Here is an update to that Ichabbie AU I wrote. It's a continuation of the train one. So far, they had their first date in a bookstore. Now, here is another part. I think two of you asked for more of this story, so here you go. Enjoy. :) There will be one more chapter after this with Jenny, and that'll probably be it. I hope you liked this AU. It was fun to write. This one is kind of lengthy, but hopefully, you mind too much. :)

Abbie stopped outside Crane's door. It was Saturday morning, and he had invited her over for brunch. She bit her lip and smiled.

"No, Jeremy! Give that back."

It sounded like Crane; Abbie also heard a child laughing. She didn't know Crane's son would be joining them. She knocked on the door.

"One moment, please!"

"Okay," she said through the door.

"Abb—Jeremy. Do not open that door."

The door opened and a little boy with brown hair and green eyes stood in front of Abbie. He was smiling at her. He didn't have on any pants, only his underwear. His white t-shirt had stains on it. Abbie chuckled. She bent down to him.

"You must be Jeremy. I'm Abbie. I'm one of Crane's friends."

He stuck his hand out. Abbie took it. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Abbie. My daddy will be right with you."

Abbie shook her head and lowered her eyebrows. He must have learned this from his father. Suddenly, Crane rushed to the door. He was out of breath, his hair was everywhere, he only had on one shoe, and his shirt was misbuttoned. Abbie grinned at him.

"Jeremy, I told you not to open the door."

Jeremy glanced up at him and laughed; then he ran inside the house.

Abbie held in her laughter. She pushed some of his hair out of his face. "Your son is cute."

Crane chuckled. "Thank you. Sometimes, he can be a handful. This is not what you were expecting for our brunch."

"Not at all, but I don't mind. He's so polite. Did you teach him that?"

"Thank you. Yes, I did." He stepped aside. "Please."

Abbie walked in the cabin. "It smells good. Brisket and pancakes?"

"Indeed. Oh, one moment." He left her in the foyer. The living room was right in front of her. She walked into it, sat by Jeremy on the sofa. He watched cartoons with his hands on his cheeks, elbows on his crossed legs. He was leaning forward.

"Spongebob is my favorite," Abbie said.

He looked at her. "I like Squidward. Spongebob is happy all the time."

Abbie's eyebrows lowered again. "You don't like Spongebob? You don't like that he's happy?"

He shook his head. "No."

"Why not? He's sad sometimes, too."

"Then he's happy again."

Abbie thought it was kind of odd for a kid to lean towards Squidward. He was always so grumpy.

"Is that bad?"

"Yeah. Squidward is like my dad."

Abbie laughed. "Really now?"

"Yup. Daddy is like him sometimes. He has a frown."

"How come?"

"My mommy. He was sad when he saw her. My mommy is mean to him," he said.

Abbie stared at him. She didn't know what to do. Should she get Crane and tell him that he needs to talk to Jeremy? Should she try to comfort him?

"I'm sorry about your parents. My parents didn't really get along either."

"Your parents?"

She nodded her head. "Maybe they'll get along again."

He shrugged. "I'm Squidward sometimes. I'm grumpy."

"Why?"

"I miss my mom and dad."

Abbie wasn't sure if she should do this, but she put her arm around him. "I miss my parents together, too."

"Breakfast is ready."

Abbie removed her arm when she heard Crane. She turned around to face him. "Great. I'm hungry."

"Jeremey, would you go put on your clothes and wash your hands?"

Jeremy hopped off the sofa and ran into a room. Abbie stood up, walked towards Crane.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to overstep my boundaries. I was just trying to—"

"Don't apologize. Thank you. Unfortunately, all of the kids in his class have both parents at home. It's good for him to know that someone else doesn't have both of their parents like him. It's comforting. Perhaps, it'll help him handle our divorce a little better."

Abbie put her hand on his chest. "Crane, he seems really sad about it. I'm sorry he has to go through this. How old is he?"

"He's eight." He took the kitchen towel off his shoulder and played with it. "I want Katrina and me to do better in front of him, but she makes it rather difficult to parent together."

"What does she do, if you don't mind my asking?"

"She insults me in front of him. She even said that I wasn't a good father and that I won't spend as much time with him." He didn't look at her, only played with the towel.

Abbie grabbed it from him. She put it on her shoulder, then took his hands.

"She's still upset about your job, that you weren't there for her as much. But that's no reason to take it out on your parenting skills. She shouldn't do that to you in front of him. I'm sure you do a wonderful job with Jeremy." She pushed some hair behind his ear.

"Thank you, Abbie. I do my best. She dropped him off yesterday evening. Usually, we make plans for when I will take care of Jeremy for the weekend. Luckily, I was home when she made her unexpected appearance. She said she was going on a business trip. No one could watch Jeremy for her."

"I think she wanted to get rid of him for the weekend."

"So do I. He's the one that has to suffer. I don't like it."

Abbie nodded her head.

"I'm dressed, daddy." He held up the palms of his hands. "All clean."

Crane walked in front of him, turned his back towards him, and bent down. Jeremy hopped on; he wrapped his arms and legs around his dad. Crane stood up. "Let's go eat breakfast with Miss Abbie."

Abbie smiled at them as she leaned on the threshold of the kitchen.

"I want 500 pancakes," Jeremy said as Crane bent backwards so Jeremy could stand in the chair at the table.

"500? I can eat more than 500. I can eat 1,000," he said as he walked to the counter to where the food was.

"What? No you can't. Your stomach will get big."

"It will get very big, but I like pancakes." He placed his son's plate in front of him.

Abbie walked into the kitchen to sit down at the table. "I can eat 2,000 pancakes."

Jeremy gasped and his eyes grew big. "What? Daddy, can she?"

He sat her plate in front of Abbie. "Yes. She can do anything just like you."

Abbie stared down at her plate, blushing. She had three blueberry pancakes, brisket, eggs, and hashrowns. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Crane got his plate and sat down. He kissed his son's forehead and cut up his food.

Abbie liked seeing them interact. He was good dad to his son. He seemed to really love him, even if he did drive him crazy sometimes. She wished Jeremy didn't have to see his parents seperated. She knew what it felt like to not have both parents there. Maybe things would get better for Jeremy. Maybe Katrina would stop being so rude in front of him.

"Miss Abbie, you're pretty."

She smiled. "Thank you. You're handsome, too. You look like your dad."

"No! He has a beard. It's gross. It scratches my hands and face."

Crane's mouth was open. "I beg your pardon."

Abbie laughed and touched Crane's beard. "I like your dad's beard."

"It's going to scratch you. A monster may come out of it, too."

Abbie quickly removed her hand. "Crane, you didn't tell me you had monsters in your beard."

"Very funny, Miss Mills." He ate a piece of pancake. So did Jeremy.

"Why do you have brown skin and not white skin?" he said with a full mouth.

"Jeremy, that is a rude question." Crane put his knife and fork down. "Please apologize to Miss Mills."

"No, it's fine, Crane."

"It is not."

She put her hand on his arm. "He's just curious."

"Curious indeed."

"It's how I was born. I was born with brown skin. You were born with white skin. Does my skin bother you?"

He shrugged. "No. It's pretty, and it smells good."

Crane sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Abbie laughed again.

"Thank you. Are you sure my skin is okay with you?"

He nodded. "You are my daddy's friend. He likes your skin. I like it, too."

"That's very sweet of you both. I'm glad you like my skin. I like your skin, too."

Jeremy smiled at her.

"I'm so sorry." Crane put his hand on hers.

"Don't worry about it." She started to cut up her food.

"I can tell him to apologize to you."

Abbie grinned. "It's fine, Crane. Kids ask questions. I expected this much."

"If you're sure."

Abbie nodded. "Don't be Squidward."

Jeremy laughed; Abbie winked at him.

"I am not Mr. Tentacles. Thank you very much."

"Sure," Abbie said as she ate some of her food.

"Yeah, sure, daddy." Jeremy giggled.

Crane shook his head, mumbled something.

After they finished their breakfast, Abbie helped Crane clean the kitchen while Jeremy watched television in the living room. When they were done, Crane put Jeremy down for a nap. He sat by Abbie on the couch when he returned from the room.

"Thank you for brunch. It was really good. Homemade?"

"Yes." He grabbed her hand, intertwined their fingers. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for coming, and thank you for being there for Jeremy. Your encouragement means a great deal to me and to him."

"It's no problem. He's a good kid and funny." Abbie laughed.

"He gets his humor from Katrina. I'm not that funny."

"He must. He gets his manners from you though."

"Thank you," he said. He grabbed her legs and placed them on his lap. He rubbed her calves.

"Do you guys share custody of him?"

"Yes. I get him every other weekend. This was unexpected, so this is the third time this month I've seen him. I don't mind it though. The telephone can only do so much."

"Do you speak to him everyday?"

"I do. I'm glad he's here."

Abbie nodded her head. She put her fingers through his hair. "He adores you."

"I hope so."

"He does."

"He likes you," he said."He gave you compliments. Usually when he likes someone, he says something nice about them. If he doesn't, then he's quiet."

"Good. I like him, too."

"I am very sorry about his comment earlier. I always tell him to be polite to others."

"It's okay. I think it opens the door for communication and understanding of another race. It's good to know that early on. He's open."

"Yes, but still. I tell him not to point out anyone else's differences and to accept them as they are."

"He's only a kid. You're teaching him well so far though." She paused. "Does it bother you that I'm black?"

"No. I notice your race, of course. I acknowledge your skin color. It exists. However, your lovely brown skin won't stop me from pursuing you. It was never a problem. I like the person you are. I want to know more of you if you let me."

Abbie kissed his cheek. "I want to know more of you, too. I see that you're white, but it won't stop me either."

He smiled at her and nodded. They were quiet.

"Do you want kids?" Crane said.

"Yeah, but not right now. When I'm married, yes."

"You would make the most excellent mother."

"That's very sweet of you. You can give me some pointers," she said.

"Me? I don't think I'm fit to do that, but thank you."

"Of course, you are. What's your best parenting advice?"

"I guess it would be to love your child. You should love them as hard you can. There are some parents who don't have their kids anymore, or some couples who can't produce children. Therefore, I would say never take them for granted. Love them as much as you can."

"Sounds like really good advice to me." Abbie put her forehead on his.

He put his hand on her cheek. "I want to kiss you, but—"

"I understand." Abbie kissed his forehead. "No worries."

"I am most grateful for your understanding and patience, Abbie."

"I know. It'll be my turn next. I'll have to cook for you. I'll make a red velvet cake. You can meet Jenny. She'd like you."

"I cannot wait."

Abbie yawned.

"Is it time for your nap, too?"

"It may be."

"I don't have a guest bedroom. Jeremy and I share my room when he's here."

"The couch works just fine." Abbie stretched and yawned again.

Crane stood up. He left the room and came back with a blanket and pillow. He handed them to Abbie. She smiled at him.

"Would you mind permitting me to rest with you on the couch?"

"Not at all." Abbie made room for him.

"Sweet dreams, Miss Mills." He held her and kissed her temple.

"You, too, Crane."

They fell asleep.

Abbie felt someone shake her. She opened her eyes. Jeremy was in front of her.

"Are you and daddy getting married, Miss Abbie?"

She rubbed her eyes and chuckled. "No, Jeremy."

"Would you want us to get married?"

He nodded his head.

"How come?"

"You make him happy. He talked about you before you came. He said you were beautiful and nice. You are."

Abbie smiled. "You make your dad happy, too. He loves you."

"He loves you, too."

Abbie didn't think Crane loved her. They just started dating, but it was nice to know that Jeremy thought his dad did. Maybe he really did love her.

"It's too early for him to love me. We have to spend more time together."

"He loves you, Miss Abbie. I know it."

She shook her head. Jeremy was something else. He was so honest. How did he even know this? How was he even so sure?

"To him loving the both of us." She stuck out her fist.

"What are you doing?"

"It's called a fist bump. It means this is awesome, and that you're happy about something. You just bump your fist to mine."

He stuck out his fist and hit hers. "I like this."

"Me, too."

He bumped her fist again. "Let's not tell daddy. This is for us only."

"Deal."

"What happened?" Crane sat up. "Are you okay, Jeremy?"

"Yeah. I'm done with my nap. Are you done with your nap?"

"Yes. Are you hungry? It's been two hours. Do you want a snack?"

Abbie removed the blanket and stood up, stretched. She put on her shoes.

"Are you leaving?" Crane said.

"Yeah. You two need your time together. I enjoyed myself though." She zipped up her boots.

"Stay, Miss Abbie," Jeremy said.

"I want you to spend some time with your dad. You can't do that if I'm here. I can come back tomorrow for a few hours if your dad is okay with it." She glanced at Crane.

She didn't want to interrupt their weekend. It was too important. She wanted Jeremy to have as much time with his dad as possible, especially since she never got any real time with her father at his age.

"Can she, daddy?"

"Are you okay with it, Jeremy?"

He nodded.

"Yes, you may come over tomorrow."

"I'll see you then."

Crane stood up; he and Jeremy walked Abbie to the door. When she was outside, she bent down to Jeremy.

"I liked meeting you. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Me, too." Jeremy stuck out his fist.

Abbie bumped it and stood up.

"When did this happen?" Crane said.

"When you were sleep," Abbie said.

"I don't get a fist bump?"

"No, daddy. It's for me and Miss Abbie only."

" I'm feeling quite left out."

Abbie kissed his cheek. "Better?"

"Perhaps." He smirked at her, then took Jeremy's hand. "Come, Jeremy. Let us let Miss Mills leave. She probably has other matters to attend to."

"Do you have another friend like daddy?"

Abbie laughed. "No. Your dad is the only one."

"Good." Jeremy opened her car door. "Daddy likes being your only friend."

Abbie stepped in. She cranked the car and rolled down the window. Crane helped Jeremy close her door.

"I'm glad he does. I like being his only friend, too. Tomorrow?"

They both nodded their heads. Crane picked him up. Jeremy stuck his fist in her window. Abbie grinned. She hit his fist.

"You can take that with you, Miss Abbie."

"I sure will."

Crane backed away from the car; Abbie waved at them. They waved back, and she drove off with smile on her face.