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Resolutions - Maybe
The next morning, Rusty reported for work.
Greaseball was waiting for him, his face grim.
Rusty stopped in front of him in his usual humble manner.
"Guess who talked to me yesterday."
"Ashley," he answered dully.
"Good guess."
"She said she would."
"Did she tell you what she was going to talk about?"
"Me."
"Yes. She did just that."
"Oh."
"She said that I'm being too hard on you. That you're worn out."
"Oh"
"Is that true?"
"I am tired," Rusty admitted
"Oh?"
He nodded.
"Well, that's too bad. She also said that you were acting strange."
"Oh."
"Do you think you are?"
He shrugged.
"I asked you a question."
"I don't think..."
"Good."
Rusty lowered his eyes to Greaseball's skates.
Greaseball moved closer. "Do you think I appreciated what she told me?"
"No sir..."
"You're right. So, what are we going to do about it?"
"I don't know."
"Don't you?"
"No."
"Poor Rusty."
Rusty didn't answer.
"Well, I've come up with a new idea."
"Oh."
Greaseball grabbed Rusty's shoulder and steered him away down the tracks.
Rusty didn't resist.
Greaseball led him to an abandoned area, then reached into his pocket.
Rusty didn't look up.
Greaseball suddenly slid the red collar out of his pocket.
Rusty's eyes widened a fraction when he saw it.
Greaseball spun it around on one finger.
Rusty watched.
"Do you think you've been a bad boy?"
He shook his head slightly.
"You don't?"
Another shake.
"Who's your master here?"
"Y-you?"
"Yes."
Rusty realized with a start that that was true.
"Not Ashley."
"No," Rusty agreed with a heavy heart.
"So Ashley should not be making demands from me, right?"
"...right."
"Good boy."
Rusty closed his eyes.
Greaseball moved closer. "So, we have to show Ashley that she can't control you, right?"
He didn't answer for a minute, and then nodded.
Greaseball smiled. "Good boy." All of a sudden, his hands went around Rusty's neck, and he clipped the collar in place.
It took Rusty a second to regester what had happened and then his eyes widened.
Greaseball stepped back to admire his handiwork. "Not bad."
Rusty stood there in shock for a minute.
Greaseball nodded. "I like that."
Rusty mouthed the word 'no'
Greaseball smirked. "I think that will work nicely."
"No," Rusty whispered.
"Yes."
"No! Oh Greaseball please no! Please don't make me!"
Greaseball's eyes narrowed.
Rusty fell to his knees, "Please take it off."
Greaseball gazed coldly down at Rusty.
"Please don't make me wear it!"
"Why not?"
"Please. I'll do anything! I've done everything you told me to!"
"That doesn't matter." Greaseball gave Rusty a light kick.
Rusty went sprawling.
Greaseball glared down at him. "Any more objections?"
"No sir..." Rusty said dully.
"Good."
Rusty lay there on the ground.
"Get up."
He pushed himself up.
Greaseball watched him with dark eyes.
Rusty remained on all fours for a moment.
Greaseball waited. "Hurry up."
Rusty got up to his wheels, not looking up.
Greaseball gave him a push. "Let's go."
Rusty went.
Greaseball followed.
Rusty let Greaseball guide him, not looking up.
Greaseball led Rusty back to the main tracks.
Rusty's eyes were half-closed.
"Here are your routes. Get moving."
Rusty barely glanced at the sheet and then started to go.
"Oh, and if you see Ashley, make sure you show her."
As the day went on, Rusty got more and more depressed.
Ashley noticed Rusty was even more down, but she didn't have any time to stop and see him.
The routes that Greaseball had given him kept Rusty busy well into the evening.
Ashley was sitting outside Rusty's house a few nights later, having finally a break and wanting to see Rusty.
Belle emerged to see Ashley sitting on the steps.
Ashley looked up at her. "Is Rusty home yet?"
"No..." Belle said slowly.
"Oh."
"You..." she started, "Have you seen him recently?"
Ashley shook her head.
Belle sighed and sat down next to the other coach.
Ashley sighed softly.
"Okay, I won't lie to you, he's worse."
"He's what?"
"Worse."
"How?"
"Well... in addition to being so quiet and submissive..." Belle started.
"Yes?"
"Ashley, he just doesn't care any more."
"He what?"
"He doesn't.... he's not Rusty any more," Belle said.
"Is he going to be all right?"
"I'm really worried about him," Belle said, "For one thing, he doesn't watch his water level any more."
"But he could die!"
Belle nodded sadly.
Ashley began to cry.
Belle took her in her arms, "we've been trying. Trying to get him to do or say something."
Ashley hugged her tightly.
"If we could just get a reaction..."
Ashley nodded. "I... I have to talk to him..."
"I should warn you... what Greaseball did to him..."
"What did he do?"
"He..."
"What?"
"He made Rusty wear a collar," Belle said finally.
Ashley's eyes went wide in shock. "He... he didn't..."
"I wish he hadn't."
Ashley began to sob. "Rusty..."
Belle held her close.
"Rusty..."
At just that moment the engine in question pulled up.
Ashley leaped up and raced into his arms.
He didn't move when she ran up to him.
Ashley reached out to touch the red collar.
He didn't move.
"Rusty..."
No answer.
"Rusty?"
He waited for her to finish what she was going to say.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm in proper working order."
"Rusty..."
Again he waited.
"Belle told me..."
"Oh."
"Rusty, talk to me..."
"As you wish."
"Rusty..."
He looked at her, but didn't really seem to see her.
"Rusty..."
"yes?"
"Are you going to be all right?"
"I will try to remain in working order."
"Rusty..."
"yes?"
"You can talk to me..."
He shook his head.
"Please..."
"I do not belong to you."
"I know."
"And this," he indicated the collar, but did not touch it, "Shows that."
Ashley reached out to brush her fingers over it.
He stood still.
Ashley reached behind him to unhook it.
"Don't."
"Why not?"
"I am supposed to wear it."
"Why?"
"Because Greaseball wants me to."
"Why?"
"Because he does."
"Rusty..."
"I do not ask."
"Why not?"
"I obey."
"I can tell..."
He fell silent.
Ashley squeezed his hand.
No reaction.
"Rusty, you need to sleep."
"I intend to."
"Good. Come on."
He didn't answer.
"Come on."
Rusty moved her out of his way and then went inside without a word.
Ashley followed him inside.
Belle set a hand on Ashley's shoulder, stopping her.
Ashley sighed softly.
"He'll go take a shower and then go to bed," Belle explained, "And I know that the real Rusty is in there somewhere, and I think that he would rather you waited."
Ashley nodded slowly.
"He's been like this for three days now," Belle said with a sigh.
Ashley began to cry again.
Belle hugged her, "but I know that he's inside there somewhere... he crys at night."
"He does?" Ashley asked in surprise.
"When he's asleep..."
"Oh."
Belle's eyes narrowed, "I'd talk to Greaseball, but it wouldn't help."
"Well, it certainly didn't help when I did."
"No," Belle agreed softly.
Ashley sobbed. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"
Belle hugged her tightly and rocked her, "Shh shh," she soothed.
Ashley held her tightly.
The sleeper held her until her tears stopped.
Ashley sat still, trying hard not to cry anymore.
"If we could just get through to him..."
Ashley nodded. "But how?"
"We've been trying different things, to get him to aruge, or fight or have some reaction..." Belle said, "Things that he really likes, or hates..." She sighed, "But nothing."
Ashley glanced towards the house. "Maybe..."
Belle sighed.
Ashley stood up.
"Where are you going?" Belle asked.
"Inside."
"To do what?"
"Try and snap Rusty out of whatever he's in."
"Ashley..."
"What?"
"Just... don't hurt him."
"I won't."
Belle nodded, "Good luck."
Ashley smiled weakly.
Belle smiled back.
Ashley headed inside.
Rusty was in his room, draped across his bed, nearly asleep.
Ashley moved inside without knocking.
He didn't hear her come in.
Ashley sat down next to him.
Rusty raised his head to see her, and then put it back down.
Ashley leaned over him.
He didn't look up.
Ashley pressed her chest to his back.
He let out a muffled "oof"
Ashley began to kiss the back of his neck.
He didn't move.
Ashley rubbed his shoulders.
Nothing.
Ashley kissed his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" he asked dully.
"Trying to get you to respond."
"Oh."
Ashley kissed his forehead.
He closed his eyes again.
Ashley rolled him over a bit to kiss his lips.
He let her.
Ashley sighed and kissed him more passionately.
He didn't move.
Ashley slid her hand down his chest.
Rusty blinked.
Ashley snuggled her nose into his shoulder.
He lowered his eyes to watch her.
Ashley's hands traced over his stomach.
He blinked again.
Ashley wondered how much lower she was going to have to go before Rusty reacted. She put her hands on his belt.
His hands twitched slightly, as if they were about to move.
Ashley moved to undo the belt, hoping he was going to react before she had to do something he didn't want.
He tensed slightly.
Ashley got the buckle undone. *Come on, Rusty...*
He shifted under her.
Ashley hesitated, but she slid the belt off.
Rusty stiffened and he opened his eyes, which were very very wide.
Ashley reached for his waistband.
His arms started to move towards her.
Ashley saw his reaction and smiled just a bit to herself. She started to pull the waistband.
He moved to grab her wrists.
Ashley shifted in surprise.
His fingers brushed her hands, and gave a half-hearted push.
Feeling pretty close to getting him back, Ashley started to pull his pants down just enough to freak him out.
And freak him out it did. Rusty shoved her hard away from him.
Ashley landed hard on her butt on the end of the bed.
Rusty sat up, breathing hard.
Ashley gazed up at him.
Rusty didn't notice her, having caught sight of his reflection. He stared at it as if he didn't reconize himself. Slowly he traced the dark patches under his eyes and the healing bruses, and then the red collar.
Ashley sat up and moved just a bit closer to him.
He buried his face in his hands.
"Rusty?" Ashley asked gently.
His shoulders shook.
"Rusty..." Ashley reached out to touch his shoulder.
He recoiled away from her.
Ashley pulled her hand back. "Sorry."
He stood up, attempting to get his clothing back the way it was supposed to be.
Ashley sat still, not wanting to scare him.
Rusty backed away, and into the wall, looking at her with wide eyes.
Ashley held up her hands. "I'm not going to hurt you, Rusty."
"Y....you were....were gonna...." he started.
"No... No, I wasn't."
He pulled at the collar.
Ashley reached over. "Here. Let me take that off for you."
He backed away from her.
Ashley sighed.
Rusty suddenly turned and ran.
Ashley sighed and buried her face in her hands.
He ran past Belle, out of the house, and down the tracks.
Belle appeared in Rusty's room, "What happened?"
Ashley looked up at Belle with sad eyes.
"It didn't work?"
"I think it did, but not the way I wanted."
"Come on," Belle said, "Let's go catch him."
Ashley hurriedly got to her feet.
"At the rate that he ran out of here..." Belle started.
"He'll be halfway across the yard by now."
"Yeah, c'mon."
Ashley hurried after her.
Rusty ran and ran and ran until he couldn't run any more and he collapsed, kneeling there on the rails.
Ashley hurried after Belle. "Will he be all right?"
"I hope so," Belle said.
"Me too."
Belle came to a sudden stop.
Ashley almost crashed into her.
Rusty was kneeling on the tracks, his face in his hands.
Ashley cried out. "Rusty!"
Rusty looked up and held out his arms to the two coaches.
Ashley moved to his side.
Belle followed. Rusty was shaking slightly.
Ashley tried to pull Rusty into her arms.
He hesitated and then moved into her arms.
Ashley held him tight.
"Rusty honey?" Belle asked, "Did you want to go home?" He nodded fiercly.
Ashley held him tightly. "Come on."
With the help of Belle and Ashley, Rusty got up to his wheels.
Ashley supported him carefully.
"I want to go home," he said in a shaky voice.
"We'll take you home," Ashley promised.
"Home," he repeated as they helped him along the tracks.
Ashley nodded. "We're going home."
He smiled weakly.
Ashley held him tight. "It's okay..."
Eventually they managed to get him home.
Ashley led him towards his room.
Rusty virtually collapsed on his bed.
Ashley pulled a blanket over him.
He whimpered softly.
"Shh, little one."
Rusty pulled at the collar again and burst into tears.
Ashely reached for it.
Rusty just cried.
Ashley moved her hand around it to undo the buckle.
Belle moved over and sat next to Rusty.
Ashley pulled the collar off Rusty's neck.
He held out his hand for it.
Ashley handed it to him.
Rusty clutched it tightly for a second and then threw it volently across the room.
Ashley winced and turned back to Rusty.
Belle held his head in her lap as he cried, and cried....and cried, unable to do anything else.
Ashley rubbed his shoulders gently.
After a long time he stopped and fell asleep.
Ashley watched him sleep. "Rusty..."
Belle brushed back his hair with a faint smile.
Ashley sighed softly. "Will he be all right now?"
"I don't know... but I do know that he's come back to us."
Ashley smiled. "Well, that's good."
"I'll watch him," Belle said, "You can sleep."
Ashley shook her head.
"Okay," Belle agreed.
Ashley sighed softly.
Belle shifted slightly, letting Rusty settle down into a more comfortable position.
Ashley squeezed Rusty's hand.
He sighed in his sleep.
Ashley sniffed softly.
"Shh..." Belle reached over Rusty to Ashley, "It'll be okay now..."
Ashley nodded slowly.
"Go to sleep honey," Belle said, indicating the space next to Rusty.
Ashley slowly laid down.
Belle hummed softly.
Ashley closed her eyes, snuggling closer to Rusty.
When Ashley awoke the next morning she was alone.
Ashley sat up stiffly, looking around for Belle or Rusty.
There was a clatter coming from the kitchen.
Ashley got up and headed quickly for the kitchen, almost stumbling in her sleepiness.
"Good morning honey," Belle said, stepping over to Ashley and steadying her.
Ashley smiled and rubbed her eyes. "Where's Rusty?"
Belle moved aside so Ashley could see Rusty very occupied with eating breakfast.
Ashley smiled and moved over to Rusty's side. "Hi."
He looked up at her, "Hi."
Ashley smiled softly.
He smiled back.
"Feeling better?"
He nodded
"Good."
Rusty went back to eating hungrily.
Ashley sat down next to him.
"Breakfast?" Belle asked Ashley.
"Please."
Belle nodded and got Ashley a plate.
Rusty suddenly reached over and set his hand on hers.
Ashley glanced over at him in surprise.
He gave her hand a squeeze and then shyly pulled his hand back.
Ashley smiled shyly at him.
He blinked and looked away
Ashley looked away too.
Belle smiled as she gave Ashley her breakfast.
Ashley took it with a smile. "Thanks."
Belle nodded and sat down and a silence fell.
Ashley ate silently.
Rusty finally stopped eating.
Ashley finished her food.
"Ashley-" Rusty started.
"Yes?"
"I- thank you."
Ashley smiled at him. "You're welcome."
"I-" he smiled, "I never thought I'd end up thanking you for what you did..."
Ashley turned red.
He grinned teasingly at her.
Ashley giggled.
He closed his eyes and smiled.
Ashley smiled, then squeezed his hand gently.
He squeezed hers back.
Ashley smiled and let go of his hand.
"I-" Rusty started.
"Yes?"
"that wasn't supposed to happen," he said softly.
"What wasn't?"
"All of what did happen..."
"Oh."
"I guess that I thought if I did what he wanted then he'd leave me alone..."
"But he didn't..."
"No," Rusty sighed, "He didn't."
Ashley leaned over and gave him a squeeze.
"And I'm... sorry for the way I was."
"It's not your fault."
"I know, but I didn't want to... I dunno... do anything to you."
"You didn't."
He smiled, "good."
Ashley smiled and nodded.
He leaned up against her.
Ashley smiled and held him close.
"But what am I gonna do?" he asked.
"I... I don't know..."
"I mean... when he sees me..."
Ashley nodded and hugged him tighter.
"And when he sees that I'm not...wearing..."
Ashley ran her hands over his shoulder.
"And one of the reasons I did what he told me to do was so that I *wouldn't* have to wear it..." he said with a sigh.
Ashley nodded slowly.
"That worked well, didn't it?"
Ashley sighed softly.
He sighed as well.
Ashley held him tight, resting her head on his chest.
"He told me also, when I decided to start acting like that..." Rusty started.
Ashley waited for him to finish.
"That he wanted me to work for him..."
"Did he?"
"Yeah... like.... like how I worked for you...."
"Oh?"
"Yeah as his... his...."
"His?"
"His..." Rusty shook his head, he couldn't say it.
Ashley held him tight, not wanting to push him.
"His slave."
Ashely gasped softly.
Rusty nodded.
Ashley held him tightly.
Rusty closed his eyes tightly, but not before a few tears made their way out.
Ashley brushed them away gently.
"Unless I behaved..."
"I'm sorry..."
He sighed, "But look what happened anyway."
"I know..."
"So what am I supposed to do?"
"I... don't know."
"He's gonna kill me."
"I won't let him..."
"I won't either," Belle agreed. "But how?" Rusty asked.
Ashley shrugged.
"Yeah, exactly..."
Ashley sighed.
"Well..." Belle started, "Depends on the mail today."
"What?"
Belle shook her head, "For now...maybe you'd better stay home Rusty."
Ashley held Rusty tight.
He nodded, "yeah... but I can't stay home forever... can I?"
"No..." Ashley said softly.
"didn't think so..."
Ashley held him tight.
He hugged her back.
Ashley sighed softly.
"So... now what?" he asked.
"I dunno..."
"I'm staying here," Rusty decided.
"You are?"
He nodded.
"Why?"
"Because it's safe in here."
"Yeah..."
He nodded.
Ashley sighed.
"I just... won't go outside again."
Ashley nodded.
Rusty leaned back and smiled.
Ashley smiled back.
Belle sighed.
Ashley folded her hands in his lap.
"You can't stay inside forever Rusty," Belle said.
"Yes I can," he argued.
"Rusty, you can't." Ashley agreed.
"Can too!"
"Cannot!"
"Cantoo!"
"Cannot!"
"CAN TOO!"
"Can not!"
Rusty pouted.
Ashley smirked.
"can too," he mumbled.
"Not!"
"Will."
"No."
"yes."
"We're acting like children."
"I'm not going out," he said firmly.
"Rusty..."
He crossed his arms.
"Rusty..."
"Ashley..." he mimcked her
"Stoppit!"
Now it was his turn to smirk, a rather unusal expression for him.
Ashley glared.
Rusty stood up slowly, and then skated around behind her, putting his arms around her shoulders.
Ashley leaned back into his arms.
He gave her a hug.
Ashley held him tight.
Rusty leaned down towards her.
Ashley held her breath.
"Ashley?" he whispered.
"Yes?"
He leaned down next to her ear.
Ashley froze.
"Can too," he whispered, then pulled away from her and bolted.
Ashley shrieked and gave chase.
Belle watched, with a rather amused expression as Ashley chased Rusty around the room.
Ashley screeched to a halt.
Rusty however, did not.
Ashley panted softly. "Why am I wasting energy on chasing a brat like you?" she teased.
He rolled over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek before darting out of reach.
"Oh, you!" Ashley chased after him again.
Rusty laughed.
Ashley laughed and grabbed for his couplers.
Rusty whirled so she couldn't catch him.
Ashley shrieked.
He smiled sweetly.
Ashley glared.
He came to a stop and grinned at her.
Ashley stuck out her tongue.
He rolled towards her, whooshing past her.
Ashley chased again.
Rusty attempted to spin away from her again.
Ashley grabbed one coupler and held tight.
He let out a yelp, not expecting that.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty smiled back at her.
Ashley gave him a light tug.
He pulled her forward.
Ashley followed willingly.
He reached back to unhitch her.
Ashley whimpered.
He unhitched her and pulled her forward into his arms.
Ashley smiled shyly at him.
He hugged her and then let go.
Ashley smiled and blushed shyly.
Surprisingly, Rusty's ears were their normal color.
Ashley backed away a bit. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For.. the hug."
"Oh. sure."
Ashley smiled softly.
"Your welcome."
Ashley winked at him.
He grinned.
Ashley moved closer.
He took a step back
Ashley stopped moving. "What?"
He grinned at her.
Ashley smiled back.
Two days later Rusty had stuck to his word, he hadn't left the house.
Ashley sat on his couch, having just come over to visit.
"Hi," he said cheerfully.
"Hi. How you feeling?"
"Good."
"That's good."
He nodded, "How about you?"
"Fine."
"that's good," he said happily.
Ashley nodded. "Where's Belle?"
"She's out working," he said.
"Oh."
*Bang!* came a knock on the door.
Rusty ignored it, "Yeah, she left this morning..."
*Bang!*
Ashley winced. "Maybe he'll go away..."
Rusty continued to ignore the door.
*Bang!*
He stood up, "Well I'm not answering it..."
"Rusty, I think he's seriously gonna break down the door..."
"Poppa and Belle would be mad."
"I'm sure he doesn't care."
"Well he should."
"Well, he won't."
Belle, on her way home for lunch, frowned slightly when she saw what appeared to be Greaseball attempting to break her door down.
Greaseball turned to her with dark eyes. "Where's Rusty?"
She looked at her watch, "Getting ready for lunch I'd assume."
"He hasn't been at work."
"I know."
"Where is he?"
"Probably inside."
"He better get out here."
"He probably won't."
"I'm ordering him to."
Belle shrugged.
"He has work to do."
"Probably."
"So he better get out here and do it!"
"I doubt that he will right now."
"Why not?"
"Because he isn't up to it."
"Why not?"
Belle sighed softly.
"Why not?" Greaseball growled again.
"He's been having a rough time lately," Belle said.
"Good."
"So he probably won't be working for awhile."
"He needs to."
"He needs to rest."
"No."
Belle raised her eyebrows
"He has a job to do."
"Yes. To get better."
"No."
"No?" Belle repeated.
"He will do his routes."
"Uh huh..." Belle said.
"Now."
"No."
"Yes."
"No," she said calmly.
"If he doesn't..."
"Then we will certainly know who to transfer to another line hmm?" she said sweetly.
Greaseball glared.
She smiled.
"I'll trasnfer him if I have to," Greaseball threatened.
"You don't have that power," she pointed out.
Greasbeall glared.
"Have you been having fun?" she asked.
"Perhaps."
"These past few weeks I mean?" she asked.
"Perhaps."
She nodded.
"Why?"
"Just curious."
Greaseball glared.
"Now, if you will excuse me..." she waited for him to move out of her way.
Greaseball didn't move.
Belle gave him a slight nudge.
Greaseball didn't move again.
She sighed and started to walk away.
Greaseball stood by the door. He wasn't going to leave without Rusty.
Belle skated around the house towards the back door.
Greaseball leaned against the door.
Belle skated into the house and greeted Rusty and Ashley.
Ashley smiled at Belle.
"D'ya know that there's a diesel outside?" she asked.
Ashley nodded. "Yeah, he was trying to break down the door."
"Yeah, he stopped, but I don't think he plans on leaving..." Belle said.
Rusty groaned, "hide me."
Ashley sighed. "What are we going to do."
"Let him wait?" Rusty suggested.
"Well, yeah, but..."
"Until he rusts."
"That'll be a long time, Rusty."
He shrugged.
"He won't go away."
"that's his problem."
Ashley sighed.
"Rusty..." Belle started, "You can't hide from him forever..."
"Yeah..."
"I've been doing alright so far..." Rusty said.
"But forever is a long time."
"He'll kill me!"
"Shh!"
"He will!" Rusty insisted.
"Rusty, calm down."
"I am calm," he said, "But he's still gonna kill me."
"Rusty..."
"Well, what do YOU think he's gonna do to me?"
Ashley shrugged.
"He's going to kill me."
"He won't..."
Rusty sighed, "Ashley, I'm sorry, you're my friend and all, but I don't believe you."
Ashley sighed.
"fine..." Rusty said softly.
"What?"
"I guess I can't hide forever..."
"No..."
"Did you want me to talk to him?"
Ashley shrugged.
"Will... will you stay here?" Rusty requested.
Ashley nodded.
"Thanks..." he looked up at Belle, who nodded, "I'll stay too."
Ashley nodded. "Thanks."
He shivered, "I don't want to do this..."
"I know." Ashley squeezed his hand.
"Okay." he said with a swallow. Belle nodded and headed over towards the door.
Ashley moved over to sit by Rusty.
Rusty tightened his grip on Ashley's hand.
Belle opened the inner door, "Hello."
Greaseball hurried in so that he was inside before Belle could lock him out again.
"Hello," she said pointedly.
Greaseball pushed past her and moved over to Rusty.
She followed him.
"Where have you been?"
"Here," Rusty answered.
"You have work to do!"
He shook his head slightly, "Can't..."
"You can, and you will."
Rusty shook his head, "No."
"Yes."
He shook his head again.
"I'm warning you..."
"Thank you."
Greaseball glared and yanked Rusty to his feet.
Rusty held back a yelp, holding tightly to Ashley.
"You-" Greaseball stopped short, his eyes on Rusty's neck.
Rusty had Ashley's hand in a death grip.
"Where is it?"
"Where's wh- oh... that."
"Yes, that. Where is it?" Greaseball hissed.
"Uh...." he looked at Ashley, he hadn't seen the collar since he'd thrown it across his bedroom.
Ashley looked back at him with wide, unknowing eyes.
Rusty shrugged.
Greaseball hissed and smacked Rusty across the face.
Rusty lost his balance and fell back onto the couch.
Ashley moved close to him.
He closed his eyes shamefully.
"I suggest you find it."
"I... no."
"Yes."
"No." Rusty said again.
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want it."
"Too bad."
"I don't want it," Rusty repeated.
"That's too bad."
Rusty nodded.
"If you don't, you'll be sorry."
"If I do, I'll be sorry."
Greaseball backhanded Rusty across the face.
Rusty couldn't help crying out.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty rubbed his cheek.
"Now go find it!"
"Ahem," Belle said.
Greaseball ignored her.
Belle tapped him on the shoulder.
Greaseball whipped around to face her.
"That's enough I think," she said, "thank you for coming, but I think you've been here long enough."
Greaseball glared. "He has work to do, and I'm not leaving until he does it."
"Get out of my house," she ordered.
Greaseball glared. "No."
"Excuse me?" she asked.
Greaseball glared darker.
She waited.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
Belle folded her arms.
Greaseball did the same.
"Get out of my house." she said again.
"No."
"This isn't going to get us anywhere," she said, "so you may as well just go."
"Only if Rusty comes with me."
"That ain't gonna happen."
Greaseball glared.
She gave him a slight push.
While Belle was talking to Greaseball, Rusty slipped away.
Greaseball whirled around to find Rusty gone.
"Guess you don't have a reason to stay anymore..." Belle said.
Greaseball glared.
She indicated the door.
"He better be at work tomorrow."
Rusty appeared in the hallway behind Greaseball again.
"If he's not, he will be in big trouble."
Rusty swallowed.
"Is that understood?"
Belle's eyes narrowed.
Greaseball glared back.
Rusty looked down at the red collar in his hands.
Greaseball turned towards him.
Rusty silently held it out.
Greaseball grabbed it and put it around Rusty's neck.
"No!" Rusty jerked away, letting the collar fall.
Greaseball glared. "What?"
"I am NOT going to wear that."
"Yes you are!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
"NO!!"
Greaseball slapped Rusty hard.
Rusty's head jerked sideways under impact.
"You will!"
"I won't..." Rusty whispered.
"You will."
"no..."
"Yes."
"Engines don't wear collars..."
"But puppies do."
"Not a puppy."
"Yes you are."
"No. Engine."
"No."
He shook his head.
"Yes."
"I won't wear it Greaseball," Rusty said.
"You will."
"No," Rusty said simply.
"Yes."
Rusty shook his head and tossed the collar away.
Greaseball hissed and grabbed Rusty harshly by the arm.
He struggled.
Greaseball smacked Rusty across the face.
He yelped and struggled again.
Greaseball forced Rusty to his knees.
"No!"
"Yes."
"Ahem," Belle said, tapping Greaseball on the shoulder.
Greaseball turned to her.
"That's enough."
Greaseball hissed and released Rusty hard enough to have him land on his face.
Rusty hit the ground and quickly rolled aside.
Ashley dove to his side to help him up.
"Thanks..." he said softly.
Ashley nodded slowly.
With Ashley's help, Rusty made it back to his wheels.
Ashley held him steady. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah... I'm used to it."
"Shh," Ashley said gently.
He leaned against her.
Ashley held him tight.
"I think that it would be best if you left," Belle said.
Greaseball glared. "No."
She nodded.
Greaseball glared deeper.
She pointed towards the door.
Greaseball hissed softly.
"Now."
"No."
She glared and gave him a soft push.
Greaseball backed away slightly, then turned and slapped Rusty across the face.
He yelped, taken totally by surpise.
Greaseball smirked at him.
Rusty half-glared at him.
Greaseball raised a brow. "You're asking for it."
"How's that different from...ever?"
Greaseball glared and kicked Rusty's wheels out from under him.
Rusty fell with a crash.
Greaseball glared down at him.
Rusty didn't look up, starting to get up.
Greaseball held him down with one foot.
Rusty struggled, trying to throw Greaseball off balance.
Greaseball only held him down firmer.
Eventually, Rusty stopped struggling, the pressure was too much.
Greaseball smirked down at him. "Good boy."
Rusty growled softly.
Greaseball pushed him down firmer.
He let out a strangled noise, it was getting harder to breathe.
Greaseball let up just the tiniest bit on him.
"get off me..."
"Are you giving me an order?"
"Depends..."
"On?"
"what you think it is..."
Greaseball hissed and yanked Rusty to his feet.
"Why can't you just leave me alone?" Rusty nearly growled.
Greaseball hissed and raised a fist to hit Rusty.
Rusty closed his eyes tightly.
Ashley screamed and darted over between them, just as Greaseball's fist swung.
Ashley landed hard on the ground with a cry.
Belle swooped down over Ashley, with Rusty close behind.
Greaseball stared in shock, his fist still up in the air.
Ashley sobbed softly, clinging tightly to Belle.
Rusty's eyes narrowed angrily. Greaseball had NEVER hit Ashley before. Without thinking, he reversed, reved his engine and shot forward, slamming hard into the other engine.
Greaseball landed hard on the ground with a yelp of pain.
Rusty back away in shock.
Belle, still holding Ashley, was just as shocked.
Greaseball stared up at Rusty in a mixture of surprise and shock before he got to his feet, holding his side painfully.
"Oh... starlight..." Rusty gasped, backing up further.
Greaseball moved forward slightly.
Rusty turned and ran, out of the house and down the tracks, as fast as he could manage.
Greaseball turned back to Belle with almost dead eyes. "I'm sorry," he said softly, referring to Ashley.
Belle held Ashley tightly.
Greaseball turned and darted out the door.
Rusty, by this time, had covered a substantial distance.
Greaseball chased after him.
Rusty was nearly out of breath, but he didn't dare stop.
Greaseball chased him, his breath painful.
Rusty darted behind a shed, leaning up against the wall, trying to catch his breath.
Greaseball stopped nearby, breathing hard, holding his side painfully.
Rusty backed up, hoping that he hadn't been seen.
Greaseball sighed softly and rested his face in one hand.
Rusty held his breath.
Greaseball sniffed softly, then looked up again, his eyes damp.
Rusty was wishing that he was anywhere else but here.
Greaseball turned and skated away with a soft curse, his back to Rusty so the steamer did not see the tears in his eyes.
Rusty froze, unsure of what Greaseball was going to do.
Greaseball skated home.
Rusty waited a few minutes before venturing out of his hiding place.
Greaseball was gone.
Rusty went home.
He slunk into the living room, going over to Ashley.
Ashley looked up at him with bleary eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Ashley nodded slowly.
He moved to give her a hug.
Ashley snuggled into his arms.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"Not your fault," Ashley mumbled through her bruised jaw.
"Yeah it is... if I hadn't gotten mad at him..."
Ashley opened her mouth to answer, but closed it again. It hurt too much to talk.
He held her tightly, "Don't aruge with me please..."
Belle went to get ice.
Ashley whimpered softly.
He gently set her down on the couch, kneeling next to her.
Ashley curled close to him.
He kissed her gently on the cheek.
Ashley smiled weakly.
He smiled back.
Ashley squeezed his arm lightly.
"I can't believe that I did that..." Rusty said.
Ashley nodded slowly.
"I... wasn't thinking..."
Ashley was silent.
"I just saw... you fall... and...."
Ashley whimpered softly.
"I had to do something about it."
Ashley nodded again.
He put his head down, resting it on her arm.
Ashley brushed his hair with her fingertips.
He didn't flinch when she touched him.
Ashley sighed softly.
Belle returned with the ice.
Ashley looked up at her.
She gently set the ice pack on Ashley's jaw.
Ashley flinched away from the cold.
"sorry honey, but it'll help." Belle said.
Rusty raised his temperture slightly.
Ashley curled closer to Rusty.
Rusty, now acting as a hot water bottle, gave Ashley a hug.
Ashley smiled slightly, letting the heat warm her and the ice stop the throbbing on her jaw.
The next morning Rusty had fallen asleep on the floor next to the couch.
Ashley was curled up on the couch, the ice long since melted against her cheek in the bag.
Rusty sat up sleepily.
Ashley moaned softly in her sleep.
He sat up and brushed her cheek gently.
Ashley shifted closer to his touch, not quite waking up.
He kissed her lightly on the cheek.
Ashley's eyelids fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.'
"Good morning," he said softly.
"H.. Hi..."
"Are you feeling any better?" he asked.
"A little..." Ashley rubbed her jaw lightly.
"That's good."
Ashley nodded.
"Did you want anything?" he asked.
"No..."
"Breakfast or anything?" he asked.
"I... I guess...."
"What would you like?" he asked.
"Whatever is... is fine..."
"Okay," he stood up.
Ashley closed her eyes again.
Rusty returned a few minutes later with a tray.
Ashley blinked and opened her eyes again.
He set it down in front of her with a flourish.
Ashley smiled slightly.
He smiled back, "Will that do?"
Ashley nodded slowly.
He smiled again.
"You're so sweet," Ashlet mumbled.
"At your service," said with bow and a wink.
Ashley giggled softly.
He smiled, "So you'll be okay?"
"I think so..."
"Good," he kissed her lightly on the cheek.
Ashley blushed.
"I have to go now," he said softly.
"Go where?"
"Beg for my life." he said with a smile
Ashley almost couldn't smile, but eventually she did.
"I promise I won't turn into a zombie this time," he said.
Ashley smiled brighter at that.
"I'll see you later," he promised.
"Promise me?"
"I promise."
Ashley smiled and reached out to squeeze his hand.
He took her hand and squeezed it back.
Ashley smiled softly and released his hands.
"See ya," he said softly.
"Bye." Ashley smiled softer.
He backed away from her and then headed out the door, heading for work.
Ashley watched him go, then set to work on the breakfast he had brought her.
Rusty made it through his first run without any trouble, and was on his way towards his next one.
Greaseball passed by Rusty and stopped him with a touch on his arm.
Rusty froze and looked at Greaseball with wide eyes.
"How is she?" Greaseball asked softly.
"She's...feeling better..." Rusty started.
"That's good..."
Rusty nodded.
"Is she mad at me?"
"I...I don't know."
"Oh. If... if you talk to her... Tell her I'm sorry."
"I...I will..."
"... Thank you."
Rusty's eyes widened and he nodded.
Greaseball turned and skated away.
"Gr...Greaseball?"
Greaseball stopped, but he didn't turn around.
"Wh-what are you... gonna do to me?"
"I'll have to think about it."
Rusty swallowed, "Because i'm really really sorry."
"I'm sure you are."
"I don't know... what came over me."
"You were mad at me."
"Well... yeah." Rusty admitted.
Greaseball nodded, slowly turning to face him.
"But I'm really really sorry!"
"I'm sure."
Rusty swallowed.
Greaseball sighed softly.
He held his breath.
"Just... I'll talk to you later, after you're all done."
"O...okay..."
"Go."
Rusty did as he was bid.
Greaseball watched him go, then skated off.
Later that day after he finished working, Rusty came to a stop, unsure of what to do now.
Greaseball was leaning against a nearby wall.
Rusty slowed when he saw the other engine.
Greaseball glanced up at him.
Rusty came to a stop.
Greaseball sighed. "Have you talked to Ashley since I last saw you?"
He shook his head.
"Oh."
Rusty swallowed, his hands were shaking slightly.
Greaseball sighed and gazed off to one side.
Rusty moved his hands behind his back so that Greaseball wouldn't see them shaking.
Greaseball looked back at him. "You can go."
"And?"
"And... just go home. Tell Ashley I'm sorry."
"O...okay... you mean I get to live?"
Greaseball looked up at him, completely serious. "Yeah."
"T-thanks..."
"Yeah."
"For... how long?" Rusty asked.
"For how long what?"
"Do I get to live?"
Greaseball shrugged.
"Oh," Rusty said softly, "I'll go now...?"
"Yeah."
Rusty turned to go.
Greaseball sighed softly. "Tell her."
"Yes ...sir..."
Greaseball didn't even look up.
Rusty sped home, throughly confused.
He went into the living room to check on Ashley.
Ashley was laying on the sofa.
"Hi..." he said softly.
"Hi. You're in one piece."
He nodded, "You?"
Ashley nodded slowly. "Jaw's kinda sore, but I'll live."
He smiled, "good."
Ashley nodded.
"Greaseball... he... he says that he's sorry."
"Is he?"
Rusty nodded.
Ashley nodded slowly.
"He must be," Rusty added, "Enough to forget about doing something to me..."
Ashley nodded. "Maybe that's good...
He nodded
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