The Midnight Train Crossing

Ashley leaned closer to Rusty. "Let's go."
"Where to?" he asked dully.
"My house."
"k." He moved out.
Ashley puffed on her cigarette.
Rusty moved down the tracks, not very slowly, but not nearly as fast as before.
Ashley leaned closer to him again. "Why so quiet, Rusty?"
"'Cause."
"Cause why?"
"Just cuz."
"Aw, tell me."
"We're here." he said instead.
Ashley nodded. "Okay, let's go inside."

Rusty went inside. Ashley followed, closing the door and locking it behind her.
He stood there stiffly, staring at the wall.
"Do you want something to drink?" Ashley asked, skating into the kitchen.
"No thank you."
"Okay." Ashley got herself a soda. When she skated back into the living room she sat down next to Rusty.
He didn't move, or say anything, or look at her for that matter.
"Rusty, what's wrong?"
He didn't answer.
"Rusty?" Ashley gave him a poke.
"You're just having fun with me now..." he said.
"Well, duh."
"I know. So do you need to bother to ask what's wrong?"
"Well, what if I want to know?"
"Don't you?"
"I want to know. What's wrong?"
"What do you think?" he snapped.
Ashley glared. "Sheesh, don't gotta be so touchy."
Rusty turned away.

Ashley moved closer to him. "Rusty..."
"What."
"Rusty, don't act like this..."
"Why not?"
"Well, why should you?"
"Because I can."
Ashley sighed. "You're so mean."
He sighed softly and then plastered the largest fake smile that he could manage onto his face, "Better?"
Ashley rolled her eyes. "You're lucky you're cute."
He folded his arms and leaned back sullenly.

Ashley curled next to him, pulling him closer to her.
"Uh," he could feel his ears getting hot.
Ashley slowly leaned closer and touched her mouth to his.
He whined softly.
Ashley pulled away. "What?"
"You promised!"
"Promised what?"
"That you wouldn't!"
"That I wouldn't what?"
"Kiss me!"
"I didn't promise that."
"Yes you did! When we made the deal! I said no kissing and you said fine!"
Ashley shook her head. "I don't remember that part."
He jerked away, "What?"
"I don't remember that."
"But-"
Ashley leaned closer. "Don't you like it, Rusty?"
He didn't answer right away, "But you promised," he said lamely backing away, and running out of room, bumping into the arm of the couch.

Ashley snagged his couplers.
"Ash-ley," he whined.
"Wha-at?" Ashley whined back.
"That's not funny."
"What's not?"
"Stop making fun of me," he muttered.
Ashley grinned and batted her eyes at him.
"Let go of me," he pleaded.
"Why?"
"Because I want you to?" he tried.
Ashley held him tighter. "Oh, come on, Rusty. You belong to me now."
"Mmphf."
"Didn't hear that..."
Rusty cleared his throat, "I said Mmphf."
Ashley rolled her eyes and pulled him backwards towards the kitchen. "Come on."
"Where're we going?"
"The kitchen."

Ashley pulled him harder and he followed – not as though he had any other choice.
Ashley led him inside the roomy kitchen and pulled out a kitchen chair.
"Do you know how to braid hair?" she asked.
"What?" He hadn't expected that one at all.
"Do you know how to braid hair?" Ashley asked again, as if speaking to a two-year-old.
"That entirely depends on what you're going to make me do..."
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Well, I'd think you would assume I would want you to braid hair, wouldn't you?"
He shrugged, "Considering that it's you, I don't think that it's safe to assume anything."
Ashley smirked. "You think you're so cute."
"I believe that you have told me that before..."
Ashley groaned softly. "So, do you?"
He hesitated, "Do you have a brush?"
Ashley nodded.
"Okay..." Rusty said softly, "Don't hit me if I pull too hard..."

Ashley nodded and produced a brush from a drawer, handing it to him and sitting down in the chair.
Rusty sighed softly and yanked the hairpins out, letting her hair fall.
Ashley flicked her head just a bit to let her hair fall in soft waves around her shoulders.
He backed off until she was still again. "Do I have to do this?"
"Yeah."
Without a word Rusty slowly picked up the brush and started brushing her hair out.
Ashley sat still. "Why did you ask?"
"In case you changed your mind..."
"Why would I?"
"Never mind." He divided her hair into three more or less equal strands.
"And then you gotta put it up into the stack, so start up high," Ashley reprimanded.
"Yes ma'am."
"No need to be formal."
"Yes ma'am."
"Ru-sty..."
Rusty started braiding her hair, tightly and close to her head.
Ashley smiled to herself, but after several minutes of silence she sighed softly, "Rusty, why are you so quiet?"
"Nothin' to say." He answered.
"Oh, surely you got SOMETHING to talk about..."
"Nope. Oh wait-"
"Yes?"
"I suppose I could talk about the fact that I have nothing to talk about..."
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I don't doubt that you have anything but steam in your head."
He let out a burst of steam.
Ashley coughed and waved it away from her face. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all..."

Rusty tied off the braid and started coiling it around her head.
Ashley held still, not wanting it to fall.
He carefully pinned it into place and then let out a yelp.
"What?" Ashley asked.
"Nothing..." he said, a bit muffled, as he was sucking on one of his fingers.
Ashley slowly turned around. "What happened?"
"Stabbed myself..." he admitted finally.
"Aww..."
"Yeah. I'm finished."
Ashley reached for his injured finger.
"I'm fine," he said, backing away.
Ashley grabbed his hand.
He jerked his hand back, "I'm fine, really, it just hurt for a second, now it doesn't."
Ashley examined the wounded finger. "Aw, I think you need some ice for that."
"I told you, I'm fine!"
Ashley pouted. "You sure?"
"Yes."
Ashley nodded. "If you say so."
"I do." Rusty turned on his rear wheels and started out of the kitchen.

"Hey, did I say you could go?"
He froze and sighed.
Ashley got up and skated over to him sliding her arms around his waist.
He cringed and shrank away from her.
Ashley moved closer. "Why so tense, Rusty?"
"Why do you think?" he asked, standing there stiffly.
"Aw, Rusty, I'm not going to hurt you. Honest."
"Good," he answered, not moving.
Ashley moved closer and held out her hands.
He looked at her, puzzled, and still not relaxing.
Ashley curled her fingertips. "Come here."
"But-"
"Come on," Ashley said smiling gently.
With a sigh, he went over towards her, stopping a step away.
Ashley's smile stayed on. "Rusty, come here."
"I did-"
"Come here." She pointed to right in front of her.
With a sigh, he obeyed.
Ashley smiled and gently touched one shoulder of his with a soft hand. "That's better."
She gently took his hands in hers.
He shuddered, but didn't fight.
"Rusty, look at me."

Ashley's eyes were solemn and even a bit sorrowful. "Rusty, what do I need to do for you to be comfortable around me?"
"You want the full list?"
Ashley hesitated. "Well, what's the big stuff?"
"Leave me alone when I say so."
"Leave you alone how?"
He tried pulling his hands away from her, "I mean the whole kissing thing..."
"You don't want me to kiss you?"
"No!"
"Why?" Ashley asked softly.
He pulled away and sat down, "Well... I did like it at first, I'll admit that..."
"What changed?"
"Oh let's see, the fact that you started to make me uncomfortable and then when I told you to stop you called me a baby, and then talked me into that stupid bet, and then, you were so very kind to help me to shut down so you could kiss me rather then give me water, and then, hmm... what else? How about that last kiss? With Greaseball hanging on to the back of my neck, threatening to pound me if I didn't kiss you. I think that just about covers it."
Ashley's deep, brown eyes filled with tears. Her dark lips started to wobble just ever so slightly. "Rusty..."
"Oh no..." Rusty said softly, getting up, "No. No, don't..."
Ashley stayed where she was. "Rusty, please..."
"Don't," he pleaded, "I... I'm sorry."
"You are?" Ashley asked softly.
"Yeah... don't cry..."
Ashley sniffed and swiped at her nose with the back of her hand.
"Don't cry," he repeated, pleadingly.
Ashley looked up at him, tears still in her eyes, but no longer threatening to fall.

He lowered his eyes to his skates.
Ashley stood up and skated slowly over to him. "Rusty, I..." Her voice wobbled a bit.
"Yeah?"
"Rusty, can you... can you forgive me?"
"Yeah I guess..."
"You can?"
"Eventually."
"Eventually?"
"Yeah, eventually."
"When?"
"I dunno yet, but I'll be sure to let you know."
Ashley slowly reached for his hands. She looked into his pretty eyes. "Rusty, could you... could you ever like me?"
"I dunno."
"Why?"
"Isn't that a better answer then no?"
"I... I suppose..."
"Besides," he pulled his hands away, "I get the feeling that you don't quite like me like that..."
"Why?"
"Re-think the events of the last few days..." he said.
"Rusty, I... I just..."
"I'm sorry, just... forget it okay?
Ashley nodded slowly.
Rusty looked down silently.
Ashley got up. "Rusty, come with me?" she requested softly.
"K."

Ashley led him into the living room and sat down on the couch.
"Now what?"
"Sit?" Ashley asked softly.
He did so, sitting on the other end of the couch.
Ashley gazed down at her folded hands, then up at him. "Rusty, I know you could never love me... But... do you think that..."
"Ashley, it's just that I know that you wouldn't love me, so why start after someone that won't feel the same way I do?"
"Rusty... I... I know that you could like me, as... as a good friend..."
"I suppose so..."
Ashley slowly moved just a bit closer. "Rusty, what if..."
"What if what?"
"What if... I mean... you liked the kiss..."
"The first one..."
"Yeah, that one..."
"Yeah."
"If... if we kissed... not go any further..."
He shrugged.
Ashley tilted her head to the side. "Rusty?"
He shrugged again, but his ears had turned a very faint pink shade.
Ashley touched his throat gently. "Rusty?"
"Still here..."
"What do you... what do you think?"
"I don't know what I'd do if you kissed me again."
"What do you think you'd do?"
"I keep telling you, I don't know."
Ashley moved just a tiny bit closer.
He looked up at her.
Ashley met his eyes and held his gaze.
"Promise to...to stop if I say so?"
Ashley smiled softly and nodded.
"Good."

Ashley moved closer and gently traced a hand down his jaw.
She slowly leaned in and, ever so gently, touched her mouth to his in a shy kiss.
He didn't pull away.
Ashley made the kiss just a bit firmer, her arms encircling his shoulders.
He very slowly relaxed and leaned forward into the kiss.
Ashley felt him relaxing and smiled against the kiss, holding him closer.
He closed his eyes.
Ashley closed her eyes too, her arms moving to circle his waist, hoping he'd mimic the move.
Rusty tensed slightly and then relaxed again. He slowly, as if his arms were moving on their own, put his arms around her.
Ashley snuggled into his grip.
He opened his eyes briefly and then closed them again.
Ashley ever so slowly, so as not to scare him, held the kiss but traced the tip of her tongue along the outline of his lips.
He shivered a bit, but didn't pull away.
Ashley slid her arms around his shoulders and gently rubbed his back with her hands.
Rusty felt his ears burning, but he didn't really care.
Ashley traced her hands lightly over his back, moving just a bit closer so her chest pressed to his.

"m." He was starting to get a bit uncomfortable.
Ashley ignored it, her mouth still sealed lightly over his.
"Mm..."
"Mmm," Ashley purred back in a sultry-sweet sound.
"Mm mm!"
Ashley traced her fingertips down Rusty's cheek.
He opened his eyes.
Rusty, at this point, was a bit conflicted. He didn't want her to stop, exactly, but all the same he didn't want this to go much further.
Ashley stroked his face again, staying exactly where she was.
He relaxed, gratefully.
Ashley smiled. He obviously liked her fingertips on his cheek, so she kept it up.
He closed his eyes again
Ashley closed her eyes, her tongue tracing his lips again.
This time he didn't shiver.
Ashley frowned slightly and loosened her grip just a bit, her fingers tracing his jaw again.
He opened his eyes, which were a bit glazed over, and looked into hers.

Ashley gazed back into his eyes, separating the kiss, but keeping her face close to his.
He smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back. "You like that?" she asked softly, keeping her voice shy.
"Uh huh..."
Ashley smiled. "Want a little more?"
"Um..."
Ashley stroked her fingers down his cheek gently.
He smiled and closed his eyes again.
Ashley stroked his face with her knuckles softly.
He relaxed under her touch and leaned forward expectantly.
Ashley's eyes lit up, and her lips met Rusty's rather quickly.
He kissed her.

Ashley kissed him back, ever so slowly, so he would hardly notice, laying him back against the couch cushions. Her hands traced over the back of Rusty's head, her mouth sealed over his, her eyes closed.
Rusty still hadn't registered his current status. He slowly moved his arms around Ashley.
Ashley let out a soft sound not unlike a cat purr, her hands moving from his head to rest on his chest.
Suddenly he had a vague thought that something was not quite the way it should be.
But as Ashley stroked her hands down his face he relaxed again.
He let out a soft whoosh of steam.
Ashley coughed softly, waving the steam away from her face.
"Sorry..." he whispered.
Ashley nodded and smiled at him. "No harm done." She stroked his cheek again.
He closed his eyes again, relaxing against her.
Ashley's lips pressed gently to his, kissing him again, tracing her hands over his face and then allowing them to come to rest on his chest.
Something in Rusty's mind was trying to get his attention, but he wasn't quite sure what it was telling him.

At just that moment the door slammed, "Hey Ash-" Buffy froze in the doorway to the living room.
Ashley looked up in surprise.
"Am I interrupting something?" Buffy asked teasingly, raising an eyebrow.
"Actually, yes," Ashley said, half light-hearted, half-annoyed.
Buffy grinned, "Although, I wasn't quite expecting this..."
Ashley grinned. "Neither was I. Mind giving us a few minutes?"
Rusty was beginning to bring himself back to reality. He turned scarlet as he looked around.
Ashley kept Rusty pinned down, not noticing he was out of his dreamy state.
Buffy grinned, "Oh don't mind me..."
Ashley pouted playfully. "Aw, come on, Buffy. Nothing to see here."
"I'm goin' I'm goin'," she said with a smile.
Ashley smiled. "Thank you."
Buffy ignored the rather pleading looks that Rusty was giving her and skated down the hallway towards her room.

Ashley grinned, then turned back to Rusty.
"No..."
Ashley ignored him, tracing her hands up his arms. She touched her mouth to his.
"Ashley?" he asked, or tried to.
Ashley traced her knuckles over his cheek. "Yes?"
"Stop..."
"Why?"
"You...you said you would..."
"But you like it," Ashley said softly.
"No further..."
Ashley's eyes narrowed a moment, then went back to their normal overly-sweetness. "Just right here?"
"Uh..."
Ashley traced her fingers down his face.

He shied away from her.
"Rusty?"
"I'm sorry..."
Ashley's eyes filled with hurt tears. "For what?"
"I...I liked it..."
"Why are you sorry for that?"
"No... I'm not..." He didn’t know how else to explain.
"Oh..."
"I don't want... can't we stop?"
"Don't want what?" Ashley prompted gently.
"I don't want to do this anymore...right now..."
Ashley's hand paused on his cheek. "Later?"
"Uh..."
Ashley traced her fingers over his jaw again.
"I guess... can you...get off me now?"
"But I'm comfy," Ashley pouted.
"But-"

Ashley touched her mouth to his again.
He stared at her, hurt.
Ashley pulled away. "What?"
"You said that you'd stop..."
"No I didn't..."
"Yeah you did. Before we started you said that you would stop when I said so..."
Ashley sighed and sat up slightly, her hips still on his. "I guess..."
"You did..."
Ashley nodded. "Okay."
"Thank you..." he sounded very relieved.
Ashley nodded.
"Could you...get off me then?"
"I'm comfy..."
"Does it matter that I'm not?"
"Not really..."
He sighed, Ashley was far too close now.
Ashley rested her chin on Rusty's chest, gazing at him through long lashes.
He swallowed.
Ashley waited, smiling at him lightly.

"It's... getting late..." he said slowly.
"Yeah..."
"I should probably be...getting home..."
"Who said you were going home?" Ashley asked in surprise.
"What?" he gasped.
"You're working for me this week, right?"
"Yeah..."
"So, you get to stay with me."
"I'll come back in the morning..."
"No."
"Yeah I will..."
"I mean, no, you're not leaving."
"But-"
"No."
"Aw come on Ashley!"
"No, Rusty."
"Please!"
"No."
Rusty looked up at her pleadingly. Ashley gazed back at him. "You'll be fine here."
He felt cold inside and he closed his eyes.
Ashley smiled. "That's good." She gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Good night, Rusty." She got up, carefully so as not to hurt him.

As soon as he was free from her, he bounced up to his wheels and bolted across the room, towards the door.
Ashley glared at him. "You better come back here, Rusty!"
He reached the door and grabbed for the handle.
"Rusty, if you don't come back here, I'll make you sorry you ever made a bet with me!" Ashley snarled.
"Too late."
Ashley slowly crossed towards him. "I could make you miserable."
"And that's different from now...?"
"You liked that."
He didn't answer.
"I could ruin your life, Rusty, if you don't do as I say."
"Isn't that bit extreme just to keep me here for tonight?"
"No, cause you're disobeying me."
Rusty dropped his hand from the doorknob.
Ashley moved closer. "It's not like I'm gonna hurt you tonight."
He backed away from her, bumping to the wall. Rats. Trapped.
"Rusty, I'm not asking you to do anything tonight except stay here."
"...fine..."
Ashley smiled. "Good."
He was not comforted, pressed further back against the wall.
"Come on."
"You move first," he requested.
After Ashley slowly backed away he took a step forward.
Ashley smiled. "Come on."
"I am."

Ashley led the way back into the living room.
He followed meekly.
Ashley stopped by the couch, "You sleep here."
He nodded silently.
Ashley grinned slightly. "Unless you think you'd be more comfy in my room..."
Ashley smirked at the horrified look he gave her, "Guess not."
He slowly sank down on to the couch.
Ashley snagged a blanket off a nearby chair and handed it to him.
"Thank you," he said automatically.
Ashley nodded. "Do you need a pillow?"
He nodded slowly.
Ashley turned and skated into her room, returning with an oversized pink pillow which she handed him. He took it without comment.
"Anything else?"
He shook his head.
"Okay." Ashley smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."
He didn't respond.
"And you better stay on that couch tonight, or you'll be in big trouble."
He nodded again.
Ashley smiled sweetly. "Good night, Rusty." She gave him a peck on the cheek.
Once she had left, he stood up slowly, setting the pillow down and shaking out the blanket.
He felt her eyes on him and turned around to see her watching him.
Ashley smiled and skated into her room, closing the door silently.

With a sigh, Rusty drew the blanket around his shoulders and sat down, looking around the dark house, not expecting to sleep tonight
He finally lay down and buried his face in the pillow, then his eyes overflowed silently.

Rusty spent a miserable night, and was very grateful when the sun came up, giving him an excuse to get up. He folded the blanket and went into the kitchen.
Ashley came out bleary eyed from just waking up. When she saw that the living room was empty, she skated into the kitchen with a yawn.
Rusty had fallen asleep again, head down on the table.
Ashley smiled and settled next to him with a bottle of juice.
She sipped her juice and rubbed her hand gently over Rusty's head.
He rolled his head aside and sleepily opened his eyes.
Ashley smiled at him.
He blinked and yelped, backing away, and falling out of the chair in process.
Ashley landed next to him. "Are you okay?" she cooed.
He groaned rubbing his eyes.
"Rusty?"
"What?"
"Are you okay?"
"No."
"What hurts?"
"What doesn't?" he asked, getting up and back into a chair.
"Want me kiss it and make it better?" Ashley teased.
"If I have a choice in the matter, I'd rather you didn't."

Ashley smiled. "Okay. You want breakfast?"
"Oh, so I do get fed," he said innocently, with wide eyes.
Ashley nodded. "Of course. I can't have my favorite little steam train passing out on me."
"Thanks... I think."
Ashley smiled. "Of course."
"...yeah."
Ashley smoothed down a bit of his ruffled hair. "Sleep well?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Cuz I wasn't at home."
"Aww," Ashley pouted playfully.
He put his head down.
Ashley touched his shoulder. "Something wrong?"
"Take a wild guess..."
"Aw, Rusty, it'll be okay..."
He sat up again, "Yeah... if I can survive the next...six days..."
Ashley snuggled closer. "We can go see Poppa every now and then."
She smiled at him. "Don't be so down, Rusty."
He lifted his head again and smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back. "That's better."
"Happy now?"
Ashley nodded.
"Good." he put his head down, "Glad somebody is."
"Aw, Rusty..."
"What now?"
"Nothing." He closed his eyes and started to doze.

Buffy skated into the kitchen and stopped in the doorway, looking at them rather amused.
Ashley looked up at Buffy and grinned.
"How's it goin'?" Buffy asked.
"Fine, I think."
"He still alive over there?"
"Yeah, I think so."
Buffy laughed and went over to the fridge to get her breakfast.
"Hey, Buff, don't do that."
"Huh?"
"Don't."
"Why not?" she asked, puzzled.
"Cause Rusty's gonna make us breakfast."
"Oh, well that's an entirely different matter then," Buffy said with a grin.
Ashley nodded. "So sit down."

Ashley elbowed Rusty in the ribs. "Wake up."
He let out a yelp and rubbed his eyes.
"Wake up, Rusty," Ashley said playfully.
"I am..."
"Good. Make breakfast."
"What?"
"Make breakfast."
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
"but-"
"What?"
"I can't make breakfast."
"Why not?"
"I don't..." Rusty started.
Buffy grinned, "He can't cook."
Ashley narrowed her eyes.
Rusty nodded without looking at her.
Ashley sighed. "Great, so we don't have breakfast."
Buffy shook her head, "Nah, Ashley, can I have command of him for a bit?"
"As long as you make him stay here, do whatever you want."
Rusty shrank.
"Alright, come on Rusty," Buffy said cheerfully.
Ashley grinned. "Go on, Rusty. She's not gonna hurt you."
Rusty stood up and moved over to Buffy, who guided him over to the fridge.
Ashley sat back and smoked.

Under Buffy's stern gaze and orders, Rusty slowly went to work. After a few minutes, Rusty set two plates on the table.
Ashley raised a brow. "Aren't we missing one?"
"Couldn't carry three..." he said turning back to the counter.
He set the third plate down at the other end of the table.
"You're sitting here," Ashley said, pointing to the spot Rusty had occupied earlier.
He looked ready to protest. Ashley glared slightly.
He meekly picked up the plate again and sat down where she had pointed.
Ashley smiled. "That's better."
He didn't answer.
Ashley ground out her cigarette.

Buffy smiled and picked up her fork, starting in.
Rusty suddenly wasn't very hungry any more.
Ashley gave Rusty a nudge. "Okay, first you complain about not being fed, and now you don't eat?"
He obediently picked up his fork and mechanically started eating, not tasting it.
Ashley smiled. "That's better."
He didn't answer, robatically chewing and swallowing..
"Not bad Rusty, we could make you into a good cook," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded. "How'dja teach him, Buff?"
"I told him exactly what to do," Buffy said with a wink.
Ashley grinned. "Good way to do it."
"Yup."
Ashley picked up her plate and carried it to the sink.
Buffy smiled and followed suite.
Ashley turned to Rusty with a smile. "You can do the dishes now."
"'Course." he answered.
Ashley smiled. "You're learning."
He picked up his plate and moved over to the sink.
Ashley stepped back. "Let me know when you're done."
"Why?
"Cause I have some stuff I need you to do."
"Ah. I'll be done in six days."
Ashley smirked. "If it takes you that long, you'll be sorry."
Rusty ran the water over her voice.

Ashley flounced into the living room, suddenly not in a good mood.
"I wouldn't cross her if I were in your situation," Buffy commented to Rusty. He gave her a dark look as he washed the dishes.

Ashley turned on the TV, wanting to distract herself.
Just then the phone rang and Buffy picked up.
"Hey Rusty, go get Ashley," Buffy ordered, covering the phone.
Rusty shook his head, "I'm afraid that she'll attack me."
Buffy laughed, "Get on with you."
Ashley lit another cigarette.
Rusty peeked his head into the living room, "Ashley?"
Ashley looked up at him, glaring.
"Phone," he whispered.
Ashley got up and stormed into the kitchen.
Rusty pressed back out of her way.
Ashley looked up at Buffy. "Who is it?"
Buffy batted her eyes teasingly. "How’s your French?"
Ashley screamed and grabbed the phone.
Buffy grinned and handed the phone over, pushing Rusty out of the kitchen.

"Hello?" Ashley squeaked into the phone.
"'allo?" a voice with a thick accent asked.
"Bobo?" Ashley squealed.
"'Allo Ashley..."
"Where are you?"
"I am at home. But I wanted to talk with you."
Ashley smiled. "You did?"
"Oui."
Ashley smiled. "That's so sweet."
"I wanted to...hear you. Since I cannot see you it is the best I can do..."
Ashley smiled. "When are you coming to visit?" she asked, suddenly shy.
He sighed, "Not as soon as I would like."
"But you will come?"
"Of course I will."
Ashley smiled. "And stay with me?"
"Yes."
Ashley bit her lip and smiled. "Soon?"
"I am afraid not." he said sadly.
Ashley sighed. "I miss you so much."
"I miss you as well, and think of you."
"You think of me?"
"Constantly."
"Constantly?" Ashley echoed.
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Whenever I get the chance."
Ashley smiled. "You must be very busy."
"but I always have time to think of you."
Ashley smiled, not realizing she was swaying absently as she talked. "What do you do all day?"
"I work. I pull passenger train."
"You pull passenger trains?"
"Yes."
"Any as pretty as me?" Ashley asked worriedly.
"None."
Ashley smiled. "Are you telling the truth?"
"bien sur," he answered, "Of course I am."
Ashley smiled. "So, you don't have any other coaches, then?"
"No."
Ashley wanted to sing with joy. "So, I'm special?"
"Very special."
Ashley blushed crimson. "Really?"
"Really."

Ashley smiled, twirling the phone cord around her finger. "Could... could I come see you?"
"I would like that."
Ashley smiled. "So, I could come?"
"Oui."
Ashley smiled. "Today?"
"I would like that, but how?"
Ashley smiled. "I have an engine to take me."
"You have an engine?"
"Well, not that way... He... He's working for me."
"Oh, I see..." he didn't sound quite convinced.
Ashley bit her lip. "I... I'm telling the truth..."
He let out a relieved sigh, "I believe you."
Ashley nodded. "He... He's not at all the engine you are."
"I am glad of that."
Ashley grinned. "Well, you're the perfect engine, aren't you?"
"I must be, to have the perfect coach."
Ashley turned absolutely red.

"Ashley?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you still there?"
"Y... Yeah..."
"Good," he said warmly.
Ashley smiled. "I... I just... you're making me blush."
Bobo smiled and started to say something, but then he sighed.
Ashley pressed the phone closer to her ear. "What?"
"I must hang up..."
"Why?"
"Because I am being told to. I do not want to."
Ashley's eyes filled with tears. "Please don't go..."
"I do not want to. A moment please?"
Ashley nodded, though he couldn't see her. "Okay..."
Bobo covered the phone, and Ashley could hear a muffled argument in French as he spoke to someone else.
Ashley waited, chewing on her lip, a plan formulating in her head.
"Ashley?" Bobo asked.
"Yes?"
"Will you come?"
"Yes. Yes, I will! Right now!"
"Good," Bobo said, sounding very pleased with this news, "I look forward to seeing you."
"And I, you." Ashley brushed her fingertips over the phone. "Soon."
"Then I must go, to complete my run before you arrive."
Ashley nodded. "Okay. I'll be there soon."
"Au Revoir my love," he said.
Ashley turned bright red. "Au revoir," she repeated back to him, using one of the few French phrases she knew.
He blew her a kiss and then hung up the phone.

Ashley listened to the dial tone a moment, then hung up the phone and dashed into her bedroom, flinging a few things into a suitcase, checking herself in the mirror, fixing any smudged makeup, then rushing out into the living room. "Come on, Rusty."
He looked up, without enthusiasm.
"Come on. We're leaving."
"Where are we going?" Rusty asked, standing up.
"The trainyard in Liverpoole."
"What!?!"
"Come ON!" Ashley moved over and gave his couplers a yank.
He let out a yelp.
"Come on! Let's go!"
"But that's at least two hours away," Rusty half-whined.
"So we better get moving so we can be there by lunch time. Now come on!" She gave him a frustrated yank. "Come ON!"
"I'll..." Rusty started.
"Ru-sty!"
"I'll need water first..." he said meekly.
"So let's go!"
He nodded and started towards the door.
Ashley followed, grinning back at Buffy with a huge grin on her face.
"Have fun," Buffy called.
"I will!" Ashley said, her smile a bit crafty.

Ashley opened the door, then nearly shoved Rusty down the ramp in her haste. "Come on, let's go!"
Rusty kept his balance, barely, and started down the rails, stopping at the water tower.
Ashley waited impatiently.
He filled his boiler and then started filling his water bottle.
Ashley sighed huffily. "Hurry up."
Rusty covered the bottle and slowly stowed it.
"Ru-styee," Ashley whined again.
"Ashley, I don't..." Rusty started.
"What?"
"I don't want to..." he whispered to her skates.
"Well, I want to!"
He hung his head.
"Aw, Rusty, you'll be fine. Once we get there, you can do what you want 'til we leave."
He turned around and let her hitch up.
Ashley hitched up and gave him a light push. "Let's go."
He moved out.
Ashley followed only half-paying attention to the world.
Rusty kept his eyes on the rails in front of him, maybe if he didn't think about it, it wouldn't be so bad.

A deep, baritone whistle sounded nearby, and Greaseball pulled to a stop nearby.
Rusty automatically slowly.
Ashley groaned. "Come on, speed up."
Greaseball stepped onto the track to stop them.
Rusty hit his breaks and sorta bowed his head.
Greaseball grinned. He liked that. "Where you off to, Steamer?"
"Liverpoole," he whispered.
"'Scuse me?"
"Liverpoole," Rusty repeated a bit louder.
"Why you doing a daft thing like that?"
Rusty shrugged.
Ashley smiled brightly at Greaseball. "Cause I told him to."
"You told him to? Why?"
"Cause we're going to go see my engine."
Rusty hadn't looked up during this conversation.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, so we'd appreciate it if you'd let us through."
"Oh, would you?"
"Yes. I'd like my means of transportation in one piece."
Rusty didn't dare look up, although his heartbeat had increased it's tempo a bit.
"I'm sure Rusty appreciates you sparing him from a scrapping, Ashley."
He stiffened slightly.
Ashley smiled. "Oh, I'm sure he'll appreciate it a lot later." She smiled sweetly at Greaseball. "Can we go now?"
Greaseball nodded and stepped aside. "Give Bobo my regards. And... make sure he has the steamer cover his runs while you're there."
"Will do," Ashley said, giving Rusty a nudge to go.

Rusty moved out, at a rather quick pace.
Ashley leaned in closer once Greaseball was out of sight. "Happy now I'm with you?"
"How much am I going to regret what you just did for me later?" he asked.
Ashley shrugged. "I don't know. Why? You think I'm gonna make you repay me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Never mind," Rusty said, chugging along the tracks.
Ashley followed, back in her dreamy state.
Rusty fell silent, saving his breath for moving.
Ashley hummed softly to herself.

Ashley looked around as unfamiliar engines passed her, many speaking in languages she did not understand.
"Ashley?"
Ashley turned sharply.
"Ashley, I am so happy to see you!"
Ashley flung herself into Bobo's arms, nearly knocking them both flat.
He tilted her head and gave her a kiss.
Ashley kissed him back, tears of happiness running down her face.
"You came so quickly," he said happily.
Ashley smiled. "Not quickly enough." She held him tight.
"but under the circumstances..."
Ashley smiled and rested her head under his chin. "Oh, how I've missed you."
"As have I."
Ashley held him tightly. "And I can stay?"
"I have asked for time off..."
"And you got it?"
"Not quite..."
Ashley's face fell.
"But we still have time."
"How much time?"
"And you can come with me..."
"But we can't be alone?"
"We can, for some time, but not all..."
Ashley hugged him tighter. "There's no one else to take your runs?"
He shook his head slowly, "One of them, yes. All, no."
"Only one?" Ashley said, her eyes filling with tears.
He hugged her close, "One out of two," he said slowly.
"Is that only today?"
He nodded, "I have... two in afternoons. Second run I have covered."

Ashley bit her lip and nodded. "But I... I was hoping I could stay more than a day..."
"That would be nice."
Ashley smiled. "Can I?"
"If you can?"
Ashley nodded. "As long as you want."
"How long can you be spared from your home?"
"As long as I want."
He smiled and pulled her close.
Ashley cuddled closer to him, laying her cheek on his warm boiler.
Bobo looked very content.
Ashley sighed softly. "I suppose that you'll have runs tomorrow."
"And you will come along?"
Ashley started to nod, then paused.
"What is it?"
Ashley glanced over at Rusty who was sitting on the sidings looking rather frightened.
Rusty avoided her gaze.
Ashley turned back to Bobo. "I have another engine... Could he pull your routes?"
"The one that brought you?"
Ashley nodded.
"Maybe..."
"Maybe?"
"I think..." he said thoughtfully, "If runs get done on time, doesn't really matter who pulls..."
Ashley smiled brightly. "So, he can?"
"If he will..."
"He will," Ashley said darkly. If he didn't, ooh, she would make Rusty sorry he had ever crossed her. She smiled sweetly at Bobo. "Come on. Let's go tell him."
Bobo nodded and followed her.

Ashley led the way over to Rusty and gave him a sharp nudge. "Rusty."
"What?"
"I have another job for you."
"Goody..."
Ashley smiled. "As long as we're here, you get to pull Bobo's runs."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"B-but... oh Ashley, come on! You said that I could do what I wanted while we were here..."
"That was until I found out that Bobo didn't get all the time off he needs."
"And that's my fault?"
Ashley glared. "Need I remind you you are still working for me, and I can make you miserable if you don't obey me."
"No..." he said softly, getting up.
Ashley stepped in front of him. "You're gonna do it. When you're not pulling the runs, you can do whatever you want."
"Yes ma'am..."
Ashley smirked. "Good boy."
"The poor steam engine goes off to work, despite the fact that he's tired from coming all the way here, not that his master cares..." Rusty narrated under his breath as he stepped back onto the rails.
Ashley smiled brightly at him. "Oh, come on, Rusty. Pulling one coach isn't that hard. And the only other strenuous labor you did today was making breakfast."
"What am I supposed to do?" he asked.
Ashley gave Bobo a nudge to let him tell Rusty what to do.
"'Allo," Bobo said to Rusty. The French engine had, of course been standing back, letting Ashley and Rusty talk. He gave Rusty a few directions.
Ashley waited, smiling to herself. This week was turning out better than she had ever expected.

Rusty slowly chugged down the rails in the direction that Bobo had directed him.
Ashley gave Bobo a tight hug.
"Your friend is nice to do this for you..."
Ashley smirked slightly. "He knows he has to."
Bobo looked a bit puzzled, but decided it best not to worry about it.

The passenger train was nearby, a group of three giggly coaches, each one a different color.
Rusty groaned inwardly as he skated over to the train.
The lead coach raised a pale brow and switched her platinum blonde hair. "Where's Bobo?"
"He has the day off," Rusty explained, "I'm covering."
The coaches tittered ditzily. "Goody!" the blonde giggled, grabbing his couplers tightly and giving them a squeeze.
"Yeah... you three ready back there?"
The coaches all nodded in sync and smiled prettily at him.

"Okay," Rusty moved out.
The coaches all chattered like birds in a tree, giggling every few feet.
Rusty was doing his best to ignore them, something that he had actually gotten pretty good at doing.
The blonde coach gave him a sharp nudge. "Can you go faster?" she asked, a giggle in her voice.
"I can..." he started.
"Yay! Go faster! Go faster!" cheered the other coaches.
"I'd rather not..."
The coaches all stuck out lips and pouted.
Rusty didn't look back, still keeping his pace.
"I don't think he can," said the middle coach.
"But he said he could," said the last one, a bit confusedly.
"I don't think he can either. Bobo is faster than this."
Rusty ignored them.
"Well, he is a steamer," remarked the blonde one pointedly.
"He's dirty," remarked the middle coach.
"You'd think he would keep himself in better condition, especially if he was going to pull a passenger train," the last one said snootily.

That was it. Rusty went faster.
"Whee!" giggled all three of the coaches.
And faster... and faster and faster.
The coaches' giggling stopped. "Uh, engine," one of them started.
The coaches were starting to get a little worried.
Rusty went just a bit faster.
"Slow down!" the coaches squealed.
He didn't slow, but he didn't speed up any more either.
"Slow down, Steamer!"
Rusty kept going, feeling better now that he was going fast.
The coaches started to scream.

Rusty brought them to a gentle halt at their stop.
The coaches disconnected, looking very much like they had just gone through a wind tunnel.
Inwardly, Rusty was smiling to himself.
The littlest coach, in the back, began to cry. The blonde coach glared at him. "You're mean."
"You told me to go faster..."
"Not that fast!"
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"No you're not!"
"Why not?"
"Cause you're mean."
"As you wish to think."
The coach glared. "Stupid steamer."
"I was under the impression that coaches liked to go fast..."
"Not that fast."
"Then I won't go that fast next time."
"Next time?" the coach asked woozily.
"Don't we have to finish this run?"
The coaches groaned.
Rusty turned around and waited for them to be loaded.
The coaches grumbled sulkily as they were loaded up.
Rusty waited, he looked back, "I promise that I won't go as fast this time."
"Good, cause we have passengers," the blonde coach grumbled.
"Are you ready?" Rusty asked.
The coach nodded and sulkily took his couplers.

Rusty moved out down the tracks, not nearly as fast as before, but at a reasonably good pace.
The coaches were sullenly silent and Rusty finished the run without any problems.

Meanwhile, Ashley was cuddled contentedly against her engine's chest.
Bobo hugged her tightly, "I am so glad that you came," he said for what must have been the hundredth time that day.
Ashley smiled and laid her cheek on his shoulder. "I am too."
He shifted her and tilted her face towards him.
Ashley's dark eyes met his own.
He leaned down and kissed her.
Ashley held the kiss, her arms sneaking around his neck.
He put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.
Ashley sighed happily against the kiss and hugged him tightly.
He pulled away slightly, "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," Ashley whispered.
He kissed her again.
Ashley held the kiss, happy tears running down her face.
Bobo finally pulled away after a few minutes.
Ashley hugged him tightly, unable to stop her tears.
"Ashley?" he asked.
"Yes?"
"Why are you crying?"
Ashley sniffed. "I... I don't know..."
He smiled and gently brushed her tears away.
Ashley smiled shyly up at him.
"Come with me please," he requested, taking her hands and reversing slightly.
Ashley followed him, squeezing his hands lightly.
He let go and turned so she could hitch up.
Ashley hitched onto him, holding him tight.

Bobo moved off down the rails, speeding along the tracks.
Ashley let the wind whip against her face, enjoying the speed behind her favorite engine.
He finally came to a stop.
Ashley still held tight.
"Ashley?"
"Yes?"
"Close your eyes," he requested.
Ashley nodded and slowly closed her dark eyes, her long lashes resting on her cheek.
He opened the door of the house that they had pulled up at and then took her hands, pulling her forward slowly.
Ashley let him guide her, holding his hands tightly.
He pulled her forward a few more feet and then stopped, letting go of her hands and skating around behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders.
"Can I open my eyes?" Ashley asked softly.
"In a moment," he said, looking around the room. He hoped it was alright. "Yes. Now you may open your eyes."
Ashley slowly opened her eyes.
"Is it all right?" he asked softly.
Ashley's eyes went wide, and she nodded slowly.
"Good," he sounded relieved, "It is not very much and it is not good enough for you, but it is the best there is."
Ashley turned to him and hugged him. "It's perfect."
He smiled and hugged her tightly.
Ashley hugged him back, resting her head under his chin.
They kissed again.

Ashley held the kiss a moment, then gazed up into his eyes. "Where are you staying tonight?"
"In the bunk house..." he said slowly.
"Oh," Ashley said softly.
"But in the meantime..."
Ashley smiled up at him and hugged him closer.
He hugged her tightly and kicked the door closed behind them.
Ashley snuggled closer to him, then looked up at him. "Not to ruin the mood, but where's Rusty gonna stay?"
"Hmm?"
"Where's Rusty going to stay tonight?"
"Oh. I did not know that he would be coming and so I only made arrangements for you..."
"Oh... But he... he will have a place to stay, right?"
"Oui. I will find somewhere."
Ashley smiled and nodded. "Okay. Thank you."
He nodded and pulled her towards him again.
Ashley cuddled into his arms.
"I love you."
"I love you too."

The sun was going down and Rusty had returned back to sitting in the sidings.
Ashley and Bobo skated past, Ashley's cheek resting on Bobo's shoulder.
Rusty looked up as he saw them pass.
Ashley smiled at Rusty and waved. "Hey, Rusty.
"Hi."
"How did the runs go?"
"fine."
Ashley let go of Bobo and skated over to Rusty, a huge smile on her face, very uncommon for her. "You tired?"
"Yes."
"Wanna go to sleep?"
"I suppose."
"Okay. You're sleeping in the bunk house."
"What?"
"You're sleeping in the bunk house."
"but-" he started to protest.
"What?"
"But I don't...want..." Rusty started.
"Don't want to what?"
"To sleep in the bunk house."
"Why not?"
He looked down at his wrist wheels, "Because I don't. Can't I just go home?"
"Rusty, you'd never make it. It'd be pitch black before you got home."
He shrugged.
"You'll be fine." Ashley gave him a pretty smile.
He shook his head.

"Rusty, what's wrong?" Ashley knelt down next to him.
"I want to go home."
"Oh, Rusty..." Ashley said, reaching out to stroke his hair out of his eyes. "It won't be for very long. Just a few nights."
He shied away from her.
Ashley sighed. "Rusty..."
"... a few nights? Like more than one?"
"Yeah. I'm not sure yet how long we're gonna stay."
"Can't I go home? I'll come back for you..."
"Rusty..."
"Well I will."
Ashley glared slightly. "Rusty, we're staying here. You're staying in the bunk house, and that's final."
"but-"
"I said, that's final."
"I know, but-"
Ashley glared. "Are you arguing with me?"
"Ye-" he started.
Ashley glared. "Be quiet!"
"No," he said closing his eyes, "No, I'm not arguing with you..."
Ashley nodded. "Good. You'll be fine in the bunk house."
He muttered something under his breath
"What was that?"
"Nothing," he said quickly.
Ashley glared.
"I...I mean it," he stammered, backing away from her.
Ashley stood up. "You go with Bobo to the bunk house," she said curtly. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Yes ma'am..."
Ashley smiled down at him. "Good Rusty. I'll see you tomorrow." She skated over to Bobo to give him a kiss good night.
"Yeah yeah..." Rusty answered dully.

Bobo caught Ashley in his arms and gave her a kiss goodnight. A very long kiss goodnight.
Ashley finally pulled away, simply to breathe. She smiled at him with soft eyes. "Good night."
"Good night," he said, "Now you are sure that you can make it to your room? Because..." he smiled, "I would be most happy to take you."
Ashley's eyes lit up slightly. "If you wanted. You could even stay, if you like."
Bobo smiled, "I will take him to the bunkhouse and then take you home."
Ashley nodded. "Okay."
Bobo turned to Rusty, who silently rose to his wheels.
Ashley waved good night at Rusty.
He barely waved back, following the French engine down the tracks.

The other engines were all returning to the bunkhouse for the night.
Rusty was sitting on the bed that Bobo had shown him to. Luckily (for who, Rusty wondered) there were a few empty beds.
He was so wrapped up in his own thoughts (mentally crossing off day two) that he didn’t notice that several of the engines were watching him.
"Il est neuveau," one whispered to another in French.
He closed his eyes, internally checking on his fire and his water supply.
An engine skated by, talking in Italian.
A Japanese-looking engine skated past him and glared down at him.
"What?" Rusty asked softly.
"What kind of engine are you?"
"What?" he asked again, very puzzled.
"What kind of engine are you?" the diesel repeated in his thickly accented voice.
"Oh. I'm a..." he paused as an idea hit him, "I'm a restored engine."
The Oriental engine looked skeptical. "A re-stor-ed engine? I've never seen one like you."
Rusty nodded, "Yeah."
"You look... what is word... old?"
He nodded again, "Well... I'm supposed to."
The engine raised a brow.
"I'm a... a steam engine..." Rusty started.
"Ah, steam. You are antique."
He nodded again, "Yeah."
The engine smirked darkly.
"That's the point though..."
"They do not take good care of your frame..."
"Ah... They're working on it."
"That is good."
Rusty nodded again.
The engine glanced up at the clock and skated over to a group of similar engines and began to gossip in some Asian language.

Rusty let out a sigh of relief and leaned back.
Suddenly an Italian engine snatched his pillow out from under him. "Zis is mine, thank you."
"Oh," Rusty said, "I didn't think anyone was using this bed..."
"Zey're not."
"Oh," he said again.
The engine flounced away, taking Rusty's pillow with him.
Rusty sighed and rolled over, pillowing his head on his arms.
Another engine skated by him, dropping a wad of heavy, dirty blankets on top of him as if he hadn't even seen him.
Rusty blinked in surprise and sat up, pushing the blankets off.
The engine skated on, as if he did not even notice Rusty.
Rusty sighed and lay back down.

"Hey, move over," an engine demanded, trying to snatch the blanket out from under him.
"What?"
"This is mine."
"Then why is it on this bed?"
"Because it is."
"but that doesn't make any sense..."
"It doesn't have to," said the engine, who sounded a lot like he was from New York.
"Why not?"
"Because this is mine!"
Rusty sat up slightly, "Which bed is yours?"
"That one," said the engine, pointing several rows down.
Rusty looked over to the bed the engine had indicated, "It looks like there's a blanket over there..."
"So?"
"So isn't it yours?"
"Yes, but this one is mine too."
"Why do you have two?"
"Because I do."
"And why is that?"
"Y'know, you have a big mouth for a steamer."
"I was just askin'..."
"Yeah, well my fist might have something to say about it, so give it here!"
"But-"
"I said, give it here, Steam Train!"
Rusty bristled a bit at that name.
The engine raised a fist. "Now."
"Fine," Rusty said, sounding very patient, "I suppose that you need it more then I do." He shifted and pulled the blanket off the bed, tossing it to the diesel.
The engine took it and skated away in a huff.
Rusty lay down again.

A few minutes later, several engines, all about Rusty's age skated over to him.
"May I help you?"
"Our friend said you've been causin' some trouble, Steam Train," said one.
"I haven't been trying."
"Well, it seems that you have."
"Been trying?"
"No. Causing trouble, smart mouth."
"Oh. I'm terribly sorry, and thank you."
The engine glared. "You're asking for it, rust bucket."
"I didn't think I was," Rusty said politely, "But if I am, I'm very sorry that I was. And I want to thank you for letting me know about it."
The other three engines moved in closer. "I think he needs some lessons in respect."
That phrase was familiar. All too familiar. With a sinking feeling Rusty realized that he had done it again.
The lead engine snatched him up by the throat. "What do you think, Steam Train? Gonna keep your mouth shut, or do we have to shut it for you?"
The engine held him a moment longer, then dropped him in a heap at his feet. "Not worth the time," he smirked.
Rusty panted and pulled himself together, a bit angrily.
The engines all laughed and turned to skate away.
He crawled into his bed glaring a bit.
The engines skated off.

About an hour later, the noisy group of American engines skated past again, glancing over at him and laughing meanly.
Rusty didn't look up.
One of them dropped a blanket on Rusty's head.
Rusty tossed it aside, a bit harder then necessary...
"Ooh, look. The wittle steam twain is mad," joked another.
He didn't respond, feeling his pressure rising.
"You better watch out, or he might break down," teased another.
"You said..." Rusty said softly.
"Did someone speak?" asked the lead engine, looking around at the other engines.
"You said that I wasn't worth your time, something that I quite agree with," Rusty said, "However, you seem to not be thinking that anymore..."
"But it's fun to aggravate you, since we don't have to worry about knocking your face in."
"Yes, but you have contradicted yourself," Rusty said, "If you're bothering with me, then you are wasting time on me."
"Might be worth a little of my time to break your nose too," hissed the engine, snatching Rusty up by the throat again.

Rusty let out a very hot blast of steam, right into the eyes of the other engine.
The engine yelped, dropping Rusty hard, his hands flying his eyes.
Rusty dodged under him and shot away.
The other engines took off after him, one taking a flying leap and knocking Rusty's wheels out from under him.
Rusty let out a yelp and skidded.
The other two caught him and knocked him to the floor.
Rusty struggled back to his wheels.
The engines knocked him down again and held him down with their wheels firmly on his back.
He struggled frantically.
"Stop moving, Steam Train."
"Yeah right."
The engines hauled him up. "I think you need to learn some respect for diesel."
"Nope."
"Yep." The diesel gave him a shove across the circle to his friend who grabbed Rusty and held him tight.
The diesel grinned and pulled back his fist to sock Rusty.
Rusty watched with wide eyes and then suddenly, ducked.
The engine's fist connected with his friend's face, who yelped and let go of Rusty, holding his nose with both hands.

Rusty darted out of the circle and towards the door, just as Bobo came rolling in.
"Get him!" the engines shouted, a group chasing after Rusty with the intent of serious bodily damage.
"What is going on here?" Bobo let out a shout, starting to yell in French.
The engines stopped short, only a few feet from Rusty.
"Why is everybody running around like crazy?" Bobo demanded
"Your little friend here is causing trouble," snarled one of the American engines.
"How?"
"He does not show respect for anyone," growled the Italian engine who had stolen his pillow only an hour before.
I think that's backwards Rusty thought bitterly, taking refuge behind Bobo.
Bobo sighed.
"Lemme at him!" snarled the engine who had been blasted by steam, elbowing his way through the group and starting to shove past Bobo.
Bobo went off in French again.
The engine glared. "Aw, quit with the Paris talk, Bobo; lemme show him some respect for diesel."
Bobo took a step towards the engine, "In English then. He is a friend of my coach. She would be most upset if something happen to him. I would be most upset if she is upset."
"Aw, we'll leave him in one piece. If he's lucky." He gave Rusty a nasty glare.
Bobo crossed his arms.
The engine mimicked him and crossed his arms too.
"Forget it Bobo," Rusty said, "Thanks but... I'm not staying."
"Good."
Bobo turned as Rusty went outside, closing the door behind him rather hard.
The engines all smirked and exchanged high fives.

Rusty strode down the tracks, intending to sleep outside when suddenly he heard a rumbling sound from overhead. "Oh no..." he groaned, "Perfect." Rusty picked up speed as thunder rumbled again. He ran on, looking for some sort of shelter.
Rusty went faster as a drop of rain hit him. He stopped under an overhang of a building. Then he realized what building it was, the guesthouse.
He pressed against the wall as it started to rain. He inched along sideways until he reached the door.
He reached up to knock, hesitated, took a breath and then knocked.

Ashley was laying on her bed, half-asleep, not really wanting to sleep in case Bobo came back again.
She ground out a cigarette and sighed softly. Ashley closed her eyes, pulling her blankets up and rolled over, snuggling into her pillow.
Ashley shot out of bed, at the sound of a knock, thinking it was Bobo, and dashed over, yanking open the door.

"Hi." Rusty said softly.
Ashley glared. "What do you want?"
"Can I come in?"
"Why?"
"It's raining..."
"So? Go back to the bunk house."
He shook his head, "I want to stay..." he swallowed, "With you."
Ashley stared at him as if he had just said he met a coach. "Excuse me?"
"Please?" he looked up and blinked as he discovered he was standing under a leak.
"Why?"
"Please!"
Ashley glared. "No. Go back to bed." She started to shut the door.
"Ashley please, come on, it's raining."
"Why are you here?" Ashley hissed.
"Let me in and I'll tell you."
Ashley sighed and opened the door enough to let him in. "All right, all right." If nothing else, he was cute.
"Thank you," he said gratefully, skating into her room.

Ashley closed the door and made a face. "You're getting water all over the floor."
"Well if you would have let me in sooner..."
Ashley waved her hand. "Never mind... Why are you here, dripping wet on my floor."
"Because it's raining..."
"Why are you here?" Ashley hissed.
"Because I can't stay there. and I can't stay outside cuz it's raining..."
"Why can't you stay there?" Ashley groaned, exasperated.
"Because..." he took off his headband and ruffled through his hair, trying to dry it off.
Ashley screamed. "Ick! Rusty!"
"Sorry..." he said looking up through his bangs.

Ashley sighed. "Tell me why you're here?"
"Because I couldn't stay there," Rusty said again, "I just couldn't."
"Why not? They're all engines, like you."
"No." he shook his head, "They're not."
Ashley sighed, exasperated, her bangs flying out. "Rusty, please speak in English. What's going on?"
"They aren't like me," he said again, letting out a small puff of steam.
"I heard that much. Why?"
"Ashley, look at me!"
"Aside from being dripping wet, what?"
He let out another burst of steam. "That's the difference..." he said softly.
Ashley groaned. "Rusty..."
"What?"
"You are impossible!"
"I'm sorry that steam engines aren't well-liked okay?" he snapped.

Ashley sighed. "So, what do you want?"
"To stay here..."
"With me?" Ashley raised a brow.
"Well... yeah."
Ashley glanced over at the bed. "Well..."
"I'll sleep on the floor."
Ashley smirked. "I thought so."
"Is that alright then?" he asked softly.
Ashley sighed. "I guess... I don't know why I'm gonna let you..."
"Because you're very sweet and gracious?" he offered.
Ashley batted her eyes and skated over to him. "Oh, am I?"
"And because I'm begging?"
Ashley grinned. "Oh, are you?"
"Uh huh..."
Ashley grinned. "But you're not on your knees."
He looked at her in astonishment. "You can't be serious...?"
"Oh, you don't think so?" Ashley's voice was dark.
"Alright...alright..." he dropped to his knees.
Ashley grinned. "Good. Now, what's the magic words?"
"Please let me stay here..."
Ashley smiled. "Aww, that was so cute."
"Can I then?"
Ashley pretended to think about it.
Rusty suddenly threw himself at her wheels, "Oh please kind master, please have mercy upon me," he begged, hamming it up wonderfully.
Ashley almost lost her balance, giggling hysterically. "Okay, okay, you can stay here."

Rusty grinned and got up.
"But dry off first. I don't want everything all wet."
He nodded, "Can I use your bathroom then?"
Ashley nodded.
Rusty skated over through a door that had been there all of this time which led into the bathroom. Inside he found a towel and started drying off.
Ashley laid back down on her bed, lighting a cigarette.

Rusty skated back out, reasonably dry now.
Ashley looked up and grinned. "You look much better."
"Thanks,” he said with a smile, “I am to please.”
Ashley grinned back. "So..." She patted the bed next to her, wanting him to sit and talk to her.
"What?" he asked, coming over and sitting down, not right next to her.
Ashley sat up and studied him. "So, what happened exactly in the bunk house?"
"Oh. That."
"Yeah, that."
"An entire population of Greaseballs..." he said, "And since I didn't really want to be turned into scrap metal..."
"I wouldn't want you to be turned into scrap metal either," Ashley said, smiling sweetly at him.
"I appreciate that."
"Good."
"...yeah."
Ashley ground out her cigarette and gazed at Rusty.

He shifted, "What?"
"Hmm?"
"did you want anything else?"
"Not really..."
"Oh," he got up.
"I didn't say you had to get up..."
"No, you didn't..."
"So sit."
"is that an order?"
"It doesn't have to be..."
"Oh," he said again, covering his mouth as he yawned.
Ashley smiled. "I bet you're tired."
"I've been tired since this morning..."
"Aww, poor Rusty."
"Yeah."

Ashley scooted over so he could have some room. "Well, you can sleep, I guess."
"I...said I'd sleep on the floor. You...don't have to give up the bed."
"I'm not giving up the bed," Ashley said lightly.
"Well you don't have to share it either."
"But I want to. There's plenty of room."
He shook his head, "No, it's alright..."
"Oh, come on, Rusty, it's fine."
"but-"
"Rusty..." Ashley took his hands gently in her own soft, dark ones. "Come on. It's fine. Really."
"Well..." he started nervously.
Ashley gave him a light tug. "Come on."
"But I..." he looked at the floor and then at the bed, then at the floor again.
"Rusty, you'd be much more comfortable on the bed than on that thin floor."
"I know..." he said softly.
"So stay here," Ashley said with an encouraging smile.
"al-alright."
Ashley smiled. "Good."

He pulled away from her and started towards the bathroom again.
"Where you going?"
"To get water."
"Oh, okay." Ashley let him go and set to arranging the pillows around.
Rusty drank his water in his bottle and refilled it a few times.
Ashley laid down against her mound of pillows, smiling happily to herself.
He slowly skated back out.
Ashley smiled at him.

He rolled over to the bed silently.
Ashley pointed to the other side. "That can be your side."
He nodded and skated around the bed, sitting down.
"Lay down," Ashley soothed. "I'm not gonna bite."
"I know..." he said, laying down on his side, facing the outside of the bed,
Ashley sighed and moved closer to him. "Rusty, what's wrong?"
"I'm tired," he answered.
"You could at least look at me..."
"But I'm comfortable this way..."
Ashley sighed and rubbed a hand down his shoulder. "If you say so."

Ashley rubbed his shoulder again, just trying to get him to relax.
"Stop," he pleaded.
"Why?"
"Because..." he started, tensing up.
"Rusty, just relax..."
"Then stop it."
"Rusty..."
"What?"
"I just want you to relax. You've had a hard day. I know it's hard for you to leave the yard all of a sudden..."
He muttered something.
"Hmm?"
"you want me to relax?" he asked.
"Well, yeah."
"Then stop touching me."
Ashley huffed angrily. "Remind me again why I'm letting you stay here?"
"I'm sorry."
"You don't sound like it."
He closed his eyes and forced himself to relax.
Ashley smiled. "That's better."
He concentrated on not tensing up.

Ashley began to massage his shoulders ever so gently, trying to work the tenseness and the knots out of his strong back.
He wanted to pull away from her, he wanted to so much.
Ashley didn't notice his discomfort, rubbing his shoulders gently but firmly, her fingers working at his tight shoulders.
"Ashley?"
"Hmm?"
"I... I'm going to sleep now..."
"Okay." Ashley's hands kept rubbing his shoulders.
"D-don't freak out okay?"
"Okay."
He closed his eyes again.
Ashley kept massaging his shoulders, just a bit firmer.
He bit back a whine and turned down his fire.
Ashley rubbed his back slowly, intending to keep it up til he fell asleep.
Rusty didn't notice anymore, slowing his creation of steam until he had just enough to wake up in the morning. His frame went still.
Ashley continued a moment more, then slowly stopped and pulled the blankets over him, stroking his soft hair back from his face, then curling under the covers herself, trying to go to sleep.
Rusty, as he was now virtually "off" didn't notice her next to him anymore.
Ashley slowly went to sleep, curling just a bit closer to him and falling asleep.

Several hours later Rusty awoke with a start, he wasn't quite sure why and he woke disoriented.
Next to him, Ashley stirred just a bit, not really waking up.
He looked over at her and then gasped.
Ashley heard the soft sound and stirred again, opening her brown eyes sleepily. "Huh?"
He swallowed as he remembered where he was and what had happened.
Ashley yawned deeply and opened her eyes again. "What?" she mumbled.
He rolled over quickly, staring wide-eyed out into the darkness.
Ashley sat up, rubbing her eyes sleepily with one hand. "Rusty?"
He didn't answer, holding his breath.
Ashley reached over and touched his arm. "I know you're awake, Rusty. What's wrong?"
He took a shuddering breath.
"Rusty, tell me."
"Nightmare," he lied.
"Aww." Ashley gave him a motherly hug as best she could.
"I'm fine..." he said.
"I know..."
"Okay..." he closed his eyes and started to shut down again.

Ashley curled closer to him than she had before, her chin resting on his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
"Going to sleep..."
"Why right against me?"
"Cause I'm cold."
He turned up his fire.
"Mmm." Ashley curled even closer so her whole body was pressed against his back.
He turned up his fire even hotter, it was beginning to make him too warm.
Ashley groaned and shifted uneasily. "Rusty..."
"What?"
"That's a little too hot..."
"Oh."
Ashley didn't move, though the heat pressing against her body was unbearably uncomfortable.
Rusty didn't turn his fire down.
Ashley gave Rusty a nudge. "Ru-styyyy," she whined.
He didn't move.
"Rusty!" she said louder, giving him a soft shake.
"What?" he mumbled sleepily.
"Turn your fire down."
"Why?"
"Cause it's too hot."
"Oh. Then move away from me."
"But-"
He sighed softly and turned his fire down.
Ashley smiled softly. "Thanks."
"Yeah." Rusty mumbled.
Ashley cuddled against him and closed her eyes again.

Rusty was wide-awake now.
Ashley sighed softly, her soft breath ruffling Rusty's hair.
He stared off into the darkness with a sigh of his own.
Ashley's arm moved around his waist and snuggled her nose into the back of his neck.
He buried his hot face in the pillow.
After a moment, Ashley let go of him, but she still curled against him for warmth.
Rusty took a breath, usually he was good at controlling the water use in his body, but he couldn't stop it this time.
Ashley sighed softly and pulled the blanket over herself. "Good night, Rusty," she said softly.
When he didn't answer, Ashley rolled over and pushed herself up to look down at him. "Rusty?"
He still didn't answer, eyes tightly shut.

Ashley reached down and touched his cheek, her hand coming away wet with tears. "Rusty?"
He cringed at her touch.
"Rusty, why are you crying?" Ashley asked softly.
He shook his head.
"Rusty, please tell me..."
He shook his head again.
"Rusty..." Ashley slowly moved away from him.
He was surprised, and then sighed gratefully.
Ashley reached over and touched his shoulder ever so lightly, as if afraid he might scream at her touch. "Rusty, please tell me what's wrong."
"I..."
Ashley waited.
"I d-don't cry during the...the day..."
"I know..."
"It...comes out..."
"So... so you're not crying for a reason?"
"Yeah." He took a shuddery breath.
Ashley bit her lip. "Rusty, please tell me. I swear I won't tell anyone."
"It's okay..."
"No, it's not," Ashley said softly.
Rusty closed his eyes and slowly relaxed.
"Rusty,... is it me?" Ashley asked softly.
He didn't answer.
"It is me," Ashley said, her voice breaking.
He still didn't answer.

Ashley began to sob, yanking the blanket over her head.
"Ashley?"
Ashley didn't answer, just sobbing into the mattress.
He braced himself and then rolled over and gently touched her shoulder.
Ashley flinched at his touch and curled into a ball under the covers.
"Role reversal," he commented softly.
Ashley bit her lip to stop a smile, but sobs still continued to rack her chest, making her shiver.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, "I didn't mean to make you cry."
Ashley slowly pulled the blanket off her head, her elaborate hair mussed and whips hanging in her face. She looked up at Rusty with wet, brown eyes.
"don't take this the wrong way," he pleaded, reaching over to her and giving her a hug.

Ashley melted into his embrace, holding him tight, her tears hitting his shoulder pad with a soft splash.
He hugged her back. She was so close, and soft.
Ashley held him tight, pressing her face into his neck, her tears going silent but still tracing down her face.
Soft, and warm, Rusty thought, holding her, "Shh...shh..." he soothed.
Ashley listened to his soft voice soothing her, and slowly her tears quieted until she was just sitting in his arms, silent, hugging him tight.
Rusty closed his eyes.
Ashley rested her head under his chin and sighed softly. She curled into his arm, falling asleep.
Rusty didn't move, slowly falling asleep.