Chapter Text
Wilbur made his way through the crowded halls toward the front office. There was a new freshman transfer student at the school and they chose Wilbur to show the kid to his classes. He turned the corner and walked through the school lobby, entering the large glass doors at the end of the hall. The office was almost empty.
Wilbur scanned the room, quickly spotting the freshman. A tall, blonde boy was standing nervously in the corner, fiddling with the string on his red hoodie, a blank expression on his face. Wilbur walks over to the boy to introduce himself.
“I’m Wilbur,” the boy looked up at Wilbur. “You’re Tommy right?” Tommy didn’t respond. “Well, I’m the one who’s gonna be showing you around.” Still no response. Wilbur gave Tommy a confused frown. Tommy noticed and quickly pulled out his phone, typing something. Then turned the screen toward Wilbur.
This is fucking stupid. Tommy shifted his weight as he fiddled with his hoodie string. He was standing awkwardly in the office's corner, having picked this spot to avoid interaction. Tommy hates new people, hates explaining his problems to them. But it was school policy that transfer students needed another student to show them around, so here he was.
In Tommy’s peripheral vision, he sees the office doors opening. He raises his head to see the person better. The boy that walked through was stupidly tall, with fluffy brown hair. He also seemed to be a couple of years older.
The boy looked around before spotting Tommy and walking over. He spoke as he got closer. Tommy tried to listen, really, but it was just so hard. When he tried to listen, all the words sounded muffled. The brunette eventually stopped talking and frowned.
Tommy figured he would have to talk to him anyway, so he pulled his phone out and opened his notes app.
i can’t hear.
Wilbur paused after reading the message, and a wide grin formed, realization settling over him. So that’s why I got assigned to him. He quickly brushed his hair from his ear, revealing a pastel yellow hearing aid. As Wilbur did that, Tommy’s eyes widened in surprise.
With little thought, Wilbur signed. His hands moved quickly in excitement, completely oblivious to Tommy’s face, scrunched up in confusion. Wilbur soon stopped, however, when Tommy turned his phone towards Wilbur.
write pls
Wilbur frowned slightly. Although he was a little disappointed, he understood not everyone would know sign language. He grabbed Tommy’s phone and typed back.
Got carried away sorry :p
He turned the phone around so Tommy could read it. When he did, Tommy let out a huff of amusement. Wilbur smiled at that and turned the phone back to himself to continue typing.
I’m Wilbur. I’ll be showing you around today :D
He handed the phone back to Tommy. The blonde nodded as he finished reading and quickly typed a response.
whats yor number ? easuer to talk taht way
Wilbur immediately pulled his phone out and the two exchanged contacts, quickly continuing the conversation in text form.
Why don’t you talk? If you don’t mind me asking.
Tommy read the message and took a deep breath before texting back.
this is all new n shit and i suck at volume
my foster dad always says i talk too loud
Wilbur nodded at the first text. He understood the struggle of volume control when you can’t hear yourself. The second text gave him a bad feeling, though. He ignored it for now, reminding himself that not all fosters are shitty and Tommy probably meant little by it.
Well, I don’t care how loud you are. You can always talk around me if you want to :)
“Thank you.” Tommy said, though yelling would probably be a more accurate description. A wide grin was spread across his face. Wilbur chuckled at that. He then abruptly remembered why he was even there.
Can I see your schedule? I’m supposed to take you to your classes.
Tommy pulled a wrinkled piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Wilbur. He looked over it for a moment before putting his attention back to his phone.
I know where these are, just follow me.
The two smiled at each other before leaving the office and stepping into the crowded halls.