Infected

3 - Start of a Journey

"Thank you Mrs. Sato," Tommy said as he left the Sato Mansion to go out to Clay, who was waiting by the car.

"It's no problem Tommy," Asami smiled as he happily ran back to Clay.

"Let's go," Clay said in a monotone voice, hiding his annoyance at visiting Asami. Something had changed in Tommy, and she had something to do with it.

"Are we going to the gym," Tommy asked as they drove into the city.

"No, the other teams are training right now so I've rented a small dojo just outside of Avatar Korra park," Clay told him.

"Oh, okay," Tommy was partially hoping he would have to take him to Airbender Island to train. It would've been an excuse to see Tubbo, even if he wasn't supposed to know anyone Clay didn't.

"Is there something you're not telling me," Clay asked. Tommy started to panic internally, usually he would have been able to say no then go hide somewhere in the house. Now, Clay had him in a place he couldn't run and hide.
"No, nothing," Tommy said, did he know? No, that was impossible, he had been careful.

"Well as your brother I have a right to know what you're doing and what's going on in your life, especially since I haven't been home often in the past few months," Clay said in a soft tone, "I'm your friend, Tommy. And I'll be your only friend if you don't trust me."

An idea sparked in Tommy's head. "Could I have more friends if you meet them?"

"Of course, that way I can make sure they won't be a bad influence on you," Clay said, starting to wonder if Tommy had been sneaking out recently. He had only let Tommy go over to Mrs. Sato's because he needed someone to keep an eye on him. Now, he was starting to think it wasn't such a good idea.

This was it, he could finally tell Tubbo about Clay and he wouldn't have to hide anymore. Tommy grinned at the thought.

"Why do you ask," Clay said, hoping to get more answers out of him.

"I'm almost 17 and it would be nice to celebrate my birthday with you and some friends," Tommy said, it wasn't a lie and when Clay just nodded he assumed that meant he would think about it.

"I actually think that's a good idea, I met Nick and George when I was your age," Clay said, he left out Antfrost because he had disappeared from the team without even saying anything. Friends didn't do that.

"Thank you, I really mean it Clay," Tommy smiled. They soon pulled onto the side of the road in front of a small training dojo. Tommy walked in to see three other people he didn't recognize. Wow, did Clay have a lot of friends.

"Wait," Clay said, sounding a bit annoyed. "Where's Zak?"

"Skeppy," One of them said. He had lighter skin and ginger hair and wore a black hoodie and blue jeans. "I haven't seen him since yesterday."

Clay took out his phone to see if he had any messages from him. "Well if he couldn't come he should have said something."

"It might have been a last minute thing," another one of them said, they turned to Tommy and held out their hand. "I'm Eret, that's Badboyhalo and Sam."

"Tommy," He said, taking Eret's hand and shaking it.

"Well I have to go," Clay said, checking his watch. "Make sure he's at the gym by 2 to train with George and Nick. Be good Tommy."

"You don't have to worry about me, Clay," Tommy called as he left them.

"Little overbearing isn't he," Eret said.

"It's just cause he cares," Tommy said, it was only 11 in the morning so Tommy assumed he would have a good three hours to train. "Why don't we get started?"