James just got a new driver and his ways does not go well with her like he thought it would. Will he finally learn to behave and will he also be saved from her tough disciplinarian clutches. Tune in to find out. Please enjoy and review. I accept all reviews, both positive and nice constructive criticism, but no flames.

I do not own Thomas and Friends, but wish I own that naughty splendid engine, James.

Notes: This is rated teen, not kids, due to a more complicated story line in later chapters and a few mature (or not so mature) words. I apologize for any of the OC (out of character) but its suppose to help the plot along. There is gay unrequited love in this, so if you are against shonen ai, don't read.

A New Driver for James

Another Typical Day on Sodor

It was another splendid, warm, sunny day on the Island of Sodor. The birds were singing, bees buzzing, and the engines were hard at work. Gordon pulled the express while Thomas and Emily worked together on their branch lines.

"Come on, come on, c'mon," Gordon said to his coaches. "I pull the express and I must be on time."

"Hey…good lookin'," Thomas said to Emily as he pass her.

"Thomas, don't be so rude!" She shouted back.

Not all the engines were working their best, unfortunately. James has just gotten repainted and he was, shall I say, being a big bother to the other engines. He was suppose to work at the coaling plant today, but seeing how coal would get his new paint dirty, he decided to run all over Sodor, showing off.

"Look at me. I'm such a splendid engine," he shouted to Thomas as he passed him.

"James, you really should get to work," was all Thomas said.

"James, you weren't there to help me," Percy said as James pulled in to Tidmouth Sheds. "I had to do your work, as well as mine. Sir Topham Hat told me I was really useful today, since I did the work of two engines. He also said he wants to have a word with you," Percy added innocently.

"Pah, at least I look useful," James said jealously as he looked Percy up and down. Poor little Percy was covered in coal dust.

Later that day it was time for the engines to wash up. It's a requirement for the trains to wash down daily, but requirement or not, no one was getting clean. There was a hold up at the engine wash.

"Hurry up, James," Percy whined to the red hott engine in front of him. "My passengers will laugh at me if I don't clean up." Well, poor little Percy was rather filthy since he's been working at the coaling plant all morning. He really needed a bath right away.

James just sat there and ignored with a blissful look on his face. His driver and other workmen were taking extra care to make sure James' red coat was spotless. Most likely to go through another day of being a show off and doing little work.

"Ok, James," the driver said, pointing to a sign that says each wash down session is only allowed for up to ten minutes. "Your time is up."

"Aw, but my red isn't glimming enough," James plead. "Can we stay like an extra minute?"

"Eh….alright," the driver gives in as usual, always wanting to keep his spoilt little red engine happy.

The other trains, Percy, a now muddy Gordon, and Emily, who just pulled up, were getting more impatient and angry.

"Hurry Up!" Gordon yelled. "Some of us actually have important jobs to do, such as pulling the express."

Yeah, a girl needs to keep up her appearance anyway," snipped Emily.

"I'm filthy," Percy whined sadly.

James became bothered with their complaining and left in a huff.

"Finally!" shouted the other trains.