The Midnight Train Crossing

Rusty carefully rolled out of bed so as not to wake Jamie.
Jamie slept soundly, worn out from his pain, crying, and overall stress.
Rusty moved over to the window. It was bright and sunny out this morning.
Jamie moaned softly and rolled over in his sleep.
Rusty looked over at Jamie, concerned.
Jamie sighed softly and curled tighter.
Rusty relaxed.
Jamie slept on, pulling the blanket up closer around his tiny frame.
Rusty pulled back from the window as he saw someone skate towards the house.
Jamie rolled over again, tangling himself more in the blankets, but still sleeping.
With a glance at Jamie, Rusty moved out of the bedroom, towards the door.
Jamie continued to sleep.

Outside, Tank skidded to a stop, stunned at who he saw outside of Jamie's house.
Jamie rolled over in his sleep again, mumbling something incoherent in his sleep.
"You." Tank said, "What are you doing here?"
Rusty didn't answer for a minute. "Here in your yard, or here at this house?"
"You trying to be funny steamer?" Tank asked.
"No, not at all," Rusty said, "There's nothing here that's funny at all..."
"So why are you here?" Tank asked.
"I had to come. I couldn't stand by and let you..." Rusty started.
"Oh, *him* again..." Tank groaned.
Tank looked around, "Inside," he said.
"I'd rather not," Rusty answered, "There's no one around, you can tell me out here."
Jamie stirred and blinked his eyes open.
Tank growled softly, but Rusty was firm. "I don't want him here," Tank said, "I want him at my house."
"You don't even have anywhere for him in your house," Rusty said.
Jamie groaned and pushed himself up, realizing he was trapped in a net of blankets.
"I don't care, I want him there," Tank said.
"Why?" Rusty asked.
"Because..." Tank started, "Why should I tell you anyway?"

Jamie blinked and tried to hear what sounded like Tank outside his house talking to... Rusty? Jamie tried to listen harder.
"Because, unlike you, I actually care about him!" Rusty retorted.

"So I don't then?" Tank asked.
"Well apparently not," Rusty answered.
Jamie whimpered softly, trying to untie himself from the sheets that trapped him.
Tank growled softly, but Rusty wasn't afraid. "Look steamer, you can't just come in and think you know better, this is *my* trainyard...and if I want to keep him working for me in my house I certainly will!"
Jamie succeeded in untangling the blankets and scrambled to his feet, almost tripping over the sheets as he tried to head for the door.
"Besides," Tank added in a softer tone, "How long d'you think he'd last outside?"

Jamie made his way over to the door, appearing behind Rusty and peeking over his shoulder meekly at Tank.
Rusty shook his head at Tank's words as he processed them. Tank looked almost through Rusty at Jamie.
Jamie swallowed and hugged Rusty around the waist tightly as he gazed over Rusty's shoulder, up on his toe stops to be seen.
"Come here."
Jamie swallowed and slowly slipped around Rusty and moved to face Tank.
Tank waited, as did Rusty, a bit tensely.
Jamie looked up into Tank's face.
Tank stared down at Jamie.
Jamie swallowed hard.

Without a word Tank whirled around.
Jamie gasped. "Tank..."
"Come."
Jamie whimpered and glanced back at Rusty, then started to follow Tank.
Rusty followed along behind Jamie.
Jamie didn't notice, following Tank slowly, afraid of the reprimand he would probably get, if nothing else.
Tank didn't look back as he reached his house.
Jamie waited by Tank's side.
"Inside."
Jamie hurried to obey.
Rusty followed in close behind Tank.
Jamie waited just inside the doorway.

Tank turned around and glared at Rusty a bit.
Jamie moved in front of Rusty a bit.
Tank sighed, "You can stay, but not a word, and stay out of my way."
Jamie nodded and gave Rusty a gentle nudge towards the living room.
Rusty nodded obediently, and skated into the other room without a word.

Jamie looked back at Tank with scared eyes.
"Sit."
Jamie quickly sat down in his chair.
"Now...I'm fairly certain I told you to stay inside..."
Jamie swallowed and nodded slowly. "I..."
Tank waited.
"I... I was scared... I wanted to go home..."
"Oh. Scared of what?"
"Of... of you..."
"Well obviously..."
Jamie ducked his head.
"but you stayed before..."
"I... I had no choice... but... but Rusty came..."
"The steamer."
Jamie nodded slowly.
"figures."
Jamie swallowed and curled up on the chair, as if afraid he was about to get hit.

Tank rolled his eyes and looked over Jamie.
Jamie curled tighter.
His eyes fell on Jamie's wrists.
Jamie whimpered and hid his wrists in his lap.
"Let me see..."
Jamie shook his head hastily.
"Let me see them..."
Jamie whimpered and shook his head again.
"HANDS!"
Jamie gasped and held out his hands, trembling.
Tank gently took Jamie's wrists, one looked considerably more purple then it had before.
Jamie gasped and winced. "Ow," he couldn't help groaning.
Tank quickly let go.
Jamie pulled his wrist protectively to his chest.

"What happened?"
Jamie's eyes widened. "What?"
"What happened to your wrist?"
"Y... you... last night..."
"I did this?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"Last night?"
Jamie nodded again.
"How?"
"You... you got mad at me... and... and you... you... tightened them too hard..."
"I..." he started, "I what?"
Jamie repeated what he had just said.
Tank sat down, almost in shock.
Jamie went silent, clutching his wrist to his chest, cowering.
Tank looked up, "Jamie..."
Jamie glanced up at Tank.
"Give me your wrist."
Jamie shook his head hastily.
"Now."
Jamie swallowed. "You... you won't hurt me?"
"No."
Jamie swallowed again and held out his wrist slowly.
Tank reached out towards Jamie's wrist.
Jamie instinctively drew it back.
"Now this is not permanent..."
Jamie whimpered softly.

Tank held out a hand, waiting for Jamie to give him his wrist again.
Jamie slowly held out his wrist, biting his lip.
Tank took hold of the cuff.
Jamie moaned softly in pain.
He inserted the key in the lock, and pulled it off.
Jamie gasped and rubbed his wrist gratefully at the sudden release of pressure
Tank stood up, moving over towards the freezer.
Jamie sank back in his chair, rubbing his wrist slowly.
"Here." Tank tossed an ice pack on the table.
Jamie looked up at Tank with wide eyes. "Is... is that for me?"
"Yeah."
Jamie slowly took it and wrapped it around his wrist that was a lovely purple color. "Th... thanks..."
Tank didn't answer.
Jamie looked down again, biting his lip at the sharp cold that stung.

There was a soft sound in the door way.
Jamie looked up in panic.
Tank looked up as well, then looked away, it was only the annoying steamer that simply would not go away.
Jamie smiled just a bit. "Hi, Rusty."
Rusty smiled back, and gestured to his wrist, then to Jamie.
Jamie nodded slowly.
Rusty grinned.
Jamie motioned with his good hand for Rusty to come in.
Rusty skated in, and Tank rolled his eyes.
Jamie pointed to the chair next to him. "You can sit by me."
Rusty nodded and sat.
Jamie moved closer to Rusty.
Tank pointedly groaned very loudly and skated out of the kitchen.

Jamie watched Tank go with a half smile, then laid his cheek on Rusty's chest.
Rusty tapped Jamie on the shoulder.
Jamie looked up at Rusty.
Rusty indicated Jamie, and then himself, then pointed out the door, in the direction where, far down the tracks, was Rusty's trainyard. Rusty raised an eyebrow questioningly.
Jamie looked up at Rusty. "Rusty, you can talk now..."
Rusty looked over at the door, where Tank had gone.
"Tank's gone now..."
"Okay..." Rusty said softly.
Jamie curled close to Rusty again
"Jamie...will you come back?" Rusty asked softly.
"Back with me," he added.
Jamie looked away from Rusty.
"Oh..." Rusty said softly.
Jamie looked up at Rusty with sad eyes. "I have no reason to go back," he said softly.
"But-"
Jamie shook his head.
"But-"
Jamie shook his head again. "No."
"But why not?"
"Be... because..."
"Please."
Jamie shook his head and looked away again.
"Jamie, please."
Jamie whimpered, but he shook his head.
"Jamie... I said before..."
"I know you're sorry, Rusty. I know."
"Then why won't you come back?"
"I... I just don't want to. I... I'm happy here," he lied.

"Jamie...before…when I- well I said some things..."
Jamie nodded. "I know..."
"I didn't mean them, but-"
"I know you didn't."
"I did say something though..."
Jamie looked up at him.
"I...I can't believe you." Rusty said suddenly.
"What?"
"That you're happy here, I can't....believe you."
Jamie looked away again. "I am."
"I don't believe you..."
Tears stung Jamie's eyes, and he stayed silent.
"I'm sorry."
Jamie looked up at him. "For what?"
"For making you upset..."
Jamie shook his head. "You... you shouldn't worry about me, Rusty."
"But..."
Jamie bit his lip hard.
"Jamie, I rarely do things that I *should* do..." Rusty said with a smile.
Jamie smiled a bit, but his heart wasn't in it. "I... I don't want to go back."
"If it's because of me-"
Jamie shook his head. "It... it's not you, Rusty."
"Then why?"
"Be... because I... I'm not like other trains... Here I'm freer."
Rusty looked down at Jamie, and then looked up skeptically.
Jamie bit his lip. "I am, Rusty. Here I'm more like other trains."
"How?"
"Cause... I fit in better."
"Here?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"How?"
"I..." Jamie paused. He wasn't sure he could explain it. "I... I'm so used to being here... I feel so much more comfortable here..."
"Even though..."
Jamie bit his lip.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to remind you..."
Jamie shook his head.
"Please, just tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."

Rusty sighed, "Jamie, just so you know, I'm not gonna give up on you yet..."
"You... you don't have to give up on me. But I'm just not gonna go back."
"We'll see," Rusty said softly.
Jamie looked away and shifted the ice pack on his wrist.
"So...d'you want anything?" Rusty smiled, "I now know where everything in this kitchen is."
Jamie looked up in surprise.
"Well I do," Rusty said.
Jamie sighed softly. "I... I'm fine..."
"Okay... except that you're not. I know that you're not."
Jamie bit his lip and curled against Rusty again, needing someone close.
Rusty sighed, "Alright, I'll stay..."

Jamie nodded slowly, then hesitated.
"What?"
Jamie looked up into Rusty's eyes. "Rusty, if..."
"Yeah?"
"If... if I come back..."
Rusty smiled, "Yeah?"
"If I come back... will... will you and Poppa..."
Rusty waited.
"Will you and Poppa... teach me to race?"
Rusty smiled and nodded, he started to say something when he was interrupted by a burst of laughter from the doorway.
Jamie looked up in terror.
"Jamie racing?" Tank laughed.
Jamie whimpered and curled closer to Rusty.
Rusty glared angrily at Tank and started to respond.
"Nuh uh," Tank said, shushing Rusty.
Jamie whimpered softly and gave Rusty a soft hug. "Why can't he talk?"
"Because when he talks I find it annoying."
Jamie whimpered softly and curled closer to Rusty.
"However, the idea of you racing is rather funny."
"Why?" Jamie demanded, his voice coming out a lot stronger than he meant it to.
"Because it's *you* and the fact that you're asking a slow steam engine to teach you..."

"Rusty's a champion!" Jamie said loudly, then ducked quickly, as if Tank was going to slap him.
Rusty sighed and Tank's eyes widened.
Jamie curled closer to Rusty than ever, afraid Tank was going to hit them both.
Tank rolled over to them, "Don't make things up," he growled at Jamie.
"I'm not," Jamie said softly.
Tank advanced on Jamie, then stopped.
Jamie whimpered and cowered.
"Get up," Tank ordered.
"Why?"
"Get up."
Jamie looked up at Rusty with scared eyes.
Rusty slowly stood up as well
Jamie got to his feet, clinging to Rusty.
"Get outta here," Tank snarled at Rusty.
Jamie whimpered softly.
Rusty shook his head and Tank groaned.
Jamie hugged Rusty tighter.

"Jamie," Tank said firmly, "I don't know what the steamer has told you, but he is not a champion."
"Yes he is!" Jamie said. "He's the world champion!"
"steamers are not that fast!"
"Yes he is!"
Tank growled and smacked Jamie lightly.
Jamie yelped and pressed his hand to his cheek, tears stinging his eyes.
Rusty growled and moved forward, between the two diesels.
Jamie grabbed Rusty's couplers and pulled him back. "Rusty, no..."
Rusty sighed and relaxed.
Jamie hugged Rusty from behind, laying his cheek on Rusty's shoulder. "I don't want any trouble," he said softly.
Rusty nodded, unhappily.
Jamie sighed softly, rubbing his cheek gently.
Rusty sighed softly, pulling out of Jamie's grip.
Jamie let him go and looked up at Tank with scared, sorrowful eyes.
Rusty growled softly at Tank, and Tank growled back, but neither advanced on each other.
Jamie darted between the two, not wanting them to get into a fight.
"Not worth my time steamer," Tank growled at Rusty, turning around and leaving the room, "Oh and Jamie?"
Jamie looked up at Tank. "Yeah?" he said softly.
"If the steamer does give you racing lessons, tell me. I want to watch. Could use some amusement."
Jamie whimpered softly. "If... if I get lessons, it won't be here."
Tank laughed and skated away.

Jamie watched him go, then suddenly burst into tears.
"Oh no..." Rusty said softly.
Jamie sank down in his chair.
"Jamie." he started, but he didn't know what else to say.
Jamie looked up at Rusty though tear-streaked, blue eyes.
"Jamie, I'm sorry..."
"It's not your fault..."
"I can still be sorry though..."
Jamie tried to smile.
Rusty smiled back.
Jamie curled into the chair and held the ice pack back on his wrist.
Rusty sighed softly.
Jamie looked up at him. "You can sit down."
"I know..." Rusty said softly, rolling over to the window.
Jamie sighed softly and closed his eyes.

Rusty leaned on the windowsill, staring off into the distance.
Jamie shifted a bit and looked back at Rusty. "You... you should probably go back, Rusty... Everyone will be worried about you..."
"They know where I am," Rusty said dully.
"Oh."
"Jamie, don't worry about me..." Rusty said softly.
"Why?"
"Because...you have enough to worry about..."
"I'm fine."
"yeah but-"
"What?"
"I...I just don't want you to worry about me."
"Okay," Jamie said softly.

Tank rolled back into the kitchen.
Jamie looked up in terror.
"Rusty." Tank said
Jamie gasped and looked back at Rusty.
Rusty slowly turned around.
"Are you really as fast as he says you are?" Tank asked.
Rusty nodded slowly.
Jamie nodded slowly too.
"I want you to prove it," Tank said.
Jamie inhaled softly.
Rusty looked stunned, then he shook his head slowly.
Jamie smiled a bit.
Tank growled, "I challenge you to a race!"
Rusty shook his head again.
"No!" Jamie said softly.
"Yes," Tank growled. He grabbed Jamie's cuff and pulled him over.
Jamie yelped.
Rusty's eyes widened.

"For him," Tank said, "The winner gets to keep him."
Jamie gasped and looked up at Tank, then suddenly grasped Tank tightly around the waist. "No! No, I won't!"
Rusty shook his head, "That's not fair! You can't just make Jamie the prize."
"Yeah!" Jamie said quickly.
"Fine, then he remains with me."
Jamie nodded slowly.
"For what?" Rusty asked softly.
"For whatever I like." Tank snapped.
Jamie whimpered, but he hugged Tank tighter.
"Get off," Tank snarled.
Jamie whimpered softly.
Rusty looked startled, watching Jamie.
Jamie looked up at Tank with pleading eyes. "I... I don't wanna go."
Rusty fell over in shock.
Jamie hugged Tank tighter. "Please don't give me away."
"Do we have a deal?" Tank asked Rusty.
Jamie whimpered.
"If...If I win..." Rusty started, "Then Jamie is mine?"
Jamie whimpered again and clung tighter to Tank.
"Yes," Tank answered.
Rusty sighed and looked down, then up at Jamie.
Jamie looked up at Tank with scared eyes.
"Alright," Rusty said softly, "I accept."
Jamie gasped and hugged Tank tighter than ever.
"Deal," Tank said, wrenching Jamie off him and pushing him down.
Jamie hit the floor on his back and stared up at Tank with wide eyes.
"I will go arrange the race," Tank said skating away.
Rusty sank weakly down.

Jamie got up to his knees, watching Tank go, a soft sob escaping his mouth.
"Jamie I-"
Jamie looked over at Rusty.
"Jamie I don't..."
Jamie swiped at his eyes to hold back tears.
"Jamie, I don't want this."
"I... I know."
"And I don't like what Tank said..."
"I... I'm not just a prize, am I, Rusty?"
"No!"
Jamie sniffed softly.
"Not at all!"
Jamie curled against the counter that was by him.
Rusty stood up and moved over towards Jamie.
Jamie closed his eyes and cried.

"Jamie..." Rusty set a hand on the little engine's shoulder.
Jamie flinched.
"Jamie?"
Jamie sniffed and looked up at Rusty.
"I'm sorry..."
"For... for what?"
"For...this."
Jamie curled into a tighter ball.
"Jamie?"
"What?"
"Are you mad at me? For...for accepting?"
"N... no..."
Rusty wasn't convinced.
Jamie curled into Rusty's arms.
Rusty held Jamie tightly.
Jamie hugged Rusty tight and laid his cheek on Rusty's warm boiler.
Rusty sighed softly.

Jamie closed his eyes weakly. "I..."
"Yeah?"
"I... I don't want you to race."
"No?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Cause..."
"Because why?"
"Cause... cause..."
"Jamie..."
Jamie looked up at him.
"Tell me."
Jamie shook his head.
"Please?" Rusty pleaded.
Jamie shook his head again.
Rusty sighed, "Well why won't you tell me why?
"Cause..."
"Do you know why?"
Jamie nodded slowly.
Rusty sighed, then started to get up.

Jamie looked up at Rusty with scared eyes. "Rusty, I don't want you to race."
"Why not? I can do it..."
"I know..."
"Then why don't you want me to race?"
"Be... because..."
"Jamie, please. Just tell me." Rusty pleaded.
Jamie shook his head.
"Please."
"No," Jamie mumbled.

Rusty sighed and got to his wheels.
"Rusty, please..."
"Jamie, I'm going to race."
"No!"
"Yes."
"Rusty, please..."
"Jamie, if I back out now..."
"Rusty, it's my fault in the first place. I'd be in trouble, not you. Please don't."
"It's beyond you now..." Rusty said softly.
"Rusty..."
"You don't get it," Rusty said softly.
"Don't get what?"
"Why I have to do this..."

"Rusty..."
"What?" Rusty answered automatically.
"Please... I don't want you to do this!"
"Jamie, listen to me, this has nothing to do with you. I *have* to race... if I back out now, then they'll never believe that I can do it, and I can! and I won't let Gr- Tank, tell me what I can and can't do!"
Jamie began to cry, latching onto Rusty's waist and burying his face in Rusty's shoulder. "Rusty... I don't want you to race. I know you can race. That's all that matters."
Rusty shook his head.
"Please..."
Rusty sighed, "I need to get more water..."
Jamie let go of him, sniffing and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.
Rusty rolled over to the sink, filling up his water bottle and downing it, several times.
Jamie watched him with wide, scared eyes.

The door to the kitchen opened.
Jamie looked up towards the door.
Tank skated in, with a rather smug look on his face.
Jamie instantly flung himself at Tank, latching onto him in a hug around the waist and crying. "Tank, please... don't make Rusty race..."
"Get off me."
"Please..."
"OFF!"
Jamie let go of Tank with a sob. "Please don't make him race..."
Tank ignored Jamie. He turned to Rusty. "You still up for it steamer?" he asked.
"No!" Jamie pleaded.
Rusty nodded, "Yes."
"Rusty, please don't!"
"Then lets go," Tank said.
"After you," Rusty responded sweetly.

Jamie grabbed Rusty's couplers and tried to hold him back, digging his brakes into the floor.
Rusty didn't fight.
"I will see you outside then," Tank said, "And bring him...Ah well...if you don't, then I'll bring him."
Jamie whimpered softly and tried to dig his brakes deeper.
"Jamie...let go of me," Rusty said softly after Tank had gone.
"No!"
"Jamie, please...I don't wanna-"
"Rusty, please don't go..."
"So come with me then... then I won't be leaving you..."
Jamie whimpered softly. "I... I don't want to."
"Jamie, I am so sorry, you gotta believe me, but you also gotta believe me when I say that I gotta do this."
"Rusty, you don't! It's not your fault!"
"why do you think I'm racing him?"
"Because you want to get me back! I don't want to go!"
Rusty stopped dead in his tracks. "No...well sorta I guess...but no."
"What?"
"I have to race against him, have to prove that I'm just as fast--faster--And I can't back out of a challenge. I just can't."
"But it's not your challenge!"
Rusty sighed, "Jamie, please let me go..."
"No!"
"Jamie... please...I'm going to have to get out..."
"No! I won't let you!"
Rusty sighed, "I'm sorry Jamie." He bounced Jamie's brakes off.
Jamie almost lost his balance. His eyes filled with tears of hurt. "Rusty..."
"I am so sorry."
"No you're not!" Jamie said bitterly.
Rusty started to respond.
"Well are you comin' or not?" Tank demanded.
Jamie looked up in terror.
Rusty looked at Jamie apologetically, and rolled out the door.
"Rusty!" Jamie cried, but he made no move to follow.

"Come on Jamie," Tank said.
Jamie shook his head, hurt beyond repair at Rusty's disregard for him.
"Come on!"
Jamie sniffed and shook his head again.
"Now Jamie."
Jamie inhaled shakily and shook his head again.
"NOW!"
Jamie instinctively ducked and whimpered.
Tank groaned, muttering under his breath, he grabbed the end of the cuff.
Jamie yelped.
Tank gave a firm tug.
Jamie resisted, trying to not be pulled.
Tank pulled harder.
Jamie whimpered softly. "Tank, please..."
"I will pull you harder," Tank threatened.
"Don't," Jamie pleaded.
Tank groaned, muttering under his breath. He skated towards Jamie and lifted him off the ground, half-dragging, half-carrying him.
Jamie screamed. "Put me down!"
"No. I don't believe I will."
Jamie struggled. "Tank, lemme go!"
"No."
"I don't wanna go!"
"Tough."
"Let go!"

Tank set Jamie down outside, keeping a firm grip on his leash.
Jamie tried to pull away. "I don't wanna go!"
Tank gave the cuff a sharp yank, pulling Jamie towards him.
Jamie stumbled, almost falling at Tank's feet. He caught himself and looked up at Tank with scared eyes. "I don't want to leave," he said softly.
"I don't intend on loosing to the steamer."
"And... and if you do?"
"I won't." Tank growled, tempted to hit Jamie for even suggesting it.
Jamie flinched a bit. "I... I wanna stay with you..."
"I don't intend on letting you leave."
"Good..."

Rusty was waiting on the tracks as Tank yanked Jamie over towards him.
Jamie stumbled after Tank. "Tank, please don't do this. You don't have to race him!"
"I'm gonna enjoy this..." Tank said.
"Tank, please... Call it off."
"No..." Tank grinned, "This'll be fun." He turned to Rusty, "Ever been a caboose?"
Rusty shook his head, "No, you'll have to tell me what it's like..."
Jamie flinched at Rusty's taunt. "Rusty..."
Tank growled, "I certainly hope you can back that up steamer."
"Well, after we race I'll make sure to wait for you so you can tell me if I have."
Jamie struggled in Tank's grip. "Tank... Rusty..."
"Yeah?" Rusty asked softly. "What?" Tank snapped.
"Please... just stop! Call off the race."
"No," the two answered together.
"Please," Jamie pleaded.
"No," Rusty said, "I'm sorry Jamie...I can't..."
"Please... Tank, you can call it off. You don't have to do this!"
Tank growled, "I want to do this."
"But-"
Tank let go of Jamie and skated towards Rusty as one of his gang arrived.
Jamie chased after Tank.
Tank skated over to Rusty as the two prepared to race.
Jamie chased after them and grabbed each of their couplers.
Tank growled, "Jamie get off!"
"No!"
Tank groaned, grabbing Jamie's "leash" again.
Jamie gasped and squirmed.

Muttering under his breath he dragged Jamie off to the side.
Jamie struggled. "Let go!"
Tank pulled Jamie over to the sidings, pulled the key out of his pocket, opened the loose end and locked it around the guard rail.
Jamie screamed and yanked his arm. "No!"
"It's your fault."
"No! Please, don't!"
"At least you'll get a nice view of the race from here."
"No! Please... don't lock me up."
"I'll let you loose after the race..." Tank started.
"No," Rusty said softly, "No don't...unlock him..."
Jamie yanked his chain again. "Don't do this to me... Please..."
Tank turned around, "You ready?" he asked Rusty.
Rusty sighed, "Let him go..."
"Please..."
"Are you ready or not?"
"Rusty, please..."
Rusty sighed, closing his eyes. Then he rushed over to Jamie, took the cuff and pulled. Not that it did much good.
Jamie tried to hug Rusty. "Please... don't let him lock me up..."
"After we race I'll let him go, not before." Tank growled.
"Tank!" Jamie pleaded.
"And if we don't race...well then..."
Jamie screamed and buried his face in Rusty's shoulder.
"Jamie... I have to..." Rusty said softly.
Jamie looked up at Rusty with teary eyes. "Rusty... please lose."

Rusty stood up silently and skated back over to Tank. "Alright...lets do this."
Jamie whimpered softly and bit his lip.
The two engines stood next to each other, concentrating on the upcoming race.
Jamie looked around, wondering if Tank's gang was going to show up. With him handcuffed to the bar, there wouldn't be much he could do.
The gang member that Tank had called, stood near Tank as he explained the race course.
Jamie curled close to the bar, feeling safer with it near him.

"When I say go," the gang member said, "Ten..."
Jamie groaned. This would take forever.
"Nine...eight...seven...six..."
Rusty tensed up, fire burning behind his eyes
Jamie squeezed his eyes shut in a silent prayer.
"Five...four...three...two..."
Jamie peeked his eyes open. "Come on," he whispered softly. For who he meant, he wasn't sure.
"...one... GO!"
Jamie bit his lip, his eyes wide.

Tank took the lead from the beginning, determined to beat the steamer, he accelerated faster...and faster...
Jamie held his breath.
Tank looked back, Rusty was rather far behind. He laughed and sailed on ahead.
Jamie watched Rusty with sad eyes. Rusty was no champion, he thought.
Rusty whistled, very slowly gaining on Tank.
Jamie swallowed.
Tank sped up again, putting distance between him and the steamer.
Jamie watched, half in terror, half in relief.
Tank rounded the curve, slowing down a bit so he wouldn't tip.
Rusty sped up as he approached it.
Jamie gasped. Rusty was going into that turn way too fast!
He took the curve sharply, nearly on the edges of his wheels. He barely made it.
Jamie almost collapsed from relief when Rusty didn't crash.
Tank was astonished, Rusty was gaining on him again. He sped up, but was nearly at his top speed.
Jamie watched, shaking slightly.

They neared the spot marked as the finishing line.
Jamie squeezed his eyes shut a moment, then opened them wide in terror.
Rusty suddenly shot forward. Tank growled, and moved sideways, blocking Rusty's path. Rusty swerved off to the side to avoid crashing.
Jamie gasped. "That was cheating!" he protested loudly.
Rusty caught his balance and chased after Tank again.
Jamie held his breath.
He gained rapidly on the diesel.
Jamie bit his lip.
Tank tried blocking Rusty again...
Jamie gasped.
This time Rusty was ready and he swerved the opposite direction, passing Tank on the other side.
Jamie held back a cheer.
Tank sped up, pulling even with Rusty.
Jamie groaned. This was too suspenseful.
The diesel moved to the side, pushing into Rusty, pushing the steamer into the guard rail. The two engines locked with a horrible screech as Rusty dragged against the rail.
Jamie winced. Oh no! That really sounded like it hurt.
Tank pulled away, leaving Rusty.
Jamie watched Rusty with sad eyes.
Rusty shook his head, as if to clear it, and went on, accelerating rapidly.
Jamie whimpered softly and sat down on the ground, his cuffed arm somewhat up in the air.
Rusty went faster, right behind Tank now.
Jamie pulled his legs to his chest and watched with wide eyes.
Rusty pulled even with Tank, and passed him, and sped up again, putting Tank behind him.
Jamie gasped.
Tank sped up, closing the gap.
Jamie held his breath again.

Rusty sped up again, and shot past the marker that had been designated the finish line.
Jamie cried out in terror.
Tank crossed the line a split second later in shock.
Jamie scrambled to his feet, nearly whacking himself on the head with the bar.
Rusty crouched down, panting.
Jamie yanked violently at the bar, trying to get free.
"I don't believe it..." Tank was muttering, "I don't believe it..."
Jamie was crying now, trying to get free.
"Let..." Rusty panted.
Jamie gave the chain a mighty yank and almost knocked himself off his feet.
"Let him loose." Rusty said.
Jamie struggled harder.
Tank groaned, but didn't move.
Jamie gave a soft cry and yanked the chain to make it rattle.
"Tank!" Rusty said, "I won. Let him loose!"
Jamie sobbed softly.
With a groan Tank reached into his pocket and tossed Rusty the keys. "You do it."
Jamie whimpered loudly.
Rusty caught it and struggled to his wheels. Once he was steady he rolled over towards Jamie.
Jamie didn't meet Rusty's eyes.

He steadied himself on the bar, trying to generate more steam.
Jamie's eyes stayed on his skates.
Rusty took the small key and moved to unlock the cuff from Jamie's wrist.
Jamie waited.
Rusty inserted the key in the lock. "Jan never liked this on you..." he said softly.
Jamie bit his lip.
He turned it and the cuff came free, releasing Jamie's wrist.

Instantly, Jamie had brushed past Rusty and flung himself into Tank's arms sobbing. "I won't go! I wanna stay here!"
"Not now Jamie..." he mumbled tiredly.
"Please, Tank, don't make me go!"
Tank didn't want to admit he was tired out after the race, but he couldn't keep himself, and Jamie upright on the power that he had left...
Jamie curled close to Tank.
"Jamie get off me."
"But-"
"Jamie, I'm serious."
Jamie whimpered and slowly let go of Tank, gazing up at him with pleading, scared eyes.
Tank carefully sat down.
Jamie knelt down next to him.
Rusty was leaning over the railing, exhausted, and in complete shock. Sure he'd beaten Tank but...watching Jamie he felt something hurt inside.
Jamie moved closer to Tank. "I... I don't wanna go."
"Jamie...right now I don't really care."
Jamie swallowed hard. "O... okay..."

Tank sighed, "Steamer..." he started.
Jamie looked over at Rusty.
"What?" Rusty asked.
"Steamer, ah, Rusty," Tank said, "I..."
Jamie rubbed his freed wrist, suddenly realizing the hated cuff was gone.
"You are fast," Tank said finally.
Jamie rubbed his wrist again and looked back at Tank.
Rusty smiled, "Thanks...so are you..."
Jamie whimpered softly.
"What?" Tank groaned.
Jamie looked away quickly. "Nothing."
"Okay, then knock it off," Tank stood up gingerly.
Jamie nodded slowly and got to his feet.
"I'm going home," Tank informed them.
"Wait for me," Jamie pleaded.

Tank stretched and sped away, picking up speed and quickly vanishing down the tracks.
Jamie screeched and raced after Tank at his slower pace.
"He's going back to his house," Rusty said, "You can catch him there."
Jamie ignored Rusty and headed after Tank towards Tank's house.
Rusty groaned and followed, "Jamie...wait up...please."
Jamie didn't listen, trying to speed up, but only succeeding in slowing down.
"Please...I'm running low, I can't go much faster."
"Then you can catch up!" Jamie yelled.
Rusty groaned, "This is gonna hurt later..." he muttered to himself, picking up speed.
Jamie neared Tank's house.
Rusty caught Jamie's couplings.
Jamie yelped and slammed on his brakes, nearly pitching Rusty over him.
"Ouch..." Rusty winced.
Jamie turned to Rusty. "Let go of me!" he pleaded.
"Kay..."
Jamie waited.
"Only please don't run again, can't we walk?"
"But... I gotta catch up with Tank..."
"He's not gonna go anywhere..."
"But-"
"Jamie..." Rusty sighed, "Please."
Jamie sniffed and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "O.. Okay."
"Thank you." Rusty let go.

Jamie sniffed again and headed for Tank's house.
Rusty followed, thankful for the slower pace. He rubbed his arm that had been scrapped against the railing.
Jamie neared Tank's house. Tank wasn't in sight.
"Jamie..." Rusty started.
"What?"
"Jamie I-"
"What?"
"Jamie, I....I can't not be happy..."
"For what?"
"For winning..."
"I... I don't care..."
"Yeah...yeah you do, you're upset..."
"No," Jamie said hastily.
"Yes."
"No."
"Well you don't look happy..."
"So?"
Rusty sighed, "Look, Jamie...I didn't do this because..."
"What?"
"Because of...you..."
"Coulda fooled me."
"No, well I did-but I didn't...I mean...I do want you to come with me and get you away from all of this, but...but not like this!"
"Not like what?"
"You should come with me because you want to..."
"I don't want to."
"and not...not because of the..."
"What?"
"because of the race."
"I don't care about the race."
"Good..."
Jamie reached for the doorknob.
"but you know what?"
Jamie paused. "What?"
Rusty grinned, "I beat him."
"I know..." Jamie said softly.
Rusty smiled and whistled softly.

Jamie turned away and reached for the knob again.
"Are you mad at me?"
"No," Jamie said softly.
"Do you mean that?"
"Yes."
He let out a sigh of relief.
Jamie grasped the door handle.
This time Rusty didn't interrupt.

Jamie slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open.
The living room was empty.
Jamie slid inside and looked around.
Rusty followed.
Jamie closed the door silently.
Tank's bedroom door opened, "Forget something?"
Jamie ducked a bit. "Uh... no..."
"Oh."
Jamie bit his lip.
"Well?" Tank asked.
"What?"
"What do you want?"
"I... I was gonna stay here," Jamie reminded him.
"Oh... you mean when I told you before that you were to stay here?"
"No... I don't wanna go..."
"Oh."
Jamie bit his lip.

Tank looked Jamie over, "Hmm..."
"What?" Jamie asked softly.
"Somehow I suspected that..."
"What?"
"First order of business for your new engine, to take the cuffs of."
Jamie whimpered softly. "He's not my new engine."
"Well he's certainly not your old one."
Jamie whimpered again. He skated closer to Tank.
"Why are you still here? I thought for sure that Rusty would speed off home."
"I want to stay with you," Jamie reminded him.
"Why on earth would you want to do that?"
"Cause... Cause I don't... don't wanna go back."

Tank skated over, and circled Jamie like a vulture.
Jamie watched Tank carefully.
"Nope, " Tank said finally.
"What?"
"You're not mine."
"What? Yes I am!"
"Nope."
"Why?"
"Two reasons."
"What?"
"First one, the race."
"But..."
Tank crossed his arms.
Jamie froze and went silent.
"secondly, I've decided recently to institute a new rule."
"What is that?" Jamie asked softly.
"All trains that belong to me must be marked as mine. You no longer are."
"What?" Jamie asked.
"You heard me."
"What mark?" Jamie asked.
"Well, usually it would be paint, but in your case I opted to use something different."
"What?"

Tank reached out and grabbed Jamie's bare wrist.
Jamie yelped softly.
"What's different here?"
Jamie whimpered and struggled a bit.
"I'll let go of you once you answer me. What's different?"
"R... Rusty... took off... took off the cuffs..."
"exactly."
"But-"
"but what?"
"But... I... I want to stay..."
"Not my problem."
"But-"
"But what?" Tank growled.
Jamie fell silent, tears running down his face.
"Out."
"But-"
Tank rolled away, picked up something and then thrust Jamie's pillow into the little engine's arms, "NOW!"
Jamie turned and raced out the door, sobbing hysterically.

Rusty was sitting down outside when Jamie rushed out.
Jamie almost collided with Rusty, blinded by his own tears. He rushed away, clutching his pillow, heading for his house.
"Jamie?..." Rusty stood up in alarm and chased after him, "Jamie!"
Jamie ignored Rusty, rushing inside the house and slamming the door
"Jamie?" Rusty pulled on the door.
Jamie collapsed on his bed, sobbing.
"Jamie...can I come in?"
Jamie ignored Rusty, sobbing into his pillow.
"Jamie...?"
Jamie sobbed harder.

Rusty sighed and opened the door, sliding into the room.
Jamie pulled his pillow closer to his face so he could barely breathe.
Rusty sat down next to him on the bed.
Jamie ignored him, sobbing angrily.
Rusty just waited.
Jamie finally calmed enough to look up at Rusty and glare through angry, glassy eyes.
Rusty still waited.
Jamie sniffed and swiped angrily at his tears. "It's all your fault," he accused, his voice soft but dangerous.
Rusty didn't answer, he looked down at his hands in his lap.
Jamie sobbed again for a moment, then went absolutely silent and limp.

Rusty hesitated, then reached out and gently set a hand on Jamie's shoulder.
Jamie smacked Rusty's hand away angrily.
Rusty drew away, startled.
Jamie glared at Rusty. "Don't touch me," he hissed.
"Sorry."
Jamie glared at him. "No you're not."
"Yes I am."
"No!" Jamie yelled.
Rusty winced and slid off the bed.
Jamie watched him with heated eyes.
Rusty slid down to the floor.
Jamie buried his face in his sopping wet pillow again.

Rusty hesitated, then reached out towards him again.
Jamie looked up at him, but he didn't move.
"What did Tank say to you?"
Jamie glared. "I can't stay here anymore cause you took off those handcuffs!"
"What??"
"It's all your fault!" Jamie yelled.
"Because I untied you?"
"Yes!"
"but-"
"Just leave me alone!" Jamie yelled.
"But Jamie-"
"No!"
"Jamie, please."
"Go away!"
"Jamie...never mind," Rusty said.

"Where'd you put them?"
"Huh?"
"The cuffs. Where are they?"
"Oh. um..."
"Where?"
Rusty looked thoughtful, "I untied you from the rail..."
"Go get them," Jamie ordered.
"Say what?"
"You heard me." Jamie's tone was shockingly cold.
"I-"
"Go!"
Rusty slowly stood up, "I...no!"
Jamie's eyes burned. "What?"
"No..." Rusty said softly, "I...I can't... please no."
Jamie glared.
"Please don't make me..."
"Why not? It's your fault."
"Please." Rusty begged.
"No."
Rusty reluctantly started towards the door.
Jamie watched him go.
He came to a stop in the doorway.
Jamie glared.
Rusty gave him a pleading look.
Jamie hissed softly. "Go."
He slowly rolled out onto the tracks,.
Jamie laid his face on the pillow and cried.

A few minutes later Rusty stopped outside of Jamie's house. He couldn't go in. He just couldn't.
Jamie curled up on his bed and sobbed softly, trying to sleep.
He stood in the doorway, debating about what to do.
Jamie slowly drifted off to sleep.
He silently slunk into the room.
Jamie didn't notice.
He sank to the ground in the corner, rubbing his arm.
Jamie slowly blinked his eyes open.
Rusty didn't look up.
Jamie stirred and groaned, every muscle protesting in pain.
That time Rusty looked up, then down.
Jamie looked over at Rusty.
He took a breath, waiting.
Jamie glared a bit. "Well?"
"Found them."
"And?"
"And I found them."
"Well, give them to me."

Rusty shot them across the floor towards the bed. (keeping the key)
Jamie snatched them up and immediately got to his feet, brushing past Rusty, heading for the door.
"Where are you going?"
"Tank's house," Jamie answered shortly.
"Oh."

Jamie stormed out the door and headed for Tank's house, not even caring what was in his way.
Rusty didn't follow, wondering how long it would before Jamie came back

Jamie knocked on Tank's door.
"What?" Tank snapped.
Jamie held out the cuff hesitantly. "I... I brought it back..."
"Oh."
"I... I wanna stay with you..."
"No. Go away."
"But I wanna stay!"
"No. Why did you think that I'd let you stay if you brought those back?"
Jamie whimpered softly. "Cause..."
"'cause why?"
"I... Why wouldn't you?"
"Because. You aren't mine anymore."
"What?"
"We've been through this before," Tank said patiently.
Jamie whimpered softly.
"You aren't mine. And even if you were, you aren't marked as mine."
"But I brought them back!"
"Doesn't matter. You ain't wearing them."
"But... you can put them back on me!"
"Nope." <
"Why not?"
Tank grinned evilly, "Don't have the keys."
Jamie gasped softly. "Rusty has them..."
"Yup."
"I... I can get them..."
"Don't care."
"But-"
"Do whatever you want. You don't belong to me."
"But-"
"Well you don't... do what you like."

Jamie began to cry, attaching himself onto Tank's waist. "I won't go! I won't!"
"Get off me!" Tank snarled, shoving Jamie away.
Jamie stumbled backwards, his eyes wide with shock. "Tank..."
"Go! now!"
Jamie turned and fled towards his house, sobbing all the way.
Tank rolled his eyes and closed his door.

Jamie banged open the door to his house and slammed it hard.
Rusty nearly jumped out of his frame with a yelp.
Jamie dove onto his bed with a scream of anger.
Rusty forced his heart back to a normal rate. He watched Jamie, but stayed silent.
Jamie sobbed harder, clinging to his pillow.
"Jamie?" Rusty ventured.
Jamie ignored him.
"Did it not go well?"
Jamie growled softly.
"I'll take that as a no."
Jamie sobbed harder.
"Aw... I'm sorry."
Jamie glared into his pillow.
Rusty hesitated, "I'll...shut up now then?"
Jamie sniffed hard and glared at Rusty through bleary eyes. "I don't care what you do anymore, Steamer."
Rusty was startled, and then he hung his head.

Jamie hugged his pillow close, wanting to die.
"I..."
Jamie ignored him.
Rusty sighed and backed up slowly, sitting down again.
Jamie sighed softly. He would just stay here.
"Jamie?" Rusty asked again.
Jamie ignored him.
Rusty rolled over towards him and tried again, "Jamie?"
Jamie still ignored him.
He was by the bed now, "Jamie?"
Jamie didn't even look up.

He tentatively set a hand on Jamie's back, "Jamie?"
Jamie whirled around and smacked Rusty's hand hard.
Rusty yanked his stinging hand back with a hurt look.
Jamie glared at Rusty.
Rusty swallowed and held his breath for a second, then he let out his steam at the normal level.
Jamie ignored him, burying his face in his pillow again.
"Jamie, please!"
Jamie growled softly.
"Jamie..." once again Rusty set a hand on Jamie's shoulder.
Jamie hissed and slapped Rusty's hand away again.
Before he could stop it, Rusty let out a burst of hot water vapor.
Jamie yelped and covered his face with his hands.
"Oh Starlight! Jamie, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to do that! I'm *sorry*!"
"You did it on purpose!" Jamie accused.
"no, please...no..."
"You did! You're not sorry!" Jamie spat.
"no..."
"Just go away!"
Rusty reversed.
"Leave me alone! Don't come back! You've wrecked my life!"

"So what happens when I leave then?" Rusty asked softly.
"I don't know."
"So you want to go back to working for Tank then?"
"Yeah, I do, but I can't."
"yeah... maybe...if I talk to him..."
"Go ahead. He won't listen to you."
"Oh... how do you know that?"
"Cause he hates you, like I do."
"ouch," Rusty mumbled.
Jamie glared. "Just go."
"Why won't he take you back."
"Cause you took off the cuffs."
*not this again* Rusty thought, he didn't answer, but his hand went to his pockets.
Jamie clutched the cuff he held tightly in his hand.

Rusty turned around, looking out the window, then he looked down at the keys in his hands. "I..."
"What?"
He took a breath, "It's too bad really."
"What is?"
"But, seeing as how you hate me, I don't suppose you mind."
Jamie glared a bit.
"You don't do you? You don't mind preventing me from doing something that'd I'd have fun doing."
"I don't care."
"I didn't think so." he said, "Still..."
Jamie hugged his pillow tightly.
"I would have enjoyed teaching you to race."
Jamie slowly raised a brow. "You... you would teach me to race?"
"I said that I would."
Jamie bit his lip.
"Poppa would too..."
"He would?"
"Yeah... he loves doing that."
"He does?"
Rusty smiled, "Oh yeah..."
Jamie smiled just a bit.

Rusty looked towards home and sighed.
Jamie began to cry softly.
He turned around, "Jamie?"
"What?"
"What's wrong?"
Jamie sniffed and swiped at his tears.
Rusty was silent.
Jamie looked up at Rusty with large, sad eyes.
"Will....will you tell me?"
"I..." Jamie bit his lip and slowly held out the cuffs to Rusty.
Rusty held out a hand, waiting.
Jamie handed them to Rusty with a soft sob.
Rusty closed his hand around them.
Jamie let go of them, his hand falling limply to his side.
"Will-?"
"What?" Jamie asked softly.
"Will you come?" Rusty asked, barely above a whisper.
Jamie swallowed hard. "Forever?"
Rusty nodded, then shook his head.
Jamie bit his lip and looked down at his lap, then back up. "You'll teach me to race?
"yes."
Jamie swallowed and closed his eyes, then nodded slowly.
"Now?"
Jamie swallowed and nodded a bit.
Rusty held out a hand to Jamie.
Jamie started to take his hand, then paused. "Can... can I tell Tank good bye?"
"Sure."
Jamie smiled slowly. "I... I should give those back to him." He pointed to the cuffs and key.
"If you want..."
"What?"
"You can give them back if you want."
"I should. They're not mine."
"Okay..." *you've had them long enough*
Jamie held out his hand for them.
Rusty gave Jamie the cuffs..."

Jamie took the cuffs and headed for Tank's house.
"Jamie wait..."
Jamie turned around.
"Is there anything you want to take?"
Jamie looked around slowly. He really didn't own anything... "My pillow," he said finally.
"okay..." Rusty said, grabbing it, "Any thing else?"
Jamie looked around again, then shook his head. "I don't think so."
"Alright, let's go."
"Wait. I have to go tell Tank."
"Yeah...that's what I meant."
"You mean... you're coming with?"
"Yeah... I don't have to come in if you don't want me to..."
Jamie nodded slowly. "I... I don't think you should."
"I won't then."

Jamie nodded and headed for Tank's house.
Rusty followed behind, carrying Jamie's pillow.
Jamie knocked softly on Tank's door.

"yeah?" Tank answered.
Jamie pushed open the door slowly. "Tank?"
"Yeah?"
Jamie slid inside and closed the door behind him, looking around for the diesel engine.
"Oh. you again," Tank said with a sigh.
Jamie nodded slowly and moved closer.
"What do you want?"
"I... I came back to give you these." He held out the cuffs and the key.
"Oh." Tank took them, "Thanks."
Jamie nodded. "I... I guess I'm going back with Rusty..."
"I guessed as much."
"I... I wanted to... to say good bye to you."
"really?"
"Yeah."
Tank looked considerably surprised.
Jamie looked up at Tank with wide, slightly scared eyes. "I... I don't plan to leave forever, but..."
"But you wanted to say good bye...to *me*"
Jamie nodded slowly.
"oh..." Tank said, "well.."
Jamie moved closer.
Tank started to say something, then stopped.
Jamie looked at Tank, then slowly moved to hug him.
Tank didn't move.

Jamie slowly put his arms around Tank's waist and gave him a hard hug, laying his cheek on Tank's chest and closing his eyes, trying not to cry.
Tank blinked.
Jamie began to cry softly.
"Don't." Tank said gruffly.
Jamie sniffed softly.
"Jamie-"
"What?" Jamie said softly.
"You..." Tank started, "Say hi to Jan for me."
Jamie looked up and nodded slowly. "I... I will... I can... can have her call you, if you want..."
"If she wants to talk to me."
Jamie nodded slowly and hugged Tank tighter.

Tank was still for a minute, and then he moved his arms slightly, very quickly he put his arms around Jamie, then just as quickly, pulled them back.
Jamie looked up in surprise, then slowly smiled shyly.
"Go on..."
Jamie nodded slowly and hugged Tank one more time. "Bye," he said shyly.
"Yeah yeah..."
Jamie slowly backed away and gazed up at Tank, trying to memorize everything.

"Jamie?"
"Yes?"
"Is the st- is Rusty around?"
Jamie nodded slowly. "He... he's outside waiting."
"When you go out, tell him I want to talk to him.
"Okay." Jamie smiled slowly. "Bye Tank. I... I'll miss you."
"Go on."
Jamie smiled and headed for the door, opening it, and looking around for Rusty.

"How'd it go?" Rusty asked.
"I... It went okay... Tank wants to talk to you..."
"He does?"
"Yeah."
"Oh...well...okay then..." Rusty skated towards the door.
Jamie grabbed his pillow out of Rusty's arms and held it close.

Rusty rolled into the room, but before he had a chance to say anything Tank grabbed his shoulders and pushed him up against the wall. "You're *sure* that he'll be better off at your trainyard?" he demanded. Rusty nodded, "Yes. Much better." Tank's eyes narrowed and he studied Rusty.
Tank nodded and released Rusty. "Good." he said. "I...I don't get you," Rusty said, "You seem to be so mean to him and yet..." Tank growled, "This doesn't leave this room," he said. Rusty nodded.
"Promise me that you'll take care of him!" Tank ordered. Rusty looked startled and then he nodded.
"Of course I will..." Rusty said, "And I won't say anything." "To *anyone*!" Tank ordered. "Yeah...don't worry...I won't."
"Oh..." Tank said, surprised, "Well...good." He hesitated, "Thank you." he forced the words out. "You're welcome," Rusty said.
Rusty turned and rolled towards the door, he turned back and looked at Tank, then he skated out.

Jamie was waited, clutching his pillow tightly. "What did he want?"
"He just wanted to talk to me," Rusty said vaguely.
"About what?"
"Things."
"Oh..."
"Yeah... you ready to go?"
Jamie nodded slowly. "I... I think so."
"Okay, come on." Rusty automatically turned around.
Jamie slowly hitched onto Rusty awkwardly.
"Ready?"
Jamie nodded. "Yeah."

Rusty moved out down the tracks, slowly picking up speed.
Jamie swallowed back a wave of nausea caused by his already-forming homesickness.
"You should see what Poppa's got for you," Rusty said.
"What is it?" Jamie asked.
"A place for you to live..."
"Really?"
"Yup. It's nice. A little small, but a little bigger then your old house..."
Jamie smiled a bit. "And Jan can live with me too?"
"She's already there."
"She is?"
"Yeah..."
Jamie smiled. "Good..."
"although I think that you're gonna have Flat Top over quite a bit."
Jamie smiled. "I... I don't mind... I think that will make Jan happy."
Rusty nodded, "Probably."
Jamie nodded slowly. "If... If Flat Top visits, will Dustin visit a lot too?"
"Yup."
Jamie smiled. "Good."