The Midnight Train Crossing

It was three days past the usual time it took Lily's letters to arrive and RC started to become slightly worried. Was she sick? Hurt in some way?
"Sorry RC..." Annie said as she came by with the mail, "Still not."
His whole person just seem to fall at the news.
"I'm sorry," she said gently, "It'll come. I'm sure of it."
"yeah....." he nodded slowly. "Just hope nothing’s wrong....."
"I'm sure-" Annie started, but was interrupted by a deep whistle.
RC looked up to see an approaching engine. He hurried to the entrance.

A coach unhitched from the engine and practically knocked RC over as she dove into his arms.
All he managed was, "Lily!" before he fought and won the battle to keep his balance.
She kissed him.
"Lily! What a surprise!" he said as soon as he was able to talk.
She smiled, "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too! Oh Lily!" He kissed her again, holding the kiss for a very long time. He then slowly pulled away. "Oh Lily, It's *so* good to see you again!"
She nodded, "I'm sorry I didn't write to tell you I was coming."
"I thought something had happened to you..."
She kissed him on the cheek, "No, I'm fine, even better now."
he smiled. "I've longed for you everyday..." He pulled her close, putting his arms around her.
Lily snuggled close to him.
"To hold you in my arms again..." he murmured.
"It's even better then I thought it was..."

He kissed the top of her head. "shall we go to *our* spot?" he asked with a whisper in her ear.
She nodded
He turned his couplers to her and as soon as she hitched up, he took off.
Lily gave his couplings a gentle squeeze as he pulled her.
He glanced back her for a moment and flashed her a smile before turning his eyes back to what was ahead. It was a good thing that RC was paying attention to what was going on, because Lily only had eyes for her caboose.

They soon reached their spot and RC came to a halt, motioning for Lily to go ahead and sit down. Once they were both seated, Lily promptly moved into his arms.
"I've missed this *so* much..." he said.
"So've I," she said, cuddling close to him.
"you've stolen my heart away..." he said repeating a line from one of his letters and nuzzling her gently.
"I love you..."
I love you too....It's good to see you again..."
"very good," she agreed, burying her face in his shoulder.
He held her closer, kissing her neck ever so lightly.
"Mmm..."
"I missed you so much...."
"Me too."
"Absence makes the heart go fonder..." he quoted. "so true....though the don't mention the ache that goes along with it."
She nodded, "It's a painful ache."
"It is..."

Lily hugged him tightly, "I think..." she started
He looked into her eyes when she spoke.
"I think that there is a very good chance that you can get the job," she said softly.
"Wonderful!" he said with a grin.
She nodded
"It's getting even more closer to becoming a reality...." RC replied brushing a stray strand of hair from Lily's face.
She nodded happily.
"you and me...." his hand stopped under her chin and he lifted it gently, leaning in for another kiss.
Lily was only to happy to supply one
He sighed happily.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
She snuggled close to him, "I've gotta go tomorrow night though'..."
He gave a slight frown. "Well...least we got tonight and tomorrow..."
She nodded, "And then, if all goes well..." she smiled at him
"I'll be joining you at Apollo Victoria...." he smiled.
She nodded happily.
"May not be as dangerous a my job here..." He rubbed her back gently. "But with you in my life, I wouldn't want to chance anything."
"I'm glad you feel that way," she said
"Wouldn't want anythin' to happen to me and leave you alone," RC replied.
She nodded and hugged him.
He chuckled slightly and hugged her back.

"I think the sun's setting..."
He looked up. The sky was becoming pink. "so it is..."
"Is it pretty up here?"
RC nodded. "Very."
"good," she snuggled against him, "Then we can stay up here and watch it."
he wrapped an arm around her and kissed the sleepers forehead.
She rested up against him as they watched the sunset
"Beautiful....but even it doesn't compare to you..."
"Mmm..." she said, "you make me blush."
He chuckled.
She rested her head against his chest.
He slowly ran his fingers up and down her back, his breathing slow and steady, it felt good to just sit there, doing nothing.
It grew darker and Lily started to doze.
RC gave a yawn himself but didn't feel moving and disturbing Lily.
She shifted and lay down, her head in his lap
RC shifted as well leaning further back against the tree. It was a nice summer night with not reports of rain. the caboose didn't see a problem with them spending the whole night in their spot. RC had done it before and had enjoyed it.

The two slept on for quite awhile before Lily awoke around midnight, she smiled at the sleeping RC and snuggled close to him. He stirred slightly in his sleep, moving an arm around her. "I love you," she whispered.
A gentle smile crossed his face. "I love you....too......" came his response as though he heard her. However, he was dreaming about her too.
Lily smiled and lay still in his lap, watching the stars for awhile.

After a while, RC stirred lightly again, waking up.
She smiled up at him
"Hey.." he smiled.
"Hi there."
"sleepy head." he teased.
"You're the one that was sleeping..."
"I wasn't the first though," he respond with a grin.
She stuck out her tongue.
That made the caboose chuckle.
"Oh you think that's funny?"
"No, cute." he said simply tapping her lightly on the nose, which made her laugh.
"Well I think you're cute," she said.
He chuckled again. "Well that’s good to hear."
"Yep."
He kissed the top of her head.
She smiled at that

"Wonder if anyone had been looking for us..." he said, though he had a carefree attitude about it.
"Would anyone be?"
He shrugged. "Just never came down from the mountain once it became dark"
"Oh?"
He gave a nod.
"I see..." she said, although she didn't much seem to care, she had her caboose and that was all that mattered
RC was pretty much the same way. He didn't seem to care. In fact, he was the one that decided they should stay up there by not waking Lily up and falling asleep himself.
"Is it hard to go down in the dark?" she asked
Not if ya got a light like I do. Why? Ya wanna go back down?"
"No, I was hoping it would be too hard to get down ‘til morning."
He chuckled. "who said I remembered it?"
She smiled, "I certainly didn't"
"Normally I do when I come up here. Wasn't expectin' to today." RC grinned.
Lily grinned up at him
"But as you can see, I've got a flexible schedule for the most part."
"I see that, yes."
"especially when it comes to you."
She smiled at that.
"I love you Lil..."
"I love you too. So very much."
He nuzzled her gently.

"I can't wait ‘til you can come home with me," Lily said half-sleepily.
"neither can I Lil. Though I admit I've had good times here."
She nodded, "I'm sorry to take you away from it."
"It's the life of a caboose like me, don't worry about it. Most likely, when then job was finished, I'd moved on anyway. You're just an excuse to finally settle down." he winked.
"Oh I'm just an excuse now?" she teased.
"Now when I said excuse...." he started playing along.
"Oh yes? What did you mean by that?" she teased
"I meant that...I finally found a coach I can see myself growing old with."
"Aww," she dropped her teasing tone, "You're sweet Ryan."
He smiled. "it's true."
She sat up to kiss him. "That one was for being sweet," she said
He gave a slight chuckle. "Should come up with lines like that more often then."
She nodded, "You'll be rewarded for them."
"I'll remember that." RC smiled.

Slowly, as they spoke, time passed and soon the sky began to lighten up.
"The sun's coming up," Lily said, having not moved from her spot in his lap.
"So it is," RC responded.
"D'you think the sunrise will be as pretty as the sunset?"
"Over the mountains? Of course."
She nodded, "We'll need to stay here until it finishes rising."
"All right."
She snuggled close to him as she watched the sun come up.
He placed his arms around her. The sky slowly blushed with pink.
They remained together until the sun had risen.
"Looks like it's going to be another clear day..."
She nodded, "That's good."
He gave a nod.

"So how many more excuses should we come up with to stay up here?"
"There's always the, 'We got lost' excuse.."
"Hmm. how well will that work?"
"always find a more secret spot. if they come looking for us here, we aren't."
"Ah," she said, "I think that-"

"Ahem," a voice said behind them.
RC turned at the voice.
"Hello," Charlie said
"Oh! Hey Charlie!" RC gave him a grin.
"Have a nice night?"
"Now why would I tell you that?" he teased.
"Thought I'd come see if you needed a ride down," Charlie said
"Might as well, no use hidin' from ya now."
Charlie smiled and turned so they could hitch up. Lily, being the coach, hitched up first, followed by RC. "Okay Charlie!" he called.
Lily turned back at RC and smiled before Charlie started to take them down
He gave her a smile back.
She turned forward so she could concentrate on the steep path down
RC turned his attention to the path as well, duty kicking in and ready to help should the steamer need it.
They made it down safe and sound.
"yet another journey down the mountain safely," RC said with a grin. "What a team we make, eh Charlie?"
Charlie nodded, "an excellent team."
He gave the steamer a friendly slap on the back.

Charlie grinned, "Now, Daisy has offered to entertain Lily for the day."
"so I s'pose I've got to give her up now."
"Just for a few hours. You can keep her through breakfast," Charlie said with a wink at Lily.
RC chuckled. "Well thanks," he replied.
"Of course," Charlie said grandly.
RC held out his arm to Lily. "Shall we?"
She took his arm, "Of course."
He lead her to the diner.
Lily followed him inside where Daisy greeted them.
"Mornin' Daisy!" he said with his usual grin.
"Good morning," she said, "Have a seat."
She sat down in one of the booths and RC sat across from her so her could hold her hands and look into her eyes.
They sat there for a few minutes, not noticing Daisy until she cleared her throat.
RC then looked up.
Lily looked up as well and blushed a bit. "Well what would you like?" Daisy asked.
"My usual omelet and coffee."
"Can I have scrambled eggs and orange juice?" Lily asked.
"Sure thing," Daisy said, darting off to get their food
The caboose watched Daisy go off and then turned back to Lily.
She was still slightly pinkish
You're beautiful even when you blush," he said with a smile.
She giggled slightly.
He gave her a wink.
Lily took a deep breath and willed her skin color to return to normal.
"One thing's for certain Lil you'll put some spice into my retired life. All ready have." he grinned.
Lily smiled back at him.
They looked into each other's eyes a moment longer and then RC leaned in to kiss the sleeper.

Daisy waited until they had finished before bringing them their food
Lily refrained from blushing and thanked Daisy for the food
"Thanks Daisy." he replied.
She nodded and headed off to take care of other things as Lily started to eat
RC started to eat as well.
For a few minutes they were occupied with that.
Soon RC finished.
Lily had finished moments ago and was watching him eat.
"Didn't know I was that amusing when I eat," he teased.
"Oh yes," she said, "Very."
"I'm glad I amuse you then." He winked.
She smiled, "Of course."
He took a glance at his watch.
"Time to go to work?" she asked
"Nearly time.."
"Aww..."
"Yeah, time'll either speed by or seem real slow knowing you're here."
"I hope it'll go fast.
"You an' me both Lil..."
She smiled, "I'm sure it will."
"Yeah," he smiled back.

Lily gazed into his eyes. For RC's part, he could drift and get lost in her deep blue ones. He lost track of time as he gazed into her eyes.

"Ahem...."
he jumped slightly, startled some.
"Hello," Charlie said
"Charlie?" For a moment he was surprised to see the steamer.
"RC."
Then he quickly glanced at his watch and swore under his breath. "Charlie I'm sorry," he said turning to the engine and beginning to apologize. "Simply lost track of time..." RC paused to give Lily a quick kiss. "have fun with Daisy."
She nodded "I will, and I'll see you later."
He nodded and turned to Charlie.

Charlie turned to let the caboose hitch up and then pulled RC out towards where the other cars were working
He moved to his position and set his mind to work. With Lily there just in the valley, RC had to work extra hard at keeping his mid to his work, but he did.
Charlie was pleased that RC had managed to keep his mind on his work and he told him so when they breaked for lunch.
He grinned. "thanks!"
Charlie smiled, "But I'm sure you don't want to have lunch with me..."
RC chuckled. "Nothing against ya Charlie."
"Of course not. Now go on with you."
"I promise not to be late!" With that he hurried off.
Charlie grinned

Lily was at the counter talking to Daisy.
As RC entered, he put his finger to his lips when he caught glance of Daisy's eyes.
Daisy did not betray his presence
He snuck up right behind Lily and covered her eyes. Disguising his voice only slightly (and not too well) the caboose said, "Guess who?"
"Ryan."
"yep she loves me Daisy," RC said uncovering Lily's eyes and giving her a kiss. "She can pick me out by just my voice."
Both coaches giggled
"The usual Daisy? Pretty please?"
She nodded, "Alright, comin' right up."

"Haven’t got very long for lunch," he said turning to Lily. "And I promised Charlie that after bein' late this mornin' I'd get back on time."
Lily nodded, "Don't want you to get into trouble." she leaned forward to kiss him.
He returned that kiss.
Daisy brought them their food and then vanished to take some other orders
RC took a couple bites. "so what ya two coaches been talkin' about?" he asked.
"Oh this and that, comparing notes on things." Lily gave RC a slightly silly smile.
He chuckled and took another bite. "I love you Lil..."
"I love you too."

The caboose finished his lunch and still had *some* time left to spend with Lily, though not much.
"well what should we do in our glorious ten minutes ‘til you go back to work?"
"We could just sit and enjoy the beautiful day.."
Lily nodded, "Sounds like a good plan."
He stood.
She followed him eagerly.
There was a patch a soft grass nearby, under a shade tree and Lily headed over there to sit. RC sat down next to her.
"I hope you haven't been working too hard..."
"I try not to, but ya know..." he said with a grin.
"You can't avoid it, I know."
"Hey Lil...what about one of those famous back rubs I've longed for so much?"
She grinned, "I was just waiting for you to ask that, turn around."
RC did as he was told.
Lily set her hands on his shoulders and started to work, concentrating on making him less tense, working out the knots in his sore muscles.
The caboose slowly began to relax and then he gave a slight chuckle. "Ya realize by the time I'm relaxed, I'll just have to go back to work."
"Yes, I know that," she purred.
He leaned back, kissing her cheek.
"That's alright though, after work I'll just have to get you relaxed again."
"I'll be looking forward to that."
She grinned

Time passed and soon RC reluctantly found that he should think about heading back.
"Already?" she asked
"Yes Lily, already..."
"Alright," she said with a little pout.
"I'll be back before ya know it."
She grinned, "You'd better be."
he gave her nose a gentle kiss. "better believe it."
"Oh I do Ryan," she smiled.
RC stood, helped Lily to her wheels, kissed her after leading her back to Daisy at the diner and headed back to work.

"Right on time," Charlie greeted RC.
"of course."
"Never had any doubts."
He grinned.
"Let's go."
With that, RC hitched up.
Charlie pulled RC and the other cars back up the mountain and back to work. And again Charlie's mind stayed on his work, which was a good thing, considering he was an engine, but RC's mind did not wander either.

Soon the workday came to an end and the steamer called it quits a few minutes early.
RC carefully led the way down the steep pathway.
"Brake!" Charlie suddenly shouted.
RC quickly put on his break.
Charlie turned aside as a few loose stones skittered out from under the tracks.
RC's breaks gave a jerk but they did what they were supposed to so he paid no mind.
"Whew," Charlie said, starting forward again, testing the tracks carefully.

"What a bit of excitement up there, eh Charlie?" RC gave a slight grin once they were safely down in the valley. He loved that thrill, though he'd never risk the danger of himself or the others to feel it.
"Yeah," Charlie agreed, "But just as long as there weren't any accidents."
He nodded. "Of course not buddy. Wouldn't risk the chance of an accident."
"I know," Charlie agreed, "That's why I know I can count on you up there."
"Always."
Charlie whistled to let everyone know they had come down.

RC heaed to the diner to look for Lily.
Lily was indeed in the diner helping Daisy out.
He came up behind her and kissed the sleeper on the cheek.
She grinned, "Hi Ryan."
"heya!" he said with a grin.
"You done?"
"Of course."
She grinned at him happily. "Well, I have four hours ‘til I have to go..."
"wonderful! Lets go!" he gave a goofy grin.
She took his hand and started outside, happy to spend time with her caboose.

RC led the way up to their spot.
"I like it up here," she said, "When I get home I'm gonna have to find an equally beautiful spot to take you."
"I’m sure you'll find something. and Charlie'll want me to visit on my off days so we'll always have this spot..."
She nodded.

"Oh, had a slightly exciting trip on our second trip down."
"Oh?"
"had to put on my breaks in a hurry."
"What happened?"
"Charlie yells back, 'brake!' so I hit my brakes. Felt the train slide some in the gravel, but I stopped it. made the rest of the way down with out a problem."
Lily squeaked a bit and hugged his arm.
he chuckled slightly at her squeak. "But as you can see, I'm safe. Charlie's safe. Nothing happened."
She nodded, "Yeah. I know you'll be fine..."
He smiled. "I'll be find cuz I would never let anything happen to Charlie and the rest."
She nodded, "That's why I love you," she kissed him.

he returned her kiss. "Course," he started. "That *was* an extra strain..."
"Mmm, my caboose is tired?"
"I need some of you relaxation methods.
She giggled, "Yes sir."
He turned so his back faced her.
Lily set her hands on his shoulders expertly and once again, massaged his tense muscles.
"Mmmm" he mumbled and leaned into her touch.
Lily smiled, "Just relax now."
he took deep breaths, relaxing a little more with each one.
Lily migrated to his neck.
"Right there...." he said.
She smiled and rubbed his tense muscles, enjoying herself almost as much as RC was.
He leaned back a bit more so he could look up at her.
She smiled at him, "Comfy?"
"Hmmm..." He moved himself so that his head lay in her lap and he was able to look straight up at her. Now I am."
She smiled, "Good." she stroked his blonde hair back

"wait," he reached and took off his red cap. "Better?" RC said with a grin.
"Yes," she said
He chuckled.
She stroked his hair and then leaned down and kissed his forehead.
RC closed his eyes as she ran her fingers through his hair. He enjoyed having her play with it, relaxing in it's own way.
She kissed him along his forehead
He opened his eyes again and met hers. "Your eyes are the deepest, prettiest blue I've ever seen...."
She smiled, "Thank you."
"Mesmerizing.." he smiled.
Lily grinned.
He enjoyed laying down with his head in her lap. Gave him another entirely different view of Lily.
She hugged his head gently

He chuckled again. "Oh Lily, you'll spoil me. In some ways ya have." RC winked.
"Oh?"
"When you're gone, I long for your relaxing gentle touch."
She smiled, "Very poetic."
"really?"
"Yes," she said, "Although you seem to have uncovered my plan."
"Oh?" he chuckled.
"My dastardly plan to make you dependent on me." she winked
He grinned. "that's one I won't mind."
She grinned and then leaned down towards him, "I love you," she whispered
"I love you too," he whispered back to her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"I can't wait ‘til I get to take you home."
"Neither can I.."
"It'll be soon," she said, "When I get home I'll find out what they decided..."
"All right. And then I'll let Charlie know if the news is good."

She nodded and then shifted, turning his wrist to look at his watch.
"well?" he asked.
Lily pouted slightly
"Time?"
"Gettin' close to time to go..."
"Aww..."
She hugged his head again
"I wish I could go with you now."
"Yeah" she said softly, "But when I come back next time, then you can come home with me."
"I'll try and be content until then."
She nodded, "And I'll write of course."
"Of course." He smiled.
"Lots."
"Lots..." he promised.
"Good," she kissed him lightly.
He returned the kiss
"You'll be rewarded for them," she winked.
"Great." RC replied with a smile.
"We'd better head down."
"I suppose you're right." RC sat up slowly and got to his wheels. He then held out a hand for Lily.
She got up, holding his hand tightly and the hitched up behind him. Once she did so, RC took off, though careful coming down.

Down in the valley a steam engine was chatting with Charlie and waiting for Lily.
Upon arriving in the valley, RC greeted the other steamer.
As did Lily, "Just a moment though?"
"sure," the steamer said, "No hurry."
She turned to her caboose. "I'll be back before you know it."
"And I'll be waiting." he said.
"Good," Lilly kissed him rather passionately.
RC embraced her, kissing Lily with the same passion.
After a bit, she pulled away.
"see you Lily...." He wasn't one to say good-bye. Not to her.
She nodded, "Soon," she promised.
"Soon..." he repeated.
She kissed him lightly, "See you later Ryan."
"Yeah," RC replied.
She went over to the steamer and hitched up
RC didn't take his eyes off her, even after she and the steamer vanished out of sight.

Moments after they left. He still looked off in that direction with a soft sigh.
Charlie let him be.