Bath of Temptation

by AaronCottrell97

After quite an eventful two weeks, Gina's visit to Sodor is fast approaching it's end, meaning her and Percy will be separated from each once again for an unknown period of time. Determined to make the best of the short, precious time they have left, Percy and Gina indulge themselves in most intimate activities, keen to express just how much they truly love each other.

It was a fine evening on Sodor after a rather unsavory and conflicting day for Percy and Gina. That very morning, Percy and Gina had to bring dynamite to the Ffarquhar Quarry for scheduled blasting procedures to bring the rock and rubble to Brendam Docks. As it had been just over a month since Percy had last been to Ffarquhar and ended up smashing into that family's cottage and crushing his spirits like they never had been before, he became immensely troubled to even relive the same location as to where it happened. Even worse was that 'Arry and Bert took full advantage of driving Percy's horrors and fears even further when it came to how dynamite worked if handled wrongly.

But Gina would not let this happen during her visit, coaxing and encouraging Percy throughout the whole journey, even when Percy shut down completely when they came to the same stretch of line near the valley. For everything 'Arry and Bert had caused upon Percy, he and Gina were bent to get even with the two Diesel Twins, and with Mavis' help and guidance, they did exactly that, causing 'Arry and Bert to almost jump right out of their wheels when the blasting went into session right when they were leaving. And when they retaliated back at Percy, Gina spilled a slew of Italian wrath that was so extreme that even 'Arry and Bert didn't dare to guess what on Earth she had said to them. By the time evening came, the Fat Controller had found out what 'Arry and Bert did to Percy and had them both locked in the Dieselworks Sheds for the next three weeks, while Percy and Gina's time together would carry on to the end.

Now evening was closing in after such a hard day for Percy and Gina. Thomas and Emily had come by Knapford shortly after 'Arry and Bert were put to rights, and after sharing a little exchange of words to each other, the two engine couples stayed together at the platform for a fair while as the sun set further down the horizon.

Eventually, the sun had disappeared completely and the sky started to turn from pink to deep blue as the stars began to appear. Thomas and Emily had been looking to each other for most of the time spent, but when they looked to Percy and Gina again, their smiles had faded and they were both looking down to their buffers, noticeably forlorn and almost disappointed.

Thomas and Emily wondered if anything was wrong, and before either of them could ask, the Fat Controller came out of his office and locked it for the night. He turned to the four engines, who all looked at him in turn. He tipped his hat and as he walked past Percy and Gina, they saw him seem to wink as he went to his car, then drove home for the night. Percy and Gina looked back as they heard the car leave, thinking to themselves, but then looked down to their buffers again.

Thomas and Emily looked to each other and started to feel the sensation they all inevitably knew would come. They began to think strongly of just what Percy and Gina could be thinking now that the day was over, and given what day it was. It made Thomas and Emily's hearts begin to stir with a sense of sympathy and a little concern.

"Percy? Gina? Is anything wrong?" Emily asked.

Percy and Gina looked to Emily, then to each other, feeling a new jumping sense in their boilers. Now that the day had settled down, a new realization had seeping into both of them, ever since they shared their little exchange with Thomas and Emily, and they both felt a serious need to talk together in private. Percy winked to Gina, then turned to his two friends.

"Thomas...Emily...come with us please," Percy said a little urgently.

"Where?" Thomas and Emily asked together.

"To...to Knapford Sheds," said Percy. "There's something Gina and I have to tell you."

"Another gathering of two couples in the Love Shed?" Emily pondered. "Hmm...I'm sure I know what this may be about."

"I agree, Emily," said Thomas. "Should two of us turn around at Tidmouth Sheds, so as to buffer up?"

"I think we should, Thomas," said Percy. "Emily and I will go."

The four engines moved through the yards, then Thomas and Gina waited in separate sidings while Percy and Emily left to turn around on the turntable. They soon came back, reversing through the yards. Percy found Gina and buffered up to her, and Emily buffered up to Thomas. And with that, the four engines made their way into Knapford Sheds.

They settled right inside as the doors shut behind them. Thomas and Emily were buffered together on one line, and Percy and Gina were buffered together on the line beside Thomas and Emily. A deep sigh of realization came from Percy and Gina as they stared out the window to the coming night.

"So, Percy and Gina," said Emily. "Now that we're in here again, what is it you wish to tell us?"

Percy and Gina looked to Thomas and Emily with a longing and almost regretful look. The time was both well and badly timed at once, but they had to come out with it and express how they felt.

"It's almost time, Thomas," Percy peeped. "We've all been busy today...but now that the day is over...Gina and I realize that our time is running out."

"Si. It is very true," said Gina. "Today has been my twelfth day on Sodor, out of two weeks which my controller granted me."

Thomas and Emily looked to each other with a little jump in their hearts. Then they looked back to Gina.

"I was very sure it would be about this," said Emily. "There's no point in prolonging the inevitable. We all knew this feeling would come. But you've both done so much with Percy during your stay, Gina."

"Indeed, you have. But...oh, Gina," said Thomas. "It almost feels like no time has gone by at all since you came back with me."

"Exactly, Thomas," said Gina. "I know it's been longer than it feels, but...Percy and I are starting to feel that sense of departure and separation, even before it actually happens. I have to return to Italy the day after tomorrow. Then I'll be back across the ocean again, so far away from my Percy. And who knows whenever I will be able to come back again...to my Perfect Percy?"

Thomas and Emily sighed to each other, understanding all too well how their two green friends felt.

"As I've always felt before, Gina...I wish you didn't have to go back," Percy peeped. "I know Italy is your home, but...oh, Gina..."

"I wish I didn't have to leave either, Percy," said Gina. "I know Nia found a new home here all the way from Kenya, but I still am an engine of Italy with duties to my controller and friends. But I assure you, my eternal duties are to you, Percy, whether I'm near or far away from you, nothing ever changes how much I love you."

Percy's eyes glimmered gently in the ceiling lights. Then he leaned in and kissed Gina's lips daintily and softly, earning a little jump and blush from Gina. He then leaned a little higher and kissed her pointy nose, which made Gina chortle a little.

"I know the answer is obvious, but I can't help but express it," said Percy. "You won't forget us, will you, Gina?"

"Of course not. I could never forget you," Gina replied with a smile. "Not any of you."

"And all the good times you've had with Percy ever since you came back?" Thomas asked. "Two engines of finest greenery, you becoming a pirate for a day, all of us facing up against George, finding the Love Tree, then you two braving against 'Arry and Bert with Mavis' help and the dynamite you brought for them?"

"It's all unforgettable, Thomas," said Gina. "Those have all been such immense memories to form here. Among all of us."

"It's been such a wonderful two weeks," said Percy. "Even with the hard parts we had to face, they turned out wonderfully in the end."

"Well, you two," said Emily. "With two more days to spend together, I think you deserve to do something truly special together. Perhaps when the Fat Controller tells you what you have to do tomorrow, then you'll think of something."

"I hope so, Emily," said Percy. "Because you, Gina...you've done so much for me over these two weeks, when I needed you beyond all else."

"I know, Percy," said Gina. "I never could have imagined you to have gone through what you did just over a month ago, and I can never be more proud of everything Thomas did to bring me back here to you."

"Well, I'm more than proud to have gone to Italy, Gina," said Thomas. "Not just for another big adventure, but because your controller needed my help, and because Percy needed you more than anything. Never before had any of my adventures carried the purpose of requirement and need from both ends. Needing my help to finish the Museum of Archeology, and Percy needing you to come back. And here we all are, just as we were on your first night back of many happy returns."

"Yes, Gina," Emily agreed. "And so much good has come out of your stay. I've never seen Percy as ecstatic and happy as he was when you returned with Thomas. And even when you have to leave again, that only means that there can be even more happy returns when you return next."

Percy and Gina had to smile at what Thomas and Emily had just said. Even with the growing sensation of departure, there had indeed been some most memorable experiences that had transpired over the past twelve days. But Percy and Gina also felt like there were a select few things missing before they could say goodbye when the time came.

"Your words are truly precious for us both, Thomas and Emily," said Gina. "And I'm very happy to have done what I did with Percy. But..."

"What is it, Gina?" Emily asked.

Gina looked at Percy with a glitter in her eyes. Percy nodded and spoke next.

"I think we feel as though we need to do something truly special and meaningful before we leave. We've had a wonderful return and a lovely night altogether here on our first night. Then after seeing almost all the green engines that there are on Sodor, Gina and I had a wonderful night together, then another more peaceful night afterwards. But aside from that, and aside from several kisses each night throughout these twelve days, we still have yet to have a truly special night of passion and purity."

Gina looked at Percy with a little shade of red in her cheeks. She buffered closer and kissed Percy steadily on his cheek.

"Si, Percy. It all comes down to what we have to do tomorrow...and the day after that," said Gina.

"Don't worry. Either of you," said Emily. "As soon as we all know what our work is tomorrow, then you can think all you need about what you wish to do together. But for now, we may sleep here together with nothing to worry about. You two deserve to treasure the remaining time you have together."

And with that, Emily yawned gently, which soon made Thomas yawn too.

"Sweet dreams, Tommy," Emily whispered as she kissed him goodnight.

"Sweet dreams, Emily," Thomas whispered as he kissed her too.

Then Thomas and Emily fell asleep in each other's gentle hold. Percy and Gina watched them stir and get comfortable before they turned to each other again. Something more began to stir within them in the few moments that followed. Although they didn't have complete privacy having Thomas and Emily right inside with them, they still felt like they had to do something at the very least tonight so as to stay in the sensation of cherishing their time together.

"I love you, Gina. I don't want to waste a single moment of tomorrow, or the day after," he whispered a little urgently. "I don't want to waste that time brooding over the fact that you have to leave. All I want is to be with you for as long as we possibly can."

"Shh..." Gina smiled as she kissed Percy's nose. "We won't, Percy. I promise you that beyond all else."

"That's very good to hear," Percy whispered. "And Emily is right. I think tomorrow should the time for us to release all the gifts we have for each other...and even a little bit right now. As long as we're quiet and gentle, Thomas and Emily surely won't wake up."

Gina looked to Thomas and Emily as they stirred and mumbled a little in their dreams.

"Perhaps so, Percy," said Gina as her eyes narrowed a little. "And, if you permit me...perhaps I can bring on a few stirrings you may have for me?"

Percy felt his heart flip. "What do you mean, Gina?"

Gina didn't answer. Her eyes narrowed and her eyes closed. Then she leaned in toward Percy, puckering her lips and taking hold of his lips. She felt Percy shudder a little to her motion, then he slowly leaned in toward her as she slowly began nibbling his lips as she kissed him deeper.

Percy breathed sharply and heavily as he felt her lips delicately nurture his lips with every little kiss she planted on him, and he silently knew she wanted him to follow right along with her. So he shut his eyes and began kissing her a little deeper too. His heart flipped as he felt Gina's lips press further into his, then start to deepen more. He shot a little glimpse to Thomas and Emily, who were still fast asleep. This told Percy that they wouldn't wake up to any quiet nurtures he and Gina would exchange tonight.

About a minute later, their lips came apart so as to retrieve their breath for a few moments.

"Please go quietly, Gina," Percy whispered very lowly. "Let's not wake them up."

"Of course, Percy," Gina whispered even lower. "I just want you to feel enough love tonight to sleep well with me."

And Gina continued to kiss Percy's lips a little deeper until she let go and began rubbing her nose to Percy's, which made him rub her nose right in turn. Both engines chortled lightly together as they started to forget a little about the coming sense of departure. Then Percy began to kiss Gina's soft little cheeks as gently as he could, slowly exploring up, down and along her cheek until he turned to her other cheek and softly kissed it just the same.

"Si...si, Percy..." Gina whispered faintly. "Oh...oh, Percy..."

"You're so soft, G-Gina..." Percy whispered just as faintly. "So soft and lovely...I love you so much..."

"Aww, such a sweet chap, Percy," Gina blushed. "May I reward you for such sweet words?"

"Thank you, Gina. I would truly love that," Percy whispered.

So Gina batted her pointy eyelashes to Percy and started kissing his cheeks steadily and quietly, trailing her lips up, down and along his cheeks, all while Percy felt his heart ripple and beat faster as he felt Gina's soft, delicate lips gently press and smooch on his cheeks in every moment that went by, until he and Gina both began to yawn as they felt sleep begin to tug at both their boilers.

"Well, we'd best sleep well now, Percy," Gina whispered. "And don't worry. Tomorrow will be truly precious for us both."

"I promise you just the same, Gina," Percy yawned. "Sweet dreams, my Italian Queen."

"Buoana Notte, my Perfect Percy," Gina whispered.

And with a goodnight nuzzle, Percy and Gina fell asleep beside Thomas and Emily. The time was drawing near, but even now, the two small green engines knew that in some way or other, something would befall them both. Something truly intimate and immensely passionate. As it had transpired with Gina's previous visits, so too would transpire what would befall them the very next day and night...

Eventually, night passed over the island, and the sun began to rise again. In Knapford Sheds, Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina were all sound asleep after a full night spent inside together. Then as the sunlight began beaming through the windows, Thomas and Emily woke up first and kissed each other good morning. But just a moment after their kiss, a queer look came over both their faces as they glimpsed to Percy and Gina.

"This...this is it, Emily," said Thomas. "Today may be their final full day until tomorrow."

"Yes, Thomas," Emily replied quietly. "The time is even closer than ever...for whatever they intend to do together."

Then just a minute or two later, Percy began to feel himself wake up. His eyes slowly opened as he looked around, then saw Thomas and Emily looking at him. Then he looked at Gina as she slept perfectly still with her buffers intertwined with his. This made Percy suddenly remember just what today was. It was now his thirteenth day with Gina...then the next day would be her last day, most likely due to go back to Italy that very day too. Percy began to feel that troubling tweak in his heart again, not knowing when he and Gina would see each other again.

But then as Gina began to stir and wake up, Percy fought to push such thoughts out of his mind so as not to waste any precious time he had with her now. Gina's eyes opened and she looked around. Then she saw Percy looking right at her. She slowly started to realize just what today was and felt a jump in her heart. But before she'd let those feelings sink any deeper, she leaned in and gave Percy a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Good morning, G-Gina," Percy said a little unevenly.

"Mmm...good morning, Percy," Gina replied.

"And...good morning, Thomas and Emily," Percy peeped quietly, while Thomas and Emily greeted him just the same.

"Now...I...I suppose this is it," said Gina. "This may be our final entire day together...you and I, after two most unforgettable weeks. I...I'm almost reluctantly prepared to say goodbye now, although I know the time...hasn't come yet. I truly wish I didn't need to leave."

"I know, Gina," said Percy. "I'm feeling prepared to say goodbye to you, but NOT until that time truly comes. Today is just for you and I, one way or another. As we agreed last night, we will not waste a single moment of it."

"Very well said, Percy," said Emily. "We all knew this day would come, and it may feel a little too soon, but let's not waste any time. Let's begin the day and see what we all have to do today. Then you, Percy and Gina...then you'll be able to do something truly special, however you please."

"I infinitely agree, Emily," said Gina. "I know something is going to happen today. I just don't know quite yet what it can be."

"I feel it too, Gina," Percy replied. "Let's go talk to the Fat Controller. He may have some news for us anyway about today and tomorrow."

So it was agreed. Soon, the shed doors opened and the four engines' crews arrived to start the day. Before long, the two engine couples slowly made their way out of the sheds into the approaching morning. When they made their way to the platform, they saw the Fat Controller's car parked nearby the station. Then they looked inside and saw him on the telephone. This made all four engines look to each other and nod as they all had a strong feeling of just who he could be talking to.

Inside his office, the Fat Controller had been talking for about fifteen minutes now to a certain someone, while carefully checking the timetable as well, regarding Percy and Gina's potential schedule for each other...until he heard something about a certain arrival the next day.

"So tomorrow evening you say?" he pondered. "What time? ...hmm...very well, then. I suppose I..."

Then the Fat Controller looked out the window and saw just who was at the platform.

"There we go. Thank you, sir. I'll tell her right away. And thank you for everything. Goodbye, now."

And with that, the Fat Controller hung up and came right out of his office. Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina all looked up and saw him approaching with a noticeably serious and deep expression as he looked particularly at Gina. The four engines knew this was their chance to find out just what everything meant.

"Good morning, sir," said Thomas. "We...we saw you come out just now."

The Fat Controller nodded to Thomas, then looked to Percy and Gina again, immediately seeing the looks in their eyes.

"Do you have any news, sir?" Percy asked.

"Was that my controller you were talking to?" Gina asked.

The Fat Controller looked at the engines for a while more, then sighed and came out with it.

"Yes, Gina. It was indeed. I'm very sure I know what you all must be thinking. Your controller called me just when I arrived, Gina. Today is your thirteenth day, with tomorrow being your last day here. As such, your controller says he sent a ferry on its way to pick you up. It's set to arrive tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. That gives you and Percy today and most of tomorrow, just to be together."

Percy and Gina looked to each other and swallowed hard. They had less than forty-eight hours together now. Familiar waves of separation began to pulse in their boilers, rather like they did on her last visit when she and Percy exchanged a steady amount of love to each other until the following day when she had to leave. But even in this midst of separation, they both felt like they had a clearer vision of what they could do in their given time. They both couldn't help but smile to the Fat Controller.

"Thank you so much for telling us, sir," said Percy. "Although...I am once again feeling the sense of departure all over again."

"As am I, sir," Gina added. "But all the same, Percy and I don't wish to waste a single instant of today brooding over that inedibility. Please, what is our schedule for today and tomorrow?"

"Well, firstly," said the Fat Controller. "Emily, you must take empty trucks to the Coaling Plant to deliver to a few chutes along the line."

"Yes, sir," said Emily.

"And Thomas," the Fat Controller added. "After your morning Branch Line run, I have a goods train for you to take to Arlesburgh this early afternoon."

"Of course, sir," said Thomas.

"Now, as for you, Percy and Gina," said the Fat Controller. "Today and tomorrow seems to play in the best favour for both of you. Your work load today is quite simple. All you need to do today is a hefty mail run from Knapford Harbour. Then from then onwards until tomorrow evening...all that time belongs to both of you."

Percy and Gina looked to each other and blinked once. As heavy as their hearts felt inside, this would turn out perfectly for what they had in mind...and a few other things they had not yet thought of for each other.

"Thank you so much for telling us, sir," said Percy. "This works beautifully for Gina and I."

"Si. Grazie, sir," said Gina. "Bellissima. Now once our work is done, Percy and I can exchange whatever wishes we may have left to make."

"I understand," said the Fat Controller. "And you've been a most remarkable guest, Gina. The past twelve days have been truly special for many across Sodor, but for Percy, it's clear to me that you've done true wonders, Gina. After all you've done together, you deserve a most fitting window of time together. Now your mail wagons are right here in the yards. Off you go now, and may you both have a most remarkable two more days together."

And with that, the Fat Controller returned to his office, while Thomas and Emily looked to Percy and Gina.

"Well, that's it then," said Thomas. "You two do what you must, and whatever you please today."

"And enjoy today all you can," said Emily. "I have a strong feeling that you two will do something you probably haven't done before."

"Oh...what do you mean, Emily?" Percy asked.

"That's for you two to think over...and eventually find out," Emily winked.

Thomas soon gathered Annie and Clarabel while Emily made ready to take her trucks to the Coaling Plant. Once they were out of the station and on their separate ways, Percy and Gina looked to each other again, until one of them spoke.

"Come on, Gina," Percy peeped. "We have mail to deliver. It must run on time after all."

"Si, Percy. And so it shall," said Gina.

Percy and Gina moved to the points so as to allow Gina to make her way to Tidmouth Sheds and turn around the right way. As soon as she came back, she and Percy made their way through the yards and found their mail wagons waiting in two sidings. There were six wagons altogether, three each for Percy and Gina. They gathered their wagons together, and they were soon on their way to Knapford Harbour.

Now that they were in their own company again, they could start thinking on what to do. They had done so much together, but even now, they wondered if there was anything they had not done before, even during Gina's previous visits.

"What do you think Emily meant by something we haven't done, Gina?" Percy asked.

Gina couldn't help but giggle to what Percy said. "I don't know yet, Percy...but given all our accomplishments together, I think she's right that we must think of something while we have the time."

"I agree," said Percy. "But for now, I think we'd do well to get the mail delivered. Let us clear our minds until we can use them...just for each other. Perhaps we could visit a place or two again. Maybe Arlesburgh and the Love Tree again?"

"Oh...by my lamps, I adore your ideas, Percy," Gina smiled. "Those sound like most fitting ideas. All in good time, my precious lad."

And with that, the two green engines carried on until they reached Knapford Harbour. The Fat Controller was right in telling them it would be a hefty mail run. Percy and Gina watched as workmen loaded countless packages, parcels and bags of letters into all the wagons. It was quite like how they delivered the mail together on Gina's first full day with Percy, except considerably busier today.

As soon as the guard blew his whistle, Gina and Percy knew they were ready. They gave a whistle to each other and set off down the line together, with Percy's favourite train to pull. But Percy felt as though he loved the job even more with Gina right there beside him.

"So, here we are again, Gina," said Percy. "Two engines of finest greenery, just as we learned back when your visit started."

"And so that shall remain to be from that day onwards, my Perfect Percy," Gina replied proudly.

And so throughout the hours that passed, Percy and Gina powered through their hefty mail run. They held to a good schedule, their wheels hummed right along the line and they thought of nothing but each other and felt nothing but optimism and anticipation for what they would do next once their mail run was finished. They hurried along together through every station they needed to deliver mail to and they soon managed to forget about the inevitable timing the next day. All that mattered was what they would do today once they had the time.

At last, as the Knapford clock struck 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon, Percy and Gina came back with their now empty mail wagons. They left the wagons in their sidings and took a deep sigh as they looked at each other. A new sensation began to work its way into both their boilers. Until Gina had to leave, their work was now finished. Now they were free to do whatever they pleased, be it simple, or passionate. There were at least another five hours before sunset. Percy and Gina had indeed been really useful, but now the time was even nearer than ever for them to think of something.

"This is it, Gina," Percy said steadily. "Our work is now done. It's just you and me now."

Gina took a moment or two to respond, thinking to herself. "Si, Percy. It's just you and me now...so...have you thought of any ideas for us?"

Percy thought back to all the time he and Gina had spent so far with the mail train, and as it turned out, he had been thinking a few things.

"I do have two steady ideas, Gina," said Percy. "Before we do anything major and very steamy...I'd like us to indulge in some much-deserved peace and quiet time. Do you think you would like to visit Arlesburgh again...by the quayside again?"

Gina thought for a moment, then smiled. "Of course I would, Percy. Seeing the Bellissima seaside once more before I leave. It's a most fitting place to visit again. Perhaps we shall see Thomas there too. He has his delivery to make there after all."

"He does indeed, Gina," said Percy. "Now let's be on our way, Gina...to the seaside. For you, my Italian Queen."

"Lead the way, my Perfect Percy," Gina smiled dearly.

So Percy and Gina whistled and set off down the line, all the way to Arlesburgh. There, they saw Duck and Oliver working together, yet they didn't see Thomas quite yet. But that didn't much matter to either of them. They had their own plans to think about.

Before long, Percy and Gina huffed down the line together and settled right there at the same quayside where they declared each other the finest greenery on rails. They stopped right beside each other, then took it all in together. As they had seen before, there were a few sailboats docked throughout the stretches of water, and compared to the evening they shared together before, the sun glistened brightly over the sea. Percy and Gina were indeed happy to come back here again, and Percy remembered again how he and Duck visited this very spot with Harold. But spending it here with Gina was many times better.

As they idled here together, Percy slowly started to look directly at Gina again, slowly feeling enticed by her sleek, perfect little appearance. Her steady green livery, her tall funnel like Emily, her fine red wheels, her three headlamps, her big round dome and her hair-shaped smokebox, rather like Emily's, only smaller, all brought Gina together as something truly special in Percy's eyes. Then he took a little look to her perfect face. Her perfectly shaped, petite cheeks, her pointy nose and eyelashes, and her perfectly curvy smile all came together as what Percy thought was the perfect engine for him to have as the love of his life. Even though she'd be leaving soon, he always carried this very image in his mind every day. But then Percy felt a new image start to tweak in his mind. An image he had never considered before, surrounding Gina.

But Percy's spawning thoughts were stopped when Gina suddenly looked and saw him looking deeply at her. This made her blush considerably, but she felt happy to think that Percy was loving how she looked.

"Oh, Percy...do you like what you see. Do you think I'm...Bellissima?" she asked sweetly.

Percy fought to push away the latest thought in his mind, but couldn't help but wonder if it would lead to something more. But not yet.

"Oh...pardon me for looking right at you, but...yes, Gina. You are Bellissima," Percy peeped humbly. "I think you're so beautiful...just for me."

"Aww, Percy," Gina smiled sweetly. "Well, I really love how much you adore how I look, Percy. May...may I take a look at you?"

"You don't need to ask, Gina. I'd be very happy to let you do so," Percy smiled.

"Grazie, my dear," Gina smiled.

Percy then gave a bashful giggle and let Gina look right at him just the same way. But he still secretly wondered about that latest thought that came to his mind. Perhaps he'd have to bring it up later and continue to bask in the given moment he was sharing with her.

Gina then took her chance to look right at Percy, and as usual, she found herself feeling enticed by how he looked. His smart little green wheels, his rotund, round boiler with red stripes, and his cheerful, childlike face and smile were all very adorable for her to look at, and truly handsome too. Although Emily found Percy to be adorable and handsome as a son figure, Gina saw even more in Percy as the engine she loved beyond all else. Gina absolutely loved how everything about Percy fit together perfectly, from his cute appearance, to his cheerful personality to his truly humble and mature sense of devotion and respect he had for her, Gina simply couldn't be happier to be right here with her Perfect Percy. But then, as if right out of nowhere, Gina suddenly felt a little tweak in her mind about Percy. She too began to feel a certain image of him just start to creep into her mind.

But as with Percy, Gina's thought was stopped when Percy looked back at her and saw her deep expression.

"Oh! G-Gina," he blushed bashfully. "Do...do you like what you see with me...do you think I'm cute and handsome?"

Gina still felt that little image in her mind, but she fought it off enough to respond to Percy's question.

"Hm-hm! Well, Percy. As you allowed me to look at you...si. You are indeed cute and handsome...and such a dear, perfect engine for me."

"I know I am," Percy whispered wholesomely. "And you're perfect for me too, Gina."

"Grazie, Percy," Gina smiled.

Then she and Percy looked out to the sea again for a fair while more...until they heard a distant whistle. Percy and Gina recognized that it was Thomas' whistle and wondered if he'd run into them. They decided not to say anything and keep on with their little moment together at the quay.

Thomas came by with his goods train, right on time to make his delivery. But as he passed the line that led to the quayside, he suddenly wondered a little to himself. Given that Percy and Gina were surely done the mail run, he wondered if they would be here...and if he'd be able to see what he wished upon Gina back in Italy. He made his delivery, then made his way back to that same line. He slowly worked his way down the line, until came around the curve...and there they were for him to see.

Thomas didn't make a single sound or move as his eyes beheld what was right there in front of him. Percy and Gina were looking out together at the seaside...exactly as Thomas had wished to see back when he was in Italy. He froze where he was and briefly thought back to that most dramatic day of getting lost in the Mine, finding Lorenzo and Beppe, then feeling conflicted over all the disbelief Gina had given him about that legend, only for her to confess how badly she had messed up not to tell him about her dream with Percy. Then he remembered how she didn't expect him to forgive her, but if he did, he could find her at the Seaside Station crying and lamenting over Percy...and that is when he remembered the very words he had spoken to her that night.

"Gina, wait. That Seaside Station's a little too far for me when I'm this tired. I'd rather see you looking at another seaside...with Percy, back on Sodor. I promised him I would find a way to get you back to Sodor, and by Sodor, I'm keeping that promise ironclad and unbreakable."

Thomas fell out of that line of thought and slowly made his way beside Percy and Gina, who were still looking out to the sea together. Seeing their calm, content faces made him feel very proud of them both. But then, about ten minutes later, Percy and Gina heard something else.

"Hello, Percy and Gina," Thomas said gently.

Percy and Gina looked to each other, then to Thomas.

"Oh! Hello, Thomas," said Percy. "You came with your goods train, I trust?"

"I did," said Thomas. "But I also thought that you two would be here. So I thought I'd come by and see how you're both doing."

"Well, we're both doing very nicely, Thomas," said Gina. "But why are you here?"

"As I came in with my load, I couldn't help but remember," said Thomas. "I know you have to leave tomorrow, Gina. And I know you and Percy wish to spend all the time you can together, but I just want to tell you something right now. It seems to me that my little wish for you has come true...although it already did when you first came here. I just wasn't here to see it the first time."

"What wish was that, Thomas?" Gina asked.

"Remember when you felt so terrible after you refused to believe me about Lorenzo and Beppe?" said Thomas.

Gina immediately remembered that very night and nodded gravely.

"And how you didn't expect me to forgive you?" said Thomas.

"Si, Thomas...I...I do," said Gina. "And I said if you did find fit to forgive me, you could find me at the Seaside Station, crying and lamenting over Percy."

"Exactly, Gina. Exactly," said Thomas. "Well...as I stand here now, it seems that my wish for you has come true. I told you that I'd rather see you looking out to another seaside with Percy, right here on Sodor...and now it seems that my little wish to see just that has come true. I know you and Percy visited this very spot once before, but...well, I just want you both to know how much it means to me to see that my wish has been fulfilled with my own eyes."

Gina's eyes glimmered in the sunlight as her lips curled into a big smile.

"Thomas...I don't know what to say to all of this...I can never thank you enough for being able to bring me back for this visit...and for Percy."

"You're infinitely welcome, Gina," Thomas smiled. "Now, I think I'll leave you two to the rest of your time, however you may spend it."

And Thomas rolled away from the quay, then out of Arlesburgh to return to the Main Line. Percy and Gina then looked to each other again. They had spent a fair while here now, and they both felt as though they wanted to do something else. They also began thinking again to what Emily said about doing something truly special and something they had never done before. Perhaps they'd figure out a little more on what to do during their next visit. Gina couldn't help but feel little rushes of excitement as she could only wonder what she and Percy would do next.

"Well, Percy...have you enjoyed our visit here again?" she asked.

"I have, Gina," said Percy. "But I think we should move onto my next little plan. Shall we visit the Love Tree again...then we can do something truly passionate?"

"Passionate, Percy?" Gina blushed. "Do...are you thinking of anything particular yet?"

"I...I am, Gina...but...I need a little more time to think about it," said Percy. "But I promise you, we'll both come up with something to make your visit infinitely special and truly worth every moment we have together."

"Oh, Percy. I know you will," Gina chortled. "I know it with all my heart. Lead the way."

So Percy and Gina whistled to each other and made their way to the Arlesburgh turntable, where Gina turned around so as to buffer up to Percy. Then as they huffed along the line toward Maithwaite Forest, they kept exchanging little glimpses to each other's faces, trying not to blush to each other. They both began to feel their minds wander again as they kept thinking about what they had not done yet, and how Emily suggested they should do such things. They had shared nights of deep passion for each other before with deep kisses, nibbles and nuzzles, but they both knew there were a select few things they still had not done together. Perhaps they would do more than just one special thing together, and it made them both increasingly excited for the right time to come.

Eventually, they made their way to Maithwaite Forest, and sure enough, they came along that curve in the line, and right around the corner, there it was again. The Sodor Love Tree that Thomas and Emily had found only a few days earlier, which the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt had known themselves even longer ago. Percy and Gina felt their hearts swell as they took in how magnificent this tree looked. It still had its huge, wide branches spreading its purely green leaves out in all directions, with little creases of the afternoon sun glimmering through the crevices of the leaves. It was truly amazing to see again after all seven engine couples had shared an evening here with the Hatts and Riders alike.

Percy and Gina then spent a long while in silence, gazing at the tree and soon thinking even more about what to do next. Arlesburgh and this very tree were what Percy suggested, but now Gina began to wonder if it would be her turn to suggest something. Something truly passionate and intimate for her and Percy. It was approaching early evening now, and she once again began to feel flickers of excitement as she looked to Percy and decided to maintain the peaceful mood at first.

"It's truly amazing, isn't it, Percy?" she said purely.

"Hmm?" Oh, yes, Gina," Percy smiled. "It's truly fantastic."

"Thomas and Emily have indeed found a spectacular tree, Percy," said Gina. "And I'm truly happy to see it once more before I have to leave."

"I still can't believe it myself, Gina," Percy peeped. "I've passed through Maithwaite Station many times before, even when it was decorated and rewarded for 'Best Dressed Station,' for a Flower Festival many years ago, where I made friends with a ram who was always hungry, even eating the Fat Controller's hat...but I never knew this most exceptional tree was right here for all of us to see!"

"Bellissima. There are no other words of mine that can describe the Love Tree," Gina gleamed.

"I can only imagine how the tree would look after a rainy day," said Percy. "Sparkling and shining with dew and raindrops in the sunlight...it would look truly beautiful. A washdown all of its own, as it were."

"Mamma Mia, Percy...I can only imagine what that would look like," Gina smiled.

But then in that moment, Gina suddenly felt a certain awakening in her boiler. What Percy had just said about sparking, shining and wash-downs made her remember that very image she just began to have of Percy back at Arlesburgh. She had been holding back for a while, but now that she and Percy had covered what he had suggested for the day, she suddenly thought that her chance was now approaching. It was in that moment that Gina suddenly realized one little detail about herself and Percy that had not yet been experienced between them. She suddenly knew exactly what she wanted to suggest to Percy, and see what he would make of it.

Percy gazed at the tree for another few moments, until he heard Gina give a deep, smooth sigh. He suddenly felt a little strange in his boiler. He didn't know why at first, but when he looked to Gina and saw her deep, narrow expression, he suddenly began to feel the mood changing considerably. Their day had been mostly calm and carefree, but now that mindset was being replaced quickly by a new...and passionate sensation.

"G...Gina..." Percy asked quietly. "Wh...what are you doing?"

Gina narrowed her eyes even more, then slowly puckered her lips and pressed them strongly to Percy's cheek, smooching nosily while Percy groaned loudly with surprise and passion. Then as Gina let go with a pop of her lips, Percy shuddered all over and blushed profusely.

"Gina...what on Sodor are you doing?" Percy asked.

"Percy...Percy, my precious," Gina purred seductively. "We have had a lovely day so far, just you and I. We've seen Arlesburgh again, and we've seen the Love Tree again. But now...what you said just now...you just spoke the ingredients I've been keeping in my smokebox. You've given me the idea we've been looking for. It is time, my love."

"What idea, Gina?" Percy asked. "And time for what?"

"Don't you remember what Emily told us?" Gina chortled. "About doing something truly special? Something we've never done before?"

"Y...yes," said Percy.

"Well, Percy...I think the time has come...I and I have a little confession to make," said Gina.

"Confession? What would that be, Gina?" Percy asked.

"Well...when we were idling by the quayside together...and you let me look at your cute, handsome form, I was adoring every little feature you carry, Percy. But then...just as you started to look at me...I felt a new image tweak in my mind. One that I have never considered of you before."

Percy felt his heart jump and pound as he too thought back to that moment, regarding his own thoughts.

"And...what image of me came to your mind, Gina?" he asked.

Gina buffered even closer, touching her nose to Percy's, then her cheeks touched his too, making him feel her warm, smooth skin.

"Just as you looked at me, Percy...I had begun to think of you...covered in white bubbles, enjoying a lovely, warm bath at the washdown, smiling from buffer to buffer. And...I just realized now that we've never shared a washdown together before...would you...well...?"

Percy slowly gasped and began to tremble as he felt his cheeks blush very red and very warm. He now knew he'd have to come forth with what he had been thinking himself back at Arlesburgh.

"Gina...I...I have to confess something too," he peeped nervously. "While you and I were at Arlesburgh...and I was admiring how you looked, I also felt a new image creep into my mind...it was just like you said of me just now. I...I imagined you covered in white bubbles and enjoying a lovely bath too, smiling all over and looking so very happy...but...I really hope you aren't ashamed of me thinking such thoughts. I didn't want you to think of me as having...naughty daydreams."

Gina slowly gasped herself and blushed almost purple as Percy felt her axles shaking. Then she saw Percy squeeze his eyes tightly shut for a few moments. But when he felt Gina kiss his cheek again, he looked into her eyes as she pressed her lips to his in another, bigger kiss for almost three minutes until they let go again. Gina panted for a few moments, then spoke very purely.

"Percy...my Precious Perfect Percy...you are NOT a naughty engine to envision such things about me. If anything, I find that to be very, very sweet of you. And it's most fitting, given the circumstances of tomorrow. As we'll be separated across the ocean again tomorrow, Emily did say we should do something special together while we still can. And now that evening is arriving, I think we must do what we please. So, Percy...will you share a bath with your Italian Queen?"

Percy felt his wheels begin to wobble and his axles shook too as he began to shudder and breathe quickly.

"Oh...oh, Gina..." he shuddered. "I...I must confess...I almost thought of proposing this to you. I just didn't know how to express it at the right time. But now that you've brought it up...my answer is yes, Gina."

"Oh, grazie, my love," Gina smiled dearly. "And don't be nervous, Percy. It's our first washdown together, and we'll make it truly lovely. And perhaps passionate too, unlike all the other times you've had a wash?"

"Passionate?" Percy asked. "And what do you mean by all my other washes?"

Gina buffered up to Percy and looked deeply into his eyes. "I must ask you, Percy...have you shared a wash with any other engines before?"

"Oh. Well, of course," said Percy. "I've waited in line to be washed with the other engines before. Thomas and I were washed together for the Clean Engine Inspection...and I've bathed with Emily twice before. Once when she told me about a mother's intuition, then the day after she and David came home with Beatrice, we shared a bath together again. But only because we love the quiet times we share during those times. But you and I...I do not believe we have shared a time like that. Ever. I think sharing a bath with you is a definite yes before you have to leave."

"Well, if that's true, then I think it would be very wrong to miss such a heartfelt...and intimate opportunity, Percy," Gina smiled narrowly.

"Also, I...I feel a little nervous about what we may do there," said Percy. "I love you, Gina. And I would love to share true passion and intimacy with you before you leave tomorrow. But I...I don't want..."

"Percy...Percy, my love," Gina soothed softly. "I'm sure I know what you're thinking. But I promise you, I will NOT overpower you or take too much control. I just want us both to have a truly unforgettable time tonight, both with a lovely washdown...and what may follow next. If we are to take any further steps together, I will let you decide. Okay?"

This gave Percy such a glowing sensation of trust and golden love he had for Gina, just like all the other engine couples did. He was now ready.

"Grazie, Gina. Thank you and grazie. I...I must admit one more thing. For all the days that have gone by since the start of your visit...I've been feeling a certain temptation just sitting in the back of my boiler. Temptations that you always bring on when I see how beautiful you are. I love you so much, Gina. And for that...I'd love to share a bath with you beyond all else right now...a bath of temptation...just for you and I."

To this, Gina blushed and giggled dearly as planted such a big kiss on Percy's cheek, then gave a happy whistle and a seductive purr.

"Well, Percy. Follow me to the nearest washdown...for a bath of temptation," she purred.

And Percy gave a peep on his whistle and they set off down the line together with their boilers bubbling and boiling away like they couldn't recall feeling before. At last, the time had come for both engines. And what had begun as a mere line of thoughts had flourished and bloomed into a most exciting and urging proposition that was desperate to be accomplished and made to come true.

Percy and Gina soon made their way back to the Main Line, still racing buffer to buffer along the line. They were not far now. In just a short period of time, they would be literally bathing each other in a shower of intimacy, passion and love they had not shared before on any previous visit Gina had made to Sodor, and under the circumstances Percy had to face, there couldn't be a more perfect time.

Then suddenly, as Percy and Gina glided along the line, they could hear the sound of an engine singing. It sounded very much like Emily. Gina and Percy perked a smile to each other, then sped up and followed the sound becoming closer and louder. Then about a minute later, Percy and Gina looked ahead once more, then both stopped with a jumping, truly surprised heart. There was Emily, enjoying a lovely bubble bath of her own, covered in white, fluffy bubbles and singing away while she was hosed and scrubbed.

"La-la-la-la, la-la. La-la, la-la-la-la. De-dee-de-de, de-de. La-la-la, la-la..." Emily sang as her bath continued.

Percy and Gina stood there for a moment, gazing at Emily's bubbly form. Percy immediately remembered the two baths he and Emily had shared together gently and lovingly as mother and son, and it immediately made him wonder just what Gina would look like at their washdown. Gina took a good look at Emily as she sang and hummed happily to herself, and she indeed looked lovely. It made Gina wonder even more just what she and Percy would be doing in just a few short minutes now.

"Ciao, Emily," Gina managed to speak up.

Emily stopped singing and looked up. She saw the two small green engines looking right at her.

"Oh!" she chirped and giggled. "H-hello, Gina! Hello, Percy! How have you two been all day? Have you decided what you're going to do?"

"Oh, Emily...we've had a lovely time today," said Percy. "We made good time with the mail run, and we've been to Arlesburgh and the Love Tree again, but now...we're in need of a little intimacy."

"Intimacy?" Emily giggled.

"Gina and I are sharing our own first washdown together, Emily," said Percy. "And we're going to spend it perfectly. Just her and I."

"That's right, Emily," Gina chortled. "We can't wait...and look at you! You look truly lovely covered in those bubbles!"

"She's right, Emily. Like I said when you came back with David and Beatrice...you're so beautiful," Percy peeped.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho! Thank you, Gina and Percy!" Emily giggled. "I know how much Thomas loves times like this, although he isn't here with me tonight. Perhaps some other evening, he and I will do something truly lovely like this. But for now...both of you have a most lovely time together."

"Grazie, Emily, my emerald friend," Gina remarked. "Truly Bellissima!"

"You're truly welcome. Now off you go, you two," said Emily. "And enjoy yourselves with every hour you can tonight."

Gina gave a whistle of delight and set off with Percy, while Emily looked on and smiled, sensing just what would befall her Italian comrade and her adorable son figure in just a little more given time. She knew for sure that Percy would have a truly unforgettable night. The night that had been waiting to befall him for an unknown period of time now.

Gina giggled with glee as she and Percy kept huffing right on their way, right until they found another washdown. They slowed down and huffed right toward it as the workmen arrived with their brushes, buckets and cleaning rags. By this time, Percy began to feel his heart jump in a way he couldn't recall before. He had been washed with Thomas and other engines before, and he found his baths with Emily to be gentle and heartfelt together, but never had he and Gina shared a bath together. He knew beyond any doubt this would be more than just a simple quiet time with Gina.

"Well...here we are, Gina," he peeped. "We're just about ready. this is truly special beyond any doubt."

"I knew you'd love such an idea, my love," Gina whispered as she gave him a pecking kiss on the tip of his nose.

Then Percy gave Gina a solid, mature look as he buffered up and kissed her nose. Then he spoke truthfully and purely.

"I...I just want you to know, Gina," said Percy. "I don't have any wrong thoughts about how this may turn out. Thomas and Emily may think the way they do whenever they share a bath together...but between you and I, I want you to know that I love your spirit and good will just as much as I may love to see how you look...covered in white bubbles, just as I may look for you to see. I love you so much, Gina."

Gina blushed a deep red and kissed Percy's nose. Then she looked and saw the workmen just about ready to get to it. They held onto their hoses, there were assorted soaps all arranged on the ground, and as they began to soak their brushes and rags in the water and soap, Percy and Gina knew their bath of temptation was ready to be put into place. Gina looked back to her favourite engine there would ever be and gave a single wink.

Percy gave a little wink and a smile as he stared into Gina's eyes. Then she whispered it.

"Bath time, Percy."

And with that, the workmen got straight to work. Slowly, but surely, Percy and Gina were covered in water and soapy bubbles. For a few moments, Percy thought back to all the times he enjoyed a washdown, be it by himself, with Thomas or in a lineup with other engines. He had always considered washdowns to be another part of engine life, until Emily came to Sodor and formed a motherly bond with him, which eventually led to them sharing two washdowns together in a gentle, loving manner. That made Percy view washdowns with a stronger sense of heartfelt love for his mother figure. But now, here he was with his Italian Queen of Shunting with their first bath together.

But then he looked again, and for the first time, he could see just what Gina looked like, covered all over in white bubbles, and the smile she was bearing now was so amazing! Percy had never seen her like this in his life for all the years they knew each other.

"Ooh...that's Bellissima...ahh..." Gina sighed happily as she felt all the bubbles make her feel soft and fluffy everywhere.

"Oh...oh, Gina..." Percy whispered to lowly to be heard. "You...you're so lovely...oh, Gina..."

And Percy began to look very deeply at Gina and how she looked now. Any images he had before of something like this now fell utterly short of reality. There was something so very attractive about Gina covered in white bubbles and smiling from buffer to buffer. Percy always thought of Emily covered in bubbles as being something cute and lovely, but with Gina, Percy indeed felt a strong sense of temptation. But all the same, he didn't want to say or do anything too awkward for Gina or the workmen for that matter. He just continued to gaze and gaze at every little feature he could set eyes upon.

Gina took another look and saw just how Percy looked with bubbles all over him. Compared to her little images before, what she saw now was much more than what she could have imagined. Percy certainly looked cute and cheerful to be cleaned again, but his expression was what grabbed her attention the most. She could see just how deeply and enticingly Percy was staring at her as his eyes slowly trailed up, down, left and right to wherever his eyes could gaze upon her features. Compared to how she and Percy eyed each other before, this was very different. Never had they shared a bath together and stared at each other like this, obviously thinking deeper, more unusual thoughts than they had thought before for each other. But as Gina saw Percy staring deeper and deeper to her appearance, she suddenly felt an idea buzz in her funnel. She could tell Percy was feeling tempted underneath, and as she wanted tonight to truly matter for herself and for Percy, she suddenly thought of a slightly unusual, but very effective way to drive his temptations further, then see if he could tempt her too.

Then the workmen began scrubbing Gina's fine red wheels. She felt the brushes work away at her wheels and giggled a little. But when she saw Percy turn his gaze downward and lean a little to the side to try and see more of it, that was all she needed. Percy had never stared at her wheels at a time like this, but that is exactly what Gina needed to fuel his temptations, rather like how Emily did the same with Thomas after he and Rosie created the game of Splish-Splash-Splish. And in that moment, it happened. The temptations were now in action.

"Ohh...ooh...Mmm..." Gina began to coo and swoon. "Ooh...do you like my fine red wheels, Percy? Do you? Mmm..."

Percy had still been lost in his gaze to Gina's wheels, but the instant he heard just what was coming from Gina and exactly how it sounded, his eyes jolted upward and she saw that she had narrowed her eyes again. For the first time in his mostly innocent and humble life, Percy felt a brand-new sensation in him that made him shudder all over. He felt as though her were nearly shivering with overwhelming shock, surprise, and above all, temptation. Percy could not recall any previous time when he felt jitters like this. Not even when she shared a bath with Emily did he feel as wobbly and shivery as this. But it only became even more powerful as Gina kept swooning, purring and tempting him even further.

"Si...si, Percy...let your eyes gaze on my fine red wheels. Bellissima, aren't they?" she purred. "Such a gentleman you are to take in how lovely your queen looks. Truly a humble gentleman...Si...perhaps you'd like to tempt your queen too? Ohh, your boiler looks SO cute with all those bubbles perched all over you, my love...Si, si..."

Percy began to blush and tremble all over as he tried hard not to pant and gasp. He didn't know what on Earth to say or even think. He wondered maybe if this was how Thomas felt when Emily showed off her soapy, bubbly appearance whenever they shared a bath together, but Percy wasn't Thomas. While he could be passionate and pure with Gina, he didn't have the same mindset that Thomas had when it came to sheer attraction and temptation for another engine. Rather like with Thomas and Emily, the workmen didn't know what on Earth to say or do either, so they thought it best not to even question the matter as they carried on in awkward silence...but the engines' silence was continuously broken.

"Oh, Per-cy," Gina sang softly, but seductively. "Come to your Bellissima queen. Feed her temptations for her little prince!"

Percy couldn't help but feel very vulnerable now. He knew that Gina wouldn't take control of the engine she loved beyond all else, but something really made Percy feel like panicking. Much like Thomas, Percy began to wonder if he was becoming too mesmerized by Gina's features alone and not mesmerized enough by her spirit and good will. Just like Thomas, he spoke up, trying not to be taken too further in by Gina's alluring actions. But unlike Thomas, he wasn't ashamed or embarrassed. Rather, he was calm, humble and truthful.

"P-Please, Gina," he said surely, making her stop and look at him. "I...I am really enjoying this time with you...and yes, I think you are truly lovely. Your wheels are very lovely indeed. But as I told you before...I view this bath of temptation with you in a very professional way. I admit I have my temptations for you, but if I may...I'd like to settle them a little my way. Please?"

Gina's seductive side fell away completely as she couldn't get over just how mature and humble Percy really was. This made her very proud of him, but she still wondered if she could tempt him a little. She leaned in closer to Percy, touching her nose to his. Percy looked up and felt his anxiousness from before fade away very fast, replaced with relaxation and a great sense of safety and security as Gina spoke again.

"Shh...shhh..." Gina whispered. "You're such a mature and pure engine, Percy. And don't be scared. I told you I wouldn't take too much control over you. I was trying to be attractive for you, okay? And...since you and I are in true, absolute love...I was trying to be...s...sexy for you."

As soon as Percy heard the last word that escaped Gina's mouth, his heart nearly jumped right out of his boiler. An engine as sweet and innocent as him, and he heard that very word for himself, from the very engine he loved so much, and had done so much for him over the past two weeks, when he needed her beyond all else. Something in his boiler told him this was not at all a normal circumstance, even when it came to spending it with Gina. But at the same time, Percy felt like something new awoke within him. He suddenly didn't feel so anxious and sensitive underneath when it came to moments like this. He suddenly formed a very slight coy smile as he gave Gina a tiny narrow look. The new sensation he felt was for her, and her only.

"Y...yes, Gina...you...you are...s-s...sexy, my Italian Queen," he said gently, but surely. "But...that's just what makes me love you so much, Gina."

"Oh, Percy...I know," Gina cooed happily. "So...will you feed my temptations? Will you satisfy them all?"

"As I said on our first night in Knapford Sheds, Gina," said Percy. "It's you and me. You and me for the rest of tonight."

"I'll take whatever time you give me, my love," Gina cooed. "Kiss me, Percy...kiss me, my precious, Perfect Percy."

And so Percy obliged dearly and made his own move to satisfy Gina's temptations. He leaned in closer and kissed her nice and slowly along her cheek, earning a chirp and chortle of joy from Gina as she began to shake a little. Somehow, Percy's kisses felt so pure and wholesome...and tempting, just like she had been hoping they would be. Percy began giggling himself as he felt Gina's lovely, smooth skin on his lips wherever he kissed her, right until he stopped in the middle and kissed her several times right on her lips.

"Oh-oh-oh!" Gina gasped. "P-Percy! Oh...Percy, you're such a sweetie!"

"Oh, Gina, you're such a wonder covered in all those bubbles!" Percy chortled. "It only makes me love you more and more!"

"Ooh...does it?" Gina cooed. "Well...stay still, Percy, and Gina will give you a Bellissima surprise."

Percy swallowed hard from the anticipation as Gina batted her eyelashes at him. Then, almost completely unexpected to Percy, Gina gave him a big smile, pressed her face to his and started kissing him wildly all across his face, leaving three or four kisses on his face per second. Percy's heart jumped and flipped as his mind couldn't keep up with Gina's fast, strong kisses.

"Ah...ah! G-Gina! Gina!"

Percy panted hard as he felt every instant of every kiss Gina left on his cheek, followed by several tickly nibbles, making Percy squeal again, while Gina blushed deeply to herself.

Then, in that moment, Percy and Gina heard another gasp right by them. Gina continued to kiss Percy wildly across his cheeks, but she managed to look up with Percy and see just who had gasped. There was Emily, staring with boggling eyes and a huge smile at what Percy and Gina were doing right there. Then Emily blinked and spoke with glowing admiration as she saw Gina showering Percy's face with endless kisses all over his face.

"Gina? Are you giving Percy...a bath of temptation?" she asked eagerly.

Gina looked to Emily as Percy's face was now covered in little lip marks.

"Mm-hm-hm-hm-hm! It's life, Emily. E la vita," Gina giggled proudly.

Then she pressed her lips to Percy's lips for an even stronger kiss, which made Percy tense up all over and let off a hefty hiss of steam. Emily giggled delightfully at what she had seen and whistled on her way home, feeling very happy for what Percy had been blessed with tonight.

"This is our love, Percy! And in Italian...Questo e amore!" Gina squealed with joy.

"Oh! G-Gina! Indeed! Questo e amore! I LOVE you!" Percy whistled back.

Then he pressed his lips to Gina's for another stronger kiss...while the workmen began hosing both engines off of all those bubbles. Percy ad Gina's kiss soon released a minute or two later as they saw what was going on. Soon, the hosing and scrubbing stopped. Percy and Gina were both gleaming green again and they were soon dried off and ready to go home. This had been a most eventful washdown for them both. Especially for Percy, who had never imagined he would feel such temptations as he did.

"That...that was amazing, Gina," Percy whispered. "NEVER have I experienced a washdown such as this...and to do it with you! I...I am truly happy to have spent it all with you, my Italian Queen! Thank you...thank you!"

Gina panted deeply from all they had done so far, but she also knew there was plenty more to do tonight. Then all their temptations would be settled and satisfied in the best ways imaginable. By now, he and Gina felt like they had accomplished a great deal that they could now feel settled over before she had to leave. But as much as Percy and Gina had just done together, after such a temptation-driven, passionate and intimate washdown together, there was just one more thing left to do before the night was out.

"Ahh, you're forever welcome, Percy," said Gina. "And you did very lovely too. Never have I had such a washdown as that in all my life, just as you've never down before...but you know...it's not over yet. Not in the least."

Percy gasped and began to shake a little, wondering just what could come next.

"W...what do you mean, Gina? Are...are we going to...?"

Gina purred smoothly and kissed Percy's chin steadily and purely. Percy looked and could see a new look right in the centre of Gina's eyes. A little glimmer of dancing that he couldn't recall seeing before. It made him feel deep, stirring ripples in his boiler. This was going to be a most memorable night for the rest of his life, and while he didn't know exactly how, he knew it would be something truly amazing and extraordinary.

"We've built up all our temptations, Percy,' Gina whispered purely. "But now...to satisfy and settle them together...in the Love Shed."

Percy's heart almost burst to these words. He was very sure now that a few little things would happen that he had not yet done with Gina, not even on her previous visits. He felt a sense of anxiousness again, but also a sense of bravery and trust to do it with his Italian Queen. If there was any time to push new boundaries together, it was now.

"Oh, Gina...my true, perfect Gina..." Percy whispered surely. "I...I don't know what else to say but...take me with you! Ple-e-e-ease?"

Gina leaned in and kissed Percy's bottom lip, tugging it inward just a little bit and making Percy jump and shudder with trembling anticipation.

"Come with me, Percy...satisfy me. Tempt me...and I'll tempt and satisfy you all you wish...okay?"

So Percy and Gina set off with all haste away from the washdown. By now, the sun had set and the sky was once again filling with stars as darkness began to settle over the island. Percy felt his sensations and anticipation growing more and more, almost making him faint every few minutes, but Gina's smiles and little blowing kisses kept him present and in the moment as time seemed to race very fast and yet slow down to a near standstill at the same time.

At last, they came to Knapford Sheds as night had just fallen completely. There were no other engines in sight. Perfect for what Percy and Gina had in mind...and for what would soon await Percy for the first time in his most impressive life on Sodor. They rolled right inside the sheds as the doors shut behind them. Then with a deep breath in, then a sigh of bliss, Percy and Gina let off a gentle hiss of steam together. They were now ready for the most important gift they could ever hope for throughout the entire visit. The moment of lust they had been waiting three entire years for.

Gina took a long look at Percy, who looked right back at her, both of them waiting to say something...until Gina spoke and Percy listened.

"Percy...my precious perfect Percy," Gina whispered purely. "We're here at last. Now...I have a few important questions for you before we finish off the night, settling all our temptations. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. For you, Gina," Percy said surely.

Gina nodded, then spoke. "How long has it been since the last time I visited?"

Percy took another deep breath and answered. "Three years, Gina...but from tomorrow onward, I have no way of knowing when you come back next."

"Neither do I, Percy," said Gina. "But we'll let that run its course however it will. Anyway...don't you think three years is too long to be so far away from each other...when we could be exchanging so very many gifts of love which only we can give?"

"I...yes. Beyond any inkling of doubt, Gina," Percy whispered. "I fully agree that we have so many gifts we have yet to settle, which probably won't be settled even tonight."

"Maybe, maybe not, Percy. But we'll see. As we mentioned before, I'll mention it once more. What did Emily suggest that we do today?"

"She...she suggested that we do something truly special," said Percy. "And probably something we've never done before...like our bath of temptation."

"Exactly, my love," said Gina. "Our bath tonight was truly a wonder to remember. But perhaps Emily meant we could do more than just one special thing. Given everything that has befallen you over the past month, and of course, everything that has befallen me in Italy and here in that period of time...I think Emily is right beyond even her own words. You and I should do a few more things we've never done before."

"Like what, Gina?" Percy asked.

"Well...as we proceed tonight...I'll ask you if you want to do them," said Gina. "Whatever you decide, I will oblige...do you trust me?"

Percy's buffers tingled with fervor. "I...I trust you beyond all else in this world, Gina. I love you...and I'm ready. For you."

That was all Gina needed to hear as she took a little breath and began to softly let off steam, letting it drift gently through the sheds and across Percy's face. Percy whimpered lightly and felt his heart ripple gently as Gina buffered closer and spoke again.

"Then let us begin, Percy. Make love to me, by Italy!" Gina whispered excitedly.

Percy took one more deep breath, then swallowed hard. For himself, and for Gina. He then leaned in toward her and started kissing her cheek very gently, holding the same spot on her cheek for a few moments and letting her melt into every moment that passed.

"Oh...Ohh...Percy..." Gina whispered. "Bellissima...such Bellissima lips..."

Percy shuddered lightly as he began to kiss Gina's cheek up, down and along her skin wherever he could, not going too fast or too strongly for her. He wanted everything to build up gently and steadily, until all would be perfect, all while Gina shut her eyes and kept uttering little whispers of growing lust.

"P-Percy...oh, oh, my precious Percy..." she whispered.

Percy kept going as he softly let go of her left cheek, then slowly turned to her right cheek and started kissing her there too, only making her sigh and coo even more into every kiss and nurture he gave her, until about five minutes later, he stopped for a moment. She looked up and saw him smiling purely at her. Then he leaned back in and began to tickle her cheek, nibbling it so lightly and lovingly.

"Tickle-tickle-tickle," Percy chortled cutely as his lips gently pinched Gina's cheek.

"Oh-oh-oh! Ahh! P-Percy!" Gina shuddered and cooed. "Mamma Mia! That t-t-tickles, Percy! Ooh! Goodness!"

Percy giggled against her cheek as he nibbled her other cheek just as lightly, earning even more adorable chortles and giggles through Gina's sharp, but perfect voice. Then about another minute later, Percy stopped and let her catch her breath. A few moments later, she looked into his eyes again.

"A...are you happy, Gina?" Percy asked gently. "Am...am I settling your temptations?"

"Oh...oh, Percy. You are. Nice and gently too," Gina gleamed as she nibbled his cheek right back. "But now...I'd like to see...if you'd like to try something new."

Percy felt his heart jump. They were going to take the next step. "What, Gina...what is it?"

"Well...something you've already done with Emily...only twice in your life, as you have agreed with her," Gina whispered.

"Do...do you mean...?" Percy began to ask. "Can...can I...?"

Gina buffered up to Percy with purely glimmering eyes. "Do you remember how you told us that you and Emily...sucked each other's cheeks?"

Percy slowly gasped as his heart pounded harder. Gina slowly buffered even closer until her cheeks were only a few inches away from Percy's.

"Suck them, Percy," she whispered. "Suck my cheeks. They're for you, and you alone, my love."

Percy could not believe what he had heard. He had only done this twice before with Emily, and as of the second time, they had definitively agreed never to do so again, while their motherly relationship would remain otherwise professional. But this was different. Gina was Percy's figure of love. As such, he was free to do with her whatever they pleased. He stared at her adorable, smooth cheeks for a few moments...until his eyes lit up very happily.

"Oh, my Italian Queen Gina!" he chimed as he pressed his cheeks right to hers. "Thank you! Thank you!"

"You're infinitely welcome, my precious," Gina chortled as she nuzzled his cheeks too. "Now...take me in, Percy. Settle my temptations further..."

So Percy feebly reached his lips out and touched them to Gina's cheeks, hearing her breathe in sharply, then sigh shakily as her warm breath passed over Percy's cheeks. Percy was almost afraid to follow through with what he was doing, but he knew just as well as Gina that it was only from the buildup. For the first time with his Italian Queen, Percy began to tug on Gina's cheek, sucking it gently at first, then just a little stronger, but still gently just the same. So many sensations rushed through Percy's boiler as he felt Gina's soft, gentle and perfect skin being tugged a little by his lips. It felt quite like Emily's creamy skin, but somehow, Gina's skin was perfect beyond any sense of count compared to Emily. As much as Percy loved her as a mother figure, Gina was the love of his life, and he would not waste any time now.

"Ooh...ooh, Percy...Percy..." Gina began to whisper hastily as Percy sucked and tugged on her cheek.

Percy could tell that something was building up in Gina. Just like when he kissed Emily's lips for the one and only time in his life, making her let off steam and hug him, he was sure that something similar would be brought forth from Gina. He let go of her left cheek, then went right for her other cheek, sucking and tugging it just as gently and steadily, which made Gina begin to pant and gasp.

"P...Percy...I...I feel my steam..." Gina whimpered. "I...I'm ready to hug you!"

Percy gasped and paused for a moment. "Oh, Gina...you're so very sweet to me...I love you so much...please hug your perfect Percy..."

And Percy sucked her cheek just a little more, nibbling it a little too. That was enough for Gina and what she wanted to do. Even as she felt her steam release, she leaned in and nibbled Percy's cheeks a little too.

"M-Mamma Mia, Percy!" she gasped. "Here comes my steamy hug! Here, Percy! I...I love you!"

And Gina took a deep, shaky sigh as she let off steam and let it settle all around Percy, blanketing him in Gina's steamy embrace. Just like Emily's motherly hugs, Percy felt a great wave of warmth seep right into his boiler as he gazed at Gina's gleaming, dreamy eyes.

"This is truly amazing, Gina..." Percy swooned blissfully. "I'm so very happy to be right here with you. More than anyone else...you're what matters to me beyond all else..."

"Grazie, Percy. I love you so much," Gina whispered.

And so Gina continued to let off steam for a while, hugging Percy for a few minutes more, until her steam faded away. With that, they gazed into each other's eyes for a little while more. Until Gina's eyes glimmered and shimmered with a sense of jumpy anticipation. She began to feel the want to do something truly new and something she had never done in her life. Before she'd leave, she felt the wish to try something she never imagined would come into her life and Percy's...until now.

Percy saw the glimmer in her eyes and began to feel his heart race with a sense of fear, but also excitement as he trusted Gina beyond all else. He didn't know what was about to happen, but he gathered the courage and asked just what she could be thinking.

"Gina...what is it?" he asked. "Are...are you thinking?"

Gina looked up and blinked once. "Yes...Yes, Percy. I am thinking. Given everything you had to face just over a month ago, and given how far you've come with David, Beatrice and Emily alike...I think it's time we try something truly new...and something I never imagined would come across either of us...at least not under the given circumstances that befell you, which none of us could have seen coming."

"W...what's that, Gina?" Percy asked.

"I...I've heard of this term before, Percy," said Gina. "A very different...and very close, intimate way of kissing."

"Yes, Gina?" Percy asked.

Gina gazed as deeply as she could into Percy's eyes. She swallowed very hard and came out with it...for the first time in her life, and Percy's.

"F...French kissing," Gina said very heavily and solidly. "It's...it's when two loved ones kiss to the lips so deeply...they...they open their mouths, and explore a little deeper. After all you had to face with that accident and making such far progress in recovering...do...do you think you'd like to see what it's like, and bring your recovery to near golden victory? I promise, Percy...if you don't wish to do it, I understand."

Percy had listened to every single word Gina had just uttered, and he felt as though all time stopped around him. He was very sure that Thomas and Emily did this whenever they shared nights together, and he could only guess how the other engine couples shared their love together, but being the engine that he was, he had to admit that he never expected to be offered anything like this for as long as he lived. For all the times he and Gina had exchanged kisses before, they had done so in a passionate, yet fairly gentle manner.

But with all of that taken to mind, Percy also knew what Gina meant. As he had known ever since it happened, nothing like that traumatic accident at Ffarquhar had veer befallen Percy before, and given the grave circumstances and psychological damage he had been faced with after such a tragedy, he and Emily had come to realize that a few exceptions were indeed required for him to ultimately make his recovery in the end, then that recovery was glorified when Gina returned. Perhaps with her having to leave the next day, and after all she had done with him over these remarkable two weeks...he was ready to take one more step...until their next time together.

At last, Percy took a deep, deep breath and sighed very slowly, while Gina waited and anticipated. She herself felt rather anxious and jumpy over what she had just asked, but she was ready for Perc's answer, whatever it would be.

"Gina...the Italian Queen of Shunting..." Percy spoke with a sense of firmness and solid truth. "My perfect and beautiful Queen from Italy. I love you beyond all else, and I can never thank you enough for all that you have done for me for these two weeks...and given everything you and I have been through, across the ocean and together on Sodor...I would be forever grateful to feel what your French kiss will be like. I love you more than anything in the whole world, Gina...kiss me."

To everything Percy said, Gina's eyes began to shimmer with tears of such love and overwhelming joy. She blinked once and let them trail down her cheeks as she released a few very gentle sobs of absolute frivolity.

"Percy...I...I could almost faint right now to all your words...I...I will never stop loving you...you're my perfect Percy...I love you!"

And with that, she gave a little sniffle as her tears stopped. Then her eyes slowly closed and Percy went very, very still, his heart beating harder than he had ever felt before. Then Gina very softly pressed her lips to Percy's. He waited just a moment more...then Gina touched her tongue to Percy's lips. Percy froze where he was and looked into Gina's eyes. She looked into his eyes and stayed still for a few moments, waiting for Percy to react.

Then with great shock and surprise over his own decision, Percy slowly shut his eyes...and opened his mouth, letting Gina's tongue slowly move inward. Then, in that instant of fate and fortune, Gina's tongue very gently toughed to Percy's tongue, right there in his mouth. A new, sudden rush ran right to Percy's head as he felt himself almost lose his mind. His head felt very light and his vision became a little blurry as he focused on how Gina's tongue worked its very gentle, soft magic. Then Gina began to move her lips in soft rhythm to how Percy's lips moved as they kissed. Percy tried to hold himself together, but his heart was racing so hard, he thought his boiler would burst. He suddenly let go of Gina's lips and let it out.

"Huh! Oh...Fire...and S-S-Smoke! G-G-Gina!" Percy whispered hoarsely as he let go briefly. "I-I've never...never in my...ohh...I love you to my core..."

"Shh. Shhh..." Gina whispered. "As do I, Percy. I love you too...I love you..."

To this, Percy made the next move. He gave Gina such a deep look, then pressed his lips to hers...and slowly opened his mouth, asking Gina for passage. Gina felt her heart jolt, but in the spell of love and euphoria she felt for Percy, she obliged, opening her mouth and feeling his tongue right with hers again. Gina knew just how much ecstasy Percy was losing himself into and very gently trailed her tongue with his, making sure she didn't do anything too strongly. This was also very new to Percy and he never suspected anything to happen like this, but now that he felt what it was like on this very night, he was eternally grateful. He and Gina continued to very softly French-kiss together, right there in Knapford Sheds, both whimpering and humming shakily and purely to each other for all they had done together tonight, and all throughout the two weeks that had gone by, and so these little nurtures went on for almost two hours more, which Percy and Gina felt to have lasted almost an eternity.

At last, both engines stopped what they were doing and let go of each other's lips. They then began breathing so deeply and wholesomely together as they began to feel the sense of afterglow and bliss basking in their boilers, making them both feel so warm together as they held their faces pressed together closer than they ever had before. This had been a most remarkable night, full of temptation and satisfaction for all the fantasies these two small green engines could have had for each other, and it had indeed pushed a few new boundaries for Percy, which made him feel immensely proud of himself and Gina.

"Well..." Gina gasped blissfully. "Now all our temptations are settled, Percy..."

Percy shuddered to himself as he regained his senses and began sucking Gina's cheek just a little more. Gina cooed and moaned with absolute ecstasy as she felt this sensation once more before he gave her cheeks a little nibble each.

"I love you, Gina..." he whispered heavily. "I love you more than anything else in the whole world, and my whole life. At long last...we have achieved all our wishes for your entire visit...and for all of what we have done together...I am forever grateful to you, my Italian Queen."

Gina's eyes glimmered with tears once more. "Oh, Percy...I'm forever grateful for everything you've done with me too. You and I together."

To this, Gina leaned in and kissed Percy's nose strongly and purely, all while Percy giggled endlessly until she let go. He then returned the favour and kissed her pointy little nose just the same, making her giggle until he let go too. And with that, both engines felt their barriers lowering fast.

"And now...ohh...time for bed, Gina," Percy yawned. "You and I are safe tonight...until that time...but that won't change how I love you at all."

"Ohh...Grazie, Percy," Gina yawned. "I'm here to keep you safe too...and nothing will ever change how I love you either. Buoana Notte, my love."

They shared a final kiss to the lips, then closed their eyes and fell asleep. Percy could not be happier than he was. He and Gina had shared a truly enticing bath of temptation together which fed both their desires to a most unexpected level, then all those temptations were all satisfied and settled here and now in Knapford Sheds. Neither Percy nor Gina could have been happier. Through everything that had transpired from her return with Thomas, all the way up to tonight, it was all truly remarkable. Neither of them would ever forget tonight.

Then just a few minutes later, Percy suddenly heard something that made his heart give a little flip. His eyes opened and he looked around...then he saw just where and who the sound was coming from.

Gina was snoring so peacefully and adorably as she was dreaming all about what she and Percy had done just now, and what they would do with future visits, whenever they would come to be. Percy remembered when he heard Emily snore on the night he had David listen to Emily's recording regarding Donald and Douglas, remembering how adorable she sounded, but this was something even more, and it made his heart bask so warmly. Every time Gina snored, her pointy nose shook most adorably, making Percy's wheels wobble and his heart twitch with overwhelming delight. Gina snored again, then puffed up her cheeks and whistled lowly, making Percy feel a warm rush of breath along his cheeks. He watched and listened to her snoring for a minute or two more until he felt the truly adorable sound lulling him to an even deeper sleep right with her.

"I love you, Gina...and grazie...for everything, my love," Percy whispered as he fell asleep again.

And so there they slept. Percy the Small Green Tank Engine, and Gina the Italian Queen of Shunting, on their last night together out of her two-week visit to Sodor after Thomas had made such amazing discoveries and managed to bring her back after everything Percy had gone through. Neither of them would ever forget this night, or any other day they had spent together. All that remained now was the passage of time until that ferry arrived...and Gina would be on her way back across the ocean.

At last, morning came. The fourteenth and final day for Gina the Italian Queen of Shunting to visit Sodor until 7:00 p.m. that evening. The two engines slowly woke up and looked around the sheds as the sun rose through the windows. Then they looked at each other with a heavy sense of realization in their boilers. It had been a full fourteen days of Gina visiting Sodor. All through this visit, she and Percy had reconnected, shared several more experiences together and had formed many great memories. Now it was all over as of 7:00 p.m. that evening.

After several minutes of silence, Percy finally spoke.

"You have made your visit, Gina...you have rejuvenated all my spirits...truly and infinitely."

Gina looked deeply into Percy's eyes, knowing just how he felt right now. She leaned in and kissed his lips.

"I have, Percy...and I will be forever grateful for this entire visit. Such an amazing time this has been for me...and until the time comes...let us pass the day by together."

With that, Percy and Gina made their way out of Knapford Sheds. When they looked to the line beside them, Thomas and Emily were right there. It didn't take long for them to find out just what had transpired between Percy and Gina the evening and night before, and it left Thomas and Emily in great awe and deep stirring as they looked to each other, then to the small green engines. Thomas had never imagined Percy to have befallen some of the joys he and Emily exchanged together, and they'd surely talk more about it some other time, but today was all about Percy and Gina.

"Grazie, Gina...for all that you've done through these two weeks," said Thomas. "You and Percy spend whatever time you can now...and we'll be ready to see you off whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, Gina...for all that you've done for Percy...and all the times we shared together," said Emily.

Gina gave a single nod to Thomas and Emily, then she had Percy were off.

All day long, as the rest of the island worked away with all the engines' schedules, and while some of the engines prepared to say goodbye to their Italian guest, Percy and Gina spent the entire day together, huffing all across the island together, feeling so many senses basking in their boilers. Senses of departure, farewells, hope, satisfaction, accomplishment and assurance were all gleaming in both their boilers, and it made them both feel immensely wholesome as the hours passed and they went everywhere together. They revisited a few locations one more time, talked together, idled together at red signals, and simply soaked up every minute that they could until it was time to say goodbye. By now, neither of them could escape the inevitable sense of separation. Much like how Percy felt when Thomas had to leave for Italy, he felt like it was the end of a holiday, then school would start again. Gina felt just the same as Percy did. She still had little senses of not wanting to leave, but after all she and Percy had shared together, they both felt another sense. A sense of assurance that this farewell would not be as sad. Rather, it would probably provide a ray of hope.

At long-last, the time came. After a whole day spent together and never leaving each other wherever they went, Percy and Gina made their way back to Knapford Station as the clock showed 6:30 p.m.

"Here it goes, Gina," Percy murmured heavily as he looked right at her straight, stiff expression.

"I...I know, Percy..." Gina said quietly.

Then when they approached the platform together, they looked up and stopped. There, they saw that Thomas, Emily, David, Beatrice and the Fat Controller were all gathered at Platforms 1 and 2, all of them looking right at the two green engines with serious expressions of closure. Then at the other platforms and in the sidings throughout the yards were the rest of the Steam Team. Percy and Gina knew exactly why this was, and their hearts were churning more and more by the minute. This was the inevitable conclusion they all knew would be coming. It had come at last, and they were both ready.

"Well, Percy...and Gina," said Thomas. "It's time. We started at two weeks...now we've ended at two weeks."

"Indeed, Gina...the time has now come," said the Fat Controller. "Your ferry is due to arrive any time now...and Thomas and Emily will come with you and Percy to Brendam Docks, where we will make our goodbyes, then you'll be on your way home."

"We're coming right along too," said David. "Mum and I knew this day would come, and given all that we've done for Percy, we're indeed coming to see you off, Gina. I cannot be more proud of all you and Percy have accomplished here together."

"It's been a true pleasure to see you with my own eyes, Gina," said Beatrice. "And so much you've done for Percy. I'm very sad to see you leave again."

"Si...Si," Gina said quietly. "Grazie, David and Beatrice. And so it is time for me to go home again. Well...Ciao, to all of you."

"Goodbye, Gina. It's been such a delight to finally meet you," said Rebecca.

"Don't let Giovanni get on your case too much, Gina," Gordon advised. "And good luck."

"Also...don't let the trucks push you about too much," said James.

"Safe journey back, Gina," said Nia. "And keep in touch with Percy too."

"I shall, Nia," said Gina. "And grazie to all of you...this has been a most wonderful two weeks...now, it is time for me to return."

"Good. Very good. Now...are you ready, Percy?" asked the Fat Controller.

"Mmm...Yes, sir. I'm ready," Percy said strongly through his forming tears. "I'm a brave tank engine, and I will say goodbye again."

"Well...let's go, everyone," said Thomas. "It's time Gina went back to Italy. They still need their Queen of Shunting."

So David and Beatrice got inside Emily, while the Fat Controller went to his car. Gina used the Tidmouth turntable once more so as to buffer up to Percy for the last time of hr visit. Then before long, the four engines, the Fat Controller and the Riders set off down the line in silence and solemnness, feeling no need to talk as their inner feelings spoke louder than any words.

At last, they made their way to Brendam Docks. They looked ahead of Carly and Cranky, and there it was. Gina's ferry had just arrived, ready to bring her home again. In that moment, Percy and Gina both flashed back to how they felt when they saw each other again two weeks ago. Percy remembered how Gina seemed to glow and shine with light after three years apart from her, and just how truly amazing it was to see her again. But now, that window of time was over, until the next chance Gina would get to return to Sodor. He and Gina stared so hard into each other's eyes, they felt cloudy.

All four engines stopped and looked to each other as David and Beatrice came down from Emily, and the Fat Controller exited his car, looking at Percy, then Gina. Beatrice came toward Percy and touched his buffer beam, giving him a little nod. Percy swallowed in turn and looked to David, who gripped his silver charm for a moment, then turned to the Italian Queen, as she and Percy both began to cry silently.

"Goodbye, Gina. Percy's Italian Queen," David said in a straightforward manner. "Here today, on the southern coast of Sodor at Brendam Docks comes the conclusion of your two-week visit to Sodor. I will not say 'do not weep.' For not all tears are extracted through pain. Rather, yours are released through love and devotion."

This made Percy and Gina smile through their tears, heartfeltly touched by David's assuring words. But their smiles soon faded as they looked to each other again.

"Italy will seem a little small, compared to all that we've done here together," said Gina.

"And...S-Sodor might seem a little small too after all you've done for me...my Italian Queen," Percy replied.

"We'll all miss you, Gina," said Thomas.

"Immensely," said Beatrice.

"As I said on your last visit here, safe journey home, Gina," said the Fat Controller. "I cannot be more proud of all you've done for Percy after everything David, Beatrice and Emily have all done for him too."

"Grazie, Sir Topham," Gina answered shakily.

"And such wonderful things have resulted from your visit in some way or other," said Thomas. "Over these two weeks, we got to see Percy truly recover in the ways that only you could have given him, Gina. During your visit, the Admiral visited us all in light of Sailor John's departure, and after such a scathing nightmare I had of Emily, we're now truly assured that nothing will ever separate us across time. George the Steamroller is now gone from Sodor too with Buster helping build the roads from now on. 'Arry and Bert have been caught in the act yet again, not to bother anyone for a long time now...and now you and Percy have shared stirrings of love that I never expected to hear from you or Percy. It may take me a few days to let that matter sink in...and I can never thank you enough for all you've done."

"And I can never thank you enough, Thomas...for bringing Gina back to me," said Percy. "These two weeks have been unlike any other two weeks any of us have ever experienced. After my spirits were crushed in ways I could scarcely imagine before, Gina has given me such amazing experiences...and until our next meetup, I will always, ALWAYS remember each and every one of them...right to what we did last night...together."

"I'll truly miss you, Percy," Gina whispered.

Then she and Percy buffered up, closed their eyes and brought their lips together for a strong, pure farewell kiss, each whimpering softly as they deepened their kiss further. Thomas, Emily, David, Beatrice and the Fat Controller remained respectfully silent.

"You know, Gina," Percy peeped with a little smile. "This may be another departure for you and I, but with all that we've done together, I feel more thankful than heartbroken this time...and I don't think I'll be longing desperately for our next meetup. Rather, I'll be awaiting it with hope and golden belief...for you, my Italian Queen. I love you, Gina."

"Oh...you know, Percy? I feel just the same," Gina answered with shimmering eyes. "I feel less sad and more hopeful too. Who knows when we'll see each other next? Perhaps you could return one day and see us all again, Thomas. Even Lorenzo and Beppe."

"Maybe, Gina. Maybe," said Thomas. "We shall see..."

"Beatrice, you're a truly amazing lady to be such a help for my Percy," said Gina. "And you, David. You're a most valiant soldier and mentor to Emily, and Percy too."

"Thank you, Gina," said Beatrice. "It was our true pleasure to help Percy and see him recover with all the joys you could bring him."

"Grazie, Beatrice...and I'll miss all of you...until we next meet," said Gina. "Thomas, Emily, David...and above all, my Perfect Percy."

"Goodbye, Gina. We'll all miss you," said Thomas.

"Keep in touch, Gina. Perhaps you and Percy can exchange more letters soon," said Emily.

"Si, Emily," said Gina.

"Good luck, Gina. And to all your friends," said Beatrice.

"I'm NOT going to cry, but I'll miss you a lot too," David shook.

The time had now come. It was now 7:00 p.m. on the mark. Everyone watched as Carly lowered her hook and securing system to Gina. The Fat Controller stood tall, while Thomas, Emily, Percy, David and Beatrice all watched with heavy hearts as Gina was then lifted up and toward her ferry. The whole while this happened, Percy and Gina never averted their eyes from each other, each feeling their hearts creeping further into their throats, forming a lump neither of them could swallow now.

But this lump wasn't of pain or separation. Rather, it was a lump of overwhelming hope and optimism for whenever they would meet up next. Gina had given so much to Percy to bring him back to the cheerful, innocent engine he had always been, and this could only mean that in some way or other, their next meetup would be even more special, however it would turn out, and whenever it would come. For the last few minutes, Percy and Gina stared at each other from the Docks and from the Ferry, never averting their eyes for a moment.

"Ciao, il mio prezioso perfetto Percy," bade Gina. "Goodbye...my precious perfect Percy. I love you...I truly and fully love you."

"Goodbye, Gina. Ciao, my precious, perfect Italian Queen," Percy bade back. "I love you beyond all else in the world."

And just a moment later, the ferry's horn blew, announcing its departure, then slowly set off away from the Docks and out to sea. Percy and Gina held their ever-continuous gaze to each other, each feeling the sense of departure growing stronger and stronger. This had happened twice before, and now it was happening yet again. Thomas and Emily whistled goodbye, while Gina whistled back to them, and to Percy for as long as they could.

At long last, Gina's ferry was out of sight. Her two-week visit to Sodor was now complete and had passed on through time. A very quiet and melancholy feeling came over the three remaining engines. Especially Percy. Gina had now departed Sodor again, after the longest and best visit she and Percy had ever shared together. Now it was all over. There was no way for either of them to know when they'd meet up again and how brief or long the next wait would be. The sense of uncertainty was coursing right through Percy's heart and settling into his boiler with more and more weight. And yet there was that sense of hope that lingered in his heart too as he anticipated when and how their next meetup would turn out.

At last, the Fat Controller turned away from the sea, then to Thomas, Emily and Percy.

"Well, you three...that's that," he said. "It's done. I think you'd best get going, Thomas...and Emily...I'll let you help Percy out."

"Thank you, sir," Emily said quietly.

"Come, David and Beatrice. I'll bring you home," said the Fat Controller.

David and Beatrice gave a little nod to Emily, then went with the Fat Controller to his car, and soon they were on their way. Only Thomas was left to leave. He buffered closely to Emily, making her look up. Then they looked to the coming evening as the sun began to lower on the horizon.

"Emily...look after Percy tonight. Please?" Thomas asked.

Emily gave a little smile. "Of course, Tommy. Anything for my precious baby."

She then gave Thomas a kiss on his cheek, and he set off by himself, out of the Docks. Emily then looked at Percy as he was now staring down to his buffers, not knowing how or what to feel. Emily quietly worked her way back through the docks until she found the points. She then switched to Percy's line and came back to him. Even as she approached him, he didn't look up, humming lowly and mournfully to himself at the realization that Gina was gone again. He still gave off a few little flickers of a smile as he thought about the sense of hope he and Gina had, but he still had to work his way through the current barrier.

Then Percy felt Emily's buffers touch his. He looked up and saw her right there in front of him. The look in her eyes spoke more than any words could as she looked out to sea with Percy for a minute or two. Then she looked to Percy again with a little glimmer in her eyes.

"Well, Percy...that's that," she said gently. "Gina is on her way home again...until she can give you even more happy returns, whenever that may be."

Percy looked to Emily and felt a similar sensation creep into his boiler that he felt once before, three whole years ago. Just like how he approached Emily the last time Gina had to leave, he would turn to his mother figure again. Emily may not have been Gina, but her motherly love was something Percy could infinitely count on when it came to Gina's absence.

"Bring me to Knapford Sheds, Emily...please?" Percy said gently.

"Yes, my baby Percy. Come right with me, dear," Emily whispered.

And without further delay, Emily buffered right up to Percy, and were off together. They crawled along a little slowly so as not to rush Percy. As they went along quietly and gently together, Percy began to smile a little more, which made Emily smile lightly too.

Eventually, as the sun set again, they made their way back to Knapford Sheds and slipped right inside as the doors shut behind them. Emily softly pushed Percy to the back of the sheds as if she were protecting him like the mother she was. Percy looked discreetly to his side as if he were faintly hoping to see Gina there, and she wasn't. Emily knew this feeling would linger for a while, but she also wanted to help Percy feel as least affected as she could help him to feel.

Percy looked into Emily's eyes with a slightly longing expression as if he were trying to see Gina in her, but he eventually sighed and stared upward to the ceiling lights.

"Thank you, Emily...I...I don't know what to feel...I feel so many different things..." he whispered.

"I know, sweetie. Come here, Percy..." Emily whispered softly. "Rock with me in my hold...cuddle with Mummy..."

Percy looked up as Emily gently buffered up and touched her soft, warm cheeks to his. Then she began to lean very gently from side to side, inviting Percy to lean left and right with her, almost as if she were a mother rocking her baby in her arms. Percy felt his heart shiver with warmth and belonging as he held Emily's buffers true with his. They rocked slowly. His eyes blinked. Two big tears trailed down his face and dripped off his chin.

"She's gone home, Emily...across the ocean once again," Percy whispered, barely audible at all.

Emily cooed softly and planted such a soft, fluttering kiss on his chin, feeling his warm tears on her lips.

"Shh...there, there, baby Percy. It's not truly goodbye," Emily soothed softly. "You'll see her again one day. And it will be wonderful."

"I know, Emily...and actually...I...I'm not crying because I'm sad," Percy whimpered.

"Oh? Then why do your tears move, Percy?" Emily asked.

"B-Because this visit has been the very best Gina and I have ever had," Percy peeped. "It tells me that whenever she returns again, it will surely be even more special. I don't know why and how, but it's all I know...until she may come back."

"Well, that is very lovely to hear, Percy," said Emily. "Tears of hope and joy are truly wonderful to express. And for now, I think you deserve what you always deserve...with me. As your dear, sweet mother, I am more than proud to help you feel better again, Percy."

Percy looked up with a little rush of red in his cheeks, watching Emily lean in closer. His tears slowly stopped as he felt a warm rush in his heart.

"What are you doing, Emily?" he asked, starting to smile.

"I'm going to kiss you, Percy...my sweet, adorable baby. I love you, Percy," Emily whispered as she puckered her lips and cooed softly.

Then her lips softly touched to Percy's cute, round cheek as she smooched very quietly and gave him such a soft, fluttering kiss. Percy felt his skin tingle so gently to Emily's soft, warm, tickly and fluffy lips brushing on his skin and kissing him wherever she went. They may have not been Gina's lips now after all she had done with Percy just the night before, but feeling Emily's motherly lips again was just what Percy needed to start feeling better again.

"There, my baby Percy...does that feel nice and soft?" Emily whispered. "Are my lips nice and warm, soft and tickly?"

"Oh...oh, Emily," Percy whispered with a little blush. "They may not be Gina's kisses...but your kisses are still perfect from you, my perfect mother. Thank you so much, Emily."

"You're very welcome, Percy," Emily whispered as she leaned down and kissed his chin again.

She then let go and let Percy gaze peacefully into her lovely eyes and her kind, gentle smile. Then Emily gave Percy a little giggle and touched her lips to his cheek again. Percy wondered what she would do next. Then she began to tickle his cheek again, nibbling and fluttering her lips so softly along his cheek and playfully pinching the tip of his cheek too.

"Tickle-tickle, little Percy...tickle-tickle," she teased quietly.

Percy felt how Emily's soft, warm lips brushed and nibbled his cheek so softly, accompanied by her dainty little whispers and teases.

"Oh...oh-oh, Emily...that tickles," Percy giggled softly. "Thank you, mummy...oh, Emily..."

"Aww, Percy. You're such a sweetie," Emily cooed softly as she softly let go.

"I love you, mother," Percy whispered gently. "I may need more than just tonight...but I'm so glad you're helping me tonight."

Emily smiled and gave a happy sigh, followed by a gentle hiss of steam. Percy saw she had let off steam and was giving him a soft, warm hug. Percy blushed and pressed his cheeks to Emily's cuddling warmly right there with her.

"Thank you, Emily...I have no idea what I would have done without you...my sweet, beautiful mother," Percy cooed quietly.

"I love you, Percy. I love you," Emily whispered. "Gina wouldn't want you to feel sad for too long, which is why I'm helping you tonight. As we sang together on that night of motherly therapy, Percy, it's just you and your mum..."

"Oh, Emily..." Percy whispered. "And...just like I sang with you, I'm warm and safe with you, my sweet mother."

And he softly leaned in and kissed her ever soft, lovely chin, making Emily giggle so softly. Then Percy leaned in and gave her cute little nose a tiny, tickly kiss too, making Emily giggle again as she began to yawn with Percy. After saying goodbye to Gina, what they needed now was a lovely, peaceful night's sleep together, warm and safe.

"Sweet dreams, little Percy. I love you...I love you so much," Emily whispered. "Sleep tight, my little baby."

And with a soft, fluffy kiss to Percy's cheek, Emily fell sound asleep, pressing her cheeks to his and cuddling him warmly.

"Sweet dreams, mummy. Thank you...and sleep tight, Emily," Percy whispered as he kissed her cheek goodnight.

Then Percy's eyes dropped shut as he fell asleep with Emily. He would never forget Gina's visit. Of all the times she had visited Sodor, this was by far her best visit yet, and Percy would never forget a single moment of all that had transpired. Life would go on between the two small green engines, on Sodor and in Italy like, and through it all, one thing was truly certain. Percy's crushed spirits were well and truly rekindled to a better state than they had ever been, all thanks to Gina the Italian Queen of Shunting.

"Goodnight, Gina, my Italian Queen," Percy whispered in his sleep as he nuzzled right to Emily's face, on into the night in Knapford Sheds.

And far out on the ocean, as her ferry continued onward through the night and back toward Italy, Gina was basking in thought and joy over all she had done with Percy over these extraordinary two weeks. She would never forget it in any way at all, and until she'd be able to see Percy again, she would make sure to remember all that she and her perfect engine had done together to truly heal his crushed spirits to their former healthy state and even raised them to a better level than ever before. Even with the sense of returning home, she knew another visit would come sooner or later.

"Buoana Notte, Percy...my dear Perfect Percy," Gina whispered.

Then her eyes drifted shut and she fell asleep on her voyage home as the ferry sailed onward into the night.

---

And thus Gina's visit comes to an end, though I assure you that this certainly isn't the last time we'll see her again. Another really long story, but it was justified in this case, and Percy and Gina needed to take things to the next level before they were separated again, and a bath together followed by a night in the shed was the perfect way to it, with the bath seduction obviously being a reference to Emily seducing Thomas at the washdown during the "Splish Splash Splosh" chapter of "Thomas and Emily's Relationship". Hopefully the next few stories won't be as long in length as the last few stories have been, but the next time we meet we're going to be focusing on Gordon and Rebecca again. Until then, tell us what you all thought of this story and we'll see you next time. Stay safe.