Loyalty to Luke 2: The Sequel

by Goldsaddletank

Luke remains a fugitive in the quarry after what he believed to have done that day in the docks, but he knows that his friends will always help him, no matter what life throws at him- but can he keep going, even all he wants to do is end the circle of self blame, guilt, and desire to die? (Rated T for suicide attempts) *NEW SUMMARY* *Currently undergoing rewrite*

37. Luke's Confession to Rheneas

Smudger kept quiet all the way back to the Crovan's Gate Sheds, being careful to avoid other engines (particularly Duke, for multiple reasons.)

Luke was badly wrecked and rather muddy to boot, but he was alive, at least. Smudger was relieved, for he liked this engine, and he didn't want his new friend and saviour to die so.

"Hey, Luke- if you wanna talk, you can talk to me, if you like. I'm crummy at counselling, by the way, but I'll still be able"-

"Thank you, Smudger, but I don't know what to talk about." The little apple green engine sighed. "I wish Jessica said at least I should know what to say, rather than what to do."

"Well, let's face it, Luke- you tried to kill yourself. There's no way to butter that up. You need help, and there's no way to soften it up. I don't know what's been happening, but"-

"I just let my feelings build up." Luke whispered. Remembering the images from before his suicide attempt made his funnel ache and he felt very, very sick.

"Hey, you can rest in these sheds until I come back, okay?" Smudger told him. "I'll find someone to help us, and then you can head to the quarry."

"Alright- thank you, Smudger." Luke groaned quietly.

...

Once he was settled in the sheds, Luke took the time to study the sleeping and still sickly Rheneas, who didn't look so sickly now.

"Well, that's a good sign, at least." He muttered, accidentally rousing the engine next to him.

"Who's here? Oh, Luke, i's you." He mumbled unintelligibly. "Hey..."

"Hello- I'm sorry I awoke you, my friend." Luke replied, apologetic.

"I's alrigh'."

"You feel any better?"

"No' by much."

"You don't sound it," Luke decided. "Never mind, Rheneas- you'll soon feel better." Bu his tone faltered, and he found his speech failing him now.

"Luke?"

"Yes?"

"What's wrong?" The older engine asked, with a bit more strength in his voice. "Please, I know something is bothering you, my friend, and I cannot rest until I know what is bothering you."

This made his companion weigh out the options. It would shock Rheneas both ways- and he wanted to deliver as soft a blow as possible.

"Well, alright, Rheneas. I...please, don't be too frightened by what I say next," He begged.

"Okay- I wouldn't say anything- if that helps. What is it?"

"I...I tried to drown myself in the lake on the Skarloey Railway."