The Midnight Train Crossing

In the diner, Dinah was just getting ready for the dinner rush when CB entered. "Hey Dinah!" he called with a smile.
"Hi CB," she greeted him
"can I have a coffee?" he asked.
"Sure," she said, waving him over. She got him a cup by the time he had sat down at the bar.
"Thanks, Dinah."
She giggled at him softly
"What?"
"Did you get into a mess today?" she asked
"huh?" He blinked.
"You've got some dirt on your cheek."
"I do?"
"Yep."
CB brought his finger to his cheek and tried to wipe it away.
"I'll get you a towel," she said with a smile
"Thanks..." he blushed slightly.
Dinah returned with a damp washcloth, which she handed to him. She leaned on the bar with a smile, watching CB whip his cheek off."
She giggled, "You *still* missed a spot."
"Bah!" he said with a slight chuckle.
"Here," Dinah leaned over and took the cloth, rubbing the dirt off CB's cheek
"Thanks bunches Dinah."
"Of course," she said with a smile, "there. All clean."
"Thanks..."
She grinned at him

"Kinda did have a small accident."
She raised a brow
"Nothin' bad," he quickly added.
"Good."
"I'm gonna get myself looked over later."
She nodded

'When does it start to get busy here?" he asked her.
She looked at the clock, "In about half an hour."
"Alright."
"Why?"
"Just meetin' someone."
"Might I ask who?"
"Pearl."
She blinked, "Really?"
He nodded. "Yep."
"Does Rusty know?"
"Course."
"And it's okay with Rusty that Pearl's going out with you?" Dinah asked.
"He's lettin' her meet with me, right?" CB said, "He doesn't mind."
She smiled, "Rusty always was a sweetheart."
CB rolled his eyes slightly, "I'm expecting Pearl should come in any minute."
Dinah nodded again, "Well you're welcome to wait."
"Thanks Dinah."
"No problem."
He grinned.

A few minutes later, the door to the diner opened and Pearl skated in
CB turned to the door as the coach entered. He grinned again. He stood up and rolled over to the observation coach.
"Hi CB," she greeted him. She had keep her word and made sure that she "looked nice"
"You look lovely Pearl."
"Thank you."
He led her over to the bar area. "Coaches first," CB said as he pulled out a chair.
"Thank you," Pearl said again, taking her seat.
"So where are we going?" she asked once they were settled.
"A restaurant down the tracks. However, our reservation isn't for a bit yet. How about I treat you to something to drink first?"
"Alright," she said with a smile
"What would ya like?" he asked, waving Dinah over. Pearl ordered a soda and Dinah went to get it. She brought it over before going to serve others who began to arrive.

"I was waiting for Rusty to come home," Pearl said, "But he hadn't yet, and I was afraid I was going to be late..."
"yeah... well..." The caboose ran a hand through his hair.
"What?" she asked
He then shook his head. "Nothin'"
She gave him a charming smile
He gave a grin of his own in return and looked at the clock on the wall.
"I do wish I could've said good night to him at least though," she said, "He is being a good sport about this."
CB squirmed, but only slightly. "Yeah well... somethin’ musta come up."
"I saw him after he got off work..." she started, "He said that he'd had a bit of an accident..."
CB squirmed again. "He said that, huh?"
"Yeah, he was on his way to the trainwash. He wouldn't tell me any more though," she said, "Although I am rather curious as to how he got himself that covered in mud."
"Well... you know Rusty..."
She raised a brow cutely
"He's always being pushed around...right?" CB hoped that was all the explanation needed.
"I guess..."
“Maybe one a Greaseball's cronies got to him...” However, he looked down somewhat.
"CB?" Pearl asked, seeing him look down, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he said, maybe a bit too quickly, "C'mon, we should be going.."
She got up with a smile, "Alright, let's go then."
He stood and turned his couplers to her.
Pearl took CB's couplings

Once she hitched up, he then took off. He wasn't as fast as an engine, but the need to run away from things had built up his speed some.
She giggled softly from behind him
He looked back, brow raised slightly.
"Never been *behind* you before," she explained
"Ah," he grinned. "Not too many get the pleasure."
She returned his smile
"You know I can whistle too?" he asked her with a grin.
"I didn't know that," she said
He nodded and looked ahead. "Sure I can."
"Let's hear it then."
CB straightened up. "Whoo whoo!" he let out.
Pearl let out a soft giggle, not meanly of course, "That was cute."
He turned away, slightly blushing.
"No, really it was."
"Yeah?" He looked back at her.
She smiled, "Yeah, it was cute."
He grinned and straightened up. "I woulda made a great engine, don't ya think?"
Pearl giggled again
He whistled again just because Pearl liked it and continued on. Rusty wasn't the only one who could.

Soon they reached the restaurant. CB came to a stop at the door. "here we are Pearl. I hope you like it."
She nodded, "I'm sure I will."
He opened the door. After you Pearl." CB said with a slight bow.
She smiled and entered, looking around at the other engines and coaches enjoying their meals. "Well, shall we?" she asked with a smile
The caboose offered his arm and she took it with a grin.
He led the coach to a table. She sat down gracefully
CB sat down after Pearl. "Order whatever you want Pearl. It's on me.
Pearl smiled and picked up her menu, "Alright." She studied the menu for a moment.
He smiled back, taking a look at his own, but then he brought his menu down and watched her. CB watched her until a coach came to take their drink order.
They placed their orders and the coach rolled off.

Pearl gave him a slight smile
CB returned it with a genuine one of his own.
"This is nice," she said
"I'm glad ya like it Pearl.."
She nodded, "I should bring Rusty here sometime," she said in a rather off-handed way. She looked down at her menu, so she didn’t see the smile fall from his face. She looked up again and smiled at him “But it’s a credit to you. You’re the one that found it.” She smiled at him sweetly.
"yeah.." He gave one back, though not like before.
Pearl, being rather dense most of the time, didn't notice the change

the coach returned with their drinks. “Are you ready to order?” she asked.
Pearl nodded and looked to CB, "If you're ready?"
The caboose gave a nod.
The two placed their orders and then soon their food arrived.

Pearl started to eat, but CB didn't start right away, watching Pearl.
She noticed this and then looked up at him, "What?"
He blinked and then looked down quickly. "nothin'..." He began to eat.
Pearl smiled at him, "I'd forgotten how sweet you can be."
CB looked back up and grinned, ears growing warm. He found that the longer Pearl spent with him, the more he grew fond of her.
"Although sometimes it's easy to forget," she half-teased
"I wanted to show ya that I ain't as crazy as the engines make me outta be."
"Well, y'know, it isn't only the engines that think that," she said
"I know..." He turned his eyes down from Pearl's gaze. "About that , Pearl...." he started slowly, "I'm sorry.....really.........."
Pearl nodded slowly
"Really Pearl.......l slipped... though I know it's not an excuse for what I did to you....."
"Yes."
He looked down.
Pearl said nothing for a minute, making the caboose squirm in the awkward silence.
"Alright," she said
"I'm sorry...." he started again.
"It's alright," she said
He looked back up. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," she smiled, "It all worked out anyway."
“Yeah....all worked out...."
"And I can't be too mad at you if I'm here with you now, right?"
"I spose.."
She gave him another smile

CB soon began to finish up. He looked up at her, seeing that she seemed to be done as well, "Are you finished, Pearl?"
She nodded
"Shall we go for a walk?"
She nodded, "Sure."
He stood. "Okay," the caboose replied as he went around to help Pearl out. She rose to her wheels and took his arm.
"I know a great place with a view."
"Let's go then."
He grinned and led the way. As the walked CB, every once in a while, would move closer, although Pearl didn’t notice.
They soon reached the lookout.
Pearl gazed out in clear amazement
"What do ya think?" CB was now next to Pearl.
"It's beautiful."
He smiled. "I came upon this spot while I came through here."
Pearl gazed out at the view
The caboose slowly went to slip an arm around her.
The sun was setting and she looked at him with a friendly smile. CB had been nice to take her to that nice restaurant and to show her this pretty place.
Her warm and friendly smile made CB smile back. The feelings that had been growing all night for her came to the top fast.

As the sun set in the western sky, CB couldn't hold back his feelings anymore and leaned in to kiss the observation coach.
Their lips met and neither pulled away.
As the last of the sun's rays seemed to disappear, the caboose finally pulled away slowly.
Pearl blinked
His eyes met hers.
"Oh no." was the first thing she said
"Pearl?....."
"No," she said, looking upset, "Not this. Not again."
There was a confused look on his face. This certainly wasn't what he had in mind. "Pearl....what’s wrong?....." he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We shouldn't've done that."
"What?" That was *definitely* not the reaction he was looking for.
"We shouldn't have kissed."
"But Pearl..."
"We shouldn't have,” she said, "I've put him through enough....."
"*What* do you *see* in him Pearl?" CB asked with slight anger in his voice. He turned away, rolling a few steps away from her.
"I love him."
"Why?" he said, trying his best to stay calm.
"I just do."
"But *why*? What has *he* got that *I* don't?"
"I don't know CB,” she said, “I just know that I love him.”
CB turned to face her at that point. He was tempted to just go off and leave her there. He started to roll away from her.
"I'm sorry,” she said softly.
"Yeah...sure...." He didn't stop.
"Well.... thank you for the nice evening."
He came to a stop. "Sure......,"
"I mean that."
"Ya know, I have half a mind to leave you here!" He might as well be honest.
"CB...." Pearl sighed
"What?" he said, almost harshly.
She automatically took a step back

The caboose took a deep breath and started off again.
She sighed and watched him go
CB had gone a ways before he came to a stop. No matter *how* angry he was, he couldn’t leave a coach out on her own..
He made his way back to Pearl halting a few feet away.
She didn't hear him
"well, c'mon," he said.
Pearl jumped at his voice and then got to her wheels, looking at him'
"Do ya wanna stay here all night?"
She shook her head, "Are you still upset?" she asked, skating over to him
CB didn't answer.
She skated up behind him and took hold of his couplers.

Once he felt Pearl take hold, CB took off suddenly.
She wasn't quite ready for that and eeped softly, but held on
CB sped on through the night – not seeming to notice how fast he was going.
Pearl said nothing the whole way back to the AV. She unhitched when they reached familiar sights.
CB didn't look back at her, didn't say a word.
"Thank you," she said softly
"sure..." he replied. CB'd never let on that she had hurt him.
"And I'm sorry."
The caboose looked back at her and sighed. He couldn't stay mad.
"Well.... good night." She turned to go back inside.
"Pearl..."
She turned back to him
"I had a nice time...."
"So did I."
He moved slightly closer. "Thanks...for taking a...’chance' on me I guess..."
She nodded

He leaned in slowly and kissed Pearl again.
They happened to be right outside of Rusty and Pearl's shed and there was a slight movement in the curtains as Rusty quickly pulled away
The caboose held it, longer then up at the look-out this time, but Pearl pulled away.
"Pearl?...."
She looked down sadly.
He lifted her head gently.
".........I'm sorry Pearl.......I shouldn't have......I know......" he slowly pulled his hand away.
CB pulled slowly away from the coach. "Thanks again for giving my your 'time'..."
with that, the caboose rolled away.

Pearl went inside and rolled into the bedroom quietly.
Rusty was lying on the bed, eyes closed, looking for all the world like he was sleeping. She watched him for a moment, trying to decide if he was really sleeping. She saw that his cheek was still smudged, and she was tempted to wipe the dirt away, but she didn’t want to wake the steamer – he’d had a long day.
He didn't move or open his eyes, listening to her movement. He didn't know what he'd do if he looked at her right now. He heard her roll away, getting ready for bed, and then she returned.
He rolled over and opened his eyes, looking up at her.

"Oh, you're awake...” she said, “I hope it wasn't because of...me..."
"I saw you," he said simply
"Saw me...?"
"Yes."
She fell quiet. He could only mean one thing... "Rusty...it wasn't what it looked like..."
"That's good to know............" he said dully.
"Rusty, do you believe me?......." she asked.
"What happened?"
"Well....he.....I...." Pearl didn't want to say anything that would get Rusty upset at CB.
Rusty sat up, "Tell me."
"He...he kissed me Rusty..."
He shook his head slowly
"Rusty, what? That's what happened..."
"I just.... I can't believe..."
"Rusty... that's all..." she rolled over to him.
"But Pearl-"
Pearl came to a stop. "What?"

"I just..." He trailed off, meeting her baby blue eyes with his dark brown ones.
"What...?" she asked.
"I..." he looked sad
"You...what?"
"I didn't want you to go...." he said softly
"Rusty..." but she left it at that.
"It's not that I don't trust *you*...."
Pearl glanced down briefly.
"I don't trust *him*." He said
"You don't trust CB..."
"No. I don't."
She gave a slow, knowing nod.
"And I don't like you being with him. I'm sorry if you don't like it, and I'm sorry if it's wrong, but I don't like it."
"He'd never hurt me intentionally, Rusty..."
"But he'd use you to hurt me,” he said.
Pearl shook her head, “Rusty...”
"You know how I don't like him.... well the feeling is mutual most of the time."
"That I don't understand..."
"I don't know," Rusty shrugged, "He's the one that started it."
"Let's........let's not talk about it tonight......alright?"
"Alright....." he said softly

Pearl leaned in to kiss him. He kissed her back briefly, but didn’t allow it to last too long.
She felt the emptiness in the kiss but didn't say a word about it.
"I've had a long day," he said
She nodded slowly. "You...missed a smudge on your face..."
His hand went to his cheek
"Let me..." she offered. She proceeded to wipe the dirt from his face gently.
Despite himself, Rusty leaned into her touch.
Pearl continued to clean dirt from the steamer’s face, brushing gently with her fingers after.
He reached up and put his hand on hers, closing his eyes.
Pearl leaned in to kiss him again, but his heart still wasn't in it.
It was her turn to pull away then. "I'm sorry Rusty..."
"I know."
Pearl pulled her hand away from the steamer and turned.

"Pearl..."
She didn't reply.
"don't go."
Pearl stopped, but didn't face him.
"Please don't go."
"Rusty... I don't know if I should stay..."
"Please don't leave me."
"Not tonight...." she said softly.
"Pearl..."
She looked down, still not looking at him. "I feel I should Rusty...."
"I wish you wouldn't."
"I'm just going to the coach house...it's just for the night..." She didn't sound like she wanted to.
"I wish you wouldn't," he said again
She turned back to face the engine.
He looked up at her, "Please don't go."
"It might be better this way... for tonight..."
He looked down again
Pearl turned back, but before heading to the door she said, " I'm sorry..."
"... did you want a ride?" he said softly.
"...Yes... if you’ll take me..."

Rusty brushed his hair out of his eyes, settling his headband into place and then rolled over to her
She took his couplers.
He quietly pulled her out of the house and down the tracks.
She didn't say a word until they reached the coaches' shed.
Rusty came to a stop outside the shed
She unhitched.
"Pearl..."
She turned back to Rusty.
"I wish you wouldn't...."
"Rusty..."
"Well I do."
Pearl looked down, not going in quite yet, torn. "Rusty... you’re uneasy about this.... I can feel it..." she started, "and...I think that me getting out of the house for the night..."
Rusty looked down
She gave him a hesitant kiss. "Good night......" With that, the pink coach opened the door. ".......I love you....." she said with an ever so soft whisper.
"I love you too..."
With that, Pearl went inside and shut the door.
Rusty stared at the closed door for a moment and then left