Cobalt awoke late that morning. He lay on his side in bed for several minutes, eyes closed, pretending he was still asleep. Glancing at the old clock by his bed side (or should he say cot-side), he was surprised to find it already 10:23am. Why hadn't Vincent woken him up, yet? Rare was the morning Cobalt didn't awake to Vincent bitching in his ear, rattling on about how Stitch hated to be kept waiting, and so on. Cobalt shifted in bed – and felt a warm body comfortably lying against him. Startled, Cobalt twisted around to find Cosmic comfortably snuggled against his side. And Vincent standing in the doorway, glaring at Cobalt.

Cobalt blinked and sat up, rubbing a thick layer of sleep from his eyes.

"You idiot…" Vincent growled in a low voice, his jaw set. He squinted his eyes at the 12-year-old engine. Cobalt looked surprised.

"Huh?"
"You idiot; you fool." Vincent stepped inside the room. "Sleeping with Stitch's girl? And not bothering to hide it? You little jackass – you'll get us both kicked out of here!" Cobalt caught his breath.

"What do you mean both?" Vincent snorted in disgust.

"Once Stitch finds out, he'll be so mad, I wouldn't be surprised if he kicked everyone in this damned warehouse out just because of you!" His eyes lit up angrily. "I swear to Starlight, Cobalt – watch yourself!" And with that, he thundered away. Cosmic yawned and shifted, her eyes slowly opening as she peered up at Cobalt.
"What's going on?..." She asked softly. Cobalt was beat-red in the face. "Cripes, Cosmic, Vincent is right." He breathed. "You've got to stop this!" Cosmic blinked innocently, laying a soft hand gently against Cobalt's chrome chest.

"Aww, sweetie, don't get upset. I promised Stitch won't find out, but even if he does, he won't care." Cobalt jerked away from her, stumbling out of bed.

"No! Damn it, Cosmic, try to understand me! Stitch will not tolerate this from me! Don't you get it!" He turned his back to her, breathing hard. Cosmic stared at him from the cot, her eyes wide.

"But Coby-"

"But nothing!" Cobalt quickly exited the doorway, off to find Stitch and begin his morning workout. Cosmic sat in bed only a few moments longer, before following the engine out.

On the track that morning, Vincent seemed especially set on racing Cobalt into the ground. The two normally waged bitter morning, as well as afternoon, work-outs. Vincent usually won, but Cobalt had recently been cutting into the diesel's lead more and more as the days went on. Today, however, Vincent never gave Cobalt even a slim chance to catch up, as he rocketed for the lead after each and every start. Finally Cobalt had to quit early, exhausted, both physically and mentally. As he lay in the dirt beside the track, breathing hard and gasping for breath, a shadow loomed over him.

"Vincent whipped you this morning." Cobalt rolled over on his back, staring up into Stitch's eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sir." He stammered. "I…I don't know what's wrong with me…" Stitch raised an eyebrow.

"I can't even tell if something's wrong with you, or something's fantastic with Vincent. Usually you two are fighting for the finish." Cobalt closed his eyes, seeing spots.

"I will to better tomorrow, Sir." Stitch snorted abruptly.

"Tomorrow? Runt, you will improve by tonight, hear me?" Cobalt opened one eye and nodded.

"Yes, Sir. Tonight. I understand."

"Good…" Stitch turned and began to leave. His last sentence caused a shiver to run down Cobalt's spine. "And if I ever, ever catch you fraternizing with Cosmic, you're as good as dead." Then he was gone.

It was nearly lights-out at May's Home for Orphans. Eris was just getting ready for bed when Beau rolled in quietly.

"Eris?..." Came his timid voice. Eris stopped and turned around, surprised, but pleased none-the-less.
"Beau?" She smiled. "Come sit down." She sat on her bed, padding the spot next to her. Beau came in and did just that.

"Just wanted to say hi." Beau smiled and blushed. "And good night, I guess." Eris took the caboose's hand.

"Thank you." She said, and she meant it. Beau nodded.

"You're welcome." He paused. "I guess that's what best friends are for anyway, right?" Eris smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Of course. And I'm thankful that you are my best friend. I enjoy your company." The blush quickly returned to Beau's face.

"Er, thank you." He stammered. He didn't get a chance to continue, as just then, Eris leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. Beau stared at her.

"What…what was that for?..." Eris shrugged and grinned.

"Nothing special…" She stood up and began pulling back her sheets. "Good night, Beau." Beau nodded, stood, and headed for the door. On his way out, he glanced back at Eris one more time, his hand lightly touching his cheek, as if he couldn't believe that had been for real.