The Midnight Train Crossing

"You know what we should do," Buffy said after Belle had left.
"What?"
"We should go shopping," Buffy said, "I was at the store and I saw something that was just shouting your name."
Ashley grinned. "Really?"
Buffy nodded, "Yep."
Ashley nodded. "Sounds cool."
"That is, if you're interested," Buffy said teasingly.
Ashley giggled. "Sure."
Buffy smiled, "I'm gonna run to my room for a minute and then we'll go."
Ashley nodded. "Sounds good. I'll get Rusty."
Buffy grinned and headed towards her room.

Ashley skated into the kitchen. "Rusty?"
He looked up from the sink, "Yeah?"
"We're gonna go shopping..."
"Okay, have fun."
"But you gotta take us."
"But- shopping?" he half-whined.
"You don't have to come in if you don't want to."
"Yeah but shopping?"
"I'll give you ice cream money," Ashley offered.
Rusty raised his eyebrows, "What am I, ten?"
"Well, do you want ice cream?"
He laughed, "Sure."
Ashley grinned. "See?"
"Alright, so we go shopping," he yielded.
Ashley giggled. "Good."
"Yeah yeah..."
Ashley smiled at him.

Buffy rolled into the kitchen, "Ready?"
Ashley nodded.
"okay, let's go," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded and hitched onto Rusty.
Buffy took Ashley's couplings and Rusty pulled them out the door.
Ashley let the wind whistle over her.
Rusty picked up speed a bit.
Ashley gave his couplers a soft squeeze.
He didn't visibly react.
Ashley hummed softly to herself.
Rusty whistled at the crossing as they neared the store.
Ashley smiled softly.

He pulled up outside.
"It's just a store Rusty," Buffy teased, "It ain't gonna bite ya."
Ashley smiled. "Rusty doesn't wanna shop with us."
"No?" Buffy asked innocently, "well why not?"
Ashley shrugged.
Rusty didn't answer.
"Could you take us closer then?" Buffy requested.
Rusty didn't move.
Ashley gave him a gentle shake. "Rusty..."
He started up rather abruptly.
"Careful!" Ashley yelped.
Rusty smiled to himself and pulled up right by the door.
Ashley unhitched.

Rusty stood in front of her.
"Scuse us..."
"Ahem," he said pointedly.
Ashley grinned and dug a few bucks out of her pocket. "Go have fun."
"Thank you dear," Rusty said teasingly.
Ashley grinned. "Be back in a few hours."
"Don't go too far," Buffy added, "In case we need help carrying..."
Ashley nodded and headed for the door.
Rusty let out a whistle good-bye and headed off.
Ashley waved after him and headed inside.

"What was the money for?" Buffy asked as she followed Ashley.
"Ice cream," Ashley said simply.
Buffy giggled.
"He wouldn't go otherwise."
Buffy laughed, "this way."
Ashley followed.

Rusty browsed around in some of the other stores for awhile, before going back outside.
Greaseball was heading past.
Rusty dodged into the nearest store, which happened to be a bookstore.
Greaseball didn't seem to notice.
Rusty relaxed and figured that while he was here, he may as well look around.
Greaseball caught a flash of red in the bookstore and paused to check in the window.

Rusty pulled a book off one of the shelves and started paging through it.
Greaseball grinned and slipped inside the shop.
Rusty didn't notice.
Greaseball slowly moved closer to him.
Rusty put the book back and started down the line of shelves.
Greaseball followed after him.
Rusty didn't realize that he was being followed and turned down another set of shelves.
Greaseball took a shortcut around another shelf and came face to face with Rusty.
Rusty didn't notice, looking at another book.

Greaseball crossed his arms over his chest. "Browsing?"
"Yeah," Rusty said automatically, before he realized who had just said that.
Greaseball smirked at him.
"Uh...Hi," Rusty said.
"What are you doing here?"
"Looking at books..." Rusty answered.
"Oh. I didn't think you were old enough to read."
Rusty didn't answer that one.
Greaseball laid a hand firmly on his shoulder. "I don't think they allow dogs in the store."
"Wha-?" Rusty looked puzzled for a second, "oh..." he said softly, remembering.
"So you better go back outside."
Rusty slowly, with a shaking hand, returned the book to it's spot.
Greaseball watched him, then steered him towards the door.
Rusty didn't protest.
Greaseball pushed him outside.
He staggered to keep his balance.

Greaseball pushed him against the brick wall.
Rusty's eyes widened.
"Where's your master?"
"She's...uh...over there..." Rusty attempted to point towards the clothing store.
"Why aren't you with?"
"Be-because..." Rusty started.
Greaseball raised a brow.
"She s-said I didn't have to..." Rusty finished.
"Oh, that was nice of her."
"yeah."
"Where are you going?"
"I was just...looking around..."
"Then what's this for?" Greaseball spotted the cash in Rusty's pocket and snatched it.
"In case I got something... There are stores here..." Rusty said.
"Oh." Greaseball put it in his pocket.

"That's Ashley's..." Rusty started.
"Then why'd she give it to you?"
"To get her something..."
"What?"
Rusty didn't answer.
"Engagement ring?" Greaseball teased.
He still didn't answer.
"Aww, how cute."
Rusty didn't answer again.
Greaseball released him roughly.

"May I go?" Rusty asked softly.
"Why?"
"I was just asking..." he said softly.
"How about no."
"oh."
Greaseball smirked and counted the money, then shoved it deep into his pocket.

"May I ask you something, apart from this?" Rusty asked.
"I suppose I could waste a few seconds."
"Why can't I go?"
"Cause I didn't say so."
"but why didn't you say so?"
"You're going the right way for a bruised face."
Rusty fell silent.
Greaseball smirked.
He sighed softly.
"So, how're the girls?"
"Fine."
"Good. You haven't been too much trouble, have you?"
He shook his head.
"Good. I'd hate to have to punish you for them."
'They wouldn't ask you to' Rusty thought.

"Did Buffy ever get you a collar?"
"Huh?" he looked confused.
"A puppy collar?"
"No."
"Aww, too bad. I might have to get you one. I think it would look good on you."
"I don't," Rusty said under his breath.
"Well, if you thought so, that would defeat the purpose of it."
"Yeah."
Greaseball smirked. "I think a nice red collar, although it's hard to tell what color you are through all that grime."
Rusty closed his eyes.
"Rusty red color is the color for you though."
He blinked.
"Makes you look like the outdated engine you are."
He still didn't answer, but he glanced down at his watch.

"What you waiting for?"
Rusty looked up at Greaseball with a You-know-perfectly-well expression.
"You're not goin' nowhere, so I suggest you stop checking it."
"I only looked once..." Rusty muttered.
"That's one time to many."
"How come?"
"Because I said so."
"oh, of course, how silly of me."
Greaseball clenched his fist.
Rusty flinched, he'd gone too far.
"I suggest you keep your smart comment to yourself, or you're going to get in big trouble with it."
Rusty nodded meekly.
"Good. I'm glad we have an understanding."
'some understanding,' Rusty thought angrily.

Greaseball's hand landed on Rusty's shoulder hard, forcing him to his knees.
"Ow!" Rusty yelped, trying to get out from under Greaseball.
Greaseball raised a brow.
Rusty swallowed a burst of steam.
"I like you down there."
He looked down angrily.
"And since you don't, it's even better."
Rusty didn't dignify that with an answer.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty looked away from Greaseball, focusing his attention on the window display of the bookstore.

"Is Ashley expecting you back?"
"Yes."
"Aw, too bad."
Rusty wanted very much to get up and run, but Greaseball held him firm.
"What were you going to get her?"
Rusty didn't answer.
"I expect an answer here..."
"huh?" Rusty hadn't been listening.
"What are you going to get Ashley?"
"Oh...ice cream."
"You're getting Ashley ice cream?"
"She wanted ice cream..."
"If she was shopping, why would she want it now? Why not in a few hours?"
"I was supposed to get it in a few hours when I went to pick her up."
"I'm sure she can get it herself."
"She probably can... but she thought it would save time," he said.
"What about Buffy?"
"Her too."
"There's only enough money here for one."
"No... she thought it would save time too."
"So she's not getting any?"
"She didn't ask."
"Didn't you ask her?"
"she didn't want any..."
"How would you know if you didn't ask?"
"*I* didn't ask..."
"Oh?"
"Buffy wasn't there. Ashley said to get ice cream and gave me money."
"Didn't Buffy go shopping too?"
"Yes."
"Then why was she not there?"
"It was before we got here..."
"On the way?"
"Before we left."
"Buffy wasn't home?"
"She was..." he said slowly.
"So she was there."
"Not in the kitchen when Ashley told me," he answered.

Greaseball rolled his eyes and gave Rusty a hard push to all fours. "I'm getting sick of hearing you talk."
Rusty yelped as he landed hard on his hands.
Greaseball smirked.
He blinked a few times and gasped, shivering a bit.
"Good boy."
"Why...why'd you keep asking me things then?" Rusty asked.
"Because I felt like it."
"But if you didn't want to hear me talk-"
"I don't, so shut your mouth!"
Rusty fell silent again.
Greaseball smirked. "What a good boy you are," he said in a sweet voice he would use when talking to a toddler or a puppy.
Rusty closed his eyes and swallowed again. Then he raised his head and looked towards the bookstore again.

Greaseball leaned down and slid his hand under Rusty's chin, forcing Rusty to meet his eyes. "You're so obedient."
Rusty moved his eyes away from Greaseball's.
Greaseball smirked. "Aw, you don't like that, Rusty?"
"Doesn't matter anyway..."
"Well, no."
"Then why answer?"
"Because I want to hear it."
"It." Rusty said promptly.

Greaseball's gloved hand connected with Rusty's cheek.
Rusty bit his tongue to keep from crying out. He sat up and rubbed his face.
Greaseball smirked cruelly. "That mouth is going to get you in trouble one day."
'You mean it hasn't already?' Rusty thought.
Greaseball flexed his hand. "Next time I may have to do something about it."
Rusty looked down.

Greaseball smirked. "Now, what shall we do to such a naughty little boy?"
Rusty didn't answer, although he thought of several things to say, none of which would have helped him much.
"Let me think..." Greaseball pushed Rusty flat on his face and held him down with a skate. "What to do, what to do..."
Rusty struggled to get his face out of the dirt so he could take a breath.
Greaseball didn't pay attention.
He shoveled dirt out of the way with his hands until he could inhale without inhaling dirt.

"I think we may have to punish the naughty boy with a little time with me and my friends. What do you say, Rusty?"
"No," Rusty pleaded.
"What was that?"
"No," Rusty repeated softly.
"Why not?"
"Please don't," Rusty pleaded.
"Why not?"
"Because... please don't!"
"If you don't give me a reason, I see no reason why not."
Rusty whimpered softly.
"So, why should I not let my friends have some fun?"
"A-Ashley..."
"After you're done with Ashley, I mean."
"B-but what did I do?" he whispered.
"Do?"
Rusty nodded, with some difficulty.
"You were naughty."
"h-how?"
"Talking back."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"Too late."
He whined softly.
Greaseball smirked. "Sound like a puppy caught in a trap."

Rusty took a breath and coughed, spitting out the dirt he'd inhaled.
"Careful," Greaseball said carelessly.
He didn't answer, coughing again.
"Don't get my skates dirty."
'How can I get them dirty? You're standing on me!' Rusty thought, spitting out the rest of the dirt.
Greaseball sighed. "Well, I guess my friends will have to wait a few days, but I'm sure we'll have lots of fun, won't we, Rusty?"
"No," Rusty pleaded.
"You need to give me a reason."
"Would you want to be?" Rusty asked softly.
"That's not a reason."
"Why isn't it?" he asked.
"Because I said no."
"What is..." he coughed again, "A reason?"
"I don't know. Keep talking, and maybe I'll find one I like."
"Can I talk?"
"If I like what I hear."
"How will I know not to say what you don't like?" Rusty asked.
"I'll tell you. So, why should I not pound you?"

"Because I haven't done anything..."
"Uuuuuuuh, not good enough..."
"You can have the ice cream I was gonna get..."
"I was gonna do that anyway, so that's not a reason."
"I can't breathe."
"Not a reason to not pound you."
"You'll have to take my runs while I'm damaged..."
"I'm already doing your runs anyway."
"But you'll have to longer..."
"Oh well. Small price to pound you flat."
"Poppa won't be happy..."
"Ooh, I'm scared."
"Ashley and Buffy won't be happy..."
"Once again, ooh, scary."
"Am I really worth the effort?"
"Not really, but it's something fun to do."
"Why's it fun?" Rusty asked.
"Cause it is."
"Greaseball, please!"
"Say that again."
"Please!"
"Again."
"Please!" Rusty repeated.
Greaseball smirked. "I like that..."
"Please!" Rusty said again.

Greaseball hmm-ed softly to himself, absently running his wheels back and forth over Rusty's back.
Rusty gasped in pain.
"Maybe..."
"please," Rusty said again.
"Well..."
Rusty waited.
"We'll see how I'm feeling."
Rusty didn't feel comforted.
Greaseball lifted his foot up a bit.
Rusty gratefully lifted his head and took a breath.
Greaseball stepped back, but not enough to let him get up.
Rusty caught his breath.
"Poor puppy."
Rusty swallowed and licked his lips, which turned out to be a mistake because he got dirt in his mouth again.
"Eating dirt now, Rusty?"
He didn't answer, spitting it out.
Greaseball smirked.

Rusty swallowed again and reached back for his water bottle.
Greaseball swatted his hand away. "Nope."
"What?" Rusty gasped.
"No."
"b-but..." he stammered.
"I said, no," Greaseball growled.
Rusty swallowed, very frightened now.
"You didn't ask."
"Oh," Rusty said softly, "I'm sorry."
"Good. You should be."
Rusty nodded meekly.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty went still.
"Now, that was naughty too, so I guess we'll have to let my friends have their fun now."
"b-but I-I d-didn't know I h-had to a-ask," Rusty stammered.
"Well, you should have anyway, if you had a brain."
"I guess..." Rusty mumbled the rest of the sentence.
"What was that?"
"I guess I don't..." Rusty said.
"Guess not."
"That would explain it..." he said softly.
"Explain what?"
"The fact that I'm an idiot."
"I agree."
"I know."
Greaseball smirked. "You're learning."

"Greaseball..." Rusty winced, "Sir?"
"Yes?"
"May I please have my water?"
"Why?"
"Because I need something to drink."
"Why?"
"Because I need water."
"Why?"
"Because I need more water when I get nervous..."
"Why are you nervous?"
Rusty had to think for a minute in order to come up with something that wouldn't get him pounded.
"I'm waiting?"
"Because I did something stupid that got me in trouble, and I always get nervous when I get into trouble."
Greaseball smirked. "Sounds accurate."
"Yeah, so can I please have my water?" Rusty asked.
"Uuuuuuuuum, no."
"Please!"
"No."
Rusty felt cold inside and he closed his eyes again.

Greaseball gave him a nudge with his toe stop. "One sip, that's it."
Rusty slowly reached back for his water.
Greaseball watched him carefully.
Rusty watched Greaseball watch him as he shakily unscrewed the top.
Greaseball leaned against the wall next to him and crossed his arms over his chest.
Rusty started to sit up.
Greaseball watched him.
He tilted the water into his mouth and took a very large sip.
Greaseball snatched the bottle away. "That's enough."
Rusty swallowed the water carefully.
Greaseball held the bottle out of Rusty's grip. "Sheesh, you have problems."
Rusty didn't try and get his water back.

Greaseball suddenly upended the bottle, spilling the rest of the contents on the ground in front of Rusty.
Rusty watched with wide eyes.
Greaseball tossed him the empty bottle.
Rusty caught it and put it away mechanically.
Greaseball smirked. "I suggest you don't get too much more nervous."
Rusty nodded.
Greaseball smirked. "Good boy."
Rusty didn't move.

Greaseball glanced down at his nails. "So..."
Rusty still didn't move.
Greaseball looked up at him. "What time are they expecting you back?"
"Can I look at my watch?" Rusty asked.
"Sure."
Rusty looked at his watch, "Pretty soon I guess... Buffy wanted me to help carry..."
"Well, I hope they don't mind waiting a while longer."
"Hope not," Rusty agreed.
Greaseball smiled. "You're such a fast learner."
Rusty didn't answer.

Greaseball smirked at him and checked the time. "Hmm, getting late..."
"Is it?" Rusty asked softly.
Greaseball nodded.
"Oh," he said softly.
"Poor Wusty."
Rusty shrugged.
Greaseball glanced around. "I hope you don't need water anytime soon."
"Not if I don't move."
"Good idea."
"Thanks."
Greaseball gave Rusty a light kick with his toe stop.
Rusty yelped softly.
"Don't be smart."
"I didn't think I was..."
"Well you were."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"Good."

Rusty fell silent again, shifted position so he was leaning against the wall.
"Did I say you could move?"
Rusty moved back to his original position.
"Good boy."
Rusty looked down.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty studied his hands.
"So, what's Ashley been making you do?"
"Stuff."
"A little more than that..."
"Playing taxi..."
"I figured that one..."
"Whatever else she wants."
"Like?"
"When Bobo came to visit I helped clean."
"That sounds like fun."
"Not really..."
"Good. I'd hate to think you were having too much fun over there."
"I'm not."
"Good."

Rusty shifted so he wasn't sitting on his skates anymore.
"Quit movin'!"
"But my wheels were falling asleep..."
"Too bad. Quit moving!"
He stopped moving.
"Good boy."
Rusty watched Greaseball carefully.
Greaseball watched him back.
Rusty was beginning to get stiff, sitting there.
Greaseball leaned against the wall, adjusting his gloves.
Rusty slowly stretched his hands out.
"What are you doing?"
"Stretching."
"I didn't tell you you could move."
"This counts as moving?"
"Yes."
Rusty sighed.
"Be quiet."

Rusty looked up at Greaseball and hid a smile, the diesel looked very bored.
Greaseball checked his watch. "They'll prolly come looking for you soon."
"Depends on how long they take," Rusty said.
"I'm sure they can't shop forever."
"Have you ever gone shopping with coaches?"
"Yeah."
"They take forever."
"I know."
"Well then."
"They don't take four hours."
Rusty shrugged again, "Maybe they went to other stores."
"Maybe."

"Can I please move?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I said no."
"Oh. Why are we sitting here anyway?"
"Because I said so."
"Oh, you didn't have anything else to do today?"
"Nope."
"Odd."
"Why?"
"I dunno... I just figured that you'd have something better to do then sit here watching me."
"Not really."
"And that just strikes me as strange," Rusty said.
"Why?"
"Because... I dunno... I thought you'd be out with Dinah or something."
"She's busy."
"Oh. well then." Rusty sounded like he didn't quite believe that.
"You doubt what I say?"
"No, it's just that...well if I didn't have anything to do I'd understand that, but you..."
"I what?"

"Well I just figured considering who you are, you'd have something more important to do."
Greaseball glared. "Why? I can do what I want with my time."
"Yeah, and you're choosing to spend time with me?"
"Guess so."
"okay then. Why?"
"You're getting pretty nosy."
"I've got nothing better to do..."
"Obviously."
"And I guess you don't either."
"Not at the moment."
"Oh, then why are you choosing to waste your time on me?"

Greaseball suddenly snatched Rusty up by the throat. "You're getting too talkative."
"Oops." Rusty said softly.
"Yeah, oops is right."
"Too far?" Rusty asked softly.
"Yeah, too far."
"rats..."
"That's too high up on the scale for you, Rusty. You're somewhere between amoebae and dirt."
"I thought- never mind."
"Good. You don't have a mind to think with anyway."
Rusty swallowed.

During all of the events Ashley's necklace had worked it's way out from under his shirt.
Greaseball's eyes caught the pendant. "Still got your collar on?"
Rusty didn't answer, although he had a rather, "duh" expression.
"Wipe that look off your face."
Rusty blinked and his face went blank.
"Good boy."
Rusty closed his eyes, but not before they got a rather angry expression.
Greaseball's hand landed on his cheek hard.
Rusty couldn't help crying out in pain.
"Poor Rusty, eh?"
He rubbed his cheek and didn't answer.
Greaseball smirked and dropped Rusty at his feet.
Rusty gasped as he landed in a heap.
Greaseball gazed down at him. "Good boy."
Rusty brushed the dirt off his face from when he had landed.
"Aww, leave it on, Rusty. It makes you look much more like your name."

Rusty made a rather odd sound in the back of his throat.
"What was that?"
"Nothing!"
"Sounded like something to me."
"Did it?" Rusty asked, barely keeping his voice steady.
"Yeah. Sounded like a growl."
"F-from me?"
"Yeah, from you."
"b-but I wouldn't."
"I doubt that."
Rusty looked up, frightened.

Greaseball grabbed Rusty up by his collar. "I think the naughty little puppy needs to be trained."
"No," Rusty pleaded, "Please no."
Greaseball smirked. "You shoulda thought of that before you growled at me."
Rusty whimpered.
Greaseball ran the back of his glove over Rusty's cheek. "What do you think, Rusty? Should I spare your life?"
"Pl-please..."
"Please what?"
"Please don't kill me..."
Greaseball smirked. "Do you think I really would?"
"Well..."

Greaseball smirked and tightened his grip on Rusty.
Rusty gasped as his air supply was substantially reduced.
"Having problems?"
"Mmhm," he whined.
"Aww, poor puppy."
He struggled to get a full breath.
Greaseball smirked. "I like this here."
"can't......breathe...."
"I know."
Rusty started to get dizzy.
Greaseball smiled.
He blinked to clear his vision.
"Poor Rusty."
This was it, he realized suddenly, closing his eyes, maybe it would be better if he shut down first.
Greaseball watched him, his hand tightening ever so slightly.
Rusty started to go limp.
Greaseball smiled to himself.
Rusty looked up at Greaseball one final time, eyes pleading.
Greaseball's eyes were cold.

"Rusty!" Buffy's voice called, "Where are you?"
Greaseball glanced towards the voice.
Rusty closed his eyes again, feeling his body shut down.
Greaseball turned his attention back to Rusty.
Rusty's head dropped forward.
Greaseball smirked.

"Uh oh," Buffy said to Ashley, "*He's* here." she pointed to Greaseball, who was standing a ways down the tracks, with his back to them.
Ashley squeezed Buffy's couplers. "Is Rusty there too?"
"I...can't tell. Come on."
Ashley nodded and took off down the track.
Buffy followed, calling Rusty's name again.
Greaseball ignored the two girls. Rusty was almost limp...

Buffy pulled up and gasped at what she saw.
Ashley gasped too. "Rusty!"
Buffy stood there in shock for a second.
Ashley gave Buffy a nudge. "We gotta help him."
Buffy blinked, bringing herself back to reality, "Greaseball stop it!" she shouted.
Greaseball ignored her.
"Let him go!"
He still didn't pay attention.
Buffy's eyes narrowed. "When he drops Rusty, make sure he's okay alright?" she whispered to Ashley.
Ashley nodded hastily.
Buffy reached into her bag as she strode towards Greaseball.
Ashley followed her.
Buffy tapped him on the shoulder.
Greaseball turned to her.

"Let him go," she said again.
"No."
Buffy sighed, "Well I warned you..."
Greaseball glared.
Buffy turned around and kicked out backwards. She didn't miss.
Greaseball, needless to say, dropped Rusty hard.
Buffy rounded on him and went for his face.

Ashley dashed to Rusty's side and dropped to her knees next to him. "Rusty?"
Rusty was completely still.
Ashley gave him a shake. "Rusty, wake up."
He fell limply across her.
Ashley held him close, rocking him back and forth.

Greaseball was not happy.
Buffy gathered Greaseball into her arms, "I am so sorry sugar," she said.
"No you're not."
"Yes I am," she cuddled him gently, "But you wouldn't listen to me otherwise."
Greaseball tried to push her away.
She stroked his hair back.
Greaseball struggled. "Let go."
"Shh...shh..." she soothed.
"Lemme go!"
Buffy looked over at Ashley, questioningly.
"He... he's okay...:
"Good," Buffy said, "Now I don't have to kill you."
Greaseball struggled away from her.

Rusty still hadn't woken up.
Ashley rocked Rusty back and forth slowly.
Suddenly he took a breath and gagged slightly, coughing.
Ashley smiled and rocked him again.
Rusty managed another breath and opened his eyes.
"You okay?" Ashley cooed.
"A-Ashley?" he croaked out.
"Yeah, it's me..."
He huddled against her, shaking violently.
"I gotcha, I gotcha," Ashley soothed.
"He- I couldn't- I thought- I was gonna-" Rusty gasped out.
"Shh. It's okay..."
He finally settled down, only trembling slightly now.
Ashley rocked him gently. "You all right, hun?"
Rusty closed his eyes and snuggled close to her.
Ashley smiled softly and rocked him, stroking his hair.

Buffy looked up briefly and then leaned closer to Greaseball.
Greaseball backed away.
She leaned down and pressed her lips against his.
Greaseball struggled a moment, then stopped moving.
Buffy intensified the kiss, running her hands down his arms.
Greaseball, even though he didn't want to, slid his arms around her waist.
Buffy smiled, delighted.
Greaseball intensified the kiss, his hands trailing up her back.
Suddenly Buffy pulled away from him, just as a soft gasp was heard by all.
Ashley turned in surprise.
"How dare you!" Buffy scolded Greaseball, "You have a coach!"
Greaseball whirled around, away from Buffy.

Dinah let out a soft sob, and, covering her face, she turned and ran.
"Dinah!" Greaseball hurried after her.
Buffy watched them run off.
Ashley looked up at Buffy. "That was cruel."
Buffy stood up, "He deserved it."
"I know, but still..."
"I'll explain it to Dinah," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded.
"Did you need some help with Rusty?" Buffy asked, "we should probably get him home."

"Rusty, can you walk?"
He held tightly to her, but started to get up.
Ashley tried to help him up.
Somehow he got to his wheels, clinging tightly to Ashley.
Ashley held him tight.
He closed his eyes.
"Can you make it?"
In an answer, he took a step forward, pulling Ashley along with him, since he wasn't about to let go of her.
Ashley held him tightly, looking up at Buffy pleadingly.
"Can you make it Rusty?" Buffy asked gently, "make it home?"
"Home," he repeated affirmatively.
Ashley smiled. "Okay..."
Rusty started forward again.
Ashley held him tightly.
"I'm gonna go catch Dinah..." Buffy said.
Ashley nodded. "Okay. I got him..."
Buffy nodded and took off down the tracks.

Ashley looked down at Rusty. "You okay, honey?"
He took a shaky breath, "Go..."
Ashley held him and tried to move them both on towards their home.
Rusty helped her move them along.
"Doing all right?"
"Yeah-"
"Gonna make it or do you need to lie down?"
He shook his head.
Ashley nodded and slowly pulled him on.

After what seemed like forever, they were nearly there.
Ashley smiled. "Almost there, baby."
He nodded.
Ashley held him tightly. "Feeling any better?"
"Little..."
"Good..."
"Uh huh..."
"Do you need anything?"
"Water, he took mine."
"Oh, Rusty..."

Rusty sank down on the couch.
Ashley helped him sit, then pulled a blanket around his shoulders.
He took one of her hands tightly.
Ashley held his hand. "I'll get you some water..."
"He took mine," Rusty said again, "Dumped it out in front of me."
"Oh, Rusty, sweetie..."
"I wasn't doin' anything!"
"I'm sure you weren't."
"He wouldn't leave me alone!"
"I know..."

Rusty burst into tears.
Ashley sat down next to him and pulled him into her arms, hugging him tightly.
He leaned against her, crying helplessly.
Ashley hugged him and rocked him back and forth, cooing in a motherly sort of way. "Rusty... shh now... Shh..."
Finally he settled down into occasional hiccuping.
Ashley rocked him slowly, holding him to her chest.
He relaxed against her.
Ashley held him, humming softly.
He closed his eyes and relaxed in her arms.
Ashley stroked his hair.
He looked up at her.
"Shh now."
"Yeah," he said.
"You all right?"
"I guess so."
"Want some water?"
"Yes please."
Ashley nodded and moved to stand up.
He let her.
Ashley headed for the kitchen.
Rusty curled up on the couch.

Ashley returned with a large glass of water.
Rusty perked up at the sight of water.
Ashley sat down next to him and held out the water to him.
Rusty drank it gratefully.
Ashley smiled. "Feel better?"
He nodded.
"Good."
"I can't believe he did that..."
"Somehow I can..."
"I was...in the bookstore... he just...found me."
"I know..."
"Why does he hate me so much?" Rusty asked her.
"I don't know, baby. I don't know."
He leaned up against her.
Ashley hugged him tight.

"I don't-" Rusty started.
"What?"
"I don't want you to let me go."
"I won't."
"No... I mean..."
"What?"
"A-after I'm done... I don't want to be."
Ashley raised a brow. "You mean, you want to keep working for me?"
He nodded.
Ashley raised a brow again. "Really?"
"Safe," he said cuddling against her.
Ashley smiled softly.
Rusty closed his eyes.
Ashley hugged him tight. "Poor Rusty."
"I'll... ...basement..." he offered.
"No."
"Oh."
Ashley held him and rocked him again.
"But I...want to stay..."
"Rusty, you can't stay..."
"But- please."
"Rusty... Poppa won't let you."
"but-" Rusty pleaded.
"He won't."
"Oh," he said sadly.
"I mean, Rusty..."
He looked up at her.
"Rusty, I'd like to have you stay, but you can't."
"I know," he said softly, "I know."
Ashley hugged him tightly.

Dinah ran, not paying attention to where she was going, blinded by her tears.
Greaseball caught up to her and grabbed her arm. "Dinah, wait..."
"Let go of me!"
"Dinah, listen..."
"I'll scream..." Dinah said.
"Why? Dinah, please, hear me out."
She tried to pull her arm away from him.
"Dinah, please, baby, listen..."
She turned around and glared at him.
"Dinah, please let me explain..."
"And you were outside too!"
"Well, yeah, but-"

She started to roll away from him again.
"Dinah, please..."
"What?" she hissed.
"Please listen."
She crossed her arms.
"It's not what it looked like..."
"Oh, then you weren't all over Buffy?" she snapped.
"Dinah, SHE kissed ME."
"Why would she do that?"
"I don't know, but she did."
"Why would she kiss YOU?"
Greaseball raised a brow. "Gee, thanks."
"That's not what I meant."
"I don't know why she kissed me."

Dinah glared, "Well if she did kiss you, you were certainly kissing her back!"
"Well..."
She turned away from him.
"Dinah-"
"What?"
"Please..."
"what?" she snapped again.
"Please don't be mad..."
"Why not?"
"Be... because..."
"Unless you can explain to me exactly what happened..."
"She... she just kissed me, I swear."
"Oh, she just walked up to you, 'Hi Greaseball' and then kissed you?"
"Well, no... She kicked me first..."
"Oh come on, you couldn't think of anything better then that?"
"I swear that's what happened!"
"So she walked up to you, kicked you and then kissed you?" Dinah said in disbelief.
Greaseball nodded.
"Why would she do that?"

"Be... because she wanted to help Rusty..."
"What does Rusty have to do with this?"
"I was talking to him."
"So she kicked you and kissed you because you were talking to Rusty?"
Greaseball nodded.
"That still doesn't make any sense at all."

"Well, maybe because I had Rusty up by the shirt..."
"You...what?"
"I had Rusty..."
"Why?" she asked softly.
"Because..."
"Not good enough."
"Because he was talking back to me."
Dinah sighed, "What were you doing to him?"
"Just holding him..."
"How?"
"By the throat..."
"So that's why Buffy kicked you..." she said softly.
Greaseball nodded.

"Greaseball..." she said softly, turning to him with soft blue eyes.
"What?"
She skated towards him.
Greaseball started to back away.
Dinah stopped, hurt.
Greaseball stopped too.

Tears started to run down her face again.
Greaseball slowly moved towards her again.
She turned around and started to cry.
"Dinah, baby..."
She cried harder.
"Dinah, what's wrong?"
"Did you hurt him?" she mumbled.
"Who?"
"Rusty."
"No..."
"You don't sound sure..."
"I didn't!"
"If you weren't hurting him, why would Buffy kick you?"
"I..."
She waited.
"I didn't, Dinah, I swear..."
Dinah turned back to him.

"Dinah, you do believe me, don't you?"
Dinah moved towards him.
Greaseball held out his arms to her.
She sniffed and rolled into his arms.
Greaseball held her close.
"You know I don't like it when you do that..." she whispered.
"I... I know..."
She started to cry yet again.
Greaseball held her tightly. "Shh, baby."

"don't do it again," she pleaded.
"Okay."
Dinah cuddled close to her engine.
Greaseball held her. "Shh. I'm sorry, baby."
She let out a sigh and relaxed in his arms.
Greaseball smiled. "All better?"
"If you kiss me..."
Greaseball leaned down and kissed her firmly.
Dinah smiled against the kiss.
Greaseball smiled back. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Greaseball stroked her soft hair.
She closed her eyes and nearly purred under his touch.
Greaseball snuggled his nose into her hair. "Mmm."
"I don't like fighting," she whispered.
"I know."
She leaned up against him.
Greaseball held her close.

Back at Ashley's house, Rusty was asleep on the couch.
Ashley was next to him, rubbing his back.
He whimpered in his sleep.
"Shh."
He pulled away from her.
Ashley's hand landed in her lap.
He opened his eyes.
"Hi."
He rolled over closer to her.
Ashley smiled.
He closed his eyes again.
Ashley sighed softly.
"Ashley?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you..."

Ashley smiled and gently began to rub his back again.
He cried out and pulled away from her.
"What?"
"hurts..."
"Oh. Sorry."
Rusty nodded and settled back down.
"Want some ice or a hot bath or something?"
"Yeah..."
"Yeah what?"
"Something..."
"Ice or bath?"
"Ice."
"Okay." Ashley stood up.
Rusty closed his eyes again.
Ashley skated into the kitchen.

Belle knocked on the door.
Ashley looked up. "Come in," she called.
Belle opened the door and skated in.
Ashley smiled. "Hi."
"Hi," Belle said softly.
"Did you hear?"
She nodded.
"I'm getting him some ice."
"Ice?" Belle looked puzzled.
"His back hurts."
"Oh I see... where is he?"
"Living room."
Belle nodded and headed out there.
Ashley grabbed an ice pack.

Belle was sitting on the couch with Rusty's head in her lap.
Ashley skated back in. "Hi, Rusty."
"Hi," he said.
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah..."
"Good."
Rusty closed his eyes again.
Ashley handed the ice pack to Belle.
Belle took the ice, and lightly ran her fingers over Rusty's back. He flinched, but didn't make a sound.
Ashley moved to sit down next to them.
"Let me see," Belle said gently.
Ashley leaned in closer.
Rusty rolled over so he was face down on the couch. Belle felt his back again and frowned.
"Is he all right?"
Belle took Ashley's hand and lightly guided her fingers over a shallow dent in Rusty's back.
Ashley winced.
"There are four of them," Belle said.
"Is that bad?"
"Rusty, honey, what happened?" she asked. Rusty didn't answer. "It looks like he was stepped on," Belle said softly to Ashley.
Ashley shrugged. "I... I don't know..."
Belle moved to pull his shirt up.
"No," Rusty protested softly.
"Rusty, she's just going to help you."
"But-" Rusty's ears turned reddish.
"But what?"

Belle gently rolled up his shirt so she could see his back.
Ashley winced and whimpered softly.
In addition to the four dents, Rusty's back was on its way to becoming black and blue.
Ashley began to cry.
"Shh," Belle soothed, "It's not that bad."
"Is Rusty gonna die?"
"No honey, he'll be fine."
"You sure?"
Belle nodded.
"Is he gonna be okay?"
Belle nodded again.
"Promise?"
She nodded, "He'll heal."
"G... good."

"Can you stop talking about me like I'm not here?" Rusty requested.
"Sorry."
Rusty smiled at Ashley, which was rather difficult for him to do.
Ashley smiled weakly back.
"You need a bath," Belle said.
"Yeah," Ashley agreed.
"Okay..." Rusty said softly.
Ashley smiled shyly.
"A nice warm one," Belle continued, "to soak, then you'll feel better."
Ashley nodded.
"Okay," Rusty said again.
"I'll get a towel."

Belle helped Rusty up and they started towards the bathroom.
Ashley followed.
"Do you have any bubble bath or something?" Belle asked her.
Ashley nodded. "Sure."
"That'll help too," Belle said.
Ashley nodded and reached into the linen closet.
"Please tell me it doesn't smell like flowers..." Rusty said.
"No, it smells like peach."
"Oh, that's much better."
Ashley giggled.
Belle smiled as well, it sounded like Rusty was coming back.
Ashley handed Belle a towel and the bubble bath.
Belle turned on the water and let it foam up.
Ashley hummed to herself as she stood by Rusty.
He pulled his watch off.
Ashley took it and set it on the sink.
Belle tested the temperature of the water.
Ashley smiled at Rusty.
"And this will help?" he asked softly.
Ashley nodded.
"Good," he leaned back and winced.
"You'll feel better."
"It won't be hard..." he commented.
Ashley giggled.

"Um... Ashley?"
"Yeah?"
"I was only pulling away from you because my back hurt..." he said.
"I know."
"Good," he said.
Ashley smiled at him.
He smiled back. Belle turned the water off.
Ashley glanced at the bubbles.
"Argh, it *does* smell like peaches," Rusty said after taking a sniff.
Ashley giggled.
Belle stood up and skated towards them.
Ashley gazed up at her.
Belle turned to Rusty, "You soak for awhile now," she said, "And I mean awhile."
"Yes Ma'am," Rusty answered.
Ashley giggled.
"I'll come back and check on you later," Belle said, heading towards the door.
Ashley nodded.
"Okay," Rusty said.
Ashley smiled.
Rusty nodded.
Ashley smiled at Rusty.
Belle stepped out into the hallway.
Ashley hummed to herself.

Rusty pulled off his headband and shook out his hair.
Ashley giggled.
"What?"
"You look cute when you do that."
He stuck out his tongue at her.
Ashley stuck out her tongue back.
Rusty studied his headband, and then sent it shooting towards her.
Ashley yelped and ducked.
Rusty laughed.
Ashley shot it back to him.
He caught it neatly and set it down.
Ashley smiled at him.

"Ashley?"
"Hmm?"
"Why..." he started.
"What?"
"Why are...you still here?"
"Um..."
"I'll be alright now..."
"I know..."
"So you can...go."
"Oh."
"yeah."
Ashley shrugged.
Rusty waited.
Ashley waited too.

"Ash-ley," he whined.
"Ru-sty."
"Go with Bel-le."
"No-o."
"Why no-ot?"
"Cause I don't want to-o."
"but-"
"What?"
"Aw come on Ashley."
"What?"
"Go."
"Why?"
"Be-because... why do you want to stay?"
Ashley shrugged. "Cause I can..."
"But..."
"But what?"
"But I don't want you to."
"Why not?"
Rusty turned a bit red.
Ashley giggled. "What?"
"You know perfectly well.." Rusty said.
Ashley pouted her lips prettily.

He pointed to the door.
Ashley pouted deeper.
He moved over to her and gave her a gentle push.
Ashley whimpered. "Ouch."
"Oh come on, that was not hard."
Ashley's eyes filled with tears.
"No...no don't do that."
"Why... why not?" Ashley sniffed.
"Because I don't like it when you cry."
Ashley sniffed again.
Rusty moved over to her.
Ashley looked up at him with sad eyes.
"Why are you crying over the fact that I want to take a bath by myself?" he asked.
Ashley sniffed. "I... I don't know...
"It's not like I'm going anywhere..."
"I know..."
"So..." he gave her another nudge.
Ashley pouted but slowly backed towards the door.
Rusty watched her.
Ashley slowly left the bathroom.
Once she was out, Rusty closed the door and locked it.
Ashley leaned against the wall, waiting.

Belle gave Ashley an interesting look.
Ashley looked up at her.
"Okay, I've got a question, how long have you known Rusty?"
"Um..."
"Awhile right?" Belle prompted.
Ashley nodded.
"Now, why did you even think that you would pull that off?" There was no way to tell if Belle was teasing or not.
Ashley shrugged.
Belle smiled, she was teasing.
Ashley giggled.
Belle grinned, "You know how shy he is." There was a soft splash from the bathroom.
Ashley nodded. "I know."
Belle skated away, "I'm gonna make some tea."
"Okay."
There was more splashing heard from the bathroom.
Ashley leaned against the wall again.

Rusty settled down into the warm water.
Ashley sighed softly.
"ouch," he said.
"What happened?"
"It's hot...that's all." he said sheepishly.
"Well, you can run the cold water..."
"I know, I'm alright."
"Okay."
"Yeah. why are you still out there?"
"Cause I have nothing better to do."
"goody," he muttered, sinking down lower into the water.
Ashley giggled and sat down against the wall.

Belle walked out with a tray with two cups.
Ashley looked up at her and smiled.
"Come on," Belle said.
"Where we going?" Ashley asked, getting to her wheels.
"I'm going to go sit on the couch."
"Okay." Ashley reluctantly left her space by the door and followed Belle.
Belle set the tray down on the end table and sat down with a soft groan.
"Are you okay?" Ashley asked softly.
"Yeah," Belle said, "I've just got a bit of a headache."
"Oh... do you need something? Like an aspirin or something?"
"Maybe," Belle said after a minute.
"I can get you one," Ashley offered.
Belle smiled, "Thanks Ashley."
Ashley nodded and got up, heading for the bathroom door.
Belle took a sip of her tea.

Ashley opened the bathroom door and skated in.
"ASHLEY!" Rusty shrank down under the bubbles.
"Don't mind me." Ashley smiled sweetly at him, then turned to the medicine cabinet over the sink.
He vanished under the water.
Ashley hummed to herself, pushing around the bottles, looking for the aspirin bottle, which seemed to have vanished.
Rusty could feel his skin burning under the water.
Ashley dropped several bottles into the sink with a loud clatter.
He surfaced for air with a, "what was that?"
"I just dropped a couple things."
"Oh. What are you doing?"
"Looking for an aspirin."
"Now?"
"Yeah. Now."
He submerged with a groan.
Ashley giggled and went back to searching.

Rusty pondering pulling the shower curtain, but in order to reach it he would have to sit up.
Ashley hummed to herself, pulling out a few items.
"It's taking *that* long to find aspirin?" he asked.
"I can't find it..."
"Then give up," he suggested.
"Belle needs an aspirin."
"Oh... rats."
"No, aspirin."
"Not funny."
"I know."
He closed his eyes.
Ashley growled and whirled around in frustration. "Where is it?"
"I didn't take it," he said automatically.
"I know." Ashley smiled sweetly at him.
His face was a brilliant shade of red at this point.

"Why do you blush, Rusty?" Ashley giggled.
"Mmphf."
"What?"
He sank under the water again.
Ashley resumed her search.
"Ashley, it's obviously not in there..." Rusty started.
Ashley turned back to him with a glare. "You wanna get up and help me look?"
"Nnno. Not at the moment."
Ashley giggled. "Aw, why not?"
"Take a guess," he said.
Ashley giggled and nudged his pile of clothing with a toe stop. "I can't imagine."
"I'll help you look later..." he said, although he couldn't help blushing again.
Ashley giggled. "You're more red than usual, Rusty."
"That's because-" he started to say something, and then cut himself off.
"Because what?"
"Never mind."
"No, tell me."
"No, it's one of those things that I shouldn't say...get me in trouble."
"Why? Naughty words?" Ashley teased.
"No..."
"Oh?"
"Yeah..."
"Then what?"
"What are we arguing about again?" Rusty asked.
"What you mumbled."
"When?"
"A few minutes ago."
"I don't remember."
"Oh."
Rusty felt a bit better now that the subject had been dropped, although he was far from comfortable.

Ashley sighed. "You're not red anymore."
"Good."
Ashley giggled.
"Have you given up?" he asked.
"No."
"Darn."
Ashley giggled.
"Yes, it's very funny, isn't it?" he asked dryly.
"Yes, it is."
He sank lower and blew bubbles in the water.
Ashley giggled. "You're strange."
"Duh."

Ashley smiled at him and moved closer.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he asked.
Ashley nodded.
"I'm not."
"I can tell."
"And yet you continue..."
Ashley shrugged.
He sighed.
Ashley smiled at him. "What's wrong, Rusty?"
"I dunno... I guess I have this strange desire to be alone when I'm taking a bath."
"Aww, poor baby."
"I suppose that you don't mind it then?"
Ashley shook her head.
"Sure you don't..." he muttered.
"Oh, come on, Rusty, I can't see anything."
"I know that, cuz I ain't movin'..."
"And there's bubbles."
"Yeah."
Ashley smiled. "So you don't have to be so concerned."
"Sez you."
Ashley giggled.

"Ashley, come on..." he said.
"Come on what? Come in the bath with you?"
"No!"
Ashley giggled.
"Go away please..."
"I'm still looking for the aspirin."
"Well I don't have it."
"I know."
"Then why are you looking at me?"
"Cause you're talking to me."
He shut up.
Ashley turned back to the cabinet.

"Anybody home?" Buffy's voice called.
"In here," Ashley called.
"Where's here?" Buffy asked.
"don't you dare..." Rusty said softly.
"In the bathroom."
He groaned softly.
Ashley smiled sweetly at him.

"Oh," Buffy appeared in the doorway, "Watcha lookin' for?"
"The aspirin."
"Oh. It's in the kitchen."
"Why's it in there?"
"Because I brought it out this morning," she answered.
"Oh."
Buffy nodded and continued on down the hallway.

Ashley glanced back at Rusty and smiled.
He didn't smile back.
"Aw, come on Rusty."
"Aspirin's in the kitchen."
"I know."
"So... go."
"Why?"
"Because you're looking for the aspirin, and it's not in here..."
"I know."
"Then why are you still in here?"
"Cause I can be."
"But-"
"What?"
"Should you go give it to Belle?"
"I suppose."
"Yes."

Ashley smiled and moved closer. "You want me to leave?"
"Yes please."
Ashley pouted.
"Please?" he repeated.
"I guess..."
He looked up at her hopefully.
"If..."
"if what?" he asked softly.
"If... you kiss me on the cheek?"
"okay... later."
"No, now."
"But how'm I supposed to do that?"
Ashley skated over to him and leaned down.
"Aw Ashley..." he started to protest.
"What?"
"This isn't nice..."
"I know."
He sighed.
"Come on..."

Rusty very quickly sat up, gave her a peck on the cheek and dropped back into the water.
Ashley giggled. "Thanks."
"okay...your turn now."
Ashley nodded. "Okay." She leaned down and gave Rusty a peck on the cheek.
"That is not what I meant..."
Ashley pouted.
"okay so..."
Ashley smiled sweetly, her hand dipping into the warm water lazily.
"But you said that you'd go..."
"Did I?"
"Yes."
"Aww."
"So..." he trailed off.
"So." Ashley stirred the water lightly.
"Go then."
"Why?"
"Because that you said that you would."
Ashley pouted her lips prettily.
"You did..."
"I know..."
He waited.

Ashley moved her hand closer to his leg under the water.
"don't."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want you to."
"Why not?"
"Same reason as always."
Ashley giggled.
He was watching her carefully.
"I'm not gonna hurt you..."
"Good."
Ashley smiled sweetly and brushed her fingertips against his knee.
He yelped.
Ashley smiled at him. "What?"
"No touching!"
"Why not?"
"Because!"
"Why?"
"Because I don't like it!"
"Why not? Didn't it feel good?" Ashley touched him again.
He pushed her hand away.
Ashley pouted again.

"Ashley, please."
"Please what?"
"Please leave."
"Why?"
"Because you're making me very uncomfortable."
"Am I?"
"Yes."
"Aw, I'm sorry." Ashley stood up.
He watched her.
Ashley smiled sweetly. "Enjoy your bath." She skated out, closing the door behind her.
"Not much chance of that anymore..." he muttered.

Ashley hummed to herself, heading for the kitchen to get Belle her aspirin.
Belle was waiting on the couch.
Ashley brought her the aspirin and a glass of water.
"Thanks," Belle said, taking it.
Ashley smiled and nodded.
"That took quite awhile..." Belle commented.
"Sorry."
"it's okay," Belle said, swallowing the aspirin.
Ashley smiled and sat down.

A few minutes later, Rusty decided he'd had enough of his bath. He made sure the door was securely locked and then started to get dressed.
Ashley was sipping her tea on the couch.
"Rusty probably shouldn't do too much moving around right away," Belle said.
Ashley nodded. "I'll make sure he relaxes."
"Make sure he relaxes," Belle said, "don't make him more tense..."
Ashley nodded.

Rusty emerged from the bathroom, drying his hair off.
Ashley looked up at him and smiled. "Hi."
"Hi."
"Have a good bath?"
"Parts of it."
"Good."
"Yeah." he sat down next to Belle.
Ashley looked over at him. "Want some tea?"
"Sure I guess."
Ashley poured him a cup.
"Thanks..." he took the cup from her.
Ashley nodded, smiling shyly.
Rusty didn't notice as Belle had grabbed the towel from him and was proceeding to vigorously dry off the back of his neck, "you always miss parts," she scolded.
Ashley giggled softly.
Rusty sat still and let Belle fuss over him.

"Can I brush his hair?" Ashley requested.
"No, that's okay," Rusty said.
"Aw, come on."
"but I don't need-"
"Belle, can I?"
Belle shrugged.
"Please?"
"If you want... doesn't matter to me," Belle said.
"Yay!"
"But I don't need-" Rusty was protesting again.
"But it will look nice."
"but it's fine, really..."
"But I want to."
"but-"
"Please?" Ashley's eyes filled with tears.
"Fine."
Ashley smiled brightly.
Finally, Belle was satisfied that Rusty was dried off, so she set the towel down.

Ashley raced into the bathroom to get a comb.
Next to the sink was Rusty's watch, headband, and her necklace.
Ashley collected everything and hurried back into the living room.
Rusty was leaning against Belle.
Ashley skated over to him and held out his things.
"Thanks... he said, setting them down on the table and putting on his watch.
Ashley nodded and sat down next to him.
He resisted the urge to move away from her.
Ashley smiled sweetly at him.
He started to put his headband on, in his usual manner of "fixing" his hair.
Ashley pulled it off again. "No no."
"What what?" he asked.
"I brush your hair first."
"Oh."
Ashley smiled and reached for his silky, brown hair.
Rusty sat still.

Ashley began to comb his hair gently.
He didn't move.
Ashley hummed softly as she parted his hair.
He sighed softly.
"What?"
"Oh don't worry about it," Belle said, "He doesn't like it when I do it either."
Ashley giggled.
Belle grinned and patted Rusty's leg, "She's almost done."
Ashley giggled and tied Rusty's headband back on, brushing his bangs back so they fell softly over his forehead.
He blinked.
"There. You look so handsome."
"thanks."
Ashley smiled.
He took another sip from his cup.

Ashley brushed his hair back a bit.
He sat patiently while she fussed over him.
Ashley smiled. "There. You look really good."
"ok."
"Trust me."
"Kay."
Ashley giggled.
He moved his hand up towards his hair.
"Don't touch!" Ashley smacked his hand lightly.
"Sorry," he said softly.
Ashley smiled at him.

Belle stood up slowly.
"Are you leaving?"
"I probably should get home..." she started.
Rusty stood up as well, "No, you don't have to..."
"Oh, Rusty, let her go. She's tired."
Belle gave him a hug, "I'll see you later, promise."
Ashley smiled sweetly.
"okay," Rusty said softly, not letting her go.
"Rusty, let go..."
Belle gently pried him off her and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "I'll see you later." He nodded, "Bye Belle..."
"Bye, Belle," Ashley echoed
She whispered something to Rusty and then left.

"What did she say?"
"Nothing..." he said vaguely.
"Tell me."
"Why?"
"Cause I want to know?"
"but it's not important to you."
"But I want to know."
"She said that she'd see me tomorrow."
"Oh."
"Told you you didn't need to know."
"Well, I know now to expect her tomorrow."
"Oh."
Ashley smiled sweetly.

He slowly sank back down to the couch.
Ashley grinned. "Need anything else for your back? Ice? Back rub?"
He shook his head.
"You sure?"
He nodded.
"Okay. Want something to drink?"
"Sure."
"Water, or something else?"
"Water's fine."
"Okay." Ashley skated into the kitchen.
He leaned back carefully, so as not to hurt himself.
Ashley came back with a big glass of water for him.
He smiled when he saw her.
Ashley smiled back and held out the water to him.
"Thanks..." he said, taking it.
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
After finishing his drink, Rusty sat there silently.
Ashley sat next to him. "You all right?"
"More or less..."
"Good."
"Yeah..." he started to push his bangs back.
Ashley swatted his hand lightly. "No."
"sorry," he said automatically.
Ashley smiled sweetly.

Rusty slowly, ever so slightly, shifted position.
Ashley sighed softly.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"Oh. Then why did you sigh?"
"I don't know."
"Oh," he closed his eyes, then opened them again.
Ashley leaned back against the couch.

"Ashley?" he asked softly.
"Yeah?"
"What..." he took a breath, "What do you think would've happened if..."
"If?"
"If you and Buffy hadn't..."
Ashley slowly reached over and squeezed Rusty's hand.
Rusty closed his eyes tightly.
"Rusty, I... I don't think... he would have killed you, if that makes you feel any better..."
"Then....then why'd he try?"
"I don't know."
Rusty buried his face in his hands.
Ashley moved closer and gave him a tight hug. "Shh now."
He relaxed into her arms.
Ashley held him tightly and stroked his neat hair gently.
He took a shuddering breath.
"Shh now..."
Rusty closed his eyes, but not before a few tears made their way out.
Ashley felt them on her hand and gently brushed his tears away.
He relaxed against her.
Ashley held him tight, humming softly and rocking him.
He took another breath and then pulled away from her.
Ashley slowly let go of him.
"I...I'm sorry..." he said.
"It's okay."
"Thanks..."
"Of course.:
He smiled softly, brushing his hair back.

Ashley smiled back and ran a hand gently down his arm comfortingly.
"I'm glad we're friends again," Rusty said.
"Me too."
He grinned.
Ashley smiled shyly back.
He slowly shifted until he was laying down on the couch.
Ashley reached over and squeezed his hand gently.
He smiled.
Ashley smiled back and rubbed his hand gently.
He closed his eyes.
Ashley squeezed his hand again.
Rusty didn't really notice, starting to doze off.
Ashley slowly leaned down and laid next to him.
He didn't notice.
Ashley curled herself around him.
He still didn't notice.
Ashley closed her eyes to sleep.
Rusty shifted so he was comfortable, not realizing that he was curling closer to Ashley.
Ashley smiled to herself as she drifted off to sleep.

when Rusty woke later he was rather startled to discover that Ashley was right next to him.
Ashley was still asleep.
He started to get up without moving her, which he realized was easier said then done.
Ashley sighed softly in her sleep.
Rusty tried to detach her from him.
Ashley moaned softly.
he continued to try and get her off him.
"Rusty..." Ashley mumbled in her sleep.
"what?" he asked automatically.
"Don't..."
"What?"
"Don't..."
"Don't what?" he asked.
Ashley blinked and opened her eyes.
"Don't what?" Rusty asked again.
Ashley groaned and sat up.

"Ashley?"
"Hmm?"
"what's wrong?"
"What?"
"You... never mind."
Ashley nodded and smiled at him, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
Rusty got up, with some difficulty, and stiffly got to his wheels.
Ashley got up too, wobbling unsteadily.
He headed towards the kitchen,
Ashley landed back on the couch with a thump.
Rusty didn't notice, going to get something to eat. On the end table next to Ashley, her necklace sparkled up at her.
Ashley sighed and stretched again lazily.

Rusty, rather hungry since I've forgotten when the last time he ate was, was involved in his search.
Ashley got up again and skated into the kitchen.
Rusty didn't notice, bending down to look in one of the lower cabinets, forgetting that his back hurt.
Ashley skated over to him and rested her hands on his hips. "Whatcha looking for?"
Rusty jumped, lightly bonking his head. He stood up, rubbing his head, "something to eat..."
Ashley giggled. "You okay?"
"Yeah..." he mumbled, "You just scared me..."
"Oh. I scared you?"
"well you surprised me."
"Oh. I'm sorry." Ashley didn't sound sorry.
"I bet," he teased.
Ashley giggled.
"Yeah," Rusty returned to his search for food.
Ashley skated over to the refrigerator.
He didn't pay attention.
Ashley hunted around. "What do you want?"
"something to eat..." he answered absently.
"Anything in particular?"
"Not picky..."
"Okay."
Rusty went back to hunting.

Ashley looked up at him. "Want to order a pizza?"
"Okay."
Ashley smiled and skated over to the phone.
Rusty settled for some potato chips to hold him down and then sat down.
Ashley ordered the pizza, then skated over to Rusty to sit by him.
Rusty offered her the bag.
Ashley shook her head.
"okay."
Ashley smiled and curled closer to him.
He didn't really notice right away.
Ashley sighed softly and laid her head on his shoulder.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Nothing. Just... tired."
"Tired?"
Ashley nodded.
"Oh."
Ashley smiled at Rusty.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"Oh. okay."

Ashley nodded and glanced over at the coffee table. "Rusty?"
"Yeah?"
"Why did you take off my necklace?"
"I took it off when I took a bath."
"Well, aren't you going to put it back on?"
"Oh. yeah...I was just..."
"Just?"
"well..."
Ashley took the necklace and slid it over his head.
He sat still while she put it on.
Ashley adjusted it, then smiled. "There."
"yeah."
Ashley giggled.
"What?"
"Nothing." Ashley smiled at him, her eyes on his own.
"Oh. okay..." he blinked and looked away.
"What's wrong?"
"Hmm? Nothing."
"You sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure." he smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back. "Good."

Rusty turned his attention back to the table.
Ashley glanced up at the clock.
"How long til the pizza comes?" Rusty asked.
"We just ordered, Rusty. At least half an hour..."
"Oh. Then why were you looking at the clock?"
Ashley shrugged.
"oh. ok."
Ashley smiled at him and squeezed his hand gently. "Are you doing all right?"
"Yeah."
"You sure?"
"Yes I'm sure."
"Okay."

Rusty leaned back and winced.
"Do you hurt?"
"yeah a little," Rusty said reluctantly.
"Maybe you should lay on the couch. It's better for you than sitting up on a hard chair.
"But-" he started to protest.
"Oh, Rusty, you need to relax your back, or you'll just stay sore."
"But I don't want to lay down..."
"Then just sit on the couch."
"but-"
"Rusty..." Ashley pleaded, her dark eyes sad.
He sighed, "That's not fair."
"What's not?"
"I can't fight when you do that..."
"Really?" Ashley asked.
"I thought you knew that," Rusty said.
Ashley shook her head.
"Oh. Well I can't."
"Oh. I know that now." Ashley smiled sweetly.
"uh huh..."
"So are you going to go sit on the couch?"
"Do I have to?" he asked.
Ashley did the sad eyes again.
Rusty made a face and stood up.
Ashley stood up too.
He rolled into the living room and sat down, "Happy now?"
Ashley nodded, following him.
He slowly leaned back against the couch.
"Okay?"
"Yeah..."
Ashley sat down next to him.

He closed his eyes in defeat.
"What's wrong?"
"nothing. I just... am getting tired of sitting here."
"You mean, you want to do something?"
"Yeah..."
"Like?"
"I dunno... I just don't want to sit here anymore."
"Well, what do you think you want to do?"
"Well sitting in a different room was fine..." he started.
"But you need to relax your back."
He sighed, "I know."
"Want me to rub your back?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Ashley said softly. "I just wanted to help."
"Yeah...I know."
Ashley sighed.
"Did you want to give me a backrub that much?" Rusty asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't have to."
"Okay."
Ashley smiled weakly.
"Okay," Rusty said again.
"So, what else can we do?"

He turned around and lay face down.
"What are you doing?"
"you can...give me a back rub."
"I can?"
"Yes. I hurt again..."
Ashley smiled and gently laid her hands on his back.
Rusty closed his eyes.
Ashley slowly began to rub his shoulders.
He held his breath for a minute before letting it out.
"There you go... Just relax..."
He tried to, tried very hard.
Ashley rubbed a bit firmer.
He tensed up slightly before convincing himself to relax.

Ashley's fingers dug gently into his bruised shoulders.
"Ow..." he whispered.
"Oh, sorry."
"Too hard..." he said softly.
"Sorry."
He nodded.
Ashley did it again less hard.
Rusty found himself, to his surprise, relaxing.
Ashley did it again, her soft fingertips stroking his tense shoulders gently.
Rusty closed his eyes and slowly relaxed his shoulders.
"There we go," Ashley cooed.
He nodded.
"Does that feel good?"
"yeah..."
"Does it help you relax a bit?"
"Yeah..." he said again.
Ashley nodded and did it again.
"mmm..."
"You like that?"
"yeah."
"Good." Ashley did it again.
"Mm." he thought again.
Ashley suddenly moved to sit on the back of his legs, her hips pressed to his legs, rubbing his back again.
"Ouch."
"Sorry."
He nodded.

Ashley rubbed his shoulders gently.
He wiggled his feet slightly.
"You okay?"
"...yeah."
"Okay."
He closed his eyes again.
Ashley stroked his tense muscles.
He felt himself starting to relax again.
Ashley smiled. "That's right..."
"mmhmm..."
"Yeah..."
Rusty didn't answer, relaxing completely now.
Ashley smiled and rubbed his back, leaning just a bit closer.
He didn't notice, approaching a nearly catatonic state.
Ashley buried her nose in his hair.
He didn't notice her, and if he did, he didn't think much of it.
Ashley curled close to him, rubbing his back, her knee rubbing gently against the back of his thigh.
"Mmm... Ashley?" he asked sleepily.
"Hmm?"
"nice..." he murmured.
"Good..."
"mmhmm."
Ashley made a soft sound into the back of his head.
He closed his eyes again.
Ashley closed her eyes too, her arms slowly snaking around his shoulders to his chest.
He didn't notice.
Ashley snuggled closer to him.

Rusty suddenly noticed that she'd stopped rubbing his back.
Ashley sighed softly.
He sighed as well.
Ashley curled close to him, snuggling her body close to his.
He opened his eyes.
Ashley moaned softly.

"You stopped..."
"Want me to start again?"
"Uh huh."
Ashley smiled and started to rub his back again.
Rusty smiled as well and relaxed again.
Ashley smiled and stroked his back firmly.
Rusty made a rather pleased sounding noise.
Ashley giggled softly.
He blinked and shifted to look up at her rather adoringly.
Ashley smiled at him and stroked him again.
Rusty closed his eyes again.
Ashley smiled and massaged his shoulders gently. "Try and relax again..."
He nodded obediently, it was easier this time.

Ashley worked at a stubborn knot in his shoulder.
Rusty let out a soft whoosh of steam.
"Shh."
He smiled and relaxed.
Ashley worked the stubborn muscle. She twisted one of Rusty's arms up behind him. "Stay like that."
He opened his eyes, "What?"
"Stay like that."
"Why?"
"Just trust me."
He shivered but held still.
Ashley made sure his arm was in place, then suddenly pushed on his tense shoulder with her elbow. She felt something pop under it, then the muscle relaxed.
"ouch..."
"Shh." Ashley rubbed the muscle quickly to relieve the pain.
"that hurt..." he said softly.
"It'll feel better in a minute." Ashley massaged the muscle gently.
He closed his eyes and relaxed again.
Ashley smiled. "How's that feeling now?"
"Better."
"Good. See? I told you to trust me."
"Yeah..." he said softly.
Ashley smiled. "I know a little something about sore muscles."
"Oh." he answered.
Ashley smiled and firmly pushed the heel of her hand against his shoulder. "It'll tense up again if we don't keep rubbing it."
"Oh," he said again, feeling himself being rather squished into the couch.

Ashley hummed softly, her fingers slowly kneading the muscle in his shoulder. "Once we're done, your back's gonna feel so much better."
"Good."
Ashley giggled.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Why's it funny that I don't want my back to hurt?"
"It's not funny." Ashley gave his shoulder a firm squeeze.
"Then why'd you laugh?"
"Cause you're so cute."
"Oh."
Ashley smiled at him. "How's it feeling?"
"Much better then before."
"Good." Ashley began to massage his back the way that had made him sleepy before.
His eyes started to close.
Ashley rubbed his back slowly but gently.
Rusty started to doze again.

Ashley slowly slid down next to him, one hand still rubbing his back.
As long as she was still rubbing his back he didn't notice her moving.
Ashley curled closer to him so they were almost touching, her hand tracing over his back.
Rusty turned his head sideways to look at her and blinked sleepily.
Ashley closed her eyes.
He closed his and relaxed.
Ashley rubbed his back gently, slowly drifting off.
He didn't notice her.
Ashley rubbed his back until she fell asleep.