It was nearly December on Sodor. The weather had brought in the cold drafts of the coming winter, and Thomas would soon be due for his visit to Australia, where he'd meet Shane for the first time since briefly glimpsing him at the Great Railway Show. Both he and Emily felt a little disappointed knowing that Christmas would be coming soon, and neither of them would have the other this year, but they tried their best not to let it fester too much in their boilers.
Then one day, the Fat Controller had some exciting news for the engines.
"I have asked an artist to paint some pictures of engines, for me to put on my office wall at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. I already have plenty of portraits in my main office at Knapford, and I feel it's only right to do the same at the Rescue Centre. On the day the painter arrives, whichever engine is the cleanest and shiniest is sure to be chosen for the picture."
Naturally, the engines were excited. Especially James. He remembered how he once wanted to be in a poster, like Edward was, and he even remembered being part of the Steam Team statue Thomas had to collect several years ago. But neither Thomas, nor Emily were very excited about this, as Thomas knew he wouldn't be here to see it, and Emily would probably not be very keen on the visit either.
Soon, many other engines heard about the artist's upcoming visit and turned it into the talk of the railway. When the news came to Arlesburgh, Daisy was the first to perk up and dash off to visit the Search and Rescue Centre.
"An artist? Voila!" she gleamed. "How lovely would it be for a tre magnifique railcar like myself to be painted into a picture?"
By the time she reached the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre, news of the artist had reached the Rescue Team too. Harold, Rocky, Butch and Captain were all talking about it.
"I wonder who they'll choose for the picture?" wondered Harold.
"Probably a strong, useful engine," said Rocky.
"A brave, unwavering engine," added Butch.
"One who's fast and sleek," said Captain.
"Probably like me!" said a fourth voice. It was Belle.
When Belle had heard the news, she became quite excited when she heard about the artist. She knew how beautiful she looked, as Flynn always told her of ever since they began their relationship, and she knew all too well how useful she and Flynn were, being the fire engines of the Rescue Team. It sounded fascinating just to think about.
"I know I'm one of the most useful rescue engines on the Island. I would love to be painted!" she gleamed. "It would be so exciting!"
Daisy heard Belle and sniffed to herself. Belle could hear her whispering.
"Well, I don't suppose he'll choose a big, ugly engine like her!" Daisy whispered to herself. "Those two big cannons are just hideous! He'd be very wise to choose the optimum railcar...like me!"
Belle was deeply embarrassed. She knew her water pumps were really useful and never thought of them as ugly. Daisy oiled smoothly away, beaming with pride that she'd be the one the artist would paint, but Belle was very hurt. She almost called for Flynn, but suddenly remembered he was at the Steamworks, having his rail wheels checked over. Until he'd return, all she could do was ponder over Daisy's ugly words...
That night, Flynn returned from his safety check at the Steamworks. When he approached the sheds, he saw Belle inside, looking rather glum.
"Big Belle," he said. "What's the matter, my dear?"
Belle looked to her friend. "Oh, hello, Flynn," she whimpered. "Have...have you heard the news? The artists who's coming to paint a few engines?"
"I have, Belle," said Flynn. "The engines were talking quite a lot about it. Even Victor. But why are you so downhearted?"
"Well...I'd be very thrilled if I could be the one the artist paints. Of course, it's up to him, who he paints...but...but Daisy!"
"Daisy?" asked Flynn. "What does she have to do with this?"
"I...I heard her call my cannons...ugly! Hideous!" Belle exclaimed. "She didn't suppose the artist would choose a 'big, ugly engine,' like me!"
Flynn was staggered by this. No one had ever referred to Belle as ugly or hideous in any way, and it made him cross. Anyone who spoke like that of any member of the Sodor Rescue Team clearly had no sense of what was important. He knew he had to help her in any way he could.
"Oh, Belle, don't take Daisy's word for it!" he encouraged. "She's talking utter nonsense! Your cannons are what make you special. You're truly beautiful. The most beautiful engine I could ever hope to be in love with! After all, 'belle,' is French for 'beautiful,' Belle."
Belle sighed and smiled a little. "Oh, Flynn. I love you so much, and you're such a dear to help me like this, but I...I don't know. Could they be ugly in any way?"
"Never," Flynn emphasized strongly. "Don't think about it, Belle. Why not...think more about your beautiful features...and me?"
Belle heard his tone change and felt her heart flip. "Oh...well, Flynn...I..." she said a little bashfully.
Flynn leaned in and kissed her pointy nose, which made her jolt and giggle. Then he kissed her chin, which earned him another, louder giggle.
"Oh! Oh, Flynn!" she gasped. "You're such a tease!"
"Yes. Maybe I need to be taught a little lesson?" he teased further.
Belle smiled again. "Come in here, you!" she bubbled. And the two of them rolled right inside the shed.
"Time for your little lesson," Belle teased as she pressed her lips to Flynn's cheek and smooched loudly.
"Mmm...Ah!" she uttered sweetly.
Then she took it a little further. She locked her lips around his and began tugging softly, which made him tug hers in return. Belle suddenly felt better as she melted into her shield of love, just with Flynn and no one else to intrude on them. Flynn felt very happy to help Belle too as he felt her lips tingle against his. He always loved her through any situation, safe or dangerous, in harmony, or in doubt.
They continued to kiss each other lightly and happily, feeling their cheeks and lips tickle softly to each other's lips. At least for the evening, Belle managed to feel better, thanks to Flynn.
After a few minutes, their lips needed to rest, so they let go and stared at each other for a while, before Belle looked a little miserable again.
"Belle?" asked Flynn.
"I just don't know, Flynn," said Belle. "I'm just so nervous about what the artist would think, and after what Daisy said..."
"Don't dwell on it, Belle," said Flynn. "That's just how Daisy is. Besides, the artist won't be here for a few days. So we don't need to worry too much for now...except maybe each other, whenever we have the time?"
"Thanks, Flynn," said Belle, blushing lightly. "I know I can always rely on you if I feel low, like you relied on me after Simon's passing."
Flynn sighed sadly at the memory, but still smiled. "I know, Belle. I love you so much." And he kissed her cheek one more.
"I love you too, Flynn," Belle smiled back as she kissed him too, then they both fell peacefully asleep.
The days passed. The artist's visit was coming closer and closer...but so was Thomas' schedule to catch that ferry and visit Australia, which would leave Emily on her own for Christmas and the New Year. Belle and Flynn managed to avoid the topic of the artist for most of each day, but even then, Belle still had little spells of doubt, remembering what Daisy said. But what would come to happen during the artist's visit, no one had any idea of...
At last, the day came. The artist had arrived, due to visit the Search and Rescue Centre very soon, and plenty of engines were bustling to get clean and spotless in time for his visit. At the washdown, Gordon, Spencer, James and Daisy were all lined up, while Gordon was the first to be washed.
"Mind my eyes!" he grumbled.
"I should be the one the artist chooses!" huffed Spencer.
"He'll choose me, of course!" boasted James. "There's no need for any of you to be cleaned!"
"Huh! Says the engine who splashed Philip with oil and blocked four engines on an unsafe bridge, including Rebecca!" retorted Gordon.
"No bothering with you steamies," Daisy sniffed. "He'll choose me and my tre magnifique swerves for sure! Not like ugly Belle!"
Gordon, as proud as he was to be possibly painted, was gobsmacked to hear that. "Belle is NOT ugly! Your words are ugly, Daisy! But even so, I would be a very fine picture! Such dignity, and a nice change from my line!"
"Emily could have made a lovely painting too," said James. "But sadly for her...she had to say goodbye to Thomas today. Off for Australia, he is..."
James was right. Today was also the day Thomas' ferry was ready to take him to Australia, as he had planned with the Fat Controller way back at the start of the year. He and Emily knew this day would come and they had made their way to Brendam Docks. Now, Thomas was just about to be loaded onto his ship by Carly, to make his long trip to the one continent he had missed on his first adventure with Nia. By now, Emily was feeling a new pressure on her heart. She had been without Thomas for Valentine's Day this year...but now, it was time to say goodbye to him for Christmas and the New Year. She watched as Carly lifted him on his way.
"Well, Thomas," Emily said sadly. "This is it. This will be our first Christmas without each other...and a lonely New Year..."
"I'm so sorry, Emily," Thomas sighed. "I really am."
"And seeing as you won't be back until after the New Year, I don't feel any enthusiasm over the artist's visit. I've decided I'm not taking part."
"Oh, Emily," Thomas sympathized. "Why not? You're the most beautiful engine Sodor will ever see. I'm more than convinced you'd win easily."
"Thank you, Thomas, but I wouldn't be able to smile for him today anyway," Emily said, feeling herself tear up. "I'm missing you already!"
"I'll be home before you know it, Emily," said Thomas. "And I promise you, we'll compensate for the missed holidays this year. All in good time."
And soon, Thomas was on-board his ferry and on his way to Australia.
"Goodbye, Thomas," Emily sniffled.
"Goodbye, Emily!" Thomas called back.
And, as usual, like China and India, Thomas was off again. Emily left the docks, feeling rather uncertain with herself. Christmas could either be very lonely, or fairly happy with the help of her friends...and what else would happen until he'd come back? She'd find out in due course.
That afternoon, at the Search and Rescue Centre, several people had come for the special event. Gordon, James, Daisy and Spencer had all arrived too. They were now perfectly clean and spotless, waiting eagerly for the artist to arrive, and competing amongst each other with certain statements.
"The sunlight here makes my dome sparkle!" Gordon puffed proudly.
"It makes my red paint look shinier than ever!" whistled James.
"My springs and windows glimmer!" Daisy added.
"And my sleek shape gleams like a diamond!" Spencer hummed.
As the engines continued to wait and brag among themselves, Belle and Flynn were at the platform too. Hearing all the gossip made Belle feel even less confident in her chances now. The artist would be here soon, and she could already see him being won over so quickly by the other engines' features and remarks. Now that the day had arrived, she was more nervous and doubtful than ever. She sighed and nearly cried. Flynn saw this and spoke up.
"Oh, Belle. Please don't look like this. You know you're a wonderful fire engine with amazing abilities," said Flynn.
"But look at them, Flynn," Belle whimpered. "Gordon's sparkling dome...James' shiny red paint...Daisy's glimmering springs and windows...and Spencer's sleek, gleaming shape!"
"Don't think that way, Belle," Flynn whispered. "That's exactly what they want you to think. They win by making you think you're useless, and YOU, my beautiful Belle, are NOT useless! You're really useful in your duties to the Rescue Team. We both are."
Belle loved Flynn's kindness and care for her so much, but it wasn't enough to settle her doubt. But suddenly, to everyone's shock and worry, the siren began blaring through the air. An emergency had occurred, on the day of the artist's visit. All the engines suddenly looked nervous. Then the manager came rushing out of the Centre.
"Belle, Flynn! A fire has broken out at the Fuel Depot! It must not spread! We have to save it before the fuel supply explodes!"
"I can't help with that! My paint would get all sooty!" huffed Gordon.
"I wish I could...but I can't ruin my polish work now! Not with an artist coming to see us all!" James remarked.
"Not a chance!" gasped Daisy. "Think of my springs and swerves!"
"I'm a Private Engine! It is not in my working to stop a fire," Spencer bragged.
By this time, as she heard the siren blaring loudly through the air, Belle did not care whether she was chosen for the picture or not. Ensuring safety on this railway was what she and Flynn knew and did best out of everything. Alongside their love for each other, being really useful was what she and Flynn loved more than anything.
"Come on, Flynn! We have to stop that fire!" And off she dashed.
Flynn was surprised, but very pleased to hear her sound so determined, like she always was. He followed right after her, blowing his horn while her whistle blew. They rushed along together until they reached the Fuel Depot, which was billowing flame and smoke. This was their chance. They had to stop that fire from spreading, or the entire fuel supply could explode. She and Flynn got straight to business, powering their hoses strongly against the fire. Smoke, steam and ashes billowed immensely from the fire, almost like a volcanic ash cloud. As it drifted toward Belle and Flynn in the wind, Belle shut her eyes, trying to forget all about looking the best, and everything Daisy had said. Being useful and ensuring safety was what she loved doing best with Flynn. The flames slowly got smaller and further away from the fuel supplies, reducing the chance of a sudden explosion. At last, the fire was out and the Fuel Depot was saved...but Belle and Flynn were both covered in thick black soot. Flynn felt very proud of himself and Belle. He didn't mind getting dirty if it meant saving the day. But Belle now felt even sadder, thinking she simply would not be chosen for the picture now. She was sure she'd never be as grand as the other engines.
When they returned to the Search and Rescue Centre, the artist had arrived, and the engines were all moving backwards and forwards, trying to get the artist's attention, all flashing smiles, trying to look professional and perfect. Belle felt even sadder just seeing the artist, thinking of how ugly he'd probably view her, covered in black, dirty soot. The Fat Controller was there and saw his two fire engines return.
"Well done, Belle and Flynn. Both very brave engines! You may be rather dirty, but you're both such heroes to save the Fuel Depot. Now, line yourselves up with the other engines."
"Yes, sir," said Flynn.
Belle said nothing, looking very ashamed now as she and her love lined up, watching the artist inspecting the engines with an artistic eye. He walked along the line, toward Gordon first.
"Oh! Good sir! So glad you could come and see my spotless paintwork and sparkling dome!" Gordon proclaimed.
But to Gordon's surprise and shock, the artist walked right by him, shaking his head and waving his hand dismissively.
Spencer thought he'd have a chance. "Hmm, sir. Aren't I just the engine to be painted in a picture? The Duke and Duchess would surely be proud of that."
But the artist walked by him too. Then he approached James and Daisy.
"Oh, thank you! You're too, too kind, sir!" James announced clearly.
"Merci, monsieur," Daisy said, batting her eyelashes.
But to both engines' shock and horror, the artist didn't even look at them. He walked right by as if they weren't even there. Then the artist looked up to Belle, who still looked embarrassed and ashamed. But to her surprise, she saw the artist look impressed, and even pleased.
"Are you...Belle the Fire Engine?" he asked. "And Flynn, too?"
"Y-yes, sir," said Belle. "You are absolutely right. We just came back from saving the Fuel Depot from a nasty fire."
"Well...I think you are absolutely beautiful, Belle" said the artist. "Sir Topham Hatt recalls you made the choice to be really useful and stop that fire, in spite of getting covered in soot. That is what a really useful engine does best. Doing what must be done at the first call. And for being really useful when the emergency needed you...I think the painting should be of Flynn...and you."
Belle gasped. Flynn beamed.
"HER?!" James and Daisy wailed.
"Wh-Wha-a...BELLE?!" Gordon choked.
"Steaming Pistons! Those sooty engines?!" exclaimed Spencer.
"Shh!" Flynn hissed to the other engines.
"Yes, indeed, Belle. You and Flynn," said the artist. "Both of you look like hard-working engines. Good. It's settled then. Ladies, gentlemen and engines. For their hard work, unwavering bravery and utmost devotion to ensuring safety on the Island of Sodor, and choosing to be really useful, over...fancy paintwork, I hereby declare to paint Belle and Flynn the Fire Engines of Sodor!"
Flynn was very proud, but words could scarcely describe the delight and joy that suddenly burst to life within Belle as she blushed a deep red and whistled with triumph.
"Well done, Belle and Flynn!" the Fat Controller beamed. "I am very, very proud of both of you! You will both sleep well tonight."
"Thank you, sir! Thank you!" Belle whistled.
"Now, you two must have a good wash. You've earned it."
After the artist and the other engines left, Belle and Flynn went to the washdown to be properly cleaned after their rescue. The whole time, Belle smiled with delight with their artistic achievement that would be ready in the coming weeks. Belle could not be happier...and she knew she had Flynn to thank for it.
"Oh, Flynn," she sighed as they were both finished being cleaned.
"Yes, Belle?" he asked.
"Come with me...to our shed," she said smoothly. Flynn just smiled...
Soon, as the stars filled the sky, Belle and Flynn settled safely inside their shed. Now Belle could return her favors to her friend.
"I want to say thank you, Flynn," she whispered.
"What for, Belle?" asked Flynn.
Belle leaned in and kissed him on the lips.
"I have you to thank for holding onto me and encouraging me over how useful...and beautiful I am. That had inspired me to respond to the fire in spite of my doubts earlier that day. I had no idea that would be our key to being the engines the artist will now paint!"
"Oh, Belle," said Flynn. "I'm very proud of you for making the call to get to that fire. That told me you're very strong, even in doubt."
"But it was you who kept caring for me and ensuring me everything would be alright...and now, I think it's time I repay you..."
"Oh?" said Flynn.
Belle leaned in and began to kiss his face very softly and gently at first. But it slowly and surely became stronger. With each minute that passed, Belle's lips became stronger and took longer kisses. Soon, Flynn's face began getting covered in little lip marks. Belle's lips were strong, but also soft, which made Flynn blush so deeply.
But then he groaned out loud when he felt Belle's lips change their movements. Belle began to suck on his cheek, tugging his cheek so gently, but happily. Every time Flynn groaned and spoke her name, Belle moaned softly and giggled in return, making Flynn blush even deeper. Then, as if that wasn't enough, Belle began to delicately lick his cheek. Flynn lurched upward and groaned loudly, which made Belle squeal with delight.
"Ohh, Flynn!" she giggled. "You're such a sweetie! I can see you love this so much..." And she kept licking his face, making him even happier.
Finally, Flynn could take it no more and gave off quite a shout. "Oh, BELLE!"
Belle withdrew and giggled once more before planting a big kiss on his cheek.
"Hm-hm!" she giggled. "Thank you, Flynn. What do you say?"
"Oh...Oh, Beautiful Belle! Not at all! Thank YOU!" Then he narrowed his eyes and looked coy. "Time for my turn."
Belle blushed and cooed. "Ooh...please do."
Flynn touched his face to Belle's and began to lay kisses on it, starting with her left cheek. Belle, having been so doubtful over herself, but now knowing she'd be in a painting, shuddered deeply and moaned with such pleasure. It became even better as Flynn kissed her right cheek slowly and surely. Belle moaned louder and could see herself being painted that very moment. Flynn could foresee it too. He shut his eyes and envisioned the artist sitting at a painting pad and bringing that painting into being. But he opened his eyes again when he heard Belle utter his name passionately.
"Oh...F-Flynn! Flynn!" she gasped.
Then Flynn reached to her chin again and paused just to tease her. He very slowly leaned in further and gave her lovely chin a soft, loving kiss, making Belle gasp softly. Flynn blushed as he heard her gasp, very happy he could make her feel so amazing. He had to keep going. He kissed her there again, watching her close her eyes as she only focused on every second of every kiss she felt Flynn give her.
Flynn continued to kiss her chin for a minute or two, then he moved upward and laid more kisses along her cheeks, just beside her lips. Belle was getting more and more lost in her lust for Flynn, as did Flynn for Belle. Belle's doubt and shame was vanishing right out of her smokebox so fast, it was almost too good to be true.
Then Flynn began dotting his tongue very lightly on her face, which tickled her immensely. This caused Belle to squeal with delight and shake a little. Almost without warning, she began to lean left and right against Flynn's face, rubbing their cheeks together...and claiming his cheeks with her lips. Now they were performing the same technique Thomas and Emily had done a few times since his return from his first big world adventure. Belle and Flynn spent quite a while, leaning left and right together and kissing each other endlessly.
Then Belle began to suck on Flynn's cheek in little nurtures, just to see how wild she could drive him, to reward him for ensuring her chance to be painted.
"Whoo! Belle!" Flynn exclaimed happily. "You're such a good kisser!"
"Oh, this? Not really. THIS is good kissing from me!" And Belle suddenly locked her lips to Flynn's and began tugging softly, but quickly too.
Flynn's heart jolted then beat very steadily as he kissed her right back for several minutes, until their lips became too tired to hold on another second.
Then Flynn took a chance of his own and licked Belle's cheeks rather steadily, which made her jump and whistle with delight. She laughed so dearly to how her cheeks tickled from Flynn's nurtures, and Flynn was loving it more and more by the second, right until he stopped to let her rest. By now, they were both rather happy and ready to sleep, feeling much better about everything that had happened over these past few days.
"I'm one happy fire engine, Flynn," Belle beamed happily. "Thank you so much."
"You're forever welcome, my dear Belle," Flynn replied.
"Goodnight, Fiery Flynn. I love you, dear," Belle yawned.
"I love you too, Beautiful Belle. Sweet dreams," whispered Flynn.
And with that, Belle and Flynn fell fast asleep together. It could not have been better for Beautiful Belle. Her wish had come true in the way she expected the least.
The weeks passed, and Christmas came nearer and nearer...and then, after a few weeks' time, just before Christmas Eve, the artist came back with the picture. The Fat Controller was there waiting when he saw the artist carrying a large rectangular package in brown paper-wrapping.
"Here it is, Sir Topham," said the artist. "Be sure to hang it in an optimum spot in your office."
The Fat Controller opened the package...and there it was. Belle and Flynn, covered in soot, but wearing big, proud smiles, and their paintwork still showed through, thanks to the artist's exquisite attention to detail in the paintwork.
"Thank you, good sir! So much!" the Fat Controller cheered.
The artist smiled and went on his way, just as Belle and Flynn came by to see the painting.
"Is that us?" asked Flynn.
"Flynn and I...in a painting?!" Belle gasped happily.
"Oh, yes indeed!" said the Fat Controller. "And look at you! I am so glad the artist chose you - my two hard-working fire engines. Especially my beautiful Belle!"
"He-heh...MY beautiful Belle," Flynn said jokingly, although between him and Belle, that was true.
"Merci...my Handsome Fiery Flynn!" Belle bubbled as she and Flynn pressed their lips together for a warm, loving kiss.
"It's perfect! He did such a beautiful job of both of us!" Flynn declared.
And sure enough, that painting soon lay on the wall of the Fat Controller's office at the Search and Rescue Centre. A most divine painting of two of the finest rescue engines Sodor had ever seen. Fiery Flynn, and Big Beautiful Belle.
Finally, another Belle and Flynn story, based on the magazine story of the same name from The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story, that section of the magazines. The biggest character change was Daisy insulting Belle's appearance, whereas in the original story, Emily and Rosie insulted her...yeah, that's all the reason I ever needed to change it, for the better. Anyway, Thomas is now on his trip to Australia, the last of his international adventures for Series 22, and we've got something big planned for his return in the 150th story. Before then, however, we've got the next story to deal with, and we're FINALLY going back to Luke and Millie. Rejoice! It's been far too long since they've gotten attention, and the next story will be fully aware of that. Until then, tell us what you thought of this story and we'll see you all next time. Stay safe.