The Midnight Train Crossing

Dinni felt rather odd being the last one in the train.
Imbrri was very worried.
"Will you give it a rest.. it's not like the old yard, she'll be fine," Xanni was saying to Imbrri, "Besides, she's most likely with Talck."
Imbrri sighed, you're probably right," she said heading into the dining room.

Talck looked up at smiled, "morning sleepy heads," he teased
"Hi," Dinni said, looking around for Rossi.
Talck smiled, seeing the absence of his caboose, "Rossi still asleep?"
Imbrri's eyes grew wide, "No... we thought she was with you," she said, her voice strained.
Xanni put her hand on her sister's shoulder, "It's ok, I told you already, she'll be fine in this yard."
Dinni swallowed and then nodded, "Yeah... I guess so..."
Talck looked at bit worried and glanced at Rusty
Rusty stood up, "Well I'm off to work, I'll keep an eye out for her, but I'm sure that she's fine..."
Talck nodded, "See ya."

The three cars sat down, " I don't like this Talck I really don't," Imbrri said.
Xanni sighed, "let her have a little freedom,"
Talck nodded, "I'm sure it's not that bad, if Rusty's not worried I don't think we need to be"
"What could she get into here anyway?" Dinni said.
Imbrri shrugged, "ok," she said.
Talck looked a bit more worried though, remembering his talk with the other caboose yesterday

Rusty knocked on the door to the kitchen.
Ashley opened the door, "Hey Rusty, c'mon in."
Rusty rolled in, "I'm about to go, so if you're ready..."
Ashley turned to Buffy, "you ready?" then stopped, "oh right, Dinah you're coming with us today too aren't you, since GB's stuck in here."
Dinah sighed, "I guess," she said
Greaseball pulled his hands out from the soapy water and looked over at Dinah, "I'm stuck here today but tomorrow..."
Dinah gave him a small smile and nodded, "ok," she said, "looks like I am coming with you," she said.
Ashley smiled and looked at Buffy, "so you ready?"
Buffy nodded, and turned on Greaseball, "You finish the dishes sugar, then you can take five."
Ashley nodded, "and not a second before..." she said, moving over to Rusty, "we gonna pick up Pearl? I haven't seen her all morning."
"Yeah..." he said with a smile.
Ashley smiled, "ok then," she said, waiting as Dinah hitched on.
Buffy took Dinah's couplings and Rusty moved out.
"See ya soon Greaseball" Dinah said as they left.
"bye babe!"
Dinah sighed.
Ashley looked back at her, "hey hun, it's only one day,"

She smiled at Dinni as they went through the dining room.
"Hi," Dinni waved as Rusty passed.
Ashley blushed a little.
Dinah looked between the two and couldn't help but nudge Buffy slightly
Buffy's eyes widened and she grinned at Dinah.
Dinah nodded slightly and giggled.

Rusty pulled them out down the tracks where they made a stop at Pearl's room. She came out and looked at Ashley meaningfully.
Ashley looked at her, "what??" she asked...."ohh... " she disconnected, allowing Pearl to hitch behind Rusty.
Pearl took his couplings with a smile.
Ashley hitched back on, "ready when you are steamer," she said teasingly
"Yeah smoking car..."
Ashley rolled her eyes, "whatever," she said with a laugh.
Dinah was fairly quiet but couldn't help smiling

Rusty picked up speed as he left the roundhouse.
Dinah grinned, "so Ashley, what do you think of the new train?" she asked.
Ashley smiled, "they're really nice!" she said.
Dinah nodded, "mmmmmmm, 'specially that bronze one."
Ashley blushed.
Buffy smiled, "Yeah, he seems nice."
Ashley turned redder. "Don't you think Ashley?" Dinah said.
Ashley coughed and spluttered a bit, "yeah, he's ok," she said
Buffy grinned.
Dinah looked back at Buffy and winked, "more than just ok, don't you think sugar?"
Ashley blushed, wishing she could change the subject
Pearl and Rusty looked back at the other three coaches.
Ashley was beat red and Dinah was grinning her head off, she turned back to Buffy, "I should come along with you guys more often," she said.
"Yeah, we've missed you..." Buffy said with a smile, "Ashley and I have had to sit back here and deal with them."
Dinah giggled, "awww.. things must get pretty boring with them making love eyes and such."
Ashley laughed, her color returning to normal with the change of subject, "It does at that," she said.

Rusty blushed now, his ears showing it clearly.
Ashley and Dinah laughed.
"Hey now..." he mumbled.
Dinah grinned, "well it's true, you two are worse than what I've heard of Poppa and Belle."
"But..."
Ashley laughed, "you know.. that's a fairly good comparison..."
Rusty turned an even brighter red.
Dinah turned to Buffy, "what do you think?"
Buffy grinned, "well...from what I've heard from Belle...and if it's a family thing..."
Rusty whistled loudly.
Ashley and Dinah nearly doubled over laughing
"that's enough," Rusty said.
The two cars bit their lips..."ok Rusty," Ashley said, the giggle still in her voice
"Please," Rusty pleaded softly.
Dinah nodded, "all right, sorry Rusty," she said
"Thanks..." he said.
"Well you're no fun to tease when you get all upset..." Buffy teased.
Dinah and Ashley snickered, "got that right," Ashley muttered

Pearl smiled, "Oh, I don't mind if you tease us..."
Dinah grinned, "you wouldn't"
"'course not, I've got him and that's all that matters."
At this Rusty turned red again.
Ashley and Dinah giggled again.
"we're all against you Rusty," Dinah said
Rusty sighed, "I knew it."
Ashley and Dinah laughed out right again.
"aww poor steam train," Ashley said with mock sympathy
"Everyone's against me," he said with a mock sigh.
Ashley turned to Dinah, "didn't you just say that?"
Buffy and Pearl giggled and Rusty sighed.
Dinah grinned, "ya know.. I think I did," she said
"I give up," Rusty said with a sigh, "Starlight help me..."
Dinah laughed, "you shoulda known this was going to be a tough run with all four of us together*
He didn't answer, just sped up.
Ashley and Dinah laughed, "oh this is gonna be fun," Ashley said,
"Naturally sugar," Dinah replied
"Hey Rusty," Buffy called, "Just think about breakfast this morning...things could be worse."
Ashley grinned, "that's very true." Dinah blushed slightly
Rusty smiled, "Okay..."
Pearl leaned forward and kissed him on the back of the neck.
Ashley rolled her eyes, "oh no.. here we go..."
"Yeah, here we go again," Pearl said.
Ashley grinned, "I was talking about you,"
"I know..."
Ashley looked back at the other coaches, "can you believe her?"
Buffy smiled, "you're asking for it Pearl..."
Dinah nodded, "remember I'm here too this time"
"I'm so scared..." Pearl said.
Ashley laughed, "you should be."
Rusty at this point, wasn't listening anymore.
He pulled up to their stop and stopped.
Ashley gave a little stretch as she waited to go again.
Dinah looked around, "it's nice to be able to talk to you guys on a run, it's usually just Greaseball and me."
"Yeah, we've missed you in teasing Rusty..." Buffy said.

Pearl unhitched and then suddenly pounced on Rusty, pushing him to the ground.
Ashley and Dinah stared at them, "ummmmmmmmmmmmm"
"oof," Rusty protested softly.

Talck and his three cars, Rossi still missing, entered the station, they smiled at Ashley, Buffy and Dinah, before realizing where Pearl and Rusty were.
Talck stopped a bit quickly, causing Imbrri to bump into him as they stared at the two
"Hi..." Rusty said looking up at her.
Talck raised his eyebrows, "um.. hi," he said, pulling properly into the station
Rusty looked at his other three coaches, "Um...I don't think that we'll be going anywhere right now..."
Buffy giggled, "so how come she can sit on you?"
Dinah and Ashley laughed as well, "oh well, we could use a break" Dinah said, grinning.
Ashley looked at Buffy, "yeah... you wouldn't let Buffy do it the other day"
"Well..." Rusty started
"It's because it's me," Pearl answered.
Ashley rolled her eyes "right" she said.
Talck was watching them, thoroughly confused, however
Xanni was enjoying it, grinning her head off
Rusty leaned back, perfectly content to let Pearl sit on him.
Dinah snorted with laughter
"we could be here awhile..." Buffy said.
Ashley and Dinah nodded.
Talck and Imbrri shook their heads, not sure what to think
"Hiya," Pearl said brightly to Talck.
Talck raise his eyebrows, "umm uh.. hi"
She shifted position slightly, "Nice day isn't it?"
Talck didn't know what to think, he felt sorry for Rusty, as all the coaches seemed to like sitting on him.
Dinni nodded, "Um...yeah... I suppose it is...Pearl?"
Xanni was giggling while watching them, she liked how these coaches thought....
Imbrri shook her head, if only the coach knew...
Pearl nodded, "Yeah that's me."

"I suppose that I'll head back to the kitchen then if you are gonna trainnap him..." Buffy started,
Ashley grinned, "c'mon Pearl, you're holding us back, we're gonna be late."
Dinah nodded, "you can play later..."
Pearl pouted a bit.
"They are right you know..." Rusty said, starting to get up.
She shook her head and pushed him down again.
Ashley rolled her eyes, "I guess we should start back now.. maybe we'll get there by supper."
Dinah smiled and winked at Buffy, "or maybe we could ask Talck to give us a lift," she said

Buffy turned to Talck, "seeing as how miss observation over there has decided to take Rusty, would you mind giving us a lift?"
Talck blushed a bit, "no, not a problem," he said.
Dinah grinned, "thanks muchly darlin'" she said, giving Ashley a slight shove to hitch on behind Dinni, Ashley turned beat red as she hitched up.
Dinni's eyes widened as he felt Ashley hitch on.
"Thanks..." Rusty called, "I'll...take your train sometime if your coach ever kidnaps you..."
Talck stopped and stared at Rusty, as did Imbrri.
Ashley was biting her lip as she waited for the others to hitch on.
Xanni spluttered, "you.... coach??" she said softly
Pearl smiled, "that's right, and Rusty and I are gonna have a day together, right?"
Rusty nodded.
Buffy rolled her eyes and took Ashley's couplings, "Let's go Talck."
Dinah hitched behind Buffy, "all ready!" she said.
Talck nodded, "ok..." he said as he pulled out of the station, "see ya later!" he whistled to Rusty.
"Poor Rusty," Buffy giggled to Ashley.
Ashley smiled and nodded, still blushing as she looked at Dinni
Dinni carefully didn't look back, he didn't know what would happen if he did.
Xanni felt Dinni grip a little tighter than normal and looked back at him, seeing his face and the blushing one of Ashley behind him, she got the idea. She bit her lip and looked forward again, this yard was gonna be fun!

Pearl finally got off Rusty.
He got up and she took his couplings, "Okay honey, lets go."
"Where to?" he asked.
Dinah giggled, "I hope Pearl's not too hard on Rusty today," she said
Buffy smiled, "I dunno, did you see the way she was looking at him? and since he'll do anything for her..."
Talck frowned a bit, not liking the fact that the coaches made light of Pearl using Rusty.
Dinah nodded, "yeah," she looked around Buffy at Ashley, "hey ash, what do you think?"
Ashley jumped a bit, "Huh??"
Dinah shook her head, and laughed, "shoulda known her brain was miles away,"
"Or just in front of her..." Buffy whispered.
Ashley heard the comment and kicked her skate back at Buffy while Dinah giggled some more
"hey!" Buffy protested, "You're gonna de-rail us!"
Ashley looked back at her, "Then keep quiet"
Buffy giggled.
Dinah rolled her eyes
Buffy smiled, "Okay sugar, I'll be good."
Ashley sighed, praying Dinni hadn't heard
Dinni had heard, and he was stiffly staring a head.
Xanni was struggling not to laugh from where she was ahead of Dinni

Buffy unhitched when they reached the roundhouse, "Thanks for the lift sugar," she said to Talck.
Talck nodded, "no problem," he said.
Ashley didn't unhitch right away, then realized she was still hanging on and let go quickly, blushing again.
Buffy smiled at Ashley, but kept quiet.
Ashley followed the other coaches into the roundhouse, looking back at Dinni.
Imbrri looked around, "Maybe Rossi's back," she said
Buffy rolled into the kitchen.
The two cabooses were sitting at one of the tables.
Talck followed the cars in, "there she is," he said, though he wasn't to pleased about who she was with.
CB nudged Rossi, "Your engine's here."
Rossi looked up, "hi!!" she said waving.
Imbrri went over, "where have you been?? I was worried sick."
Rossi looked at her skates, "I was 'splorin'" she said
"it's okay," CB said, "I took care of her..."
Talck gave CB a look, "well thank you,"
He nodded and smiled.
Talck's look clearly showed that he didn't think it was that good.
The caboose's smile faded.
Imbrri took Rossi's hand, "C'mon hun, let's go sit down,"
Rossi pulled her hand away, "But I wanna sit here!" she said.
Xanni came up behind Imbrri, "aww let her stay,"
CB rather looked like he agreed with Xanni.
Talck sighed, "fine," he said, putting a hand on Imbrri's shoulder, "We can keep an eye on her from our table," he said softly
Dinni nodded, "she'll be fine."
Xanni nodded.
Imbrri and Talck looked a bit doubtful but moved over to their table
Dinni sat down.

Buffy moved over to the kitchen.
Ashley entered the kitchen, still blushing, when she saw Greaseball she smiled, "well... did you get it done?"
"Yes mistress..." Greaseball said teasingly.
Ashley narrowed her eyes again and reached for the dish towel she'd left on the counter.
Greaseball backed away slowly.
"what did I tell you about calling me that?"
Dinah came in, "aww Ashley leave him alone,"
"Sorry mistress..." Greaseball said.

Ashley moved quicker than normal and snapped the towel, meaning to hit him on his shoulder, but missing a bit and catching the side of his face.
Greaseball yelped a bit.
Dinah's eyes opened wide, expecting him to get very angry.
Ashley even looked a bit surprised.
His eyes narrowed and then he closed them.
Ashley backed up hurriedly, "I.. I didn't..."
Greaseball didn't move, he didn't trust himself to.
Ashley bit her lip, her eyes fearful.. She looked at Dinah and Buffy.
Dinah moved a bit forward, "Greaseball... you ok??"
Buffy backed away as well.
He gritted his teeth and then nodded.
Ashley gave Buffy a desperate look and moved beside her. Dinah felt a little worried at being this close to him, knowing how angry he was.
He swallowed again, knowing that he couldn't do anything, he couldn't!
Dinah took a step forward, "Greaseball??"
He skated past her without a word, silently leaving the kitchen.

Dinah watched after him, then turned to Ashley, "Why'd you go and do that??" she yelled at Ashley
Buffy stepped between the two of them, "Dinah, calm down, it was an accident."
Dinah sighed, "she shouldn't have done it!" Ashley looked upset, "Dinah I'm sorry,"
Buffy took Dinah's hands.
Dinah looked away
"Dinah, listen to me, we're both sorry..."
Dinah sighed, "It's still not right," she said.
Ashley came over, "Dinah I didn't mean to."
Buffy nodded.
Dinah pulled her hands away from Buffy, "Just leave it be," she said.
Buffy sighed, "Okay..."
Ashley looked upset, "I didn't mean to," she said softly to Buffy.

Rusty had taken Pearl home and was floating along down the tracks.
"Rusty..." Belle said.
He didn't hear her.
"Hey Rusty!"
"Huh....what?"
She smiled, "You've got lipstick on your cheek..."
Rusty blushed and rubbed it off.
Talck came down the tracks, smiling at Belle and Rusty, "hello," he said, though he seemed to have something on his mind.
"Hey there," Belle said.
Rusty had gone back to his cloud.
Talck looked at Rusty worriedly, he wanted to talk to him, but not with Belle around. He smiled at Belle, "I... think the dining cars a bit upset, I heard the other two cars wondering where you were. I'm not sure what happened, but I don't think those two are dealing with it very well,"
Belle frowned a bit and nodded, "I'll go see what's up." She skated away into the roundhouse.

Talck sat down by Rusty, biting his lip and trying to figure out how to bring up the topic that was bothering him.. he'd seen steamers at his old yard get their hearts broken in the same way Rusty was going to get his.
"Hi," Rusty said with a smile.
Talck gave him a smile, "um.. Rusty?" he started awkwardly
"yeah?"
"um.... well.... I'm... a bit worried about something," he said
Rusty blinked, and brought himself back down to earth, "What's up?"
"it's just well.... " he tried to gather his thoughts, "you know how some coaches like certain engines but not others," he couldn't help but blush, he'd never been good at this sort of thing.
Rusty nodded, "Yeah, like how Dinah likes Greaseball?"
Talck sighed and nodded, "yeah," he said, biting his lip a bit, "well... I just think that engines should try for coaches that are more within their league.. you know what I mean. Like you would never go for Dinah right?"
"Yeah... 'cause she's Greaseball's coach..."
Talck nodded, "but not only that, even if she wasn't you wouldn't go for her, right?" he asked, feeling very uncomfortable
"I suppose not..."
"Well..." he sighed, "there are other coaches here that are like that too,"
"Are there?" Rusty asked, he looked at Talck, "Oh...I see..."
Talck nodded, "well.. yeah.... " he said, glad that Rusty was understanding him.

Rusty smiled, "Who is she?"
Talck looked over at him, "What?" he asked, figuring Rusty would know.
"Who are you interested in?"
"Me?? no.. you don't understand,"
"oh come on Talck, you can tell me, it isn't Dinah is it?"
Talck looked at him like he was crazy, "no.. no that's not it,"
"Good, she's totally devoted to Greaseball..."
Talck shook his head again, "no.. I don't mean that..."
"Ah, okay, so who is it then?"
"no.. Rusty..."
"Okay if you don't want to tell me..."
"Rusty, I'm not talking about me,"
"You're not? Then who...?"
Talck bit his lip, "You"
"Me?"
Talck nodded
"but... I don't understand..."
"well.... " Talck really felt uncomfortable, "I've seen this happen before"
"seen what happen before?"
"Engines go after coaches that were out of their league and get their hearts broken,"
"Oh," Rusty said softly, "but...why are you telling me this?"
"I'm worried that's what's going to happen to you," he said
"Why? Talck what are you talking about?"
"The observation car," he finally came out and said it.
"Pearl?"
Talck nodded silently
"But...what are you worried about?"
"that you're trying for something you can't have,"

Rusty stood up angrily. "Look, I am sick trains telling me what I can and can't do."
Talck looked at him in shock, "I never said that!!!!!!!!" he said.
"You just said that I shouldn't bother going after her..."
"well I didn't mean it like that.. I meant... well.. I just don't want to see you get hurt is all."
"It sounded to me like you said that I couldn't have her..."
"well... she does seem to be out of your league is all... I mean.. more like a diesel's coach or the electric's,"
"She is *not*!"
Talck ducked and blushed, not expecting this reaction from him, he was only trying to help, "I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said anything," he said softly, not wanting to lose his friendship with Rusty

Rusty sighed, "I'm sorry as well... I guess that...well... for such a long time I was always told what I can and can't do..."
Talck nodded, "I know the feeling"
"It was...just an automatic reaction..."
Talck sighed, "it's ok,"
"And then when you said about Pearl being an electric or diesel's coach... she was once y'know..."
Talck nodded, "I thought so," he said, "she just seems like it,"
"She was nearly scrapped."
Talck looked up, "what??" he asked, remembering Rossi.
"It was during the race, she got hurt and he...unhitched her, right in the middle."
Talck's eyes widened, "that's terrible!"
Rusty nodded, "she's not his coach."
Talck looked at him, "oh?"
"No, not since then."
Talck nodded, "what happened to her after she was unhitched, I mean.. how was she not scrapped?"
"I caught her."
Talck looked at him, "you were in the races?"
"yeah, I caught her and she wasn't scrapped," he said with a smile.
Talck's eyes widened, "no one from my yard was there, but I wasn't even allowed to try out,"
"Oh. I'm sorry..."
Talck shrugged, "I'm an outdated steamer according to them,"
"That's what they told me too..."
"Really? how'd you manage to get in?"
"I was... a replacement."
"oh... for who?"
"For...Poppa..."
Talck's eyes widened, "he was in the races?"
Rusty nodded proudly.
Talck shook his head in amazement, "who'da thought"
"I didn't even believe it..." Rusty said with a smile.
Talck nodded
"but then I had to stand in for him in the final..." Rusty said, sounding a bit sad.
Talck looked at him, "what's wrong with that?"
"He... he was hurt."
"oh,"
"Yeah..." Rusty said softly.
"he seems ok now though,"
"Yeah, yeah he is," Rusty said with a smile.
Talck nodded
Rusty grinned, "sorry I got mad at you..."
Talck shrugged, "it's ok"

"So...you really aren't interested in anyone then?"
Talck blushed, "well I wouldn't say that,"
"Oh?"
Talck smiled a bit as his ears turned red
"I guess you do..." Rusty teased.
Talck nodded, "but not from this yard," he mumbled
"Aw, one of your coaches then?"
Talck turned nearly purple
Rusty held up his hands, "Okay, okay, I'll stop."
Talck bit his lip, "well... nothing's really happened, but the other coaches bug us all the time"
Rusty smiled, "well, you heard Ashley, Dinah, and Buffy...you get used to it."
Talck nodded.
Rusty grinned, "So we set then?"
Talck nodded, "I didn't mean to get you upset," he said again.
"Yeah, I guess that I'm just...well never mind."
Talck looked up at him, "you're just what?" he asked
"I guess that I was used to people telling me stuff like that and I always used to take it, y'know? But I don't anymore..."
Talck nodded.
"Well I suppose that I should get back to work...to make up for missing this morning..."
Talck smiled, "yeah..." he said, getting up, "I can help again if you like," he said.
"That's alright, I don't have to do double duty at least..."
Talck smiled, "that was crazy," he said remembering the Rusty sandwich
"Oh I've done it before," he said cheerfully, "It's not as hard as it looks."
Talck smiled, "I'll take your word for it"
Rusty laughed and stood up.

Talck got up as well, he frowned a bit, "Rusty, how do you feel about the caboose, CB I mean,"
Rusty let out a blast of steam.
Talck jumped a bit, "um.... is he that bad?" he asked, "do you think he might do something to Rossi?? she really likes him,"
"Well..." Rusty started, "He-"
Talck waited, "he what?" he asked, worried about the little pink caboose
"He's odd... like he's not always...all there."
Talck nodded
"he's a bit...well...nuts."
Talck looked worried, "in what way?"
"He can be perfectly, fine and well...normal one minute and then the next..."
"the next what?"
"He'll be off derailing trains."
Talck's nodded, expecting the answer after talking with CB, he just wanted the other steamer's opinion of the caboose.
"You just have to... watch him."
Talck nodded again, "I'll keep that in mind," he said
"I've..." Rusty started, "I've had some bad experiences with him."
Talck looked at him, "oh?"
"Yes. He... well it wasn't fun."
Talck sighed, "I'll bet,"
"So...well I don't trust him very much."
Talck nodded, "sounds like a smart idea," he said
Rusty shrugged, "I don't really know what to tell you apart from that."
Talck nodded, "thanks," he said, "it was enough."

Pearl was sitting in one of the marshmallow chairs that were in the living room. She was doing her nails.
Imbrri was... bored. Xanni was off somewhere, probably with Rossi bugging CB.. she didn't know where Dinni was, and Talck was helping Rusty. She saw the coach, and, although she was nervous that she'd get a reaction like she'd got back at her old yard, she went over to Pearl. "Hey," she said softly, "mind if I join you?" she asked
Pearl looked up and smiled, "No, not at all."
Imbrri gave a small smile and sat down across from her, she looked at the nail polish, "that's a good color on you," she said, feeling very nervous.
"Thanks," Pearl said, blowing on her nails.
Imbrri bit her lip, not knowing exactly what to say. She'd never talked to coaches back at her old yard, and speaking to someone other than Xanni was difficult.

Pearl smiled at Imbrri, "So... what are you up to?"
Imbrri smiled back, "being bored out of my tree," she said honestly, "the rest of my train's off doing something, and I'm just sorta left here."
Pearl giggled, "well I hope that's not a reflection on my company," she teased.
Imbrri chuckled softly, "no, not at all," she said
"Good," Pearl said, putting her nail polish away.
Imbrri looked a bit longingly at the nail polish, but she quickly hid the longing from her eyes. " So what do you coaches do when you're not working?" she asked
"Generally just hang out, or go out with the engines..." Pearl said, she suddenly looked closer at Imbrri.
Imbrri looked at her, "what?" she asked, feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the coach
"You know..." Pearl said thoughtfully, "I think that I have the perfect color for you."
Imbrri's eyes widened, "perfect color of what?" she asked

Pearl didn't answer, digging around in her bag of assorted cosmetics.
Imbrri got a bit nervous, but remained seated
"There," Pearl said holding up a bottle of polish, "This color is perfect for you."
Imbrri looked at it, "it's beautiful," she said
"It's perfect for you," Pearl repeated, "Do you mind?"
"uhh..." Imbrri gave a small smile as she stared at the polish and shook her head.
Pearl took one of Imbrri's hands and went to work.
Imbrri sat still, amazed that this coach, of all of them, was actually being this nice to her. "Thank you," she said softly.
"Mmhm..." Pearl said, taking Imbrri's other hand.
Imbrri watched pearl work her magic. "you're really good at that," she said
"Thanks," Pearl said, "Now hold them still 'til they dry."
Imbrri nodded, "ok," she said.
Pearl smiled at her handiwork.

She looked at Imbrri, "I don't suppose..." she started.
"suppose what?" she asked
"I don't suppose that you'd let me do more to you?"
"like what?"
"A little blush, some eyeshadow..."
"umm.. well... I've never used them before,"
"I can take care of that..."
Imbrri blushed, "ok," she said.
Pearl grinned and went back to digging.

Imbrri watched her, "you like bugging Rusty don't you?" she asked softly, "I mean, you bug him more than the other coaches."
"He doesn't mind..."
"I know.. but... isn't it a bit...."
"a bit much? well if he minded he'd tell me..."
"are you sure? I mean... well...."
"Don't worry, Rusty's a sweetheart, I wouldn't hurt him."
Imbrri nodded, "ok."
"Now..." Pearl said with a smile, studying Imbrri's face.
Imbrri bit her lip
Pearl smiled and went to work.
Imbrri sat still, she'd never had a makeover done before, she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do.
Pearl lightly brushed foundation on Imbrri's face.

"Wait 'til your engine sees you..." Pearl said with a smile.
Imbrri blushed, "you think so?"
"you think he'll like it?"
"I know so, he won't he able to resist you." Pearl smiled, with the air of one who knew from experience.
Imbrri smiled, "thanks," she said again
Pearl grinned, "So... is he really *your* engine?"
Imbrri blushed again, "I'm not sure yet," she said softly, "we've been running together for a long time, long before any of the other coaches came along," she said, "but... we've never really hitched up in that way, although my siblings are trying to get us to."
"You should," Pearl said with a smile, "It's nice having an engine."
"do you have one?"
Pearl nodded, brushing more powder onto Imbrri's face.
Imbrri closed her eyes, "who?" she asked curiously
"Why Rusty of course."
Imbrri gasped, taking in a deep breath of powder and choking on it.
Pearl pulled the brush away, "Are you okay?"
Imbrri coughed for a couple seconds more before swallowing and catching her breath, she nodded, "yeah," she said, "I just never thought....."
"Good," Pearl said, still looking a bit worried.
Imbrri took a deep breath, "Rusty?" she asked
"Yes," Pearl smiled.
Imbrri shook her head, "I never would have thought."
"Why not? He's sweet."
"yeah i know.. you just didn't seem like a.... well.... a...."
"What? Doesn't seem like I should go with him?"
"well you just don't seem like a steamer's coach, not at all like me..."
"Doesn't matter..." Pearl said a bit dreamily.
Imbrri looked at her, sighed and nodded, this yard was all so strange.
Pearl blinked, bringing herself back to earth, "yeah...well...ahem..."
Imbrri gave her a small smile.
Pearl smiled and went back to fixing Imbrri's makeup.

Ashley came in slowly, looking a little upset. She smiled at Pearl, Imbrri having her eyes closed.
"Hi Ashley," Pearl said, not looking up from her work.
Ashley sat down across from them, "hey," she said a bit upset.
"What's wrong?"
Ashley sighed, "I got Dinah mad at me, I didn't mean to, Poppa told me I could do what I wanted, it was an accident, " she mumbled quickly.
"Say what?"
Ashley looked at her skates, "I hit Greaseball by accident with a cloth, got him right in the face, he got all mad and Dinah got upset, Belle's with her now, but I'm not sure if she'll forgive me this time."
Pearl looked up, "Well I... I don't know... she forgave me..."
Ashley nodded, "yeah, I know."
Imbrri opened one eye, looking between the two, not understanding what was being said
"If Belle's with her-" Pearl started.
Ashley nodded, "she is," she sighed again and pulled her knees up to her chest
Pearl sighed softly.
Imbrri opened her other eye, "is she going to be ok?" she asked in a near whisper to Pearl.
"I hope so," Pearl said. She smiled at Ashley, "What do you think of Imbrri?"
Ashley looked at Imbrri clearly for the first time, she got up to look closer, "wow, you've done a really good job on her pearl!" she said, "then again that always was your specialty"
Pearl smiled, "Thank you."
Imbrri looked up at them, "do I look ok?"
Ashley grinned, "wait 'til Talck sees you!"
Pearl nodded.

Talck came into the round house with Rusty, he saw the coaches and smiled, "hey," he said.
Imbrri's back was to him and she was nervous to turn around
"Hey Pearl, Ashley, Imbrri," Rusty greeted them all.
"Turn around," Pearl whispered.
Imbrri bit her lip and turned to smile at Talck.
Talck smiled at her, then did a double take, his eyes got wide and he blushed as he stared at Imbrri.
Ashley gave Pearl and nudge and smiled, "I think he likes it," she whispered to Pearl
Pearl smiled, "I think so too."
Talck was speechless as he just stared.
Imbrri blushed and bit her lip
Rusty rolled over and put his hands on Pearl's shoulders.

Talck smiled at Imbrri, not really noticing Rusty, he was too dazzled.
Ashley rolled her eyes, moved towards Imbrri and gave her a push to move her closer to Talck. "Coaches these days," she muttered, "gotta do everything for them."
Rusty leaned down to Pearl, "Well done..." he said softly, "You made her... beautiful."
"Oh no you don't," Pearl teased, "You're mine." She leaned up and kissed him.
Imbrri stood in front of Talck biting her lip, "do you like it?" she asked.
Talck still couldn't say anything but he nodded as he stared at her.
Ashley turned to Rusty and gave him a glare, of course seeing how futile that was with him being so occupied, she went back to watching Talck and Imbrri.
Pearl stood up and Rusty sat down, she sat on his lap.

Dinni had collected his other two siblings and was looking for Talck. He skidded to a stop.
Xanni and Rossi nearly bumped into him. "Hey!" Xanni complained, peeking over his shoulder to see why he stopped, "what the??"
Rossi peeked around the both of them, "wow... Imbrri's pretty!"
Talck and Imbrri jumped and blushed, moving apart quickly, looking immensely guilty.
Dinni smiled and started to turn around, "come on Rossi...lets go find someone else to bug."
Rossi shook her head and darted around him, "but I wanna see Imbrri."
Xanni giggled, "besides, maybe all our hard work is paying off," Xanni said softly to Dinni
Dinni sighed, seeing he was outnumbered.
Imbrri blushed and turned away quickly.
Talck's ears were flaming as he tried to think of some way to change the subject.

Dinni sat down with a sigh, without noticing who he sat down next to...
Xanni headed over to Dinni and stopped, her mouth hanging open as she stared at the couple sitting next to him.
Rossi went around in front of Imbrri, "you look so pretty!" she said, pulling Imbrri's hand, trying to get her to bend down closer. Imbrri was still blushing as she knelt in front of Rossi so that she could see.
Talck looked over at Xanni, followed her gaze and did a double take as he looked at Pearl and Rusty.
Rusty and Pearl were a bit occupied.
Ashley looked at the two, a little confused, not sure why they were staring.
Xanni shook her head and sat down beside her brother, "when did that happen?" she asked.
Talck was trying to work things out in his head, it just wasn't making sense.
Rusty suddenly realized that everyone, (except Ashley) was staring.

Talck shook his head, Imbrri looked up at him, then over at the couple, she stood up and whispered to him, "you've probably figured it out, but Pearl told me earlier that they're hitched."
Talck shook his head, he'd never have suspected that.
"Um..." Rusty said, appearing flustered, "Yeah..."
Rossi giggled. Ashley was totally out of the loop, looking a bit confused
Pearl smiled.
Xanni wasn't sure what to say, she looked at Dinni and shrugged. Rossi looked around, not understanding, but smiling.
"Well..." Dinni said finally, "That explains a lot."
Xanni nodded. Talck still seemed dumbfounded, Imbrri blushed a bit more, not sure what to say.
"I thought that you knew..." Rusty said a bit apologetically.
Talck shook his head. Xanni scoffed, "why would we think that?"
Rusty shrugged and looked down, "Well...I don't know..."
Imbrri smiled, "it's all right, we all had misconceptions," she said. Talck gave a small smile, "yeah, this yard is completely different from our old one,"
"That's for sure..." Dinni said.

Greaseball was sitting off in the sidings. He had calmed himself down and wasn't sure what to do now. It hadn't really hurt, it certainly didn't any more. He was very glad that he hadn't done anything that he would have been regretting right now.
He looked down and saw a shadow hanging over him, a very familiar one. "I had to get out of there." He said without looking up.
"That's what it seems like," Poppa answered.
"So you know what happened then?" Greaseball said without expression.
"No, not really..." Poppa said, "I didn't think that things would get out of hand."
Greaseball looked up and glared a bit, "Well *sir* they did!" he said sarcastically.
"So what happened then?" Poppa asked softly.
Greaseball put a hand to his cheek and lowered his eyes, "Don't wanna talk about it."
"Oh no?"
"No."
"I see..." Poppa said, "So, that means that either you did something that you don't want me to know about because it would get you into more trouble, or they made you do something that was far too embarrassing..."
"I didn't do anything!" Greaseball said quickly, "I wouldn't..."
Poppa nodded, "So the second one then."
The diesel looked down, "Yeah..."

Dinah was in the kitchen trying not to cry, she couldn't believe Ashley'd been like that all day, and then to hit Greaseball like that.
Belle eased open the door.
Dinah banged down the pot she'd been drying.
"Dinah?" Belle asked softly.
Dinah turned, startled, "oh hi Belle," she said
"Hi..."
Dinah sighed and turned back to the dishes, "why're you here?"
"Do I need a reason?"
"No!" Dinah said hurriedly, "I just figured you'd be out with Poppa or something,"
"Ah, I see..." Belle picked up a dishtowel that was on the floor.
Dinah nodded and sighed, "it's all my fault," she said softly
"What is?"
"Everything, this whole thing with Greaseball,"
"How so?"
"If he hadn't been showing off to me, he wouldn't have nearly hit Talck, then he wouldn't have been punished, and Ashley wouldn't have hit him,"
"Oh..." Belle said softly, "Did you tell Greaseball to slow down?"
Dinah thought back, she nodded a bit, "I think I did, but I'm not sure,"
"Well then. It was his choice to go that fast."
Dinah sighed, "I just don't know what to do anymore"

Belle skated over and took Dinah into her arms.
Dinah trembled for a second, then clung to belle sobbing, all the fear, anger, and despair she'd been feeling since the near wreck coming out in one giant sob.
Belle held her until the tears stopped.

"There now," Belle soothed, "easy honey..."
Dinah hiccuped, "I'm sorry" she whispered
Belle looked a little puzzled.
"I didn't mean to cry like that,"
"But you needed to."
Dinah swallowed, "but everyone thinks I'm a crybaby, I'm trying to stop it"
Belle shook her head, "But you weren't crying for no reason."
Dinah hiccuped again, "I guess," she said
Belle nodded, "Yes."
Dinah sighed, "it's just so difficult," she said, "everything's different now that Greaseball's not the champion, I'm glad for Rusty and all," she said quickly, "but Greaseball just isn't the same."
"I see," Belle said softly, "and with Poppa in charge now..."
Dinah nodded slightly
"A fall from power is always hard," Belle said a bit sadly, "I know..."
Dinah looked at Belle and sighed, "oh Belle I'm sorry," she said.
"huh?"
"Nothing" she muttered
"what's wrong?"
Dinah shrugged, "everything and nothing," she said
Belle smiled softly, hugging Dinah again.
Dinah sighed
"Things will be fine," Belle said.
Dinah nodded, "but Ashley's all upset now, Greaseball's on the warpath, I just don't know what to do,"
"I have a feeling that things will work themselves out."
Dinah sighed again, "I hope so"
"As to Ashley, if you feel better then I'm sure that will help her feel better."
Dinah nodded, "ok," she said
Belle nodded.
Dinah sighed, "thanks Belle," she said
"It's what I do..." Belle said with a smile.
Dinah gave her a small smile
Belle gave Dinah another hug, "Now honey, maybe you should get out of the kitchen."
Dinah nodded," maybe you're right," she said
Belle nodded and guided Dinah out of the kitchen.
Dinah followed along, still a bit down, but not nearly so upset

Belle came to a stop in the living room where there seemed to be quite a gathering.
Ashley looked over, gulped, and hid slightly behind Imbrri without making it to obvious.
Rossi saw Dinah, got up and went over, "were you cryin?" she asked
"That's Rossi..." Dinni said softly.
Imbrri nodded. Talck went over, "c'mon Little One," he said softly, steering her away. Dinah bit her lip and sighed.

Belle rolled over to Rossi, "Did you have a good morning?"
Rossi smiled up at her and nodded, "it was lotsa fun!" she said
"That's good," Belle said subtly guiding the little caboose away from Dinah.
Talck smiled at Dinah apologetically. Dinah didn't really notice.
Xanni rolled her eyes at her sister, "of course the fact that at first she scared Imbrri half to death..."
"You mean you didn't tell them where you were going first?" Belle asked.
Rossi bit her lip, "ummm.. well... they were sleeping," Talck chuckled, "trust Little One," he said.
Belle smiled and ruffled Rossi's hat.
Rossi giggled and sped over to Dinni, practically jumping into his lap.
Dinni let out a yelp, "hi Rossi..."
Rossi giggled, giving him a hug.
Dinni grinned and blew her hair out of his eyes.
Talck laughed at the two, "poor Dinni, and here he thought Rossi'd out grown leaping into his lap"
Xanni shook her head, "what?? you kidding, Rossi'll never get too old for that."
"I hope not..." Dinni said under his breath.
Xanni barely heard, and laughed at the comment. Rossi was grinning from her seat.
Dinni blushed a bit.

Dinah sighed and sat down in one of the chairs.
Ashley watched her, worried about her, but not wanting to cause more problems
Imbrri looked at Dinah, then went over and sat by her, "you ok hun?"
Dinah nodded, "yeah.. I guess," she said
Ashley sighed, she knew she had to get it over with, or she'd never get the courage to talk to Dinah. She went over to the blue and white coach, "Hey Dinah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so mean today."
Dinah sighed, "it's ok I guess," she said.
Imbrri put her arm around the Dining car, "you sure you're ok?" Dinah nodded, "yeah, I'll be all right,"
Belle nodded approvingly.

Dinah sighed as she rested out on the porch. it was a nice day for once, with a few puffy clouds still blowing across the sky.
Greaseball hesitated, watching her.
Dinah didn't see Greaseball as she leaned back on her hands and watched the clouds.
"Dinah?"
Dinah looked over at Greaseball, startled, "oh!" she said, "hi..."
"Can I...y'know..."
Dinah looked around, "what??" she asked
"Can I...sit?"
"OH!" she edged over a bit, "sure!
He settled down next to her.
Dinah gave him a small smile and cuddled up to him.
"Dinah I..."
Dinah looked up at him, "yeah?"
"I...about what happened... I didn't mean...that is I didn't..."
Dinah looked at him confused, "what do you mean?" she asked
"What happened in the kitchen..."
Dinah bit her lip, "oh," she said, "Ashley said she didn't mean to," she said softly
He nodded, "Yes I know."
Dinah put her arms around his waist and hugged him.
"I'm... I didn't mean for it to happen..."
"but you didn't do anything,"
He smiled down at her, she was making this much easier.
Dinah sighed.
"You know... I'm done now..."
Dinah looked up at him, "done what??" she asked
"Being punished..."
Realization slowly dawned on Dinah, and as she figured out what he was saying it could easily be seen in her face as it slowly lit up into a smile.
"So..." he stood up and took her hands, pulling her up, "and," he winked, "no more racing down the tracks."
Dinah gave him another smile, "unless it's race night," she said
giving him a kiss on the cheek
"You got it babe," he said, "Let's go."
Dinah hitched on, feeling much better now.
Greaseball pulled out, taking her down the tracks.