Work Text:
**Visit from Steam**
-It was night on Sodor, slightly cloudy, and the weather was a bit cold. All the workers, both steam engines and diesels, had gone home to rest—except for the famous Diesel 10, or at least that’s what all his "employees," so to speak, called him. A man with unkempt hair and an unusual prosthetic claw he called "Pinchy."
-Diesel 10 was tidying up some items like metal scraps and toolboxes, taking advantage of still being in the diesel works, when he heard something unusual. Turning to look, he saw a green locomotive with red stripes, but that wasn’t what caught his interest. What truly caught his attention was the driver.
-"Percy!" Diesel 10 exclaimed with a grin.
-"Hello again, Ten," said the younger engine as he rolled onto the turntable, which began to lift.
-"Everything good around here?" Percy asked as he glanced around the workshop. It wasn’t like the first time he’d seen it—it was now much better cared for, with several necessary repairs completed. Even the "happy hook" had been fixed.
-"Aha, wonderful," replied the one with the prosthetic. Then, there was a brief silence.
...
-"You’re welcome," Number 6 said, making Ten chuckle a little.
-"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. Thanks, I guess," Ten replied.
Percy smiled at Diesel 10's gratitude, so he moved closer and started picking up some of the scattered items on the floor.
-"What are you doing?" the taller one asked.
-"Just lending a hand. Looks like you could use it," answered the "caterpillar."
Although Diesel 10 had anticipated Percy’s actions, he felt something inside him—a warm and pleasant sensation.
When they finished organizing the workshop, Percy turned to Diesel 10, smiling at him.
When Diesel 10 saw that small smile, he returned it. Percy, noticing Diesel 10 smiling back, felt his cheeks heat up—he had blushed.
Though that reaction was common for him, with Diesel 10, it felt different. It wasn’t embarrassment; it was something more like...
-"Are you okay? You kind of zoned out," Ten said. "Is that a...?"
-"Nothing! It’s nothing. Don’t worry!" Percy said, trying to hide his blush. "I have to go. Goodbye!"
And just like that, the smaller of the two started leaving.
Diesel 10 only watched as Percy headed toward his locomotive but called out,
-"Percy! One more thing."
-"Mh?"
-"Thanks, really."
Diesel 10's voice was calmer, which made Percy blush even more—he had always liked compliments, after all.
Percy waved goodbye and left.
Diesel 10 just smiled and blushed faintly.