The Midnight Train Crossing

The sun came up the next morning and neither of them had moved.
Ashley sighed softly in her sleep, warm and cozy in Rusty's arms.
Rusty opened his eyes slowly.
Ashley snuggled closer, in a state somewhere between sleep and awake when you're sure you're still dreaming.
He looked down and blinked.
Ashley cuddled her cheek to his shoulder.
"A...Ashley?"
Ashley stirred slowly. "Hmm?"
"Am I awake?"
"Huh?"
"I am awake," he said slowly.
Ashley nodded and laid her head back on his chest.
He pulled away from her, forgetting how close he was to the edge of the bed. Rather then fall, he didn't move.
Ashley sighed softly.
"W...what happened?"
"Hmm?"
"What happened?"
"Whaya mean?" Ashley mumbled.
"Why am I... why are we...?"
Ashley yawned and shifted in his arms.
He pulled his arms from her.
Ashley almost fell into the bed, not ready to support herself yet.

Rusty got up.
Ashley picked herself up as gracefully as she could off the mattress, rubbing her eyes.
He sat down on the floor, a bit in shock.
Ashley slid out of the bed and nearly tripped over him, landing in his lap with a muffled "oomph!"
He was very startled to discover that she was now sitting on him. "Here..." he started to help her up.
Ashley gripped him tight to let him help her up.
Rusty got Ashley firmly on her wheels when there was a knock at the door.
Ashley swayed a moment, then seemed to wake up. "Rusty, can you get that?" she mumbled, heading for the bathroom to put her hair up.
"Uh..."
Ashley closed the bathroom door behind her.

Rusty sighed and skated over to the door, opening it to admit Bobo.
Ashley hummed to herself as she swept her hair up into a stack on her head.
"What are you doing here?" Bobo asked.
"I uh...spent the night here," Rusty said.
"You what??"
Ashley tilted her head to listen.
"No," Rusty said, backing away, "No, not like that... it was raining... I needed somewhere to stay..."
Ashley yanked open the bathroom door and hurried out, skating over to give Bobo a hug.
"Good morning Ashley," Bobo said, turning the hug into a rather passionate kiss.
Ashley held the kiss, her arms snaking around him.
Rusty backed away, giving them some privacy.

Ashley snuggled into his arms. "Good morning."
"I have some good news..."
"What?"
"I traded with someone. I have the day off."
Ashley squealed with delight and hugged him tight.
"Come, I will take you for breakfast."
Ashley nodded. "Okay... Can I get ready first?"
"Of course, but you are already beautiful."
Ashley blushed bright red. "Thank you."
He pulled away and kissed her hand.
Ashley smiled up at him, her cheeks returning to normal. "Give me ten minutes?" she said softly.
He nodded, "I will be outside."
Ashley nodded, smiling shyly at him.
He kissed her hand again and rolled outside.

Ashley closed the door, leaning against it a moment before squealing and rushing into Rusty's arms. "Rusty!"
"Sit down," Rusty said softly.
Ashley plopped down in the nearest chair.
Her hair was already mostly out of it's braid anyway so he finished pulling it out.
Ashley fidgeted nervously.
"Hold still," he said, brushing her hair.
Ashley tried her best to hold still.
He quickly braided her hair tightly.
Ashley tried not to squirm
"Almost done..." he said, coiling it around the top of her head.
Ashley tried not to squirm again.
He pinned it in place, "There."
Ashley turned around and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks."
He blushed. "Go on."
Ashley smiled at him and raced for the door, pinching her cheeks as she went to give herself some color before rushing outside.
Rusty waited until she was outside and then crawled back into bed.

Ashley slid inside a few hours later, happy.
Rusty was in the midst of a drink.
Ashley flopped on the bed, her head resting on Rusty's leg, sighing dreamily.
"Ah!" he yelped, startled.
Ashley smiled up at him. "Hi," she said, her voice very soft and rather un-Ashley-like.
"Have a good morning?"
"Uh huh."
"oh."
"How 'bout you?" Ashley mumbled.
He shrugged, "can't complain. Nobody's bothered me."
Ashley smiled. "Good." She closed her eyes, unconsciously snuggling her head closer to his leg.
"so...uh... why are you here?"
Ashley's eyes snapped open. "Oh. Yeah. I wanted to see if you needed anything to eat."
"Oh," he said, "Yeah... I guess..."
Ashley nodded and sat up. "Okay. What?"
He shrugged.
"Well, I'll just bring you food, okay?"
"Thanks..."
Ashley nodded and smiled. "I'll be back soon." She turned and skated out of the door.
He nodded, a bit grateful that this time he didn't have to make his own breakfast. He was rather enjoying being alone.

Ashley returned a little while later with some food for Rusty, sitting down on the bed.
"Thank you," he said.
Ashley nodded. "No problem."
Rusty reached for the food that Ashley had brought him.
Ashley smiled at him. "Is that okay?"
He nodded, starting to eat.
Ashley brushed her bangs out of her eyes.
Rusty didn't notice, shoveling food into his mouth.
Ashley watched him eat. "Not hungry, are you?" she teased.
"Oh can you tell?"
Ashley grinned and moved closer, sneaking a piece for herself.
Rusty continued eating.
Ashley sighed softly.

"so... where is your engine whisking you off to this afternoon?" he asked.
Ashley shrugged. "I don't know yet... He said something about a fancy French bistro for dinner..."
Rusty nodded.
Ashley looked up at Rusty with bright eyes. "If... if I needed you to, could you abandon the guestroom for a while?"
"Yeah... I suppose so."
"Thanks." Ashley smiled sweetly at him.
"Yeah. Maybe I'll go home," he teased.
Ashley made a pouty face. "And leave me?"
"I'd come back..."
Ashley leaned in closer to him teasingly. "Good. I'd hate to have to throttle you."
"I'd hate to be throttled..."
Ashley grinned. "I'd hate you throttle you. You're too cute to get all bruised up."
He blushed.
Ashley tapped a finger on Rusty's nose. "So, no leaving Ashley behind."
"Yes Ma'am."
Ashley giggled.
He smiled.

Ashley took another bite of food, sprawling out on the bed.
"Hey, who did you bring this for?"
Ashley grinned. "What, you want it back now?"
"No, I guess not."
Ashley grinned and rolled onto her back like a puppy wanting a tummy rub, her bangs flopping backwards over her head.
He watched her.
Ashley giggled and rolled over again, blowing her bangs upwards with her breath, slightly giggly.
"when is he coming back for you?"
"About half an hour, he said."
"Oh."
Ashley giggled and pulled out a cigarette.
Rusty got up.
Ashley lit the cigarette.

He looked at her for a minute, and then rolled away.
Ashley turned to watch him. "Something wrong?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yup."
Ashley nodded and exhaled a puff of smoke upwards.
He opened the window.
Ashley raised a brow. "Oh, you don't like the smoke?"
He shrugged.
Ashley puffed on it lazily. "Bobo doesn't like it when I smoke either."
Rusty shrugged, "you can't help it."
Ashley nodded.
He leaned out of the window.
Ashley ground out her cigarette.

"Oh, here he comes..."
Ashley got up and crossed to his side to look out.
Rusty moved to let her to the window.
Ashley peered outside, looking around for her blue engine.
"I guess I'll see you later then."
Ashley nodded. "Bye, Rusty." Ashley skated outside and stood on the step, waiting for him.
Rusty sighed, wondering how he was going to keep himself occupied.
Ashley waited, smoothing her hair.

Bobo came down the tracks, a distance away, a coach coupled behind him.
Ashley shaded her eyes, trying to see.
The coach said something and Bobo laughed, not stopping.
Ashley stared, open-mouthed, her eyes filling with tears. She started to call out to him, but her throat was choked with tears, and it only came out as a gasp.
Inside Rusty was looking out the window again.
Ashley smothered a scream and ran inside, slamming the door.
Rusty nearly jumped out of his skin,
Ashley screamed and raced into Rusty's arms, sobbing.

"Uh... Ashley?" he looked down at her.
Ashley held him tightly, sobbing into his chest, a real feat, her being the same height as him.
"Shh...shh..." he soothed, not know what was wrong, or what to do,.
Ashley clung to him. "I... I wanna go home..."
"What?"
"I wanna go home... Take me home, Rusty..."
"Now?"
Ashley nodded.
"Okay."
Ashley hugged him tightly.
"Did you want to get your stuff together then?"
Ashley nodded and hurried to throw all her stuff together, not caring what landed where or how.
Rusty waited.
Ashley skated over to him, all packed. "Let's go," she pleaded.
He nodded and turned so she could hitch up.
Ashley hitched up, sniffling softly.
"Ready?" he asked softly.
Ashley nodded.

Rusty moved out, out of the house and down the rails.
Ashley held tight, tears flowing down her face.
Rusty silently pulled Ashley down the rails, soon leaving the trainyard behind.
Ashley held tight, blinded by tears.
Rusty didn't say anything to her as they crossed the empty rails.
Ashley was feeling dizzy now, but she just wanted to be home.

"Ashley?" he said finally.
Ashley's teary face turned to him. "Yes?"
"We're nearly home."
"Th... thanks..."
He nodded and crossed into their trainyard.
Ashley gave him a slight tug. "Rusty?"
"Yeah?"
"D... Don't tell anyone, okay?"
"okay."
Ashley smiled weakly.
He smiled back at her.
Ashley bit her lip hard to hold back tears.

Rusty suddenly slowed.
Ashley looked around.
Rusty was passing his house.
Ashley sighed softly.
He sighed as well and kept going.
Ashley held tight, sighing softly again.
He kept his eyes on the rails as he passed his house.
Ashley swallowed. At least Rusty had someone who still loved him.
He continued down the tracks.
Ashley wondered if Rusty would stay with her again.

Rusty pulled up in front of her house, "Last stop..."
Ashley let go of him and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
He opened the door for her.
Ashley slid inside.
He followed and closed the door softly from behind her.
Ashley headed for her room.
Unsure, he followed her.

Ashley flopped on her bed, crying into her pillow.
He sat down next to her and gently set a hand on her back.
Ashley didn't move.
"Did you want something?"
Ashley shook her head.
"Okay."
Ashley sobbed.
"Aw Ashley..."
Ashley looked up at him with damp eyes.
"He's a jerk."
Ashley nodded.
"He doesn't deserve you, and the fact that he would take someone else just proves that you're too good for him."
Ashley forced a smile. "I... I wish I could believe you."
"well come on, you're pretty and you're sweet..."
Ashley shook her head.
"Yes you are, and..." he smiled, "I *Am* arguing with you this time."
Ashley's lips cracked into a tiny smile.
He smiled back at her.
Ashley slowly moved into his arms.
He hugged her, "There now..."
Ashley held him tight. "Rusty..."
"shh...shh..."
Ashley held him closer, resting her cheek on his chest.
He rocked her slightly.
Ashley clutched him. "Rusty, will you..."
"What?"
"Will you stay with me?"
"Yeah..."
"Promise?" Ashley whispered.
He nodded slowly.
Ashley smiled weakly. "Thank you..."
"...yeah."

Ashley snuggled into his arms, trying not to cry.
He just sat there and held her.
"Rusty... how could he?"
"He's a jerk..."
"Wh... what's wrong with me?"
"Nothing."
"I mean... I thought he loved me..."
"Oh... Ashley...it's not your fault."
"It's gotta be..."
"No."
"I mean... He told me he loved me..."
"I bet he did."
Ashley looked up at him with sorrowful eyes. "Why would he tell me if he didn't mean it? I mean... was it just to get me?"

Rusty shook his head, "Maybe you were wrong-"
Ashley blinked. "What?"
"no! No, that's not what I meant! I mean...what you saw...maybe you were wrong..."
Ashley shook her head. "He... he didn't even look at me."
"Maybe he didn't see you..."
"But why didn't he look for me?"
"Ah. We did leave pretty quickly."
Ashley shook her head. "Rusty, I... I can't see him again. Why would he hurt me like that?"
"I don't know. I don't know why anyone would."

Ashley snuggled into his arms. "Hold me," she pleaded.
"I am..."
"Longer..."
"What?"
"Hold me longer. Forever."
"Uh..."
Ashley clung tightly to him.
Rusty held her, not sure exactly of what else to do.
Ashley closed her eyes, tears watering in her eyes again.
Rusty didn't move.
Ashley stayed in his arms til the lights began to dim in the sky.
He looked down at her, not sure if she was asleep or not.

Finally, when it was nearly dark, Ashley stirred in Rusty's arms.
He let go a bit so she could move.
Ashley shifted to look up at him.
"Are you okay?"
Ashley shook her head.
"Sorry, stupid question."
Ashley shifted again. "Rusty..."
"Yeah?"
"I... I should go to bed..."
He nodded and started to get up.
Ashley laid down on her bed.
He pulled the blanket over her.
"Thank you," Ashley mumbled.
"Uh huh..." he said, going over to turn off the light.

"You can go home, Rusty," Ashley said softly, not looking at him.
"What?" he asked.
"You can go home. The deal's over."
He froze in the doorway.
Ashley closed her eyes and pulled the blanket up over her.
He watched her, worried.
Ashley began to sob softly, her crying muffled by the pillow.
He skated back over to her.
Ashley didn't notice.

"Ashley?"
Ashley didn't move.
"I'm not going."
"Don't be silly, Rusty. You wanted to go home."
"Yeah but... I'm not gonna leave you here like this."
"Why?"
"Because I can't."
"Rusty, go home," Ashley pleaded.
"but-"
Ashley curled into a ball, sobbing softly.
"I'm not going."
Ashley sniffed softly. "Well, you... you don't have to stay..."
"I'm not going. I'm arguing with you again."
Ashley almost cracked a smile. "Rusty..."
"I don't seem to be able to stop doing that..."
"Rusty, please..."
"I suppose that I'm not very good at this whole thing..."

Ashley sniffed and suddenly scooted over to Rusty could sit down on her bed.
"I mean, you'd think that I would be good at following orders by now..." he said, sitting down next to her.
Ashley gazed up at him sadly.
"Oh well."
Ashley sighed. "Are... are you going to stay here then?"
"Yup."
"With me?"
"This is your house..."
"I mean, here?"
"Oh. I..I guess..."
Ashley reached out for his hand.
He took hers.
Ashley gave him a gentle tug to draw him down.
He pushed her hair gently back but shook his head.
Ashley pouted sadly.
"No," he said, "You're upset... I don't want... not because you're upset."

"Rusty, please..."
"What?"
Ashley sat up so she was eye level with him.
"What?" he asked again.
"Rusty..." She slowly leaned in til they were only inches apart.
"What?" he asked again.
Ashley's hand slid up to rest on Rusty's cheek.
"What is it?"
Ashley slowly leaned in and touched her lips to his.
He pulled away.
Ashley sighed and laid back down again, starting to cry again.
"Ashley, don't." Rusty said, "It's not what you think..."
"Then what is it?" Ashley cried.
"I don't want you to kiss me because you're upset about Bobo and it's because I'm here."
Ashley sniffed. "See, Rusty? No engines like me. There's something wrong with me."
"No," Rusty said, "I don't count..."
"Why not? You're an engine. You're available."
Rusty shook his head.

Ashley began to sob. "I should go jump off a bridge."
"No, you shouldn't."
"Yes I should." Ashley started to push herself up.
"No." he pushed her back down.
Ashley struggled. "Lemme go!"
"No."
Ashley began to sob, clinging tightly to his hand.
Rusty leaned down towards her.
Ashley looked up at him, squeezing his hand tightly.
He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
Ashley grabbed his face and pressed her mouth to his in a pleading kiss.
Rusty didn't pull away.
Ashley held the kiss, her hand tracing over his face.
Rusty finally pulled away for air.
Ashley's eyes slowly opened, and she gazed up at him.
He blinked and looked down at her.

Ashley smiled ever so softly and traced a hand down his cheek.
"You're smiling..."
"Am I?" Ashley said softly.
He nodded.
Ashley snuggled into his arms.
"Better?" Rusty asked.
"A... a little," Ashley said softly.
"good..." he started to get up.
Ashley grasped his hand. "Rusty..."
"Yeah?"
"Stay?" Ashley pleaded.
"Okay."
Ashley smiled softly. "Thank you."
He nodded.
Ashley moved to give him room on the bed.
He slowly sank down next to her.
Ashley smiled weakly at him and curled closer.
He didn't pull away.
Ashley snuggled into his arms, trying hard not to cry.
He hugged her again.

Ashley held him tight. "I... I love you, Rusty."
Rusty didn't quite know what to say to that one.
Ashley looked up at him with pleading eyes, needing him to say something...
He hugged her tighter and then leaned in and kissed her gently.
Ashley threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
He finally pulled away, "Go to sleep now," he said softly, "I'll be here."
Ashley sniffed softly and nodded, laying her head down on her pillow. "Stay with me tonight?" she asked.
"I'm not going anywhere."

Ashley smiled gratefully and curled up to go to sleep.
He remained there, watching her until she fell asleep.
Ashley slept restlessly, not fully asleep, but not awake.
Rusty, still worried about her, fell asleep finally.

Ashley woke up about four in the morning.
Rusty was gone, but he had left his headband on the bed.
Ashley shifted. "Rusty?"
Obviously, there wasn't an answer.
Ashley grabbed his headband and held it to her chest. Where had Rusty gone?
Rusty, after an unsuccessful pleading session with Buffy, was in the kitchen, and Buffy was asleep.
Ashley got up, holding Rusty's headband to her chest. She slowly skated out of her room into the kitchen.
Rusty didn't notice, as he was facing the oven.

"Why did you leave me?" Ashley asked, her voice choked with sorrow.
He let out a yelp, "You're up..." he said, whirling to face her, "I...uh...wanted to finish...before you got up."
"Finish what?" Ashley asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Breakfast..."
"Rusty, it's four in the morning."
"And you are supposed to be sleeping..."
"But you left me," Ashley accused.
"only for about a minute..."
Ashley glared. "You said you wouldn't."
"I'm sorry-"
Ashley moved closer to him.
He skated towards her.
Ashley moved into his arms.
He hugged her, "I'm sorry...I just thought that I would make you breakfast..."
Ashley smiled weakly. "Thanks."

He nodded, "I wanted to finish before you got up..." he started.
"Why?"
"So I could bring it to you..."
Ashley smiled. "You're so sweet..."
He smiled back at her.
Ashley gave him another hug, staying in his arms this time.
He hugged her and then suddenly looked back and his eyes widened.
"What?" Ashley asked softly.

He let go of her and rushed over to the stove where there was now dark smoke.
Ashley's eyes widened, and she fought back a giggle.
Rusty turned the stove off and tried to fan the smoke away.
Ashley skated up behind him. "Well, at least we stuck with the smoke mentality."
Rusty made a face good-naturedly at her.
Ashley gave him a soft hug around the waist.
"Well... so much for breakfast..."
Ashley nodded. "Well, Buffy will be up in a few hours, I guess..."
"Yeah...and she'll probably clobber me..."
"Why? Cause you made a mess of her kitchen?"
"Well that and the fact that I woke her up at four in the morning..."
Ashley giggled. "Buffy isn't a morning person."
"I guess not..."
Ashley laid her cheek on his shoulder. "Well, I guess we can wait on breakfast than."
"Guess so..."
Ashley gave his hands a tug. "Come back to bed with me."
"what?"
"Let's go back to sleep." Ashley gave his hands a soft yank towards the bedroom.
"Oh, okay," Rusty smiled sheepishly, "I was..." he looked back at the kitchen, "I wasn't listening."

Ashley smiled and skated towards her room.
He followed her.
Ashley moved into her room and sat down on the bed.
He yawned softly as he followed her.
Ashley laid down on the bed, Rusty's red headband still clutched to her chest.
He blew his hair out of his eyes and sat down next to her.
Ashley smiled up at him shyly.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked.
"A... a little..." Ashley said softly. "But it still hurts a lot..."
"I know..." he said.
Ashley sniffed. "Will it ever get better, Rusty?"
"Well... I'm sure it will..."
Ashley sniffed. "I... I miss him."
"I know."

Ashley sniffed and reached out for him to hug her.
He leaned over and hugged her.
Ashley pulled him down next to her.
His eyes widened.
Ashley snuggled close to his chest.
He took a breath and relaxed.
Ashley curled into his arms, her cheek on his shoulder.
"It'll be okay..."
Ashley nodded slowly, a tear tracing its way down her cheek.
He closed his eyes.

Ashley suddenly pushed herself up and kissed him on the mouth.
His eyes flew open in surprise.
Ashley held the kiss, her hands tracing down his cheeks.
Rusty's eyes widened.
Ashley snuggled closer, stroking his jaw with soft fingertips.
He didn't want to push her away, given her current state, but...
Ashley slowly intensified the kiss.
He swallowed and his body automatically tensed.
Ashley slowly pulled away. "What?"
"Sorry..."
Ashley nodded and moved to kiss him again.

"Ashley-"
"Yes?"
He sighed, "You know that this makes me uncomfortable."
Ashley's eyes filled with tears.
"No, no, listen, it's not your fault."
"Yes it is," Ashley said softly.
"No. It's not your fault the way I am."
Ashley sniffed. "Then there has to be something wrong with me, if you don't like me."
"I didn't say that!"
"Then what?"
"Ashley, regardless of who it was, I would still be uncomfortable."
Ashley bit her lip. "Why? Rusty, I don't want to hurt you..."
"You aren't," he said, "And I don't know why, it's just the way I am..."
Ashley sniffed. "Rusty, it... it's just a kiss..."
"I don't mind kissing."
"Then why won't you let me?"
"I just don't want to go any further."
Ashley swallowed and sniffed again.

He reached out and gave her a hug.
Ashley melted into his embrace.
"Maybe you should talk to Belle..."
Ashley shook her head.
"Yeah. She knows more about this sort of thing than I do."
Ashley shook her head again. "No... I don't... don't want to."
"But I don't know what to do."
"Just hold me?" Ashley pleaded.
"Okay."
Ashley cuddled into his arms, laying her cheek on his warm chest.
Rusty shifted.
Ashley closed her eyes, tears teetering on her lashes.

"I'm sure that there's gotta be a reason..." he said softly.
Ashley shook her head.
"Yeah. There is no way that he could be doing what you thought he was."
"No... He... he doesn't love me..."
"He must."
"Then why would he do that to me?"
"Maybe he didn't. Maybe he wasn't."
Ashley looked up at him, hurt. "Are you trying to defend him?"
"No, I'm just saying..."
"I saw him, Rusty."
"Yeah, but you don't really know..."
"I know what I saw."
"But-"

Ashley pushed herself up, her eyes burning. "No one loves me, Rusty. I think you've proven that," she spat.
"What?" he gasped, "No Ashley, listen-"
Ashley glared and shoved back the covers. "Just stay away from me!"
"Ashley, I'm sorry!"
"No you're not!" Ashley spat, heading for the door.
"Ashley, come back."
"No! You don't care!" Ashley yelled, storming out of her room.
"No!" he chased after her.

Ashley reached the front door and yanked it open, sobbing.
He caught her couplings, "Ashley, wait."
Ashley slapped his hands.
He cringed, but held on, "Ashley, I'm sorry. I was just trying to say-"
Ashley struggled. "Let go! Leave me alone!"
"No."
"Let go! You don't care! Nobody cares!"
"But I do!"
"No, you don't! All you engines are alike! You don't care!" Ashley tried to yank away.
She pulled out his grip and he frantically tried to hang on to her.
Ashley suddenly whirled around and landed her palm across Rusty's face.
He yelped and let go of her.
Ashley streaked off down the steps and out into the morning.

Buffy sleepily emerged from her room, "what's going on out here? Rusty I told you to keep it down!"
"Ashley ran out," he said.
"she what?" Buffy said, rushing over to the doorway, "What did you say to her?"
"I...uh..." Rusty stammered.
She smacked him lightly in the back of the head, "well go find her before she does something!"
Rusty nodded and went out the door.
Ashley made her way towards the bridge, blinded by tears.

Meanwhile, Greaseball was out on an early morning run, pulling a few freight cars around.
Rusty ran, not sure of where to look.
Greaseball spotted Rusty running and pulled in front of him. "Where are you going at six in the morning, Steamer?"
"Uh."
"That's not an answer."
"I know, I'm sorry. Please let me pass."
"Why?"
"Please!"
"Why don't you go back to Ashley's house like a good little engine?"
"That's just it..." he panted, "I'll explain later!"
Greaseball smirked. "Oh, so you're running away now?"
Rusty shook his head.
"Then what are you doing?"
"I...I can't..."
"Can't what?"
"Can't say..."
"Why not?"
"Because. Please let me through."
Greaseball smirked. "Why should I?"
"Because I gotta find her!"

"You lost her?" Greaseball asked.
"Sorta..."
Greaseball snorted in laughter, but he stepped aside to let Rusty pass.
Rusty sped on, passing Greaseball a little too close.
Greaseball gave him a light smack as he passed.
Rusty yelped, but kept going.

Ashley was sitting on the bridge, her legs dangling over the side, Rusty's headband clutched to her chest as she stared down at the ground so far below.
Rusty came to a stop at the edge of the bridge, panting.
Ashley didn't even look up.
He swallowed, "A-Ashley?"
Ashley blinked but didn't move.
"Please come here."
Ashley didn't move.
"Please," he begged.
Ashley shook her head once ever so slowly.
"Ashley, please."
Ashley's red-rimmed eyes looked up at Rusty, fuzzy and unclear.

He swallowed again, and slowly stepped out onto the bridge.
Ashley looked away, her gaze returning to the ground far below them.
"Ashley, come on," he pleaded, inching forward, not looking down.
Ashley didn't move, except her grip tightened on Rusty's headband.
"Are you gonna hit me again?" he asked softly.
Ashley shook her head once.
"Okay..." he inched closer to her.
Ashley bit her lip as more tears cascaded down her face, falling down into the abyss beneath them.

Rusty made the mistake of watching that, and he darted over to one of the supports of the bridge, holding it tightly, squeezing his eyes shut.
Ashley glanced up at him questioningly, but she didn't move.
He opened his eyes, panting and sweating.
Ashley looked away, using Rusty's headband to wipe tears from her eyes.
He sank down to his knees.
Ashley ignored him.
He slowly crawled towards her, gripping the rails tightly with his fingers.
Ashley still didn't move.

"Why...why are you up here?" he asked.
Ashley was silent a moment, then, without looking at him, spoke. "How far do you think it is to the ground?"
"Much too far..."
"Far enough that I would die quickly?"
"What??" he was startled enough to look up, the world spun dizzily in front of him.
Ashley was silent.
He yelped, "Ashley, could we talk about this...on the ground?"
Ashley swung her legs dangerously.
He groaned and inched forward to her again.
Ashley didn't move.

He lay down next to her, panting.
Ashley blinked as more tears ran down her cheeks.
"Ashley," he pleaded.
Ashley glanced over at him.
He carefully didn't look over the side, "Don't do this..."
Ashley looked away. "Why? No one would care," she said softly, her voice cracked from crying.
"Yes they would. Buffy would care, Dinah would care, Belle would care, Poppa would care... I would care."
Ashley looked up at him with sorrowful eyes. "You really care?"
"Yes."
Ashley looked down again. "You're just saying that so I'll come back."
"Well... yeah I want you to come back."
Ashley sniffed and squeezed his headband tighter in her fist.
"Besides...why else would I come up here?"
Ashley shook her head.

"I hate heights..."
Ashley glanced down at the ground and bit her lip.
"I could grovel at your wheels again," Rusty offered.
Ashley shook her head weakly.
"No? I thought that you liked it."
Ashley closed her eyes.
"What else?"
"What?"
"What else would you like me to do?"
"Just... just leave me alone."
"If...if you'll come down..."
"No..."
"Well... why won't you?"
"Cause I won't. I have nothing to go back to."
"Thanks..." he muttered.

Ashley looked up at him.
"Oh don't worry about it," he said softly, "I'm used to it."
Ashley looked away again, letting his headband fall into her lap.
Rusty sat up slowly, "I am used to it," he said, "I mean... what you said before? About me being like other engines?"
Ashley nodded.
"I've never been told that before..."
Ashley bit her lip.
He shook his head, "I've always been different."
Ashley sighed softly.
"I'm a steamer."
Ashley nodded.
"Different."
Ashley nodded again.
He sighed and buried his head in his arms, "Too different."
Ashley glanced over at him questioningly.
"Something that the others, especially Greaseball, never hesitated to remind me of."
Ashley nodded again.
"It doesn't help matters that I'm short."
Ashley couldn't smile at his words.
"Nobody ever wants me to pull them either..."
Ashley looked away.

"You know why I was scared?"
Ashley shook her head.
"I mean when you were...kissing me and everything?"
Ashley didn't move.
"Because you're way out of my league..."
Ashley raised a brow.
"I liked it. You're a coach... a nice one...pretty. I'm a steam engine."
Ashley swallowed.
"I'm a short steamer, that's afraid of heights, and afraid of other engines."
Ashley looked up at him, tears still shining in her eyes.
"You were right y'know..." Rusty said.
"A... about what?"
"About what started all of this in the first place. I am a baby."
Ashley shook her head. "No..."
"Yes."

Ashley sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand.
He didn't move.
Ashley looked away again, her fingers curling around the band in her lap.
"At least you have friends, and are willing to stand up for yourself."
Ashley swallowed and pressed the soft cloth to her cheek.
"I don't dare to, when ever I tried I wound up getting my face punched in."
Ashley's face burned as she remembered the slap she had given him.
"Not that I didn't deserve it..."
"You didn't deserve it, Rusty," Ashley said softly.
"I talk back, and I argue. I should just keep my mouth shut."
Ashley shook her head.
"I should. I just get into trouble otherwise."
Ashley shook her head. "No..."

"I got stopped on the way here..."
"By who?"
"Greaseball. Who else?"
Ashley sighed softly.
"He let me pass... luckily."
Ashley swallowed.
"Yeah..." Rusty sighed.
Ashley fiddled with his headband.
Rusty looked up and brushed his hair out of his eyes. Of course it just fell back in his eyes.
Ashley sighed softly and held the red cloth to her face.
Rusty looked up at her.
Ashley glanced over at him.
He looked down again.

Ashley looked away from him, tears stinging her eyes. "Rusty..."
"What?"
"I... You..."
"Yeah?"
"I... I never cared that you were different."
He looked up at her.
"Do you honestly think it mattered to me?"
He nodded.
"Why?"
He leaned back, "well..."
Ashley swallowed and looked down at the ground again.
"I dunno..." he said finally, "It mattered to everyone else."
Ashley sniffed. "So, I'm everyone else now?"
"No. It's just that...if I ever assume anything I'm usually proven wrong."
Ashley looked away again, rubbing his headband over her cheek.
"I'm a lousy judge of what trains are like."
Ashley sniffed. "I... I thought with you, I... I might have a chance..."
"I started to though..." Rusty said softly.
Ashley swallowed.

"I started to maybe think that we could be friends..."
Ashley closed her eyes.
"I didn't dare hope for anything else."
"But... did you want anything else?" Ashley asked.
"I...guess.... but I guess I didn't want to be disappointed."
"Then... then why did you never want me to be around you?"
"Because I thought that you were just trying to make me uncomfortable, and if I let you...then I would... like you.. and if you were just trying to make me uncomfortable, and I thought that it was because you liked me...and you didn't..."
Ashley sniffed softly. "I... I did like you, Rusty. Really, I did. I guess. I guess you could never like me back."
"You did..." he said, "Past tense."
"You think I don't like you now?"
"I don't know what to think."
Ashley took a deep breath, shifting slightly on the edge of the bridge.
He watched her, alarmed.
Ashley sat still again, the headband clutched to her cheek.

"Ashley..." there was something different in his tone, something frightened.
Ashley opened her eyes slightly to look at him.
"I...I can't move."
"Oh."
He was staring wide-eyed over the edge.
Ashley swiped at the tears on her cheeks. "I'll never have anyone who cares for me, Rusty. You won't ever love me, Bobo doesn't love me..."
"No."
Ashley wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
"I-if I didn't c-care about y-you why w-would I come u-up here?"
Ashley shrugged.
"Oh Starlight, I hate heights!"
Ashley sighed softly. "But you don't love me."
"How do you know that?"
"Because you don't want me to be near you."
"But-" he shivered, "Actually right now, I'd appreciate it."
Ashley looked up. "Really?"
He shivered, "Uh huh..."
Ashley looked away and shifted again on the edge of the bridge.
"Please."
"You just want me here cause you're scared."
He whimpered softly.
Ashley sighed. "You don't love me, Rusty, so why should you try to build up my hopes?"
"You obviously don't care about me..."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you won't help me," he closed his eyes, "I hate heights, I can't move. I still came. I still came by you."
Ashley sighed angrily. "Just because you're scared of heights and want me to hold your hand doesn't mean you love me."
"No. But when I saw you out here, I didn't have to come."
"Cause you couldn't live with the guilt if I pushed off this bridge," Ashley spat.
"You...you let me go yesterday, but I wouldn't go."
Ashley sniffed and closed her eyes again. "Cause you were sorry for me. That's why."
"No. I would have woken Buffy up... or brought Belle."

"Then why did you let me kiss you and you sleep next to me, if it makes you so uncomfortable?"
"Because it didn't."
"Then why wouldn't you let me kiss you this morning?"
"Because I was afraid. Afraid of myself."
"Afraid of yourself?"
"I'm afraid to fall in love okay?"
"But... but why?" Ashley asked softly.
"Because you're way out of my league. I said that before."
"So you're afraid to fall in love with me cause I'm a passenger car and you're a steam train?"
"Yes."
"But that doesn't matter to me."
"Really?"
Ashley nodded.
"You're not just saying that to make me feel better, or because you're upset?"
Ashley shook her head.
"Really? Because I don't want you to say that just because you're upset about what happened."
Ashley looked away. "Well, I am... I probably always will be... But..."
"Ashley, I don't want you to say that you love me just because you need someone to take his place... I want to because...you do."
Ashley sniffed and looked up pitifully at him. "Rusty, no one could ever replace him... I loved him... But... But I don't see any reason why you couldn't love me and I love you..."

Rusty smiled hopefully.
Ashley looked away. "But somehow, I just get the feeling, that you couldn't love me in return."
"Why?"
"Because you never felt comfortable around me. What makes you think you would now?"
"I didn't feel comfortable around you because I thought that you were just making fun of me, teasing me."
Ashley blushed. "I... I was at first, but... but I haven't been now."
"Really?" he looked up hopefully.
Ashley nodded, drying the last of her tears with the headband.
"If you aren't..." he started.
Ashley waited.
"If you aren't teasing me, or *trying* to make me uncomfortable..."
Ashley shifted uneasily.
"If I knew that... then maybe..."
Ashley sighed softly.
"Maybe I would be."

Ashley looked up at him, then slowly inched along until she was right next to him.
Rusty looked grateful.
Ashley reached over and squeezed his hand gently.
He smiled at her.
Ashley shyly smiled back.
"Thank you..."
"For what?"
"For coming over here."
Ashley smiled softly and leaned in a bit, her knuckles tracing softly over his cheek.
He reached out and touched her face with a shaking hand.
Ashley tilted her head to rest her cheek in his palm, then slowly leaned in and touched her mouth to his.
Rusty leaned forward and kissed her back.
Ashley held the kiss, her arms going around him from her precarious position, her legs still dangling over the edge of the bridge.
He gently pulled her backwards towards the center of the bridge.
Ashley let him pull her, sinking into his arms.
He relaxed a little, but was still a bit stiff.
Ashley slid her arms around his waist and kissed him deeply.

He slowly pulled away and gazed at her.
Ashley gazed back at him, mesmerized by his eyes.
He held her, but didn't relax any further.
Ashley cuddled into his arms. "Are you okay?"
"don't like heights..."
"I know." Ashley pressed a soft kiss to his chin.
"Can we...get down now?"
Ashley slowly nodded. "Can you get up?"
"I...dunno..."
"Come on." Ashley gave him a soft tug.
Rusty slowly, shakily got to his wheels.
Ashley helped him up.
He panted and then slowly started across the bridge.
Ashley held him securely, clutching his headband in one hand.
"Thank you..." he said softly.
Ashley smiled and nodded, leaning in to touch her mouth to his.
He turned his head, "Can we get down first?"

Ashley giggled and nodded, starting to lead him off the bridge.
He smiled.
Ashley smiled back. "Almost there."
"good..."
Ashley squeezed his hands. "Gonna be okay?"
"I think so. You?"
Ashley nodded.
"Good," he moved forward again.
Ashley held him tightly and led him on.
"Nearly there..."
"Yeah." Ashley gave his hand a soft, encouraging kiss.
He pulled one of his hands away from her.
Ashley's eyes narrowed a bit.
He turned back and reached up to brush her hair back from her face with his free hand.
Ashley smiled shyly, enjoying his soft touch.
He turned and kept going.
Ashley squeezed his hand and leaned in, touching her mouth ever so gently to his.
He pulled away from her, feeling his wheels on solid ground again.
Ashley's eyes narrowed, and she tried to kiss him again.
He pulled her forward a bit. "Ashley...come on..." he pulled her hands down and pulled her forward.
Ashley's eyes filled with tears, and she glared at him, yanking her hands away from him.
"What is it?" he asked, puzzled.
"I'm not hurting you..."
"No, you're not..."
Ashley's eyes burned. "It was just a kiss..."
"yeah...?"
"Why did you pull away?"
"Because I wanted to be off the bridge..."
"You're off the bridge!" Ashley almost screamed.
Rusty nodded and reached out to take her hands.
Ashley pulled her hands away.
"Ashley?" he tried again.
Ashley leaned in, grasping his face firmly between her palms, and pressing her mouth to his in a hot kiss.
His eyes widened, then closed and started backing up.

Ashley's eyes went wide, and she screamed. "You don't care! That's it! I'm jumping!" She turned and raced back onto the bridge.
Rusty's eyes flew open and he gasped, chasing after her.
Ashley stopped in the middle of the bridge. She clutched Rusty's headband to her chest, closed her eyes...
Rusty threw his arms around her and pulled her back, holding her tightly as he kept going, running across the bridge and onto the tracks.
Ashley struggled, kicking and screaming, tears flowing down her face.
He pulled her along down the tracks.
Ashley suddenly went limp in Rusty's arms.
He didn't loosen his grip.
Ashley sobbed softly. "Rusty...
He kept going, holding her tightly.
Ashley snuggled into his arms, hugging him tightly.

He pulled off into the sidings, shaking.
Ashley cuddled into his arms, trembling violently.
"Oh... Starlight..." Rusty panted.
Ashley curled into his arms, clinging to him tightly.
He closed his eyes weakly.
Ashley sobbed softly, her cheek resting on his chest, her knees pulled close to her as she cried.
"Ashley? I'm gonna let go of you for a second okay? I promise I won't leave or anything like that."
Ashley slowly nodded, sniffing softly.
He let go of her and slowly pulled away.
Ashley curled against the wall, pulling her legs to her chest and rocking herself back and forth.

Rusty sank to his knees next to her, and then he sank down ever further at her wheels, "don't ever do that again," he begged.
Ashley sniffed and swiped at her nose, nodding slowly at him, tears snaking down her dark cheeks.
He looked up.
Ashley hiccuped softly, sniffing away at tears.
"May I get up?"
Ashley nodded.
He got up and sat next to her.
Ashley leaned against him, shivering.
"Told...told you I'd grovel again..."
Ashley nodded, her arms going around him to hug him tightly.
He held her again.

Ashley curled close to him. "I... I'm sorry..."
"Shh...shh... Let's go home."
Ashley nodded and stumbled to her feet.
He held her steady.
Ashley clung tightly to him.
He carefully led her down the rails to her house.

Ashley held tight to him all the way, sobbing softly and hiccuping every now and then as she tried to catch her breath.
Rusty opened the door and led her inside.
Ashley held him tightly.
Buffy stood up when she saw them come in.
Ashley shrank back against Rusty.
"Ashley?" Buffy asked.
Ashley looked up at her best friend through red eyes.
"What happened?"
Ashley swallowed and gasped softly, clinging tighter to Rusty.
"I found her on the bridge," Rusty said softly. "Oh no..." Buffy gasped.
Ashley curled against Rusty, hugging him tight, her cheek on his chest.

"Aw Ashley, c'm'ere," Buffy said.
Ashley slowly left Rusty's side and moved over to the taller buffet car.
"Have a seat," Buffy said.
Ashley slowly sat down on the couch, shivering.
"Now listen to me sugah, engines stink," She looked up at Rusty, "No offense."
He smiled, "None taken."
Ashley nodded slowly.
"And anyone that would stoop that low certainly isn't worth you giving up over him."
Ashley sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I... I know, but... it... it hurt... I mean, we've been together for so long..."
"but you're mad at him right?"
"Yeah..."
"Then why would you let him win?"
Ashley sniffed and wiped her eyes again.
"I mean, if you gave up, that would mean that he won. You aren't a loser. He is."
Ashley forced a weak smile.
Buffy nodded firmly.
Ashley curled close to Buffy. "I... I know..."
"I mean, look what he lost."
Ashley smiled softly.

The phone rang.
Ashley sniffed softly. "I... I can get it..."
"No," Buffy said, "Don't worry about it."
"I'll get it..." Rusty said softly, getting up.
Ashley swallowed and sat back down.
A few minutes later, Rusty peeked his head back in the living room.
Ashley looked up from her spot on the couch.
"It's the...loser..."
Ashley swallowed. "I... I should talk to him, I guess..."
Rusty nodded and brought her the phone.
Ashley took a deep breath and picked up the phone. "H... Hello?" she said softly.
"Ashley?"
Just hearing his voice brought tears to her eyes. She gasped and pulled the phone away, shoving the receiver against Rusty's chest. "I... I can't... You talk to him..."
"Uh..."
Ashley buried her face in her hands.

"Hello?" Rusty said into the phone.
"Rusty? Where is Ashley?" Bobo's voice held concern.
"Next to me..." Rusty started.
"What is wrong with her? She left the train yard..."
"She was upset..."
"Why?"
"Because she saw you with someone else."
"Someone else? She is my coach."
"Yes, but she saw you with another coach..."
"When? I do not recall..."
"While she was waiting for you to come back to get her..."
"Oh!" Bobo seemed to recall almost instantly. "Mon deui... Rusty, does she think she was my coach?"
"Well... yeah."
"That... I was helping out a friend... That coach was his... He needed me to pull her..."
"Well Ashley didn't know that," Rusty nearly snapped.
"I did not think she saw me... But, Rusty, surely you must believe me... I did not mean to hurt her..."
"You did a darn good job of it then."
"I did not think... I thought she knew she was my only one... Rusty, please tell her for me..."
"one moment please," Rusty said.
Bobo waited nervously.

Rusty covered the phone, "Ashley?"
Ashley looked up at him with sad eyes.
"He says that he's sorry, and that he was doing someone else a favor by pulling the coach, and that he has no interest in her, only in you."
Ashley's eyes filled with tears. "Why did he look like he liked her?"
"Why did you look like you liked her?" Rusty asked Bobo.
"I do not understand," Bobo said softly.
"He doesn't understand..."
"She... she said something to him, and... and he laughed!" Ashley sniffed, a wail of desperation in her voice.
"She said something to you and you laughed."
"Oh, that. We were simply talking, Rusty. To pass the time across the yard... She was telling me a story..."
Rusty held back a sigh, "He says that they were just talking and that she was telling him a story."
Ashley's eyes went wide, and she held out her hand for the phone.
"Hang on," Rusty said to Bobo, "she's willing to talk to you again."

Ashley grabbed the phone. "Bobo?"
"Ashley?"
"Bobo, I'm sorry!" Ashley began to sob.
"No no, I am sorry!"
Ashley sniffed. "I... I was jealous... I thought..."
"I did not think..."
"I... I thought you didn't love me anymore," Ashley sobbed.
"No! Of course not!"
"You... you still love me?" Ashley asked.
"Yes! Very much so!"
Ashley sobbed softly. "I..." She suddenly stopped and looked up at Rusty.
Rusty reversed slowly.
"I was so upset when you were gone. I did not know what to do," Bobo said.
Ashley bit her lip as she gazed at Rusty, their conversation minutes before on the bridge coming back to her. She held her breath a moment.

Rusty lowered his eyes and started towards the living room.
Ashley pulled the phone away from her ear. "Rusty?"
"Yeah?"
"Rusty, do... do you... do you still love me?"
"Don't worry about it," he smiled at her, "I told you that he wasn't cheating on you."

Ashley swallowed hard, but she forced a smile and held the phone back up to her ear. "I... I love you, Bobo. I do."
"I love you too. So very much!"
Ashley began to sob. "I... I'm so sorry I ran away..."
"I'm sorry that I made you run away."
Ashley held the phone closer. "You... you're not mad at me?"
"No. of course not."
Ashley smiled. "I... I want to see you again..."
"As do I. This time I will come... but I cannot get away until day after tomorrow."
"I... I think I can wait that long..."
"I cannot. But I will have to."
Ashley smiled. "It will be a struggle, but I'll look forward to it."
"As will I."
Ashley smiled and touched the phone with her fingertips.
He blew her a kiss, "I love you."
"I love you too," Ashley whispered, tears gliding down her cheeks.
"I will see you soon."
"Yes, see you soon."
"Good bye"
"Bye," Ashley whispered.
Bobo slowly hung up the phone.
Ashley listened to the dial tone a moment, then hung up the phone.

Rusty was sitting on the couch in the living room.
Ashley skated over to him and sat down next to him.
He smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back. "I... I hope you're not too hurt..."
"Nah, don't worry about me," he said with a smile, "I'm glad that things worked out."
Ashley nodded. "Me too."
He smiled, "Although..."
"Yes?"
"I would like to still be friends."
Ashley nodded. "Me too."
He smiled, "so..."

Ashley stroked his cheek gently. "I suppose you might want to go visit Poppa?"
"Can I?"
Ashley nodded. "Can you be back by noon?"
"...yeah. Yeah I guess so."
Ashley smiled. "Okay."
He stood up.
Ashley stood up too, brushing off her skirt.
"See ya."
"Bye. And Rusty?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"No problem." he headed towards the door.
Ashley watched him go, smiling to herself.
Rusty closed the door behind him and headed down the tracks.

Buffy emerged from the kitchen.
Ashley looked up at Buffy with a happy smile.
Buffy grinned back, "You gonna be alright then?"
Ashley nodded slowly. "Yeah..."
Buffy smiled. "good, I'm gonna run out for a second okay? I gotta pick some things up."
Ashley nodded. "Okay. I think I'm gonna go back to bed."
Buffy nodded, "I'll see ya in a bit."
Ashley nodded. "Okay."
Buffy grinned, grabbed her bag and left.
Ashley headed for her room to go back to bed.

Buffy looked around and then saw Rusty further down the tracks. "Hey Rusty!"
He pretended not to hear her and kept going.
"Rusty stop!" Buffy called, running after him and catching his couplings.
"What?" he asked dully.
"That was really nice of you," she said, letting him go.
"What was?"
"What you said to Ashley?quot; Buffy said, "That was really nice."
"Oh. Can I go now?" he asked.
"One more thing?quot; Buffy said.
"What?" he asked.
"You are a horrible liar. You do know that don't you?"
"You...you aren't gonna tell her are you?" Rusty pleaded.
"Well?quot;
"Look, I'm still working for her for the rest of this week, but after that...quot; he started.
"Rusty, I won't tell her," Buffy said, "And I won't hold it against you either."
"Really?" he asked, he turned around and hugged her, "Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!"
"Alright, alright, let go," she said.
"Sorry," he said pulling away from her, "I...gotta go."

Rusty was on his way home, rather happy that he was going home.
Greaseball suddenly pulled up beside him. "Didja find her, Steam Train?"
Rusty nodded.
"Good. I'd hate to think you couldn't find one little coach."
"No, I found her..." Rusty said a bit absently.
"Good. I suggest you don't lose her again."
"I won't."
"Why'd you lose her in the first place?"
"Can't say."
"Why not?"
"Promised I wouldn't."
Greaseball raised a brow. "Oh, so we're keeping secrets now?"
Rusty shrugged.
"Good or bad secret?"
He shrugged again, "Ashley doesn't want her business all over the trainyard."
"Well, if it's not a naughty secret, then why shouldn't I know?"
"Ask her."
"Why go bother her when I can bother you?"
"Because I promised that I won't tell."
"So it's a naughty secret then?"

Rusty started moving again.
Greaseball shoved him back in front of him.
"Greaseball, I'm sorry, but I can't tell you."
"Why not? Embarrassing?"
He stopped to think about that for a minute, "Maybe..."
Greaseball raised a brow. "Oh?"
"May I go please?"
"No."
"w-why not?"
"Because I'm not done with you."
"You're not?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because you haven't told me the secret."
"but-"
"So, I wanna know if you did something naughty or if she did."
He looked down, "It wasn't...me."
"Oh, so Ashley did something bad?"
"No!"
"Well, if you didn't and she didn't, that doesn't leave anyone left."
"Oh."
"So, what did she do? Something to you?"
"No."
"So what happened?"
"Stuff." Rusty started to go again.
Greaseball pushed him back again.
"Please let me go."
"Why?"
"b-because..."
"Rusty, are you just too embarrassed about what she did to tell me?"
"I told you! I promised that I wouldn't tell!"
Greaseball smirked. "Well, it can't be what I think then."
"Probably not. The problem is, if I tell you, then you'll tell somebody else, and then everyone will know."
"Probably," Greaseball said with a careless shrug.
"Then I can't tell you."
Greaseball rolled his eyes. "You're too goody-goody, Steam Train."
He shrugged.
Greaseball crossed his arms over his chest.

"Can I go now?"
"No. One more thing."
"What?"
"How much longer are you gonna be out? It's getting to be a pain to rearrange your schedule."
"End of this week..."
"Great," Greaseball mumbled.
"Can I go now?"
"No."
Rusty sighed.
"I hope you're not gonna be stupid enough to make another bet with Ashley, so you can get back to your normal job."
"I won't."
"Good."

"How about now?" Rusty asked.
Greaseball raised a brow. "My my, aren't we getting a little demanding?" he hissed, stepping closer to Rusty.
"I'm sorry..." Rusty said lowering his eyes to the ground and bowing his head.
"That's better," Greaseball smirked.
Rusty closed his eyes so he wouldn't glare at Greaseball.
"I hope Ashley's teaching you some respect, Rusty. I'd hate to have to beat you up when you get back cause you forgot to respect diesel."
He shook his head slowly.
"I'm sure you wouldn't like that, would you?"
"No..."
"Didn't think so. Although I rather enjoy seeing you bleed."
Rusty swallowed.
Greaseball smirked softly. "And my friends are kinda missing using you as a punching bag too."
Rusty seemed to shrink.
"You may wanna stay with Ashley longer," Greaseball smirked. "She's probably safer than being out here."

Rusty looked at his watch and gasped.
"What?"
"I'm late..."
"For what?"
"Ashley sent me out..."
"For what?"
"To... to take a message to Belle..." he sighed.
"And you're late now?"
He nodded slowly.
"Oh good. I'm glad to know I'm getting you in trouble again."
"I have to go..." Rusty said softly.
Greaseball finally stepped aside.
Rusty sped away down the tracks.
Greaseball gave him a swat on the side of the head as he passed.
Rusty went faster.
Greaseball watched him go and skated away laughing.

Rusty couldn't help smiling to himself, happy that Greaseball had believed him. He reached home and went inside.
"Belle!" he called, rushing over to the sleeper, who was sitting in the kitchen. She stood up and he darted into her arms, giving her a quick hug.
"I heard about your... trip," she said slowly.
He didn't answer, then he nodded, "I missed you, and Poppa."
"We would have appreciated being told that you were leaving/// Belle started.
"Yeah I know," Rusty said, "I... didn't have a choice."
"I figured," Belle said with a sigh, "Rusty, honey, I'm sorry about all of this."
"Yeah..." Rusty said, "Yeah I know."
"Are you alright?" Belle asked.
He nodded and then slowly shook his head, then nodded again, "Now that I'm home...."
"How long are you home for?" Belle asked.
"'Til noon..."
Belle nodded and went back to setting the table, putting another plate down for Rusty.
"Can I help?" he asked.
She shook her head, "I suspect that you've been doing more than your share of that these last few days."
He smiled, "Yeah."