The next morning, Thomas woke up first, still thinking a little of what he and Emily had talked about the day before. It seemed to him that Gordon and Rebecca were indeed quite happy working together, but Thomas still wondered how they truly felt deep down. And then, to answer his very line of thought, Rebecca came out of her berth and whistled good morning to Thomas.
"Hello, Rebecca. What are you doing today?" he asked.
"Hello, Thomas. I shall be happily working with Gordon, pulling the express," Rebecca replied with a smile.
Thomas watched as she turned to the Main Line and went on her way. "Have a great day, Rebecca!"
"I certainly will. Thomas. And you have a great day too!" she whistled back.
As soon as Rebecca was out of sight, Gordon came out of his berth with a whistle too.
"Hello, Gordon. What are you doing today?" Thomas asked.
"The same as I do every day, Thomas. I shall be pulling the express train!" And off he went, to the turntable, and on his way, following Rebecca's line.
"Have a great day, Gordon!" Thomas called.
Gordon whistled back, but didn't answer, losing himself in thoughts about Rebecca. When he arrived at Knapford Station and found his coaches, he remembered what he had been thinking the night before. Now he would put his plans into action. He came up alongside Rebecca and focused solely on her. He spent as much time as he could, admiring her yellow paintwork again, her red stripes and her perfectly-shaped wheels. Then he looked to her beautiful face again...then remembered what David had said. Somehow, Gordon's wheels began to feel a little weak as he admired her curvy smile and her pointy eyelashes. He just turned his gaze back to her shape...when Rebecca looked at him and blushed most deeply.
Gordon had admitted to admiring her appearance before, but this was the first time Rebecca caught him doing so. As he watched his eyes slowly move along her form, she felt her heart flutter excitedly. Something in her mind told her that she'd have to address this and tell Gordon not to do it too much, but at the same time, she felt a strong sense of pride to be admired like this. Especially by her fellow express engine, and secret love. She saw that no passengers arrived yet, and she decided to see how he'd respond to her next move.
"Hmm...Gordon. Do you like what you see? Am I looking pretty this morning?" she asked in a gentle, but rather smooth voice.
Gordon suddenly jumped and felt nervous. He had hoped Rebecca wouldn't notice, but to his relief, she seemed happy rather than annoyed. He felt a little nervous at first, but made a clear response.
"Oh...well...yes, Rebecca. I adore what I see," he said. "I must say, I really enjoy gazing at your...impressive beauty. But I know I shouldn't gaze endlessly. Especially upon a lady like you."
"Oh, Gordon. Eyes are made to look, so let them gaze," Rebecca replied. "Actually...you know, Gordon...Our passengers won't be here quite yet. May I...have a look at you? Please?"
Gordon remembered when Rebecca admitted she admired him sometimes. Now this would be his first time to see it happen.
"Oh...well...if you'd really like to. By all means, Rebecca. Whatever you please," he said.
So Rebecca took her chance to gaze upon Gordon's features again, from his blue paintwork, to his silver side rods and his immense, powerful-looking size. Gordon held his gaze on Rebecca as her eyes slowly moved along his form. Her pointy eyelashes raised and lowered every now and then as she took him right in. He even saw her cheeks turn a little pink to how she admired his features. Then she spoke again, looking at him. As she spoke, Gordon listened precisely to how she sounded.
"Well, Gordon...If you're to ask if I like what I see...I really love all that I see about you. You're such a big, strong, useful engine. You're such a perfect friend to me in every way...and I think you're such a handsome engine. I love you, Gordon."
Gordon was the one to blush this time. Rebecca's voice was very soothing and sweet as she spoke. Her smile was still the best part of all for him to behold. He gave her a certain look, which made Rebecca suspect that he wanted to do something with her later on. She didn't know what, but she did know that they would both be busy. As she gave a certain look back to Gordon, they both knew that they'd have all the time they needed to address this once their work was done.
"I...I love you too, Rebecca," he said quietly. At that very moment, all the passengers started arriving...and the Fat Controller came out of his office.
"Perfect timing, Gordon," Rebecca winked.
Gordon didn't say a word as the Fat Controller approached them, not yet knowing what was going on between these two.
"Ahh, very good. You're both here for the express," said the Fat Controller. "But before you go off with your passengers, I have another job for you later today, Rebecca."
"Oh? What might that be, sir?" she asked.
"You and Gordon will be managing the express together until Cronk Station. From there, Gordon will take the passengers onward to Vicarstown, and you, Rebecca must return here. I have a hefty goods train for you to manage throughout this afternoon."
"Oh, yes, sir!" Rebecca whistled. "I'll be right back here to do the job!"
And with that, the guards whistle blew, and both engines were off on their way again for another day with the express. The two big engines stayed beside each other, holding a smile together as they thought about what would happen later in the day.
"So, Gordon," said Rebecca. "What do you have in mind after today's work? You said you had plans...for us."
Gordon smiled in a light teasing manner. "I can't explain quite yet, Rebecca. That is for me to know...and for you to find out."
Rebecca smiled teasingly right back at Gordon. "Well, I look forward to this evening. It would be a lovely way to rest after my goods run today."
Throughout that morning, Gordon and Rebecca kept on with their express runs together. As they exchanged little glances to each other, Gordon began to think to himself about how he would feel this evening. He thought about what David said again, and it made him feel a little nervous underneath. The next step would come soon, but would he and Rebecca be prepared for it? All he could do was ask himself that question until the time would come.
Eventually, the express for both engines arrived at Cronk Station. Rebecca's passenger duties were now done for the day, and Gordon would have to go on by himself. Although he knew Vicarstown likely meant Flying Scotsman, he didn't feel as anxious today. Somehow, he felt like it wouldn't be as bad if he went alone. It would mean that Flying Scotsman wouldn't see Rebecca and start teasing her as Gordon feared. But Rebecca's voice drew him away from those thoughts.
"Thank you, Gordon. For another lovely day with you and the express," said Rebecca. "And I can't wait to meet up with you later."
"No need to thank me, Rebecca," said Gordon. "But now...how do you feel about those trucks?"
"Oh, they won't be a bother with me, Gordon," said Rebecca. "I must be on my way now. You have a lovely day now!"
"Thank you, Rebecca. Don't let those trucks trouble you," said Gordon.
"No worry at all, Gordon," Rebecca replied. "Those trucks really like me!"
And with that, Rebecca set off again with her now empty coaches. It wasn't long before she found a wye line and started her way back to the yards. On the way, she remembered how she first worked with the trucks, and how they performed so well with her, on the contrary to all the engines' concern. She wondered if they'd be as much fun today. Then she began to think about her time with Gordon back at Knapford that morning. It had been their first time seeing each other admire the other, and it made her feel special to see Gordon admire her with her own eyes. It made her wonder just what they would be doing when evening came. Would they take the next step? And more importantly, would it turn out the right way?
Before she knew it, Rebecca was back at Knapford Station. She left her coaches in a siding and saw the Fat Controller waiting for her.
"Good work, Rebecca. You've made it in time," he said. "The first trucks are waiting for you right here. Now, you'll be picking up plenty of trucks, so be careful when you reach Gordon's Hill."
"Yes, sir," Rebecca replied. "These trucks won't give me any trouble."
"I know they won't," the Fat Controller smiled. "You seem to always know what to do with them."
Rebecca looked to her goods train and saw there were four trucks and four box vans. This seemed easy enough for her.
"Hello there, all of you," she said to the trucks. "Are you ready for today's journey?"
"It's Rebecca! Hooray!" the trucks chortled.
Rebecca giggled playfully as she coupled up and set off with her Chucklesome trucks. Like any goods train, Rebecca had to stop at every station, picking up and setting down trucks every time. It was a noticeably longer job than pulling the express, but Rebecca had the cheerful fortune of having the trucks enjoy her company. And it proved to be a fun distraction from her deeper thoughts about Gordon. As she huffed on ther way with her increasing load of trucks at every station, they started singing the same song they did when Rebecca first worked with them. As she did before, Rebecca joined right in with them, enjoying their company just the same.
Eventually, after visiting a few stations, Rebecca now had four trucks, eight box vans and four tankers. Sixteen trucks altogether. It was quite a load, but for Rebecca, it wasn't a bother. If anything, she enjoyed having a challenge.
"This lot isn't too heavy for me!" she whistled. "I wonder what Gordon would think if he could see me now..."
At that moment, Gordon had arrived at Vicarstown with his passengers, looking out for Flying Scotsman yet again. Even though Rebecca wasn't here for Flying Scotsman to try and impress, Gordon was still worried. And indeed, he saw Flying Scotsman waiting with his red coaches again.
"At least he can't tease her now," Gordon thought. "If anyone should be teased, it's me, rather than her."
Flying Scotsman looked back. "Oh. Hello again, little brother," he grinned.
"Hello," Gordon replied neutrally.
"What were you and your friend doing here yesterday, leaving so quickly?" Flying Scotsman asked. "I heard her call after you."
Gordon heard his brother's words and tried to avoid anything specific about Rebecca.
"We have other jobs other than the express, Flying Scotsman. After all, I do pull trucks once in a while."
"Oh? I like to think of it as...almost never," Flying Scotsman remarked. "Since when would you be in a hurry to pull trucks?"
"To be really useful, of course," Gordon retorted.
"Hmm. I see. Good luck with those trucks...little brother. Flying Scotsman coming through!"
Gordon watched as his brother set off. He felt rather relieved now. It didn't seem like Flying Scotsman was much interested in being a bother to Gordon this time...and it made him remember his plan for Rebecca. He suddenly went to the Vicarstown turntable, turned back around and set off again with haste.
By this time, Rebecca was still huffing along with her sixteen trucks, enjoying the sense of challenge from her heavy train. Then she came to Gordon's Hill. She looked up to the top and suddenly felt more eager. She had heard a few stories about this hill and how several engines either got stuck or had accidents at this hill, but she wouldn't let that get in her way.
"I like Gordon's Hill. It keeps my boiler bubbling!" she beamed.
And she began making her way up the hill, feeling the incline become steadily steeper, and feeling her train getting heavier. But it didn't make her tired or feel the sense to give up. Instead, she kept going higher and higher. She was as strong as Gordon, and even as strong as Henry. Even with the steep hill and her heavy load, she kept going.
"Whew! Did I really pick up that many trucks? Oh! Come on, Rebecca. You can do this!" she huffed surely.
Unlike many of the other engines, the trucks had grown to like Rebecca and her cheerful manner ever since she first dealt with them. They adored how she'd play along right with them sometimes, and instead of giving her trouble, they cheered her on up the hill.
"Rebecca! Rebecca! Rebecca!"
"I know I can! I know I can!" Rebecca huffed strongly, rather like a certain story of a little engine everyone knew all too well.
The trucks continued to cheer her on, right until they reached the top. "Rebecca! Rebecca! Rebecca! Whee! Whoo! Hee-hee!"
And with that, Rebecca glided down the hill again, all while her trucks cheered her on.
"Whoo-whee! I knew I could! Thank you, everyone! Hm-hm-hm!"
And Rebecca huffed onward, holding her smile on her face. In that moment, she began to think about Gordon again and what he said to her that morning as they started off with the express. Although he didn't tell her what he had in mind, Rebecca's mind began to wonder. What if Gordon wanted to take another step in their relationship? And if so, what would be? Would he kiss her? Would she kiss him? What would it be? She began to think to herself again, about how she believed in putting duty first at all times...and yet how she and Gordon loved each other. If the other engine couples were able to pull their weight and exchange love to their fellow engines, perhaps she and Gordon could do so too. As she continued on her way, Rebecca made her own decision. After so many months had gone by, she would do a few things herself to take another step...or two further.
"If he wants to take another step...perhaps I can too," she thought to herself. "Whatever he wishes to do...I welcome it."
And with that, Rebecca kept on with her duty, beaming in hope and optimism to see Gordon again, right until she was done for the day. With her goods delivered for the day, she set off on her way home, with her trucks chortling and chuckling to each other all the way.
"It's time, Gordon," she huffed to herself. "Time for another lovely and special evening together...my Big G..."
As evening set in, Rebecca finally returned to the yards with her empty trucks. She had enjoyed her day, both with Gordon and the trucks. She left them in their sidings and began to set off toward the station. As she expected, Gordon was waiting right there for her, and as she came closer, she began to see that he was looking directly at her. He didn't move or blink. She began to suspect what he had in mind. But with her gathered thoughts throughout the day, Rebecca thought that maybe she already knew what Gordon had in mind. She approached Gordon right until she was about a foot away from him.
"Hmm...hello, Gordon," she said smoothly, giving him her lovely smile.
Gordon gathered himself together and answered. "Hello, Rebecca. Have you enjoyed your day?"
"Very much, Gordon," said Rebecca. "The trucks and I had another most enjoyable day. You should have seen them cheering me over your hill."
"My...my hill?" Gordon remarked. "It's the biggest hill on the Main Line, Rebecca. How did you manage it?"
"It's simple. I knew I could," Rebecca chimed sweetly.
"My goodness," said Gordon. "And I thought that trucks are no one's friends...do they really like you?"
"Oh, yes, Gordon! Like I said earlier today. They don't give me trouble," said Rebecca.
"Well, if you're sure you enjoyed your day with them, that makes me rather proud," said Gordon. "But now, to business, Rebecca. I said I had plans for us both, and now I feel that it is time."
Rebecca suddenly looked at Gordon and went still. The time for chit-chat was over. She began to feel herself changing into the right mood for the situation. She silently gathered her thoughts as she looked at her secret love. Gordon had plans, but so did she. Then Gordon began looking around the yards. Rebecca decided to do the same. The sun was beginning to set, and there were no other engines about.
"Alright, Rebecca," said Gordon. "Are...are you ready for what I had in mind today?"
"Hmm...Oh, I think I am, Gordon. I've been thinking about you all day...and one question I have now is...are you ready for what I might have in mind?"
Gordon suddenly looked up with a sense of surprise. He didn't expect Rebecca to have something in mind...at the same time he did. He suddenly felt a sliver of excitement in his boiler. He had no idea Rebecca had been thinking to herself rather like he did.
"Oh...well...what do you have in mind?" he asked.
Rebecca came closer...until she buffered up to him. "Come with me...behind the station wall."
"...I was about to tell you the same thing," said Gordon. "Please, let us go together."
So Rebecca gently pushed Gordon along the line until they were behind the station wall, holding her gaze upon him. There were no other engines or trucks to disturb them. They were here on their own, exactly as they had both intended. By now, they both began to feel that familiar tingle in their boilers. The one they felt when Rebecca gave her first kiss to Gordon. The next step was set to come in only moments.
"Well, Gordon...would you care to tell me what you had in mind all day?" asked Rebecca.
Gordon looked at her, then down to his buffers. He could now divulge what he had been holding in. He looked up again and spoke.
"Rebecca, my dear," he said surely. "I am glad you are here now...alone, with me. It seems I can now tell you my intentions tonight...some months have gone by...and after thinking carefully throughout last night and today...I believe it is time we brought our bond to the next step."
Rebecca heard Gordon and took a deep breath as she realized her inner thoughts were right. Gordon was proposing the next step in their relationship. She had decided to welcome whatever it would be...and she now felt ready enough to go along with Gordon's wish.
"You know, Gordon...this isn't that much of a surprise to me. I was thinking throughout today about you. You're right that some months have gone by, and our relationship has been rather quiet. Now, I think that after so much time has passed us by...perhaps we should take the next step after all."
Gordon slowly, but steadily grew an immense smile. This was exactly what he hoped would happen.
"But the question is...what will it be? And who will take the next step?" asked Rebecca.
Gordon's heart began to pound hard in his boiler as he looked at the setting sun. It looked immensely beautiful, but as he looked to Rebecca, her yellow paintwork seemed to gleam in the light. Seeing such a sight made him begin to quiver. He tried his best to compose himself. They had brought up their relationship again only two days ago, and yet they were in this bond for a few months. A lot of time had passed by, and yet very little time had gone by as well. Once again, the circumstances were perfectly imperfect...but Gordon was ready.
"If you trust me...I'd like to propose the next step, Rebecca. But before I do...I must know if you're absolutely sure that you're ready."
Rebecca thought to herself and felt her heart begin to pound too. She took a glimpse at Gordon and his look of surety in his eyes. As she looked to the gleaming sky in the sunset, she didn't know what awaited her tonight, but she trusted Gordon with all her heart. She slowly formed a look of longing on her face.
"Hmm...I...I think so," said Rebecca. "I trust you, Gordon...and I love you. Please tell me...what do you propose?"
Gordon held his breath as he stared at her longing expression. The gentle smile on his face told Rebecca that he trusted her too. With that, he came as close as he could. He watched as her face slowly lit up. Then his buffers touched to hers, pressing into each other's housings. Gordon came right up to Rebecca, then began speaking quietly, but strongly.
"Rebecca the No. 22 Yellow Engine. You and I have considered ourselves in love ever since that unforgettable day. Having you as the one to love cannot make me happier. Ever since that day, I have remembered when you kissed me for the first time. It made me feel in ways I never felt before...and that's when I thought of asking you that...I could return the gesture to you, my dear express engine."
Rebecca began to feel her wheels shaking beneath her. She took a deep breath, then cooed shyly. "Ohh...my dear Gordon..."
Gordon went on. "When I began to suggest it, I recall you suddenly felt very shy and didn't feel too sure if you were ready."
"Y-Yes, Gordon," Rebecca whispered. "But then you assured me that we could wait...until next time...you felt almost scared...but neither of us need to be scared. By this time, our bond of love isn't too new now. It seems we have taken things slowly. We have let whatever has happened, happen with no pressure or planning...until now. You had plans...and so did I..."
"Yes," said Gordon. "And now...over these months, we have let our relationship run its own quiet course with very little activity...but now, my proposal this evening...Rebecca, as the engine I love more than any others on Sodor, I have carried your kiss ever since you gave it to me. And now, on this most glamorous evening...may I bestow the honour of presenting my first kiss to you?"
Rebecca felt her wheels quiver even more beneath her body. Her cheeks felt very warm as she blushed as red as a signal. She began to imagine what it would feel like to be kissed, not just by any engine, but from Gordon. The love of her life. The next step would be a gift from him.
"G...Gordon..." Rebecca breathed. "Do...do you really wish to kiss me now? Would you really like to see how it feels for us?"
"...If you're ready, my beautiful Rebecca...Yes. I would love to see how it feels, for me...and for you," he promised.
Rebecca held her gaze of awe and astonishment for almost a minute, while Gordon felt every second tick by more like five seconds...until it happened.
"Hm-hm! Ho-ho-ho-ho!" Rebecca giggled with such bubbly joy. "Hm-hm! He-he-he-he!"
Gordon felt his heart jiggle to Rebecca's giggles. And in that instant, her behavior began to change. She looked at Gordon and narrowed her eyes. Then she batted her eyelashes at him. Gordon looked perplexed at first...until Rebecca batted her eyelashes again and gave him a big smile, showing all her white teeth. Gordon suddenly felt rather jittery. He had heard of such behavior from Emily, Molly and Rosie every now and then, but this was first time to experience it for himself, right with Rebecca, and was it ever unusual on first acquaintance! He slowly looked away and began to reverse, but was stopped right away.
"Oh, Gordon?" Rebecca sang to him.
He stopped and looked at her again. She still smiled straight on at him for a few moments. Then Rebecca let out a little sigh...and began leaning left and right, and up and down ever-so slightly. She was doing her own little dance for Gordon, rather like how Emily danced for Thomas on their night of fantasies, and when she danced for David's crew on the Sea Emperor.
As for Gordon, he never dreamed he would see Rebecca do something like this. Just like David suggested the other day, Gordon began to get weak in the wheels...and this time, his head began to feel like a whirl. Rebecca's little movements seemed so attractive, so adorable...almost seductive. Then Rebecca began to hum to the tune of her little song of the express. It was almost too much for Gordon as he tried to look away and not blush so furiously, but it was all for naught.
Soon, Rebecca slowed down and ended her little dance. Then she began to come toward Gordon, still smiling away at him. She batted her eyelashes once more, then steadily buffered as close as she could to Gordon, right until her cheeks touched his. Gordon held his gaze upon her magnificent eyes and pointy eyelashes as they moved gently to how she spoke.
"Please, Gordon...I want my first kiss to be from you. Kiss me, Gordon...please kiss me...kiss me please..."
Gordon felt a sheer lump form in his throat, which made him gulp loudly. His boiler bubbled wildly as Rebecca held her position and kept very still, practically welcoming Gordon to kiss her. The smile on her face said it all.
"Gordon..." she whispered. "Kiss your beautiful Rebecca...Ahh..."
Gordon shakily leaned in, feeling everything around him slowing down and coming to a complete halt. Rebecca's beaming face was calling to him louder than ever. He came closer and closer, right up to Rebecca's wonderful face. His gaze then fell upon her smooth cheek. His lips began to pucker, Rebecca took a deep breath in...and then, for the first time since their confession, and for the first time in his Sudrian life...Gordon kissed Rebecca on her cheek.
In that instant, Gordon felt everything completely freeze to an absolute standstill all around him. He was giving Rebecca a kiss, and it was most amazing for him to behold. Too many decades had gone by to count, and at last, Gordon could feel the warmth and smoothness of Rebecca's cheek. The engine he loved so much. Against his lips, her cheek was so gentle and warm...and so very soft! He had thought it would be such a gentle sensation to feel, but to find out what it was like now was even more than he ever would have expected. He held his lips for several moments, simply gazing at her cheek, watching as it slowly pressed in against his lips.
But his reward became even more immense a few moments later. Rebecca gasped slowly, then let out her voice with such a lovely remark.
"Ohh...Gordon, my dear...Ooh..." she cooed rather dreamily. "Yes...oh, Gordon..."
Rebecca had been holding her voice in as long as she could from when she first felt Gordon's surprisingly gentle lips on her cheek. Gordon looked to Rebecca's face and saw that her eyes were closed and her cheeks were blushing bright red, which made his heart jump even more...and as David suggested, Gordon began to feel rather light indeed, and as Rebecca continued to release soft little chirps and whimpers, Gordon's face go as red as Rosie's paintwork and he felt as thought he were on air right with Rebecca, just as she felt the same way. This was exactly what he had Rebecca had been wishing for in secret all these months, and now, that gift of joy had befallen both of them.
At last, Gordon let go and gazed at Rebecca, still feeling his lips on her cheek. He could not believe what had just happened. Neither could Rebecca. She continued to blush profusely with such a shaky smile, letting out little giggles of such bubbly joy. For a few moments, she didn't know what to think or say. Neither did Gordon. He still felt his wheels feeling weak. His head still felt like it was spinning, and he still felt very light...and yet, Gordon didn't feel any big loop, and he didn't feel like he was losing his head...yet. He felt a secret surge of excitement as to if and when he'd feel that sensation with Rebecca.
At last, Rebecca spoke, most shakily. "G-Gordon...I-I..."
"What do you think, Rebecca?" he asked carefully, his voice barely a whisper. "How...did I do?"
"Oh...oh..." Rebecca whispered. "You're were perfect, Gordon...Perfect for me in every way I could hope for. I love you, Gordon."
And for the first time in several months, she suddenly came in toward Gordon and gave him a slow, but pure kiss on his cheek, right where she kissed him for the first time. Gordon breathed in suddenly, then slowly closed his eyes as he felt Rebecca's very gentle and soft, almost fluffy lips softly press on his cheek and kiss it. It was such a soothing feeling to him right until she softly let go and sighed sweetly.
"I love you too, Rebecca," Gordon finally murmured. "You're perfect in every way for me too. We have now taken another step...and how do you feel?"
Rebecca blushed again. "Oh...oh, Gordon, it's absolutely lovely! I still feel a little shy, but I'm much more happy than shy, that we've taken another step...I...I think we're really going to start feeling a more infatuating sensation for each other now!"
"R-really?" Gordon grinned from buffer to buffer.
"Oh, yes, Gordon!" Rebecca giggled. "And in light of this most delightful unveiling...I think you and I need nicknames of our own."
Gordon's eyes widened. "Nicknames, Rebecca?" he said quickly. "I...well...what shall I be for you, then?"
"Hm-hm!" Rebecca giggled. "I already gave it to you yesterday...Big G."
Gordon suddenly remembered when she called him that right before he talked to David. Now that he and Rebecca had taken the next step, he began to wonder how she even knew that's what he called himself in secret.
"Big G? But...that's my nickname!" he exclaimed. "How...how did you know?"
"You came up with that name?" Rebecca asked. "I didn't know that? But I think it suits you perfectly...Big G!"
Gordon felt a little jump in his heart as he heard that nickname again. "I did come up with that name, Rebecca...I even used it on the day of my giggle fit. After I dashed off from here and heard Thomas come up behind me, I called myself that as I tried to pull myself together."
"Hmm. 'Pull yourself together, Big G.' That sounds adorable!" Rebecca chirped. "Well...may I use it, Gordon?"
Gordon thought about it and looked at her innocent, enthusiastic smile. He could never say no to her.
"Of course, Rebecca. You're more than welcome to use it with me," he smiled as he leaned in and kissed her cheek again.
"Ohh...Gordon!" Rebecca squeaked. "Hm-hm!"
"But that means...you'll need a nickname too," Gordon continued.
Rebecca gasped and popped her eyes. "Oh! Oh! What shall I be, Gordon? What would you call me! Please! Please let me hear it!"
Gordon tried to think about it, but then suddenly looked down to his buffers and felt a little disappointed. He almost spoke a certain nickname...which had already been taken up by another couple. Rebecca saw Gordon's change in mood and felt a little concerned.
"Gordon?" she asked.
"Oh, dear..." Gordon said, quite lowly now. "It was right there for me to say, Rebecca...but it seems that James already gave this nickname to Molly. As you know, he calls her his Shining Sun, mainly due to her yellow paintwork. But you're yellow too, Rebecca. That does put me at some impasse."
"Oh...well, that is true, Gordon," Rebecca sighed. "Molly should keep her nickname."
"Yes, she should," said Gordon. "But do not worry, Rebecca. I will think of the perfect nickname just for you. I promise I will."
"Thank you...but just see you think of one in time for Christmas, Big G," Rebecca said with a little teasing look in her eyes.
"Oh, you won't have to wait that long, Rebecca," assured Gordon. "Your nickname will be known long before that. And for us to be coming closer in time for Christmas... I think is most wonderful for both of us."
"Oh, yes, Gordon...my Big G," Rebecca sighed.
"Hm-hm-hm," Gordon chucked to Rebecca.
Then for a few minutes, silence fell upon both engines. Night had come and the stars were beginning to show through the sky as Gordon and Rebecca stared into each other's eyes, feeling immensely happy in each other's company. Rebecca slowly buffered to Gordon again and touched her face to his. Gordon felt her soft, warm cheeks warming his own. Now Gordon began to understand what comes over Thomas and Emily whenever they shared times like this together. Right now, Gordon felt as though were was nothing to fear. It was only him and Rebecca holding close together. Rebecca felt absolute harmony too. She felt no fear at all in the silence of Gordon's company.
But then, in the midst of such a quiet, wholesome moment together, Gordon's eyes widened. He looked around, and then looked nervous again. But it didn't seem to be about taking another step with Rebecca. He felt a different thought poking at his smokebox. Something he had forgotten to think of earlier. Rebecca suddenly felt a little nervous too. What could be troubling Gordon during such a pure wave of peace?
"Gordon? Are you alright? What is it?" Rebecca whispered.
Gordon looked up again, with a serious look now. Rebecca suddenly felt herself feeling serious too. Gordon buffered up to her and suddenly seemed a little protective of her. He seemed almost afraid to speak, but his voice came out with a solid tone.
"Rebecca...this has been a most beautiful evening to spend with you. This is yet another proud moment for both of us...but now that we're engaging in much more activity like this, I think it's only right to accept the simple truth. I should have seen it earlier...but I think it's only appropriate to accept that we can't keep this hidden for much longer. Months have gone by, and our relationship has stayed quiet...but now that we've taken another step, we may be embracing more banter like this more often. As such, the others are going to find out sooner or later. Even the Fat Controller. Belle and Flynn held their secret for years...but we're not them. We can't let any suspense build up. I think we need to let the Steam Team...let Sodor know...of our relationship."
Rebecca had listened to everything and went very still. Her lips were straight and tightly shut. She kept very still as she took everything in. She had not given any thought to this either. She knew that in the long run, everyone would find out eventually, but she didn't expect that matter to come in like this. Months had gone by, and yet them realizing this fact barely seemed like any time at all.
Rebecca blinked twice to Gordon, then spoke in a solid tone herself.
"This is a little unexpected, Gordon," she observed. "We have let a long time pass since our first confession...but I didn't expect this fact to present itself like this. It's inevitable that the others would find out anyway. And you're right. We're not Belle and Flynn. We're also not Thomas and Emily, James and Molly, or any of the other couples. We're two express engines who work alike, have similar strengths, yet very different backgrounds. You've been here for decades, and I've only been here for about two years. Perfectly imperfect...and yet, all the other couples seem to work beautifully as they do."
"That's exactly right, Rebecca," said Gordon. "There's no easy way around it, I think we should simply come right out with it. Thomas and Emily already suspect a few things about us...but there's still everyone else who has yet to find out."
"That may be, Gordon," said Rebecca. "But as I told you a few months ago, we don't need to be scared. Whatever they may think or say will never change how I love you. I know the Fat Controller won't keep us separate. We can adhere to 'work before play,' all the time, pulling the express. I'll be right there for you through it all, Gordon."
"As will I be there for you, Rebecca," Gordon promised. "And nothing will ever change the way I love you."
And with that, both engines made their way back to Tidmouth Sheds. Gordon gently pushed Rebecca onto the turntable, then huffed back and let her turn to her berth. As she backed in, she sighed deeply and drowsily. Then Gordon turned around to his berth and backed in right beside her. Then they both looked to the other five engines as they slept peacefully in their berths, to Nia, James, Thomas, Percy and Emily. Both express engines pondered over how they'd take the news...and when.
"Listen," said Gordon to Rebecca.
He whispered very lowly to her about something. Rebecca then looked at Gordon once again with a solid expression as he spoke once more.
"We'll do it tomorrow. And we will NOT look silly. The Fat Controller won't, we won't and nobody will. We will look dignified and prepared."
"So we shall...my Big G," Rebecca whispered. And with a little wink, she dozed off and fell asleep.
Gordon winked to her and fell asleep himself, losing himself into a long night of thought over how the next day would turn out...
At last, morning came again. As the sun rose, Rebecca woke up first with a yawn. Then as she felt herself become fully awake, she felt her heart flip. She remembered what she and Gordon had worked out. She felt anxious, but strong at the same time. She and Gordon would get through this together, through thick and thin. She didn't know how it would turn out, but whatever would come of it, she was Gordon's and Gordon's alone. She turned to him and saw he was just beginning to open his eyes.
"Gordon? Morning, Gordon," she said quietly.
Gordon woke up slowly and turned to Rebecca. When he saw her expression, he immediately remembered what they would do today. He too felt a little anxious, but he felt just as strong as Rebecca did. He turned to the other engines and saw they were still asleep. Then he winked to his love.
"Come on, Rebecca. To Knapford Station," he whispered.
He quickly, but quietly turned to the Main Line and slipped away, while Rebecca followed closely behind. When they arrived at Knapford Station, the clock struck 6:00 a.m. It was very early for both engines to be here. Their passengers would not be arriving for a long while. But as they had hoped and planned in secret the night before, the Fat Controller was right there, seeming a little surprised to see such an early start for both express engines.
"Gordon? Rebecca? It's rather early for the express. Your passengers haven't even begun to arrive. What's going on? Is my watch wrong, or is this some confusion with the timetable?"
"No. There's no confusion, sir," said Gordon.
"Yes. There certainly won't be confusion at all, sir," said Rebecca.
"Hmm. I see. Well, you'll both have to wait a while for your passengers."
"That's alright," said Rebecca.
"We don't mind waiting, sir," said Gordon. "And speaking of the express, there is something we'd like to...express to you."
"Hm-hm! Oh, Gordon!" Rebecca giggled. "That's right, sir. We do have something we'd like to...express to you."
"Ha-ha! He-he-he," chuckled the Fat Controller. "Well...what is it, then? What do you both have to tell me?"
Gordon breathed deeply for a moment before he spoke up. "Sir...there's a rather important reason we're here. I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier...but there are some things you must know."
The Fat Controller nodded. "I'm listening."
Gordon looked to Rebecca and winked. Rebecca winked right back and let Gordon speak first. He started right from the beginning of when everything started out, rather like how Thomas explained about his growing love with Emily. Gordon was nervous at first, but as he kept speaking, he felt stronger by the moment. Then Rebecca joined in the explanation too, stating her own parts of the story to the Fat Controller, about how their relationship began with simple friendship upon her arrival, how some light was shed upon Gordon, the day of their giggle fit, and then the most important part of the whole explanation.
As the Fat Controller listened, his nods slowly stopped, and he trailed his palm along his chin as he looked even more intently to both engines. He had no idea of just how they had been interacting with each other or how they felt for each other all this time, and as with the other engine couples on Sodor, he was building an idea already.
After a whole hour and a half of explaining, Gordon and Rebecca had divulged everything. Now they waited and wondered what the Fat Controller would say. As he paced a little bit up and down the platform, studying this newfound discovery, Gordon and Rebecca glanced to each other. There was a sense of accomplishment, but also a little fear. What would the Fat Controller say? Would he be pleased? Would he order them to work separately? Neither engine knew in the given moment.
Then the Fat Controller stopped pacing and took a look at both express engines for what felt like a very long time.
"Hmm...well I never did," he finally said. "The wonders of Sodor never cease to amaze. So that's how you two get on as well as you do?"
"Hmm...yes, sir," Gordon and Rebecca said together.
"So it is," said the Fat Controller. "Well...it would almost seem appropriate for you two to be in a relationship, mostly working together with the express. You are both very good to tell me all of this."
"So...with all of that in mind, sir," said Gordon. "I think it would do us very nicely if you could, say, arrange for as many engines and people to gather here this evening...and hear everything from both of us."
"Please, will you, sir?" asked Rebecca.
"Right. I'd, uh...better double-check the schedule."
And the Fat Controller stepped inside his office. By this time, the passengers began to arrive. Gordon and Rebecca gave a smile to each other, feeling even more impressed with each other. Their new plan seemed to be working very well. After the passengers were mostly boarded onto their trains, the Fat Controller came back.
"I shall gather everyone I can here this evening," he said. "Then I will make sure you both have your say in this new discovery...and we'll see what everyone thinks."
"Oh. Thank you, sir," Gordon and Rebecca smiled together.
And with that, Gordon's guard waved his green flag, and Gordon set off. A few moments later, Rebecca's guard waved his flag too, and she was ready to go. She whistled cheerfully and went on her way. As soon as she left the platform, she saw Philip rolling in. With the plan now set in motion for the coming evening, Rebecca wanted to make the very best of the day and immediately passed on her cheerful banter to the diesel box cab.
"Hi, Philip. Oh! You're like sunshine on a rainy day!" Rebecca gleamed.
"Sunshine? I like the sound of that," Philip beamed.
Rebecca whistled again and kept on her way. Only ten minutes later, she saw Belle rolling along the line. Belle greeted Rebecca with a ring from her bell, and Rebecca immediately thought it best to pass cheer to her too.
"Morning, Belle. Your bell is adorable!" she declared.
"Why, thank you, Rebecca!" Belle smiled as she rang her bell again.
Rebecca wasn't anxious anymore. If anything, she was rather excited to see what the other engines and people of Sodor would think of Gordon holding a relationship with her. Would they be surprised, shocked, speechless? Rebecca could only wonder as she ran merrily along the line. Before she knew it, she saw Edward passing by on the other line. Rebecca saw another chance to spread her good cheer.
"You know, that blue takes years off you, Edward," she declared kindly.
"It does? Golly!" Edward exclaimed. "Thank you, Rebecca!"
Rebecca smiled as she looked back and kept on with her excited state. She soon caught up with Gordon again and took a chance to give him the best smile she could. Gordon smiled right back at her as they rolled along with the express, letting each moment pass by as they worked onward throughout the day. They were both confident in each other on how the coming evening would play out. All they could think about right now was each other and how everyone else would hear the news. Such thoughts occupied their minds all day.
And at Knapford Station, the Fat Controller was sending telephone calls to every station, yard and town he could think of, reaching out to stationmasters and managers alike to gather as many engines as could be for the fine unveiling. More and more engines were worked into the timetable to come to Knapford that very evening, and more and more people heard the news as well. But even after the coming evening, it wouldn't be over for Gordon or Rebecca. There were still a few more miracles yet to come...
At last, evening was descending upon the sky. Gordon and Rebecca had thoroughly enjoyed their day. There had been no grumbling passengers, all the express runs had kept to the timetable, and the time for the special news was drawing very near.
When Gordon and Rebecca returned to Knapford Station, they looked up and gasped with great surprise. At the station, there was an absolute swarm of engines and people alike. Thomas and Emily were right beside each other with the rest of the Steam Team next to each other, with Molly beside James. Henry, Edward, Toby, Duck, Donald and Douglas, Philip, Stanley, Rosie, Flynn, Belle, Sir Robert, and the Thin Controller were all there. Even David and Beatrice had been notified of this gathering and came along too. When they all saw the two express engines, they began exchanging quiet remarks to each other.
"Why have we all been gathered here?" asked James.
"Something aboot Gordon and Rebecca, apparently," said Donald.
"Aye. Here they are now," put in Douglas.
Thomas and Emily looked to each other. When their drivers told them of this proposed gathering, they already had a strong feeling of what it was all about and winked to each other.
"Thomas...I think our inner thoughts about those two might just be true," Emily murmured to him.
"So do I, Emily," Thomas murmured back.
"What do these two have to tell all of us?" asked Stanley.
"It must be something quite important," wondered Rosie.
David remembered talking to Gordon and had mentioned a few things about it to his mother.
"David, you don't suppose..." Beatrice began.
"Mother, I think Sodor has spawned a new couple. We'll hear what Rebecca and Gordon have to say...but I have a strong feeling I already know."
"Rebecca? Gordon?" Percy peeped. "What is all of this about?"
"Whatever this is, it must be something brilliant!" Philip beamed. "And it may feel sunny too! Ask Rebecca if you don't believe me."
Neither Gordon nor Rebecca said a word as they slowly huffed along their line side by side and toward the large gathering. When they were just a few yards away from the crowd, they saw the Fat Controller walk onto the scene and look at both of them.
Then he turned around to the crowd. Everyone gradually went quiet and listened.
The Fat Controller began.
"Ahem. Ladies, gentlemen and engines. Many of you are likely wondering why I have called you all here to Knapford Station this evening. Well, your answer is right here for all of you to learn. You see, our two express engines, Gordon and Rebecca came to me this morning to tell me a few things...and it so happens that they have something to tell all of us. As controller of the North Western Railway, I believe it is only right for you all to hear just what these two very fine engines have to tell all of us. Over to you both, Gordon and Rebecca."
Gordon and Rebecca looked at all the other engines and people, and their curious and questioning expressions. Then both engines looked to each other, feeling their wheels begin to quiver again. But it wasn't out of anxiety. This time, it was entirely out of excitement and anticipation to tell their story. Rebecca gave a small look to Gordon, silently telling him to start first. Gordon sighed to himself and feebly got to it, slowly becoming clearer as he went on.
"Well, everyone...I see you're all here to hear a few things we have to say. As you all know, I've pulled the express on Sodor for as long as anyone can remember. Countless years have gone by for me and everyone else here on the North Western Railway, and I've had so many different adventures and experiences over those years...and then, Rebecca came to this railway just about two years ago...and for me, everything has changed."
Then Rebecca spoke next. "Yes, everyone. You may all remember two I caused confusion without delay on my first day...but what's even more important is that my main job is helping Gordon with the express. I think he's a wonderful engine in his way. I've always enjoyed his company. But then came the time when Emily told me her story of what she went through because of Gordon and James. Upon confronting Gordon and ordering the truth to be told, I discovered that Gordon is truly a special engine, not only in how he sees how far he has come...but how he feels for me..."
"Yes, everyone," Gordon added. "Ever since that day, our friendship began to change very slowly...until one day a few months ago, back in the summer...I was right here. When Emily inquired as to how I had been feeling about Rebecca...I told her a few things..."
And Gordon told everyone what he had told Emily about Rebecca and what she thought. Emily leaned up and down to nod yes as some of the engines looked to her. Then Gordon talked about his race with Spencer, bursting his safety valve, and spending all his time in the Steamworks thinking about nothing else but Rebecca.
Then Rebecca spoke of how she missed Gordon throughout a whole week, then approached Thomas for advice on how she felt about Gordon. Thomas smiled right at her as she expressed what she told Thomas. Then both express engines took turns telling everyone what they had expressed to each other when they met up next, but they didn't reveal the major news quite yet. Everyone had listened in complete silence, gazing endlessly at both express engines for quite a while, until they spoke again.
"After that evening...well, things have been different for the two of us," said Rebecca. "We've kept this hidden for all these months...and only recently, we started feeling brand new sensations. We weren't sure at first as to how those steps would come along...but by this time, we have taken more steps, up until now, with all of you here. You see, we aren't Flynn and Belle. We didn't feel that we should hold this secret. We feel that it's necessary for you all to know just what Gordon and I think of each other."
Now everyone began to speculate and put a few pieces together, except Thomas and Emily, who felt more and more of their initial thoughts coming true.
"Gordon...are...are you...?" Percy began.
"Wait a minute," James remarked. "I remember seeing hearing you two at Kellsthorpe Road a few days ago...no. It can't be!"
"Rebecca...and Gordon..." said Henry.
"Goodness me...Gordon?" Toby breathed.
"So to make everything perfectly clear for all of you, here and now..." said Gordon.
"Gordon and I are..." Rebecca continued.
There was a pause for a few moments. Everyone held their breath. Then both engines looked to each other, feeling the anticipation at its absolute peak. They looked back to the crowd, and spoke together. This was it. The moment had come at long last.
"...In love."
In that instant, Gordon and Rebecca felt their hearts jolt. They looked out to everyone throughout the yards. Not two seconds later, the whole yard began erupting and stirring with whispers, gasps and remarks among all the engines and people alike. Donald and Douglas gaped and stared to each other, Henry and Edward gasped slowly with astonishment, Rosie and Stanley gasped then exclaimed to each other with shock, Molly jumped, Belle and Flynn gaped and blushed to each other, Duck whistled loud and long, and Toby rang his bell with surprise. Only Thomas and Emily remained unchanged and simply smiled widely.
"So it's true," Thomas said to Emily. "I was right after all...as Rebecca had hoped I was."
"Yes, Thomas...you were," Emily replied. "And my instincts were right too. This is truly amazing."
But of all the engines gathered at the station, Percy and James were the most astounded of all. Never did either of them think that Gordon of all engines would find an engine to love all for his own...especially having Rebecca. Percy popped his eyes and stumbled on his voice for several seconds, gazing endlessly at Gordon's proud smile and thinking back to all the time they had known each other since the very beginning before he finally blurted out a few words.
"G-Gordon! Rebecca! But...how...?" he puzzled with such a surprised look on his face.
James gasped loudly and gaped with such a large mouth, and such large eyes, both twitching ever-so slightly in gob-smacked shock. He knew Gordon for many, many years too, but even after he met up with Molly and healed his wounds with her, he never thought once in his life that Gordon would befall such a gift as this. It seemed almost unreal to him. He hadn't even the faintest idea that he would see the day that Gordon would fall in love.
"G...Gordon! I...I...Gordon!" James exclaimed. "You...and Rebecca! Fizzling Fireboxes, I cannot believe it in the least! I...I...oh, wake me up!"
"Gordon and Rebecca..." said Percy as he calmed down. "I never thought I'd see a couple such as that."
"Me neither. Never did I even think that Gordon here would find a lovely engine all of his own, like many more of us!" Molly chimed.
"Well, I say. This is a most impressive surprise!" Sir Robert declared.
"This shall be quite a story for those at Blue Mountain Quarry to hear," said the Thin Controller.
David touched his silver charm and held Beatrice's hand.
"Well...I had my strong feelings, but even now...this is quite a discovery," said David. "Yes, sir. It isn't every day express engines turn out to be in love."
"An absolute revelation, I'd say," said Beatrice. "If there is anything for all of us to say...congratulations, Gordon and Rebecca."
"Yes. Congratulations," said all the other engines and people, some in unison some speaking one after the other.
Gordon and Rebecca smiled happily to the crowd and to each other. This was turning out even better than either of them expected.
"Well...thank you all, so very much," said Rebecca.
"Yes, all the thanks on the island to all of you," said Gordon.
"Such moving news, you two. Very, very well done," said Flynn. "You both unveiled your secret much quicker than Belle and I did."
"Hm-hm! That's true," Belle chuckled. "We held our secret for years until we told you all. But yes, congratulations to both of you."
And as the chattering continued, Gordon and Rebecca looked to each other again, then leaned in toward each other and smiled. It turned out that they had taken not one, but two steps in their relationship now. First both engines had exchanged kisses to each other, and now, mostly everyone now knew of the two express engines' relationship. It was secret no more, and it brought yet another strong feeling of accomplishment to Gordon and Rebecca.
Gradually, everyone left Knapford Station to return to Tidmouth Sheds and the other parts of the railway, feeling most astounded by the newfound unveiling of Gordon and Rebecca's relationship. The word would continue to spread over a few days, but for now, Gordon and Rebecca didn't worry about it. They had reached another milestone in their relationship and they felt that the next few days would be even more amazing.
At Tidmouth Sheds, the engines watched with a smile on their faces as Gordon came to the turntable, then backed into his berth first, watching as all the engines looked at him, holding a steady smile to him. He looked very proud of himself. Then everyone heard Rebecca's whistle and saw her come along too. She turned right around to her berth and backed inside, smiling at all her friends, including her Big G, Gordon. After what had been discovered for the entire island, there wasn't much else to say...except for a simple, friendly word from Rebecca.
"Good evening, everyone. Being around all of you has just my day even more brilliant," she beamed with a little giggle.
"Why, thank you, Rebecca," smiled Nia.
"You're very sweet, Rebecca," Emily added.
"I'm so happy for both of you, Rebecca...and Gordon, of course," said Thomas.
"I...I still can't believe it," James uttered unevenly. "It seems...well...perfectly imperfect! Gordon's been here for so many, MANY years pulling the express, but Rebecca's been here for only two years! And Gordon's big and proud, Rebecca's all sunny and cheerful to all of us!"
"Ahem!" Gordon huffed. "That's exactly the way we like it, James. Rebecca and I ARE perfectly imperfect...but there is something perfect about that, isn't there?"
"Hm-hm! Exactly, James," said Rebecca. "You and Molly seem to be perfectly imperfect in your ways too. You seem to really love your bright, red paint, and Molly is shy by nature, but that doesn't keep you two from loving each other."
"Oh...I...ohh," James sighed, admitting defeat. "You have me beat, Rebecca. I can never doubt my love for Molly."
"Lovely. There you go," Rebecca remarked.
Then Gordon uttered a yawn. It had been a long, anticipating day, and now it was over. Gordon and Rebecca began to feel even happier being closer together. Whatever the next few days brought to them, they would go through it together.
"Well, goodnight, everyone," Rebecca smiled.
"Goodnight, my dear Rebecca," Gordon smiled back.
All the other engines bade goodnight to each other as they backed into their berths, right to Thomas and Emily.
"And goodnight to you, Emily, my dear angel," Thomas smiled.
"Goodnight, Thomas, my cobalt star," Emily yawned. "It's a special day for our two big friends."
And so the engines all settled down to another lovely night's sleep. As for Gordon and Rebecca, another most special time was drawing near. In just a little more passage of time, something truly wonderful and even important to them would befall them now...