The Midnight Train Crossing

Rusty breathed heavily. He'd run hard the whole way.
Jamie was sleeping on Tank's bed, unable to move from how weak he was from crying.
He swallowed, and, with great effort, started moving again, unsure exactly how to go about finding Jamie now.
Jamie slept soundly, Tank's blankets all twisted around him.
Rusty found his way to Jamie's old house, which, of course was empty.
Jamie continued to sleep, his pillow close to his chest.
With a sigh, Rusty moved out again, going past the fateful overhead trestle a bit relived to find that there was no one there.
Jamie blinked lazily and groaned softly, feeling too weak to get up. He was starving and he hurt.
Rusty knew that sooner rather then later he was gonna need more water, but right now that was second priority. With a sigh, Rusty realized that he might just have to ask at Tank's house.
Jamie groaned and rolled over painfully.
Stopping to hide once from a passing train, Rusty eventually made his way to Tank's house.
Jamie curled Tank's blankets closer.
Rusty reached the front door and was about to knock.
Jamie closed his eyes again, wishing Tank was back.

Instead, Rusty noticed an open window, in the bedroom if he remembered correctly, he rolled over to it.
Jamie sighed softly in his sleep.
Rusty cautiously rolled over to the open window and peered inside.
Jamie sighed again and pulled his pillow closer.
The form on Tank's bed was too small to be Tank, Rusty decided, It had to be Jamie.
Jamie shifted again painfully.

Rusty looked around and took a deep breath, and coughed. He frowned and tried again. "Wooo-"
Jamie's eyes shot open, and he almost tumbled off the bed.
"-wooo."
Jamie got up from the bed. "R... Rusty?"
Rusty nodded, grabbing the window sill to steady himself.
Jamie gasped and backed away from the window. "Go away! Leave me alone!"
Rusty started to say something, but it came out in a cough and he vanished from sight for a second.
Jamie backed away again, heading for the bedroom door.

"Jamie...wait..."
Jamie darted into the kitchen.
"Please."
Jamie ducked into his chair, shaking.
Rusty had moved over to the door again, "Look, can I at least come in? Please."
"No!" Jamie yelled, his voice shaking.
Rusty sighed, and pushed the door open anyway.
Jamie yelped and dodged out of his chair. "Leave me alone!"
"I..." Rusty started, then he lost his balance and caught hold of the table.
Jamie didn't notice Rusty's sudden problem, backing away, his eyes scared, wondering if he dared bolt for the door.

Rusty sank to the ground with a groan, closing his eyes.
Jamie clung to the doorway, ready to bolt outside.
Rusty sank down even further and was still.
Jamie watched Rusty, then slowly moved towards him. "R... Rusty?"
Rusty tried to move, but wasn't very successful. He opened his dull eyes.
Jamie knelt down next to Rusty. "Rusty?"
He looked up at Jamie.
"Rusty, are you okay?"
"no..."
"What do you need?"
Rusty licked his lips, "Empty..." he said softly.
"You... you need water?"
"Yah..."
"Where's your water bottle?"
"Empty," Rusty said mournfully.
"Where is it? I'll fill it." *Then I'll run for it.*

Rusty looked up at Jamie a bit confused.
"I'll fill your bottle..."
"Water?" Rusty asked softly.
Jamie nodded.
"Yes please."
Jamie grabbed Rusty's water bottle and headed for the sink to fill it.
Rusty closed his eyes, somewhere inside something was insisting that he wake up, but he didn't have the energy to listen.
Jamie brought the bottle back to Rusty and held it out to him.
Rusty didn't open his eyes.
Jamie knelt down next to Rusty. "Rusty? Can you hear me?"
Rusty shifted slightly and his breathing started to become even.

Jamie touched Rusty's shoulder tentatively. "Rusty?"
Rusty's eyes fluttered open for a second, "Sleep." he said clearly.
"No, you need water first."
"Sleep."
"No, water."
Rusty's eyes closed again.
Jamie groaned and tilted Rusty's face towards him, trying to help Rusty drink.
Rusty opened his eyes again and looked pleadingly at Jamie.
Jamie tilted the bottle gently so the water would go into Rusty's mouth.
Rusty gagged slightly but he finally swallowed.
Jamie nodded. "Okay, that's good. Come on, drink some more."
Rusty wanted to go to sleep, but he obediently swallowed again.
"Need more?" Jamie asked gently.
"Sleep..." Rusty started, then he realized what Jamie had said, "Yes."
Jamie tipped the bottle again, letting Rusty drink.
This time Rusty swallowed eagerly.
Jamie smiled. "Can you hold it now?"
Rusty hesitated, then nodded slowly.
Jamie set the bottle into Rusty's hands.
Rusty quickly downed the bottle, emptying it at an amazing rate.

Jamie watched him with fascination. "Need more?"
Rusty nodded.
Jamie took the bottle and filled it again, then handed it back to Rusty.
Once Rusty had finished that he blinked and the dull look in his eyes was gone.
Jamie stood up and slowly backed away. "You gonna be all right?"
Rusty looked a bit sheepish..."Yeah...once I get enough power again..."
Jamie nodded slowly and continued to back away.
Rusty closed his eyes again and put his head down in his arms.
Jamie turned to dash out of Tank's house.

At just that moment the door started to open.
Jamie stopped short.
It stopped and Tank's voice was heard talking to someone else outside.
Jamie waited, pressing himself against the wall near the door.
There was laughter outside and Tank slowly closed the door again.
Jamie sighed with relief.
The door opened again, "Hey Jamie!" Tank called, without really looking in.
Jamie moved closer to the door. "What?"
"Oh...you're here," Tank said, "Anyway...Get me two drinks."
"Okay," Jamie said quickly, moving to obey.
Tank returned his attention to the train outside.

Jamie stepped lightly over Rusty, collecting what he needed, stepping back over Rusty, and heading for the door.
Rusty mumbled something incoherent.
Jamie ignored him.
The steamer shifted and fell into an even deeper sleep.

Jamie opened the door just a bit.
Tank was outside with a coach, apparently he'd moved on from Jan.
Jamie bit his lip and waited for Tank to notice him.
Tank looked up and saw Jamie, nodding him over.
Jamie moved outside and held out the drinks to Tank, looking up shyly at the coach.
She giggled slightly.
Tank took the glasses from Jamie. "don't stare," he hissed softly.
Jamie bit his lip and lowered his eyes to his skates.
"Now go inside."
Jamie nodded and skated inside, closing the door,

Back in the kitchen, Rusty had convinced his body to wake up and start working. There was a soft hissing sound as he started generating steam again.
Jamie moved back into the kitchen, then stopped short, watching Rusty.
Rusty struggled, slowly raising himself to a sitting position.
"Rusty, you... you need to leave," Jamie said softly.
Rusty looked up, then down, "didn't hear you come back in..."
"Rusty, you gotta leave. Now."
"Trying..."
"Come on."
"Why? Look...Jamie...I..."
"Rusty, you gotta go!"
Rusty looked up, hurt.
"Rusty, please. I'm not joking. If Tank finds you here..."
"I'm trying," Rusty repeated.

Jamie skated over to him and tried to pull him up.
With Jamie's help, and with the help of the table, Rusty managed to get unsteadily to his wheels.
Jamie wobbled as he tried to hold Rusty steady. "You gotta go."
"Don't..." Rusty started, "Yeah...okay..."
"Come on. We can get you out the back door."
Rusty reluctantly let Jamie push him along, not resisting, but not helping either.
Jamie struggled to move the heavier steamer. "Come on, help me out here."
Rusty took a breath, and slowly started to move.
Jamie smiled gratefully.
"But..." Rusty started.
"Come on before he comes in!"
"But later..."
"No! Now! You can't come back!"

Rusty came to a stop, planting one of his stoppers firmly in the ground.
Jamie pushed hard and nearly lost his balance. "Rusty!" He sounded like he was going to cry.
Rusty started moving again, "No." he said softly.
"Yes."
They were at the door now. "I...said...before..." Rusty started.
"Out. Go."
Rusty stopped, he certainly wasn't going to open the door for himself when he didn't want to leave in the first place.
Jamie groaned and stepped around Rusty to open the door.

"You...you weren't..."
"What?"
"You weren't there."
"Where?"
"At...the paint shop...was gonna go...had to meet you..."
"You... you weren't gonna be there!" Jamie accused.
Rusty shook his head, no. The giggling of the coach from outside floated into the room.
Jamie shoved Rusty again. "Come on, go!"
Rusty nearly fell out the door as Tank's voice and the coaches' was heard in the other room.
Jamie yelped. "Rusty, go!"
Rusty went.
Jamie closed the door and locked it securely, then headed back into the kitchen.

Tank choose that moment to roll into the kitchen.
Jamie swallowed hard, hoping no signs of Rusty were left.
"Jamie," Tank started.
Jamie swallowed again. "What?"
"I'm gonna be...busy." Tank started.
Jamie swallowed. Great...
"I want you to go away, go outside or something until I want you."
"But-"
"What?"
"But, I... I don't wanna go out."
"Why not?" Tank asked, somewhat amused.
"Cause... cause I don't..."
The diesel sighed, "Look...if your worried about *them* finding you... just stay in the backyard."
"No!" Jamie yelped.
"Jamie... Outside."
"But-"
Tank crossed his arms.
Jamie swallowed.
"Now."
Jamie whimpered and dashed for the front door.
"Not that way! She's out there..."
Jamie stopped short. "But... but I... I wanna go out front."
"Oh for oil's sake..."
Jamie whimpered softly.
"Do I have to pull you out there?"
Jamie shook his head.
"Then get out there," Tank pointed to the back door.
Jamie whimpered softly. "Please, Tank..."
Tank groaned, wanting the house to himself. He strode over to Jamie and grabbed one of his wrists.
Jamie yelped and squirmed. "No!"

Tank took hold of the end of the cuff, which was easier to hang on to than the wiggling Jamie.
Jamie struggled, tears running down his face. "Tank, please... lemme go out front..."
Tank opened the door and shoved Jamie outside, closing it behind.
Jamie flung himself against the door.
"Oh just sit down and relax," Tank ordered through the door as he locked it.
Jamie whimpered and sank down the door, curling into a ball.
Tank smiled as he returned out to the other room.
Jamie whimpered and hugged himself tighter.

There was a steady sound of dripping water.
Jamie closed his eyes weakly, praying Rusty was not around anymore.
Rusty skidded to a stop silently, seeing Jamie curled up by the door.
Jamie sighed softly.
Rusty stood there uncertainly.
Jamie opened one eye, then yelped. "Go away!"
"Shh," Rusty pleaded, holding up his hands, and not coming any closer.
"Leave me alone!" Jamie ordered.
Rusty was silent, and he backed up another step.
Jamie glared slightly. "Why don't you go home?"
Rusty looked up to reply with something, then held his tongue and looked back down again.
Jamie went silent, curling more into a ball.

"Jamie, please, just give me a minute or two," Rusty begged.
"No."
"Please, just let me-"
"No! Go away! Go back to your own yard!"
"I just got here..."
"So? Leave me alone!" Jamie scrambled to his feet and bolted for the front.
"I can't."
Jamie ignored him and made his way out into the trainyard, not caring who he met as long as he was away from Rusty.

Rusty chased after him, coming around to cut him off.
Jamie screeched to a stop, then tried to dart around him.
"Jamie, please!"
"No!"
"Jamie...just listen to me...then I'll...I'll go."
Jamie glared at him. "No. Just go away, Rusty."
"I can't."
"Yeah you can! It's straight out that gate!"
"Well I guess I *can* leave but..."
"Then go!"
"I'm trying to tell you, I CAN'T!"
"Why not?"
"Because..." Rusty started, "Because Flat Top'll kill me...Jan'll kill me, probably Meg...and quite possibly Poppa..."
"Good! I hope you die slowly!" Jamie turned to run from him again.

Rusty glared, and shot after Jamie again.
Jamie ignored Rusty, turning a corner.
Rusty caught up with Jamie again.
Jamie glared at Rusty with fire behind his eyes. "What part of leave me alone don't you get?"
"I will but-" Rusty stopped, "Why are you mad at me?"
Jamie hissed softly. "Because you don't care about me!"
"But.... no!"
Jamie glared. "You don't care! I may as well be here!"
"If I didn't care," Rusty said, meeting Jamie's gaze evenly, "Then why would I come back?"
"Because everyone would kill you if you didn't! You said so yourself!"
Rusty opened his mouth to respond, but couldn't think of anything.

Jamie turned to run again.
"Jamie...wait..." Rusty said softly, "You...you win."
Jamie looked up at him. "What?"
"You win."
"Why?"
"because...you're right..."
"I know I am!"
"I-"
Jamie glared. "Go home."
Rusty slowly sank to the ground.
Jamie watched him, then turned and dashed away.
Rusty watched Jamie run, knowing that he could catch him without much difficulty.
Jamie turned another corner, not watching where he was going.

Down the tracks a bit, the gang member that Tank was punishing was pulling the freight train, and not very happy about it either.
Jamie didn't pay much attention, just wanting to be away from Rusty.
*almost done* the gang, Broc, thought, putting on a bit more speed.
Jamie didn't watch where he was going...
CRASH
Jamie landed hard on the tracks and looked up in terror.
Broc was momentarily disoriented by the crash, he lay there for a second.
Jamie groaned and lifted himself half up from the tracks painfully.

"YOU!"
*Uh oh* Jamie looked up right into the dark eyes of Broc. Whoops.
Broc snarled and grabbed Jamie by the collar.
Jamie gasped softly, but he put up no resistance.
"This time it's just you and me," Broc growled.
Jamie whimpered softly, but he made no move to fight back.
"And no chance of Tank showing up to save his pet this time either..."
Jamie gasped softly, his skates dangling a few inches off the ground.
Broc pushed Jamie up against a convenient wall.
Jamie groaned as his back hit the wall painfully.
"Oh that hurt did it?" Broc asked, pushing Jamie against the wall again.
Jamie gasped softly and whimpered.
"That's nothin' compared to what you're gonna feel in a minute."
Jamie closed his eyes, waiting for the blow he knew was coming.
Broc slammed Jamie up against the shed once more and then let go with one hand.
Jamie felt the air forced from his lungs and gasped softly for air.
Broc moved into position to pound Jamie into scrap metal.
Jamie squeezed his eyes shut. *Just don't let me die...*
There was a crashing sound, then another one, and the wall shook under the impact.
Jamie couldn't hold back his cries of pain, but he refused to struggle.

Suddenly Broc's grip on Jamie slackened. There was a tremendous crash.
Jamie hit the ground and curled up tightly, trying not to cry.
Rusty backed up as Broc turned around, and he rammed the diesel again.
Jamie opened his eyes, watching through blurred vision.
Rusty ducked as Broc staggered and then fell.
Jamie sat up, coughing painfully.
Rusty jumped, barely clearing Broc, and landed on the other side, near Jamie.
Jamie backed away from Rusty.
Rusty didn't notice, concentrating on Broc.
Jamie's arm collapsed under him, and he lay back down on the track again.
Another crash and Broc was still, but Rusty wasn't taking any chances. He skated over to Jamie, "I am so sorry for this." he said.
Jamie looked up at Rusty with burning eyes. "Why did you do that?"
Broc moaned and shifted.

Rusty looked alarmed, closed his eyes and blew, enveloping Jamie in thick steam.
Jamie coughed, trying to fan the steam away from him. He started to feel light-headed and dizzy. A moment later, the world went white, then black.
Rusty carefully lifted the unconscious engine from the tracks and sped away, as fast as he dared without dropping Jamie.
Jamie lay unconscious in Rusty's arms, dizzy from the steam.
Rusty neared the gate that would lead him home, and stopped.
Jamie groaned softly, but he was still too dizzy to wake up.
Rusty made up his mind and sped away, towards the center of the trainyard, towards Tank's house.
Jamie stirred in Rusty's arms, starting to wake up, but still only half conscious.
Rusty gently set Jamie down in front of the back door, then backed away, sinking down to the ground again.

Jamie blinked and opened his eyes, sitting up painfully. "Oow," he groaned, holding his side.
Rusty blinked and looked down, resisting the urge to look up and make sure Jamie was alright.
Jamie rubbed his eyes, then glanced over at Rusty. His face clouded into a mask of anger. "What the hell did you do that for?" he snarled.
"Couldn't carry you...when awake," Rusty answered, barely above a whisper.
"No. Why did you hit Broc?"
"Because he hit you."
"Why didn't you let him do what he wanted, Rusty?"
"I...I...I just couldn't..." he answered meekly.
"He's gonna kill me now! If you had let him do what he wanted, I'd be fine! Now he won't stop 'til I'm scrap metal! Why can't you just leave me alone???"

Rusty sank down lower, something very near to cowering.
Jamie got painfully to his wheels, wobbling uneasily. "Thanks for nothing, Rusty. Why don't you just go home and leave me alone? I'll be better off when you're not here."
Rusty didn't answer, or move.
Jamie leaned against the back door painfully, wondering if it was safe to go in.
Rusty was still, thinking. He shook his head slowly, No, he wasn't gonna do that, He couldn't. couldn't go through it again.
Jamie groaned softly and headed for the front of the house.

The front door opened...
Jamie stopped short.
Giggling incessantly, the coach and Tank appeared out on the porch.
Jamie stopped and pressed himself against the side of the house, not wanting to be in the way.
They stood on the porch for a few minutes, the coach in Tank's arms.
Jamie waited, his legs aching. He just wanted to lay down...
They started down...
Jamie groaned softly. Were they gonna be there forever?
Tank looked up and registered Jamie.
Jamie swallowed and wondered if he should run again, but he didn't think he had the strength.

Tank's eyes were glazed over slightly with pleasure. "Jamie..." he said gently, "We had lunch. Do the dishes..."
Jamie nodded hastily, climbing up to the porch, passing them to go into the house.
The coach giggled at Jamie as they passed him, going down the tracks.
Jamie watched them go, then headed inside into the kitchen which reeked of alcohol. He coughed softly.
The sink was filled with soapy water, the dishes draining off to the side.
Jamie stared at the dishes, then picked up the towel to dry them. Whatever, he figured.

There was a sound in the other room.
Jamie looked up in surprise. Was someone else here?
Another thump.
Jamie swallowed and headed for the next room.
The room was empty, although one of the chairs was shaking slightly as if someone had just rushed past it.
Jamie shivered and looked around. "H... hello?" he said softly.
He was answered with silence, and the spotless table.
Jamie swallowed. "Tank?"
No answer, but there was a soft clinking in the kitchen.
Jamie turned back to where he had come and headed back towards the sound.
The kitchen was empty, including the dishes that Jamie had just dried, one of the cupboards was slightly open.
Jamie shivered. This was freaking him out. "Tank? Broc?"
There was no answer.
Jamie stepped back into the kitchen.
The kitchen was spotless, more or less.
Jamie swallowed. "Hello?"

There was a thump outside.
Jamie gasped and turned towards the noise.
"Jamie?" Tank's voice called.
Jamie turned towards Tank's voice. "Tank?"
"Come here."
Jamie followed the sound towards Tank.
Tank looked at Jamie carefully as the little engine approached.
Jamie stopped in front of Tank.
He looked him over carefully.
Jamie whimpered softly. "What?"
"What happened to you?"
"Nothing," Jamie mumbled.
"You're tellin' me that you look like that cuz you were sittin' outside?"
Jamie swallowed hard. "I... I ran into Broc..."
"L...lit... crashed?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Oh..." Tank looked puzzled, as if he'd forgotten what he came back for.

Jamie looked around again at the room. "Were... were you in here a minute ago?"
"No."
"You... you weren't?"
"No."
"Well... well somebody was..."
"yah...you..."
"No... there was someone else..."
"What?"
"Someone... I heard them, but... but I couldn't see them..."
Tank appeared to snap out of it, "WHAT?"
Jamie backed away a bit. "I... I don't know who it was..."
"Someone was in *my* house?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Who?"
"I... I don't know," Jamie said again.
Tank nodded, "Well if you find out..." he said, slurring a bit.
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Then tell 'im."
"You mean tell you?"
"That's what I said."
"Okay," Jamie agreed. You could never win with a drunk train.

"There was something else..."
"What?"
"Told you to clean the kitchen..." Tank said thinking.
"It... it was clean."
"No...clean the kitchen."
"It is!" Jamie insisted.
"Oh. well make sure it is," Tank said, now thoroughly confused.
Jamie obediently went and looked around the sparkling kitchen. "Yeah, it is."
"That was quick."
"Well, it's clean. See for yourself."
"Go look for me."
"I... I already looked."
"Good," Tank sat down, and nearly missed the chair.
Jamie moved over to steady Tank, helping him sit down firmly on the chair.
"No...hanging on me."
"Sorry." Jamie let go of him and backed away.

"Go..."
"Where?"
Tank looked up and smiled, "Go get me sumthin' to drink."
"I think you've had enough..."
Tank looked up, "wha?"
Jamie sighed. "Nothing."
"Go ge' me sumthin' ta drin'"
"Tank, you're drunk."
"Now!"
Jamie turned and headed for the kitchen.

There was a cup of strong black coffee waiting on the counter.
Jamie stopped short. He was sure that had not been there before.
"Jamie." Tank called.
"What?" Jamie called back, his voice shaking.
"Havin' trouble?"
"N... no..." Jamie took the cup in his hand. It was still hot... He swallowed and carried it out to Tank.
Tank blinked and waited.
Jamie handed it to Tank, wondering if Tank was sober enough to hold it
"Wha'...this?"
"Tank, there's someone else in here. There has to be."
Tank looked at the coffee confused, "Did I ask for this?"
"Well, you asked for something to drink... Tank, there's someone in the kitchen..."
"Oh...not coffee..."
"Okay, but don't you think you should-"
"Why coffee?"
"Tank, there's someone-"
"Why coffee?" Tank demanded.
Jamie sighed softly. He turned and headed back for the kitchen.
"Never mind," Tank said softly.
Jamie sighed and turned around again.
"Coffee's fine."
Jamie brought it back to Tank.

Tank took the cup from Jamie.
Jamie let go and backed away a bit.
Tank drank it slowly.
Jamie glanced back towards the kitchen.
Tank stood up shakily.
Jamie looked back over at Tank.
Tank steadied himself, and started towards his bedroom.
Jamie followed.
"Bring coffee." Tank ordered.
"More?" Jamie asked.
"Yah," Tank said.
Jamie sighed and headed for the kitchen.

As before, there was a cup on the counter.
Jamie stopped short and looked around. "Hello?"
No answer.
Jamie swallowed and stepped further inside.
"Jamie!" Tank shouted.
Jamie grabbed the coffee and dashed for Tank's room.
Tank was in bed, having tossed Jamie's pillow on the floor.
Jamie retrieved his pillow from the floor and handed the coffee to Tank.
Tank took the cup, carefully.

Jamie sat down in a chair.
"Wha' 're you doin'?"
"Sitting down..."
Tank groaned softly.
Jamie leaned back in his chair.
"Go 'way..."
"Where?"
"Out."
Jamie sighed, taking his pillow, and heading out into the living room.
"Wait..."
Jamie turned around again. "What?"
"Take." Tank set the cup down, "Then out."
Jamie took the cup and carried it out with him.
Tank rolled over and closed his eyes.
Jamie hesitated, then stepped into the kitchen.

The cup from before had been washed and put away.
Jamie swallowed and set the cup down on the counter by the sink.
That was the only sound in the kitchen.
Jamie swallowed. He slowly closed his eyes.
The only sound was the refrigerator whirring.
Jamie opened his eyes again. The cup was still there. Jamie looked around slowly. He slowly backed towards the door.
Nothing happened.
Jamie slipped out of the kitchen, waiting right by the door.
Still nothing happened.
Jamie waited.

There was silence, then a clinking splashing sound.
Jamie darted into the kitchen.
He fled, towards the back door.
Jamie darted after him.
*Nearly there*

"Rusty?" Jamie called.
He froze.
Jamie stood, watching him.
Rusty took a deep breath, not moving.
Jamie moved towards Rusty again.
Rusty waited, bracing.
Jamie moved closer.
He closed his eyes.
Jamie held his breath and moved closer, almost by him now...
Rusty just waited, not looking up.

Jamie stopped by Rusty and glared. "Why?"
Rusty sighed softly.
"Why?" Jamie asked again.
"Because..."
"That's not a reason."
"Because I-"
"What?"
"Because I..." Rusty turned around slowly.
"What?"
He sank to the ground and took a deep breath, almost as if trying to convince himself to say something.
Jamie glared down at Rusty.
"Because it's what I do-"
"You clean people's kitchens?"
"No..."
"Then what?"
"I..." Rusty swallowed.
"What?"
"I am so so sorry."
"For what?"
"For...everything."
"No you're not."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes," Rusty shifted, sinking down on his knees, "I am."
Jamie glared. "Just get out."

"There's something else..."
"What?"
"I-" he closed his eyes, "I'm a steam engine..."
"Yeah..."
"A-and you're diesel..."
"So?"
"Y-you're newer..."
"So?"
"And..." Rusty braced, "Better."
"Oh?"
"Yes."
"So, what?"
"So...you're better then me, higher..."
"So?"
"And I-I had to..."
"What?"
"That's why I..."
"Why you cleaned my kitchen?"

Rusty closed his eyes and sank lower.
Jamie growled softly. "Just leave."
"C-can I ask you something first?"
"What?"
"What...what d'you want me to tell them?"
"Why should you tell them anything about me?"
"Jan."
"Why?"
"Because she misses you..."
"So?"
"You don't care?"
"No."
"Oh...she told me...tell you..."
"What?"
"She-"
"What?"
"She loves you."
Jamie's eyes filled with tears, but he blinked them back angrily. "Who cares? Go away. Leave me alone!"
Rusty hesitated.
"Go!"
"Yessir..." Rusty whispered.
"Go!"

Rusty started to rise.
Jamie watched him
"Tell Jan when gave message that he said "who cares"..."
Jamie nodded.
"You sure?"
Jamie nodded again.
"we'll I guess that-"
"Go!"
"Guess that she should be happy then..."
"I don't care."
"Good."
"What?"
Rusty flinched, "Nothing..."
Jamie glared. "Go away."
Rusty slunk towards the door.
Jamie watched him go.
Rusty stopped again.
"Go!" Jamie ordered.

"Want to say...thank you."
"For what?"
"For helping me..."
"With what?"
"Before...when I got here..."
"Oh, that."
"Yeah, *that*." Rusty said.
Jamie nodded. "Okay. Go."
"So that's why I did...what I did. I owed you."
"Oh. Okay... Thanks, I guess."
"Yeah...I hope it's enough."
"Yeah, it's fine."
"Good," Rusty said, with something like a relieved sigh.
"Go."

Rusty started out the door, then stopped again. "I think I was wrong," he said softly.
"What?"
"I thought you were different."
"You did?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"But I guess I was wrong, you're still a diesel engine."
Jamie glared slightly. "So? Go away!"
"They are all the same."
"Who cares? I don't care anymore! I'm happy here! This is where I belong! Go home!"
Rusty looked up, "although..."
"Go!"
"I don't know why I ever helped you."
"I wish you hadn't."
"So do I."
"Get out!"
"Oh and Jamie..."
"What?"
"Found where Tank hides his keys." Rusty sped away.
"You what?" Jamie chased after Rusty.

Rusty smiled inwardly and slowed a bit, but not much.
Jamie hurried after Rusty, panting as he tried to catch him.
Rusty slowed a bit more.
Jamie put on a burst of speed and grabbed Rusty's couplers.
Rusty was startled, and sped up slightly.
Jamie let go of Rusty, too tired to chase him anymore.
Rusty slowed again, he hadn't meant for that.
Jamie stood, watching Rusty. What did it matter? Tank would take them off when he was ready...

Rusty circled around behind Jamie in a wide circle.
Jamie watched him, fists clenched in anger. What was Rusty trying to pull?
"I suppose you don't wanna know though," Rusty said, "You didn't want them off before..."
Jamie glared. "I don't care."
"Okay, then why'd you chase me? Why would you waste your power on a *steamer*?"
Jamie glared. "I don't know. I don't care whether or not they come off."
"Ah...and y'know what?"
"What?" Jamie growled.
"It's probably a good thing you came back here. At home...we'd..."
"What?"
"We'd make you take them off. I'm afraid that you simply wouldn't be allowed to be locked up..."
Jamie glared slightly. "Now you're just making fun of me." He turned to head back to Tank's house.
"Gee, you're perceptive."
Jamie glared and headed towards the house again.
"Fooled my father too..."
"I don't care."
"He's not usually a big fan of diesel engines, but he liked you..."
"So?"
"So I must congratulate you..."
Jamie ignored him.
"And y'know what else?"
Jamie stopped walking and waited, not turning around.

Rusty swung around in front of Jamie, "I am the Fastest Locomotive in the World...and I thought we were friends. Apparently I was wrong. I used to be treated the way you are, and I fought against it, but apparently it suits you. I hope you are very happy in the life you have chosen."
"I am!" Jamie spat. "I'm very happy!" He pushed past Rusty and headed back for the house.
"Good," Rusty called, "Bye-bye Jamie!"
Jamie gritted his teeth and headed back for the house.
Rusty sped away down the tracks, not looking back, hating the taste of those words.

Jamie slammed the door to Tank's house.
Tank moaned at the sound.
Jamie flung himself down on the couch and sobbed, not sure what he was crying about, but needing to cry.
Tank groaned and somehow made his way to the doorway.
Jamie clutched his pillow, sobbing angrily into it.
"Jamie?"
Jamie heard his name and looked up through teary eyes.
"What r you doin'?"
Jamie sniffed and wiped his eyes on the back of his hand. "Nothing."
"Oh. Keep it down."
Jamie nodded slowly.
Tank groaned and rubbed his temples.
Jamie laid his face back on his pillow and sobbed again.
"Stop doing that."
"What?" Jamie asked, lifting his face again.
"I said stop doing that. It hurts my head..."
Jamie swallowed and sniffed slowly.
"Good."
Jamie laid his face on his pillow again, his face hot.

Tank groaned, "Jamie. Get me some aspirin or something."
Jamie got up slowly, wobbly on his wheels. He headed for the bathroom, grabbing Tank some aspirin as well as a couple for himself.
Tank moaned, sinking down on the couch.
Jamie held out the aspirin to Tank.
"Water," Tank snapped.
Jamie sighed and headed into the kitchen again.
Tank leaned back, waiting.
Jamie brought Tank out a glass of water.
Tank reached out to take it, snatching it away quickly.
Jamie sat down on the sofa and swallowed his own aspirin.
Tank shoved the glass back at Jamie, not really paying attention to if Jamie caught it or not.
Jamie caught the glass, barely, and carried it back into the kitchen.

Tank stretched out on the couch.
Jamie moved back into the living room, then sighed. Tank had the couch. He sat down on the chair and curled up to sleep.
Tank was sound asleep, he rolled...and landed on the floor with a crash.
Jamie sat up with a gasp and gazed down at Tank.
Tank looked up through red-rimmed eyes.
Jamie huddled into his chair.
"What are you lookin' so scared about?"
"N... Nothing."
Tank sat up and glared at Jamie.
"What?" Jamie asked softly.
Tank eyed Jamie suspiciously.
Jamie cowered.
The bigger engine got up with a groan and rolled over to Jamie.
Jamie shrank down in his chair.
Tank steadied himself on the chair.
Jamie swallowed hard.

With a glare at Jamie, Tank moved towards his bedroom again.
Jamie sighed in relief and curled back up in the chair.
Tank slammed his door, then winced.
Jamie winced.
He flopped down on his bed with a thump.
Jamie curled into his chair and groaned softly.

*~*~*~*

Tank shifted position, his head throbbing painfully.
Jamie sighed softly. He felt horrible inside and out.
Sleep, Tank ordered himself sternly.
Jamie groaned and shifted again. "Ah," he groaned in pain.

There was a hesitant knock on the door.
Jamie groaned and opened one eye.
Another knock
Jamie got up painfully and skated for the door. *If it's Rusty, I swear I'll...* His head hurt too much to think of what he'd do. He opened the door.

The coach giggled softly at the sight of Jamie, "Hi there."
Jamie groaned. "What do you want?"
She was a bit startled by the less then warm welcome. "Tank...he..." she smiled, "he left something..."
"Oh..." Jamie rubbed his eyes to wake himself up. "Come... come on in..."
She smiled, "Where is he?"
"In his bedroom... sleeping, I think..."
"Oh...well I don't want to wake him..."
"Well... you can just leave whatever it is..."
"Will you make sure he gets it?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Okay, good," she said, sounding a bit relieved.
"What is it?" Jamie asked, rubbing his nose with a blistering headache.
She handed Jamie something wrapped in paper. "I wrapped it up," she explained, "So it wouldn't get wet or anything..."
"Oh... What is it?"
"A key ring or something like that," she said with a hopelessly air-head smile, "I'm not sure what it's for, but he dropped it, so I'm sure it's important."
Jamie raised a brow. "Oh?"
"Yes. You will make sure he gets it right?"
Jamie nodded. "Yeah. I will."
"Good," she sounded very relieved, "Thanks sweetie." She reached over and gave him a kiss on the cheek before going out the door.
Jamie rubbed his cheek, not sure whether or not that was good. He closed the door and leaned against it, placing his head on the cool wood.
The coach made her way home, and quite possibly out of the story.

Jamie sighed and sat back down in his chair.
In his room, Tank started to snore. Loudly.
Jamie groaned and rubbed his head, then felt the cold metal of the cuff against his hot skin.
Sound asleep now, Tank rolled over in his bed with a soft murmur.
Jamie sighed and tugged at them disdainfully.
The only sound in the house was Tank's snoring, and the clock ticking.
Jamie sighed and ran his fingers over the cold cuff. He wanted them off, but he knew he'd miss them, and Tank would be very, very mad.
The clock ticked and Tank's snores grew softer.
Jamie slowly took the package in his hands and rubbed the key through the paper wrapping, the paper crinkling promisingly under his fingers.

Tank mumbled the name of the coach that he'd been with in his sleep.
Jamie slowly pulled the paper off the key and gazed at it.
*tick-tick-tick* Tank let out a particularly loud snore.
Jamie looked up towards the bedroom, then back down at the key again.
Tank woke himself up with that snore and groaned. Loudly, and also expressed how he felt in a colorful choice of vocabulary.
Jamie didn't hear Tank, his eyes focused on the tiny key. It would be so easy...
With a groan, Tank eased himself into a sitting position.
Jamie ran a finger over the tiny key again. Would Tank even notice?
He started to get out of bed...then stopped as he felt dizzy.
Jamie shook his head to himself. No, that would be wrong... But... still, it wouldn't be bad just to make sure it was the right key, would it?
He successfully made it to his wheels, staying still until he was sure he wouldn't fall.
Jamie turned the key to face the right way.
Tank opened his door...

Jamie hesitated. Maybe just give his hurting wrist a break for a few minutes... He slipped the key into the tiny lock.
Tank lost his balance for a second. Gah...he hated hangovers.
Jamie swallowed hard. Tank wouldn't notice for a few minutes. He started to turn the key.
He got control of himself and slowly started towards the door.
Jamie turned the key with trembling fingers. The lock released and the cuff fell from his wrist. Almost instantly, Jamie felt a tremendous release of the painful pressure that had been hurting his wrist for the last few days.
Tank grabbed the door frame as he passed it, coming out...
Jamie rubbed his wrist, then suddenly became aware that Tank was in the room. He gasped and dropped the key to the floor.

Tank blinked and looked at Jamie...and at his bare wrist...and at the cuff on the floor...and at the key... then back at Jamie.
Jamie swallowed. "Tank, I..."
Tank waited.
Jamie swallowed again and cowered in his chair.
Tank slowly skated over.
Jamie whimpered and cowered lower.
Tank started to bend down, then stopped and winced. "Pick them up," he ordered.
Jamie dove to the floor and scooped up the fallen cuffs hastily.
Tank held out a hand expectantly.
Jamie handed the cuff to Tank.
"Key."
Jamie handed him the key, his eyes on the floor.
Tank almost ripped it from Jamie's hand.
Jamie immediately withdrew his hand as if Tank was a dog that had just bit him.

"Where'd you get it?"
Jamie swallowed, but he had nothing left to swallow. "Your... your coach... she said you left it... she brought it back..."
"And...?" he trailed off, looking at Jamie's bare wrist.
Jamie glanced down at his wrist, which throbbed painfully to remind him it was there. "It... it hurt... I... I was just gonna... for a few minutes... that's all, I swear!"
Tank growled, "And you expect me to believe that you were gonna put it back on?"
"I was!" Jamie said honestly. "I was, Tank. I... I knew you'd be mad if I didn't."
"Oh you mean like how I'd be mad if you took them off?"
"If... if I didn't put them back on."
Tank growled and moved closer to Jamie, "You mean like how I am right now?"
Jamie backed away carefully. "Tank, please..."

"Hands!" Tank snapped.
Jamie whimpered and held out his hand to Tank.
Tank grabbed Jamie's wrist and set the cuff in place.
Jamie whimpered, tears stinging his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. "Tank, please... just a few minutes..."
Tank growled and locked it shut with a click, still holding Jamie's wrist firmly.
Jamie yelped. "Tank, that hurts!"
Tank glared at Jamie, the yelp went straight through his head in a most painful way. His eyes narrowed and he took hold of the cuff again.

Jamie felt a fear in him he hadn't felt in days, since he had left the yard. The fear that Tank was not going to be nice to him.
In the stillness of the house the click as Tank tightened the cuff another notch was very audible.
Jamie couldn't hold back a painful scream. "Tank!"
and another click...
Jamie yelped and felt his legs collapse from the burst of pain that started through his arm to his whole body. He collapsed to his knees, screaming in pain.
Tank groaned and rubbed his temples.
Jamie was gasping through his tears. He looked up at Tank with scared, pain-filled eyes. "Tank, please..."
Tank considered.
"Please... it hurts..."
"Give it here," Tank ordered.
Jamie held out his wrist which was turning an angry purple color.
Tank took hold of it.
Jamie winced and bit his lip hard to keep from crying out.
He studied Jamie.
Jamie gazed back up at Tank with scared eyes.

He took the key, inserted it into the lock and turned it, letting the cuff loosen. He locked it again in it's original loose position.
Jamie breathed a heavy sigh of relief, tears of happiness prickling in his eyes, but he didn't let them fall. "Thank you," he said softly.
Tank stood up without a word.
Jamie rubbed his aching wrist tenderly, swallowing back a groan of pain, swiping at the tears on his face.
Tank silently returned to his bedroom.
Jamie was still on the floor on his knees where he had collapsed. He whimpered softly and lowered himself down to the floor, too achy to try to make it to a piece of furniture.

*~*~*~*

Much much later Tank awoke, wondering what the heck had happened before.
Jamie lay on the carpet like a beached whale, his wrist, an angry pulse beneath him, clutched to his chest as he slept a dream full of train trestles and handcuffs.
He sighed and got to his wheels, skating over to a mirror.
Jamie moaned softly into the carpet and stirred, but he didn't wake up just yet.
Frowning at his reflection, he went to work on his hair.
Jamie continued to sleep, his wrist creating a painful sensation in his dream that inhabited his whole body, which probably had something to do with the blows he had received from Broc earlier that were now beginning to show their true colors (black and blue).
After he was finally satisfied with his hair Tank decided that it was time for something to eat, as he'd probably slept through dinner. All he remembered was going out...
Jamie rolled over onto his side, his wrist curled closer, just under his chin, as he struggled against the giant handcuffs that bound him to a brick wall where Broc was trying to hit him.
Jamie was asleep on the floor, Tank carefully stepped over him.
Jamie whimpered softly as something dark passed over him.
Tank looked down at Jamie, then he leaned down towards him.
Jamie gasped softly and curled into a tighter ball.

"Jamie?" Tank asked, giving him a gentle shake.
Jamie opened his eyes weakly. Almost instantly, he was wide awake and stumbling away from Tank, tripping over himself in the process. "Don't..." he pleaded.
"Wake up, you're dreaming..."
"Don't touch me," Jamie pleaded, his good arm up, protectively shading the hurt one. "Please... I'll be good... I won't do it again..."
Tank rolled his eyes, "I'm making food, did you want anything?"
Jamie shook his head, his eyes scared, as if afraid Tank was going to slip something toxic into his plate.
"Okay. Suit yourself."
Jamie backed away from him again, his back pressed against the couch.
Tank shrugged and skated into the kitchen.
Jamie curled against the couch, starting to cry softly.

After a few minutes Tank skated out again, plate in hand.
Jamie had escalated from a few tears to flat out sobbing by the time Tank returned. He had managed to pull himself onto the couch, where he sobbed hysterically into a pillow.
"What the-?"
Jamie heard Tank's voice and looked up in terror, immediately tumbling off the couch, not wanting Tank to be mad if he wanted to sit there.
Tank sighed and sat down, going to his dinner.
Jamie curled up on the floor, continuing his sobbing.
Tank looked at Jamie, debated about whether or not to tell him to do something or not.
Jamie pillowed his face in his good arm, his wounded one still clutched to him like a teddy bear as his sobs grew softer but more intense.
"Jamie?"
Jamie curled up into a tighter ball.
"Jamie?"
Jamie whimpered softly.

"Jamie. Look up."
Jamie sniffed and took a few moment before he was able to look over at Tank, but he couldn't bring himself up past Tank's skate laces.
"Jamie, why are you like this?"
Jamie whimpered softly.
"Jamie..."
Jamie closed his eyes weakly.
"Jamie..." Tank closed his eyes and braced, "What's wrong?"
Jamie looked up at Tank with scared eyes. "You..."
"Oh."
Jamie whimpered softly.
Tank skated over to Jamie slowly.
Jamie ducked a bit.
Tank sighed, "Okay, I'll leave you then..."
Jamie nodded slowly.
"I'm going back to bed."
Jamie whimpered softly and nodded.
"good night then."
Jamie didn't answer, curling up in a ball on the floor again.
Tank closed his door, leaving Jamie alone with the ticking clock again.

Jamie began to cry softly again.
The hands of the clock moved until they both pointed to the twelve.
Jamie continued to shed tears, silently now, shivering in the dark.

He sighed softly, moving closer to Jamie.
Jamie heard something and looked up.
He froze, closing his eyes, blending into the darkness.
Jamie looked around, shivering a bit. He whimpered softly and closed his eyes.
He drew closer, gently pulling a blanket over Jamie.
Jamie pulled the blanket closer without even realizing what it was or where it came from.
He sank to his knees silently, feeling horrible.
Jamie whimpered and clutched the blanket closer.
He leaned in, if he couldn't do anything else, maybe he could keep away nightmares.
Jamie whimpered and curled tighter, feeling something over him and wanting it to go away.
*I am so sorry* he thought sadly, *So so sorry...*
Jamie whimpered softly.
He gently allowed his power to flow around Jamie, trying to comfort him.
Jamie sighed softly, closing his eyes weakly.
He leaned in closer.

Jamie opened his eyes. "Ru... Rusty?"
Rusty gasped softly and slowly pulled back, automatically closing his eyes.
"Rusty..."
"...yeah...?"
"Rusty..."
"That's me."
"Rusty..."
"I'm right here."
"Don't leave me..."
"I won't."
"He... he hurt me."
"I know." Rusty said sadly.
"It... it hurt so bad..."
"I know... I...I heard."
"I... I'm scared"
"I...I won't let anything happen to you tonight. I'll stay here."
"He... He hurt me..."

Rusty started closer to Jamie, then stopped, cautiously opening his eyes to see.
Jamie whimpered and curled tightly.
"I'm here," Rusty repeated, his voice sounding a bit strange.
Jamie sniffed softly. "I... I'm scared..."
Rusty opened his eyes further, "I'm sorry."
"Don't let him hurt me..."
"I won't."
Jamie burst into tears and flung himself into Rusty's arms.
Rusty held Jamie gently, eyes soft.
Jamie sobbed, hugging Rusty tightly.
Rusty blinked rapidly, he felt horrible.
Jamie sobbed harder, gasping for breath.
Rusty held Jamie, he vaguely wished that one of his hands were free, but he'd just deal with the tickling on his face.

Jamie curled against Rusty, suddenly strangely silent.
Rusty was a bit worried by his silence, but was afraid to ask anything.
Jamie sniffed and laid his head on Rusty's chest
Rusty closed his eyes.
Jamie curled close to Rusty's warm boiler and closed his eyes.
Rusty sighed softly, still feeling rotten.
Jamie sighed softly too, tears prickling his closed eyes.

"Jamie?" Rusty whispered.
Jamie opened his eyes and looked up at Rusty.
"I..."
Jamie continued to gaze at him, his pretty eyes sorrowful.
Rusty closed his eyes, "I am so sorry..."
Jamie sniffed and curled back against Rusty. "I... I wanna go home," he said softly, referring to his own house.
"I know..." Rusty said softly, trying to comfort Jamie.
Jamie sniffed and hugged Rusty tightly. "Will... will you take me?"
"Home? Like back with me?"
Jamie shook his head. "Home..."
"I...don't understand..."
"I... I wanna go home..."
"I...I know Jamie...but..."
"I wanna go home," Jamie insisted.
Rusty was still confused.
Jamie sniffed and curled close to Rusty. "It... it's not far... I wanna go home."
"Oh..." Rusty said softly.

"Will you take me home?"
"I...I don't know..."
"Please... I wanna go... go home... I don't wanna stay here..."
"I know! I don't want you to stay here either...only..."
"Please?"
"Can you get up?"
Jamie whimpered softly and nodded.
"Okay, 'cuz I'm not sure if I could carry you..." Rusty said, "I can push you though..."
"I... I can walk," Jamie said softly.
Rusty carefully stood up.
Jamie got painfully to his feet, clinging to Rusty.
"I can push..." Rusty started.
"I'm... I'm okay."
"I know. But..."
"Please.."
"It's not that I don't think you can do it," Rusty said, turning to take Jamie's couplings.
"I can," Jamie said softly.
"I know you can...but...well... you shouldn't *have* to..."
"Have to what?"
"You shouldn't have to do anything that takes too much work..."
"I can," Jamie insisted.
"I know you can...I just...."
"Can we go?"
"Yeah...yeah sure..."

Jamie sniffed and headed for the door.
Rusty followed, pushing Jamie gently.
Jamie opened the door softly and slipped out, letting Rusty get out, and closing the door softly.
"You ready?" Rusty asked.
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Okay," Rusty took Jamie's couplings and pushed gently.
Jamie headed for his house.
Rusty pushed Jamie down the tracks.
Jamie pointed. "That way."
"I remember."
Jamie nodded and headed for the house.
"Can..."
"What?"
"Can I push you?"
"I... I guess..."
"Okay...ready?"
Jamie nodded.

Rusty picked up speed a bit, pushing Jamie along.
Jamie almost stumbled, but he stayed up, not wanting to stay anywhere but his own home.
"Almost there..."
Jamie nodded slowly.
Rusty pulled up at Jamie's house.
Jamie opened the door softly.
"I..."
"What?"
"I'm sorry your bed's not made...I sorta used it..."
"You... you were in my house?"
Rusty looked down, "Yes."
"Oh," Jamie said softly.
"I'm sorry if you didn't want me to be...but I needed somewhere to go..."
"I... It's okay."
Rusty looked up relieved.

Jamie closed the door behind them.
"I...I can-" Rusty stopped abruptly.
"What?"
"What do you want me to do?" he asked softly, "If you want me to stay, I will but...if you want me to leave...I...I understand..."
"I... I want you to stay... I don't... don't wanna be alone..."
"Okay. I will stay."
Jamie nodded and lay down on his bed, then realized that his pillow was back where he had left it at Tank's. He groaned softly and curled under the blankets.
Rusty sank to the ground.
Jamie looked over at Rusty. "You... you can sleep on Jan's bed if you want."
"Oh. Okay. Thank you."
Jamie nodded slowly.
Rusty got up slowly.
Jamie sighed and closed his eyes.

"Jamie?"
Jamie looked up and opened his eyes. "Hmm?"
"If...I'm not here when you wake up, I'll be back soonly, I promise."
"You... you're gonna leave me?" Jamie squeaked, pulling the blanket closer.
"I don't think I will."
Jamie smiled a bit.
"But just in case. I'll come back. I promise." Rusty sank to his knees next to Jamie's bed.
Jamie whimpered softly and curled up.
"Do you believe me?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Good," Rusty said with a smile, "Now go to sleep, dream of nice things..."
Jamie smiled a bit and closed his eyes.

Rusty stood up slowly, backing up.
Jamie curled up closer and pulled his blanket around him with a soft sigh.
Rusty opened a door and found Jan's room. It was pretty empty, she had taken most of her things with her, but the bed was there. He wasn't tired yet, so he rolled over to the window.

Jamie slowly opened one eye. "Rusty?" he asked softly.
"Yeah?" Rusty called from the other room.
"Rusty..."
Rusty rolled back into Jamie's room, "yeah?"
Jamie looked up at Rusty with sad eyes. "I... I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For... for being mad at you."
"Oh..." Rusty shook his head, "It's okay..."
"No... it's not..."
"Yes it is."
"No."
"Jamie...please...it's okay..."
"No... Rusty, I..."
"Yes?"
"I... I shouldn't have been mad..."
"I understand why you were..."
"But that doesn't... doesn't make it right."
"Yeah...but it's okay..."

Jamie sniffed softly. "How... how can you be so nice?"
"I-"
Jamie curled his blanket closer.
"I...I guess it's because it's sorta my fault too..."
"Why?"
"I didn't mean to...make you leave."
"It... it wasn't your fault."
"I didn't mean to make you upset..."
"It... it wasn't you, Rusty..."
"Yes. yes it was...I think that maybe I just..."
Jamie shook his head.
"Jamie...will you let me tell you what I was trying to tell you before?"
Jamie bit his lip and nodded.

"I was scared."
"You? You were... were scared?"
"Yes."
"What... what were you scared of?"
"I couldn't help you. You needed it, but I couldn't help you, Poppa could, but not me...and so...I guess I just thought you'd be better with him..."
"You... you were scared of me?"
"A little..."
"Gee... I... I never had anyone be... be scared of me..."
"And then when I found out that you had...that you'd..."
Jamie waited.
"That you'd come back here..."
Jamie whimpered softly.
"I had to come. I just had to, even if you were mad at me..."

"Why? Why did you come for me, Rusty?"
"because..."
"Because?"
"Because I couldn't *leave* you here..."
"But... but it was my choice..." Jamie said softly.
"Yeah but..."
Jamie curled into a ball. "You... you didn't have to come..."
"Yeah...yeah I did..."
"Why?"
"Because...we're friends..."
"We... we're still friends?"
"Yeah... of course... if...if you still want to be..."
Jamie smiled slowly and nodded. "I... I'd like that."
"So would I."
Jamie smiled. "Thank you."
"And Jamie?"
"What?"
"About what I said before... I'm really sorry I said all of that..."
"I... I'm sorry for everything I said too," Jamie said softly.
Rusty smiled.

Jamie glanced around. "You... you can stay in here," he said, motioning to his own bed. "If... if you want..."
"I...I'm not gonna sleep yet...but...I can stay in here..."
Jamie smiled and scooted over, in case Rusty wanted to sleep there. "I... I'm gonna sleep, okay?"
"Okay."
Jamie closed his eyes and curled into a ball, momentarily wishing for his pillow.