"You're practically addicted to tickling my belly button or something," Carter teased quietly, a giggle in his voice.

"Ugh, I am not!" Thomas protested. He looked up at Carter, he was looking at Carter's belly area.

"See? You were even staring at it," Carter added, grinning.

Thomas pouted, and Carter simply laughed.

At that moment, Miriam turned her head and caught sight of the two whispering and giggling. "What are you two whispering about now?" she asked.

Mei chimed in with a laugh, "They're just madly in love."

"Or that Thomas loves to tickle me way too much—" Thomas quickly shoved his hand toward Carter's mouth.

"No! I... I—I don't!" he stammered.

Carter, laughing softly, gently withdrew Thomas's hand. "You are something else," he said with amusement.

Just then, the bell rang signaling the start of class. However, Thomas and Carter weren't going to join.

"Rats, we have to go," Mei sighed. She looked at Thomas and added, "I guess this is goodbye, huh?" Without hesitation, she reached over and hugged him. "I'm really going to miss you. It feels like we've known you forever, even though it's only been a month."

Thomas smiled at her kind words. Abby then sprang over, practically leaping over a table.

"Abby, what the—?!" Tyler gasped.

Abby grabbed Thomas and wrapped him in a tight hug.

"A-Abby, again with the tight hugs—" Thomas wheezed, but he couldn't help smiling as he hugged her back.

"I'm forever in your debt," Abby declared, doing a dramatic bow.

Thomas raised an eyebrow, with a giggle, "In your debt? What do you mean?"

"Because if it weren't for you, we wouldn't have met 4Town like we did! We basically ended up befriending a bunch of celebrities!" Abby exclaimed.

"She's got a point," Miriam giggled.

Percy, overhearing, chimed in, "I'm a little jealous I wasn't there with you all at that moment. I mean, I'm also a huge fan of 4Town."

"Who isn't?" Mei replied with a laugh.

Miriam then pulled Thomas into another hug. "Take care of yourself, alright?" she said softly.

"I'll try," Thomas promised.

"You better," Pyria added after her own quick hug.

No sooner had Pyria left than Tyler wrapped Thomas in a quick hug. "Oh—" Thomas started, surprised, "I'm so sorry if it seemed like I was bullying you for liking trains. I mean, trains are pretty cool, and you've helped me see that."

Thomas smiled warmly and returned the hug. "Thanks, Tyler," he said.

Tyler grinned. "No, thank you. Out of my entire life, that was the most fun I've had—even though we nearly died from that shadow dude and almost got trapped in another dimension. I had a blast."

Thomas felt a deep joy knowing he'd brought happiness to others. He had never felt this happy before, and the thought warmed him.

"Probably if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have met Percy," Mei added.

Tyler and Percy exchanged glances. "I think we'd still cross paths," Percy said, before planting a quick kiss on Tyler's cheek—sending him into a bashful, red-faced state.

"Heh... ha..." Tyler mumbled, rubbing the back of his head, and everyone burst into giggles.

"Hopefully we'll see you again, Thomas," Mei said as she and her friends began to leave for class.

"You will. I'll be back next year," Thomas replied, watching his friends depart as if it might be forever, even though it wouldn't be long.

"Remember, next year we'll all be in high school, right?" Carter reminded him.

Thomas glanced at Carter, nearly forgetting the conversation. "Wait—really? Bloody 'ell, I nearly forgot! Um... uh... we're all going to the same school, then?"

Carter nodded, but then he shrugged after, "I... don't really know, but it should be, unless someone moves away. Mei isn't moving from Toronto, at least."

Then he added, "Every student from Pearson Middle automatically is sighed to Pearson High."

Thomas nodded. "Yeah, that I know."

Carter squeezed Thomas's hand as they walked. "My mom's picking me up from the airport after you leave. By the way, did you ask why your dad is leaving so early when your flight isn't until the afternoon?"

Thomas shrugged. "Probably because of baggage check-ins and all that. My dad nearly missed a flight once, so he doesn't want to risk it."

Carter nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I can see the point in that now,"

Soon, they reached Thomas's dad waiting at the front door. "You two ready?" he asked.
Thomas and Carter both nodded.

They took the tram and eventually arrived at Union Station. Three of them waited for a GO train. As they waited, trains rolled in and out of the station—GO trains, the occasional VIA Rail, and even the Amtrak from America. Thomas sat there, soaking it all in. The sound of diesel engines roaring to life, the warning chimes, the metallic grind of wheels against tracks—it was exhilarating. He had almost forgotten how much he adored trains. Standing among these powerful machines, he felt pure joy.

Carter studied Thomas's face. "Thomas, I've never seen you this giddy. Are you alright?"

Thomas blinked, "Oh, I am?"

Carter nodded with a giggle. "Yeah, you look very excited."

Thomas nodded, then glanced toward an Amtrak resting on the platform. "It's been so long... I almost forgot how much I love trains. The horns and bells of these modern iron horses are so... pleasant."

He turned to Carter, who was watching him with a playful, slightly quizzical look.

"Huh? What?" Thomas asked.

"You just went full nerd mode," Carter teased.

Thomas pouted. "Geez, are you turning into Tyler now?"

Giggling, Carter wrapped his arm around Thomas. "Definitely not—but you have to admit, it's pretty nerdy. And that's okay."

"Well... I guess so," Thomas replied, and Carter kissed his cheek.

"Remember when you were an engine?" Carter said, pointing to a platform across the way.

Thomas gasped, recalling the moment he'd crashed into another train, just at the spot at the platform, "Ugh... don't remind me of that," he muttered.

"Wait... oh shoot... I totally forgot that happened," Carter said, laughing.

"I'm just glad you all were safe," Thomas said.

"Yeah, me too," Carter agreed.

beeeWWWWARRRRRPPPP

Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding

"Pumping pistons?!" Thomas yelled in fear, clutching Carter tightly. Poor Thomas got so startled by the oncoming train's horn.

Carter burst into laughter. "Wow, getting scared at something you love?"

Thomas pouted, "Well, that's embarrassing." He got off Carter and adjusted his shirt.

"I'll say," Carter giggled.

The train rumbled to a stop, its wheels screeching against the rails.

Thomas's dad stepped up behind them. "Dad, I wanna sit on the top level with Carter!" Thomas said eagerly.

"Sure, son," his father said. "Just remember, we get off at the last stop."

As soon as the doors opened, Thomas grabbed Carter's wrist and rushed inside, racing up to the top level of the coach.

A few minutes later, they had left Union Station behind, cruising past glimpses of Toronto on their way to Pearson Airport.

"Oh, man! This is amazing!" Thomas pressed his face against the window, eyes wide as the city sped by.

Carter chuckled, watching him. "Thomas... you don't know how adorable you're being right now."

"Carrrttterrr..." Thomas whined, his cheeks flushing pink as he turned to pout at him.

Carter just giggled. "But I'm serious! You're being so cute!"

Still pouting, Thomas sat back down, and sank into his seat, now facing Carter across the small coach table. "My little train nerd, who literally happens to be a train."

Thomas blushed harder, looking away. Carter scooted closer to the window and patted the empty seat beside him. "Hey, come sit with me."

Thomas then got up and settled beside Carter. The moment he sat down, Carter wrapped his arms around him, resting his head against him. "I love you so much."

Thomas smiled, leaning into him. "I love you too."

Out of the corner of his eye, something caught his attention. He gasped. "Hey! Look, it's 4*Town!"

"Huh? Where?" Carter turned to the window. The train was passing a level crossing where the 4*Town's tour bus was waiting.

"Oh, man! I wish I could say bye to them one last time," Thomas sighed.

"Do... do you think they'd care though? Most celebrities don't usually keep in touch with fans."

Thomas shrugged. "I don't know. Tae Young handed me everyone's emails. Will they respond? I have no idea."

Carter quickly turned his head to Thomas. "Wait, he gave you his email?" He asked, looking really surprised.

Thomas nodded. "Yes, he called me aside, and had given me his, and the rest of the members,"

"Oh man, wow... You really did befriend them all, didn't you?"

"Maybe... all I know is that Abby would be super jealous." Thomas giggled.

Carter snorted. "You got that right. So how long until we reach the airport?"

Thomas looked out the window. "I don't know, probably a few moments or so." He then rested his head on Carter's shoulder. As they gazed out the window, Thomas absentmindedly poked Carter's belly button.

Carter squirmed slightly. "Thomas..."He said with a slight giggle. "This again?"

Thomas pulled his finger away. Carter looked at him, tilting his head. "Why do you do that?"

"I... um... I don't know." Thomas mumbled.

Carter shook his head with a giggle. "It's like you love belly buttons or something."

"I... I don't know, I just find them interesting," Thomas admitted.

Carter arched an eyebrow, laughing. "Wow, okay. Do you like them more than trains?"

"Okay, don't push it—" Thomas grumbled, making Carter snort before bursting into laughter.

Thomas looked out the window, but Carter had an idea. Since the train was mostly empty, he turned to Thomas with a playful glint in his eye.

"Hm?" Thomas asked, confused, his head still comfortably resting on Carter's shoulder.

Carter grinned, then lifted his shirt just above his belly button. Thomas gasped, his entire face turning as red as a screeching train wheel. Carter took one look at his expression—

"PIFFFFFTTTTTT! HAHAHAHAHA!" Carter burst out laughing, dropping the bottom of his shirt, laughing so much he nearly fell off of the coach seat.

Thomas, utterly mortified, covered his face. "Ugh, stop laughing at me!" He pushed Carter lightly.

"Man, what was that face?! Do you have a crush on my belly button or something?" Carter teased. "I think you like it in a different way than you like trains..."

Thomas rolled his eyes. "No! I... I-I-I don't!"

Carter just chuckled. "Sure you don't."

Then, he did it again, making Thomas blush even more. So, in retaliation, Thomas lightly poked Carter's bare belly button, causing him to giggle.

The next stop is, Pearson International Airport.

Thomas jumped up. "We're here!" He rushed forward—only to trip and fall. Carter snorted.

"Quit laughing at me," Thomas grumbled as he stood up, brushing himself off.

Carter got up too, grabbing Thomas's bag. "Thomas, your bag?"

Thomas turned back. "Oh! Blimey, I almost forgot that."

Carter smirked. "Did my belly button turn your brain to water?"

Thomas blushed madly. "Geez, I am such an wazzock."

Carter blinked. "A what now?" he snorted.

At the airport, Thomas was amazed by its size—he'd only been here once before. Carter's family never traveled, so this was new for him. "Just stick with us," Thomas's dad instructed Carter. "I called your mom to pick you up at Terminal C in a few hours."

"Wow, I didn't know it was this huge," Carter marveled.

"I know! When I was here before, it was just as big. I mean, why would it get smaller? It might even get bigger, but it wouldn't shrink."

"Wait—you've been here before? Where did you go?" Carter asked.

Thomas shook his head. "Not go, come. When I moved from America, it was this airport we used,"

Carter nodded slowly. "Uh, I see."

They stood by a big window at Terminal C. British Airways was on the flight Thomas and his dad were taking.

"So, you sure you have your toothbrush and everything, Thomas?" his dad asked.

Thomas nodded confidently. "I'm certain."

"Good. If you forgot anything, I'll just buy it at the airport shop," his dad added.

"I told you, I'm certain. And, aren't airport things ridiculously expensive?" Thomas chuckled.

"I heard they are," Carter said.

His dad said, "But I don't care how much it costs, but that pretzel shop we went to years ago was bloody amazing. I wonder if it's still here? Should be close to this terminal if I'm not mistaken," Then, Thomas's dad turned from them in a search for the airport pretzel shop. "You two wait here, I'll be back,"

Carter nudged Thomas. "He sure loved those pretzels, doesn't he?"

Thomas giggled. "I can't believe he remembers that from so long ago!"

Carter smiled, and let out an amused sound.

Outside the window, planes came and went—mostly Delta, with flights to Paris, Japan, China, and more. Though Thomas was a train enthusiast, he didn't hate planes. In fact, he found them fascinating.

"Wow, look at all these different airlines," he said.

"They're all going to so many different countries," Carter agreed. "Look! That one's going to Singapore."

"I think we took that one when I first came here," Thomas pointed at an American Airlines branded plane.

"Oh? But it's at your gate. It's not your plane, is it?" Carter asked.

Thomas shook his head, "Nah, definitely not. This is just a plane that has an early flight,"

"Ah, I see. I've never ridden a plane before—I don't really know how the airport process works," Carter admitted.

"Maybe one day we'll ride a plane together!" Thomas said with a smile.

"To where?" Carter wondered.

"I don't know—where would you like to go?"

Carter thought. "Hmmm... I'd have to pick your home,"

"My home? You mean England?" Thomas asked, blushing.

Carter nodded. "Hey-" He gently nudged Thomas's arms, "I'd love for you two to show me around,"

Thomas blushed even deeper. Despite his British roots, he didn't know much about England, having left when he was eight. But he did not want to remind Carter of that, he was just feeling high in the moment and wanted to impress Carter. "Yeah! I'd totally want to do that! I could show you around, take you to Big Ben, that one large ferris wheel... and... Uh... The..."

Carter chuckled. "Something tells me you don't know much about England."

Thomas's cheeks flushed. "That's the thing—I know more about Canada than my own country. I was just trying to impress you."

"Hey, don't sweat it. Didn't you say you left England when you were eight? Most people wouldn't remember," Carter said softly.

Thomas nodded. "You're right."

"I know I am~" Carter teased, making Thomas roll his eyes with a chuckle

"Ugh, shut up," Thomas said. Then he looked out the window as a plane took off. "What if... I were a plane instead of a train?" he mused.

Carter giggled, then thought, "Hmmm... wouldn't that be way more problematic than you being an engine?"

Thomas shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe not. The thought of flying anywhere sounds pretty freeing."

"But controlling a plane is a lot harder than controlling a train," Carter remarked.

"Yeah," Thomas agreed. "When I was eight and flying from England to America, my dad asked the pilot if I could see the cockpit. All those dials and switches were so confusing, bloody hell."

"That's cool! I'm jealous you got to do that," Carter said, laughing.

After a few hours, it was almost time for Thomas to leave with his dad for England. The plane was nearly here, and his dad was making sure they had everything—including the tickets.

"Son, get ready. Our plane is almost here. I think it just landed," his dad announced, just as the airport made an announcement.

Thomas grabbed his suitcase, then turned to Carter. "So... I guess this is goodbye—at least until next school year," Thomas said, noticing the sadness on Carter's face.

"Carter... I'm going to miss you," Thomas whispered.

Carter smiled softly. "Me too."

"I already miss you, and I haven't gone anywhere yet," Thomas added.

Carter let out a small giggle, the he came up to Thomas, and then he pressed his lips to Thomas's in a passionate, bittersweet kiss. Thomas clung to him, unwilling to break the embrace. He held Carter tightly, cherishing the moment.

After a long moment, Carter pulled back, smiling. Thomas's skin didn't even turn gray, he kept his emotions in place, as best he could.

"Man, you're so cute, you know that?" Carter smiled.

Thomas blushed, looking away. "You're cuter," he murmured.

Carter giggled bashfully.

"Thomas, we gotta go—the plane's boarding, and I see your mom over there Carter. When we board, make sure you say hi to her, okay?" Thomas's dad said.

Carter spotted his mom nearby and nodded. "Thanks, Mr. Hatt."

Thomas was about to leave with his dad at the boarding gate, but he couldn't resist one last hug. Dropping his suitcase, he dashed back and grabbed Carter. Carter gasped at the suddenness but quickly returned the hug. They stood there for a few seconds just holding each other.

"Don't forget to email me, alright?" Carter said, looking into Thomas's eyes. Thomas's blue eyes shone under the fluorescent lights.

"Don't worry, I'll email you so many times," Thomas smiled.

Carter chuckled. "Just don't blow up my inbox,"

Thomas giggled along with him.

After one final kiss, Thomas turned to join his dad. "Bye, Carter!" he called.

"Bye, Thomas!" Carter replied, smiling.

Thomas met up with his dad, took his suitcase, and his dad said, "Don't worry, son—you'll be back here in no time."

'I sure hope so,' Thomas thought, glancing back to see Carter still watching him. Carter waved as Thomas blended into the crowd of passengers.

Once on the plane, Thomas found the take-off a bit strange—it had been such a long time since he'd flown. "Thomas, it'll be okay," his father reassured him.

Just as the plane lifted off, it shook slightly. "Oh, bleedin' christ—" his dad muttered, and Thomas chuckled; now it seemed his dad needed a little support too.

Peering out the window, Thomas watched as the glittering city lights faded into the distance. The buildings grew smaller, and soon they were flying over Lake Ontario. Thomas rested his head against the window, thoughts drifting to Carter. He wiped away a few tears.

"Son? Are you alright?" his dad asked.

"No... I... I already miss Carter. I feel a bit blue about it," Thomas admitted softly.

His dad just smiled. "You know, I'd normally do some banter, said say something like 'ah young love' But anyone normal in love would react the same way. Look on the bright side. You have a laptop, and you can correspond with him instantly. Back in my day, we didn't have that! We had to write letters, and that could have taken weeks to get delivered! And, your laptop also had a camera, you can take pictures of the Island and England, and send them to him. Not to mention video call,"

Thomas sniffled and nodded. "You're right," he said. "I can do that."

He glanced out the window again.

"Another eight hours or so, and we'll be in Manchester." His dad said.

And with that, Thomas felt just one step closer to mastering his power—just like Meilin Lee.

Turning Blue

A/N: I really hope you all enjoyed this story! I really love to do crossovers like this, and this one one hell of a book I made, and I really enjoyed making it. Please keep in an eye out for a sequel, Thomas's story isn't over, I have something in store for how his story can progress on his time on the island. The next book will more focus on Thomas, and his life for the few months ion this island, with him occasionally corresponding with Carter via email, and with his other friends and 4 town. Hope you all enjoyed this story, and I hope you will enjoy the next one!