A/N: A short story taking place after Edward's Exploit, as requested by asperman1. Hope you guys enjoy reading- and reviews are appreciated!

...

Edward was very, very glad to be at home in Tidmouth Sheds that night. BoCo had helped him home after his very arduous coupling rod calamity.

"Thank you BoCo," He said gratefully, as the Vickers Type 2 carefully shunted his best friend into a berth at the sheds. "I appreciate you taking the strain off me for the evening."

"It was no problem, Edward," BoCo replied loyally. "That was very brave of you, taking on the train like that. I'm telling you- there's no way on Earth James and Gordon can mock you for your age!"

"I just think age is one reason for persevering when all looks grim." Edward replied- but winced. His coupling rod had slashed his splashers really badly.

"Well, at least the Fat Controller agrees," Said the green diesel, smiling in spite of the rain still pouring down.

"Hm," the blue engine murmured- just as a frantic whistling echoed round the yard, and both engines were startled as a familiar blue tank engine dashed into the yard as fast as his six wheels could carry him.

"Thomas?" Edward asked in surprise. "What are you doing here? I thought you were on your Branchline?"

"I was," Replied Thomas, who was out of breath. "I heard what had happened, so I"-

"Thomas, son, please take it easy," Soothed Edward, seeing the tank engine looking so ruffled. It broke his heart to see his adoptive son so close to tears. Deciding swiftly, Edward turned to BoCo.

"Thank you again, BoCo." He said kindly. "I'm grateful for your kindness-now, I hope you wouldn't mind"-

"No trouble at all, Edward." BoCo answered immediately. "I'll ensure your Branchline is kept running smoothly until you can return.

"Thank you," Said Edward. He waited until his friend had oiled away before returning his attention to Thomas, who had taken the moment to calm down a little.

"Now, Thomas, what is it?" Edward asked gently, waiting patiently as Thomas took a deep breath before continuing.

"I-I heard about what happened to you on your train, father." The tank engine confessed softly, tears of anxiety pricking his eyes. "Well, both Percy and I both heard what was going on- but Percy couldn't come with me to see if you were okay."

"Thomas, please don't worry about me," Replied Edward kindly. "I know the damage looks bad, but I can hold it out until it's mended, and that won't take too long. Besides, I've had worse- I am very old, you know." He winked at Thomas, who couldn't help but give a small smile.

"Thanks, dad," the tank engine sniffed. He did feel a little better knowing that Edward would be okay, but he didn't want to leave him, even still.

"Well, if you're not due back anytime soon, you're more than welcome to stay with me for a while, if you'd like." Edward offered.

Without hesitation, Thomas reversed into an empty berth, smiling thankfully at Edward. The K2 smiled in return, and the two engines sat in their berths, just watching the rain fall around them...and occasionally remarking about this and that.

Edward didn't even realise that the pain in his splashers had dulled significantly for the time being.