Storms and Cuddles

A.N. Sorry for the wait! I'm running low on ideas… :(

…

BANG!

Henry screamed out in fear as yet more thunder cracked across the stormy sky outside. Quickly, he spun his wheels, and raced under a table.

He hated rainstorms. Especially ones as loud as this one. The electricity had long since gone out, so the house was illuminated with candles only.

"Come on, Henry." Sir Topham Hatt said, while on his knees, looking under the table. "I know you're scared, but if you just come out of there, we can go to you room, and you can calm down there." He said softly.

"No!" Henry cried, his eyes shut tightly. "It's too scary!"

Sir Topham Hatt sighed, and placed a hand on the side of his head. "Gordon, James, and Thomas are upstairs, most likely under their blankets. Wouldn't you like to join them?"

Henry merely whined.

Sir Topham Hatt groaned, and fully sat down. "Henry…"

"Henry…" Edward whispered, his small voice carrying over to the slightly bigger engine as he moved away from the chair he was positioned at. "Come on…"

Henry whimpered more, and opened his eyes, staring at Edward as he came closer, "Edward… I'm scared…" He whispered.

Edward sighed, but smiled a bit, and moved closer. "I know… but that's why Sir Topham Hatt says we should go up to our room." He explained softly. "The others are there; why not join them? All of us together… it would make this less scary. Don't you think?"

Henry looked away, but sighed after a moment. "Yes Edward… it would."

Edward smiled. "Then let's go…" He whispered.

Slowly, Henry steamed out from under the table. The rain pattered relentlessly outside, hitting the roof and windows but… Henry wasn't paying attention this time. He was staring into Edward's eyes. It was oddly calming.

Edward only smiled even bigger. "See? Not so bad…"

"Uh-huh…" Henry whispered in reply.

"Now come on you two." Sir Topham Hatt smiled, now standing up. "Let's get upstairs…"

"Yes Sir…" Both Henry and Edward said simultaneously. Edward finally broke the eye contact between the two, and turned around, starting to head upstairs.

Henry immediately followed, staying close behind Edward as they went up the ramp, with Sir Topham Hatt following on the stairs.

When they reached their room, Sir Topham Hatt pushed the door fully open, and walked in. Edward and Henry followed.

There was a blanket set up in such a way, it looked like a tent, and in it, was Thomas, James, and Gordon. Thomas and James were leaning on each other, and Gordon was leaning on James.

They all looked like they were half asleep, but upon seeing Edward, Henry, and Sir Topham Hatt, they all perked up.

Edward and Henry smiled as the three other engines made room for them in the tent.

Edward moved next to Gordon and Henry moved next to Edward. After a moment, they all settled down.

Satisfied, Sir Topham Hatt walked over to them, and placed a tarp over them.

Moving closer together, the five engines sighed in content closing their eyes.

Sir Topham Hatt smiled. "Now, don't fret tonight young ones." He whispered. "The storm will stop, and soon, the power will come on again. I promise."

All the engines smiled in agreement. "You're right, Sir." Henry whispered.

Nodding once, Sir Topham Hatt walked over to a shelf, and picked out a book. Walking back, he sat down in front of the engines, in a rocking chair.

Quietly, he started reading aloud to them. "The little engine who could…"

As Sir Topham Hatt read to them, Edward looked to Henry and smiled.

Henry smiled back.

Softly, Edward nuzzled Henry in gesture of comfort. "See? I told you it isn't that scary anymore, right?"

Henry giggled a bit. "Yes… not so scary after all…"