There was a most special gathering in Knapford Sheds in the moonlit night over Sodor. Inside those sheds, Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina were all asleep, buffer to buffer with their loved ones and holding each other close after a most immense and specially spent night in the Whistling Woods with David and Beatrice. Both couples had exchanged all their tales between Sodor and Italy, all while Percy had been working hard to recover from his crushed spirits after such a tragic and disturbing accident at Ffarquhar village which resulted in the deaths of an entire innocent family. But now with Gina back on Sodor after just over three whole years, Percy's spirits were well and truly cured, and he would at last be fit to return to work on the railway, with Gina right there beside him. With two weeks ahead for these two engines to flourish in, everything would begin the very next day...
At last, around 6:30 a.m. that morning, the coming day brought the sunrise into view over the railway. Inside Knapford Sheds, the four engines were still nestled in each other's hold with their loved ones, feeling so warm and held together all through the night, until the coming light began to stir everyone from their sleep, starting with the small green engine.
Percy's eyes slowly opened to the coming light. He opened his mouth wide and yawned most comfortably as he looked around for a moment. Then his eyes fell upon Thomas and Emily, still sleeping peacefully right beside him with their faces pressed together and smiling away.
Then Percy heard someone take a little breath in, then sigh drowsily. Percy looked in front of him, and there she was. Gina, his Italian Queen, still sleeping right there with her buffers pressed right to his. Although Percy had no doubts whatsoever that Gina was well and truly there with him in these sheds, seeing her right there told him it was by no means whatsoever, a dream. She was right there, holding to his buffers when he needed her most. Then Percy watched as her eyes began to flicker and her smile began to stir to the coming morning.
Percy could not resist. He leaned in right to Gina's cheek and kissed her good morning, feeling her perfect cheek tingle against his lips as she giggled and woke up further. When Percy let go, Gina's eyes opened and she gave a steady yawn before she looked around, remembering where she was...then her eyes landed upon the engine who had kissed her awake.
"Good morning, Gina," Percy gleamed with glory and such an immense smile on his face.
Gina smiled even more, her eyes gleaming as much as Percy's as she leaned in and kissed his cheek right back.
"Good morning, Percy," she smiled through her most titillating Italian accent. "Slept well, did you?"
"I don't think I ever slept better, Gina," said Percy. "And you?"
Gina stared right into Percy's eyes. "I've not slept as divinely as last night...for three years."
"Oh, Gina. Nor me," Percy sighed as he leaned in and touched his nose to hers.
For a few minutes, they gently held together in silence. Then Percy and Gina heard two other yawns beside them. Thomas and Emily woke up too and kissed each other good morning with a warm nuzzle to their cheeks.
"Ahh...oh. Such a cozy sleep," Emily yawned.
"Every sleep is cozy with you, Emily," Thomas replied as he kissed her nose.
Then they both looked to the other couple right beside them and smiled even more. Percy and Gina looked and smiled right back.
"Well, good morning to both of you," said Emily. "My little baby Percy...and our Italian Queen too."
"Good morning, Thomas and Emily," Percy and Gina said together.
"So...here we are, then," said Gina. "My two weeks with my Percy begin today. We'd best be on our way, everyone."
It was right there in that moment when Percy suddenly realized. It had been three entire weeks since he was last at work. One week had been spent repairing him after his accident, then two more with him being out of work, participating in counselling sessions with Beatrice and David, and having Emily as his blanket at night, most particularly when he and Emily spent their most special night of motherly therapy together. Now, with Gina back with him on Sodor for the two weeks to come, having cured his spirits at last, Percy realized he'd be returning to work. A strange feeling came over him as he looked down and began thinking deeply.
The other three engines noticed this and wondered what Percy could be thinking.
"Percy...what is it?" Emily asked as Percy looked up.
"Well...it's just that...it's been three weeks since I've been out of work. My repairs, then my two weeks of recovery," said Percy.
"Yes?" said Emily.
"Well...now that Gina has returned and rekindled my crushed spirits at last...I'll be returning to work again," said Percy.
"What do you mean, Percy?" asked Thomas. "Are you disappointed about your break being over?"
"Not at all, Thomas," said Percy. "I...I just don't know how I'll view taking goods after what's happened. The mail train is all well and good. That's my favourite job after all. But I don't think I'll view goods trains the same way ever again."
Thomas and Emily looked to each other, then to Gina. She looked at the couple beside her, then looked back to Percy.
"My perfect Percy," she said surely. "Perhaps you won't view it the same way...but everything is behind you now...as I am here with you again."
"Gina's right, Percy," said Emily. "Such atrocities will never befall you again. The Fat Controller is now many times more careful over the trucks he has on the railway. And you and Gina have a whole two weeks to look ahead to."
"Emily is right too, Percy," said Gina. "Our two weeks have just begun. May WE begin it too? It's just you and I, Percy...for the next two weeks."
Emily and Gina's words gave Percy a sense of assurance and strength. He had no need to look back now. He could only look forward.
"Bellissima," he finally said. "Let's begin, Gina. You and I."
With that, the shed doors opened, and all four engines' crews came and prepared their engines. Then Thomas, Emily, Percy and Gina made their way out into the morning light beaming all around them. They all wondered what would happen throughout the day, what Percy and Gina would do after three years apart, and what sorts of experiences would befall them.
They set off for Tidmouth Sheds first as Thomas and Percy needed to be turned around first before they could start work. When they arrived, the other four engines were just waking up when they saw the two engine couples. After a moment of looking closely, they suddenly noticed just who it was.
"Goodness! Is...is that Thomas?" Nia asked. "Back from Italy?"
"And...and Gina!" Rebecca added. "She's come back with Thomas!"
"My goodness!" Gordon exclaimed. "She has returned!"
"She...she's back!" James wheeshed.
Gina looked back. "Ciao! Ciao to you all."
"Hello, Gina!" the engines greeted together.
"Yes, everyone. Gina is back, and we've got a new day ahead," Percy peeped as he made his way onto the turntable with his queen.
Percy placed Gina into his berth, turned right around and waited beyond the turntable as Gina followed and buffered behind him. When the turntable lined up with Emily, she backed into her berth, then let Thomas turn right around. Then Emily buffered behind him and they set off down the line, switching to the line beside Percy and Gina as they made their way closer to Knapford Station.
When they arrived, the first thing they noticed was the Fat Controller's blue car drive up to the station. Then he came out and walked right up to the platform to his office. He was just about to unlock the door when he heard four whistles at once. He turned right around and saw the two couples buffered behind their loved one, and all smiling to him. Percy and Gina on Platform 1, and Thomas and Emily on Platform 2. After a few moments of standing still, the Fat Controller spoke.
"By Sodor! There you are! Ha-ha, you've returned, Thomas! And Gina too!" he exclaimed.
"Hello, sir," Thomas whistled. "I'm sure you've heard all about what we've done together in Italy?"
"Gina's controller told me everything. You NEVER cease to amaze, Thomas!" the Fat Controller beamed. "And Gina! Such an honour it is! To have the Queen of Shunting back with us again! You've come at the best of times for Percy."
"Grazie, Sir Topham Hatt," Gina replied. "And I can't thank you enough for letting Thomas come to Italy...and ultimately bringing me back."
The Fat Controller smiled.
"Well, your controller made the offer, and all thanks to Thomas' remarkable efforts, his promise has indeed paid off. Now, then. I think it's only right to get right down to business...especially for you, Percy and Gina."
"What business is that, sir?" Percy asked.
"Firstly, for you, Thomas," said the Fat Controller. "As you have returned, Samson has gone back to the Mainland with Bradford. Toby and Mavis will surely be glad to see you back on your Branch Line again after these two weeks. And Emily, you must get to work with your coaches too."
"Yes, sir," said Thomas. "I need to fetch Annie and Clarabel."
"And I must fetch my coaches too," said Emily.
Thomas immediately gathered Annie and Clarabel, who were most delighted to see him again, while Emily gathered two of her own coaches. Then the Fat Controller turned to the two small green engines.
"And with you two back together, Percy and Gina, there are lots of jobs to do," he continued.
"What are they, sir?" Percy asked.
"Well, Percy. As Gina has come back with Thomas as he had promised you, and with all your counselling sessions with David and Beatrice, it seems that your spirits have indeed been rekindled. As such, it's time you went back to work with the rest of us."
"I know, sir," said Percy. "As long as I have Gina there with me, I'm ready to be really useful again after three whole weeks!"
"Very good, then," said the Fat Controller. "Firstly, it's back to delivering the mail for you, Percy. But today is an especially busy run for you, with a lot of mail to be delivered. Gina shall deliver the mail with you, and you can help her follow your mail lead."
"Hmm. I've never delivered the mail before," said Gina. "Not with mail wagons at least. But as long as it's with Percy, I'm glad to do it."
"Excellent. Your mail wagons are right here in the yards," said the Fat Controller. "After your mail run, you must both collect two rubbish trains from Crovan's Gate, then bring them to Whiff's Waste Dump. Then lastly, there is a great deal of goods to go to Harwick and Arlesburgh for Daisy and Ryan to manage."
Percy and Gina had heard everything and were both excited. This would indeed be a busy day for both of them, but they would be doing it in each other's company. Something that had not come to be for three whole years since Gina was last here with Percy. This would indeed be an interesting day.
"Goodness. It sounds like a rather busy day," said Percy. "But after two weeks recovery, I'm more than ready, sir!"
"As am I, Percy," said Gina. "Let us begin!"
"Very good, you two! You're both welcome to start. Off you go, Percy and Gina," The Fat Controller smiled.
Percy and Gina whistled with delight and set off while Thomas and Emily made their way to their platforms as the passengers began to arrive. Percy gathered three mail wagons from one siding, and Gina gathered two more from another siding. Just a few minutes later, Thomas and Emily's whistles blew and they set off for their share of work.
"Have a great day, Thomas and Emily!" Percy whistled to them both.
"You too, Percy and Gina! See you later," Emily whistled back.
"Yes. An excellent day to both of you," Thomas whistled.
Percy and Gina watched as they huffed down the line, then they looked to each other.
"Well, Percy...I may be the Queen of Shunting, but I've never delivered the mail before. Would you lead me on, my dear?"
Percy peeped with enthusiasm. "Follow me, Gina. To Knapford Harbour."
And with that, the two green engines set off together, smiling immensely to each other. After their most immense reunion the evening before and after such riveting tales exchanged through the night before, their first true day had begun. Gina felt excited to follow Percy's lead and see what delivering the mail was truly like. She had only ever sent letters of expression to Percy before, and now she would see what her favourite engine's favourite job was like.
Percy and Gina made their way to Knapford Harbour, where a huge cargo ship was docked in place, and several workmen were ready to prepare the mail train. Then they looked up and saw Percy and Gina whistle in.
"Ahh, hello, Percy," said one of the workmen. "It's so good to see you out and about again!"
"Oh, yes," Percy peeped. "I'm most delighted to be back with my favourite job again...with my favourite engine in the world!"
"Of course! Welcome back, Gina," said another workman. "We've heard all about your adventures with Thomas. Absolutely remarkable!"
"Grazie, lads," said Gina. "And I'll be here for the next two weeks too. Percy and I are here to collect the mail."
"Yes, so you are," said the workmen. "Well, once you're both loaded up, you'll be on your way."
Over the next several minutes, the workmen worked to unload the ship of all the bags of mail and packages. While Percy and Gina waited, they exchanged little smiles to each other. Then Percy took another look at Gina and went quiet and still. He remembered seeing her be unloaded from her ferry with Thomas just the evening before, but now that everything had calmed down again, he found himself looking closely and intriguingly at Gina's angelic body and form after three years away from her. He knew Emily to be truly beautiful in her ways, but Gina was another matter entirely for him.
Gina was indeed a beautiful engine in her way, with a steady shade of green, not quite like Percy or Henry, but it made her look perfect just the same. Her big, round brass dome brought on a glimmering shine in the sunlight and her funnel was rather like Emily's, minus the golden ring. But that didn't matter to Percy. What drew his attention even more were her headlamps. Unlike other engines Percy could recall, who had one or two headlamps, Gina had three headlamps. One on each side of her bufferbeam and another over her head. But what drew Percy in above everything was her sharp yet friendly face with her pointed nose and eyelashes...and her perfectly shaped lips. It all brought Gina together as the perfect engine Percy could ever hope to have as the love of his life.
Gina suddenly turned and saw Percy with a deep look in his eyes and he could see he was looking right at her. She fought the urge to blush as she felt immensely flattered underneath. Before the workmen could finish loading the mail wagons, Gina decided to see what Percy would do to what she'd do next.
"Say, Percy...what are you doing?" she asked a little playfully.
Percy almost jumped and felt his heart buzz with shock and a little fear. Had she noticed him staring at her?
"Oh! Well, Gina...I...I just noticed how you gleam beautifully in the sun," he said, gathering himself together. "You look lovely, Gina."
Gina heard Percy and thought he had conjured a clever excuse...but then she wondered if he was really being sincere.
"Hmm. I doubt you were doing just that, Percy," said Gina. "Had it been with Thomas, I'd think very differently...but not with you. And grazie, Percy. Your comments are very sweet."
And she smooched her lips and blew a kiss to Percy, who tried not to blush himself. Then they both heard the last door on the mail wagons slam shut.
"There you go, Percy and Gina. All the mail is onboard," said one of the workmen.
"Off you go now!" said another one.
Percy whistled and winked to Gina as he set off down the line. Gina followed closely behind with her first chance of taking the mail, and still wondering what Percy might have been thinking by looking at her. This would play on through the day, along with another little discovery to be made between these two.
Gina eventually caught up alongside Percy who smiled right at her as they continued down the line side by side, basking in their bond again. It somehow felt like no time had gone by at all for either engine. Now that Gina had returned, the three years that had gone by didn't seem so, so long anymore.
"You know, Percy," Gina began, trying to spawn conversation. "Ever since I visited last time for the New Year...it somehow feels like only a few months since we had to part ways, up until now."
"Really, Gina?" Percy asked. "It still feels like it's been the three years it's truly been."
"Maybe so," said Gina. "But I think we're bound to forget all the time passage once we're back together."
"Maybe, Gina," said Percy. "Anyway...what do you think of delivering the mail?"
"I don't know yet, Percy," said Gina. "Although I am truly enjoying the company with you."
"Well, I enjoy it mainly because it's easy," said Percy. "You're just in your own company and enjoying the scenery around you...like all the fields of greenery and flowers. The rolling hills and birds in the trees...and you, of course."
"Oh, Percy," Gina smiled. "I don't think I'd do the mail in my own company. I'd much rather do it in yours."
"Oh, Gina," Percy smiled back. "Even Emily enjoyed taking the mail for me when her sleep patterns were turned around after we were all massively overworked due to the diesels being trapped in their sheds."
"Hmm. Well, nothing can overwork me, Percy," said Gina. "Except when I spent all that time worrying for you, then Thomas told me everything."
"I know, Gina...but we're together again, and that's more than perfect for the two of us," said Percy.
Right as Percy ended his sentence and Gina smiled even more, they both heard a familiar whistle. Percy looked up and saw Henry huff down the other line. He looked up and gave a smile to Percy, then noticed just who was right with him.
"Ah! Hello again, Gina!" Henry greeted. "You made it back with Thomas?"
"Ciao, Henry," said Gina. "I have. Percy and I are making mail deliveries together."
"Yes, Henry. I'm showing her how it's done," said Percy.
"Well, have a delightful day, the both of you. Two engines of finest greenery!" Henry whistled as he passed them by.
When Percy and Gina heard what Henry said, they suddenly felt a certain click in their minds. They remained silent for a while, thinking about that little expression and wondering if it could imply in other ways than one. But this line of thought was paused when Percy was suddenly switched to another line to the right, leaving an empty line between him and Gina. They looked up and saw Crosby Station up ahead. Percy arrived at one platform, and Gina arrived at the other.
"Well...we've made our first stop with the mail, Percy," said Gina. "What happens now?"
"It's quite simple, Gina," said Percy. "The workmen will unload the mail they need, then they'll send you on your way again."
Percy then watched as the workmen opened Gina's mail wagon and unloaded a bag of mail and a few packages, while the workmen at Percy's platform did the same. In less than five minutes, the guard's whistle blew for both engines and they set off again.
"Now, Gina. We'll have to keep two lines apart for the rest of the mail run," said Percy. "Most stations have a platform on each side, with a line in the middle."
"Very well," said Gina. "I think I'm starting to see why you like the mail run, Percy. It's a simple, but enjoyable job indeed. And you do a divine job at it yourself. You manage it as well as I do my archeological discoveries I managed with Thomas."
"Thank you, Gina," Percy replied. "You may be the Queen of Shunting rather than the Mail, but you seem to handle it very nicely too."
Next, Percy and Gina stopped at Wellsworth Station and dropped off more of the mail. As they waited, they saw another green engine coming down the middle line. BoCo the Diesel Engine hummed through the station with a cheery smile.
"Hello again, Percy," he said. Then he looked again. "Oh! And...who is this, Percy? Hello, dear lady."
"Oh, hello, BoCo," said Percy. "Meet Gina from Italy. She's the Queen of Shunting. I met her first at the Great Railway Show, and we've been building a friendship ever since, right up until we came together."
"I see. Very impressive," said BoCo. "Well, the mail seems to be right on time. Take care, you two."
And BoCo continued past the two small engines and down the line. Gina had never seen BoCo before, but she found him to be rather likeable. Then the guard's whistle blew again and she and Percy set off again down the line.
"Well, Percy. That BoCo seems like a dignified sort," said Gina.
"Oh. Yes, he is, Gina," said Percy. "And much friendlier than Diesel, 'Arry and Bert. He helped free the diesels from the sheds and got them to help us all after being so overworked. Although Bill and Ben did give him some trouble when they first met him, making him giddy by disappearing and reappearing on either side of him until Edward sorted them out."
"Did they?" Gina remarked. "They must be cheeky sorts. Not like you, Percy...such a polite, sweet and ornate engine you are."
Percy couldn't hold back his blush this time. "Ohh...Gina. And you're such a lovely, quick-witted and...Bellissima engine."
"Ohh, you are sweet, Percy!" Gina bubbled.
And so Percy and Gina kept on with the mail deliveries, stopping at every station they needed to and making all the deliveries that were needed. All the workmen and mail carriers were very much obliged with Percy having returned to business and Gina working right alongside him again. The two green engines kept on with the mail, continuously smiling to each other right until they delivered all the mail and made their way back to the Shunting Yards, leaving their empty mail wagons in their sidings again.
"Whew! That was a busy morning, wouldn't you say, Gina?" Percy asked.
"Never too busy for me, Percy," said Gina. "And I'm most certainly never too busy for you, my dear. Not while I'm here with you."
"I know. That was a most enjoyable mail run, Gina. Especially since you did it all with me," Percy peeped.
"And grazie to you, Percy, for showing me how it's done," Gina replied. "I had such fun so far. Now...onto taking that rubbish."
"Phewey, Gina!" Percy whiffed. "Those will be stinky trucks!"
"Stinky indeed!" came another voice in the yards.
Percy and Gina looked up. There was Philip the diesel boxcab. Gina could not recall seeing any engine like him even on her previous visits to Sodor...except when she saw a certain incident at the Shunting Challenge when she first laid eyes upon Thomas and Percy.
"Oh!" Gina and Percy exclaimed together.
"Hello again, Philip," said Percy.
"Hello, Percy!" Philip chirped. "And...whoever is this? I think I know you...from the Great Railway Show! Uh...that's right! You're the green Shunting Challenge engine, who that big bully Vinnie nearly ran into while he chased me!"
"It's Gina, Philip," said Percy. "She's come from Italy, back with Thomas for the next two weeks."
"Si...I believe I recognize you," said Gina. "Weren't you the flag carrier for Sodor?"
"Yes, I was, Gina! My name's Philip! I'm a diesel box cab! And anyway, you and Percy better hurry! Those rubbish trains are waiting for you at Crovan's Gate! Ask the Fat Controller if you don't believe me."
Percy and Gina couldn't help but laugh at Philip's bubbly personality.
"We know, Philip," said Percy. "He told us this morning. We'll be right on our way."
"Si. Grazie, Philip," said Gina.
Percy whistled goodbye to Philip and he and Gina set off down the line again for their next job. On the way, Gina couldn't help but wonder something to herself. She came up right beside Percy and spoke up.
"Percy?"
"Yes, Gina?" Percy asked.
"I've been thinking a little," said Gina. "All the engines you and I have run into and greeted so far are green engines. Even though Philip is half yellow, he's still half green all the same. And I'm wondering about what Henry said about...finest greenery."
Percy raised an eyebrow to this and looked down for a moment. Then he looked up again.
"You know, Gina...I'm starting to think about that too," he replied. "They've all been green engines so far. And given that we'll be delivering our next train to Whiff's Waste Dump...Whiff himself is green too. Maybe there's a little more to our work today than we thought. I, too am thinking about what Henry said...and how, at least I hope, we can apply it for ourselves..."
"Well, I'm sure there's a way for both of us, Percy," Gina winked. "A simple, yet meaningful expression for us both."
After a fairly long journey along the line, Percy and Gina arrived at Crovan's Gate. Then their noses began to turn up a little. They looked each other, then back to the station. There was now quite a pong in the air. They looked closer and saw two lines of five trucks, each piled to the top with very filthy and smelly rubbish, with flies buzzing all around them. Percy and Gina also noticed they were facing the trucks, which meant they'd have to pull them backwards for at least a fair amount of time before they'd find a wye line to turn around on.
"Ooh!" Percy shuddered. "That smells awful! This won't be so easy to pull backwards, when the smell is at its worst!"
"Phewey! You're right, Percy!" Gina almost spluttered. "These are indeed stinky trucks! I don't recall shunting too many of these."
Percy and Gina didn't like what they smelled, but they had to go for it. But then, as they coupled to their rubbish trains, there was yet another green engine to behold Percy and Gina's eyes. Peter Sam came by with a goods train of his own on the Narrow Gauge Line and he smelled the pong too.
"Deary me!" he whistled. "Thank goodness you're here to take the rubbish away, Percy...and whoever is this right beside you?"
"Hello, Peter Sam," said Percy. "This is Gina, all the way from Italy. She's the Queen of Shunting as some call her."
"Ah. Proud, I'm sure," said Peter Sam. "And I'm pleased to meet a Queen of Shunting, Gina. You seem like a radiant lady."
"Oh. Well...grazie, Peter Sam," said Gina. "And you're an adorable little engine...and such a splendid funnel!"
"Oh? My special funnel? Thank you, Gina," said Peter Sam.
"You're most welcome, Peter Sam," said Gina. "But now...phew! Best not dwell on the pong, Percy. Lead the way now!"
Percy whistled with a slightly disgusted face over the pong, and set off at once with Gina following right with him. It seemed a little unusual to be travelling backwards along the line, but with the fireman looking out their engines' cabs from behind, it was safe enough. But the smell didn't do very much to keep the mood as cheerful as it had been with Percy's mail run.
"Go to it, Percy," his driver called.
"Mamma Mia! This has a greater pong than our own Waste Dump, where we found Lorenzo and Dame Bella!" Gina's driver exclaimed.
"Indeed, senor!" Gina whiffed.
"Ugh! Such a smell!" Percy whiffed in turn. "But don't worry, Gina. Once we find a wye line, it won't be too smelly."
It wasn't a very cheerful trip this time for Gina or Percy, but eventually, after about twenty minutes of smelly travel, Percy's driver looked out and saw a wye line. Gina watched as Percy came to a stop, then his fireman ran out and uncoupled the rubbish trucks.
"Here we go, Gina," said Percy. "Wye lines let an engine turn around without a turntable."
Gina watched as Percy went up the wye line, then watched his fireman turn the points. Percy then went down the other line and back to the Main Line. He was now facing forward as he backed up to his trucks again and was coupled back on.
"Hmm. Quite useful, Percy," said Gina. "How are your rubbish trucks now?"
"It's not nearly as smelly now, Gina," Percy smiled. "Go right for it!"
So Gina uncoupled from her trucks and turned around on the wye line just the same as Percy did. She was now facing forward too as she returned to her trucks and coupled back on. There was now a great deal of difference and she felt steadily better.
"You're right, Percy! This is much better!" she whistled.
"Thank you, Gina," Percy whistled back. "Now, on to Whiff's Waste Dump!"
For the rest of the journey, Percy and Gina managed the rubbish more easily. Gina was soon right up alongside Percy and smiling right with him again. As they exchanged little whistles and smiles to each other, they still thought to themselves about the pattern of green engines they had seen so far, and if it would continue throughout the day.
Eventually, Percy and Gina arrived at Whiff's Waste Dump. Gina looked around and could see rubbish trucks everywhere. The pong was ever-present throughout the yards. Then Gina looked up again, just in time to see Whiff come by with his warbling whistle. When Gina saw him, she couldn't help but be interested in how he looked. She had not seen an engine like him before. He looked like Thomas with deep green paint and a longer body. But the spectacles were what separated him from everything else.
"Hello, Percy," Whiff greeted. "I see you've come with more rubbish...and, goodness me. Who is this sharp-looking lady?"
"Sharp? Ooh, I like that," Gina grinned. "Ciao, Whiff. I'm Gina from Italy. The Queen of Shunting...and discoverer of archeology, as Thomas found out when he came to help me. And I trust you're the engine in charge of this Waste Dump?"
"Yes, Gina. I am," said Whiff. "I enjoy working here among the rubbish. And thanks for bringing your load here too!"
Percy and Gina were uncoupled from their trucks, and they both moved out of the way to let Whiff manage the trucks from there. Then as Whiff got to shunting the trucks through the waste dump, Percy looked to Gina.
"Shall we make our way back, Gina? And...find a better-smelling place?" he winked.
"Oh...indeed, Percy!" Gina replied. "Right away."
So Percy and Gina made their way out of Whiff's Waste Dump and started their way back to Knapford Station. After their share of work so far, by now it was approaching late afternoon. It had been a fairly pleasant day so far for both engines and they found each other's company to be immensely welcoming and delightful, and they still had little creases of thought over how all the engines they saw so far were green and how they could bring Henry's words to fruition together.
When Percy and Gina returned to Knapford Station, they saw two goods trains waiting for them in two sidings. One had three trucks, the other had five. Then when the two engines approached the platform, they could see the Fat Controller in his office, on the telephone.
"He might be a while, Gina," said Percy. "But I think we should stay to let him know how we've been doing."
"Perhaps, Percy," said Gina. "Although, I don't know who he could be talking to right now...surely not my controller. I still have thirteen days ahead of me, for the two of us."
"I'm sure it's nothing like that," said Percy. "Although he can get quite wrapped up in phone calls every now and then. He often says, 'Bother that telephone!' whenever we hear it ringing. We all find it a little amusing."
"Well, you're the most amusing part of my life, Percy...I have a feeling we'll both be amusing each other considerably...tonight."
Percy felt a little rush of tingles in his boiler as he looked at Gina and noticed her eyes narrowing to him and she raised her eyebrows up and down at him. Percy began to blush and tried to look away. With the time they had right now, Gina remembered how she caught Percy eyeing her at Knapford Harbour. Perhaps now as her chance to get a look at Percy in return. In the following moments, she found herself looking at every aspect of her favourite engine from top to bottom, from left to right.
As Gina came to learn through her previous visits to Sodor, right down to the Great Railway Show, Percy was indeed a cute and adorable engine. Emily certainly found him to be cute and adorable as her son figure, but Gina viewed Percy in her own unique way as her eyes scanned his form. His boiler was the roundest, most rotund Gina had seen on any engine she ever knew. His shade of green paint and red stripes matched that of Henry's, and it seemed to give him a perfect balance in colour. His smart little wheels and flat dome were a neat little detail to her eyes, and she recalled that whenever she heard his whistle, it had the most cheerful, innocent-sounding peep she heard any engine whistle like. And just like Percy was drawn into the most, Gina found herself drawn the most to his cheerful and well-mannered face. Emily found Percy to be very cute, and Gina felt just the same. But she also found Percy to be very handsome in her eyes. His face was more youthful than Thomas' and the curves and creases in Percy's smile showed very clearly what an innocent and humble engine he really was.
This time, it was Percy's turn to look up and see Gina eyeing him. He saw her eyes slowly looking left and right along his boiler with a little creviced smile on her face. As he remembered Gina calling him out before, Percy blushed considerably and felt his boiler bubble, but as he had done with Gina earlier that day, he wanted to see just what she would do.
"Gina...w...what are you doing?" He asked a little bashfully.
Gina suddenly popped her eyes and looked nervously to Percy, who was a little surprised to see her react the way she did. He expected her to be a little smoother and confident as she was when Thomas got too cheeky with her, but with the engine she loved beyond all else, she was quite a different engine. Within seconds, Gina gathered herself together and chose her words.
"Oh...do pardon me, Percy," she replied gently. "But as I what you were doing at the harbour...I found it only right to repay you...and admire your ornate, handsome form."
"H-handsome?" Percy blushed a little further. "You really think that?"
"Of course, Percy," said Gina. "You said I looked lovely as my dome shines beautifully. You're a cute wonder just the same."
Percy chortled merrily, then he and Gina saw Emily whistle in as she returned from her passenger runs. She took a little glance to the two green engines, and just by the smile she saw on their faces, she could tell something was up. When Percy and Gina saw her, they noticed yet again they were being greeted by another green engine, albeit emerald.
"Hello, you two," Emily smiled. "How have you been doing today?"
"I've been enjoying my first day back at work, Emily," said Percy. "Gina and I have been doing beautifully together. We delivered the mail together and managed two rubbish trains for Whiff to take care of."
"And with Percy, it's indeed Bellissima," said Gina. "And...an interesting coincidence all throughout today."
"What do you mean, Gina?" Emily asked.
"Well, every engine we've encountered throughout the day so far has been a green engine," Percy explained. "We've seen Henry, BoCo, Philip, Whiff and now you, Emily. Henry even referred to Gina and I as two engines of finest greenery."
"Hmm. Did he?" Emily pondered. "Well...that sounds simple but meaningful for you two. I think I heard the word get around from a few people throughout today that Henry said that. Perhaps you two could consider yourselves exactly that."
"We were thinking that too, Emily," said Gina. "And given the pattern of green engines we've met so far, we're wondering how we can distinguish Henry's words for ourselves. What do you think?"
"Well, there's still Rex, one of the Small engines, then Daisy, Duck and Oliver to run into if you can," said Emily. "I think I'd do well to leave that question's answer to the two of you. Also, once your work is done, you're most welcome to Knapford Sheds if you please...two engines of finest greenery."
And with a wink and a witty whistle, Emily set off down the line again. Percy and Gina watched her leave, then looked to each other for a moment. Then another moment later, the Fat Controller came out of his office and saw Percy and Gina right at the platform.
"Ah. Hello again, Percy and Gina," he said. "I was talking with a few mail carriers and the Waste Dump Manager. They're all very pleased with your work today. Right on time and really reliable."
"Thank you, sir," said Percy. "Gina and I have been here for a little while now, waiting for you to check with us...until we're ready to take our goods load to Harwick and Arlesburgh, of course."
"I see. Well, very good work so far from both of you," said the Fat Controller. "Now, all you need to do is take these two loads of goods. Three trucks going to Harwick for you, Gina, and five going to Arlesburgh for you, Percy. Ryan will take Gina's trucks from Arlesburgh West. Then your day's work shall be done. You have both done impressively today too."
"Thank you, sir," said Percy. "It's all the better to have Gina right along with me."
The Fat Controller tipped his hat to Gina and returned to his office. Then Gina looked right to Percy.
"Shall we, my precious gem?" she asked smoothly.
"Anything with you, Gina!" Percy whistled happily.
So the two green engines gathered their two trains and set off down the line once more until their work would be done. Afternoon was slowly turning into evening as Percy and Gina huffed along the line side by side. Once again, they found themselves thinking about all the engines of greenery they had met so far, and if they'd end up meeting Daisy, Duck and Oliver as well, that would mean they had ended up greeting all the green engines there were on Sodor. And beyond that, Percy began to conjure another little plan of his own to enact with Gina when he had the time.
As the sun went lower through the sky and turned the clouds from white to pink, Percy and Gina made their way to Arlesburgh West, the start of the Little Western and the Harwick Branch Line. Gina was quite impressed by the station and the archway that went right over the rails between the two platforms. Then she heard another whistle she didn't recognize. When she looked, she saw a very tiny green engine on a Minimum Gauge turntable, being turned right around by his driver.
"Percy, look," Gina whispered. "Another green engine like us."
Percy peeped his whistle. "Hello, Rex."
"Hmm? Ah! Hello, Percy, dear chap!" Rex smiled. "Oh! Whoever may this lady be? It's not Emily."
"Of course not, little lad. I'm Gina from Italy. Percy's special friend...and his Italian Queen. You're certainly a small engine indeed."
"He is, Gina. So are his two other friends, Mike and Bert," said Percy. "They have some tales from the storybooks to tell...and they even helped Thomas defeat Sailor John during the chase for Cap'n Calles' treasure."
"Mamma Mia! Did they?" Gina gasped.
"Hm-hm! That, we did, my lady," said Rex. "Well, a pleasure meeting you, Gina!"
Then as Rex set off back down his narrow line, Percy and Gina heard a diesel horn and another whistle split the air. They looked up and saw who it was. Ryan had come to collect Gina's train, followed closely by Daisy.
"Hello, Ryan and Daisy," Percy whistled. "I know what you're both thinking. This is-"
"Bonjour, Percy. I already know just who came with you," Daisy oiled. "Miss Gina, is it? Queen of Shunting, as my passengers say? Hmm. Small favours, you two are. Anyway, these trucks won't do for my swerves. So...veuillez laisser vos camions pour Ryan, s'il vous plait."
Upon first acquaintance, Gina didn't know what to make of Daisy. She seemed to be rather high-sprung and a slight diva. Ryan was more polite.
"Daisy is fluent in French, Gina," said Ryan. "She said 'Kindly leave your trucks for Ryan if you please.' That would be me, of course."
"Si. Well, grazie, Ryan...and...Daisy," Gina replied, looking notably at Daisy, who merely blew her horn again and kept on down the line.
Once Gina was uncoupled and Ryan took her train on, Percy set off again, while Gina followed.
"So...that's Daisy, is it, Percy?" she inquired. "She's not quite what I would have expected. Such vibrant eyelashes, blush on her cheeks...and referring to us as small favours. We are no SMALL favours! It seems now that Lorenzo and Dame Bella aren't the only ones who think they're better than everyone else."
"Well, never mind her, Gina," said Percy. "Daisy certainly behaved that way when Thomas needed to be repaired. She was very rude to Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta, and she refused to even pull so much as a tanker of milk. Frustrated by the situation, Toby and I agreed to swap jobs, but that angered the trucks into crashing me into another train and placing me under repair myself."
"And what did Daisy do about all of that, I wonder?" Gina scoffed.
"Actually, Gina," said Percy. "Daisy worked hard to help clear the wreckage and was given another chance. But even today, every now and then, she prefers doing things her way and seems to only like doing the jobs she pleases to do. But in the end, her heart is in the right place, and she can prove her worth when it shows."
"Hmm. Well, I'm glad to be just with you again, Percy," said Gina. "Actually, I just noticed, Percy. I'll be seeing Arlesburgh for myself...just like my dream."
"Yes. That's right, Gina," Percy peeped. "Well, your dream may have been a sad one...but I know you'll love Arlesburgh for yourself."
And Percy and Gina huffed on together as evening descended. At last, as the sun began to set over the horizon, Percy and Gina arrived at the town of Arlesburgh, their final destination for the day. Gina took a good look at everything she could see. As she and Percy made their way through the village, Gina could see the ocean all along the shoreline. She was really coming to enjoy her time on Sodor this time.
"What do you think, Gina?" Percy asked. "Isn't it a lovely little place?"
"Bellissima in every way, Percy," Gina smiled. "So this is where David and Beatrice live, is it?"
"Yes, Gina. And it's here where Beatrice and I talked together whenever I needed her," said Percy. "And look. There's their house now."
Gina looked up and slowed down with Percy. Indeed, David's house right there, and he and Beatrice could be faintly seen through the first floor window, sitting in the living room together. Percy suddenly remembered the dream Gina described when she dreamt about Percy and David just before the Construction Crew arrived to help her and Thomas. As Gina gazed at the house, she felt a new sensation in her boiler, knowing this wasn't just a dream, but that she was right here in the moment with Percy. Her dream ended up coming true, except in a much better way than how it started out.
It was only a minute or two after Percy and Gina passed David's house when they heard the last two whistles from the last two green steam engines they could have crossed paths with. There were Duck and Oliver huffing down two other lines with Toad right behind Oliver.
"Hello there, Percy. And Gina, welcome back again," Duck whistled with a smile.
"Ah, yes. Word gets around quick, Gina. You've come back again, and at the best of times for Percy," Oliver added.
"The best of times indeed," Toad added.
"Grazie, boys," Gina replied.
"Thank you all, Duck, Oliver and Toad," Percy whistled back.
Just a few minutes later, Percy made his delivery of his goods, and with that, Percy and Gina's first day of work was now finished. It had been a steadily pleasant day for the two of them to spend together after three whole years apart from each other, and they still had thirteen more days to look ahead to together.
"Well, Gina. We're finished for today," said Percy. "Have you had a good day?"
"After three years of waiting to return...this has been a perfect way to start between you and I, Percy," Gina smiled.
"Well, after all I've been dealt with over these two weeks, the wait was more than worth it, my love," Percy smiled back.
"Grazie, my perfect Percy," Gina blushed. "Now...the day is nearly over. Is there anything else you wish to do, Percy? Please let me know."
Percy looked down to his buffers and thought to himself. He and Gina had been very busy indeed throughout the day, and they still had thirteen more days to spend together. It seemed like a whole lot of time was ahead of them. Then after ten minutes of silent thinking, Percy looked up to the darkening sky, then looked at Gina. When she saw the look on his face, she suddenly got a sense that something significant would happen tonight. Significant, but also gentle and peaceful.
"Gina...come with me," Percy said solidly.
"Where, Percy?" Gina asked.
"It's our first day being back together since your return yesterday evening," Percy stated with solid eyes. "And after three years of waiting, as well as all the adventures you shared with Thomas...I thought back to the tales Emily and I heard. I think we should do what Thomas encouraged you to do after he uncovered Lorenzo and Beppe...and when you didn't expect him to forgive you after all the teasing and disbelief he had been dealt."
Gina's heart jumped and she looked even more solidly at Percy.
"As Thomas said, Gina," said Percy. "The Seaside Station was too far for him when he was ready to sleep...and it's easily too far for me at any given time. As Thomas told you, I'd rather see you looking out at another seaside. With me. Come right this way, Gina."
The Italian Queen of Shunting felt her heart stir then leap up into her throat. Thomas' prediction and wish for her had come true.
"Oh...Percy!" Gina whispered. "You...you'll do that for me?"
"Si, Gina," Percy peeped. "Where I'm taking you, I've not visited for such a long time. Follow me."
Gina followed Percy right beside his line through the village, right to the quayside where he and Duck would look at the boats all those years ago, and where Thomas and Emily went on their date together after Emily worked with Whiff for the first time. There were a fair few sailboats docked every which way on the water, and the sun was just going down on the ocean horizon, sending a wonderful flare of pink rays into the sky. Percy had not been back here for a long time now, and he could feel a great sense of memory wash over him. Then as he looked at Gina, he felt an even greater sense wash over him. This was her first time seeing the quayside on Sodor, and with her perfect engine too.
"Oh, Percy...Percy!" Gina gasped. "I do not believe I've ever seen anything like this in Italy!"
"Do you like it, Gina?" Percy asked.
"I LOVE it, Percy!" Gina whistled. "It's Bellissima! You've been here before?"
"With Duck, yes I have. I've been right on this quayside before, Gina," said Percy. "Many years ago, when Duck and I were working here, we'd look at all these boats. Duck even had daydreams of sailing to faraway lands. I affirmed that engines can't float, and therefore can't go sailing...not by themselves at least. Thomas, Nia, Emily, and you have all gone sailing yourselves after all."
"Too right, we did, Percy," said Gina. "Sailing back to you."
"That's right, Gina. Thomas brought Emily here too," said Percy. "When she first met Whiff, she avoided him at first, not enjoying the smell of rubbish, but it worked with him in the end. She felt bad about not being friendly first thing with him, but Thomas cheered her up by bringing her here, right where Duck and I would gaze out to the sea."
"Well...just like Duck did with you...now I'm here with you, Percy," said Gina. "This is indeed a most splendid idea for you to exact for us both."
For about half an hour, Percy and Gina stayed side by side at the quay, not saying a word. Percy thought back to the times he and Duck stood here, looking out to all the boats. That was a very fond time for Duck, and even Percy, despite his complaining over how Duck talked endlessly about the Regatta. Then it turned out well enough once Duck transferred the injured man to Bertie then returned to the quay and was given the Regatta's flag by Harold. Just as it had been on that very night, Percy and Gina saw the exact same scenery around them. The air was warm and the sea calm.
Gina found herself settling right into the seaside atmosphere all around her. She loved everything that she saw, from the sailboats standing perfectly still on the smooth sea, the coming stars in the darkening sky and the little smiles she and Percy exchanged every few minutes. She found herself thinking back to when she heard Thomas wish her a chance to look out to a seaside with Percy after all the excitement and intensity he had been faced with in Italy.
Then, after half an hour had gone by, Percy and Gina looked up with a click in their smokeboxes. They thought to themselves about they were both greeted by Duck, Oliver and Toad. By that time, they had seen all the green engines there were on Sodor, except for Paxton and Luke, who they had not run into. But all the same, with all the green engines they had met, they both thought to themselves once more about what Henry said, then formed a curious look.
Percy was the first to look to his loved one and break the silence.
"Hey...Gina?" he asked gently.
"Hmm? Percy?" Gina replied, looking to Percy with a gentle smile.
"Today has been a wonderful day with you...but after everything we've done today, I was thinking one more time...about what Henry said."
Gina's eyes glimmered from the stars above. "Were you? Because...I was thinking about it too."
Percy breathed steadily. He could feel a little sensation in his head that they would come to a little realization.
"Well...what were you thinking, Gina?" he asked.
"Once again, Percy...I thought a little about all the green engines we've interacted with...being all the green engines on Sodor."
"So have I, Gina," said Percy. "And you know...I think I know what we can say about the coincidence today."
"Si, Percy?" Gina inquired, wondering what Percy could be coming to.
"Given what Henry said about the two of us...I think I finally have an answer," said Percy.
Gina nodded and went still, listening to what Percy had to say.
"Green is a fine colour in many ways. For grass, trees and lush greenery. And there are all the green engines on Sodor, of course. Green engines like Henry. He's a gentle sort who loves the forest, and is one of the strongest engines among us. He pulls more trucks than three Diesels put together. Then there's BoCo, the friendly diesel engine who is good friends with Edward. Philip the boxcab. Such a cheerful, upbeat lad he is. Peter Sam, a humble figure among the Narrow Gauge Engines."
Then Gina joined in for Percy as she started to feel a certain answer coming to her mind as well.
"Whiff the Rubbish Engine...with his whiffy scent and his big spectacles," she stated. "He's a peculiar type, but friendly just the same. Rex, who works with Mike and Bert. They're all fine engines in their way too. Then Daisy the Diesel Railcar. It seems as though she thinks she's better than everyone else...rather like Dame Bella."
"Well, she's fair enough in the end," said Percy. "And Duck and Oliver. The Great Western Engines making everything go like clockwork."
"And don't forget Emily, of course," said Gina. "Sodor's beautiful emerald angel, and Thomas' forever wife figure, as well as your dear, sweet mother. They're all most wonderful engines in their way...but between you and I, I think we're something much, much more."
"I was thinking just that, Gina," Percy whispered. "Say what you might about Daisy, but all the other green engines are wonderful. They're all good in their own ways across Sodor, all have their own appearances and personalities...but of all the green-coloured engines there are in my life, I believe you are the best green engine I can ever be blessed to have in my life, Gina. You're my finest greenery."
Gina's heart beat heavily to Percy's gentle, sweet tone of voice as he had spoken everything, and when he ended his sentence, she felt her eyes glimmer gently in the stars. This was just the little discovery she had been waiting to make, and she could not agree more with Percy. She gave a gentle sigh of content and gave Percy a steady smile and a little nod.
"You know, Percy...I think you're infinitely right," she answered. "And I feel the same. All the other green engines are wonderful in their ways. Especially Emily. There is truly no engine quite like her. But between you and me, of all the green engines I know in my life, you're the best green engine, and simple the very best engine I could ever bestow my eyes upon, Percy. You are my finest greenery too."
Percy smiled from buffer to buffer. There was no other way to put it for either of them. It was a simple, but meaningful trait for both of them to carry. Then Percy suddenly smiled even more and winked to Gina.
"That's very lovely of you to say, Gina...and speaking of finest greenery...I think you remember what Emily told us back at Knapford."
Gina remembered and narrowed her eyes to Percy. "Well...we'll need to be facing each other, so we can exchange our greenery more properly."
"Not to worry, Gina," Percy peeped. "There's a turntable in Arlesburgh Yards. You can turn around there...then I'll take us to Knapford Sheds, by Emily's consent."
And with another wink, he set off away from the quayside. Gina quietly followed him until they came to the Arlesburgh Yards and their turntable. There, Gina turned around and was now facing Percy. He then buffered up to her and touched his nose to hers.
"All tracks lead to Knapford, Percy," Gina winked happily.
"And so they shall, Gina," Percy peeped as they set off buffer to buffer through the night.
Eventually, as darkness fell altogether with the moon shining steadily overhead, Percy and Gina made their way to Knapford Sheds. Percy gently pushed Gina right inside as the doors shut behind them. Then they both let out a deep sigh of content and anticipation. This was their first time ever spending a night here together on their own, compared to the smaller shed they had shared on her last visit. Tonight, this shed was for them. Two engines of finest greenery they could bestow for each other.
"Here we are," Percy whispered. "Warm, safe...and ready to start our exchanges...after three whole years."
"Yesterday was only the beginning of it all, Percy," Gina gleamed very happily. "Now...our true exchanges can begin."
"Well...I guess it's you and me, you Italian Highness," Percy crooned. "You and I for the next few hours of love, then we'll fall into a most blissful sleep."
"I'll take whatever you give me," Gina gleamed as she pressed her face right to Percy's, sending a warm and tender feeling into each other's hearts.
"I think we should go at a steady pace tonight, Gina," said Percy. "Nothing too fiery like Thomas and Emily do. Well, not yet at least. We've been apart for so long, but I'd like to build ourselves up, if you would."
"Ohh...my Perfect Percy," Gina cooed with shimmering delight. "You're very mature and polite to think in such ways, Percy...I love you, my gem."
"I...I love you to, Gina...I'm...I'm ready for you," Percy whispered quietly.
"As am I," Gina purred. "Come here, Percy...for a Bellissima night."
Gina then puckered her lips and closed her eyes. Percy felt his heart jiggle as he puckered his lips too. They had already exchanged very strong kisses just the evening before when Gina had come back, but now, in their own company together, they could truly cherish all they would do together. It took them a few moments, but surely enough, their lips very softly touched together, then locked themselves solid, unable to break away for as long as they endeavoured for each other.
And with that, the catching up of love truly began between these two engines. Percy and Gina felt each other's lips begin to softly tug on each other and very quietly smooch together as their eyes rolled back into their heads. Just like Thomas and Emily felt ever so often at times like this, Percy and Gina felt as though their minds were fast slipping away, only down to each other. Percy savoured Gina's warm, gentle and pure lips with a pounding heart as he felt her gently explore and nurture his lips to the gentle movement of her lips, which made Percy begin exploring her lips very gently too. Gina hummed shakily in their kiss as she felt Percy hold a little tighter to her lips and kiss her gently, but very steadily, until they both let go after several minutes, opening their eyes again and panting deeply.
"G...Gina..." Percy gasped. "That...that was amazing! Such a long time it's been! I..."
"Please," Gina whispered surely. "Serve your Italian Queen, Percy...kiss my cheeks. They're just for you, my love."
"Oh, Gina...I...I'd love to," Percy swooned dreamily.
Then he leaned in and softly touched his lips to Gina's cheek, which made his lips tingle warmly and gleefully for a moment or two. Then Percy very slowly and gently began kissing Gina's fine little cheeks. She closed her eyes and took a shuddering breath as she felt Percy's lips softly explore her face before she let out a deep sigh. Hearing Gina's deep breaths and sighs somehow made Percy's boiler bubble so fiercely, he thought his funnel would start to bubble too, but what he loved even more was looking to her lips and watch them move daintily to her little coos and whispers.
"Ooh...P-Percy...oh, Percy...Si...si, si!" Gina whispered and rippled quietly.
Percy giggled with such bubbly delight as he leaned the other way and started kissing Gina's other cheek, a little more strongly, which only made her coo even more. Then Gina began to chortle and jump as Percy began to softly nibble her cheek, pinching her skin so playfully.
"Tickle-tickle, Gina," Percy teased cutely.
"Ahh! P-Percy!" Gina squealed. "Oh! Oh! That t-tickles! Ooh, you're such a little tease! He-he-he-he! Ohh!"
"Oh...you're a ticklish little queen!" Percy peeped playfully as he nibbled her other cheek, making Gina jump and shake a little.
"Oh...P-Percy! P-please don't tickle too much!" Gina giggled widely. "Think about what I intend to shower you in!"
Percy suddenly felt a wave of passion flow into his boiler as he slowed down and resumed his gentle pace of kissing Gina's cheeks wherever he could, while she caught her breath and continued to blush and coo with delight for a few minutes more, right until Percy stopped and let her look at him again.
She looked so very happy to be sharing another night with her perfect engine after so long, but then she formed a new look, which made Percy quiver a little. Gina's eyes narrowed and her lips curled into a very pointy smile. She raised her eyebrows to Percy and smooched her lips to him.
"G-Gina?" Percy asked bashfully. "What...what are you...?"
"Hold still, Percy," Gina purred smoothly. "Let your Italian Queen make you...ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha, happy!"
Percy felt a sweeping, titillating wave of tingles flash through his boiler, as if he had butterflies fluttering inside him. Gina batted her pointy eyelashes and smiled dearly with such curvy lips. Then she buffered to Percy, closed her eyes and pressed her little lips right to the center of his cheek, listening to him gasp and groan with such delight and pleasure.
"Ohh...Gina...!" Percy whispered almost hoarsely as his voice seemed stuck in his throat.
"Mmm...Percy, my love," Gina whispered dreamily.
Then Gina began trailing her little lips along Percy's face, kissing him purely and perfectly wherever she went. Every time her lips touched his skin, Percy gasped sharply and moaned with riveting joy. He thought back to how Emily's kisses always felt gentle, warm and soft. But as much as he loved Emily's motherly kisses, Gina's lips were still more passionate than Percy could ever imagine making his mind whisk away again.
Then, almost without warning, Percy suddenly felt a warm and tickly rush on the tip of his cheek. He looked and saw Gina begin to nibble his cheek just as he did with her. Compared to Emily's motherly tickles, Gina's magic was something else entirely for Percy. He tried hard not to laugh out loud, but Gina's pure, unwavering Italian accent won him over.
"Tickle-tickle, Percy," she teased just the same.
"Oh! Ohh! Gina!" Percy squealed. "Just like how Emily tickles me! Please don't stop! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Ahh!"
"It appears that you're my ticklish engine too!" Gina giggled.
She then turned to his other cheek and nibbled him happily there too. Percy was so overcome with such sensitive tickles, he whistled strongly through his wails of laughter. Gina then smooched his cheek loudly and paused for a moment.
"Be careful using your whistle at a time like this, Percy. You don't want anyone to notice," she chortled.
"Hmm. You're right, Gina...especially if I did this!" Percy peeped teasingly as he buffered to Gina and kissed the tip of her nose.
"Ohh! He-he-he!" Gina bubbled and shook. Then she swiftly moved in and kissed Percy's little nose too, earning a bubbly chortle from him too.
"Oh...oh, Gina. That was fun," Percy chortled and beamed.
Gina nodded and smiled right to Percy as they both settled themselves for a few minutes, staring into each other's eyes...until a tiny glimmer came to Gina's eyes. A glimmer that Percy only saw a very tiny glint of in the ceiling lights. He watched as Gina began to stare right into his eyes, her pupils seemingly getting bigger and shinier. Percy slowly felt himself staring back at Gina just the same, with an almost hypnotizing desire for the other.
"Si, Percy...this is very fun...now...let us worship each other. I love you, Percy," Gina whispered.
"I...I love you too, Gina," Percy whispered in turn.
They watched as their lips came closer and closer until they touched each other's surfaces. Then they fell into an even deeper reign of kisses as their lips deepened more and more into each other's tight, safe hold, sending another very warm flow through their boilers. Percy's eyes shut as he felt Gina's lips softly clasp his upper lip and kiss him very softly there. They both groaned steadily in their growing bliss as Percy felt Gina's bottom lip get claimed by his lips and he very softly kissed her there too, making her coo and hum merrily in their lips' grasp. It was such a perfect spell to fall under for both of them. There was nothing to fear for either of them. All they had and needed was each other for as long as they would be together. Their kisses continued forward and onward through the night, with each of them continued to kiss each other's lips over and over again and feeling their hearts beat so heavily and so passionately together. But neither of them went any further or deeper than this...not yet. Being their first day together, they wanted things to start out steadily, then build up how they pleased.
At last, it was almost two hours by the time both green engines felt utterly spent with all the love they had exchanged between each other. Their lips came apart once more as they regained their breath and softly exchanged a few more kisses and nibbles to the cheeks over the next few minutes, until they finally stopped and just smiled. They had done a lot of work together, spent an evening at the seaside, and exchanged rather endeavouring kisses and nurtures to each other. And this was all just on their first day together.
"That was...Bellissima, Percy," Gina gasped happily. "You were fantastical! Truly astounding."
"So were you, Gina," Percy gasped. "All on our first day too...oh, Gina...you're too perfect for any engine...only perfect for me."
"As you are for me, Percy," Gina gleamed as she kissed his cheek so softly, humming softly as she did.
Then in that moment, Percy and Gina felt a most riveting wave of warmth settling into their boilers as they smiled happily to each other and began to feel sleep tugging at their eyes. They would sleep together and in each other's company, with no one to disturb them tonight. It couldn't be a more perfect start for either of them.
"Buoana Notte," Gina yawned. "I love you, my precious Percy."
"I love you too, my Italian Queen Gina," Percy yawned. "Goodnight."
And with a gentle kiss goodnight to their lips, Percy and Gina fell fast asleep together. It had been a fairly interesting for both engines, taking notice of the other green engines across Sodor and taking note of their different appearances, personalities and ways of life, but as both Percy and Gina now knew, they were the finest greenery they could bestow upon for each other. And this was only one of several more experiences for Gina to share with Percy and Sodor, with the next one due to come along very soon...with some unexpected surprises along the way.
Percy and Gina have finally gotten another story dedicated to themselves after almost three years, and there are definitely more where that came from now that Percy is finally back at work again. Our story will have a bit more focus on Gina herself, and there will be an interesting enough Railway Series reference in it as well, so look forward to that. Until next time, tell us what you thought of this story, and we'll see you all later. Stay safe.