I don't know where I got this idea, I just started thinking of it while I was going about my business. I guess I'll see if anyone likes it, right?

Disclaimer: I don't own Disney/Pixar.

It was nighttime in New York City. Surprisingly, the only thing moving around on 51st Street was a bus with a California license place. The bus pulled up to the bus stop and screeched to a stop. The man driving the bus put the break on and opened the doors. He looked in the back and saw his last three passengers sleeping soundly. The child was in his dad's arms and the woman (who he presumed to be the mans wife or girlfriend) was dozing against the mans shoulder. They've come a long way; thought the bus driver, from California to New York is a long way to be riding in a bus.

The bus driver tried to convince the orange hair man to take a train, or even an airplane to get to New York, but when the man pulled out a wad of hundred dollar bills, the bus driver couldn't say no. The bus driver spoke into his speaker.

"Last stop, 51st Street, Manhattan. Everyone off."

The three sleepy heads woke up with a start, and relaxed for a second again. The tall blue haired woman stood up first, and stretched her arms. She beckoned to her friend to hand her the boy, while he got himself ready. The man handed her the boy, then stood up as well.

The three of them headed over to the entrance of the bus, and stepped off. The orange haired man turned to the bus driver.

"Thank you so much, sir." He pulled out his wallet to get some more money, but the bus driver shook his head.

"You paid me more then enough, have yourselves a good night now. And be careful getting home."

After the doors closed the bus took off again. The orange haired man took a look around the neighborhood. It felt great to be back in a familiar area again.

"Marlin?" the blue haired woman spoke, bringing him back to reality.

"Yeah, Dory?" he answered.

Dory yawned, "Shouldn't we start getting you guys… uh wherever we need to go?"

Marlin yawned as well. "You're right, we should. Want me to take Nemo?"

"You held him all the way from California, Marlin. I think you should rest your arms."

Marlin sighed, and looked at his son, who has fallen back asleep in Dory's arms. He couldn't believe everything that has happened to them in the last week and a half. It started with a kidnapper in that museum, and it all led to having to rescue his son from a near fatal experiment. He was brought back to reality again, when he felt a soft hand on his hand. He looked at his friend, who was looking at him puzzled.

"Hey, are you alright?" she asked.

"I… I'm fine, Dory. C'mon lets go."

They walked down 51st Street for about a block, and finally reached the apartment Marlin and Nemo lived at. Marlin dug thru his torn jeans, found the key and put it in the lock. He opened the door for Dory, who gave him a grateful smile. He then walked in himself and closed and locked the door. He flicked on the lights, and was surprised to see that the electric was still on. He dropped the key on a side table and motioned to Dory.

"I'll take Nemo now."

She handed him his son, and backed up a couple steps.

He headed for the stairs with his sleeping son, and turned to face Dory again.

"Wait right here, okay? I'll be right back."

She nodded knowingly, and took a seat on the hallway chair. He then turned again and walked up the stairs to Nemo's room. He set his son down on the bed, and went to look for Nemo's pajamas. Nemo heard him digging around the drawers, and awoke.

"Dad?" he mumbled. Marlin was by his side in a second.

"I'm here, son. I'm just looking for your pajamas, so you can get some more sleep."

Nemo sat up and rubbed his eyes. "My pajamas are under the bed."

Marlin looked under the bed and found the pajamas crumped in a heap. He shook them out and helped Nemo change into them.

"Dad," Nemo spoke, "Can I sleep in your bed tonight?"

Marlin nodded. "You sure can, kiddo. I'll put you to bed, and then I'm going to get Dory situated downstairs. Alright?"

Nemo sleepily smiled. "Yeah that's great, I like her."

Marlin was taken a back. After his wife died, he tried dating other woman, but Nemo wasn't comfortable with any of them. So, he gave up dating for good. Now here's his same son, who turned up his nose on any woman Marlin came home with, saying that he liked Dory, even though he knows nothing about her.

Marlin lifted Nemo up, and carried him to his room. He set Nemo down on the giant king size bed, and tucked him in. He kissed his son, and hugged him again.

"Get to sleep, Nemo. I'll be back up in a few minutes."

"Yes dad. I'm really sorry for disobeying you. I shouldn't-"

Marlin hushed him. "Not now Nemo, it's time to sleep. We'll talk about it tomorrow, alright?"

Nemo nodded, as his eyes fluttered back closed. When he heard his son breathing steadily, he quietly opened up the closet. He pushed aside his clothes, and pulled out a box. He opened it, and had to hold back a sob. Inside were his wife's clothes. He gave away or sold most of his wife's stuff. He selected a few outfits that he loved seeing on her, and packed them away. Every once in a while, when he was alone, he took out this box and held the outfits, and a picture of her close to him.

He picked out a pair of sweatpants, a t-shirt, a pair of jeans shorts and a tank top. He then put the box back, and closed up the closet. He left the room quietly, and headed back downstairs. He found Dory still sitting in the same spot he left her.

She smiled when she saw him, and he couldn't help but smile back.

"Um… here's something you can sleep in, and something for you to change into in the morning."

He handed her the clothes, and she took them.

"Thanks Marlin."

"You're welcome. Nemo is sleeping in my room tonight, so if you want to take his room to sleep in, you can."

She shook her head. "The couch will be just fine. Are you sure it's alright if I can spend the night here?"

"Dory, you helped me save my son from a disaster. It's the least I can do for you."

She blushed slightly. "Oh, it was nothing. I was just your helper, you know? Helping along."

He stared at her for a second, and then before he knew it he embraced her in a tight hug. She seemed startled at first, but then returned the hug.

"You don't know how much your help meant to me, Dory. I can't thank you enough."

Dory was touched. She's usually used to people blowing her off because of her memory loss, but here's her only friend hugging her like there's no tomorrow. He finally pulled away, and motioned her to follow him. He led her to the living room, and grabbed a blanket from a chair.

"Do you want a pillow?" he asked.

She shook her head. "I'll be fine, Marlin. You go upstairs and get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay, goodnight Dory. And thanks again."

After he left, Dory put on the clean sweatpants and t-shirt. The sweatpants were a little big for her, and the t-shirt showed off her mid drift, but she didn't care. She collapsed on the couch and snuggled under the blanket. She fell asleep quickly, dreaming about a familiar orange haired man.

Back upstairs, Marlin changed into his sweatpants and a t-shirt, and crawled into the bed next to his sleeping son. He closed his eyes and started dreaming right away, about a familiar blue haired friend.

Okie Dokie! Please read and review. No flames! (check profile).