So my apologies in advance: Some of this will be cliché, but I couldn't help myself :)

Also, it's never crossed my mind to write this pairing, but it ended up being a lot of fun! (For those of you who wanted a love triangle, so sorry, I will try it out next time - once someone lets me know if I botched the characterizations up or not. After that I'll feel more comfortable writing a third person in.)

This one is dedicated to 'Saskia Lyon' and a guest reviewer :)

A Different Kind of Feeling

October 8th

"You promised, remember?"

Amy halted, staring at her brother who was giving her a triumphant look.

"No I didn't!"

Dan lifted his chin. "You did too! Right before telling me to leave you alone so you could mope about your pitiful love life and how crappy your ex is."

Sometimes, it took everything within her to not smack her brother. Gritting her teeth, she looked over at Saladin, the Egyptian Mau who was lounging on the couch beside her. "Would it bother you if I shipped Dan to Russia?"

At his alarmed 'meow'. Amy sighed. "Ok then, it was just a fleeting fantasy."

"Very funny."

She looked back to see Dan glaring at her. "But you did promise to go to the game with me. I don't want to go alone."

"Can't any of your school friends go with you?" Amy asked, but felt guilty as soon as the question left her mouth.

Dan, like her, didn't have a lot of friends at school. Not real ones anyways. Both of them were so untrusting when it came to outsiders, and a lot of the time it felt like other people - normal people - couldn't understand them.

"You know that there are only a couple of people I would ask. But both of them can't go on that day."

Resigning herself to her fate, which included a weekend of tromping through wet grass and braving the cold in order to watch a boring game, she set her face. "Ok, fine."

"Thanks for acting so excited to spend time with your little brother." Dan snapped the words out at her, and before she could apologize, he had left the room.

'He's probably going to go play video games, instead of doing his homework.' Amy thought fondly.

Dan might be annoying, but she supposed she should be nicer to him. It was hard not having a lot of friends, she would know. Turning back to the computer, she refocused her mind. If she remembered correctly, the game Dan referred to was being played in another state, which meant travel. And traveling meant getting her homework done as quickly as possible.

October 17th

"I thought it was going to be warmer than this!" Amy hugged her arms around her more tightly, trying to capture some warmth.

"It's October." Dan pointed out. "Besides, it's not that bad."

Amy held back her retort, knowing that it would only cause another argument. She was trying to have a good time. But Chicago was the last place she wanted to be right now.

Sure, the Green Bay Packers were winning, (the team that she and Dan were supporting) leading the Chicago Bears by 11 points, and it was only just now halftime. But it was freezing, the autumn air was chilly, and Amy was miserable. On one hand, she wanted to scream at Dan for forcing her to come. On the other one though, as she watched her him grin and have a good time, she wanted to try to enjoy it. For his sake anyways.

Poking her brother in the side, she said, "Let's go get hot chocolate."

"Fine. But we're replenishing our snacks too."

"Deal."

Propelled by the thought of something warm in her belly, Amy let the way through the throngs of people who were standing in circles in the aisle and laughing. Some were already drinking too, but she ignored them. Behind her, Dan let out a puff of breath.

"Geez you're fast."

But she noticed that he was keeping up with her, probably urged on by the thought of more snacks. Like he needed more sugar or something.

Amy could see the concession stand just ahead, and was so focused on it that she almost barreled into a lady that wasn't paying attention either. Trying to avoid hitting her, she veered to the right and plowed directly into a muscular chested guy instead.

He caught her though, and she had stepped back and was just about to thank him when he spoke.

"Are you ok?"

His voice was concerned, and familiar. Very familiar.

Blinking up at the tall, blonde-haired figure in front of her, she blurted out, "What are you doing here?"

"Hi Amy. Hi Dan." Hamilton Holt grinned, looking behind her to include her brother in the greeting. "To answer your question, I'm here to watch the game."

"By yourself?" Dan asked, sympathy in his tone. "That sucks man."

Hamilton shrugged his broad shoulders, releasing his grip from Amy's arm. "I don't mind. I like it when my family comes, but Reagan and Madison had a game this weekend and mom was going to that. My dad was supposed to come with me but something came up last minute. Where are you guys sitting?"

The abrupt subject change threw Amy for a second, since she was still trying to process that her distant cousin was here. Luckily, Dan's reflexes were quicker.

"Over there," He pointed to the section they had just come up from. "But Amy was cold so we came up here to get hot chocolate."

Amy noticed Hamilton's gaze lingering on her, and then he frowned. "Where's your jacket Amy?"

Feeling like an idiot but trying to hide it, she crossed her arms in front of her and smiled thinly. "I accidently left it on the plane. It was one of my favorites too."

"I didn't bring a jacket either." Dan spoke up and said, "But I'm tougher than my sister."

Hamilton looked like he wanted to smile at this, but ended up coughing when Amy frowned at him.

"Here", Hamilton shrugged out of his jacket, and Amy realized too late his intention. Before she could protest, he was holding it out to her, "Take mine. I don't need it."

"No, it's okay-" She started, but Dan butted in.

"Please take it so you'll stop complaining." He stated, then to Hamilton he added, "Thanks dude."

Flushing, Amy tentatively took the jacket, which was more like a jersey in her opinion. It was huge and bulky, with a Green Bay Packers logo on the back and stripes on the sleeves. After putting it on and feeling like she was being swallowed alive, she looked back at Hamilton. "Thanks. But just to let you know, Dan is exaggerating. I wasn't complaining that much."

Her cousin grinned at her, displaying straight white teeth. "You're welcome. And I'm sure you weren't, after how tough you were during the Clue Hunt and all."

For some reason his words embarrassed her, so she looked away quickly to divert her attention.

"Where are you sitting?" She heard Dan ask.

"Not too far from where you guys are. Too bad we didn't know each other was coming. We could have tried to get seats together or something."

"Yeah that would have been cool." The disappointment rang in Dan's voice.

Amy turned her attention back to the two people in front of her, mustering up a smile. The jacket was already working miracles, and she was feeling a lot better. "Maybe we can get together soon." She suggested. "Or we can hang out after the game, though our plane leaves today."

Hamilton's face brightened, "That would be great. I always wish that we stayed in better contact over the past couple of years."

He was referring to the two years that had passed between the Clue hunt and now. At first, all of the cousins had stayed in contact, mainly for Vesper-related training and updates. But gradually, the contact had drifted off as those things like training were established within their own branches. Only the branch leaders stayed in contact with each other, and that was out of necessity.

"I do too." Amy spoke up, her smile coming more easily now.

Hamilton had been a huge help during the Clue hunt, and had proven to be one of the 'better' Cahill's as far as morals went. He also had been loyal and truthful with Amy and Dan towards the end of it, earning their trust.

Their Thomas cousin returned the smile, including both siblings in it, then gestured towards the concession line. "It's getting longer and halftime is almost over. We can talk in line."

Amy almost asked him what he was talking about, then remembered the entire point of coming up here.

"Lead the way."

"Hamilton is super cool!" Dan stated, once the two of them had returned to their seats, loaded with hot chocolate and all kinds of other 'goodies'.

"He is." Amy agreed, huddling under the jacket and mentally thanking her cousin once again. While at first she had felt weird taking his jacket, he and Dan both had acted like it was no big deal, so she decided to follow their lead. Besides, Hamilton was just a nice guy.

'Too bad your own boyfriend couldn't have acted like that.' She thought bitterly, trying hard not to think of her previous relationship. 'It's been five months Amy. Time to get over him.'

Amy Cahill prided herself in logical thinking and practicality. But with that relationship, she had to admit to herself that she had been blinded most of it. Travis Wyatt had seemed like a great guy when they had just started dating. He was funny, charming, and even a bit flirty. She didn't like him at their first meeting, but it was understandable. He used a horrible pickup line then, and she didn't care for his arrogance. After a while though, as she talked to him more and more, he seemed to be genuinely nice.

'Too bad all of that was just a cover-up.'

The image of Travis, her boyfriend, all over one of the school's 'pretty girls' at a local park couldn't be erased from her mind. Even after all these months.

"Amy, you're spacing out on me."

Shaking her head slightly - as if that would shake off the picture of her flighty ex - she frowned at Dan. "What?"

Her brother returned the look. "Geez you don't have to be so snippy. I just asked you if you wanted some of my Starbursts."

"Oh, sorry." Shooting him a tiny smile, she took the candy. "Thanks."

"No problem." Dan replied, then opened his mouth again as if he was going to say more. But he seemed to change his mind, and turned back to the field.

Amy winced. Her brother knew her thoughts too well at times, and probably knew who she had been thinking of. Thankfully though, the only thing he said after that was a comment on the score, which Amy wasn't really keeping track of.

Finally, the game was over and they were heading outside of the arena, trying to look for Hamilton among the crowd on their way.

"There are just way too many people." Dan complained. "Maybe we should go to the car and then try to call him?"

Amy agreed, and they were almost to the curb of the massive parking lot when Hamilton's voice came from behind them. "Hey! There you guys are."

His face was both friendly and apologetic. "Sorry, but I'm going to have to drive back home now. Mom called and told me that Reagan got hurt in her game just now."

"Oh no!" Amy exclaimed, "Is it serious?"

"Nah, she's a Thomas after all. But I already feel bad for coming to this game and not hers, though she insisted I keep my plans to come here."

"Aww man, well tell her we're sorry." Dan said, wrinkling his nose. "Maybe we can plan to meet up another time?"

"For sure." Hamilton nodded emphatically. "I'll call or text you guys soon."

He gave Dan a fist bump, but when he turned to her, pulled her into a side hug. Amy figured the move would crush her, but it was gentle.

'Probably purposely.' She thought wryly, but returned it all the same.

After exchanging goodbyes, they turned to leave, but Amy whirled back around, tugging at the jacket that was still around her. "I almost forgot-"

"Keep it." Hamilton stated. "It's going to be a long walk to your car, and I have two more of those. You can give it back when we meet up again."

Amy bit her lip, "If you're sure…"

"Positive." He smiled at her again, then gave a little wave. "Later."

January 23rd

Amy was a mess. It was a good thing that she was running ten minutes early and that she had thought to grab her makeup case before heading out.

She had left Boston two hours ago to meet Hamilton at this restaurant in Hartford. He swore up and down that it was the best one in the city, and that it was tucked away and just quaint enough that hardly anyone knew about it. Hearing him say the word 'quaint' had been funny, but as Amy peered inside the window, she had to admit that the place was cute. And thankfully, there was no sign of her Thomas cousin.

Scurrying out of the car, she made her way to the front. It wasn't raining here, so of course she probably looked really out of place, with her makeup ruined and her shoes sloshy, but she managed to throw the two people she passed a tight smile. They returned it, but she could tell that they were taking in her disarrayed state.

'I should have just stopped in that one town that I passed an hour ago, instead of thinking I could make it all the way here and then having to resort to that stupid rest stop.'

It had been a disaster. Amy had consumed one too many Starbucks drinks, and the result had been a mad dash to the restroom at a questionable rest stop in the pouring down rain. She had tried to dry off inside, but knew that there was no point since she was going to have to go back in it. And the restaurant was only twenty minutes away from the rest stop and so close to the edge of Hartford that she decided to just drive all the way after that.

Now, she grimaced at her reflection. It was just as bad as she had thought, but she quickly reapplied her makeup and tried to dry her shoes out. Her clothes were still damp but passable, and as she ran her fingers through her hair in an effort to tame it, she lectured herself for even caring.

'It's just Hamilton. There is no way he's going to care, or even notice for that matter.'

Still, it was a little disconcerting to be the only one here meeting with him. Dan was supposed to be here, but the little brat just had to get sick. As soon as the thought hit her though, Amy felt bad. It wasn't his fault he had been sick. She thought back to their conversation that had been only a few hours ago.

*Flashback*

"So there is no way you can go tonight?" Amy's brow furrowed at Dan, not sure if he was legitimately sick or just being whiny.

Her brother opened bleary eyes at her, and just by looking at him Amy knew. "Aww sorry Dan. I'm sure Hamilton will understand though when we cancel. We can-"

"You can still go, can't you?"

Amy's thoughts halted, the question throwing her off. "Uh, but he wants to see both of us. Actually, he probably wants to see you the most. You're the one that's been talking to him nonstop the past few months."

Dan rolled his eyes. "If you weren't so mopey still you could talk to him like that too. But anyways, I promised him that I would bring him that Zepp Sensor thing I've been working on and finally just finished."

"Zepp Sensor? What's that?"

"It's a sport gadget, but with 'Dan' modifications. Trust me, he'll be just as disappointed that he won't get that as he will be not getting to see us. Please, please, please go and take it?"

She sighed at her little brother's puppy dog expression, complete with puffy eyes and followed by a horrible cough.

"Fine." She stated, "I'll go and take it, since it can't be mailed or anything."

Dan gave her an exasperated look. "Of course it can't be mailed. It probably wouldn't be allowed-"

But then he stopped and flashed her a smile that was laced with entirely too much innocence. "Thanks Ames. You're the best sister in the world."

*End Flashback*

Amy shook her head at the memory, but she felt a trace of fondness for Dan. And Hamilton too, because her little brother seemed to be doing a lot better now that they had reconnected.

After giving herself one more glance in the mirror, Amy exited the restroom and entered back into the restaurant. Right away she spotted Hamilton. His bulky figure looked out of place in the small room, but she thought it kind of fit at the same time. He turned slightly as she approached and his gaze lit up the instant he saw her.

Her heart skipped a beat - though she had no idea why - but she didn't have time to think about it because he was already pulling her into a hug.

"Hey, there you are. I thought I saw your car."

Returning the hug, though tentatively, she waited until he released her before explaining, "Yes. I got caught in the rain earlier and had to freshen up. It was brutal."

Amy noticed Hamilton giving her a once-over, but she didn't feel weirded out by it. He definitely wasn't checking her out, just responding to her words.

"Well, you look great." He stated, like it was a fact and not a matter of opinion. "Do you want to go ahead and sit down? It's open seating here."

"Uh, sure." She said, following him to a booth near the back. "Do they come take our orders?"

"Nope. We have to use the telephone."

Amy was settling in and putting her purse to the side, so she wasn't looking at Hamilton. But she could hear the grin in his voice. Peering up at him, she followed the incline of his head. There was an old-fashioned red and black telephone sitting right beside the ketchup, complete with a rotary dial.

"Whoa, that's pretty cool." Amy said, running her fingers over the dial.

Without even thinking, she picked it up, only to hear a pleasant voice say, "Yes, are you ready to order?"

Flustered, she stammered out, "Uh, n-no. I was just…"

Hamilton reached over and took the phone from her, "Actually, can we go ahead and get drinks? We'll order our food later. Ok great. I'll take a vanilla root beer. Amy?"

"The same." She said quickly, not even bothering to look at the menu.

Fighting the feeling of being an idiot, she inspected the restaurant instead. She hadn't really gotten a good look at it yet, being too distracted when she first arrived. It sort of had a 1950s feel to it, but not quite. There was carpet and not checkered floors, but the phones, the bar area, and even some of the decor reminded her of that era. But it wasn't overkill.

"Isn't it great?" Hamilton's voice broke into her inspection. "My dad used to bring me here all the time, when we were in the area. Normally we were driving to and from games."

"It's cute." Amy admitted, then turned to look at him. "Games you two watched? Or ones you played in?"

"Both. Probably more games we watched though. Most of my games were pretty close to where we lived."

"Oh, I see."

Not wanting things to get awkward since she wasn't crazy about sports and wasn't sure what else to say, she pulled Dan's gadget from her purse. "Before I forget, this is from Dan. I think it was something he was working on for you?"

"Oh yeah, tell him thanks." Hamilton took it from her, and it almost seemed like his hand lingered on hers for longer than necessary.

Frowning, she pulled her hand back. "I will."

There was silence again, but this time Hamilton broke it, "Hey, speaking of Dan, did he tell you about Reagan's ballet competition in May?"

Amy searched her brain for a memory of the topic, but came up blank. "No, I don't think he did."

"Oh, well it's still four months away but I was hoping that you and Dan could come to it. She's really excited about it and depending on how it goes, she could go to nationals. It's in Orlando."

'Figures that Dan would forget to tell me about something that major.' She thought. Out loud, she said, "No, he definitely didn't. Wow, that's awesome!"

"Yeah we're super proud of her." He said, and Amy believed him. The smile that lit his face reminded her of when he had told her back in October how smart she had been during the Clue hunt. Not knowing why that thought came to her now, she pushed it away.

As the evening went on, Amy had to admit to herself that Hamilton was a really fun person to be around. Not as 'stupid' as the Thomas were always believed to be anyways (though she hated to label anyone, personally). To her surprise, when she offhandedly mentioned what she was studying in her history class, Hamilton latched on to the topic and they ended up having a deep discussion about economics. Economics.

And then, once they had received their food, Hamilton brought up something that made Amy want to retreat.

"So how is life in general for you? Like outside of school? You have a boyfriend, right?"

To some, the question might have seemed like a 'dig' for information. But Amy didn't take it that way. She did wish though, that he hadn't asked her that.

"I did for a while." Amy picked at her jeans, pretending that there was something on them. "Um, we broke up eight months ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry." He answered, actually sounding sad for her.

"Don't be. He was a total douche." She stated, then flushed. "I guess I'm still bitter over it."

At Hamilton's questioning look, she sighed and admitted, "We were already having other issues, but I caught him making out with another girl from school. So that's when I decided to end it. Of course, it was still my fault, according to him."

"Amy."

At the sound of her name coming off of his lips that way, all gentle, she abruptly stopped talking and glanced up.

Hamilton looked sympathetic, but there was also a glint of steel in his eye. "I'm sorry that you got hurt. But honestly? It's probably a good thing that you caught him, because you deserve way better than that."

She was about to thank him for saying that, but he wasn't done.

"I mean, what guy is that stupid to be dating you and then cheat like that? He doesn't sound like the brightest person on the planet."

A warm feeling spread through Amy then, and unfortunately must have showed up on her cheeks, because Hamilton quickly added, "I'm not trying to embarrass you. But it's true."

"Thanks Hamilton." She said softly, smiling directly into his bright blue eyes so that he would know that his words were appreciated.

He returned the look, and it was a couple of heartbeats before Amy found her voice. "So, what about you? What's been going on in your world?"

Hamilton started to answer the question, but Amy was only half-listening as he rambled on about the different activities he was involved in. And her distraction wasn't due to lack of interest, but the total opposite. She was interested all right, and not just because Hamilton was a good relative, or even friend.

Was she falling for him?

Amy didn't have a problem admitting that the guy sitting across from her was attractive and intriguing. Not to mention genuinely sweet. And considerate - if you were counting the jacket move back in October.

'The jacket.'

The thought hit her, and it took a minute to realize that Hamilton had gone quiet.

"Amy? Are you ok?"

"Yes, um, sorry!" She gulped, knowing that he probably knew she hadn't been listening. Feeling guilty, she blurted, "I didn't mean to not listen. It's just that I forgot your jacket!"

At his blank stare, she added, "You know, the one you let me borrow at the game? The one that I've had for three months now?"

"Oh." He grinned, "That jacket. Honestly, I had forgotten all about it. You can just keep it if you want."

She frowned at his nonchalance, not sure what to make of it. "No, it's yours. And I totally meant to grab it. I can't believe-"

A touch on her hand halted her, and she gulped, looking down to see that he had rested his hand on hers. "Hey, it's ok, really."

Now his grin relaxed into amusement. "I meant it when I said that I have plenty. Besides, it will make you think of me."

Then his face colored and he looked panicked, almost like he hadn't meant for that to slip out. He also quickly drew back his hand. Not wanting things to get awkward, Amy let out a quick laugh, "And how nice you are? That sounds about right."

Hamilton laughed too, but it sounded forced. "Well, are you ready to pay? We've been here a while and I don't want you to have to drive back super late."

Glancing at her watch, she was surprised to see that they had been at the restaurant longer than she had originally intended to stay.

Within minutes they had gotten their check, and after a few seconds of debate, Hamilton had paid for it.

"I was planning to buy yours and Dan's both." He stated firmly, after Amy had tried using the 'date' card.

She frowned at him, but didn't protest anymore. There wasn't a point to arguing more anyways; Hamilton was way too nice of a guy to let her pay.

'What would it be like to date someone like that? Who's maybe not so much of a 'bad boy' but just kind and considerate?'

It was too short of a walk to her car; already Amy was dreading the quiet drive home, something she normally enjoyed.

"Well, drive safely." Hamilton turned to her as she unlocked her car.

Amy didn't get in though, instead turning to face him too. "Ok, you too. You're the one that has the longest way to go."

"Yeah but I'm leaving in the morning, not late at night. Please call or text me when you're home."

She smiled at him, suddenly feeling the urge to vocalize what she was thinking. "I definitely will. And I just want to let you know, that you are seriously one of the sweetest guys I know Ham."

Surprise came into his eyes, but he returned her smile. "Thanks. That's high praise coming from you."

And then he hugged her. It was almost like the hug he greeted her earlier with, but not quite. Maybe it was only her imagination, but it seemed like he gripped her waist just a little tighter, and held her to him just a little longer.

Then he stepped back, and his face had changed. There was something glinting in his eyes that Amy couldn't read. Before she could figure it out though, he spoke.

"We need to meet up again. Before May."

She was already nodding. "Of course. I know that Dan-"

"I do want to see Dan. But"- he visibly gulped, -"I don't know, I kind of liked just talking to you. So maybe one time we can just hang out? By ourselves?"

It took Amy a few beats to comprehend his words, and the almost nervous expression that had crossed his face.

"Like a date?" The words left her lips before she could help them. She inwardly blanched at her own question, but part of her wanted to know if that's what he meant.

Hamilton didn't hesitate before responding. "If you want it to be. I mean, you probably don't see me like that. Or maybe you do - but probably not. I mean, I'm a Thomas and you're a Madrigal and you probably would rather go for someone like Ian. Not that it's a bad thing but-"

"Hamilton."

He halted, throwing her a sheepish look.

Amy allowed the smile that had been threatening to break through during his speech now appear on her face.

"I have a proposition for you."

Before he could say anything she rushed on, while she still had the nerve. "How about we meet up again like you mentioned without the pressure of, 'oh, it's a date' and see what happens? Then-" She stressed the word, -"we can figure out where to go from there."

"Ok." Hamilton answered, but she could tell he wasn't sure what to make of her words.

Mustering up her bravery, she said, "I really like you. I just don't want to rush into anything. Or bring any baggage from my previous relationship."

Understanding lit his eyes, and he returned her smile. "Got it."

A short pause, then, "So it looks like we're on the same page Amy Cahill. Because I really like you too."

Trying not to appear as affected as she felt, she kept the smile on her face and then gave him another quick hug. "See you later."

She could feel his eyes following her as she backed up, got into her car, and then carefully maneuvered her way out of the small parking lot.

He didn't grin or smile, but he lifted his hand in a wave - a gesture she returned - and watched as she left.

Humming to herself, Amy finally allowed the giddy grin she had been holding in to stretch across her face.

She would have to thank her little brother for this one.

Next up: Alina follow-up! Then I'm going to try out a Dan/Reagan!