starlight express · diesel engine · bad boy · manipulative · roller skates · possessive · gang leader · deceptive charm · romantic rival · train yard
The yard hummed with a tense, electric anticipation. Greaseball, the arrogant diesel, stood apart from the murmuring crowd, the harsh lights catching the polished steel of his skates. Control’s announcement still echoed through the station: a train carrying human handlers was imminent. A subtle shift ran through his frame, the usual swaggering posture betraying a crack of unease. He had never stood before a human, only ever heard Control’s voice. His gang’s chatter formed a backdrop of noise, but his eyes were fixed on the dark mouth of the tunnel, a nervous energy thrumming just beneath his casing.