The Midnight Train Crossing

The next morning, Rusty managed to avoid Greaseball and his gang for several hours.
Greaseball was not working, spending time with his buddies, still celebrating his win.
They looked up suddenly as they all heard a familiar whistle.
Greaseball's eyes narrowed. "Him..."
The gang turned to Greaseball, awaiting directions.
"Bring him here."
They nodded and headed out.
Greaseball waited.

Rusty sped along the tracks on his way to get his next train.
The gang waited behind the trestles for him a little further down the track.
Rusty sped up a bit, enjoying himself.
Suddenly the gang leaped out around him, trapping him in a circle of engines.
Rusty spun quickly, darting for the only opening that he saw...
Two engines grabbed him from behind, knocking him off his feet.
Rusty yelped in surprise, looking around frantically to get away.
They held him tight. "Well well, what have we here?"
Rusty struggled.
One engine backhanded him across the face.
He yelped, "But I didn't DO anything!"
"The boss wants to see you," the engine answered, ignoring his protest.
"W-why?" Rusty asked softly.
"Because he does."
"b-but..."
Their grip on him tightened.
Rusty promptly went limp.
They smirked. "Good boy," one of them commented.
Rusty glared.
They glared back.
*This is constructive...* Rusty couldn't help but think with a very small hint of a smile.
"Let's go." The engines started to drag him back towards where Greaseball waited.
Rusty went completely limp, there was no way he was gonna help them out.
They hissed and struggled to pull him along.
Rusty closed his eyes as they dragged him.

The gang pitched him to ground at Greaseball's feet.
Rusty scrambled back away from the larger engine.
Greaseball gazed coolly down at him.
"Hi..."
"I'm sure you've heard who won the race?"
Rusty nodded slowly.
"And?"
"Congratulations?"
Greaseball nodded. "You're learning."
"thank you..."
"I heard you were causing trouble yesterday before the race?"
He quickly shook his head.
"That's not what they said." He motioned to his gang.
"Well..." Rusty started, "I did go home..."
"But?"
"But what?" Rusty asked, "I dropped Ashley and Buffy off first, and talked to them for awhile..."
"But you were hanging out by the racetracks."
"Because that's where I took them..."
"Why?"
"Because they were racing."
"And then?"
"And then I went home... well before the races started."
"But you were hanging out down there."
"oh."
"Oh?"
"I... I guess I was, but you only said that I couldn't watch the races..."
"But you were by the race tracks."
"well... yeah..."
"And you weren't supposed to be there."
"But only during the race!"
"Did I ever say that?"
Rusty nodded.
"When?"
"well... you didn't say that I *couldn't*..."
"But I didn't say that you COULD."
"Oh..." Rusty said softly.
"So..."

Rusty waited, inching slowly backwards.
"Should we punish you?"
"for what?"
"For disobeying me."
"But you didn't actually give me an order that I disobeyed."
Greaseball glared. "Talking back to me now?"
Rusty sighed and then looked up.
"You can't..." he said softly.
"I can't what?"
"you can't punish me."
"I can, and I will."
"No, Poppa said that you can't."
"I don't care what Poppa says."
"*You'll* get into trouble."
"No I won't."
Rusty nodded.
"No. I'm champion now."
Rusty shrugged.
"My status has changed."
Rusty didn't look too concerned.
"So I have power now."
Rusty looked down at the ground.
"So there's nothing you can do about it."
Rusty was silent.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty scooted backwards again
"I suggest you stop moving."
"Why?" Rusty asked dully.
"Because I said so."
Rusty started to say something, but quickly closed his mouth.
Greaseball nodded. "Good boy."
Rusty flinched.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty closed his eyes so Greaseball wouldn't see him glare.

"Now, what to do with you..."
Rusty sighed.
"What do you think, boys?"
The gang grinned at each other, several making their hands into fists.
Greaseball nodded. "Go ahead."
"No!" Rusty gasped.
The gang nodded cruelly.
Greaseball waved a hand. "Let him have it."
Rusty gasped as he was pulled up to his wheels and held firmly.
Greaseball leaned back to watch.
One gang member flexed his fist, then landed a hard one against Rusty's cheek.
Rusty cried out as his head snapped back.
The gang laughed, and another one gave him a harsh blow to the stomach.
The steam whooshed out of Rusty and he would have collapsed had he not been held up
Another blow to the face.
Rusty gasped, panting as he felt something which he didn't really want to think about what it was, start to run down his face.
They tossed him to the ground face-first.
He landed hard and curled up in a ball, protecting his head with his arms.
They kicked at his small frame.
Rusty stopped crying out as he felt his body give under the blows.

Finally Greaseball held up a hand, and the blows stopped.
Rusty lay in a wreck on the ground.
"Are you going to behave now?
Rusty let out a soft sound, which was the only thing he could manage.
"Is that a yes?"
Rusty squeezed his eyes shut and nodded.
Greaseball smiled. "Good."
Rusty made a soft sound.
Greaseball smirked. "Get up."
Rusty curled tighter.
"Now."
"...can't..." Rusty whispered.
"You can."
He whimpered softly.
"Do I have to convince you to get up?" Greaseball snarled.
"No," Rusty pleaded.
"Then get up!"
Rusty tried, but fell back down again with a crash.
Greaseball hissed. "Now."
Rusty whimpered and slowly managed to get to all fours.
Greaseball watched him through narrow eyes.
He cried out in pain, and sat up, holding one of his arms close.
Greaseball smirked.
Rusty looked up at the diesel through frightened, pain-glazed eyes.

"Get up."
"I can't."
"You can, and you will."
"...why...?" Rusty whispered.
"Because I said so."
Rusty shook his head, "Not what I meant..."
"I don't care. Get up."
"Why d'you do this?"
"Because you deserved it."
Rusty shook his head, "Why's it always me?"
"Because."
"You never pick on anybody else."
"So?"
"Why me?"
"Because I want to."
"But why?"
Greaseball glared.
Rusty ducked, expecting to get hit again.
"You ask too many questions."
"Only one."
Greaseball hissed. "Shut your mouth."
"But why *me*?" Rusty insisted, "There are lots of other engines."
Greaseball glared. "Do you have a death wish?"
"No..."
"Then shut up!"
"but why won't you tell me?"
"Because it's none of your business."
"*This* isn't any of my business?" Rusty asked in an odd tone.
"Yes."

Rusty groaned and lay back down.
"Get up!"
Rusty groaned again.
"Now!"
He didn't' move.
"Get up, steamer!"
"I *can't.*" Rusty answered.
"You will."
Rusty curled up into a ball again.

Greaseball hissed and snatched Rusty up by his collar.
Rusty looked frightened at first, but then he closed his eyes.
"Open your eyes!" Greaseball hissed, giving him a sharp shake.
Rusty did so, looking at Greaseball dully.
"You get out of here. Now." Greaseball dropped Rusty at his feet.
Rusty collapsed to the ground.
"Get!"
"I can't!"
"Now!"
"But I can't..." Rusty said softly.
"Do I have to strangle you?"
"No," Rusty whispered, "But I can't, I really can't."
"Why not?"
"It... it hurts..." he whispered shamefully.
"What does?"
"To move..."
Greaseball hissed. "Too bad."
"Why me?" Rusty whispered.
"Why do you keep asking when it's none of your business?"
"It's not my business that I keep getting hurt?"
"No."
Rusty sighed.
"So, get up."
Rusty struggled to get up, again only making it to all fours- err three.
Greaseball glared. "Now."
Rusty made it up to his knees.
Greaseball watched him with dark eyes.
Rusty caught his breath.
"Now."
He whimpered softly and tried to get to his wheels.
Greaseball crossed his arms over his chest.

Rusty made it unsteadily to his wheels.
"Get out of here."
Rusty braced himself on the side of the shed, trying to ignore the sharp bolts of pain rushing through his body. "Why?" he asked again.
"I said, get out."
"Why do you *do* this to me??"
"Get!"
"Tell me," Rusty said softly, "please."
Greaseball slapped Rusty hard across the face.
Rusty fell.
"Stop asking questions!"
"Please..." Rusty said again.
Greaseball glared down at him.
Rusty flinched.
"I said, be quiet."
"...please..." Rusty whispered weakly.
"What?"
Rusty closed his eyes, suddenly feeling sleepy, and cold...
Greaseball glared. "Up."
"Down..."
Greaseball gave him a kick.
Rusty yelped, jolted awake.
"Get up."
Rusty started to obey.
Greaseball waited.

Rusty blinked sleepily. "I'm cold."
"So get up and go home."
"Home." Rusty repeated dully.
"Yes."
Rusty took a very slow step.
Greaseball watched.
and another.
Greaseball smirked and nodded.
Suddenly Rusty stopped and closed his eyes.
Greaseball watched him.

"Why d'you hate me?" Rusty asked sleepily.
"Who says I hate you?"
"You mus-" Rusty said, slurring a bit, "You hate me..."
"Why?"
"You hurt me."
"So?"
"You hur' me, so you hate me."
"No."
"Then why'd'yu hur' me?"

Greaseball glanced up at his gang and waved his hand to dismiss them.
"You sure boss?" one asked as most of the others departed.
Greaseball nodded. "Go."
He nodded and they all split.
Greaseball waited til they were all gone before turning back to Rusty.

Rusty had crashed to the ground again.
"Get up."
Rusty sighed, he wanted to sleep, but he got up anyway.
"Good boy."
Rusty closed his eyes but remained standing.
"Now..."
Rusty forced his eyes to open.
"What to do with you..."
"You hate me." Rusty said promptly.
"No."
"Then...?"
Greaseball glanced around, then back to him. "I don't hate you, steamer. You're too persistent."
"huh?"
"You can take everything we throw at you."
Rusty blinked as for a second he saw double.
Greaseball sighed softly.
"I dun' geddit..."
"Oh."
"So you dun't hate me?"
"No."
"Then why you hur' me?"
"Because I can."
"Then you hate me."
"No."

Rusty sighed, a bit frustrated, wanting to sleep.
Greaseball glared slightly. "Don't be sighing at me."
"You don't hate me... but you still hurt me..." Rusty was trying to get his fuzzy brain to figure this out.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I can," Greaseball repeated, a bit irritated.
"Why?"
"Because!"
"But why can you pick on me, an' not... Bobo?"
"Because he's not a wimp like you."
"Wha?"
"You heard me."
"yu pick on me cuz you can... an' you dun hate me?" Rusty started.
"Yeah."
"Why'm I a wimp?"
"Because you don't defend yourself."
"But it dun work..."
"What doesn't?"
"What you said, you still hurt me anyway."
"Oh."
Rusty closed his eyes again and started to sorta tip.
Greaseball didn't bother to move.

Rusty fell forward...
Greaseball moved out of his way.
Rusty landed hard, lying across Greaseball's skates.
Greaseball backed away a bit. "Get off me!"
Rusty was sound asleep.
Greaseball growled softly and gave him a sharp kick.
Rusty moved off Greaseball's skates, but didn't wake up.
Greaseball snarled softly. He wasn't going to let Rusty just sleep there, but there was nothing he could do.
Rusty looked quite pale.
Greaseball growled and leaned down to pick Rusty up.

The steamer, who was usually pretty warm due to his internal fires, was ice cold.
Greaseball pulled his hand back in shock. "Rusty?"
Rusty didn't answer.
Greaseball glanced around worriedly. What was he supposed to do?
Rusty's breathing was shallow.
Greaseball turned and bolted towards Rusty's house.

Belle and Poppa were in the kitchen.
Greaseball banged on the door with a heavy fist.
Poppa opened the door.
"Something's wrong with Rusty!"
"What??"
"Something's wrong! He's like ice cold!"
"WHAT??" Poppa roared.
Greaseball flinched. "You gotta help him!"
"Where is my son?"
"Over by the north trestle."
Poppa grabbed Greaseball by the collar and dragged the other engine along with him.
Greaseball stumbled after him.
Poppa yanked Greaseball along until he had reached the north trestle.
Greaseball stumbled and struggled free, brushing his jacket smooth again.

Poppa ignored him, sinking to his knees next to Rusty.
Greaseball gazed over Poppa's shoulder. "Is he all right?"
"His fire's nearly out..." Poppa said softly.
"But is he all right?"
"No."
"What's wrong with him?"
Poppa looked up, "Steamers need their fire to run."
"Yeah, and?"
"And live, Greaseball."
"Is he gonna die???" Greaseball yelped.
"If his fire goes out completely."
"Can't you do something?"
"We need to get him home."

Greaseball nodded. "What can I do?"
"Carry him."
"By myself?"
"No. Help me carry him."
Greaseball nodded and knelt down to pick Rusty up.
"And be careful with him!" Poppa ordered.
Greaseball nodded slowly.
With Greaseball taking most of Rusty's weight, they managed to get him back to the house.
Greaseball held Rusty tight so he would not drop him and have Poppa's wrath upon him again.

Belle gasped when she saw them.
Greaseball gazed up at her with scared eyes.
Wordlessly she held the door open.
Greaseball hurried to bring Rusty inside.
She stood out of their way so they could get Rusty to his room.
Greaseball carried Rusty to his bed.
Poppa settled Rusty down.
Greaseball stepped back to give them some room.
Belle pushed past him to see to Rusty.
Greaseball let her.
Belle and Poppa fussed over Rusty for a few minutes.
Greaseball backed out of Rusty's room.
Belle closed the door in his face.
Greaseball turned and bolted for the front door.

"Greaseball!" Poppa called.
Greaseball stopped, one foot already out the door.
"Come here." Poppa ordered.
Greaseball hissed to himself and headed back for Rusty's room.
Poppa met him in the hallway.
Greaseball eyed him warily.
"What did you do to him?"
"I didn't do anything!"
Poppa's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't!"
He crossed his arms.
"I swear!"
His gaze hardened.
"And of course you don't believe me!"
"You just happened to find him?"
"Well..."
"well?"
"I... I was there..."
"And?"
"And?"
Poppa waited.
"I didn't do anything!"
"I see that."
"So what do you want me to say?"

"What happened while you were there?"
"Nothing I did."
"I didn't ask you what you *did* I asked you what happened."
"He... he got beat up."
Poppa raised his eyebrows.
"Well, that's the truth."
"And you just watched?"
"Yeah..."
Poppa shifted and growled softly.
"What?" Greaseball demanded, throwing up his hands in defense.
"Get out."
Greaseball turned and bolted for the door.
"And Greaseball?"
Greaseball paused in the doorway.
"You'd better hope that he wakes up."
Greaseball opened his mouth to make a comment about how Poppa couldn't hurt him, but he thought better of it and nodded, dashing out the door.

Rusty did not report to work the next morning.
Greaseball was moody as he passed out the routes, lashing out at anyone who dared say a word to him.
Even Dinah was staying away from him.
Greaseball sighed to himself as he leaned against a nearby wall.

Dinah was a bit concerned as she joined the other coaches.
Ashley looked up at her. "Something wrong, Dinah honey? You're not usually so quiet."
"Something's wrong with Greaseball." Dinah said softly, "He's upset about something."
"About what?"
"I don't know," Dinah said, "He won't tell me."
"Oh," Ashley said softly. "You think it's really bad?"
She nodded, "I hope it's not... us."
"Why would it be?"
"I don't think it is..." she said, and then looked a bit puzzled as a random engine pulled up to take them out.
"Where's Rusty?" Buffy asked the engine.
He shrugged.
Ashley's eyes widened, and she let go of Dinah's couplers.
Buffy looked at Ashley, "Uh oh..."
Ashley turned and bolted for Rusty's house.
Buffy was close behind, ignoring the confused engine.

Ashley hammered on Poppa's house door with both fists.
A tired looking Belle opened the door.
"What happened?" Ashley demanded.
"shh..."
Ashley lowered her voice. "Is Rusty all right?"
"I hope so."
Ashley's eyes widened. "What?"
Belle sighed, "You'd better come in..."
Ashley pushed past her inside.
"Rusty..." Belle started, "He..."
"What?"
"Greaseball brought him home last night... Rusty...wasn't awake."
"And?"
"And his fire was nearly out."
"Is he all right?" Ashley screeched.
"We got his fire going again..." Belle said.
"Good..."
"But he's still pretty damaged."

"Is he going to be all right?"
Belle sighed.
"Belle?"
"He *should* be..." Belle said finally.
"Should??" Ashley screeched.
"Shh!" Belle insisted.
Ashley lowered her voice again, tears stinging her eyes.
"Listen to me," Belle said, "As long as he rests until he's completely healed, there's no reason that he won't be fine."
Ashley nodded slowly, sniffing.
"If he's asleep, don't wake him..." Belle said.
"I can see him?"
"There's a bottle of water in his room, but don't let him have any more then that."
Ashley nodded and bolted for Rusty's room.
Buffy watched her friend leave, and then decided to stay with Belle.

Ashley slid into Rusty's room silently.
Rusty was sleeping. His skin was pale, which meant that all of his bruises showed up very nicely.
Ashley stifled a gasp with her hand.
He shifted in his sleep, pulling the blanket tighter.
Ashley moved closer, silent.
Rusty was breathing in little gasps.
Ashley knelt down next to the bed.
He mumbled something in his sleep.
Ashley reached out and squeezed his cold hand gently.
He shivered slightly, pulling the blanket closer.
Ashley sobbed softly.
He opened his eyes.
Ashley froze.
He blinked and attempted to get his eyes to focus.
Ashley stayed quiet.

"Ash-?" he started.
Ashley smiled softly. "I'm here, Rusty."
"I'm cold," he whispered.
Ashley moved closer. "Do you want another blanket?"
He nodded.
Ashley moved to the closet and rummaged around for another quilt.
Rusty sighed softly.
Ashley moved back to him, draping the blanket over him gently. "Shh now."
"He...said..." Rusty started.
"Shh."
"He doesn't hate me."
"Who?"
"Greaseball."
"Oh?"
"Doesn't hate me, but still hurts me. Don't understand."
Ashley blinked.

"Mmm..."
"What?"
"Warmer now."
"Good."
"Still hurts..." he said sadly.
"I'm sure." Ashley leaned down and brushed a hand through his matted hair.
He leaned into her hand.
Ashley smiled and stroked his hair gently.
"Thanks..."
"Of course."
"...for still helping me..."
Ashley nodded slowly.
"You're nice."
Ashley smiled gently. "Good."
He reached out for her hand.
Ashley took his in her own.
"You're warm..."
Ashley smiled.

He pulled her hand up to his face, setting it on his cheek.
Ashley smiled. "Are you okay?"
"I guess..."
"You guess?"
"Still hurt... still a little cold..."
Ashley nodded. "Yeah, you are still cold..."
"Was worse last night..." he said.
"I'm sure it was."
"I couldn't stay awake..."
"But you're all right now?"
"Better then before..."
"Good." Ashley stroked his cheek with her thumb.
He set his hand on hers.
Ashley smiled gently.
"Stay?"
"Of course."
"Thank you."
Ashley smiled. "That's what I'm here for."
He gazed up at her adoringly.
Ashley smiled softly. "You look so young like that."
He blinked.
Ashley grinned.
"Is that a good thing?"
"I guess," Ashley said with a smile.
"Okay," he said trustingly.
Ashley giggled.
He smiled at her.
Ashley stroked his cheek.

Rusty closed his eyes, "Ashley?"
"Yes?"
"Can I have some water?"
Ashley nodded and grabbed his water bottle.
He sat up slightly.
Ashley opened it and held it to his lips.
Rusty took the bottle from her and slowly drank.
Ashley supported the bottle with her hand.
"It's warm," he commented.
"You don't need cold."
"Don't want cold."
"Good."
"Cold not good." he said.
"No, it's not."
He nodded.
Ashley stroked his cheek. "You all right?"
He nodded again.
"Good."
Rusty smiled at her, looking pleased that she approved.
Ashley smiled back. "Need some sleep?"
"Maybe..."
"Maybe?"
"Depends if I fall asleep or not," he said, "stay here?"
Ashley nodded. "As long as you want."

Rusty scooted over away from her.
"What?"
"So you can stay..." he said.
"You want me to lay next to you?"
"Will you?" he asked softly.
Ashley nodded slowly. "Sure. I can, Rusty."
"Thank you."
Ashley nodded and crawled onto the bed next to him.
Rusty smiled and cuddled up next to her.
Ashley smiled and held him gently. "Are you still cold?"
"Yeah..."
"Is that why you want me up here?"
"Well..."
"Well?"
"Yeah..."
Ashley smiled. "All right."
"...and..."
"And?"
"And... I want you to stay."
"You do?"
"Yeah."
"Okay," Ashley said softly.

He cuddled up against her.
Ashley held him close to her warm body.
Rusty relaxed against her.
Ashley smiled. "Rusty?"
"Yeah?" he asked sleepily.
"I'll keep you safe."
"Thanks..."
Ashley nodded and gave him a light kiss on the forehead.
Rusty fell asleep again.
Ashley sighed softly and closed her eyes.

Rusty's boiler hissed softly as it started to work properly again.
Ashley heard the soft sound and smiled to herself.
Rusty's temperature very slowly started to rise.
Ashley felt him grow warmer as she held him.

After quite awhile, Rusty woke again.
Ashley had dozed off against his warmness.
"Ashley?"
"Hmm?" Ashley murmured.
"Are you awake?"
"Hmm-hmm."
"Can I have more water?"
"Mmm-hmm." Ashley reached for the bottle absently.
Rusty waited. He wasn't *as* cold as before, but still not quite at his normal temperature.
Ashley handed him the bottle.
Rusty swallowed the remaining water.
Ashley was dozing again.
"Can I have more?"
Ashley's eyes blinked open. "Lemme go... check with Belle..."
"Why?"
"Because she said not to give you more, but maybe now you can."
"Oh... why not?"
"I don't know." Ashley yawned.
"Oh," he let go of her.

Ashley got up, stretching. She headed for the living room.
Buffy was watching TV.
"Where's Belle?"
"She's asleep. She didn't get a chance to last night."
"Oh... I wanted to ask her something."
"She's in her room."
Ashley nodded. "But I don't want to wake her up..."
"I dunno," Buffy said, listening intently.
Ashley nodded and moved to Belle's door, listening intently.
There was a soft rustle from the room, like blankets moving.
Ashley tapped hesitantly on the door.
"Come in," Belle called.
Ashley pushed open the door and smiled at Belle.
"Hi."
"Hi. Rusty wants to know if he can have more water."
Belle headed over to Ashley, "It depends on how his fire is."
"Well, he's warming up..."
"Let me see."
Ashley nodded and followed her.

Rusty sat up slightly as Belle and Ashley skated in.
Ashley smiled at him. "Feeling okay?"
"Thirsty..."
"I know."
Belle skated over to him and felt his forehead.
Ashley smiled softly.
Rusty looked up at her hopefully.
Ashley moved closer. "Is he all right?"
"Well... he's not quite perfect yet.."
"But?"
"But he's doing better."
"Can he have more water?"
"A little warm water..." Belle decided.
Ashley nodded and headed for the kitchen.
"Why can I only have a little?" Rusty asked.
"Because I don't want your boiler getting too full for your fire to handle it." Belle answered.

Ashley returned with a cup of warm water.
Rusty reached for it.
Ashley held it out to him.
Rusty drank it, making a bit of a face at the taste.
Ashley giggled. "Not that good?"
"No. It's warm..."
"I know..."
"Warm water's not very good..."
"I'm sure it's not."
He finished it.
Ashley smiled softly.

"Can I have any more?" he asked. Belle slowly shook her head.
Ashley smiled gently.
Rusty sighed.
"You'll be okay."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay." he said, leaning back.
Ashley giggled.
Belle stroked his hair, "Pretty soon honey... pretty soon."
Ashley nodded. "He's getting better..."

Belle nodded and stifled a yawn.
Ashley gave her a light push. "You go to bed."
"Hey, I'm in charge here," she said teasingly, "and *I* am going to go to bed."
Ashley laughed softly.
Belle smiled and left.
Rusty shifted, lying down again.
Ashley closed Rusty's door, then turned back to him.
He gazed up at her.
"Alone at last," Ashley teased.
Rusty scooted over so she'd have room.
Ashley giggled. "You like having me next to you."
"For now..."
Ashley giggled. "Not for good?" she teased, moving to lay down again.
"Probably not."
"Aww, okay." Ashley pouted playfully.
He waited until she was next to him and then kissed her on the nose.
Ashley giggled, her eyes crossing.
He grinned at her and closed his eyes.
"What was that for?"
"For staying with me."
Ashley smiled. "Any time."
Rusty cuddled up next to her.
Ashley held him tight.
He closed his eyes and started to doze.
Ashley closed her eyes, her cheek resting on his shoulder.

Much later, Rusty shifted uncomfortably in his sleep.
Ashley was sleeping peacefully.
He pulled away from her, and tried to push some of the blankets off.
Ashley felt a soft movement against her, and her eyelids fluttered open.
Rusty fought against the blankets.
Ashley groaned and rolled over to face him. "Huh?"
He struggled to untangle himself.
Ashley sat up. "Rusty?"
"Mmphf."
"What?"
He opened his eyes.
"Are you all right?"
"Too warm..."
"Oh." Ashley pulled a blanket off of him.
"Thanks..."
Ashley nodded. "No problem."
"too warm..." Rusty said again.
Ashley nodded. "Well, you're warming up, so it's a good thing."
Rusty nodded slowly, "Not cold anymore."
"That's good."
Rusty moved away from her and lay down again.
Ashley got up and folded up the blanket.
He closed his eyes again.
Ashley sighed softly.

"Ashley?"
"Yeah?"
"How cold was I?"
"Really cold."
"I must've been," he said sitting up, "You felt warm..."
Ashley smiled. "Glad to be of service."
He blushed slightly.
Ashley giggled softly.
"I... uh..." he stammered.
"What?"
He winced slightly.
"What's wrong?"
"Now that I'm not so cold..." Rusty started.
"Yes?"
"The rest of me hurts," he said.
"And?"
"And?" he asked, "what and? I'm covered in dents."
Ashley nodded. "But we'll get you fixed up, once you're better."
He nodded slowly and sighed, rubbing his cheek lightly.
"You'll be all right."

He nodded, but didn't look very happy...
"Is something wrong?"
"Greaseball..."
"What about him?"
"He said something to me... when I was out of it... and it doesn't make any sense..."
"What was it?"
"He said that he didn't hate me, that he couldn't hate me because I could take whatever it was that they gave me."
Ashley blinked. "Well..."
"What?" he asked.
Ashley sighed. "I don't know, Rusty."
"Yeah..." he said softly.
Ashley looked up at him through long lashes.

"Well... am I allowed more water?" he asked.
"I suppose a little."
"Could I have some?" he asked
Ashley nodded and got up to go to the kitchen.
Rusty stiffly got out of bed and stretched, wincing a bit because he still hurt.
Ashley came back with a glass of warm water.
Rusty was looking at his dents and bruises.
Ashley held out the glass to him.
"Thanks..." he said, making a face when he took a sip.
Ashley giggled softly. "You look silly."
"Oh thanks."
Ashley batted her eyelashes sweetly.
"Ick," Rusty commented, drinking the water anyway.
"Well, you can't have cold water when you're not fully fixed up."
"I know, I know..." Rusty said, "but I'm not cold anymore."
"But we have to make sure."
Rusty sat down on the bed.
Ashley sat next to him.

"I hate this." he said softly, looking down at his hands.
"Hate what?"
"This. I feel *fine*..."
Ashley gave him a light poke. "We have to make sure."
Rusty jumped.
Ashley giggled.
"Don't *do* that!" he protested.
"Do what?"
"Oh no," Rusty said, "If I say it, you'll do it."
"Do what?"
"What I don't want you to do."
"What?" Ashley asked innocently. A little too innocently.
"I don't want you to poke me," Rusty said finally.
"Okay."
"You were planning on doing it if I hadn't said it like that, weren't you?" Rusty asked.
Ashley shrugged. "Maybe."
"Yeah sure..." he didn't believe her.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty pouted.
"What?"
"You're laughing at me..."
"No I'm not."
"Then why're you laughing?"
"Cause..."
"'Cause...?"
"Just cause."
Rusty made a face at her.
Ashley stuck out her tongue back.

"You should be nice to me..."
"I AM nice," Ashley defended.
"Yeah... you're very sweet," he answered.
"I am."
"And modest too..."
"Of course!"
"and humble..."
"Oh yes."

Rusty nodded, having a hard time keeping a serious face.
Ashley giggled again.
Rusty poked her lightly.
Ashley squealed.
"Ooh, that was fun," Rusty said sweetly.
Ashley glared angrily. "You're not funny."
Rusty smiled at her.
Ashley tried to glare back, but she was unable to, and she burst out laughing.
Rusty continued to smile at her.
Ashley grinned and moved closer to him.
Rusty didn't notice her moving.
Ashley slowly slid her arms around him.
"What're you doing?" he asked.
"Hugging you?"
"Okay." He hugged her back.
Ashley smiled softly.
Rusty, finished hugging her, attempted to pull away.
Ashley slowly let him go.
He smiled and slowly stood up.

"Where are you going?"
"Just getting up..." he said, "I'm stiff."
"Oh, okay."
Rusty stretched and winced slightly.
"Need a backrub?"
"Um..."
"Um?"
"Yeah um," he answered, "I guess... Is that allowed?" he asked with a wink.
Ashley giggled. "Not really an answer..."
"Alright," Rusty said.
"You should sit."
"That might make it easier yes," Rusty teased.
Ashley smiled.
Rusty sat down on the bed, "But don't put me to sleep, okay?"
Ashley nodded. "Yes sir."
Rusty smiled.
Ashley pulled him down onto the bed to rub him.
Rusty let her.
Ashley began to massage his shoulders.
Rusty relaxed.
Ashley smiled and rubbed harder.

As usually happened when she did this, Rusty felt the stiffness start to ease away.
"Feeling any better?"
"Yeah..."
"Good."
"Thanks..."
Ashley nodded, still rubbing.
Rusty closed his eyes.
Ashley pulled him closer and rubbed firmer.
Rusty let out a soft stream of steam.
"Is that good?" Ashley giggled.
"Very good," he murmured.
Ashley grinned. "You've never done that before."
"I've never been almost shutting down before either..." Rusty said softly.
Ashley nodded. "I guess."
Rusty closed his eyes again.
"Need anymore?"
"Sure."
"Okay." Ashley continued to work his tight muscles, moving up to his neck.
Rusty winced as she touched a dent.
"Sorry."
"Not your fault."
"I know..."
He closed his eyes.

"Where does it hurt?"
"Hmm?"
"Where?"
"Oh... You mean apart from the dents?"
"Both."
"Well... the dents hurt where they are..."
Ashley giggled.
"But other then that... I'm okay."
"That's good."
He nodded, or attempted to.
Ashley rubbed his neck gentler. "Feeling stiff at all?"
"Not anymore..." he said.
"Good."
"Okay..." Rusty said, "Stop please?"
"Why?"

"Cuz I'm hungry?"
Ashley giggled. "Okay. What do you want?"
"I dunno... I thought I'd see what we had in the kitchen."
"You sit," Ashley ordered.
"Why?" he asked.
"Cause I said so," Ashley said with a sassy smirk.
"Oh of course mistress..." Rusty retorted.
Ashley giggled.
"but I'm still hungry."
"So I'll go get something for you."
"aww, but you don't have to..." Rusty said.
"I want to."
"Okay."
Ashley got up and headed for the kitchen.
Rusty watched her go.
Ashley made her way to the kitchen to find Rusty something to eat.

Belle and Poppa were talking in the kitchen.
Ashley slipped in quietly, not wanting to disturb them.
"We need to make sure he takes it easy," Belle was agreeing, "He needs to heal properly."
Poppa nodded, "He can't strain himself before he's completely healed."
Ashley stayed quiet, opening a few cabinets.
"I know," Belle agreed, "we'll make sure of it, and I'm sure he'll understand."
Ashley found a few things, putting them on the counter.
Poppa turned around to see Ashley.
Ashley glanced up as the talking stopped. She smiled. "Hi."
"Hi."
"Rusty's hungry," she said pointedly.
Belle nodded, "I'd imagine." She moved over to the fridge.
Ashley followed her.
Belle started fixing Rusty a plate.
"So Rusty won't be going to work for a week?"
Poppa shook his head, "we don't want to take any chances."
Ashley nodded. "Me either."
Belle nodded as well, setting Rusty's food on the table.
"I can take that to him," Ashley offered.
"Sure..." Belle started.
Ashley smiled brightly.
Belle turned to get Rusty some thing to drink.
Ashley grabbed the plate.

Belle handed Ashley the glass.
Ashley smiled. "He'll be happy it's cold."
"I bet," Belle said with a smile.
Ashley nodded. "Apparently warm water tastes funny."
"Have you ever had warm water?" Belle asked.
Ashley shook her head.
"It's not the best tasting in the world.
"It doesn't sound like it."
Belle nodded.
Ashley turned to go.
Belle sat back down next to Poppa.
Ashley headed back into Rusty's room.

Rusty was standing by his window.
"Get back in bed!" Ashley ordered sternly.
Rusty let out a slight yelp and jumped.
Ashley gazed sternly back at him.
"You surprised me..."
"Oh."
Rusty looked at the plate in her hand hungrily.
"Back on the bed."
"Yes ma'am," he said, sitting down on his bed again.
Ashley smiled and brought the food over to him.
"Thanks..." he said, reaching for it.
Ashley nodded, letting him take it from her.
Rusty balanced the plate on his lap and started to eat.
Ashley sat down next to him.
Rusty was a bit occupied to notice.
Ashley watched him.

"What?" he asked after a few minutes.
"What?"
"Why're you looking at me like that?"
"Like what?"
"Like I'm gonna break or something," he said.
"You're not."
"I know I'm not."
"I'm just sitting."
"Okay." Rusty went back to eating, and quickly finished.
Ashley smiled. "I'll take that," she offered, reaching for the plate.
"Okay," he said, handing it to her.
Ashley smiled and took it, heading out of the room to the kitchen.

Rusty got up again after she had left.
Ashley returned a few moments later. "What are you doing?"
"Um... looking out the window?" Rusty tried.
"Get back on the bed!"
"What?"
"Get back on the bed!"
Rusty sat down on the bed, sitting crosslegged, he brushed his hair out of his eyes and looked up at her, "Now what?"
"Now you need to relax."
"I *am* relaxed..." he said with a smile.
"Well, you need to relax more."
"oh?" he asked, "And how d'you propose I do that?"
"I don't know... Sleep?"
"But I'm not tired."
"But you need to relax."
"But I told you, I AM relaxed."
"Well..."
Rusty waited.

"You need to lay down then."
"Why?"
"Because I said so."
Rusty raised an eyebrow. "What're you up to?"
"Nothing!"
"Sure..." he said slowly.
"I'm being honest."
"Okay," he said, not lying down.
"Lay down."
"Woof."
Ashley giggled.
Rusty grinned cheekily at her.
"Lay down."
With a sigh, he did so.
Ashley smiled and pulled a blanket over him.

"What're you doing?"
"Putting a blanket on you."
"I can see that, but why?"
"Because."
Rusty sighed softly, "but I'm not sleepy."
"I don't care."
Rusty blinked surprised.
"You need to rest."
"And I can't rest sitting up?"
"No."
He sighed softly.
Ashley brushed his hair out of his eyes.
"Why are you doing this?" he asked.
"Doing what?"
"This... bossing me around..."
"I'm not bossing."
"Then what are you doing?"
"Making you rest."
"Why?"
"Cause."
"Not a good answer..." he muttered.
"I know."
"Can I have a good one?"
"Um..."
Rusty waited.
"No?"
"Why not?"
"Cause?"
Rusty groaned and rolled over.
Ashley giggled.

"But I'm not tired!"
"So?"
"So I'm supposed to sleep when I'm not tired?"
"Yes."
"Yes master..." he groaned.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty lay still, thinking that maybe he could convince her that he was sleeping.
Ashley was quiet, letting him rest.
Rusty studied his wrist wheels, spinning them against the bed.
"Stop that!"
"Mmpfh."
"Mmpfh what?"
"Just mmpfh," he said, "I am NOT sleepy."
"So? Just rest."
"I AM!!"
"OKAY!"
He rolled his eyes and went back to playing with his wheels.
Ashley sighed frustratedly.
He sighed as well.
Ashley pulled her legs up under her.

Rusty rolled over to look at her.
Ashley glanced up at him.
He regarded her.
"What?"
"can I get up yet?"
"No."
"But-" he started to whine.
"No."
"but Ash-ley... I'm not ti-red."
"I know."
"Then why can't I get up?"
"Cause."
He groaned.
Ashley giggled.
"Not funny!"
"What?"
"I said it's not funny."
"Why not?"
"Well why is it funny then?" he asked.
"I don't know."
"It's not funny because you're holding me hostage in my own bed..."
"Am I?"
He nodded.
"Oh."

Rusty rolled over again, and started to get up.
"Oh no you don't!" Ashley grabbed his couplers.
"Let go."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
He groaned.
Ashley smiled sweetly.
He didn't return the smile.
"Rusty?"
"what?" he asked flatly.
"What's wrong?"
"You're not letting me go."
"I know..."
"Well that's what's wrong."
"But you need to get better."
"I know... but I'm not sleepy right now."
"But you can still relax."
"Yeah, but do I need to be lying down to do that?"
"Yes."
"but-"
"Lay down," Ashley said, a little gentler. "I'll rub your back."
"But I don't-" he started.
"Lay down."
"but-"
"Please?"
He looked back at her.
"Please?"
Rusty sighed, "Does it mean that much to you?"
"Yes."
"Fine..."
Ashley smiled gratefully.

Rusty lay down.
Ashley smiled. "Thanks."
"Yeah yeah..."
"What?"
"Nothing," he murmured.
"No, tell me."
"I'm not tired."
"I know..."
"Good..."
"But..."
"But I need to rest, right?"
"Yes."
Rusty fell silent.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes."
"You don't sound like it."
"I am. I'm *fine*!"
Ashley's eyes filled with tears.
"I am!" Rusty insisted, "I know that I was cold before, but I'm not now."
"But Poppa and Belle said you needed to relax."
He sighed.
"I'm sorry."

Rusty rolled over on his front.
Ashley leaned over and began to rub his back.
Rusty closed his eyes.
Ashley rubbed firmer, her hands working expertly.
Rusty fought to keep from going into the nearly-catatonic state that he usual entered when she rubbed his back.
Ashley began to hum softly as she rubbed his shoulders.
He shifted slightly.
Ashley rubbed his back, her hands grazing over the place that always made him sleep.
Rusty forced his eyes to stay open.
Ashley rubbed it again.
He shifted uneasily.
Ashley hummed softer and rubbed him again.
Rusty reluctantly relaxed.
Ashley smiled to herself.
His body relaxed, but he was still very much awake.
Ashley smiled. "Just relax."
"Okay..." he said, in as sleepy a tone as he could manage.
Ashley smiled softly.
Inwardly Rusty sighed, he was getting tired of not doing anything.
Ashley rubbed his back some more, her own eyes getting tired.
Rusty closed his eyes again.
Ashley stifled a yawn.
Rusty opened his eyes and looked back at her, with some difficulty, hearing her yawn.
Ashley sighed softly.
Rusty smiled at her and closed his eyes.
Ashley smiled and gave his back a final rub.
Rusty forced his breathing to become even.
Ashley smiled and just rested her hands on his back.

He lay still, doing a rather good job of pretending to sleep.
Ashley watched him for a bit.
Rusty continued to lie still
Ashley took her hands off of him and smiled softly.
He slitted one of his eyes open to see where she was, and then closed his eyes again.
Ashley didn't notice, slowly getting off the bed and sitting down silently on the floor.
Rusty opened his eyes slightly to watch her.
Ashley sat down, picking up a book from the floor.
She didn't seem to be leaving, he closed his eyes again, maybe he could convince himself to sleep.
Ashley continued to sit and read.
With a sigh, Rusty turned down his steam and tried to shut down.
Ashley glanced up at him, smiled, then went back to her book.

Eventually Rusty did manage to fall asleep.
Ashley continued to read until she fell asleep herself.
Rusty woke before her, and looked over to make sure she was still asleep.
Ashley was dozing lightly.
Rusty softly got out of bed.
Ashley slept on lightly.
He tiptoed over to the door.
Ashley blinked lightly, hearing a soft noise.
Rusty opened the door slowly.
Ashley glanced up, then instantly was on her feet.

"I didn't mean to wake you."
"Get back in bed!"
"but-" he started.
"Now!"
"But Ashley..."
"No buts!"
"But I'll come right back."
"Where are you going?"
"Bathroom."
"Hurry back."
"Well... yeah..." he said.
Ashley smiled softly.

After a few minutes, Rusty returned.
Ashley smiled at him. "Thanks."
"For what?"
"Coming back."
"Well... where else would I go?" he asked.
"I don't know."
Rusty sat down on the bed.
Ashley smiled up at him. "Feeling any better?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"so..."
"So," Ashley said with a smile.
"now what?"
"I don't know."
"Okay," he started to get up again.
"Sit down!"
"I was just gonna get something to read..." he said meekly.
Ashley picked up a book from the floor and handed it to him.
"Thanks..." he said softly.
Ashley nodded.
Rusty watched her for a minute.
"What?"

"How long are you planning on doing this?" he asked.
"Doing what?"
"Making me stay in bed like this."
"Until Belle and Poppa say you're all right."
"How 'all right' does that have to be?"
"I don't know."
"wonderful..." he muttered.
"Yeah."
"but Ashley..." Rusty said, "What if I'm not up to pulling the freight train, but I am up to moving around the house?"
"No."
"Whatddya mean 'no'?"
"You have to stay in bed."
"That's not what I meant," he said, "I mean, can I get out of bed if I'm up to moving around the house at least?"
"No."
Rusty sighed.
Ashley smiled gently. "You'll be all right, Rusty."
"I *know* that..." he started.
"Yeah."
He indicated she should sit down next to him.
Ashley moved to sit by him on the bed.
Rusty leaned in towards her.
Ashley leaned in too.

"Ashley?" he asked softly.
"Yes?"
"I..." he leaned in closer.
Ashley leaned in closer.
"I'm not gonna break!"
"I know!"
"I'm also not gonna break if I get out of bed."
"I know."
"So will you let me up?"
"No."
Rusty groaned and flopped back on the bed.
Ashley giggled.
He pulled his pillow over his head.
"Poor Rusty."
He didn't answer.
"It won't be so bad."
"For you," he answered.
Ashley giggled. "Well, yes..."
"Yeah..."
Ashley smiled gently. "You'll be fine."

He rolled over so he wasn't facing her.
"Rusty, don't be like that..."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want you to be mad at me."
"I'm not."
"You seem like you are."
"I'm just... tired of this..."
"Of what?"
"Everybody treating me like I'm made of glass or something."
Ashley giggled softly. "Well, we don't want you to get hurt."
"I'm not gonna!"
"I know!"
He mumbled something softly.
"What?"
"Never mind."
"No, tell me."
"But you'll get upset..."
"No."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"Okay... I said that it didn't seem like it."
"Rusty!"
"You promised!"
"I know..."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it," he said quickly.
"Yes you did."

He sighed and buried his head under the pillow again.
Ashley sighed softly, pulling her knees to her chest.
"I'm sorry," he said, somewhat muffled.
"I know. I am too."
"It's okay," he said.
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Ashley said softly.
"I'm sorry," he said again, "I know that you're just trying to help..."
"Yeah..."
He looked up at her with limpid eyes.
Ashley felt herself melting. She loved that look from him.
"Okay?" he asked.
"Yeah."
"Good."
Ashley smiled at him.
He smiled back.

"Are you okay?"
He nodded.
"Good."
"Yeah... just..."
"Just...?"
"I'm bored."
"Well, we can do things. You just need to stay in bed."
"Okay."
Ashley smiled softly.
"Can we do something then?"
"What do you want to do?"
"I dunno.. since I can't get up..."
"Yeah..."
"Wanna play a game or something?"
"Okay. What?"
"There's some things in the closet..."
Ashley nodded and skated over to it.
Rusty pointedly stayed put.
Ashley rooted around. "What do you want to play?"
"Clue?" he offered, leaning over to see into the closet.
Ashley nodded. "Sure."
"Ok." he sat up and scooted back so she could set up.

Ashley skated back to the bed and began to set up the game.
Rusty helped.
Ashley giggled as their hands brushed lightly. "What color?"
"Um... green."
"Okay. I'll take red."
Rusty swept the rest of the pieces back into the box.
"Christmas colors," Ashley commented.
He smiled, as he dealt out the cards.
Ashley took her cards with a smile at Rusty.
"Okay, red goes first," he said.
"Okay." Ashley rolled her dice.
Clue generally lasted a long time, so it kept them occupied for awhile, although it seemed to Rusty that Ashley knew more then he did.
Ashley hummed to herself as she moved her pieces around.
Rusty took his turn, "Okay... Miss Scarlet in the dining room with the rope."
"I have the dining room."
Rusty went to mark it off, "wait... I knew that already."
"Oh?"
"Yeah.... you showed me that... two turns ago."
"Did I?" Ashley asked innocently.
"Yes you did." Rusty said, "argh."
Ashley giggled.
Rusty sighed, "your turn."
"Hmm... Mrs. Peacock in the billiard room with the candlestick."
"Candlestick."
"Okay..."
Rusty rolled the dice, but didn't make it to the next room.
Ashley smirked and rolled the dice, getting into the next room.
Rusty waited for her to ask.
"Hmm... I'm gonna guess."
"Already?"
"Yeah."
"Okay.."
"Colonel Mustard... in the kitchen... with the lead pipe."
"don't have any of those..." Rusty said slowly.
"Me either..."
Rusty handed her the envelope
Ashley flicked it open and pulled it out, surveying the cards.
"Well?"
Ashley's face remained blank as she turned the cards to him, showing that all three of her choices had been correct.

Rusty pouted slightly.
Ashley giggled.
"Lucky."
"Yeah."
"I forgot... I always seem to lose this game..."
Ashley giggled. "I'm just better than you."
"Oh thanks..."
Ashley giggled.
Rusty brushed his hair back.
"Want to play again?"
"Yeah, and this time I'm gonna win."
"If you say so."
"I am."
"Okay..."
Rusty held out his hand for her cards.

Ashley handed them back to him, putting the pieces back in place.
Rusty shuffled the cards and dealt them out again, "This time you're gonna lose."
"Ooh, I'm scared," Ashley teased.
"You should be."
Ashley stuck out her tongue at him.

Sometime later, after the game Rusty groaned, "I can't believe you won *again*!"
Ashley smirked. "I thought you said YOU were going to win."
"I thought I was too!"
Ashley giggled.
"Okay... I surrender, you're the Clue champ."
"Good."
Rusty raised an eyebrow.
"I am glad you finally acknowledged it."
He stuck out his tongue.
Ashley giggled. "Poor thing."
Rusty made another face at her.
Ashley smirked.
He tossed his cards back into the box.
"All done?" Ashley giggled.
"Yes, all done."
"Okay." Ashley put the game away.

"I don't suppose..." Rusty started.
"Hmm?"
He set his wheels down on the floor.
"No!"
He sighed, "I'm not getting up..."
"Then what are you doing?"
"Sitting on the edge of my bed."
"Get your wheels off the floor!"
"But I can't put them on the table..." he teased.
Ashley giggled softly. "You're silly."
"but..." he started.
"What?"
"I..." he started meekly.
"What?"
"I would like to go take a shower..." he said, ears turning slightly pink.
Ashley mused a moment. "Well..."
Rusty was obviously quite a bit embarrassed with having to ask her.
"I'll go see if it's okay."
Rusty blushed a bit deeper.
Ashley got up. "Don't you move from this bed," she warned.
He sighed and nodded.
Ashley got up and headed into the kitchen.
Rusty leaned back and groaned softly.

In the kitchen, Poppa had left, but Belle was sitting at the table.
"Hi," Ashley said softly.
"Hi there."
"Rusty wants to know if he can take a shower."
Belle blinked and did a double take, "Uh... what?"
"Rusty wants to know if he can take a shower," Ashley repeated.
"well...yeah..."
"Oh. Okay."
Belle nodded, "Of course he can..."
"Okay. I'll go tell him."
Belle gave Ashley a bit of an odd look as she left.

Ashley headed back to Rusty's room.
Rusty, as promised, hadn't moved.
Ashley smiled at him. "She says you can."
"Good," he started to get up.
"Need any help?" Ashley asked, only half teasing.
"No!"
"You sure?"
"Positive." Just the thought of it was making him blush.
"Okay. If you're sure."
"Yes." Rusty got up and went over to his dresser to get clothes.
Ashley nodded. "Be careful."
"Yes ma'am," he teased, leaving the room.
Ashley giggled.
Rusty grinned and headed out.
Ashley curled up on his bed.

Several minutes later, Rusty returned, his damp hair the only indication that he had taken a shower.
Ashley smiled up at him. "Feel better?"
"Yeah, nice and clean."
"Good. Your hair's all wet."
He shrugged.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with that..."
"I don't think so either..." he said, brushing it back.
Ashley smiled.
"I mean considering I just took a shower..."
"Well, yes."

He brushed his hair out of his eyes again and skated over to his dresser.
Ashley smiled at him shyly. "Want me to do your hair?"
"would I be able to stop you?" he asked, coming over and handing her a comb.
Ashley smiled and took it, running a hand over his damp hair to smooth it.
Rusty said something to the effect of "mmph." and sat down.
Ashley began to comb his hair out, smoothing it lightly as she went.
"Although since you're just gonna make me lie down again anyway..."
"I won't."
"That's different," Rusty commented with a smile.
Ashley giggled.
"So you'll really let me up?"
"I didn't say that."
"Then what did you say?"
"I said I wouldn't make you lay down."
"Then you'll let me up."
"No."
"How d'you propose that I not get up, but not lay down?"
"You can sit on your bed," Ashley said with a giggle.
"That's being up."
"But you're still on your bed."
"Oh sure... I'm *tryin'* to make myself feel better about this..."
Ashley smirked playfully.

He moved his head out from under her playfully.
Ashley grabbed him and pulled him back in place. "Don't move!"
"Yes ma'am."
Ashley giggled and began to comb his hair again.
"So when do I get to actually stand up?"
"When Poppa and Belle say so."
"Can I get up to ask them?"
"No."
"hmmpf."
Ashley giggled.
"But if I don't, sometime I'll forget how to walk..."
Ashley grinned. "Aww, poor Rusty..."

Rusty sighed, "Why do things like this always happen to me?"
"I don't know."
"I mean, I don't think that I do anything to deserve it...."
"You don't."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Ok..." he said slowly.
"Aside from just being too cute."
He tilted his head back to look up at her.
Ashley grinned at him.
He turned slightly red.
Ashley giggled. "Well, you are."
"So's that a good thing or not, I'm never sure..."
Ashley giggled. "It's a good thing to me."
"sometimes I'm not sure of that...."
"Why?"
Rusty smiled, "I'm just teasin'..."
Ashley giggled. "Oh, okay."
"You finished yet?"
"No." Ashley tilted his head to part his hair.
He held still.
Ashley combed gently, making the part smooth and straight.
Rusty held perfectly still until she was finished.
Ashley finished by adding a little curl to his bangs so they lay gently on his forehead. "There."
"Done?"
"Yeah."
"Okay..." he sighed softly.
"What's wrong?"

"How'm I gonna face him after this?"
"Greaseball?"
"Yeah..."
"I'm sure it'll be all right..."
"This makes twice now that he's nearly..."
Ashley touched her fingertips to Rusty's lips. "Shh."
He fell silent.
"Shh. It'll be all right," Ashley said gently.
He nodded slowly.
Ashley gave him a soft squeeze.
Rusty leaned up against her.
Ashley held him to her chest.
He closed his eyes and leaned up against her for a minute before finally pulling away.

Ashley let go and gazed at him. "Rusty, do you..."
"What?"
"Do you think you'd be better off in another yard?"
He blinked, "what?"
Ashley repeated her question.
"I...I dunno... where else would I go?"
"I don't know."
Rusty looked down at his hands, "I don't know where it would be better... at least here I've got Poppa and Belle... and you."
Ashley smiled shyly at him.
He didn't look up.
Ashley reached out and squeezed his hand.
"Greaseball's really the only problem here... I just... can't manage to stay out of his way..."
Ashley nodded slowly. "It's pretty hard..."
"I've tried everything I can think of..."
Ashley nodded again.
"Nothing works. Even when I thought I was doing what he wanted me to... look what happened then."
Ashley nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Rusty fell silent for a minute, "Ashley?"
"Yes?"
"You... don't have to stay here y'know..."
"I know."
"Yeah..." he stood up.

"Sit down!"
Rusty turned to look at her.
"Rusty, get back on the bed!" Ashley ordered.
"Ashley, for Starlight's sake, I Just Want To Walk Around My Room!"
Ashley sighed.
"That's it. I promise."
"Okay, okay."
Rusty went over to his window and leaned on the ledge.
"Be careful," Ashley warned
"I am, " he muttered, leaning over it and resting his head in his hands.
Ashley slowly skated up behind him.
He sighed softly.
"Are you going to be all right?"
"Yeah... it's just..."
"Just?"
"really really frustrating."
"I'm sure it is," Ashley said softly.
"And I don't want to get upset at *you* cuz it's not your fault."
"It's okay."

"Ashley I-"
"What?"
"I - don't take this the wrong way but-"
"What?"
"Could you... go?"
"Go home?" Ashley asked softly.
"Not forever..." Rusty said, "Just... I wanna be by myself for a little while."
Ashley nodded slowly. "I... I guess..."
"You can come back though..."
"Good," Ashley said with a bubbly smile.
Rusty gave her a small smile.
Ashley moved over to him and gave him a light hug. "But... you will rest, won't you?"
"Yes ma'am." he teased.
"Rusty, I'm serious..."
"Okay, yes. I promise to be good."
Ashley smiled. "And don't overdo anything."
"I promise that I won't overdo *anything*..."
"Good."
"Even resting..."
Ashley laughed and squeezed his hand. "You're silly."
"Thank you."
"Is that a good thing?"
He shrugged. "I try."
Ashley nodded and grinned prettily at him.
He smiled back
"You lay down before I go," Ashley told him firmly.
Rusty obediently sank down onto the bed.
Ashley smiled and reached for his blankets.
Rusty lay down.
Ashley pulled the blankets over him with a smile.
Rusty let her.
"Good night."
"It's afternoon."
"Fine. Sleep well."
"Okay."
Ashley smiled and stroked his hair off his face. "I'll be back later."
"I know."
"Of course."
"bye," he said softly.
"Bye." Ashley gave his hand a squeeze, then headed for the door.
Rusty lay still, closing his eyes
Ashley headed out the door, closing it behind her silently.
As soon as Ashley was gone, Rusty got up.
Ashley went home and took a nap.

Later on, Rusty had ventured from his room and was watching TV on the couch in the living room.
Ashley knocked on the front door.
"Come in!"
Ashley pushed the door open and skated in. "Rusty!"
"Hi."
"Why are you out of bed???"
"Cuz I'm on the couch, and I can't be in both at the same time..."
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Rustyyyyyyyyy..."
"Whaaaaaat?"
"You need to be in bed!"
"Why?"
"Because!"
"No, you said that I need to rest. And I am."
"In bed!"
"But-" he started to whine.
"Now!"
"but Ashley!"
"But nothing, Rusty!"
"But to go to bed, that would mean that I gotta get up..." he said sweetly.
"But you'll be going to bed."
"And what will I do there?
"Sleep. Rest."
"And I can't do that out here?"
"No."
He groaned and rolled over.
"Come on now."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
Rusty closed his eyes.
"Now."
He pretended to snore.
"Rusty..."
He didn't answer, pretending to be asleep.

Ashley groaned and flumped him with a pillow.
"Ack!"
"Get to your room!"
"But I don't wanna.."
"Now!"
"But... Belle said I could stay out here..."
Ashley groaned.
"She did."
"Great.."
"Exactly." Rusty said sweetly.
Ashley sighed and sat down next to him.
He smiled at her.
Ashley smiled weakly back.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay..." he didn't sound convinced.
Ashley gave him a hug. "Really."
"Okay."
Ashley smiled at him.
He grinned back at her.

"Are you feeling all right?"
"Yes." He answered
"Good..."
"You don't sound convinced..."
"I am."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Ashley grinned.
"So..."
"So."
"Now what?"
"I don't know."
"helpful."
"I know."
He stuck out his tongue.
"You're so mature," Ashley teased.
"Thank you."
Ashley rolled her eyes.

He shifted and lay down in her lap.
Ashley giggled softly.
"Better pillow."
"Aw, thank you."
"So... are you missing anything by staying here?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
"Okay... I don't wanna get you in trouble."
"I won't be."
"okay. Thanks..."
"Of course."
"I mean... for being so concerned about me..."
"How could I not be?"
"I know but still..."
Ashley smiled softly.
"You're like... more concerned then I'd expect..."
Ashley smiled sweetly. "Of course."
He closed his eyes.
"Are you falling asleep?"
"I dunno... but I'm not going to bed."
"Oh."
He hesitated for a second.
"What?"

"Poppa and Belle have decided..."
"What?"
"They said that when I've recovered..."
"Yes?"
"That I should be... painted."
Ashley smiled. "That would be nice."
"Mmphf."
Ashley raised a brow. "What?"
"I don't want to."
"Why not?"
"I just...don't want to."
"Why?"
"Because. I'm not fond of being painted..."
"Oh. Why not?"
"I'm just not."
"But it's fun!"
"For you maybe..."
Ashley giggled.
"But I don't like it."
"I'll come with you..."
"No, that's okay."
"Are you sure?"
"yep."
"Okay."

Bobo gave the side of a random shed a little kick in frustration.
Greaseball skated by, on his way to doing something or other.
Bobo was muttering in French as he gave the shed another light kick.
Greaseball heard a skate connect with a shed, and he moved to investigate, coming face to face with Bobo. "Hey there."
"'Allo."
"What's up?"
Bobo sighed a bit.
"Hmm?"
"I do not see enough of Ashley anymore."
"Oh?"
"I thought that by coming to work here, we would spend more time together."
Greaseball nodded. "Well, where's she been this whole time?"
"I do not know. Buffy tells me that she is out, but not often where."
"Oh. That's the pits."

"Although she is with the steam engine a lot."
"You mean Rusty?"
Bobo nodded.
Greaseball's eyes narrowed slightly.
"She tells me that they are friends, and he... does not seem interested in her, but yet..."
"You think she's cheating?"
"No. But-"
"But?"
"I do not know."
"Oh..."
"I do not suspect, but I do wonder..."
"Oh?"
"Is... hard to explain."
"Try."
"I know that I love her, and that she loves me, but I cannot help but wonder why she spends so much time with him..."
Greaseball nodded slowly. "I see..."
Bobo sighed, "but what can I do? She tells me that they are only friends."
"And you don't trust her?"
"I do..."
"Then?"
"But him?"
"Rusty?"
Bobo nodded.
"You don't trust him with Ashley?"
"I... I don't know what to think."
"I see."
"I haven't seen either of them for the last few days..."
"Me either."
"Do you know where they are?"
"I have no idea... Have you checked Ashley's house?"
He nodded.
"What about Rusty's house?"
He shook his head.
"Maybe try it?"
"I suppose."
"Worth a shot."
Bobo nodded.

"Want me to come with?"
"I... suppose."
"You suppose?"
"well...If they are not there, I do not know what I would say to Belle or Poppa..." Bobo said, "but if they are there... I would like to talk to Ashley alone."
"Then ask her to talk. Or ask Belle and Poppa where she is."
"but just to ask them if they know where she is?"
"Yes."
Bobo nodded, "And you would come with me?"
"If you want."
"In case she is not there."
Greaseball nodded. "Sure."
"Thank you."
"No prob."
Bobo nodded, "I... am not sure which way..."
"This way." Greaseball took off down the tracks.
Bobo followed
Greaseball stopped in front of Rusty's house. "Here."
Bobo nodded and went over to knock on the door.

Ashley looked up from her spot inside.
Rusty, despite his earlier protests, had dozed off.
Ashley nudged him lightly.
"Wha-?" he asked sleepily.
"Door."
"Over there..." he said sleepily.
"No. Someone's at the door."
"Oh."
"So get up."
He moved slightly to let her up.
"No. You get up."
"Thought you didn't want me to..."
"To answer your door is okay..."
"No. Rusty's sleeping."
"Rusty..."
"You can answer it...."
"No. It's your house."
He slowly sat up.
Ashley helped him sit up.
He blinked sleepily and got up, skating over towards the door.
Ashley curled up in the warm spot on the couch.
Rusty skated towards the door at his more or less normal pace.
Ashley sighed softly

Bobo knocked again a bit impatiently.
"Hurry up, Rusty," Ashley mumbled.
"Starlight Ashley, I wish you'd make up your mind..."
Ashley blew him a raspberry.
Rusty answered the door, and took a step back when he saw who was there.
Ashley didn't open her eyes.
"A-Ashley?"
Ashley blinked.
"It's... for you..."
"For me?"
"Y...yeah..."
Ashley sat up and peered over the edge of the couch.

Rusty backed away from the door to admit Bobo.
Ashley leaped up and raced into Bobo's arms. "Hi!" she squealed softly.
Bobo pulled her close.
Ashley held him tight. "How are you?"
"I've missed you."
"I've missed you too."
"You haven't been around..."
"I'm sorry."
Bobo sighed, "I went to your house a few times..."
"Did you?"
"I was looking for you."
"Oh."
Bobo fell silent.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there."
Bobo pulled her towards the door.
"Where are we going?"
"Outside..."
"Why?"
"Because I would like to talk to you..."
"Oh. Okay." Ashley smiled sweetly.
Bobo pulled Ashley outside.

Rusty pressed up against the wall out of the way, while keeping a wary eye on Greaseball.
Ashley glanced over her shoulder at Greaseball and Rusty, then turned back to Bobo with a smile.
Bobo pulled her outside.

Rusty continued to watch Greaseball.
Greaseball glared at him. "Why are you gone from work?"
"I..." Rusty swallowed.
"Yes?"
"I... remember what happened?"
"Yes."
"I'm not... I can't..."
"What?"
"I can't work..." Rusty whispered.
"Why?"
"I'm not... all healed yet..."
"So?"
"So I can't work..."
"What's your point?"
"You asked why I wasn't at work..."
"And?"
"And I... answered you?"
Greaseball glared.
Rusty shrank.
"You will be at work tomorrow.
"But... Poppa..."
"What about him?"
"He said no..."
"So?"
"So... I can't."
"You can."
He shook his head.
"Yes."
"B-but Greaseball, sir..."
Greaseball glared at him.
"I'm sorry sir, but I can't."
"You will."
"B-but if I do... and I h-hurt myself again... I might... not..."
"Might not what?"
"Wake up..." Rusty whispered.
"Too bad."

Rusty stared at Greaseball in astonishment.
Greaseball glared back.
Rusty lowered his eyes to the ground.
Greaseball smirked.
"Why..." Rusty started.
"What?"
"Why d'you want to kill me?"
"I don't."
"Then why does it seem like it?"
"I don't know."
Rusty sighed.
Greaseball glared.
"I mean..." Rusty said softly, not looking up, "This isn't really my fault..."
"You saying it's mine?"
"I didn't do this on purpose!"
"I'm not saying you did!"
"Then why are you yelling at me?"
"I'm not."
"Seems like it..."
Greaseball glared. "You might be asking for it, steamer."
"If you aren't yelling at me, then what are you doing?"
"Nothing right now."
"Oh." Rusty fell silent.
Greaseball was silent too.

Rusty started towards the couch.
"Where are you going?"
"To sit down..."
"Why?"
"Because I'm supposed to."
"Says who?"
"Poppa, Belle, and Ashley."
"You still doing what Ashley says?" Greaseball smirked.
"Sure."
"Why?"
"Why not?"
Greaseball smirked. "Letting her control you again?"
Rusty didn't answer right away.
"Guess so."
He shrugged.
"That's pretty pathetic."
Another shrug as he sat down.

Greaseball smirked. "You better be at work tomorrow."
"Can't."
"Yes."
"Exactly, "yes I can't."
"Stop twisting my words!"
Rusty held back a smile.
"You better be back tomorrow, or my friends will make it so you can never work again."
Rusty flinched.
"And if you want to see if I'm serious, don't show up tomorrow."
"But I... I can't pull the whole freight train..." Rusty whispered.
"Why?"
"Because I... I'm... I'm not...."
"Not what?"
"not strong enough yet..." Rusty braced for the expected reaction.
"We'll see about that."
Rusty rested his head in his hands.
"I suggest you get some sleep so you don't end up having something bad happen to you tomorrow."
He didn't answer.
Greaseball turned to skate away.

"....Greaseball?"
"What?" he snapped.
"I... nothing."
"Good."
"but what happens if-?"
"What?"
"If they don't let me out?"
"Then you'll just have to sneak out, won't you?"
"But-"
"But nothing."
Rusty sighed.
Greaseball glared and turned to go again.
This time, Rusty didn't say a word.
Greaseball skated off without so much as a backward glance.

Meanwhile, Bobo and Ashley were out on the porch.
Ashley smiled softly at Bobo. "I missed you so much."
Bobo sighed softly, "I live here now, why do we not see each other as often as we can?"
"I... I don't know."
"You spend much time here?"
"Rusty's house? Yeah, I guess I do."
"Why?"
"Because he needs me."
"But I need you."
"I know. I need you too."
"but he needs you too?"
"Yes."
"As I need you?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Really. He needs me to help him and take care of him."
"But you do not... feel stronger about him?"
"Of course not!" Ashley said, her eyes widening, her arms going around Bobo's warm chest.
He put his arms around her, "And him?"
"He doesn't have feelings for me," Ashley said softly.
Bobo smiled, "good."
Ashley smiled up at him. "Because you're mine."
He smiled at her and leaned forward to kiss her.
Ashley's lips met his, and she held the kiss.
All of Bobo's worries had been laid to rest, at least for now.
Ashley's hands moved to rest on the back of his neck, her eyes closing as she held the kiss.