To anyone still reading (and I hope some are as this story is almost over), this is a heavy Train chapter. I know the last chapters were kind of fluff, but they were went to show how their relationship has progressed, but also kind f stagnated because Train hasn't fully realized his emotions. The next one will also be heavily Train related as the story is beginning to wrap up and our cat needs to figure his shit out xD

Also, CW: There are some slanderous words used in this chapter. I DID NO like using them and had a really hard time writing them. I also do not approve anyone using them in real life. If anyone out there is hurt, I am more than willing to change the words used to something less aggressive. I hope you read and understand it happened to progress the climax of the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Black Cat or any of its characters

An excited screech left Creed's mouth as he thumbed through their mail and locked the box behind him. He ran up the stairs in a hurry and burst into their apartment. Train was currently taking a nap on the couch, half of his uniform still on since he had fallen asleep after a late night shift that carried over to the morning. He didn't want to wake Creed so he decided to sleep on the couch.

Creed was kind enough to lay a blanket on him when he woke up, but had completely forgotten to use that same kindness as his elation over what came in the mail. The silver man jumped on his roommate roughly, waking him up as Train let out a loud and disturbed gasp.

"Creed?! Wha-what?! What's happening?! Who's here?!"

The law student laid on his cat happily and shoved pictures in his face. "Look what finally got here!"

Train blinked a few times so he could focus on what his enthused partner was shoving in his face and took the pictures. "From the wedding? That was like nine months ago now, wasn't it?"

Creed smiled and snatched them back, sitting up so he was still on top of Train, but on his lap instead of his stomach.

"Actually, ten months. It's partially my fault it took so long. We left in such a rush and grabbed so many things left behind I lost the photographer's card. Eve's been so busy with her studies she didn't have time to get back to me with their contact information. Then, once I had the information, they had to-"

Train groaned and rolled over, knocking Creed off the couch and onto the floor. "Ugh, I don't need the whole story! We got them, so now you can finally put those frames to use."

The silver man frowned at his love's back as he tried to go back to sleep. "Are you still having a hard time at work, Train?"

Train's long and tired sigh was the only answer he needed. Creed stood and rolled him over all the way so his cat was laying on his stomach. The silver man then straddled his waist and began to give him a massage. His love had at least taken his jacket off before he fell asleep, so Creed was able to slide his fingers up his shirt to access the tense muscles.

Feeling his partner relax under him, Creed smiled. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

He sighed again, but a little more serene this time and Creed worked on his strained back. "The whole system is messed up…"

Creed stopped massaging at his words, a little shocked to hear such bluntness. He knew Train was having a hard time and didn't enjoy the work as much as he thought he would, but he wasn't expecting his beloved to make such a strong statement against the whole force.

"What do you mean?" Creed moved his hands against him again, trying to work out a knot on his shoulder.

Train winced a little at the pressure, but relaxed soon after. "Do you remember the story I told you about the woman they bullied for double parking?"

"Yes, but you said that was settled and done with." Creed moved to his other shoulder to work out a knot there.

His cat nodded. "Yeah, but something similar happened again. Last night I watched them rough up a man who was stealing bread from a convenience store."

Creed cocked an eyebrow as his fingers dug into his cat's hard tissue. "Roughed up how?"

Train groaned again, then sighed. "The guy has a black eye and broken thumb... And for what?! A lousy piece of bread that cost one-ninety-nine? He's sitting in jail waiting for someone to bail him out now."

The silver man frowned and worked on his lower back. "That is quite excessive..."

"Tell me about it! And I just watched them do it! Any time I tried to say something, they threatened to report me to the chief, and I already know he hates me."

Creed used his palm to work out a particularly hard knot and frowned again. "That's true. He also doesn't like how you won't wear your uniform properly."

Train threw his hands in the air. "That's the other thing! I'm sick of having to follow all these stupid rules while other cops get away with beating up a poor man whose only crime was bread! You know what else happened?"

The golden man sat up a little and turned to look at Creed. "A guy I caught with a loaded pistol walking into a church was released today."

Creed blinked at him. "Wh-what…?"

"Yeah, turns out, daddy's rich and paid off the department so his son could be set free. All they did was make him promise his son wouldn't carry a gun around anymore. That's it! How messed up is that!? He could have killed someone if I didn't stop him!"

Train fell back on the couch, gripping his hair roughly and undoing all the relaxing work his partner had done on his back. Creed sighed and started over with his shoulders. "Did you talk to anyone about it?"

"I tried! I really, really tried, but no one would listen to me! They either didn't give a shit what I had to say and came up with every excuse in the book as to why it was okay, or didn't believe me."

Creed felt his heart break for his love. Train was trying so hard to do the right thing all the time, but it seemed like he kept getting punished for it.

"I joined the force to protect and serve, like we're supposed to. To become a 'professional bully hunter', as you put it a long time ago, and so far the only bullies I've seen are my co-workers…"

Creed sighed and ran his fingers through his love's hair. "I'm so sorry, Train. I know you're trying hard, but remember what this is for. You want to take it to the next level, right? To become a detective and help on a different level."

The golden man groaned sadly. "What if it's no different? What if it's worse because they have more power? What if it's just the same shit different title?"

The silver man stopped his hands and laid on top of his cat, cuddling against his back lovingly. He didn't know what to say to that since Creed didn't have the answer. He was becoming a lawyer to help those same people Train was describing were being locked up. Creed wanted to protect the innocent and clean up the garbage. He didn't agree with the harsh sentences Train had been describing to him, and that's what Creed wanted to fight against.

"If you're gonna take away someone's freedom, then it better be over something big…"

Train completed Creed's thought and the law student smiled. He kissed the back of Train's head and sat up. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

He went back to his massage, feeling his cat relaxing more underneath him. "Don't give up yet, Love. I know it's hard, but think of all the people you have protected. Whether they were being protected from the police or not, think of what might have happened to some of them if you didn't step up and intervene."

Train nodded, but still wasn't pleased. "And every time I do that I get in trouble. I'm so tired of being the one in the hot seat because I can't stomach the behavior of my co-workers."

Creed kissed him on the back of the head again and Train sighed. He needed a change of subject, so he addressed his partner's earlier obsession.

"Why don't we take a look at those pictures?"

He laughed when Creed squeed merrily and moved off his love. The silver man grabbed the discard photos that fell to the ground and cuddled against Train as he sat up on the couch. Train's eyes still had bags under them, but he didn't want to sleep with this sick feeling in his gut so he needed a distraction before he tried again.

As Creed leaned against him he put his arm around the man, pulling him a little closer as his partner flipped through the pictures.

"Why are there so many?!" Train asked as Creed flipped through the large pile.

"Well, I asked for every picture we were in, so there are a lot with the bridal party and of us in the background. The photographers were thorough in their search it seems. Also probably another reason why it took so long."

There was one picture in particular he was looking for: Their dance at the end of the night. Train eyed his roommate as he moved quickly through the stack, clearly on a mission he didn't want to interrupt. The cat jumped when Creed screamed, grabbing the picture he had been looking for.

"I'm so glad they took one! Eve said one of the photographers thought we were the cutest couple there, minus the newly weds one of course, so they took a lot of pictures of us." Creed beamed at the photo and showed it to Train happily.

His cat laughed and looked at it, exhaustion still evident on his face that he tried to hide so Creed wouldn't fuss. The golden man didn't want to bring his boyfriend down just because he was miserable in his career.

"That's nice to hear since the main photographer hated my guts."

Creed giggled then looked at his cat and saw how he could barely keep his eyes open. He frowned and put the pictures down, pushing his cat gently back on the couch. "Go back to sleep, Love. We can look at these later."

Train tried to protest and pretend he really wasn't tired, but Creed knew how stubborn his cat was, and didn't take no for an answer.

"Quiet. Go to sleep now, my sweet cat. We can look at these later. Besides, I need to get to class anyway. I can't let you distract me, no matter how cute you are when you're tired."

The golden man grumbled, but laid back down. He rolled over so his back was facing the common room as Creed pulled the blanket over him. Train would have moved to the bed, but he figured he was already on the couch, so he may as well stay there. Creed kissed him lightly on the cheek and caressed his hair for a few seconds. With one more kiss, Creed left, taking his books with him and closing the door quietly so as not to disturb his beloved.

Train heard the door shut and tried his best to fall back asleep. However, his mind kept wandering to the previous night's events. He kept replaying the incident in his head, trying to think of what he could have done differently to protect the poor guy. While he did technically break the law, he didn't think he deserved that kind of treatment. There was no need for such excessive force.

Growling loudly he sat up and put his shoes and jacket on, grabbing his keys and heading out the door. Maybe if he talked to the guy, he would feel better.

"Something with a 'D', I don't know. I didn't book him. The guy we brought in last night for stealing."

Train was talking to someone at the front, trying to figure out where the man from the previous night was. The woman behind the desk was no help, as it seemed like she really didn't care. It took a few minutes to even get her to get off her phone.

The cat rubbed his eyes as she adjusted her glasses and squinted at the screen. "Dante? Dante Goto?"

"Yes, that's it!" Train said as he slammed his head on the tall desk, sighing heavily as he finally found the answer he was looking for.

"Yeah, he's still in the holding cell. No one has come to pick him up yet."

Train raised his head at that. "Really? It's been ten hours since his arrest. Did he get his phone call?"

She waved him away impatiently as she looked back at her phone. "I don't know, just go away and leave me alone. You got the answer you wanted."

Train tried to give her the sweetest smile he could before he walked away and spoke through his teeth. "You have a nice day too!"

As he stepped away from the desk and towards the holding cells, he heard a harsh laugh coming from the break room. Train recognized it as one of the men he was on duty with last night. Confused, he peaked in the room, curious why he was still there.

When the men in the room saw him, they pointed and cheered loudly. "Hey! Officer Kitty is here! You're not on until late tonight. Shouldn't you be catching a catnap with your boyfriend?"

The other men laughed and Train suppressed a growl. They heard Creed call him 'cat' one time, and now they never let it go. He wasn't embarrassed about it or his relationship with Creed, but they all seemed to think he should be and tried to shame him every chance they got. However, he was used to being bullied and knew exactly how to handle it.

"Good to see you too Officer Edo. So sorry you're upset that I'll have a rich lawyer soon and get to be a stay at home cat while you're busy debasing women until you find one who is desperate enough to spread their legs for you. Honestly, do you even know what a woman's touch is?"

The men now laughed at Edo who sneered quietly at the golden man. "What would you even know about a woman's touch?"

Train leaned in the doorway and crossed his arms. "Clearly more than you judging by the way you talk to our female co-workers. Honestly, how many sexual assault cases do you have against you now?"

Edo threw him another dirty look, but quickly ignored the laughing men. "Just answer the question, kitty. What're you doing here?"

"I could ask the same for you. Shouldn't you be wallowing in your loneliness at your humble abode?" Train raised an eyebrow at the officer, doing his best to hide how tired he still was.

Edo shrugged. "Lost track of time talking to these assholes." He thumbed at the other men in the room who laughed again, clearly not caring how loud they were. "Don't worry, I'll be fine by tonight."

Train scoffed. "Okay, whatever. Did Mr. Goto get his call?"

The officer eyed him wearily. "Why do you care?"

The cat sighed and rubbed his eyes in frustration. "Because it's his legal right…"

"Pfft, he lost his rights when he stole from that convenience store."

"It was a loaf of damn bread! Jeez, lay off!" Train couldn't help the anger in his voice as he spoke, then took a deep breath to calm himself down. "Did he at least get medical attention? You roughed him up pretty bad."

Another nonchalant shrug. "He was resisting arrest. He got what was coming to him."

"He was not resisting at all! He was having a panic attack because he wanted to call his wife!"

Edo smirked at Train's rage and looked him up and down. "What? You got a thing for him? You're all the damn same. Keep it in your pants, pervert, or I'll have to call that precious lawyer you keep at home."

The man's bigotry comment was the last straw for Train and he decided to walk away. He ignored the laughter erupting from the room and stormed off to the holding cells. The golden man knew if he stayed there any longer, he was going to punch the guy in the face and get himself suspended. They couldn't afford that right now. As he approached the holding cell he heard a quiet voice call out to him.

"Excuse, me? Officer?"

Train stopped as he almost passed the cells in his rage. He looked at the man he had met last night. He looked tired and stressed, like he hadn't slept all night and couldn't take it in the cell anymore.

"Mr. Goto, I'm actually here looking for you." Train said as he approached the man in the cell.

Dante looked at him in confusion and Train noticed he was still holding his thumb that was beginning to swell terribly. His eye was puffy and black, to the point where his face was nearly unrecognizable. Train frowned at him. "They didn't offer you any medical treatment?"

The man looked at his thumb and shook his head, avoiding Train's gaze frantically, as if he would be punished for looking at him. "N-no, sir. It's fine, I just wanted to know if I could call my wife? I know she must be worried sick about me. She's pregnant, you see, and I'm the only one who can help her take care of our son."

Train felt his heart drop. "You have a son?"

Dante nodded. "Yes, sir. He starts kindergarten this year. He's so smart. Reading before he even started school. We're very proud of him."

The cat then noticed how dirty and old his clothes looked. It didn't seem like it was all from last night's events. Train walked to the box they kept the keys in, unlocked it and grabbed a set. He turned back to the cell and then noticed Dante was still cuffed.

"They didn't even uncuff you?!"

The man flinched a little at his tone of voice and shook his head. "No, sir."

Train sighed and unlocked the cell. "Stop calling me 'sir', I hate it. Call me Train. I'm off duty."

Dante eyed him uneasily as the golden man undid his cuffs, making sure he was delicate with his broken thumb. "Train?"

The cat nodded. "Yeah, that's my name. Take a seat while I get the medical supplies. I don't know much, but I've at least learned how to brace a finger and take care of a black eye. Just give me a minute then you'll get your call."

Seeing the man didn't sit at first, he tried to smile sympathetically. "I'm not like them, don't worry. I know this may sound corny, but I believe in justice and no matter what you did this-" He gestured to his whole body. "-Isn't it."

Finally Dante sat and allowed Train to brace his thumb. He accepted a pack of ice politely, but winced when he held it against his face. Train then handed him a phone and sat behind a desk that was there, putting his feet up, keeping an eye on him.

A few seconds passed and Dante dialed a number and waited. There was a quiet click, then a female voice.

"Trish… I know, I know, I'm sorry… Yeah, I heard you don't yell you'll wake the baby." A paused as he sighed and leaned back in the chair. "I'm fine, I'm fine… I was arrested. Yes, I know, again. But we were short this month and I knew we needed something to eat." Another pause and Train could hear sobs coming from the other end of the phone. "Please don't cry… It's fine, I know we don't have bail out money. I'll stay here another night. They should release me soon."

As the conversation continued, the cat was able to piece the bits together and realized how desperate this man was. Train knew all too well how it felt to make ends meet. In high school sometimes the only meal he got was the lunch provided to him at school. He couldn't imagine how much harder it was to support a family by yourself and he couldn't blame the man for what he did.

When the conversation ended Train stood and walked over to coffee that had brewed several hours ago. It may have been older, but he figured it might help nonetheless. He poured a cup and handed it to Dante, who was sitting with his hands in his head, sobbing quietly. He jumped when Train handed him the mug, but took it and mumbled his thanks.

As he sipped the beverage, Train went to the closet and grabbed a pillow and blanket, noticing they hadn't even given him that much. They just locked him up and walked away. Train was disgusted by the inhumane treatment and wanted to try to make amends.

He put a kind hand on Dante's shoulder and spoke calmly. "I'm sorry, but I need to put you back in. I tried to make it more comfortable for you."

The man looked at him disorientated, then to the bed he had made. He blinked and sipped the coffee. "Why are you doing this?"

Train sighed and stepped away from the man. "Because I'm not a monster. Take your time. Put the cup on the desk when you're done." One last thought occurred to him and he walked to the closet again and pulled out a bag of peanuts and a bottle of water. He threw them at Dante, who caught them awkwardly.

After a few minutes he finished his coffee and sat it down as he was told. He walked back into the cell and sat on the bench that now had a blanket and pillow. Dante ripped the peanuts open, then stared at them and sobbed. Train wasn't sure why, but he had a feeling it had something to do with the phone call he just had.

The cat closed the door and locked it again, but did not leave. "Mr. Goto, where do you live?"

Dante hung his head low, but answered the officer despite his exhaustion. "Hillwood. It's a small town near-"

Train interrupted him. "Yeah, I know about it. Just get some rest."

He recognized the town's name all too well. It wasn't considered a safe neighborhood, which made Train feel even worse for this man. The cat walked out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him. As he walked down the hallway, he was stopped again by the same officer from before.

"Finished with your alone time with the prisoner?" Train tried to ignore him, but he could hear that he was being followed.

"You know, for all your homophobia, you certainly are more attached to me than I think is acceptable. Why are you following me out?" Train said as he walked a little faster, trying to lose the man.

"I'm going home to my woman. You just happen to be walking in the same direction." Edo said, keeping up the pace with the cat.

Train rolled his eyes. "I find it hard to believe you convinced anyone to bring you into their home."

"Believe what you want, Officer Kitty. I'm too tired to keep up with this smartass battle. Get out of my way."

He pushed Train out of the way and walked out the front door, letting it slam in the golden man's face. The cat took a deep breath to calm himself down again and left. He looked up directions on his phone to Hillwood, but added a pitstop first. While he didn't know exactly where the man lived, he figured if he got there he could ask around and figure it out. It was a small town, so chances that someone knew who he was were pretty high.

Finding the correct path he closed his phone and began to walk to the closest station. When he stepped onto the train he sat down immediately and fell asleep. He needed the last stop, so he was confident the stopping of the vehicle would wake him up.

Train jumped when he heard a loud ding and a conductor's voice.

"Final stop, Hillwood. All remaining passengers are asked to leave the train at this time."

The cat stretched wildly as he stood from his seat, then yelped when he saw the doors were closing. He jumped out quickly, barely making it as he stumbled along the sidewalk, trying to regain his balance. Train caught his breath and walked down the street, looking at his phone for the pitstop he added in.

As he walked, he couldn't notice the locals staring at him wearily, some even crossing the stress to get away from him. Train wasn't sure why, but was still too tired to question it.

When he reached his destination he put his phone away and stepped into the store. The golden man grabbed a basket and explored the market, trying to grab whatever basics he thought a family of three and a half would need. When his crate was full he made his way to check out where the cashier eyed him uneasily. As he was being rung up, he returned the look the employee was giving him.

Now looking away, the cashier addressed him a bit accusingly. "You a cop?"

Train blinked and replied. "Yes. But I'm off duty"

Glancing up at him, the young man narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you here? Cops don't come here unless there's trouble…"

Train tried to smile cheekily at the cashier, the gesture not working for the first time in his life. "I'm actually looking for a certain man's house. Dante Goto. Do you know him?"

The cashier flinched at the name. "Yeah, I know him. He's a good man. You should leave him alone."

Train blinked again as the man bagged his items, never making eye contact. Similar to Dante, it's like he thought he'd be assaulted if made eye contact with a cop.

"He… Seems like it. I just wanted to bring these groceries to his family while he waits to get out of jail."

Now the cashier finally made eye contact and halted in his movements. "Say what?"

"He's in jail. It's nothing serious, but I overheard his conversation with a woman I believe is his wife and it sounds like they're having a hard time. I just wanted to help."

Silence rang in the air as the cashier stared at his face, as if he was trying to read something that wasn't here. "Why?"

"I told you, I wanted to help…"

"Since when does a cop want to help us?"

Train stared at him for a few seconds, making sure he was careful with his words. It was clear this man didn't trust police officers, so he didn't want to give him reason to be more concerned. "Since I joined a year and a half ago."

The man looked him up and down again. "Guess I've never seen you before. Do you have a gun on you?"

Train shook his head. "I only ever carry it when I'm on duty."

Another strange look from the employee as Train paid. "You're weird…"

The cat chuckled and took the bags from him. "I get that a lot. Do you know where he lives?"

The man held onto the bag for a minute, not really sure if he should tell Train. The cat sighed and handed him his card with his badge number on it.

"Listen, here's my information. If I do something you don't like, just talk to my boss and file a complaint. He hates my guts and is looking for any reason to get rid of me." He waited as the man took his card. Seeing he wasn't going to, Train took it back and turned it over. The cat grabbed the pen that sat next to the credit card swiper.

"I'll even put my personal number on here. That way you can contact me if you're ever in trouble and feel like you can't trust the police. I really do just want to help. I've been there. No one should have to live like that." Train smiled sincerely, which seemed to be enough to convince the man and he took the card and slipped it into his pocket.

"1780 Apple Lane. Trish should be there right now."

Train nodded and took his receipt. "Thank you."

He left quickly and plugged the address into his phone. The cat realized how small this town really was when he noticed he was only a few blocks away from his house. When he approached the door, he knocked and took a deep breath. A voice sounded from the other end and Train heard a child scream.

"Who is it?"

"Ms. Goto? My name is Train Heartnet. I'm from the Shermer Police Department. I was with your husband this morning and I-"

The door flung open to a very panicked and very pregnant woman. "Is he with you?!" She said frantically, looking around for her husband.

"N-no, Miss, I'm sorry to have misled you. I came to see if you were okay."

She looked Train up and down and became more defensive. "That's all you wanted…"

Train tilted his head in confusion. "Yes. Why else would I come here?"

"The police never come here unless it's to lock someone up." She said defensively.

"Mommy, is it Daddy?"

A small voice from behind her made her turn around. She picked up a little boy who looked on the brink of turning five. Train smiled at him and put the bags he was holding down.

"Hey there, little guy. I heard your dad talking about you. I grabbed this special just for you."

Train watched as his little eyes widened in delight when he pulled out a plastic robot toy. The child grabbed it eagerly, then showed it to his mom as if she couldn't see it. She laughed at her son, but still looked at Train uneasily. The cat smiled as kindly as he could.

"I know you have no reason to trust the police, but I couldn't help and overhear your husband talking about your situation."

The woman blinked at him a few times, then put her son down to play with his new toy. She eyed the bags thickly, not sure if she could trust the man in front of her yet. Train smiled again, trying to be as heartfelt as possible.

"If you look at my hip you'll see I'm unarmed. I know it's hard for you to trust the police, but I really do come in peace."

She finally opened the door a little more, allowing Train to enter. "Kitchen is that way."

Train nodded and made his way there, putting the bags down on the table. He scanned the room quickly, seeing their son playing joyfully in front of the couch with his new robot. The woman sighed as she watched the officer scan her house.

"I don't have any weapons either if that's what you're looking for." She sounded tired when she spoke.

Train shook his head quickly. "No, that's not it. It's just…" He looked around the house again and frowned. "This reminds me a lot of the place I lived when I was in high school…"

Hearing her silence, Train dropped the subject quickly. "I don't want to overstay my welcome, so if you'd like I'll leave."

As he made his way to the door, he was stopped by her voice. "You said your name is Officer Heartnet?"

Train nodded and turned around. "Heartnet is my last name. You can just call me Train."

"Train?" He heard it come from the boy's voice. "That's a weird name…"

The cat smiled at him. "Yeah, I know. I didn't choose it and at this point I'm too attached to it to change it." He stepped over to the boy, who wasn't looking at him as he played with his toy. "What's your name?"

"Tak." He said simply, still not bothering to look at Train. "You're a cop?" Train nodded. "My daddy said cops are dangerous and can't be trusted."

"Tak! Watch your mouth!" She tried to frantically apologize and bowed deeply to Train. "I'm so sorry, officer. I don't know where he got that idea. My husband has never said anything bad about the police."

Train waved her words away and smiled. "I told you to call my Train. I'm off duty." He kept smiling at the small child who was now flying his robot around. "I'm sorry that has been your reality for so long, but I promise you I'm one of the good ones."

Tak didn't respond and even turned away from him a little. Train sat crossed legged behind him, tilting his head a little as he questioned the young boy. "Did you think of a name for your new friend?"

Tak shook his head and clutched the toy to his chest. Train laughed. "I'm not going to take it. It was a gift, remember?"

He waited another second, then scooted a little closer to the boy. At this point his mother was putting groceries away, but still keeping a close eye on the duo. Train moved until he was next to the child, but still keeping his distance so as not to scare him. He looked around the room again and smiled.

"You know, I used to live in a house just like this. Except I lived there by myself for most of my time there."

Tak didn't look at him, but engaged in the conversation. "Why did you live there by yourself? Did you have a mommy and daddy?"

Train took a deep breath and tried to think of how to explain this to a child. "I had them when I was very little. But they are gone now."

"They died?" Tak asked calmly, as if this was a normal conversation.

The cat blinked. "Yes. Yes, they died."

The boy nodded. "My big sister died. She was hit by a car and we couldn't pay to fix her. That's why they're having another baby."

Train's heart fell to his feet and shattered to a million pieces. Couldn't pay to fix her? Man, this poor kid has had it rough… And he hasn't even started school yet. Added to that, his dad was arrested. I wonder if he even knows that yet.

The cat glanced at a pile of books next to the couch and smiled. "Your dad said you like to read."

Tak nodded excitedly and crawled to the books, pulling out a few to show him. They were all old and falling apart, but they were still legible which is all that mattered.

"I like this one the most." He said as he crawled back over to Train and handed him the book. The cat smiled fondly, the small boy reminding him of a certain silver man.

"You know, you remind me of someone I care very deeply for."

"Oh really? Who?" He said as he began to flip through the pages.

"He's lived with me for a very long time now and we both care about each other very much. Kind of like your mommy and daddy." Train said, making a connection between his relationship and one he knew the child understood.

Now Tak looked at him confused. "Like a wife?"

Train chuckled at the idea of Creed being his wife and remembered to mention that to him later. "Kind of. But he's a man, not a woman."

The child was still confused. "But, you're a man too, right?"

Train nodded again, making sure to tread lightly knowing his mother was still listening. "Sometimes it happens. I was confused as well at first, but now I understand that it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. What matters is how they make you feel and if they treat you right. Does that make sense?"

Tak seemed to think about it for a minute, then nodded and flipped his book to the first page, suddenly over the new information. "Can I read to you?"

Train nodded as the boy scooted closer and began to read. His mother walked in the room and handed Train a glass of water, which he took politely. The cat paid attention to the little boy as he read, but could feel his mother's eyes on him the whole time. Once he was finished, he closed the book and looked at Train for feedback.

Putting his glass down, the golden man clapped for him, making Tak smiley proudly. "I also really like this book."

"Now, Tak, we can't hold him up for too long. Besides, it's time for your nap."

"Aww, but I'm not tired!" The boy complained loudly as he threw the book on the ground.

Before his mother could react, Train grabbed the robot. "Geeze, that's too bad, because I think your new friend here could use a nap. It was a long journey to get here."

Tak watched as Train made him stretch, then grabbed the toy and headed to the other room. "Oh, well then I better tuck him in. Growing robots need their rest."

The golden man laughed and stood from the ground, turning to a very shocked pregnant woman.

"Are you sure you're a cop?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "That's what the title says. But seeing who I work with, I'm starting to wonder if I'm the crazy one."

She smiled. "Well… You're certainly different." The woman stood and offered her hand to Train. "I'm Trish, by the way."

Train nodded and took her hand. "Nice to meet you."

Trish motioned for Train to sit on the couch with her, and he did. "Do you… Know anything more about my husband?"

Train sighed and leaned into the couch. "He's being detained for robbery, but it was only a loaf of bread. My hope is that they'll drop the charges and let him go."

She eyed him wearily. "But… How likely do you think that is? He has a record."

The cat nodded knowingly. "Yes, I understand. But I'll do everything I can to get him out. I'm not going to forget about you guys."

Trish smiled and looked to where her son had gone. "Where did you learn to talk to kids like that?"

Train blinked at the change in subject. "Huh? Oh, nowhere. I just understand where he's coming from. It's hard losing someone you care about at such a young age."

She stared at him. "Your parents…"

"Were murdered. It's one of the reasons I became a cop. But…" He looked at his hands as if they were useless. "It's not turning out to be what I thought it would be."

Trish placed a kind hand on his shoulder. "If we had more like you, it probably would be what it's supposed to be…"

He smiled at her and stood. "I should get going. I have another late shift tonight and if I don't get some sleep, my boyfriend will let me have it." The pregnant woman nodded and walked him to the door. "Oh, one more thing."

Train grabbed another one of his cards that he had already written his number on and handed it to her. "In case you're ever in trouble and feel like you can't trust the police, call me."

Before he left, she turned him around and gave him a big hug. Train froze at first then returned the hug.

"Thank you…"

He patted her back and smiled. "I'm just doing my job."

Train groaned as his phone rang again. He rolled over and ignored the call once more. His captain was calling him non-stop, and he was pretty sure he knew what it was about. He must have found out that Train spoke with Goto privately, fixed his wounds, and just in general treated him like a human being. Whether or not he somehow found out about the extra care he took of the man's family remained unseen. Whatever the case was, Train didn't care. He was out most of the day and needed to get some rest before his shift started.

The bedroom door peaked open as Creed popped his head in. "Train? Are you awake?"

The silver man just got back from his classes. He was usually gone all day since his schedule was always so full. Train didn't know how his partner handled all the work. Just seeing the amount of classes he had to take overwhelmed Train. The golden man couldn't even pronounce half of them let alone be able to take any of them.

The cat sighed. "Unfortunately…"

His partner stepped into the room and on the bed, leaning over to give him a kiss and run his fingers through his hair. Train rolled over and let Creed caress his face and hair, smiling peacefully at the touches. This roommate then laid next to him and rested his head on his chest, snuggling close as he wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Did you sleep at all?" Creed asked as he settled next to him.

Train put his hand behind Creed's back and pulled him closer, his eyes still closed as he did so. "Yes. Probably about four hours. I ended up in Hillwood after you left."

Creed sat up and stared at his cat. "Hillwood? Why?"

He rubbed his face, still a little tired, but definitely feeling better than he was before. "That guy I told you about? The one who stole bread? I couldn't stop thinking about him, so I went to see him. Turns out he didn't get his phone call, didn't receive any medical treatment, and the only reason he stole the bread was to feed his starving family at home."

Creed was still confused and asked more questions. "That sounds terrible, but why were you in Hillwood?"

The cat rolled over so he could see his partner better. "Because I couldn't rest knowing there was a pregnant woman and little boy going without dinner tonight. I know money's tight, Creed, but… I had to help them."

The silver man smiled at his cat and laid down again next to him. They faced each other on the bed and Creed locked their ankles together, using his foot to rub his leg gently. "We'll be okay, Love. I've been putting more away then you realize. I'm proud of you for doing the right thing."

Train smiled and ran one finger through his partner's hair. "I met a kid today that reminded me of you."

Looking at him curiously, Train elaborated. "His name is Tak. He had a big pile of books to read and he was only four and a half. He even read one to me. He was gonna keep going, but his mom made him take a nap."

Creed rolled his eyes. "Mom's always ruining all the fun."

Train smirked at his next thoughts. "He also called you my wife."

Creed blushed at that, then laughed lightly. "Guess that's not too far from the truth…"

The silver man purred as Train caressed his cheek, closing his eyes at the gesture and pressing into it. Creed then leaned forward and placed his lips on Train's who responded immediately as he pulled his partner closer. Creed rolled over so he was on top of Train, pinning his shoulders to the bed. He pulled away to ask one more question.

"When is your next shift?"

"Starts at 12:30." Train replied quickly.

Creed peaked at Train's phone lying next to him, seeing it was only 10:00. "Did you eat?"

Train nodded. "I got up an hour ago and had something real quick. How about you?"

"On the way here. You look stressed." Creed frowned, feeling the tenseness in his shoulders had returned.

"I am! Unbelievably so!" Train threw his arms in the air, then let them fall back to the bed.

Creed smirked and leaned over his cat. "I can fix that."

Creed pressed his lips back against Train's who ran his hands up his partner's shirt. The silver man slipped his hands under his cat's shirt as well, going instinctively to the sensitive skin on his chest, knowing that was his love's weak spot.

Train moaned against him, but didn't break the kiss. He had gotten used to the gesture, so he knew better how to control himself when it happened. Not satisfied with Train's restrained reaction, Creed pinched them firmly, earning a loud gasp from his cat. Creed smiled against Train's lips, then massaged his chest more soothingly.

"That's more like it…" The silver man said as he licked his lips.

Creed sat up and removed Train's shirt quickly, his following immediately after. He fell back on top of Train and kissed his chest passionately. While this was happening, Train's phone went off again. The cat didn't bother to push Creed away and simply hung it up again.

He instantly forgot about the call as his partner's tongue fell against his nipples, which caused the cat to shout out loudly and grip at Creed's back harshly. Enjoying the feeling of his cat's claws, he continued his motions, going from licking, to sucking, to nibbling. Each level brought a new sound from his cat as he squirmed underneath his partner. When Train's phone went off again, he once more didn't stop either of their actions and ignored the call.

Creed pulled away and looked at his cat curiously. "Who keeps calling?"

Train pulled him back and kissed his neck. "No one, don't worry about it."

While Train was kissing his neck, Creed reached down and quickly undid his love's pants. The cat copied his motions as he unzipped his roommate as well. Once they were rid of the constrictive clothing, they were on each other again, this time with Train against the headboard as Creed straddled his lap.

As the silver man attacked his lips again, Train pressed his chest against Creed's. He felt Creed's finger trail down his chest and to his boxers, fingering his hips and pelvis seductively as he slipped his fingers inside. Train pressed his hips upwards and into his partner at the gesture which made Creed moan in return. When Creed placed his lips on Train's neck, they heard his phone vibrate again.

Groaning loudly, Creed pulled away. "Just answer it. Maybe if you do they'll leave you alone and we can finish."

Train let out an exasperated sigh and reached for his phone, not needing to look at it to know who it was.

"Yes, cap'?" Creed kept kissing his neck softly as he answered, making Train's voice a little more airy than he hoped to.

"Finally! Do you have any idea how long I've been trying to contact you?! Why did you come in on your off time? More importantly, why did you speak to a prisoner while you were off the clock?!"

Train sighed with hidden anger which made Creed wrap his arms around Train's chest, kissing his shoulder gently, trying to prevent his love from getting more stressed. Train leaned back against the bed and tried to let Creed's kisses calm him down. "Which question do you want me to answer first, sir?"

"Don't get sassy with me, just get your ass in here now!"

The cat looked at his phone to check the time. "I have another two hours until my shift starts."

"Do I sound like I give a shit? Get your pants on and get over here! Now!"

He heard a click which signaled he had hung up. Train growled and stared at the ceiling, Creed falling against him as he clung again to his love's neck. "Why doesn't he just fire me and get it over with?"

Creed ran his fingers through Train's hair. "Probably because you haven't done anything contractually wrong and he knows the union will protect you."

"Right…" Train said, now realizing the idea of being fired wasn't so bad. At least he wouldn't have to deal with Edo's shit anymore.

With another sigh he kissed Creed on the head and stood from the bed. He quickly put his pants on and headed for the door. Creed frowned as he watched him go. "Aren't you at least going to shower first?"

Train waved his hand in the air. "No time. I have a feeling if I don't get there now, he's going to hunt me down and kill me."

Creed rolled his eyes and leaned on his elbow. "Good luck, Love."

The cat smiled at his partner before he closed the door behind him.

"Oooh, Officer Kitty you have some 'splaining to do…"

Of course Edo was the first person to greet him as he walked through the door. Train flipped him off quickly, knowing he had been the one to tattle.

But tattle on what exactly? I didn't do anything wrong. I gave the man the rights he's owed.

Train approached his captain's office and knocked on the door lightly. "It's open, Heartnert."

The cat entered the room quickly and shut the door behind him. "Yes, Captain Kanon?"

"Drop the respectful act, we both know it's not real." The man looked at Train over his glasses as he sat at his desk. "I assume you know why I asked you to come in early?"

Train nodded, but didn't respond. It seemed like talking was only going to get him in trouble.

"What were you doing here while you were off duty?" He glared at Train, looking for any excuse to yell at him.

"I was concerned with the way a man was treated last night and simply wanted to check on his well being." Train answered quickly, making sure each of his words were clear and precise.

"And just why did you care so much?" His tone was accusing, as if Train had an ulterior motive.

"Because I disagreed with the way he was taken in, sir. When I saw him last night he was pretty banged up and I wanted to make sure he had been taken care of properly." Train remained in one spot and made sure his voice didn't show any emotions.

The captain scoffed at him. "That's it? You just wanted to check on him because you're just such a nice guy? You know he has a record, right? He's been in here at least three times the last four months."

And that's an excuse to beat him up? All those charges were low grade theft, anyway.

Train didn't speak, just nodded. He knew what he wanted to say would get him in trouble.

Kanon scowled at Train and continued. "Not only were you here fraternizing with a prisoner, but you uncuffed him and made sure he was comfortable?" He was reading from a piece of paper, probably a written report by whoever tattled. "Whatever that means. Why do you insist on giving special treatment to these criminals?"

"You mean why do I treat them like humans and make sure their rights are met?" Train couldn't help himself. It was absolutely ridiculous he was in trouble for treating a human being like a human being.

The captain slammed his first on the desk, knocking his empty mug over. "Don't interrupt me, Heartnet!"

Train avoided his gaze, knowing the man hated it when he looked at him with his golden eyes. Or, as he puts it, 'Those freakish cat eyes that pierce my skull.'

Seeing the cat was following orders, he continued. "Our job is to lock them up and catch the next bad guy. It is not our responsibility to make sure they're comfortable."

"But it is our responsibility to make sure their rights have been met." Train again couldn't stop himself.

"Shut your damn mouth while I'm talking!" This time he stood from his desk, then sighed and sat back down rubbing his temples. "You've been here, what, year and a half? You're still a rookie, you don't get it yet. Your green ass hasn't seen the horrors the streets hold."

Train bit his lip to stop himself from talking, but no one could control him. Not even himself.

"I've lived on those streets, sir. I lived most of my life there and scraped my way through. I've seen some terrible things, but at the end of the day, all those people were just desperate and trying to survive. None of them were truly bad people."

Well, other than Creed's mother and that pervert. But justice was at least served to them.

"So, what? You're sympathetic to them now? You got yourself out of there. If you can do it, obviously it's possible." Train could hear the controlled anger in his voice.

Train paused, trying to think of a response to that without getting in trouble. Though that seemed impossible as his mere presence seemed to set the man off. He thought of Dante, and how life handed him the worst set of cards, yet he somehow managed to survive all this time.

"Not everyone is as lucky as me, sir. We don't know everyone's story, and it's not fair to judge them based on one outlyer."

"They're criminals, Heartnet! And it's our job to put them away!"

Train glared at him for a minute, making a comparison in his head between what they both considered to be criminals. "In the eighteen months I've been here, the only criminal I've seen brought in was a shooter who was released by you."

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Kanon stood and punched his desk, cracked the wood a little as he did so. It was only then Train was reminded of how large he was, which made the cat shut up again.

Train waited as his captain took a few breaths to calm down. A knock at the door broke the tense silence as Edo stepped in the room, trying to hide his smile as he obviously knew Train was getting his ass handed to him.

"You asked me to come in after a few minutes, Captain?"

Kanon nodded and gestured for him to sit. He did as Train remained standing at the door, arms behind his back.

"Officer Edo here is the one who alerted me to your presence during your off hours." Kanon shook the hand that punched his desk and sat back down.

Train raised an eyebrow. "Then why isn't he being questioned for the same thing?"

Edo answered for their captain. "Because I wasn't speaking with a prisoner."

The cat rolled his eyes. "Still not an excuse to be here."

"I can go wherever I want as long as I'm not disturbing the peace." He smirked which made Train growl quietly.

"How was I disturbing the peace by making sure a man in our custody was receiving proper treatment?"

Edo laughed loudly. "Oh, so you 'took care of him', did you? Like you take care of that lawyer at home?"

"That's enough from the both of you!" Kanon slammed his hand again and Train was beginning to wonder how much more abuse the furniture could take. "Edo, I've told you before to leave personal life out of this."

"Sorry, sir." Edo said as he sat a bit taller in his chair, happy to have gotten the last word in. Train did not apologize, since he thought he'd just be yelled at again anyway.

There was silence again as Kanon continued to rub his temples. "Heartnet, you are no longer to speak to the prisoner. Edo booked him, so Goto is now his responsibility."

Train gaped at him. "What? He'll never get out if that's the case!"

He could hear Edo chuckling next to him. "Why is that such a bad thing? Just another piece of trash locked away."

Train threw him a dangerous look which actually appeared to work. Edo had jumped a little under the gaze, then tried to return his glare, but was unable to meet his ferocity.

Kanon glared at both of them as he spoke. "Knock it off! Heartnet, I gave you your orders, do you understand?"

Looking back at his captain, but not making eye contact, Train nodded. "Yes, sir."

"Good. You are both still working together tonight. Heartnet, you could learn something from Officer Edo. He's been with us for over twenty years."

Train rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I'm sure he's been a huge asset…"

"What was that?"

Hearing Kanon's question he realized he had spoken too loud and shook his head. "Am I dismissed?" Train asked, looking at the floor.

The man behind the desk waved his hand and started flipping through some files. "Yeah, get out. Officer Edo, keep an eye on him."

The older man stood and bowed at the captain. "Yes, sir."

Train was already out the door, not even pushing the door for his assigned partner for the evening. Edo walked out after him, looking very proud of himself. He followed after Train, who was not in the mood for any more of his drama and refused to look back at him.

"Officer Kitty, wait. We have one more person assigned with us tonight." Edo said before Train stepped out the door to get to their car.

Train growled with his hand on the door, then stopped and turned around to look at the man. "Who?"

Edo smirked, knowing the cat wasn't going to be happy and finding utter delight in that. "You're best friend: Officer Clark."

Train felt like ripping his hair out and screaming at the top of his lungs. Clark was arguably worse than Edo. While he did not have nearly as many homophobic comments to throw at Train, his treatment towards civilians was absolutely deplorable. He used his power to scare people who were just walking down the street. And his behavior towards women made you wonder if he even saw them as humans.

The cat rubbed his forehead. "Great… Where is he? I want to get going and get this shift over with."

"Oh? Big plans with your man afterwards?" Edo smirked. It wasn't often he was able to get Train riled up, so he was going to soak it for all it was worth.

"Bigger than you could ever handle." Train said, returning his smirk, knowing exactly what the officer was doing and fighting to regain control of the power struggle.

"Ugh, keep it in your pants, Officer Kitty. No one wants to hear about that."

Clark stepped out of the bathroom, wiping his hands on his pants as he approached the two. He greeted Edo with a hardy handshake and sneered at Train.

The golden man didn't care and headed for the door again. "Wonderful. The gangs all here. Can we get going now?"

He didn't wait for a response as he stepped outside and into the backseat of one of their vehicles. While he had been trained to drive for this job, he knew neither of these men would let him behind the wheel, so he wasn't even going to try. Train was looking at his phone when Edo got in the front seat, Clark in the passenger as they started the car.

Edo looked back at him, obviously still wanting to see how far he could push Train tonight. "Sexting your lover back there?"

"You know it." Train responded as he looked through his messages.

He was actually going to text Creed, but not in the way they were thinking. The cat wanted to let him know what the conversation with his captain was about and the outcome of it. It would just be a summary, but enough to calm his roommate down. He knew Creed was probably worrying, even though he wasn't showing it when the cat left.

"What did I say about keeping it in your pants, Heartnet? I don't want to hear about that stuff." Clark said in a disgusted tone.

"Then why did you bring it up?" Train asked as he glanced at the back of the man's head.

Both of them were silent, but the golden man could tell he trapped them in a corner. Now it was time to attack. "You guys think about my partner more than I do. Should I be worried?"

Clark made a disgusted sound again and Edo scoffed loudly. "Shut up, cat."

Train smiled and leaned back in the car, feeling he was beginning to regain control of their dysfunctional relationship real fast.

"Where we headin'?" Clark asked as he leaned on his elbow and looked out the window.

"Right now we're just patrolling the city until we get a call. You hungry?"

Train knew they weren't talking to him and didn't respond. Instead, he looked out the window as well, taking in the city lights as they zoomed passed them in the speeding car. He knew they were probably going too fast, but again if he said anything it would just start a fight. Train made sure he was buckled in and kept his mouth shut.

Clark chuckled at the other man. "Always. Go to that fast food joint I like. I'm craving a burger."

Edo nodded and made a sharp turn which made Train thankful he decided to put on his seatbelt. He knew how the older man drove and never felt safe with him behind the wheel.

The place they ended up at was actually one of his and Creed's normal eateries. They drove far enough that they were very close to his apartment, but Train would never let them know that, nor would he let them know he came here all the time with his boyfriend. He decided not to get out just in case any of the employees recognized him. That would give the other men more of an insight into his life, which he did not need.

As they approached the restaurant the officers parked the car and stepped out. Seeing Train was not following, Edo knocked on his window from the outside and instructed him to open it. Train did, but did not look at the man.

"We'll be out soon. In the meantime, keep an eye on the car and stay out of trouble. If you go running off to do whatever you please, Kanon's going to have my ass along with yours. As much as I'm sure you'd like that, I warn you not to mess with me."

Train didn't look at him. "I'm not sure if that's another ignorant statement about my relationship choices, or about how much I want to see your ass literally handed to you, but don't worry. I've had enough of being the captain's used gum."

Before Edo could respond, Train waved him away. "Go. Before we get a call."

Grumbling under his breath he followed Clark into the establishment. Train sat in the car for a little longer before he got out to get some air. The cat leaned his back against the car and stared at the night sky. He watched the stars blissfully, counting as many as he could to distract himself from what a terrible night this was going to be. It was usually bad when he was paired with Edo, but with Clark in the mix he couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was going to be worse than any of those other nights

"Excuse me? Officer?"

Train looked down and saw a young woman approaching him. She was dressed rather nicely, as if she was either going to or coming from a fancy dinner. She was tall, but still shorter than Train, very shapely with dark skin and eyes. Train put her at about the same age as himself, and he couldn't help but notice she looked a little scared to be talking to him.

Train smiled kindly, hoping it would calm her nerves as she seemed on edge. "Yes, miss? Can I help you?"

She looked back and forth. "I-I ummm… I think I'm being followed. I just finished a date, you see, and the guy gave me a bad feeling…"

The cat frowned and stepped away from the car. "Bad feeling how?"

Again her eyes darted back and forth. "Just… A bad feeling. Call it a woman's intuition. But, I can't shake the feeling that I'm being followed. I know I sound crazy, but my phone is dead and I can't call anyone to come pick me up. I'm desperate, can you please help?"

Train eyed her curiously, noticing she had a bruise forming on her arm and one of her heels was broken. There was a bit of dirt on her dress and was torn a little at the sleeve. He quickly pieced the puzzle together and nodded his head.

"Do you have a charger?" She took her head. Train took her phone to see if the one in their car would fit and saw that it didn't. However, he knew it to be the same as Creed's. "Yes. I think I can help you."

Just as the woman was about to thank him, a rough voice came from the entrance of the restaurant.

"Looks like the cat has caught himself a snack." Clark said as he walked towards them, sipping a cup of coffee he just bought and holding a bag of food.

Edo stepped next to him and sneered at the woman. "Lady, you're barking up the wrong tree with this one. Actually, you'd have a better chance at a tree than this guy."

The woman did not respond or look at the two men. Clark approached her and touched her hair slightly. "Pretty one, too. Why does this pansy cat get all the pretty ones?"

Edo laughed as he searched for his keys. "Women like the 'sensitive' types, I guess. Feels like every time I'm paired with his pussy he's surrounded by babes at some point."

Train gave them a warning look, rage beginning to build in his stomach. He was losing his patience fast. Both officers ignored the cat. Edo was still digging for his keys and Clark was still addressing the woman.

"What's the offer?" Clark asked in a hoarse whisper, making the woman jump away.

She blinked at him, her face paling as she did so. "Wh-what?!" She said a bit frantically, looking to Train for support.

Train stepped between them, guiding the woman to the safe side of him gently so he could be a shield for her. "She's lost and possibly being followed. I think we should bring her back to the station so she can call someone."

"Pfft, I'm not driving all the way back there for some broad." Edo said as he finally found his eyes. He looked the woman up and down, then addressed her harshly. "Bad date?"

Train growled. "I don't think 'bad' even begins to describe it. Look at her."

Edo shrugged his shoulders and inserted his keys in the car. "Not our problem. When a law is broken, give us a call. There's nothing illegal about a bad date. Clark, quit ogling and get in. I think we're getting a call."

Clark grumbled to himself as he stepped in the car, closing the door behind him. Edo was on the radio giving Train a minute to address the woman.

"Are you okay?"

She was still panicking and even began stepping away from Train, wondering if he was just putting on a show. Train quickly pulled out a card with his number on it. After he got home from Hillwood earlier, he wrote his number on the back of all his cards, realizing quickly there were a lot of people who felt like they couldn't rely on the police.

"I know you might not trust the police, and with good reason if their actions are any indication of how you've been treated. However, I want to help. Please trust me. My number is on the back of this card. I live very close to here. Just a few blocks away. If you want a place to feel safe and charge your phone so you can call someone, here's my address."

He flipped his hard over again, pulled a pen from his shirt pocket and wrote down his address really quick. "My boyfriend is there by himself. I know going to a strange apartment with a strange man in it doesn't sound appealing, but you have all my information on this card. I'll even tell him to meet you outside so you can wait until you are sure it's safe to go in."

She stared at him for a few seconds, looking curiously into his eyes. Train smiled sympathetically, finding that this new look of his was beginning to work on people.

"I understand if you don't believe me, but I really do want to help. I'm not like them." Train gestured to the men in the car. One stuffing his face with a burger while the other continued his conversation on the radio. "Just take a leap of faith and trust me."

After a few more seconds she took the card and memorized the address. She smiled weakly at him, still clearly not sure about his, but really in desperate need of help. There was also something about those eyes that made her feel comforted. They were different than any eyes she had ever seen, and the sincerity and warmth behind them seemed too genuine to be fake.

"O-Okay… What's your boyfriend's name."

Train changed to his cheeky smile to ease the woman's anxiety. "Creed. Strange name, I know, but my name is Tran, believe it or not. And you are?" Train reached a hand out for her to shake.

She took it firmly, her smiling becoming a little more calm. "Skylar."

"Nice to meet you."

"Officer Kitty, stop giving the woman hope and get in the car! We got a call!"

Train turned quickly and stepped in the car, giving her a friendly wave as they drove away quickly. The cat pulled out his phone quickly and texted Creed immediately.

"I know this is going to sound weird… But there is probably going to be a woman named Skylar showing up at the apartment soon."

The cat waited a few seconds, knowing Creed never made him wait for a reply. It was no different now as he responded almost instantly to every one of his texts. Train figured he might have been procrastinating his work a little.

"What?"

"Like I said, I know it's weird, but she looks like she's in trouble. Edo and Clark refuse to take her back to the station because we're too far away and she looks like she was attacked. Her phone is dead and thinks she might be being followed."

"So you told her to come here?"

"Yeah, I didn't know what to do. If she goes to a residential area and maybe if her attacker sees her with a man, he'll back off. Just trust me, please? I'm following my gut on this one."

"Your gut has never been wrong…"

There was a pause this time, which worried Train. Through the text, he couldn't tell if Creed was being sarcastic or not, but he had a feeling he wasn't.

"Okay. I trust you."

Train breathed a sigh of relief and sent his partner a heart.

"Thank you! I owe you. Can you meet her outside? She's not sure about this whole thing either."

"Of course. I'll keep you updated."

Train sent several more hearts which earned a few from Creed as well. He was jolted from his thoughts as the car screeched to a halt. The cat fell forward a little. In his rush to text Creed, he forgot to put his seatbelt on. Clark laughed when Train shouted out as his face hit the back of the passenger chair and Edo growled.

"Get over it, cat. We're here."

The golden man rubbed his face as he stepped from the car. He felt his phone vibrate, and pulled it out again. Creed confirmed Skylar was there and he was outside with her now. Train sent him another thank you and which Creed responded with a smile.

"Put your damn phone down, Heartnet! We gotta go."

Train noticed Clark and Edo had placed a hand on their gun as they stepped into a convenience store. The cat did not do the same, but followed behind. He didn't really trust their instincts, so if they felt like they needed their guns ready, they most likely didn't.

A bell rang as they stepped in the store and approached the counter. The man standing behind it pointed down an aisle that had a young man occupying. Edo nodded and walked down the aisle, Clark following after him. Train, however, stayed at the door. He didn't see a need for three of them against one kid, so he figured he'd stand by the door in case anything happened and they needed to block the exit. Edo and Clark were loud enough that Train could hear their muffled voices from across the store.

"Can I help you, sir?" Edo said as he stepped up to the young man.

"N-no sir. I'm just getting some snacks."

"What are you doing out this late at night?" Came Clark's uneasy voice as he stepped to the other side of the man.

"I just got off my shift. I know it's late, but I don't choose when I work, officers. And I'm hungry."

"Don't have any food at home?" Edo questioned, but already knowing the answer.

He laughed, trying to defuse the situation. "Not this kind of food. My mom is on a strict diet."

"Still live with your mom? How old are you?" Clark asked, actually a little curious.

"Sixteen, sir."

"Sixteen? And you're working this late at night?" Edo didn't sound convinced.

"Y-yes, sir. I'm just trying to help my family make ends meet." The teenager's voice was shaking a little. Train could tell even from here that he was scared.

"He put something in his pocket, officer! I saw him!" This voice came from the cashier at the counter. Train looked at him quickly, the harshness of his voice frightening even him.

His golden eyes went back to the aisle he knew they were in, but couldn't see them. He did, however, hear the officers step closer, followed by a cry of protest from the kid.

"Wh-what?! No! I just walked in before you did! Check the camera! I swear it's the truth!"

The cashier growled angrily behind the counter. "That's a lie, officiers! I just started my shift and he was already here when I clocked in!"

Train heard Edo's voice and started to step forward. "Alright, son, empty your pockets."

"I told you I don't have anything! The only thing I touched is this bag of chips!" He held up the product as proof, his body beginning to tremble as Clark and Edo surrounded him.

"Just do as my partner says and empty your pockets. Don't make this harder than it has to be."

Train was there at this point and watched as the kid compiled and reached into his pockets, his hands shaking violently and his face paling with fear. His fingers were twitching so erratically it must have set the officers off, because the next thing Train knew, Edo and Clark had pulled their weapons and aimed them at the child.

"Freeze! What are you reaching for!?"

The kid threw his hands in the air, dropping the chips he was holding. "I-I'm just doing what you asked me to do!"

"Are you armed?!" Clark shouted, pointing his gun at the kid's back.

He couldn't speak as his eyes began to fill with tears. He tried to shake his head no, but since his whole body was shaking, there was no way to differentiate the motions from each other. Train's ear perked when he heard a gun cock, which made him step in.

"Whoa! Let's just calm down! There's no need to escalate matters." Train stepped up behind Edo, his hands in the air as well, showing the teenager he was not going to fire.

"Officer Heartnet, wait at the door in case he runs." Edo said, not turning to look at him, eyes settled on the sobbing child.

Train growled. "Where is he gonna run? You've surrounded him. Just lower your weapons and give him a minute to empty his pockets."

Clark scowled at the cat. "And what if he reaches for a gun?"

The golden man scanned the boy up and down. He was wearing a t-shirt and tight jeans with no belt. The pockets were flat against his hips, showing Train he was most likely telling the truth and not hiding anything. On his feet were dirty sneakers, his hoodie torn at the pockets and shoulders.

"I don't see anywhere on him he could be hiding a weapon."

As expected, they didn't listen. Train felt his heart racing faster. "Just let me pat him down."

Edo growled, but nodded. The cat stepped over carefully and patted him down quickly, just as he was trained to do. Not feeling anything, Train stepped away. "He's clear. Nothing is hidden on his body anywhere."

Seeing the man still had their weapons raised, Train grew more frustrated. "Would you drop your weapons!? He's just a kid!"

Train could hear him sobbing quietly next to him. His hands were still in the air and his knees looked about ready to give out. After a few minutes, they lowered their weapons and put them away. Train sighed and ran a finger through his sweaty hair.

"Thank you…"

When the teenager went to lower his hand, Clark yelled out and tackled him to the ground, pushing Train into one of the walls of the aisles. Edo was next to them in an instant, baton out as he hit the kid in the back. He shouted out in pain, asking for Edo to stop and Clark to get off. Train stood quickly and launched himself at Edo.

The golden man locked his arms around Edo's shoulders, preventing him from making another attack. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"

"HE WAS GOING FOR SOMETHING!" Clark shouted at the cat, restraining the child on the ground.

Edo broke out of Train's grasp and pushed him away. He was back on the crying teen again, his nose already starting to bleed as he screamed that he didn't have anything. Just as the officer was about to beat him again, Train threw himself on top of the kid and felt the baton hit him violently in the back. Edo was either too worked up to realize he was hitting a fellow officer, or didn't care and wanted to take out all the frustration he had for Train in his blows.

Another growl and Edo tried to pull Train off the boy, but the cat refused to move. Seeing that dangerous glow in his golden, cat-like eyes, the older man stomped on his stomach, then kicked him in the face. Clark suddenly thought this was too much and released the kid to restrain his partner.

"EDO, STOP!" He locked his arms around his chest and pulled him away. Luckily Clark was a lot bigger than the other man, so it was easier for him to pull Edo away than it was for Train.

Train coughed a few times and stood up from the boy he was protecting. The teenager was frozen in shock. His nose was still bleeding and his face was a little scratched, but otherwise he was unharmed. Train, on the other hand, felt like he had just been run over. The cat groaned as he stood, then offered his hand to the boy. The teen stared at him for a minute, then took the hand and stumbled to stand up.

"Are you okay?" Train asked and watched as he nodded chaotically. The golden man looked at his co-workers as Clark tried to calm a very angry Edo, then back to the kid. "Get out of here."

He didn't need to be told twice and he snuck out the door quickly before anything else happened. Finally seeing Edo had regained most of his sense, Train turned to them. Both men looked at Train with uncontrollable fury.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!" Edo shouted loudly. At this point the cashier had run to the back, not sure who to call considering the police were already there.

Train gave them his dangerous glare again. "That should be my question! He was just a kid! And I checked him for weapons and stolen goods. He was clean!"

Clark barked savagely at the younger man. "He was going for something, I saw it!"

Train threw his hands in the air wildly. "Going for what?! I told you I checked him!"

"AND YOU MISSED SOMETHING, I KNOW IT!" Clark bellowed again, his face turning red with rage.

"SHUT UP THE BOTH OF YOU!" Edo reentered the conversation as he punched the aisle next to him, nearly knocking the unstable wall down. He took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. "We need to get the cat back to the precinct. He's bleeding and protocol says we need to address non-lethal on work injuries there."

Clark growled at the cat one more time before storming out of the store and to their car. Edo followed suit, leaving Train in the store by himself. Before he left, he grabbed a frozen bag of peas from the freeze in the back, slammed some money on the counter and left.

When he walked out of the store and stepped into the car, he felt his phone go off again. Train pulled his phone out as he placed the peas on his face and sighed in relief at the message.

"She came in, charged her phone and just got picked up. She was very sweet."

Train felt better reading that, knowing he at least did something right tonight. The car ride back was completely silent. None of them had anything to say that wouldn't be another fight. They needed this time to calm down and Train was grateful for the silence. His head was beginning to hurt.

When they pulled up, Train made to leave the car, but heard the doors lock. He looked at Edo uneasily, but the man did not look at him.

"You were attacked by a perp. Got it?"

Train blinked. "You want me to lie to the captain?" He wished he had a recording device right now, but his phone was not advanced enough for that.

"You heard me. There was a tussle with a perp and your pussy ass couldn't handle it and got beat up."

Clark chuckled brutally next to him. "Not far from the truth. I don't think his weak ass would be able to handle anything really dangerous anyway."

Train felt his rage building, as he balled his hands into fists, but he was able to restrain himself. He tried to take deep breaths to calm himself down, but the older men seemed intent on pushing him over the edge.

Edo responded to his partner. "This queer would be too worried about breaking a nail to ever put himself in any actual danger. He's probably worried his man will leave him once he sees his pretty face got broken. But we better be careful, that fag lawyer of his might sue for property damages done to his cat."

That was Train's breaking point and he launched himself from the back seat at Edo. He punched him in the back of the head first, throwing his head forward and into the steering wheel. The older man shouted and clutched his nose, feeling it break from the contact. Train then crawled between the two seats, punching Clark in the face as he tried to stop him and hit Edo again in the jaw.

Edo felt himself bite his tongue, coughing up some blood and jumping out of the car. He stumbled as he stepped into the parking lot, Train leaping after him as he kicked Clark in the face when the other officer tried to grab his feet. Clark was clutching his eye as he stepped from the car to try and separate the men.

Train tackled the officer to the ground before he could get away and punched him in the face several more times. Edo tried to block the blows with his hands, but Train wouldn't let him. He continued punching him in the side of the head, ignoring the crowd from the precinct coming out to watch.

Edo was finally able to push Train off him and stumble away. Train wasn't about to let that happen and he kicked him in the back when he tried to run, causing him to fall face first into the street. Train was on him again, this time punching him in the back of the head until somepne grabbed him from behind and lifted him into the air.

Clark locked his arms around Train's shoulders, forcing his hands in the air as he dragged him away. The cat kicked his feet wildly, spewing a lively stream of curse words as Edo was helped to his feet and restrained as well. Train tried desperately to get to the man, his rage now too fierce to contain as the world around him faded and all he saw was red.

He caught his breath and glared flames at the older man, who was looking at him rather shocked. "Say what you will about me… But leave his name OUT OF YOUR FILTHY MOUTH!" He screamed the last words as loudly as he could.

"HEARTNET, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"

Everyone's eyes fell to Kanon except for Train and Edo's. The cat was still trying to see if he could kill the man with his eyes and refused to look away. Edo ripped his arm from the people holding him and clutched his nose again.

"The cat lost his mind, sir." Edo said through his hands, making Train scream and kick in Clark's arms again, who tightened his hold once more.

Kanon looked from Edo to a furious Train and barked loudly. "HEARTNET, SHUT UP!"

Train quieted down, but still never looked away from Edo. His chest was falling and rising rapidly, his heart about ready to explode from his chest and splatter onto the floor.

Kanon looked at Clark and gestured for him to bring Train inside. "Both of you, in my office now! Everyone else, show's over! Get back to work!"

The crowd made their way back to their original locations as Clark dragged a still fuming Train in. He didn't let go for fear that he would launch himself at the officier again.

Once they made it to his office, Clark sat him in a chair, but kept his hand on his shoulder tightly, just in case he decided to jump up again. Kanon entered after, followed by Edo who was keeping a safe distance from the furious golden man. Closing the door, Edo took a seat next to Train, who was still trying to harm him with his looks.

Kanon saw this and slammed his chair on the ground. "Heartnet, look at me!"

Train did, but his eyes did not change. He didn't care if he scared his captain, he was beyond caring what these men thought of him anymore.

The older man behind the desk ignored Edo and Train to address Clark. "Officer Clark, you were there. What happened?"

Clark took a second to think about what he would say, then responded quickly. "Officer Heartnet snapped in the car ride over after Officer Edo made a joke."

Train tried to jump from his chair, but was stopped by Clark's hand. "A JOKE?! YOU CALL THAT A JOKE?!"

"Heartnet, shut up so I can do my job!" Kanon sighed and rubbed his face. "What did you say, Edo?"

The man shrugged his shoulders. "Honestly, I can't remember. It was so small it didn't seem to matter."

Again, Train tried to launch himself at the man, but was restrained again by Clark. "YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAID!"

"IF YOU DON'T CALM DOWN I CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM!" Kanon yelled again, standing from his chair, ready to restrain Train himself.

"Like you'd fix the problem anyway! This asshole has gotten away with whatever he wants for the last twenty years and I don't see that changing any time soon!" Train directed his angry words at the captain now, furying blazing wildly at the man behind the desk.

Kanon returned his glare with a powerful one of his own. "You're walking on thin ice, officer…"

Train didn't care, he needed to make this point. "You created this! You are the reason he acts this way! You have all let him believe for so long that he is above the law that it's now become the truth!" He took a few violent breaths and continued his speech. "This bastard gets to treat civilians like garbage and call me and my partner derogatory words because he knows he can get away with it BECAUSE HE ALWAYS DOES!"

Kanon scowled at the cat. "If he says something slanderous about your personal life, then you need to file a complaint, not attack him…" His words were slow and calculated, making sure Train understood every one of them.

Train rolled his eyes. "Yeah, and then what? He gets a stern talking to? He has to sit through a stupid senstivity meeting?! The point is he doesn't give a shit because you have created a safe environment for such asshole behavior!"

"THAT ENOUGH!" Kanon stood and slammed both his fists on the table, making Train fall silent. The captain glared at the cat for a few seconds before he spoke again. "Heartnet, you're suspended. Starting immediately."

"WHAT?!" Train yelled as he stood from his chair, ripping his arm from Clark's grasp.

"YOU HEARD ME! GET OUT! NOW!"

Train stared at the man for what felt like an eternity. He then turned to Edo whose face was swelling and bleeding, but the cat could see the proud smirk behind the bruises. Clark remained unemotional, but the golden man knew as soon as he left the room, there would be a satisfied grin on his ugly mug.

With one last scowl, Train turned on his heel and left, ignoring the eyes on him as he left the building and headed home.