pain sends a spiral of energy throughout his body. As another incentive for staying awake, Tommy reaches toward the window. He flicks the switch on his radio. The radio sputters with static. When the static fades, Tommy can hear a pop singer's voice belting out a high note. Tommy switches between many different radio channels throughout the day. The other tailors prefer music while they work, and though they all have different tastes in genre, they can usually agree on a singular station. Tommy decides on his own to switch the channel. He likes the music the others like, but he much prefers listening to a news channel, even if it is the channel that Phantasm took control over. The only good thing that came from that situation was that Tommy prefers the new guy's voice over the old one's.

"-unfair. The people are demanding action from the government," The broadcaster's voice fills the dark room. Tommy listens to it idly as he pushes away from his desk. On the other side of the room, near the pallet he sleeps on, Tommy hides the beginning of the costume he's making for Phantasm including the materials. Tommy hid it very thoroughly, as if the other tailors acted like his former foster siblings and not part-timers who were passively curious but otherwise uninterested in the one in their rankings that stays here. Tommy hasn't seen anyone get even close to his pallet. He is thankful, but he knows it is only a matter of time until someone does. For that reason, he hides his personal belongings very well, especially the damning ones like Phantasm's suit.

The box of high-value goods is also over here, hidden with some other boxes that no one bothers with anymore. Tommy is far less confident about that hiding place, but it isn't like he can put Netherite and phantom membranes anywhere. Tommy, not for the first time, decides that he can't wait for this project to be over with.

Tommy sets the costume down on his desk. He picks up the materials he had been using. He followed his plan to use the blue-and-black color scheme with touches of brown. Phantasm didn't give his opinion on the matter, saying something about giving Tommy free-range to do 'whatever his little tailor's heart desired.' Tommy was close to smacking Phantasm, but the villain wisely turned intangible, disappearing away from Tommy's hand.

"The heroes haven't even mentioned this in any of their recent interviews. When they are asked, they find a way to dodge the question. And, for the record, a majority of our heroes are hybrids. Even if they don't care about the people- which they claim they do- are they not fearful that the Binary Killer will come after them?" The broadcaster asks. Tommy glances up for a moment, staring at the radio as if he could look at the broadcaster. Tommy swallows thickly, shaking his head. He feels horrible for hybrids. On top of being discriminated against, they are starting to go missing. Some of them even turn up brutally murdered. As a kid the system doesn't care about, Tommy has some of those same fears as hybrids. He can't do anything to help them, though. The Binary Killer- as they are called- is far too powerful for a scrawny healer to fight. Tommy would die before he even got a single hit on the Binary Killer.

Tommy steps away from his desk to grab the box of Netherite and phantom membranes. He drags it over to his desk, setting it down beside the legs of his chair. He reaches into the box, plucking out some of the Netherite strands. He twirls them with his finger. His lips part in awe as the material bends like a regular thread would. Tommy eases his awe into a quiet thought in the back of his mind. He has time to work. There is no time to gasp and play around with literal Netherite.

Tommy threads the Netherite strings into the interior of the jacket he wants Phantasm to wear. He thought about doing it on the outside, but he doesn't think the iridescent purple would go with the dark brown-black of the jacket, especially since the rest of the outfit is black and blue. Doing the interior with it also saves Tommy the trouble of coming up with a design. Other than being insanely strong and durable, Netherite has the unusual ability to form a net of protection. If a person wears Netherite in different places across their body, it forms a barrier around their body without each part needing to cover the entire body. It is captivating, of course, but Tommy is not a scientist. He barely passed his classes when he went to the island's mandated schooling, and he didn't try for a higher education. Tommy will leave understanding how the metal works to other, smarter people.

"In other news, we are getting reports that the heroes were in conflict with the Syndicate earlier. For anyone who does not know, the Syndicate is a terrorist organization that actively targets our government, particularly the hero system. There are many notorious members of the Syndicate, but the ones in today's fight include the elusive Phantasm, the warmongering Ravager, and the angel of death himself, Azrael. These three are the main members of the Syndicate and are often considered the group's de facto leaders. Regardless of their status within the group, no one can understate the damage they do to the city and the challenge they pose for the heroes," The broadcaster speaks, changing the subject from the Binary Killer to the Syndicate. Tommy snorts through his nose. He wonders if the broadcaster will talk about the Pit. Maybe he'll mention the recent riots regarding the disappearances of vigilantes. These are all major conflicts on the island right now. At least, that is what Tommy is led to believe. He isn't entirely sure how honest his radio stations are.

While Tommy cannot prove it, he is certain a lot of the radio stations are under the jurisdiction of one force or another. There are some that will sing the praises of the heroes and demonize the villains. There is a hateful station that praises the Binary Killer's actions. There are even a few that Tommy knows are a scam for the local gangs. The only organization that doesn't seem to hold sway over any station is the Syndicate. Tommy figures they hate radio considering Phantasm's actions against the previous broadcaster. It also isn't like they care if people support their actions or not. As far as anyone is aware, the Syndicate wants to abolish the current government. A noble goal, but they don't always take noble actions in their pursuit of it.

"No one won the fight. No one ever wins these fights. I cannot be the only one who thinks this is a little strange. The members of the Syndicate are obviously volatile threats. I can understand the heroes having a difficult time bringing them. But this 'difficult time' has spanned over the course of a few years. We have only caught a member of the Syndicate once, and even then, Ravager was able to escape in a matter of days," The broadcaster continues. Tommy winces. This station has never been shy about calling the heroes and government out on their mistakes. The broadcaster himself invites people to think long and hard about their world, and he will spend hours discussing different points with his listeners. He is a brutally honest but rather amicable man. People can't help but listen to his ramblings even when they know it makes them just as liable to government intervention as it does him.

Tommy looks up suddenly. He turns around. Phantasm is sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall underneath one of the side windows. He has his arms thrown over his stomach. He blinks up at Tommy, completely tangible and visible. Tommy stares at him, his hands full with the jacket he was working on. He squints his eyes. Although the rest of the room is held in dim lighting by Tommy's desk lamp, the moon christens Phantasm with a pale light. It smooths out his sharp edges. It also makes him look extremely pale. Though, that could be from the wound that Tommy knows the villain has without even needing to look for it. Based on Phantasm's body language, he can guess it is a side wound. He might also have a twisted ankle, though it could just be bruised badly. Maybe sprained? Tommy would have to get closer to know for sure.

Tommy does not get closer. He looks back at the jacket he was working on. He wrinkles his nose in disgust when the metallic scent in the air confirms his suspicions that Phantasm is injured. Tommy shakes his head, trying to close off his sense of smell with all of his willpower. "You better not get your nasty-ass blood on my fucking carpet."

Phantasm laughs, though it sounds more like a dull wheeze. Phantasm's voice is weak even with the secret charm overlaying magic on top of it to make it sound like it is right at the cusp of what a human voice is meant to sound like. "I'll try not to."

Tommy hums noncommittally. He knows how to clean blood out of the carpet. He knows how to clean blood out of any fabric- perks of being a tailor on this island. Tommy just doesn't want to do the work. He'll have to spend his precious time cleaning up Phantasm's blood. Tommy wanted to get a few hours of sleep tonight.

"You know, I can make my blood invisible and intangible as long as it is within my general radius. I can hide the bloodstains while I'm here. I could also make them drip onto the floor downstairs," Phantasm answers, his voice weak but not quiet. He shifts from where he's seated. He grimaces, green eyes falling shut. He is still awake. Tommy can feel the villain's heart beating underneath his fingers. As long as it keeps at the rate it is, Tommy will stay at his desk.

"I would prefer the stain were up here," Tommy tells Phantasm. It would be easier to hide the stain if it doesn't come out all the way or needs a deeper clean than Tommy can provide at the moment. Madeleine will definitely get suspicious if there's a bloodstain on her floors. She will also be upset if it has dripped onto any of the clothes. Tommy doesn't know what is exactly under Phantasm. He thinks it's the front door, though. There aren't many excuses Tommy can use for why there's blood near the door since he doesn't use the door. He always leaves out of his window, and Madeleine knows this.

Phantasm hums in what might be considered agreement. Tommy doesn't know. He has yet to really learn all of Phantasm's habits. The villain seems a lot more relaxed than Tommy would have thought. There are times when he's a little more weird than terrifying. If Tommy didn't know any better, he thinks he could have been friends with Phantasm. This thought is ripped to shreds when Phantasm's smile grows a little too wild, or his eyes glow a little too brightly. It is a reminder that no matter how Phantasm acts, he is still a dangerous individual. He has Tommy's life in his hands without even trying. Tommy is just a mouse in the paws of a cat that enjoys playing with its food. Nothing more, and hopefully, nothing less. Therefore, Tommy only pays attention to Phantasm's dangerous habits. Tommy knows when Phantasm is feeling negative emotions, never positive ones.

"I was going to take some callers tonight, but our machine is broken. We are due to get it fixed tomorrow at the earliest. I will admit that I'm a little saddened by this. I enjoy chatting with my listeners. You guys always have such fascinating opinions, especially on the state of our world. I really wish I could hear what you all have to say tonight considering all the news going on. We have the Binary Killer ramping up their body count. We had the recent fight between the Syndicate and the heroes. And we can't forget about the Pit's recent moves. I would love to hear what you all think about that. Alas, someone was stupid enough to spill their soda on my set-up," The broadcaster says over the radio. Tommy wonders if Phantasm recognizes the channel. There is nothing unique about it right now- just a guy talking to himself over the air- but this is the station Phantasm personally got involved with. Phantasm hasn't touched the station since, so Tommy wonders if Phantasm likes this new broadcaster more than the last one. Maybe the last broadcaster did something. Phantasm might tell Tommy if he asks. Not like he's going to, but Phantasm might.

Tommy tunes out the broadcaster's voice as he starts tightening the threads of the Netherite. He isn't finished with the coat, but he's done so much of it in a single night that Tommy feels a surge of pride. Maybe Madeleine was right: repetition breeds skill.

Tommy rubs his hand over the side of his face. His exhaustion from earlier is nothing compared to how he feels now. He stretches his arms over his head, letting them fall back to cover the top of his head. He takes deep, long breaths to focus his mind for a little longer. He needs to prepare for bed, and he really doesn't want to trip because his mind is too sleepy to look for the vague shadows in the darkness.

Tommy stands up. He starts moving the unused Netherite strands into the box. He closes the box up tightly. He drags it over to its original spot with Phantasm's jacket hung over his forearm. He puts the jacket in his hiding spot, shutting it firmly. He takes a step away, and his eyes cut over to the man in the coat is being made for.

Tommy frowns, rubbing his forearm. The villain's heartbeat continues to pitter against the pads of his fingers. The knowledge burns his mind. His powers rise to the surface like putting his cold hands near a bonfire. He has spent his entire life suppressing his powers. He's covered his ears and closed his eyes in the past. Right now, Phantasm is sitting right in front of Tommy. Phantasm is in reach. Tommy could heal him rather easily. Phantasm knows about his powers, already, and that is only because Tommy deemed him worthy of living once. Tommy isn't one to go back on his stubbornly made decisions.

Tommy sighs. He walks over to Phantasm. The villain's eyes open slowly. He stares at Tommy apathetically. He really does look gray in the moonlight. Tommy kneels down onto one knee. He reaches for Phantasm's side. Before the healing light can spill from his palm, Phantasm grabs Tommy's wrist. The blonde's eyes widen. He flinches, almost falling. Phantasm pulls Tommy closer. His eyes seem to focus, and they staring directly into Tommy's soul. Tommy swallows thickly. A cat, he reminds himself, he is in the paws of a cat. "Why are you trying to heal me? The wound isn't fatal."

Tommy bites the inside of his cheek. Phantasm is technically correct. As long as the wound doesn't get infected, it won't take very long to heal. The ankle, too, will be fine as long as it doesn't put too much strain on it. Phantasm will be fine without Tommy's help. Tommy grits his teeth. Even though he is a mouse, he rips his hand from Phantam's grip. He glares back at Phantasm, knowing that he is probably as intimidating as a fly to the man in front of him. It is a blow to Tommy's pride, but he can't do anything about that. He really should have ditched his pride a long time ago.

"I'm healing you, asshole, because you're right fucking here. I can't ignore your suffering," Tommy informs Phantasm. That is the crux of it all. Tommy can ignore his powers and the urge to heal when no one in need of healing is around. He can pretend that other people don't need his abilities when he cannot directly see them. Phantasm has been injured in front of Tommy twice now. Both times, Tommy has gone against the rules he makes for himself to heal Phantasm. It isn't because he likes Phantasm or because he wants a favor. It is because Phantasm is there. Tommy probably would have healed anyone he saw in that alley that day. A terrifying thought, but not an untrue one.

Tommy lifts his hands over the side wound. Like twisting the knobs to a faucet, the golden light begins to pour out of his hands. It descends, spiraling and waves like a ribbon in the air. It falls across the wound. The skin begins to reform. The blood that slides across Phantasm's side slides back up into the body. Tommy shifts, brushing one hand against Phantasm's ankle to hurriedly fix it. Now that he's closer, he can tell that it was only some really nasty bruises. The bruises are gone. Tommy leans back when he's done. He takes a deep breath to steady his own body. He doesn't know what the consequences of overtaxing his powers are. He has never done it before. He feels a light touch of cold throughout his body, but Tommy doesn't know if his powers or his exhaustion should be blamed for that.

"You can leave now, bastard," Tommy tells him, reaching his fingers to touch the bloodstain on the carpet. It isn't as bad as he thought it was going to be, thankfully. He will probably have enough time to clean it in the morning rather than doing it right now.

Phantasm huffs instead of disappearing. Tommy raises an eyebrow at the villain. "What the hell is it with your and your insistence on saying? I don't fucking you need you here. I can do your tailoring shit by myself."

"I like you," Phantasm shrugs, as if he hasn't just said the oddest thing Tommy has ever heard in his life, and he's heard plenty of odd things growing up in group homes with a bunch of stupid people- kids and adults included in this metric.

"You like the healing," Tommy amends Phantasm's statement to make it easier for his mind to process. Other than the fear of being kidnapped and trapped for the rest of his life, Tommy does have the tiny fear that if people knew he was a healer, that would be the only reason why they liked him. Tommy doesn't have too much more to offer people other than his healing. Phantasm has deemed his tailoring skills to be good, too, but Tommy doubts anyone would be his friend just because he could make them some admittedly nice clothes every few weeks.

"While the healing is nice, I also like the company," Phantasm reasons with a smile brushing across his face. It is one of his nicer smiles, Tommy thinks. It doesn't look insane in the least bit. It doesn't wreck his heart to look at. It is another reason why Tommy is certain they could have been friends in other circumstances. Tommy feels warm just looking at the smile, after all.

"No one says that about me," Tommy admits. He didn't have any friends growing up. While he's on civil terms with the rest of the tailors, he knows none of them can really be counted as his friends. They can talk about the music they listen to together, but he would never go to any of them with personal issues. They wouldn't come to him, either. Madeleine is pleasant, but she isn't a friend, either- only a good boss.

"You do seem like the friendless type," Phantasm proclaims. The mouse forgets he is sitting with a cat as Tommy hits Phantasm in the arm. He glares at Phantasm, but his anger is as fleeting as Phantasm's dangerous facade usually is. Phantasm laughs at Tommy's reaction instead of threatening Tommy. He prefers Phantasm's laughing face to his crazed one. "I'll be back tomorrow, okay?"

"Fucking leave already," Tommy snarls. Phantasm shakes his head good-naturedly, disappearing below the floorboards. Tommy shakes his head, a soft smile rising on his face.