The Midnight Train Crossing

The night of the big race was quickly approaching and it was first on every ones thought's, engine, coach, and truck a like. Most of the engines were hard at work training for the races.... but not all of them.
Rusty, with Ashley and Buffy hitched behind, was in the midst of one of his routes.
Ashley sighed softly. "Race coming up..."
Buffy smiled, "Hmm... Who's Ashley gonna race with?" she said teasingly, "Someone from... France?"
Ashley giggled and blushed red. "If he asks me..."
"Of course he'll ask you!" Buffy said, "He wouldn't dare ask anybody else."
Ashley nodded, her eyes gleaming. "Yeah. I'd break him in two," she teased.
"Me first," Buffy teased back.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty smiled, listening to their banter.
"I gotta look out for my best friend," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded. "Well, I can look out for myself, but that doesn't mean I don't want any help."
"Exactly," Buffy agreed.
Ashley giggled. "What do you think, Rusty?"
"About what? About that you can take care of yourself?" he asked.
"No, about if we'd have to break Bobo in half."
"If he didn't ask you to race?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm.... I dunno... maybe in thirds?"
Ashley giggled. "Aww, you're sweet."
"I try," he said, coming to a stop.
Ashley gave him a soft hug, then disconnected to be loaded.

Rusty turned around to face the coaches, "Of course he'll ask you," he said.
Ashley smiled softly. "I hope so."
"He will," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded and hitched back up.
Buffy took Ashley's couplings and Rusty moved out.
Ashley held tight, thinking about the upcoming race.
Rusty picked up speed.
Ashley leaned closer to him. "Are you going to race this year?"
"I doubt it..."
"Why not?"
"I don't think that I'll be allowed to," he said simply.
"Why not?"
He shrugged.
"Tell me."
"What's to tell? I just don't think that I'll be able to."
"Well, isn't there a reason?"
"Probably..." he started.
"Yes?"
"I dunno... nobody's told me no or anything like that," Rusty said, "I just have this feeling..."
Ashley gave him a gentle squeeze. "I think you can."
"Thanks," he said.
Ashley nodded.

Rusty sped up, gliding easily down the tracks at a rather fast pace.
Ashley giggled softly. "I think you could win if you did."
"I dunno about that... all of the other engines have been training and stuff for the past few days, and I haven't..."
"But you're fast anyway."
"Thanks."
Ashley smiled sweetly at him.

"Woo-woo!" he whistled loudly.
Ashley giggled. "You sound so funny when you whistle."
"I-what?" he blushed.
Ashley giggled softly and gave him a slight hug.
His ears burned red and Buffy giggled.
Ashley giggled too. "He so funny," she said over her shoulder to Buffy.
"And sweet," Buffy agreed.
Ashley nodded. "Very sweet."
"And turning even redder," Buffy added, noting Rusty's bright red ears.
Ashley nodded. "Very red."
"Would you mind not talking about me like I'm not here?" he requested.
Ashley giggled. "Did someone speak?" she asked innocently to Buffy.
"I didn't hear anything..."
"Me either. Must have been the wind."
"Guess so," Buffy agreed.
Ashley nodded.
"Argh." Rusty commented.
"There it is again," Ashley said, looking up at the sky.
Buffy giggled.
Ashley glanced back at her with a silly grin.

"You two are very mean," Rusty said.
"We are?" Ashley asked innocently.
"Yes." he said promptly.
Ashley pretended to pout, batting her eyelashes prettily.
"He doesn't like us," Buffy said with a mock-sniff
Ashley nodded. "Rusty doesn't like us."
"what are we gonna do about that?" she asked.
"I don't know."
"Rusty, don't you like us?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah, don't you like us?" Ashley parroted.
"Not when you're being mean." he said.
Ashley stuck out her tongue.

He smiled sweetly at her.
Ashley giggled. "Aww."
He turned forward and moved out again.
Ashley turned to Buffy with a soft smile. "He needs a coach," she whispered softly, so he wouldn't hear.
She nodded.
"But who?"
"I don't know," she whispered.
"What are you two talking about?" Rusty asked.
Ashley ignored him. "What about you, Buffy?"
"What about me?"
"You need an engine, don't you?"
"I'm still looking," Buffy said.
"Isn't Rusty cute?"
"Ashley!"
"What?"
"I'm not interested in him," Buffy whispered.
"Why not?"
"Because... I don't want to talk about this while he's pulling us."
Ashley pouted.
"he might hear," Buffy explained.
"Alright, alright."

"Am I here yet?" Rusty asked.
Ashley giggled and glanced back at him. "I don't know. Are you?"
"Are you going to acknowledge that I'm here?"
Ashley giggled. "Sure."
"Good. D'you know how boring it is to be ignored?"
"No."
"It's very boring," he said seriously.
Ashley nodded. "Probably."
"I bet," Buffy agreed.
Ashley giggled.

"Last stop," he announced at the next station.
"Good. My wheels are starting to hurt."
Rusty came to a stop, "Aww, poor Ashley."
Ashley nodded.
"Well after this I'll take you home."
Ashley smiled gratefully.
Buffy stretched her hands as she was unloaded.
Ashley stretched a bit.
"I guess that this was a long one today huh?" Rusty said sympathetically, not looking a bit tired himself.
"Not really. I'm just lazy," Ashley teased.
"Lazy Ashley," he teased back.
Ashley smiled sweetly.
Buffy giggled.
Ashley grinned. "Either that, or Rusty has too much energy."
"well, I don't think that you're lazy..." Buffy started.
Ashley grinned. "Oh?"
"So that means..." Buffy trailed off.
"Rusty's too excited?"

Rusty looked at his watch, "Okay, c'mon, I've got another route to do..."
Ashley nodded and hitched back up.
"How many more do you have to do?" Buffy asked.
"After you, two more," he answered casually.
"That many?" Ashley asked worriedly.
"Yeah."
"Don't you get tired?"
"Not really..."
"Oh..."
"I mean, I'm tired when I get to bed, but I'm not exhausted or anything like that..." he said.
"Well, that's good..."
"Yeah," he turned back to her, "I'm not over-worked, I promise."
"Good."
He turned around again as Buffy hitched up.
Ashley held tight to him.

Rusty headed out, making a wide turn and heading back home. On his way back home, he passed the race tracks where the other engines were training.
Ashley watched them with wide eyes. "They're all so good."
"I guess..." Rusty said.
Buffy nodded.
"But not as good as you."
"Aww thanks," he said.
Ashley smiled and nodded.
He started to move, but Buffy held him back, "Hold up Rusty, I wanna watch."
Ashley glanced back at her in surprise.
Buffy unhitched and moved over to the guard rails, watching the engines.
Ashley slowly followed.
Rusty reluctantly followed.
Ashley leaned next to Buffy. "Who you watching?"
"just... all of them," Buffy said.
Ashley giggled. "Trying to find the pick of the litter?"
"Of course..."
Ashley giggled. "Any idea so far?"
"Still watching..."

Rusty looked at his watch and sighed, leaning back against the guardrail.
"No idea, then?"
Buffy didn't answer, watching the engines.
They zoomed around the track, each trying to outdo the other.
Buffy's eyes fell on a red engine.
Ashley followed Buffy's eyes. "Who's that?"
"I don't know... but he's fast!"
"Yeah, he is."
Buffy turned her attention to the other engines.
"You should go talk to him."
"He's busy," Buffy pointed out.
"Well, later."
"Maybe..."
"Oh, come on."
Buffy had gone back to watching the engines.

"He's cute," Ashley prodded softly.
"huh?" Buffy wasn't listening.
"I said, he's cute."
"Oh. ...yeah."
"Maybe he's the one?"
"Maybe..." Buffy said.
"Let's go talk to him after practice."

"Are you two planing on staying here then?" Rusty asked.
Ashley glanced over at Buffy. "Are we?"
"I am..." Buffy said absently.
"I'll stay with you," Ashley offered.
"Ok..."
Ashley smiled at Rusty. "We'll be okay."
"You sure?" he asked.
Ashley nodded. "Yeah, we're sure."
"Okay..."
Ashley smiled and waved at him to go.

Rusty turned to go, gliding along the edge of the racetrack.
Greaseball blocked his way. "What are you doing?"
"Ashley and Buffy wanted to watch you guys practice," Rusty said, "So I dropped them off."
"Why were you there for so long?"
"I... was waiting to find out if they were going to stay longer..." Rusty answered.
"You weren't thinking of practicing yourself, were you?"
"Me?"
"Am I talking to you?"
"Sorry," Rusty said automatically, "I was just surprised. No, I wasn't, actually."
"Good. Because you don't belong there."
"I know."
"Good. Get moving."
"Would you... let me pass?" Rusty asked.
Greaseball stepped aside.
"Thanks," Rusty slowly skated past the other engine, then he stopped, "Greaseball?"
"What?"
"Good luck."
Greaseball smirked and skated off.
Rusty headed off the other way, zipping down the tracks so that he wouldn't be late.

Later, Greaseball was on his way down the tracks after having a rather bad practice run.
"hey Greaseball!" one of the random other engines that had been practicing with Greaseball said, "Nice practice! Different view from back there hmm?" He teased before speeding off.
Greaseball growled and gave chase to him.
"Aw, no hard feelings," the other engine said, "Everybody has an off day, I'm sure that tomorrow I'll be choking on your dust."
"If you're lucky, you won't be choking on more than that," Greaseball growled.
The other engine nodded and sped away.
Greaseball hissed and continued on his way.

Rusty, having finished everything that he was supposed to do, was on his way home. He was in a surprisingly good mood, "Woo-woo!" he sang, nearly flying down the tracks.
Greaseball looked up.
Rusty didn't notice the other engine, shooting along down the tracks.
Greaseball yelped in surprise as Rusty shot past him.
Rusty whistled again.
Greaseball chased after him.
Rusty didn't realize that Greaseball was following him, racing along the tracks just for the fun of it. He whizzed past a heap of gravel.
Greaseball whistled loudly.
Rusty slammed on his brakes, skidding to a stop with a screech.
Greaseball caught up to him.

"Hi," Rusty said.
"What-were-you-doing?"
"Going home - I finished everything that I was supposed to do," Rusty answered.
"You were going too fast."
"No," Rusty said, not understanding, "I was fine, I wouldn't have hit anything-"
Greaseball grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the ground.
Rusty gasped and swallowed.
"You-were-going-too-fast."
"W-what?" Rusty asked.
"You passed me."
"I... I didn't think you were going anywhere..."
"I wasn't."
"If you weren't going anywhere, and I was, of course I would pass you..."
Greaseball glared. "I don't want you going faster than me."
"I'm sorry," Rusty said automatically.
"Good."
Rusty winced slightly, being held by the throat was never comfortable.

"So, you will never go faster than me again, understand?"
"B-but-"
"What?"
"Why not?"
"Because I said so!"
Rusty flinched, "but... I know that you're faster then me anyway..."
Greaseball glowered.
Rusty shrank.
Greaseball dropped Rusty hard on the tracks.
He landed hard and scrambled to get back up.
"Get out of here."
Rusty stood up and started to go.
Greaseball watched him darkly.

Rusty headed down the tracks, picking up speed as he went.
Greaseball followed behind.
The steamer sped up again, wanting to get away from Greaseball, as obviously the other engine was upset about something.
Greaseball glared. The little brat was going too fast again. Greaseball caught up to him and grabbed him, swinging him into the sidings.
Rusty landed hard and looked up at Greaseball, confused.

"Slow-down!" Greaseball hissed.
"I wasn't going that fast!" Rusty retorted, and then gasped and covered his mouth.
Greaseball glared and backhanded Rusty across the face. "Don't you EVER talk back to me!"
Rusty flinched, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"Be quiet!"
Rusty closed his mouth.
Greaseball nodded. "Good boy."
"But what did I do?" Rusty asked softly, "You never cared before..."
Greaseball glared slightly.
He flinched, "I'm sorry."
"Good."
"But-"
Greaseball glared deeper.
Rusty shrank and his voice got softer, "but why?"
"You ask too many questions."
"I've only asked one..."
Greaseball gave him a kick.
Rusty yelped. "I didn't realize that I said that out loud..." he said softly.
"Because you don't have a brain to think silently with."
Rusty had an answer to that, and it was obvious by his expression, but he remained silent.

Greaseball glared down at him. "Are you going to be good now?"
"I hope so."
Greaseball stepped back to let him up.
Rusty remained sitting in the sidings.
Greaseball glared and sped off.
Rusty stayed put, pondering what exactly had just happened.

Ashley came by after setting Buffy up with the attractive Italian train.
Rusty looked up and waved when he saw her.
Ashley waved back and skated over. "Hi.'
"Hi."
"How are you?"
"Very confused," he answered, rubbing his cheek, which was beginning to turn red.
"What happened?"
"Greaseball."
"What did he do?"
"Stopped me twice, tossed me in here... yelled at me... the usual stuff."
"Why?"
"I'm not entirely sure..." he said, "Apparently, it was because I was going too fast."
"Going too fast?" Ashley repeated.
"that's what he told me."
"Why would you be going too fast?"
"I have no idea."
Ashley shrugged. "Maybe he was having a bad day."
"Probably," he said, standing up and brushing dirt off his frame.
Ashley smiled and moved to help him.
"I'm not allowed to go faster then him now," Rusty said.

Ashley giggled softly.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"No, what?" he asked.
"Just, it was funny."
"What was?"
"That you aren't allowed to go faster than him."
"Oh," Rusty said, getting back onto the rails, "I'm not, anyway."
"I know."
"Unless he's walking, and I'm running, d'you want a ride?"
Ashley nodded. "Sure."
He turned to let her hitch up.
Ashley coupled onto him. "Okay."
Rusty moved out.
Ashley held tight. "Whee!" she giggled.
Rusty cautiously kept to a medium speed.
Ashley followed close to him.

He pulled up at Ashley's house.
Ashley disconnected. "Do you want to come in for a few minutes?"
"Sure."
Ashley smiled and led the way inside.
He followed the coach into her house.
Ashley closed the door behind them. "Want anything?"
"Sure, something to drink?"
"Anything you want."
He shrugged, "Doesn't matter..."
"Well, that's helpful," Ashley teased.
"I try," he said sweetly, "I'll have a soda."
Ashley giggled and headed for the kitchen.
Rusty followed her, sitting down at the table.
Ashley smiled and rummaged in the fridge.
Rusty looked thoughtful again.

"Something on your mind?"
"Yeah. Why would he say that to me?"
"I don't know." Ashley skated over to him with two sodas.
"I mean.... unless he actually thought that I was faster then he was..."
"Maybe he did," Ashley said softly, sitting down next to him.
"But that doesn't make any sense," Rusty said, "Why would he think that I'm faster then he is?"
"I don't know. Were you going faster than him?"
"Yeah... but he was barely moving..."
Ashley took a sip of her soda. "I see," she said softly.
"Unless..." Rusty started.
"What?"
"Unless he really does think that..." Rusty trailed off.
Ashley nodded slowly.
"that I really am... faster."
"Maybe he does."
"Maybe... I am."
"Maybe."
"I mean, I could be," Rusty sat up a bit straighter.
Ashley giggled. "You could," she agreed.
"Yeah," he agreed, "Why not?"
Ashley shrugged.
Rusty leaned back in his chair.
Ashley did the same.
"Because why would he say something if he wasn't really worried about it?"
"I don't know. Maybe he was afraid you'd threaten his lead in the races?"
"Yeah... maybe..." Rusty started, "But I'd never thought of entering..."
"Why not?"
He shrugged, "Didn't think I was fast enough."
"I think you're fast," Ashley defended.
"And I guess that Greaseball thinks that too..."
"Probably."
"So maybe I am."
"Maybe. I bet you are."
He smiled at her.

Ashley smiled back. "You haven't touched your soda."
He looked down, and blushed, then took a drink.
Ashley smiled sweetly.
"I'd probably better go home," he said.
"Why?"
He smiled at her and shrugged, "I dunno..."
Ashley giggled.
"Because I should clean up," he said finally.
"Why?"
"Alright, I give up," he said, "I'll stay."
Ashley giggled.
"As you don't seem to want me to go..."
"Not really."
"Why not?" he asked
Ashley shrugged. "Cause I like talking to you."
"Oh, well then," he said with a smile, "Can't argue with that."
Ashley smiled sweetly. "Good."

He leaned over and rested his head on her shoulder.
Ashley stroked his hair gently.
He smiled.
Ashley smiled back. "Comfy?"
"Yup."
"Good."
"You've got very comfortable shoulders," he said.
"Thank you," Ashley giggled.
"Welcome."
Ashley smiled.
He closed his eyes.
Ashley held him close.

"I'm tired," he finally admitted.
"Want to take a nap?"
"Probably."
Ashley giggled. "You can if you want."
He sat up.
Ashley let go of him.
He brushed his hair out of his eyes.
Ashley smiled and moved to help him again.
He let her.
Ashley brushed his hair back, adjusting his headband so it held it up.
"Satisfied?" he asked.
Ashley studied it critically. "Hmm...."
He sat there obediently, letting her look him over.
"I think I should do your hair."
"What, now?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
Ashley smiled and pulled Rusty towards her room. "Come on."
Rusty followed along.
Ashley led him to her room. "Sit."

He sat down on her bed, "y'know what?"
"What?"
"Never mind."
"No, tell me."
He looked around her room, "Well..." he smiled up at her.
"Tell me."
"I'm glad we're friends."
Ashley smiled brightly. "Me too."

Rusty pulled off his head band to give Ashley better access to his hair.
Ashley grabbed a comb and loosed his headband, letting his hair fall free.
He shook his head slightly, his reddish-brown hair flying al over the place.
Ashley giggled. "Hold still!"
"Why? Can't you comb it when I do this?"
"No," Ashley said, catching his chin in her hand.
"You sure?" he asked, looking up at her.
Ashley giggled. "Yes, I'm sure."
"Oh. Okay."
Ashley smiled and ran the comb through Rusty's hair.
He winced as it caught in his hair.
"Sorry," Ashley mumbled.
"It's okay."
Ashley smiled and brushed gentler.
Rusty sat still, letting Ashley brush his hair, since she obviously enjoyed doing that.
Ashley giggled. "Your hair's so pretty."
"Good. I'm the only engine I know with pretty hair."
Ashley giggled.
He sat still.
Ashley shaped his hair slowly.
Rusty fiddled with his wrist wheels, spinning them idly.
Ashley tied the headband again. "There."
He looked up at her.
"That looks really nice."
"It usually does after you brush it."
Ashley nodded. "But this looks good on you."
"Thanks."
Ashley smiled sweetly.

He stood up, not bothering to look in the mirror.
"Aren't you going to look?" Ashley asked, pouting playfully.
"Why? I trust you."
"I know..."
"So..."
Ashley shrugged.
He smiled and suddenly pulled her into a hug.
Ashley hugged him back tightly.
"I should go home now," he said, pulling away.
Ashley nodded slowly. "I guess."
"Besides," he winked at her.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty smiled and headed out of her room.
Ashley followed.
He headed out of the door, "see ya tomorrow."
"Bye."
Rusty rolled out of the house, and chugged down the rails.

The next day, Rusty was out on the rails, half-looking for Greaseball, and half-not.
Greaseball was on the practice track.
Rusty came to a stop, and watched the other engine for a few minutes.
Greaseball didn't notice, too focused on trying to keep ahead of all the other trains.
Rusty swallowed, watching the other engines, there was no way he was that fast, maybe he should give up on this idea...
Greaseball slid to a stop nearby, taking a breather.
Rusty started to back away.

Greaseball glanced up at him and glared. "What?"
"I...sorry. I was just watching."
"Oh."
"Yeah... you..."
"I what?"
"You're fast."
"Thanks."
Rusty nodded.
"Anything else?"
"Yeah..." Rusty started.
"What?"
"I... was wondering..."
"What?"
"I'm not trying to be smart or anything..." Rusty started.
"Oh?"
"No," Rusty said, "But I do have a question..."
"Out with it then."
"Could I... do you think... enter the race?"
Greaseball raised a brow.
"I mean... I'm not saying that I'll win or anything like that... I just... want to see how well I can do."
Greaseball started to laugh. "You want to race?" he repeated.
Rusty nodded, feeling himself start to blush.
Greaseball snorted with laughter. "You..."
"Want to race," Rusty finished.
Greaseball couldn't stop laughing.
"It's not that funny..."
"Yes it is."
"But I *am* fast enough!"
"Says who?"
"You did."
"Did I?"
Rusty nodded, "You told me that I was going faster then you..."
"So?"

"So, do you think that I could enter?"
"No."
"No?" Rusty repeated, "Why not?"
"Because I said no."
"but-"
"What?"
"But I want to," Rusty said.
"Too bad."
Rusty frowned a bit, "But-"
Greaseball glared at him.
Rusty took half a step back, "But why not?"
"Because I said no."
"But why?"
"I told you."
"That's not a reason..."
"It's good enough."
"I'm going to enter," Rusty said.
"No you're not!"

"You... you think I'm competition..." Rusty said suddenly.
Greaseball glared darkly. "No..."
"Yeah. That's why you yelled at me the other day, and why you won't let me enter."
"No..."
"Then why not?"
"Because."
"That's something that people say when they don't want to admit that the other person is right," Rusty said.
Greaseball glared and gave Rusty a light slap.
"I am right..." Rusty said softly, rubbing his cheek.
"No you're not."
"Then why would you hit me?"
"Because you're thinking too much."
"Because I figured out the truth?"
"You're asking for it."
Rusty sighed softly.
Greaseball glared.

Rusty mumbled something.
"What was that?"
"Never mind."
"No, I want to hear."
"No, I bet you don't."
"I do, so I can smack you for it."
"Thought so."
"So, tell me."
"No," Rusty said softly.
"Yes."
"I said that you would probably hit me now, so I'd be too hurt to race... so that you wouldn't have to worry about it."
Greaseball snarled softly.
Rusty backed away
"Get out of here!"
"I planned on doing that." Rusty said calmly.
"Good. So git!"
"Dunno why I asked you in the first place," Rusty mumbled as he started to leave.
"I don't know why you did either."
"Doesn't really matter..."
"Good."
"All I really need to do is ask Poppa."
Greaseball glared. "I'm the one who says who gets in."
Rusty shrugged.
"Go."
"Fine. Don't want to be here anyway."
"Good."
Rusty let out a burst of steam.
Greaseball glared at him.
Rusty sped away past Greaseball, very quickly.
Greaseball watched him go.
Rusty let out a sharp whistle.
Greaseball ignored him.
Rusty growled softly as he sped away.

Ashley was sitting on a nearby trestle.
Rusty barely saw her, rushing past angrily.
"Hey, Rusty!" Ashley yelled after him.
He stopped, "Hi."
"Hi. Where were you going in such a hurry?"
"Away from Greaseball," Rusty snapped.
"Why?"
"Because," Rusty let out an angry blast of steam.
Ashley ducked.
"Sorry," he said.
"It's okay."
"He just..." Rusty growled.
"What?"
"I made the mistake of asking him if I could race."
"What did he say?"
"That I couldn't."
"Oh, Rusty..."
"I dunno why I even bothered to *ask* him."
"I'm sorry..."
"He won't admit *why* he won't let me either."
"He won't?"
Rusty shook his head, "But I know why."
"Why?"
"because he's afraid that I might beat him!"
"You think so?"
Rusty nodded.
"Why?"
"Because he wouldn't give me another reason."
"Oh."

Rusty sat down.
Ashley squeezed his hand.
"I want to race anyway."
"I know."
"He can't stop me."
"I know."
Rusty sighed.
Ashley squeezed his hand again.

Rusty strode along the tracks, pulling the freight train along, with a bit more force then needed.
Flat Top hissed softly. "Be careful!"
"Sorry," Rusty said, not completely sounding like he meant it.
Flat Top glared at the back of Rusty's head.
"Rusty..." Dustin started softly, "This is a bit rough..."
"A lot rough..."
Rusty came to a sudden stop at the station. Dustin nearly crashed into Flat Top.
Flat Top almost hit Rusty. "Be careful!"
"Sorry," Rusty said again.
"Sure you are."
"I am," Rusty said absently.
"Are not."

Rusty didn't answer, apparently distracted by something.
"Rusty?"
"Yeah?"
"What's up with you?"
"I'm sorry," Rusty said, sounding sincere this time, "I guess I'm just upset about something, I didn't mean to take it out on you guys..."
Dustin nodded, apparently satisfied with this explanation.
Flat Top sighed softly. "What are you mad about?"
"Just...things."
"Like?"
"Like the race coming up..." Rusty said reluctantly.
"What about it?"
"For one thing, it's gonna make those other engines think even higher of themselves.
"Probably."
"Yeah," Rusty kicked the rails, "Ready?"
"I guess."

Rusty turned to let the cars hitch up. Dustin took Flat's Top's couplings.
Flat Top hitched to Rusty grudgingly.
Rusty started up rather abruptly.
Flat Top yelped. "Careful!"
"Sorry!"
"Sure."
Rusty sped on down the tracks, pushing himself a bit too hard.
Flat Top held tight. "Aren't you going a little fast for a run?"
Rusty shrugged.
"I think you are..."
"Oh."
"So, slow down?"
"Okay," he slowed, with some difficulty.

Flat Top almost fell over as he slowed suddenly. "I think you're taking this training too seriously."
"Training?" Rusty asked
"Yeah."
"I'm not training," Rusty said a bit bitterly.
"You're not?"
"No."
"Then why were you going so fast?"
"Because I can."
"Oh."

Rusty kept going, at a more reasonable pace this time, pulling into to the final stop, a few minutes early.
Flat Top rubbed his hands slowly. "Why are you not training?"
"Because I'm not racing."
"You're not?" Flat Top asked in surprise.
"Well..." Rusty trailed off, "I'm not sure..."
"Not sure?"
He shook his head.
"Why?"
"Because!" he snapped.
Flat Top held up his hands defensively. "Whoa, whoa. Easy."

"Sorry," Rusty said, taking a step back.
Flat Top nodded, but he kept his eyes warily on Rusty.
Rusty turned around.
Flat Top sighed softly.
"I'll take you back to the freight yard as soon as you're ready," Rusty said.
"I guess we can go now. Ready, Dustin?"
Dustin nodded, "Yeah, I'm ready."
"Okay." Flat Top hitched up.
Once Dustin was hitched up, Rusty took down the tracks.
Flat Top held tight. "So, when will you know if you can race?"
"I don't know."
"But isn't the race really soon?"
"Yeah."
"So...?"
"So I'll find out when I find out."
"Oh. Does Greaseball tell you when and if?"
Rusty didn't answer.
"Rusty?" Flat Top prodded.
"Yes."
"Oh."

Rusty finally came to a stop in the freight yard.
Flat Top let go of him.
Dustin unhitched as well. "Maybe you should take a break Rusty..." he suggested.
"Maybe," Rusty agreed, waving to the cars as he left.

Flat Top watched him go, then shook his head. "Something's wrong with him."
Dustin nodded, "I wonder what Greaseball told him..."
"Yeah. Maybe we should go ask?"
"I don't think Rusty would tell us..."
"I meant Greaseball."
Dustin shook his head.
"Why not?"
"I just don't think that it would be a good idea..."
"Why not?"
"Because... well you know that they don't like each other..."
"Yeah, but he's letting his anger affect his work."
Dustin sighed softly, "It wasn't *that* bad..."
"But still..."
Dustin sighed again, "I guess... but I don't want to get him into trouble."
"Why?"
Dustin looked at Flat Top puzzled, "Because he's my friend."
"Well, yeah..."
"And we know what happens with he gets in trouble with Greaseball."
"Yeah..."
Dustin nodded, "I'm not going to say anything." He started towards the roundhouse.
"Okay."

Flat Top headed off to find Greaseball once he knew Dustin wasn't watching. He spoke with him, and Greaseball headed off to find Rusty.

Rusty had stopped at a water tower for a drink.
Greaseball pulled up behind him silently.
Obviously, Rusty didn't hear him, concentrating on his drink.
Greaseball waited silently.
Rusty closed his eyes, having calmed himself down.
Greaseball crossed his arms over his chest.
Rusty started forward.
Greaseball cleared his throat.

Rusty nearly jumped a foot in the air, and turned around. "Hi. I...didn't hear you-"
"Oh?"
Rusty shook his head.
"Flat Top told me you've been doing things poorly at work."
"I... what?" he shook his head, "No..."
"Yes..."
"I didn't-"
"Didn't what?"
"I did everything I was supposed to."
"Yes..."
Rusty nodded quickly.
"But you weren't very good to your train."
"But I took them home..." Rusty started feebly.
"But you were mean to them before."
Rusty took a step back, "But I said that I was sorry..."
"To them?"
Rusty nodded.
"But you WERE being mean to them?"
"Not on purpose."
"But you were?"
"I...I guess....maybe..." Rusty said softly.

"Were you letting my decision affect you?"
Rusty started to shake his head.
"Were you?"
"I don't think so..."
"Then why were you being so out of character?"
"Okay... maybe... it did... a little."
"Ah, I see."
"May I go?"
"No."
"Oh," Rusty looked down at the rails, getting a rather bad feeling about this.

"So, what shall we do to punish such a bad boy?"
"If you let me go I promise I won't do it again," Rusty said.
"No."
"I still promise that I won't do it again," Rusty offered.
"No."
"You don't want me to promise not to do it again?"
"No. I am just going to punish you."
"Oh that's productive..." Rusty mumbled, before he could stop himself.
Greaseball slapped him hard.
Rusty yelped and rubbed his cheek, "Being smart again?" he asked.
"Yes."
Rusty sighed.
"So..."
Rusty sighed
"I think... you are not allowed to race..."
Rusty nodded, that was nothing new.

"And I don't think such a bad boy gets to watch either."
Rusty looked up, "What??"
"You heard me."
"But-you can't.... there's no way... you just *can't*!"
"I can, and I am," Greaseball said coolly.
"You *can't*!" Rusty said again
"I can."
"No..."
"Yes."
Rusty shook his head, "You can't do that. You can prevent me from racing, but you can't stop me from watching!"
"I can do it."
"No."
"Yes."
"No!" Rusty exclaimed, doing an about face and bolting.
Greaseball watched him go with a smirk.

"He can't," Rusty said as he ran, "he can't!"
Greaseball headed back to work.
Rusty finally stopped, leaning against the wall of a shed and sinking down, "He can't..." he said again, rubbing his eyes.

A few minutes later, Ashley came skating around the corner. She stopped short when she saw Rusty. She knelt down next to him. "Am I always going to find you when you're crying?" she teased feebly.
"Not crying..." he said automatically.
"Yes you are," Ashley said gently.
"No," Rusty said, although it was fairly obvious that he was.
Ashley squeezed his hands. "Rusty?"
"He can't tell me that I can't even watch the races. He can't!"
Ashley gasped softly. "Is that what happened?"
Rusty nodded.
"Oh, Rusty..."
"but he can't!"
"Shh now."
"He can't!" Rusty repeated, a bit softer.
"Shh. Rusty, honey..."
Rusty sighed softly.
"We'll make sure you can go."
Rusty nodded, swallowing and calming himself down.
Ashley hugged him tightly. "It'll be all right."
He nodded again.
Ashley smiled softly.

"I...I'm okay..." Rusty said.
"Good."
"Yeah," Rusty said.
Ashley smiled and hugged him gently.
Rusty sighed again, "And you know why?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you know why he said that to me?" Rusty repeated.
"Why?"
"Because I was 'mean' to the freight train today... and I guess I was in sorta a bad mood..."
"Oh..."
"And I was in a bad mood because of what Greaseball told me."
"Oh, Rusty..."
Rusty sighed, "so he's punishing me for being upset at something that he did."
"That's not fair."
"No, it's not!"
"Shh."
Rusty obediently hushed.

Ashley hugged him gently.
He hugged her back, but his heart wasn't in it.
Ashley sighed softly. "You going to be all right?"
"I dunno..." Rusty started, "It's just..."
"Just?"
"Greaseball said that he *could* prevent me from watching..." Rusty started slowly.
"And?"
"And... there's only one way that I could think of that he could...."
"What's that?"
Rusty looked up at her, "By... making sure that I couldn't leave the house...."
Ashley blinked. "What?"
Rusty nodded.
"What?"
"If... I'm not...well enough..."
"You think he'd hurt you?"
"I don't know... maybe..."
"Can't you tell Poppa?"
"I guess..."
"You guess?"
"yeah," Rusty nodded.
"Poppa can make sure you get to see the races."
Rusty nodded slowly.
Ashley smiled gently. "It'll all turn out all right. You'll see."
"Yeah..." he didn't sound convinced.
Ashley sighed softly.
Rusty stood up.
Ashley followed him up

"Do you want a lift anywhere?" Rusty asked.
Ashley shook her head. "No. I can just follow you..."
"Oh. Where did you want to follow me to?" he asked.
"Wherever you're going."
"Oh. Okay," he smiled back at her.
Ashley smiled back.
Rusty nodded and turned so that she could hitch up.
Ashley hitched onto him and smiled sweetly.
Rusty whistled and moved out.
Ashley followed close behind, smiling softly.
Rusty picked up speed, taking comfort in the wind rushing past him.
Ashley held tight, giving Rusty's couplers a soft squeeze to reassure him.
Rusty whistled again.
Ashley giggled softly. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah," he said with a smile, picking up speed.
"Good."
Rusty continued on down the tracks.

Greaseball was making his routes a few tracks away, not noticing Rusty.
Rusty whistled once again, "Woo-woo!"
Greaseball glanced up at him and glared, but continued on his way.

Ashley looked over at him. "Rusty..."
"Yeah?" Rusty asked, having not noticed Greaseball.
"Rusty, stop."
Rusty came to a slow stop.
Ashley gave a tug towards Greaseball.
"No."
"Come on."
"No," Rusty said again.
"Rusty, let me talk to him."
"About what?"
"About the race."
"No," Rusty said again, "don't."
Ashley disconnected. "Yes."

"Ashley-"
"What?"
"Don't," he said again.
Ashley shook her head. "Rusty, I can talk to him."
"Why d'you have to?" he asked, catching her arm.
"Because I can maybe help you."
Rusty started to shake his head.
Ashley nodded and pulled out of his grip.
"Ashley don't!" he went to take her arm again.
Ashley darted away from him, heading towards Greaseball, who was waiting for his cars to be loaded.
Rusty chased after her.
Ashley ignored him.

Greaseball glanced up and saw the two of them. He smirked.
Rusty caught her couplings.
Ashley struggled. "Let go!"
"Ashley, please don't..." Rusty said softly.
"Why not?"
"Because he'll probably just get mad at me..."
"But-"
Rusty turned her around and looked at her pleadingly, "Please."
Ashley sighed.
"I know you want to help, but it would help more if you didn't say anything..."
Ashley sighed. "But Rusty..."
"He *will* get mad at *me* if you say anything," Rusty said, "I know he will..."
Ashley glanced back over at Greaseball, then back to Rusty. She nodded slowly. "O... Okay..."
"Thank you."
Ashley nodded weakly. "It's still wrong."
Rusty nodded slowly.
Ashley sighed and squeezed his hand gently.
He started to reverse, pulling her along.
Ashley slowly followed along.
With a wary glance at Greaseball, Rusty slowly kept backing away.

Greaseball smirked at Rusty, a smile that said he knew exactly what had just transpired.
Rusty turned a bit red.
Ashley squeezed his hand.
He turned around to let her hitch up.
Ashley slowly took his couplers.
Rusty felt his ears burning as he slowly moved away down the rails.
Ashley glanced back at Greaseball, then at Rusty.
Rusty sighed softly, speeding up slowly.
Ashley held tight. "You should have let me talk."
Rusty didn't answer right away.
Ashley went silent again.

"He knows," Rusty said finally.
"He knows what?"
"He knows what you were going to say, and that I stopped you."
"So?"
Rusty came to a sudden stop.
Ashley almost ran into him.
He turned around, "Ashley, do you think that I *like* the way things are?"
Ashley shook her head.
"I hate it," Rusty said, "I hate being pushed around by him, I hate having to listen to him, but y'know what?"
"What?" Ashley said softly.
"He has the ability to turn me into scrap metal."
Ashley swallowed softly.
"So that doesn't leave me with much of a choice."
"But-"
"If you can figure out a way that I don't have to take all of this from him, and manage to not get beaten up, I'd love to hear it."
"Why won't he let anyone talk to him about this?"
"I-" Rusty stopped, "I don't know."
"But you won't let me talk to him?"
"Because he'll get mad."
Ashley sighed.
Rusty blinked and sighed as well, "I'm sorry Ashley, I didn't mean to yell at you. I know you're just trying to help..."
Ashley nodded slowly, tears in her eyes.
He moved to give her a hug.
Ashley let him hug her.
Rusty hugged her tightly, and then pulled away, letting her hitch up again.
Ashley coupled up silently.
Rusty moved out.
Ashley followed close behind.

After a few minute of silence, Rusty said suddenly, "Are you mad at me?"
"No..."
"Upset then?"
"A little."
"At me?"
"Not so much."
"Oh. At Greaseball then?"
"Yeah..."
"Oh."
Ashley went silent again.

Rusty stopped in front of her house.
Ashley looked up at him.
"last stop..."
Ashley cracked a small smile.
Rusty smiled back at her.
Ashley let go. "Want to come in?"
"Yes please."
Ashley smiled and led the way up the stairs.
He followed her.
Ashley led the way inside.
Rusty sat down on the couch and rolled his head around on his shoulders.
Ashley sat next to him.
He smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back. "So..."

"Ashley?" he started.
"Yes?"
"Do you think that you could.... I mean..."
"What?"
"I'm stiff," he said finally.
Ashley smiled brightly. "Want me to rub your neck?" she prompted.
He nodded, "Yeah."
Ashley smiled and turned him around. "Tilt your head," she instructed.
He did so.
Ashley began to rub his neck, kneading her knuckles into the hard knots.
"Thank you." He closed his eyes.
Ashley nodded and rubbed more, working her way down his shoulders.
Rusty relaxed a great deal.
"Feel any better?"
"Much," he said.
"Good." Ashley rubbed his back gently.
Rusty smiled.
"Lay down."
"Ok." He did so.
Ashley began to rub his back firmer.
Rusty started to doze.

Ashley pushed hard to get all the knots out of Rusty's strong shoulders.
Under Ashley's attention, Rusty started to drift off to sleep.
Ashley kept working his back under her expert hands.

The front door opened and Buffy rolled in, she glanced at Ashley and then at Rusty, and, as this had become a rather common sight, she didn't think too much of it, heading into the kitchen.
Ashley grinned at her friend, motioning for Buffy to be quiet so as not to wake up Rusty.
Buffy smiled and nodded.

Ashley went back to rubbing Rusty's back.
"mmm..." he mumbled in his sleep.
Ashley giggled softly.
Buffy held back a giggle of her own, and headed into the kitchen.
Ashley watched her, then rubbed Rusty's neck again.
He sighed happily in his sleep.
Ashley giggled softly, then stopped rubbing him, getting up to follow Buffy into the kitchen.
He whined softly.
Ashley stopped and glanced back at him.
Apparently, Rusty had decided that she wasn't finished.
Ashley sighed and skated back to him, smiling softly. "Silly." She began to rub his shoulders again.
"Mmhm..."
Ashley giggled.
"Nice..."
"Good..."
"Ashley nice..."
Ashley laughed softly. "Rusty suck up."
"Ashley still nice."
Ashley smiled softly. "Go back to sleep."
"Ok."
Ashley smiled and rubbed his back again.
Rusty went back to sleep, not that he had completely woken up in the first place.
Ashley let him sleep, rubbing his shoulders.

Buffy peeked out of the kitchen, with a glass of soda.
Ashley smiled at her.
"Havin' fun?"
"Yeah."
"Looks like it," Buffy teased, "And it looks like he's happy..."
Ashley nodded, smiling softly. "Of course. I aim to please."
Buffy giggled softly.
Ashley smiled back.
"And you please trains so easily," Buffy teased.
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
Buffy smiled, a bit to herself.
Ashley looked back to Rusty.
He was sound asleep.
Ashley got up again.
This time, Rusty didn't make a sound.

Ashley moved over to Buffy, motioning for her to follow her into the kitchen so they wouldn't disturb him.
Buffy nodded and followed her friend, "Poor guy," she said, "he looks tired..."
Ashley nodded. "Yeah."
She sat down at the kitchen table.

Ashley sat down next to her. "So, where were you?"
"Out." Buffy said evasively.
"Out where?"
"Outside."
"Yeah...?"
"Yeah."
"What were you doing?"
"just.... outside stuff."
"Like?" Ashley raised a brow.
"Like, watching the engines practice."
"Ooh."
"what d'you mean, 'ooh'?" Buffy asked, "I just watch them."
"Well, I know that."
"So what's with the 'ooh'?"
"Well?"
"Well what?" Buffy asked.
"What happened?"
"The engines went by very quickly, training for the race," Buffy answered innocently.
"I know that."
"So why did you ask what happened?"

"Well, did you talk to him?"
"Who?" Buffy asked sweetly.
"Espresso!"
"Oh. Him."
"Yes, him."
"Yes. I talked to him."
"And?"
"And we talked..."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Buffy said with a smile.
"And?"
Buffy just smiled sweetly.
"What did you talk about?"
"Oh, this and that...."
"Like?"
"Like how the races are coming up..."
"Is he doing well?"
She nodded, "Yeah, but he did not bring a partner to race with..."
"Are you going to?"
"If he asks me, I might say yes," Buffy said with a wink.
Ashley giggled. "I hope he does ask."
"Oh?" Buffy asked sweetly.
"Yeah. It would be so cool!"

Buffy grinned, dropping her teasing evasiveness, "I hope he does ask me."
Ashley nodded. "I'm sure he will."
Buffy smiled, a bit dreamily.
Ashley smiled softly, waving her hand in front of Buffy's face.
Buffy playfully smacked Ashley's hand lightly.
Ashley giggled. "What?"
"I'm not that out of it, not like some coaches that I know..."
Ashley rolled her eyes playfully. "Gee, who are you talking about?"

"I dunno... but somebody seems to get funny, especially when I tell her that a certain French engine was doing very well today..."
Ashley's eyes lit up. "Was he?"
Buffy nodded.
"Did he ask about me?"
"Hmm... lets see if I can remember..."
Ashley glared. "Stop playing!"
Buffy smiled, "I'm teasin' ya. He said something about how he'd go much faster with a certain smoking car..."
Ashley gave a hoot of delight.
Buffy giggled.
Ashley smiled brightly. "I can't wait to see him again.

Buffy grinned as well, when suddenly there was a soft thump from the living room.
Ashley looked up too. "Rusty?"
" (ouch...) Yeah?" he called back.
Ashley got up and skated out into the living room.
Rusty was sitting on the floor now, looking a bit sheepish.
"What happened?"
"Forgot I was on a couch and not a bed..." he said.
Ashley giggled softly. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah," he said, sliding back up on to the couch.
Ashley sat next to him. "You sure?"
"Yup. Just feel dumb, that's all."
Ashley giggled softly.
Rusty stretched.
Ashley sat back on the couch. "Feel better now?
"Yeah, thanks for the backrub."
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
He smiled at her.
Ashley smiled back.

"I don't remember falling asleep..."
"Well, you did."
"I must have," he said.
Ashley nodded.
He stood up slowly.
Ashley smiled sweetly up at him. "But you woke back up, cause you didn't want me to stop."
"what?"
Ashley smiled at him.
"What d'you mean?" he asked.
"You didn't want me to stop rubbing your back."
"I didn't?"
"No."
Rusty blushed slightly, his ears turning pink.
Ashley giggled. "You're all red, Rusty."
"Of course I am, my paint is red..."
"No, your face is red."
"Well... I..."
Ashley giggled.
"I give up," Rusty said with a smile to show he was teasing.
Ashley smirked.

"I *do* like it," he said.
"Of course you do."
He stuck out his tongue.
Ashley stuck out her tongue back.
"Oh that's nice," Buffy commented.
"What?"
"You two," Buffy said, "Very mature."
Ashley giggled and stuck her tongue out at Buffy.
Rusty did as well. Buffy looked at the two of them, heaved a mock sigh and went back into the kitchen.
Ashley giggled and smiled at Rusty.

"Now look what you did," he teased.
"What?"
"You scared her off."
"Aww."
Rusty looked at his watch, "I should probably be heading home."
Ashley pouted prettily.
"Not that I don't enjoy the company here," he said sweetly.
"Well, that's good."
Rusty smiled, "I'll see you later."
Ashley pouted again.
Rusty skated over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Ashley blushed and smiled up at him.
"Bye."
"Bye."
Rusty headed out the door and down the tracks towards home.
Ashley watched him go, then skated into the kitchen to talk to Buffy.

Rusty whistled softly as he headed home.
Almost instantly, Greaseball was behind him, pulling him to a stop
Rusty yelped in surprise as somebody grabbed his couplings and forced him to stop.
Greaseball spun Rusty around to face him.
Rusty stifled a yelp, 'What've I done now?' he thought.
"Getting coaches to fight your battles for you now?"
"What?"
"Ashley?"
"What about her?" Rusty asked.
"She was going to yell at me."
"Oh," Rusty took a small step back away from the other engine.
Greaseball followed. "You stopped her."
"Y-yeah..."
"That was wise."
"O-okay." Rusty took another step back.

Greaseball grabbed his shoulder.
Obviously, Rusty stopped.
"Getting her to fight your battles now?"
Rusty shook his head quickly.
"Oh?"
"I...I don't make her do anything..."
"So she's impulsive?"
"No," Rusty said.
"Then why was she going to yell?"
"She does what she wants..."
"But you don't let her do anything stupid..."
"Well... I don't want her to do anything stupid..."
"Like get you in trouble?"
"Uh..." Rusty didn't have an answer for that one.
"Thought so."
Rusty swallowed, "...yes..." he said softly.
Greaseball smirked.
"Well...well why not?" Rusty asked.
"She seems to like getting you in trouble."
He shook his head.
"Well, think about it. Every time you have to stop her from talking to me."
"Be-because I don't want anything to happen..." Rusty started.
"To you or to her?"
"Well... the both of us."
"You think I'd hurt her?"
"Nnnoo," Rusty said slowly.
"Then why would you worry about her?"
"Well..." Rusty didn't know what the best answer would be.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty swallowed.

"Well?"
"She... gets upset when anything happens to me," Rusty said finally.
"Why?"
"Because we're friends..." Rusty started.
"Oh?"
"Yeah."
"And?"
"And what?" Rusty asked, not understanding.
"And what else about her?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Why do you bother to stop her?"
"Because I don't want..." Rusty hesitated, "What *would* have happened if she would've yelled at you?"
"I don't know. It depends what she would have said."
"Oh."
"Why?"
"Because in the event that something bad happened as a result of it, I didn't want her to get upset that it would be her fault."
Greaseball snorted. "Very wise."
Rusty nodded.

"You care for her, don't you?"
He shrugged, "She's my friend."
"That's it?"
"well...yeah."
"Seems like more than that."
"It's not," Rusty said rather quickly.
"Sure."
"It's not," he insisted.
"Whatever, Rusty."

Rusty wiggled a bit to get out from under Greaseball's hand.
Greaseball held him tight.
Rusty sighed and gave up.
"Now..."
"what?" Rusty asked without enthusiasm.
"What to do about you."
"Oh..."
"We need to teach you a lesson."
Rusty's eyes widened fearfully.
"Since you were a bad boy..."
"H-how?"
"Ashley trying to yell at me."
Rusty wanted to groan, but he managed not to do it out loud.
"So..." Greaseball started to guide him down the tracks.
Rusty closed his eyes helplessly.
"What to do..."
Rusty stood there, eyes closed, while he awaited his fate.
"I think I'll let my pals handle this."
All color drained from Rusty's face.
Greaseball smirked. "You'd like that, wouldn't you, Rusty."
"No sir," Rusty said softly.
Greaseball laughed. "I knew you'd agree."
Rusty closed his eyes in shame.

"Now..."
Rusty held his hands carefully at his sides so Greaseball wouldn't see him shaking.
Greaseball led him down the tracks. "I don't suppose you want to get your face beat in, do you, Rusty?"
"No..."
"What would you do if I allowed you to live?"
"Umm...almost anything..."
"Almost?"
Rusty nodded.
"What WON'T you do?"
"Umm..."
"That doesn't help..."
Rusty hesitated, he didn't really want to give Greaseball any ideas.
"Would you wear the collar for a week?"
Rusty shook his head slowly.
"No?"
"Not a dog..." Rusty whispered.
"No?"
"No."
"Well, I guess we'll just have to see how many bruises you come out with then."
Rusty's breath caught in his throat.

"Not going to change your mind?"
"Isn't there... anything else?" Rusty asked weakly.
"Not really."
"You can't think of *anything* else?"
"Nope."
Rusty closed his eyes again.
"Well?"
"Can I sleep on it?" Rusty asked.
"No."
"I...I don't really want either-"
"Well, it's one or the other, since you were a bad boy."
Rusty bit back a nasty reply, he hadn't even done anything this time!

"Well?"
"So...I'm in trouble because I stopped Ashley from yelling at you?" Rusty asked.
"Yes."
"Just checking..."
"Okay."
Rusty sighed, a bit frustrated sounding.
Greaseball glared.
"A whole week?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"And what?"
"And I just have to wear it, that's it?"
"Yup."
"Well..."
"Well?"
"I'm thinking..." Rusty said.
"Think fast."
Rusty nodded.
"Well?"
"I'm still thinking..."
"Hurry up."
That was exactly the opposite of what Rusty intended to do. The steamer continued to stall in hopes that he would think of something.

"If you don't pick now, I may just have to do both."
"It's a tough decision..." Rusty commented.
"I'm sure."
"Well... if it were you, what would you choose?"
"I would never be in your situation."
"But if you were..."
Greaseball glared. "Answer the question!"
Rusty flinched.
"I don't have all day."
"No, it's getting dark..."
"Don't get smart!" Greaseball slapped him across the face.
Rusty let out a yelp.

"Ahem," a deep voice said from behind Greaseball.
Greaseball turned, and instantly turned red.
Poppa crossed his arms as he regarded the two engines.
Rusty nearly melted with relief. He was saved.
Greaseball released Rusty roughly.
Rusty darted over to his father.
Greaseball glared.
"So what's going on out here?" Poppa asked.
"Nothing."
"Then why'd you hit him?"
"He was being smart."
Poppa rolled his eyes.
Greaseball glared darker.
"You should have been home already," Poppa said to Rusty, who nodded mutely.
Greaseball stayed silent.
"Well go on," Poppa said. Rusty needed no other encouragement, he darted away towards home.
Greaseball growled softly, but he didn't move.

Poppa looked at Greaseball levelly.
Greaseball gazed silently back.
"Leave him alone." Poppa said finally.
"Okay."
"I mean it."
"Okay."
"I'm removing him from under your authority."
Greaseball hissed. "You can't do that!"
"I can, and I have."
Greaseball glared, crossing his arms, but he stayed silent.
"I *thought* that you would be responsible enough to help me out around here," Poppa sounded rather disappointed.
"I am."
"It certainly doesn't seem like it."
"I've done all my routes and assignments."
Poppa nodded slowly.
"Well?"
"But if you assign routes to others, it is your job to be responsible for the other trains under you."
"I am."
"And that means, among other things, that they do not get damaged."
"They haven't."
"Oh no?"
"No."
"That includes damage from *you*."
Greaseball glared slightly.
"You will keep all of your current duties, except that my son will no longer be under your authority."
Greaseball hissed softly, but he nodded.
"And you are to stay away from him."
"Fine."
"I'm glad you understand."
Greaseball glared.
Poppa turned to go.
Greaseball turned his back on Poppa.
Poppa didn't notice, rolling away from the diesel.
Greaseball skated away, muttering things under his breath.

One of his gang just happened to be passing by.
Greaseball ignored him.
He did a double take at seeing his boss look so upset.
Greaseball kept on skating.
"Boss?"
Greaseball skidded to a stop. "What?" he growled.
"Sorry," the gang member said, "It's just... you look upset."
"That's cause I AM upset."
"Anything that you need our help with?"
"No."
"Oh. Alright."
Greaseball started to head off again.
The gang member shrugged and went back on his way.
Greaseball skated on.

The engines were all getting ready for the big race, warming up, talking with their cars.
Rusty was the only one that didn't seem excited as he pulled the coaches.
Ashley leaned down and whispered in his ear. "Rusty, are you all right?"
"Of course I am." he answered.
"Are you going to watch the race?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to."
"You don't?"
He came to their stop, "No."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't think that it would be interesting."
"Oh," Ashley said softly.
"I'm going to stay home."
"Want me to stay with you?"
He turned around, "but... I thought you were going to race with Bobo?"
Ashley blushed and nodded. "Well, I can wait til then..."
Rusty shook his head, "You can watch the races."
"But I want to stay with you."
"I'll be fine."
"But-"
He smiled at her, "Don't worry about me."
Ashley sighed. "I don't want you to be alone..."
"I'll be okay," he said, taking her hands, "I promise."
Ashley smiled weakly. "If you're sure."
He nodded, "And besides, Bobo will want you to spend the night with him."
Ashley nodded. "I'm sure."
Rusty smiled, "I'll probably just to go bed early anyway, I've a feeling that I'm gonna be tired."
Ashley gave him a gentle hug.
"Aww, thanks," he said.
Ashley smiled sweetly.
He smiled back.

Ashley brushed his hair back from his face. "You sure?"
"I'm sure."
Ashley nodded. "All right."
Rusty smiled, "I've got other runs to cover..."
"I know."
"So I'll see you later?"
Ashley nodded slowly.
He smiled, "I'll come wish you luck."
"Okay."
Rusty pulled away from her and turned to go.
Ashley touched his arm.
"yeah?"
"You sure you're going to be all right?"
"For the seventh time," he said, "Yes."
Ashley smiled softly. "Okay." She leaned in and gave him a light kiss on his cheek.
Rusty blushed a bit, "See ya."
"Bye." Ashley gave him a perky wave.
Rusty grinned and let out a cheerful whistle, heading away.
Ashley smiled and headed off towards the race tracks.
Rusty headed along on his way.
"Woo-woo!" he whistled.

Greaseaball was talking to his gang. "Now, you all know what you're supposed to do?"
They nodded in unison. "We'll get 'im," one said, lightly pounding one of his fists into his other hand.
Greaseball nodded. "You do that. Don't let him anywhere near here."
"With pleasure."
"Good. Move!"
The gang moved out.
Greaseball headed to go find Dinah. The races were going to start soon.

Rusty was in search of Ashley to wish her luck before he headed home.
Ashley was standing by the side of the track, waiting for Bobo
Rusty whistled at her.
Ashley looked up and smiled.
"Told ya I'd be back," he said.
Ashley nodded. "You doing okay?"
"Yup."
"Good."
"I just wanted to wish you luck tonight," he said.
Ashley smiled and gave him a gentle hug. "Thank you."
Rusty hugged her, "I hope that Bobo wins."
"Me too," Ashley said softly.
Rusty smiled and pulled away. "Let me know how it goes, okay?"
Ashley nodded. "Of course." She lowered her voice. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?"
He nodded.
"Okay."
Rusty smiled, "G'night then."
"Night." Ashley gave him a tight hug.
Rusty hugged her for a few seconds and then pulled away, just as a familiar blue and white engine arrived.

Ashley looked up at Bobo and smiled brightly. "Hi."
"And my cue to exit," Rusty said good-naturedly, waving to Bobo as he left.
"Hello Ashley," Bobo said.
"Hi." Ashley skated to Bobo's side, waving goodbye to Rusty. "Ready to race?"
"If you are," Bobo said, offering her an arm.
Ashley took it and smiled. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Bobo skated away towards the racetrack with Ashley.
Ashley and Bobo skated right past several of Greaseball's gang members who were guarding the race track.

Rusty rolled past them, on his way home.
The gang smirked, several of them cracking their knuckles.
Rusty went just a bit faster.
They laughed loudly after him. "Wuss."
Rusty stiffened slightly.
They laughed.
"Lackeys," Rusty said softly.
They all glared. "What was that?" one hissed.
"Hmm?" Rusty asked.
"What did you call us?"
"Nothing."
"No, we'd like to hear it."
Rusty shrugged, "I just stated who you were."
They glared. "Oh?"
"Yeah," Rusty kept going.
They growled softly after him.
Rusty didn't look back, but he was smiling slightly.
The group muttered among themselves angrily about what they'd like to do if Greaseball let them.
Rusty smirked to himself, they were obviously under orders to stay put.
The group went back to ignoring him.

Rusty rolled up to the guard rail, a safe distance away from them, and leaned on it.
They glanced over at him and glared.
Rusty smiled sweetly.
They glared.
"What?" he asked.
"Get out of here."
"Why?"
"Because."
Rusty went back to looking at the race track.
The gang glared and moved closer.
"So did Greaseball tell you guys to stand there?" Rusty asked.
"No. He told us to make sure you didn't watch."
"Oh. I won't."
"Then git!"
"The races haven't started yet."
"So?"
"So I can still stand here."
"No, you can't!"
"Why not?" Rusty asked innocently.
"Because you can't."
Rusty shrugged, "You guys won't get in trouble, I'll be gone well before your boss shows up."
"No, now!"
Rusty looked at his watch.
The fact that the gang hadn't come any closer had given him a strange amount of confidence.
"Now!"

Rusty lazily pushed away from the guard rail.
They watched him warily.
Rusty skated around a bit.
They glared.
Rusty smiled and whistled.
They glared and moved closer.
Rusty looked at his watch again.
"Get! Now!" one hissed, moving even closer, his eyes blazing.
Rusty skated in a circle.
They moved very, very close.
That was too close. Rusty turned and darted away.
A few chased him a few feet to make sure he went.
Rusty went faster and faster.
They watched him go, making sure he was gone.
Rusty whistled loudly.
They glared.
Rusty smiled back at them and waved.
They glared back.
Rusty kept going, whistling once again as he passed the racers and their partners.

Ashley looked up and smiled at him, giving him a wave.
Bobo looked up as well, "Your friend is fast for a steam engine."
Ashley nodded.
"And he is not racing?"
"No," Ashley said softly.
"Oh," Bobo said, sounding a bit puzzled.
"Greaseball wouldn't let him."
"I see."
Ashley nodded.

Ashley hummed to herself as she headed over to Rusty's house. She knocked on the door.
Rusty was nearly asleep on the couch.
Ashley knocked again, louder.
Rusty moaned and pulled the pillow over his head.
Ashley sighed and rang the doorbell.
Rusty finally got up to answer the door.
Ashley was waiting for him.

He held back a yawn, "Hi."
"Did I wake you up?"
"Sorta..."
"Sorta?"
"Yeah, cuz I was sorta asleep."
Ashley giggled.
Rusty stepped back so that she could come in.
Ashley slid inside and shut the door.
"What're you doing here?" he asked.
"I came to see you."
"Oh," he smiled.
Ashley smiled back.
"so, how're the races going?" Rusty asked.
"Really well. Bobo's in the final."
"congratulations."
"Thanks."

Rusty sat back down on the couch.
Ashley sat next to him.
"So did you just come by to say hi?" he asked.
"Well, yeah..."
"Thanks." he rested his head on her shoulder.
Ashley stroked his hair gently. "Are... are you okay?" she asked softly.
"Sleepy..."
"You were just asleep!" Ashley teased.
"I was asleep cuz I was sleepy.."
Ashley giggled.
He sighed softly.

"Something wrong?"
"Well... I bet it's fun."
"What is?"
"The races..."
"A little."
"Oh come on Ashley, 'a little?'" he asked skeptically.
"Well, I suppose."
"Oh well..." Rusty sighed.
"What's wrong?"
"nothing..." he said, but not very convincingly.
"Something's wrong."
"I just wish that I could watch at least..."
"I... I know..."
"but I can't."
"I know."
"So there's no point in being upset about it," Rusty said, although who he was trying to convince it wasn't clear.
Ashley hugged him silently.
He hugged her back.
"Want someone to talk to Greaseball?"
"No!"
"Okay."
"Promise?" Rusty asked.
"Promise!"
He smiled, "Thanks..."
Ashley smiled back.

"How... how long are you gonna stay?" Rusty asked.
"Just a few minutes. I have to get back to Bobo."
"Oh. Of course."
"Are you all right?"
"Ye- well..."
"Yes?"
"I'm bored," Rusty said finally.
"You are?"
He nodded.
"Oh..."
"Yeah... well I'm sure I'll find something to do."

Ashley sighed. "I wish you could come watch."
"Yeah..." he agreed.
"Couldn't Poppa talk to Greaseball?"
"He *could...*," Rusty started slowly, "but..."
"But?"
"But I don't really want him to."
"Why not?"
"Well... I'd be able to watch the races... but Greaseball would probably find some other way to make my life miserable."
"But if you could watch..."
"Yeah?" Rusty asked.
"Wouldn't that be enough?"
"Probably not worth it."
Ashley sighed.

"I'm sorry," Rusty said.
"Why?"
"I didn't mean to make it sound worse then it is," Rusty said.
"I know..."
He smiled at her, "I'll survive."
"I know... but..."
He gave her a hug, "don't worry about me."
"But-"
"What?" he asked.
"Rusty, you're my friend. I HAVE to worry about you."
"Aww thanks." he said.
Ashley smiled sweetly at him.
"That's the nicest thing I've heard all day."
"Good."
"Ashley?"
"Hmm?"
"when you go back to Bobo, tell him... tell him that I hope he wins."
Ashley smiled. "I will."
"Or anybody but Greaseball for that matter," Rusty mumbled
Ashley giggled. "Will do."

Rusty smiled, "You look nice tonight."
Ashley blushed.
"Well you do..."
"Thanks," Ashley said shyly.
Rusty smiled sweetly at her, "You're welcome."
Ashley smiled and smoothed her skirt self-consciously.
"Come back and tell me who wins?" he asked.
"The second it's over!" Ashley promised.
"Okay."
Ashley smiled and hugged him tight.
He hugged her and then pulled away, "You'd probably better get back..."
Ashley nodded. "Do I get a good luck kiss?"
"Sure," he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
Ashley giggled and kissed him back, missing his lips by a hair's breadth, her kiss landing just on the edge of his mouth.
Rusty blushed a bit, pulling away.
Ashley giggled softly.
"Good luck," he said after a minute.
"Thanks." Ashley smiled sweetly. "You're still shy."
"Yes."
Ashley giggled.
"Well I... um..." Rusty stammered.
Ashley grinned and squeezed his hand. "I gotta go."
"Yeah..." he said, "See ya..."
Ashley headed for the door, turning to give him a hug.
Rusty held her tightly for a minute before letting her go.
Ashley smiled then headed out the door.
Rusty watched her go.

Ashley headed for the race tracks, humming to herself.
Bobo greeted her with a smile, "There you are."
Ashley nodded and moved into his arms for a hug. "I had to go say hi to Rusty."
He nodded, pulling her close, "Did you tell him that I won?"
Ashley nodded. "He hopes that you win."
"Does he?" Bobo asked, "That's good."
Ashley nodded again. "He just doesn't want Greaseball to win."
"Oh. and I thought that I had a fan..." Bobo teased.
Ashley giggled. "You know he wants you to win."
"Perhaps he wants *you* to win..."
"Well, maybe, but you'd be the real winner," Ashley giggled.
Bobo pulled her close and kissed her firmly.
Ashley returned the kiss, hugging him tightly.
Bobo intensified the kiss.
Ashley moaned softly, her hands tracing up his back.
With obvious reluctance, Bobo broke the kiss, it was time to go.
Ashley grabbed his couplers and leaned in close to the back of his head. "If we win, you get a whole lot more where that came from," she giggled softly.
"Then we must win," he said.
Ashley grinned. "That we must."
Bobo pulled her towards the race track.

Ashley held tight, smiling at Dinah, who was hitched to Greaseball.
Dinah waved at her friend.
Ashley waved back. "Good luck, but not too much!" she called to her.
Dinah giggled, "same to you!"
Ashley grinned and turned back to her engine.
Bobo took a deep breath as he prepared himself.

Ashley held tight to Bobo, her hands shaking from the adrenaline rush that had now decided to catch up with her after the race.
Bobo panted. Second. Well, it had been very close.
Ashley finally managed to pry her hands off his couplers. "We... we lost," she panted.
"Yeah..." he said, sounding a bit disappointed.
Ashley hugged him tightly around the waist.
He put his arms around her.
Ashley held him tight. "Are you okay?"
"Second is... not so bad," he said slowly.
Ashley nodded. "Not bad at all. I mean... there's always next year," she said lamely.
He nodded, "Is not bad, is not the best, but it is not bad." He pulled her close, "But even though we did not win..." he trailed off.
Ashley looked up at him with adoring, brown eyes.
He kissed her lightly.
Ashley kissed him back.
He started to slowly push her down the tracks.
Ashley giggled and let him push her.
Dinah had been about to say something, but judging from the way Ashley was looking at Bobo, she didn't want to interrupt.
Ashley didn't even notice her friend, her eyes locked on Bobo's.
Dinah sighed softly, a bit happily.

Greaseball glanced down at her, finally catching his breath.
She grinned up at her engine.
Greaseball smiled down at her, then leaned down to touch his lips to hers.
She rose up on her toes to return the kiss.
Greaseball held her tight.
"Mmm..."
Greaseball grinned and pulled her close against him. "So, how does it feel to be on the right arm of the champion engine of the world?"
"Wonderful!"
Greaseball smiled. "Good."
She cuddled up against him.
Greaseball gave her a hug, then pinched her cheek lightly.
She grinned at him, still a bit excited about the race.
"I'll see you later, okay, sweets?"
"Where're you going?" she asked, clinging tightly to him.
"To go check with the rest of my gang.
She sighed softly, not wanting to let him go.
Greaseball gave her a tight hug. "Hey, I'll be back. I promise."
"Okay," she said slowly, "I guess..."
Greaseball gazed down at her. "What?"
"I'll miss you," she said.
"But I'll be back..."
"I know," she said, "but I'll still miss you."
Greaseball smiled. "I'll miss you too, babe."
She kissed him lightly, "Then I feel better about it."
Greaseball grinned. "Good."
She smiled at him and backed away so he could go.
Greaseball gave her hand a squeeze, then started off.
Dinah sighed softly and headed home.
Greaseball headed off to find his gang.

Since the races were over, they had abandoned their posts.
Greaseball glanced around. Where were they?
One of them looked up from the card game that they had gotten involved in. "It's the boss!" he hissed. The game was put away quite abruptly as they attempted to appear that they had always been doing what they were supposed to.
Greaseball glared and skated over to them. "Nice to see you follow orders," he said angrily.
"Sorry boss!"
"But the steamer went home," another volunteered.
"Good."
One of them growled softly at the mention of Rusty.
"Did he give you any trouble?"
"Define trouble..." one started.
"He wouldn't go when we told him to," another said, "We had to chase him away."
"Oh. But he went?"
"Eventually..."
"Good."
"But not before taunting us a bit!"
"Rusty did that?"
"He called us... what did he call us?"
Greaseball waited.
"Um..."
"He called us "Lackeys"," another said, a bit proud that he remembered.
Greaseball snorted softly. "Sounds accurate."
"But then he wouldn't do what we told him to!"
"And when we finally chased him off, he acted like it was his idea in the first place."

Greaseball glared. "Sounds like he needs a lesson in who's boss around here."
"Especially now that you're the champ."
Greaseball nodded, glad someone finally said something about it.
The gang all nodded, a bit reverently.
"We'll have to go let him know later."
"Sure thing boss."
"Of course."
"Yup."
Greaseball glanced around. "Well, you all get out of here."
"Right."
"Okay boss."
"We're outta here."
They all split.
Greaseball watched them go, then headed back for the race track.

Meanwhile, Bobo was with Ashley.
Ashley hugged him tightly, gazing up into his eyes.
Bobo smiled at his racing partner.
Ashley held him a moment longer, then smiled sweetly. "You must be tired. Why don't you go rest so we can celebrate later tonight?"
He looked a bit reluctant.
Ashley smiled. "What?"
"Later tonight then." he said finally.
Ashley nodded and gave him a firm hug.
He hugged her back, and held her for a few minutes before letting go.
Ashley smiled up at him. "I'll come get you in a bit."
"Alright," he agreed.
Ashley smiled. "Bye."
He rolled backwards away from her, eyes on her for as long as he could manage.
Ashley watched him go til he was out of site, then headed for Rusty's.

Rusty was asleep.
Ashley knocked softly on the door.
"What?" he mumbled sleepily.
Ashley knocked again.
"What?" he called louder.
"Can I come in?"
"Sure..."
Ashley pushed open the door and scooted inside.
Rusty closed his eyes again.
"Are you all right?" Ashley asked softly.
"Sure."
"You don't sound like it."
Rusty rubbed his eyes and sat up.
Ashley sat down on the bed.
"Okay, I'm awake... more or less," he said.
Ashley smiled. "Good."

"What's up?"
"Well, Bobo didn't win."
"Oh, I'm sorry," he said, "are you alright?"
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
"That's good," he said, "Is Bobo alright?"
Ashley nodded. "Well, second isn't bad."
Rusty nodded, "so... if Bobo got second then...?"
Ashley sighed softly.
"What?" he prompted.
Ashley looked up. "Greaseball."
Rusty blinked, "What?"
"He won."
"No."
"Yes."
Rusty promptly lay down and pulled the blanket up over his head.
Ashley sighed. "I'm sorry."
"Not your fault..." he mumbled.
Ashley nodded and rubbed his shoulders through the blankets.
"I think I'm gonna stay here."
"For how long?"
"Next year."
Ashley sighed.

Rusty groaned softly.
"You be all right?"
"He's gonna be even worse now."
"I know..."
"How in Starlight's name am I gonna manage to stay out of his way?"
"I... I don't know, Rusty..."
"Don't feel bad," he said, coming out from under the blankets, "I don't either."
Ashley smiled weakly. "Maybe... Poppa can help you?"
"Yeah, but he can't be with me all the time..."
"I know..."
Rusty sighed, "If I could just manage to not argue with him..."
Ashley nodded. "But we all know how hard that is."
"Yeah..."
Ashley sighed.

"Are you gonna go meet Bobo?"
"In a bit."
"Okay," he said, looking up at her with a smile.
Ashley smiled back.
"Thanks for coming to tell me."
Ashley nodded. "Of course."
He reached out and found her hand, giving it a squeeze.
Ashley squeezed back and smiled shyly.
"I'll survive," he said, "I always manage to."
Ashley smiled and nodded.

Rusty pulled her hand over and cuddled it for a minute before letting her go.
Ashley giggled softly.
"I'll see you tomorrow then?"
Ashley nodded slowly.
Rusty smiled at her and closed his eyes, "good night."
Ashley smiled sweetly at him. "Night."
"Turn off my light?" he requested.
Ashley nodded and stood up.
Rusty smiled and started to doze of.
Ashley flipped off his light and smiled softly at him.
Rusty was already asleep.
Ashley closed his door and headed outside.