The salt air mingled distinctly with the rusting iron of the dockyard machinery. Seagull screeches all but drowned out by the thundering horns of arriving ships and whirring winches as cargo from near and far was sorted for its next journey.

A long line of laden flatbeds was being checked and secured for it's transition off the island at Kirk Ronan. Two powerful engines entered the dock yard, pulling up the side of the train to position themselves at the front. A long low whistle from the 9f at the front signalled for the points to shift the giants over as they backed down to the goods line to be coupled up. As the engines braked to a halt, the yard manager approached the cab of the Class 28 and called up to it's driver.

" 'Fraid they're still inspecting the line mate. Take a breather and I'll horn ya when we're set to go."

Boco nodded in understanding. "It's no trouble. I could use a break anyway."

He headed to the cab door and descended the long diesel while his partner followed suit up ahead.

"What's the word Boco?" Murdoch asked as he approached. The broad man ran a hand through his hair as he took a clean breath of air. Having been face first in heat and soot all day, this was a nice reprieve.

"Delayed. But only just. They're on final inspections now."

"Ah." Murdoch mused knowingly. "Happy for the chance to just sit for a second."

Boco smiled and gestured back toward his cab.

"Care to come in for a spot? It's black but I've some honey in the center console."

Murdoch beamed back.

"That sounds like just the ticket."

The two retreated into the diesel and made way to the cab seats.

"If only they reclined." Murdoch wished.

"You should know I've asked." Boco chortled. He raised his thermos' cap to Murdoch's tin cup and the two had a lovely swig of tea.

Daisy swerved her railcar into the connecting platform at Elsebridge. As she dinged the arrival tone, the doors opened and passengers took their exit.

Pulling out a small handbag from under her console, Daisy reached for her brush for rouge and started a healthy application.

She was mid stroke when a light tap on the opposing cab window broke the silence.

"Oh! My stars, honey get in here before I throttle yooou."

She lingered on the last word, shifting the doors open. Molly peeked inside. She'd just arrived with a light local train and was looking to pass the time until her next run.

"Sorry to catch you by surprise." Molly laughed. "I didn't realize you were in the middle of something so important."

"Oh darlin' there's nothin' more important than a lady's upkeep you mark my words." Daisy jested as Molly took a relaxed seat in the controller's chair next to her.

"Oh I've just remembered." She reached into her boilersuit and pulled out a wrapped blueberry muffin she'd gotten from the farmer's market on her way to the station. "Want a piece?"

Daisy looked over and scoffed. Molly would have been offended, but, ya know. It's Daisy.

"Oh I for sure don't need those carbs anymore than I need crows feet around my baby blues."

Daisy put her make-up back in her bag and rested her hands on the dash in front of her sighing deeply. Molly was mid muffin bite as Daisy side eyed over at her. Without any acknowledgement Daisy let loose a second sigh that was as long as it was loud.

"Something on your mind Daisy?" Molly raised an eyebrow as she rested a foot on the console. Another bite of her muffin chucked between her teeth.

"Oh heavens Miss Molly, where do I begin?"

"... and the vicar just looked at me, and I promise you Boco, he asked where my sheep were. He thought I'd been the shepherd the entire time. "

Boco chuckled heartily as Murdoch took a triumphant sip from his cup.

"This is great honey." Murdoch praised, licking his lips. "Local?"

Boco pulled out the small glass jar from the console.

"Tidmouth Hault. It's local enough. Bought it from the beekeeper himself."

"Tidmouth Hault? I thought you worked mainly around Vicarstown."

"In actuality you're right. My trains typically don't take me any further west than Wellsworth. But this morning I had a special to connect with up at the coastal branch. Had a stop at a farmer's market by the station while waiting for the all clear."

Boco took a sip and smacked his lips tastefully.

"The raw stuff really makes a difference. Oh! But before I forget. Molly told me to tell you hello. Saw her in the–. Easy man, take a breath."

Murdoch had taken an accidental swallow at hearing Molly's name and was now trying to control the gasping fit from the hot liquid.

"That was nice of her." He choked as he pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed his nose.

"She's very sweet. I'm grateful for her patience." Boco eyed his friend cautiously. "It takes a certain person to… let's say, understand handling Daisy. And goodness knows she needs a friend."

Murdoch smirked through his recovery as he let out a slight chuckle.

"You know I'm your friend Boco, but she is one high-strung woman."

"You say that as if I don't know." Boco grinned to himself. "I live with it. But, she grows on you."

He smiled into his next sip and Murdoch thumped his chest trying to clear the last remnant of spittle.

"- And then he kissed me goodbye and told me to be good. The nerve of that man."

Daisy finished her hissy fit and Molly just smiled and smiled. This woman…

"Daisy it sounds like he was just teasing. It's cute."

Daisy gaped at her and put a hand to her heart.

"I declare Molly there's a time and place for that sort of thing. Not when we're arriving to work and the public… THOSE people can just stare."

By 'those' people Molly assumed everyone in the general populus who was not Daisy.

"Sometimes I don't think you know how lucky you have it. Lot's of us wish we had someone who would care about us the way Boco does you."

"Like a big strappin' bull who's name starts with a little old 'M'" Daisy pursed her lips and clutched her hands in a grasp next to her face.

Molly straightened up as she felt her heart quicken at the thought.

"I for sure don't know what you're talking about." Her blush revealed far more than she wished for.

Graciously at that moment a tinny voice echoed from the station speakers announcing the departure of Molly's next local train.

"Ah gee, look at the time. Sorry Dais' I gotta run. It was nice catching up."

She blundered her wait out of the railcar as Daisy sat in perfect posture grinning cheekily to herself.

"Oh when Boco hears this." She cooed before inspecting her lashes in a pocket mirror from breast pocket.

"That's the manager." Boco realized, turning in the direction of the loudspeaker.

"Guess I'm up to the front. Still two sounds for speed, one sound for slow?"

"I think that's best."

Murdoch took Boco's hand and shook before heading for the exit.

"Thanks again for the refresher." He called as he jumped down to the track bed.

"Thank you for the conversation." Boco's entire face smiled. "Wait until I tell Daisy."

Fun little one shot with characters who I don't think get the love they should. Can you imagine sheer titans like Boco and Murdoch pulling a heavy goods train? *muah* perfection.

Molly unfortunately didn't get a lot of screen time in the show, so it's fun filling out her personality. I think making her patient and a bit lackadaisical is a nice contrast to a highly sprung belle like Daisy.

Also, my take away from this is how dang fun is it to write for Daisy? Those southern euphemisms are so delicious. XD

As Always thank y'all so much for reading! -REN