Author's Notes: TWO-PART CHAPTER POSTING YAAAAAAAAAAY! So, like I mentioned in the previous chapter, this chapter is a milestone that I am very proud of. As of this coming Monday (November 13, for future reference), Complicated Matters is officially 2 years old! AND I'VE BEEN OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL FOR 5 YEARS NOW. Excuse me while I go get my old lady walker and tell people to get off my lawn. Also 25 chapters is pretty great in and of itself so there's that too. (I legit thought the anniversary was today, but I can't read worth a damn, so instead you guys get two chapters and I'll see if I can crank out one more for Monday. Maybe. I can't guarantee that.)

Now, let's talk update-wise. I have the majority of the rest of the story written out. The races are finished, we've got resolutions done for the most part, all I need to do is write some filler content and add to plot points a bit, and then the rest of the story would just have to be posted. I'm also working on another major fic for StEx that may or may not be a disaster, but I don't think it'll be as long as this one is. Language warning is still in effect.

"What's on your mind, Pop?" Belle eased up to the old steamer later that evening, as they stood under what was a dark, clearing sky. Most trains had gone home for the night, with a few choosing to begin practicing as the races neared. Belle was thankful that Poppa had sworn off racing after last year's near-death scare following the second heat, but even when he wasn't involved with the races this year, it was still weighing heavily on him. Belle could see that a mile away, and it worried her. "You didn't eat the chicken 'n' dumplings I made.."

Poppa looked over at the old sleeper, and regarded her with a small nod. "I got a lot on my mind, Belle. You might forgive me if I ain't my normal self this evenin'."

"Ain't no trouble, dear." Belle sat down beside him on the steps of the unit porch, dusting off some dirt from her seat. "I know how you get when somethin's troublin' you."

The steamer nodded again. "… The Rockies tell me that Rusty's pushing his friends away. He snapped at Dustin the other day.."

"At Dustin? What for?"

"The boy's so irritated, he acts like he can't trust anyone.. Tried to find him to talk some sense in him, but he's been so busy with the racetrack repairs today that I didn't even try to reach him."

"He'll come around soon, Poppa." Belle placed a hand on Poppa's shoulder. "You of all people should know that by now, he can't stay mad at everyone."

"I know… But it ain't healthy. It ain't right." Poppa cleared his throat. "I'd been thinkin' that after last year he'd know better than to act like this, but now I'm doubtin' whether he really learned from last year or not.."

"I'm sure he has. And I'm sure if you'd talk it over with him, he'd listen to you."

"What makes you say that?"

Belle smiled. "'Cuz you're the one that raised him, gave 'im and the other freight boys someone to look up to. He may not be your flesh and blood, but you're the only father figure he's ever known… Also he's coming this way." She pointed Poppa's gaze away from her, and sure enough, Rusty was rolling towards the units, slow and stumbling. Working on the tracks had wiped him out, and the young engine was likely ready to jump in bed. "I suggest you have a few words with him," she cooed before patting his shoulder and getting up from her spot. "Hello, Rusty!"

The young steamer looked up, and over towards the two elder trains. He waved at them, half-heartedly as his arms felt like jelly. "Hey Belle… Hi Poppa..."

Poppa waved back, but even he wanted to curl up in bed right now. "Belle, please don't make me do this," he whispered to the sleeper.

"Oh hush, you'll be fine," Belle whispered back as she motioned for Rusty to come over. "Rusty, come here, you look like you could have some rest."

Rusty rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah.. I'd like to, but I'm still dirty from work.. I haven't eaten since breakfast either.."

Belle clapped her hands. "Oh good, I've still got some chicken 'n' dumplings! I can give you a bowl right now, so just come on over an' I'll get ya fixed up. Come on now, we don't have all night!"

Rusty grimaced, but made his way to the unit. He knew better than to object to one of Belle's meals, and wasn't about to attempt that here. He reached the steps of the unit and sat down.

"So," Poppa started, "I take it work was long today.."

"Yeah, Rusty nodded, removing his hat. "The tracks are pretty bad right now… Control estimates that they won't be ready for the demo runs' start on Wednesday, so we're looking at a week's worth of repairing."

"Sounds rough," Poppa sighed. "And what about the races?"

"Control doesn't want them happening any later than they're planned. If the track can't be fixed by the end of the week, then they'll cut the demo runs back down. If they're still not done by then, then there's no races."

"He's not taking any chances with the track, is he?"

Rusty shook his head. "Sounds like it. I'd rather the track be fixed before anyone races on it."

The door of the unit swung open as Belle brought out a bowl of food for Rusty. "You eat up, hun'. If you want seconds, feel free to get some. You boys enjoy yourselves I'm heading to bed."

"G'night, Belle," Poppa said, nodding as she went back inside, leaving the engines alone again. The two stayed silent as Rusty stirred the contents of the bowl around with the fork. The night was quiet, and for once it looked like there hadn't been a hint of rain in the sky for the past several days. Poppa decided he'd go ahead and ask, since they were alone. "So.. I take it you still haven't talked to-"

"Don't."

Poppa looked at the young engine in surprise. "Don't? Don't what?"

"Just don't." Rusty looked ahead, not once looking at Poppa. "I had enough people giving me crap earlier, I don't need any more of it tonight."

Poppa gazed at Rusty. It was off-putting to hear him snap like that. ".. What has gotten into you? You've never been this short with me before.."

The young engine shook his head. "I'm sorry.. I'm just tired, that's all."

Poppa nodded solemnly. "I'm sure… After all, it's hard to rest easy when you've gone and ran off all your friends."

"What?"

"Don't act like you don't know. Word's goin' around that you're not on good terms with anyone. Even Dustin's been given the cold shoulder.."

"Yeah, like I haven't heard.." It wasn't news to him that people were unhappy with him. "I've already had the Rockies chew me out for what happened with Dustin-"

"Then you know exactly what I'm talkin' about, Rusty. It ain't like you to push anyone away. It wasn't like you last year, it ain't like you now, and it ain't ever gonna be like you in the future. We all care about you, and we want you to be happy. But you've got to stop treating everyone like they're your enemies!"

"But Poppa, they are! Maybe not everyone, but the consensus seems to be that I'm the worst person in the world since whoever thought mosquitoes were a good idea."

"Rusty, listen to yourself! I don't want to chide you like a little kid, but I'm sorry to say you're acting like one. Dustin didn't do anything to deserve whatever you did, and Pearl didn't deserve to be treated the way you did."

"Poppa, please-"

"'Please' nothing, Rusty! You had a partner to race with before all this happened. You wanted that last year, too. Now you're skippin' out on your dream once again because of some silly rumor that got out of hand!"

"I don't get how everyone fails to see what's wrong here! It's not like Electra's the sweetest candy in the package. He has more flaws than I've got allies at this point!"

"Well maybe you'd have more allies if you didn't act so foolish around everyone!" Poppa huffed, putting his hat back on. "I don't want to criticize you for your choices, son… But I can't say I support the way you're behaving."

Rusty sighed, the bowl of food still sitting beside him untouched. "… I can't say I like it either…" He picked the bowl up and stood up from his seat. "Tell Belle I said thanks for the food."

As the young steamer left, Poppa scratched at his graying temples. From how it sounded, the Rockies had been sure Rusty was being cold out of disregard for anyone. That he was doing it on purpose. Maybe in some aspects he was doing it on purpose, for his own protection. But Poppa dared to think for a moment that Rusty was struggling with his own feelings more than anyone was aware of.

"Oh girls, last night was so great!" Duvay cooed as the coaches made their way to the main hall. The girls had indeed had their sleepover, and with a little coaxing from Dinah and Buffy, Pearl agreed to join in. There were some tears that were shed as the observation car had lapsed into some emotional moments, but the overall mood of the evening had definitely made her current life far more brighter. Now the girls were headed to work, a little sad that their reprieve from the drama had ended. "We should totally do it again sometime," the young sleeper car yawned.

"Maybe after everything's settled," Buffy also yawned, scratching the side of her nose. "But next time, I'm definitely bringing some wine, and you two are gonna have your alcoholic cherries popped!"

"Slow your roll, Buffy," Dinah giggled. She beamed as she rolled beside Pearl, who finally stood with a smile on her face for what seemed like the first time in days. Dinah could still vividly remember how Pearl had reacted when she told the girls about how she put hot sauce made from the hottest peppers in the world on Sofia's sandwich the day prior. At first, the girls thought Pearl was crying, but eventually she couldn't hold in her laughter anymore. Soon the other girls had caught onto the giggle fit and spiraled into making fun of the two convertibles. For once since their arrival, the AV girls felt like life was normal again. "I'm surprised you were able to chug all that soda last night, though. Are ya sure it didn't make you sick?"

Pearl giggled as she brushed her hair back behind her. "Nah, I'm fine. I was pretty scared it was gonna be like that one contest we had with the Rockies to chug our sodas the fastest. I nearly spewed it all out my nose that time!"

"Oh geez, I forgot about that!" Ashley laughed, tapping off some ash from her cigarette. "Heck, I thought Rusty was about to have a panic attack after that! He was so worried about you-"

"Ahh, maybe we shouldn't name you-know-who," Dinah started, but Pearl waved her off.

"No it's fine! It's fine," Pearl shook her head. "We don't have to act like he's some unmentionable curse. I don't..."

"Pearl, it's fine if you're not ready to-"

"No, I..." Pearl twirled a strand of hair around her fingers as they entered the main hall; surprisingly it was sparse for the early morning. "… I don't want to blame Rusty for anything. I don't want to be afraid of him, and I don't want to keep repressing the memories I have of him. Whatever happens, it's what will be. And I'll be fine-"

"Pearl?" The coaches turned to find Belle out of breath, her face dripping with sweat in the morning heat. She scanned the bunch until she finally locked sight on Pearl, quickly making her way to the young girl. "Oh Starlight bless, you're alright.."

"Belle, what's wrong?" Pearl held onto the older coach's hand, supporting her as the sleeping car looked as thought she might pass out. "What's the matter?!"

"Hun', it's… It's your unit, Pearl.. I'm glad you weren't at home last night, but I… It's probably best y'all come with me.."

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