Sodor's New Worker

Did Death Really Do You Part?

   James wasn't sure what woke him from his slumber this time. Probably the overwhelming stink he had. He knew he needed a shower, or a very nice bath, but he couldn't muster up the energy to get up and do it. 

   He sat up, stretching out his limbs. His bones cracked, having not been moving much for...well, he's lost track of time. 

   How startled he was when something moved next to him. Had animals finally moved into his room? Was he really this far down the rabbit hole of depression that a raccoon had moved in?

   Then again, raccoons don't have red hair.

   James stumbled out of bed, shrieking as he did so. He couldn't get his footing, so he ended up falling onto the floor. Which, in turn, startled her awake.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!?" he screamed. "HOW?! WHY?!"

"WHAT AM I DOING IN HERE!?" she shrieked back. "I JUST...Nathan."

"Huh?"

"Nathan brought me in here. Said something about you being a miserable fuck."

"Rude."

   They both dusted themselves off. She got her glasses on and they both sat on the bed. The silence was palpable and awkward. Neither of them knew what to say. How do you start a conversation with someone who essentially ruined your life?

"...why?" he murmured. "Why are you here? You hate me. You hate this place...you hate Tidmouth."

"I..." she started out, unsure if she wanted to dump her emotions on him. "I don't.."

"You...don't?"

"I don't...know if I hate you as much as I thought. Not anymore, at least.."

   She fiddled with her glasses, doing so so she didn't have to look him in the eyes. All of this avoiding she's been doing, all this malicious compliance she'd been doing. Her mind had changed and she was embarrassed that it did. 

".....What...does it mean then?" James glanced over. "For us?"

"...I don't know. I still very much love Duck. Duck hasn't hurt me, and as far as I know, he doesn't plan on it.."

"Mm.." he sighed, leaning himself back. "My arms are always open, if that means anything to you."

"...It might. I don't know.."

"...Well.."

   James slid his arm across the bed, gently grasping her hand. Exactly as he remembered them being; cold, small, yet friendly. 

"Friends, maybe..?"

"..Maybe." she replied, giving his hand a squeeze. "Maybe friends."

"I'll treat you far better than I have in the past."

"I'll believe it when I see it. I know how you are." Maddy hummed, cracking a shitty smile. "Arrogant pissant." 

"I know you're no better." he snapped back. "You're cute, which is why you get away with it."

"No, I get away with it because I can kick any of your asses."

"Mhm.."

"Is that something you want to test? I did it to you once, and I'll do it again. Now get out and go shower, it stinks in here."

"Is it that bad?" he asked, lifting his other arm. Yes, it was that bad. "Good lord."

"I need to go home anyway. Just..go shower. Maybe we'll talk later."

"..Maybe.."

   She let his hand go and got up off the bed. Before she opened the door, she looked back at him. Eyes curious as they always were. He still looked the same, and still attractive to her. Maddy cracked him a small smile before leaving the room.