"Crush" by Zen'Aku Lati

Disclaimer: Deep down we all want a little piece of these two, but alas…

Author's Note: This is the scene that should have, but didn't, happen in the Turbo Movie, after the match that Jason filled in for. This is from Tommy's and Jason's POVs respectively. Enjoy, my little puppets. You know you can't get enough. C'mon, admit it…

Thanks: Thanks to Dagmar Buse and Stellar Raven for your reviews. Thank you all for your hits. Thanks for the support…

Part IX

"So, how did it feel?" I asked. The spectators had all gone and it was just he and I in the ring.

"How did what feel?" he replied.

"Being evil," I elaborated seriously. I didn't look at him.

"Honestly?" Jason began in the same tone. "Liberating."

Leaning on the ropes, I thought about that. "Yeah," I confirmed. "That sounds about right." Then I left the ring, taking a seat in the stands.

"I always knew it," I said, more to myself than to him. "I knew you weren't as okay with the transfer as you let on." I didn't realize I had been rubbing my neck…

When it first came to my attention that Jason was in danger, I surprised myself at how far my heart sank—only to have him nearly snuff me out for my efforts…

I remember his fingers curled tight around my neck. His touch actually burned as he tried to choke the life out of me.

I remember looking up in those deep, dark pools, devoid of humanity and rich in hatred. Old hatred…I see…

I forgot how strong he was. Compounded by intent and maybe a power boost brought on by the lava, he was only stronger. So much stronger…

I remember fighting for breath as the sweltering heat rose up from the pit, yet all I could think about were those eyes so blank and harsh…how they broke my heart…

And yet when I finally flung him off of me, only to have to hold on to him for dear life, I recalled not even dreaming about giving him up. "No way in hell I'm letting you go, bro."

Yet he fought me, writhing and roaring as if he'd much rather take his chances with the pit than with me. "Don't fight me! Remember all the good! Remember what you mean to me…"

"I already told you…" he began but I cut him off.

"Don't bullshit me, Jason. That anger didn't come out of nowhere."

"It was that evil lava, Tommy. I wasn't thinking straight," Jason argued, but I wasn't buying it. I knew 'evil' wasn't found at the tip of a wand, or from some bean sprout. You do bad things because you want to. Because it lets you…

"No, bro. It's the exact opposite. You actually think clearer. It focuses you…" I trailed.

I didn't have to see the concerned look Jason was giving me. He was coming out of the ring, and took a seat next to me.

"I miss…I missed you," I confessed.

"I missed you, too, man," Jason told me. I knew he wasn't lying, but apparently that didn't have as strong a hold on him as whatever the hell was out there.

"But that's not enough to keep you from leaving," I replied. I meant it to be a question, but I didn't need him to get an answer.

"I just…have to go," he said.

"Why do you keep walking out of my life?" I asked him, finally looking at him. The words were already out before I could stop them. I knew that once said, I had left myself raw and open. I had just given him license to take my heart and crush it in his fist…

But even though I wanted to know, I knew it wouldn't change the fact that that's exactly what he could do. He was doing it right now…

"I'm sorry, bro. But I have to go," Jason said again. Did it sound as lame to him as it did to me?

"God, I am so tired of saying goodbye to you…"

"Tommy, I'm…" he began, but I cut him off.

"Do what you need to do, Jason," I said, and dropped my gaze. He had brought his hand up, most likely to touch my face, but my abrupt reply caused him to stop mid way. Pardon me if I don't want to even look at you right now…

"Goodbye, Tommy," he finally bade, getting up and gathering up that same damn duffle bag.

"See you when I see you," I replied.

He paused. I don't know if it was because he wanted to say something, or if it was surprise. Either way I wasn't going to look.

And then he was gone…

"God, I am so tired of saying goodbye to you…" he said. I would imagine so.

I find it humorous how it still surprises me how well you know me, but there's still some things you don't get, Tommy.

But I know me. At least a little better than I did yesterday…I know that it's not right that I care about you and resent you at the same time.

I can't forget how I felt when you and Kimberly pulled me from the edge. Numb.

That damn lava pulled on my weakness and I nearly acted on it. I wanted to cancel you with my bare hands. It made me sick. Still makes me sick…

I know that no matter what, I'll always feel cheated when it comes to you. I also know being around you too long, at least for now, isn't a good idea—not when there's still so much about myself I still don't know…

But how do I tell you all this in a way you'll believe? How can I when it seems you've already made up your mind about me?

Truth is words fail me now. I just…wanna touch you now…

"Tommy, I'm," I began, reaching a hand up to brush his face, but the coolness of his next words discouraged contact.

"Do what you need to do, Jason," he resighned.

You know me so well…

I rose to my feet, gathering my things, and dispatched, "Goodbye, Tommy."

"See you when I see you."

I paused. What did I really expect? But…will you even miss me?

Fine. I needed no other cue to go…