This story was done in collaboration between me and Jriddle41 (Sodormatchmaker on DeviantART), and we both own the OCs that are used in the story. Credit to author AaronCottrell97 for a few ideas and character suggestions (especially the duel layout for the story). Everything else belongs to their respective owners:

Thomas and Friends (c) Hit Entertainment and Mattel

The Railway Series (c) Rev Wilbert Awdry

Yu-Gi-Oh! (c) Konami

WARNING: This particular story is rated for fantasy violence and some language.

NOTE: This takes place back before the start of Season 3, with some moments set before Season 2 begins along with before Battle City begins

Title: The Rose Blooms

As soon as Rosie got home from grabbing a pizza with her new friends, she went to her room to look over her Deck - the same one she copied from Thomas and used against Emily, but only to be defeated. After looking at the Deck for what seemed like forever, Rosie...threw it away. Not out of anger or disgust, but because the pink-haired girl decided she wanted to start fresh.

"I will start over." Rosie thought to herself. "As of now, I'll begin playing with a brand new Deck."

(elsewhere...)

Later that weekend, Rosie and her older brother, Bart, went to the mall to buy a new starter Deck so that the former could begin her career somewhat fresh and new. When the two siblings arrived at the card shop, they found the owner signing a few papers.

"A card delivery?" asked Rosie.

"Yup; fresh from the United States." The card shop owner confirmed. He then looked towards his two customers. "Just give me a couple of minutes, okay?"

"Sure." agreed Bart.

WIth that said, the card shop owner went into the back, while Rosie started to look around the stands for a potential starter Deck to purchase. There were many different sets to choose from; a Dragon Deck, a FIRE/ICE Deck, etc.. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to catch Rosie's eye.

"So, have you made a choice on what Deck to buy?" Bart asked at last.

Rosie shook her head. "Nothing seems to be all that interesting to me." she sighed. "There just has to be one Deck here I can use in order to begin my whole dueling career again."

"Why don't we ask the shop owner when he returns from the back room."

Eventually, the shop owner emerged from the back room, carrying a box filled with new starter sets.

"Hey, do you need a hand?" offered Rosie. "Bart and I can help."

"I would really like that." smiled the shop owner. "There are two more boxes in the back; you can both bring them all out here."

Before long, Rosie and Bart both brought the remaining boxes containing Duel Monsters cards out of the back room and set them onto the counter.

"Whew!" panted Rosie, wiping her forehead. "That box sure was heavy."

"When Discord J. Crawford wants a card shop fully stocked, he sure doesn't kid around." added Bart.

"Nope, he doesn't." The card shop own agreed. "Thanks again."

"It's not a problem, sir." bowed Bart.

"If it's not any trouble-" cut in Rosie. "-could I take a look at the starter Decks that are inside the boxes?"

"By all means." accepted the shop owner.

With that said, Rosie opened on of the boxes and looked through it. There were tons of cool-looking Deck themes, and they seemed to be really powerful. Eventually, the pink-haired girl found something she liked...

"The 'Anti-Cure' Deck?" she pondered.

"Ah, that's a good choice." The card shop owner remarked. "It's not for beginners, but if you're a pro at the game it can be a real tough one to beat."

"I'm really good at the game." Rosie pointed out, before looking back at the Deck. "Besides, if I practice well enough with this Deck, I'm sure I'll be able to master it."

"That's my Little Sister!" praised Bart, who then took some money out to pay for the Deck. "Here you go, sir."

"I wish you the best of luck." The card shop owner said, accepting the payment.

With that done, the two siblings left the shop.

(elsewhere...)

A few months later, which also included some time after the incident with Diesel 10, Spencer Gresley had announced the start of the Battle City tournament - to be held in all of Knapford City. At Sodor High School, it was decided that Thomas, Percy, and James were each going to sign up for it. Stanley and Rosie, meanwhile, both decided they weren't going to take part.

"Why not?" asked Emily later that day.

"I want some more time to adjust to using my new Deck." answered Rosie. "A big tournament like this doesn't feel all that right for me."

"As for me, I'm not really up to competing in a tournament so soon after San Francisco." put in Stanley. "We'll wish Thomas, Percy, and James each good luck, though."

Emily nodded, before turning and leaving to find the rest of her friends. When they were alone, Stanley and Rosie both looked at each other.

"Too soon?" quizzed Rosie.

"Yeah." admitted Stanley, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "It's a pretty lame excuse, but I didn't really feel like competing."

"It's okay; I completely understand." Rosie reassured. She then blushed a little bit. "Umm..."

"Rosie?"

"Errr... S-Stanley?" The pink-haired girl stuttered, trying to find the correct words. "I've been...wondering, umm, something."

"What's the matter?" asked Stanley.

"Can you...help me with practicing?" Rosie pressed. "Again, I don't feel I'm ready to compete in a big tournament with a Deck I haven't used much since buying."

Stanley smiled. "For you, I'll be glad to help."

Rosie felt very happy and relieved to hear that. Truth be told, ever since the incident with Diesel 10, Rosie began to grow very fond of Stanley ever since he tried to help her find help to stop the villain from taking over the school, and Stanley, not sure if he should tell anyone, had a bit of a soft spot for the pink-haired girl.

(elsewhere...)

On the first day of the Battle City tournament, Stanley and Rosie were both hanging out at the park. Since the main action of the tournament was in the city itself, the two teenagers went to the park where there was plenty of room to just duel for fun.

"This place should do." said Stanley, looking around.

"It has plenty of space." admired Rosie. "Enough for us to duel without any disturbance." She took her Deck out of her pocket. "Let's see if I can improve myself."

Before long, Stanley and Rosie were both facing each other with Duel Disks activated.

"Alright, Stanley-" began Rosie, with her hand drawn. "-let's start the duel!"

"I'm ready for you, Rosie!" agreed Stanley, with his hand drawn.

And so, the practice duel commenced...

(later...)

The first day of the tournament was soon coming to an end. Stanley and Rosie, having finished practice, were leaving the park to return to their respective homes.

"Three losses in a row." mumbled Rosie, with her head down.

"Hey, I hope you're not upset by it." worried Stanley, thinking he might have hurt his friend's feelings. "I-I mean... I would never-"

"Tee hee... No, I'm not mad at all." giggled Rosie, smiling. "I actually had a lot of fun dueling with you, Stan."

"Stan?"

"What's wrong? Don't you like the nickname I gave you?" The pink-haired girl pouted playfully.

Stanley blushed a little bit over the nickname; which he admit was rather cool. The gray-haired boy then began to think of a potential nickname for Rosie. Eventually, he spotted a nearby small rose garden, getting an idea on what his friend's nickname should be.

"You know?" Stanley was saying, as he plucked a rose from the garden. "Your name, to me, is based on this flower - the rose." He held the rose out to his friend. "So, for your nickname, why don't I call you...Rose?"

"Rose?" quizzed Rosie, taking the rose and looking at it.

"Yeah! So, umm, what do you think?" Stanley then asked nervously, thinking that Rosie might not like it.

After what seemed like forever, Rosie approached and...kissed Stanley's cheek, a sign she did like the nickname.

"I love it, Stan." The pink-haired girl said, gushing in response. "Oh, and that kiss was for giving me that rose."

"Heh... No problem, Rose." chuckled Stanley, again rubbing the back of his neck. "I can't wait to come back here tomorrow for another day of practice."

"Me neither. I'm sure that with your help, I'll master my new Deck before too long."

And so, Stanley Hudswell and Rosie Vulcan both left the park, holding hands. Oh my... Could those two's bonding mean something? I believe so...

(elsewhere...)

Weeks have passed since Battle City finally ended, along with Thomas becoming the next Duel King, and the Summer holidays have finally begun (no school until September). Although Stanley and Rosie both skipped the Duel Monsters costume party in June, they were invited by Emily to attend her 16th Birthday. It was perfect, because the two teenagers had an announcement to make while there...

"No way!" gasped Gordon.

"You two are dating?!" came from Mavis.

Inside the living room of the Stirling home, Stanley and Rosie both nodded in affirmative to their friends' questions... Having spent a ton of time together and giving each other affectionate nicknames, it was quite clear that Stanley and Rosie both fell in-love and became a couple somewhere down the line.

"That's right, everyone." Rosie cheerfully confirmed.

"I guess you could say it happened somewhere down the line." admitted Stanley.

"Now that I think about it, you two have been spending a lot of time together ever since the incident with Diesel 10." admitted Edward.

"That's right." acknowledged Rosie. "Not only that, Stanley's been helping me with my new Deck."

"You have a new Deck?" asked Toby.

"Yup! After Emily defeated me in a duel, I decided to start all over with a new Deck. My last Deck has only served to remind me too much of my previous crush on Thomas. By starting new, I could move on from him."

"Wow, you're really growing up, Rosie." admired Henry. "Well, lesson-wise, anyway."

"Thanks, Henry." smiled Rosie. She then grew hopeful. "I sure hope Thomas and Emily get together soon."

"Many of us do, too." agreed Mavis.

"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Thomas's voice echoed.

On cue, Thomas, James, and Percy each entered the living room, having just arrived.

"Oh, nothing." insisted Stanley.

"Except that Stanley and I are dating as of now!" squeed Rosie.

"Whoa!" cried James, laughing. "Looks like someone else has beaten Thomas to the dating game!"

Thomas did not say a word over that; he was far too busy thinking about the gift he got for Emily. A gift the blue-haired boy was hoping with all his heart that his friend (and crush) would not like—but rather love.

"Emily..." Thomas thought to himself.

Of course, this Birthday was gonna go out with a big bang! ...if you know what I mean.

End Scene

Have a Merry Christmas to those who read this story.