The Midnight Train Crossing

A few days later Rusty was pulling Buffy and Ashley down the tracks, Belle and Dinah being with their respective engines.
Ashley was once again hanging onto Buffy with one hand, a smoke clenched firmly in the other.
They were all silent as Rusty pulled them down the tracks. Buffy wasn't feeling too well.
Ashley exhaled a puff of smoke into the air. "Rusty, speed it up, will ya?"
"Sure..." Rusty sped up a bit.
Ashley brushed her hair out of her face again, the smokestack now back in place, but stray wisps fluttered around her face.
"Not so fast..." Buffy mumbled and Rusty obediently slowed down.
Ashley inhaled on her smoke. "Buffy, what's wrong with you, girl?"
"Headache..." Buffy muttered.
"From what?"
"Just a headache..."
"Oh." Ashley let the butt of her cigarette fly. "Ru-sty," she whined, "Can't you go any faster?"
Rusty sped up again.
"Oh, come on," Ashley whined.
"No," Buffy protested, "This is fast enough..."
"But-"
Rusty, having now been thoroughly confused by two conflicting orders, slowed down.
"Rusty!"

Rusty came to a stop, "Would you two please make up your minds?"
"Come on, Rusty. You're faster than that, I would hope," Ashley said, wiping her hands on her skirt.
"I am, but Buffy's telling me to slow down."
Ashley sighed. "Well..."
"So take it up with her."
Ashley glared. "You be nicer!"
Rusty fell silent.
Ashley smirked and lit another cigarette, flicking ash in Rusty's face. "That's better."
Rusty coughed a bit and brushed the ashes away
Ashley exhaled a puff of smoke in Rusty's face, directly into his eyes.
He yelped and turned away.
Ashley giggled softly. "Aw, come on, smoker. You should be used to smoke in your eyes by now..."
"Yeah but mine is different then yours... and I'm a steamer."
Ashley rolled her pretty, brown eyes. "Steamer, smoker, no difference."
Rusty let out a whoosh of steam
Ashley glared and moved closer. "Now now, Rusty, would Poppa want you to be puffing steam at girls?"
Rusty made a face, but didn't answer.
Ashley placed a hand on Rusty's shoulder. "Am I right?"
Rusty still didn't answer, although he flinched a bit away from her, "Are you ready to go now?"
Ashley exhaled another puff of smoke into his face. "No."
"Oh..." he said softly.
Buffy had skated over to a platform and was sitting down.

Ashley leaned against Rusty, supported by one arm, and smoked.
"I wish you wouldn't do that..." Rusty said softly.
"Do what?" Ashley asked.
"Lean on me..."
"When you're not strong," Ashley teased, starting to sing.
"Argh!"
Ashley grinned and leaned over to give him a light kiss on the cheek.
He blushed and lowered his eyes to the ground.
Ashley smirked. "Aw, come on, Rusty. It was just a kiss."
He looked up, "hey...Ashley?"
"What?" Ashley flicked ash off the end of the cigarette.
"Buffy doesn't look so hot... maybe we should take her home..."
Ashley shrugged. "If it'll make this run go faster..."
Rusty sighed, "Get off me please..."
Ashley glared and gave him a light push with her fingertips.
"Thank you..." he rolled over to Buffy.
Ashley ground out her cigarette with her toe stop.

"Buffy?" he asked softly, sinking down next to her, "Did you want me to take you home?"
"No, I'm alright," Buffy said.
"But-" he protested.
"I'm fine Rusty," she stood up, steadying herself on the engine, "Let's go."
Ashley moved back into place.
Rusty started down the tracks again at a rather slow pace.
"Rusty!" Ashley whined.
"But I-" Rusty protested.
"Come on now."
He sighed, "Alright..." and he picked up speed.
"Whee!" Ashley hooted.
Buffy looked a bit green, but she didn't say anything.

Rusty pulled into the station and Buffy unhitched and promptly sat down.
Ashley spun in a circle in a rather giddy fashion.
Rusty ignored her and went over to Buffy, "I'm taking you home." He pulled her up and hitched her behind, "Ashley, I'm taking her home."
Ashley raised a brow. "Am I supposed to wait here?"
"Well..."
Ashley broke off the end of her cigar, something new she had decided to try.
"I'll be right back," Rusty said.
"Okay." Ashley lit the end of her cigar.
Rusty glided down the tracks with Buffy behind him.
Ashley leaned against the wall and smoked.

A few minutes later Rusty returned, a bit out of breath.
Ashley checked her watch. "Why can't you go that fast normally?"
He panted in response.
Ashley moved closer to Rusty, offering him her cigar.
"No thank you."
Ashley rolled her eyes. "It's not gonna kill you, Rusty..."
"Yeah, but I still don't want it, thank you though."
Ashley smirked. "Always gotta be perfect, don'tcha?"
Rusty sighed, "But I don't want it."
"Why?"
"Because I don't..."
"Aw, come on, Rusty. Don't be such a baby."
Rusty turned around and offered her his couplings, "Come on..."
Ashley leaned back against the wall. "I'm not done."
"Fine..."
Ashley smiled evilly. She wondered how long she could make Rusty wait for her.
Rusty shifted his weight uncomfortably.
Ashley sighed and spat tobacco juice from the cigar on the ground.
The steamer jumped, startled.
Ashley looked up at him. "What?"
He looked at her, "Ashley, would you mind if I gave you an opinion?"
Ashley shrugged a shoulder. "Whatever blows your whistle."
"Maybe you should just stick to the cigarettes?" he offered
Ashley raised a brow. "Why?"
"Because...well... I dunno...I guess..."
Ashley sidled closer. "You don't like cigars, Rusty?"
He nodded.
Ashley moved so she was only inches from him. "Why not?"
"Because it doesn't look right on you."
Ashley raised a brow. "Giving me your special beauty tips now, Rusty?" she teased.
Rusty sighed and lowered his eyes, "Well..."
Ashley tipped his chin up with two fingers so he had to look into her eyes.
"I'm sorry I said anything..." he mumbled.
Cigar smoldering, forgotten, in her ashtray, Ashley leaned in closer. "All is forgiven..."
"Good," Rusty said softly feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Ashley suddenly leaned in and sealed her mouth over Rusty's in a passionate kiss.
Rusty's eyes widened, "mmphf!"
Ashley's arms encircled Rusty's neck, holding the back of his head with her hands so he couldn't pull away.
Rusty's eyes were huge and he went still, not sure of what else exactly do to. He went just about scarlet.
Ashley almost seemed to purr as she held the kiss and his head. She finally pulled away with a smirk, still holding onto his neck, her face inches from his. She traced her fingers along the back of his neck.
Rusty's eyes were huge and he couldn't get his mouth to form words. He stood there dumbly staring at Ashley in complete shock.
Ashley's hands slid over his shoulders. "There now. How was that?"
"Uh..."
Ashley smirked.
Rusty still stood there dumbfounded.
Ashley gave him a light push and he rolled backwards a bit, still wide-eyed.
Ashley grinned at him, slowly following him.
Rusty swallowed, "What..." he started softly.
"Hmm?" Ashley asked, moving even closer.
"What was that for?"
Ashley shrugged one petite shoulder.

Suddenly Ashley moved closer and spun him towards her, pushing him back so he was pressed against the wall.
"A-Ashley..." he protested softly.
"Hmm?" Ashley leaned closer to him.
"Don't..."
"Why not?" Ashley's voice was a low purr.
"Please..."
"Please what?" Ashley's frame pressed close to him.
Rusty's ears burned and he swallowed, "Please don't?" he tried.
"Why not, Rusty?" Ashley said softly. "You liked it, didn't you?"
"Um..." he didn't answer.
"You did," Ashley answered for him.
"I... but I thought that you didn't-"
"Hmm?"
"You don't seem to...well... like me."
"Who says I don't like you, Rusty?" Ashley said, her hips pressing to his, her catty eyes narrowed in a pout.
"Well...it...just seemed like it..."
"Oh?" Ashley said softly.
"Yeah..." he mumbled.
Ashley tipped his face up to hers again. "Don't you like me, Rusty?"
"Well I..."

Ashley touched her mouth to his in a less-passionate kiss than before.
Rusty's eyes widened again, and then they closed.
Ashley grinned and intensified the kiss, running her hands over Rusty's shoulders.
He leaned forward slightly into the kiss.
Ashley grinned and held him tight, closing her eyes.
He hesitated and then slowly eased his arms around her.
Ashley almost seemed to purr, moving closer to him in his embrace, her own arms around his neck.
Rusty finally relaxed a bit and let out a soft woosh of steam.
Ashley giggled softly, separating the kiss to gaze at him.
Rusty's eyes were closed.
Ashley stroked his cheek with her thumb.
He opened his eyes, which were a bit glazed over.
Ashley smiled at him softly. "You like that?"
"Uh huh..." he said softly, not really listening to himself.
Ashley smiled and leaned closer, her forehead resting on his. "You want more?"
"Uh..."
Ashley touched her mouth ever so gently to his ear. "Mmm," she purred softly, kissing her way around to his temple.

Suddenly Rusty's eyes focused as he snapped himself out of it.
Ashley pressed herself closer to him, her mouth back on his.
He looked down at her and tensed up again.
Ashley didn't seem to notice, her hands tracing down his arms to around his waist.
He could feel his heart pounding in his ears as it suddenly increased tempo.
Ashley kissed him firmer, her hips right up against his, her eyes closed.
He pulled his hands away from her frame and looked downright alarmed.
Ashley felt his arms move from around her waist and pulled away, looking at him in a mixture of confusion and anger. Her grip on him tightened a bit as he tried to back away.

"A-Ashley..."
"Hmm?"
"Let...let go..."
"Why?"
"P-please," he stammered, eyes frightened.
"Please what?"
"Stop?" he whispered
"Why?"
"Because, oh please, just stop!"
Ashley's eyes narrowed. "You were enjoying it, Rusty."
He nodded and then shook his head.
"What's wrong?"
"Just stop, please."
"Rusty, tell me."
"I don't...don't want..."
"Don't want what?"
He pushed her away, "This."
Ashley glared at him. "Oh! You are such a baby!" Without even thinking, she swung her hand out, slapping Rusty hard against the cheek, her long nails leaving four streaks of red on his skin.
Rusty yelped and placed a hand on his cheek, blinking.
Ashley glared at him, her eyes showing fire.
"I'm sorry..." he said, not looking up at her.
"No you're not!" Ashley spat.
"I am!"
"No."
"Yes! Look, Ashley, I really am sorry but I just-"
"Just what?" Ashley growled.
"I can't do this."
"Why not?"
"Because I can't!" still covering his cheek Rusty pushed past her and started down the rails.

Ashley raced after him and grabbed his arm, spinning him around to look at her. "You are such a little baby!" she hissed at him.
Rusty pulled away. "I keep telling you that I'm sorry, what more do you want?"
"Sorry doesn't cut it, Rusty! You were enjoying it! Why chicken out now?"
Rusty lowered his eyes, "I just...had to."
"Cause you're a baby."
"No."
"Yeah you are."
"No. How come just because I didn't want to... with you that makes me a baby?"
"Cause you are. You've never gone that far, with anyone, have you?"
He shook his head.
Ashley glared and shook her head. "You are such a baby."
"I am not!"
"You are too! You won't ever be an engine! You'll always be a baby!"
"I can't believe I'm having this argument..." Rusty muttered.
"I can't believe you won't acknowledge what a little child you are!" Ashley spat back.
"I don't have to listen to you."
Ashley smirked. "No, you don't, but you listen to everyone else and let them push you around."
Rusty looked up and glared – she had touched a nerve.
Ashley smirked. "I bet you'll always be a baby."
"Will not...I mean, am not."
"You ARE a baby."
"No!" Rusty growled.
"Yes!" Ashley hissed.
He almost advanced on her, and then turned and started away.

Ashley smirked to herself. "You want to prove me wrong, Rusty?"
He didn't answer, but slowed.
"How about we make a little wager, Rusty?" she said, "You have 24 hours... to prove to me you're not a baby."
He turned around, "And?"
"And what?"
"What do I get?"
Ashley shrugged. "What do you want?"
"I..." Rusty looked thoughtful, "I want you to stop teasing me and admit that you're wrong and...cooperate on runs."
Ashley raised a brow in thought a moment, then nodded. "Sounds fair..."
"So..." she sidled closer to him with a sickly smile. "You can prove it to me in three ways."
He backed away, "What?"
"One," Ashley started ticking off on her fingers. "You can couple with a coach."
"No."
Ashley shrugged. "Two, you can get into a fight, that you started, and win or three, you talk back to someone in authority and not get in trouble, like Greaseball or Poppa."
Rusty nodded, thinking
Ashley grinned and sidled close. "Personally, I think you should couple, cause with that cutie patootie of yours, it's your best bet, but, do we have a deal?"
Rusty took a step back, "Even though I know that I'm going to win..."
"Oh?" Ashley smirked. "What are you gonna do?"
"Even though I know that I'm going to win, what...what's in this for you?"
Ashley sidled closer again. "You mean, what happens if I win?"
He nodded and backed away again.
Ashley got an evil grin on her face. "Then you're mine for week, to do my bidding and pull me wherever I want. Deal?"
"A...a week?"
"Yeah. A week."
Rusty went a bit pale, "For... anything you want?"
Ashley nodded.
"Um... no kissing or coupling or anything like that."
Ashley raised a brow. "We'll see..." she said slowly.
"No or no deal."
Ashley sighed softly. "Okay, okay."
Rusty considered and then nodded.
Ashley grinned. "See, you're being more assertive already." She moved closer and held out her hand.
He hesitated and then shook her hand.
Ashley pulled him closer to her and landed a quick kiss on his cheek, then released him. "See you in twenty-four hours, Rusty."
"Yeah..." Rusty turned and bolted.
Ashley watched him go, smiling smugly. She turned and headed for home.

Rusty let out a whoosh of relief and kept going, without really paying attention to where he was going. He didn’t see Greaseball step onto the track right in front of him until it was almost too late. He skidded to a stop, barely avoiding a collision.
Greaseball didn't even bother to move. "Where have you been?"
"Was pulling the coaches..."
"Kinda getting a little late to be pulling the coaches."
"I had... a bit of a problem."
"Oh?" Greaseball raised a brow
"Yes."
"What kind of problem?"
"I don't really think that it's your concern..."
"I think it is," Greaseball said, snatching Rusty up by his collar.
Rusty gasped and tried to convince himself to keep breathing.
"So I suggest you tell me. Now."
The steamer swallowed and nodded.
Greaseball dropped Rusty in a heap at his feet.
Rusty shakily pulled himself up, "We...we were going and...and Buffy wasn't feeling well...but she didn't...didn't want to go home, s-so we kept going until she couldn't, and I...I took her home, then...w-went back and g-got Ashley and f-finished the run."
Greaseball raised a brow. "Doesn't sound like much of a problem..."
"I...I c-can't argue wi-with them. Y-you know that..."
Greaseball smirked. "Yeah. Poor wittle Wusty lets a bunch of coaches push him around."
"C-can I go now?"

"Did I say you could go?"
"No, that's why I asked..."
Greaseball glared. "Don't get smart with me."
"I didn't think I was."
"You have some kind of a death wish, steamer."
"No..."
Greaseball folded his arms over his chest. "You're not done."
"No?"
"No."
"Oh."
"I've managed to find some more routes for you, since you don't seem to think time applies to you."
"I...I don't?"
"No, you don't."
"But I t-told you why I was late."
"Too bad. You're still late, and it's not the first time it's happened."
"I know..."
"So you're going to work until you've made up all the time you've lost."
"And who decides how much time I've lost?"
"I do."
"Figures."
Greaseball raised a brow and suddenly smacked Rusty across the face.
Rusty cried out in pain and backed away.
"Watch your mouth, or I'll have to watch it for you."
Rusty nodded silently.
"Come with me."
Rusty nodded again and obediently followed Greaseball down the track.

Greaseball led him towards the freight yard.
Rusty still silently followed, his heart sinking down to somewhere near his skates.
Greaseball led him over to the shed. "You're going to pull a car for me."
Rusty didn't say a word.
Greaseball snapped his fingers, and, a moment later, a short figure appeared at his side.
Rusty lowered his eyes, biting back a comment.
Caboose smiled brightly at him. "Hey there Rusty!"
Rusty looked up and smiled.
"You pull Caboose to the other end of the yard."
Caboose moved closer and smiled at Rusty.
Rusty turned. Caboose hitched up, giving Greaseball a quick wink before giving Rusty a nudge. "Okay, go."
Rusty went and didn’t look back.

Caboose leaned closer to Rusty. "My arm's feeling better, thanks for asking."
Rusty nodded and looked back at the caboose with an apologetic smile.
Caboose smiled back. "Are you feeling okay now?"
He nodded again. Greaseball wasn’t in sight, but he wasn’t in the mood to take any chances.
"Good."
Rusty turned forward again and sped up slightly eyes on the rails.
Caboose sighed softly. "Boring around here, isn't it?"
Rusty shrugged.
Caboose sighed again. "I miss my old yard..."
Rusty nodded again.
"Have you been at this yard all your life?"
He nodded.
"Oh. Cool. I've been all over the world."
He looked back and raised his eyebrows questioningly.
"What?"
"All over the world?"
"Yup."
"Neat."
Caboose nodded. "Yeah. I never stay anywhere very long."
"Why?"
"Cause I don't."
"Oh. Doesn't that get hard?"
Caboose nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess, but I don't mind."
"Oh," Rusty said again, turning his attention back to the rails.
Caboose sighed softly.

Rusty sped up again, the speed easing his feelings.
Caboose ever so slowly started to lean on his brakes but Rusty didn't notice, his thoughts elsewhere.
Caboose watched Rusty a moment, then slammed his brakes down.
Rusty was brought to an abrupt halt. "What's wrong?" he asked, looking back.
"Why'd you stop?" Caboose demanded.
"You stopped..."
"No, you stopped!"
"Yeah, after you did..."
"Rusty, I don't know what you're talking about. My brakes are up."
"Alright, forget it..." Rusty said softly, turning around and going.
Caboose followed him, smiling to himself. Mind games were always fun to play on the weaker-minded.

Rusty kept going.
Caboose hummed to himself, a jaunty little tune.
Rusty whistled at the crossing and kept moving at his steady pace.
Caboose glanced around. The yard seemed to be emptier towards this side.
Caboose glanced around, then suddenly released his brakes to make them go out of control.
Rusty vainly hit his brakes, cut his power, swerved and tried anything he could think of to get back on track. Behind him, Caboose held back a nasty cackle, not bothering to try to help.
Rusty skidded to a stop, somewhere off in the sidings, face down on the ground.
Caboose released him at the last second and used the wall to stop himself, then skated over to Rusty, his face a mask of anger.

Rusty groaned and pushed himself up slowly. Then he saw the caboose and returned back to the ground and closed his eyes.
Caboose stood over Rusty, glaring deeply. "Why in h*ll are you trying to kill me???"
"I. Am. Not."
"You're certainly not doing a good job of it."
"You're tellin' me," Rusty muttered.
Caboose feigned absolute shock. "Three times now we've almost gotten scrapped. Do you have a death wish or something?"
"It's odd, that's not the first time I've been asked that today..."
Caboose glared. "Oh, so you've crashed other trains now too, is it?"
"No..."

All of a sudden, Greaseball appeared from another track.
Rusty looked up, "Great..." he mumbled, closing his eyes again.
"What's going on here?"
Rusty pushed himself up, "It was an accident, but I'm sure that you won't believe me, and I'm sure that you'll also tell me to shut up, and that I'm in trouble, so let's have it." With that Rusty closed his eyes and waited.
Greaseball snatched Rusty up by his collar and pushed him roughly against the wall. "I think you need some lessons in manners."
Rusty held back a yelp and swallowed, although he half-expected this.
He couldn't hold back a cry of pain as Greaseball landed a harsh punch across Rusty's face.
Greaseball laughed and hit him again, this time in the stomach.
Rusty gasped as the steam rushed from him and he collapsed, doubled over.
Greaseball dropped Rusty at his feet.
Rusty squeezed his eyes shut and was still.
"Come on, Caboose. I think Rusty needs some time to think about his actions before I let him pull you again." He turned to Rusty. "I'll be back to see you tomorrow, Rusty, and you better have learned some respect by then."
Caboose laughed as he hitched to Greaseball, and the two started off down the track.
Rusty lay still on the tracks.

Off in the shadows, Ashley giggled loudly.
Rusty opened his eyes, and then closed them again. Great...
Ashley skated over to him and knelt down next to him. "You're off to a great start," she teased.
"Thanks..." he mumbled.
"Need some help?"
"What do you think?"
"Okay." Ashley stood up to skate away.
Rusty sighed, "...yes."
Ashley grinned. "Oh, okay then."
Rusty closed his eyes, "Bet you can't resist teasing now..."
"Not really."
He opened his eyes in surprised, "Really?"
"Well, you're in the perfect position for me to tease you..."
"I know..."
Ashley took a drag on her smoke and exhaled the smoke over Rusty.
He coughed and closed his eyes again.
Ashley ground out her cigarette by Rusty's head. "Come on."
He watched it and flinched, "what?"
"Come on. You need to get home."
He slowly and carefully pushed himself up to all fours.
Ashley smirked slyly. "That's a nice position for you."
He didn't respond, catching his breath before getting shakily to his wheels.
Ashley turned her couplers to him. "Come on. I'll pull you home."
Rusty didn't argue, just did as he was told.
Ashley pulled him along. Rusty silently followed, leaning a bit heavily on her.
"Loosen up a bit," Ashley hissed, shaking him a bit.
"Sorry," he said.
Ashley pulled him to his house. "Hmm. Looks like Poppa's not home."
"Good..." Rusty whispered.

Ashley opened the door and pulled Rusty inside.
"Thanks..." he said softly.
Ashley nodded. "Where's your room?"
"Down the hall, second one..."
Ashley pulled him down the hall to his room, opening the door and looking around. "Hmm. Cozy."
Rusty unhitched and went over to his bed.
Ashley followed him.
"Th-thank you," he said softly.
Ashley nodded and grabbed another cigarette.
"I'll be alright...”
Ashley nodded again and lit the cigarette.
He hesitated, "...Ashley?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you think that you could... maybe..."
"Could what?"
"...get me some...water?"
"Oh, sure." Ashley turned and skated for the kitchen.
Rusty curled up under the blankets a bit painfully.

Ashley returned a bit later with a glass of water.
He sat up and reached for it eagerly but Ashley held it just out of his reach.
"Oh come on Ashley!"
Ashley leaned down so her face was inches from Rusty's. "Hmm?"
He held out his hands for the glass.
Ashley gently pushed his hands away.
"Please?"
Ashley knelt down, her bosom practically right in his face. "Hang on, hang on."
Rusty swallowed and closed his eyes.
Ashley leaned in and touched her mouth to Rusty's forehead, cuddling close to him.
"Ashley, please..." Rusty licked his lips, really needing a drink.
"No no," Ashley said, holding it out of his reach, tilting his face up with her free hand.
"Fine then..." Rusty said resignedly, closing his eyes.
Ashley leaned in closer, brushing her mouth against his.

Rusty took a deep breath and his creation of steam slowed.
"Rusty?"
Rusty didn't move, going still.
"Rusty?" Ashley's voice rose to a shriek.
Rusty let out one last little whoosh of steam, then it drifted away, and no more came.
"Rusty!" Ashley gave him a shake, "Rusty, don't do this!"
Obviously, he didn't answer.
Ashley began to sob. "Rusty, don't die!"

"Hello?" Belle's voice called, having arrived and noticed that the door was open.
Ashley screamed. "Belle!"
"Ashley?" Belle asked, following the sound.
"Belle, you gotta help him! I think he's dead!" Ashley screamed, flinging herself into Belle's arms.
"What?"
"Rusty... he's dead..."
"What!?" Belle rushed into Rusty's room.
Ashley chased after her, sobbing.
Belle regarded the still steamer and then picked up the glass of water.
Ashley sobbed.
"Ashley, honey, can you go get me another glass of water?"
Ashley raced into the kitchen to do so.
Belle had skated over to Rusty by the time Ashley returned.
"Thanks..." Belle said, taking it and dumping the contents over Rusty's face, making sure that some got in his mouth.
Ashley sobbed softly. "I didn't mean to kill him..."
Rusty opened his eyes and blinked to see Belle. "What happened?" Belle asked standing in front of Rusty.
Ashley sobbed softer, her hands over her face.
"Ashley, what do you mean you didn't mean to kill him?"
"He's dead... He just wanted water..."
"That's because he needs it...to create steam."
"He does?"
Belle nodded, "And without it..."
Ashley swallowed.
"Did you not make it back in time?"
Ashley nodded hastily.
"I see..." Belle turned back to Rusty and poured the glass of water into his mouth.
Ashley moved closer.

Rusty gagged and coughed.
"Rusty?"
He let out a whoosh of steam and swallowed more water.
"He's alive!" Ashley screamed happily, throwing her arms around him.
"gah!"
"Rusty!" Ashley sobbed, hugging him tight.
Belle looked down at Rusty a bit sternly, it wasn't nice to scare people like that, not when she could see that he had enough water within him already.
Ashley hugged him tightly. "Don't ever do that again!"
"As long as I have enough water I won't..."
Ashley hugged him close. "Okay."
Belle pushed Rusty's hair back, revealing a darkening bruise.
"Rusty..." Ashley rocked him back and forth.
"Okay...okay... you're squishing me."
Ashley slowly let him go, but still snuggled close.
"Well..." Belle commented, looking over Rusty, "It looks like you've had a day..."
He avoided looking at Belle.
"Okay, I think that you could use some rest," the sleeper said.
Ashley hugged Rusty again.
"Come on Ashley..." Belle said.
"Can't I stay with Rusty?" Ashley pleaded.
"Rusty needs to rest..."
"But he can rest with me in here..."
I think that he would be able to rest better alone..."
"But..."
Belle smiled, gently guiding Ashley out of the room.
Ashley watched Rusty with sad eyes. Rusty smiled and then closed his eyes.

Belle closed his door.
Ashley sighed and brushed her hair out of her face.
"Would you like some help with that?" Belle asked, indicating Ashley's hair.
Ashley nodded slowly.
"Have a seat..."
Ashley sat down at the kitchen table.
Belle pulled Ashley's hair down from it's smokestack and expertly started putting it back up.
Ashley sighed softly.
"What's wrong honey?"
"Nothing, Belle."
"Doesn't sound like nothing..."
"It's nothing, really."
"Hmm."
"What?"
"I'd like you to tell me about nothing."
"There's nothing to tell."
"Do you know what happened to Rusty?" Belle asked, taking a new route.
Ashley bit her lip. "Greaseball..."
"Ah. That explains it."
Ashley nodded.
"Well then..." Belle said, "I'll take care of Rusty..."
"Okay... Will he be okay?"
Belle nodded.
Ashley smiled a bit. "Good."
"I'm glad to see that you're so concerned about him though..."
Ashley blushed.
"There," Belle said, "That should stay up, and out of your eyes."
Ashley smiled brightly. "Thanks."

At just that moment, the door opened and Poppa rolled in.
Ashley looked up and smiled at him.
"Hi girls," Poppa said.
"Hi, Poppa."
Belle smiled, "You might want to go see your son..."
Poppa sighed, "What's he gone and done now?"
Belle pointed down the hallway and Poppa nodded, going to check.
Ashley reached for her cigarette.
Poppa rolled into the room, saw Rusty and sighed. "I'm sorry Poppa," Rusty said quickly.

"Alright, what happened?" Poppa asked.
"I ran into Greaseball..." Rusty said carefully.
"Ran into him huh?"
Rusty nodded, "well…he ran into me..."
"With his fist?" Poppa asked softly.
Rusty nodded silently.
Poppa sighed and sat down, absently rubbing his son's hair, a bit disappointed.
"Poppa..." Rusty started, "I don't want anyone else to tell you..."
"What else?" the older steamer asked in a resigned tone.
"I crashed with the Caboose again." Rusty closed his eyes and braced.
Poppa didn't say anything and Rusty cautiously opened his eyes again. His father had closed his eyes a bit sadly.
"Poppa?" Rusty asked softly, setting his hand on his father's. Poppa looked down at Rusty sadly and he felt his heart hurt at the disappointment behind his father's eyes.
"I'm sorry," Rusty said again.

He sat up slowly, "Poppa?"
"Yeah Rusty?"
"C-can you help me with something?" Rusty started.
"You only stammer when you're about to ask me for something that you shouldn't..."Poppa said softly.
Rusty swallowed and then nodded, "Yeah well..."
"What mess did you get yourself into now?" Poppa asked in a resigned tone.
"I need to talk back to you."
"Huh?" Poppa looked blank.
"I need to talk back to you, outside."
Poppa laughed, "And why exactly do you need to do that?"
"Please don't ask, I can't tell you, but it would help me out a lot." Rusty looked up pleadingly, "Please Poppa?" he begged.

Ashley's eyes narrowed as she listened to this conversation.
Belle watched Ashley and raised her eyebrows, "You know something about this then?" she asked softly.
Ashley looked up at Belle and smiled. "Of course not."
"Then what was with that look?"
"Oh, nothing... I just think that's kinda funny, Rusty asking Poppa that..."
"All right..." Belle said slowly, as if she didn't quite believe Ashley.
Ashley brushed her bangs out of her eyes.

At that moment Poppa rolled out of Rusty's room. "He needs ice," Poppa said, looking at his watch, "And I've gotta get back to work."
"I'm off for the rest of the day," Belle said, "I'll take care of him."
Ashley nodded. "Is he going to be all right, Poppa?"
Poppa nodded, "Yes, he should put some ice on some of his bruises, else he'll have a black eye tomorrow.."
Ashley winced. "That would be bad..."
"I'll get him some ice," Belle said, standing up.
Poppa skated over and gave her a kiss, said good bye to Ashley and headed out.
Belle started to get ice out and put it in a plastic bag when the phone rang.
Ashley looked up. "Who is that?"
Belle shrugged and answered the phone. Then she set it down and covered the receiver, "Ashley, could you give Rusty the ice please?"
Ashley nodded and grabbed the ice, skating into Rusty's room.
Belle returned her attention to the phone.

Ashley smiled down at Rusty. He closed his eyes, wishing she would just go home.
"Aw, Rusty..."
"What?"
"You poor thing..."
Rusty rolled over, "Yeah."
Ashley leaned close. "Here, lemme see..."
"Why?"
"Cause I want to." Ashley captured his chin in her hand.
He groaned and went still.
Ashley set down the ice and brushed her fingertips over the swollen skin by Rusty's eyes.
"What are you doing?" Rusty asked, wincing in pain.
"Just looking." Ashley gently pressed her thumb against the darkening skin.
"Ouch!"
"Sheesh, that is bad."
"Yeah, and you're not helpin'!" he snapped.
"Sorry."

Ashley took the ice and pressed it against his face.
His eyes widened, "Thanks..." he said softly.
"Mmm-hmm." Ashley stroked his cheek gently.
"Uh. Did you want something?"
"Not really..."
"Then...?"
"Well, I have nothing better to do..."
"Oh." he mumbled something else.
"Hmm?"
"I said 'that makes me feel special'"
"Oh good," Ashley said, in a fakey sweet voice. "I'm glad." She sat down next to him on the bed.
"Argh," he pulled the blanket over his head.
Ashley grinned down at him and ran her hand over his covered head.

"You're not here," Rusty said, sounding rather muffled under the blanket.
"Yes I am."
"Nope." he settled down.
"Aw, Rusty, why are you ignoring me?"
Rusty didn't answer, pretending to go to sleep.
Ashley sighed and curled up next to him.
He shuddered a bit, and then remembered that he was ignoring her.
Ashley curled close, resting her cheek on the pillow next to him.
"...Ashley?" he asked.
"Hmm?"
"I don't..." he mumbled the rest of the sentence.
"Huh?"
"I said that I don't belong to you yet..."
"Yet," Ashley giggled.
"Yeah, so..."
"So?"
"So could you possibly leave me alone until then?"
"But I wanna be with you."
"Why?"
"Cause I want to."
"You never have before. Ever."
"Well, I've changed my mind."
Rusty groaned and buried his head again.
Ashley giggled softly. "Aw, you poor thing."

Sometime later Belle poked her head in Rusty's room, "Ashley, honey, I think it's time you went home."
Ashley looked up sleepily. "Huh?"
"Time for you to go home."
"Oh." Ashley pushed herself up, her hair once again halfway in her face.
"Come on now," Belle said.
Ashley slowly skated over to the door, rubbing her eyes.
Belle guided Ashley out of Rusty's room, out of the house, and down the tracks to her house.
Ashley followed, a little too sleepy to protest.

The next morning most of Rusty's swellings had gone down.
Ashley was outside by her first station, smoking.
Rusty pulled up, and kept going.
Ashley glowered. "Rusty..."
He smiled sweetly at her, "Not pullin' coaches today."
"Why?" Ashley protested.
"Because I'm not."
Ashley grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?"
"To the freight yard. Let go."
"But-"
"But what?"
"I want to go with!"
"But I'm not supposed to pull the coaches today."
"Can't I go with anyway?"
"Uh... but I..." Rusty stammered, trying to pull away, and only succeeding on pulling Ashley a bit.

Suddenly a loud, deep whistle sounded down the tracks, and Greaseball pulled to a stop near Rusty. "You're late, Steam Train."
"Sorry..." Rusty said, barely above a whisper.
"Get moving."
"Yes." Rusty moved out. Ashley still clung to him. Greaseball hooted with laughter.
Rusty didn't look up, pulling Ashley down the tracks.
Ashley grinned slightly. "You're running out of time, Rusty..."
"I've got a few hours," he retorted.
"Well, it doesn't seem like you're trying very hard."
He didn't answer, pulling up at the freight yard.
Ashley leaned closer to snuggle her nose into the back of his head.
He hit his brakes, "Ashley, look. I'll see you in a couple hours okay?"
"Oh, but I gotta make sure you hold up your end of our bet."
"You never said that you had to witness it."
"Well, how else am I gonna know?"
"Don't you trust me?"
"No..."
"But you said that if I lose then I have to work for you for a week... but this is turning out to be more like nine days, and I haven't lost."
Ashley made a face. "Well, I have to know somehow that you did what you were supposed to."
"So who would you trust to report back to you?"
Ashley thought a moment. "Hmm..."

Rusty pulled up where Dustin was waiting.
Ashley leaned closer to Rusty again, her grip on his couplers growing tighter.
"Hi Rusty," Dustin said, "And... Ashley?"
Ashley smiled at Dustin and batted her eyes slightly. "Dustin."
"Yeah," Rusty said, his ears red, "Hi Dustin, come on..."
Ashley grinned and waited for Dustin to hitch to her.
Dustin, puzzled at being in the same train as a coach, hitched up.
Ashley glanced back at him and smiled.
Rusty whistled and moved out.
"This is... different." Dustin said.
"But nice?" Ashley prompted.
Dustin shrugged, "I dunno, I didn't think that coaches liked bein' in the same train as freight."
Ashley shrugged a shoulder. "I don't, but that doesn't mean I won't do it."
"Oh. Okay then."
Ashley smiled at him, then gave Rusty's couplers a squeeze.
Rusty stiffened and picked up speed.
Ashley leaned closer to him. "Why so tense, Rusty?"
"Why d'you think?" he asked, stopping at a pile of gravel so Dustin could be loaded.
Ashley leaned close again so her lips almost brushed his ear. "Are you scared of me?" she purred softly.
"Yes." Rusty said promptly.
Ashley grinned. "Well, we may have to work on that when you lose, won't we?"
"I won't."
"You will."
"We'll see."
Ashley hid a smug grin. "If you say so."
Rusty nodded. Dustin had been distracted by a few new stones to add to his collection.

Greaseball skated by, several coaches behind him. "Well well, chatting with the ladies, I see."
"As are you," Rusty said, without really thinking.,
Greaseball glared and moved closer. "Did I ask your opinion?"
Rusty swallowed and took a step back, "N-no. I'm sorry."
Greaseball disconnected his train and moved closer. "Do you need another lesson in respect?"
"No..."
"I think you do..."
"No," Rusty gasped, "No I don't, I'm sorry."
Greaseball grabbed Rusty's collar and lifted him off the tracks so his wheels dangled. "Then you make sure you watch your mouth, Steam Train." He gave Rusty's cheek a sharp slap to emphasize his point, then dropped Rusty on the tracks.
Rusty caught his breath, remaining down at Greaseball's wheels, "I'm sorry," he whispered, his cheek stinging.
Greaseball smirked as the coaches tittered. "Good. I suggest you remember your place."
Rusty nodded meekly.
Greaseball turned and skated away, his train following.
"He's gone Rusty," Dustin said a few minutes later, helping his friend to his wheels.

Ashley was nearby, her face red from trying to hold back laughter. "You're doing a wonderful job, Rusty."
"Shut up..."
Ashley batted her eyes at him and moved closer, reaching to brush his red cheek.
He looked away, "Are you finished Dustin?"
Dusitn nodded and Rusty reversed, forcing the hopper to take his couplings.
Ashley made a face. "What about me?"
"Go behind Dustin..." Rusty said with the tone of one stating the obvious.
"But I wanna be behind you."
"You will be..."
Ashley glared.
"Either hitch up or stay here," Rusty said.
Ashley pouted and hitched up to Dustin.
Rusty whistled and moved out.
They made the trip in silence, returning to the freight yard.
Ashley clung tightly to Dustin, bored now that she didn't have Rusty to bother.

Poppa was waiting in the freight yard.
Ashley glanced over at Poppa, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
"Oh good, Rusty, you're back..." Poppa said.
Rusty nodded mutely.
Ashley disconnected and moved around to Rusty's side.
"I need you to take Dustin over to unload, over by the river, they need gravel over there," Poppa said.
Rusty nodded, "Yes sir."
Ashley gave Rusty's arm a squeeze, as if to say now's-your-chance.
"Good," Poppa said with a smile.
"...no..." Rusty said softly.
"What?" Poppa asked.
"I...I said no," Rusty said a bit louder.
"Why? Did you have something else to do?"
Ashley let go of Rusty's arm, encouraging him forward.
"Nno," Rusty said, "I just... just don't want to."
Ashley backed away a bit.
"You...don't want to?" Poppa sounded puzzled.
"No," Rusty said firmly, "Get someone else to do it. Why not you?"
Ashley hid a giggle with her hand.
Poppa looked startled and took a step towards Rusty, who swallowed and took a step back.
Ashley moved behind Rusty and gave him a nudge.
"I..I won't do it," Rusty said.
Poppa glared and Rusty shrank, but didn't look away.
Ashley stood behind him.
"Fine," Poppa said finally, not sounding very pleased, "C'mon Dustin."
Ashley bit her lip hard to keep back a burst of vicious laughter.
"P-" Rusty started softly as his father left with Dustin.

Ashley skated around in front of him, smiling brightly.
Rusty lowered his eyes to the tracks, looking rather like he felt awful.
Ashley tilted his chin up to meet her eyes.
Ashley held his face so Rusty moved his eyes to look down, then he realized where he was looking and closed them instead.
Ashley stroked his cheek with her fingertips. "That was interesting..."
"mmph."
"Oh, you can talk..."
"Mmphf."
Ashley pulled him close to her.
He struggled but Ashley held him tight. "Now now, why are you fighting me?"
Rusty let out a sigh which came out with a whoosh of steam although he stopped fighting.
Ashley coughed and waved the heat away from her face. "That's better."
For who? he thought.
Ashley giggled and stroked his cheek gently.

"Can I go now?" he pleaded.
"Why?"
"Be-because...I..."
"Hmm?"
He took a breath, "Can I go now?"
"Why?"
"Because I...I'm finished..."
"Finished with what?"
"With the bet..."
"Are we?" Ashley asked cutely.
"Yes... well... you have to...behave now..."
"Um, we're not done, Rusty..."
Rusty smiled and nodded, "Yes, you have to do your part now."
Ashley smirked. "I don't think so..."
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Because why? you aren't backing out on it..."
"Of course not."
"Then why don't you have to uphold your part of it?"
"Well, you see, Rusty... You would have won, except..."
"You said that I would win if I talked back to Poppa, and I did."
"I did, but did I say you could stage it?"
"What?"

Ashley smiled smugly. "I heard you talking to Poppa last night."
Rusty looked confused.
"You asked him to let you talk back to him."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"Yeah I heard you, but-"
"But?"
"But I... didn't..."
"Didn't what?"
"Why would I ask him if I could talk back to him?"
"So you could win the bet."
"But why would I ask?"
"So he would cooperate with you."
"But-" Rusty was running out of excuses.
Ashley smiled and checked her watch. "You have twenty minutes, Rusty."
"What?" he looked at his watch, "But...no... I've gotta have at least an hour left..."
Ashley shook her head. "Nope."
"But- I do! We made the deal at 2 yesterday..."
"I know... But you cheated."
"But I-... you never said that I couldn't stage it."
"But why would I let you cheat in order to win? Does that seem fair?"
"But-" she was right. He knew that she was right.
Ashley grinned. "I suggest you get moving, Rusty, if you want to win. You have-" She checked her watch. "Eighteen minutes."
He pulled out of her arms and bolted.
Ashley raced after him as fast as her coach wheels would allow.
Rusty, as he was an engine, was able to go quite a bit faster. Ashley followed as best she could. He wouldn't win now...

Rusty shot down the tracks, going faster and faster...
Greaseball stepped onto the tracks in front of him. Rusty didn't see him, his eyes closed. He kept going...
Greaseball waited until Rusty was about to hit him, then slammed his hand out, his palm landing on Rusty's chest and sending Rusty tumbling onto his back on the tracks.
Rusty landed hard and the steam whooshed out of him.
Greaseball glared down at him. "Watch where you're going."
Rusty nodded, panting.
"What were you running from, Steam Train? Your shadow?"
"Nno..." Rusty said softly, "I was...just running."
"For the heck of it?"
He nodded silently.
Greaseball smirked. "I seriously doubt that."
"Why?" Rusty whispered.
"Cause you're such a fraidy train, I'm sure you're running from something."
He looked down.
Greaseball looked up just as Ashley appeared on the horizon. "Oh, I see..."
"See what?" Rusty asked.
"Ashley..."
"Okay..."
"Are you running from a coach?"
Rusty didn't answer, then softly, "Not really..."
"Then why don't you go pick her up?"
"Because I don't want to."
"Well, I'm telling you to."
"But I'm busy..."
"Well, I'm going to unbusy you. Go get Ashley."
"No."
Greaseball glared and gave him a hard smack across the face.
Rusty yelped and scrambled away.
"Go get her. Now. Move!”
Rusty nodded meekly.
Greaseball smirked and crossed his arms over his chest.
Rusty turned and bolted away from Ashley.

Greaseball chased after him and grabbed him by the back of his neck.
Rusty yelped and struggled.
"I said to go get her."
Rusty wiggled and then, before he could stop himself, he let out a burst of steam.
Greaseball landed a sharp punch to Rusty's stomach.
Rusty cried out and then tried again to wiggle away.
Greaseball knocked his wheels out from under him. "Someone's forgetting their place, Steam Train." He tightened his grip on the scruff of Rusty's neck.
Rusty gasped as he felt his air supply being cut off, "No! No please, I'm sorry!"
Greaseball didn't seem to care. "I think someone needs to be taught a lesson."
"What about yesterday?" Rusty asked.
"What about it?" Greaseball sneered.
"Didn't that... count?"
"It did then, but that was before you forgot your place again."
"Oh. I'm sorry, I remember now."
"I think it's a little late for that."
Rusty whimpered, he couldn't help it.
Greaseball chuckled softly. "What was that?"
"Please don't kill me," Rusty begged.
Greaseball grinned evilly. "You think I'd do that?" he asked innocently.
Rusty swallowed with some difficulty.
"I think I'll just reduce you to a scrap heap." Greaseball raised a fist to sock one to him.
Rusty closed his eyes and braced.

Greaseball's fist paused in midair. "Although..."
Rusty opened one eye cautiously.
"I suppose I could have a little fun first..." Greaseball began to drag Rusty down the track.
Rusty's heart sank lower with every step and his neck ached.
Greaseball stopped right in front of Ashley with a bright smile, as if he was not dragging a steam engine with him. "So, Ashley, Rusty was running from you?"
Ashley nodded.
Rusty's eyes were half-closed.
"Rusty..."
He didn't answer.
"Rusty!" Greaseball gave Rusty a shake.
Rusty yelped.
Greaseball glared down at him.
"...what?"
"Do you want to be turned into scrap?"
"Nno..."
"Do you want to save yourself?"
Rusty nodded, which was an interesting feat, considering how he was being held.
"Well then." Greaseball shoved him towards Ashley, still holding onto his neck. "Ashley wants a kiss."
"What!?!"
Ashley beamed. Greaseball moved him closer to her.
Rusty bit back a whimper and he looked at Ashley with frightened eyes.
"Don't you want to kiss Ashley, Rusty?" Greaseball asked.
Rusty didn't answer, eyes pleading.
"Come on, now, Rusty, it's not all that bad..."
"Please," Rusty whispered to Ashley.
"Please what?" Ashley asked, sidling closer to him, much to Greaseball's amusement.
"Help..."
"Okay." Ashley leaned closer to kiss him.
Rusty's eyes widened, and then they closed in surrender.

Ashley grinned and placed her mouth on his in a passionate kiss.
Rusty hung there limply in Greaseball's grasp.
Greaseball pushed Rusty closer to her. "I suggest you reciprocate, Rusty, or I might just have to trash you anyway."
Rusty swallowed, cringed and then...leaned forward into the kiss.
Ashley almost squealed with delight, her arms going around him to hug him tight.
Rusty, trapped by both Ashley and Greaseball had no choice but to cooperate.
Greaseball steered Rusty's arms around Ashley's waist. He released Rusty's neck, but he kept his hand on him so he couldn't pull away.
Rusty stood there stiffly, kissing Ashley still but feeling very uncomfortable and wishing that he could let go.
Greaseball slowly let go of Rusty, but Ashley's grip stayed tight..
He wiggled a bit.
Ashley held him tight. "Mm mm mm," she scolded against his lips.
He opened his eyes and looked into hers pleadingly.
Ashley held his gaze as she held the kiss. She slowly released the kiss, but not Rusty.

Ashley tilted her wrist, then glanced at Rusty with a vicious grin. "Time's up."
He lowered his eyes to her watch. She was right.
Ashley grinned evilly. "I win."
He stared at her and then lowered his eyes, which suddenly felt uncomfortably hot.
Ashley let go of him, her fingers trailing lightly down his shoulders.
Ashley grinned at him. "Come on, Rusty. We have things to do."
"Can I... go home for a second first?"
"And do what?"
"I just wanna... tell Belle something..."
"I'm coming with."
"I know."
Ashley giggled and hitched to him.
Rusty turned around to face Greaseball.
Greaseball smirked at him. "This is too funny."
Rusty lowered his eyes, "Can I go?"
"I guess."
"Thank you."

Ashley held him tight. "But I didn't say you could."
"But you said that you were coming..." Rusty pointed out.
"Yeah, but I have authority over you now."
"Can I go home for a second?" Rusty asked obediently.
Ashley nodded and coupled up. "Okay."
Rusty started down the tracks, picking up speed.
Ashley pulled out a cigarette, hanging on with one hand.
Rusty went faster, the wind rushing past comforted him.
"Whee!" Ashley giggled.

He stopped in front of his house, opened the door and skated inside.
Ashley followed him, blowing smoke in his face.
"Belle?" Rusty called softly.
"She's not home," Poppa's voice answered.

Rusty moved towards Poppa's voice, then suddenly reached back and uncoupled Ashley, bolting in to Poppa's room and shutting the door, holding it shut.
Ashley screamed and raced after him, beating on the door with her fists. "Rusty, open this door!"
"Rusty?" Poppa said, amused, raising an eyebrow, "Um…what's going on?"
Rusty, holding the door closed, "I uh..."
"Rusty, open the damn door!" Ashley shouted.
Poppa skated over to Rusty, "Rusty, move."
"No," Rusty pleaded.
"Rusty..."
"But-"
"Move."
With a sigh, Rusty moved, darting to the other side of the room, keeping his father between him and the door.
Ashley screamed and continued to hammer on the door.
"Ashley..." Poppa said, "You wanna stop that before I open the door?"
Ashley growled and stopped, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Thank you." Poppa opened the door.

Ashley darted inside.
Rusty ran, keeping Poppa between him and Ashley.
Ashley chased after him. "Get back here!"
Poppa stood there for a few minutes, rather amused by this sight. "Excuse me." he said finally.
Rusty didn't notice, too busy trying to avoid Ashley.
Ashley missed his couplers by less than an inch.
"Rusty, Ashley...knock it off," Poppa said as Rusty skidded around him.
Ashley leaped for Rusty, almost tackling him, her fingers brushing his back.
Rusty yelped and was instantly on the other side of the room.

Poppa looked at them and then took a deep breath "STOP!" he bellowed, letting out an ear splitting whistle.
Rusty skidded to a stop. Ashley slammed on her brakes, smacking into the back of Rusty.
Rusty couldn't keep his balance and fell, taking them both down. From under Ashley he looked up at Poppa.
Ashley grabbed his couplers firmly, before looking meekly up at Poppa.
"Come over here. Both of you." Poppa ordered.
Ashley got slowly to her wheels.
Rusty pushed himself to his wheels and slowly moved over to Poppa.
"Now, would one of you care to tell me what's going on?"
Ashley nudged Rusty with her toestop.
Rusty didn't look up, suddenly very interested in the pattern of the floor.
Ashley went silent.
Poppa leaned back against his wall, "I can wait."
Ashley squeezed Rusty's hand.
He yanked his hand away.
Ashley glared at him and nudged him hard with her toe again.

"I-" Rusty started.
"Rusty wasn't doing what I said," Ashley interjected.
"Oh?" Poppa asked.
Ashley nodded vigorously, her auburn-purple hair falling into her face again.
"What do you mean?"
"He's supposed to follow me."
"Why?"
"Cause that's what we agreed on."
"No," Rusty protested, "That was only if I lost, and you didn't make it fair..."
"Well, you outright cheated!"
"I did not!"
"Did too!"
"Ahem," Poppa said meaningfully.
Ashley scowled at Rusty and they both fell silent.
"What d'you mean lost?" Poppa asked.
"He lost our agreement," Ashley snarled.
"Oh," Poppa said, "I see... one more question..."
Ashley glared at Rusty out of the corner of her eye.
He very pointedly wasn't looking at her.
"Cheated?" Poppa asked raising one of his eyebrows.
Ashley nodded. "When he asked you if he could talk back to you."
"Oh," Poppa turned to Rusty, "So that's what that was about..."
Rusty didn't look up.
"Rusty."
Finally he nodded.
Ashley glared. "And now he's trying to get out of it, since he lost."
"I see. Ashley, would you mind if I... talked to Rusty for a minute."
Rusty went pale at his father's tone.
Ashley bit her lip. "But I get him back, right?"
"It'll just take a minute," Poppa said.
Ashley nodded and skated out of the room.

"Poppa?" Rusty asked softly, looking up.
"I won't ask about the entire deal," Poppa started, "And I assume that it was because of something stupid."
Rusty didn't answer, although he blushed a bit.
"However, the fact that you cheated, and then tried to get out of it," Poppa started, "I don't care how stupid it is, it's your own fault for agreeing to it."
"But-" Rusty started, "I'm sorry!"
Poppa shook his head. "I'm not going to help you out of this one." he said.
Rusty's heart sank.
"How long?" Poppa asked.
"a...a week..." Rusty answered softly.
"Fine. You have the week off."
Ashley leaned against the wall next to the door, grinning from ear to ear, a cigarette clenched in her hand.
"But-" Rusty started to protested.
"No Rusty." Poppa stuck his head out the door, "Ashley?"
Ashley looked up at him.
"Just return him in one piece alright?"
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
Poppa smiled, "Good."
Ashley smiled back. "So, I get him now?"

Poppa returned to his room and came out with Rusty, holding his wrist firmly.
Ashley squealed and grabbed Rusty's couplers tightly.
Rusty didn't answer as Poppa led them over to the door.
Ashley giggled softly, bouncing a bit on her wheels.
Once they were outside Poppa released Rusty.
Ashley smiled brightly at Poppa. "Thank you."
Poppa nodded and went back into the house.