Chapter Text
“Come on, get up!!”
Tommy groaned as he felt a light kick at his side. He groggily opened his eyes to see a policeman glaring down at him, arms crossed.
“No homeless loners allowed,” he hissed coldly.
Tommy tried to regain his memory as he stayed there lying. Then he remembered falling asleep crying after losing Wilbur for the second time. He didn’t want to leave his spot, if it meant leaving him.
“Please, sir. I’m not homeless. I’m just.. sad.”
The policeman gave a harsh scoff. “Yeah, like everyone else here. What makes you different? Now go!” He pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “Or else.”
Tommy began sobbing again. He didn’t want to leave Wilbur. He thought he could still feel his presence there, even though he knew it was impossible. But whatever it was, he wasn’t ready to let go.
“Fine. Have it your way.”
“Let him go. He’s with me.”
Tommy blinked at the new voice. He glanced to his right, to see three familiar figures in the shadows.
“Lovejoy!!” he gasped.
“You know this man?” the policeman gestured towards Tommy.
Joe stepped up, and Tommy realized it was him who spoke. He bent down to Tommy with gentle eyes, and wrapped him up in an embrace. Tommy was overwhelmed by the scent of pine, and he remembered the rescuer on the Isle.
You. It was you the whole time.
Joe nodded, as if he heard Tommy’s thoughts. “Let’s go home, Tommy.”
“Hold on,” the policeman interrupted, pulling the two back. “Something seems suspicious here. What’s your relation to this man?”
Joe looked deep into Tommy’s eyes, mouthing an “I’m sorry” with an expression begging for forgiveness.
“Why?” he accidentally said aloud. “I don’t-”
“He’s my brother, sir.”
Tommy’s eyes widened, but allowed it. It was for the best.
“I see,” the policeman nodded. “Well, I’ll let you go. But I better not see you lying around here again.”
“I won’t,” Tommy mumbled, still gathering his thoughts.
Joe lifted him up, the same way Wilbur always carried him. He turned around and began to walk off, when Tommy spotted his crushed bouquet left behind.
“Joe..”
Joe stopped in his steps. “What is it Tommy?”
“My flowers,” he answered weakly. “Wilbur.”
Understanding the message, Joe walked back. He quickly let Tommy down and bent over to pick up the flowers, when the policeman gripped his hand.
“What is it now?”
“Just let him have his flowers man!”
“Why does he care about his flowers?” the man growled. “How do I know he’s not smuggling something?”
“Look at the boy!” Joe screamed, grabbing Tommy to his side. Mark and Ash ran to the two as well, to stand by Tommy. “Does he look like some dealer to you?”
The man huffed. “Fine.” Obviously, he’s never experienced mourning before.
Joe gave the flowers back to Tommy, who held them close to his heart. Then the friend lifted him up again, Tommy nestling his head in his shoulder.
As they made their way out of the train station and into the night, lights sparkling and the moon shining, Tommy knew Wilbur's friends would continue to take care of him. He knew that Wilbur would trust them with his brother’s life. And Tommy trusted Wilbur, for his judgment.
He began to slip into a deep rest, Mark holding his hand and Ash ruffling his hair. He buried his face deeper into Joe’s neck, breathing a faint “thank you..” before falling unconscious.
And as the child slept, there was a smile left on his face. Because he knew, with all of his heart, that he was in the hands of those who care for him and love him just as much as Wilbur loved him.