AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hey everyone! Chapter 6 is out and its a bit spicier this time! ^^ I apologize for any grammar errors, I'm just terrible at them...Big shoutout to my friend/online sister Goldsaddletank for adding and editing this chapter! There is one section she didn't want to edit because it's embarrassing for her which I understand.

And yes, Bruno from AEG is in this story and, even though I DESPISE that show's creation, Bruno is the only good character to come from it. His introduction in this story was completely typed up by Goldsaddletank for she knows someone who is Autistic and knows how to write them out correctly. So please be mindful if his character isn't fully accurate to how he acts in the show

DISCLAIMER: Thomas and Friends, AEG, and Bruno belong to Mattel... *sigh* while other characters belong to both myself and Goldsaddletank

Enjoy!

~suicuneluver~

"Fuck!" James growled as he tried to pull himself free of the coal. "Just fucking perfect..."

Thomas didn't know what to do. He knew he should try to help, but the thought of going near James was...

Terrifying.

He watched as James tried to pull himself free with the rope - instead, there was a snap, and James sank even further, till he was waist-deep in coal.

Thomas panicked.

He had to act, and he had to act now.

...

Leaping out of his engine, he ran across the tracks and jumped onto the running board of James's engine, before foolishly realizing he didn't have a plan.

'Come on, think!' He racked his brains for a solution, but could come up with nothing. He tilted his head to look at the older boy, still sinking lower and lower.

"Thomas, help me!" James exclaimed, in a croaky sob. Thomas gulped.

This was bad - really bad.

If he didn't think of something, James could end up hurt. Or worse.

Frantically, he began looking around the forest surrounding them... when his gaze fell on the tree branches swaying gently in the breeze, he suddenly had an idea on how he could rescue James from his predicament.

...

He used James's engine to leap and grab onto the nearest branch, before working his way to just above the tender, where James was still suffering.

"James! How much of the rope is still intact?" He called, getting as close as he dared.

"This much..." mumbled James, holding it aloft.

It wasn't very long, but Thomas realized it would be long enough for his needs, and was relieved.

Now, to put his plan into action.

"Here, throw it to me." He called, holding his hands out.

James obediently threw the rope, watching curiously as Thomas tied the end to a tree. His eyes lit up in understanding.

"Climb the rope. I'll give you a hand if you need one." Thomas said.

Nodding, James hauled himself out with all his strength and began to climb up the rope.

The branch began creaking and groaning under James's weight. Thomas winced.

He was pretty light for a boy his age, but James was heavier, and the weight of both boys would snap the branch.

As James slowly came free of the coal, Thomas looked at the lip of the tender and had another thought. "Just sit on the edge of the tender and jump off." He said encouragingly.

...

With much grunting, James hauled himself onto the lip of his engine's tender, before he began untying the rope from his waist. Then, satisfied, he jumped to the ground.

"James, a-re you o-ok?" Thomas called, feeling embarrassed and annoyed his stutter had come back.

James, however, was too excited to notice.

"Thomas, that was... that was hardcore!" He exclaimed, punching the air in delight.

Thomas blinked, surprised. "You - you think so?"

"Of course! You got me out of my own fucking tender!" James burst out laughing. "The twins like telling me I need to get my head out of my ass, but wait till they hear this!" He whooped with laughter.

Thomas began giggling as well, feeling the adrenaline that had previously been coursing his veins had started to ebb.

...

The two laughed for what felt like a long time before they eventually calmed down.

"Seriously, thanks so much, Thomas," James said gratefully. "You saved my idiotic ass."

"G-glad I could he-help." Thomas smiled back.

"You are always helpful, Koneko." James said softly, a sincere smile on his face.

That damn nickname again, the one that made Thomas' knees feel weak. His face burning brightly, he quickly looked down to hide his embarrassed face.

"N-not r-really..." Thomas muttered quietly as he looked down. "I-I'm not r-really helpful a-as m-much..." Curse his damn stuttering!

"You shouldn't put yourself down like that." James said with a smirk, gently grabbing Thomas' chin to look him in the eyes.

Thomas froze as he felt James's warm thumb and index finger against his cool chin, his body becoming jello as he allowed the older teen to lift his chin up.

Big mistake.

Thomas felt his face burn brightly when he noticed how close their faces were.

James stared him in the eyes, their faces only a few inches apart as he still held his chin. "Not only did you help save my ass today, but I have seen you help others. Both on the railway and at school. You are a helpful person with a huge heart. Try not to put yourself down. Alright?"

Thomas's brain couldn't function at this point, the only thing he could do was to just stare into James's bright eyes. He could see his own reflection within those bewitching ruby depths, feeling like they were staring into his very soul.

Every word he spoke, every breath he took caressing his face like a lover's tender hand.

His nose caught the strong scent of mint and lemon from James's breath, the smell becoming intoxicating. This was mixed in with the aroma of burning coal, James's cologne, cinnamon, and exotic spices.

Time seemed to freeze, and it was just him and James; his eyes never leaving those sparkling ruby pools of mischief and tenderness...

...

"...mas. Thomas!"

Thomas's brain suddenly snapped back to reality. His mind was still reeling from hearing such beautiful words coming from his crush, not to mention the short distance between them...

With a satisfied smirk, James gently ruffled his hair before slowly let go of Thomas' chin and walked over to his engine.

Thomas just stood there in a daze as he stared into space. The warmth on his chin was fading as the scent of mint, cinnamon, spice, and coal disappeared from the air.

His mind was still processing the events that just happened but jumped when he heard James's whistle.

"Come on." James chuckled as he put his piercings back in, still high from adrenaline. "Let's get this job finished so we can go on break." He smirked before putting his white shirt on. "So much for my speaker though..." He sighed as he looked at his tender.

"Ma-maybe you could still get it back?" Thomas asked. "Edward knows everything. Maybe he could help."

"Nah, Edward already has a lot on his plate." James hummed softly as he leaned against his tender. "It's probably broken anyway so I'll just fish it out and give it to Whiff to fix."

"O-Ok..." Thomas stuttered as he quickly shuffled back to his engine.

His heart pounded in his ears as he scrambled into his engine's cab, his face burning like fire. Never had he been that close to James, at least not by accident. How he desperately wished that James kissed him, wanting to feel the warmth of his lips against his own. He could still smell James around him and he bit his lip.

Not here.

Not now.

Thomas clenched his eyes shut, trying hard to imagine anything but James, yet his mind ignored him.

He shakily crossed his legs, glad his cab door was shut and him being short. He would die of embarrassment if James noticed his predicament.

"You sure you're alright?" James called out worriedly, seeing Thomas hunched over in his cab. "You look as if someone just kneed you in the balls."

"Y-Yeah...I am..." Thomas called back, biting his lip.

Without another word, Thomas released his engine's brakes, wanting to finish this job as soon as possible.

His leg shook nervously as he felt his pants tighten, cursing in his mind as he tried to ignore the pain.

He wished he was alone so he could relieve himself but with James here, it only made his dick throb even more.

"Lady damn it..." Thomas muttered quietly, his engine shaking from shunting the coal trucks.

Fortunately, his erection only lasted half an hour... but that half hour felt like hours.

Thomas was eager to find a moment alone, regardless, and get some of the tension out of his system. But he also couldn't risk getting into trouble.

"I-I'll be right b-back...!" Thomas as he quickly put the brakes on his engine, jumping out of his cab.

"Everything alright?" James as he watched him run into the woods.

"B-Bathroom!" Thomas lied as he continued to run.

...

After making sure he was far away from James, Thomas quickly ran behind a tree and panted hard. Cheeks burning red, he quickly unbuckled his pants and slid his hand down his boxers. He bit down on his free hand and breathed through his nose hard and fast as he rubbed his slightly hard dick. He NEEDED to get rid of this pent-up tension as soon as possible.

Closing his eyes, he continued to pump his dick as he started to imagine a scenario that would help him quickly.

...

Thomas winced as he felt his back being pressed against a tree, his cheeks red as he stared into the ruby eyes of his secret crush. The sly smirk that rested on James' face made Thomas' legs buckle but felt a warm, strong arm wrap itself around his waist, holding him up. Thomas watched as James slowly licked his lips, the metal ball from his piercing glistening from saliva.

"Since you saved me, Koneko, it's only right that I repay the favor." James hummed in a husky voice, the smirk never wavering from his face. "Wouldn't you agree?"

Thomas felt his mouth go dry, swallowing whatever saliva was left. Every word James said made his body tremble with want, feeling the pressure in his core start to bubble. Feeling dominated by the older male, Thomas felt his burning like fire and nodded.

"Y-Yes..." Thomas whispered, lust dripping from his voice as his body burned. "Yes..." He said louder.

His body felt hot to the touch, hell, just James' breath hitting his face was enough to make him fully aroused. A small whimper left his mouth as he tried to press his body against James, desperately yearning for his crush to touch him. A low chuckle came from James as he watched the younger teen squirm under him.

"Haven't even done anything yet and your body is already begging to be touched," James smirked as he slid his down Thomas' chest, the smirk getting wider as Thomas moaned desperately. "Do you enjoy this?" He asked in a sly voice as he snaked his hand under Thomas' shirt, slowly moving it up.

Thomas nearly buckled just from that touch alone, glad to have James' arm keeping him up. "I-I am..." He said breathlessly, his breathing hitching. "M-More..." He whispered yearningly.

"What what that?" James teasingly asked, pinching Thomas' left nipple.

Thomas yelped and lurched forward a bit, biting his lip. "More." He said a bit louder. "Please..." He begged desperately.

"You want more?" James asked slyly, placing his mouth close to his ear. "Do you deserve more?" He asked as pinched Thomas' nipple, pulling it.

"Yes!" Thomas moaned loudly, leaning his head back.

"Very well." James chuckled softly before latching onto his neck, like a snake with its prey.

Thomas moaned loudly as he pressed his body close to James, grinding against him as the burning arousal spread throughout his body. With a low growl, James reluctantly pulled away from Thomas' neck and quickly made work of removing the smaller teen's clothes. Thomas shivered as he felt the cooler air hit his body, causing another moan to escape from him. James smirked and licked his lips as he stared at Thomas' exposed body and swollen dick, feeling his own twitch in anticipation.

"Such a naughty koneko~" James purred lustfully as his eyes trailed over Thomas' pale body. "Already hard from slight touching." He hummed softly as he pressed his body against Thomas', grunting a bit from his own arousal. "Yet alone being visible along the tracks~"

Thomas felt like his entire head was on fire, already forgetting that they were still in the Whispering Woods. He started to panic at the thought of someone finding them. The mere thought alone made his dick twitch excitedly as he closed his eyes. He didn't want anyone to see him like this and yet, it excited him greatly. Hearing the sound of a zipper, Thomas opened his eyes as he watched James unzip his pants. Ruby stared at sapphire pools with excitement and lust as James pulled his swollen dick out.

Thomas gulped as he stared at James' large dick hungrily, easily noticing the Prince Albert piercing. The metal glistened in the sunlight that snuck in through the leaves, pre cum easily dripping out. Taking his own jacket and shirt off, Thomas easily noticed the three sub-clavicle piercings on each side of his collarbone.

Chuckling at Thomas' amazed look on his face, James gently placed his hands on Thomas' hips and pulled him close against him. Thomas bit his lip and moaned as he felt James' dick tease his entrance, causing his body to tremble in ecstasy.

"Enjoying this, are we?" James cooed as he teased him, loving the way Thomas squirmed in his grasp.

"P-Please...take me..." Thomas mewed as he ground against him, wanting to feel James inside him.

"How badly?" James asked huskily, kissing and licking his neck.

Thomas shivered as he tilted his head to the side, allowing James more access to his neck. "B-Bad...~" He moaned loudly.

"Very well." James growled in his ears before sliding his dick into Thomas' entrance, moaning from the tightness. "Fuck you're tight...!" He moaned lowly in his ear.

Thomas moaned loudly as he felt himself stretch to fit James' swollen member, instantly digging his nails into his back to support himself. Panting hard, Thomas felt himself drool as James started to slide out of him before ramming deep into him. The metal from his dick piercings dug into his insides but my Lady did they feel fantastic. James panted and grunted as he thrust into Thomas deeper and harder, moaning from feeling his walls massaging around him. Even though it isn't as much as a female's womanhood, it felt amazing to James.

"D-Do you enjoy feeling me..." James moaned into his ear, tightly gripping his hands onto his shoulders for more leverage.

"Yes!" Thomas moaned loudly before screaming in pleasure from feeling James clamping his teeth down onto his neck. "I-I'm close..." He mewed as he clawed his back, feeling the pressure building up in his throbbing dick.

"Already?" James chuckled against his neck, thrusting deeper until his dick brushed against Thomas' protest.

All Thomas could do was moan loudly as he bit James' neck, feeling his hot seed shoot out of him and onto both of their chests/stomachs. Not long after, James moaned loudly and came deep inside, grunting as he feels his seed still squirting out of him. Thomas' body trembled in ecstasy as he clung onto James like his life depended on him. James panted hard as he held Thomas close, sweat and cum covering them as he slowly out of the younger teen. Thomas bit his lip and moaned as he felt James slide out of him, feeling his seed dripping out of him as well.

"J-James..." Thomas whispered as he slowly looked at him. "I-I..." He gulped nervously. "I l-lov-"

"Thomas!"

Thomas jolted up into a sitting position, panting hard as sweat dripped from his forehead. His cum was coated onto his hand and onto the ground below him.

Face burning, he quickly wiped his hand and dick clean with his handkerchief before standing up. His knees were shaking as he hurriedly stuffed the fabric into a small plastic bag he brought with him and pulled his clothes up.

Taking deep breaths, he tried to calm his racing heart as he walked towards his engine - and towards his crush.

"Y-Yes?" Thomas squeaked out, hating himself for sounding like that.

"I went ahead and finished the job." James informed as he watched Thomas walk out of the forest. "I'm heading towards The Rolling Stock cafe for my lunch break. You want to go?"

Thomas stared at him in shock, not believing he just asked him that. "S-Sure."

James smirked before shoveling coal into his firebox. "Come on then, let's see who will get there first."

Thomas felt a small smile on his face as he climbed into his engine.

He and James had raced a few times since he arrived on Sodor, much to Sir Topham Hatt's displeasure.

Checking his firebox and adding some more coal, his hands gripping the throttle and brakes.

"Ready...set..." James smirked cockily, "...GO!"

Pulling the throttle and easing off the brakes, both the number one and number five engines of Sir Topham Hatt's railway sped down the tracks once more.

Thomas felt a bit more at ease, with the biting wind running through his hair, heat rolling over him from his engine's firebox, and watching the world blur into blue and green.

...

"Just accept t-that my engine's faster." Thomas giggled as he walked next to James, heading towards the cafe in Knapford.

"Please, my engine is the fastest and the most splendid." James boasted, folding his arms across his chest. "Just look how the sun reflects off its brilliant red paint." He chuckled before opening the door for him.

Thomas blushed as he entered the cafe, looking around.

It was one of the biggest cafes on Sodor and a popular spot for him and his friends to hang out during breaks. Sure enough, he spotted various engine drivers sitting at tables, booths, or at the bar, chatting away happily over soups, sandwiches, paninis, and other dishes.

He noticed Edward, Henry, Toby, and two other males sitting at a table and looked at James. He watched how his crush was already making his way toward a booth that the Scottish twins and Mavis were sitting at and looked down. He was hoping they would sit together but he should've known that wouldn't happen.

Not that there wasn't room for him... but he felt a little nervous sitting with Mavis. She wasn't a bad sort, just tended to argue with Percy a lot, which made things tense for him sometimes.

Sighing quietly, he slowly made his way toward Edward and the others.

One of the males was around Henry's height, roughly just past the six-foot range. His rich brown hair was slicked back and his dark green eyes were full of happiness and light. He wore a similar work suit as Edward but was a slightly darker green than Henry's with brown linings instead of red. The man next to him was around six foot even but with light brown hair that was kept clean and not as slicked back. His eyes were a brighter green and wore a green work suit like the others but with yellow linings instead.

"How is it working under Sir Topham Hatt, Edward?" BoCo, the one with the darker brown hair, asked as he looked at his friend.

"It's a bit hard." Edward said truthfully as he took a sip of his smoothie. "Learning the ways to run a railway, followed by working on my branchline is exhausting."

"I bet it is." Duck, the other male, hummed in thought before wiping his mouth with a napkin. "What made you decide to become the next Controller anyway?"

"Sir Topham Hatt asked me and said that he didn't trust anyone else to run his railway when he retires in a few years." Edward said thoughtfully as he looked at him. "It's exciting and yet I am having second doubts. Don't get me wrong, I'm honored he thinks that... but I also enjoy working on my branchline."

"I'm sure it'll be a few years before he retires, love." Henry reassured him as he held his hand. "You know how much he enjoys being the controller of this railway."

"You're right." Edward said softly, smiling warmly at him as he gently squeezed his hand.

"Besides, I'm sure your branch will go into good hands, if it has to come to that," Added Duck, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"They'll have Bill and Ben to worry about," Added Edward cheekily, and they started laughing good-naturedly - but paused as they saw a subdued Thomas standing beside their table.

"Hey..." Thomas muttered softly as he sat between Toby and Edward.

"Hello, Thomas." Duck smiled as he looked at his friend, before his brows furrowed in concern. "Are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale."

"J-Just tired is all." Thomas said softly.

Duck tutted. "You're running yourself ragged, you are," he chided.

"Duck." Edward said warningly.

"No, Ed, he's right," Thomas said wearily. He had been working hard as a distraction from his 'situation'.

"Well, I can commend a good work ethic, but not to the point of you making yourself ill." Duck continued.

"Well, I suppose that's a good point, Duck," said Edward, running a hand through his hair worriedly. "I worry, Thomas, I've seen enough of that from Skarloey and Rheneas without worrying about anyone else."

"Perhaps some time in the mountains will do Thomas some good," Duck suggested. "I mean, he's doing better than he was, but he's still-"

Duck didn't know how to politely word the rest of that sentence, but Thomas understood.

Part of him was annoyed with Duck for interfering... but, then again, maybe it wasn't a bad idea.

Skarloey and his younger brother Rheneas had been friends with Edward for a long time, so they were considered 'family friends' and Thomas hadn't seen any of his mountain friends in a while.

"You know what, Duck? Maybe I will go to the mountains," Thomas decided.

"Are you sure?" Asked Edward. "Just because Duck says..."

"Edward, I'm tired." Thomas said irritably. "Too much has been going on here - with Spencer, and school stresses - and -" He realized he couldn't even utter James's name.

"Thomas, you should sit down and eat something - you'll feel better." Edward said soothingly.

"Edward, how could you say that at a time like this? How does that stop an emotional turmoil?"

"Thomas, keep your voice down," hissed Edward. "You're making a scene."

Thomas threw his chair back. "You know what? I'm fed up. I'm fed up with having to deal with this shit, day in, day out." He took his phone out of his pocket and slammed it on the table.

It smashed.

"Thomas." Edward said warningly.

"No, Edward, I'm going. I've got too much boiling up here and it's boiling over and- I'm out of here."

He stormed out, easily able to evade Edward.

"Thomas, come back!"

Little did Thomas realize that James saw everything.

"What the hell was that about?" Asked Mavis.

"Shit..." muttered James, realizing that, even if Thomas's blow-up hadn't been at him, he felt as though he'd screwed up.

...

Thomas was regretting Smashing his phone, and leaving it at the cafe. Feeling stressed and upset, he decided to go to the Skarloey Railway and ask someone if he could borrow a phone.

Skarloey would take him in for a while.

...

Sure enough, as Thomas rolled into the Depot with his engine, he saw Skarleoy and his engine in the engine shed.

"Thomas! What a surprise!" Exclaimed Skarloey. "What brings you here?"

"It's a long story," Thomas sniffed.

"I've got a flask of Glengettie and plenty of time to listen," replied the older man, his soothing Welsh accent calming Thomas immediately.

He squeaked as he felt something hit him - but it was just a knitted blanket.

"And plenty of those." Skarloey added with a cheeky smile. "Sit down, boyo."

...

"Now, Thomas, I think you've been a bit of a twmffat, don't you think?" Skarloey asked him, once Thomas revealed everything, including the phone mishap.

Thomas nodded, still sniffling. "I'm sorry I turned up unexpectedly, I-"

"I'm just glad you're in one piece." Said Skarloey, putting an arm round the teen before rubbing his arm. "Now, I'm going to call Edward and tell him you're with me. Do you want to talk to him?"

"I-I'm not sure if I can face him yet." Thomas sniffed. Skarloey squeezed the teen's shoulder.

"I'll tell him you're safe and with me." He said.

Luke chose that moment to roll in his Kerr Stuart Wren.

"Luke, what are you doing here?" Asked Skarloey, confused.

Luke stepped out of his engine, helping an injured Rheneas out of the cab. The older man was cradling his left arm with his right.

"Sweet Proteus, boyo, what's happened to you?" Skarloey asked in horror, reeling at the sight of his baby brother with a broken arm.

"A lorry tried to beat my engine at the level crossing."

"I'll kill that twat and stuff his corpse with sheep manure." Skarloey muttered. "Hang on, brawd, I'll make a sling for that arm and then we can get you to a hospital - and don't you dare argue with me, boyo, cos I'm not under the Hippocratic Oath."

"You're the First Aider, doesn't that count for anything?" Luke asked his friend.

"Not if it's me," Rheneas said dryly.

"Just sit still," Sighed Skarloey.

"This is a pain!" Sighed Rheneas. "I had plans for supper tonight as well."

"Oh, you were going to make crempog tonight." Luke said, dismayed. "I was looking forward to trying them."

"Sorry, lad," Rheneas said quietly.

"It's not your fault - I'm just glad you're still here." Luke replied, relieved. "You put the heart across me with that radio call."

"I could say the same now," Added Skarloey, having found a triangular bandage for a sling.

Rheneas rubbed his nose with his good hand. "Sorry about this, Thomas." He said.

"Just glad you're alive, Rheneas," Thomas replied. "How bad is the damage to your engine?"

"It's not great, lad, I'll tell you that!" Rheneas said, sounding genuinely annoyed.

"Rusty was getting it with the breakdown crane when I picked Rheneas up," Luke whispered to Thomas.

Thomas nodded.

"I do wish you'd stop giving me heart attacks, boyo." Skarloey scolded Rheneas.

"This was hardly my fault!" Rheneas cut in.

"Maybe not, but you keep coming to Death's Door more often than I'd like!"

"How do you think I feel, you old goat?" Huffed Rheneas. "Now stop fussing, I'm not dead."

Skarloey threw his hands up in the air, mouthed something to the other two, and then insulted Rheneas in Welsh.

"What did he say?" Thomas asked, confused.

Luke shook his head. "Not worth asking, Thomas. It's very rude."

"I'm used to it," Sighed Rheneas. "A disadvantage to being related to-"

Thomas, whose conscience had been aflame with guilt the whole time, suddenly burst into tears again.

"Dear me! What happened?" Rheneas asked, suddenly concerned.

Skarloey bent down and whispered something in his brother's ear.

"Oh, I see," said Rheneas, ashamed. "I do apologise, Thomas."

"N-not your fault..." Sniffed Thomas.

"I rang Edward and told him," Skarloey said. "You can stay with us for dinner, if you like." He added cordially.

"Yep," Added Rheneas. "Got some soup going for after work. Pity about the crenpog though."

"Well, Peter Sam might be able to do it," said Skarloey. "It's hardly rocket science."

"What is 'crenpog' anyway?" Sniffed Thomas.

"Welsh pancakes. Excellent comfort food." Rheneas winked at Thomas. "You'll feel better after some food."

Thomas nodded quietly.

"I sense there's something else on your mind, boyo," Skarloey added gently, seeing Thomas go red in the face.

"Could-could I talk to you in private?" Thomas whispered, hugging himself. "I've got a lot going on in my head, and that was part of the reason why I- I-"

Skarloey squeezed his arm. "Of course, Thomas." He said gently. "You can tell me anything. A cup of tea might be in order."

"I'll go put the kettle on, shall I?" Luke asked.

Rheneas held his broken arm up. "Anywhere I can be of use?" He asked dryly.

"Go see if we have any decent biscuits or something," Skarloey decided. "Get Luke to help if you need anything moved."

"Stop babying me, Skarloey." Grumbled Rheneas.

"I will if you stop giving me bloody heart attacks, you daft sod." Skarloey shot back.

All the same, he squeezed his brother's good arm before Rheneas and Luke set off to the worker's hut.

...

Very early the next morning, Mavis yawned as she walked into school, stretching her arms up toward the ceiling.

She always enjoyed arriving at school early before the other students arrived. It was nice getting a little peace and quiet, because she hardly ever saw it these days.

Besides, it would be better to deal with the loudness of her peers and the school bell later when her hangover eased.

Looking up, she smirked when she saw Emily looking as tired as herself. Despite her exhaustion, she looked immaculate, and she was even prepared with a cup of coffee.

"Didn't expect you to be here this early as well, Ems." Mavis walked up to her friend.

"Whiff had to get to his waste dump before opening hours to repair a machine, so he dropped me off." Emily yawned before taking a sip of her coffee. "Want some?"

"Please." Mavis happily agreed as she took the travel cup, taking a sip from it. "Much better." She sighed. "Cheers, Ems,"

"I can tell you had a fun time last night." Emily smirked, as she caught a whiff of pot and alcohol.

"Ugh...I took a shower twice this morning." Mavis groaned as she leaned against a locker. "And used a fuckton of mouthwash."

"Where are the others?" Emily asked as she started to switch her books out.

"James was waking up when I left Donald and Douglas's house." Mavis hummed in thought, messing with her fishnet fingerless gloves. "Donald, Douglas, Duncan, and Smudger were still passed out." She laughed softly.

The last name caught Emily by surprise, "Wait, Smudger's back?" she asked, confused.

"Mhmm." Mavis nodded with a smirk on her face. "Reason why we stayed up partying." She laughed. "Had a welcome back party."

"Makes sense." Emily laughed as well as she closed her locker. "So I heard that we're getting a new student today."

"We are?" Mavis asked, as she looked at her. "How did you..."

"I've... you know I've been helping with the Special Needs Classroom, yes?" She asked.

"Yep." Mavis replied, before her eyes widened in sudden realization.

"His names Bruno, he's coming to our school cos of bullying at his old school..."

"Fucking cunts." Fumed Mavis.

"Yep. Anyway, Bruno is on the autism spectrum. I've been asked to help him as he settles in."

Mavis was wary. "That's a tricky one, Ems,"

"Look, it's not a severe case," Snapped Emily. "He's a little different, quiet, but he's smart-"

"Wait, you met him already?"

"Yeah, I was asked if I could meet him and his parents ahead of him coming here so he knows what to expect." Emily replied. "Plus, we thought it would be better if he knows at least one person..."

"And you agreed to do this?"

"Yeah, I did." Emily said hotly.

Mavis held up her hands in surrender. "Sorry for what I said before," she said sheepishly. "I just hear things about what autism-"

"-can be like?" Emily finished. "It's fine, Mavis, at least you're more open-minded than some."

"Hey, Emily!" A voice called out, and Emily and Mavis jumped.

A short, skinny boy with copper-red hair, green eyes, and freckles dusting his cheeks and nose came bounding up to them, a light-up necklace swinging across his chest. Cradled in his arms was a stuffed toy pig, looking a bit worn, but clearly well-loved.

He wore a white button-up shirt, black trousers, and smart shoes.

"Hey, Bruno, you're early." Emily said warmly, but she was a little concerned at him being here already. "You alright? Are you lost?"

"Nope!" Bruno said, a little too loudly. "In fact, I came here early and memorized the whole school floor plan!"

The girls looked at one another. "Good for you, Bruno," Emily said. "I see you brought Truffles,"

"Yep! He helps me if I ever get overwhelmed." Bruno replied, tugging on Truffles's ear as he regarded the other girl.

"Bruno, this is my friend, Mavis, she-"

"Hi, Mavis!" Bruno said, again far too loudly.

Mavis winced - she hadn't come to school to get a headache before classes started!

Still, the bright smile on his cherubic face, the way he huffed as his hair fell in front of his eyes, the enthusiastic sparkle in his green eyes... she couldn't help but feel enchanted by Bruno.

"He's too precious!" Mavis thought happily.

She decided she'd like him, but Lady damn it, she wished she brought her own coffee! Her hangover headache hadn't eased any.

Emily realized this, and made a decision. "So, guys, who's up for breakfast?"

"I need coffee." Mavis grunted. She hadn't thought much about saying it, but suddenly, Bruno looked a little hurt.

"She partied last night and she's still feeling the effects," Emily said to Bruno, by way of explanation.

Bruno nodded, but it was clear he had no clue.

"Do you guys have pancakes here?" He asked, hopefully.

With rumbling bellies, the group set off.

...

Emily bought some scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and beans; Bruno ordered a hot chocolate and pancakes with bananas and chocolate chips, swimming in chocolate sauce, and Mavis bought a large cup of coffee, and, at Emily's insistence, a bacon roll with ketchup.

It did help, and she found herself swiping one of Emily's hash browns.

"Bruno," Mavis stated as she took a sip of her coffee, "I want to apologize for my behavior earlier today when I met you." She said before holding her hand out, smiling warmly. "I'm Mavis and welcome to our school."

Bruno smiled. "I hope it's better here than it was at my old school!" He took a big bite of pancake.