Hi, you guys. Here is the final chapter of NCE. This is where the time skip will take place, and we'll see how the gang reflect on what happened in the past, well, Russell and Rudy mostly, and how they've recovered from everything. Get ready for some nice moments between the boys. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 9: Reminiscing

Two months later

Fall was just beginning in North Philly, and soon, school would start up again for the young youth. And that included the Junkyard Gang. Russell and Bill walked to the Junkyard one day, feeling the cool air of the season. Both brothers had healed up rather nicely, especially after everything that happened.

It had now been two months since that fateful day.

Two months since the incident that nearly cost the lives of a few members of the gang, and the events that it led to.

Russell hadn't forgotten about that day. He couldn't. Every day since it happened, he thought about it. He remembered every single detail. The fight between him and Rudy, the insults, the 'no class ever' comment that led to the brutal beatdown he would receive from Rudy. He remembered the punches, the kicks, the blood, the tears, the crazed and angry look on Rudy's face.

But most of all... he remembered the pain and fear it brought upon him. For days he spent his time worrying about the possibility of the rich boy attacking him again and potentially killing him. He had nightmares of horrible things happening to him.

And then Rudy went and hurt his brother. That made him terrified.

And then that 'special lunch' Fat Albert put together, where he was hurt again. He was so stressed, that he ran away, running into Rudy, who attacked him AGAIN. Until they were both confronted by a teen thug looking for some money.

That's when Russell remembered... when Rudy saved his life. Taking the knife in the side for him, and nearly dying. Despite all the pain, fear, suffering, and misery that Rudy bestowed upon him...

The boy felt eternally grateful for what he did that day. Protect him, make a sacrifice, and save his life.

Since, the two have been on slightly better terms, although Russell held true to what he told Rudy in the hospital, and kept his distance for the past two months. He was still doing it, and was currently making visits to the therapist every week to help with the trauma.

As Russell was thinking about the past events, he and Bill finally made it to the Junkyard, where the other boys were waiting for them.

"Hey, hey, hey." Albert greeted, "It's a fall day."

Bill smiled, "It sure is..."

Russell simply waved, before he made eye contact with Rudy, who smiled softly at him. The child was a little nervous, but he smiled back, thankful that the dapper boy wasn't planning to kill him.

As for Rudy himself, he also made a miraculous recovery from being stabbed. There was a scar on his side where the knife pierced his skin, and it was still rather sore, but getting better every day. Of course, that didn't mean he went without some physical therapy.

He thought about, just two months ago, he nearly killed someone, insisted on putting fear into them, and almost got killed himself by protecting the person he hurt. He felt ashamed and proud at the same time. The events really helped him grow as a person.

He also was taking anger management classes, to help with his temper. And so far, they seemed to be helping very well, if his more mellow attitude was anything to go by of course. At first he was reluctant to join the classes, but in the end, he found that it was worth it. Rudy tried to do everything he could make up for his mistakes and feels that he accomplished it.

His mother was happy, Russell was doing better, and the gang was just glad he wasn't attacking anybody anymore. He was still a jerk, but a jerk with a heart of gold.

"We're about to play badminton. Wanna join?" Harold asked.

Both brothers nodded as Rudy spoke, "Great. Russell, you can be on my team."

"Really...?" The boy asked in shock.

The rich boy nodded sweetly, "Yes, sir. After all, it's the least I can do after... well, you know."

Russell smiled as he hugged Rudy (who winced when pressure was put on his scar), "Thanks, Rudy. You know, maybe you do have class after all. And this time, I really mean it."

"I know you do..."

Albert smiled, "Hey, hey, hey! Then let's put the bird in play!"

With that, the boys separated into two teams. Team One being Albert, Bill, Mushmouth, and Harold, while Team Two was Rudy, Russell, Donald, and Bucky. Of course, the game went on as well as you'd expect. But one thing was for sure...

They were all glad that everything between Rudy and Russell was solved. That they didn't have to be afraid anymore. Or worry that one of them might die...

And most of all.. they were glad that they were once again gonna have a good time.

THE END

And there you have it. The end of NCE. This was an interesting story to write. Scary moments, tense, moments, heartwarming moments all in one. Thank you guys for reading. And thank YOU, Char and Tay, for the wonderful fanart and edits you've made of this story on Instagram. Here's a link for anybody who wants to see these talented ladies stuff. Go support and follow them if you have an Instagram!

/geebus9 (Char)

/sadnsleepyfurby (Tay)

With that said, don't forget to check out my other Fat Albert story, Gonna Have a Good Time Again.I'll see you guys later, and as always, don't forget to review, please. Thank you! :)