The Midnight Train Crossing

The next morning Rusty woke happily next to his coach. He kissed her lightly.
she stirred slightly giving out a soft, "Mmm..." Her eyes slowly fluttered open
She awoke to a wonderful sight. her dream train smiling down at her. She just had to smile back.
"Good morning," he said
"Good morning..." she replied with a light stretch.
Rusty watched her with a smile
Pearl returned his smile with one of her own.
"Sleep well?"
"I did." Pearl replied.
"good," Rusty kissed her again, "Mmm...makes me want to take the day off."
Pearl giggled.
"What d'you think?" he asked with a smile
"If you got the day off, I certainly wouldn’t mind."
"Maybe I'll ask," he said
Pearl gave him a teasing kiss, to try and make up his mind.
"Yeah," he said after she pulled away, "I'm gonna ask."
She smiled. "Great!"
"I guess I'd better get up and do that then," Rusty said
That made the coach giggle again. "I guess you should."

Rusty sat up. He removed his headband and ran his fingers through his sleep messed hair
the pink coach sat up as well, running a single hand trough the steamer's hair before reaching for her brush on the bed-side table.
Rusty sat still to let her take over
Pearl began to brush his hair flat and fairly neat, mostly with her fingers, though the brush came in now and again.
"There, " she replied with a satisfied smile once she was done. Pearl then took the brush to her own pink-blond hair.
Rusty grinned at her
She smiled back as she brushed her hair.
"I'm gonna go see Control about it," Rusty said, "Did you want to come along?"
She nodded and stood once she finished with her hair.

Rusty pulled her out of the house and down the tracks to the place where trains could talk to Control
"Hello?" Rusty called
"Yes Rusty?" Control's voice spoke up.
"I would like to take the day off.... please."
"The day off hmmm?" There was a ruffle of papers as Control looked at the schedule. "And why would you be wanting the day off?" he asked.
"Well... I haven't had one for awhile, and I keep getting assigned to the freight train...."
"That's because no one else will pull it. Greaseball refuses because CB's gotta be on it and Electra, well, he just refuses. It's *got* to be pulled Rusty and you're the only one."
Rusty sighed inwardly, "And since I keep getting assigned to the freight train, I've almost no time to spend with Pearl."
"Ah ha!" Control replied. "So *that's* it!"
Rusty nodded
"You *do* realize that if I give you the day off, The whole freight train'll need one because there'll be no one to pull them...besides some of them will complain..."
"Who's gonna complain about a day off?" Rusty wanted to know
Control sighed. The young steamer had a point. "Alright Rusty, you can have the day off...." he started.
"Thank you."
"However..." the voice broke in, "Tomorrow morning I'm going to have some extra chores ready for you."
Rusty sighed, "Alright...."
"Is that all you wished to speak to me about?"
"Well, if Pearl could get off too...."
Control gave a nod. "Fine. That is why you wanted the day off after all."
"Thank you," Rusty said again
"Now, unless there's nothing else, I've got a station to keep orderly."
Rusty nodded and reversed to go
"Oh Rusty! Tell the freight they don't have to work today." With that, the area fell silent.
"Alright," Rusty said cheerfully, pulling out, pulling Pearl behind.
Pearl had a smile on her face as she embraced him.

"Just gotta run over to the freight yard then," he said, "If you don't mind?"
It was Pearl's turn to give an inward sigh. The Freight Yard really wasn't her ideal place to go.
"We won't stay long," he promised.
She gave a slow nod.
Rusty sped along the tracks, whistling as he rolled into the freight yard.
CB, surprisingly enough, was awake and waiting for Rusty's arrival.
The freight cars made their way out into the yard at the sound of his whistle. The steam engine zoomed into the yard, coming to a neat stop in front of the trucks
CB stood in the doorway of the shed.
"Hi guys," Rusty greeted them cheerfully, "I've got good news."
"And what might *that* be?" CB asked, glaring from his spot, his eyes went to Pearl, then back to Rusty.
"Day off," the steamer said, "For all of us."
"as if the time you spent with Pearl over *my* time wasn't enough.." CB nearly spat.
"Well you're all off today, so enjoy it," Rusty said, "See ya around."
CB growled low. He turned and went back into the shed.
Rusty turned and sped away, with Pearl behind

"Want to get breakfast?" Rusty asked Pearl
She gave a nod.
He headed towards the diner
"Rusty...maybe I should have gone to meet CB for our dinner date...." she said slowly.
"Hmm?"
"yesterday..."
He nodded slowly, "I remember."
"He's upset...."
"I guess."
"Wouldn't you be?..."
"Well yeah, but... it's different between the two of us."
"and how's that Rusty?"

He stopped and turned around, "Isn't it?"
"I'd promised to go to dinner with him and then didn't show up..."
"but Pearl..."
"Rusty...just imagine if that had been *you*."
"I'd be upset, but it's different. Yeah I guess you should've called him or something, but..." he trailed off, "It's still different."
"How is it different Rusty? How?"
Rusty turned around and took her hands, "Because of *us*. I mean, he knows that we're together..."
"Yes..."
"So he does have to sorta expect that you'd spend more time with me."
"Not true Rusty."
"What?"
"You'd allow me to spend time with the other coaches."
"Well yeah, but I'm sure that they'd understand you spending more time with me.."
"That isn't the point Rusty. The point is that you wouldn't be making such a big over it."
"Ah-" she had him there.
Pearl waited for him to come back with an answer, hands on her hips.
"Well.... I guess there's another difference..."
"And just what do you mean by that Rusty?" Pearl pressed.
"Well... going out with the coaches is different then going out with another car or engine.."
"So you don't trust me, is that what you're saying?"
"No! It isn't that..."
She gave a sigh. "I think I'm entitled to go out with engines and cars simply on a *friend* bases just as you're free to have coaches as friends." She turned away from the steamer.
"Pearl..." He rolled around in front of her.
She turned around again, refusing to look at him.
Rusty simply followed her
Pearl gave a frustrated huff, stamped her skate, and turned away yet again. However, this time the pink coach sped away. She was upset with Rusty and didn't want to be around him right now.
But Rusty wasn't having any of that and he caught up to her, catching hold of her couplers and braking for the both of them
She gave a light "Eep!" as the steamer grabbed hold of her couplers and they slowed.
He let go of her couplers, but only to put his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a hug, "I'm sorry Pearl. It's just... things are finally good and I'm afraid of losing them..."
"Why won't you trust me?..." she said softly, without looking at him, tears sparkling in her blue eyes,
"I'm sorry," he said again, burying his face in her hair, "I do trust you."
"You... you aren't acting like you... you do..." she nearly whispered.
"I do trust *you*" he said
Pearl gave a soft sniffle.
"I'm sorry. It's stupid I know," Rusty said.
"then why do you object to a friendly dinner with CB?"
"I... guess I don't."
She slowly looked back to him. He truly did look sorry. She couldn't help it, she embraced the steamer.
Rusty hugged her tightly.
"I love you Rusty…"
"I love you too Pearl - so much."
She smiled.

"so, how about that breakfast?"
"Sounds good"
He turned to let her hitch up and then headed off towards the diner.
She giggled and held on tight.
He pulled up at the diner gracefully
As soon as he stopped, Pearl gave him another hug before letting go. "Shall we go in?"
He nodded and opened the door, holding it for her and then following her into the diner.

The caboose was there, eating. He looked up as the couple entered and gave a huff.
Rusty spotted the caboose and turned away
"I suppose you should talk to him," Rusty said to Pearl, "But... if I get to have a say in it, if you go out for dinner with him, don't go tonight?"
Pearl gave a nod.
"Thanks..." he said softly, looking up as the caboose came over

CB gave almost a glare to the steamer before he turned to Pearl. "Can I talk to you?"
Pearl nodded.
"alone for a moment?"
"I'll go get us something to drink," Rusty got up and left
CB turned back to Pearl.
"I'm sorry I never called you about dinner - I didn't mean to stand you up."
He gave a sigh. "I'm sure you didn't..."
"It's just... things came up."
"Isn't that always how it is..." he replied, "I'll forgive you.."
She smiled cutely, "I'm glad."
"Will Rusty allow ya to have another dinner date?"
Pearl nodded cheerfully, "Yeah, we talked about it and cleared up a little misunderstanding that we had."
"How about we try for dinner again then?" he asked.
She nodded, "sounds fun."
CB thought a moment. "Rusty probably would want to spend time tonight, hence his day off."
"Yeah," she agreed, "Tonight isn't good."
"Tomorrow then?"
Pearl considered for a moment and then nodded
He grinned. "great! It's a date then."
"And this time I won't miss it," she smile
"I trust your word."
She smiled at him, "I'm glad that you haven't lost faith in me then."
"I’ve got someplace special in mind," he said with a grin. "A coach like you should be able to get out more"
Pearl leaned forward with interested, "What did you have in mind?"
"A fancy place. Outside AV but not too far out. Don't get me wrong, Dinah's a great cook but I felt maybe somethin' a little different would be nice."
Pearl nodded, "I'll look forward to it."
"So make sure to look nice," CB said. He then quickly added, " Though that shouldn’t be too hard," and gave her a wink.
"Aww thanks CB," Pearl said with a smile. Her eyes traveled beyond CB as she saw Rusty returning

The steamer cleared his throat. "Are you finished?" Rusty asked politely
"one moment," CB told him. He turned back to Pearl. "Came and get ya at 5:30 then?"
She nodded, "I'll be ready."
"Good. I'll be there then!"
She smiled, "I'll see you then."
Rusty shifted from one skate to the other as he waited
CB then turned back to Rusty. "Finished," he said simply with a sort of smirk. He headed off.

Rusty sat down at the table, "What was that all about?" he asked Pearl.
"CB's invited me to dinner again. To make up for yesterday."
An odd expression crossed his face for a moment but all he said was "Oh."
"that's okay with you...isn't it?"
"Yeah..." Rusty said, "I mean - I know that you want to go."
Pearl gave him a kiss. "Like I've promised though, today it's you and me."
Rusty smiled at that
"So, what do you have in mind?"
"Oh you'll see after breakfast," he said with a smile.
"I see how it is," she said with a playful sort of pout.
Rusty leaned forward and gave her a kiss, "Trust me."
"Alright," Pearl said giving in. "I do."
Rusty kissed her again

A car came over to take their order and then skated off to get their food.
Pearl snuggled closer to her engine all through breakfast.
"Finished?" Rusty asked once she was done.
Pearl nodded
Rusty stood up, "Then come with me."
"Hang on," Rusty said with a smile once she had hitched up.
she tightened her hold slightly, but not enough to hurt him.
Rusty sped off down the tracks, picking up speed
She let out a soft squeal. Pearl closed her eyes, feeling the wind whoosh past them.

They sped along the tracks and she took it all it: the wind, the blur of scenery, the warmth of the day.
After a bit, Rusty started to slow. Pearl opened her eyes.
They were away from the familiar trainyard now, passing through a rather pretty landscape. Rusty slowed down, letting her see the green fields around them
"it's beautiful"
He grinned, "I thought you'd like it."
She puled herself closer to her engine.
Rusty slowed to a stop. She hugged him from behind. He turned around and took her in his arms, kissing her.
"why?" she asked once they pulled away.
"Hmm?" kissing Pearl usually banished all other thoughts from Rusty's mind
"Why here?" she asked again.
"Because it's beautiful here - like you."
She blushed slightly. "Thank you Rusty…" she said giving him another kiss.
Rusty held the kiss for as long as he could
When they finally did part, he remained close to her, just gazing at her happily. "I love you."
" I love you too."
He smiled, "So I thought that we'd just spend the day out here."
"I'd like that."
"Good," Rusty said with a smile, taking her hands and leading her off the tracks into the grass

Rusty had very cleverly brought along a picnic so that they wouldn't have to worry about going back
Pearl was quite surprised to see he had brought one. She helped him lay it out.
Rusty smiled at her cutely as they set out the food
She had to giggle.
"You're cute when you laugh," he said with a smile
"You're cute when you smile," she responded.
He blushed a bit
Pearl brushed his cheek lightly.
Rusty smiled and set his hand on hers, closing his eyes for a moment. "Mm," he said softly, leaning into her touch.
Pearl slowly pulled it away, turning back to the picnic before them
Rusty watched her for a minute before doing the same

The afternoon passed and evening came.
Rusty put his arms around her, "Come with me. I want to show you something
"Alright Rusty."
He turned so she could hitch up and then sped off down the tracks
She wondered where they could be off to now.
Rusty came to a stop and turned around, "Close your eyes. No peeking now," he said in a lightly teasing tone, pulling her forward again.
She giggled. Rusty needn't worry.
He came to a stop and guided her forward a bit, keeping his hands on her shoulders. "Okay," Rusty said with a smile in his voice, "Open your eyes."
Pearl did just that. She gave a surprised gasp at what she saw.
Rusty had taken her somewhere where she had a perfect view of the sunset.
"It's beautiful..."
He put his arms around her, "I'm glad you like it."
She leaned back against him.
Pearl closed her eyes once the sun's show neared an end, taking in the steamer's closeness.
Rusty held her close, resting his head against hers.
"It's been wonderful...."
"Just wonderful," he agreed.
She opened her eyes again as the last light faded from the sky.
"The stars will be coming out soon," Rusty whispered to her
"mm-hm..." she said softly.
"want to watch them?"
Pearl nodded.

They did just that. It was a clear warm night - a good night for star gazing
after a bit, Pearl gave a soft yawn.
"Are you getting tired?" he asked
"Just a little..." she admitted.
"Did you want to go home?"
"If you want to stay longer, I won't mind..."
"Whatever you want," Rusty said
She gave another soft yawn.
"Let's go home then." He said with a smile.
"Alright."
Rusty turned around so she could hitch up
She took hold.
Rusty started home, he went slowly along the tracks so that she wouldn't have trouble hanging on and eventually they arrived home

Pearl was snuggled up against him, head on his shoulder.
Rusty smiled and unlocked the door, pulling her inside
"It's been a wonderful night Rusty," Pearl said before giving him a kiss.
"I'm glad," Rusty said after they parted, sitting down on the couch. She sat next to him and laid her head where his shoulder met his chest.
She fell asleep in his arms.
He didn't want to move, didn't want to disturb her

Suddenly Control's voice was heard. "Rusty, report."
'Now?' Rusty thought, recalling something about having a day off, but he eased Pearl down onto the couch
The coach stirred some.
He kissed her gently, hoping that she would still sleep
Rusty quietly skated out of the house and went to Control's "office"
Control was waiting for Rusty, ready to call him again.
"Yeah?" Rusty asked
"You're to report an hour earlier for work tomorrow," he stated.
He sighed, "Alright."
"You will also stay later then normal."
"Earlier *and* later?" Rusty half-whined
"Yes Rusty, earlier *and* later."
"But that's not fa-"
"You will Rusty," Control cut in. "You wanted the day off and I gave it to you. Now you've got to make up for it."
He sighed again, "Alright...."
"You may go now."
"Thanks..." Rusty didn't sound entirely as though he meant it and he started to go

Rusty went back home
Pearl was still sleeping when he returned.
Rusty curled up next to her. She subconsciously snuggled against him and he fell asleep happily