The Midnight Train Crossing

Jacob pulled two sleepers down the tracks through a valley sheltered by a large mountain range. He pulled up to a water tower to refill.
"Hey Caboose!" a voice could be heard. "Put some of that muscle into it!"
"I'm *pushin'*!" another voice responded with a grunt. "It ain't easy ya know! I gotta keep my breaks on to or we'd *all* in a pile of twisted metal!"
Jacob let out a whistle in greeting as a steam engine pulling a freight train passed on the other set of tracks several feet above them. The other steamer whistled back and the red caboose at the end of the train looked up to see what was going on.
The two coaches behind Jacob, his coach Belle and her sister Lily, also watched this exchange with interest.
"How goes it?" Jacob called.
"Been a long day," the other steamer called back," We got a lot done for today, more then I expected." He looked to the caboose. "Lead us down! That's enough for today!"
The red caboose slowly led the train back down.
As soon as the train made it safely down the steamer dismissed the trucks and went over to he water tower. Being a steamer working this hard in weather this hot made him overheat once in a while.

The caboose went over to get a drink as he wiped sweat form his brow. Of course that left a smudge of dirt on his already grimy frame. He felt eyes on him and turned around to see one of the sleepers watching him curiously. She blushed and looked away hoping he wouldn’t think she was staring at him.
He gave a goofy sort of grin ad even thought about going over to her, but with the other steamer there he didn't know her situation.
She gave him a slight smile which was all the invitation he seemed to need. The caboose stated over to the three, his dark eyes on the pretty blue ones that smiled at him.
"Hi," she said softly.
"hey!" he answered her, his id tags caught the sun's rays and glimmered slightly.
"I was watching you," she said, "Up there..."
"ya were, huh?" Usually it was the steamer that drew passing coaches' attention.
She nodded, "Yeah. It looks hard."
"yeah, it is but it’s a living. And ya never know what the day might hold. I love it!" He gave her a wink.
She smiled, "sounds exciting."
"definitely teaches ya to live life to its fullest." He took off his cap, the dirt smudge on his forehead now visible. "Nice day if ya ain’t workin' in it. What brings a coach like yourself out here?"
"Oh," she smiled, "My sister and I are on our way to visit some friends on the other side of the mountains. Her engine Jacob is taking us."
His eyes seemed to light up at this statement. So the steamer was pared with the other coach.

The other steamer spoke to Jacob. "Where ya three headed?"
"Orange Station," Jacob answered, "I'm taking my coach to visit some of her friends."
"Hungry? There's a diner open for me an' the boys, though I don't think the cook would mind a few new faces. Things can get pretty tedious after a while."
"Sure," Jacob said, he turned back to the coaches, "That sound okay with you?"
Belle shrugged, "Sure."
Lily smiled at the caboose, "Alright. Sounds good to me."
"Follow me then," the steamer replied. He noticed the caboose talking to one of the coaches and gave a slight chuckle. "C'mon RC!" he called. "I'm sure ya want to join anyway. The caboose, known now as RC, skated over to the steamer and hitched up. He then started towards the small diner.
"RC," Lily repeated softly as Jacob pulled them out, following after the steamer.

They soon reached the diner. Inside, a coach was rubbing off the counter with a towel.
The steamer grinned upon entering the diner "hey Daisy! Got some new faces passing through and they'd like a lil' something to eat."
"New faces huh?" she teased the engine, "Well I suppose some new ones are nice for a change, 'stead of the same old, same old."
"Aw c'mon Daisy!" RC played hurt as he peeked around and unhitched. "we all can't be that bad."
"Hmm," she said, "I suppose so..."
The steamer chuckled and motioned to the bar separating the kitchen from the rest of the room. "Have a seat. My coach Daisy'll get ya whatever ya want." He gave her a wink.
"What'll it be?" she asked, "I don't make nothin' fancy, but around here, there's not much point." She handed the newcomers menus. "And what'll it be for you Charlie?" she asked her engine.
"the usual of course," came the engine, Charlie’s, response.
RC sat backwards on a stool next to Lily. "Usual for me too, Daisy." he called over his shoulder leaning with his arms behind him on the bar.
"Alright," Daisy said, "I'll leave you three to decide what you want." she vanished into the kitchen somewhere. Charlie went over to talk to Jacob and Belle, leaving RC and Lily at the counter.

RC stretched letting out a slight groan as his achy muscles refused to be stretched.
"You okay?" Lily asked.
"Just a lil' stiff...Charlie there worked us a lil' longer then usual," he said motioning to him.
"Oh," she said, sounding a bit sympathetic.
"It's nothing too bad. A night's rest is all it needs but until then, I’ve got to find other ways to soothe them." he slowly rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.
"Do you have to work much longer today?"
The caboose shook his head. "Nah! Charlie let us off for the night."
She smiled, "Well that's good."
RC nodded. "Maybe after dinner I could...show ya 'round? Not much here mind ya," he said with a slight chuckle.
She nodded, "Sure... that would be nice."
"It's a date then," the caboose replied with a goofy grin.
She grinned back, "Sounds good."

Daisy returned with two plates and an assortment of glasses.
RC sat up with another, soft groan as he heard Daisy come back in.
"You're working this poor boy too hard," she teased Charlie
"Workin' too hard? 'Poor boy?' " Charlie gave a slight chuckle. "He likes it. Builds that muscle he always brags about, don't it RC?"
RC gave Lily a wink. "Nearly as much as you Charlie, if not more."
"Yeah sure," Charlie responded pretending to be unconvinced.
Daisy laughed and took orders from Jacob, Belle and Lily and then vanished back to get their food
"Ya jus' don't like to admit ya could be outdone by a 'boose." RC teased the steamer. This was how it went every night, but this time, RC had someone to show off for.
"And *you're* just showing off cuz there jus' happens to be two new coaches here," Charlie teased.
"Me? Nah! I wouldn't show off in front of coaches." He gave Lily another wink. "I'm statin' the truth."
Daisy laughed a bit, having caught the tail end of the conversation as she came out with their food
Charlie shook his head. "whatever ya say Caboose," he joked. "whatever you say."
Lily, who was beginning to catch on to the teasing around here, turned to RC, "That has to be nice."
RC looked up as Lily made a comment and grinned at the fact the sleeper had caught on. "She'd fit it well 'round here," he said with a chuckle.

Lily started to eat, watching the caboose eat while trying not to look like she was watching him.
When Lily had finished, RC said, "since it seems that jus' you and I are done, how about that tour? That is," he turned to Jacob. "If it's okay with your 'escort' "
Lily looked to Jacob and Belle, "Do you mind if I go?"
"I guess it's okay," Belle said, "but be careful, and don't stay away too long."
Lily nodded, "Of course I'll be careful."
"Alright," Belle said.
RC turned his couplers to her. "Hitch up!" he said with a grin. "May not be an engine but I don't think you'll mind."
"Oh no," Lily said with a smile, taking his couplings, "I don't mind at all."
He grinned and called back to Charlie. "Hey Charlie! I'm a steamer! Listen! Woo whoo!" It sounded nothing like a true steamer whistle, but it was a valiant attempt.
Lily giggled lightly and stroked one of RC's couplers.
"You..!" Charlie teased as RC laughed. "get outta here!"
Belle snuggled a bit closer to Jacob as she watched her sister left with RC.
RC headed off with another laugh.
Charlie shook his head again. "Quite a sense of humor he has."
"Seems so," Jacob said.
"My sister will be okay with him, right?" Belle asked
"Of course!" the engine replied. "He jus' likes to have fun."
"She'll be fine Belle," Jacob said, "she's a big girl, she can take care of herself."

RC lead Lily away from the diner before saying, "don't believe I ever caught your name..."
"Sorry," she said with a smile, "My name's Lily."
"Lily...pretty name. Suits you."
"Thanks," she said, "RC... is an interesting name."
He gave a chuckle. "Initials really. My real name don't fit me."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, changed to RC when I was...thirteen or fourteen."
"What does it stand for?"
"Wouldn't you like to know," he teased.
"Yes I would," she teased, "That's why I asked."
"and ya think you're gonna get an answer from me?"
"Well I'd hope I could," she said, stroking his couplings again
A sort of relaxed feeling came over him. "And what makes ya think I'll tell ya?"
"Oh why won't you?" she said, "I promise I won't tell anybody..."
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart."
"It stands for...."
"Yes?"
"You promised now," he hesitated.
"I promise I won't tell anybody," she said again.
"okay., it stands for Ryan Christopher, " RC admitted finally. "Not a caboose name at all."
"Ryan Christopher," she repeated
"yeah...unbelievable ain't it? That's why the guys round here know simply as RC."
"Well, what's wrong with Ryan?"
"don't sound like a 'boose name." He paused. " 'Course now that you mention it...wouldn't sound all that bad...coming from the right person of course."
She nodded, "Yes. Most things usually sound better coming from the right person.... Ryan." As Lily spoke his name it sent chills through his frame. She smiled at him, "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"
“no actually," he said with a grin. "it wasn't."
"So Ryan, where are we going?"
"just a spot where I like to go and relax after a long, strenuous day of work. It’s got a great view too."

He led her up a mountain path, though not to steep, and pulled off onto a ledge and under a tree. "See what I mean by the view?"
"Wow," she breathed, looking out across the view
"My favorite place out here. See? There's the diner." RC pointed in one direction, "And out that way is a stream that comes out of the mountains."
Lily nodded, "Very pretty."
"You're the first one to know about this spot Lily. The guys wonder where I go off to, it's here.." He rolled his shoulders back slightly. They were still stiff and bothered him.
She set her hands on his shoulders. "I guess I'm special then."
he grinned as she did that. "Guess ya are..."
"Still stiff?" she asked
"Yeah, still stiff..."
She started to rub his shoulders gently
"Mmmm..." he mumbled as soon as Lily started. Every once in a while she'd hit a spot exactly and he would seemed to loosen up. The 'poor boy' was quite tense.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
"mmm-hmm..." he mumbled *quite* enjoying this. "Where my shoulders meet my neck.." he directed.
She moved to the appropriate spot.
"Oh yeah...right here... if I had a coach to do this for me everyday, I'd be in heaven."
She laughed.
"it's true...Charlie's got it made. Course he don't do half the work I do."
"No?" she asked.
“No. All he gotta do is get the entire train up the mountain. I hafta supply the breaks to keep us all from coming back down and ending up a pile of scrap metal."
"Mm." she said, "I see."
" 'Course I got nothing against him," he said and then gasped as Lily rubbed out another sore muscle. "And we always kid each other like ya saw down at the diner."
She nodded, "It's good to get along with the trains you work with."
"It's all in good fun."
Lily nodded again, rubbing his shoulders a bit firmer. He moved in motion with the massage.

"There," she said, stopping, "Does that feel better?"
"much!" RC replied turning to face Lily.
She smiled sweetly at him
"You're somethin' else..." he stated with a grin on his face.
She smiled, "Am I?"
"ya are."
Lily smiled sweetly, "That's nice."
"Most coaches would thing twice before goin' off with a dusty ol' 'boose."
"Yes," she agreed, "But you aren't old." she winked.
He chuckled. "No, that's true." But he wasn't getting any younger either.
She grinned at him, "And it's alright," she brushed a smudge off his cheek, "It's the 'busy' kind of dust..." as she wiped the smudge from his cheek, RC gently took her hand in his.
She smiled at him lightly and he smiled right back. She was beautiful with those deep blue eyes adding the final touch.
Lily was a bit surprised, she had never felt like this around a caboose. Usually she was more interested in engines, but there was something about RC...

RC pulled her over to the tree nearby and motioned for her to sit, before sitting himself. "So, where are ya from?"
"Apollo Victoria," she answered, sitting down next to him.
"Apollo Victoria....." Where had he heard that? Then it hit him. "Racing capitol, ain’t it?"
"Yup."
"Never been there myself. Been too busy up in these mountains. Though heard the races can get pretty exciting."
She nodded, "Jacob -- Belle's engine -- is a favorite the next set of races."
"oh really?"
She nodded
"Looks like he could knock Charlie a few notches off his high horse at any rate." RC then fell silent as he got lost once again in Lily's eyes.
"Mmm."

"Oh..." he realized it had gotten quite. "I....was lost for a moment..."
"Oh," she said, "I didn't notice..." she gazed at him
"...In your eyes..." he added softly.
Lily blushed. He gave a gentle smile and lightly bruised her blushed cheeks with the back of his hand. He was drawn to her but not just because she was a sleeper.... it was something much more.
RC leaned in as Lily moved a bit closer, finally giving into the urge, and kissed Lily.
They lingered like that a few moments before RC pulled away slowly. He gazed at Lily a moment trying to read her expression.
She blinked, "Just because I'm a sleeper..." she started.
"I'm....I'm sorry....." he replied looking away. "It wasn't like that...."
"Oh," she said softly, "Good." she smiled at him
RC looked back in her direction.

Lily reached out and touched his hair lightly.
He chuckled and took off his red cap, showing more of the same mop-top blond hair.
Lily smiled and adjusted his hair, trying to make it lay neater.
"Good luck," he said with a smile after he saw what she was trying to do. "Been that way since I was younger."
"Hmm," she said, "You'd look so much nicer if it were neat-- not that you don't...." she trailed off a bit shyly.
He smiled. "Yeah,. Some of the guys have commented on my hair too. Say they wonder about me sometimes, say it almost makes me look wild."
She giggled, "Maybe if you got it cut?"
RC shrugged. "Maybe. Never thought about that, but then I don't think I'd be me."
"No?" she asked, "Fond of your wild hair then?"
"I guess ya could say that. It's distinctive. Plus," he winked. "You seem to be having fun."
Lily laughed and gave a few strands of his hair a light tug.

RC leaned in and gave her another, longer kiss. He had never felt this strongly for a coach before.
They held the kiss for quite awhile, both enjoying it immensely. RC finally pulled way and gazed at Lily. Her beautiful blue eyes were bright.
He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his hand lingering on her cheek.
Lily gazed at him and slipped into his arms.

By this time back at the diner, the other trains had finished eating.
Belle glanced at the clock, "They've been gone awhile..."
Charlie looked up as well. "You're right. "
"Maybe we should go look for them so we can head out before it gets too late," Jacob said.
"I know some spots of interest he may have gone off to."
Jacob stood up, "I'm sure they're fine," he said to Belle, "But we'll go look anyway."
Charlie stood then. "Hey Daisy," he called, "Going to look for RC and one of our guests."
"Alright," she said, "don't be too long."
"I'll be back in no time," Charlie replied as he stood up from the bar.

Jacob followed Charlie, figuring that the other engine knew all of the best places to look. They looked in RC's usual hangouts and interesting spots in the valley itself, with Belle occasionally calling Lily's name.
Jacob pulled up next to Charlie, "Any other ideas?"
"The only other idea I've got is that he took her up into the mountains..."
"Up there?" Belle asked, looking up.
The steamer gave a slow nod.
"Why would they go up there?"
"The view's nice....." he paused, "'Course the way RC was looking at Lily earlier might suggest he had taken her up there for other reasons.
"Oh," Belle said, "Well how do we get up there?"
"This way." he led them over to the path that went up.
Jacob followed him, Belle held tighter to her engine's couplings.

By this time, Lily had migrated to lying down with her head resting in the caboose's lap. RC looked down at Lily and ran his hand slowly up and down her arm. She smiled up at him.
The three searchers came to the turn off, but Lily and RC were too occupied with each other to hear them arrived.
Charlie came to a quick halt seeing the two.
"Lily!" Belle exclaimed.
Lily sat up abruptly at her sister's voice.
RC sat up straight as well and saw Charlie's disapproving stare. "It ain't what it looks like...." he started.
"Well," Jacob said in an attempt to break the silence.
"It ain't what it looks like..." RC said again
Belle nodded slowly.
He looked to Lily. "S'pose ya gotta go now..."
"Yeah," she said slowly.
"Here!" The caboose took out a scrap of paper and a almost used up pencil and wrote something out. He then gave the paper to her. "Write me...please..." It was the address of the place in the valley.
She nodded and took it, "I will."
"Be lookin' forward to it...."
Lily nodded, "Yeah. I'll write soon."
"C'mon RC," Charlie said. Daisy's gotta do dishes and it's only fair we help, bringing the guests in."
RC nodded at this. "all right Charlie..."
"And we've gotta be heading on," Jacob said. Lily nodded silently, taking her sister's couplings.
"G'bye Lily...."
"Bye Ryan..."
RC hitched up to Charlie and the steamer led the way down.

"Well, thank you for lunch," Jacob said to Charlie once they were down.
"Not a problem. It added something different to our same old routine."
Jacob nodded, "Yes," he glanced at RC, "In more ways then one I bet."
Charlie glanced to RC as well. The caboose didn't dare say a word.
Jacob grinned at Charlie, "Maybe we'll stop by on the way back." Lily smiled at RC.
RC perked up slightly, a slight grin in Lily's direction.
"Feel free to do so. we'll welcome ya here." Charlie replied.
Jacob nodded and headed off
RC watched Lily go off. "C'mon," Charlie said interrupting the caboose's thoughts. "We gotta help Daisy."

The two entered the diner. "Here we are Daisy. Back to do the dishes."
"And they're waitin' for you."
The steamer gave Daisy a kiss before heading to the sink. "RC, I'll wash, you dry."
Daisy grinned, "I certainly know how to delegate."
Charlie chuckled. "That ya do." RC went over to his post.
The dirty dishes soon became fewer as they were washed and put away and they quickly finished under Daisy's supervision.
"There my dear," Charlie said turning to his coach. "All clean and put away."
"Wonderful," she said with a smile.
He gave her a kiss then turned to RC. "And you're free the rest of the night RC."
As RC left the diner, Charlie turned back to Daisy, happy to be able to spend some time alone with his coach.

Several days later, a distant whistle sounded across the rails, announcing the approach of an engine.
RC was out working again and stopped as he heard the whistle. It was so familiar that a grin crossed his face. she was coming back! Lily was coming through the valley again. since he had met her, RC couldn't keep his mind off her.
"RC!" Charlie yelped, straining to pull the train forward so it wouldn't slide down.
He didn't seem to hear Charlie. his mind was set and he kept a look-out for Jacob...and Lily.
"RC!" Charlie strained to keep the train from moving, letting out a sharp whistle blast.
That brought him back and as Charlie slipped, RC slammed his brakes back on.
"Thank you," Charlie said a bit shortly.
"What?!" The caboose had picked up the shortness of Charlie’s words. He glared at the engine. "What?!"
"I appreciate the braking help," Charlie said
"I *was* breaking!"
"Yeah, after I called you three times to-" Charlie trailed off, "Never mind."
"What?" RC said again. "If I'm doing something wrong *tell* me!"
"Alright," Charlie said, "Let's get down."

A distant whistle sounded again as Charlie and RC guided the freight cars down to safety.
They where almost near the end when the whistle made RC let lose his breaks in a hurry to se Lily again.
"RC!" Charlie yelped as the train started to roll downwards a bit too fast.
It was almost as though RC suddenly remembered he had a job to do and slammed the brakes back on, causing the rest of the trucks jerk to a halt before he continued what he should be doing.
Charlie held his tongue until they reached the ground safely. "Thanks guys," he said, "That'll be it for today I guess."
RC started off to go and wait for Lily to enter, anxious to see her.

"RC." Charlie said, "Wait."
He turned, not too pleased with being stopped. "What?"
"Are you alright?"
"Course I'm all right."
"You don't seem it."
"and whatdja mean by that?"
"You've been distracted lately, and forgetting to help me brake."
"I've never forgotten to brake. If I do ya need to *tell* me."
"I am telling you," Charlie said calmly.
"you don't 'tell' me, ya practically *yell* at me."
"I'm sorry," Charlie said, "But we were going to fall."
"ya *know* I wouldn't let anything happen to the crew!"
"I know you wouldn't normally, but lately-"
"What are ya gettin' at?" he nearly demanded.
"Maybe you need a break, you seem to be having trouble keeping your mind on the job," Charlie said.
the caboose swore and then said. I'm *fine* Charlie!"
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Charlie said gently, "It's a stressful job for a caboose, a lot of them don't last as long as you have."
"Ya suggestin' I’m goin' crazy?" he demanded.
"No," Charlie said hastily.
"Ya damn well better not! Cuz I ain't!"
"I never said you were!"
"Sure, whatever," he said with a growl, "doesn't matter who ya are: coach, engine or freight... that's the *one* suspicion ya all have about 'beese!"
"RC...."
he glared at Charlie. "what?"
"I don't think you're going crazy."
"sure..." he growled.
"Then what is?" Charlie started to ask, just as he realized that Jacob and his coaches had pulled into the station.
"damnit it's *nothing* Charlie!! lay off me!!"

"Is this a bad time?" Jacob asked softly.
RC turned, hearing Jacob’s voice. "Everything's fine!" RC replied, giving a glare towards Charlie before skating off.

Jacob gave Charlie a strange look, "What was that all about?"
Charlie let him go off knowing RC had to have a chance to cool down. "his mind's been wandering from his duties lately. tried reminding him and ended up having to blow my whistle to bring him back. simply asked him what was wrong
"Hmm," Jacob said, "He isn't always like that?"
Charlie shook his head. "normally he's good at what he does.."
"Hmm, maybe he isn't feeling well?"
"That's what I thought. suggested he take some time off..."
"And?"
"You skated in on it.....Thought I was accusin' him of going crazy...."
Jacob looked puzzled.
"I don't understand it myself..."
"Hmm," Jacob said, but was interrupted by Belle, "Where's Lily go?"

RC had gone up to his spot in the mountains to cool down.
"Ryan?" Lily called.
he heard Lily's voice call out to him and answered her. "I'm here Lily..." Taking of his cap, RC ran his finger thought his moptop hair as he took a breath.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hey..."
"You okay?"
"Yeah...I'm fine..."
She went over to him and set a hand on his shoulder.
"I shouldn't have blown up like that...."
"What happened?" she asked softly.
"Charlie accused me of loosing focus on my work....He's right too...my mind *has* been wandering..."
"Has it?"
"Since I first met you I haven't been able to get you out of my mind.....Hearing Jacob's whistle as we came down the mountain didn't help any....I nearly wrecked us all....."

"You were thinking of me?"
He looked up at her "yeah..."
She sat down next to him, "I'm sorry that your thinking of me got you in trouble."
"don't be Lily I....I love you..." he admitted though softly. "I just need to focus more."
"You love me?" she repeated.
he nodded.
She kissed him
he held the kiss and wrapped his arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him.
"I love you too," she whispered.
His heart seemed to soar when she said this.
"But," she said after she pulled away, "How- I mean, I only met you once... but somehow.. I just..."
"I've asked myself the same question...."
"I never thought I believed in love at first sight..."
"Neither did I....."
She smiled at him
he returned her smile. "I feel much better now with you here."
She nodded, "But what are we going to do now?"
"enjoy the time we have before you go back to Apollo....Who knows when we'll see each other again..."
She nodded, "Oh!" she pulled a piece of paper out of her purse, "Here's *my* address."
he took it and slipped it into his pocket. "thanks," he replied with another kiss.

She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder as he ran his fingers slowly up and down her back.
"Y'know," she said after a minute, "Maybe you should apologize to your engine and explain what happened to him..."
"You're right, I should. I'm calmed down enough..."
She nodded.
"I'll do that now..." He stood slowly, helping Lily to her feet as well.
She got gracefully to her wheels and hitched behind him, not finding this odd at all.
He then sped down the mountain, carefully of course, to where he had left Charlie and the other two, coming to a halt.

"Hi Jacob, Belle," Lily greeted them.
"hey Charlie..." RC said after coming to his stop.
"Hi RC."
"I wanted to say sorry for both getting angry earlier and for not havin' my mind on my work these last few weeks..."
Charlie nodded slowly.
"Others things going though it, namely..." He looked to Jacob and Belle. "Lily..." he admitted
"Lily?" Charlie repeated
RC gave a slow nod. "yeah..."
Charlie looked to the sleeper, who took RC's hand
the caboose squeezed her hand gently. "When I heard Jacob’s whistle I just....forgot where I was.....sorry...."
Charlie nodded, "Well that explains a great deal."
He took off his cap and ran his free hand through his hair.
"I'm glad that you aren't losing your edge then."
"Tomorrow will be different. I'll work to say focused. I promise..."
Charlie nodded.
he then turned back to Lily. "shall we?" he asked wanting to know if she wanted to go back.
She nodded, and then looked to Jacob and Belle, "If that's alright?"
"I guess," Belle said.
"Okay, great!" Lily said, turning back to RC.
he turned his couples to her again and once Lily grabbed hold, RC sped off.
She grinned, stroking his couplings.
Charlie watched them go. RC sped up to his--their place with Lily following happily.

He sat down under the tree, bringing Lily down with him.
"See," she said, "I told you everything would be okay."
He smiled. "And you were right."
"Of course I was."
he smiled . "Been another long day...."
"Hmm, what should we do about that?" she teased
"I'm sure ya could think of something..." he said with a wink
She set her hands lightly on his shoulders.
RC's shoulders seemed to relax right away as Lily started to give him a massage
"Oh, I missed this..." he muttered.
Lily grinned, rubbing his shoulders a bit harder.
"You spoiled me Lily..." he grinned.
"Uh oh," she said with a smile.
"May not allow ya to leave," RC said with a wink.
She laughed a bit
"my neck..." he instructed and she adjusted accordingly.
Mmmm..." RC leaned back against her and looked up at Lily. "You are amazing...." he confirmed once more.
"Thank ya."
"don't know what to do when you go back to Apollo..."
"Yeah," she said softly, "I guess I can't rub your shoulders by mail."

He shook his head. "I'd ask ya to stay....but I get the feeling your sister doesn't approve of me...."
"Hmm?"
"The way your sister acts when I'm around...don't think she approves you being around me..."
"Oh, she's always like that."
"Really?"
Lily nodded, "She's always been looking out for me-- sometimes a little too well."
"there's another problem with that too...with the job I have now, I prolly couldn't afford for more then one. Don't get me wrong, it's good pay...but for one....also dangerous...."
Lily nodded silently.
"I'll find a way though Lily, I promise."
She nodded again, "It's too bad you're freight," she said absently.
RC blinked at that comment. Well, he figured he'd hear it but it still surprised him some. "And what do ya mean by that?" he asked though not in an means angry.
"Then you could go on my run." She sighed a bit
He pulled her closer. "Don't sigh like that... this piece of freight's got brains,' he teased slightly. "I'll think of somethin' "
She grinned and snuggled against him
RC ran his fingers up and down her back lightly.
Lily smiled and leaned into his touch.
"I love you Lil..." he whispered into her ear.
She kissed him gently.

Lily had managed to convince Jacob and Belle that they should stay the night, but the next morning they had to leave.
RC came out to say good-bye. Charlie came to see them off as well.
Lily gave RC a hug,
RC returned it, adding a kiss. "Promise to stay in touch..."
"I promise if you do."
"I will... cross my heart."
She smiled and kissed him back

"nice gettin' to talk to ya again," Charlie said to Jacob. "If ever you're in the area again, feel free to stop by."
Jacob nodded, "We will," he glanced at Lily, "I think she'll insist on it."
Charlie glanced in the same direction, but to RC. "I hope he tries and stays to his word of keeping focused on the job..."
Jacob nodded, "Yes. I agree."
Charlie shook his head.
"What?"
"Nothin'. I don't doubt he'll keep his word but still...nothin'..."
"Alright," Jacob said, "I don't blame you for being worried."
Charlie gave a nod. "glad ya understand."
"It's gotta be a rough job."
"It is. Quite dangerous at times too. that's when it helps to have a reliable 'boose..."
Jacob nodded.
"Well we'd better get going," Jacob said, he looked to Lily and RC.
RC gave Lily a sad sort of smile. "Guess ya need to go..."
She nodded slowly, "Yeah....."
He gave her one final kiss and squeezed her hand.
"bye," she said softly.
"bye..."
"Bye," she said again
he slowly, though reluctantly, let go of her hand.
She took a small step back, keeping her eyes on his outstretched hand.
Jacob took Lily's couplings lightly.
The two kept their eyes on each other until the last possible moment.

"Alright," Charlie said softly.
The caboose turned to look at the engine.
"We aren't going to work any more today I think..."
RC gave a slow nod.
"good luck," Charlie said.
"Thanks..."
"RC?"
"Yeah?..."
"I wish you'd told me about her before..."
"before? ... Oh ya mean with my loosing focus?"
"Yes."
"sorry Charlie, didn't know how ya'd react..."
"RC," Charlie said, "I've got Daisy.... I understand about being in love."
"I know, that ain't an excuse. But ya got my word Charlie, that I’ll work at staying focused now."
"Good," Charlie said, "I'm glad. You're part of my team and I'd hate for anything to happen to you."
RC gave another nod.
Charlie grinned.
RC grinned back. "Hope Lily stops by again."
"I do too," Charlie winked at RC.
The caboose chuckled.