Chapter Text
Tommy stared at the clock that hung above the main entrance doors. The handles moved, some slower than others. Thin fingers with bitten nails clutched at the dully coloured paper in his hand.
Words were printed out on the paper; the amount of money he’d paid for the ticket, where he was going, where he’d came from, the time, the date-
It didn’t matter. Because the teenage boy that stood there, trembling, would never use the ticket.
Tommy kept staring. “Tick, tick, tick…” Every second that passed he mumbled the same word under his breath.
He swallowed thickly and winced. His throat was on fire. He’d screamed until he could barely whisper anymore at his brother.
His ‘protective’ brother. His ‘caring’ brother. His overprotective brother, his overbearing brother, his short-tempered, arrogant annoying brother.
His brother.
He could be all of those names, and more. Anything under the sun. And he’d still be the younger boy’s big brother.
The younger boy was shaking like a loose leaf. The train station was dimly lit, the sun had long since dipped beneath the darkening horizon and it’s polar white friend had began beaming down instead.
The boy’s skin was as pale as a page in a fresh book. Blonde freckles lightly danced over the bridge of his nose.
People in this town only cared about themselves.
A fair few had pushed the frail boy out of their way as they stampeded in and out of the train station like savage animals.
But that was an hour or so ago. Since then, the train station had slowly emptied.
A man remained, clothed in an oversized blue jumper. On the rim of his nose sat metal circular glasses, they slid down occasionally and he had to push them back.
He hugged a beautiful brown wooden guitar as his fingers danced on the strings. It’s black, protective case lay on the cold, tiled floor. He would smile at the people who threw silver coins into the case as they headed for the exit doors and then go right back to playing.
Tommy stared down at the yellow line. He had dared to edge a little closer to it.
The announcement of the upcoming train rang in his ears unpleasantly. Only one part of it stuck with him, ‘…please stay behind the yellow line.’
Yeah, how ironic.
As the vibration of the concrete got more and more intense, Tommy slowly lifted his head and looked around. Nobody was waiting for this train. He wouldn’t be delaying anyone, holding anyone up— whatever you want to call it.
No inconveniences, no excuses.
He stared down at his shoes. They weren’t in the best condition, the white laces had long turned grey and began to fray and the Converse patch was slowly tearing off. These had been his favourite sneakers, worn again and again, through all types of weathers.
He made a mental note to ask his brother to-
…
He wasn’t going to be able to ask his brother anything.
He exhaled through his nose when he realised it was time. He could practically feel the vibrations in his stomach, the train was speeding and he edged forwards slowly, ever so slowly-
“Kid! Hey! Kid?” A man’s voice rang out, echoing through the train station when the blonde boy felt a hand tightly grip on his boney shoulder.
The blonde boy hesitantly took his eyes off of the train. It came to a steady stop, the doors opened with a click, before slamming shut again as the large metal snake began to gain pace and depart the station.
“That was…” Tommy paused for a second, “my train.”
The hand on Tommy’s shoulder didn’t move. The person who was grabbing him stayed silent too, before they took a few steps back, dragging a hesitant Tommy behind the yellow line.
“What’s your name, kid?” The mysterious man mumbled quietly, still possessively digging his fingernails into Tommy’s shirt. Tommy wasn’t even sure if the man’s words could be classed as a whisper, but he was sure the strangers fingers were going to leave deep purple and blue imprints in his shoulder.
Fear squeezed Tommy’s throat, he opened his mouth to reply, but all that came out was a strained gargle. Tommy’s eyed widened, clearing his throat before hesitantly trying to reply again.
“…Tommy.” Came out in a strangled pitch.
The man swallowed thickly. “I’m Wilbur, okay? And I think you should come with me. Just for a little bit- I don’t think it’s safe to leave you here.”
Tommy’s mouth fell open slightly. What was this, a kidnapping?
“I’m fine!” Tommy exclaimed, turning his head to get a better view of the man.
Tommy stopped when he saw he recognised the man. It was the busker that was playing cheerfully just a few moments before.
“Call me an idiot if I’m wrong, but I don’t think nearly jumping off the platform is the dictionary definition of fine.” The man forced a chuckle. “Come on. Just for a coffee, or something. It’s late.”
Tommy’s eyes darted back up the huge clock he’d been staring at previously, and he saw the man was right. It was way into the early hours of the morning.
The blonde boy softly bit his lip, “Okay. But not for long- just…” he paused for a beat, “yeah. whatever.”