The next morning, Gordon woke up first as the firelighter came to start him up. Gordon let out a yawn, then smiling proudly to the coming daylight. He began to wonder what would happen today now that most of the island would know about him and Rebecca. As they did the day before, he decided to make the very best of the day ahead of them both.
Then he heard a little snore to his right. He looked and saw that Rebecca was having trouble waking up. Her fire was having a little trouble getting started. Her eyes flickered a little bit, but wouldn't open.
"Oh...Zzz...hmm? Zzz..." she snored.
Gordon smiled dearly at her adorable form. Then he saw as her eyes began to open a little more. She yawned drowsily and made her way to the turntable. She turned to the main Line and began to make her way down the line, but no sooner had she cleared the turntable when she suddenly stopped and fell asleep again, snoring softly.
Gordon could see she needed a little helping hand to get her day started. He thought for a moment, then remembered how Edward pushed him to the turntable before he ran into the ditch, how it shook his fire and made steam. He suddenly got a very humble and adorable idea. His heart nearly melted as he began to make his move. He settled on the turntable, turned to the Main Line and came up behind Rebecca. He gently buffered to her tender and began to push.
"Ah, well. Might happen to any engine," he thought. "Never mind, Rebecca. I'm going to push behind."
Rebecca snorted lightly and flickered her eyes open. "Oh? Ohh...what's happening?" she yawned.
"It looks like my beautiful lady could use some help," came the voice.
Rebecca drowsily looked back. "Aww, Gordon...you're very sweet."
By the time they came to Knapford Station, Gordon placed Rebecca at Platform 2. As he had hoped, the movement had shaken Rebecca's fire. It was now burning nicely and making steam. Now Rebecca began to feel more awake as she saw Gordon come up beside her and give her a smile.
"May I fetch your coaches, my dear?" Gordon asked.
"Oh...thank you, Gordon," Rebecca sighed blissfully.
Gordon winked and hurried through the yards to fetch Rebecca's coaches first. He hustled through the station, then placed the coaches behind Rebecca. Then he hurried back to fetch his own coaches. Rebecca watched him with a dreamy look in her eyes. As she remembered how everyone else on Sodor would be learning about her relationship with Gordon, she wondered what they would all think. As she imagined so many engines and people talking about her and Gordon, she began to wonder if there were any more steps to take, and what would they be?
Gordon began to think about further steps himself as the passengers all began arriving...and making a few remarks to the two express engines.
"Well. If it isn't the two express doves," said one passenger.
"I wonder how they'll pull our trains now?" said another one.
"We'll all have to see," said a third one.
Both engines heard the passengers and didn't think much about it...until Rebecca broke the silence after all the passengers were on board.
"Oh, Gordon...we've come quite far in taking our next steps," she said. "But I can only wonder...what will our next step be? And when will it come along?"
Gordon gave Rebecca a kind smile of faith, but also a playful tone in his voice. "Won't be long now...if you're as fast as I can really be."
"Hmm? What do you mean, Big G?" asked Rebecca.
As soon as she asked the question, the guard's whistle blew for Gordon, who shot a playful look to Rebecca.
"Well. Only one way to find out." And with a quick wink, Gordon took off down the line.
"Express coming through!"
Rebecca watched him for a moment, then heard her guard's whistle. She suddenly smiled immensely and took off down her line to catch up.
"Rebecca coming through!" she whistled.
Soon, both express engines were soaring along the line at a considerable speed. Gordon kept ahead of Rebecca for a minute or two, while she whistled after him, starting to laugh with joy.
"Hurry, hurry, hurry!" laughed Gordon.
"You can't get away! You can't get away!" Rebecca laughed behind him.
Gordon flew by James, who was busy with another goods train.
"Hmph!" James huffed enviously over not pulling coaches at the moment. Then Rebecca came rushing alongside him.
"Hm-hm! Gordon's pretty fast, Rebecca. Are you sure your coaches aren't too heavy?" James teased.
But Rebecca paid no heed to James, laughing merrily on her way. Up ahead, Gordon then gave Rebecca a whistle, beckoning her to catch up.
Suddenly, Rebecca went faster, gliding past James, who watched with surprise as she caught up right alongside Gordon. As they continued to race along the line, the two express engines gazed at each other and started to laugh as they went on their way with the express. They soon slowed down so as not to arrive too early at their destinations. The passengers seemed rather pleased with their speedy, but efficient timing, which made both engines beam even more to each other. It was clear that a new time had begun for the big blue engine, and the cheerful yellow engine. Their bond was growing a little faster, with every moment of harmony stretching longer, and they both knew their love would only keep getting stronger.
On this day, the express didn't go all the way to Vicarstown, much to Gordon's inner relief, but he and Rebecca still had to work together. By that afternoon, their express runs were done for the day, and they returned to Knapford Station, where the Fat Controller had two goods trains waiting for them. Normally, Gordon would have disowned the idea of taking goods, and even now, he wasn't too keen to do it, but then he saw Rebecca approaching her trucks.
"Hee-hee! Rebecca! Rebecca!" the trucks began to cheer as she approached her train.
"Hello again, all of you!" Rebecca chimed as she coupled up.
Gordon was surprised to see for himself how well the trucks got on with Rebecca. His line of trucks looked at him mischievously.
"Oh, it's you again, is it, Gordon?" some of them said. "You're no fun at all!"
Rebecca whistled. "Now, you lot. Gordon's just as strong as I am. Come on. Have fun with him for a change! Well, Gordon?"
Gordon gaped for a moment, then much to his own surprise, proceeded to couple up to his trucks. Then he proceeded to follow Rebecca. The trucks were laughing and chattering behind him, but when he got alongside Rebecca, they seemed to calm down and give him a break.
Gordon then took a glance to Rebecca, who smiled back and winked. Gordon could tell what she was conveying. He remembered how she expressed how much she enjoyed working with the trucks before, and now he could see just how much they enjoyed her.
"So...you all like Rebecca, do you?" he said to his own line of trucks.
Right away, the trucks sounded off. "Rebecca! Rebecca! Rebecca!"
Gordon looked back to Rebecca as she began to laugh dearly. Suddenly, Gordon smiled even more and started laughing right with her. It was most extraordinary. After the months that had gone by very quietly between these two engines, their relationship had suddenly awoken and flourished in ways they might have speculated every now and then, but never expected to see turn out this way.
All afternoon, on into the evening, Gordon and Rebecca continued to work. Everywhere they stopped, it seemed that everyone was talking about the newfound relationship of the railway. They noticed both engines and waved to them. Some of them praised their accomplishment for such a relationship, some would lightly tease them not to let it get in the way. All of this made Gordon and Rebecca feel a little shy, but still proud just the same. Shy that everyone was noticing them more than usual, but still proud how many were taking it quite well. They both knew that they would get used to it in good enough time, and so they kept working most enthusiastically through another whole day.
And so, by sunset, both engines returned to the yards again. By now, they felt happy to be in their own company as they left their trucks in their sidings. The Fat Controller was just leaving the office when he saw the two engines come by.
"Excellent work today, Gordon and Rebecca. You should both be very proud."
"We are, sir," Gordon and Rebecca said together as the Fat Controller drove off on his way home.
By now, Rebecca and Gordon could relax for the evening. There weren't any engines or people to spread the current gossip. It was just the two of them together now. As such, Rebecca slowly felt a tingle in her boiler. She and Gordon had worked all day. Now, she wished to enter the play aspect of "Work before play." She gave a little whistle to Gordon, who suddenly smiled immensely.
Rebecca began batting her eyelashes to Gordon again and inviting him toward her.
"Come here, Gordon...you and I have worked very hard today. Now, I'd like us to indulge a little...together...if we wish to take the final step one day...come and impress me."
And Rebecca closed her eyes and smooched her lips to Gordon. After working so merrily with her, Gordon immediately obliged. And so the two engines fell into another gentle spell of exchanging kisses to their cheeks, making them both feel most delightful. Gordon made gentle moves, kissing Rebecca on both her cheeks, which earned such lovely giggles from her little lips. She felt so bubbly inside, she thought she would faint.
"Ooh...Gordon...that's it...oh, Gordon..." she whispered.
Gordon was really enjoying this new sensation now. This was their first night sharing a moment like this. It wasn't too steamy or seductive yet by any means. But it was still a perfect start for both of them. Only a minute or two later, Gordon stopped and let Rebecca have her chance. She giggled happily and buffered to Gordon, kissing his cheeks just the same and blushing a steady red.
"Goodness...Rebecca..." Gordon uttered quietly.
Rebecca absolutely loved the feeling in her boiler as she kissed Gordon. But what made her even happier was seeing how she could make Gordon feel so amazing. It made her feel such purpose in her life to always have Gordon with her. And so, she relished in every kiss she planted on Gordon's face, all while he kept still and let her do all that she pleased.
Several minutes later, Thomas and Emily came passing through the yards, on their way back to Tidmouth Sheds. But then Emily looked to the left and stopped immediately. Thomas stopped suddenly too. He almost asked Emily why she stopped when he saw her widening eyes and open mouth. Thomas looked too, and his eyes were suddenly bulging hugely. Now was their first chance to glimpse Gordon and Rebecca's ever-flourishing relationship.
There were Gordon and Rebecca buffered together, exchanging kisses and little lights to each other, pressing their faces together and smiling infinitely. Thomas and Emily were both wondering if they could sneak by, or if they had no choice but to let themselves be noticed. In that moment, Gordon felt as though they were being watched. He looked up and saw Thomas and Emily right there. Rebecca looked up too and simply smiled shyly, feeling too bubbly and cheerful to care much beyond Gordon. As Gordon looked at Thomas and Emily, he didn't know what to think or say...except for one little remark that came out of him a few seconds later.
"...He-he-HEE-he-he-he!"
And with that, the two express doves turned back to each other and proceeded to huff slowly away together, right past Thomas and Emily. Thomas kept gazing at the two big engines until they were out of sight. Then he turned to Emily and grinned a little cheekily.
"Hm! Twitter-pated!" he proclaimed.
"Indeed they are, Thomas. No different than how we behave so," Emily said with a little grin.
When Thomas and Emily returned to Tidmouth Sheds, Gordon and Rebecca were already fast asleep, still holding their strong smiles in their sleep. Thomas and Emily then looked to each other once more.
"It looks like they'll be completely devoted to each other for quite a while," Thomas whispered. "In work, and in play."
"I think so too, Thomas," Emily whispered. "I have a feeling that something truly special will happen between them, very soon."
"So do I, Emily," said Thomas. "As long as they're happy...then we can be too. Goodnight, Emily."
"Oh, yes. Goodnight, Thomas," Emily whispered as she and Thomas fell asleep.
For Gordon and Rebecca, many steps had been taken between them. They had come a long way so far, but they were now very close to the final push that would change everything. There was only one step left. November would be over in just two more days. Then December would arrive. The month of Christmas. And soon enough, Gordon and Rebecca would take one more step. The one step that would matter above all else...
The next two days passed rather quickly for the other engines as Gordon and Rebecca had indeed changed immensely. Now it was the day before December. Thomas was busy with a hefty train going all the way to Vicarstown. By this time, Gordon and Rebecca were only focused solely on each other. Everywhere they went with the express, they stuck together like glue. Even with goods trains, they stuck together as much as they could unless their routes were for different destinations. Thomas had to admit that he had never seen anything like it, just as the rest of the island thought. He knew so many things about Gordon and Rebecca for as long as she had been on Sodor so far, but to see their relationship as it was now was still quite astonishing for him.
"Gordon...the engine who showed me what hard work is like," Thomas said to himself. "Then fell into a pit of monstrosity when he hurt Emily so deeply, then became the Shooting Star, saved Emily and I from an unfortunate breakup...and now, he has found himself Rebecca. Has Sodor ever seen anything else like it?"
Eventually, Thomas arrived at Vicarstown Station. He stopped at the platform and began thinking about Rebecca and Gordon once again. He didn't know why, but he had a certain feeling in his boiler that something was going to happen that night. Something that would change Gordon and Rebecca, but in the best ways imaginable. It made him suddenly feel steadily happy for Gordon. There were times when he'd tease Gordon and get into rows with him about many different things, but as he really liked Rebecca like all the other engines did, he trusted that she would give Gordon that certain joy he never experienced before.
A few minutes later, Thomas suddenly saw a familiar form glide right beside him. There was Flying Scotsman again. It had been a while since Thomas had seen him, and it made him begin to wonder just what the famous green engine would think of his brother's newfound relationship. Then Flying Scotsman turned to Thomas and saw he was clearly lost in thought over something.
"Thomas? What occupies your smokebox?" asked Flying Scotsman. "You look as if you're thinking as deeply as a professor would."
Thomas looked up. "Oh! Flying Scotsman...I...well...I was thinking about Gordon...and...and Rebecca."
"Oh? What has my little brother been doing with her, I wonder?" asked Flying Scotsman. "Would you happen to know, Thomas?"
Thomas looked at Flying Scotsman's questioning expression. Then the news of Gordon and Rebecca began to flood Thomas' mind again. He felt as though he had to tell Gordon's brother something. He breathed quickly to himself, then looked up again.
"Actually, Flying Scotsman...I...I've just learned something...the whole of Sodor has learned something truly astounding...about...about Gordon."
Flying Scotsman immediately felt his attention grow even stronger. "My little brother? And just what would make something astounding befall my little brother?"
Thomas looked at Flying Scotsman...and began speaking. As the words came out of Thomas' mouth, Flying Scotsman listened with a smug grin at first, thinking about how much he enjoyed teasing Gordon before. But gradually, that grin dissolved into a rather serious and dignified look. Thomas didn't give away all the details, but he did divulge the most important things everyone else had learned about the two express engines.
After several moments of silence after Thomas explained everything, Flying Scotsman leaned up and down, as if her were nodding with dignity. Thomas then waited for either himself or Gordon's brother to speak again. Then...
"I see...impressive. Most impressive...well, bust my boiler, Thomas," Flying Scotsman said, finding his voice at last. "I must say, I am rather moved to hear all of this. I had no idea until now. All I can say about this is...I do hope to see Gordon again, very soon."
Thomas noticed how he referred to Gordon by name and gave Flying Scotsman a little smile.
"Well...I should be going now," he said. "I must find Annie and Clarabel."
After Thomas left the station, Flying Scotsman fell into his own inner thoughts. Although he had teased Gordon before, he had a secret respect for Rebecca, even if he did try to impress her on her first day, only for her to favor Gordon's position. After what he had just heard from Thomas, he felt a different engine in himself, and Gordon. He then decided that whenever he saw Gordon next, he would be a better brother than he had been for a while now.
"So be it," he said to himself. "It is decided. Flying Scotsman coming through!"
And the famous green engine set off for the Mainland again. Eventually, the sun began to set over Sodor. Gordon and Rebecca had been through a lot over the final week of November. A few months of a dormant relationship, and then it suddenly flourished over the course of one week. In that time, they had taken their steps and now felt completely devoted to each other as they worked and when they were in their own company. So much had been done, and now it was to be concluded and brought together in every way there ever could be.
At long last, night fell over Sodor. It was now the night before December. At Tidmouth Sheds, all of the engines had fallen asleep. But Gordon and Rebecca felt a constant urge in their boilers over everything that had happened. Even with their eyes shut, they did not feel any rest creeping into either of them. There was simply something tugging at both their hearts.
Finally, Gordon opened his eyes wide as he looked endlessly at the nighttime scenery all around him. It seemed perfectly still and yet felt as if everything was going very fast around him. It was a strange sensation and he didn't know why he felt it.
For almost an hour, silence lingered over Tidmouth Sheds. Then Gordon turned his gaze to Rebecca. He saw that she had woken up too, her eyes as wide as his, and her mind wandering constantly over what would happen between them next. By now, they still lingered over how they had done so much to further their relationship. They were both very sure what they wanted to do next, but how?
Silence lingered upon Tidmouth Sheds as Gordon and Rebecca felt their hearts racing very shakily as they kept glimpsing to each other. They both slowly began to know that they would not sleep the same way tonight. They were very soon due to become different engines. The engines that they were would soon be no more. There was a new time calling louder than ever to both of them. But how would they slip away to do what they both intended to do in their hearts?
Gordon almost broke the silence. He opened his mouth to speak to Rebecca and break the suspenseful silence, when they heard Percy gasp and wake up. Gordon and Rebecca turned and saw him come out of his berth and hastily turn to Emily's berth. He then huffed right up to her and softly nudged her awake.
Emily's eyes flickered a little and Percy began whispering about another nightmare he had. Both express engines watched as Emily smiled gently and began nuzzling Percy softly, which made Percy calm right down again.
"Oh, Emily..." they heard Percy whisper. "Please don't let me go, mummy."
"Oh, Percy..." Emily soothed softly. "Shh...I'm here, my baby Percy. I'm here...I'm here..."
Soon enough, they were both fast asleep again. To both express engines, that image was touching...and even temping. Gordon looked back to Rebecca once more. And then...finally after what felt like a very long time, the wait was too excruciating. The time was ticking nearer and nearer. Gordon suddenly proceeded steadily to the turntable. Rebecca stared like a hawk at Gordon as he steadily turned right around, until he was facing her berth. Rebecca held her gaze straight-on upon Gordon for almost a minute. Then she steadily proceeded out of her berth until she buffered right up to Gordon.
As they gazed into each other's eyes, they began to know just what would happen tonight. Without a word or thought, Gordon and Rebecca started off, away from Tidmouth Sheds and into the dark and quiet night. As they passed through Knapford Station, they saw that the clock read 11:40 p.m. Only twenty minutes to midnight. And then it would be December. They glided past the platforms and onward into the night. Presently, Rebecca found herself humming ever-so slightly. She didn't know what it was, but she found her humming continue as they went further and further along the line. Then Gordon slowly began to join in and smile with her as they hummed together. Their hearts began to feel rather warm as they knew the time was approaching almost frustratingly close.
At last, they reached Gordon's Hill. Although no words had been spoken, this was exactly where they had planned to be in their own minds. As Gordon looked right up to the top, he could see the steep climb, and some core memories of this hill began to dwell upon him. He remembered the first time he got stuck on this hill and Edward had to help him over. Then when James slipped down the hill with all the slippery leaves on the track, how Percy ran right up this hill when he ran away, and so many other stories. But then he realized, this hill would have a brand new meaning. From this night onward, he would view it very differently, as would Rebecca.
They then began to climb steadily up the hill together, not letting anything slow them down now.
"We can do it!" Rebecca whistled.
"We WILL do it!" huffed Gordon.
They slowly climbed higher and higher, until at last, Gordon and Rebecca were on the summit of the hill named after the No. 4 Engine of Sodor, under a cold, but clear sky on the final night of November. Here they stayed, finally beginning to feel themselves ease off. The view for both engines was magnificent under the last moon of November, full and bright. Then slowly, but surely, rather like Molly, Rebecca began to feel a certain sensation under the moon. Ever-so slightly, she could feel a moonlit temptation creeping into her boiler. She looked right into Gordon's eyes as her eyes glimmered perfectly in the moon and starlight. Gordon knew he was staring right through the windows to her soul. Gradually, he began to feel a certain temptation working into his boiler. But this wasn't a temptation of desire. Rather, this temptation was out of pure, unwavering love for the engine who stood right before him.
For several minutes, as midnight drew closer and closer, they began to lose themselves in a long realm of thoughts. As they gazed at each other, they began to remember how their love started all that time ago...how it stayed quiet and unknown all that time with little to no activity...and how it suddenly sparked and came to such vibrant life over the week that had passed. They never thought this would be their course for love, but with every step that had been taken, it made things better and better and more and more real. Now, the pinnacle of this relationship was to come. As they finally broke the silence, their hearts stirred with such surety and purity.
"Gordon..." Rebecca whispered dreamily. "I...I love you...so much..."
"Rebecca..." Gordon whispered in turn. "Yes...I...I love you too...so much..."
Their moment was drawing very near now. There they were. Two express engines, on the very top of Gordon's Hill, under a full, bright moon. They both felt to themselves they'd have to do it soon. No time would be better. With every moment that passed, aiming closer and closer to the stroke of twelve on Sodor, both engines felt more and more jittery, excited and nervous all at once. The moon seemed to be glowing brighter than either engine could recall before. The stars glimmered magnificently overhead, and the breeze of the coming winter wind made both engines shudder, but not from the cold. Rather, it was a shudder of sheer discovery that was almost too overpowering for both of them.
Gordon gazed purely into Rebecca's eyes, and in these most unnerving moments passing between them, he now only hoped that Rebecca knew that he was looking for romance.
Rebecca gazed just as purely into Gordon's eyes, feeling the same sensation. As she saw the moonlight glisten on his paintwork and in his eyes, all she hoped for now was that Gordon could see that she was looking for love. They slowly came right together on the top of the hill. Their buffers pressed closer and closer into their housings. Their gaze showed that their faces were coming closer and closer. Their eyes were staring s hard into each other, they felt cloudy, but neither engine cared. This was the moment they had both been waiting for after so long. Their faces pressed closely together...their eyes closed, their lips puckered...and then, right on the stroke of midnight which they knew had now come in this final moment of wonder and buildup...Gordon and Rebecca's lips came together in their first kiss.
There they were. Gordon and Rebecca, on the very top of Gordon's Hill, under the moonlight, sharing their first ever kiss to the lips. It was a magical night for both of them. Everything vanished in an instant in their minds, except for each other. Gordon could feel Rebecca's lips moving ever-so gently to how his moved. Neither of them thought of dominance or taking control in the least. This was a kiss of love and love only. For Gordon, it was nothing like he ever knew to feel in his entire life on Sodor, or anywhere else. To think he had let all this time go by and not have known any feeling such as this, but now he could finally feel it.
For Rebecca, she knew a fair deal about Thomas and the engines of Sodor before she ever came here, but as she felt her lips kissing Gordon's, she felt as if her quest for love was now complete in every possible meaning of the word. This time, just as David had said to Gordon, their wheels felt weak, their heads were whirling so wildly, they felt ever-so light in each other's embrace, and this time, they were indeed losing their heads...but that was exactly how they loved it right now. Rebecca could feel Gordon's lips moving right with hers, pleasing her just as she pleased him on this most blessed, blessed night.
Finally, their lips came apart and they both breathed as deeply as they could to retrieve their breath. As they gazed at each other, Gordon could see the rolling railway down the hill, the hills and trees on the horizon. And as Rebecca gazed at Gordon, she could see the sea beyond the island, reflecting the moon with such a brilliant glow.
"I love you, Gordon...my Big G," Rebecca finally said.
In this pure fog of love which he adored being lost in right now, Gordon suddenly found the perfect nickname right in that moment for his engine.
"I love you too, Rebecca...my Golden Queen," Gordon finally responded.
Rebecca suddenly froze where she was, and her eyes became so shiny, bound to spill tears of love.
"G...Gordon? Is...is that...my nickname?!" she gasped with a squeal. "Is it?!"
"Yes, Rebecca," Gordon answered purely. "It came to me just now, between us tonight...that shall be your special name...do you like it?"
Rebecca began to pant heavily as her tears left her eyes.
"I love it to my heart, Gordon!" she sobbed. "We shall face the days ahead from this night onward...together. Never to be torn away from each other. We have been looking for love...and here and now tonight...we have found it."
And in that instant...it happened. Gordon and Rebecca suddenly whistled furiously and tore down the other side of the hill, feeling that one and only glow of joy that could only be found on that one wonderful day, when all longing and searching was through. Gordon and Rebecca's thrill was now complete as they raced all across the line, whistling with such unity and unbreakable bond for each other. They were together with a moon up above, shining with light so merry and bright. It was easy to see that these two express engines had fully and truly fallen in love.
Everywhere they raced together, they held their gaze only on each other as their smoke flew endlessly into the clear December night, not knowing where they would stop, or if they'd even return to Tidmouth Sheds that night. All that mattered to them tonight was each other, and nothing more. They continued to race along together, buzzing with near impossible joy, until at last, they felt themselves slowing down as their boilers began to tire. And soon enough, they came to Henry's Tunnel. There, they finally stopped and let off steam together with immense effort, and definitive sensation to each other.
"Rebecca the No. 22 Yellow Engine...my Golden Queen," Gordon finally uttered wearily, but happily all the same.
Rebecca panted and started to yawn so deeply. "Gordon the No. 4 Blue Engine...my Big G...I...I do not believe we can go much further than this."
Gordon was so lost in his newfound glory with Rebecca, he agreed. "You're perfectly right, Rebecca...let us sleep here together. No shed is big enough for two engines of our size...but now it seems that Henry's Tunnel might have a new meaning too."
Rebecca smiled and kissed Gordon's cheek so purely and strongly, that she left a lip mark right there for him to feel...and wit that, both express engines finally felt heir barriers falling very fast. They would never forget this night for as long as they lived.
"The sweetest of dreams to you, Gordon, my Big G," Rebecca whispered deeply.
"The sweetest of all dreams to you, Rebecca, my Golden Queen," Gordon whispered right back.
And so, with a final kiss to the lips for the night, both engines let all their barriers fall, and they both fell into the deepest sleep they had ever slept, right there in Henry's Tunnel, never to be torn apart. Not now, not ever. Two express engines, together forever.
At last, for what felt like a long, long night, the sun began to rise again, over the trees. The entire railway was silent and motionless. There was not an engine in sight, and everyone was still fast asleep. In Henry's Tunnel, the two big engines were still fast asleep too, motionless and safe from everything...until Gordon felt the sensation of morning start to wake him up. He looked around and remembered he was still in the tunnel. He saw the first rays of light beaming from outside. Then he saw his one and only Rebecca, still sleeping with her buffers pressed right to his, her face holding that very smile, happy and unwavering. In that moment, he began to gaze at her, almost feeling her lips on his again.
From outside, completely unnoticed by Gordon, Thomas and Emily came quietly along the line. They had woken up early that morning with a funny feeling in their boilers over Gordon and Rebecca and what they might have been doing, and when they saw they weren't in their berths, they decided to go look for the express engines...until Thomas and Emily slowly stopped when they saw Gordon's tender just peeking out of the tunnel...then as the sun kept rising, Thomas and Emily looked even closer and thought they saw Rebecca, seen ever-so slightly in the tunnel.
Inside the tunnel, Gordon remained oblivious to their presence as he was still gazing at Rebecca. He blinked once, then buffered to Rebecca, touching his nose to her's and gazing and her motionless, sleeping form. By now, their immense, overpowering buzz of love had passed them by, but Gordon still felt his heart beat heavily and surely as he stared at her face slowly becoming bright as the sun rose higher into the sky outside. Then Gordon sighed and began to look beyond the tunnel to the coming morning, until...
"...Gordon?"
Gordon breathed heavily as he looked to the voice. Rebecca's eyes just began to flicker open as she smiled dreamily to the love of her life. She looked so peaceful, happy and gently dependent on Gordon to hold her close even now. Gordon remembered seeing Emily nuzzle Percy the night before. He slowly felt the same heartfelt intimacy that Emily felt for Percy as her adorable son figure. Now it was his turn to nurture his true love in the same way. Emily's words came right from his mouth, peacefully and surely.
"...I'm here," he whispered as he touched his face gently to hers. "I'm here."
Rebecca closed her eyes and smiled, feeling her whole body shudder with such warmth as she nuzzled into Gordon's gentle hold. And ever-so slowly, Gordon gently pulled Rebecca out of the tunnel. The whole time Rebecca kept her eyes closed as she melted into Gordon's gentle nurtures. There could not have been a more endearing sight from both express engines...but there was no one to see it...except the two engines whose relationship was still considered the most relevant across Sodor in any way there could be.
Thomas and Emily's mouths were wide open with such a smile. When Emily looked at Thomas, his eyes had filled with tears of joy for the two express engines...then he squeezed them tight and let them fall, while Emily continued to smile for the new couple on Sodor. While Gordon continued to nurture and whisper to Rebecca, Thomas and Emily slipped away as quietly as possible, leaving the two big loving engines in peace.
"Rebecca...last night was the most perfect night of my life," Gordon whispered. "I don't feel like it can ever be equaled. Ever."
"I feel the same, Gordon," Rebecca whispered. "Never again do I think we'll have a night like that again. There will be many special nights...but that one can never be equaled."
And with that, both big engines leaned in and shared their first kiss to the lips on this new day of their lives. But then, while they were lost in that kiss, Gordon suddenly remembered. They had to be at Knapford Station for the express. And they were all the way at Henry's Tunnel!
"Rebecca! We've got to go!" Gordon suddenly wheeshed urgently. "The Express!"
"Oh! Gordon! Go quick!" Rebecca exclaimed.
And she and Gordon suddenly flew out of the tunnel and rushed back along the line, hoping in the seconds that flew by that they would be back in time. Fortunately, they rushed back to Knapford Station just in time to see the Fat Controller drive in. Gordon dashed off to turn around on the turntable while Rebecca quickly gathered their coaches. When Gordon returned and stopped beside Rebecca, the Fat Controller came by and could see they were a little breathless.
"Gordon? Rebecca? What gives? Why did you come rushing in so quick...from the other side of the station?" he asked.
"Oh...nothing to worry about, sir," said Gordon. "As you know, Rebecca and I like to have an early start every now and then."
"Yes. Of course, sir," said Rebecca.
"Hmm," said the Fat Controller. "Well, you're both here in good time. Because I need to remind both of you that the express is going all the way to Vicarstown again, for both of you. Be sure to work lively now, you two. And remember. Work before play."
In the midst of the aftermath of such an amazing night with Rebecca, Gordon suddenly felt a new fear washing over him. He disguised it well at first so as not to displease the Fat Controller.
"Oh...I...well, yes, of course, sir," he said. But as soon as the Fat Controller went into his office, Gordon shot his look to Rebecca.
"Gordon? What is it?" she asked.
"You heard what he said, Rebecca," Gordon said urgently. "Vicarstown...Flying Scotsman...and we'll be there together. He'll surely know now! Oh, dear. What will he say? What are we going to do? We can't let him find this out! He'll tease us terribly for too long to think about! It's all right there for him to make fun of now!"
Rebecca remembered Gordon's earlier fears about his brother finding out. Now, they had gone all out with their relationship. It would indeed be something for Flying Scotsman to find out, but Rebecca chose to be strong, and she knew Gordon had to be strong too.
"Gordon," she said. "We're taking the express, and we are going to Vicarstown...and yes, we'll be together. But whatever Flying Scotsman may say, we'll be ready. You know he wouldn't tease you that badly. And you know how famous he is, just like you. Who knows? He might have come by and heard some of the news that spread about us...he may be impressed. Give him a chance...for me."
When Gordon heard this, he felt his heart beat surely again. He was afraid that Flying Scotsman would tease him and Rebecca to no end...but if he had any chance of protecting Rebecca and having her protect him, he trusted her.
"Very well, Rebecca. For you," he assured.
And so, Rebecca and Gordon's passengers arrived, and right on schedule, they set off with the express. All throughout the journey along the line, Gordon kept looking at Rebecca, looking for assurance that she'd be there and that she'd be ready. Rebecca kept looking back with little looks of promise and assurance that she would indeed be there for him if she needed to be. As it turned out, the entire day went by very fast. Gordon and Rebecca were reminiscing the previous night's events so deeply, they didn't keep track of what time of day it was, or where they even were. Luckily, their drivers knew just where to stop, until the moment would arrive.
At last, that afternoon, they arrived at Vicarstown. After what felt like a lot of time, but very little time as well, Gordon looked up and gasped, suddenly feeling sheer dread. In his mind, he felt as though Flying Scotsman would see them, remark their relationship, then would open his gob and never stop laughing, but at the same time, he and Rebecca were prepared for whatever would come for them.
Gordon and Rebecca stopped at their platforms and looked around...and there was Flying Scotsman making his way to the station. Gordon now felt his heart aching very badly. What would his big brother say now?
"There he is, Rebecca," Gordon whispered with fear.
Rebecca saw him coming, but gave a firm nod to Gordon as she leaned up and down a little. Gordon swallowed hard and nodded right back as Flying Scotsman came up right alongside Gordon and looked at him for quite a while, while Gordon waited in building fear over what he would hear next. Silence ensued between the two brothers while Rebecca watched and waited. Then Flying Scotsman look a glance at Rebecca. When he turned back to Gordon, he finally spoke.
"What is this I hear...of my brother Gordon...in love?" said Flying Scotsman. "Is it really true what Thomas told me yesterday?"
"Oh...Thomas?" Gordon asked, surprised that he didn't hear "little brother." "When? How?"
"Yes, Thomas came long here yesterday... and told me quite a story," said Flying Scotsman. "About you...and Rebecca."
Gordon knew he couldn't try to make up any tales. He had to accept the truth as Flying Scotsman seemed to know here and now.
"Yes," Gordon finally said, shutting his eyes. "Whatever Thomas told you...is true. Rebecca and I are truly in love...Flying Scotsman. Say whatever you will...I will take anything you say...anything at all."
Then Gordon went completely quiet, waiting for his brother to burst into peals of laughter and endless winds of teasing...but what came next?
"So...you and Rebecca have been in love...for some months, so I hear...and over this week, you two really opened up to everyone and to each other, as Thomas tells me..."
Gordon opened his eyes and Rebecca looked cautiously. Then...Flying Scotsman did laugh...but not at Gordon. Rather, he laughed for Gordon.
"Hah! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! You and Rebecca are beyond doubt, in love?" he asked Gordon.
Gordon and Rebecca both answered yes. Then the Flying Scotsman suddenly put on a very bright, friendly face.
"Well, good brother Gordon! To all of this I say...Congratulations! It appears Thomas was right in every way. A miraculous, but most perfectly-deserved lady all to yourself! Well done, Gordon! Well done in every way there can be!"
Gordon's eyes opened wide as he shot his view to Flying Scotsman.
"He...he called me Gordon!" Gordon exclaimed.
"Of course I did, Gordon," Flying Scotsman replied. "Never did I think I would see the day that my good brother would come together with a most perfect lady of the railway all for his own."
"Really, Flying Scotsman?" asked Rebecca. "You're...you're proud of us being together as we are?"
"Oh...of course I am, in every best way there is, Rebecca," said Flying Scotsman. "I was very moved when Thomas told me such news...but to hear it right from the two of you...I think this is a true honour to all our other brothers we had way back when, Gordon!"
Gordon was most astonished. Flying Scotsman wouldn't tease him or Rebecca. His brother was actually proud of him, for the first time in many years he could remember.
"Well...Flying Scotsman...thank you!" Gordon suddenly whistled. "You know? You have just made my relationship with Rebecca even more brilliant!"
Flying Scotsman smiled. "Well, after all, you and I are brothers...and perhaps I may have a sister figure now in light of this fine achievement?"
And he winked to Rebecca. Rebecca gasped and stifled a giggle.
"Thank you, Flying Scotsman! You've really impressed both of us!" she chimed.
"Well, I am very proud of both of you. Very indeed," Flying Scotsman smiled.
And so it was concluded. Gordon and Rebecca had finally gone all out with their relationship, and they would never forget any of it. They would treasure this fine window of time for the rest of their lives. Everything that had happened was perfectly imperfect in its way, but as Gordon and Rebecca were perfectly imperfect themselves, perhaps that was how they were meant to be, and so this would go on for two of the finest express engines on the Fat Controller's railway.