The Midnight Train Crossing

Rusty raced down the tracks, as fast as his wheels would take him.
Ashley checked her watch and sighed softly.
Rusty panted as he stopped at her door to catch his breath.
Ashley sat down on the couch, fretting.
He inched the door open.
Ashley looked up.

"hi..." he said softly.
"Rusty!" Ashley cried, dashing over to the door and throwing herself into his arms.
He was startled, he had expected her to be mad.
Ashley hugged him tight, nearly bouncing on her wheels. "You're back!"
"Yeah... look I'm sorry that I'm late-"
"It's okay." Ashley grabbed his hand and pulled. "Come on."
"Where're we going?"
"I wanna do some cleaning."
He sighed softly and let her pull him.
Ashley glanced back at him with a giggly smile. "We have lots to do before Bobo comes."
"Oh," he had a sinking feeling.

Ashley gave him a nudge. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing...I just had... a problem out there."
"Is that why you were late?"
"...yeah. Yeah."
Ashley's giggly expression turned to one of concern. "What happened?"
"Greaseball."
"Oh dear. Are you all right?"
"Yeah. He just bothered me...wouldn't let me pass."
"Didn't you tell him you were still working for me?"
"Yeah...I...I told him that I was doing an errand for you and he finally let me go..."
"But he gave you some trouble?"
Rusty nodded, ears burning.
Ashley pulled Rusty into a comforting hug. "Aw, Rusty, I'm sorry... I shouldn't have... I should have thought about that..."
"It's alright, it's not your fault... it's not like it's anything new."
"But you shouldn't be bothered if you're working for me..."
"He didn't when I told him...that I was."
"Did he know you were still working for me 'til then?"
Rusty nodded and then shrugged. "Maybe he thought that you had let me off or something."

Ashley suddenly seemed to get an idea. "Hold still."
"What? Why?"
"Just hold still."
He obediently held still.
Ashley slipped her pendant off her neck, polishing the "Smoking" sign a moment, then slipping it over Rusty's head. "There."
"What...?" he started.
"Now everyone knows you belong to me."
Goody... Rusty thought, out loud he just said, "oh."
Ashley smiled. "Now no one will bother you."
That's debatable... "Yeah."
Ashley gave him a quick hug.

"So..." he said once she had pulled away, "What are you having me do now?"
"We're gonna clean house!"
"yay."
Ashley giggled. "It hasn't been cleaned for a while, and I want Bobo to like it here."
"Okay then."
Ashley handed him a rag. "You can dust first."

"Hold on a minute!" Buffy called.
Ashley looked up. "What?"
Buffy skated towards Rusty, "I think that he should clean up the kitchen first, seeing as how he nearly burnt it down this morning..."
Ashley giggled. "Good point."
"Come along Rusty," Buffy said cheerfully.
Ashley headed for her room to make her bed.
Rusty followed Buffy where she put him to work cleaning up the stove.

Ashley hummed to herself as she fluffed her pillows.
Once she was satisfied that Rusty was working, Buffy skated into Ashley's room and leaned on the door, watching her.
Ashley looked up at Buffy and smiled.
"You've got it bad..." Buffy teased.
Ashley giggled. "I guess so."
Buffy skated over to Ashley's bed.
Ashley headed for her closet.
Buffy picked up one of Ashley's pillows and considered.
Ashley didn't notice, throwing things out of her closet.
Buffy ducked as something came flying her way, "Hey, watch it!"
"Sorry!" Ashley's voice was muffled from inside the closet.
"Hey Ashley..." Buffy said with a smile.
"What?"
"What are you looking for?"
"Nothing."
"Then why are you in the closet?"
"Cleaning."
"Ashley, honey, he's not gonna look in your closet..."
"He might!"
"Oh? What are you planning?" Buffy said.
"Nothing, but he might look!"
Buffy laughed.

Ashley flung out one of her brown skirts that went flying across the room.
Buffy caught it and threw it back.
"Aah!" Ashley yelped, appearing out of the closet, the skirt clamped firmly to her head. "It got me! Aah!"
Buffy grinned and threw the pillow at Ashley.
Ashley ducked, just avoiding the fluffy projectile. "Hey, come on, I'm trying to get it clean!"
Buffy looked around the room, which now had clothes scattered across the floor, "Darn good job of it too."
Ashley stuck out her tongue.
Buffy grinned.
"How about you help?" Ashley tossed the pillow back to her.
Buffy grinned and caught the pillow, tossing it back.
Ashley pouted and tossed the pillow on the floor.
"Aww come on, I'm just teasin'."
Ashley made a face. "So'm I."
Buffy grinned, "I know."
Ashley grinned and went back to cleaning her closet.
Buffy laughed again, "I think that I'll go check on the 'help'."
Ashley giggled. "Okay."

Buffy started towards the door.
Ashley threw out a pair of too-small skates.
Buffy stuck her head back in, "One question though..."
"Yeah?"
"You gonna be done in time?"
"I better be!"
Buffy grinned and left the room.
Ashley threw some more things out of the closet.

In the kitchen, Rusty had gotten most of the black out of the stove.
Buffy raised her eyebrows, "How'd you get it clean so fast?"
He smiled and blew a puff of steam in her general direction.
Ashley hummed to herself as she pulled some things out of her closet. She picked up a dress of hers, something she hadn't ever worn.
"Well since you finished with that," Buffy said, holding out a mop. He stuck his tounge out at her and took the mop.
Ashley slid the dress on, admiring how it hugged her soft curves and added to her already abundant figure. She turned and headed for the kitchen.
Buffy stood in the doorway, watching Rusty mop and offering 'helpful' advice about him missing spots.

Ashley skated into the kitchen, fluffing the skimpy skirt. "Hey, Buff, whatcha think of this?"
Buffy turned around, "Woah, where did that come from?"
"The bottom of my closet."
"Hmm...I've never seen it before..." she commented, skating over to take a better look.
Ashley twirled for her to look at it. "Think Bobo'd like it?"
"Hmm..." Buffy said thoughtfully.
"Should I see what Rusty says?"
Buffy looked Ashley over and grinned evily, "I have a guess..."
Ashley giggled and skated over to Rusty. "Hey, Rusty..."
"What?" he asked without looking up, "Careful, the floor's wet."
"Rusty, look and tell me what you think."
"huh?" he looked up.
"What do you think?" Ashley held out her arms for him to look at the dress, if it could even be called a dress.
Rusty's mouth fell open slightly and he stared for a second, then realized he was staring and he looked away, but not before he felt not only his ears start burning but his entire face.
Ashley leaned in closer. "Rusty, do you like it?" she asked, stooping slighty, unconciously letting her soft bustline droop even further for him to see.
Buffy held back a giggle. Rusty looked like he had just been painted.

Rusty swallowed, seeming to have lost the ability to speak.
Ashley crossed her arms over her chest. "Rusty..." she growled, trying to get his attention.
Rusty opened his mouth but no sound came out.
"Don't you think it's pretty?"
He opened his mouth again and a whistle came out. He immedeatly went about three shades brighter red.
Ashley giggled. "Is that a yes?"
"I don't think that Rusty can talk any more..." Buffy commented.
"Aww, why not?" Ashley giggled, moving closer to him.
Buffy laughed as well.

Ashley slid her arms around Rusty's neck playfully. "Rusty, talk to me," she pouted.
"Uh..." Finally a sound.
Ashley giggled. "Well, he has some semblance of voice left."
He gently detached her from his neck, "I...I don't..."
"Don't what?"
"Don't think it's...right on you..."
"Why not?"
"Because..." he started backing away.
Ashley pouted. "What, I don't look good in it?"
"It's damaged..."
"It is?"
He nodded.
"Where?"
"Part of it's missing," he said, and then bolted.
Ashley glanced back at Buffy. "Is he right?"

Buffy, at this point was on the verge of laughing hysterically, "No..." she said slowly.
"What's so funny?" Ashley asked, wrinkling her nose.
"You are so lucky she doesn't get it," Buffy called after the fleeing steam engine.
Ashley glared. "You're mean," she pouted.
"What?" Buffy asked.
"What's wrong with it?" Ashley asked, looking down at the dress.
Buffy skated over to Ashley, "He was teasing. Haven't you ever picked up a short skirt and had somebody ask where the rest of it was?"
Ashley shook her head. "No."
"He thinks it's too short," Buffy said with a grin.
"Oh," Ashley said softly.
"Although *I* think it was because he was trying to save face after that wonderful expression he had when he saw you. I won't forget that one soon." Buffy said.
Ashley giggled softly. "I think I scared him."
"Well... should we go get revenge on him for that crack?" Buffy asked, dead serious.
"Like what?" Ashley asked.
"Hmm..." Buffy looked thoughtful, "Unless you don't want to. He is yours after all..."
"Well, it depends what you have in mind..."
"You could go bother him..." Buffy offered, "see how red he turns."
Ashley nodded. "I think I will." She turned and skated out of the kitchen.

Rusty shot back from the door, where he had been listening.
Ashley followed him. "Rusty, wait."
"What?" he asked, looking at the floor.
Ashley moved over to his side. "Rusty, what's wrong?"
"I'm afraid that you're gonna hit me," he said with a smile.
Ashley giggled. "I wouldn't do that."
"Oh. Whew." he still didn't look up.
Ashley reached out to touch his cheek. "Rusty, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, now that I know that you aren't gonna hit me..." he said teasingly.
Ashley giggled. She slowly pushed his chin up so he had to look at her dress. "Honestly, do you like it?"
He blushed again.
"Do you?"
"Well..."
Ashley waited.
"I'm not too fond of being red..."
Ashley giggled softly. "Well... pretend you were Bobo. Would you like it?"
"I...I dunno... I mean... it's nice...but...I dunno... I'm not sure that I-he- would like...everything...out there."
Ashley glanced down. "You think it shows too much?"
"Well... yeah."
"Are you saying that or is Bobo saying that?"
"Um..."
Ashley gazed down at him.
"Me I guess," he said finally.

"Don't you like it, Rusty?"
He pulled away from her, "Hey, come on now...you know I'm shy about this...sort of thing."
"Well, yeah, but... you're still an engine..."
"I'm still shy about this sort of thing..."
Ashley sighed softly. "Well, I suppose I could wear something else..."
"I think... I'm supposed to be mopping..."
"That can wait."
"Good. Tell that to Buffy."
"Okay," Ashley giggled.
Rusty smiled, though he hadn't stopped blushing.
"Come on. You can help me clean my closet."
"Oh. do I have to?"
"Yeah."
"Oh. d'you think you could...change first?"
"I guess."
"Thank you."
Ashley skated into her room to change.

Buffy skated over to Rusty, brandishing the mop. "Nuh uh," he said, "Got a new job now..."
Ashley opened the door, lacing up her bodice. "Okay, come on."
Rusty yelped and bolted over to Ashley, rubbing the back of his neck, which Buffy had just attacked with the mop.
"Buffy, that wasn't nice!" Ashley scolded playfully.
Buffy smiled innocently.
Ashley grabbed Rusty and steered him into her room.
Rusty stuck his tongue out at Buffy and let Ashley pull him.
Ashley closed the door behind her.

"okay, now what?" Rusty asked.
"You can help me clean my closet."
"Why are you cleaning your closet?" he asked curiously.
"Cause I need to."
"Ok."
Ashley began by handing him the dress she had just worn. "Put that on my bed.
He tossed it onto the bed quickly.
Ashley watched him, then moved closer to him. "Rusty?"
"What?"
"You don't seem uncomfortable when I wear this." Ashley motioned to her normal outfit, which, although a bit more conservative, still showed off her well-endowed proportions.
"well...you always wear that..."
"But, you can still see a lot..." She motioned to her chest.
"I don't look."
"But you didn't try to look at the other one either..."
He sighed and sat down on her bed, "Why are you asking me?"
"Cause you're the only engine around."
"yeah but...why are you asking me now?"
"Well, you didn't get uncomfortable til I put on that other dress, so I just kinda thought..."
"thought what?"
"Maybe something was wrong?"
He shook his head.
"Oh, okay." Ashley didn't sound very convinced.
"You surprised me..."
"I did?"
"Yeah. That wasn't at all what I expected to see when I looked up." He smiled.
Ashley giggled, then went serious. "Rusty... did you like it?"
He didn't answer, turning a bit red again.
"Rusty?"
"You may not be embarrassed by it, but I am."
"That wasn't the question."
"Yeah, but it's the answer."
Ashley sighed. "Rusty, I'm not gonna tell anyone."
"I don't know," Rusty said, getting up, "All I felt was embarrassed."
"Oh," Ashley said softly.
"Yeah. Well. Closet."
Ashley didn't move. "Rusty, I... I'm sorry."
"No worries."
Ashley leaned in and gave him a soft, apologetic kiss on the cheek.

He smiled, "So. What do you want me to do?"
Ashley smiled at him and got up, heading for the closet. "Play coathook."
"Yes Ma'am."
Ashley giggled and began to load things into his arms.
Rusty obediently stood there.
Ashley tossed a few things out, some catching Rusty in the face.
"'ey careful!" he protested.
"Sorry," Ashley giggled, flinging out a top that landed on Rusty's head.
"Argh." he commented, unable to move.
Ashley giggled. "Wish I had a camera."
"Glad you don't," he retorted.
Ashley grinned and yanked out a few more things, scattering them at Rusty's feet, stirring up dust.
He gasped and held his breath.
Ashley coughed softly.
He closed his eyes, but it didn't help, "Ah-"
Ashley tossed out a few old skates.
"Ah-choo!"
"Bless you," Ashley commented, her voice muffled by her depth in the closet.
Rusty sneezed again.
Ashley finally emerged. "There, I think that's everything."
Rusty, was now virtually buried under a mountain of clothes.
Ashley wiped dust from her frame. "Icky."
He sneezed yet again.
Ashley giggled. "I think we'll both need a shower."

"Ashley?"
"Yeah?"
"If you don't start unloading me I swear I'm gonna fall over."
Ashley giggled and pulled a few things off the pile.
"Thank you."
"Of course." Ashley tossed a few things onto her bed.
"Are you gonna get this all done in time?" Rusty asked.
"I better."
Rusty made a bit of a face as he thought of something.
Ashley didn't notice, folding some clothes into a drawer.
He started to say something, but thought better of it.
Ashley turned back to him with a smile. "We'll just have to work hard."
"Yeah..." he said slowly.
Ashley giggled. "We'll get it done, you'll see."
"Yeah...but..."
"But?"
"Nothing."
Ashley giggled. "Okay."
"Yeah..." Rusty set the pile of clothes down on the bed.

Ashley was silent a moment, brushing dust off of Rusty's frame. "But?" she prompted again.
"huh?" he asked.
"But?"
"Well...I was just wondering if I was going to sleep at all the night before he comes."
Ashley smiled brightly. "Of course."
"I dunno... why do I have this image of not?"
Ashley shrugged. "I dunno... No, you'll sleep. I dunno how much, but you'll sleep."
"Thanks...that makes me feel soo much better."
Ashley giggled. "Good." She gave his frame a final brush.

He brushed his hair out of his eyes, but it fell back into them.
Ashley brushed his hair back. "I still have your headband, don't I?"
"Yeah..." he said softly.
Ashley dug through the pile and retrieved the damp scrap of cloth. She held it to her cheek a moment.
"You...can keep it. I have another one at home."
"No." Ashley pressed it back into his hand.
"Okay," he smiled, "Thanks."
Ashley smiled shyly back.
He stretched in and then put it on, pulling it down around his neck. He brushed his hair with his fingers and then pulled it back up into place.
Ashley smiled softly and turned away from him.
"So..." he looked around the room, "Now what?"
"Um... You dust." Ashley shoved a rag at him.
"In here or in the living room?"
"Here first, then living room."
"Um... okay..." he looked around the room, which was rather covered in clothes.
Ashley started to hang up clothes in her closet.
"What exactly am I supposed to dust?"
"The shelves, all the furniture, the window sills..."
"Yes Ma'am," he said with a wink.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty went to work.
Ashley hung up all her clothes except the previous dress.
He had moved over to the windowsills, having taken care of the shelves.
Ashley hummed to herself as she began to throw things into drawers.
"Ashley?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm done..."
"Okay. Go dust the living room. Make sure it's clean."
He skated over to the door, pulled it open and skated out into the living room.
Ashley skated out to scrub the bathroom floor.

Rusty was in the midst of dusting when Buffy skated out, "Hey Rusty, where's Ashley?"
"Bathroom..." he answered, "Buffy, if you are at all nice, please don't say anything to her..."
Buffy grinned, "You prefer dusting to scrubbing floors then?"
He nodded and she laughed, going over to the bathroom.
Ashley hummed to herself as she scrubbed the floor.

"Hey Ashley?" Buffy asked.
"Hmm?"
"I was wondering...for when Bobo gets here..."
"Yeah?"
"If my best friend would like a nice dinner..."
Ashley smiled brightly.
"Well?" Buffy asked.
"I'd love that."
"What would you like me to make?"
Ashley thought. "Well, I dunno..."
Buffy grinned and made a few suggestions.
Ashley tapped her chin absently with a soaking wet hand. "Maybe steak..."
Buffy nodded.
Ashley smiled. "Thanks, Buffy."
"I should run to the store then..." she said, mentally taking inventory of her kitchen.
Ashley nodded. "Okay."
Buffy nodded, "I'll be back later then." She paused in the doorway, "Although..."
"What?"
"It would be faster if..."
"If what?"
"If I could have a ride..."
"You mean, you want Rusty?"
"d'you mind?"
"Nah, go ahead."
Buffy grinned, "See ya later sugah."
"See ya."

Buffy skated out into the living room, grabbed one of Rusty's couplers and pulled him towards the door.
Rusty sighed, "Could the engine get a warning once and awhile please?"
Buffy laughed, "You're taking me to the store so I can get food for dinner for Ashley and Bobo."
"Oh," he answered, adjusting his collar, "Okay, let's go."
"Have fun!" Ashley called from the bathroom.
"Bye," Buffy called as Rusty pulled her out of the house and down the tracks.
Ashley went back to her scrubbing.

Rusty pulled Buffy down the tracks. "You looked like you could use a break from the dust," Buffy said with a smile.
A deep-pitched whistle sounded behind them.
"Oh great." Rusty commented, slowing down.
Greaseball pulled up behind them. "Where you all off to?"
"Grocery shopping," Buffy said cheerfully.
"Where's Ashley?"
"At home," Buffy answered.
"I thought Rusty was hers for the week."
"He is," Buffy said, "We're friends, we share."
"Ah, I see... Rusty's the little beachball now, getting tossed all over."
Buffy shrugged and gave Rusty's couplings a bit of a shake, "Let's go sugar."
Greaseball smirked. "Do as the lady says, Rusty," he said, moving aside enough to let Buffy through but not slightly bigger Rusty.
Rusty started forward, and then stopped, he couldn't fit past.
Greaseball smirked. "Come on, Rusty, Buffy's waiting."
"come on Greaseball, let us through," Buffy said from behind Rusty.
"I am..."
Rusty looked back at Buffy and shook his head. "Well then you gotta move," Buffy said.
"Why should I move for him?"
"Because if you don't, then I can't get to the grocery store..." Buffy pointed out.
Greaseball stepped aside, giving Buffy a quick kiss on the cheek as he passed her.
Buffy giggled, "I suppose I won't tell Dinah about that then. Let's go Rusty."
Greaseball grinned and watched her go."
"Thanks..." Rusty whispered to Buffy as they pulled up at the store.

About an hour later Rusty was pulling Buffy home.
Ashley had finished scrubbing and was now vacuuming.
Buffy pressed Rusty into service, putting the food away.
Ashley hummed to herself, not noticing they were back.
Rusty smiled, "I think I like this..."
"Like what?" Buffy asked.
"Being ignored for once," he answered.
Buffy looked at him, not sure if he was serious or not, and then decided it would be best for all possible meanings to what he had just said to hit him on the arm, which she did.
Ashley switched off the vacuum and yanked out the plug.

Rusty yelped as Buffy proceeded to chase him around the house.
Ashley looked up. "Buffy, leave my steamer alone!"
"He started it," Buffy said with a pout.
Ashley giggled. "Then let me join you."
Buffy grinned.
Ashley raced over to her side.
"hey no fair!" Rusty yelped.
Ashley grinned. "Let's get him!"
"My thought's exactly," Buffy said, giving chase.
Ashley giggled. "I'll go this way, you go that way. We'll cut him off!"
Buffy nodded and chased the steamer.
Ashley went the other way.
Rusty skidded when he saw Ashley and did an about face, only to be tackled by Buffy.
Ashley giggled and latched onto Rusty from the other side.
Rusty yelped, "No fair!"

"hey Ashley..." Buffy started.
Rusty's eyes widened.
"What, Buffy?"
"Did you know something about Rusty?" Buffy started.
"Buffy no!" Rusty protested.
"What is that?"
Buffy grinned, "He's very-"
"Do we have something else that we should be doing right now?" Rusty interrupted.
Ashley clapped a hand over Rusty's mouth. "He's very what?"
"mmph!" he protested.
Ashley giggled.
Buffy leaned closer to Ashley, "Ticklish," she whispered.
Ashley's eyes went wide. "Really?" she asked devilishly.
Buffy nodded, "Belle told me."
Ashley giggled. "Ooh..."
Buffy grinned tightening her grip on Rusty, who had started to struggle again.
Ashley giggled. "Okay, Rusty, you don't wanna be tickled, do you?"
He shook his head.
Ashley grinned and leaned over to Buffy. "Let's get him into my room," she whispered.
Buffy nodded, barely perceptible.
Ashley started to propel Rusty to her room.
"mmphf!" he protested, trying to keep from moving.
Ashley giggled and released his mouth a moment. "What's the magic word?"
"Don't."
"Nope." Ashley covered his mouth again.
Rusty groaned. "Okay, we push together," Buffy said, pinning one of his arms behind his back.
Ashley nodded and pinned his other arm back. "Go."
Buffy pushed him forward.
Ashley pushed too.
"mmphfle!" Rusty protested.
"Didn't get that," Ashley said, leaning closer to him with a grin.
He looked sideways at her with a bit of a resigned look.
Ashley giggled.

Buffy gave Rusty a firm push into Ashley's room.
Ashley gave Rusty a push onto her bed.
Buffy let go of him, long enough to pounce on him, sitting on his legs so he couldn't run.
Ashley crawled up next to her.
"Now then," Buffy said.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty sighed.

Ashley rested her hands on Rusty's chest. "Now, what to do with you?"
"Let me up?" he tried.
"Nope."
"That's the only thing I can think of..." Rusty said.
"I can think of something..." Buffy said evilly.
Ashley giggled. "Me too."
"Oh no..." Rusty mumbled.
Ashley giggled and ran her hands down his chest playfully.
"Now, Belle didn't tell me where he's most ticklish..." Buffy started.
"Darn."
"I guess we'll have to find out the hard way..."
"I'm sure we can find it," Ashley said evilly.
Rusty closed his eyes and held his breath.
Ashley giggled. "What say we try to make Rusty let his breath out?"
"Let's get him."
"Yeah."
Buffy grinned and pounced.
Ashley pounced too.

Rusty's face contorted into some rather interesting expressions as he tried desperately not to laugh, but he couldn't hold his breath that long and soon dissolved into laughter.
Ashley grinned. "That's gotta be a record time."
Buffy grinned.
"S-stop," Rusty gasped, "oh...come on... this isn't...funny."
"Yes it is," Ashley cooed.
Considering the fact that Rusty was laughing hysterically, that didn't help his case much.
Ashley grinned and tickled Rusty's chest.
Buffy was tickling his arms. He stopped fighting.
Ashley pouted. "Too much, Rusty?"
He panted, tears coming out of his eyes from laughing.
Ashley brushed his hair out of his eyes. "Want us to stop?"
"pl-please."
Ashley glanced over at Buffy. "What you think?"
"Hmm..." Buffy said, shifting from his arms to his neck, which set him off again.
Ashley giggled and tickled the soles of his skates.
"Stop!" Rusty protested, laughing hard.
Ashley grinned. "Why?"
"Cuz it tickles!"
"Duh."
"Oh come on Ashley..."
"What?" Ashley asked innocently.
"Stop!"
"Why?"
He groaned.
Ashley giggled and tickled his feet again.
Buffy's fingers had found the chain of Ashley's necklace around Rusty's neck. She stopped tickling him and looked at him puzzled. He looked away from her and she shrugged and went back to tickling him.
Ashley didn't notice.

"I'm gettin' tired I think," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded. "I guess we'll let him up now."
Buffy shifted so she was no longer sitting on Rusty.
Ashley sat next to him.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes, "Oh Starlight..."
Ashley giggled softly.
He caught his breath.
Ashley curled closer to him. "Okay?"
He panted and nodded slowly.
Ashley smiled. "Good."

"I...I... have a question..."
"What?"
He looked up at her, "Are you ticklish?"
Ashley shook her head.
"Darn."
Ashley grinned. She was lying a little.
Buffy giggled.
Ashley rolled her eyes.
Rusty turned to Buffy who nodded slightly.
Ashley glanced back at Rusty and started to move away.
"You wouldn't happen to not be telling me the truth would you?" he asked, moving towards her.
Ashley threw up her hands. "Stay away."
He pushed her down on the bed, pinning her arms to the bed.
Ashley screamed.
"Where's she ticklish?" Rusty asked Buffy.
Ashley struggled. "Let go!"
"How about the bottom of your wheels?" Rusty asked.
"No..."
"You sure?"
"Yeah..."
"I dunno..." he said doubtfully.
Ashley struggled. "Lemme up!"
"No, cuz you'll hit me."
"I won't!"
"You'll tickle me again."
"No!"
"Promise?"
"Promise!"
He smiled, "Thank you dear," he got off her.
Ashley scrambled up, glaring at him.

He smiled innocently.
Ashley broke into a smile. "Good thing you're cute."
Buffy leaned over and messed up his hair. "Ack!" he protested.
Ashley giggled.
Buffy smiled, "You behave now."
Ashley grinned. "Yeah."
"I think she was talking to you," Rusty said.
Ashley stuck out her tongue.

Later that night, Buffy and Rusty had declared a truce and were staying away from each other.
Ashley was sitting on the couch after cleaning her room, the kitchen, and the bathroom. She sighed tiredly.
Rusty smiled and sat down next to her.
Ashley looked up at him and smiled.
"Ashley, I was...wondering..." he started.
"Yes?"
"What did you want me to do while he's here?"
Ashley shrugged. "Whatever, I guess."
"Oh, well I mean... did you want me to vanish or what?"
Ashley glanced over at him. "I suppose you could go home..."
"Okay."

Ashley sighed softly and leaned back against the couch.
"Tired?" he asked.
"Yeah." Ashley shifted so her feet were in his lap. "Rub my feet?" she requested.
"Uh... sure..."
Ashley smiled gratefully. "Thanks."
He slowly started doing what she told him to.
Ashley closed her eyes contentedly.
Rusty gently massaged her wheels.
"Mmm," Ashley purred softly.
"Better?" he asked.
"Yeah..."
"Good..."
Ashley opened one eye and smiled softly. "Keep going?"
"Yes Ma'am," he said with a smile, switching to her other foot.
Ashley giggled. "Feels good."
He smiled.
"Mmm," Ashley said, shifting a bit.

After a few minutes he stopped.
Ashley slowly closed her eyes.
He watched her, wondering if she had fallen asleep.
Ashley curled up softly, her feet still in Rusty's lap.
He slowly started to move her feet.
"Rusty," Ashley groaned.
"Sorry," he froze.
Ashley shifted again, closing her eyes.
He leaned back again, stuck, but not minding too much.
Ashley yawned softly and pillowed her head on her hands.
"Maybe you should go to bed...." Rusty said.
"Comfy," Ashley mumbled.
"Oh. 'Course." he answered.
Ashley sighed softly.
"I'm not going anywhere anyway," he said softly.
"Mmm-hmm," Ashley mumbled sleepily.
Rusty closed his eyes.
Ashley curled into more of a ball.

Buffy skated out the next morning to discover that Rusty and Ashley hadn't moved. "Aw cute," she said to no one, as they were both asleep.
Ashley slowly stirred awake. Somehow during the night, she had moved so her head now rested in Rusty's lap. She sighed and closed her eyes again, too comfy to move.
Buffy smiled, leaning against the wall. Rusty was sound asleep.
Ashley yawned softly.
"good morning Ashley," Buffy said.
"Shh, Ashley's sleeping," Ashley whispered, closing her eyes again.
Buffy laughed, "Guess Ashley doesn't want breakfast then."
"Comfy," Ashley mumbled.
Buffy laughed again, "Nice pillow..."
"Mmm-hmm."
"I wanna see his reaction when he wakes up," Buffy said as she skated into the kitchen.
"M'too," Ashley mumbled.

Rusty, at that moment, let out a soft snore.
Ashley stifled a giggle.
His head lolled back and hit the back of the couch with a bonk.
Ashley let out a snort of laughter.
He opened his eyes and then closed them, "Ouch."
Ashley pretended to be asleep.
"urg," Rusty mumbled, sitting up straighter.
Ashley curled closer, still "sleeping".
He rolled his head around, easing his stiff neck.
Ashley sighed softly.

He started to get up.
Ashley groaned and shifted.
He attempted to ease her off his lap.
Ashley opened her eyes. "I'm comfy," she whined.
"I'm stiff..." he whined back.
Ashley giggled.
He started to move her again.
Ashley whimpered and squeezed his leg.
"Argh." he leaned back again.
Ashley giggled.
"Are you planning on moving any time soon?" he asked.
"No..."
"Oh, but I want to get up..."
"Why?"
"Because I'm stiff..."
Ashley groaned and stretched her head still in his lap.
"I will move you," he warned.
Ashley pouted.
"Okay then," he started to move her off his lap.
Ashley shrieked.

He winced, but gently lifted her head.
Ashley whined and grabbed his leg tight.
He whined back at her.
Ashley glared. "Not funny."
"Well I thought it was..."
Ashley shook her head.
"Oh." he started to pry her loose.
Ashley whimpered. "Don't..."
"Why not?"
"Cause I'm comfy."
"but it's time to get up."
"No..."
"Yes."
"Noooooo," Ashley whined.
"Yeeeeesss."
Ashley gave his leg a smack.
He yelped.
Ashley giggled.
"I am getting up," he informed her.
"No."
"Yes I am." he started to rise.
Ashley latched onto his leg.
He still continued to get up.
Ashley whined and let of him when she almost was pulled off the couch.

Rusty got to his wheels and stretched.
Ashley got up too, stretching.
"oof. No more sleeping sitting on the couch," he said to himself.
Ashley stretched and yawned, then skated to Rusty's side and gave him a hug.
"Am I forgiven then?" he asked.
"I guess..."
"Good." he said.
Ashley straightened her messy hair. "We still have a lot to do today."
"I know. That's why you had to get up..."
"Yeah..."
"See," he teased.
Ashley stuck out her tongue.

"If anybody else in this house is awake I have breakfast," Buffy called.
Ashley skated into the kitchen.
Rusty was close behind and sat down at the table.
Ashley sat down too.
"Thank you Buffy," Rusty sat sweetly as she set a plate on the table.
"Yeah, thanks," Ashley added.

Later on that day Buffy was starting on making sure she could make dinner for Ashley and Bobo
Ashley was searching the fridge for things Buffy needed. "Buff, did you buy milk?"
"Ye- no." she said sheepishly.
Ashley giggled. "Well, we only have a little left..."
Buffy joined Ashley by the fridge, "Rats."
"Well, we have an engine... Rusty can go buy milk."
Buffy grinned, "it's nice having an engine isn't it?"
"Oh yeah. I may try to make another bet with him," Ashley giggled.
Buffy laughed, "Hey, I think it's my turn..."
"That works too."
Buffy grinned, "Guess that solves the milk problem."
"Yeah. Rusty!"
"Ashley!" he called back from the living room.
"Come in here!"
He skated into the kitchen, "You rang?"
"Yup. We're out of milk." Ashley waved the empty container at him.
"okay..."
"So you need to go to the store and get some."
"Oh. Alright."
Ashley giggled. "Thanks."
"Yeah," he turned around and waited.
Ashley raised a brow. "What are you waiting for?"
"Oh... I thought you were coming..." he said sheepishly.
"Oh no, we have work to do." Ashley skated over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Bye bye."
"bye..." Rusty said, heading towards the door slowly.
Ashley giggled and waved at him.

Rusty skated outside and started down the tracks.
The sky was bright. It was a beautiful day.
He made sure Ashley's necklace was hidden, and headed towards the store.
Along the way, Greaseball was finishing his route.
Rusty hmmed softly as he neared the store.

Suddenly Greaseball skated over, slamming into Rusty's side, driving the smaller train right into a brick wall.
"Ah!" Rusty yelped.
"Good afternoon, Rusty."
"H-hi..."
"Where's your little mistresses?"
"A-at home..."
"Oh? Running away?"
He shook his head.
"Oh? Then where are you going?"
"To the store..."
"Why?"
"To pick up some milk..."
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty nodded.

Greaseball held Rusty against the wall. "Expecting you home soon?"
He nodded again, "w-with milk..."
"Too bad."
"What?" he asked, frightened.
"Are you hard of hearing now?"
"N-no... don't...understand..."
"You're not going anywhere, Steam Train."
"Why not?"
"Because I said no."
"but I have to...get milk..."
"Too bad."
He shrank back against the wall, "But...she'll-"
"She'll what?"
"Be upset..."
"But she's not here to stop me."
"But wh-when I don't come back..."
"You'll come back."
"but it'll take longer then suppose to..."
"Oh well. You had a little... accident."
He whined softly.

Greaseball grinned and raised a fist. "Aw, wittle puppy Wusty scared?"
He nodded slowly, eyes on Greaseball.
"Aw, well, that's good to know," Greaseball said with a smirk.
"Please don't." Rusty pleaded.
Greaseball smirked. "You gonna beg?"
"I would...but..."
"But?"
"It wouldn't help..." he lowered his eyes.
"But you haven't tried it yet," Greaseball smirked, grabbing the back of Rusty's neck and forcing him to his knees.
Rusty yelped.
Greaseball smirked and shoved Rusty hard so he landed on all fours, then let go of him, standing close enough that he couldn't get away.
Rusty panted, eyes stinging.
"Beg me."
"Please don't...beat me up," Rusty begged.
"Why not?" Greaseball asked, clearly enjoying this.
"because I don't..." Rusty started.
"Don't what?" Greaseball asked calmly.
"Don't want you to..." he said softly.
"Oh, is that so?" Greaseball lifted Rusty up off the ground by his collar.
Rusty gasped.
"That would be too easy." Greaseball raised a fist.

Rusty squeezed his eyes shut.
*POW*
Rusty cried out and would have fallen.
Greaseball's fist landed on Rusty's face.
Rusty hung there limply in Greaseball's grasp.

Greaseball grabbed Rusty's chin to force his head up when his hand touched something cool and metallic. He pulled out Ashley's necklace from under Rusty's shirt.
Rusty took a deep breath, eyes closed.
"Well well, what have we here?"
He cautiously opened his eyes.
Greaseball ran his thumb over the pendant. "Whatcha got here, Rusty? She have to put a collar on you?"
He swallowed.
"That wasn't a rhetorical question."
"It's...it's..." he swallowed, "A-Ashley's necklace..."
"Yeah, so why do YOU got it?"
"B-because..." he swallowed again, "So I... so you don't..."
"What?"
He hung his head, "So you wouldn't stop me while I was...working."
"I just did..."
Rusty bit back a sarcastic comment, "Yeah..."
Greaseball smirked. "You look like a dog."
He didn't reply.
"A dog with a collar." Greaseball snickered, then dropped Rusty at his feet.
Rusty backed away.
"Go home, Wusty. Your mistress will want you."
"Store..." he said softly.
Greaseball smirked. "Then I suggest you hurry along, before you have another accident."
Rusty got to his wheels and backed away from Greaseball.
Greaseball watched him go.
As Rusty moved down the tracks he shifted Ashley's necklace back under his shirt.
Greaseball skated away, laughing.

A few minutes later Rusty warily rolled down the tracks back to Ashley's house.
Greaseball was nowhere in sight.
With a relieved sigh, he picked up speed.
Ashley was at home, doing laundry.

He slipped inside and put the milk in the fridge.
Ashley hurried upstairs. "Hey, Rusty."
"Hi." he answered, not looking up.
"What's wrong?"
"Hmm? Nothing..."
"You seem kinda quiet." Ashley moved closer.
"Oh. I...got milk..."
"Good." Ashley didn't seem to care. She tipped Rusty's chin towards her face.
He turned away from her.

Ashley gently but firmly pulled his chin back towards her, her fingertips brushing the bruise by his eye.
He winced a bit.
"What happened here?"
"Brick wall..."
"You ran into a wall?" Ashley asked skeptically.
"No..."
"So what happened?"
"Got pushed against one..." he said softly, lowering his eyes.
"By who?"
"who else?"
"Greaseball?" Ashley asked softly.
He nodded slowly, closing his eyes.
"Oh, Rusty." Ashley gave him a push towards the couch.
"I'm alright..." he said.
"No. Sit."
"I've been worse," he said.
"I know." Ashley grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and pushed it against his eye.
"I'll be fine..." he said.
"Just hold that on," Ashley scolded, not seeming to hear him.
He nodded, standing there.

Ashley steered him towards the couch. "Go lay down."
"No, I'm okay," he said again.
"Lay-down!" Ashley hissed.
"But-"
"Lay down!"
He stared at her with wide eyes.
Ashley glared. "Now."
His mouth sorta fell open and he sank onto the couch.
Ashley smiled. "Good." She turned and headed for the kitchen.
He got up and sank down on the floor, pulling his knees to his chest and putting his head down.

Ashley skated back in with a blanket. "Couch!" she ordered.
He looked up at her dully.
"Now."
"Why're you bossing me around again?" he asked softly.
"Because you're hurt," Ashley said, kneeling next to him.
"Oh," he said softly suddenly feeling worse. He got up and crawled onto the couch.
Ashley smiled and pulled the blanket over him.
He buried his face in the couch.
"Need anything else?"
"No."
"No water or nothing?"
"I...guess..."
Ashley smiled and skated out to the kitchen.
He closed his eyes, his eyes burning.

Ashley came back with a glass of cold water. "Here, Rusty." She handed it to him.
"Thanks..." he said, sitting up and taking it, blinking rapidly.
Ashley smiled and knelt by his side. "Anything else?"
He shook his head.
"You sure?"
He nodded.
"Okay." Ashley brushed his hair out of his eyes and gave his bruised face a quick kiss, then skated off into the kitchen.
Rusty finished the water and lay back down, burying his face in his arms.
Ashley hummed to herself as she worked in the kitchen.

Buffy skated out into her room and did a double take when she saw Rusty on the couch.
Ashley skated back out again. "Hey, Buff."
Buffy looked at Rusty questioningly.
Ashley moved closer.
Buffy skated over to Ashley, "What happened?"
"He met up with Greaseball," Ashley said gently.
"Oh," Buffy said softly, "I see..."
"Yeah." Ashley tried to pull Buffy away so she wouldn't disturb Rusty.
Buffy followed her friend into the kitchen.

Ashley sighed softly. "Poor Rusty."
"Yeah... I don't know why Greaseball always picks on him like that..." Buffy said.
"I don't know either." Ashley glanced around. "Should we make him some chicken soup so he'll get better?"
"Sure," Buffy said with a smile.
Ashley giggled. "Okay."
Buffy pulled a pot out.
Ashley stood by her. "What can I do?"
"Find a can of soup..." Buffy said, pointing to the cupboard.
Ashley nodded and hurried to the cupboard, pushing cans around.
Buffy turned on the stove.
Ashley pulled a can triumphantly from the cupboard and handed it to Buffy.
Buffy applauded and moved over to the can opener.
Ashley giggled and pulled out a bowl.
Buffy heated the soup.
Ashley hummed to herself. "Think he'll like it?"
"'Course he will. I made it."
Ashley giggled. "I helped."
"Then that'll just make it better."
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
Buffy pulled a spoon and tasted the soup.
"Good?" Ashley asked.
Buffy nodded.
Ashley grinned. "Let's go give it to him."
Buffy ladled it out into the bowl.
Ashley followed.
"Here," Buffy said, handing it to Ashley, "Now that we have milk..."
Ashley took the bowl, careful not to spill.

Rusty hadn't moved on the couch.
Ashley skated out to him. "Rusty?"
"yeah?"
"How you feeling?"
"Oh wonderful..."
"Good," Ashley teased.
"Yeah."
"Here, we made you something."
He looked up dully.
Ashley giggled softly.
"What?" he asked.
"You look silly."
"Mmpfh." he put his head back down.

Ashley set down the bowl on the coffee table.
He looked up again, "What's that?"
"Chicken soup."
"Really?" his attention perked.
Ashley nodded. "I'll get you a spoon."
He sat up.
Ashley hurried into the kitchen and returned a moment later with a spoon.
"Thanks..." he said softly.
"Of course." Ashley handed him the spoon with a smile.
He picked up the bowl.
Ashley sat down across from him in a chair.
"Thanks..." he said again, starting to eat.
"Now make sure you eat it all up."
He smiled up at her, "No worries."
"Good boy," Ashley said with a smile.
He sighed and set the bowl down.

"Um, Rusty, you just said you'd eat."
"Ashley, can I ask you something?"
"Yeah..."
He pulled her necklace out from under his shirt, "Why'd you give me this?"
"To... to protect you..."
He nodded, "That's what I thought."
"I'm sorry it didn't work..."
"Actually..."
"Yes?"
"When he saw it..."
"Yeah?"
"He didn't punch me anymore.."
"Good," Ashley said softly.
"Yeah..."
Ashley smiled softly at him.

"Ashley?"
"Yeah?"
"We- we're.... friends now right?"
"Of course."
"Not just cuz you feel sorry for me..." he started.
"No."
"Good."
Ashley smiled.
"thanks for the...soup."
Ashley smiled. "You better eat it now."
"...yeah." Rusty stowed the necklace under his shirt again and picked up the bowl.
Ashley smiled and leaned back in her chair.

Rusty finished the soup and lay down again.
Ashley skated over to him. "All better?"
"Not really, but the soup was good."
Ashley smiled. "Good." She took the ice pack and placed it back on Rusty's eye. "Here. Hold that on, cause you're gonna have a whopper of a black eye."
"oh goody..." he said, holding the ice in place.
Ashley giggled. "Aw, we have makeup, Rusty."
"No!"
Ashley giggled again. "Why not?"
"Because!"
"Okay," Ashley said with a shrug.
he leaned back against the couch.
Ashley took the bowl back into the kitchen.

Buffy was putting her coat on.
"Where you going?"
"Out. To...talk to Greaseball."
"Why?"
Buffy smiled at Ashley
"Buffy, you're gonna get him in more trouble..."
"What makes you think I'm gonna talk to him about that?"
"Well, what would you do?"
She smiled.
Ashley grinned a bit.
"See ya later," Buffy said with a smile.
"Bye. Have fun."
Buffy grinned and skated out down the tracks.

Greaseball was talking to one of his friends, leaning against the wall he had pushed Rusty up against only a few hours before.
Buffy pulled up to wait.
Greaseball glanced up at her, then grinned and waved the other engine away.
"Hi sugar," Buffy greeted him.
"Hey there, Buffy."
"I've been looking for you."
"Oh? Well, you found me."
"Wasn't hard," Buffy said.
"So, what for?"
"What, can't I go out looking for you if I want to?"
Greaseball sidled closer to her. "I suppose you can."
"I didn't mean like that, would break Dinah's heart..." Buffy said.
"Then what did you mean?" Greaseball asked, only a few steps away now.
"A few things, would you mind giving me a lift to the store?" Buffy asked.
Greaseball raised a brow. "Wasn't your little puppy dog just there?"
"What?" she looked puzzled.
"The little steam train?"
"Oh, Rusty."
"Yeah, that's him."
She shrugged, "I need a few more things."
"What do I get in return?" Greaseball asked, skating closer to her.
"The satisfaction of knowing that you've done something nice," she answered, *For once*
Greaseball shook his head. "Not enough."
"Oh. Okay then," she skated on past him.
Greaseball watched her go.

"Guess that being nice is too out of character..." Buffy said.
"Yeah, guess so," Greaseball smirked.
"Oh well. I need to talk to Dinah anyway..."
"That's good. Send my love to her."
"Not what I was thinking..."
"Oh?"
"Nope. I'd only say that from nice engines."
Greaseball rolled his eyes. "Love you too, Buffy."
She turned and winked at him.
Greaseball skated closer.
"Besides, any engine that would even think of any other coach while he was with *my* friend Dinah..." Buffy started, "Well I'm sure you wouldn't, but," she gasped, "Just imagine what I'd do."
"You wouldn't dare!" Greaseball said, grabbing her shoulder.
"I wouldn't what?" she asked.
"Do whatever you're thinking you'd do."
"But there's no reason for me to," Buffy said innocently, "Nothing happened."
"Good." Greaseball let go of her.
"At least, I don't think anything happened..."
"Nothing happened."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"I'm not quite sure..."
"What?"
"Although perhaps if I got a ride to the store..."
"Fine, fine," Greaseball groaned.
"Oh thank you," Buffy gushed, "You are such a nice engine."

Greaseball rolled his eyes. "Hitch up."
She did so.
Greaseball pulled out, heading for the store.
"Thank you," she said once they had arrived.
"Yeah, yeah."
"I'm off to get a leash," Buffy said.
"Oh?"
She nodded.
"For what?"
"I guess I'll need a collar too..." she said thoughtfully.
"For what?" Greaseball said louder.
"What do you think a leash is for?" Buffy asked.
"For a dog. For your little Rusty slave?"
She vanished into the door and then peeked out again, "Who said it was for Rusty?" she said with a smirk, "told ya I was gonna go visit Dinah." She vanished into the store.
"Hey, what-" Greaseball started after her.
"You got a color preference?" she asked.
Greaseball raised a brow. "What?"
"Do you have a color preference?" Buffy repeated.
"Why?"
"I mean, I was gonna go with black to match the rest of your outfit..."
"What are you talking about?"
Buffy smiled and headed towards the Pets section.

Greaseball raced after her. "Hey, Buffy-"
She didn't look up.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Doin' what?" she asked, picking up a dog collar.
"What you're doing."
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "Because I can."
Greaseball grabbed her arm. "I won't let you."
"ooh," she purred, "Well, even though Dinah is my friend..." she twirled into his arms.
Greaseball watched her carefully, holding her to his jacket.
She smiled and closed her eyes.
Greaseball held her close, a hand smoothing over her shoulder.
She purred softly.
Greaseball grinned and held her even closer, his hand tracing over her soft cheek.
She giggled, "In the store?"
"No..."
"Oh?" she asked.
"We can go somewhere else."
"What did you have in mind?"
"I don't know."
Buffy giggled.

"What?" Greaseball asked, slowly pulled her down the aisle towards the door.
"You're so clever..."
Greaseball grinned. "I know."
Buffy smiled and slowly pulled out of his arms.
Greaseball watched her. "What?"
"But what about Dinah?"
"What about her?"
"Yes. What about her?" she asked softly.
Greaseball raised a brow. "I thought this was your idea, Buffy."
"My idea? You're the one that touched me..."
"But you came into my arms.
"You pulled me."
"I did not!"
"Then how'd we get over here?" she asked.
"Oh, that..."

She nodded, "so back to the original question..."
"Well, I pulled you, but you were in my arms..."
"that wasn't the question..."
Greaseball was thoroughly confused now.
"The question was, what about Dinah?"
Greaseball sighed. "What do you want, Buffy?"
"At the moment, you to answer my question."
Greaseball groaned.
"You see my dear, I'm very concerned about the well-being of my friends..."
"I see that..."
She nodded.
"So?"
"So, I don't want them to be hurt, by you or anyone."
"I wouldn't hurt you, Buffy."
"I'm not worried about myself."
"Why are you worried about Dinah?"
"Because she's my friend."
"I know that."
"And I don't want her to get hurt," Buffy said, with the tone of one stating the obvious.
"She wouldn't."
"Good then," Buffy said cheerfully.
Greaseball rolled his eyes. "Okay, so?"
Buffy smiled and pulled away from him, heading back into the store.
Greaseball watched her go and headed for the door.
Buffy grinned, satisfied. If there was one thing that she was proud of, it was the ability to run circles around engines.
Greaseball skated outside and headed down the tracks.

At that moment, Dinah was skating down the tracks.
Greaseball stopped short when he saw her. "Hey, girl."
She grinned at him and skated into his arms.
Greaseball held her close.
She rose up on her toestops and kissed him on the cheek.
Greaseball grinned and kiss her back.
"Where've you been?" she asked softly.
"Took Buffy to the store."
She looked up at him, puzzled.
"She asked me to take her."
"Oh. How come?"
"Cause she needed someone."
"Oh. She just needed a lift?"
"Yeah."
Dinah smiled, "good."
Greaseball smiled back and traced his gloved hand over her cheek.
"Lets go," she said.
Greaseball nodded. "Where to?"
"I dunno," she took his couplings, "I just want to go."
Greaseball nodded and took off down the tracks.
"Whee!" Dinah called.
Greaseball grinned.

Back at Ashley's house, Rusty hadn't moved.
Ashley was skating back and forth through the living room, cleaning at random intervals.
He didn't look up when she passed him.
Ashley stopped in front of Rusty and studied him a moment.
He didn't realize that she was there.
Ashley slowly sat down next to him. "Rusty?"
"...what?"
"Are you okay?"
"No."
"Why not?"
He turned to her, giving her a full view of the bruise in his face.
Ashley winced and slowly reached up to touch his face.
He pulled away.
"Rusty, I'm not going to hurt you," Ashley said softly.
"But it'll hurt if you touch it..."
Ashley lowered her hand.
"Thanks..."
"Do you need more ice?"
"I guess..."
Ashley got up and returned with a fresh ice pack.
"Thanks..."
Ashley nodded and tried to press it to his eye.

He blocked her and took the ice from her.
Ashley's hand landed in her lap.
"Thanks..." he said again, setting the ice on his eye.
Ashley nodded silently.
He rolled over again.
Ashley sighed softly.
"What is it?" he asked dully.
"I just... don't like seeing you so down, Rusty."
"Oh."
Ashley gently touched his arm.
He didn't pull away.
Ashley stroked his arm comfortingly.
He let out a breath.
Ashley slowly ran her hand over his head.
He closed his eyes.
Ashley stroked his hair back from his face gently.
"Thanks..." he said softly.
"For what?"
"For...helping me..."
Ashley nodded. "Of course." She ran her fingers lightly behind his ears.
"I know... you've got stuff to do..." he said.
"It can wait."
He moved his head slightly, "It doesn't have to."
"It can," Ashley said gently, rubbing his hair gently.

He rolled over, facing the back of the couch.
Ashley moved closer to him, rubbing his shoulder gently.
He relaxed under her touch, forcing himself to.
Ashley smiled gently and massaged his shoulders.
He sighed softly.
"Rusty, what's wrong?"
"Nothing. you're nice."
"Good."
Rusty's breathing became even.
Ashley leaned over him gently and rubbed behind his ears again, cooing softly in his ear to calm him.
"don't..." he mumbled.
"Don't what?"
"tickles..."
"Oh." Ashley stopped petting him.
Rusty closed his eyes and dozed.
Ashley stayed by his side.

Buffy skated into the house.
Ashley looked up and motioned for Buffy to be quiet.
Buffy nodded and indicated the kitchen.
Ashley slowly got up, so as not to disturb Rusty, and skated into the kitchen.
"I'm sorta wondering about something..." Buffy said.
"About what?"
"Greaseball."
"What about him?"
"Well...he's with Dinah...right?"
"Right..."
"We both know that he's not the most trustworthy engine around here," Buffy said.
"Yeah."
"And...in light of a recent event around here, I was a bit...worried about her."
"What do you mean?" Ashley asked.
"A sensitive subject that isn't a problem anymore," Buffy said with a smile.
Ashley giggled. "You're mean."
"Anyway, I thought that I'd tease him a bit, y'know, make sure that he was staying loyal..."
"Is he?" Ashley asked. raising a brow.
"Well... he wasn't resisting temptation very well..." Buffy said.
Ashley giggled. "And you were just the one to tempt him, weren't you?"
Buffy smiled innocently.
Ashley muffled a shriek of laughter. "You're so cruel!"
"Once I said something about Dinah he backed off though," Buffy said, "And accused me of starting it?" she put her hand over her heart in mock astonishment, "Can you imagine?"
"And I'm sure you had nothing to do with starting it," Ashley said in mock astonishment.

Buffy grinned, "Well anyway I said that I was gonna run to the store and get a leash, y'know for Dinah to use," her eyes twinkled, "but then he said something odd."
"Which was?"
"He asked what I wanted a leash for, and I asked him, "Well what is a leash for?" "
Ashley raised a brow.
"I mean, I figured that he would catch on that it was a joke, y'know like Dinah should keep him on one..." Buffy said.
"Yeah..."
"But he said..." she looked up suddenly and pulled Ashley further away from the door.
Ashley followed her.
"He said a leash was for a dog, but then he asked if I wanted it for my, and I quote, "Little Rusty slave.""
Ashley's eyebrows shot up. "He said that?"
She nodded.
Ashley's eyes filled with tears. "No wonder Rusty is so upset."
"I can only imagine what Greaseball said to him before..."
"I'm sure it wasn't good, if Rusty's so upset." Ashley glanced towards the living room. "I hope he's going to be all right..."
Buffy nodded, "I hope he doesn't really feel like that..." she said, "I mean, we aren't that bad..."
"I... I didn't ever try to be mean to him," Ashley said softly.
Buffy shook her head, "I didn't think so either."
Ashley sighed. "What can we do? He's so upset about it..."
"I don't know... Prove Greaseball wrong?"
"But how?"
Buffy shrugged.
Ashley sighed. "Well, we should let him sleep first. Poor thing is worn out."

Buffy nodded, "Well...on a lighter note. I did buy the leash."
"Why?" Ashley gasped.
"I'm gonna send it to Dinah," Buffy said.
Ashley giggled. "Just don't make Greaseball too mad so he doesn't do something stupid."
Buffy smiled and pulled out something long and red.
Ashley snickered.
"Or I was thinking of sending her this," Buffy pulled out another red strand.
"You're so cruel," Ashley giggled.
"Did you want some?" Buffy asked innocently.
Ashley shook her head.
"Okay," Buffy snapped off the end of the rope and popped it in her mouth.
Ashley sighed softly. "I just wish we could do something to help Rusty more."
She shrugged, "So what do you think, the real leash or a licorice one?"
Ashley shrugged. "Your call."
Buffy grinned and looked thoughtful.
Ashley dug in her pocket and pulled out a cigarette, suddenly needing a smoke.

At just that moment Rusty unsteadily skated into the kitchen.
Ashley looked up and smiled, skating over to him. "Hey, Rusty. Feeling any better?"
"Yeah I guess..." he trailed off, looking at the table.
"Hungry?" Ashley asked gently.
"I...uh..." he blinked.
Buffy stood up, "licorice?" she offered.
Ashley had to choke back a snort of laughter.
He relaxed visibly, "Sure."
Ashley pulled out a chair for him. "Here, sit."
"I...uh...was going to get....water..." he said.
Ashley skated over to the sink and filled up a large glass of water for him.
"Oh... thanks..." he said, taking it.
Ashley nodded slowly. "Anything else?"
He shook his head slowly, slowly drinking the water.
Ashley nodded and leaned against the counter to finish her cigarette.
He set the glass down and leaned back against the wall.
"Are you okay?" Ashley asked gently, grinding out the last of her cigarette.
"Uh huh," he answered, "I'm...feeling better."
"Good," Ashley said softly, glancing at Buffy, unsure what to say next.
Buffy didn't know what to say either and an uneasy silence fell in the kitchen.

Ashley swallowed and turned back to Rusty. "Rusty, I..."
"yeah?"
"I... What... What did he say to you?"
"What?"
"What did Greaseball say to you?" Ashley asked gently.
"Nothing," Rusty said a bit too quickly.
"Rusty, tell me," Ashley prompted gently.
"No."
"Please?"
Rusty looked down at his hands, "He...he..."
Ashley waited silently.
"He asked where you were..." Rusty said softly, "and what I was doing..."
Ashley nodded silently.
"And then...he said...that I would be late...in getting back."
Ashley nodded again.
"I would have...an accident."
Ashley flinched a bit, but she nodded.
"Yeah."
"And?" she prompted gently.
"And I did."
Ashley nodded. "Did he say anything else?"
"he...told me to...beg."
"Did you?"
"He made me."
"Oh," Ashley said softly.
"Didn't help," Rusty said bitterly, "Not that I thought it would."
Ashley bit her lip and touched his shoulder gently.
Rusty fell silent.

"Anything else?"
"No."
"He... he didn't say anything else?"
"No."
Ashley glanced worriedly at Buffy.
"I think I'd know," Rusty continued, "I was there, remember?"
Ashley nodded slowly. "Okay."
He got up slowly.
Ashley sighed softly.

"well..." he started, "When's Bobo coming?"
"Tomorrow morning."
He nodded, looking around.
Ashley turned to Buffy. "Could you take Rusty somewhere tomorrow, hun?"
She nodded, "Yeah, I have something in mind..."
"Thanks," Ashley said gratefully. She didn't want to throw Rusty outside alone.
"Where're we going?" he asked. Buffy skated over and kissed him on the top of the head, "It's a surprise," she said.
Ashley grinned softly and moved to get Rusty another glass of water.

"Buffy?" Rusty asked softly, "Can I help with dinner?"
Ashley brought Rusty over another glass of water.
"Sure I guess..." Buffy said, looking at Ashley.
Ashley shrugged. "You're making it, so doesn't matter to me."
"If you want to help you can," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded and handed the glass to Rusty.
Rusty absently took the glass from Ashley, "I want to help," he said.
Ashley nodded. "Okay."
Buffy smiled, Rusty looked like he was feeling better.

Ashley grabbed some things to set the table.
He automatically got up to help.
Ashley smiled at him and handed him the plates.
He set the table silently.
Ashley smiled softly. "You look a little better."
He smiled at her.
Ashley smiled and squeezed his arm gently.
"I'm not really hungry..." he started.
"Well, you should at least have something..."
"I will," he said with a smile.
Ashley smiled back.

Later that night, Rusty looked over the living room, "Is this acceptable?" he asked, half-teasing Ashley.
Ashley giggled. "Yeah."
"Good," he said, "Because, short of painting the walls, I don't think that there's anything else we can do."
Ashley giggled and tickled his chest lightly.
He laughed and backed away from her.
Ashley smiled and moved to hug him. "Thanks, Rusty."
He smiled and hugged her back, "No problem."
Ashley cuddled into his embrace a moment. "You're so sweet."
"Aww thanks."

Ashley looked up at him with adoring, brown eyes. "Tomorrow Buffy will take care of you."
He smiled, "I know. Don't worry about me."
Ashley sighed. "But I have to, Rusty. I don't want Greaseball to hurt you."
"Oh," he said softly.
Ashley laid her cheek on his chest.
"You should probably go to bed," he said.
"Probably," Ashley said, but she made no move to pull away.
"Ashley?"
"Yes?"
"It's not your fault..."
"I know, but I still feel bad."
"Why?" he asked softly.
"Cause you're hurt."
"Oh," he said, "It's happened before, I'll get better."
"I know..."

He nodded and pulled out of her arms, "Well..." he smiled, "He'll be here in the morning then?"
Ashley nodded slowly.
"The sooner you go to sleep the sooner it'll be morning..."
Ashley giggled.
He gently pushed her towards her room.
Ashley gave his hand a squeeze, then headed for her room.
He watched her.
Ashley turned back to him in the doorway. "Will you be comfortable enough?"
He nodded.
"Need anything else?"
"Nope."
"Okay." Ashley smiled shyly at him. "Good night."
"night."
Ashley blew him a kiss, then skated into her room, closing the door.
Rusty held back a groan as he lowered his aching frame onto the couch.
Ashley curled up on her bed, closing her eyes to sleep.
Exhausted, Rusty fell asleep promptly.
Ashley slept soundly all night.