#hence Edward's 'he's still fairly new to working alongside others' comment

[putuponpercy]

I can't find my original post where I mentioned it but Early Days Thomas gives very little shit about anyone that isn't Edward or himself at first, most likely a result from his years living on the streets.

He only really started respecting The Fat Controller after he discovered and chose to overlook the fact Thomas was essentially a stowaway with zero previous experience (after a harsh grilling towards Edward that is. Thomas had been learning from Edward at the time and picked up the trade easily). Moreso when they found out TFC had purchased Edward's engine (after Furness Railway expressed no interest in having it or its driver return to them) and would allow Edward to continue working on Sodor.

Then Henry arrived and Thomas was not impressed. He'd quip a few cheeky remarks despite Edward's stern gaze. But after about a week Henry started clapping back at the remarks, igniting a spark in Thomas and the two were constantly bantering back and forth and spitting roasts at each other and Thomas well... He found himself enjoying Henry's presence. Gordon soon arrived after and Thomas almost immediately discovered how fun it was getting a reaction out of him and then of course the events of "Thomas and Gordon" happen and Thomas is put in his place... but only for a while. His respect didn't really come until after Gordon helped him out during "Down the Mine" despite everything. But before that James' accident happened and by this point Thomas is steadily getting used to trusting others by now and he rushes off to help and stays by James' side until paramedics take him away, then helps clean up the aftermath. So they have history there and hit it off well after James's return but then the big engine drivers start influencing James and again Thomas finds himself another person to engage in whimsical banter with. Then the strike happens and Percy arrives and Thomas isn't too sure about him looking after the branch line but Annie and Clarabel put in such a good word for Percy and the two become fast friends.

And by this point Thomas realizes how much joy working on the railway alongside this motley crew brings him. There's never a dull moment, they don't always see eye to eye, but they all have each other's backs when it matters most. He's not just trying to survive anymore. He's happy.