Work Text:
Tommy zones out of the chatter growing around the dining room table. This was not how he wanted his weekend to start, not with 3 strangers (they weren't really strangers but they might as well be based on how little they really know) talking about lives that Tommy has never been a part of.
The clock ticks in the background, a familiar sound that slows the days significantly. He looks at the clock, 11:17. He's got work at 12 but can't find it in him to just leave from the table. He looks up from his plate and sees Wilbur talking animatedly while his father nods his head, smiling so wide it's unfamiliar.
He looks back at the clock, 11:28. Why had the time moved so quickly? If he doesn't leave soon he won't be able to get coffee with Sam and Purpled, his boss and coworker. When Tommy had first started at Sam's auto shop, it was foreign to feel cared for. Sam had treated him and Purpled so well it kind of freaked him out.
He would wait, wait for the text saying that he isn't needed the next day, the call saying he's fired. Waiting for the smile Purpled gave him in the hallway to turn to a scowl. But it never happened. Now he's been working for 7 months and they get coffee before their afternoon shifts.
He looks at the table, 3 pairs of eyes set on him.
Tommy swallows. “I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention. Did you ask something?”
Wilbur smiles and shakes his head, “Techno was just saying that you looked a little fidgety and you kept looking at the clock, and then dad asked if you were planning to go somewhere.”
“Oh, I've just got work at 12 bu-”
Tommy was cut off by Technos dull voice. “You've got a job. That's surprising.” Before he can defend himself Wilbur starts bombarding him with questions.
“Aw little Tom Tom has a job now. Where is it? What do you do? Do you like your boss? I remember when I was your age looking for jobs, all my managers sucked. How far is it?”
Phil chimes in before Wilbr loses his breath, “Mate calm down, don't want you running out of oxygen. But Tom, I would like to know more. I wasn't even aware that you started working, good for you!”
Tommy inhaled sharply, definitely not expecting that kind of reaction. Had it been just Phil he wouldn't have had to even say anything, mostly because they didn't eat together. Tommy didn't eat lunch as it is but when his brothers stood in his door frame for the first time in 5 years he felt just a bit pressured to come join them. He checks the time, 11:29.
“I uh- I work at the mechanic shop down the street from the school. It's pretty fun I guess, I mostly work on stuff under the car roofs but even then I don't do much.”
The eyes on him grow more curious as he talks and he just knows, I’m definitely not going to be able to make it for coffee.
Techno’s scowl stays the same, just with slightly raised eyebrows.
I think that's the most expressive I’ve ever seen him.
But Phil smiles at him to keep talking, so does Wil. It's weird to have the attention on him, and for the first time in years he feels listened to. He hates it.
He wants to leave, wants to grab his keys and run out the door and never come back. The weight of their eyes pull him down. They burn holes through him that aren't filled with hate or anger but instead curiosity and a familial undertone that he certainly isn't used too. They encourage him to keep going, and so he does.
“I started there around 7 months ago. Sam, my boss, is pretty nice. He takes me and my Co-worker out for lunch or coffee sometimes,” Tommy’s gut starts to tighten. I need to leave. Now. “Speaking of which, I should probably get going, me and Purpled have a thing to do before our shift starts.”
Phil smiles at him and his gut tightens more, “Alright mate, tell us more when you get home. I feel like it's been forever since I've had my boys all in one room.”
Tommy nods stiffly and gets up, putting his plate in the sink before rushing to grab his wallet and keys. He puts his shoes on and double checks that he has everything. Faintly, he hears Wilbur start a new story and the laughing of his brother and father.
The ticking of the clock stops as he closes the front door. The autumn air hits his cheeks as he takes a deep breath in. His gut unravels slightly while he walks and as he slides into his car, he breaks. Tears roll down his cheeks faster than he can wipe them, sobs stuck in his throat.
He doesn't realize that he's in front of Sam’s shop until he turns the car off. The comforting rumble of his car, the one he spent months saving for even though Wilbur and Techno got brand new Toyota Camry's on their 14th birthday, stops and the silence becomes far too loud.
His feet carry him to the side door, the smell of gasoline and smoke overwhelming his senses.
He walks and walks and walks, taking a very familiar route.
Past the restrooms. Take a left here. To the right of the bulletin board. Hurry past the break room. Almost there.
“...I know its probably nothing serious but he hasn't shown up yet and he never misses coffee days without warning… I guess… yeah youre probably right…”
Tommy’s steps quicken and the world slows down as hes walks into his favorite place, Sam’s office. Without hesitation he throws himself into Sam’s arms, letting it all out. Words become blurry and distant but he faintly hears a 'I’ll call you back Ponkie' before he feels two strong arms around him. They rub his back with such compassion and love that he finds it hard to stand up. In his panic he struggles to hear the words he's been craving all day.
“You're gonna be okay, Tommy.”