Chapter 2: Time Apart.

Tom carried his bag along, huffing with anger. His frown changed the farther he got from the house, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. He made his way to where he knew his friends were, hanging out in some alley. And there they were, sitting in a circle around some trash cans. When Tom wasn't around Butch seemed to be the leader of the group of cats. There was an orange cat, Lighting. A brown cat with a red toupee, Meathead. Topsy, a gray/brown kitten. They were laughing, listening to Butch, the black cat, talking about a run in he had with a human's car.

"So, there I was, just walkin' along when some car tore across the street. They didn't see and I barely managed to leap out of the way. I tell you fellas, those humans are terrible drivers. I think a mouse might drive better then them."

All of which were laughed, slapping each other on the back. Butch turned in time to see Tom approach them, smiling while some of the other males noticed Tom as well.

"Hey, look, fellas, it's Tom!" exclaimed Meathead.

Tom felt welcomed, seeing them clear a spot for him. He smiled and just took in the nice feeling, far from the one he felt earlier that day. Topsy spoke, gesturing to the bare space. "Pull up a seat pal."

"How ya been?" asked Lightning.

"We were wonderin' when ya'd show yer ugly mug," laughed Butch. He slapped Tom on the back. "It's great to have my second in command back and ready for action. So how's life been, Spike given ya any trouble?"

Tom shook his head and set his bag of stuff, sitting on it. The item caught their attention and they were curious about what had happened to their friend.

"What's with the bag?" asked Topsy.

"Yeah, is everything all right?" wondered Meathead.

Tom shook his head and Butch raised a paw to keep the others silent.

"All ya fools stop... Ain't it clear why he's here," said Butch. "Let me guess, mousy given ya a hard time?"

Tom nodded and the group shook their heads.

"I tell ya, yer better off without 'em, he was nothin' but trouble. Always makin' a mess and puttin' it on ya, just ain't right at all," said Lightning.

"Yeah, shame someone don't slip him some poison," mussed Butch.

Tom only leaned on his paw, sighing deeply.

"Don't you worry Tom, you're with us now, and we'll show ya a good time," said Butch. "Come on boys, let's show him a better life."

"Yeah!" shouted the others.

Butch:
"Ya've been put through some hard times, now it's time, for an out,
That's where we come in, where have, ya been Tom,
So come on, (Come on) we've got lots to do,
So come on, (Come on) there are sights to see,
Just trust in me, I won't let you down,
Tonight, the town is ours to own,"

Cuz, you spent too much time at home,
Left all on yer own,
You spent too much time with that mouse,
Time to get out of the house,
Time to get out of the house,
Say goodbye to that mouse,"

They stood and went arm in arm to the back of a supermarket, climbing through the vent to get in. Once inside they made their way to the frozen department, taking some food and a few gallon jugs of milk. Lightening and Meathead pushed a cart, while Topsy sat in the car-like front, pretending to drive. Butch stood and took cookies, crackers and other good off the shelf and into their cart. All the while, Tom only sat and saw the cost of each item. He tapped Butch on the shoulder, never being the type to steal.

"What's wrong Tom? Haven't ya ever wondered how we survived out here? I mean what did ya think, we dug through garbage?" asked Butch, patting Tom between the ears.

"Don't worry Tom, we only take what we need," added Lightning. "Besides, the humans won't miss it too much. Have you ever seen the amount of stuff they waste"

With there loot collected, they left as easily as they came in. Back to the alley, they went, sitting around a small fire. Tom hadn't hung out with his friends for a while and decided to just roll with it. He wasn't a street cat, so what they did was their business, who was he to judge.

"So Tom, meet any girls?" asked Meathead.

"He would be with Toodles if it wasn't for Butch," quipped Lightning.

"Hey, if it wasn't for the mouse, I'd never have met Toodles," shot back Butch. "Tom knows it wasn't my fault, it was that darn mouse who interfered. Right brother, ya know I would never do such a thing?"

Tom nodded and patted Butch on the shoulder. He recalled the time well. He tried to win Toodles' affection, only to leave her for a good chase after the mouse. That was when Butch entered, becoming enchanted with Toodles right off the bat, She took seemed enamored with him, choose Butch over Tom. Tom wasn't too hurt, knowing he left her side for Jerry. Why did it always have to come back to that darn mouse. Even when they were apart Tom thought of him. He was pulled from his mind when Butch spoke once more.

"There now, we're good."

"Well, it seems every time we try to find a girl for ya, they always wind up falling for one of us," said Topsy.

"Yeah, ain't you and Toodles thinkin' about settling down there, Butch?" asked Meathead. "I mean, ya can't visit her a few times and expect her to stay true to ya."

"Yeah, we want a nice litter, but to tell ya the truth fellas. I don't know the first thing about bein' a parent. I mean my own father left when I was still inside my own ma. How can I expect to be good when I never had one to set an example for me,"

Tom wasn't much of a role model to kittens, but he had pup-sat for Spike, earning the Bulldogs trust and friendship. He had even raised a duck on his own, realizing if he could do such things, his pal Butch could surely do the same. He rested his paw on Butch, giving him a smile and look of assurance.

"Tom's right, if you can lead a group like us, then I'm sure you and Toodles can raise a litter," said Lightning.

"Thanks, guys, ya always know just what to say," said Butch. "And Tom, I couldn't ask for a better friend."

Tom smiled and felt at home, thinking with them was where he truly belonged. Days seemed to fly by as he made himself at home on the streets, going and doing as his pals did. He had never seen the city at night and was amazed, gazing in awe at his surroundings. The way the bright light reflected off the glass and steal, sparkling brightly. The noise the smells, all of it was exciting and new for him. However, over time he felt something, as if he were missing something. There was a emptiness in his heart, a space he couldn't quite fill.

His changed in mood and it didn't go unnoticed by the group, quickly catching onto his different behavior. Tom was sluggish, sleeping at night while they went out to party. While they slept during the day, Tom would leave for a few hours. They guessed he went to check in on his mistress, letting her know he was safe and what not. Tom had too big of heart when it came to his human, actually caring for her. It was barely morning when they returned to the alley, finding Tom sound asleep. They made sure he was really asleep and spoke.

"Hey any of you guys notice something is off about Tom?" asked Topsy, looking from one to the other. "I mean he seems restless, twitchy. Do you think he's ill?"

"I don't think he's sick, but look at him," said Lightning. "He moves around a lot in his sleep. When I wasn't feeling good last week, I could hardly sleep because of his tossin' and tunrin'."

"Maybe he's chasing the mouse," added Meated. "I mean what else would he be dreaming about."

"Should we ask if he's okay?" wondered Topsy.

"He'd tell us if something was bothering him, right?" inquired Lightning.

"Boys keep it down, you'll wake him," said Butch, glancing over to see Tom turn over.

No sooner had they stopped when Tom sat up, rubbing his eyes. He saw the group staring at him and hoped they didn't figure it out. The truth was, he was becoming homesick. He missed his old bed, the food, the woman, and even the darn mouse. He didn't leave to visit home and instead went back to sleep, wanting to join them on a night out. When he sun set, they were up and ready to go. He wondered what they'd get into that evening, as it always seemed to be something different.

Once more they went and looted a store, returning to the alley. This time, Butch stole a bottle of alcohol, along with a set of wine glasses. Butch placed the bottles top along a brick and hit downward, breaking the cap off. He poured the drink into the glasses, taking a seat once more. There was a silence and Tom coughed into his paw, hoping to break the awkward air.

"What made ya decide to leave home, Tom?" asked Topsy. "I mean, it seems ya never hang out with us this long. What has it been, a week?"

Tom had no answer for them, not knowing himself as to why he stuck around for so long. Perhaps it was to see if he would find bliss without having Jerry around. Or he needed to clear his head. Whatever the case, he felt it would be time to head home soon.

"Who cares, he's with us now," said Butch. "I say this calls for a toast." The group raised their cups, watching Butch stand on a box. "A toast to Tom, for leavin' that no good mouse. For stickin' with us till the bitter end."

"To Tom!" said the others, hitting their cups together.

Tom lifted his glass and drank from it, not knowing what lay ahead. He wanted to go home, but felt torn, not wanting to leave his buddies after such a wonderful time. The gang was going over what to do next when a voice caught them off guard.

"Hi guys, mind if we join you?" said a fluffy beige cat, along with a pure white she-cat.

"Toots!" said Lightning.

"And Toodles," added Butch, smoothing his fur down.

He stood and went to Toodles, who batted her eyes at him. She hugged him and the girls joined the guys, Toodles sitting by Tom, who gave her a nod. She was surprised to see him, yet hugged him none the less. He had to admit, he sure missed her, she was always very kind and warm to say the least. She released him and looked him over, finding he looked about the same.

"Thomas, good to see you again," said Toodles. "I've been asking Butch how you've been. I heard Jerry's gotten worse than usual. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Tom shook his head but was grateful for the kind offer.

"Well maybe we could talk. Not here though, away from the group." Tom raised a brow, curious as to why she'd want to leave the group. He nodded and waited for her to join him, waiting till she spoke to Butch. "Butch, Tom and I are going for a walk, we'll be back in a minute."

"Okay, and Tom don't try to steal my girl. I know ya can be a Casanova when it comes to the females," joked Butch.

Toodles playfully batted Butch, who only grinned. She took Tom's paw and led them away, their voices fading behind them. They walked for a while and Tom wondered why she wanted to speak with him alone. He had once tried to win her affection on numerous occasions, to witch Jerry would always ruin them. He never understood why Jerry would try to break them up, assuming Jerry just wanted to wreck his life.

"Tom, I know this must be hard, seeing me with Butch." said Toodles to whitch Tom only shrugged. "I hope you know it was never you. You were so sweet, and charming. Always getting fresh flowers, nice food. It's just you always seemed to be more interested in going after Jerry than dating me."

Tom almost choked on his tongue, never realizing how it looked form her or the others. Had he really shown more attention to Jerry than even his friends?

"Please don't be mad at me for saying it. It's just I wonder if this is truly what you want," said Toodles. "Do you miss Jerry?"

Tom stood for a moment and wasn't sure how to answer her.