Chapter Text
“We won’t be gone long, okay.? We always come back, plus it won’t take long for our brother to get us kicked out.”
That was the last time Tommy saw his brothers.
It’s been ten years since he saw them. God, he doesn’t even remember their names.
Over the many years of his ‘precious’ childhood, Tommy had found himself in 6 group homes, 3 homes he’s glad he never has to return to, and 2 homes he thought were permanent. Despite that none of them ever felt close to the feeling of home.
His brothers were his home.
Sure they weren’t related, but those years they spent together in the countless group homes felt more like family than the couple that almost adopted him did.
It was all ripped away from him when some random bastard wanted to take two boys in.
Of course the guitar playing boy was chosen. Of course the naturally talented boy that knew everything about Greek mythology was chosen. Of course the ‘problem child’ that would hide behind the two older boys wasn’t.
It didn’t hurt that they left, it hurt that they promised to come back.
“So Tommy.” A woman's voice who Tommy identified to be his social worker called out
“Okay, Okay cut the bullshit. Why did you randomly come pick me up at 6pm? My check-up isn’t till next month?” His voice was laced with venom.
“I- Okay Tommy we talked about this, cut down the swearing. The Stevenson's called me last night and said they wouldn’t be able to care for you anymore, you know with Helen being pregnant and she's due-”
“What the fuck? They’re getting rid of me?” The boy's face went pale.
Sure Tommy didn’t quite believe this placement could become permanent, but he tried this time. He really did. Yeah. Maybe he slipped up once or twice but he hadn’t run this time! That surely is somewhat of an improvement.
“I wouldn’t put it like that Tom, they- they can’t afford it anymore.”
“They can’t afford the $500 the state gives them each week? Yeah, yeah that is utter bull.”
Silence lingered in the small car they both sat in for mere seconds before the engine abruptly started. Tommy hated how everytime he finally felt comfortable in the house he slept in the people ‘kind’ enough to take him had had enough, the money wasn’t worth taking in the trans neurodivergent ‘problem’ child anymore. The somewhat peaceful blanket of silence was broken when the driver of the car spoke up once again.
“There's a nice man two towns over willing to take in an emergency placement, consider yourself lucky you're not going back to Bessie’s.”
Tommy shuddered at the thought of returning to Bessie's. The woman herself wasn’t neglectful, however it was quite transphobic that the woman kept on inviting Tommy to an all girls group home despite being aware of his identity.
“His names Phil, he lives just out of Kidlington in this-”
The boy didn’t bother listening any moments longer, the way things are going he’ll only be on a first name basis before he’s back in Bessie’s snotty group home.
Truthfully, he could try run again if he does it in the first week. The fosterer probably won’t care enough to go out for Tommy themself so will likely call his social worker and let them sort it out. By the time the worker arrives he will be straight outta town. I’m so smart wow. Tommy thinks giving himself a small ego boost just as he realises the car has come to a halt.
His worker turns around, trying her best to be intimidating, but Tommy's wasn’t phased.
“Tommy. For the love of prime. Please don’t mess this up, there aren’t many people left willing to foster at this point and I'm trying my hardest to not get you placed at Bessie’s, but this is a last ditch effort. So please Tommy, okay? For your own wellbeing.”
As much as the boy wanted to disagree, he couldn’t. He knew she wasn’t lying and genuinely was trying to get what was best for him.
“Promise.”
Promises were never Tommy's forte anyway.