Stolen Chances

Chapter Seventeen

The small bell above the auto shop is a quiet thing, much preferable to the loud chime at the diner. The smell of oil greets Tommy as he enters the shop. A green haired man is stood behind the counter typing away at a laptop, not even looking up at the door. "Welcome to Sam's Awesome's Auto, how can I help-" His eyes finally flicked up to the teen, "Tommy?"

Tommy wasn't confused by the man's shock. He hadn't been by the shop in a long while ever since he got his job at the diner. He use to visit Tubbo frequently while he was working his internship. Also probably doesn't help that he looks like he's been crying all morning.

"Hey, Sam," Tommy gave him a small wave before fiddling with the sleeves of the hoodie he was wearing, one of Ranboos he had stolen a long time ago that was tucked away in his side of the closet. "How have you been?"

Sam closed the laptop in front of him sliding it out of place only to lean forward on the counter to get a closer look at Tommy. "I've been good, how are you, Tommy?" His words were laced with concern as he gave the teen a once over.

"I'm- I'm alright. Um, weird question but, did Tubbo and Ranboo come in today?" Tommy avoided eye contact as he spoke.

Sam frowned confused, "Uh, no they actually gave me their two weeks, Tommy. I- I thought you would have known that?"

Tommy swallowed roughly as he finally made eye contact with the man. Blinking back tears rapidly he spoke, "Oh. No I- I didn't. They disappeared yesterday."

Sam winced before walking around the counter pulling into a loose hug. "I'm so sorry kiddo, I haven't seen them all day. I could try and make a few calls and see if anyone else has?"

Tommy sniffled as he dragged one of his sleeves over his face wiping aware the still spilling tears, "Please? I don't know what to do Sam. I just want to fix it."

Sam squeezed his shoulder, "I'm sure it will be alright. You look tired how about you go home and get some rest okay?"

Tommy nodded as he hugged his arms close, muttering a weak by to Sam. It was early afternoon and the sun was beating down on the concrete yet Tommy only felt cold. He eyes his dirty shoes walking the same path when he heard the bell of the diner up ahead.

Sat in the same front booth through the window he saw Wilbur. Laughing as he shoved Technoblade's shoulder with his own before getting reprimanded by Phil sat across from them. The craft family sat together in the diner for a family meal as if it was just a normal thing for them. Maybe it was, Tommy tried not to think about them much.

The bell rang once more as he entered but it sounded distant, drowned out by the blood rushing through his ears. Phil saw him first of course, a worried expression quickly taking over his smile as he spotted the teen. Technoblade turned his head and was surprised briefly before a bemused expression covered it up. Wilbur saw him last and shoved at Technoblade to get out of the booth as he spotted the still running tears down his face.

"What did you do to them?" Tommy asked with a calm voice betrayed by the way his body was shaking.

"Who?" Phil questioned.

"Toms-" Wilbur reached for him but Tommy stepped back.

He was starting at the table intently as if looking at any of them would finally break him. "Where are they?"

Technoblade scoffed but out of the corner of Tommy's eyes he could spot the weariness to his features, "We don't know who you're talking about, kid."

"My roommates!" Tommy snapped briefly looking at all three of them before his eyes returned to the center of the table, "Tubbo and Ranboo. They're missing. What did you do to them?"

"Tommy, we didn't do anything-" Wilbur tried to reach for him but Tommy just backed away shaking his head.

"You're lying, all you do is fucking lie to me, Wilbur." Tommy glared at the man. Wilbur was standing one hand supporting him on the table as he reached out for Tommy, blocked by his brother still sat there staring at him like he was some sort of puzzle to try and solve. His face held regret and sorrow but it was all bullshit.

He turned to Phil, the tears fell freely, "Please I'll join you. I'll work for you, I'll stop being an ass, anything that you ask just please- give them back." Tommy stares, his eyes wide, his heart pounding, his breath coming in tight gasps.

Phil was staring at Tommy almost shocked but pained as well, regret filling his eyes as he gave him an almost sympathetic smile, "Tommy, I'm sorry but," Phil glanced at his sons before turning back to him, "We don't have your friends."

Tommy shook his head, "You have to. You have to have them, because if you don't that- that means they left me and we wouldn't do that to each other we wouldn't!"

He felt cold hands pull him into a tight hug as his lungs struggled to breathe. Wilbur strokes a hand up and down his spine. He can't breathe. He isn't breathing. He's gasping, sharp and tight, his ribs won't expand. They were gone. Tubbo and Ranboo were gone and they left without him. Had he really messed things up that badly?

He just wanted to help.

"I can't- I can't" Tommy sobs shaking his head as he began pushing Wilbur away.

"Toms?" Phil asked the concern obvious in his voice

"I- I have to go, I'm sorry- I can't." Tommy wiped frantically at his face, not really sure why he was apologizing.

"Would-" Technoblade cleared his throat, worry evident in his eyes as he turned to fully face Tommy, "Do you want us to look for them?"

Tommy shook his head backing up from Wilbur who still had a hand on his arm, "No, they um... it's alright. I- I guess." Tommy whispers, his voice quiet and hollow.

"You just came in here having a panic attack after them, mate." Phil pointed out kindly.

Tommy shrugged, ignoring the tears still streaming down his face, "They don't want me anymore. I'm used to it- it's alright." Tommy repeated although the lie felt weak even to his own ears.

Phil winced almost reaching out toward him, "Mate, I'm sure that's not what it is."

"I need to go." Tommy glanced around the diner, "I'm not supposed to be here."

"Tommy, wait," Wilbur shakes his head, a frown on his face.

"Sorry," Tommy bites out already heading to the door, "Sorry."

Tommy began walking home watching the ground once more and he rubbed away tears harshly. This wasn't fair. He didn't want any of this. He just wanted to help his friends he didn't expect to walk in on a fucking murder scene! He didn't expect those mafia fuck heads to want to find him and have him do their dirty work. He didn't expect Wilbur to get attached like he's some sort of wild animal to tame!

He wasn't expecting a strong arm to wrap around him from behind and drag him into a nearby alleyway. Panic shocked his system as he fought desperately against his attacker. Nor was he expecting the sharp sting of a needle as it pricked his skin. 

Dimly, Tommy felt himself wavering on his feet, his knees striking the ground as his shoulders slumped against the cold concrete. His vision darkened as the world began to slip from him.

Well, shit. At least Tubbo and Ranboo don't have to worry this time, Tommy thought bleakly as he faded from consciousness.