Chapter Text
The next day Electra came by again. CB didn’t expect to see Electra again so soon but he was not going to complain. It was way too nice to have some company when he’s been cooped up in his shed with nothing to do. Electra was also noticeably without any components this time.
“So where is your entourage? I’m surprised that not one of them is here to watch over you considering I’m a dangerous train.”
“The only thing dangerous about you is your brain. Also I gave them the day off considering I also have today off.”
“How is my sweet innocent little brain dangerous?” CB gave the engine of the future puppy eyes and a pouty lip.
“I think we both know there’s some devious thoughts up there. Not that I really mind. You are quite the endearing little caboose.”
“I sure hope I’d be endearing. I am the best train car around. Sooo how’s sticking around the yard? Anyone giving you issues?”
“Not a train has given me any issues. They're all too busy admiring me.”
“Now who would ever admire you?”
“Practically everyone in this yard still has that look on their faces when I pass. I cannot even get a conversation out of most of them. It’s frustrating. I know I’m the hottest talk of the town but still it's nice to have someone like you to just talk to. Without you and some of my components’ obsession with your little friend I would probably be on my way to some other yard until the next big race.”
“One I’m flattered that I’m the reason that you’re sticking around, of course I am, but what do you mean obsession?”
“Two of my components, Joule and Killerwatt, have found a bit of interest in that instrumental car. They won’t admit it up front but it is plain to see. I may be considered vain but I am not blind. I just do not wish to bother asking because they usually believe that they have to answer everything I ask. Another reason why spending the time I have had with you has been nice. You do not feel the need to say everything and follow my every order.”
“Another point for the best caboose! You’re not too bad to hang out with either by the way. You’re the only engine who seemingly gives a shit about this old red caboose.”
“Well this ‘old red caboose’ is interesting.”
+ + + +
“Do you eat anything?” CB and Electra had pretty much talked about everything. From how recently Electra had been built to how the components came to be. Electra explained that it was almost like a found family. The components, besides Killerwatt, were not originally electric. They converted years ago after finding solace in Electra. Now they are like a big family, well, Electra hopes for it to become more like that over the years instead of being a master and their servant's situation.
“I cannot eat. As an electric engine, consuming anything really does horrible things to my inner workings.”
“Really? That sucks. I would have loved to show you the world of food. Dinah always makes the best stuff. What do you do instead of eating then?”
“Well I mostly have Wrench plug me into a charging port at night to get the energy I need. I sometimes need to recharge during the day too.”
“That makes sense. Drowzy mostly plugs in too but I’ve seen them eat so I thought it would be a similar situation to your own. You really can’t eat?”
“Nope. Are you required to eat?”
“Nah, needing to eat is a human thing through and through. I just eat when I feel like it. That stuff looks so good. Especially when Dinah makes it. It smells too good to pass up on.”
+ + + + +
About a week and a half pass by with Electra coming to visit CB almost every day. They chat about mostly random and simple things like what Electra did that day or how electric powered engines worked. On the rare occasion they’d talk about something deeper. Like what living at other train yards was for CB. Most of his previous experiences weren’t that great. This yard was his best out of every other yard. He even told Electra things that he had never told Dinah and Drowzy. It was nice.
+ + + + +
CB was bored as all hell since he wasn’t allowed to leave nor do much activity wise still. Dinah and Drowzy visited each morning while Electra visited in the afternoon. They’d talk for hours about the most random things. The company was great.
Sadly his time spent had to end eventually. CB had to go back to work soon. Since Electra’s visits were coming to an end, CB decided that they would have the best possible afternoon today. Granted it wasn’t very grand as there wasn’t much CB could set up but he did his best.
It was a little after noon now, the usual time Electra showed up. CB had also pulled out some games for him and Electra to play. He also set up his N.E.S. for them to play if they wanted and a few movies on the shelf. He waited on his sofa for a few minutes before hearing a knock at the door. He stood up so quickly that his vision blurred and then sped towards the door to welcome Electra in.
“Hey Electra!”
“Hello CB.”
“Come on, I've got a bunch to do today.” CB leads Electra to the living room where he had set up. They both settled in on the sofa. “So what do you want to do first? I’ve got some video games and card games to play. Do you know how to play BS?”
“No I don’t think I do.”
“Okay so basically the goal of the game is to get rid of all your cards before the other player-”
“Isn’t that every game?” they teased. Electra pulled this stunt a few times whenever CB explained any card games that had to play.
“You didn’t let me finish. Anywho, you go back and forth setting cards down going through the deck, claiming that you have a card or not. So, say we are on aces, I place down a card claiming it is an ace. You can call BS if I lied or not about it being an ace. If you are right then I pick up the cards. If you are wrong you pick up the cards.”
“That sounds simple enough. Why not?”
After about twenty rounds of playing BS, with CB victorious every time, Electra calls it off. “How the hell are you so good at this game caboose?”
“I swear it’s like you forgot that I am a great liar.”
“Yeah, let's move on to a different game.”
“What? Can’t handle being beat by little ole me?” CB nudged them playfully.
“You know what? Yeah. I can’t. So can we do something else?”
“Sure. Do you want to play video games or watch a movie? Or we could play Uno.”
“I feel like playing uno with you would go downhill especially quickly. I also do not wish to ruin our acquaintanceship that we have built over the past week.”
“Fair enough, so a movie?”
“Depends what you have.”
“I think I have Beetlejuice, Footloose, Outsiders, and Little Shop of Horrors.”
“Of course you have musicals.”
“Hey! They are great. Don’t disrespect my musicals like that. Plus most of them are from Drowzy since they love them.”
“What’s the deal between you two?”
“Oh we are like best friends. Same with Dinah. Funnily enough I became friends with them in a very similar way. Both had engines being absolute jerks to them and I took care of it for them. Drowzy has a bunch of engines who have pushed him around and not asking to use his speakers. I decided to give them a lesson. As for Dinah, an engine acted like she was an object so I took care of them too. Why?”
“Just curious is all. Also I think Little Shop of Horrors sounds fine. I don’t think I’ve seen that one yet.”
“I’m surprised you’ve seen any of them.”
“My components have been getting me to watch a bunch of movies recently.”
CB got up from his spot and turned on his TV, placing the DVD into the player. He then settled back onto the sofa next to Electra and started the movie.
About half way into the movie, Electra stretched out like a tall cat and placed one of their arms on the back of the sofa, behind CB’s head. The second they did that, CB felt that strange feeling again. It was all he could think about for the rest of the movie and the rest of the afternoon. Sadly the fun was at its end.
“See you later Electra.”
“Yeah, see you later CB,” Electra opened the door then turned back, “how ‘bout I come around to pick you up from work? You’ll probably be super tired after not being at work for almost a month.”
“Sounds like a great plan! See you tomorrow!” Electra headed back to their own shed, leaving CB in his. CB cleaned up the small mess made by the two before heading off to his bedroom (Which was now squeaky clean). He settled into his bed and thought about the great afternoon with his friend. He was really going to miss the company but at least he’d see them again tomorrow! His mind wandered back to that weird feeling, he still knew nothing about what it could be. He brushed it away, he had to get up early the next day so he forced himself asleep pretty shortly after.