The Midnight Train Crossing

Outside Rusty whistled as he pulled the coaches, with the exception of Dinah, down the tracks.
Ashley stretched her neck, she'd been in the kitchen too long.
Buffy looked back at her sister-coach. "I guess you aren't built for cooking."
"no kidding"
Pearl and Buffy laughed. Rusty kept his mouth shut.
Ashley laughed too, "from now on, call Pearl to help you, I'll baby sit that adorable caboose," she said smiling
Buffy smiled, "She is a cutie isn't she?"
"Such a cutie too" Ashley said, "If CB were like her, this'd be a much nicer trainyard I think," she said softly.
Buffy nodded.
Rusty let out a burst of steam to show what he thought of CB.
Pearl leaned forward and whispered soothingly to her engine.
Ashley sighed, "what do you think of the new cars?" she asked
"They seem nice enough," Buffy said.
Ashley nodded, "though they seem very touchy, sensitive and stuff, wonder why,"
"I know," Buffy said softly, "Especially Rossi, around Greaseball."
Ashley nodded, "that was just weird, she was beyond scared, she was nearly squeezing Dinah to death"
"Excuse me girls, but we're coming to our last stop before home..." Rusty interrupted.
Ashley smiled, "no prob Rusty," she said cheerfully.
Buffy nodded, "Yeah, let's go!"
Talck was heading down the tracks, new to this route, but not having too much trouble finding his way. It felt good to be on the tracks again, with his ENTIRE train behind him and in working order.
Rusty whistled again to announce he was there as he pulled up to the station.
Talck heard the distant whistle, and realized that he and Rusty would be at the same station for a bit, he whistled back.
Rusty was a bit surprised to get a reply and he sorta stopped a bit startled, causing the coaches to bunch up behind him.
Ashley cried out a bit, "RUSTY!" she complained
"I'm sorry..." Rusty said sheepishly.
Buffy made a face at her engine and even Pearl looked a bit annoyed.
Ashley sighed, "can we get moving?" she asked, "we don't want to be late"
Rusty nodded and carefully started up again, "I really am sorry," he mumbled.
Ashley rolled her eyes. Due to Rusty's delay, Talck pulled into the station first.
Rusty very meekly pulled into the station, staying still and silent.
"It's okay," Pearl said to him.
Talck smiled at Rusty, "hey," he said.
"Hi..." Rusty said softly.
Talck didn't know what was wrong, but smiled, "it's good to be back on the tracks," he said.
Rusty smiled back, "I know...tis rough when you gotta stay in for awhile."
Talck nodded.
Ashley sighed and muttered, "wish he'd get his breaks under control"
Buffy nodded, "Yeah totally, you'd think by now he'd have that down."
Ashley rolled her eyes, "after all he's been through, that was the last thing I needed, my stomach flipped, I almost thought something really bad had happened."
Rusty turned around, "I said I was sorry..."
Ashley sighed, "I know you did, allow us a little time to gripe..."
"Yes miss," Rusty said softly.
Ashley gave him a small smile.
Talck remained quiet, the coaches were really cutting into Rusty for what seemed to be a mistake, but then seemed to forgive him, or so he thought. This train yard was confusing him beyond reason, he wished he could understand them.
"So...what have you been up to?" Rusty asked.
Talck smiled, "getting used to our new run," he said. "transporting food from one place to another."
Imbrri smiled, "hey at least I'm actually carrying something of value now, " she said.
Rusty nodded, "So Poppa gave you your route then?"
Talck nodded, "yes, he did," he said, then sighed, wishing he could've met the Head Engine face to face, all this avoidance was making him nervous.
"That's good...right?"
Talck smiled, "Of Course," he said, "I'd much rather be out here then stuck back at the yard,"
"hear hear" Xanni agreed
"Then how come-" Rusty started, and was interrupted by a horn.
Talck looked up wondering what that was.
His train looked around him to see down the tracks

Buffy looked up as well, "Well look who's finally come home..."
Ashley smiled, "well well," she said softly, "wondered when he was gonna show up,
"eh, I could've done without him..." Rusty said.
Talck wondered who they were talking about.
Ashley nodded, "I know," she said
Greaseball with Dinah, came into view somewhat down the tracks.
Rossi saw him and gasped, ducking to hide behind Dinni.
Talck saw who it was and sighed. He uncoupled Imbrri and moved forward, intending to talk to the diesel and get things straightened out.
"Talck?" Rusty asked as Greaseball whooshed past.
Talck watched as the engine blew past them, very confused, he figured the head engine would at least have something to say to him. "what?" he asked Rusty.
"Um...what were you trying to do?"
"Talk to him, he's gotta have something to say to me eventually," he sighed and went back to Imbrri
Rusty shrugged, "Eh, probably not, I'd just leave him be."
Talck nodded, "ok,"
"Are you ready?" Rusty asked the coaches.
Buffy softly tapped Pearl on the shoulder, "do me a favor..." she whispered something more.
Ashley gave a smile to Dinni and a wink to Rossi before adjusting her grip on Buffy's couplings.
Talck rehitched to Imbrri.

Rusty looked back to make sure all of the coaches were hitched behind before he started to move out.
Talck double checked with his train and headed out as well, giving a parting whistle to the other steamer
Rusty whistled back.
Buffy made a face, "Not so loud Rusty."
Rusty sighed, "I can't do anything right today can I?"
Ashley shook her head and rolled her eyes, "so is that it?" she asked
"Yeah...next stop is home..."
Ashley smiled, "wonder how much longer Talck and them have"
"Not much longer, since they're just doing a quick run through..."
Ashley nodded, "might as well get home then, get supper ready, that little caboose sure eats a lot,"
"She sure does," Rusty said, "Anybody mind if I go faster?"
Pearl shook her head, she never minded.
Ashley shrugged, "fine by me"
Rusty nodded and picked up speed, rushing down the tracks rather quickly, the wind rushing past the coaches behind him.

Talck moved down the track at a slower pace, he didn't normally go fast, but he was moving slower than normal, for Rossi's sake. She may have been fixed, but she still had inner wounds that needed healing.
Dinni looked back at his little sister, "You okay back there?"
Rossi smiled and nodded, "I'm ok, how bout you?"
"Pretty good, although I think I might be getting a little tired," he said.
Rossi giggled, "you getting tired before me?" she asked giving her sweet smile.
"I guess so," he said smiling back.
Rossi giggled again. Xanni turned and grinned, "what'cha up to short'n sweet? Terrorizing Dinni again?" Rossi laughed.
"Does she ever do anything else?" Dinni asked, actually happy that Rossi was up to teasing him again.
Xanni laughed and looked at the car and engine in front of her, "well depending on the day," she said with a meaningful glance at their sister and engine.
Dinni nodded slowly, "yeah...but today she's doin' it." He smiled.
Xanni caught his meaning and grinned, glad her little sister was almost back to normal.
Talck looked around, the quickest way home was over a hill, not a big one, but still a hill. He looked back at Rossi, then shook his head, turning onto another set of tracks and going around it.
Dinni noticed the detour and approved.
Imbrri and Xanni looked at each other, then back at Rossi, who didn't seem to notice.
Rossi was looking around at all the scenery.
Imbrri smiled, "you like it here sweetie?" she asked.
Rossi grinned and nodded.
"Good," Dinni said softly, he liked it here to and hoped that they would stay, but he would go if it was best for Rossi.

Talck rounded the hill, and the new trainyard came into sight, "almost home," he said, smiling at the relatively normal chatter coming from his train, it had been quiet back there too long.
"Good," Dinni said, "I hope that the kitchen is ready for us..."
Xanni grinned, "what kitchen is ever ready for Short 'n Sweet?" she asked.
Imbrri chuckled.
Dinni laughed, "Somehow I think that she's gonna be well known around here soon enough..."
Talck and Imbrri laughed out right at that, as Rossi tried to look insulted
Dinni looked back at his sister with a smile to show that he was only teasing.
Rossi stuck out her tongue at him.

Talck pulled into the train yard, looking around to see if anyone familiar was there.
Rusty was fighting with one of the railings which had fallen, and the steamer was vainly trying to get it back into place.
Talck pulled up, looking confused, "what happened there?"
"Oh, this thing is always falling off," Rusty said cheerfully.
Rossi peeked around Dinni, and watched the steamer from the back of the train.
Rusty growled a bit as the railing feel again.
Xanni unhitched from Imbrri, "need any help?" she asked, ignoring the fact that her brother and younger sister were still hitched on
"Yeah, if you could hold this..." Rusty said. Dinni unhitched from Xanni.
Xanni smiled at him and reached over to hold the railing.
Rossi blushed, but didn't know what to do about these new feelings in side her.
Rusty shifted the railing back into place as Buffy appeared in the door way.
She put a finger to her lips, indicating that the others should be quiet.
Imbrri grinned and Talck held back a smile. Xanni didn't see her, and Rossi's eyes grew wide, she was about to giggle.
Buffy tip-skated over to the edge of the porch.
Dinni turned, pulling Rossi aside.
Xanni continued to hold the railing, "like this?" she asked.
Talck and Imbrri hid their smiles behind their hands
"Yeah thanks..." Rusty said, "I think..." he smiled as he felt it lock into place, "There we go."

Buffy skated over to him and pounced, grabbing him by the sides, bring the steamer down.
Xanni squeaked and stumbled away, falling backwards.
Buffy wiggled her fingers and Rusty started laughing helplessly.
"Buffy..." he panted, "Come on...stop...please...not fair..."
Xanni landed on her behind "oof" she said.
Rossi fell over laughing, as Talck and Imbrri chuckled
Tears were coming from Rusty's eyes as Buffy held him helpless. Finally she stopped, shifting so she was sitting on him.

Talck looked at Rusty, "I'm glad my coaches are more well behaved," he said.
Xanni gave him a side glance and got up, "oh yeah?" she asked, before Talck could move, she'd knocked him over
Rossi squealed and raced to join in the fun.
"See," Rusty said in a somewhat muffed voice, "You're a bad influence..."
"Oh yeah?" Buffy asked, leaning forward to tickle him again.
Dinni slowly backed away into the shadows.
Imbrri turned around and saw him, "and where do you think you're going? " she asked, as Talck struggled to fight off the sisters, "hey, hey, two against one, no fair!"
"Right here," Dinni answered, staying put.
Buffy shifted her position to watch Talck attempt to fend off the two that were attacking him.
Imbrri raised her eyebrows, "oh really," she said, moving closer to him with an evil grin.
Talck had Rossi sitting on his chest and Xanni holding down the rest of him, while Rossi tickled him as well.
"ok.. let off!!! or no bedtime story!!" he cried.
Dinni held up his hands in surrender, "Please be nice." he pleaded.
Imbrri grinned wider, "have I ever been?" she asked with a laugh
Rossi's eyes grew wide and she scrambled off.
Xanni looked at her, with a bit of a glare as she fought Talck all by herself, "traitor," she muttered as Talck caught her hands with a triumphant chuckle.
"Now Imbrri..." Dinni said nervously.
Imbrri grinned and lunged at him, knocking him over.
Dinni gasped and held still, "But I didn't *do* anything!"
"you're my brother, that's reason enough," she said laughing.
Rossi, seeing Dinni now under attack, came over to help Imbrri.
Dinni gasped, "I give up! I give up!"
Imbrri sighed, "you always do that, just when Rossi comes to join, you give up. You're too easy. Now Talck, he's a challenge."

Talck looked up from where he was still struggling with Xanni and rolled his eyes, "Thanks so much," he said sarcastically
"That could be a compliment..." Rusty said, still under Buffy.
Rossi looked like she didn't know where to go, then finally grinned at Buffy and skated over
"Hi there," Buffy said.
Rossi giggled, "need some help?" she asked, looking at Rusty, but not wanting to jump in and get Buffy mad at her.
"As long as she gets off me eventually I'll be fine..."
Rossi giggled, "I meant did SHE need some help," she said.
Talck over heard, having finally managed to stand up and pin Xanni, "better watch it Rusty, She's the worst when it comes to tickling," he warned, ignoring Xanni's yelled complaints.
"Oh no..." Rusty groaned.
Rossi looked at Buffy, "so????" she asked eagerly
"hmm..." Buffy said, "Looks like I get to decide Rusty's fate then?"
Rusty groaned, "That means that I'm dead..."
Imbrri chuckled from where she was standing up, holding out her hand to Dinni.
Dinni took his sisters hand and got up.

"I suppose that I could use a little help..." Buffy said with a wink at Rossi.
Rossi giggled and grinned as she crouched down and tickled Rusty a bit, not wanting to go overboard
Rusty laughed again as Buffy held him pinned down as Rossi tickled him.
Talck rolled his eyes, he figured he'd have to save the other steamer, but was afraid to let Xanni go, knowing what she was most likely going to do.
"Alright sugar, I think he's had enough..." Buffy said.
Rossi giggled, "ok..." she said reluctantly
Rusty let out a sigh of relief, panting heavily.
Imbrri went over and took one of Xanni's arms, "I'll keep you safe," she said to Talck, letting him let go of her.
Xanni playfully glared at her sister, "you can't watch him all the time," she said.

"Okay Buffy, I give..." Rusty said, "Get off me..."
Imbrri laughed as Talck tried to wipe at least some of the dirt off of himself.
"Now why would I do that?" Buffy asked.
"Oh come on Buffy," he pleaded, "you're heavy..."
Talck looked at Dinni, "should I help him?" he asked softly
Buffy gasped at what Rusty had just said.
"Ooopes." Rusty said, putting his head down again.
"I don't know that I'd want to tread there..." Dinni said softly.
Xanni's eyes had grown wide at the insult, "maybe we should help her," she muttered
"I uh..." Rusty stammered, "Oh never mind." He put his head down on the tracks.
Talck chuckled and shook his head, "I think this is the part where we leave," he said.
"Yeah, see ya later," Rusty waved.
Talck waited for his train to hitch on, Xanni grinned, "try not to stick your skate too much further into your mouth," she said.
"I know what it tastes like..." Rusty answered.
Imbrri and Xanni laughed as Talck pulled them into the Kitchen

"Good evening," Poppa greeted them.
Talck nodded his head, "hello sir," he said, moving to sit next to him, as the train unhitched, noticing Rossi heading straight for the kitchen where he imagined Ashley and Pearl were.
Dinni looked at Poppa, then at Talck, wondering if he should let the steamer know about Rusty's current condition.
Talck was trying not to laugh at the thought of Rusty's position.

Pearl skated out into the dining room, and frowned a bit, not seeing Rusty.
Talck's face turned to a bit of a frown, looking at Pearl.
"Poppa?" she asked, "Have you seen Rusty anywhere?"
Talck looked over at Imbrri, they looked at each other. Talck sighed, wondering what this coach would want with the steamer.
"Last time I saw him he was outside fixing the railing..." Poppa answered.
"It feel off *again*?" she asked, "We really ought to get somebody to fix that."
Xanni couldn't help but laugh, causing Rossi to laugh as well.
Talck gave them a look to quiet them, but they could hardly muffle the laughter.
"What?" Poppa asked, "What do you two know?"
Imbrri's mouth was twitching, Xanni tried desperately to stop.
Rossi managed to giggle out "Buffy!!" before another laughing fit came on
"Buffy?" Poppa repeated curiously.
Pearl giggled, "Oh dear, I can imagine... I'd better get out there."
Rossi was practically falling off her chair laughing, and although Talck wanted to keep her a bit quieter, he had to smile at the fact that she was laughing again. It'd been a while.

Pearl skated outside and laughed.
Rusty looked up as best he could with Buffy sitting on him filing her nails.
Ashley came out of the kitchen at the sound of childish laughter. She grinned, saw Pearl head out of the dining room and followed her, seeing Buffy.
"Oh now Buffy, really," she said, a grin still on her face.
"He said that I was heavy," she said mock-offended.
Ashley bit her lip, "oh well then, maybe we should just leave you to deal with it," she said, starting to turn back.
"What I meant was-" Rusty started, "What I meant was that I'm far too weak to support your very light weight..."
Ashley snorted, "yeah like that's gonna work," she said crossing her arms
"Hmm..." Buffy said thoughtfully.
Ashley grinned at Pearl, "shall we leave them to their squabble?"
Pearl shook her head and rolled over to them, "Come on Buffy, enough, let my engine up..."
Ashley laughed, "ok.. yeah, c'mon Buff, I know a little caboose who seems like she needs some cookies,"
"Okay Rusty..." Buffy said, carefully getting up and off of him.

Rusty pushed himself up to all fours and then up to his wheels.
Ashley rolled her eyes, "maybe that'll teach you to watch your mouth," she said with a smile.
Rusty nodded humbly.
Pearl took his couplings, and the other two hitched on.
Rusty did not comment on how he had been sat on for the past ten minutes and was not expected to pull the coaches. He pulled them inside without argument.
Rossi was still giggling when they came in.
Xanni was in the process of rolling her eyes at her little sister.
Rusty came to a stop, blushing a bit.
Rossi saw the engine and stopped, rocking as she tried to hold in her laughers.
Rusty waited for the coaches to unhitch. Buffy did, but Pearl still clung to his rings.
Ashley headed to the kitchen, giving Buffy a nudge and motioning towards Pearl and Rusty with a grin.
Buffy looked at them and sighed a bit happily.
Ashley continued on to the kitchen.
Imbrri smiled at Poppa.

Talck looked at Poppa, "The run today was great by the way," he said "it felt good to be back on the rails."
Poppa nodded, "Good, so you'll be able to handle it then?"
Talck smiled, "no problem," he said, not mentioning the little detour he'd have to make on the way back to the yard.
"Good," Poppa repeated, "If you need anything just ask."
Imbrri smiled and nodded. Talck smiled again "thank you," he said.

Pearl clung to Rusty's couplings as he pulled her over towards the kitchen.
Xanni looked up and smiled at the cars and Rusty as they came in. Dinni was busy with Rossi as she tried to get down and go exploring.
"Do you think it's safe to ask Buffy for food?" Rusty asked.
Pearl giggled, "I'll protect you."
"Thanks..." he answered.
Ashley grinned and gave Buffy a poke, "you didn't put anything... wrong.. in his food this time did you?" she said just loud enough for Rusty to hear, "we wouldn't want him getting too sick would we?"
"The engine would like to state that if he gets sick, that means that your ride will also be ill..."
Ashley sighed, "of course there is that draw back."
"Yes there is." He answered.
Pearl unhitched and stepped protectively in front of him.
Ashley grinned at her, "don't worry Pearl... We won't hurt him... Too much." she said
he'll still be functional."
Buffy nodded, rolling over to Rusty, "don't worry sugar, we aren't *that* mean...just a little mean..."
Ashley laughed.
Rossi, finally got out of Dinni's grip and went over to the cars, knowing that cookies would likely follow.

Buffy looked up and let off teasing Rusty as she smiled at the little caboose, "Hello there."
Rossi gave her cute smile, "Hi," she said really quietly, she liked these coaches
"Hi Rossi," Rusty said, "This is Pearl. Pearl, Rossi."
Rossi looked up at Rusty and blushed, he was so nice. She looked at Pearl and blanched a little, she reminded her of the cars in her old yard, but she still gave a small smile.
"Hello," Pearl said, leaning down so she was Rossi's height.
Rossi backed up a bit and nibbled on her lower lip as she looked at Pearl
"It's very nice to meet you..." she said with a warm smile.
Dinni was nervously watching Rossi, making sure she wasn't in trouble, but she seemed ok.
Rossi gave Pearl a nervous smile, her blue eyes big as saucers.
"So has Rusty been behaving himself?" Pearl asked.
"hey!" Rusty protested.
Rossi giggled and nodded slowly.
"Good," Pearl said, "'cause sometimes you gotta keep an eye on him..."
Rossi giggled again, giving a genuine smile to Pearl.
"They're all against me," Rusty said with a smile and a mock-sigh.
Ashley chuckled, "aww poor Rusty," she said, she smiled at Pearl, "isn't that little caboose the cutest," she asked putting a hand on Rossi's shoulder
Pearl nodded, and then looked over at her engine, "Well..." she winked.
Ashley smiled down at Rossi.
Buffy carried something over towards Rossi. "Now sugar," she said, "there's only one reason that I can think of that you came into the kitchen..."
Rossi grinned up at Buffy.
"Pick a hand..."
Rossi bit her lip and looked back and forth between the hands, trying to decide which held a surprise in it. She reached out and gently touched Buffy's left hand.
Buffy opened her hand, revealing exactly what she knew Rossi wanted.
Rossi squealed and grinned as she took the cookie from Buffy.
Ashley laughed as she moved over to the cupboards to get the dinner stuff out. "We're gonna spoil that little caboose rotten," she said.
"Is that a bad thing?"
Ashley laughed again, "of course not," she said, she looked at Rossi, "go ahead and sit down hun," she said.
Buffy nodded as well, "Dinner should be ready soon..."
Rossi perched on one of the stools by the counter, eating her cookie.
Ashley looked around, "I wonder where Dinah is," she said, "she's usually here by now..."
"She's out," Rusty answered, "And you know how very quickly Greaseball brings her home..."
Ashley nodded, "that's true" she said

"well if you'll excuse me ladies..." Rusty said.
Ashley grinned, "don't go far Rusty, I'm sure we can find something for you to do,"
Rusty pouted a bit.
Ashley smiled at Rossi, "Engines can be such baby's when they know they have work to do."
Rossi giggled around a mouthful of cookie
"Well at least I don't try and pawn it off on somebody else..." Rusty said, sounding just a wee bit bitter.
Pearl rolled over to him and took his hands comfortingly.
Ashley made a bit of a face and looked at Buffy, worried she may have pushed it a bit far...
"I'm sorry Rusty..." Buffy said, "We were only--"
"Yeah I know," Rusty said, "It's okay..."
Ashley sighed and turned back to the cupboards, getting out pots and stuff, feeling pretty bad.
Buffy turned away as well.
Rossi was looking at everyone, not sure what was going on.
Rusty rolled over to the two coaches, "Look, I'm sorry..." he said.
Ashley nodded, "I'm sorry too, we have been a bit... commanding," she said.
Buffy nodded as well, "But it didn't seem to really bother you..."
Rusty shook his head, "It doesn't, not really, but..."
Ashley sighed and turned to look at him, "it's ok," she said, "go on, if we really desperately need you, we'll call, ok?"
Rusty nodded, "I'm sorry I sorta lost it... I really don't mind."
Ashley smiled, "go on, you should probably go see if Poppa needs anything anyway."
"Woo-woo..." Rusty sang, pulling out of the kitchen and going back into the dining room.
Rossi watched him go, not exactly certain what'd just happened, but... still happy she had her cookie

Rusty pulled out into the dining room just as Greaseball pulled Dinah in.
Dinah patted her hair, gave Greaseball a kiss on the cheek and rolled into the kitchen, "hey Rusty!" she said as she passed him.
"Hi Dinah."
Dinah entered the kitchen and looked around, "all right, where do I jump in?" she asked brightly
Buffy directed Dinah over to the stove.
Dinah smiled at Rossi, "hey sweetie" she said.
Rossi grinned at her as Dinah moved to the stove
"So Dinah..." Buffy started.
Dinah looked at Buffy wearily, "yeah......?"
"How was the date?"
Ashley giggled, "well to take her this long to get back..."
"Shut it," Dinah said turning pink
"Ah come on sugar, lets hear all about it."
Dinah laughed, "like I'd do that," she said.
Buffy grinned, "you know we can talk about anything in here..."
Dinah gave a quick glance at Rossi and blushed a deep red
Buffy followed Dinah's gaze and saw Rossi, "Alright, saved by the trainlet..."
Rossi was watching interested, silent as always, but very clearly following the conversation as she nibbled on her cookie.
Ashley smiled, "but she's not going to be here all the time,"
Buffy nodded, "Yeah, we'll give you a small break..."

Talck looked up as Rusty came back into the dining room and as Greaseball entered. He smiled at Rusty, and looked nervously at Greaseball, not sure what he was supposed to do.
Greaseball looked around and acknowledged Poppa, then sat down at a table away from the steamers.
Talck watched the diesel for a bit, then looked away, wondering why he'd acknowledged the older steamer, but also wondering when he was going to be able to talk to him.
Rusty sat down and smiled.
Talck smiled at Rusty, "hello again," he said.
"Rusty, you'd better make sure you've gotten everything taken care of, it's suppose to rain again tonight," Poppa said.
Rusty nodded.
Imbrri gave Talck a look, rain was one thing, but a thunderstorm would scare Rossi out of her wits.
Talck gave her a slight nod, then turned to Poppa, "if there's anything I can do to help, I'm willing," he offered
"good," Poppa said, "Because we probably will need to put you to work.."
Dinni glanced at Rossi and then nodded, "We will." he said.
Xanni nodded and Imbrri smiled.
Talck looked over, following Dinni's gaze and saw Rossi coming back from the kitchen.
As usual, she went to Dinni and crawled in his lap. That seemed to be her favorite place recently.
Dinni shifted position slightly so his sister would be more comfortable.
"I'll appreciate the help," Rusty said with a smile.
Talck nodded, "no problem, it's nice to be doing something again,"
"I'm glad you have that attitude," Poppa said approvingly.
Talck smiled, "well, before we came here, we were being given more and more 'days off' " he said.
"I see..." Poppa said gently.
"That's strange..." Rusty said softly, not really meaning to speak out loud.
Xanni looked at Rusty, "not really, they were getting ready to take him of the tracks, the diesels were taking over, he was the last steamer in our yard, it happens all the time," she said with a shrug.
"I got more work..." Rusty said softly.
Imbrri looked at him with a frown, "oh," she said softly, "either way it's still not fair,"
"Well there isn't any point in talking about what's past..." Poppa said.
Rusty laughed, "You do it all the time!"
Talck smiled at Rusty's comment, but nodded in agreement with Poppa.

Poppa gave Rusty a Look and the younger Steamer shrank.
Xanni snorted with laughter, she couldn't help it, Rusty looked so sheepish.
Imbrri smiled, and looked over at Rossi, who'd fallen asleep in Dinni's lap, she gave Dinni a smile.
Dinni looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh.
Imbrri grinned, trying to hold in her own giggles, his face looking funny from holding it in.

Talck turned to Poppa, "do you go on many runs anymore?" he asked politely.
Poppa shook his head, "No son, I've been retired for awhile now..."
Talck nodded, expecting as much
"I still help out a bit when it's needed..."
Talck smiled, "that's always great," he said.
"Sometimes I take out tourist trains but that's usually about it."
Xanni tilted her head, "tourist trains?" she asked, never having heard of them...
"Yes. It's a short run, I just pull Belle and one or two other coaches along the coast..."
"ahh" Xanni nodded smiling at Belle.
"It's a nice route," the sleeper said.
Talck nodded, "sound's like it!" he said.

"Can I talk now?" Rusty asked softly.
Poppa looked at him, pretending to consider.
Imbrri giggled and Talck grinned at the question.
Finally Poppa nodded solemnly.
Dinni smiled, he liked this yard.
Talck gave Dinni a grin, as he waited to hear what Rusty had to say
"Good..." Rusty said softly with a smile.
Xanni looked up at him, "so........"
"Nah, I don't have anything else to say, I just want to know that I'm allowed to talk..."
Talck Xanni and Imbrri all laughed.
Belle, Poppa and Dinni laughed as well.
"What?" Rusty asked, "I figured that it was a valid concern..."
Rossi woke up slightly at the noise, then shifted position before falling back to sleep.
Imbrri Talck and Xanni settled down.
Talck looked at Rusty, "well, it is somewhat, I don't think I'd want him angry at me either," he said with a chuckle.
Rusty nodded, "Trust me, you wouldn't..."
Talck nodded, "I'll take your word on it."
Xanni grinned, "better than finding it out the hard way."
Rusty nodded again, then automatically ducked.

After dinner, the sky seemed to darken as clouds approached the sun.
Ashley looked at them wearily, "well it appears Poppa was right about the weather yet again," she said.
Buffy sighed as she put the last of the leftovers away. "Yeah. I'm glad that we don't need to go outside again."
Dinah nodded, "oh Ashley, you mind coming and helping us hun."
Ashley grumbled slightly about not being a dining car or a buffet car, but helped out none the less.

Rusty put on an extra burst of speed as he rushed to get everything done before the rain started.

Talck was out helping as well, following Poppa and Rusty's orders. He knew he had to move his train, they were out on the tracks at the moment, he hoped to get them in soon, but it would have to wait.
Dinni looked up at the sky a bit worried.
Imbrri leaned down, "Rossi, it's getting too dark for rainbows, wanna go in now?"
Rossi looked at the clouds and nodded, "ok," she said.
Xanni looked around, "I wonder if Talck'll be back soon, it'd be quicker,"
Dinni nodded, "well lets go..."
Xanni nodded, hitching up behind him, Imbrri, moved to the front as Rossi hitched to Xanni.
"hang on back there..." Dinni said, "We're set, lets go..."
Imbrri nodded and started off, hoping they could get to the round house before the rain started. She also hoped Talck would get in in time.
Dinni followed his sister, pushing a little so she wouldn't be the only one pulling.
Rossi looked around, loving this new yard.
Xanni watched the clouds nervously. She saw distant flickers and cringed, this was not going to be a good night for Rossi
Dinni eyed the dark clouds nervously as the wind picked up.
Rossi shivered, Imbrri tried to go a bit faster.
A couple booms of thunder were heard in the distance, and Rossi quaked a bit.
"Hang on Rossi, we're nearly inside..." Dinni tried to sooth her as the rain started.
Rossi nodded, looking around.

Suddenly, there was a flicker of lightning and an incredibly loud boom of thunder.
Imbrri and Xanni screamed, and Rossi ducked, letting go of Xanni and slamming on her brakes, as the rest of the cars continued on.
Dinni's heart pounded and he pushed Imbrri on through the rain.
Imbrri rushed into the round house, just as the rain started to fall. She breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't till that instant that Xanni realized she was missing something, "Rossi??" she looked around frantically and out the door, "ROSSI???" the caboose was no where to be seen.
Dinni's eyes widened and he ran back out into the rain, "ROSSI!!"
Imbrri chased after him, pulling him back, "you can't go out there, you'll rust through, we weren't made to be out in the rain," she said, her tone and face filled with worry. "She's tougher than us in that aspect, she'll be ok, we'll have Talck go out when he gets back, he'll find her," she promised as she stared out into the storm with tears in her eyes.
Dinni struggled a bit but he knew his sister was right, "But...she hates thunderstorms."
Imbrri nodded, "I know," she said, her voice now filled with tears, "but she'll be all right, she just has to be." Xanni was crying, shaking her head, "it's all my fault, I should've watched her!"
Dinni rolled over and took Xanni into his arms, "Shh..." he soothed, "It's not your fault. The storm scared all of us..."
Xanni sniffed as Imbrri came up on her other side.
"Talck'll be here any minute, we'll send him out to get her."
Imbrri and Xanni cringed as another boom of thunder sounded.'

At just that moment, Rusty let out a whistle to get Talck's attention.
Talck looked up through the rain and headed in Rusty's direction.
"Talck," Rusty called, "How goes it?"
Talck shrugged, "the rain's making a bit slippery, but other than that ok, I just hope my cars got in in time,"
Rusty nodded, "Let's-" He started to say when a siren sounded, followed by Poppa's voice booming through a loudspeaker (similar to the technology that their former Control used.)
"Everyone inside NOW!" Poppa ordered.
Talck looked up, "I think we'd better listen," he said heading to the round house.
Rusty nodded as well, pushing his wet hair out of his eyes as it began to pour.
Talck shook the water off his head and went inside.

Rossi was on the tracks, lost, terrified. She didn't know where to go..
She looked around, yelped at another boom of thunder and darted towards what looked like shelter, it was a bridge, but at least she'd be dryer
He was startled as somebody ran into his shelter.
Rossi looked around and noticed she wasn't alone. She gasped and backed up a bit.
"Hey there..." he said, eyes adjusting to the darkness as he realized that it was a little caboose, she could not have been that old either.
Rossi looked at him with wide eyes, she'd never seen anything like him before.....
"'lo," she said softly
"You lost?" he asked standing up, the bridge was just high enough for him to stand without hitting his head.
Rossi clasped her hands behind her back and nodded, not taking her eyes off him
"You're wet..." he observed.
Rossi looked at him, "it's raining," she said softly
"I see that. What are you doing out in the rain? You should be at the round house with Poppa and Rusty and the others.."
Rossi looked down, "I got lost," she said, "I was going there, but then the thunder made a noise, and I got lost from my train.
"Oh. And who's your train?"
"Talck, Imbrri, Xanni, and Dinni," she said clearly
He looked puzzled, "Oh...I see... did you just get here?"
Rossi nodded, "just yesterday."
"Oh. well I-"
Rossi cringed as another clap of thunder was heard, she whimpered a bit. Then as it quieted down, she yawned and rubbed at her eyes.
He looked around outside, the storm showed no signs of stopping.
Rossi wished that Dinni was here, she'd be able to cuddle up to him and go to sleep. She sighed, whoever this car was, she guessed she could pretend he was Dinni, he looked comfortable too...
"Well...Your engine is at the roundhouse?
Rossi yawned again and nodded, "are you sleepy?" she asked shyly
"hmm?" he asked bending down to get something out of a small worn trunk that he had in the shadows.
Rossi moved over to him, bumping him enough to knock him down, then crawling into his lap to curl up and go to sleep.
"Wh-?"
Rossi snuggled up to him, laying her head on his chest plate.
"Hey kid...look...I gotta...get you...back..."
Rossi mumbled a little, then shifted again, before drifting off to sleep.
"Well this is great..." he murmured, "Just great..."

Thunder rumbled outside.
Rossi mumbled softly in her sleep, shuddered and cuddled closer to CB.
CB looked up at the sky and shifted slightly, pulling the blanket around the both of them as lightning ripped through the sky.
Rossi gave a soft sigh, then started to suck her thumb.
He hesitated, almost as if he was unsure of how to go about doing this, he gathered her into his arms and hugged her closer, protectively.
Rossi mumbled in her sleep again around her thumb and rubbed her head against his chest plate, trying to get comfortable, she sighed again happily.
He rocked her gently as thunder rumbled again.
Rossi gave a shudder again, slightly opened her eyes, but closed them as she wrapped her unoccupied arm around CB.

The storm died down somewhere very early the next morning. Rossi slept through the night.
CB however, did not. He sat there, still as stone all night holding her and watching her. He had never seen a caboose this little before, much less having anyone trust him so completely in such a long time.

Talck on the other hand was frantic, he'd been out in the storm most of the night, searching for Rossi, unfortunately, not knowing the yard, he hadn't even gone near the bridge where the two cabeese were seeking refuge.
He sat down for a second, beside the tracks, dropping his heavy, tired head into his hands.
Belle stepped softly along the tracks, "Talck?" she said softly, setting a hand on his shoulder.
Talck looked up, his eyes red from exhaustion, he shook his head to ward of sleep, "hello," he said wearily
Belle rubbed his tired shoulders, "I brought you water..."
Talck nodded, "thanks," he said, "I just couldn't find her," he muttered, he couldn't help but drop his head as Belle's massage started making him drop off.
"We'll keep looking..." Belle assured him, "We *will* find her."
Talck nodded, shaking his head, trying to stay awake. He was so worried about Rossi... anything could have happened to her, she was so little. Visions of how he'd seen her after the crash filled his head.
"She cannot have gone far, now that it's morning we can cover every inch of the trainyard..." Belle said in an even tone, in rhythm with her massage.
Talck's head dropped lower, as he continued to drift closer to sleep
"You rest now..." Belle said softly.
Talck was already asleep and didn't hear Belle's words.

She gently eased him down to the ground and looked up as Rusty pulled up.
"Any luck?" she asked.
"She's not in the freight yard..." Rusty answered, looking down at Talck.
"He'll be alright once he sleeps a bit," Belle answered.

Rossi yawned and stretched, she looked up at who she thought was Dinni with a smile, the squeaked at she saw someone completely different, then remembered last night. She gave him a small smile....
CB awoke with a start from his doze. He shifted slightly and looked down at the little caboose.
Rossi blushed, "sorry," she mumbled
He gave her his award winning smile, "It's alright..."
Rossi blushed and gave a small giggle, cuddling up to him, "you're warm," she said softly.
"Oh?" he asked turning a bit red to match his frame, "Oh...hey...um...kid..."
Rossi looked up at him, "mmmmmmmmm?"
"I uh... what's your name?"
Rossi grinned up at him, "I'm Rossi" she said eagerly
"Rossi," he repeated, "You can call me CB."
Rossi smiled and giggled, "CB? that's a funny name," she said.
"Well I--" he looked lost, "I'd better get you back to the roundhouse."
Rossi nodded, "Talck'll be lookin' for me.." she said, "He always looks for me," she added proudly
"Come on, lets go," *before they think that I've stolen you*
Rossi grinned and got up, holding out her hand for his.
CB hesitated, then took her little hand, "Come on," he repeated, half-pulling her out from under the bridge.

Rossi grinned allowing him to pull her, but not making it hard. She didn't want him mad at her after all.
"The roundhouse is just down these tracks..."
Rossi looked up at him, not sure what he was meaning, "are you coming with me?" she asked.
"I'll make sure you get there..." he answered.
Rossi nodded, still clutching his hand in hers, looking down the tracks with a little fear.
CB sighed and went forwards again.
Rossi followed along, hoping she wouldn't be left alone, she hated being alone on the tracks since... she stopped herself from thinking about it.
CB came to a stop, in view down the tracks a few meters was the roundhouse.
Rossi looked around, she knew what was going to happen, "you have to go now don't you," she said softly looking at her skates.
"You can find your way from here right?" he asked.
Rossi's lower lip trembled and her eyes filled with tears, "why do you have to go??" she asked whimpering
"Hey now..." CB said gently, "I said I'd take you home right?"
Rossi nodded, "can't you come with me?" she asked, sniffing.
"Well I..." he started, trying to pull out of her grip.
Rossi clutched his hand with both of hers and snuggled up close to him, "please?" she begged
CB looked down into her wide blue tearful eyes and discovered that he did not have the heart to say no to her.

Rossi sniffed again, and let go of his hands just long enough to ensnare him in a bear hug.
"Hey, easy Rossi, I'll take you all the way there."
Rossi looked up at him, "really, you promise?" she asked
"I promise."
Rossi smiled through her tears and took his hand again, "c'mon then," she said, her voice taking a hyper happy tone again.
CB nodded, "Lead on."
Rossi grinned and pulled on him somewhat, it was slow going as she was a small caboose, but she actually managed to move CB a bit.
CB moved along behind the little caboose.
Rossi looked around, this new yard held so many new things, and she made a new friend to.. one that looked kinda like her,... only bigger
They reached the front door of the roundhouse, "Well...here we are..." he started.
"C'mon in... pleeeeeeeeeeeeease" she said, still pulling on his hand.
"It's almost time for breakfast..."
"Well I...um..."
"Pleeeeease" she begged again, giving him her best smile.
CB sighed, he could not say no.
Rossi pulled CB through the door and looked around for anyone she knew.

"ROSSI!!" Dinni shouted, running over to her and scooping her up in his arms.
CB backed away into the shadows.
Imbrri and Xanni followed suit.
"Rossi where have you been?" Xanni asked.
"We've been so worried, "Imbrri said at the same time.
Rossi looked around smiling and giving hugs from Dinni's arms.
Dinni shifted, "Are you all right?" he asked.
Rossi smiled, "yeah! I'm ok!" she said, she turned to look for CB, "I made a friend too!" she said.
Xanni was near tears and Imbrri was checking her over to make sure she wasn't hurt. Hearing that, she looked up suspiciously, not sure what kind of 'friend' Rossi had found last night.
CB was slinking down the hallway, attempting to vanish from sight.
Rossi spotted him and grinned pointing, "that's him there, CB!" she said.
Xanni and Imbrri looked at him, not sure what to make of the caboose.
CB froze, thinking very quickly. He turned around and flashed the cars his smile.
Xanni's eyebrows rose and she gave a smile back.
Imbrri was a bit more weary, but Rossi giggled at him.
"Thank you," Dinni said.
CB grinned at Dinni, "Actually, she found me. I just wanted to make sure that she got home all right."
Imbrri nodded, "well it was nice of you to watch out for her," she said, looking down at the little caboose, "she can be a bit of a handful."
Xanni just gawked at CB
He shrugged, "Nah."
Rossi giggled, and turned to Dinni "he's as good a cuddler as you!" she said.
CB coughed, "Well...I've got to...go."
Xanni made a little noise of dismay, blushed, then smiled at him, "well you've gotta come have breakfast with us, I mean, it's the least we can do after you took care of our Rossi!"
"Breakfast?" he repeated, "No. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that I must say no..."
Imbrri frowned, "and why's that."
Rossi reached out and grabbed his chest plate, "pleeease," she begged again, "it'll be fun!"
CB gently reached down and attempted to detach Rossi from him.
Rossi held him tighter, nearly dislodging herself from Dinni's arms.
Imbrri reached out to catch her in case she fell, "she'd really like it if you would," she said, she looked over his shoulder and frowned at Xanni, who was nearly drooling over her very good view of CB's backside.
CB started to answer but fell silent, looking over the others. His eyes widened for a fraction of a second, then his normal expression returned.
Imbrri caught his look and turned to look behind her.

"Rossi," Poppa said with a smile, rolling up to the cars, "You gave us all quite a scare last night," he said with a relieved smile.
Rossi turned and giggled, "I'm ok," she said, still clutching CB, "he helped me!"
Imbrri smiled at Poppa, understanding his relief.
Poppa set a hand on CB's shoulder, "Well done son..." he said.
CB swallowed and nodded.
Rossi giggled and kept holding CB, giving him a small tug, "c'mon to breakfast," she said.
Imbrri nodded.
Xanni grinned, "please do!" she said.
Poppa nodded, "Yes. Come with us to breakfast."
Imbrri looked at Poppa, knowing there was something deeper in his tone, but not questioning it. She turned to Dinni, "here let me," she said. "Rossi, let the caboose go, it's ok," she said, reaching out to take her little sister into her arms.
Dinni nodded and handed Rossi off to Imbrri.
"Okay," CB smiled at Rossi, "You win, I'll come to breakfast."
Rossi grinned, "YAY!" she said as she snuggled into Imbrri's arms.
"double yay," Xanni said softly.
Imbrri looked around, "oh, where's Talck, he'll want to know that she's back, he's been worried sick!"
"Belle's taking care of him," Poppa answered.
Imbrri nodded and smiled at Dinni and Xanni, then at CB, "Shall we go then?" she asked.
CB nodded, "Sure."

Poppa turned and offered his couplings to whoever would take them.
Dinni hesitated...
Imbrri looked at him questioningly.
"Are you sure sir?" Dinni asked, "I mean...you don't have to pull all of us..."
Imbrri nodded, "oh yes how rude of me, you needn't worry sir, we can get there on our own,"
"I'm sure that you could," Poppa answered, "But I'm offering a lift, and I'm sure of what I'm doing."
Imbrri looked at Dinni helplessly, not knowing what to do, Xanni stood by awkwardly.
Rossi was playing with Imbrri's hair.
"Oh just hitch on..." CB said softly.
Dinni looked uncertain, but he took Poppa's couplings.
Imbrri and Xanni followed suit, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
CB took Imbrri's couplings and Poppa started to move.
Rossi smiled at CB over Imbrri's shoulder
CB grinned back as Poppa picked up speed slightly.
Dinni wouldn't have believed that the old steamer could be doing what he was doing.
Rossi giggled, Xanni and Imbrri were taken aback by the power the old steamer still had.
CB closed his eyes and just followed along.

Poppa rolled into the dining room and stopped.
Imbrri and Xanni unhitched, Imbrri set Rossi down, but instead of going to the kitchen like usual, she stuck to CB like glue, taking his hand again, "c'mon, come sit by me," she said.
Dinni unhitched as well.
CB looked up at Poppa, who nodded. "Sure Rossi..." he said softly.
Rossi giggled and pulled him to 'their' table.
CB sat down, still keeping one eye on Poppa.
Xanni went over and sat down on the other side of CB, "I'm Xanni," she said, holding out her hand.
"Hi," he said, taking her hand and shaking it.
Xanni smiled, "it was real nice of you to take care of her last night, Rossi's terrified of thunderstorms"
"Understandable..."
Xanni grinned, "don't tell me you're scared of them too," she said.
Rossi giggled.
"No..." CB answered, "But I can see how she'd be scared.
Imbrri went over to Poppa, "thank you very much for helping us look for Rossi, sir" she said, "and for the lift," she smiled
Poppa smiled, "No problem, you're in my trainyard now. We look out for each other here."
Xanni smiled and reached across CB to ruffle Rossi's hair under her hat. Rossi giggled.
Imbrri smiled a bit sadly, "thank you anyway," she said, "it wasn't always like that for us," she said.
"It is now," Poppa assured her.
Imbrri smiled and nodded.

Rusty yawned as he rolled into the dining room. He sat down and then promptly put his head down on the table.
CB stifled a snigger, looked like Rusty had been up all night too.
Imbrri turned to look at him, "oh, I feel bad for keeping you all up so late," she said.
"It's okay..." Rusty said sleepily, automatically.
Imbrri went over to Rusty, "thank you," she said, "I know it must've been a long night,"
"As long as we found her..." Rusty started.
Imbrri smiled and nodded, "actually, he found her, "she said, pointing to CB, "or she found him or something along those lines, but either way, she still got home safely, and that may not have happened if you hadn't helped."
Rusty looked up at CB and blinked, "Oh." he said without expression.
Imbrri looked at him worried and sat down beside him, taking one hand in hers and feeling his forehead, "are you all right?" she asked worried
"Yes," Rusty said with a smile, "Yeah, just a bit tired, but other then that I'm fine."
Imbrri nodded, a worried look still on her face.
"I'm fine, I promise."
Imbrri nodded and gave his hand a gentle squeeze, "if you're sure," she said
"I'm positive..." Rusty said, and then he gasped, "Uh oh..."
Imbrri looked at him, "what?" she asked, expecting a major problem
Rusty stood up, "Well if we want breakfast...perhaps I should pick up Dinah and Buffy..."
Imbrri's eyes grew wide "umm.. you might wanna go do that.." she said.
"Yeah... umm... Poppa?" Rusty asked, "D'you think that if..."
Poppa's eyes twinkled, "Yes. You were indeed busy."
Rusty grinned and rushed away.
Imbrri bit her lip, feeling bad for taking Rusty away from his work, he hoped the coaches wouldn't be too bad to him.

Rusty pulled into the coaches corridor and whistled.
Dinah was standing in the doorway, "well it's about time," she said, with a twinkle in her eye
"I'm sorry," Rusty said, "I had to help solve a major problem."
Dinah put her hands on her hips, "oh?" she asked
"Yes. and I promise that I'm serious this time!"
Dinah narrowed her eyes, "what was the dilemma THIS time?" she asked
"You know that storm last night?"
"Starlight.. do I know that storm, of course i know that storm, it kept waking us up!"
"At least you got some sleep..."
"What do you mean?"
Rusty started to answer, and yawned instead. He blushed, ears turning red.
Dinah raised her eyebrows, "what were you doing last night?" she asked.
"Rossi got lost in the storm last night," he blurted out, "I was helping look for her."
Dinah's eyes grew wide, "Starlight, did you find her, is she ok, she's not still out there is she, you shoulda woken me.. I could've helped, " she said quickly
"We found her," Rusty said quickly.
Dinah took a deep breath and let out a sigh of relief, "thank the Starlight for that," she said, "but why didn't you wake me... Buffy and I would've helped any way we could've"
"I know. I wasn't thinking, none of us were..." Rusty said, "and besides..." he looked down at his dingy frame, "Rain wouldn't have hurt me as much as some of the rest of you."
Dinah nodded, "I guess," she said. She straightened up, "well.. wha'dyou say we get some food cooking." she said.
Rusty nodded, "Is Buffy up?"
Dinah cringed a bit, "what do you think?" she said.
"Uh oh..."
Dinah nodded, "seeing as she didn't get much sleep last night, she's in rare form"
Rusty gave a mock shiver, "You wanna tell her that I'm here then?" he said softly.
"it's your funeral" she turned and went back in.

"oh Buffy hun, you're favorite punching bag is here."
Buffy turned around, "Finally."
Dinah smiled at her, "now don't be too rough on him," she said.
"Well he *is* late..."
Dinah gave her a look, "he has a good reason, Rossi was lost in the storm,"
Buffy blinked, startled, "Really?" she asked in an entirely different tone, "Oh dear...did they find her?"
Dinah nodded, "they did," she said, "shall we go pamper her then?"
Buffy nodded, "Yeah. and we be nice to Rusty..."
Dinah nodded, "for once," she looked around, "is Ashley up yet?"
Buffy nodded, "Barely."
Dinah smiled, "of course, and she won't be fully awake till her morning smoke... "

Buffy knocked on her sister-coach's door, "Ashley sugar are you awake?"
Ashley mumbled a bit, but slowly got up, "yeah yeah, just a sec,"
"Okay, you want us to wait?"
Ashley mumbled incoherently, then stepped out of her room, touching up her hair and looking fairly awake
"Good morning," Buffy said with a smile.
Ashley rolled her eyes, "I guess," she said as she went in search of a cigarette
Buffy laughed, "Trust me, we all feel like that..."
Ashley nodded and rubbed her eyes a bit, finding her smoke she took a couple drags, "that feels much better," she said, "all right, ready to cook,"
Buffy grinned, "Come on, our engine awaits us."
Ashley nodded.
Dinah was out talking with Rusty, "well look who finally woke up.."
"Good morning," Rusty said politely.
Ashley nodded, then looked at the sun, "holy cow, you're late today aren't you," she said.
Dinah laughed, "don't go there.. we'll tell you on the way," she said.
"Thanks..." Rusty said softly, turning so the coaches could hitch behind.
Dinah hitched on, Ashley stood back, waiting for Buffy, then hitched on behind her, "Ready," she said.
Rusty nodded and moved off, going faster to make up for lost time.
Ashley smiled, "that boy can move when he wants to.."
"Thanks....I think..." Rusty answered.

Upon entering the Dining room, Ashley, who'd heard of Rossi's disappearance on the way, went over to where she was sitting by CB and ruffled her hair, "hey sweetie, I'm so glad you're ok," she said, ignoring CB, "you wanna come in the kitchen for some cookies?"
Rossi giggled, but shook her head, "I wanna stay with CB!"
Ashley looked surprised but shrugged, "ok hun," she said as she followed Dinah into the kitchen.
Rusty pulled all of the coaches into the kitchen and then stopped. Buffy unhitched.
Dinah unhitched as Ashley came in, "we have to work double time, "Dinah said smiling, she looked at Rusty, "are you gonna help us today or would you rather sleep?" she asked, knowing he had to be tired.
"I will help."
Dinah smiled, "thanks hun," she said, turning to Buffy, "so what're we gonna make today, has to be quick..."
"As much as I don't like instant stuff..."
Dinah made a face but nodded, "maybe that'd be the best idea," she said.
Ashley giggled and winked at Rusty, "like anyone would tell the difference," she said softly.
Rusty thought it would be best to be quiet.
Buffy giggled, "Wise choice."
Ashley grinned at Buffy.
Dinah rolled her eyes, "If I wasn't in such a rush I'd get you back for that," she said.
Buffy nodded and opened a cabinet, getting out a box.
Dinah got the pots out as Ashley started to get measuring cups.
Dinah smiled at Rusty, "if you don't mind, could you set the tables again?" she asked.
"Sure..." Rusty said, picking up a stack of plates and rolling out to the dining room.
"Thanks hun," she said.

Poppa looked up as Rusty sleepily set the table.
Imbrri got up from where she'd been sitting still, "Here Rusty, let me help, it's the least i can do," she said
"Okay..." Rusty said.
Dinni stood up to help as well, "We can take care of it. You sit down."
Imbrri nodded, and looked at Xanni, who was staring at CB. "Ahem, Xanni," she said,
Xanni looked up, "oh.. right.. sorry," she said as she reluctantly got up.
Rusty looked at the three cars and did not have the energy to protest, so he let them take over.
Rossi watched as her siblings set the tables, she smiled at Rusty, "come sit down here," she said, patting the chair on the other side of her.
Rusty nodded and sat down, ignoring CB.
Rossi grinned at him, "you look real tired!" she said, "are you scared of thunderstorms too?"
*Probably* CB thought.
"No..." Rusty started.
Rossi looked confused, "then why're you so tired?"
"I was out looking for you..."
Rossi blushed, "oh," she said, starting to feel bad, "I'm sorry," she said.
Rusty smiled at her, "It's okay..."
Rossi gave him a small smile back, "ok..." she said, still feeling bad.
He scooted over and gave her a little hug.
Rossi blushed, he was so nice!!!!! She hugged him back grinning.
"You feeling better now?" he asked.
Rossi nodded, "a bit"
"Good," Rusty said.
Poppa looked over at CB, "After breakfast I need to talk to you, so don't run off..."
Rossi smiled at CB expecting him to be congratulated for helping her.
CB nodded, "Yes sir."
Dinni rolled over to CB, "I just wanted to thank you again, who knows what would have happened to her if you hadn't found her..."
CB smiled, "She found me, remember?"
Imbrri smiled, "yes but you didn't have to take care of her all night, " she said.
Xanni grinned at him, "and to have her like you so easily, means you must be a really nice guy," she said, "she doesn't like strangers very much."
CB shrugged and grinned, "Well I am a caboose like her..."
Imbrri and Xanni smiled, "that's true" Imbrri said.
Rossi giggled as Xanni rubbed her hat.
*Not exactly like her* Rusty thought.

Ashley stuck her head out and frowned, wondering why Rusty was sitting and the other cars were standing up, she shrugged, "breakfast's almost ready!"
CB smiled, standing up, "Did you want any help in there?"
Ashley raised her eyebrows, "umm.. no... I think we have it covered, thanks," she said, not too enthusiastically.
"Oh," he said, sounding a little disappointed.
Ashley ducked her head back in.

Buffy smiled at Ashley as she set the last plate down on the counter, "We're set."
Ashley smiled at her, "CB just asked if he could come in and help," she said.
Dinah looked at her like she was crazy, "what's he up to now?"
Buffy shrugged, "No idea."

Belle was sitting on the tracks outside, holding Talck's head in her lap, letting the tired steamer sleep.
Talck muttered in his sleep, then opened his eyes, he sat up quickly, forgetting where he was for a second
"easy now..." Belle soothed.
Talck looked around, for a second not understanding the soft tone, then remembering Belle, and the night before, he gave a small smile, "I'm ok," he said yawning
"Good," she said with a smile, "Breakfast is probably ready..."
Talck nodded, looking around, "maybe I should go look again," he said, still worried
"Talck, you're still too tired to do anything that will help much...come to breakfast, you need to eat."
Talck sighed, giving into Belle, "I'm just worried about her, what if she crashed and is out there all alone...." *again* he added on in his thoughts
"We WILL find her, now come on."
Talck nodded and turned so she could hitch on.
Belle took his couplings, "I'm set."
Talck sleepily headed to the kitchen, in his mind seeing Rossi on the tracks alone as she had been after her crash.
Belle smiled, seeing that Talck's mind was far away she carefully guided him along.

Talck slowly entered the Dining Room, he didn't really look around, but caught a flash of pink out of the corner of his eye, "Rossi?" he said excitedly
Dinni looked up at Talck's entrance. He rushed over, "She's okay, we found her!"
Talck smiled in relief, "thank the starlight," he said.
Belle grinned, unhitching.
Talck looked at Belle, "are you ok?" he asked, making sure she would be comfortable.
Belle nodded, "Go on you."
Talck smiled and went over to Rossi, giving her a big hug, " you had us scared to death Little One," he said.
Rossi giggled a little, "I'm sorry," she said.
Belle skated over to Poppa, watching Talck with a smile.
Imbrri and Xanni smiled, "CB here was the one who found her and brought her back," Xanni said.
Talck looked at CB and frowned a bit, remembering the talk they'd had with Belle the other day about this yard's caboose.
"Thank you," he said shortly, still looking like he was sizing up the caboose
"Your welcome," CB said with a smile.
Talck nodded, but didn't put Rossi down, for some reason he didn't trust the caboose.
"I was glad to have met her," CB said carefully.
Talck nodded, "she's a sweet caboose," he said. *maybe too sweet and trusting*

Ashley came out with some food right then, and put it on the table. "Dig in!" she said, there's more coming!" not mentioning that today it was instant
Rusty lifted his head again and smiled at Ashley, "Thanks..."
Ashley grinned at him, "you're lucky you're blocked by all these cars or you'd be doing it," she said as she headed back to the kitchen
"yeah yeah I know..." Rusty answered.
Poppa reached over and ruffled Rusty's hair.
"Ah! hey Poppa don't do that!" Rusty protested.
Imbrri and Xanni laughed as Ashley ducked back into the kitchen.
Rossi snuggled against Talck, not noticing anything strange about him holding her so long.
CB reached over to get food as Belle sat down next to him.
Imbrri and Xanni took seats, and started helping themselves to some food as well.

As Belle got her food she set her hand briefly on CB's and gave it a squeeze.
He understood her perfectly and gave a small nod.
Ashley popped back out with more food as Dinah followed her with drinks.
She gave a smile to the cars and engines. She looked at Talck, "sit, eat," she said.
Talck blushed and sat down, with Rossi in his lap.
Rossi grinned up at Dinah.
"Don't argue with Dinah when it comes to food..." Rusty advised.
Talck smiled at Rusty and nodded, "I'll take your word on that," he said.
Rossi was already piling her plate high with food, more food than it seemed a little caboose like her could eat.
Ashley laughed, "easy kid, you don't want to make yourself sick!"
Talck laughed as well, "you've never seen her eat when she's really hungry have you."
Buffy stuck her head out of the kitchen just in time to hear that last remark. She grinned, "well at least somebody likes our cooking then."
Talck laughed, "with Rossi she'll eat anything,"
Buffy pouted a bit, "And here I thought that she really liked my cooking."
Talck Imbrri and Xanni grinned, "well there's that too," Xanni said, "she may eat anything, but I've never seen her eat so much of it at once."
"Ah," Buffy said, "Well that's better then."
Xanni laughed as Ashley and Dinah shook their heads and rolled their eyes
Buffy turned to her sister-coaches and crossed her arms.
"What?" Ashley asked innocently though with a huge grin on her face
"Argh," Buffy said, storming back into the kitchen, mock-upset.
Dinah and Ashley laughed as they followed her into the kitchen
Once Rusty was finished eating he put his head back down.
Talck looked at him, "I know how you feel," he said, "have Belle give you a back rub, it puts you right out," he smiled at the sleeper
"I know," Rusty answered with a smile.
Talck grinned, "no wonder, you probably get them all the time."
Rusty blushed a bit, hiding his face, but he couldn't really hide his ears.
Talck gave a small laugh as Rossi continued to eat.
Xanni kept glancing at CB, he really was quite good looking
CB looked like he was carefully concentrating on his food.
Xanni sighed, a caboose like that was more than likely taken.
Rusty closed his eyes.

The door opened and Greaseball rolled in.
Talck looked up wearily, hoping he wouldn't get in trouble for the ruckus Rossi caused last night.
Greaseball looked over at Rusty a bit amused. "Tired Rusty?" he asked.
Talck looked at Rusty, feeling sorry for the steamer, but knowing to keep his mouth shut.
"Yeah..." Rusty answered
"Aww...storm keep you up?" Greaseball teased.
Talck frowned, Imbrri didn't like the way the diesel was treating Rusty, but Xanni couldn't stay quiet,
"He was helping us, it's not his fault!" she gasped at what she'd done, and tried to hide behind Dinni.
Greaseball looked up ath Dinni and the others, finally seeming to regester them for the first time.
Talck closed his eyes, *damn* he thought. He looked up at the head engine, expecting a reprimand for not keeping his cars in control
Greaseball rolled his eyes, "these yours?" he asked the unfamilar steamer.
Talck nodded slowly
"I see..." he said, turning back to Rusty.
"Greasball, enough," Poppa said softly.
Talck looked at Poppa confused, why had the old steamer given the head engine a command, and the diesel seemed to be following it, something wasn't right.
Greaseball looked a Poppa a minute, then shook his head and rolled away, muttering something about steam engines.

Talck and his train were obviously very confused, with the exception of Rossi, who thankfully, was too intent on her food to notice the diesel. They looked at each other, not understanding in the slightest.
Rusty stood up, "I think that I need a nap..."
Talck nodded, "I already had mine," he said, looking over at Greaseball, maybe this diesel actually respected older engines and the experience they had, it'd make it a bit easier anyway.
"Can I?" Rusty asked Poppa, looking up at the clock.
Talck looked at Poppa, it would be a bit unfair if Rusty didn't get any sleep
"yeah, go on..." Poppa said.
Rusty smiled and rolled out the door with a good-bye to everyone."
Talck nodded after him, he looked down at Rossi, "are you ALMOST finished," he teased.
Dinni laughed, "Somehow I doubt it..."
Imbrri smiled as Xanni rolled her eyes, "told you she was a garbage truck!"

Dinah came out of the kitchen, saw Greaseball and went over to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek
"Hey babe," Greaseball greeted her.
Dinah grinned, "want something?'
"What's on the menu this morning?" he asked.
Dinah blushed, "well... eggs again and porridge," she said, leaving out the fact that it was instant
"I'll have that, and one dining car... to go."
Dinah giggled, "in a minute, I have to finish cleaning up, I'll have Ashley bring it out for you,"
Greaseball nodded with a smile.
Dinah went back into the kitchen.

Talck was thoughtful again, the diesel was actually almost nice to the dining car.
CB finished eating and set leaned back, setting his hands in his lap to wait.
Rossi looked at CB and smiled, "do you have a lot of work to do today?" she asked
"Depends..." he answered.
"on what?"
"On what happens today..." he said with a smile.
Rossi frowned a little confused, but finished her last two bites of breakfast. "All done," she said to Talck.
Dinni smiled, "See...told you that she'd been done eventually."
Xanni laughed, "yeah but that doesn't mean she's full, just that there's no more food,"

Ashley came out and gave Greaseball his breakfast, "there you are hun, Dinah'll be out in a minute." she went over to Talck's table and started to clear away the empty plates.
"good," Greaseball called to Ashley, "Thanks babe."
"No prob!" she said grinning at him

Poppa stood up, "Come with me son," he said to CB.
Rossi smiled at CB, thinking he was going to get a treat or something.
Talck looked at Poppa, realizing that his tone held a deeper problem, he didn't know what was up, but knew it couldn't be good.
CB grinned at Rossi and stood up.
Imbrri and Xanni watched the caboose, he seemed to really like Rossi, which was a good thing, they hoped this yard would be as good as it seemed in the next few weeks.
"I'll see you all later," CB said, taking Poppa's couplings.
"Bye!" Rossi said waving. Talck nodded.

Dinah came out and went to GB, "k, I'm ready," she said sitting down, "the girls say they can handle the rest of the dishes."
Greaseball had finished eating, "Wonderful," he said, "Let's go then."
Dinah grinned, "sounds good" she said, standing up

Belle smiled as she watched the dining room clear.
Talck looked at Poppa, "how long do I have before my run starts," he said, still not sure on when he was supposed to leave.
Ashley came out and discretely gave Rossi a cookie, earning her a grin as she took the condiments away.
Poppa looked up at the clock, "technically, about fifteen minutes, but if you wanted to sleep..."
Talck shook his head, "no, I'm ok, just wondering how long I had to clean her up," he said, referring to Rossi, who'd slopped on herself once or twice.
"As long as you need..."
Talck nodded, "it won't take me that long,"
Imbrri got up smiling, "I can do it," she said, "you had a rough night, just rest."
She took Rossi and headed to the kitchen to get a cloth.

Buffy looked up as Imbrri and Rossi entered and she tossed Imbrri a washcloth.
Imbrri caught it, "thanks," she said, wiping Rossi down.
Rossi made a face, not liking this part much, but remained still.
Ashley laughed a little, "she's so good at that," she said.
Imbrri smiled, "She knows she can't get away from it, we used to have to chase her to get her to stay still."
Buffy laughed.
Rossi rolled her eyes, "are you almost done?" she asked, shifting her weight impatiently.
"Just a sec sweetie," Imbrri said.
Buffy smiled and rolled back over to finish the dishes.
Imbrri stood up and Rossi let out a sigh.
Ashley laughed as she dried the dishes and put them away, "She's so cute!" she said.
Imbrri smiled, "one of the reasons we love her so much!"
Buffy grinned as well.
Imbrri picked up Rossi, "well, back we go," she said, "thanks," she said to the coaches with a smile
"No worries," Buffy answered.

Imbrri nodded and went back to the dining room, "all clean now, " she said
Dinni smiled at Rossi.
"Very pretty," Belle said seriously.
Rossi grinned as Imbrri put her down.
"What do you say," Imbrri promoted as Rossi went over to Dinni.
"Thank you," Rossi said with a smile
"Your welcome," Belle said with a grin.
Rossi crawled into Dinni's lap again and smiled at Belle shyly
Belle smiled back, she rather liked this little caboose.
Imbrri sat down beside Talck and sighed, "it's nice here," she said smiling.
Dinni nodded, holding his little sister.
Xanni smiled and looked at belle, "you've got a nice yard here," she said, "lots better than our old one
"Thanks," Belle said, "I think that all of you are a nice addition."
Talck smiled, "I hope so,"
"You are," Belle assured him.
Talck, Imbrri and Xanni all smiled.
Talck looked at the time, "well, I guess we'd better be on our way, don't want to be late, " he said smiling at Belle, "see you at lunch,"
Belle nodded, "see ya!"