Content Warning: misunderstanding, internalized ableism, brief mentions of physical fight/injury, overall shittiness of the foster system
When they first arrive at the store, they converge around the car. Tommy's already taken a few steps toward the store, but quickly falters when he sees that the other three have all gathered around one another.
"Game plan," Phil says, "we go I'm, Wilbur has the list. If anyone gets overwhelmed, needs a break, or needs to leave for any reason, let me know and we can do that. If we're split up and you need a break, text me. Sound good?"
Wilbur and Techno nod. Tommy thinks about mentioning that he didn't bring his phone, but it's not like they're going to leave him alone anyways and they're already moving toward the store.
Tommy hurries to catch up.
Techno immediately scowls when they enter, holding a hand over his eyes like a visor.
"Fucking fluorescents," he mutters. Tommy stares. Techno catches his look, giving him a glare for a millisecond. Tommy drops his own gaze to the floor, doing his best to not look like a threat. Techno's obviously the tougher of the two, and Tommy really doesn't want to get in a fight with him.
Tommy has height, but he's incredibly scrawny. Techno's not exactly muscular, but he's got a lot more definition and tone then Tommy does, with the advantage of age- potential experience. Plus, something about him exudes confidence. He could beat Tommy up easily.
Tommy may be a fuck up, but he's not an idiot. He's not about to challenge Techno.
Wilbur makes a beeline for the dollar section, Techno trailing after him, shoving his hands in his pockets as Phil grabs a cart from the front. Tommy stands awkwardly in the path between the two groups, getting into numerous people's way.
He winces each time a person gets blocked by him, moving swiftly to the side only to run into someone else. It's a horrible game of pinball but Tommy doesn't know the group he's supposed to go with so he bounces around until Phil heads his way and then passes him to meet up with the boys.
Tommy hurries after.
Techno and Wilbur are muttering over things in the dollar section, Wilbur pointing out scented pens and Techno saying something along the lines of Wilbur being an actual five year old.
Phil herds them towards the home section and they go without much trouble, Wilbur sliding in the pack of pens behind Phil's back.
Tommy catches the action and Wilbur sees him looking, raising a finger to his lips and winking.
Tommy's heart pounds, caught in a dilemma. Wilbur asked him to keep quiet so obviously Phil doesn't approve of the pens being bought but Tommy can't tell him because Wilbur told him to be quiet.
But if Phil finds out Tommy knew, will he get in trouble alongside Wilbur? But if Tommy tells Phil, how will Wilbur punish him?
Tommy shakes, scrambling to figure out the best solution.
He decides to stay quiet. After all, he's never been seriously hurt by a foster parent before. Shoved around, denied food, shut in a room- sure, but never really injured.
The same cannot be said about other foster siblings.
Tommy says nothing.
"Is there anything you want for your room?" Phil asks.
Tommy balks.
"Uh, I'm okay?" he tries.
"Different sheets? Different comforter?" Phil asks, "any particular color you like?"
YOU ARE READING
take this compass, follow it home
Fanfictioncredit to whoever wrote this (its anonymous) on ao3 its easier for me to read on wattpad :) Summary: Tommy's a fuck up, he can't pay attention, and never sits still. He taps his hands, pushes people away, and has never had a best friend. He's a scre...
