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Chapter Text

“I can’t believe you bought it.”  James said, staring at the TV screen as it loaded the game.

“I wanted to play a spooky game for the Spooky Season.”  Camille said with a laugh, sitting cross legged on the sectional sofa.

James sat down next to her, grabbing the red blanket folded on one of the ends, “This is insane.”

As the game loaded up, Camille stood and turned out the lights before returning to the couch and getting under the blanket with James.

“Remind me why we’re doing this?”  James asked as they watched the main character make his way to Mount Massive Asylum.

“Because we’re big brave courageous engines and aren’t afraid of no video game.”  Camille chuckled as she read the note at the beginning of the game.

“I’m not sure I’m going to like this battery mechanic.”  James noted, watching Camille make her way around the asylum’s grounds.

“Well, we survived Amnesia so I’m sure we can handle this.”  She responded, examining the armed vehicles and attempting the front door.

“This is infinitely worse than Amnesia.”  James noted, “Thomas wouldn’t even play this one with us.”

“Let him be a scaredy engine.”  Camille teased as she had Miles Upshur (the main character) climb up the ladders and scaffolding and into the asylum.  The lights flickered in the building and then broke.

“Oh noooo.” James groaned, “It starts so soon?”

“We’ve got this.” She grinned as something hissed in the game, causing both engines to startle a bit.

“Do we though?”  James joked back, as she squeezed through the small gap.

“Well nothing horrible is happening so far.”  She said, picking up a note, “Looks like they were experimenting on the patients, specifically a guy named Billy.”

“Oh, surprise, surprise.  And how is the name Billy supposed to be terrifying?”

“Maybe he was a failed project?”  Camille asked, as they heard a door shut and lock.

“Well, we’re not alone.”  James said stating the obvious.

“Ew!”  Camille wrinkled her nose, “Intestines on a plate.  I’ll take the ventilations instead.”

They both shrieked at a jump scare as they walked into a room full of headless bodies.

“Nope!  Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope!”  James shouted, pulling the blanket up to his face.

“They killed us.  They got out.  The variants.”  Said a dying NPC on a pike, Camille and James watched with horrified faces, listening as he gave a little backstory and then told them to get out while they still can.

“I like this advice.  Can we go out the window?”  Camille asked genuinely.

“It’s what I would do.”  James said.

Suddenly the lights were turned on in the room, causing both of them to scream, Camille almost dropping her controller.

Edward and Gordon looked from the stairway with slightly concerned and shocked faces.

“What are you two doing?”  Edward asked, looking from the two to the screen.  He sighed, “A scary game again?”

James gave a sheepish smile at his beloved and Camille grinned stupidly, “It’s spooky season!”

Gordon was giving James a disapproving glare, noticing his girlfriend sharing a blanket with him.  James ignored him, choosing to keep his focus on Edward, “Want to join us?”

Edward scoffed but smiled, “Are you asking me if I want to watch the game with you or are you really asking me to hold your hand while you torment yourself with another scary story?”

“The latter.”  James admitted, “Not that I’m scared or anything.”

“You both just screamed as we turned the lights on.”  Gordon pointed out.

“Only because we weren’t ready for it.”  Camille said, “The game is supposed to be scary, we don’t need real life jump scares.”

Gordon rolled his eyes, but nonetheless, he and Edward sat next to their partners.  Gordon grabbed another blanket to specifically share with Camille.  James gave a harrumph as he pulled his red blanket over both him and Edward.

“You’ve got to turn the lights back off, honey.”  Camille said to Gordon, “Atmosphere is important.”

Gordon groaned and rolled his eyes but did as she asked.  As he made his way to the lights, Scotsman sauntered down the stairs and eyed the small group on the couch.

“What are you four up to?  A double date?”  He asked with a smirk.

“Aren’t you supposed to be going home?”  Gordon grumbled, side eyeing his younger brother.

“Felt like staying for the holiday.”  Scotsman said waving him off, “If you’re not doing a date what are you guys playing?”  He asked, looking at the TV.

“It’s not even Halloween yet-“ Gordon started but was interrupted by Camille.

“We’re playing Outlast for the spooky season.”  She said smiling at Scot, “James and I pick a movie series to watch or a game to play every October.  You can join, originally it was just me and James, not a date.”

“Don’t mind if I do.”  Scot said, sitting between James and Camille.  Gordon gave a frustrated growl, turning off the lights and sitting back down under the blanket that he was now sharing with his girlfriend and younger brother.  Scot just grinned at his brother.

“Alright, so, let me explain the story thus far.”  Camille said, “We are a journalist for some big company and we’re investigating the story of Mount Massive Asylum and its supposed experimentation on its patients and other unethical procedures.  We, of course, came at the dead of night on a slightly stormy night.”

“Of course.”  Scot mimicked.

“We had to break in, kind of, and the lights went out.  We’ve already seen a freaked out patient, the rooms are wide open and destroyed, and we found several beheaded people and an army guy completely decked out but with a pike through his body who told us we needed to get the hell out of here.”  Camille finished.

“Which is where we’re picking up with you guys.”  James added, “We tried to jump out the window but apparently that’s too easy.”

“So, you’re just starting.”  Gordon stated.

“Exactly!  So now we can all go through this together.”  Camille said, picking her controller up and exploring the hallway.

“Creepy.”  Edward stated, curling into James.  Although he was the older, and one might say braver, of the two engines, Edward wasn’t a big fan of how far the horror genre had progressed in his lifetime.  Where many movies were considered goofy, this new stuff was hard to watch.  James took a bit of pride in these moments where he could comfort his boyfriend instead of vice versa.

“Your battery is dying.”  Edward pointed out.

“I think I’ll be OK.”  Camille said as she sidled through shelving.

“Little Pig!”

All five engines yelped as the main character was pulled out by a rather large NPC and tossed through a glass pane.

“Nope!”  James ducked under the covers.

They listened as a priestly character talked to the main character and then the objective appeared saying to escape the asylum.

“I like that objective.”  Scotsman said as Camille examined the bloody writing on the walls and the beheaded bodies.

“Me too.”  Camille said, running around the building, using the new mechanic of peeking around the corners.

“The guy in the wheelchair is alive.”  James said.

“Thank you for stating the obvious, James.”  Gordon said with a bit of venom.

“Don’t be mean, little brother, just because you’re scared.”

“I’m not scared!”  Gordon snorted, watching as Camille looked at the patients sitting around watching the TV ignoring her character.

“At least they’re not being mean to me.  I don’t like the choir music though.”  Camille said, ignoring the brothers as they began to bicker.

“Why’d you scream then?”  Scotsman continued to tease.

“I didn’t scream.”  Gordon said, “That’s not dignified.”

“You totally screamed.”

“I yelled, at most.”  Gordon glared at his brother.

The man in the wheelchair jumped out at the main character, Camille having to shake him off and all the engines had yelled out again as she fought the character off.

“Get him off!  Get him off!”  James yelled out.

Once she got away, she laughed a bit, taking a quick glance at Gordon, “You were saying, Gordon?”

“I uh-  Bite me.”  Gordon said, folding his arms across his chest.

Scotsman laughed.

“We can look behind us as we run now.”  Camille noted, “Why would I want to do that?”

“If something’s chasing you?”  Edward asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to look behind me if I am being chased.  Ignorance is bliss.”

As she examined the security office, Camille noticed that she could hide in the locker, “Why do I need to hide?”

Hide in the locker.  Don’t try to fight.

“No, no, no, no, no!”  Camille yelped, hiding in the locker after the priest tripped the power.

“That big guy is coming back.”  James said, hiding all but his eyes under the blanket.

“You were here, weren’t you?.  Little pig.  I’ll find all you whores.”  The big man said on the screen.

“Rude.”  Camile taunted.

“I’m not sure I’m ready for this game.”  James said.

“That’s why I’m playing and you’re just watching.”  Camille said.

——

A bit later

——

All the engines were well cuddled under the blankets after dealing with the twins and were screaming as Camille dodged the crazed patients and entered the elevator.

“Get in! Get in! Get in!” James shouted, his knees shaking in anticipation.

Once they were locked in, the engines all took a breath.

“Hey, we got away.” Camille said with a smile.

“Yeah, but I don’t trust whoever told us to get in this thing.”  Scotsman said as they were met with the doctor who punched the main character.

“Well, crap.”  Camille said.

“I don’t like this.”  Gordon said as they were bound to the wheelchair and wheeled away.

“Oh, he’s sarcastic.”  Edward wrinkled his nose as they were put in the elevator with the crazed doctor, “This can’t be good.”

“The trail of blood can’t be a good sign.”  Camille said.

“Shh.  Shh.  You weren’t putting that tongue to any use anyway.”  The crazed doctor said to one of the patients freaking out on the gurney.

“Oh nooo…” Camille whimpered, “I don’t like this.”

“Do we have to keep playing?  We’ve played enough tonight right?”  James whined.

“We can’t just end it here.”  Scotsman said.

“You’re not the one playing the game.”  Gordon glanced at his brother, who despite the calm outward demeanor, he could tell was getting shaky, “If Camille doesn’t want to then she doesn’t have to.”

“Maybe you just don’t want to watch.”  Scotsman said with a grin, “It’s alright little brother, I understand if it’s too scary for you.”

“Scot, I swear to Lady above, if you call me little brother one more time I’m not going to be held responsible for what I do to you.”  Gordon retorted, “We’re the same bloody height and I’m your older brother.”

Scotsman stuck his leg out from under the blanket, showing off the three wheels going up his ankle and leg, “The wheels don’t lie…”. Scot paused with a smirk, “Little brother.”

Gordon swung a pillow over Camille’s head and smacked his younger brother in the face with it with a solid PLUMP.

“Ow!  I can’t believe you actually hit me!”  Scotsman yelped.

“I can’t believe you didn’t see it coming, Scotty.” Gordon sneered.

“Ladies, ladies, you’re both pretty.  Can we please get back to the game?”  Camille said with a bit of irritation as she had to pause the game due to their little spat.

All turned their attention back to the TV as the doctor grabbed various tools, but seemed partial to a pair of large scissors.

“No!  I can’t watch!”  Edward said, ducking his head into James’ neck.

“Nope!  I’m out!”  James shouted too, hiding under the covers.

Camille let out a small scream as she hid her face behind her fingers, peeping ever so slightly as the villain cut the main character's fingers off.

Gordon and Scotsman yelled out in disgust and horror, both cringing very visibly at the violence, Gordon grabbing the pillow from earlier and barely peeked over it, while Scot hid his face in his shirt as he pulled it closer to his eyes.

“OK, OK!”  Camille called, “I call it tonight.  I can’t take it.” She paused the game and put the Switch in sleep mode.

“Agreed.  Let’s go to bed.”  Gordon said, shakily.

However, after turning off the game they realized they were stuck in the dark, as the night had gotten fairly late without their noticing.

No one moved from the couch.

“We could just sleep down here tonight.  Together.”  James suggested.

“Uh uh.  No way.”  Scotsman said, “I’m sleeping in a room where I can lock the doors.”

“Scared, little brother ?”  Gordon teased heavily.

“I’m not scared!”  Scotsman said a little too quickly, “I just don’t like sleeping in open spaces.

“We slept in sheds for the majority of our lives, Scotsman.”

“Yeah but it still had doors!”  Scotsman retaliated.

“Don’t you two start again.”  Edward said, starting to stand, “I’ll get the lights before you turn the TV off.”

The others nodded in agreement and Edward stumbled over to the lights, turning them on.

“Now you can turn the TV off.”  James said, and then looked at the others in a bit of a panic, “Not that I’m scared of the dark or anything.”

“I think it’s safe to admit we’re all a bit afraid of the dark tonight.”  Camille said, curling into Gordon as the two stood up.

“And someone has to drive home on this dark night.”  Gordon said, looking at his brother a bit smugly.

“No way am I driving home tonight.”  Scotsman said before backpedaling, “Because I’d rather get my beauty sleep here than drive all night and be too tired to work in the morning starting at the mainland.”

“Aren’t you getting in trouble for how much time you spend on Sodor?”  Edward asked genuinely.

“Well, I… maybe a little… but I enjoy spending time with my family and they can’t say much considering I’ve given them just about a hundred years of service without asking for much.”  Scotsman shrugged.

Edward nodded his head in consideration, “Fair enough.”

“OK, not trying to be a downer or anything, but did anyone else notice it’s storming outside?”  Camille asked as they heard a bit of rolling thunder.

“Yeah, you know what?”  James said as it got louder, “I’m out of here.”  He grabbed ahold of Edward’s hand and almost skipped up the stairs, he was so nervous.  

Edward followed a bit clumsily, not expecting the sudden movement, “James!  Cut it out!”

The small Gresley family followed shortly, Camille being the most cautious as she was the one who played the game.  Gordon held onto her shoulders, feeling her shake underneath.

“You know, maybe it’s time you stop playing horror games for the Halloween season.”  He advised, “I don’t think it’s doing your nerves any good.”

“I’m fine.”  Camille said, eyeing around the corner as they traversed the stairs.

“And we’re climbing up the staircase slowly, because…?”  Scotsman asked.

“I’m just sleepy.”  Camille said in determined denial.

“Uh huh.”  The two brothers said in unison.

As they reached the top of the stairs there was a loud thundering crash and the power went out, the night lights that lit the halls turning out, diving them into pitch darkness.  Camille screamed, practically jumping into Gordon’s arms and he couldn’t help the shocked noise that came from his mouth either.

Down the hall they could hear James shrieking in panic.

“OK, I know that Camille’s old room is now technically my guest room, but I also know you left the twin size bed in your room from when I broke my leg and I’m claiming it again tonight.”  Scot said in a shakier voice.

Camille jumped from Gordon’s arms and ran, “Well, I’m not sticking around any longer.  Nope, nope, nope!”  She practically pranced down the hallway, stretching her legs as far as they would take her.  Gordon and Scotsman followed her more quickly than they would like to admit as a second crash was heard nearby.

Camille dived under the covers of the King’s size bed soon after she threw the bedroom doors open and curled into the fetal position as it stormed.  Gordon sighed as he shut the door behind him and his brother.  Scot quickly kicked off his slippers and curled into the twin bed on the other side of the room.

Although Gordon hated to admit his own fear, he looked down at Camille with a stern gaze he knew she couldn’t see.  “No more horror games.”

The little lump moved, “I watch horror ‘let’s plays’ no problem.”

He sighed, kicking his own slippers off, “But you can’t play them without panicking or nightmares.  Don’t think I’ve forgotten about Amnesia or that alien game.”

“That was different!”  Camille complained.

“How so?”  Gordon asked, “You were freaked out about vents and face hugging aliens for weeks.”

“They’re terrifying!”  She said, curling into him as he laid beside her, “But these are just humans and although they’re being scary, they’re not as scary as chest bursting aliens.”

There was silence for a bit before they heard a whimper from the other side of the room.

“Can I sleep with you guys?”

“Absolutely no-“ Gordon started.

“Yes!  More bodies means more comfort!”

“Camille!”  Gordon complained.

“It’s not like he’s hitting on me, Gordon.”  Camille said as Scotsman slid in before Gordon could further his complaint.

“He’s a grown engine!”

“He’s your little brother.”

“I would’ve been fine but someone had to bring up face huggers and chest bursters.”  Scotsman added pointedly at Gordon.

“I didn’t know you knew about the alien franchise, Scot.”  Camille said.

“I wish I didn’t.  I get nightmares every time.”  Scot said with a shudder.

“I get it!  They’re so creepy and with the way the movie-“

“Please, let’s not talk about it?”  Scot asked seriously, “I really don’t like it.  In all honesty.  I don’t.”

Gordon couldn’t help but look at the two scared forms that slept beside him.  Camille, his everything, scared by the storm and the video game and Scotsman, his younger brother, with a new weakness he didn’t know about.  Something he might’ve teased him about but it felt so odd hearing him sound so small talking about something that genuinely scared him.  He sighed defeated, scratching the back of his head and laid down.  He kissed Camille on the forehead and ruffled his younger brother's hair.

“This is a one time thing.”  He told them, “Goodnight you two.”

“Goodnight, Gordon.”  Camille said, snuggling into him.

“Goodnight… big brother.”  Scotsman added, feeling a bit more comfortable closer to the others.

——

Down the hall, James was curled up in a small ball himself, holding onto his stuffed Rhino, Pebble.  Edward, ever the big spoon to the bigger engine, was stroking his hair and kissed the bigger engines neck.

“It’ll be OK, Jamie.  I’ve got you.”

“I’m never letting Camille convince me to do another horror game again.”  James whimpered.

“I do believe that it was a joint decision, James.  Like last year and the years before that.”  Edward scolded playfully.

“Well then… you don’t ever let me do that again.”  James said, scolding back.

“What am I, your mother?”  Edward teased.

“You’re something much more valuable than that.”  James said and turned to face Edward.  Edward smiled at him, giving him a kiss on the forehead and pulled the red engine into his chest.  James relaxed, listening to Edward’s heartbeat.

“Did you lock the bedroom door?”  James asked.

“For the fifth time, James, yes I did.”  Edward said with a patient sigh.

“And the windows are too?”

“Yes, Jamie.”

James squeezed Pebble, curling into Edward as much as he could.

“And is- “

“James.”  Edward said sternly, “It’ll be OK.  We’re OK.  It was just a video game.”

“Yeah, but- “

“What on earth could I possibly do more to convince you everything will be OK?”  Edward said a tiny bit exasperated.

“Well… we could…” James said in a rather certain tone, trailing off a bit.

“It’s already late, James, and we have goods trains to pull tomorrow.”

James whined, “But Ed…”

“Oh no, don’t ‘but Ed’ me.  If that’s what you wanted, then you should’ve devoted more time.”

“But I’m devoting time now.”  James said, giving a small but suggestive movement against Edward, “I’ll sleep better.  It’ll get my mind off of scary things.”  He gave Edward a pout and puppy eyes, despite knowing the smaller engine couldn’t see in the dark, “Please?”

There was a bit of silence, before a sigh was heard, “Fine.  But I want NO complaints in the morning and I will not have you whine to me or Sir Topham Hatt tomorrow, you understand?”  Edward said sternly, despite leaning into James’ neck and giving him small pecks and nibbles.

James let out a giggly moan, happy regardless, “Of course, Edward dear.”

“I mean it, James.  Or there will be consequences.” Edward crawled on top of the larger engine, pulling Pebble away from him and placing her on the bedside table.

“Oooooo… I like the sound of that.  Maybe I’ll be naughty on purpose.”  James said slyly.

“I mean it, James Hughes.”  Edward said, stopping his affection.

James groaned at the sound of his full name, something he hated hearing from the older engine, “Fine, fine.  I’ll behave.”

When Edward continued giving in to the younger engine, he couldn’t help but smirk and think I’ll behave… for now.

Chapter Text

Camille had been out on her normal railway chores, taking goods from station to station and dropping off much needed grain and hay to the farmers of Sodor.  She always enjoyed visiting the farm, especially Farmer McColl.  He enjoyed teaching the young engine about farming and ranching.  In fact, Camille, being small in stature, had been called upon to help during the spring birthing season to help animals that were struggling.  Together, her, Farmer McColl, and Trevor had helped several cows with complicated birthing positions.  It was such a joy to help out and see the little baby animals make their first noises and watching them stand for the first time.

She chugged along happily towards his farm.  She was done with her freight cars for today and was happy that he was on her way to the next station.  Farmer McColl was out working with Trevor when he saw her and flagged her down.  Camille came to a halt with a smile.

“Do you need any help today, Farmer McColl? I don’t have any urgent deliveries right now.”

Farmer McColl scratched the back of his head, “I do actually.  I have a rather big favor to ask of you and your crew if you don’t mind.”

Camille glanced back towards Edan and Dallas.  They shrugged and hopped out of her cab so she could shift into her human form.

“What can we help with?” Dallas asked, hopping the fence. Camille and Edan followed him into the field.

“I’ve got a goat that’s a new mom and she’s rejecting one of her babies.” Farmer McColl said solemnly, “I’m so busy with the other animals that I don’t have time to tend to the little one and without intervention, she will die.”

Camille gasped, holding her hand over her heart, “That’s horrible! But what can we do to help?”

Farmer McColl waved for them to follow him back to the barn, he hopped back up on Trevor while Camille and the others climbed into the trailer.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I was hoping you’d be willing to take the little critter in.” The farmer said, “I’ve got plenty of colostrum from mom and lots of goat's milk.  I can supply you with the right kind of bottles.”  He sighed, “I know that’s a lot to ask but soon she’ll be able to be with the herd, I can get a bottle stand ready for her, just for now I need someone to watch her.  A few days maybe a week at tops.”

Camille glanced at Dallas and Edan.  Both looked very uncertain but knew the little tank engine was going to be more than willing.

As they reached the barn, Farmer McColl showed them in.  Trevor opted to wait outside.

When Camille came to pen with a warming lamp she gasped.  Down in the pen was a small goat, maybe 2 pounds.  She was shaking while she tried to stand.  She was white with a few little black dots on her coat.  She had bright blue eyes.  Her little bleats were very high pitched and soft.

“She’s adorable!” Camille coo’d.  With that, Dallas and Edan knew they were doomed to take the goat.  Farmer McColl brought a bottle with a thick yellow milk inside and handed it to Camille.

“This is the Colostrum she needs before she can have milk.  I’ve tried getting her to drink but she’s not very willing.  Maybe you could give it a try?”  He asked the engine.

Camille entered the pen happily and sat down in the warm straw.  She sat cross-legged and gently pet the little animal.  At first, it shied away from her, but then it wobbled closer a few steps before falling.  Camille picked the little doe up and cradled it in her arms.  She offered the bottle, helping put it in the baby's mouth.  The little goat let out a bleat of happiness, standing to the best of its abilities and nursed from the bottle, its little tail wagging happily.

“Well I’ll be hornswoggled.” Farmer McColl said with a smile.

Dallas sighed worriedly as Camille looked up and grinned at the two of them, “How exactly are you going to take care of a baby goat while we’re doing our chores?”

“The thing is maybe the size of a chihuahua, Dallas.  It’ll be fine in her cab.  Just put a diaper on it.”  Edan said nonchalantly.

Dallas looked at the very happy engine, “What about the others at the manor?”

“Oh they’ll love her!”  She grinned, “You honestly think they won’t melt looking at this tiny thing?”

He cocked an eyebrow, “What about Gordon?”

Camille waved her hand, “You don’t need to worry about him, I’ll take care of that.”

Dallas sighed and Edan grinned, “Looks like we will be taking the goat with us.”

Camille smiled as the baby relaxed in her arms curling up.

——

“Oh. My. Cuteness.”

Thomas had walked into the living room of the manor and stopped in his tracks as he saw the bundle of white on Camille’s lap.  The little doe was sleeping curled up in a blanket.

Camille smiled up at him, pausing her game, “Isn’t she? Farmer McColl needed help with her because she was rejected by her mother.  She really likes me.”  She grinned, “He gave me a kennel and everything to take care of her till she’s big enough to join the other goats.”

“That’s so awesome! I mean, not awesome about her mom, but awesome you get to take care of her.” Thomas sat down beside her and pet the little sleeping figure, “Does she have a name?”

Camille beamed proudly, “I named her Breezy, because she was born on a windy Wednesday.”

“Breezy! I like it!” Thomas smiled.

Camille handed him a second controller and the two sat back to play Overcooked together for a bit.

Overtime the others slowly trickled back into the manor, each taking in the little goat with surprise.  James wasn’t all that sure, not being a big animal person, but after the little goat gave him a soft “baa” and gummed at one of his fingers he quickly melted at her goaty charm.  Edward asked the most questions about the responsibility to take care of her but was satisfied with all Camille and Farmer McColl had done.

Henry melted at her originally but then panicked quickly for his plants around the manor.  Camille swore she would keep her away from his room or the plants on the balcony and in the kitchen.  Hiro pet the little animal with fondness.

Percy was thrilled, laying down on the floor to let her climb over him.  Thomas quickly joined him, tapping at the floor to get Breezy’s attention.  Emily was indifferent as long as there wasn’t a mess, but occasionally petted the animal.

Percy was cuddling Breezy on the floor when he looked up at Camille, “Does Gordon know?”

All the engines turned to her curiously.  She grinned bashfully, “Ummm… not yet…”

“Oh that’s gonna be fun to see.  Gordon’s gonna flip.” James snickered.

“I’m going to flip at what?”

Everyone turned as Gordon walked through the downstairs entryway.  He had removed his hat, suit coat, and boots.  He raised an eyebrow looking at the rest of the team as they looked at him.

“What? Is there something on my face?” He asked.

Before anyone could answer a little bleat sounded in the room and Breezy hopped from her spot with Thomas and Percy to Camille, nudging her for a bottle.  Camille gave a nervous laugh as she picked the baby goat up and gave her the bottle.

“Heh heh… Surprise~” Camille said looking at the shocked and slightly upset Gordon.

Gordon gaped looking between the goat and Camille as she nursed the little critter.  When he finally found himself, Gordon sighed with a hand at his face, “Camille. No.”

“Well, wait a minute.” She started, “Farmer McColl and I-“

“Camille.”

The others watched as Camille tried to explain the situation and Gordon looked more and more exasperated.  Little Breezy just curled up, falling asleep on the bottle, and got comfy on Camille’s lap.

“Gordon, she needs me.” Camille said with a frown, holding her ground against the larger engine.

She glared at him, he glared back at her.  Glancing around at the others, Gordon cleared his throat, “If you all wouldn’t mind, I need to speak with my girl.  Alone.”

The others quickly made themselves scarce.  Thomas grabbed the Switch and two controllers for him and Percy to play with Emily in tow.  James whispered a ‘ good luck ’ to Camille as he and Edward left. Henry and Hiro walked outside to do some gardening together.  Camille sat with the baby goat in her lap, her eyes having not once left her boyfriend.

Gordon sighed again, “Camille, we’re engines.  We don’t have time for pets.”

“She isn’t a pet, she’s livestock and she needed my help.  It’s only temporary.” Camille retorted.

“What did Sir Topham Hatt have to say?”

Camille went quiet and looked away, “I haven’t told him.”

Gordon rolled his eyes in frustration, “Of course you haven’t, because you know what the answer is going to be.”

“Farmer McColl said she would die without help.” Camille said softly, stroking Breezy’s soft coat, “What else was I supposed to do?”

Gordon shrugged frustrated, “Tell him no.  There has to be others.”

“Well he asked me .” She said through grit teeth, growing frustrated.

Gordon looked at her disapprovingly and she returned it right back to him.  Eventually she looked away from him and down at the sleeping kid.  He sighed again and sat down next to her, looking at the sleeping form.  “Please do not get attached.  I know you’re trying to do the right thing and I know your heart is already in it, but our job first and foremost is to the railway.”

Camille was absentmindedly petting the little goat, “It won’t be long, Gordon, I promise.  Farmer McColl is making some sort of bottle stand where she can be nursed and can spend time with the other goats.  He said only a few days, maybe a week tops.”

She leaned her head against her lover.  Gordon huffed a bit, but placed his arms around her, “Alright then.”

——

That night, Gordon laid in the tub of the bathroom, trying to relax.  It was getting late and Camille had insisted that the little goat sleep in the kennel in their room.  She was prepping it with blankets and a stuffed animal, because of course, humming to herself delighted.  Gordon sank in the warm comfort of the bath and let out a comfortable sigh.  Although he originally hated the idea of baths after Camille had been in his life he found them more and more needed on hard days.  She had all sorts of bath salts and minerals for comfort and every once in a while he really needed to indulge.  He was thankful the tub fit someone his size, it must’ve been custom made although he didn’t give it much thought.

He was in a peaceful, restful state when he heard the light tippy-taps of hooves on the linoleum floor.  Opening one eye he watched as the little goat had entered the bathroom, doing little hops as she explored.  She would bleat every once in a while, quietly, but noticed him and cautiously made her way over.

For a split second, Gordon thought about splashing water at her, sneering.  The little goat paid him no mind, curiosity had gotten the better of her.  She walked up to him, sniffing at his fingers over the tub and gave them a little nibble, having no teeth it didn’t bother him.

“Oh, no.  You’re not going to win me over.”  He said as Breezy continued to nibble and sniff at him, playing by the tub.

She gave a warm bleat and hopped in a circle, almost knocking herself over.  She regained her balance, looking around.

“Don’t you get hurt.”  Gordon grumbled, “She’s liable to blame me.”

Breezy, who clearly did not speak or understand English, tried to do a kick in her hops and fell with a bleat.

He winced at her and, for reasons unknown to himself, scooped the little animal up and held her up above the bath.  She just hung there on his hand looking at him.  He stared at her back.

“What does she see in you animals?”  He asked out loud.

Then, without much warning, Breezy squirmed hard and went right out of Gordon’s hands and into the bath with him.

“Oh, crap!”  He yelled out as the little goat, soaked and frightened, bleated and kicked.

“Camille!!”  He called out less than dignified.

Camille came running in and quickly grabbed a towel taking the panicked goat.

“Would you get that thing out of here?!”  He yelled, standing up disgusted by sharing bath water with the kid.

“She’s not a thing, she’s a she!”  Camille shouted back at him, “And how did she get in the bath anyway?  She can’t jump that high!”

Gordon wrinkled his nose, “It… She fell and I picked her up and she moved and I dropped her in the water.”

Said goat was shaking her wet head and snorting as Camille dried her off.

“Oh, you poor baby.”  Camille coo’d, cradling the baby.

Gordon’s head shot up, disgusted and mad, “She’s the poor baby?  What about me?? My bath is ruined!”

Camille looked back at him, “You’re a big boy, you can handle yourself.  She’s not even 24 hours old.”  She turned and walked back to the bedroom, drying the baby off and talking to her like she was her own baby.

Gordon’s lip quivered in anger and he snatched the towel from the towel rack, proceeding to dry himself off.  He murmured quite a bit under his breath.

——-

“No. No. No. NO. NO!”

Gordon was folding his arms over his chest absolutely livid.  Camille had dried off Breezy, only for the baby to cry anytime she put it in the kennel alone.  After worrying about keeping everyone up, Camille put a diaper on the kid and laid it next to her in the bed.

“She’s not going to hurt you, Gordon, and it’s the only way she’ll sleep without crying.”

“You are not sleeping in MY bed with a goat!”  He demanded.

She sat up with a sigh, “Fine.”  She picked up the sleeping goat and walked to the door.

“ Where are you going??”  He asked exasperated.

“I’m sleeping in my old room.  That way I am taking care of the goat, you get your bed without a goat, and everyone gets sleep.”  Camille said with a struggling sigh and left.

Gordon groaned, flopping onto his bed, running both hands over his face.  It’d been a while since he hadn’t slept with Camille by his side and he didn’t enjoy it one bit.  He grumbled to himself, angrily pouting, mimicking her voice in a higher pitch, “ You get your bed without a goat and I’m gonna go sleep in the other room.  BAH!  I might as well sleep in the shed.”

He grumbled, pulling the covers over his head in a harumph.  He scowled and wrinkled his nose at the whole situation, but eventually Gordon and sleep found each other.

——

The next few days went well for the most part for Camille, despite her and Gordon’s tiff.  She woke up once in the night to feed Breezy and then slept till her alarm.  Gordon was already up and gone to work so Camille had no problem returning to his private bathroom to get herself ready for the day.  Little Breezy stayed right by her side, full of bouncing spirit.

Edan and Dallas greeted her and Dallas held Breezy while she shifted.  Unfortunately for the trio, Breezy wasn’t nearly as eager to be in the cab not knowing Camille was the engine.  She cried for her often but figured out the routine soon enough, when Camille did have time she would shift and offer Breezy her bottle.

They stopped at Farmer McColl’s for a brief moment one day.  The farmer pat the little animal on the head and smiled.

“She looks much better than she did.” He smiled, “Thomas dropped some materials off today to help build the bottle stand.  I hope she hasn’t caused any problems.”

“She’s getting into the routine.” Camille said, but looked a bit sad, “I just wish I could convince Gordon she’s not a handful.”

Farmer McColl gave her a soft smile, “Well it’s been about a week and I’ve got other kids that have been born.  We could go ahead and try having her spend time with them.  It’d be good for her.”

Camille smiled and kissed the little goat's head, “I think a play date is in order.”

She handed Breezy to Farmer McColl and they walked to a pen where easily 10 other goat kids were bleating and playing.

“They are the cutest!” Camille exclaimed watching as the baby goats hopped and kicked around.

“This pen gives mama’s a break and lets the kids go nuts.” Farmer McColl said as he put Breezy down.  There were large wooden spools and little homemade seesaws around the pen.  “She’ll fit in just fine.”

Camille smiled watching Breezy go and mingle amongst the other goats, starting little head butting fights and skipping around.

“Well, I’ve got to get back to work.  I can come get her later.”  Camille said with a smile.

Farmer McColl nodded his thanks and waved goodbye.

——

Camille ran into Gordon at Knapford later that night.  He had just finished his Express run and was eager to see her.  She stopped at Platform 2 and leaned into him a little while he waited for his passengers to unload.  He smiled at her, a few passengers saying “aw’s” as they watched the engines cuddle.

“How was your day, my dear?”  He asked her.

She sighed, “Better that you're here.  But I feel odd without Breezy.”

Gordon looked a little surprised, “She’s not with you?”

Camille shook her head, “No.  She's with the other goat kids at Farmer McColl’s.  I’ve got to go get her soon.”

Gordon huffed, “If she’s with the other goats isn’t your job done?”

“Well, she still see’s me as her momma so not really.  I’ve still got a job to do.”

“Momma?” Gordon asked, confused

“Well, yeah… and it’ll be a slow transition.  I think…”. Camille looked worried.

“What’s the matter?” He asked concerned.

“I just… never thought of it that way till I said it outloud.  Being a momma.”

“Camille, we’re engines.  We aren’t capable of being parents.” Gordon said rather bluntly.  He wished he hadn’t been but there was an uncomfortable feeling in his boiler.

“I know that Gordon.  I know.”  She sighed again, “But it’s never crossed your mind what it would be like to have a family?”

“I have you and I have Scot.  I guess the rest of our team and household.  That’s all I need.”  He said, trying to be kind.

When she didn’t answer he couldn’t help but ask, “Do you want children, Camille?”  The idea of small baby like engines driving around Tidmouth scared him, not to mention him being responsible for them.

She sighed again, “I dunno.  I never thought of it before but… maybe…”

There was an awkward silence and then Camille asked, “What about you Gordon?  If you could be a father, would you want to be?”

Gordon wanted to answer absolutely not but the more he thought about it, considering his relationship with Camille, he wasn’t sure. “I’m… not sure Camille.”   He watched as some of his passengers, who had children disembarked.  Some parents looked absolutely exhausted, others happy.  He tried to imagine him and Camille with a small child, a mix of their looks, but he couldn’t wrap his head around it.

“Not that it really matters, since it can’t happen.” Camille said, watching the same passengers, “But it’s just a thought.  Similar to us trying to fly.”

“But… you’ve flown Camille.  Just not in your engine form.”  Gordon corrected.

She whistled when her signal turned green, “That’s true.  I’ll see you later, honey.  Gotta go!”

Gordon watched her leave with a wheesh .  This whole goat thing was really starting to worry him about Camille’s psyche.

——

“I want you back in our room.”  Gordon stated when Camille got ready for bed.  He leaned against  the doorway of the bathroom in his normal blue shirt and plaid blue pajama bottoms.

She stopped mid brush, “But Breezy won’t sleep in the-“

“I know.” Gordon interrupted her, “But I want you back in our room.  It’s been a week, Camille.”

She finished brushing her hair and smiled, “I’ve missed you too.”

“Why does it feel like you’ve been on the other side of the island instead of just down the hall?”  He wrapped his arms around her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

She laughed softly, “Probably because we’ve been in an argument.”

“Over a goat.” He said incredulously.

“A baby goat.” She corrected, watching Breezy clip-clop around the room.

Gordon scoffed, watching the goat, “A goat nonetheless.”

Camille picked the kid up and cradled her.  Gordon looked in the mirror at the three of them.  He tried hard to imagine the goat as a child instead and for whatever reason, his mind listened.  Instead of the fuzzy goat, he saw a child.  A little boy, with messy blue hair like his own but eyes like Camille’s.  The scenario made his heart pound, especially with Camille looking so fondly at them.

She glanced at him in the mirror, concerned, “Gordon? Is something wrong?”

Gordon shook his head from the thought and looked at her, “I-I’m fine.  Just lost in thought.”

“About what?” She asked.

Gordon paused, “About what you said earlier.  About… being a mother.”

“Oh!” Camille said surprised, but with a smile, “Don’t mind me, Gordon, I was just thinking out loud.”

“Yes, but now it has me thinking.” Gordon hid his face in his hands for a second.

Camille turned away from the mirror to look at the real Gordon, “Do you want to be a papa, Gordon?”

Gordon wrinkled his nose, “I don’t think I like the sound of being called ‘papa’.”

Camille took no time to think, “What about dad?  Or daddy?”

He leaned back against the wall, shaking his head, “I can picture it but at the same time I can’t.  I’m an express engine!  Not a father.”

“Don’t get worked up, dear.”  She placed a hand on his arm, “It literally cannot happen.  I’m a tank engine, there are no eggs here, my dude.”  She said playfully, gesturing toward her hips.

He sighed and smiled, “It’s one less thing I have to worry about I will say that.”

“But for now…” she raised Breezy to his eye level, “You have to be a daddy goat to Breezy.”

He cocked an eyebrow at her, “You’re pushing your luck.”

Camille only laughed.

——

More time went by and Breezy grew.  Eventually she was too big and wild for Camille’s cab and first thing in the morning she was taken to Farmer McColl’s.  Time continued and, as it would happen, Breezy was becoming more and more reluctant to leave the other goats.

Camille found it to be bittersweet.  It had become more work keeping an eye on the little goat.  She pottied outside her diaper sometimes, particularly at night.  She was starting to eat hay and was beginning to find ways to Henry’s plants.  Her bleating was getting more loud and shrill, keeping everyone alert and awake.

She was an outdoor animal and it was time she lived like one.

Camille asked Gordon if he would come with her to drop Breezy off for the last time.  Gordon found time to come off the main line and onto the branch line and join her.  Breezy was in a happy mix of other goats, head butting, skipping, and playing.  Farmer McColl had explained how she could officially be away from Camille no problem.

Camille felt a twinge in her chest, her heartstrings being pulled at.

“You can come visit anytime.” The farmer assured her, “Breezy comes from a long line of good stock, she’ll be living here all her life.”

Camille smiled at the idea of visiting the goat every once in a while on the branch line.  Gordon put his hand on her shoulder for comfort.

“It’ll be OK.” He told her, “She’ll be here every day.”

Camille called for the little goat one last time and Breezy came running.  She picked her up over the fence and gave her a hug and a kiss on the head.

“Thanks for being mine for a while, Breezy.  I really will miss you.”

The goat gave a little bleat as Camille put her back down.  She promptly went back to the other goats and began playing.

It was a hard goodbye for Camille.  Her and Gordon left shortly after, saying their goodbyes to Farmer McColl.  Things went back to normal at the manor too.  Many of the engines in their spare time or passing on the branch line whistle to Breezy.  Camille visits most out of any of them, eager to watch Breezy play and grow, happy she has the no-longer little goat in her life.

Chapter Text

Henry let a sad sigh escape his lips.  He watched the rain drizzle down ruining the beauty of the day.  Everything quickly became wet and dreary.  He had pulled the blanket and picnic basket into the gazebo where he now stood trapped, Hiro next to him.

“I hate the rain.” He mumbled.

Hiro chuckled lightly and squeezed Henry’s shoulder, pulling him closer, “It’s only a little water, my love, and it won’t last forever.”

“But we’ve planned this for days now!  The weather forecast said it wasn’t going to rain and I worked hard to make sure everything was perfect.” Henry said, growing frustrated.

Hiro gently stroked at a stray curl on Henry’s forehead, his knuckle gently touching him, their signal that Hiro was going to kiss him there, and Hiro placed his lips on his forehead gently.  Henry blushed but still pouted at the rain.  Hiro smiled against his lover's forehead, “We can still have the picnic here in the gazebo.  It’s beautiful here all the same, they planted lovely flowers all around.  Our afternoon date can still be successful.”

Henry looked down at the brown basket in his hand and the blanket that had fallen to the ground.  He smiled as Hiro nuzzled closer to him, another kiss gracing his forehead, “You’re right.  We can still eat and it would be a shame to waste the food.”

“That’s my flower.”  Hiro said, looking into Henry’s eyes with a soft smile.  He picked up the blanket, “Let me lay this down and then we can eat.”

Henry watched as Hiro flipped the blanket, letting it fall gracefully down, and then straightened out the edges.  Henry placed the picnic basket in the middle and started setting out the plates and food.

Despite the rain, the picnic was enjoyable.  Henry did his best to tune everything out, but when the rain got heavier he began to panic.  Hiro gently pulled him against his body and stroked his hair, something that Henry enjoyed despite his mysophobia.

“You know, I saw Camille and some of the others dancing in the rain a few days ago.”  Hiro said, “They looked like they were having fun.”

“I don’t know how they do it.  It’s scary.”  Henry said, eyeing the downpour.

“Thomas told me that he was able to get you out in the rain one time.  He reminded you that it’s just like the water in your boiler.”  Hiro recalled with a smile, “I was very impressed.  That was very brave of you, my flower.”

Henry blushed, “Th-that was just one time and it was to get a job done.  Not for fun.”

“Hmm.”  Hiro said thoughtfully, “The plants sure enjoy the rain though.  They become more vibrant, I think, when it does.”

“Well, they’re thirsty and it’s great when everyone gets a drink.”  Henry said with a smile, “Every leaf on every tree, every flower, every blade of grass gets a drink and it makes them grow so much.  It makes them happy.”

“Does it make you happy when they’re happy like this?”  Hiro asked.

“Of course!  I love it when the plants are taken care of, whether by myself or nature.”  Henry beamed, “I bet my garden is loving this right about now.”

“One less thing off your mind, dear?”  Hiro smiled, kissing the top of Henry’s head.

Henry leaned into him and chuckled, “Yeah.  I’ll have more time for you today.”

“So, the rain isn’t so bad.”  Hiro stated.

“No, I guess it’s not.”  Henry said looking out at the rain, “The plants are happy, so I’m happy, and we will get more time together today.”

“Hmm.”  Hiro hummed thoughtfully, looking a bit troubled.

Henry glanced up, “What is it, Hiro?  Is something the matter?”

“Well, there is one plant that I’m a bit concerned about.”  Hiro said.

“In my garden?  No, you shouldn’t be.  I’ve made sure each flower and plant is properly taken care of, planted in the right spot, placed in the right soil and right pot, down to the very details.”  Henry said a bit proudly.

Hiro stood, taking Henry’s gloved hand and helping him to his feet, “No, not in your garden, but in my own.”

Henry looked at him with a gasp, “You never told me you started a garden!  Hiro!  I would’ve helped you!”

Hiro chuckled, “It’s not much of a garden, I will say.  I have only one flower that I’m trying to take care of.”

“What species?  Did it not come with instructions?  It drives me insane when I find out that some of these stores sell the plants without a name or any inclination on how to take care of them.”

Henry was so preoccupied by his thoughts of nurturing a possibly dying plant that he hadn’t realized that Hiro had led him to the edge of the gazebo until Hiro reached his hand out to touch the falling rain.

Henry looked out nervously, “Hiro?  What are you-?  What are we doing?”

Hiro simply smiled at Henry, letting the rain gently fall on and in between his fingers, “You say, as a gardener, that when your plants are well taken care of, that you are happy, Henry.  I’ve seen you do so many things for your vegetation even when said that the plant may not necessarily be too happy with the decisions you had to make for them.”  He turned and looked at his lover with a soft smile, “I think sometimes, my love, that you forget how compassionate and brave you truly are.”

Henry looked at Hiro and then out at the rain, “I’m not that brave.  I…”

“I will not force you, Henry, but I won’t deny the tad bit of jealousy I felt when I heard that you even laughed in the rain when Thomas took you out.”  Hiro smiled, taking a step out into the rain, leaving the hand that held Henry’s hand inside the gazebo nice and dry.

Henry looked both scared and surprised at his partner’s bold move.  His heart began to race at the thought of stepping out into the rain.  Anxiety and embarrassed thoughts clouded his mind.  He pulled his gloved hand out of Hiro’s, bringing it to his arm and looking down ashamed.

“Once an engine attached to a train was afraid of a few drops of rain…” He repeated, just as he had heard many others in the past.

Hiro left his hand stretched out, a genuine and compassionate smile on his face, “I’m not asking for an engine to come out into the rain.”  Henry looked up at him, a few embarrassed tears threatening to spill out.  Hiro’s smile never faltered, “I’m asking my flower if he’ll let me take care of him.  I’d like to give him water and see him glow, if he’ll only let me.”

Henry’s heart fluttered and felt like it was going to burst at the analogy.  His mind raced at what Hiro had said.  Hiro almost always called Henry his flower.  Flowers need water and sunshine to grow.  Water is like rain.  Rain is like the water in his boiler.  A little rain helps the flowers grow.

Hesitantly, but trying to be more confident, Henry took Hiro’s hand again.  Hiro very slowly and at Henry’s pace brought him out into the rain.  It was no longer raining hard, but it was still coming down.  Henry gasped when the cold droplets hit his gloved hand and then touched his arm.  He whimpered a bit and flinched, but Hiro kept him steady.  Slowly but surely Henry made it out into the rain.

Hiro took both his hands in his and smiled, flicking his wet hair out of his face, and gently removing Henry’s bangs from his eyes.  He smiled down at the smaller engine, pressing his forehead against his.

“Well done, my brave flower.”

Henry leaned against Hiro, Hiro pulling him to a hug, and he began to giggle.

“It’s… It’s not so bad.”  He snuggled against Hiro’s wet frame.

“And look at you.”  Hiro said, beginning to sway with him, “You’re absolutely vibrant, Henry.”

Henry beamed, blushing into Hiro’s chest.  At that moment, they heard two familiar whistles.  Looking up they saw Emily and Camille passing by, both grinning at them.

“Well done, Henry!”  Emily called, “You’re so brave!”

“Look at you go!  You’re awesome!”  Camille shouted, whistling again.

Henry blushed all the more but laughed and waved at his friends.  Hiro as well.  Once the two engines had passed, Hiro twirled Henry in a spin and swayed with him some more.

“I’m so proud of you, flower.”  He said, kissing his head again, “You’re far braver than that engine in your story.  I don’t think you need to pay him any mind at all.”

Henry snuggled into Hiro bashfully, “I… I want to do one more brave thing tonight.  If that’s OK.”

“It’s always OK, flower.”  Hiro pulled back looking down at him.

Henry swallowed and leaned up, kissing Hiro on the lips.  Normally, with all of Henry’s anxieties they have to take their time with intimacies.  However, with their time at the gazebo tonight Henry seemed to have a bit of a brave streak and he figured he better take his chance while he had it.  Hiro was indeed surprised but kissed him back ever so softly, their lips locked for a few seconds.

Henry pulled back with a gasp, cheeks absolutely pink, “I… I wanted to do that before… well, you know.”

Hiro smiled at his beloved, “You are amazing, Henry.  I am so glad to have you by my side.”  He cupped the green engine’s face in his hand, “You have grown so much.  I’m glad I have been able to be here to watch that growth.”

Henry curled into his hand, “I’m glad too, Hiro.  I’m glad you decided to stay on Sodor.”

“For my flower, of course.  I couldn’t leave you.”  Hiro smiled a bit mischievously and then picked up the big engine bridal style, earning a yelp that dissolved into giggles as Henry wrapped his arms around Hiro’s neck.

 “Hiro!”

Hiro only chuckled as he took Henry back into the gazebo.  The two spent the rest of the afternoon there until the rain passed, warming up using their heating ability and snuggling next to each other, finishing the food Henry prepared.  Hiro kept his arm wrapped around Henry the rest of the night, proud of the steps that Henry took with him that day and Henry snuggled close, never having imagined he’d do something he considered so terrifying and stressful as swaying in the rain.  The smiles on their faces never faltered once.

Chapter Text

Everything was perfect.

Edward and James had been sitting on the balcony together late at night undisturbed, the other engines sleeping soundly in their berths.  Very rarely did anyone ever take their human form.  It was odd and it came with odd feelings that many of the engines deemed useless.

Edward and James, however, found that it helped take their relationship to the next station.  Sure they had found ways to kiss and they were attracted to each other but to really touch one another, to feel each other's face, to hold the other, there really was no beating these human bodies.

James was curled into Edward, head on his shoulder as they watched the sunset and sighed.

Edward chuckled, “Alright, Jamie, what’s the matter?  I know that sigh.”

James pouted, “Why don’t we go on dates?”

Edward looked at his partner in surprise, “What are you talking about?”

James sat up, legs dangling down the balcony, swaying, “Like, a date!  I’ve heard humans talk about it all the time and I want to go on one.”  He turned and pointed at Edward, “Specifically with you!”

Edward blushed a bit, having never really gotten used to the red engines outburst of affection, “O-OK..?”

James groaned in frustration, “I see people going out to eat or having picnics or even the younger ones running around together.  I just want to experience that with you.” He folded his arms, still very much pouting, “Is that such a crime?”

Edward watched and listened to James and chuckled, “All you had to do was ask, James.  I’m not a mind reader.”

“Well, why should I have to ask?  Don’t you want to go on dates with me?  Why haven’t you asked?”  James looked over looking a little hurt.

Edward smiled, putting his hand on James’ shoulder, “I just didn’t know you wanted to do such things, Jamie.  Of course, I would love to go on a date with you.  I enjoy spending time alone with you.”  He leaned over and kissed his cheek.  James blushed at the affection, causing Edward to chuckle, “Anything in particular you want to do?”

“I… I don’t know.  But something fun!  Something we couldn’t do in our engine forms!”  James responded.

Edward sat back in thought, “Hmmm… There is something I’ve wanted to do, though it is a bit childish.”

James raised an eyebrow, “Is it fun?”

Edward nodded, “I’ve seen both children play it and seen adults in love play as well.”

James stood up quickly, “Well, let’s play it then!  Let’s go do it!”

Edward smiled and laughed.  He stood and dusted himself off and then took James by the hand.  “Do you want to play outside or inside?”

James looked out at the sleeping engines at Tidmouth Shed and then back at the manor’s door.  “I like being outside… but inside is good too.”

Edward smiled, “Let’s start outside.  We’ll go to the shunting yard at Knapford.”

“The what now?”

——

“…18… 19… …20!  Ready or not, here I come!”

Edward turned around to find Knapford empty again, save a few of those trucks and cars that weren’t alive.  He was glad the troublesome trucks were elsewhere for the night, they most certainly would have ruined this date.

Edward walked around the yard, checking under empty cars and around uncoupled trains ready for the next morning.  He gave that up rather quickly after realizing that James wasn’t about to get dirty for the game.  He ran up to the station, which they agreed would be in the game's limits as it was further away from where some of the others were sleeping.  As he got closer to Sir Topham Hatt’s office, he heard someone slip down to the tracks below.  He grinned.

“Oh, Jamie~” He called in a singing tone.

He hopped down looking down stations 1 and 2.  He shined his hip light down the empty lanes and then moved to the next.  Still nothing.  As he got closer to 5 & 6 he heard movement.  He quickly moved to look down the tracks and saw the tail end of James as he ran along the end of the stations.

“Found you!” Edward called and raced back down to the other stations.  He heard James laugh in response.

Edward hopped back up to the station platform and cut across to James, hot on his wheels.  James looked behind him and grinned, “You’re not gonna catch me!”

Edward only smirked.  He knew James was the faster of the two but he was bound and determined all the same.  It was unfortunate that he was still getting used to his human body.  He tried to lower the wheels at his legs down to his feet, but it was still such an odd feeling and he ended up twisting his ankle as he raced around a corner after his beloved.  He winced, but didn’t yell out.  James, who was getting away, turned to gloat when he saw Edward further away.  He skipped to a stop and turned to get back to his partner.

“You OK?” He asked getting closer.

“I’m fine.  Just a twisted ankle.  Honestly, I can walk on it.”  He smiled, watching James approach.  “Don’t get too close, I might tag you.”

James snorted and rolled his eyes, closing them afterward, “Oh please, I would jump out of the way before you even thoug-“

Edward reached out and tagged James with a poke on the nose, “Gotcha.”

James stood speechless and stared at Edward, who just smiled.  The smile turned into a laugh after James kept staring agape.

“Did you just..?”

“I most certainly did.”  Edward kissed his cheek. “And now, my dear James, it’s your turn.”

——

Edward ended up choosing a hiding spot he was sure James would have a hard time with.  He ended up picking a fairly clean, but still not sparkling clean, coal car and hiding in it.  It had been emptied and was amongst the many cars.  He was amazed he had been able to get in without much effort after his twisted ankle.  Now he sat quietly humming to himself as he heard James finish counting.

“Here I come!!” James shouted, probably a little too loudly.

Edward quit humming and sat as still and quiet as he could.  He heard James run past the car he was in, looking in between the cars.  He listened as he ran back up to the station after looking around shortly.  Impatient as ever Edward thought and smiled.  After a few minutes of silence he called out.

“James!!!” He called, cupping his mouth.

He heard running and even a skid to a halt.  Even in his human form, James couldn’t resist skidding.

He could hear him circle the yard and a few cars.  He could picture the annoyed look on his beloved’s face.

“Where are you??!!” James asked irritably.

Edward chuckled, “Follow the sound of my voice.”

James ran forward, running right past the car.  It took everything Edward had to not laugh as he listened to the murmuring James did.

“You’re going the wrong way.”  He teased as James walked away.

He heard James stop in his tracks and couldn’t help the laughter that time.  He covered his mouth as James walked up to the car.

“Edward.”

It was just a statement.  He clapped both hands over his mouth.

“Tell me you’re not in the filthy coal car.”

That broke the dam.  Edward started laughing harder than he had in a while.  He barely heard the footsteps as James climbed up the car and looked down.  He erupted in laughter again as he looked at James’ face, shaking his head at the blue engine dying of laughter in the car.

“You’re filthy.”

Edward could only laugh, laying on his back, “Why is this so funny?”

“Because you’re ridiculous.  And here I thought I was the silly one in this relationship.”  James chided, shaking his head again.

Edward stood up, dusting himself off, “Well I can’t let you go off and have all the fun.”  He grinned at the other engine, “Now help me up and out, please?”

James looked at him in mock surprise, “You think I’m going to fall for another trick?  You’re going to pull me in.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Jamie dear.”  Edward smiled sweetly.

“Don’t call me that.”  James said with a blush, “You know I can’t say no to you when you do that.”

“Aren’t you my dear though, Jamie?”  Edward said, “I promise not to pull you in.”

“You better keep that.” James said, reaching down and taking Edward’s hand.  The smaller engine climbed his way up and James leaned back to help.  Somewhere in the mix of things, James slipped and both ended up back in the coal car with a thud.

“Ahh!!”

“Waitwaitwait!!”

“Owowowowow…”

“Ugh…”

James sat up, cradling his head, “You OK, Ed?”

Edward started laughing again, despite lying on his back and dirtier than before.

“How can you be laughing at this??” James asked bewildered.

“It’s just… How can you not be?”  Edward said through laughter.

“I’m filthy, Ed!!” James shouted, gesturing at his dirty clothes.

Edward could only laugh and soon enough James’ face broke into a smile and he began laughing too.

“You goofball.”  James said, curling into Edward.

“ I’m not the one who dropped us.”  Edward reminded.

“I can’t help it if you’re heavy.” James said, lightly pushing the older male.

Edward gasped, “I am not that heavy!”

James smirked, “You’re right, you’re not.  You’re a bit on the smaller side.”

Before Edward could argue James scooped him up in his arms, grinning at the yelp.  James grinned and kissed the other engine.

“You’re something else, Eddie.” He beamed.

“I believe that’s my line, James.”

James pouted, “No Jamie?”

Edward chuckled, “Alright then, Jamie.”

James grinned and flipped his hair from his eyes, “Wanna go wash together?”  He wiggled his eyebrows.

Edward squirmed and visibly blushed despite the dark of the night, “James!!”

James laughed, “We could do it as engines.  Less awkward that way.”

“And how are we supposed to get clean, exactly?  We have no crew.  Plus our clothes are ruined.”  Edward said looking down at himself.

“The clothes clean when we clean as engines.  Not to mention, you scrub my back and I’ll scrub yours.”

Edward squirmed again in James’ arms, who only held him tighter, “You’re being quite bold tonight, James.”

“Jamie.”

“James.”

James pouted and whined, “I don’t often get the chance to be like this.  Plus you’ve taken me out on an awesome date.”

Edward sighed and thought in the silent night, “I’d rather take a shower…”

James beamed, “Who’s the one being bold now?”

“We’ve been together for years now.  I guess it’s not unexpected you’d want to.”

“It’s just a bath, Edward.” James said, setting the other engine down.  “Where’s your mind at?”  He leaned forward towards the other's face.

“Oh, no you don’t.  You’re not turning this on me.  You’re the one who started the naughty talk.”  Edward held a finger up at him.

James grinned, “I guess you’re right.  Though I can’t say it wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Oh, how Edward wanted to smack that silly look off his face.

“One day, Jamie.  One day.”  Edward said with a smile, kissing James on the cheek.  He enjoyed the content sigh that escaped the red engines mouth.

“Now,” He said, looking up at the ladder to get out, “How are we going to get out of here?”

James shrugged his shoulders and grinned, “Simple.”  Without warning he bent down and put Edward on his shoulders causing him to yelp and holler.

“J-JAMES!!”  He clung to his boyfriends head, trying to steady himself from falling over.

James could only laugh.

Chapter Text

“Scotty, I need your help.”

Scotsman blinked a bit, having moved to a side track to rest when he was woken by a flustered looking Camille.

He yawned but smiled, “And what can I do for you, little sister?”

“It’s your brother.” Camille in her human form huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, “He’s been teasing me a lot recently and he’s not being fair about it.”

Scotsman shook his boiler, “Well, that sounds like Gordon.  What’s he doing, keeping things too high?”

“Hardy har har.” Camille said dryly, “I don’t need your teasing too.  I need to know if you’re up to helping me with some revenge.”

Scotsman grinned, “Against Gordon? Any day.”

Camille smiled, knowing the brothers' rivalry would come in handy someday.

“So, what’s this he’s been teasing you about?”  Scotsman asked again.

Camille blushed a little and looked away, “He found out a few weeks ago… after that big storm… that I was…” she mumbled the last bit.

“I'm sorry?”  Scot asked her, “You’re mumbling.”

“Well it’s hard to admit to you.  You might use it against me too.” Camille said.

“How about I vow here not to until after we seek revenge on Gordon?” He grinned, “Scouts honor.  Whatever this is.”

“I think that’s the closest I’m going to get because there’s no way you won’t use this against me in the future.”  Camille sighed, “I’m ticklish and Gordon seems to think because he’s bigger and because it’s so ‘cute’ to make me laugh that he can tickle me whenever he wants too.”

Scotsman laughed, “Is that all?  I thought it was fairly common to be ticklish.”

“I feel like most people are.  But most people also don’t have behemoth size boyfriends who use their height and weight advantages to torment their tiny girlfriends.”  Camille huffed.

“If it’s any consolation, Camille, I’m ticklish.” Scotsman shrugged as well as he could in engine form, “Nothing to be ashamed about.”

“I guess that makes me feel a little better… But I’ve got to get even with Gordon and he’s so much bigger than me I can’t get any sort of revenge.”

“Wait a moment, wait a moment.” Scotsman got a truly devious look on his face, “Are you saying little Gordon is ticklish too?”

Camille nodded, “Oh he’s awful if you can pin him down.  I know I promised him I wouldn’t tell anyone, but Scot he’s driving me crazy and you’re his brother so I figured you already knew and didn’t count.”

Scot grinned, “Oh, I didn’t know.  This is very valuable information.  I didn’t think Gordon would be or could be ticklish.  He’s so uptight.”

“Well if I could make him giggle a bit more maybe he would unwind, but he’s too big for me.”  Camille complained.

“I don’t think I’ve heard you complain of his size in any other regard.” Scotsman wiggled his eyebrows.

Camille gaped, “Flying Scotsman! Don’t you be so crude!”

Scotsman laughed loudly, “I’m only teasing, little sister.  But don’t you worry, we’ll figure something out about your Gordon problem.”

——

Gordon was in a relatively good mood when he arrived back home that night in Tidmouth.  The express went well with no delays or issues, Scotsman was napping when he arrived and was still asleep when he left from Vicarstown so he didn’t have his bossy brother bothering him, Spencer was nowhere to be found, and Camille and him had shared a rather private lunch that ended with them snuggling together on the break room hammock with a little PDA.  He had found himself growing more bold in his affections for the little tank engine.  Whenever he could steal a kiss or a hug, or maybe more if he was lucky, he certainly did it.  It never interfered with work, and in fact, it made his workday better.

Today she had tried getting revenge from a few nights ago, when the others opted for a movie they weren’t interested in and decided to watch their own show upstairs in his room. Alone. Little of the show was actually watched as Camille had tried, and failed again, to tickle him.  She seemed bound and determined to get a true laugh from him and it never happened.  It always ended with him tickling her in retaliation, earning him her beautiful melodic laugh and that cute blush that crossed her nose which then led to more intimate affection.  And that led to today where she tried a surprise attack which didn’t work at all.  Try as she might, he was too strong for her to win.  He did find her determination and efforts attractive and cute though.

When he walked through the doors, like most nights, the different couples were all watching some show, curled up under blankets.

“Is Camille home yet?”  He asked passing them from the entryway as he removed his boots and coat.

“Her and your brother are upstairs playing on the Switch.”  Edward informed him.

Gordon frowned, “What’s Scotsman doing here?”

“He said something about a passenger train that was spending the night at Callan Castle and he had volunteered to bring them back to the mainland as a surprise for the tourists.” Thomas said, sharing popcorn with Percy and Emily.

Gordon groaned.  Of course Scotsman would stay the night here.  Sure, he was enjoying spending more time with his brother, and Camille had made it very clear that the brotherly bond that had somehow been torn needed to be patched up, but he was so excited to have Camille alone tonight.  So much for that plan.

Upstairs he found the two were in the bedroom, Scot was leaning back against the bed frame, controller in hand, and Camille was at the edge of the bed, legs in pretzel style with her controller.  Both were very engrossed with whatever game they were playing.  So much so that they hadn’t noticed him come in.

Annoyed, Gordon cleared his throat.

Camille glanced his way with her ever loving smile but it quickly returned to the screen, “Hey babe!”

Scotsman didn’t even bother looking, “Afternoon, little brother.”

Gordon’s eye twitched, “Scot, I’m growing weary of this little brother name calling.  And ‘babe’, Camille?”

Scotsman just chuckled.  Camille smiled brightly, “Babe is just a more modern love nickname.  You are my babe, aren’t you?”  She glanced his way briefly and winked.

Gordon blushed a little but kept his composure, “I suppose so.”

“Gotta keep up with the times, little brother.”  Scotsman chided playfully.

“Scotsman.” Gordon said in a warning tone.

The announcer of the video game on screen shouted GAME!

Camille groaned as Scotsman’s character appeared in the middle of the screen posing while hers clapped at the bottom of the screen. Scotsman grinned, putting his controller down and relaxing his hands behind his head.

“I win.”

“Ugh… this time.  But I’ll beat you one day.”  Camille said, punching at his calf playfully.

Scotsman looked over at Gordon who had decided to get dressed in the walk-in closet.  He was coming out in his more comfortable clothing when he caught an impish look in his younger brother’s eyes.

“Wanna play, little brother ?” Scotsman said with a competitive sneer.

Gordon scowled, “My name is Gordon! Not ‘little brother’”.

Scot grinned, “Beat me in a game and I’ll call you by your name.”

Camille glanced between the two, opting to move to the love seat in the room.  If there was anything she had learned about the competitive nature of her beloved and his brother it was to get out of the way.

Gordon furrowed his brow, “What game did you have in mind?”

Scotsman set his controller on the bedside table and then knelt ready to pounce on all fours on the bed, “How about a contest of strength?”

Gordon looked his brother over confused and curious, but then broke into a grin, “You think you can take me on, Scotsman?”

“Oh, I’m banking on it, little brother. ”

With that there was a flurry of motion as Gordon tackled his younger brother on the bed as the wrestling match began.  Camille pulled the switch from its dock avoiding the confrontation.  She smiled and shook her head at the laughs and taunts between the two brothers.  

Gordon had Scotsman pinned at one point but then Scot kneed him in the rear, knocking him over with an ‘oof’.  Scot laughed triumphantly, jumping at his brother who slipped out of the way and stood ready to grapple.  Scot jumped up, tackling his brother against the wall.  It was turning into an all out brawl.

“I’m not paying for anything that gets broken!” Camille declared as the two wrestled.

Gordon had managed to get Scotsman pinned on the ground, this time pinning down his legs as well.  He grinned wide as his younger brother squirmed beneath him.

“Who’s the little brother now?” He panted.

“A little help, Camille?” Scotsman asked, trying to wriggle his way out from under his brother.  He winked at her, signaling her time to attack.

Camille jumped up on Gordon’s back, wrapping her arms around his torso and digging her fingers into his underarms.

Gordon let out something that could only be described as a cross between a surprised yelp and a squawk.  He let go of his grip on Scotsman and tried to pry the smaller engine off his back, but it was hard as she tickled his underarms.  Anytime he reached for her, her tiny fingers darted into his pits.

“C-Camille!” He shouted, trying to keep in his laughter through gritted teeth.  His cheeks were turning pink.  Worse yet, Scotsman had slipped away and was now eyeing Gordon like a hawk.  His worst weakness was being let out in front of his younger brother.

“What’s the matter, Gordon?”  Scotsman asked with a grin, “You suddenly seem so weak.”

Gordon clamped down on his underarms, trapping the vile fingers in there, yet they were still able to wiggle a little.  He was basically curled up in a ball on the floor, Camille on top of him.  He was having to breathe through his nose to keep himself from turning into a giggling mess.

Scotsman took a step towards the two and Gordon flashed what he hoped were angry eyes at him.

“Don’t you dare!” Gordon tried to snarl.

“Don’t I dare to do what Gordon?” Scotsman grinned wildly.

Knowing he was cornered, Gordon did the one thing he felt he could.  He risked Camille’s tickling fingers and stood up, walking backwards into a wall with a ‘thud!’

“Oof!” Camille gasped, letting go of him.

Gordon moved from her and tried to make a break for the door.

“Oh no you don’t!” Scotsman laughed, tackling his brother to the ground.  The wrestling match began again, but quickly became one sided as Scotsman wriggled his fingers against Gordon’s sides causing the older brother to laugh loudly.  Although Camille’s fingers tickled and could cause him to laugh, just like everything else in their relationship Scot went in full throttle and dug his fingers into him which tickled infinitely more.

“S-s-s-s-Scot!!!!!” Gordon yelled through laughter.  No matter how much he moved, the laughter breaking from him weakened him and he was unable to get himself loose from his brother.  He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to tell himself this was a bad dream and definitely wasn’t happening.

Scotsman was laughing alongside his brother, but not nearly as loud, “Oh Gordon, if I had known you were ticklish years ago I would’ve used it to my advantage.”

Gordon tried kicking his brother off, bucking underneath him.  He wondered what he had done wrong in his life to be treated like this.

“Camille! I could use some back up!”

“This is payback for all the times you’ve teased me, Gordon.” Camille said sitting on the back of his legs, teasing his thighs.

“C-c-Camille!” He called out between loud guffaws, “Please, don’t, I w- GAHAHAHAHAHA I w-won’t tease you again!”

“Oh we know thats a lie.” She laid down on his legs, holding down an ankle, though she had to dodge a few kicks and it felt at times like riding a bucking bronco, “Why so nervous dear?”

Gordon was beginning to panic at the overwhelming feeling of being tickled and where Camille was currently teasing him at his ankles.  Although he was unsure if he was ticklish there, he wasn’t ready to find out.  James had once kicked Edward in the hip, meaning to tease the other, and Edward had started tickling his foot causing James to react very, very loudly.

Camille spidered her fingers up and down his socked foot causing Gordon to basically scream in laughter.  He tried to remove himself from underneath the two, but he was pinned and eventually, he gave up, surrendering to those awful fingers and the laughter.

Camille was the first to let up and got off of him, “Alright, Scot, I think he’s had enough.”

Scotsman sat up on Gordon’s back, releasing his older brother, ruffling his hair to spite him just a tad more, and then stood up and walked back to the bed to lay down on.  Camille curled up on her boyfriend’s back as he panted through a few remaining giggles.

“I told you I would get you eventually.”  She teased, pushing a few stray hairs out of his face.

Gordon could only glare at her, which was weak at best, “You… cheated…”

“I was never going to win without someone’s help.”  Camille smiled, moving to lay next to him, “I only wanted to hear you laugh once.  It’ll never happen again.”

“Now why don’t I believe that?” He said looking at her through tired eyes.

“Well, it’s not like I’ll have Scot over enough for it to become a regular thing.”  She chuckled, “Not like I’d do that to you anyway.”  She poked his nose, “If anyone in this relationship is the one that abuses the other being ticklish, it’s you, Gordon.”

He smiled, “You have a beautiful laugh and I love hearing it.”  He gave her sides a quick squeeze causing her to squeak a little and then pulled her close to him, kissing her forehead.  She smiled, curling up under his neck and kissed his throat softly.

“I’m still here, you two.”  Scotsman called as he flipped through channels.

Gordon groaned, eyeing his bed, “You have a guest room, go use it.”

Camille laughed, “If he sleeps in there though, where am I going to sleep?”

“You’ve slept in here with me before.  Why not now?”  Gordon smiled.

“Did I just hear you ask her to sleep with you?  Gordon, so sinful!”  Scotsman teased.

Gordon scowled up at the bed, “Would you go away?”

Camille laughed again, “We’ve basically slept together since the storm.  Just not really in an intimate manner.”  A blush crept across her face.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.  Y’all so naughty.”

“Did you just say y’all?”  Camille asked, sitting up and looking at Scot who grinned at her.

“I’ve been practicing.”

“Ya did good.”  She laughed, climbing back up on the bed and sitting next to him, “I’m mighty proud of ya, brother.”  She said laying on the accent.

“Well, thank ya kindly sister.” Scot said in an equally heavy accent.

Gordon groaned, deciding to sit on the other side of Camille, putting her in the middle, “Please stop.”

The two just laughed.  Camille curled into him and snuggled under the covers just the same, “Never.”

There was a bit of silence as the three flipped through channels.

“Also, Scot, don’t think I’ll forget about tonight.  I’ll be getting you back tenfold.”

Scot laughed, “If you say so, little brother.” But secretly, he was a little bit afraid.

Chapter Text

“What do you mean he wants to pull cars?”

Camille sighed, leaning back, “Gordon, I’ve told you several times, your son isn’t interested in pulling coaches. Erik likes shunting cars and pulling heavy goods.”

This frustrated Gordon to no end.

“He’s a tender engine and a Gresley at that. We don’t shunt cars, we pull coaches. Everything else is beneath us.”

Camille glared at him impatiently, “He’s my son too, Gordon. I don’t pull coaches.”

He backpadeled, “And you do a beautiful job, my dear, but he’s not a tank engine like you.”

Camille sighed in frustration again, “He’s a child, Gordon. He’s still little. Little boys like biffing and bashing and getting dirty. It’s completely normal. Plus, he’s working at the kiddy railway which is essentially just an amusement park and he’s going in circles all the time. He doesn’t enjoy it as much as you do.”

“The kiddy railway is nothing compared to the express line.” Gordon argued.

“Gordon-“

“He’ll learn how to enjoy it, the pride that comes from working on Sir Topham Hatt’s railway.”

“Gordon, he’s so little and he only works at the railway once a week, like the other smaller engines. Let him have this joy for now, it’s not like it’s harming anything. What’s wrong with him just having fun?”

“He can have fun pulling coaches!”

“Well, he doesn’t!”

“Camille, it’s who he is as a tender engine!”

“He’s a child, right now, Gordon.”

“Mama? Daddy?”

Both adult engines stopped and looked over at the little engine emerging from the hallway. Erik held closely a small plush horse and was wearing blue pajamas. He looked both sleepy and worried as his parents argued.

“Why are you yelling?”

“Daddy was just…voicing his opinions very loudly.” Camille said, with a smile at her son, “Sometimes daddy talks very loud about things.” She picked him up and kissed his cheek softly, “I’m sorry that we woke up, baby.”

Gordon watched the two and cleared his throat, “We were just talking about you pulling coaches.”

Camille glanced at her husband, eyes squinting in a glare a little at him.

“I don’t like pulling coaches.” Erik wrinkled his nose, “They’re heavy.”

“Well, they won’t be heavy when you get older. You’ll be able to pull them just like me.” Gordon said proudly.

Erik didn’t answer immediately, “But… I like shunting cars… It’s fun.” He grinned at his mother, who smiled back, “They make funny noises sometimes and sometimes me and Danny bash them into each other.”

Gordon winced at the thought of Danny, Thomas and Emily’s boy, influencing his son. Not that he didn’t care for Thomas or Emily, they were essentially family, but Danny is as cheeky as his father if not worse. The idea of Daniel and Erik spending time together and making mischief made him shudder.

“That sounds silly and fun.” Camille said, pushing a stray hair from her sons face.

“It is!” He said with a giggle, smiling back at her, “Lady Hatt says that play is an important part of a young engine’s elopement.”

“Development.” Camille corrected, “And she’s very right.” She poked her son on the nose, “It helps you become a bigger, stronger, and kinder engine.”

Erik looked up at his father, “Did you play a lot as a child, daddy?”

Gordon looked a little taken aback by the question, “I didn’t have a childhood, son. I’ve always been like this. You and your friends are the first of your kind.”

“Is that why you’re always so grumpy?”

Camille had to stifle a laugh. It didn’t go unnoticed by her husband.

“I’m not always grumpy.” Gordon said, coming close to the two, “We play games together sometimes.”

“Not like Uncle Scot though. He plays lots of games with us.”

At the mention of his younger brother, Gordon groaned and rolled his eyes.

Erik giggled sleepily, “Uncle Scot says you’re a fuddy-duddy.”

Gordon growled playfully at the child and grinned, “Oh, am I?” He inched towards the two, fingers wiggling at the little boy.

Erik curled into his mother, still giggling, “Yeah!”

“Awfully cocky in your mother’s arms.” Gordon reached out and ruffled his son’s hair.

Erik yawned and curled into his mother’s neck. Camille hummed happily, rocking her son on her hip. Gordon sighed thoughtfully, looking at the little engine. It was sometimes hard for him to imagine such a small engine to be his son, made after his image. A miniature Gresley, the first of his kind and made with even parts taken from his mother and father, as closely made to a biological child as possible. And as time goes on he’ll grow into a new engine size till he’s as big as his father.

“C’mon little one, let’s get you to bed.” Camille said as he started closing his eyes. Gordon kissed the top of his head and watched as the two made their way down the hallway.

“Daddy..?” Erik mumbled, stopping Camille in her tracks.

“Yes, son?”

Erik looked down in thought and then back up at his father bashfully, “I… I wouldn’t mind pulling the coaches at the zoo. I’d get to see all the animals and see the rhino’s you and mummy pulled. That would be OK, right?”

Camille smiled at her son’s attempt to please his father and looked back at her husband expectantly.

Gordon smiled softly and nodded, “I think that would be perfect for you, son.”

Chapter Text

It was a normal snowy afternoon on the Island of Sodor.  The day had gone without many, if any, hiccups.  After a long hard day at work, the Steam Team, a team of eight steam engines that  worked the mainline of Island, returned to their berths and subsequently to the manor to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation.  The week had been busy with the winter holidays and the team was needed many of the weekdays to clear the railway.  Snow, snow, and more snow.

Thomas shifted from his engine form, gold dust sparkling around him, and stretched, his blue shaggy hair spiking everywhere as he shook his head, “What a day!”

James, who had shifted nearby, stretched his arms up and back, “What a week!  The snow has been an absolute disaster for my paintwork.”  He looked at his red suit and dusted off some of the salt and dust.

Percy giggled, kicking at some of the snow, “I dunno, I don’t mind the snow.  It can be a lot of fun.”

Camille, the newest engine on the Steam Team, scowled at the snow and stuck her tongue out at it, “I hate the snow.  It’s cold, it’s wet, it gets everywhere.”

Gordon smirked at her, standing at her side.  He removed his suit coat and placed it on her small body, “The workday is done, you won’t have to deal with anymore snow for today.”

As he said that a snowball went ‘ splat’ as it hit his face.  He quickly turned in the direction of the snowball with a glare.  Thomas was grinning like a madman as he was readying a second snowball.

Edward had chuckled at Gordon’s predicament when a snowball hit him in the side of the face.  It shocked him for a second as he turned to look at James who was sticking his tongue out at the older engine.

“Oh so that’s how it’s going to be?”  Edward retorted as Gordon was preparing a snowball, dodging the one thrown by Thomas.

Percy decided to side with James and Thomas, covering for them as they went to make new snowballs.  Edward, Gordon, and Camille took shelter in one of the berths, pelting their friends with as many snowballs as Camille could make for the two larger engines.  Emily and Henry, on the other hand, had had enough of the snow and managed to sneak their way past the battle and into the manor for some much needed warmth and hot coco.

Percy built a small fort wall and had started building snowballs for Thomas and James, who pelted poor Edward as he went to glance out of their hiding place.  He spluttered, turning back into the shed and wiped the snow from his face.  Gordon had put Camille on his shoulders, snowballs in hand, and quickly moved to pelt Percy, Thomas, and James.

With them distracted with faces full of snow, Edward rushed forward, tackling James to the ground and into the snow.  Gordon towered over Percy and Thomas, who took off with a sound retreat towards the manor.  Camille removed herself from her boyfriend's shoulders so he could chase after them.  He successfully struck Percy with a snowball in the back of the head, causing the little engine to trip face forward in the snow before he could reach the door.

James and Edward were wrestling for victory back behind the others.  James was laughing uncontrollably as he tried to push his own significant other off of him.  Edward had him pinned in the snow and was nibbling at the crook of his neck and under his ears.

“N-not fair!” James giggled through gritted teeth.

“All’s fair in love and war, Jamie.”  Edward whispered, before getting off of him.

James scrunched his nose up and pouted as Edward stood, holding a hand out.  James slapped at the hand, but took it in the end.

“I thought you weren’t for PDA.”  James said, shaking the snow off of his jacket and brushing some out of his hair and on his shoulders.

Edward laughed, “Normally, no, but they were all occupied with each other and not looking back so I figured I could take my chance.”  He pecked James’ cheek before intertwining his hand with his.

Up towards the manor, Thomas was having his last stand against Gordon and Camille.  Thomas was going to have words with Percy later who, after had faceplanted in the snow, retreated into the manor.  Traitor , Thomas thought.  Camille had cut him off from the house and Gordon was a few paces behind him.  Both had snowballs and were closing in.

“Give up, little Thomas.  The game is ours.”  Gordon smirked.

Thomas looked between the two and then glanced at Camille, “I’ll give you the last roll of thin mints if you side with me.”

Gordon rolled his eyes, “Oh please, Thomas.  Camille wouldn’t betray me over a few treats.”

Camille laughed, “As much fun as it would be to do that, Thomas, Gordon kinda knows where I sleep and I really don’t think any sort of retaliation from him would be fun .”

Gordon smirked knowingly and Thomas glanced towards James, who was walking towards the group with Edward behind him, like he was at gunpoint.  He sighed in defeat, dropped his last snowball and raised both hands up, “I give up.  You guys win.”

Gordon’s smirk couldn’t have gotten bigger.  Camille moved out of the way so Thomas could enter the manor, “At least you’re not covered in snow, like someone in red.”  She said, nodding her head towards James.

James stuck out his tongue, “I was tackled to the ground, that seems hardly fair in a snowball fight.”

Edward just chuckled as they entered the manor.  Camille lingered behind with Gordon as the others entered.

“Nice shootin’, partner.”  She said laying on her accent fairly thick.

Gordon rolled his eyes but smiled, “I’ll take the compliment.”  As he held the door open for her, she moved closer to him with a more intimate smile.  Despite having been together for almost three years, Gordon still couldn’t help the fluttering in his chest whenever she made moves on him.  He leaned down to kiss her and she stood on her tiptoes.  As they neared each other, lips just out of reach, she stuffed a snowball down his shirt.

“Ack!”  Gordon yelled as he pulled back, trying to get the cold out of his clothes and away from his body.

Camille took off into the manor laughing with him hot on her tail.  She ran across the main floor and into the sitting area across from the open kitchen where the others were, diving onto the couch next to Henry and Emily, who were enjoying the last bits of hot chocolate.

Gordon had followed her but once he was amongst the others, he had decided revenge was better served with a bit of patience.  He shook his head and glanced at her knowingly.  She gave a goofy smile back at him.

“Alright, what happened?”  Emily asked.

“I stuffed some snow in his shirt.”  Camille said with a smile.

Emily rolled her eyes with a small laugh, returning to her ebook.

“I don’t know how you could all play in the snow.”  Henry said, “It’s way too cold and wet for me.”

“I don’t normally,” Camille shrugged, “but I couldn’t resist the snowball fight.”

They were all enjoying themselves their nightly wind down.  Hiro had come over to snuggle with Henry when they decided they wanted to do a movie night before the beginning of the weekend.  Sure it wasn’t much of a weekend for them as they worked every day of the week but during the holiday there weren’t many trains that ran due to everyone being with their families.

They were all gathered together in the small movie theater room.  Thomas, Emily, and Percy were all on the front row couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn.  Henry and Hiro sat on the back row together, Henry snuggled up into Hiro’s shoulder as Hiro held him close.  On one side there was a loveseat where James and Edward were, Edward sitting down with James curled up his head in Edard’s lap laying underneath a blanket.  Camille was sitting on Gordon’s lap holding a small personal bowl of popcorn.

The Steam Team were enjoying themselves for the night, not something they always got to do together.  Usually someone was away and working, or at the steamworks (James), or on a date.

They were just getting to the main focus of the movie when Gordon’s phone rang.  James groaned and Thomas let out a “Oh for crying out loud!”.  Henry paused the movie while Gordon reached in his pocket and grabbed his cell phone.  It read Emergency Services without a number.  Gordon raised an eyebrow at it and Camille glanced between the phone and him.

He answered, “This is Gordon.”

He pulled his ear away from the phone at the sound on the other end of the line.  There was a loud yell of pain before a female voice was heard clearly.

“Hello, Gordon.  I’m Nancy with Emergency Services for engines and humans here on the mainland.  I have your brother here with me-“. Gordon face fell and he felt his chest tighten, “-he’s been in an accident on the way from the mainland to Sodor.  He’s in critical condition.  We’ve given him a sedative fit for engines and we’re waiting for the painkillers to kick in but he wanted to speak to you before we go any further.”

“W-what happened?” Gordon went to stand, causing Camille to fall off.  The others looked as they watched the panic form on the bigger engine's face.  Camille shook her head, not knowing, as Gordon left the room.  They all stared after him with concern.

“That’s something I think he can better explain than I can.”  The female paramedic said, “I’m handing the phone to him now.”

Gordon felt his heart pounding in fear as he heard his brother let out a cry and groan, taking the phone.

“Gordon?”  He asked.  Gordon could hear the panic and pain in his brother’s voice and it did no good for his nerves.

“Scot, what happened?  Are you alright?  What’s going on?”  He panic asked.

Scotsman took a deep, shuddering breath, “I got in a wreck, there was this patch of ice on the rails and I couldn’t see it.  I hit it hard and fast and was falling off the tracks and down a nasty hill.”  He could hear the ambulance hit a particular bumpy spot causing Scotsman to yell in pain, “I-I-I didn’t mean to… but I shifted and in the accident one of the trucks broke apart and… my leg… I’ve messed it up and there’s shrapnel and…. I’ve never felt this kind of pain before and…. I don’t know how long I was down there before they found me.”

Gordon had never heard The Flying Scotsman sound so scared in his life, “It… It’s going to be OK Scot.  They’ve got you now and you’ll be OK.”

Scotsman let out a bark of a laugh, but Gordon could still hear the fear in his voice.  Ever the optimist, or maybe it was his coping or defense mechanism, Scot tried to become nonchalant about his own injuries.

“I mean, if anything I’m going to look more rugged for the lady engines.” The ambulance bounced and whether he liked it or not, he screamed out in agony.  The whimpers and the tears escaped against his will, “Gordon… I’m sorry I’ve been such a crappy brother all these years.  I… I didn’t want to leave without at least talking with you again.”

Gordon felt his heart break listening to his brother, “You’re gonna be OK.  You’re not dying.  Let me find out where they’re taking you and I’ll be right there.”

He heard the phone get handed back to the medic, “We’re taking him to Steamworks on Sodor.  It’s closer than the mainland.”  The medic ordered some more medication before turning her attention back to Gordon, “We spoke with Victor at the Steamworks and he’s able to help with engines in human form too.  I’m sure you’re aware that your body’s aren’t like humans despite the resemblance and Victor is ready to take care of your brother.”  Scot let out another yell of pain, “I have to get back to your brother.  ETA 30 minutes.”

Gordon nodded, “Understood.  Tell him I’ll see him soon.”

After he hung up, Gordon let his arm go limp, barely hanging onto the phone as he dropped his arm.  Camille approached him quietly and cautiously.

“Gordon?” She asked, reaching out and touching his arm, “Is everything alright?”

She could feel him shuddering under her hand.  He looked back at her in a state of shock, but he was quick to hide it by his normal annoyed appearance.  Camille knew that was all it was though, an act.  He refused to look at her, “Scot’s… He’s been in an accident.”

Camille felt her body tense up.  The thought of the Flying Scotsman in an accident that required emergency services made her stomach sick.

“Is he alright?” She asked gingerly.

Gordon tried to play it off, “Oh, he’ll be fine.”  But when Camille kept the concerned look his barriers broke and he sighed.  He flexed his hands a few times but they continued to shake.  Finally he spoke honestly, “No… he’s not fine, but he will be.  I don’t know enough details…”  The comfort of his mate next to him allowed him some breathing room despite the pounding in his chest, “I’ve never heard him scream like that, Camille.”

Camille’s eyes widened.  She wanted to ask more questions, but found it easier to take action with Gordon rather than ask questions when he’s in a tight spot.

“Well, if they told you where they were going let’s go see him.”

He glanced at her, “I… I should probably go alone.”

She wanted to argue, Scot was her friend and had become like a brother to her as time progressed and her and Gordon’s relationship matured.  But again, she found herself unable to argue with him in this situation.

“If that’s what you want, Gordon.” She brought his hand up to her lips and kissed it, “I can stay here.  I'm going to assume he’ll be released either to your custody or the Museum’s back on the mainland, but I can get a bed ready for him in your room.  There’s plenty of room for something to be made up.”

He glanced at her for a second blankly.  It was like his mind had shut off and had done a factory reset.  But he smiled at her softly nonetheless.

“Thank you, darling.  I appreciate your understanding.”

She gave a comforting squeeze to his hand and smiled back, “Of course.  I’ll make sure everything is ready before you get back.”

——

Gordon raced down the tracks to the Steamworks.  Part of him wished he had shifted to his engine form, as it was faster, but the other part of him knew he’d have to wait for his driver and fireman to wake up and fire him up and that was time he didn’t want to waste.

“He’s going to be fine.  He’s going to be fine.” He kept telling himself.  He was glad that it was indeed time for the holiday’s as it left the railways empty, where he could speed and take turns he normally wouldn’t have been able to so quickly.

As the Steamworks came into his view and he saw the ambulance leaving along the roads, Gordon pushed himself harder than he had before.  He raced through the doors, nearly knocking Kevin over.

He looked over at the spinning crane as he shook his dizzy head.  Kevin looked at Gordon and motioned towards a door that lead to where the human staff usually worked.

“Through there Gordon, first door on your left.  Room one.”

Gordon nodded, switching from his wheels to his feet, practically ran down the hall, and ran into the door Kevin had mentioned.  It was locked.  Locked wasn’t an option for Gordon right now as the panic started to take over any other calm and collected emotions he had.  Without waiting another second, Gordon kicked at the door with all his might, just about throwing it off its hinges.  Whatever they made this stuff out of, it was strong.  Gordon’s will was stronger though as he balanced himself for another kick, when the door opened to reveal a human nurse who he’d never seen before, holding paperwork.  Not that that mattered, he rarely was here for anything.

“Where’s my brother?  I was told-“

“I’m going to need you to calm down.” The nurse said in a firm tone, hand held out, “I know who you are, Gordon, but this behavior won’t be tolerated.  Not with your brother in the condition he’s in.”

Gordon felt his lip curl in frustration and anger, “If he’s in pain, I-“

“He’s been put under, Number 4.” She said, blocking his way in, “I know your reputation with ‘defending those that you love’ when you’re in medical facilities but if you get in our way today your brother may never pull another train again.  He’ll live alright, but if you can’t control yourself and interrupt what’s about to happen he’ll be nothing more than another museum exhibit.”

Her cold explanation stopped Gordon instantly.  The thought of his younger brother becoming an exhibit shook him to the core and froze whatever rising aggression he had.  The nurse fixed the door to the best of her abilities, shutting it closed and turning to him.

“If you’ve calmed down, we can talk over here.”  She indicated the futon couch that sat in the hallway.  Gordon sat down next to her and waited for her to start.  They held each other’s gaze; the immovable object met the unstoppable force.

“You’re brother has fractured his femur.  That’s what has been causing him the most pain.”  She pulled out a X-ray and held it to the light, revealing his brother’s skeletal system.  She pointed, “It’s not the worst we’ve ever seen but it’s worrisome nonetheless.  He’ll be treated for it and put in a cast.  They’re getting ready to take him to surgery to remove all the shrapnel and splinted wood from him right now.”  She looked back at Gordon, meeting him eye to eye, “He’ll be alright, but he’s going to need at least six months to heal and be monitored, longer if he doesn’t behave.”

Gordon winced at the recovery time.  Six months??  His brother would be lucky to come out mentally unscathed after that amount of time off the rails, any engine worth his steam would become somewhat unhinged after that amount of time.  Well, at least Gordon felt like they would.

“He asked us to put you in charge of his after care.”  The nurse continued.

“Me?”  Gordon asked, surprised, “But the museum will-“

“It’s Scotsman’s choice, not theirs.  They may be who he works for, who he’s contracted with, but he’s got rights all the same to who he wants to care for him during this time and he asked for you.”

Gordon swallowed and looked down.  He had no idea how he was going to care for Scotsman for a few days let alone six months and work the Express.   Not that the Express was as important as his brother, not remotely close, but it wasn’t like he could up and leave his post for six months.  Maybe his brother could help him somehow, or sit in one of the coaches, though that would prove unstimulating and frustrating after a while.  Nevertheless he nodded at the nurse; whatever happened in the future he would handle it.  Not to mention Camille would readily be available, her schedule so much more flexible than his.

“Anything else?”  He asked.

“With the cast he’ll have and the other bandages, he’s going to need constant care for a while.  If he’s anything like I’ve heard, he’s not going to like any of it.  The cast for a femur fracture is different from any other cast and it can’t get wet.  Showers will be difficult, moving as well, he’s going to need a lot of help and supervision.”

“Like a child?” Gordon asked.

“Like a toddler.”  The nurse corrected, “A baby that can think and back sass, but that can’t do much physically on their own.  He’s going to need help getting around, sitting, laying down, going to the restroom, and so on.  Like I said, it’s not going to be easy but this is how he gets fixed.”

Gordon groaned at the idea of that much care for Scotsman.  Not that he wouldn’t do it, he would and he will, but his brother is going to be kicking and screaming the whole way, every day… for six months.  Before he could ask anymore questions though, the broken door to room number 1 opened carefully and Scotsman was being wheeled out in their direction.

Gordon paled.  The machinery hooked up to his brother made him nauseous and seeing him unconscious and the blood…dark and oily and…Gordon wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay or run away.  The nurse stood with him and no one, not even Victor, stopped to let Gordon process anything.  They rushed by to where Gordon assumed the operating room was, leaving the hallway quiet but disturbed.  His heart was in his throat when the nurse reached out to him.

“Let’s take you to the recovery room we’ve got for him.  His belongings will be there and there’s plenty of room for you to get comfortable.”

Gordon followed without acknowledging her, just staring where his brother had been and where they had taken him.  Eventually he turned to her, watching where he was going, and made his way through the hospital to where eventually he’d meet up with Scot.

——

Movie night had ended abruptly after Gordon’s departure.  Everyone ended up in the lounge upstairs.  Some speculation was made, but for the most part they all remained silent.   Henry and Percy left for their nightly runs, quiet goodbye’s had been said with promises of updates as the others heard.

It was getting late though and despite the initial worry and adrenaline from the call, some of the engines were drifting to sleep.  Emily promised to wake Thomas when there was word and Camille accidentally fell asleep in Gordon’s recliner, waking every few minutes at any buzz from her phone.  Eventually she got up and started pacing to keep herself alert.  Originally her movements got on James’ nerves but he quickly rethought on snapping at her as he realized he’d be doing the same thing if Edward was injured.  In fact he had on certain occasions, if not worse.

Edward was absentmindedly rubbing circles over and over on his husband’s back, his cheek resting on his hand as he stared into space, though not many thoughts crossed his mind.  He was doing his best to keep it that way, as when his mind did wander it went to darker places than he wanted it to be.  James would occasionally squeeze his knee, indicating that maybe those thoughts had transferred to a worried expression on his face.  He would promise Edward that everything would be OK and Edward would smile softly in response.

Finally though, the silence was broken by Camille’s phone.  Gordon’s ringtone rang loudly enough to wake Thomas, who sat up in Emily’s lap and all heads snapped towards Camille as she answered the phone.

“Gordon?”

You could’ve heard a pin drop as she processed the information he was giving her.  With a sigh of relief and her shoulders dropping, she turned to the others, “He’s going to be alright.”

The tension in the room lifted and everyone sighed collectively as they waited for more news from Gordon.  Camille nodded and acknowledged what he was saying as he went along.  She looked at the others, while Gordon put her on hold as a nurse entered the room, “He’s in recovery and he’s doing well.  He’s still under anesthesia but the surgery went well and he’s been put in a cast.  He should be waking up soon.”

“Thank Lady above.”  Emily said, hand on her heart in relief.

“Any news about whether he’s staying with us?  Or is the museum taking him?”  Thomas asked.

“He’s staying with me.” Gordon responded, hearing Thomas’s question.

Camille decided to put him on speaker phone and let him know.

“Hey Gordon.”

“We’re glad he’s OK.”

“How are you holding up?”

“Sending all the love and prayers in the world.”

Gordon cleared his throat, “I’m fine, everyone.  It’s just going to be a long recovery from here.”

“What happened, Gordon?”  Edward asked, “We know he was in an accident but we didn’t know anything else.”

“I apologize for keeping everyone in the dark.  Scot fractured his femur, the large thigh bone, and he had several pieces of broken cars splinter and cut him and…well… pierce his body.  He’s going to be in a cast and he’s going to need a lot of help.”  Gordon cleared his throat and apologized saying something about hospital air and such.  It didn’t fool the others; they knew from his tone that tears had been shed but no one made mention of it.

Camille asked, “When will he be coming home?”

“It’ll be between one and two weeks.”  Gordon sighed, “I was meaning to ask, Camille, if you could…”

“Of course, dear.  I’ll keep him as much company as I can.  Sir Topham Hatt will understand.”

“We all can pitch in Gordon.  He’s your brother and you’re practically family so that makes him our family too.”  Thomas added.

“He’s going to be in recovery for six months.”  Gordon informed them, “He’s got to stay supervised and cared for because, for a while at least, he won’t be able to care for himself.  I don’t know when he will be, that depends on how well everything goes and if he sticks with the exercises and hygiene tips they give us.”  

“We’re on it, Gordon.”  James said without hesitation, “Whatever Scotsman needs, we’re here to help.”

“I… I really appreciate that, James.”

There was the sound of a groan in the background and everyone held their breath.

“I should go.”  Gordon said a bit on the anxious side.

“We understand, honey.”  Camille said.

“Bye Gordon!”

“Give Scotsman our love!”

“Goodnight Gordon!”

“We’ll see you soon!”

“Goodnight everyone.  Camille, I’ll text you later.”  Gordon said, eager to get off the phone.

“I’ll be waiting.  Goodnight, dear.”

“Goodnight, Camille.”

——

Gordon hung up and quickly turned his attention to his brother, who was starting to wake up.  Luckily enough for him, he didn’t have to call the nurse in due to her checking in on his younger brother.  Slowly, and a bit groggily, Scotsman began to wake.  At first he was very flighty and antsy, especially without the ability to move his leg.  He panicked at the cast that went up and onto his waist and the bandages that covered his wounds, but once his brother’s booming voice was heard, the panic died down.  His vision came into focus and he looked up at his brother, who was resting a hand on his shoulder and looking at him with such love and concern that Scot hadn’t seen in years, at least not directed his way.  It was enough to send his emotions into hyperdrive, with the aid of the situation and the medicinal drugs.  For the first time in a long time, possibly up into decades and not including the ambulance ride to the hospital, Scotsman cried.  He sobbed and leaned back in his bed, looking over his mangled body and thinking about the situation he was in.  The nurse quickly finished her checkup on him and left the two brothers, giving them much needed privacy.  Gordon, on some past instinct, cradled what he could of his younger brother and let him cry.  Scotsman would never dare admit that in this moment of raw emotion he was once again reminded of his youth, before he was the cocky young Flying Scotsman, and just another one of the great Gresley engines but wasn’t up to everyone’s standards just yet.  Everyone except Gordon, his big brother who was always there for him.  Gordon, who despite his own issues and confrontations with the others, always made time for Scot.  Who became Scot’s foundation before either of their fame.  Gordon, who was the closest family he’d ever had and looking back had been so much more than a brother to him.

“You’re going to be alright, Scot.  You heard the nurse and Victor will be in here soon.  Everything will be OK.”

Scot could only nod, embarrassed by his behavior and the lack of dignity he had.

Gordon scoffed at the embarrassed man, “You’re not The Flying Scotsman in here, right now, alright?  You don’t have to put on a show like you always do.  No more of this false courage and embarrassment for just being you.  You’re just Scot… Scotty, and it’s OK to cry.”

The tears started welling in the greenette’s eyes again and he couldn’t stop his shoulders from shaking as his older brother held him close.  There was a time that he would’ve hidden every bit of feeling that he was showing now to Gordon.  There was a time he would’ve yelled in embarrassment at his confused outburst earlier and later cried in frustration alone.  There was a time that he would’ve never believed Gordon would reach out and comfort him again, believing those times long gone and the always competitive and irritated older brother would’ve just been annoyed at his pain, or so he believed.  Especially after that race, one he didn’t even bother to stop and help his brother when he needed him most.  Scotsman never believed he would have the bond he has with his brother now.  But hearing those words, seeing the love and concern on his countenance, and being held however much he could be with his current physical limitations, Scotsman was no longer afraid to cry, at least not now.

“I’m so sorry, Gordon.”  He managed to get out.

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Scotsman.”  Gordon pat his brother on the head and began to stroke his hair, like a mother would a child, “It was an accident, a nasty one, but an accident all the same.”  Gordon pulled back for a second, hands on his brother’s shoulders, and he looked him in the eye, concerned still there, “What were you doing out there, Scot?  It’s late and you don’t ever take cars like that.”

Scotsman looked away, ashamed once again, “I… I was coming to surprise you all.”

Gordon sighed, “You know we were meeting up for Christmas Day, you couldn’t have waited?”

“Well, forgive me for wanting to spend time with you sooner.”  Scot sassed, although he wasn’t sure why.  But he knew he didn’t want to be questioned all the same.

“I have no problem with you wanting to see me, Scot.”  Gordon said firmly, “I know Camille has encouraged it when you can, but tonight with the rails as they were, it seems to have been a bit foolish.”

“I won’t be doing it again then.”  Scot said, his voice laced in venom.  How could such a good moment have turned so sour?

Gordon sighed in frustration, “Scot, I…” he started to argue and then stopped, “I don’t want to argue with you, Scot.  Forgive me.  I shouldn’t have said what I said.  I was just… concerned and frustrated and…” He swallowed, “I was scared, Scot.”

Scotsman looked at his brother once again and found, as he searched, signs of crying on his brother’s face.  His eyes were shot from the formed tears, stains were down his cheeks, despite not being red anymore, and his hair was completely disheveled.  Gordon hadn’t just been crying, but clearly sobbing.  And although that was something he would never admit to the others, he was admitting it to Scot now by simply being here.  Had it been anyone else, sans Camille, he would’ve left to clean himself up and look presentable before appearing again.

Still, Scotsman tried to play it off, “I was going to be fine.  The EMS person told you that much.”

“But you were still hurt.  I heard you scream, Scot, a sound I never want to hear again.  And it scared me so badly I wanted to run.  Never in my life have I run from anything, but I had no idea how to feel.  I had no idea what to do!  But above all that I had to know my baby brother was OK.”  Gordon had to take a deep breath as he looked at his brother,  “If I lost you, Scot, I would be lost, despite Camille being in my life.  I love her to hell and back but you’re the only brother I have left Scot.  We’re all that’s left.”  A small tear began to form in Gordon’s eye and before he could blink it away it fell down his cheek.  He sucked in air a bit and swallowed, also unable to keep his emotions in check, “Please, don’t scare me like this again, Scotty.  You have to promise me.  I don’t want to lose you.”

Scotsman was a mess again watching and listening to his brother, who had always been so proud and tall and strong begin to cry.  He allowed himself to be held by his older brother once more, wincing at some of his movement.  He smiled after a while though through the tears.

“Look at us, a couple of mewling old engines.”

Gordon scoffed but laughed too, “There’s a first for everything.”

“Let’s…not mention this to anyone else, shall we?”  Scotsman asked in embarrassment and shame.

“Oh dear Lady above, never.”  Gordon agreed, “We take this to our grave.  The teasing from the others would never stop.”

“I think I’d die from the embarrassment alone.”  Scotsman added, but not once did he pull away from his brother.

Chapter Text

Flying Scotsman’s healing went about as well as Gordon expected.  He was brought into the manor with open arms and with lots of love; Camille broke down in tears almost immediately after he arrived at the manor.  He was promptly moved into Gordon and Camille’s bedroom where Camille made good on her promise of furnishing bedding for him.  She made sure he was close to the bathroom, even though he was basically in a diaper much to his extreme embarrassment, and made sure the bedding was to his comfort and that any entertainment he desired was his.  She adapted to the role of nanny quickly and easily.

The others often came to check in on him and keep him company, talking about their day and bringing him juicy tidbits of drama on occasion.  Hiro made the extra effort of grabbing some of his favorite mainland treats whenever he could, which almost made Scot a bit emotional when he first saw the large to-go bag.  But for the most part, they just came to chat.  Scotsman refused help from any of the others that weren’t Gordon or Camille unless for something simple like a glass of water or the curtains drawn.  Although he could move a bit himself, keeping up with the exercises that he could, he was still in quite a bit of pain.  There were plenty of times someone would come in cheerfully and would be met with a very aggravated tender engine who would do whatever he could to chase them away if they persisted.  The only one he didn’t get after, or tried hard not to, was Camille.  Once he made the mistake of snapping at her when she was helping with his bathroom amenities and had said some sort of nasty remark in his embarrassment and frustration.  Gordon, who found out later, made it very clear that if Scot ever talked to her like that again when she was trying her hardest to care for him that his leg would be the least of his worries.   He tried his best to never snap at Camille again.

Speaking of his dear older brother, Gordon skipped out on the express as much as he could to give his little tank engine a break from her nanny duties.  It was both easier and more difficult to get his exercises done with Gordon around; easier because they were basically the same size and Gordon could help him when he struggled but harder because Gordon wasn’t about to see him slacking or giving pity because he was tired.  Gordon was as firm as the nurse had been at the hospital, but there was that definite underlying feeling of immense love for his injured younger brother.  Although he was firm in most aspects, Gordon tried to save as much of Scot’s dignity as possible in caring for him.  After several weeks, when Scot found himself more mobile, Gordon would wait outside the bathroom for him, but the door remained open in case of an emergency.  He worried a lot because despite the cast, Scot’s fracture was in such a delicate position that the bone could break if he tried any sort of stunt.  Scot’s independence, although warranted and exciting all the same, made Gordon nervous.  If there was one thing he knew about his younger brother, it was that if he was given any more of the reins he would take off like a wild horse.

And this was just his leg injury!  This didn’t account for the wounds that came from the shrapnel and broken pieces of cars.  Those wounds had to be cleaned and rewrapped and packed often and they hurt like nothing else when it was done despite pain medications.  It was gross work and was one of the reasons it took so long for Scot to be able to walk again, due to the largest wound being on the opposite leg than the fracture.

There were many a day that he would look at the window at Tidmouth and see the others come and go and he’d get angry with himself all over because he was the one that should be out there.  Christmas had been lovely but he’d slowly watched the seasons change from his brother’s bedroom window and it was all he could do to not go insane.  He watched several seasons of different shows, played and beaten quite a few video games, and even picked up cross-stitching, a little hobby of Camille’s.  Henry had even gifted him a succulent to care for and he had grown fond of his little plant friend, although calling it a friend made him feel like he had actually lost his mind.

Now, spring was here and the weather was becoming nice and warm, summer closely following.  It was at this point that Scotsman could stand it no longer.  He was able to get around with crutches or a cane and was wandering around the main floor, looking out for the others.  So far, he saw no one.  Well, except Camille but she was in the restroom.  Scot looked at the clock and smirked.  2:00.  With him doing better, Camille had taken up a small run for the animal park where she would pull passengers for about an hour.  It wasn’t very long, but it got her out of the house and it gave Scotsman a little bit of privacy.  He felt a bit bad that he was going to betray her trust, and possibly face the wrath of his brother, but he couldn’t resist the thought of going outside and at least attempted a shift.  The six months were close to being up, they were almost to April and his last day was in June.  It was at least close enough to where Scotsman felt confident that if he could just shift to his engine form he could be fixed much easier.  Parts were much easier to fix than fractured human bones and he was growing very tired of the human way of healing.

He was gazing out the big, sliding glass doors to the balcony when he heard Camille exit the bathroom.  She walked out in her uniform, checking her watch once more and smiled at him fondly.

“Don’t forget to take your pills in 30 minutes, Scotty.  I’ll be back in a little over an hour.”

He rolled his eyes, but smiled at her nonetheless, “Thank you, mother.  I know.”

Camille shook her head and laughed, “Hey, I might as well be after all this!  I just want you to be safe, OK?  Gordon doesn’t like the fact that you’re left alone for even this short of time.  If you don’t behave, it’ll be both of our necks.”

She grabbed her throat and made a choking noise in jest.  Scotsman felt his heart prick at her words, but he kept a grin on his face all the same.

“If my dear older brother had it his way, he’d have me locked away in a tower till I healed.  He worries far too much.”

Camille smiled softly and gave him a hug, “Can you blame him though?  He loves you, Scot, even if he never says it.  I know he says he doesn’t trust you on your own, acting like you’ll do something dumb, but I think he’s just concerned that something might happen and he won’t make it in time.  Or someone won’t be home.  Let him worry about you.  It’s better than him not caring at all.”

Now he really felt bad, but Scot tucked those feelings away.  Once they both saw how fine he would be on the rails again and how happy he will be, they’ll see this was all just an unnecessary trial in their lives.  He squeezed her back nonetheless, enjoying the side hug.

“I promise nothing bad will happen.” He said with a charming smile, “Now hurry or you’re going to be late.”

Camille smiled and finished putting her earrings on as she trotted down the stairs towards the door, “Call me if you need anything !  Promise me!”

Scot made an X over his heart with his finger, “Cross my heart, little sister.”

She grinned and waved goodbye as she ran out the door and to the sheds to meet up with Elan and Dallas.  Scotsman watched her go through the glass doors and waited till she was down the rails before enacting his plan.  He double checked the schedule on the fridge.  Emily was meeting with Belle and Harvey today going over some safety protocols with tourist season coming soon, Edward was on his branch line, Thomas on his, James was pulling a passenger train today, Henry was working with some heavy quarry trains, and Percy was working at Knapford.  Gordon would be calling soon from one of his many stops to check in on him and Toby was off with Henrietta as per usual.  Although the steam tram didn’t stay at the manor, being an official member of the steam team he did check in on Scot on occasion.  So did other engines on other teams and lines.  But today, Scot was very officially alone for this hour block of time.

As if on cue, his cellphone rang.  He picked it up without even looking at the caller ID.

“Afternoon little brother.”  He said with a grin.

Gordon groaned but ignored the annoying nickname, “Afternoon, Scotsman.  Camille should be gone I’m just-“

“Calling to check in.  I know, I know.”  Scot responded rather bored and anxious to move on, “You do this every time she leaves.”

“I just want to make sure you’re safe.”  Came his older brothers reply, “I wanted to make sure all your needs were met and that I didn’t need to send anyone.”

Scot scoffed a bit, “I can walk to the kitchen and get a snack, I know how to make a cup of coffee, I know how to make my bed and your chair more comfortable and there have been no accidents from me just sitting and watching a show.  I’m just getting some food from the fridge and then it’s back to the great boredom that is my life right now.”

He heard Gordon try to suppress a sigh but failed miserably, “Scotsman, it’s only a few more months.  You’re almost there.”

Scot smirked, “Is that irritation I hear in your voice, Gordon?” He grabbed a banana from the counter and peeled it, “You wouldn’t be giving your poor brother attitude now would you?”

“Don’t get me started, Scotsman.” A whistle was heard in the background and Gordon grumbled, “I have to go.  Behave yourself!”

A grin.  “I always do, don’t I?”

When the call ended, Scotsman quickly scarfed the banana and hobbled his way outside, taking care along the stairway and the patio steps.  As expected, no one was around.  Still, he took great caution as he made his way to the rails that made up the entrance to Tidmouth Sheds.  There were a few humans around, but they paid little to no attention to him.  He waited for them to leave the area though before enacting his plan.

He threw his crutches to the side of the rails, in case this didn’t work he would still need them and didn’t want them broken.

“Steady~” he told himself as he wobbled without them before finding his footing in the center of the rails.

Scot sighed with a grin.  It felt great to be standing on the rails and he couldn’t wait until he could feel his pistons and wheels again.  Though he had been outside many times, Gordon refused to let him anywhere near the rails.  Something about not wanting to take chances and mess with his psyche, turning him depressed.  Well, depressed wasn’t what Scotsman was.  He was absolutely a jittery mess, anxious to return to his original state.

Finally, after doing his best to settle his heart.  He closed his eyes and concentrated on that glowing feeling of a shift.  He heard and felt the tinkling of the gold dust form around him as he body worked up enough energy.  It was draining and a bit harder than before, but he chalked it up to being out of practice.  He opened his eyes to watch the glitter form around him and he felt so much at peace.  The shift was slow, but most certainly happening, which to Scot meant freedom.

He watched as the toe of his shoe and his casted toes slowly disappeared into the dust and could almost feel his wheels and boiler again, the warmth of his firebox.  But that’s when things started to go wrong.  Scot hissed at the pain as his feet truly began to disappear.

A little pain, but nothing I can’t handle.  Has to be a side effect of not shifting for months. He told himself.

But the pain grew stronger as the dust traveled up his ankle and injured leg.  A yelp escaped his mouth, but still he pressed forward.  He quickly grabbed his wallet from his back pocket and bit into the leather.  He couldn’t risk others hearing him, no doubt that they’d stop him and call Gordon immediately.

He was sure he was beginning to put holes into his billfold, he could easily replace it, when the dust passed his knee and onto the fractured bone.  Tears welled up in his eyes and he screamed into the wallet through gritted teeth.

Just a bit more, just a bit more. He told himself, forcing himself to move on.  Out of pain he had stopped his shift but with growing anxiety and aggravation he pushed himself forward with a force that shot the dust and transformation up half the femur.  And that’s when everything turned terribly wrong.  There was a large and very audible snap and a searing pain that made him breathless.  The wallet was spat from his mouth and vomit followed.  The gold dust quickly disappeared, his human form returning, and Scot hit the ground.  He yelled in terrible pain and agony, nothing like the initial injury, and he rolled to his side.  Sticking out, though not through the skin was his bone, clearing broken and trying to rip its way from his insides.  Upon seeing it, he started going into a state of shock and it took everything he could to roll back over and vomit again, so as not to choke on it.  Tears ran freely from the pain and he continued to scream between gasps for oxygen.

“H… H…. HEEEEELLLLPPPP!!!” He hollered and managed his whistle through his throat.

Without waiting another second, his shaking fingers found his phone and he somehow managed to dial Camille.  She answered on the first ring.

“Scot!! I’m coming back!! That was you, wasn’t it?! Where are you?! Did you fall?! I-“

A scream ripped through Scotsman again, following heavy gasping groans as he rolled onto his back.  He gasped, looking at his leg once more and noticing a heavy dark spot beneath the skin.  Blood.  He was bleeding internally and in the worst spot possible.

“S-s-s-sheds!” He managed before feeling his body grow heavy and the world started to fade.  The pain overwhelming all his other senses.

“Stay on the phone with me, Scotty!  You have to keep talking!  I’m almost there!”

More broken sobs and screaming left his mouth and he said something unintelligible, but it was something nonetheless.

They stayed like this for what felt like an eternity, but eventually Camille returned.  Scot looked at her, pale, covered in his own vomit, hyperventilating, and barely conscious; somehow he had rolled back onto his stomach, twisting in sheer agony.  He could hear the sound of helicopter blades above him.  Camille was at his side in an instant, terror in her eyes as she, Elan, and Dallas knelt beside him.  He felt the presence of others around him and the wind of the blades, but again, Scotsman felt himself black out.

——

“Of all the stupidest , foolhardy , moronic , idiotic things to do, Flying Scotsman, this one takes the cake!!”

Scot winced at the words.

Gordon was pacing the hospital room, days after yet another couple of surgeries and life saving medical attention.  He should’ve known his brother would be absolutely pissed this go around.  He was so confident that shifting would fix himself he hadn’t even thought of injuring his leg further or the consequences of his hen Gordon found out.  Well, he had briefly, as his doctors had told him not to try; but they weren’t engines like himself, sans Victor, so what could they possibly know?

A lot more than him apparently.

“You couldn’t have done a better job at trying to kill yourself if you’d dived headfirst into a smelter’s fire!!!” Gordon continued to thunder.  His face was dark red, full of rage, and his fists were clenched at his side.

Scot looked briefly at Camille who was sitting down.  Normally, when Gordon was angry, she’d step in and try to calm the bigger engine down or at least convince him to take a walk.  Today, she sat silently looking down.  Her eyes were swollen with how much crying she’d done and she didn’t dare look at the two-tendered engine.  When they had briefly locked eyes, she tried her best to not glare at him.  So , he thought, she’s angry with me too.

Gordon caught him looking at his future spouse.

“Don’t look at her!!” He stepped in front of Camille, shielding her from his gaze, “She’s not gonna help you right now.  She ,” He turned to face his mate briefly before returning his angered gaze at his younger brother, “has nothing to say to you!! Don’t look at her, don’t speak to her, don’t even breathe in her general direction!! You’ve got bigger problems now, little brother!!”

Scot only looked down at his, once again, mangled body.  Gordon had never yelled at him like this before, not even when their competitive nature took an aggravated tone.  Sure, they were brothers and had gotten into fights before but this was a whole other beast and Gordon had every right to be beastly.  Scot had betrayed his trust, lied to him and Camille, and had very nearly gotten himself killed; worse than before!

The cast on his body was more so than it was last time.  Both legs had to be casted and a rod placed in the middle, effectively hobbling him like a goat.  He was going nowhere fast.  Easily over a year more of healing if he behaved.  Scot wished he could assure everyone he wouldn’t be trying this again but everyone was either untrusting or angry beyond measure.

He sniffed and felt the tears start to well up in his eyes.  Gordon glared at the tear.

“Don’t think for one moment I’m going to go easy on you if you cry.” He hissed, throwing his hands up in the air, “What am I going to do with you, Scotsman?!  I can’t trust you out of my sight or Camille’s!  And guess what?!  She’s not going to be able to care for some of your very basic needs now because of the style of break and because you’re too fu- fricking heavy for her!!”  Gordon gestures towards his brother’s lower half, “You’re gonna be in a diaper for a long time and I’m not about to have her clean you up!”

That nearly broke the dam of tears but Scot reeled it in as much as he could.  He slid an arm across his face removing any trace of tears he had.  At the moment, a catheter had been placed in him, uncomfortable and embarrassing as it was, but he wasn’t sure that was going to be coming home with him.  Gordon still held tightly onto the rights to care for him, not letting the Museum have an inch into the situation.  Though they argued that the incident happened under Gordon’s watch, Scot’s poor decision was ultimately on his own head.  If he had thought limitations were bad before, they just got infinitely worse.

After a moment of aggravated silence, Gordon cussed.

“Dammit, Scotsman!”

And with that he left the room, slamming the door.  Briefly, Camille and Scot met eyes again, which Scot quickly diverted his attention very much afraid of what Gordon would say or do if he put his eyes on her.  Camille said nothing, didn’t even sigh, she just got up and left the room following Gordon's angry footsteps.

And once again, Flying Scotsman was alone.

——

When Scot was able to return to the manor, he was met with unsure and unsettling silence.  Many of the other engines had given him soft sympathetic smiles, but others were clearly aggravated.  James wasn’t too friendly, as Edward had put a lot of time into helping care for Scotsman and he didn’t like the idea of Scot essentially throwing that back at his husband’s face.  Edward didn’t feel that as strongly, but was unable to talk to the green engine for a bit , though he still helped Gordon with his care.

Unable to walk, unable to move much at all, Scot became 100% reliant on the others.  He always remembered to thank them and often asked forgiveness and did so every day as days turned to weeks.

One day, Camille managed to sneak through Gordon’s hawk-like eyes and tended to her future brother-in-law.  She had brought him a meal and sat in the recliner Gordon moved in next to Scot’s bed.  Scot was so incredibly happy she came and was relieved that he was clean when she finally returned to his side.

They sat in silence, watching a show Scot had picked.  Every once in a while she would make a noise regarding something a character did, but she didn’t really ever look at Scot.  For a moment, he thought she was still sticking to the no talking threat Gordon had made weeks prior at the hospital.  But he could stand her silence no more.

“Thanks for coming… Y’know, besides bedtime.” Scot said, his voice starting off barely audible.  When she didn’t respond, he looked down, thumbs twiddling in anxiety, “I… I really am sorry, Camille.  I’m sorry I lied to you.”

Camille didn’t answer at first, but contemplated what to say.  They sat in strangled silence.  Tears welled in her eyes.  Scot had been her first friend upon entering the UK and without him she was sure her and Gordon’s relationship really wouldn’t have taken off.  She loved Scot deeply, he was family now, or soon would be.  Seeing him on the rails, bleeding internally, hearing the screams and yells for help despite her being there and holding him, it shook her to the core.

“I… I thought we really did lose you this time, Scot.”  She finally managed and took a deep breath, “I thought you had died in my arms.”  Her lips quivered and the tears flowed freely, “I didn’t know what to do or what to think.  I was terrified.  And then I thought ‘What am I gonna tell, Gordon?’ and I-“ She shuddered and sobbed a bit, “I’ve seen someone I love die, Scot, and I never want to see it again and… when I called Gordon and heard him yell out in devastation…”. She shook her head and finally looked at him, “We love you so much, Scot.  So, so, so much.  We wouldn’t know what to do without you.  You make up such a big part of our little family.”

Scot barely could look her in the eyes.  His lip had begun to quiver in her speech and he had to look away as a shuddering gasp tore from his mouth.

“I didn’t mean to…”

“I know you didn’t, Scot.  I know .”  She reached out and took his hand, stroking the top with her thumb, “But it will take a while for this… this to all be mended.  Both the physical and mental trauma.  Gordon yells now and he’s crazy upset, but this time Scot we both literally watched you die in the hospital.”  He looked up at her confused, “Your heart stopped twice, Scot.  We heard the monitor, saw it go flat, and were told we had to leave the room.  I held Gordon as he fell apart in my arms.  He didn’t even make it to the bench, Scot.  We thought you were gone forever.”

Before he could respond, Camille hugged his head and brought his ear to her heart.  She stroked his hair, like a mother a child, like Gordon had done at the hospital the first time.

“Please… please be careful, Scot.  I can’t lose more family, not so soon.  Please.”  She begged in between tears, “We love you so much.”

Scot felt the hot tears fall, but nodded, holding her as best he could.

“I promise.  I swear.  I won’t do anything like this ever again.”

——

Just as he promised, Scotsman behaved for the most part this go around.  Very little griping and groaning left his mouth this go around, but there were still days of absolute frustration and high tension.  Gordon had slowly gone back to being a kinder caretaker and everyone’s schedules had been shifted to accommodate Flying Scotsman.  For the time being, Gordon relinquished the Express to Henry and James.  Camille picked up jobs for them, the animal park working with her new schedule.  A few times even Spencer had come to help when he wasn’t working for the Duke and duchess.  Although Scotsman had been unsure about his own job on the mainland, he’d been reassured that all was taken care of and everyone wished him a strong recovery.

Months had begun to pass again rather quickly for some, but slow for Scot.  Camille made it her mission to find him a suitable Halloween costume, ignoring Gordon’s rather rude suggestion of ‘road kill’.  Scot, however, welcomed most any costume with open arms.  Halloween was his favorite holiday and it hurt a bit that he wouldn’t get to participate.  The holiday haunting spirit has been boosted with Camille’s enthusiasm for the spooky season and Sodor’s special Halloween runs and events became something to greatly look forward to.  This year was no different and she refused to let Scot sit on the sidelines.

It was two weeks till the big event and Scot was perched in his bed, as per usual, looking out the window and watching the orange and red leaves fall around the rails.  He was supposed to get some outdoor time today, Gordon and Camille had made plans to get him out and about to go for a walk of some sort.  They often poached a coach to take him places so he could get out of the house.

He hadn’t expected much for the day when there was a knock at the door.

He turned to watch Camille stick her head in and smile.

“You decent?”

He scoffed, “As much as I can be.  Why?”

“You have a visitor.”  Camille smiled knowingly, “From the mainland.”

Scot cocked an eyebrow at her.  Not many of the mainland engines cared to see him, many either too busy or too snooty to bother; all they cared about was status and with him out of the picture he was sure they were trying to take his spot in the limelight.  Nevertheless he shrugged at Camille and nodded sure.

She shut the door and returned down the hall to said visitor.  Scot had gone back to gazing outside.  Perhaps it was Bittern.  The two were longtime friends, not just cousins.  He had talked with him via text a lot but the blue engine hadn’t had, or rather didn’t have, the time to come and physically see him.  It stung a little, but Scot knew it wasn’t his fault.  There was one other engine… but seeing as Scot had left him the dark for so long, embarrassed about the whole situation top to bottom, he was sure it wasn’t him.

The door creaked a little, though Scot didn’t respond.

“Hello, Scotty.”

Immediately Scot’s head snapped around, his heart beat fast, and a blush crossed the bridge of his nose.

“Truro?”

A tall engine, City of Truro stepped into the bedroom with a soft smile on his face.  Where most engines' hair matched their unique paint, Truro had wavy hair the color of cinnamon and his eyes were a beautiful brown that matched .  The man pulled his hat from his head when addressing his friend and took a step forward.

Scot quickly grabbed a blanket to cover his legs, hiding the shame of the cast and doing his best to hide the red on his face.

“Sorry about the mess.” Scotsman said, giving his most charming grin, “It’s a little hard getting up on my feet nowadays.”

Truro chuckled as he sat on the side of Gordon’s bed next to Scot, “I don’t mind one bit, Scot.  I just came to see how you were doing.  I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come sooner.”

Scot tried to brush it off, but he was feeling himself become awkward and his confidence waning.  Only Truro made him feel like this, “Oh, you know me.  I’m fine no matter what happens.  Y’know us Gresley’s, we’re made of tough stuff.”

“Hmmm.” Truro nodded looking down.  He looked up at Scot sympathetically, “I also know you have a tendency to cover up your pain for your pride and namesake.”  He reached out and touched Scotsman’s hand, “Are you really OK, Scotsman?”

Scot looked down at their hands and then back at Truro, “I… You know I’ll be alright, Truro.  I always do turn out just fine.”

A small smile, “If you say so, Scot.  I just want you to know if you need anything at all from me, I’ll do all within my power to make sure you’re cared for.  I know Gordon and Camille are working around the clock to make sure you’re safe and healing, but I’m here for a bit too, sweetheart.  Whatever you need, I’ll be here.”

There was no fighting the blush and pump of adrenaline this go around.  Just at the word sweetheart he felt every cell in his body scream with joy.

“You do so much for everyone, Flying Scotsman, let us do something for you.” Truro said lovingly.

Scot’s mind raced, and it took a few seconds to get complete filthy thoughts from his brain.  Him and Truro had always been sweet on one another and although Scot had dated both sexes, Truro had always had a special place in his heart.  He always wondered how they hadn’t taken a step forward towards a real relationship.

“I haven’t heard all the details, Scotty, and I waited for you to tell me on your own, but I couldn’t wait any longer.  You’ve left me in the dark for a little over half a year now.  A bit rude, innit?  I had to know how you were doing so I called around till I found someone with Gordon’s number.  After speaking with both him and Camille… I knew I needed to see you.”

“I… I’m sorry, Truro.  I was embarrassed and I wasn’t ready for you to know.  It’s already embarrassing being cared for like this, I’m sure Gordon’s seen more of me than he’s ever wanted to… and… the idea of you caring for me like that… I…”

Truro sighed and shook his head, “You Gresley’s and your pride.  Although I can understand the embarrassment Scot, I have never been so willing to care for another’s basic needs.  I do wonder though, since we technically don’t have to eat, why do you still?”

“Well, it does take care of our more human form and even though I know I don’t… I guess I’ve gotten used to it… and Camille is so human she feeds me like she’s forgotten.  So, there’s that.”  Scot shrugged.

Truro smiled, “I guess I’m just trying to save a little bit of that Gresley dignity.”

Scot chuckled, “Yes I should probably stop eating to save on that problem… but there’s nothing I can do about the water.”

“No, no you can’t.”

There was a bit of silence before Scotsman spoke up again.

“Why is it that I’m the biggest, most proud and obnoxious extrovert but when I’m with you I feel like a pile of goo?” Scotsman furrowed his brow, “You torment me.  I don’t know how to react around you.”

Truro laughed, “I’ll admit I do enjoy your normal extroverted self.  I wish you wouldn’t become so badly injured this way, although I don’t mind coming to take care of you.”

Good Lady above, his words shouldn’t do such things to me Scot thought.

He leaned his head towards Truro, confidence coming back in waves, “Well, I know one way you could take care of me.”

Truro leaned forward, beginning to close the gap but chuckled, “You’re injured, Scotty.  You shouldn’t be worried about that sort of thing.”

Scot laughed, “There’s not much else to think of, honestly.  Imagine poor me being relocated because my brother wants to get his kicks with his girl.  Or those nights they think I’m asleep.”

“Poor you.”

“Yeah, poor me.”

Scot leaned as far as he could and closed the gap between him and Truro.  Truro’s lips were soft and plump and felt perfect against his own.  Truro stood and leaned over the injured man, both hands on the twin bed, hovering and keeping the kiss strong.  Scot’s hands roamed up to his shirt collar and he pulled him in, deepening the kiss.

Truro pulled back, “Are you sure about this, Scot?”

Scot growled a little at the break and a shuddering sigh escaped his mouth, “Lock the door.”

Truro chuckled, “Demanding even when injured, aren’t you?”  But nonetheless, he got up and locked the door.

——

Truro’s visit, though too short for Scot’s taste, ended at the beginning of the week but he visited frequently.  Camille found herself embarrassingly walking in on her future brother-in-law on more than one occasion as he daydreamed very fondly of his lover.  She had known something was up between the two, she had seen it long before her and Gordon were engaged, and wondered what had taken them so long.  When she questioned Scot about it, he just shrugged and said he was hard headed and Truro was patient.  She gave him her congratulations and he blushed furiously.

“However, if you get too much more rowdy with your sex life I’m moving you out of our room permanently.” She teased with a wink. “And we’re definitely going to get you some sort of Do Not Disturb sign on the door.  Please just text that you’re napping or something and want the door shut, I don’t care if it’s a lie I’m just tired of walking in on you when… well you know.”

He grinned despite a blush appearing, “You’re just jealous that you and Gordon don’t knock boots as often.”

Camille winked, “That you know of.”

——

Once again, Scot watched the seasons change and the holidays pass.  Truro spent every holiday with him and whatever time he could offer.  Time began to fly by as they either texted, called, or Facetime’d often when they couldn’t physically be together.  Gordon and Camille watched Scotsman’s mood greatly improve and he certainly didn’t try any more shortcuts to get through the ordeal.  Camille had stopped bringing meals at Scotsman’s word, though when holidays and holiday food rolled around he definitely indulged himself.

Gordon and his relationship slowly was on the mend too.  At Camille’s suggestion the two brothers had started playing racing games with one another, which brought back that fierce competitive side and seemed to make things better.  Gordon wasn’t great at video games, but as they were one of the limited pieces of entertainment Scot had he learned how to play those that interested his brother, survival games were the most played after racing.

Gordon had slowly started returning to the Express with Truro around more.  He wasn’t originally too pleased about Scot’s boyfriend being around, not that he didn’t mind the help but he didn’t like the two of them being intimate while Scot was still healing.  That had started a fight that left the brother’s back on non-speaking terms which frustrated both Camille and Truro.  Scot was all the more aggravated when Truro agreed that sexual acts of any kind were off the table till he was out of the cast.  Truro wasn’t sure if it was the lack of sexual events or the fact that Gordon had basically won that battle that bothered Scot more.  That didn’t stop Truro from being affectionate with the tall engine and it certainly didn’t stop Scot from trying to be something more, but it almost always ended up with a grumpy Scotsman.

“We’ll get there, sweetheart, it’ll just take time.” Truro said after a swing and a miss from Scotsman one afternoon.

Scot only grumbled in response causing Truro to chuckle.

“You’re being quite childish today.”

“Well then don’t worry about my wants and needs because if I’m a child then you’re a pedophile and I don’t date perverts.”

“Are you quoting Family Guy?  In anger?”

Scotsman grew more flustered, his tips of his ears pink with heat, and Truro only laughed.  Scot threw a pillow at him, clocking him in the head.

“Go away!” He pouted.

“Not even a team of wild horses could pull me away from you, sweetheart.”

——

Many months later

“Excited Scotsman?”

The engine was basically bouncing in the hospital bed.  Today was the day, he was finally getting the Lady forsaken cast off.

“You have no idea.” Came his reply.

“I will warn you all now, body parts do stink after being in a cast so long.  It’s normal, but an unpleasant side effect.” Victor explained.

“I don’t care!  Let’s do this thing!” Scot shouted in excitement.

Gordon winced and glared at his brother, “Would you act your age?”

Camille and Truro only chuckled as the two brothers started arguing again.

“Do you think they’ll ever completely get along?”  Camille asked.

“Oh no, not entirely.  I’m beginning to believe their relationship is built on a foundation of competitiveness and arguing.” Truro shook his head, “Not that I doubt there’s any love, clearly there is, but they’re both too prideful to show it.”

Within a few short minutes, Scotsman was free from the cast.  He never felt so grand and nervous all at the same time.  He wiggled his toes freely and bent his leg, slowly as Victor instructed, but he was free!  Victor was unfortunately right that the limbs did stink but, despite a little teasing, Scot couldn’t care less.  Although he instantly wanted to return to his engine body, he was told physical therapy still needed to be done but he was allowed to return to the mainland if he behaved himself.  Slowly but surely, he was closing in on the finish line and would be back on the rails no problem.

——

Scotsman already felt like he won the lottery and was all alight with joy.  With Truro’s help he was quickly packed up and ready to be transported back to the mainland; Truro taking him there personally.

As Truro gathered the last of his boyfriend's things out the door, Scot hobbled on his crutches down the stairs with Gordon and Camille in tow.

He turned and smiled brightly at them, albeit a bit bashfully, “I can’t thank the two of you enough.  Almost two years of just caring for me… I… I don’t know how to properly thank you.”

Gordon smirked, “Let’s just agree not to try anything so reckless again.”

Camille smiled, “We love you, Scot.  Sure things got rough a few times but we wouldn’t have traded taking care of you with anyone.  But Gordon’s right, let’s not do this again.  I don’t think my heart could take it.”

“Or my sanity.” Gordon added teasingly.

Scot’s bashful grin never faltered, “No, I don’t think I’ll be doing this again.”

“And if anything,” Truro added, returning to Scot’s side, “I’ll be beside him to make sure he behaves.”

“Good.  It’ll be nice to have someone be an extra set of eyes on him.”  Gordon smirked.

“Two can play that game, little brother .” Scot smirked back, “Camille, keep him at least in some trouble.  He’s quite boring without it.”  He winked at his future sister-in-law

Camille laughed, “Oh, I'll do my best.”

Gordon groaned and rolled his eyes, but smiled at his brother as Truro’s driver and firemen arrived to help out.

“Take care of yourself, Scotty.”

“I promise, Gordon.”

Camille nudged her fiancé forward and cleared her throat.  Gordon, taking the hint, wrapped his arms around his younger brother, pulling him softly and carefully into a hug.

“I love you, Scot.  I mean it when I say take care of yourself.”

Scot’s eyes widened at his brother’s words and he gawked at Camille, who was smiling lovingly at the two and nodded.  Although Scot knew his older brother loved him, if this whole debacle didn’t show it he didn’t know what would, Gordon had never really said it outloud or in such an impactful way.  The younger Gresley’s heart swelled with emotion and, although it was awkward with the crutches, he hugged his brother back.

“I love you, too, Gordon.”  He thought for a second and couldn’t help it as he felt his younger self emerge in the moment.  There was a time a young Scotsman, who adored his older, prototype brother, heard those words often, like a parent to a child.  But after Gordon was bought and sold to Sodor, he felt very neglected by several of his other siblings.  He never felt that deep love like he had from Gordon and after their competition and his cocky attitude clashed years later, he wasn’t sure he was going to hear them again.  That younger self, that same spirit of his, came out in this moment, “You really are the best big brother anyone could ever hope for.”

Gordon felt a smile tug at his lips, feeling a bit emotional.  Part of him was very ready for this day, for his brother to return back to the mainland and go about living his life.  But another part wasn’t ready for him to go, even though it had been almost two years.  His little brother had needed him and he enjoyed taking care of him, despite his own stupid actions and the arguments that followed.

“That means a lot, Scot.  You have no idea.”

When the two broke apart, Truro was whistling for Scotsman and ready on the rails.  Gordon and Camille waved as he was helped up and into a coach that Truro brought along, specifically for this day.  Scot waved back once seated and shortly after, both famous engines were back on their way to the mainland.

“You know,” Gordon said as the two disappeared around the bend, “I’m going to miss that boy.”

Camille smiled up at him, “He’ll be back.  Once he’s feeling better.  He always comes back.”

Gordon sighed, “I only hope it’s not with more trouble.”

Camille laughed, “Although I doubt that, I don’t think trouble will follow him for a while.”

“Hmm.” Gordon responded, “There are days when I think to myself how much I wish Scot was on the same railway as us; how I would love it if he lived on Sodor.  But I don’t think he’d be happy here.  He lives in a fast paced world there and I don’t think he’d know what to do with himself here.”

Camille smiled and shrugged, “And City of Truro is there.”

Gordon chuckled, “That too.  Those two have always been fond of one another.  I don’t know how things haven’t progressed till now.”

“Maybe they just needed a little push.”

“Sometimes that’s all you need.” Gordon glanced down lovingly at Camille.

She blinked confused, “What?”

He chuckled, musing, “Just thinking of how I don’t think I could stay on Sodor for long without you.  I’d follow you to the edge of the world and beyond.”

Camille wrapped her arms around him, “You know I’m not going anywhere.”  She curled against him, “You’re stuck with me for infinity and beyond.”

Gordon held her close, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Chapter Text

The Vicarstown station was all abuzz this particular day and Gordon was doing his best not to grow irritable with it.  He was used to the loud stations but today was exceptionally loud and full of school age children.  Many excitedly had disembarked from his brother’s mainland coaches and filed into his.  Today was an exceptionally special day for the children.

Scot chuckled at his brother, watching the children jump up and down excitedly from the breakroom, “Why so glum Gordon?  I thought you liked pulling important coaches.”

Gordon grumbled, leaning back against a wall, a cup of coffee in hand, “Field Trips aren’t my idea of important coaches.  Thomas or James could’ve easily picked these children up.”

“Ahh, but these children are from some high dollar preparatory schools, Gordon.  They’re the children of the wealthy and famous.  A few of them are the children of the museum's finest patrons and the owners themselves.  And you were asked for specifically: Sodor’s famous Gresley express engine.  You should be honored.”

Gordon sighed, “I would normally, yes, but I don’t do well with children, especially the preteen ones.”

Scot chuckled again, “Yes, I will admit they’re the harder of the age groups.  But think on the positive, dear brother, you’ll be going to the animal park and your beloved works there.”

Gordon smiled a little, “There’s that, yes.”

Scot grinned, “You two have been awfully cozy recently.  So when will she graduate from my brother’s girlfriend to my sister-in-law?”

Gordon felt his heart beat harder and quicker at his words, “I haven’t… we just aren’t.. I’m not-“

“I tease, little brother, but you seem awfully sensitive about it.  Thoughts of your own wedding coming into view since Edward and James’?”

Gordon stood up as he listened to the overhead speaker announce his train and straightened his tie, “Whether I am or not is none of your business.”

Scotsman rolled his eyes and laughed, “I’ll remember that when you start coming to me with proposal ideas.”

“Hmph!” Was all Gordon said as he opened the door, “Good day, Scotsman.”

As the door shut, Scot continued to laugh and watched as Gordon walked to his platform, “Good day to you too, little brother.”

——

As Gordon approached the platform he was unexpectedly swarmed by the school children.  Although at first he was irritated, he quickly basked in the popularity as the kids asked for photos with him and even a few autographs.  His driver and fireman chuckled as they watched him easily switch into celebrity mode.  It’d been a while since he’d been like that.  But due to Sodor becoming more and more of a popular destination and his relationship with Camille, he was quickly becoming a very popular engine to see.

“Just how fast can you really go?” A young man asked after taking a selfie with the tall engine.

“Well, I’ve been close to going 100 at one point and a few remodels later I’m sure I could manage.” Gordon responded proudly.

“That’s pretty fast for a steam engine.” Another commented.  It took Gordon a bit of restraint from responding poorly to the scathing remark.

“Can you do it today?” An energetic youth asked, practically bouncing.

“Yeah! Yeah!”

“Go super fast!”

“Let’s fly down the rails!”

Gordon cleared his throat, “As exciting as it would be, Sir Topham Hatt has strict rules for his railway and I’m afraid the speed is much lower than 100.”

“Awwww…” the school children pouted.

“I read your girlfriend works at the animal park we’re going to.” A girl said, swinging back and forth on her heels.  That got a few “oooo’s” from the other children.

Gordon smirked proudly, “The Yellow Rose works proudly and efficiently at the Animal Park.  She’s a wonderful companion.  She’s one of the most useful engines on the island.”

“Do you love her?” Another girl asked, clearly interested.  In fact, many of the female children were coming closer at the change of topic.

Gordon smiled at the thought of Camille, “Yes, I do.  Very much.”

“Awww!!”

“That’s so cute!”

“Do you guys kiss?” Asked another.

Gordon was a bit shocked at the straightforward question, “I don’t believe that’s any of your-“

“Do you guys have sex?” A male student asked with a bit of a  smug and rude tone.

“Now, just a minute-!” Gordon thundered at the question.

“Ummm they’re trains, I don’t think they can have sex.” Another pondered out loud.

“But he’s got a human form!”  The other retaliated.

“My dad works on the mainland railway and he says engines can have intercourse even in their engine forms.”

“Enough!!” One of the teachers appeared after seeing the flustered and irritated Gordon and then upon hearing the students' conversation, “You owe him an apology!  Maybe you should stay behind at the station and write a paper about how asking such intimate questions is both rude and inappropriate.”  Some of the students groaned and rolled their eyes.  The teacher glared, “And your parents have to read and sign it.”

That got their attention quickly and they offered apologies, though Gordon felt there was no true remorse.  He simply snorted and began to turn away, eager to text Camille and give her warning of just what’s coming her way.

“Oh, Mr. Engine, I do have an appropriate question though.” A meek voice called out.

Gordon glanced at the smaller child who spoke out.  They shrank at his size and demeanor.  Gordon sighed and faced them, remembering Camille’s words about approaching shy children.  He knelt down to their eye level and tried his best to not look intimidating.

“Yes?”

The child swallowed and looked bashfully at the ground, “Maybe The Yellow Rose will know this better but ummm I was curious about the new wolves. The new ones born at the park.”  Gordon nodded, signaling them to continue, “D-do you know when they were born?  I’m hoping to see them but if they’re too little they won’t be out in the enclosure.”

Gordon looked down in thought.  He did remember Camille excitedly telling him about the new baby animals, but he wasn’t sure when exactly she mentioned it.

“I’m afraid I don’t know.  Cam- er… The Yellow Rose is more up to speed on that sort of information.”  He stood and smiled.

The child nodded and smiled back, just happy with the interaction, “O-ok.  Thank you, Mr. Express Engine, Sir.”

He nodded as the child turned back to their teacher and all the children began flooding into the coaches.  Gordon began to walk to the front of the coaches but, before shifting, reached for his phone to send a message to Camille.

Upon finding their recent conversation, he pressed his thumb to the mic icon and asked: “When were the wolves born?” and quickly put it away after sending it to Camille, shifting onto the rails and getting himself coupled up.

——

Camille stared at her phone in utter confusion and concern.  She had read the text over and over again and there was no figuring out exactly what Gordon had meant.

As she waited at the front gate for his arrival, she was asked to be part of the greeting committee for these children, she kept reading the text repeatedly.  When she heard the familiar sound of Gordon’s whistle she looked up and straightened her uniform, putting her phone away.

The nearby zookeeper smiled at her teasingly, “Are you excited because you’ve been asked personally to help with this tour group or is it because your boyfriend is here?”

“A little of both actually.”  Camille admitted with a smile, “It’s nice to see each other besides coming home some days exhausted.  There are days when things run into the late hours that we only see each other for a brief moment before we fall asleep.”

“Must be nice.”  The zookeeper sighed, “I just go home alone and eat ramen.”

“You can’t possibly be that bad off.”  Camille looked at her with a shocked expression.

“No, no, I’m not.  However, I’m a horrible cook.”  She laughed, “Ramen’s easy.”

“I’m going to bring you some easy recipes tomorrow.”  Camille chuckled, “There’s no way you’re that bad.”

“Try me.”  She responded with a grin.

Gordon came to a halt in front of the Sodor Animal Park station and let off an exceptional amount of steam.  He could hear some of the middle schooler’s cheer at him and a proud smirk crossed his features.  As they began to disembark and the zookeeper spoke with the teachers and Camille made her way over to her great engine.

“Heya, handsome.”  She smiled, walking up to his buffer, “What brings a fancy thing like you all the way down to these parts?”

Gordon smirked at her, but played along, “Oh, you know, I couldn’t help my curiosity when I heard from the grapevine that there was actually a famous engine around, as you say, ‘these parts’.  I thought they must be wrong as I’m the only famous engine on this island.”

Camille crossed her arms, the grin on her face bright, but challenging.  She ran her tongue over her teeth in thought, “Well, I hate to burst your bubble but you are, in fact, wrong.  There is another famous engine here.”

Gordon feigned shock, “Oh really now?”

She nodded her head, “Yes sir.”

“Well, they must not be that famous.  I would’ve heard about them otherwise.”  He replied snootily looking away, but he couldn’t help stealing a glance back at her.

She huffed, “Well, maybe you haven’t heard of them because they had no desire for you to hear about her.”

“Oh, it’s a her engine, is she?”  Gordon replied.

“As a matter of fact, yes.  She’s the prettiest engine around these parts.  No engine would dare compete against her.”

“So she’s famous for her beauty.”

Camille turned and pointed a finger at him, “Not just that!  She’s got an award winning personality, she loves animals, and she’s mighty fine at romancing great big tender engines.”

“Hmmm.”  Gordon said, looking in thought, “I might have to see this famous engine then.  She sounds… intriguing.”

She climbed aboard his buffer and sat down, swinging her legs, “She’s a lot more than that, buddy.”

“Beautiful, smart, great personality, sounds like she has it all.”

“Well, she is missing something.  One fatal flaw I’m afraid to her perfect record.”

“Oh?”

She looked up at him, a hint of romanticism and sorrow in her eyes, “She has no one to call her own.”

“Oh, that is sad.”  Gordon responded with a soft smile.

“If only she had someone big and strong to hold her on sleepless nights.”  She stood looking at him.

“Must be terrible.”  He said with a small nod.

“It is.  It’s very cold.”  She inched towards him.

“I could keep her warm.”  He said with a low growl, his firebox heating up.

“I bet you could.”  She smiled and kissed his cheek softly.

“Awwwwwwwww!!!”  Came a chorus from behind the two.

Camille pulled back with a blush and a smile, while Gordon did his best to regain his composure, his rather proud personality and appearance taking over once more.  The teacher moved the children along with the zookeeper, who looked at Camille wide-eyed at her boldness.

Camille cleared her throat and looked at Gordon, “Looks like I’ve got to go.”  She smiled at him, tracing a finger on his cheek.

“Don’t get yourself in trouble on my account.”  Gordon huffed.

“I know you’re doing it for show.”  She smirked and kissed his cheek one last time, lowering his defenses once more though he tried to hide it, “Love you, big guy.”

She hopped down from his buffer and was unable to see the clear blush on his cheeks and across his nose at her words.  He fumbled a bit, clearing his throat, “Love you too, darling.”

As she went to join the others, she remembered his text and turned to look at him a bit curiously, “Let’s talk about your text later tonight after work, OK, Gordon?”

Gordon raised an eyebrow at her, but whistled and nodded in response.  He watched her walk back and eagerly took questions from the preteenagers and was very animated with them, which caused much laughter and excitement.  He whistled twice signaling his departure and went to a side rail to take a much needed nap.  However, he couldn’t get her words out of her head.

Why on earth would she need to discuss wolf pups?

——

When Gordon and Camille were able to reunite, it was late into the night.  Camille had worked exceptionally hard at the animal park that day, tour after tour and question after question and had gotten quite dirty.  She refused to come home in such a state and had herself washed down and her firebox cleaned out to be prepared for the following day.  She yawned loudly and stretched her back, leaning far back with her hands out and interlocked, when she joined her beloved on the bed.  He had the news on, which was boring but whatever, and was patiently waiting for her.  She quickly changed into a tank top and pajamas and curled in next to him.  She sighed contentedly in the heat.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel welcomed and comfortable.”  She said, snuggling into him.

He chuckled and looked at her, “Anything for my famous engine.”

She grinned and chuckled, “You know it!”

The two sat in silence, Camille occasionally yawning and stretching, changing positions to get more comfortable against him.

“So, about that text.”  She said with a hint of humor.

He didn’t take the hint, flipping channels, “What of it?”

She sat up, “What do you mean ‘ what of it’ ?  That was such a weird and out of character text!”

Gordon looked at her with a cocked eyebrow, “Is it wrong to take an interest in the animals?”

“Interest?!”  She said with a shocked expression.

He turned to her, ignoring the TV, genuinely confused, “I don’t understand why you’re so shocked.  It’s your job and I didn’t know the answer.  A student asked me about it and I figured it would be better to ask you.”

Camille’s face held genuine horror and amazement, “A student asked you that?!  And you asked me?!  You considered that?!”

“Why are you getting loud?? What’s the big deal?”  He asked, getting irritable.

“Wait, are we talking about the same text?”  Camille asked, squinting in confusion, “I don’t think we’re talking about the same text.”

“I haven’t sent you another text and you never answered me.  I texted you through my watch and then shifted to get the children to their destination.  I just figured you were busy.  Why is this riling you up so badly??”  He asked exasperated.

Silence.

Camille seemed to be in thought and then asked cautiously, “You used Siri, yeah?”

Gordon sighed, “Yes, as I’ve done before when I’m in a hurry.”

Silence.

Then laughter.

Gordon looked at Camille like she had grown a third eye as she began laughing hysterically.

“What has gotten into you?”

She picked up his phone and tried to stop laughing, “You need to read your last text to me.”  She handed it to him.

Gordon raised an eyebrow at her but indulged her nonetheless.  As he opened up his texts and went to his and Camille’s conversation he was prepared to show her exactly what he had texted.  However, to his utter embarrassment the text did not, in fact, ask ‘when were the wolves born?’.  He covered his eyes in horror and dropped the phone.  Camille burst out laughing again.

“Ohhhh, the indignity…”

“Read it out loud.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Do you see why I was so genuinely concerned and confused?”

“I absolutely do.”

“Are you going to look at me?”

“No.  Never again.”

Camille continued to laugh curling onto his lap and trying to pry his hands from his face.  He wouldn’t budge.  She tried moving a finger just to look at his eyes.  Nope, that wasn’t working.  She laughed as he slowly sank down into his pillow and turned the TV off.  He rolled over, effectively removing her from him, and curled into the bed, pulling the covers over his head.

“Goodnight, Camille.”

She continued to giggle, “Goodnight, Gordon.  You silly.”

“I’m not silly.”  He said with offense.

“Well, you’re something then.”  She said, spidering her fingers up and down his back in a massage-like manner.

“We speak of this to no one.” He said, a bit snippy about it.

“No one dear.”

She looked at her phone again and the laughter started right up again.  There in the English letters read Gordon’s text:

“Where’s the wolf porn?”

Chapter Text

Loosely based on a conversation between me and smolblue4engine on tumblr.  Comes before This Son of Mine.

Gordon was panicked.

He looked all around the busy station of Vicarstown, ignoring the odd looks people were giving him.  He was supposed to be meeting up with his brother and his nephew any minute now for a playdate followed by a weekend with the whole family.  Problem is, you can’t really have a playdate with one kid and his kid was currently missing.

“Erik!”  He called, trying not to sound too panicked, but the seconds were beginning to turn to minutes.  5 to be correct.

He looked around the station, there was no sign of the little engine anywhere.  Gordon’s heart began to race in his chest.  Erik was an adventurous sort of child and was easily distracted.  A butterfly could’ve flown nearby and he would’ve gone after it.  Gordon had told his son to stay in the break room while he went to go check if Scotsman had arrived and when he’d gotten back, the boy was gone.  He first checked the restroom, the little engines were much like human children, but found it empty and began to check all the cupboards and everything he could think of.  But Erik was nowhere to be found.

Gordon looked around and had asked a few of the Vicarstown railway workers if they’d seen him, but so far no one had seen anything.  He was starting to feel ill.  What if he had hopped in one of the many trains and went off somewhere else on the island?  What about him getting on the mainland?  What if he was on the rails on his own, although he wasn’t wide enough to reach both sides of the rails, he could basically bounce along the rails like a car.  Another engine could easily run him over!

What if someone had taken his son?

True fear reached deep in his soul.  What if someone had taken Erik?  Him, his cousin and his friends were the first of his kind; there might be someone out there that wanted to know the ins and outs of the toddler engines.  What if… what if they started taking him apart?

Gordon tried to steady his breathing.  Panicking and over-thinking would do him no good.  Erik would have screamed and fought… right?  Someone would have seen something.  A child with grey like skin and engine wheels at his ankles, he would stick out.  So then… why hadn’t anyone seen anything?

His thoughts were broken for him as he heard the familiar whistle of The Flying Scotsman pulled into the station.  He looked up as the charismatic engine backed into the station.  He tried to smile like he wasn’t about to have a full blown panic attack as his nephew, Mikhail,  whistled at him from his brother’s cab.  Scot’s fireman had to have a tight grip on him as the toddler was about ready to jump from the window.

As soon as the engine stopped, the fireman and driver hopped out with baby in tow while the large two-tendered engine shifted to his human form.  Baby Mikhail, or Mikey as was his nickname, eagerly bounced in the fireman’s arms, his little wheels turning as he waited for his dad’s arms.  Scot grinned wildly at the little engine, taking him in his arms and tossing him a little up in the air.  Mikhail squealed with each toss.  His dad rubbed noses with him and held him close.  Then he turned to face his brother.

“Gordon!” He grinned brightly.

Gordon waved but the panic was written all over his face.

Scot quickly changed his expression, noticing his brother’s demeanor, “Gordon?  What’s wrong?”  He placed Mikhail down and the tiny engine blew bubbles at his dad’s feet.  Scot looked around, “Where’s Erik?”

“I… I can’t find him.”  Gordon confessed and Scot paled, “I went to check if you had arrived, I left him in the break room and told him to stay put, but when I returned… he was gone.”

“Have you called Search and Rescue?  Harold?”  Scotsman asked, “The faster we do, the faster he’s likely to be found.”

“No!  I…” Gordon started and looked away, “I just need to look around… I’m sure he’s here.”

“Gordon… the longer we wait…” Scot started, feeling very uncomfortable with the idea of prolonging search and rescue, “What if he’s on a train to the mainland?”

“I just…if I don’t look for him some more… I…”. Gordon sighed, running a hand through his hair, messing it up from its normal brushed back state, “Camille’s going to kill me…”

Scot looked at his brother with sympathy.  Gordon had been incredibly rough on himself since it had been revealed that Camille was pregnant.  Of course, they all thought that it had to be some sort of error seeing as engines had never been pregnant before.  They had both decided to take on the task of parenthood with building an infant engine, a small engine with which they had both donated small pieces of themselves that had been melted down and turned into major components for the baby’s body.  

What neither of them had considered, and why would they considering the fact that it had never happened before, was Camille becoming essentially pregnant with the baby’s soul.  It was a shock and a surprise, but basically the baby’s essence grew inside her as its body was built.  And although she didn’t go through most everything that a human woman went through, it was incredibly hard on her.  Gordon felt responsible for it all.  She was the first ever engine to go through something like this, and although Gordon wanted to curse at Lady for what Camille was going through, Camille said she’d do it again in a heartbeat to feel that close to her son.  A blessing or a curse, Gordon felt inadequate the entire time.  And when the baby’s soul left Camille’s body for its own, Camille had woken up in a panic frightening both herself and her husband.  If it wasn’t for the call that their son’s body was beginning to stir and wake up, Camille was beginning to assume the worst and that she had lost the baby entirely.

They had both raced in the middle of the night to the Steamworks where their son's body was completed and waited with bated breath as his tiny eyes began to open and he started to cry.  Victor had theorized that just like a human baby feeling out of place outside it’s mothers womb, this baby engine would also feel frightened with his soul outside his mother and inside his own body.  Camille immediately edged forward, her buffer gently touching the baby’s but when that didn’t comfort the little one, who was blinking to get his eyes adjusted to the light, she shifted to her human body and held him close to her heart, patting the top of his boiler and rocking him from side to side.

From then on out, Gordon had felt a major shift in responsibility and also a massive shift in feeling like he was inadequate.  Camille had carried the baby’s soul and fell into her motherly instincts easily.  Gordon, however, had always felt left out of the equation.  When he approached Sir Topham Hatt about it, or rather the Conductor had dragged it out of him, the man smiled and said it was normal for a new dad to feel a little left out.  He explained that it was normal for baby Erik to feel completely reliant on his mother.  She was everything to him for months prior to entering his engine body, but that didn’t mean that the baby wasn’t interested or didn’t love his father.  The Controller encouraged Gordon to help with the daily and nightly struggles and so Gordon jumped into his fatherly duties both terrified and readily. 

 Although Erik didn’t shift immediately to his human form, once he did everything became like taking care of a human toddler.  He wanted to try everything and seemed to constantly get himself in some sort of trouble, whether that was putting things in his mouth that he shouldn’t, biting, or climbing his daddy’s desk and nearly toppling over.  Gordon found himself, on more than one occasion, wondering how on earth he was going to get the baby to adulthood with how often it felt like he was coming to his rescue.  Things were becoming very messy as well, from messy eating to messy diapers.  Gordon counted himself lucky that for the most part Erik stayed in his engine form.  Though he still had to have his boiler and firebox cleaned often and when the little one wanted to play that became a hassle on its own.  There were lots of late nights where both parents rotated rocking and walking with an upset baby.  Gordon couldn’t believe how insane it was to have to keep walking even after it seemed like the baby fell asleep.  Somehow he knew his father was ready to put him down.  Some nights, Gordon even took the little engine outside to just roll around the shed with the doors shut while he tried to catch a few winks.

Little Erik soon was very interested in his father and was curious to see what Gordon did for work shortly after he was able to attend work with his mother, since her work was close to home.  That’s what led to today’s event of Gordon taking Erik with him on the Express to meet up with Scot and his new son, born months and months after Erik.

Scot used his foot to scoot Mikhail away from the rails and placed a hand on his older brother’s shoulder, “We’ll find him, Gordon.  But if we don’t in the next ten minutes, we need to call search and rescue.”

Gordon nodded, though the sick feeling never left his stomach.  He smiled somewhat, beginning to look around the station again, “I.. I don’t know how I can ever look Camille in the eyes knowing I’ve lost our son.”  He sneered at himself, trying to make sure Mikhail didn’t see though, “Some father I’m turning out to be..”

“Don’t sell yourself short yet, Gordon.  We’ll find him.  He can’t have gone too far.”  Scot picked up his child and held him close, “Was he in his engine form?  Is he good at shifting yet?”

“He was in his human one…and he’s not very good at shifting yet.”  Gordon looked around again.  “I’ll check the break room again, if you can look around the platforms nearby.”

Scot nodded and went to his break coach where he kept his luggage separately and pulled out the bassinet-like stroller for Mikhail.  The little green engine wasn’t too thrilled about being put back in a situation where he couldn’t move around and began to fuss, lip quivering while looking up at his father.

“Hey, little buddy, it’ll be OK.” Scot smiled, pulling out a dummy, “We just need to help Uncle Gordon real quick and then we can go play at the park.”  The baby opened his mouth eagerly at the green pacifier and his dad put it in his mouth.  With the baby content Scot began to look around, pushing the stroller as he went, looking for his little nephew.

——

Erik began shaking nervously in the train car as he got further and further from Vicarstown.  Daddy had gone out of the break room and hadn’t returned for a bit.  The little indigo engine had left the room in search of his father when he had heard the announcement for the train going to the animal park and he eagerly hopped aboard.  Mommy worked at the animal park and he was scared without his daddy.

He had snuck aboard the cars, there were only two, and was with the passengers luggage.  He was hiccuping and crying softly, scared for what was going on.

It wasn’t long before he heard the door open and he looked up at one of the railway workers.

“Erik?  What on earth are you doing here?”

Erik had no idea how the human knew his name but they had soft eyes and looked greatly concerned.  He shied away nonetheless, whimpering.  The coachman knelt down and gently smiled, “It’s OK, Erik.  I work with your mommy and daddy’s friend Thomas.  That’s who you’re riding with right now.”

Erik still kept his distance, hiding himself beside some luggage.  The coachman sighed, but stood back up understanding the child’s fear.  He went out and spoke with both Annie and Clarabel, who then spoke to Thomas who pulled over to a side rail.

Erik really began to panic at that point, crying quite audibly.  He wasn’t really sure if this was Thomas’s train, he had never been on a train before besides his parents’ own cab.  Hearing the footsteps approach made his heart race and he started hiccuping again, but as the door opened and saw Thomas approach him, the sobbing began all over again.

Thomas smiled softly at the crying boy and knelt down, “Erik, how did you get on here?  Your daddy is gonna be really worried about you.”

“I wan’ my daddy!!” The little engine cried, reaching out for the familiar engine.

Thomas picked the little engine up and cradled him, “Shhh, little buddy, it’ll be OK.  I can get you back to your daddy in a bit, I just have to finish my jobs first.”

The little engine had quickly become a mess of tears and a bit of a runny nose, “I… I… I wan’ my d-daddy…!”

Thomas held him close, shushing him as he bounced him in his arms, “How about I call mommy and let her know where we’re at.  She’s closer and we can get you to her, OK?”

Erik looked at Thomas for a few seconds, sniffling and hiccuping, and then nodded.

“Alright.”  Thomas said with a smile, “Let me call your mom.  She should be available right now.”

——

“Gordon, we have to call Search and Rescue.  It’s been almost a full half hour.”

Gordon was in a full panic.  No one had seen Erik running around, which meant that he probably did, in fact, board a train.  Anyone that had seen him would’ve been on the train as well.

“Gordon!”  Scotsman yelled at him, pulling him out of his panic.  The younger brother looked him in the eyes, “If he’s on a mainland train now we’re going to be in a worse situation.  They could take off in any given direction.  Look, I’m gonna call Truro to keep an eye out and he can reach out to a couple of our cousins.  You need to call Search and Rescue.”

Gordon nodded almost mindlessly and reached for his cell phone when a call came in.  Both him and Scot recognized the ringtone set for Camille.

Gordon took a deep, shaky breath before answering, “Hello.”

“Gordon!”  Camille sounded cheerful.

“H-Hello darling.”  Gordon said, trying to compose himself.

“I was just calling to see how the play date was going.  You promised me pictures and I haven’t seen anything yet.  I was beginning to wonder if I had a crappy signal in the park.”

Scotsman looked at his brotherly, gently signaling for him to tell the truth.  Gordon cleared his throat, “Well, you see darling, there was a bit of a mishap and that’s why-“

“Mishap?  Is everything alright?”  Camille cut him off.

“N-no, well, yes actually.  Everything is fine.  It’s just that…” Scot looked at him wide eyed as if to say ‘What are you doing??’ Gordon quickly glanced down at the sleeping engine in the buggy, “Mikhail fell asleep shortly after getting here so things haven’t worked out as well as we had hoped.”

“Oh, that’s a bummer, but I’m sure Scot’s loving that.  It’s hard with a new life, I’m sure you remember.”  She said sympathetically.

“Yes, I remember.  Sleepless days and nights.”  He sighed, bringing a hand up to his eyes to rub his temples.  Scot stood next to him with a disapproving frown on his face, arms folded.

“Well, let him know things do get better.  I mean, things get more difficult in different ways.  Erik has a tendency to wander, I’ve actually thought about putting him on one of those kiddie leashes.”  She laughed.

Gordon gave a snort, “I don’t think we should do something like that to our son.  Think of his dignity.”  Lady above if that isn’t a grand idea though , he thought to himself.

“I know, I know, Gordon.  But some days when I’m out and about with him, he just disappears on me.  Sure, I’m at the park and I can find him in a minute or two, but it scares the crap out of me!  No matter how much I try to tell him he can’t go running off on mommy, it seems to happen all too often.”

Gordon felt bad that he took relief in the fact that his wife was struggling with this too.  Although she had lost him for maybe a minute and Gordon was coming up on an hour.

“Oh, hey, I’ve got to go!  Thomas is calling me.  He’s just coming in from Vicarstown with some passengers and he’s running a bit late.  I’ll take to you later, dear!  Love you!”

“I love you, too, darling.”

*click*

Scot glared at him, “You’re digging your grave deeper by not telling her the truth.”

Gordon glared back, “I’m doing the best I can by keeping her from panicking.”

“She’s going to find out, Gordon!  Sooner or later!  And what if something bad has happened?!  Is that how you want her to find out?”  Scot gestured, but tried to keep his voice down for the sleeping baby.

“If I find him first then there will be no problem.”  Gordon said through gritted teeth.

“ IF! And if she had done this to you, you would be livid.  Like she’s going to be when she finds out you lost him and then didn’t seek help immediately.”

Gordon sighed, “I’m calling Search and Rescue now.”

“Good.” Scot said, dialing his husband, “I hope they have a lot more luck than we are.”

——

When Thomas arrived at the animal park, Camille was pacing by the main gate.  She had canceled one of her train rides, offering refunds for those who were meant to ride, explaining that there was a family emergency.  She all but ran to the front gate, waiting for Thomas.

When Thomas came to a stop, she ran up to meet him as his driver carried a terrified Erik from the cab.  When the toddler saw his mother, his tears started all over.

“Mama!!”

Camille scooped him up from the driver’s arms, “Oh my sweet baby!!”  She cradled him close while he cried, “What on earth happened??  You were supposed to be with daddy today!”

When the child didn’t respond, Thomas cleared his throat, “I think I can answer that.”

Camille walked up to the end of the platform and looked at Thomas’s face, “What happened, then?”

“Well, they announced on the PA Speaker that I was going to the animal park from Vicarstown.  I don’t know where Gordon was, but I’m gonna guess Erik knew that you worked here and wanted to see you.  I don’t think he knew just how far away he was going to be from his dad.  Originally, all he wanted was Gordon, but I couldn’t turn around so I figured I’d just hand him off to you.”

Camille bounced the boy as he wrapped both arms around her neck and cried into her shoulder, “But Gordon just told me he had Erik not but a minute before I got on the phone with you.  If he’s got a kid, who’s kid is it??”

Thomas sucked in his breath through clenched teeth, “I don’t want to start any trouble, I’m just speculating, but maybe Gordon…lied?”

“But why would he??”  Camille asked, her heart rate beginning to come down.  However, she slowly felt her anger build.

“Well… maybe he was embarrassed?  I mean, it’s not a fun thing to admit you lost your child.  Or maybe he didn’t think Erik had gone far and didn’t want you to panic?”

Camille frowned, “But our child could’ve gotten really hurt…. It’s unacceptable.”

“I know that too.”  Thomas said gently, “But, we all know how Gordon can get when things get out of his control.  He has a really hard time asking for help and if his driver and fireman weren’t there on some occasions I’m sure he never would have.”

The female engine sighed, “He’s just lucky our baby is alright.”  Erik looked up at his mother, “But you shouldn’t have run off on daddy.  He’s probably worried sick about you right now.”

“Sowwy mama…”

Nevertheless, she hugged her son tight again, patting his hair down from the mess it had become, “We need to call daddy and let him know you’re OK.”

“And fast!”  Came a voice from behind.

Thomas’s coachman came running towards the two, “Search and Rescue just got sent out on a call for a missing child at Vicarstown station.  I’m pretty sure they’re looking for little Erik here.”

Camille reached for her phone and as she went to call Gordon, his name popped up instead.

“Gordon, I-“

“Camille, I’ve lost Erik.”

Camille’s heart stopped briefly at the words, despite knowing the child was safe and sound.  The panic and worry in her husband’s voice saddened her heart though, and she found herself unable at the time to get angry with him.

“I heard about Search and Rescue, but-“

“I’ve looked all over for him, Cam.”  Another pang in her chest.  Gordon rarely called her by the nickname everyone else had, “I left him in the break room for just a few minutes to check if Scot and Mikhail had arrived and when I returned, he was gone.  I shouldn’t have left him alone, I know, and I’m kicking myself for it.”

So that’s what happened.  Erik, his little mind easily bored and distractible, left the break room to probably look for his dad, she concluded, and then heard the speaker talk about the animal park and jumped on the train headed there to see his mom.

“Gordon, I-“

“I understand if you’re angry.  Scot’s nagging has been awful.  I just… I thought I could find him without having to alert anyone or the authorities and I didn’t want you to worry.”

“Gordon, I have him.”  She finally got through, “He jumped onto Thomas’s train to the animal park.”

“…He’s safe?”

Camille sighed softly, rubbing the toddler’s back, “He’s safe.  But not very happy with himself.”

Erik looked up, showing some interest in the conversation, “Daddy?”

Camille nodded, “Daddy.”

Erik curled in her arms, “…mad?”

Camille put the phone to his ear, “Why don’t you talk to him?”

Erik was quiet for a bit and Gordon, calling for Camille wondering why the phone went silent, was about to hang up when he heard the little voice.

“Daddy…?”

——

“Erik?!”  Gordon shouted with relief on the phone.  Scot quickly looked up at his brother, who nodded, “Son, you were supposed to stay in the break room.”

“I got scawed…”

Gordon sighed, trying to reign in the bit of aggravation and anger he felt.  There was no use getting upset now.  He really wanted to get onto his son about the dangers of running away and not listening when his parents tell him something, but right now, he was just relieved his son was on the island, safe and sound with his mother.

“I’m sorry you got scared, son.  I wasn’t going to be gone long.”

“It fel’ wike it…”

“You know daddy would never leave you.”  Gordon replied.  Scot took the hint and took care of informing the others that the child was safely found at the animal park.  He was sure there was going to be some comeuppance about raising children though.

“I sowwy…”

Gordon heard his son begin to cry and it poked at his heart.

“You stay with mommy and I’ll come pick you up with Uncle Scot and Mikhail.  We can go home and you two can play in the yard.  How does that sound?”

Erik sniffled, “Mhm..!”

Gordon sighed with relief, a small smile forming on his face, “Hand the phone back to mama and let me talk with her.”

“Otay…”

“Hey.”  Camille said, “I’ll hold onto him until you get here.  Be safe, OK?”

“I… I will be.”  Gordon responded.

“Hey?”  She called out.

“Yes?”

“I still love you, Gordon.  Don't beat yourself up.”

Gordon sighed once more, “I’m going to try really, really hard not to.”

——

That evening, back at Tidmouth Manor

All the adult engines were sitting on the back porch of the manor watching as the children played happily together.  Mikhail, being the youngest, sat peacefully in a makeshift swing for baby engines as his father pushed him lightly with his foot.  Everyone had gathered together and they had decided to have some water and snacks on the back porch while the children played before bedtime.

“Danny!  Behave yourself please!”  Emily called to her son, who was wildly chasing after an upset Erik.

“Yes, mama…”  The little blue engine called, ceasing his chase of Erik who was getting irritable.

The conversation around the table was mainly focused on Mikhail and Scot and Truro’s adjustment to parenthood.  Occasionally the baby would babble incoherently at them as if trying to join the conversation.  Truro would smile softly at his son and Scot would occasionally babble back at the baby causing squeals of laughter.

Edward hissed a bit as he sat down at the table after a hard days work.  James looked at him worriedly, “Everything alright?  Is the baby OK?”

“James, I’m fine.  I’m just carrying a soul, I’m not really pregnant.”  Edward said a bit grumpily, “You’re being much.”

James pouted, “Sorry for worrying about your wellbeing.”

Camille laughed, “I think that about sums up relationships while carrying little souls, wouldn’t you say, Em, Truro?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Emily called.

“Here, here.”  Truro said, raising his soda can.

“I was not that bad!”  Scot said in mock offense.

“No, you were worse.”  Truro said with a smirk.  “I swear I couldn’t go to the bathroom without you at the door worrying about me.”

“Did you get a million texts a day?  I certainly did.”  Emily laughed too.

“It’s not like we’re actually pregnant.”  Camille said, “We’re just carriers of the soul.  We don’t have little bodies growing inside us.  Not to mention, how on earth would Edward or Truro get the baby out?”

“I don’t even want to think about it.”  Truro said, causing some laughter.

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t think male engines could even carry, but here I am.”  Edward said, “And I’m certainly glad I will not be experiencing labor and delivery.”

“When you feel the soul leave for their body though, it’s an… interesting feeling.”  Emily said.

“I freaked out, I won’t lie.”  Camille said, looking sheepishly at Gordon.

“If I hadn’t known any better, I would’ve thought she miscarried or someone had shot her.”  Gordon said, after taking a sip, “She was crying and yelling and I thought something terrible had happened.”

“It’s not a fun feeling.”  Truro added, “After being with their little presences from months on end and then in a moment they’re gone,” He shook his head and shuddered a bit, “It certainly feels like you’ve lost the baby.  It’s like a part of you just vanishes.”

“I was lucky we were going to check on the baby’s building.”  Emily put her hand on Thomas’s, “I about came off the rails, but we were already on the way so it wasn’t a panic to get up and head over to the Steamworks.”

“Heavens above, how I wished that had happened.”  Scot said, with a bit of a frown, “I missed it.  I was in Scotland finishing up my route when I got Truro’s call.”  He pretended to hold up his phone, “‘The baby’s coming!  The baby’s coming!’  If someone had clocked me I’m sure I would have beat that 100 mile record coming home.”

There was a bit more laughter as Scotsman continued his story of him about causing an accident at the station he was in such a rush.

“I mean, my child was taking his first breath, opening his eyes for the first time and I was ready to run over any engine in my way.”

Truro chuckled, “You’re here now and let’s be honest, he’s all about his daddy.”

Scotsman grinned, “Yeah that’s right, isn’t it buddy?”  He undid the baby’s buckles and picked him up from the bassinet and held him above his head, making all sorts of noises causing Mikhail to squeal all the more.

“Has he been able to shift yet, Truro?”  Camille asked.

Truro sighed, “No, not yet.  But he hasn’t exactly tried.”  He smiled at the two, “The doctors and builders think he’s just not interested yet.  Seeing as he’s still in the range that we’ve seen from just your children” he gestured to Edward, Emily and Camille, “they’re not worried just yet.  They think that when he really wants to start playing with us or doing things we do, he’ll want to.  We just don’t spend a whole lot of time in our human form and that’s probably contributing.”

“That’s fair.”  Emily said, “Daniel wasn’t all about shifting for a while either.  He would watch Thomas in the yard shunting the trucks and hearing them fuss about it and it made him giggle.  So, he enjoyed pretending with his toys that he was biffing and bashing and it took him a while to want to shift.”

“I think Erik shifted so quickly because most of the ‘pregnancy’ I stayed in my human form and I stayed shifted for most of his first few weeks.  When I started going back to work and we went to see Gordon a few times is when he started wanting to be in his engine form more.”

Camille glanced over at the two children playing and snapped her fingers, looking stern, “Ah! Ah!  Erik!  I don’t know what you’ve got, but it doesn’t go in your mouth.”

Gordon quickly looked over and decided to go see what was going on.  He walked over to his son and Danny.

Erik quickly threw the toy food down and grinned at his father, “Daddy!” He was practically bouncing, little arms reaching upward and fingers grasping open and shut for his father.

Gordon picked up his son and was quickly enveloped in a hug.  Erik squeezed him tight and giggled at his father’s warmth and comfort.  Gordon smiled softly and rubbed the little one’s back.

Erik pulled away and looked at his father before briefly looking down, “I sowwy daddy… I didn’ mean to wun away…”

Gordon sighed and looked the toddler engine over.  Camille had eventually given him an earful and Sir Topham Hatt kept things from escalating, but deep down Gordon was still kicking himself.  He felt like he honestly deserved more yelling and consequences, he had lost his child after all!  But in the end, he was becoming his own worst enemy and critic.  Despite everything though, he couldn’t stay mad at Erik.

“You gave your mother and I quite a scare today, Erik.  You disobeyed me and could’ve gotten seriously hurt.” Gordon scolded.

The little one couldn’t look him in the eyes.

“But, you’re safe and as long as you’ve learned to listen to us I believe everything will turn out alright.  Your safety is what matters most to us, son.  We don’t know what we’d do without you.  Your mother and I love you very much.”  He gently pushed back the boy's bangs and kissed his forehead.

Erik looked a bit amazed at his father, “Daddy scawed?”

Though Gordon didn’t like admitting it, he felt that lying to the child was the worse option, “Yes, daddy got scared.”

“Bu’… daddy neva’ scawed.” Was the little reply.

Gordon glanced over at the others.  Both Camille and Scot were wrapped up in the conversation and didn’t pay him any mind.  His mind went back to all the chaos the three of them had gone through, all the times he either thought or nearly did actually lose them; how much they meant to him.  And now with a new life, a thing that had never happened ever before (which seemed to becoming the trend of Sodor steam engines), and all the new blessings and struggles that came with being a father, Gordon realized just how foolhardy he would be to not admit he was afraid.

“Sometimes I do get scared.” Gordon admitted to the toddler.

“Bu’ daddy big and fast and stwong!  And bwave!” Erik said, pretending to flex his muscles.

Gordon smirked, “Yes, I am that.  But part of being brave is knowing when to admit you’re scared and doing the brave thing anyway.”

Erik looked at his father and then down, “I not bwave…”

“Says who?” Gordon asked a little offended for his son, “You were brave today, son.”

The child shook his head, “I got scawed… and cwied…”

“I’ve cried.” Gordon admitted, though not loud enough for the others to hear, “Your mother has cried before and Uncle Scot has too.  Crying has nothing to do with being brave.  And as for being scared, you’re still little.  You have me and your mother to look for when you’re scared.  We’re here to love and protect you, that’s our job.  When you’re with us, scared or not, we’ll be there for you.”

Erik looked up in curiosity, “Why?”

“Because I’m your father… I’m your daddy.  I’m here for you.” Gordon said with a small smile, “We’re family.  We are a part of each other.”

Erik gave a small yawn and snuggled into his dad’s shoulder, “Otay.”

Gordon chuckled at the very simple answer, “OK?”

Erik smiled sleepily, “Yeah. Otay.”  Another yawn, “I love you daddy…”

Gordon felt his heart swell with pride, beginning to rock the little engine boy, “I love you too, son.”

——

Gordon had returned to the chatting group moments later with a sleeping Erik in his arms.  Daniel had become a bit cranky with it getting late and his friend asleep to where Emily needed to get him to bed.  With things getting late, it was time to get the other littles to bed too.

Truro and Scot were staying in the guest bedroom again, which ended up being Thomas and James’ old rooms moved together to make a bedroom and a bathroom.  Little Mikhail wasn’t too thrilled to be going to bed after such excitement either and was becoming fussier by the minute.  Scot checked the infant's boiler after a minute of the fussy behavior and it was concluded someone was just overtired.  He asked Truro to remind him to thank the others for putting a rocking chair in the bedroom in preparation for the little guy as he sat down with the grumpy engine.

“I hope we don’t keep everyone else awake.” Winced Truro as Scot rocked the fussy babe.

“They’ve each gone through this and dealt with one another’s kids.” Scot reminded him and yawned, “They’ll be fine.”

The new build wailed at his father’s attempt at settling him down.

Scot sighed, “Alright, alright, I’m up.” He stood and cradled the little engine, walking and lightly bouncing him.  The baby quieted slightly but seemed to still be at odds.

“Are you sure he’s not hungry?” Truro asked, reaching for the bottle on the side table, “I brought the bottle warmer.  It won’t take long to warm the water.”

Scot looked down at the continual fussing baby and sighed in defeat, “Might as well.”

Truro did just that, plugging in the little device and pouring water into the little steamer before placing the bottle.

When Mikhaïl let out a particularly strangled cry, Scotsman frowned at the infant, “Now there’s no need for that.”

Truro chuckled tiredly, “He can’t communicate yet, Scot.  It’s got to be hard trying to communicate your needs.  Have you checked his firebox?”

Scot opened the tiny door and peeked inside, “He’s fine, love.  Just cranky.”

With a little ding, the bottle was ready.  Truro tested the water on his wrist, something Camille had taught him amongst other things when he discovered he was carrying a soul, and handed the bottle to Scot.

“You’ve taken care of him all day, Scotty.  Sure you don’t want me to take over?”

Scot sat back down with the baby and offered the bottle.  Somehow, Mikhaïl will still having none of it, “Truro, babe, you don’t do much driving anymore and either work at the museum or stay at home with the baby.  I can handle one day.”

“Mhm.” The brunette said skeptically, “You're doing so well, right now.”

“Shut up.” Scot teased back and stuck his tongue out, “C’mon little buddy, throw daddy a bone.”

Mikhaïl, whether out of sympathy or frustration, took the bottle, eagerly sucking down the warm water.

“Easy, Scot, too much too quick and he’s going to spit up.” Truro warned.

Scot removed the bottle nipple from the baby's mouth with a small pop, “Easy, tiger, slow down.”  After a bit of whining, he gave the bottle back.

A few more minutes and Mikhaïl had fallen asleep with the bottle in his mouth.  Scot replaced it with a binky, which the little engine sucked on sleepily, and tucked the sleeping baby boy into his bassinet.  Truro pulled the bassinet to the edge of the bed, hooking it in place where he could reach his arm out and pat the sleeping baby.  Scot curled up behind him and kissed him behind the ear.

“We made a cute kiddo.” The two-tendered engine smiled.

Truro smiled, “Yes, yes we did.”

As Edward and James were getting ready for bed, their little one, Katie, had managed to sneak from her bed, where she had fallen asleep quite early enough to miss the party, and into her father’s bed with Pebble in her arms.  Edward made a light hearted comment about how eventually with a second on the way she was going to have to start staying in her own bed.  James, however, snuggled the raven haired little girl close.

“She’s only this little once, Ed.  I don’t want to rush it.”

Edward smiled at the two.  Katie looked like James and easily acted like him too.  There were days that, despite the child not really biologically being theirs, that Edward began to wonder what on earth she inherited from him if anything at all.  Katie snuggled into her daddy, James wrapping an arm around her, but rolled over bleary eyed and reached out for Edward.

“Papa?”

Edward smiled and took the littles one's hand, which she did her best to tug him closer.  Chuckling, he curled closer, but with enough room for Katie to move around, and sighed contentedly with his little family.  His belly glowed a bit, the gold light warming him with the comfort of their new little one’s soul close by.  Before he could reach down to feel its warmth he felt James’ hand move from Katie to his stomach.  He opened his eyes to see James looking down at the glow, almost teary eyed.  He placed a hand over James and closed his eyes again, drifting soundly to sleep.

Emily and Thomas were able to wrangle Daniel into some PJ’s.  Thomas, who’s bad habit was riling up the little engine before bed, was propping the little one on his feet and held the toddler’s hands out like they were wings.  Danny was all giggles as his dad made plane noises as he moved him from side to side.

Emily rolled her eyes and chuckled, “Alright you two, it’s time for bed.”

“Awww…” Danny pouted as his dad stopped the game and laid him on his little bed.

Thomas chuckled, “Tomorrow’s another day, Dan.  You can go play with the others.  It’ll be a blast!”

“But you and mama hafta wok...” He pouted.

Emily sat down on the floor next to the bed, “But we won’t be long.  You’ll have a great time tomorrow with Grandpa Hatt.”

“Will he bwing tweats?” Danny’s eyes lit up.

Thomas laughed, “Doesn't he always?”

“Mhm!” Danny said, nodding with a yawn.

“Alright, buddy, it’s time for bed.” Thomas ruffled the boys hair before pulling the covers up and climbing off the small bed. “Goodnight, kiddo-pop.”

Danny giggled sleepily at the nickname, “Nigh-nigh daddy. Nigh-nigh mummy.”

Emily fixed the little ones hair and kissed his cheek, “Goodnight baby.”

Down the hall, the remainder of the Gresley family was working their way to bed.  Erik had woken up briefly, though regretted it when his mother and father had him brush hair and teeth.  The little nap had him wanting to play more and he was bouncing on his parents bed as they got ready for bed.

“Erik, it’s bedtime.” Camille reminded, “Not playtime.  We need to wind down.”

Erik whined at his mom’s words, opting to bounce only a little where he thought they wouldn’t hear him.

Gordon looked out the bathroom door at the bed with a firm look, toothbrush in his mouth, “Son.”

Erik sighed and laid down in defeat.

When Gordon returned to the bathroom he spat out his toothpaste and cleaned himself up, “He gets it from you.”

Camille looked at him in a fairly amused agape look, “I know you didn’t just say that.”

Knowing he had gotten under her skin, he dried his face and smirked, “It’s true.”

“No, no, I don’t think so.  Last I checked you had him built as a mini Gresley tender engine, not a tank engine.  He’s taking after you.”  She teased back.

“Well, then he’ll be perfect.” Gordon smiled proudly.

Camille poked at him, “He already is.”

That’s when they heard the TV turn on, though the volume dropped very quickly.

Camille sighed and rolled her eyes, despite the smile on her face.  But Gordon was already out the door.

“Frederick! No TV.” He said, earning sad eyes from the little engine, pouting with his full name being used.

“Bu… bu’ daddy…”

“It’s almost an hour past your bedtime, no buts young man.” Gordon turned the TV off and picked up the small engine, “It’s time for bed.”

The little boy went limp dramatically in his father’s arms and said father turned and looked at his wife, “He takes after me, huh?”

Camille giggled and walked up to the two.  She brushed some of the hairs out of Erik’s face and kissed his forehead.  Erik grinned and reached for his mom with delight.  She held him close as she walked to his small bed and knelt down next to it.

“Goodnight my sweet boy.”  She kissed the top of his head again, “Pleasant dreams.”

As she laid him in bed and tucked him in, Gordon pressed the knob on a sound machine nearby.  It was a gift from Camille’s brothers, the same exact one she had gotten when she was a new engine.  Although Gordon had originally teased her about it as she was an engine like him, already an adult with no childhood, the effects it had on their child to get him to sleep quicker was astounding.  Now, Gordon never put Erik down without it, he didn’t care about the codependency some talked about as eventually Erik might have to sleep in a shed and noise was always plentiful.

He knelt down next to his son’s bed and softly kissed the boys head.  Erik was already droopy eyed and getting cozy.

“Goodnight, my little one.” He said before turning out the bathroom lights that illuminated the room, save Camille’s bedside table lamp.  For a while, he sat on the edge of his bed watching as the little one curled into a comfortable position and went to sleep.  Camille sat next to him and curled into her spouse.

“You’re a great father, Gordon Gresley.  Despite the hiccups.” She smiled.

“I’m just glad he’s safe.” He sighed in relief.

“We’ll talk to him.” Camille said, “Maybe get that kid leash thing.”

“Camille…” he said in a small reprimanding tone, though he still secretly thought it was a grand idea.

“Do you want to go through a day like today again?” She asked.

“….” Gordon sighed, “I’ll think about it.”

She sat up and kissed his cheek, “It’s about time we went to bed too.”

“Yes.” He yawned, “I believe you’re right.”

Both engines curled up in their bed, Gordon laid down facing Camille’s side as she turned off the light.  She smiled, as she did almost every night, as he pulled her against him making her the little spoon.  His arm wrapped around her, hand over her belly something that had become a habit after her pregnancy. 

“Goodnight dear.” She yawned.

“Goodnight, my darling.”

Chapter Text

“What are you going to do?”

“Me?!  What do you mean??  You were involved too, Thomas!”

“Yeah, but I’m not the one who broke it.”

“I didn’t know it was going to break!  James’ shouldn’t have asked me to help with his laundry if there was something like this in here.”

Thomas and Percy stood next to one another, both with a slightly worried look on his face, looking down at the washing machine and the piles of wet fluff that littered all over James’ clothes.  Mixed in the clothes, and the producer of the fluff, was a very deflated rhino plush.

“M-maybe he won’t notice or care?”  Percy asked frantically with worry, glancing at Thomas.  “I didn’t even know he had a stuffed animal until he asked me to put his laundry in the wash.”

“Was she in the basket?”  Thomas asked, not taking his eyes at the devastation of the stuffy.

“No…” Percy confessed, “But she was filthy, I mean even her red bow had faded, and she was next to his laundry so I figured she was just supposed to be in there.”

Thomas picked up a piece of the fluffy innards of the stuffed rhino and squeezed the excess water out of it.  “I dunno, Percy.  James doesn’t just keep random things and he freaks out when anyone touches his stuff.”

“We’ve got to hide her then!”  Percy said, frantically picking up the fluff, holding out his shirt like a pouch and stuffing them in there, “We can fix this right??  Do you think Emily or Camille know how to sew?”

Thomas eyed him, “You know they’d slap you for that kind of remark.”

“I don’t mean it like that!  I just don’t know any guys that do and I know Camille does cross stitch sometimes!”  Percy shrieked, panic beginning to take over, “What if this was really special to James??  I’m a dead engine!”

Thomas couldn’t come up with a rebuttal for that and quickly helped sort of the fluff from the clothes and put James’ clothes in the dryer.  It easily looked like half of the stuffed rhino had fallen out and she looked like a raggedy dog chew toy by the time they fished her and her red bow out.

“I’m so dead…” Percy whined.

“Not if we can fix her first.”  Thomas smiled confidently, “It can’t be that hard to fix!”

At that moment, the laundry room door opened and both engines startled, Thomas hiding the rhino behind his back.  Percy had no way to hide the shirt pouch he had created but pulled it close so the contents couldn’t be seen.  Edward walked in and looked between the two of them with an odd expression.

“Is something the matter guys?”

Percy was basically shaking where he stood.  Although James would have been the absolute worst person to see at that moment, Edward, being James’ significant other, was indubitably the next worst thing.

Thomas, however, didn’t seem to think so.  He looked relieved, “Oh Edward!  It’s you!  Percy could really use your help!”

Percy squawked at his best friend’s sudden betrayal.

Edward still looked fairly confused, “In the laundry room?  It’s not that hard and we’ve done this for years, Percy, I would’ve thought you figured out the laundry machines by now.”

Percy’s face fell flat, “I’m not so dumb as to not know how to work the laundry machine.”

Edward blinked and looked at the two, “Well, if that’s not it, can I get by?  James forgot to do his laundry and I know he asked the two of you to help but-“ He stopped and began to worry himself, “You didn’t do something to James’ clothes did you?”

“What?!  No!  Are you crazy?!”  Percy asked, still holding tight to his shirt, his slightly pudgy belly showing, “Who in their right mind would mess with James’ clothes??”

Edward sighed and placed his hands on his hips, “Then what is this all about?  Why are you two so antsy?”

When Percy couldn’t quite find the words to speak, Thomas took the lead again much to Percy’s chagrin.  Thomas simply revealed the deflated rhino and her ribbon that he had been hiding.

Edward paled a bit at the sight.

“You washed Pebble??”

“She has a name?”  Thomas asked incredulously.

“Sh-sh-she was right by his laundry!”  Percy tried to explain as Edward came close and held the floppy remains, “A-a-and she was dirty and I thought she was supposed to have been in the basket since a couple of other clothes hadn’t made it into the basket and I didn’t know she had a hole in her because I wouldn’t have put her in otherwise and I’ve got her fluff here-“ He showed Edward his makeshift kangaroo pouch, “and I’m gonna fix her I just have to call Camille or maybe Emily and I promise to stuff her back properly and everything please don’t tell James!”

Percy was panting from lack of oxygen after such a confession and watched as Edward held onto Pebble and opened up the now very large hole in her side.

“We’ll need to be quick.”  Edward sighed, pulling the remaining fluff out and handing it to Percy, placing Pebbles in the dryer with the rest of James’ clothes, “James doesn’t go one night without Pebble nearby and he will notice, I guarantee it.”

Percy was nodding quickly as Edward spoke, hanging onto every word that the older engine said, looking for guidance.  Thomas, however, couldn’t keep his cheek in check.

“What’s a grown and married engine like James doing with a kids stuffy?”

Edward smiled as he shut the lid and started the load of laundry, “It’s not too long of a story.  I can tell it to pass the time.”  He smiled at Percy and knew he would have to reassure the small engine down from a full panic attack, “We can get her fixed before James comes home.  You’re lucky I’ve had to stitch her before.  C’mon.”  He led the way out of the laundry room, holding the door open, “Let’s get her fluff cleaned up.”

All three engines made their way up to James and Edward’s room.  Edward grabbed a towel and hair blow dryer from their private bathroom.  He asked Thomas to go grab a small bowl from the kitchen and laid the towel down.  He then nodded at Percy, signaling him to drop all the fuzz.

“This is everything?”  He asked.

Percy nodded, “Y-yup!”

Thomas returned with the bowl and handed it to Edward before sitting down on the floor and joining the other two engines.  Edward gently squeezed the excess water from the fuzz and placed it down on the towel to dry.

“Pebble has been around for a while.”  Edward said with a smile, “Though not even I knew about her until James’ started moving into my bedroom.  He kept her a secret, I think, due to his pride.”  He chuckled, “You all remember how much he used to look up to Gordon?  I think that in part was why he hid her.  He didn’t want Gordon thinking he was small, weak, and childish.”

Thomas rolled his eyes at the mention of the large tender engine, “Of course Gordon’s involved somehow.  He sure knew how to be a bossy butt when we first all started working together.”

Edward chuckled again, “Well, I think Gordon’s own pride comes from his own familial issues, but we won’t get into that today.”  He moved the bowl after squeezing the last bit of stuff n’ fluff and turned the hair blow dryer on low, starting to dry the fluff slowly.

“James got Pebble from one of his passengers shortly after we became a team of six.  He doesn’t really remember when, but it was before Emily’s time.”

——

James had brought himself to a screeching and grinding halt at the station, barely keeping himself from overshooting the platform.  He smirked brilliantly.

“Heeeeere’s James!!” He shouted to the other passengers at the platform and to Gordon who was trying to catch a few winks.

The larger engine startled, looking around, when he caught a glimpse of the red engine.  He sneered, “Really, James?  Must you do that every time you arrive at a station?”

James looked at him haughtily, “Do you have to say ‘express coming through’ every time you depart or arrive at a station?”

Gordon gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes, “ I have a very important job, you know.  Announcing my comings and goings keeps every keen and wary that a large, powerful, and fast engine is approaching and to make sure to get out of my way.  We wouldn’t want any accidents .”

It was James’ turn to roll his eyes, “You’re not the only important engine on the island, Gordon.  Not to mention, I’ve had to do your job a few times for you since you have a knack of getting into trouble with the boss.”  James smirked.

Gordon wrinkled his nose and closed his eyes, “Hmph!”  That was the end of that conversation.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”  James said with a sigh, waiting impatiently for his passengers to load and unload.

His driver came up, not looking too thrilled, “James!”

James sighed irritably, “What?!”

The driver glared and pointed a finger at him, “You’ve got to stop doing your stops like this!  You could injure yourself, or members of our team, or worse yet a passenger!  What if someone was thrown from their seat or hit their head?  It would’ve been your fault!”

James frowned, “They should know how to stay seated till I come to a complete stop.  Not my fault if they’re bad at keeping seated or balancing.”

His driver looked ready to fight some more, but heard the whistle from the station master and looked to see the doors shut for the coaches.

“Listen to me, James.  One day, your reckless driving is going to get this railway into a lot of trouble.”

James rolled his eyes, “Oh please.  Me?  Trouble?  Ha!”

But of course, there would be trouble.  As it so happened, not long after this little conversation James ended up in the Steamworks with terrible dents, scratches, and cuts alongside his face and paintwork.  The cause?  He was so busy trying to be splendid and fast that he nearly hit a stray cow that had found herself stuck on the rails.  Her hoof was caught and seeing the engine barreling down the lines she panicked all the more.  James did his best to brake and move onto a different set of tracks, but it was no use and he ended up derailed on his side.  Worse yet, his passenger cars ended up coming with him.  It was a very serious accident with several critical injuries.  He thanked Lady above that not a single passenger was labeled a fatality.

He found himself unable to look Sir Topham Hatt in the eyes as he was scolded repeatedly and almost threatened to be removed from the rails indefinitely.  The passengers and their families were suing the railway and it was all James’ fault.  He couldn’t help the frightened tears that ran down his face or the constant apologies he spoke as a result of the accident.  A VIP was ready to have him scrapped and the pressure was put on the Fat Controller that it was seen through.  The railway leader refused to have such a monstrous action happen, taking a life was not going to fix injuries faster, and it was no quick and painless death for an engine to be scrapped.  James was staying, however he was to be taken off the lines and then some.  He wasn’t going to be pulling coaches anytime soon.

The others visited him when he could, Edward most of all.  Years later, that moment would become one of the turning pivotal points in their relationship.  James still was nervous despite everything.

He was feeling particularly upset with himself one day, sitting all alone in the steamworks, when his former driver approached him with his little girl.  She was holding a stuffed animal close to her chest as they approached.  He looked up at them nervously.

“James, this is my daughter Tilly and she has something she wants to give you.”  The man nudged her forward, “Go on, Tilly dear.”

The little girl walked up to James’ buffer and showed him a stuffed rhino with a red ribbon around it’s neck, “This is Pebble!  Whenever you’re scared or afraid you’re supposed to give her a big hug because rhino’s are tough and can make scarier things go away.”  He blinked in surprise at her, “I.. I know you can’t hug her but you can have her.  Daddy said you’re really sorry about what happened and that mean people were saying really mean things about you.  But you’re my favorite engine, James, and you’ve gotta be tough.”  She smiled up at him and placed the toy on his buffer, standing on her tiptoes to nudge it closer to his face, “Pebble will scare all those bullies away.  Mummy even gave me a splendid red ribbon to tie on her.  I hope you like it.”

James looked down at the stuffed animal and the little girl who smiled up at him, a few teeth missing in her grin, and he couldn’t help but smile back.  Not one passenger had ever given him a gift before and here this little girl was just looking out for him.

He swallowed and smiled at her, “Thanks Tilly, I’ll take really good care of her.”

She pointed a finger at him in a feisty manner, “You better!  She’s the best stuffie in the world and she should go to the best engine in the world!”

He smiled brightly for the first time in a long time that day.  James thoroughly apologized, again, to Sir Topham Hatt and the others and after a while was back on the rails.  He had his driver hide Pebble in his cab and on days when he was alone or feeling particularly down he had the man pull her out from the cab and put her on his buffer to have close.  When the day did come that the engines were able to shift one of the first things James did, once he had gotten used to his legs, was hold Pebble close, besides hold his beloved Edward.

——

“And that’s the story.”  Edward said as he finished drying all her fluff, “At least we can get her repaired.  She is pretty old.”

“No wonder James is so protective of this toy.  I would be too.”  Thomas said.

“And I ruined her…” Percy said feeling down, out, and defeated.

Edward chuckled, “No, you didn’t ruin her Percy and it’s not the first time Pebble has found herself de-fluffed in a washer.”  He winked, “If you keep my secret, I’ll keep yours.”

Percy and Thomas chuckled, though Percy found himself really relieved, “Thanks Edward.  Your secret is safe with us.”

Edward smiled, “Now, let’s go grab her from the dryer and get her all sewn up.  We’ve still got some time before my husband gets home.”

Percy grinned, “You sure like to call him that, don’t you, Edward?”

Edward looked kindly at the small engine, “More than you can ever know.”