Chapter Text
Most people
didn’t
know Scott had a strange and lethal food allergy. It was something that basically no one knew. That was until he had a massive reaction in his English class last week, barely managing to get the teacher’s attention to his medical alert bracelet.
To be fair no one really thought that someone who loved pumpkin flavored things would be allergic to pumpkin seeds. But there Scott was. His allergy was strange and rarely came up in school but it wasn’t like this was a rare occurrence. After all you’d be surprised about how many pumpkin flavored things had Pumpkin seeds in them!
Actually you probably wouldn’t but Scott was every time.
More often than not, it was Scott’s fault for grabbing pumpkin flavored things, most didn’t come with a warning of ‘contains pumpkin seeds’ and Scott was quick to assume that meant it didn’t have them. Autumn was an unfortunate time for his allergy as most things were pumpkin flavored. And Scott had grabbed pumpkin flavored breakfast bars when doing his weekly grocery shopping.
“So they said you’re not allowed to leave campus during the day?” Tommy asked as he sat down at the cafeteria table for the first time in ages. Jimmy nodded solemnly.
“Yeah, after school the principal caught up to us and said that as per our involvement we aren’t allowed to leave during the day.” Jimmy said. “I’m not sure what we did but I guess we provoked the shove or something.”
“Bullshit.” Tommy muttered.
“I agree.” Scott said. “My alarm didn’t go off so I didn’t have time to make lunch for myself.”
“So you’re eating the plebeian food with the rest of us?” Jimmy asked. Scott only raised an eyebrow at him.
“I thought you’d know me better by now.” Scott scoffed. “No, I’ll gladly wait until after school. I’m not risking getting food poisoning.” He grabbed his backpack and grabbed the breakfast bar he had in the small zipper pocket.
“That’s not going to be enough.” Tommy laughed as he stood up to go grab the school lunch.
“It’ll get me through the rest of the day.” Scott protested.
“I’m getting lunch.” Jimmy chuckled, standing up with Tommy.
“Suit yourself.” Scott replied, biting into the breakfast bar.
By the time Tommy and Jimmy got back, Scott had already finished the bar and was idly scrolling through his phone.
“Scott, are you alright?” Jimmy asked, setting his tray down. “Your face is red.” Scott shook his head.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.” He cleared his throat and shook his head again, like he was trying to shake something off his head.
Lunch ended pretty quickly, Scott was oddly quiet throughout lunch, coughing a couple of times prompting Jimmy's frown to deepen each time. Regardless, they went their separate ways, Scott to his English class and Tommy and Jimmy to their gym class.
Scott's throat was beginning to bother him more and more. He was finding it increasingly hard to breathe, and he could just feel his face heating up.
It hit Scott like a panic attack. He was having an allergic reaction to something. He fumbled to try and grab the other breakfast bar to see what was in it but couldn't. His hands weren't listening, and he couldn't grip anything.
"Are you okay?" Katherine, one of Scott’s only friends and seatmate, asked him. Scott realized fast that he wasn't breathing anymore and rapidly shook his head as he desperately tried to gasp in air. Katherine seemed to realize what was going on and stood up, raising her hand as she did so.
"Miss! Scott's not breathing!" She exclaimed. And everyone turned to look. Scott would feel embarrassed if he wasn't so worried about breathing.
Their teacher rushed over, and Scott held out his wrist, showing her his medical alert bracelet. Luckily, she understood and asked where his epipen was. He barely managed to point to the pocket in his backpack.
The familiar prick of his epipen sent relief through his system that he would soon be able to breathe freely again. Scott just hoped it happened before he passed out as black dots danced around in his vision.
But soon enough, his throat opened, and air came flooding in. Scott gasped for air, his lungs ached, but breathing felt so much better than it ever had before.
"Okay, let's get you to the nurse." The teacher said, helping him stand up and walk to the door. Scott sighed, knowing there was a hospital trip in his future.
-
Jimmy technically didn't have to attend gym class. He was a part of the school's swim team, so technically, that counted as his physical education. But, as soon as he learned that Tommy was in his gym period he started going again. It was nice to spend time with him and it wasn't like Jimmy had much else to do. He'd rather hang out with Tommy than do homework.
"Is that an ambulance?" Tommy asked, looking out towards the parking lot. Jimmy picked up the frisbee that Tommy had thrown way too far to the left and jogged over to where he was.
"Huh. Yeah, strange. I hope everyone is okay." Jimmy said and glanced around at their class to make sure they hadn't missed anything. "Not anyone in gym."
"Science lab?" Tommy asked. Fainting was relatively common in the biology classes as some students couldn't stomach dissections and diagrams.
"Probably." Jimmy replied. "I wouldn't worry too much about it." But his own tone betrayed his own anxieties.
"Yeah..." Tommy let himself trail off.
"Come on, we should keep playing or we'll get in trouble for standing around." Jimmy said. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he stopped to pull it out. "Hold on just a moment."
Scott had texted him.
Petal <3
Do you have your license on you?
Shark boy <3
Yeah why?
Petal <3
Can you drive my car to the hospital after school?
Petal <3
They won't let me drive there by myself so I'm going in the ambulance 🙄
Shark Boy <3
WHAT?!
Shark Boy <3
WHY ARE YOU GOING TO THE HOSPITAL?!
Petal <3
Oh right
Petal <3
My breakfast bar was pumpkin flavored :(
Petal <3
It had seeds in it :(
Shark Boy <3
Scott you need to stop eating those things
Petal <3
No
Petal <3
Will you drive my car?
Shark Boy <3
Yes
Petal <3
Thank you 💙
Shark Boy <3
Are you okay?
Petal <3
I'm fine. Just have to go to the hospital every time I use the epipen
Shark Boy <3
Yeah I know
Shark Boy <3
As long as you're okay
Petal <3
Yeah I'm fine. I promise.
Shark Boy <3
See you soon
Shark Boy <3
Love you 💚
Petal <3
Sap
Petal <3
Love you too 💙
Jimmy sighed and shoved his phone into his pocket.
"Well, the ambulance is for Scott." Jimmy told Tommy. Tommy had been attempting to do tricks with the frisbee and he gaped in shock.
"What?!" Tommy exclaimed, the frisbee hitting him in the head. "Is he okay?"
"He's fine, he just had an allergic reaction to the breakfast bar he ate during lunch.” Jimmy explained.
“Scott’s allergic to breakfast bars?” Tommy asked, confused as to why he was buying them then. Jimmy chuckled at him.
“No but he is allergic to pumpkin seeds, and the bar contained them since they were pumpkin flavored. They usually don’t include stuff like that on the label and I don’t think Scott reads them as much as he claims he does.” Jimmy said.
“Oh, really?” Tommy asked, wondering how that worked. He never expected Scott of all people to not be aware of himself and his allergies, he always seemed so aware when it came to Jimmy and Tommy. Jimmy nodded.
“He’s kind of an idiot, street smarts anyway.” Jimmy told him. “He’s fine, trust me. We just gotta bring his car to the hospital and then when he’s better we’ll take you home. Unless you wanna take the bus, or get a ride with your brothers.”
“Fuck no.” Tommy replied, crossing his arms. “I’d rather be in the hospital myself. Can’t fucking stand them.”
“How have things been?” Jimmy asked. “Scott and I didn’t want to push you if you didn’t feel like talking about it but it sounds pretty serious.” Tommy sighed.
“Yeah, not great. I haven’t talked to anyone since they were suspended. I don’t leave my room and keep my door locked. Phil and I exchanged some… words and we have spoken since. Kinda hoping he puts me up for adoption, or if we were to print out adoption papers maybe he’d sign them.” Tommy muttered.
“You’ve been watching too many movies.” Jimmy commented.
“Hey, if it happens in Matilda it can happen in real life.” Tommy defended. Jimmy snorted.
“Whatever you say.” Jimmy replied. “We’re here for you if you need us. Scott has a million empty rooms in his house and it gets kinda lonely there. If you need a place to stay I’m sure he’d be more than happy to house you. Or hide you from the police.” Jimmy winked. Tommy chuckled.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He said, and he meant it. Perhaps he’d start going home, climbing out his bedroom window and going to Scott’s house instead. It’s not like anyone bothered to check on him. Phil hadn’t even looked at him since the fight and the twins weren’t much better. They didn’t ignore him but Tommy had no intention of talking to them any time soon.
“Come on, gym is almost over and you have math next.” Jimmy said, grabbing the frisbee from Tommy and walking back towards the school.
“Can I skip?” Tommy asked, reluctantly following. “Math is so stupid and literally the most boring class ever.”
“Why are you asking me?” Jimmy asked, laughing. “I’m not your dad.” If that didn’t sting. Sure he wasn’t but him and Scott acted like dads to him. They were better parents than Phil ever was. He sort of wished Jimmy was his dad and it stung to be reminded that he wasn’t. It hurt to know that Phil was his father, legally, biologically anything and Scott and Jimmy were just two people he happened to meet in high school. He was thankful for it, sure but they weren’t his family. Not legally anyway.
“No but you act like one.” Tommy teased. “So can I skip?”
“Hmm, nope!” Jimmy replied. Tommy groaned.
“Really? Why not?”
“Your grades are gonna slip if you skip classes, you want to get into a good university, don’t you?” Jimmy asked as they entered the school building with the rest of their classmates.
“I want to get into whatever uni you and Scott go to.” Tommy replied. “If that’s a good one then yes.” Jimmy looked at him with an expression he couldn’t place for a moment, but then softened and ruffled his hair.
“Well I’m going where Scott’s going. Wherever that is. He hasn’t decided yet.” Jimmy replied. “I wouldn’t have applied to any of these schools if it wasn’t for him. I figured I either just go into swimming or I’d take over the family business with Lizzie. But I like the idea of going to uni.”
“I just want to get out of my house. I’ll go anywhere, preferably with you two.” Tommy said. “That way I can stay at Scott’s house during breaks and stuff. Don’t have to pay for extra housing while not going back home.”
“Scott will be happy to have you, even if you don’t go to the same college as him.” Jimmy told him. Tommy sighed wistfully.
“I can’t wait until I’m 18.” Jimmy chuckled.
“I don’t think any of us can.” He said.
“You’re already 18.” Tommy pointed out.
“I meant for you to turn 18.” Jimmy replied. “Get you out of that god awful house of yours.” They were quiet for a moment, as they walked out of the gym and into the hallway, heading towards Tommy’s next class.
“Maybe I can trick Phil into signing adoption papers, get me out of there sooner.” Tommy replied, startling Jimmy into laughter.
“Maybe.” Jimmy said, still laughing. “Just maybe.”
----
By the time Jimmy and Tommy got to the hospital, Scott was sitting out front waiting for them. He stood up as soon as his car pulled around.
“Finally!” Scott exclaimed.
“Need a ride?” Jimmy asked, leaning on the window, sunglasses on. Scott plucked them from his face and put them on himself.
“Yes.” Scott said, as he climbed into the passenger seat. “Hi Tommy.”
“Ayup Scott. You good?” Tommy asked.
“Fine. I was fine after the epipen but I gotta go to the hospital every time I use one. They have to check me out and make sure I’m okay.” Scott explained.
“Maybe stop eating the thing you’re allergic to?” Jimmy suggested, pulling out of the hospital parking lot. Scott hummed.
“I don’t do it on purpose.” Scott told him.
“I’m starting to no longer believe you.” Jimmy replied, smirking slightly.
“I just like pumpkin flavored things alright?” Scott exclaimed. “It’s not my fault if they don’t put ‘Contains pumpkin seeds’ on the wrapper.”
“Context clues Scott.” Jimmy replied. They were only kind of arguing and Tommy liked that about them. When they argued, about something important or otherwise they did so in a more playful manner. They didn’t yell, they didn’t scream, they just talked it out, even when frustrated. Tommy liked that. He hated it when people raised their voices, it only made him raise his own. Communication was a big thing with Scott and Jimmy and he really linked that.
“I know.” Scott sighed. “I know you’re right but I want to keep eat the things I like. So I promise to be more careful. Seriously.”
“Good.” Jimmy said. “Or else I’m going to have to start checking everything you eat before you eat it, just to make sure.” Scott snorted.
“That’s going to go over well.” Jimmy only laughed. “Besides coming to pick me up at the hospital, how was your guys’ day?”
“Fine,” Jimmy answered. “Got back my English exam and I did well so that was good. How about you Tommy?”
“Jimmy didn’t let me skip math class.” Tommy huffed. “But other than that it was fine. It was school y’know.”
“Glad Jimmy was being responsible while I was gone.” Scott replied, turning to look at Tommy in the backseat.
“At least I don’t eat things I’m allergic to.” Tommy countered. Scott rolled his eyes and turned back forward in his seat.
“How was your day Scott? Besides the whole almost dying part of it.” Jimmy asked.
“First of all, I didn’t almost die, I had my epipen and it was nowhere near how bad it could’ve been.” Scott huffed, crossing his arms. “And it was fine, I missed my lab in ACC though, so I have to get a re-do.”
“A re-do?” Tommy asked.
“Yeah I have to make up my lab, probably after school one day. It’s like a test. I mean I have a good excuse and all, so it’s not an issue, she’ll definitely reschedule me, but it sucks that I have to stay after one day to take it. I was so ready for it too! I studied everything.”
“I hate it when I miss a test cause I was sick.” Tommy muttered. “I get it man.”
“I just hope she can find me a partner. It would suck if I had to do it alone.” Scott said.
“She probably will. Someone is bound to need extra credit.” Jimmy told him. “I’m sure she’ll find someone, besides you’re probably not the only person who was out today.”
----
As it turned out Scott wasn’t the only person who was absent in his ACC class that day. Unfortunately the only other person who was absent happened to be the one who was suspended during that time. None other than Wilbur Soot himself.
“So we’re going to stay after and do the lab together on Thursday?” Wilbur asked, wondering if he understood correctly. Scott nodded.
“Yep.” Scott replied. “We both missed the lab so we’ve been paired together.”
“Why did you miss it?” Wilbur scoffed. “It wasn’t like you were the one suspended.”
“I was sick .” Scott hissed. “I had to go home earlier. I had a legitimate medical excuse instead of just being a dick.” And with that Scott walked off. Wilbur would have retaliated, if he hadn’t just been suspended. Although that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to get revenge. Oh no. Wilbur was far from done.
Scott had wronged him for the hundredth time. He wasn’t going to let it go, not again. One more, Wilbur would give him one more warning to stay away from him and his brother. A plan had already started forming in his head. For Scott to have gone home early he would’ve had to have thrown up or had a fever. And there was no way for the whole school to be talking about Scott having a fever in the lunchroom. It was probably why he was so defensive over it, he was embarrassed about throwing up in front of everyone. Perhaps Wilbur should… remind Scott of what happened.
“I have to stay after school on Thursday.” Wilbur told Techno as they walked to their car.
“Why?” Techno asked.
“I missed a lab and I have to make it up.” Wilbur huffed, tossing his backpack into the backseat of his car. “And guess who my lab partner is.”
“Scott?” Techno asked. “I heard he went home early while we were gone, caused a huge fuss. Shame we weren’t there to see it.”
“Ah but I might be there to see it again.” Wilbur said.
“What?”
“I may make him… reenact what happened but during our lab.” Wilbur replied with a smirk. Techno chuckled.
“I gotta go home Thursday, I can’t stay after so I’ll be taking the bus home. Film it for me, would ya?” Techno asked. Wilbur laughed.
“I’ll try.” He said, patting his brother on the shoulder. “No promises.”
-
The next day was Tuesday and Wilbur had only two days to figure out what made Scott sick and how to give it to him without him denying it. He had asked around, he tried to figure out what made him sick. But no one seemed to know. No one knew what happened and Wilbur was frustrated. There was no way it was a bug and he made it all the way to English without getting sick, Wilbur just refused to believe it.
He caught a break through his brother. Not Techno, but Tommy. He had been going to his locker, trying to grab a textbook for his History class when he passed by Tommy, Jimmy and Scott.
“Scott, I have something for you.” Tommy said, his tone painfully teasing. Wilbur remembered oh-so-long-ago when Tommy had directed that tone towards him or Techno. He knew whatever was to come was a prank or joke. Tommy held up a sugar cookie, it was decorated like a pumpkin, orange and black sugar sprinkles made up a jack-o-lantern likeness. Wilbur distantly wondered where he got that, it wasn’t like it was halloween or anything. Then again, Tommy very well could’ve made it just for the joke, whatever it was.
“Tommy.” Jimmy groaned rubbing a hand across his face, clearly exasperated with whatever joke Tommy just made. “Don’t encourage him.”
“Blegh. Too soon.” Scott said. “I’m not eating anything pumpkin flavored for a while.” And suddenly Wilbur’s plan was complete, everything just clicked right into place.
“Lucky for you, it’s not pumpkin flavored.” Tommy announced, handing over the cookie. “Just looks like one.”
“...How old is this cookie?” Scott asked, seemingly attempting to break it.
“I dunno, a couple of months?” Tommy shrugged. Scott dropped it instantly, it didn’t break.
“Gross.”
Wilbur spent the next couple of days perfecting his plan, gathering baking supplies and also recruiting Techno because Wilbur burnt everything he touched. He was a musician not a baker, it wasn’t like he had planned to make a pumpkin based cookie to make his number one worst enemy sick. He didn’t think he’d need baking skills. Luckily Techno was good at everything, including baking. It was a bit strange to see him with his hair tied up as he baked, wearing a stupid apron to keep his clothes from getting dirty. Wilbur was almost tempted to take a picture, although he knew it would only end poorly for him and his plan.
Once the cookies were done, cooled and all, Wilbur put them into tupperware and shoved the box into his bag, very pleased with how this turned out.
“How are you going to explain the very obvious seeds in the cookies?” Techno asked, later that night when they were going to bed.
“White chocolate?” Wilbur shrugged, uncaring. “It kinda looks like white chocolate, don’t you think?”
“I guess?” Techno replied. “I just think he’d be smarter than that.”
“Are you complimenting him?”
“Know your enemy, Wilbur. If you keep underestimating him he’s going to win. You’re both in the ACC class and Scott is a contender for Valedictorian, he’s smart.” Techno stated plainly.
“Whatever.” Wilbur muttered and pulled his covers over his shoulder. “I can’t wait to see his face tomorrow when he bites into that cookie.” Techno only shook his head, vaguely wondering whether this was going too far.
Sure Techno wanted his brother back just as much as Wilbur, but there was something off about this whole plan. Something Techno couldn’t quite put his finger on. Convincing Wilbur to stop now wouldn’t solve anything, in fact, Techno could argue it would probably only spur him on. Regardless, Techno was actually glad that he wasn’t going to be there to see the aftermath.
----
Scott was less than pleased to see Wilbur sitting in the lab where their re-do was taking place. He sighed and dropped his backpack by the door, which was standard for lab days, even if Wilbur had his backpack right next to him.
“Are you boys ready?” Their teacher asked them.
“Yes ma’am.”
“Yep.”
“Start time, 3:50 pm, you have exactly one hour to finish what’s in your lab booklet. You can take more or less time as long as you finish. Go.”
In a flurry of movement, both of them started collecting materials and reading through the booklet as instructed. The actual lab itself was easy, it wasn’t anything they hadn’t done before and while they didn’t like each other, they both liked getting good grades. Both of them were also very smart.
Despite not liking one another they worked in tandem and were able to correct get everything done in a short amount of time. Wilbur recalled Techno’s words last night, Scott was very smart, although Wilbur hated to admit it.
“Congratulations, you’ve finished the lab within forty minutes. You should get the results back by Monday.” Their teacher told them, as they handed in the booklets. “You boys are free to go.” And with that she left the room, leaving two alone.
Scott let out a sigh of relief, glad the whole ordeal was over.
“Do you want a cookie?” Wilbur asked, pulling open the tupperware lid. Scott turned around and frowned, looking at Wilbur like he had ten heads.
“What?” He asked.
“A cookie.” Wilbur said, motion to the box, taking one out and eating it himself. He didn’t particularly like pumpkin flavored things but he’d deal with it. Making sure Scott knew it wasn’t poisoned or something like that.
“Why? We’re- Just because we did a lab together doesn’t mean we’re friends. What you did, what you continue to do is fucked up.” Scott said. Wilbur paused, not expecting that, but he wasn’t going to let it end like this.
“Listen, Techno made these. I- Just take one. I have a shit ton of them and I don’t feel like eating them all.” Wilbur grabbed one and handed it to Scott, who did take it. He looked at the cookie in his hand with disdain and suspicion.
“I’m eating them too, it’s fine .” Wilbur huffed. “Look, I didn’t mean to shove you and Jimmy that hard. I’m not sorry but I didn’t mean to give him a bloody nose or make your head hit the lockers. I don’t like you but I don’t wanna put you in the hospital or anything. I think you’re a dick but we’re still kids and high school is just the start of our lives not the end.”
Wilbur found himself saying the truth. Sure he hated Scott’s guts, wanted him to get in trouble at home, wanted to ruin his high school life. But beyond that was a bit too much. So what if Tommy got a bit too hero worship-y towards Scott and Jimmy during high school. It wouldn’t last. Scott and Jimmy are going off to college and Tommy will never see them again. Wilbur and Techno are going to be home on breaks and long weekends, he’ll learn to see Wilbur and Techno as his heroes again soon enough. So yeah, he wanted Scott to have a rough time, but to truly ruin his life was a bit too far. Which is why this was his last attempt, getting suspended was rough enough, he might as well get revenge.
Scott bit into the cookie with a grimace. It was hard and crunchy in all the wrong ways, the taste itself was nice, but coated in cinnamon so it was hard to tell what flavor it was. Scott swore he was going to chip a tooth trying to eat thi.
“What was this made of again?” Scott asked, awkwardly crunching the seeds and looking surprised when he bit into something crunchy again.
“Pumpkin.” Wilbur said. Scott went pale and swallowed hard.
“Pumpkin?!” Scott exclaimed, his voice horse which surprised the both of them. Scott grabbed at his throat and started coughing and wheezing. Wilbur was growing concerned at Scott’s reaction, he didn’t think that he’d react like this. He knew Scott didn’t like Pumpkin but this was starting to become ridiculous.
“Are you okay?” Wilbur asked. Scott shook his head violently, unable to respond. He tried but it came out raspy and he fell into a coughing fit. Scott did however push up his sleeve and wave his bracelet in Wilbur’s face. Annoyed, but understanding what Scott wanted him to do, he grabbed Scott’s wrist and looked at the bracelet.
‘Allergic to Pumpkin seeds, administer epinephrine, Seizures possible.’ A medical alert bracelet. Wilbur just fed him one of the things that he was deathly allergic to.
“Okay okay, I didn’t know. Um- um-” Wilbur began to panic, okay he was jealous and he wanted to get back at Scott but he didn’t want to kill him. He just- he just wanted his brother back.
“9…9-9” Scott rasped out, leaning on the lab table heavily.
“Right!” Wilbur exclaimed, and fumbled but fished his phone out of his pocket and dialed 999 as fast as he could.
“Hello, what service do you need?”
“Ambulance, medical!” Wilbur exclaimed.
“Putting you through.” A couple of seconds later.
“What’s the issue?”
“I-um, He’s having an allergic reaction! His medical alert bracelet says he needs epinephrine and that seizures are possible.” Wilbur stuttered.
“Alright, we’re sending an ambulance to your location. Does he have an epipen on him? Can you administer a shot?” The woman on the line asked.
“Um, let me check.” Wilbur said. “Do you have an epipen?” Scott shook his head, still wheezing.
“Used… it… Couple… days…” He continued to attempt to suck in air but it was clear he was getting less and less air with every breath.
“He doesn’t have one, what should I do?” Wilbur asked.
“Wait for the ambulance. Do you know how to handle it if he has a seizure?”
“No. No clue.” Wilbur said, raking his hand through his hair. Gods he never meant for this to happen.
“Lay him down, use something soft and flat to lay his head on, like a folded up jacket or jumper, turn him to his side to keep his airways clear.” The lady said. Wilbur did that, he put the phone down on the lab table, on speaker phone.
“I’m going to move you so you’re laying down, alright?” Wilbur asked. Scott nodded and breathed in deeply although it didn’t seem to give him much air. The two worked so that Scott was lying down, and Wilbur took off his jumper, luckily having worn his t-shirt underneath it and folded it up so that Scott’s head was on it.
“Jimmy…” Scott gasped out. “Has… epipen.”
“He says that someone has his epipen, should I go get them?” Wilbur asked, putting the phone back to his ear.
“Stay with him.” She said, “If he has a seizure he may need you.”
“Okay okay, I’m going to stay but I’m going to call for him.” Wilbur said and rushed to the door and opened it.
“Jimmy!” He yelled. “Jimmy! Scott needs his epipen!”
Wilbur waited a little bit, listening to see if Jimmy heard him.
“ Jimmy !” Wilbur screamed as loud as he could and then went back over to monitoring Scott.
----
Jimmy and Tommy were waiting for Scott to be done with his lab, hoping that he wouldn’t be much longer. They were playing a card game Tommy seemingly made up on the spot and also changed the rules as much as possible, making it impossible for Jimmy to win. Although that didn’t stop Jimmy from trying over and over again. Despite the wins piling up, the ever changing rules made Tommy have trouble keeping up since Jimmy was somehow keeping track of everything Tommy said.
“Okay, you win, you win. Let's try again.” Jimmy said, shuffling the cards.
“Are you sure because right now you’re about a trillion dollars in debt to me.” Tommy challenged.
“Don’t worry Mr. Innit, I’m marrying rich.” Jimmy joked. That startled out a genuine laugh out of Tommy.
“Holy shit you are.” Tommy said, devolving into laughter.
And then there was distant yelling.
“Did you hear that?” Jimmy asked, frowning. “It sounded like someone was calling my name.”
“Huh, I heard it but I didn’t hear what they were saying.” Tommy said. Jimmy shrugged and kept shuffling the deck.
But then, crystal clear, echoing down came a loud ‘Jimmy’ that startled them both. Jimmy dropped his cards as he turned towards the noise.
“That was Wilbur.” Tommy told him, quietly almost whispering as if raising his voice would push Jimmy over the edge or something.
“Let’s go.” Jimmy said, jumping up and swinging his backpack over his shoulder and started dashing down the hallway. Tommy followed behind him and the two of them ran to the room they knew Wilbur and Scott were re-doing their lab.
Jimmy threw open the door without hesitation, and the sight was one that would be burned into their heads for a long time. Scott was lying on the ground, Wilbur’s sweater under his head, his face was red and blotchy. He was having another allergic reaction and this one was bad. And he was also having a seizure.
There was only a second before Jimmy launched into action. This wasn’t the first time Jimmy had to deal with this, there was a reason why he had one of Scott’s epipens. With an allergy this severe and this odd there were plenty of times in which Scott had accidentally ingested Pumpkins seeds, especially with his love for Pumpkins and pumpkin themed things. No one really thought about how pumpkin seeds could harm someone who was okay with eating pumpkin.
Jimmy quite literally shoved Wilbur out of the way who was seemingly on the phone, panicked. He shoved his backpack off his shoulder and grabbed the epipen case from his small zipper pocket and opened it up. Jimmy stuck the needle in Scott’s thigh and the reaction was practically instant. There was a split second in which nothing happened and everyone held their breath momentarily and then Scott gasped in a breath without much of a struggle.
Within a minute Scott’s breathing evened out and he was slowly sitting up, leaning with his back on Jimmy’s chest for support as they slowly moved him upwards.
“If you wanted to get into my pants there are easier ways.” Scott said to Jimmy. Jimmy laughed but groaned as well.
“That was one time Scott!” Jimmy exclaimed, but he was smiling. Wilbur didn’t understand, he had no clue why Scott said that, it seemingly made no sense. But then EMTs were on scene as well. Tommy and the dispatcher had gotten Wilbur to go to the entrance and lead them to where Scott was.
Scott was strapped onto a gurney and brought out to the ambulance, Jimmy was with him every step of the way.
“You’re driving me to the hospital.” Tommy said as the doors closed and the ambulance took off.
“Okay.” Wilbur said, his voice shaking slightly.
“I can’t believe this.” Tommy muttered.
“I didn’t know.” Wilbur said. “I never would’ve if I knew.”
“I know. If you knew you would’ve let him die.”
“Is that what you think of me?”
“Yeah.” Tommy told him.
----
Wilbur didn’t think he was a good person. He wasn’t the person to drop everything and help someone who needed it, he wasn’t going to go out of his way to make the world a better place. He wasn’t a good person.
But Tommy was. Tommy evened out everything bad Wilbur did. And he didn’t want to lose the better part of them.
Wilbur didn’t like to think he was a bad person. He never really wanted to hurt anyone permanently. He tended to go for superficial things, stuff that could be replaced. He rarely ever hurt anyone physically and he wasn’t a bully, for the most part. But seeing Tommy happy with someone else brought out the worst in him.
It wasn’t an excuse. It was a laughable explanation but it was the truth. He was jealous and he didn’t think it through. He didn’t think that Scott might not like pumpkins because he was deathly allergic to them. He didn’t think that giving him those cookies could’ve killed him. All he thought about was himself and his feelings and that almost got someone killed.
Wilbur almost killed someone .
And fuck if that wasn’t one of the scariest realizations that he had ever come to.