The Midnight Train Crossing

The sun rose over the station to find RC and Lily curled up together on the small bed.
RC stirred slightly and slowly opened his eyes. He looked down at Lily, snuggled close to him, and gave her a gentle kiss
Her eyes fluttered and opened
"Mornin' Lil," he said with a smile.
"mm, morning."
"How'd ya sleep?" he asked giving her another kiss.
"Good."
"Good." he replied with a smile.

She yawned sleepily, "Don't you ever wish you could just spend the whole day right here?"
He nodded. "yes, right here with you."
She smiled and kissed him, "Too bad we can't huh?"
"exactly.."
She sat up and stretched and then looked over at RC, who was gingerly moving his arm
"How's it feeling?" she asked
"slightly better then it was yesterday."
"Good."

He swung his skates over the side of the bed, though he didn't stand quite yet.
"Make sure you don't over work yourself today," she warned
RC leaned back and kissed her. "I promise Lily."
"good boy," she half teased
He chuckled.
She smiled and ran her fingers through her tangled hair
"I love you.. he whispered to her before standing.
"I love you too, with all my heart."
"I suppose I should go find Al. Wouldn't make a good impression on him if I were late."
She nodded
"Don't work yourself too hard either, hear?"
"I won't," she said, "I promise."
"Good!" he said with a grin. "Let's go to the diner and grab something to eat, shall we?" He turned his couplers to her, then he pulled her out of the roundhouse and towards the diner

The dining car from the night before was wiping off the counter and she looked up, hearing the door open.
"Hello," Lily greeted her
"Good morning," the coach replied with a smile. She stepped out from behind the counter with menus. "Sit," she encouraged. "and pick whatever from the breakfast menu this morning."
"Thanks," Lily said
The coach gave a gentle smile. "Name's Ann by the way. we weren't properly introduced last night. Just call me when you're ready."
She nodded, "My name's Lily."
RC gave a nod as well. "I'm RC."
Ann smiled. "Well nice to meet the both of you."
"I was wondering if you'd like some help in the kitchen since it seems that we're going to be staying on for a bit," Lily asked.
Ann thought about that for only a moment. "Sure! I could always use the help. Thank you."
She nodded, "Thank *you*."
"Now what could I get y’all for breakfast hmm?"
"Scrambled eggs please."
"All right." Ann then turned to RC. "Ham and cheese omelet for me." Ann nodded and headed back to the kitchen.
"Next time we eat here I bet I'll be helpin' out back there," Lily said
"I guess ya will be, won't ya?"
She nodded

Ann came back out with their breakfast.
"Thanks," Lily said
"Yeah, thanks," RC said as well.
"Not a problem you two." With that, Ann went back to the kitchen
"She seems nice," Lily said.
RC nodded. "She does."
"Reminds me sorta of..." she trailed off
"Daisy?..."
"Yeah."
He nodded again, slower this time.
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
RC shook his head. "No...it's fine....Most likely I'll never forget her...or Charlie...." The caboose swallowed. "I really don't want to..."
She nodded, reaching across the table and taking his hand, "It'll be alright Ryan," she said softly.
"I hope so Lil....I hope so..."
She nodded
The two ate their breakfast quietly.

"I s'pose I should go find Al..." The caboose looked out the window.
She nodded, "Alright, I will see you later today."
RC nodded ,standing. He then gave Lily a kiss and headed out the door.

He found Al right outside in the yard.
"Good morning."
"mornin' Al."
The engine looked RC over, "Are you sure you can work with that arm?"
"Course I can." RC was pretty confident.
"Alright. Come with me."

Al led him towards the freight yard.
RC looked around with his dark eyes. It looked like most freight yards, except unlike the one that RC was used to, everything was level. He gave a silent sigh and was ready to get to work.
"We're mostly a midway station," Al explained, "We get things from the mountains and then pass them on to where they're needed."
He gave a nod, understanding.

Meanwhile, Lily was helping Ann in the diner
They had a few more come in, but as soon as work started, the diner became quiet.
Lily helped wash up the dishes while Ann cleaned the booth tables.
She slid the last of the dishes out of the water
The other coach was finishing up on the last few booths.

"Ann? I'm finished."
"All right Lily. I'm nearly done here." With that, Ann finished up the last booth.
She nodded and appeared out of the kitchen
"Thank you so much," Ann said as Lily stepped out of the kitchen. "It used to take me twice as long. I appreciate your help."
She nodded, "Thanks for given me the job."
The coach smiled. "Of course."
Lily sat down at the counter and pulled out a pen and some paper
Ann watched. "What are you doing?"
"Writing a note to my sister."
"I see. Where does she live?"
"The Apollo Victoria."
"some distance from here then.'
She nodded, "Yeah..."
"Is that where you're from then?" Ann didn't mean to be nosy, but she wanted to know about her new workmate.
"Yes."

It was silent for a bit as Ann let Lily write her letter.
"The mail car should be coming soon." Ann offered when she saw that Lily was finished.
Lily nodded, "Good, I'd like to get this out today."
"That shouldn't be a problem then."
She nodded
Ann looked out the window hearing a train enter the yard. "In fact, that's the train now."
Lily looked up, "Oh good," she stood up
Ann watched a moment and then followed.
Lily approached the mail train with the envelope
The mail car stepped forward and held out her hand for it.
Lily handed it over
She looked at the address. "Apollo Victoria." She then looked to Lily. "I'll make sure it gets there Hon."
"Thanks."
"Not a problem." With that, the coach collected up other mail needing to be sent out and, letting the engine know she was ready to leave again, they did so.
Lily sighed a bit as she watched them head out

Ann, hearing Lily's sigh, skated closer to her. "Hon?..."
She jumped, "Yeah?"
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."
"Oh... yeah..." she looked sheepish
"You just seem to be in deep thought..."
"I guess I was."
Ann placed her hand on Lily's shoulder. "Anything you want to share with me?"
"Just... you're right. The AV is far away."
Ann nodded. "have you been away from it ever before?"
"Yeah I have," Lily said, "But usually I'm with my sister..."
"I see," Ann said, "She'll be happy to hear from you, I'm sure."
Lily nodded
"At least she knows you're here.."
"She will," Lily said absently
"Hmmm?" Ann found that comment a little strange.
"What?"
"what's do you mean by that?"
"Oh... well she wasn't sure when I was going to arrive..."
"I see. I guess traveling with no engine, it's difficult to tell."
She nodded
"Do you plan on returning to AV at all?" Ann inquired.
She nodded again, "yeah, eventually I hope."
Ann gave her another odd look.
Lily sighed a bit

"Anything else you wish to tell me hon?" the coach asked placing a hand on Lily's shoulder. "I can keep anything secret.."
"No," Lily said, "I can't..."
Ann gave a slow nod. "all right. but if there's ever something you want to get off your chest.."
"I'll let you know."
She smiled gently. "I'm here to listen, always."
"Thanks," Lily said with a smile of her own.

"I suppose we should start getting ready for lunch." Ann suggested looking at the clock on the wall.
Lily nodded, "Yeah, just tell me what to do."
"If you want to take orders and bus tables while I do the cooking?"
"Alright," Lily said
"Just let me know when you 'boose comes in," Ann added with a smile and a wink. "I'll let you take a break then."
She grinned, "Thanks."
"Thought you might like that." With that, Ann went back into the kitchen to start heating thins up.
Lily headed off to do her job

RC was busy working, doing what he had been told to do. Every once in a while, his stomach would growl but he tried to ignore it.
After a bit one of the engines whistled that it was time to break for lunch
He looked up at the signal, glad that it was time to break.
Al pulled up, "Need a lift to the diner?"
"yeah, please." RC grabbed hold.
Al nodded, waiting until RC had hitched up, and then sped back to the diner
He wondered how Lily faired the first day.
Lily was occupied in taking orders back to Ann
The caboose peeked into the window as the two neared the door and saw Lily occupied with taking orders back to Ann. He waved at her when she rolled past the window, wondering if she had seen him.
She grinned when she saw him and waved, then pointed towards the door to the diner and headed off towards it
He nodded as he headed over.

"Hey Ann?" Lily called into the kitchen, "RC's here..."
Ann peeked out from the kitchen. "All right hon. Go ahead."
"Thanks," Lily skated over to the door
RC was there when she opened the door.
"Hi honey," she greeted him with a kiss
He didn't get a chance to reply as the sleeper kissed him but there was a smile on his face.
She took his hands and pulled him into the diner
The caboose followed willingly.
She pulled him over to a table and sat down, indicating that he should sit next to her. Of course, he did and she cuddled close to him. "So how has your day been going?"
"long," he said but with a slight grin.
"Aww," she kissed him lightly
"but now I'm here with you," he said with a wink.
"so things are much better now, right?"
"Of course." RC kissed her on the nose.
She snuggled up close to him

Ann came out of the kitchen. What can I get you two?" she asked with a smile.
"I'll have a turkey sandwich," Lily ordered
"BLT please," RC ordered. Ann nodded and went back to the kitchen.
"She gave me time off when you got here," Lily explained
"I was wondering about that," he replied. "Sounds like somethin'...." he stopped.
"What?"
"Just...thinking of home again...." He said softly, looking down
She nodded and kissed him, "I love you"
"I love you."
RC looked back at her and smiled. "I love you too."
Ann then came back with their food and simply smiled before turning to leave the two alone and going to the next table.

Lily alternated eating with fussing over him
RC chuckled at Lily's fussing between his bites of food. She paid special attention to his arm
"I'm fine Lil," he objected slightly. "I was extra careful with it."
"You'd better be," she said, "I need you in one piece."
He grinned gave a salute with his good arm.
She kissed him on the cheek
He returned it with giving one to her. "It's your right to fuss over me though," he teased.
"Absolutely."
He chuckled.
"well somebody has to."
"don't know what I ever did without you Lil."
"You must've gotten into a lot of trouble."
"nothing I couldn't get out of," he replied but then added, "Though it's become easier since you entered."
"Easier getting in or out of trouble?" she teased
"I'm not answering that," he teased in return.
"Smart caboose."
"Of course," he winked.
She kissed him again
"I love you..."
"I love you too. So very much."
RC fell silent as he stared into her eyes.

"I wrote Belle," Lily said after a minute
"What did you tell her?...."
"That I'm sure she must be worried sick, and that she shouldn't worry, that we've got some things to take care of and that I will write her again."
He nodded. "If she didn't mind me before, your sister must dislike me now...not to mention Jacob.."
Lily gave RC's hand a squeeze
"Send my apology in the next...won't you?"
"I will."
"Thank you."
Lily hugged him gently

RC returned the hug. "I should get back to work....." He looked at his watch. "Though I've got ten minutes."
"Then you should wait ten minutes," she said
He grinned. "With pleasure."
She cuddled close to him and then sighed a bit when she saw Al get up having finished eating
RC looked over at Lily's sigh.
"I guess you've gotta go," she said softly.
He nodded slowly. "Guess so..."
She hugged him tightly and then released him.
He kissed her, holding it a moment before standing and causing them to pull apart.
She smiled, "I will see you tonight then."
"Of course love." he replied with a smile.
She grinned, "go on then."
he made his way over to Al after giving Lily a wink.

"Ready?" the engine asked
RC nodded. "Yes I am."
Al nodded and turned so RC could hitch up
The caboose grabbed hold. "All set."
Al whistled and headed out

As others began to leave, Ann came back out of the kitchen, two wet cloths in hand.
Lily went over to her
She handed one to the sleeper. "It's nice to see you two so full of love.'
She smiled, "You can tell?"
"It's that obvious," she said with a smile. "It's cute though."
Lily grinned
The coach started to clean, "It's refreshing. Meeting a coach who doesn't think the usual about freight."
"Well I suppose I used to, before I met Ryan."
"but you changed it."
"Yeah, once I met Ryan," she said with a dreamy smile.
Ann held back a laugh, occupying herself with cleaning the table

Two weeks had gone by and Lily and RC had adapted to their new lives in their new trainyard.

Al had told RC that this trainyard was generally a midway point, and this proved to be true as trains from all over the place came to deliver various and assorted things. This meant that RC often found himself at the back of an odd assortment of trains. He didn't mind that at all. In fact, he rather liked it. He got along great with whoever he happened to meet and they most often had good words about him.
"How're you hanging in there RC?" Al asked during a particularly busy day.
The caboose took a deep breath saying, "They don't stop comin'." He then grinned. " I don't mind a bit though. Sure beats havin' a slow day."
Al nodded, "Just checking, cuz we've got a load of gravel from some quarry up in the mountains somewhere scheduled to come in later this afternoon."
RC blinked, pausing for just a moment. "Did ya say a quarry up in the mountains?...."
Al nodded
"all right...thanks for giving me a heads up...."
He nodded, "And I think we'll need you in top shape for that run, so you can take off until about four."
"Thanks Al..."
Al nodded and then smiled, "Besides, you should spend more time with your coach."
RC grinned at that.
Al whistled as he headed off
RC headed off in the direction of the diner quickly. he had to tell Lily.

She was seated in one of the booths, just sitting for the moment
he saw her through the window as he got closer.
She waved at him
He waved back at her and then entered the diner.
She stood up and rolled over to him
He embraced her, giving her a kiss.
She hugged him tightly before letting go
"I’ve...got some news..."
"Good news I hope."
"Well... some..."
"Yes?"
"I'm off until four..."
She grinned and kissed him again
"but..."
"but then you have to work late?"
He shook is head.
"Then what is it?"
"Then a train from my station will be arriving with a load of gravel....."
"Your station?" she repeated
"Al told me...or rather he said 'we've got a load of gravel from some quarry up in the mountains somewhere scheduled to come in later this afternoon.' That's the only station I now of directly in the mountains...."
"Well," she said, "There could be other stations up there..."
RC nodded slowly, but somehow he couldn't get that thought from his mind...
Lily hugged him, "Don't worry about it."
He slipped his arms around her waist as she hugged him. "I'll try not to Lil..."
She kissed him lightly
The caboose nuzzled her some. "right now, all my thoughts will be on spending time with you..." He returned the kiss.
"good caboose," she teased
RC chuckled.
"Let's go for a walk then."
"All right. We can do that."
She stood up and led him out the door, out into a less crowded area
He stayed close to her, one arm still around her waist.
She was quiet for awhile, just rolling along next to him
RC noticed this and looked over to her with his dark eyes, "You seem quiet..."
"Oh," she said with a smile, "I guess I'm just a little tired."
"Been getting enough sleep?" he asked concerned suddenly.
"Yes," she said, "It's not exhausted tired, just... a little tired."
"At least you aren't exhausting yourself." He brought her closer to him.
"Nah," she said, snuggling close to him, "I wouldn't do that. Worst case: I'm coming down with a cold or something like that."
He nodded. "Just don't wear yourself out. I worry about you.
"I won't," she kissed him lightly, "Don't want to risk upsetting my caboose."
He nuzzled her once more as they moved on. "I love you Lil."
"I love you too. With all my heart."
He nuzzled up to her once more as they continued on.

They continued to walk for awhile until they reached a secluded area he had found a few days earlier.
"I just recently found this spot. It's not up in the mountains... but I think you'll like it all the same..."
She smiled, "I think you're right Ryan."
He gave a smile. "I'm relieved to know that," and with that RC kissed her again.
She kissed him, "You're good at finding things I like"
"You're not just sayin' that, are you?"
She kissed him again
"I'm glad I make you happy. That's all I want, for you to be happy and healthy..."
She smiled, "I love you."
"I love you too. With all my heart. Nothin' could change that..."
"good," she said, "I’m glad of that." She cuddled close to him and closed her eyes, dozing off in his arms.

RC pulled her close, though his mind had wondered to what Al had told him earlier, What if it was a train from his yard?..."
He blinked and looked down at Lily, asleep in his arms. He couldn't help but smile slightly, and he started to play with her black hair
She sighed contently in her sleep
He sighed as well, kissing her forehead lightly.
After awhile, Lily woke up
He felt her stir and looked down.
She smiled up at him
He lightly kissed her again.
"Comfortable?"
She nodded, "How long was I asleep?"
he looked don at his watch. "nearly an hour...you sure you've been getting enough sleep?"
"Must not have last night," she said with a shrug.
He looked back down at his watch. he had an hour yet with Lily before he had to go back to work...
"Either that or you're just so comfortable..."
He chuckled.
"That must be it I think."
"Must be..."
She grinned and kissed him lightly
He nuzzled her.

"I was thinking of writing Belle again," she said after a moment
"Oh?"
She paused, "And telling her where we are."
"Lil...."
She looked to him
"I don't know if we should let anyone know yet..."
"No?"
He looked into her eyes. "have... you gotten a letter back from your first one?..."
"I didn't put a return address."
He nodded. "All right...you can tell her where we are..."
She smiled and kissed him, "Great. I'll mail the letter out tomorrow."
He nodded.
She hugged him tightly, "I love you Ryan"
She snuggled into his arms

After some time, RC checked his watch again and sighed.
"Time to head back?" she asked
"yes.."
She got up to her wheels
RC soon followed.
"Come on then," she said, "don't wanna be late"
"Right," RC offered her his couplers with a grin.
She hitched up to him, stroking his couplers lightly before taking hold of them
Once she had taken hold, RC headed back towards the station.
She unhitched when they returned and gave him a quick kiss
"I'll see ya soon," the caboose said returning the kiss.
"You bet," she said with a smile
"Bye.."
"Bye hun," she gave him one final kiss and then headed off to the diner
He watched her leave and then headed of himself.

"A caboose?" Al was saying, "Well yeah of course we have a few of them."
RC stopped hearing that.
He shrugged, "Trains come and go a lot around here."
"You haven't by chance seen a red one come through here lately, have you?" the engine asked.
RC moved closer, staying out of view. He peeked around a shed , recognized the engine from his yard and quickly ducked behind the shed again.
"A few weeks ago."
"Possibly with a coach?" Of course Jacob and Belle had asked the engine to ask about Lily as well.
"Yes," Al said, "You mean RC and Lily?"
"yes, so you have met them." A smile was on the engine's face but RC didn't see it. he hurried back to the diner.
Al nodded
"RC worked for my yard. After an unfortunate accident he just disappeared...we thought he had gone to Apollo like planned but Lily's sister informed us that they never arrived."
Al blinked
"Could imagine the worry her sister was in...well then she got a letter. No return address but at least we all knew they were alive.."
Al nodded, "yes, they're alive and well."
"How long did they stay?" the engine asked. "Which way did they leave?"
"Leave?" Al repeated, "They're here."
"great! I'd like to talk to RC if I can."
"He's supposed to be coming to work on this run," he said, "Although he might be at the diner with his coach."
The engine nodded, "I can wait." He shrugged, "We've waited this long to find them, another few minutes won't hurt."

RC made it to the diner, rushing in all out of breath.
Lily was wiping down tables, but she looked up when she saw him rush in. "Ryan?" she asked when she saw him
"They're lookin' for me..." was all he managed, taking a needed breath in.
She went over to him
RC took another breath. "We've gotta leave Lil..."
"What?" she said, "Why?"
It was clear RC was still nervous about going back. "Please Lil...."
"but I don't-" she started, confused
"the run I was supposed to take Lil...it's an engine from m yard....he's askin' 'bout me..."
"What about you? Maybe Charlie-"
"maybe Charlie's alive, maybe he's dead...I don't want to stick around to find out it's the latter.."
"But-"
"Lily....I *can't* go back yet...."
"Alright," she said softly
"Go ahead and pack some food this time..." He reached into his pocket. "this might help pay Ann for what we take...."I'll go pack. Meet me at the back door here..."
She nodded slowly and vanished into the kitchen
RC watched her then headed off himself.

Ten minuets later she was waiting at the back door of the diner
RC hurried over with their belongings. He turned his couplers to her and she silently hitched up.
RC went off without a word.
Lily was silent, looking back only once as they left the station

the engine looked at his watch. "Shouldn't RC be here by now? I never knew him to be this late...even *with* Lily in the picture..."
Al nodded, looking over towards the diner.
"what could be holding him up?"
"Come on, I'll take you to the diner."
"All right."

Al led the engine over to the diner which was empty of all trains. "Hmm..." he said, "that's strange."
The other engine looked around. "No one..."
Al picked up a piece of paper on the counter
"what's that?.."
"It's a note."
"what’s it say?.."
"It just says "I'm sorry Ann." He looked up at the other engine, "It's signed by Lily."
The engine sighed
Al did as well. "What did he do?"
"it's not what he did, but what he thought he did.."
"What happened?" Al asked, "He would never tell me much, always stayed away from questions about his past."
"Well, he had gotten the 'boose job at Apollo after theirs retired. Lily had arranged that. anyway, on his last day of working for us, his engine Charlie got into some trouble. It ended with RC and Charlie going over a ledge and crashing on a ledge below..."
Al inhaled sharply, "accident then."
The engine gave a slow nod.
"And now he's run off again." Al said slowly, "He wasn't responsible was he"
"Oh no, he did all he could to prevent it according to Charlie.."
Al nodded
The engine sighed again. "Guess I've got to let Lily's sister and Charlie know.."
Al nodded, "I'm sorry."
He shook his head.
"If I see them again I'll send a message to your yard."
"Thank you.."
Al nodded
"I should be on my way and do what I need to do then.."
"Right," Al agreed