Summer had been quite productive and eventful for Sodor this year. It all started when Belle helped Nia with an unfriendly elephant while Flynn was away at the Works, followed by the steamiest night he and Belle had shared together. Then came James' chance to be a Super Engine, much to Molly's gleaming delight, which was then followed by Emily's bubble incident at Knapford's celebration, then her perilous rescue when Thomas saved her from a landslide at the quarry, and her being called a pumping engine by an irritable passenger, who was then wheeshed and made to apologize by Thomas and Seamus Holder. Then came the strong summer gales, during which the Elsbridge Cricket Team made their big win for the season while Gordon, Thomas and Emily weathered the storm with signals and walking huts, after which Thomas, Emily and James shared a story about the Big Bad Storm together.
But summer wasn't over yet. It was now mid-July on Sodor, right in the middle of summer. This time of year was always the busiest period on Sodor for all of its railways, with more goods to be managed and countless passengers and holiday makers. Even so, the engines and their crews always managed to get the jobs done, sometimes not returning to their sheds until sunset. All the engines on Sodor shared close proximity with their drivers and firemen, and sometimes they liked to partake in little games and activities with each other. And for James, this little sense of games would provide a considerable gamble concerning the next kiss he'd get from Molly after such a super get-together they'd shared before.
One hot morning, James was rather grumpy. Like all the other engines, he had been super busy with passengers and goods trains alike, and although he liked looking after passengers, he hadn't been able to have a washdown for quite some time. He wasn't looking that shabby, but nonetheless, he was coveting a good cleaning with a strong and impatient desire.
"Why should a splendid engine like me be dealt such laboring schedules with trucks and coaches alike with NO washdown whatsoever?!"
"It's the middle of summer, of course, James," said Emily. "What did you think? We're all immensely busy at this time."
"Which means we mustn't waste any time complaining," Thomas added. "So be sure not to pout at your passengers, James!"
James just snorted indignantly as the other engines left Tidmouth Sheds to start another busy day. Soon afterwards, James saw his driver and fireman come by to start his day. He thought perhaps he could bring his desire forth to them and see if they would oblige or not.
"Dermot! Clyde! I'm not looking splendid enough, and I've been working hard enough for two or even THREE engines lately, and I deserve another washdown!"
"Again with this, James?" said his driver, Dermot. "You've woken up on the wrong side of the shed, James. No question there."
"Only because my paintwork is in need of a good wash and polish!" retorted James. "What chances do I have of having that privilege today?"
"Sorry, James. But those chances are looking pretty bleak today," said Dermot. "There are lots of jobs for you to do."
"The odds are bleaker than bleak, I think, James" said his fireman Clyde. "The chances of getting you to a washdown today are as likely as you and Molly getting to kiss each other today."
Hearing this only made James grumpier. If there was one thing he disapproved of more than having no washdown, it was being so distant from Molly and not having nearly as much time with her as the other engine couples did. He remembered the last time they met up after he had his chance to be a Super Engine, and with that time being so steamy for both of them, he now wanted to find a way to get to Molly, and prove his crew wrong on their remark just now.
"Huh! I could easily make you BOTH eat your crow! About Molly AND my unwashed state!" he hissed. "I'll take any challenge you throw at me! Go ahead! Make your shots!"
Dermot and Clyde just looked at James with a blank expression. Then they suddenly got an idea and looked to each other. As the other engines' crews had a sense of personable connection with their engines, they decided to see what James would think of their little idea. James saw them both look one way, then the other way, making sure there was no one else around. Then they huddled closely together and began whispering. James wondered what they could be up to. Then one minute later, they both gave a snicker and a nod. Then they looked up to James. He watched as they grinned lightly then came in closer to his bufferbeam.
"Any challenge, you say, James?" said Dermot.
"Yes. ANY bet you can throw at Sodor's most splendid red engine," James declared.
"Well, if you truly mean those words, James...it just so happens that Clyde and I have a little bet to place on you...if you're interested."
James looked curiously and slyly to his crew. He wouldn't pass up any chance to win a bet if he could possibly help it.
"Hmm. Curious, I must say. Alright then...what's your offer?" James asked.
"The bet, James, is this: Before sunset tonight..." said Dermot. "Molly has got to kiss you. Not just any kiss. She must kiss you as though she could never be pulled out of your...Radiant Charms, as she might think."
"Yes. In addition, you cannot give ANY hints about the bet whatsoever," Clyde added. "And you kissing her doesn't count until she has done so to you before sunset."
"Mm-hm. I see," James said lowly and thoughtfully. "And just what stakes do you have for me?"
"If you win the bet, James...we'll give you an extra thorough wash AND polish, exactly as you please," said Dermot.
"Ah, yes. Lovely," said James. "Exactly what I need, and have been needing for too long now!"
"But...!" Clyde suddenly said, pointing right at the red engine. "You must beware, James. For there is a most bitter price to pay if you don't make the bet."
James' heart jumped and he suddenly felt as though he would dread what this stake would be.
"Ohh...not fair. Fine. What price be that?" he asked cynically.
Dermot looked to Clyde, almost nervously. Then he suddenly looked James squarely in the eye, like a wolf stalking its prey. James began to feel a little afraid of what would be presented to him. Then his driver spoke, forming a most playfully devious, crackling smile.
"If WE win this bet, James...James the No. 5 Rail Rocket Ruby...YOU have to give Emily...a big, huge, smooching, ENORMOUS kiss, right on her tender, as if it were MOLLY'S tender!"
That was it. The words had been spoken. Dermot and Clyde stepped back, feeling a considerable pound in their hearts as they waited to watch their engine's reaction. It was worth watching. James the No. 5 Red Engine looked as though he had been turned to stone. He was stunned completely still, and his heart felt like it would burst right out through his mouth. He was most certainly NOT expecting this to be the stakes he'd have to face, of all engines! In all the years Emily had been on Sodor since the beginning, never did anyone propose such a dare to James as this. Ever since he and Gordon had learned their lesson after all they had done to Emily, James always saw her as a sisterly figure and nothing more or less. In that instant, a whole slew of images began washing over James' smokebox and through his head as he could only imagine what such a situation would result in for him.
The first image that shot through James' head was of him bulleting down the line as fast as he could, with Emily and Molly bulleting right up behind him with wheeshing boilers, reddening faces, and a slight lip-mark on the back of Emily's tender. She was whistling and spluttering in fury as she chased after the No. 5 Red Engine at a most terrific speed, while Molly was right behind Emily.
"JAMES-THE-NO. 5-RED-ENGINE, I'M GONNA PULVERIZE YOU!" Emily shrieked after him.
"Aagh! I shouldn't have thought of this!" James wailed. "I can't go any faster! They're catching me!"
"OUTRAGE! SABOTAGE!" Molly shrieked. "How DARE you, you perverted steamie! Violating Emily's precious emerald tender! You FIEND! YOU CAD!"
Then another image flashed into James' head. One of him inside the Steelworks, seeing Thomas and Emily both baring their teeth at him and Thomas charging at full speed to smash into James.
"YOU SNEAKING PERVERT!" Thomas screeched. "Tainting MY angel of all engines with YOUR conceited LIPS?!"
Then Thomas began bashing and bumping James' buffers as hard as he possibly could, over and over again.
"Take THAT, and THAT, and THAT!" Thomas shrieked. "I'll call Hurricane and Frankie! HURRICANE! FRANKIE!"
And James was suddenly whisked away from behind by Hurricane, who pushed him right to the magnet crane, which hoisted James up into the air, as it did once before with Thomas. James gaped down in horror as Thomas and Emily glared right back at him...right until Frankie pushed a derailed truck right to the crane's control panel, as Theo once did...and the red button was pressed down. Then the magnet crane suddenly let go...and down James fell!
"WHOA-HO-HO-HO!" James shrieked against the heat.
Then, just as James hit the pool of slag, the daydream merged to seeing himself at Arlesburgh...and there was David charging straight at him.
"Captain Rider!" James wailed with fright and took off. "HELP!"
"Stop right there!" David's voice roared after him. "Come back here, you sneaking vandal!"
James darted quickly out of David's sight and hid in a nearby shed, only for David's footsteps to follow right after.
"Where's that red rebel?!" he growled. "I know fine you're here!"
James squeezed his eyes tightly shut, praying he wouldn't be found. But it was all for naught. He heard David's footsteps come right in front of him. James' eyes opened and there he was.
"Hah. Ahh..." David glared furiously. "Got away, so you thought? Not this time! NOT THIS TIME!"
And David suddenly jumped right on James' running plate, drew his arm back and struck James right on the nose, making it pulse a painful red, just as that bee that stung him all those years ago did.
"Ahh! Agh! It wasn't me! IT WASN'T ME!" James groaned and pleaded. "I wouldn't do such a thing to Emily! Not on purpose! You MUST believe me! It was my crew! Dermot and Clyde made me do it! Please – spare me!"
"Never! NIX!" David roared. "No way, no time, NOT NOW, NOT EVER! NO-NO-NOOOO!"
James finally fell out of his most dramatically thought-up daydreams with a yelp and gasping pant as he looked to Dermot and Clyde, who were both eyeing him curiously.
"We're still here, James," Dermot eyed slyly.
"Well, then?" Clyde spoke up. "Do you accept the bet, James?"
James just goggled and gaped to his driver and fireman, his eyes almost popping out of his head and the corners of his eyes twitching most vigorously. Then he finally spoke through a most petrified wheeze in his throat.
"...You're bloody-damn crazy! You're kidding me! You are bloody well Goddamn kidding me! WHERE in the name of mighty City of Truro are you two COMING from to present ME with such a stunt?! Molly will NEVER, EVER speak to me again for as long as she lives! NEVER! And if I end up doing such a thing, Thomas and Emily are bound to drag me off to the Steelworks to drop me into the tub of molten slag which he almost fell into! I take back the bet! I want NOTHING to do with it! I want NOTHING to do with it! Please! Please!"
James then watched to see what would happen next. Then suddenly, Dermot and Clyde choked, then burst into great peals of laughter, laughing so hard and so intensely, they almost fell over. James was most confused and affronted at the same time. Was this all a joke?
"Whoa! Mmm! That was priceless!" Dermot heaved as he gathered himself together. "By my hat, James, you take some things far too seriously!"
"Well, I-" James stumbled. "When bets are made, the stakes HAVE to be followed with whatever the outcome is, do they not?"
"In serious bets, yes. But did you really, seriously think we'd have you do such a thing, James? Really?" Clyde laughed.
"It was a joke, James!" Dermot replied. "We'd NEVER truly bring you to do such a thing. The consequences would be most apprehensive and unsavory, for all of us. Sir Topham Hatt would surely fire us both, and indeed, Thomas, Emily and especially Molly would have probably had you on the scrap heap in minutes."
"They'd certainly try. And, ohh! What would David think?" Clyde added further. "If he'd heard any of this, he would NOT be quick to like it!"
James gathered himself together and plucked up courage.
"Well, then...if THAT was just a joke, and not a very funny one at that...what are the REAL stakes?"
"Alright, James. We've had our little joke," said Dermot. "As for the real stakes, we hope to win this bet, but we're not on a suicide mission."
"Out with it! What's the REAL wager?!" demanded James.
"The REAL wager, James, is this," said Dermot. "If you do lose the bet...you are to go for the rest of the week WITHOUT a single washdown, regardless of pulling goods or passengers. The only way around this is you winning the bet, or if Sir Topham Hatt directly orders you to be cleaned."
"And since you have such a busy schedule today," Clyde concluded. "You can't just go looking for Molly and ask her to kiss you. The only chance you'll have is if you happen to run into her."
James didn't like the thought of going a whole week with no washdown, and frowned enviously. But after the initial joke he had to hear, he much preferred these stakes any time.
"...Fair enough," he finally said neutrally. "Much better to be dirty than to be made to move on Thomas' angel in a most unfitting way."
"Indeed, James. And even if you do run into Molly today, she may or may not be too busy to kiss you...Jimmy," Clyde teased.
"Hmph! I'll still win the bet!" James huffed stubbornly.
"We'll see," Dermot replied.
With no further delay on the matter, Dermot and Clyde got onboard James, started his fire, opened the regulator, and James finally set off for his very busy day.
"Whew. I must admit, James. I didn't think you'd be that terrified of our little joke," said Dermot. "I reckon it still spooks you a bit."
"A bit? A BIT?!" James exclaimed. "If that wasn't just a joke, I immediately would have been a goner!"
"So would we, James," Clyde admitted. "I just wonder what it would have been if David had heard any of that..."
So Dermot and Clyde looked to each other and briefly envisioned how it would have been with David there too...
"...and ohh! What would David think?" said Clyde. "If he'd heard any of this, he would NOT be quick to like it!"
But Clyde had spoken too soon. He coincidentally turned around...and there was David, tapping his foot slowly with his arms crossed. The thin, icy smile on his face told them he had heard everything.
"Um...hi...David?" Dermot said, smiling most guilty. "How...how long have you been standing there?"
David glimpsed his pocket watch with a brief and blunt reply. "Long enough. Maybe too long for all three of you?"
"Well...if you DID hear what we just told James, I assure you, Mr. Rider," said Dermot. "Clyde and I were just joking around with James, and I professionally assure you, James would never dream of doing such a thing. Just for your peace of mind, we will always keep James away from Emily's tender, and so will he."
"Yes, David," James added strongly. "Molly is my engine, and she is my ONLY engine to share such banter with. I swear to you, I'm keeping away from Emily's tender, for you, for Thomas and for her."
David gave a single nod, and James sighed with relief. But before he could puff away, David suddenly pointed his finger right at James.
"But I PROMISE you – God as my witness..." he warned with a delightfully demonic smile. "If you say you're gonna DO it...and you DON'T do it...I'm gonna give Hurricane and Frankie another helper for the Steelworks. PERMANENTLY."
The little vision ended and Dermot and Clyde looked to each other.
"Best not repeat that joke, I think, Clyde," said Dermot. Clyde just nodded as James made his way to Knapford Station, and they day began.
Despite the fact that his chances of winning were indeed slim, James was determined to win the bet and earn another get-together with Molly if he stood any chance...but as his crew had predicted, it was a very busy day for every engine. And for James, there were a great many trucks to take to the Coaling Plant, then deliver to a few chutes along the line.
"Dirty trucks from dirty sidings! YECH!" he complained.
And within minutes, James was rushed off his wheels with his coal trucks. He disdained this immensely, but unlike the time his attitude stepped out of line, he was determined to work quickly. As much as he hated managing trucks, he just refused to let Dermot and Clyde win the bet on account of his chance of seeing Molly again.
James hurried to the Coaling Plant and lined up the first truck under the main chute.
"Come on, now! I can't be kept waiting!" he whistled.
"Mind out, James," said Dermot. "You don't want to get covered in coal and be messy for Molly."
James begrudgingly waited until all his trucks were loaded. Then he set off again along the Main Line to make his deliveries. As he went along, he kept looking every which way up the line, hoping to catch a glimpse of Molly and see if he'd get any chance of her kissing him before sunset. Then James heard the huff of an engine up ahead.
"Molly?" he called out hopefully.
But then came Thomas' whistle as he came around the bend with some quarry trucks, to James' dismay.
"Hello, James," Thomas called. "I hope that coal isn't too dirty for you!"
James didn't answer, frowning to himself as he carried on to the first coal chute. He couldn't see Molly there as he dropped off one of his trucks and carried on.
"Where could she be?" he thought to himself. "I'm not losing this bet on account of my Shining Sun!"
James was determined. Everywhere he went, he kept a lookout for Molly to see if she'd be able to kiss him in time. On the way, he passed, Percy with the milk train, and Gordon and Rebecca with the express. They all whistled a greeting to James, but the only greeting he wanted today was Molly's. At every coal chute he stopped at to deliver a truck or two, he hoped Molly would be there too, but she wasn't. He passed through Crosby, Wellsworth, Maron, all the way to past Cronk Station as he made his deliveries to the various coal chutes, but still he found no sign of Molly.
By the time James finished his last delivery of coal past Cronk Station, it was just about noon, and he began to worry a little.
"Thomas and his quarry trucks, Percy and the milk, Gordon and Rebecca with the express," he huffed to himself. "Molly, where ARE you?"
"She's sure to be just as busy as you are, James," said Dermot. "Probably all the better for us to win a week's relief of the effort of a hefty washdown on your account."
"Right you are, Dermot," Clyde added. "And we'd best find a wye line and get back to Knapford. You have passengers to look after through the afternoon, James."
"With those shiny red coaches of yours," Dermot put in humorously. "Isn't that the train you prefer, James?"
James was getting a little irked, even with the mention of passengers. He would not let his chances of winning slip, even with passengers to look after.
"Well...lads. Miraculous as it may sound to you," said James. "I may prefer passengers to trucks, but my red coaches are NOTHING compared to my Shining Sun! I'm getting this bet in the end! Just you wait!"
"We shall see, James," Dermot replied. "It's almost noon, and you have a considerable schedule still to cover, even after your passenger run today."
"After my passengers?" James almost gulped, not fully expecting this.
"Oh, yes," said Clyde. "There'll be another goods train waiting for you later on at Vicarstown to take to Wellsworth, which may take you even longer to see Molly, if you manage to at all before sunset."
James grunted dreadfully and proceeded to find a wye line. He didn't like being goaded with what he thought was overconfidence on his crew's behalf, but for the sake of the engine he loved beyond all else, he wasn't giving up. He was determined that somehow they just had to meet.
James made his way back to Knapford Station and saw four of his red coaches waiting for him. He rushed back to Tidmouth Sheds, turned around again, then returned to the station and brought his coaches to Platform One, just as his passengers began to arrive. James thought it best not to ruin their spirit and put on a light smile as they got onboard his coaches. But underneath, he was still fighting for his chance to win that bet before sundown. Then he began to wonder if this passenger run would take him to Crovan's Gate or beyond. Maybe he'd be lucky and see Molly there.
"Say, Dermot. Where is this passenger run taking me?" James asked.
Before Dermot could answer, the P.A. announcement rang its bell and sounded through the station.
"Boarding now at Platform One is the 12:30 to Vicarstown, where your train is about to depart."
"That's me," James declared as his coaches' doors were shut and the guard blew his whistle. James set off, considering to himself.
"Vicarstown, eh? Perhaps Crovan's Gate can give me a little boost..."
"No record-breaking, James," Dermot checked. "And no shirking either. We can't afford confusion, with or without delay."
"I don't need to be reminded of that!" James replied huffily. "Not when I'm doing it to please Molly, if she could see it for herself."
And so James set off with his passengers. It was now approaching afternoon and James began to wonder again if he'd see Molly in time. Since he wasn't pulling the express, which only stopped at big, important stations, James knew his train had to stop at every station until Vicarstown. It would consume a fair amount of time indeed, but he was more determined than ever to see Molly and get her lips to touch his and win him the bet.
The hours passed, and James looked after his passengers wherever he had to stop, taking great care not to overshoot or undershoot the platforms. If he were to see Molly at any station and see if she could kiss him, he'd have to manage his passengers perfectly, not just for himself, but for her as well. Throughout the journey, he stopped at Crosby, Wellsworth, Maron and Cronk to let off and pick up passengers. As he had passed these stations earlier with his coal trucks, he kept an open eye for Molly again, but he still saw no sign of her.
"Still no sign of her," James said to himself as his coaches' doors shut again. "Oh, Molly. Where could you be?"
"Don't fret, James," said Dermot. "It's surely mere coincidence you haven't seen her yet."
"Perhaps she's further up the line...hopefully," Clyde teased, winking to Dermot.
"I'm determined to win this bet," James retorted. "But after two runs along this part of the line, there's still no sign of Molly, therefore luck is working against my favor! Coincidence? I think not!"
The next moment, James' guards whistle blew and he had to go on.
"You may proceed now, James," Dermot replied solidly.
With a slightly irritated whistle, James set off again, trying not to grumble. But then he remembered just where his passenger run was taking him, and he suddenly felt some pieces coming together.
"Hmm...Kildane, Balladrine, Kellaby, Kellsthorpe Road, and then...Crovan's Gate," James pondered. "If Molly isn't along this next stretch of the line...what then?"
"Big win for us," Dermot whispered very lowly to Clyde from the cab, who winked with a tip of his hat.
James carried on through the afternoon with his passengers, feeling increasingly determined by now to find Molly. The day was still a fair way from being finished yet, and the matter of the next kiss was still to be determined. Whatever the outcome would be, James and Molly just had to meet up at some point...
Meanwhile, on her own stretch of the Railway, Molly was working very hard herself, as it had been a most busy day for her too. Ever since she woke up that morning, she had been bustling about, with a huff, a puff, a zig, a zag, a to and a fro, pushing and pulling trucks wherever she went, managing coal, goods, and passengers alike along her stretch of the Railway, often bustling at Crovan's Gate, with the Narrow Gauge Engines like Skarloey, Rheneas and Sir Handel who came to manage her loads on their stretch of the Railway. As busy as she was, Molly found herself enjoying being so useful, but in the midst of all this work, she couldn't keep James out of her mind. Ever since their last meetup, when James had been the Rail Rocket for a day and presented the matter to Molly, she took to it most impressively as his Super Sun. That night had been their steamiest session together yet, and Molly could only wonder when her next kiss to him would be.
"Oh, James, my Rail Rocket. I wonder where he could be today with all this work to be done?" she pondered. "Summer is such a busy time for all of us...but I still can't help but wonder. When will our next kiss to each other come to be?"
"Well, Molly, he's actually bound to pass through here soon," said her driver Barry. "He's got a passenger run to Vicarstown, then more goods to manage afterwards. He'll probably be kept busy until sundown."
"Hmm. I see. What about me?" Molly asked. "I've been bustling to and from here all day. Is there any more work I have to cover after this?"
"Once we're done here, you've got some goods to collect from Wellsworth, Molly," said her fireman Mark. "That will be your last run for today. Who knows? Maybe you and James will meet up tonight. With a little luck, of course."
"Oh, I do hope so! Ooh-hoo-hoo! Jimmy!" Molly chimed and tooted her whistle happily.
By this time, James had managed his passengers at Kildane, Balladrine, Kellaby and Kellsthorpe Road. Even now, he hadn't seen Molly at either station, to his growing disappointment.
"Come on! Where IS she?!" he thought desperately. "It's approaching late afternoon and if I don't find her soon, I'm no good for this bet!"
But then James looked ahead, and there was Crovan's Gate. James' heart jumped with a sense of anxiety and hope too. He looked further as he came closer...then his eyes bulged and his face formed a most beaming smile. He then decided to make a little rush for it, and sped up a little.
"Steady, James!" Dermot checked. But James kept rushing, while making sure not to bump his passengers about.
At Crovan's Gate, Molly just finished shunting another line of tucks into their proper place, still thinking about James.
"Oh, such a gift it would be to see him again today if I could," Molly gleamed happily to herself. "Oh, my Super Ruby. Just imagine him, swooping in like the Rail Rocket again! His magnificent red paint sweeping me off my wheels and-"
Molly's sentence was cut short by James' whistle sounding through the air. Molly looked, and there he was gliding into the station. With an eager whistle, he stopped right at the platform beside her and beamed impressively. He had heard everything.
"I'm here, my Super Sun! Da-da-da-daah!" he announced. "Long time, no see, Molly."
"Oh, James! Why, hello there," said Molly, trying not to blush. "My Rail Rocket is passing on through, is he? Just as Barry said you would. But beforehand, I didn't think I'd be seeing you today, given how busy I've been."
"Well, it so happened that I was in the neighbourhood," James replied with a joking grin, making Molly splutter and laugh.
"He-he-he! Indeed, you were, James," she giggled. "You've been immensely busy, I presume?"
"Unfortunately, yes, Molly," said James. "Even with passengers and my red coaches, I'm feeling overworked, and it's not easy for me to stand at this point. Quite like Duncan felt with the passengers he had to deal with."
"I hope you didn't stop on any viaduct like he did," Molly teased lightly.
"Of course not, Molly," James replied. "But all the same...it would do me a lot of good to be relieved of all this work...hopefully before sunset."
From James' cab, Dermot and Clyde suddenly felt alert and looked out, listening very closely. Was James going to give away the bet?
"Yes, I hear you're still busy with goods after this," said Molly. "I'm still rather busy myself, James. But perhaps if you work hard enough, maybe I'd be willing to...let you into my shed tonight."
James looked away, trying hard not to blush himself. He spoke nervously and carefully, trying not to slip the bet.
"Y...Yes. If...if you could, yes, I would be most obliged, my love," he said. "Will...will you be busy after sunset or...?"
"Get your work done, James. Then we'll see how we're doing," Molly replied a little sternly, but with a smile.
Right on cue, James' guards whistle blew again, and he had to continue to Vicarstown and conclude his passenger run.
"Come on now, James," said Dermot. "Our timetable can't wait."
James had to go on. As he set off again, he was disappointed that he couldn't get to Molly's lips this time, but at least he managed to see her. He whistled goodbye, and she whistled in turn, and soon she was on her way for her last goods run for the day. As James carried on his way, Dermot leaned out of his cab and spoke up.
"You cut it rather fine there, James," he said. "I think you almost slipped the nature of our little bet. Exactly what I told you NOT to do."
"I said nothing of the sort," James replied. "Nor did I intend to. I only inquired if she'd be busy around that time."
"Well, either way, evening will be here soon, and there's still lots to do," said Dermot. "If you want to win that washdown, you'd better hurry with your final goods run, James."
"But it's heavy, so be careful too," Clyde hinted. "It might slow you down at that."
"You'll either be able to win the bet by a very close call...or the bet is ours," said Dermot.
"Hmph! I'm in too deep to give up now!" James retorted stubbornly. "Molly WILL kiss my lips in time, one way or another!"
Eventually, James finally made his way to Vicarstown and dropped off the last of his passengers, having kept right to his schedule so far. After his passengers left, his coaches were shunted away by Rosie and given to Henry so he could manage his own passengers. James then turned around on the Vicarstown turntable and made way to collect his last goods run for the day. He trailed through the yards, and then he saw a long line of trucks, box vans and tankers, numbering up to twenty. This was the final load he'd have to manage, stopping at every single station to pick up or set down trucks, which could slow him down quite considerably, bringing sunset even closer, and maybe beyond sunset if James was unlucky enough.
"This is it, James," said Dermot. "It could be more or less than twenty as we go along, until we get to Wellsworth, and the clock is ticking."
"I know that, Dermot," James replied. "But for Molly's sake, I am NOT losing this bet! AM – NOT!"
And James coupled roughly to his goods train and looked ahead.
"This is for you, Molly," he declared strongly. "Next kiss, please!"
Then James whistled and began to set off. But with twenty fully loaded trucks, he couldn't start that easily. He panted and pulled hard to get up to speed, but even as he gained speed, he found it hard to maintain a fast pace as some of the trucks were up to a few tricks.
"Hold back, hold back!" some of them whispered.
"No, you DON'T!" James barked. "Come on, or I'll make you wish you didn't!"
Some of the trucks laughed and giggled to this, holding back further, which made James crosser still. He huffed slightly forward, then suddenly gave an intensely fierce bump backwards, so strong that all the trucks bumped into each other one by one, until they came bumping back the other way, right into James, who gave a shrill whistle and managed to set off properly. This made the trucks begin to see his point and they set off together.
James had to work hard to keep a good pace with twenty trucks. Before long, he stopped at Crovan's Gate where he dropped off two trucks, and took a glance to Molly's shed, thinking endlessly about her, and just hoping he could get there tonight, per her lips meeting his before sunset. But Dermot and Clyde were right. James would have to hurry if he could help it. He had only arrived at Crovan's Gate...and the sun was beginning to lower through the sky. There was still a good while before sunset, but James could see that time approaching a little faster now.
As soon as he was ready, he started with a rush and tried to get up to speed again. He panted a little as the heavy trucks rolled behind him. But as heavy as they were, James would not let it hold back his chances. If Molly were on any stretch of his trail now, this would be his last chance of winning that bet. He stopped at Kellsthorpe Road, Kellaby, Balladrine and Kildane, dropping off one truck at each station and lightening his load.
"Alright then. This makes it lighter," James thought to himself. "But the sun is going down, and there's still two more stations before Wellsworth."
James carried on towards Cronk, hoping to set down a few more trucks...but when he got there, his hopes of lightening his load were dashed. There were six trucks waiting for him to pick up, and add to his weight, putting him right back to twenty trucks. James gaped in initial disbelief and looked worriedly at the sky. The sun was going lower and lower, and it would indeed set soon. Now James was really racing against the clock, almost down to the minute.
"Great! Right back up to twenty trucks! And there's still Maron and...and...Gordon's Hill!" he exclaimed.
When Dermot and Clyde heard that, they had almost forgotten about Gordon's Hill, and as they looked to the sky, they felt for sure the bet would play in their favour. They secretly shook hands in James' cab, feeling utmost sure they had made the win already. But then James spoke again as he gathered his four trucks to his train.
"NO hill is robbing me of this bet! Not today!" he declared persistently. "Rail Rocket Powers, don't fail me now!"
And with an ever-determined whistle, James started off again as fast and strongly as he could for twenty trucks rolling behind him again. His face reddened a little and his wheels hurt a little too, but he had to go on. Even Dermot and Clyde secretly had to admire James' perseverance. The sun kept going down, and James kept working onwards and forwards, betting against all odds that Molly would cross his path and plant her lips to his before the sun would disappear over the horizon...
By this time, Molly had just collected the last of her goods runs from Wellsworth, and was on her way back to Crovan's Gate. It had been a long day, and it was almost over. Soon, she would finally be able to settle back in her shed, and take her rest for the night. As she watched the sun going down and coming closer to setting, she thought back to her little talk with James that afternoon, and she still wondered if he would be able to finish his run in time and take up her offer, even though she knew nothing of the bet he had made with his driver and fireman that very morning.
"Hmm. This summer is turning out to be immensely busy, just as it is every year," Molly said to herself. "What will James make of it, I wonder?"
"It could go either way, Molly," said Barry. "He might be coming along with his last goods run. As to when he'll meet up with you for the next kiss, well...we'll have to see."
"Hmm. I suppose so," Molly sighed. "As the Fat Controller told Thomas and Emily, work before play. Oh, my dear James..."
Soon, Molly reached the junction before Gordon's Hill and saw that her signal showed clear. She went faster, came to the foot of the hill and started to climb. She felt the incline working against her wheels, but as all the engines felt with this hill, she wouldn't let it stop her. Molly huffed harder as she approached the top, feeling herself slow down considerably. Then at the last moment, with a big gasp, she made it over the top and started hurrying down the other side.
"Peep-peep! Here we go!" she whistled.
Molly watched with a rush of excitement as she hurried down the hill. She found it quite fun at first. But then, as she came toward the bending curve at the bottom of the hill, Molly suddenly gasped, for there was trouble ahead. She saw that the rails were greasy and slick, for BoCo had come along here earlier in the day with a leak in his fuel tank, and no workmen had gotten to cleaning the rails yet. And for Molly, there couldn't be worse timing.
"Look out! Slippery track ahead!" Molly whistled with fright.
Before her driver or fireman could react to the situation, Molly ran right over the rails and felt the greasy, glossy sense slide over her wheels. Then she began to pick up speed.
"Ahh! Slippery!" she cried.
"Steady, Molly!" called Barry. "You're speeding up!"
Molly's fireman Mark quickly turned the lever to power her sanding gear, but most unfortunately, it failed. No sand came out to give Molly's wheels any traction. They just locked on and skidded along the line helplessly. Faster and faster she went, and she became much alarmed.
"Oh, no-o-o! Aagh! He-e-elp!" she wailed. "James! Wherever you are, He-e-e-elp!"
By this time, James was coming down the opposite direction with his goods, having recently passed through Maron. He had managed to set down six trucks, down to fourteen at Maron, but he was still huffing hard to finish his work and see any sign of Molly. The sun was now just minutes away from setting, and he could feel the stakes being counted right down the second now. He began to sense that his efforts might be futile, but he still didn't want to give up.
"So certain, are you, James?" Dermot noted.
"Minutes away from sunset, and you're still pushing to finish the work and get to Molly's lips," Clyde added. "Even when our odds of winning are right on the table."
"Brag all you want, Dermot and Clyde, but I'm either winning this bet or going down trying!" James hissed a little desperately. "For Molly, and her next kiss!"
And then...as if the timing was perfectly imperfect, or the other way around, that's when James suddenly heard the distant shouts.
"Help! He-e-elp!" came Molly's frightened voice.
James suddenly stopped and looked up. He called back, a little frightened. "Molly! Is that you?"
Then as he looked ahead, far down the line, there she was. Molly came sliding along, with her wheels slipping along the line with no sign of stopping safely.
"Ahh! Help!" Molly wailed as she slipped and skidded along the line. "My wheels slipped on an oil leak, James! Please, help me stop!"
James saw what was happening with his beloved Molly, and in that instant, he forgot all about the bet. As close as the sun was to setting, he would not let his Shining Sun fall to any danger now. No bet was of any importance compared to saving the love of his life from a nasty accident. James quickly shot his eyes to the nearby signal box, looked at the points, then back to Molly as she slipped closer and closer.
"James! Ohh! OHH! James! Help!" Molly cried out.
"Keep your head up, Molly! Here I come!" James called back. "Uncouple me, Clyde!"
Clyde jumped out and uncoupled James from his trucks. As soon as he was back in the cab, James started with a roar and sped up toward the signal box.
"Molly, look out! Points, POINTS!" James called to the signal box.
The signalman quickly turned the points, which would direct Molly onto his line. Then James quickly started backing up, trying to match Molly's speed. In just seconds, she veered onto the switched point, onto James' line, coming closer and closer and whimpering with alarm.
"Ja-a-ames!" she cried.
"I've got you, Molly! Don't panic!" James wheeshed.
Then he began to carefully slow down, which brought Molly even closer, until she bumped into him, not too quickly. Then, just as Yong-Bao had taught Thomas about the energy of Tai-Chi, and just like Gordon did to save Rebecca when her brakes failed, James moved with Molly's movement for a few yards before his crew applied the brakes and slowed himself and Molly down. Then, with a deep sigh of relief together, James and Molly slowed down, then stopped, right to a standstill. Molly was now secure and safe. She and James panted for a few moments to calm down before they looked to each other.
"Molly? Are you alright, my love?" James asked.
"Oh...oh, James!" Molly gasped. "I...I was quite scared at the hill...I thought I would crash. But then you! You rescued me!"
"Of course I did, Molly," James smiled. "As busy as my day was today, if there's anything more important to me than shiny red coaches, or looking splendid...it's making sure my Shining Sun always shines on the rails."
"Ohh...th-thank you, James! My Rail Rocket Ruby! My hero!" Molly gushed, batting her eyelashes romantically to James.
"Oh...it was nothing, my Shining Sun. I..."
"James...such a brave and swift Super Ruby I have!" Molly swooned seductively. "Just as you were as the Rail Rocket. Ooh, James...come here, my sweet!"
And as chance would have it, just at the right moment for James to be gifted with, Molly buffered right up, puckered right up, and pressed her lips right into James' lips, smooching nosily and planting a most vigorous, passion-driven kiss on his lips. Their next kiss had been fulfilled...and just a few seconds later, the sun just went down over the ocean...thus winning James the bet, fair and square. A very close call indeed, but James had won. When Dermot and Clyde saw this, they looked to each other with a certain look in their eyes. As confident as they had been earlier, they could see just how everything had played out in the end, and gave a little nod to each other.
Eventually, Molly's lips let go and James' and they both panted for air for a few moments before looking to each other again.
"Thank you, James...thank you," Molly gasped. "You really are the Rail Rocket for me. Such a Radiant Ruby you really are for me."
"Just as you're my Super Shining Sun, Molly," James smiled. "Now. I see you still have some goods to deliver...and I'm still busy with my own load. But now that you're safe...do you think that after we're finished our trips...we could...well...?"
"Shh," Molly whispered, purring lowly right at James. "We've both had a very busy day, James. But you were such a quick thinker to stop me from having quite an accident. As such...you've more than earned the ticket to me letting you into my shed. Tonight. Are you interested?"
James began to blush, as hard as he tried not to. "As soon as I finish my deliveries, the pleasure is all ours, Molly. Yours and mine."
"Ooh, goody," Molly bubbled. "And just where do you have to take those trucks?"
"To Wellsworth," said James. "And then I'm done."
"Are you, now?" Molly inquired. "I just came from there with my last load right here, that is until I came over Gordon's Hill...then you came to the rescue. I'm bringing my load here back to Crovan's Gate...which seems most fitting for both of us, doesn't it, Jimmy?"
"Oh...I...I suppose it does, Molly," James replied.
"Well, off you go to finish your run," said Molly. "Then after that...it's you and I, Jimmy. You must be rewarded for your heroics. Most handsomely."
And with a smooch of her lips, Molly set off on her way again, back to Crovan's Gate, while James just smiled. Once Molly was out of sight, Dermot and Clyde came down from James' cab, and came up to his buffer beam. James looked at them both and saw their expressions. They were both convinced they had the bet won, but with Molly's rescue just moments ago, they had to admit defeat.
"Well, James...we had our high hopes today," said Dermot. "But as miraculous is it seems to us both...it seems you were right. You have made us eat our own crow...this time."
"It was a close call for both of you," said Clyde. "For Molly...and for your bet, James."
"You're right. It was a close call for both," James replied. "But to hear me talk, that bet meant NOTHING to me when I saw Molly in danger of crashing. I thought nothing of that bet when I saw her sliding down the hill, needing my help. Whatever bet I make with you concerning my Shining Sun, if she's in danger, that matters countless times MORE to me than any bet!"
"And for that, we are most proud of you, James," said Dermot. "Putting your loved one's safety first is a hallmark for engine couples and married couples alike."
"Indeed it is," James replied. "And this time, it seemed to win me the bet after all. Admit it."
Dermot and Clyde gave James a sly smile and a single nod. They just began to walk back to James' cab, when he spoke again.
"Uh, uhh..." he uttered secretively. "...Don't tell her about the bet."
"Not a word," Dermot whispered.
"We would have encouraged you not to tell her ourselves, and we stand by that encouragement," said Clyde.
To this, James gave a nod and a relieved hiss of steam. Lest Molly had picked up any of the grapevine about the initial wager Dermot and Clyde had jokingly challenged James with, he thought it best not to say a single thing about any of the matter. Before long, James retrieved his trucks and made the rest of his way to Wellsworth, where he delivered the last of his load, which Edward and Philip would then manage the next morning. At last, James' share of work for the day was complete. Now was the time for his rescue to be rewarded by his favourite engine on the island.
"Next kiss, please," he whispered to himself. "I'm on my way, Molly."
And James set off with a glowing sense of anticipation in his boiler through the night. This would be yet another immense night for him and Molly, and they would not waste a single moment of it.
At last, James arrived at Crovan's Gate Station. The stars were glittering through the sky, and all was quiet. He looked around, and his eyes fell upon Molly's shed. He saw the lights were on, and a slight shadow against the crack at the bottom of the door told him she was inside, waiting for him. He shuddered lightly and proceeded toward the sheds. His buffers touched right to the doors, then slowly pushed the doors open. James looked inside...and there was Molly, smiling beautifully and her eyes gleaming in the ceiling lights, just waiting for her Radiant Ruby to come in and indulge in all the passionate gifts she had for him tonight, just as he had all the gifts for her tonight.
"My, my. Looks like my Rail Rocket is back for another round with his Super Sun," Molly gleamed delightfully. "Welcome, James. Come in, come in."
James slid right inside as the doors shut behind him. Now that his bet had been won, now Molly could give him the next kiss, just as he had declared himself throughout the day.
"Well, Molly. Here I am again," said James. "Last I was here, I was the Rail Rocket, and your Super Ruby."
"Yes. Indeed you were, James," Molly replied. "And taking your rescue today into account, you were certainly the Rail Rocket for me, just as you were for the other engines back then."
James gave a playful grin. "Da-da-da-daah."
"And now...after a long, busy day for us both...I think it's time for us both to be rewarded...with our next kiss," said Molly.
"I infinitely agree, Molly," James replied. "Shall we begin?"
"Oh, yes, James," Molly gleamed. "But to do that...you need to be stirred into my spell, I think. Cast your eyes on me, Jimmy. Don't you love how beautiful your Shining Sun is? My bright yellow paintwork? My huge driving wheels, like Emily's? My sweet, warm, lovely face? Hmm?"
"Oh...y-yes...you...you're so hot, Molly," James whispered. "Your driving wheels are so big and beautiful, just as Thomas tells Emily with her wheels...your cheeks, nose and smile are all SO beautiful, Molly...and...oh, Molly, just like the warm sun, your yellow paint is making you look so warm and pure."
"Ooh. Well, thank you, sweetie," Molly bubbled. "You're a most dashing, splendid and very handsome ruby for me, and I do mean every way there can be for you, James. As such...I think you need to show me just how radiant your charms can be tonight."
James felt his heart jump excitedly. "Then...do I have permission to proceed with my Shining Sun...and make her truly glow?"
Molly leaned in and gave James a tiny little nibble on his chin, then made her answer. "Permission granted. Next kiss, please."
When James heard that, his eyes lit up happily. To hear the love of his life say those words just as he did was more than what he needed to start his share tonight.
"Oh, Molly!" he chimed as he buffered right up and snuggled into her warm, soft, creamy cheeks. "Thank you! Thank you!"
"You're infinitely welcome, my sweet Jimmy," Molly giggled as she snuggled right to his face too, kissing his cheeks softly for some time until they softly let to.
"Oh, Molly...I...I love..."
"Yes, Jimmy. You love me so much," Molly whispered. "So do I unto you. Now...are you ready to gift me with your radiant love?"
"Yes...yes, Molly," James whispered. "Um...Molly? Please close your eyes. That way, you can be happily surprised when you feel...where I kiss you first."
Molly smiled and blushed. "Okay, Jimmy. Let's see how you can please your Shining Sun..."
And she closed her eyes and waited, tittering very softly. James stared and smiled at her beautiful form right now, then he made his move. His lips slowly began reaching out to her face. He often kissed her cheeks first, but tonight, he wanted to drive her delight first, then her lust. His lips came closer to her...until they very softly touched the tip of her nose. Then he delicately nibbled and nipped at her nose, which made Molly open her eyes and gasp to the gentle touch of his lips. Her nose began to wriggle and twitch in response.
"Oh! OH, James!" she giggled and squeaked. "Do...do you really love my nose?"
"Oh...I do, Molly," James answered. "Your nose is so adorable. So cute and pointy...oh, just kissing your nose is making me want to hug you with my steam again."
"Ooh, I know that too easily," Molly gleamed. "Oh! He-he-he! James! That tickles! Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo!"
"I love your nose, Molly," James whispered. "So warm, cute and rubbery..."
"Aww, Jimmy," Molly giggled. "Please let me please your nose too? Please?"
And she leaned in and gave James a kiss on his nose too, making him blush deeply and giggle right back to her.
"Well, you're certainly doing a nice job so far, Jimmy," Molly giggled.
"Thank you, Molly," said James. "Now…I have a request, Molly. I probably know you'll grant it, but I'm just asking because you deserve my politeness."
"Ooh. Well, what is your request, James?" Molly asked.
James leaned in and whispered to Molly. Then she gasped softly and glimmered her eyes at James, who smiled right at her.
"Please, Molly? May I?" James asked sweetly.
"Aww...James," she blushed. "My answer is yes."
James gleamed right back and watched as Molly did a little dance and shook softly in his direction, making her cheeks jiggle ever-so slightly.
"Suckle my cheeks, Jimmy," she crooned. "They're yours, and yours only."
James smiled from buffer to buffer and leaned in. He pressed his lips to Molly's left cheek, feeling his heart tingle as he felt the soft, tingly and warm skin on his lips. Then he very gently sucked on her cheek, making Moll and giggle delightfully as she softly blew him a kiss in turn.
"Oh! OH, James! James!" she gasped.
James smiled as he kept sucking her cheek. Then Molly suddenly felt James dotting his tongue on the tip of her cheek, which made her begin to tremble. Her cheek was now tickling softly, but very persistently as she felt James keep dotting his tongue on her cheek wherever he went.
"Oh, my darling...my darling Jimmy!" she gasped.
James teased her a little more, then softly let go and smiled right at her. "Your cheek is so soft and sweet, Molly. I love you."
"Oh...I love you too, James," Molly whispered. "Your lips and tongue are so radiant too...please suck my other cheek? Ple-e-ease?"
James smiled even more and pressed his lips gently to her right cheek. Before he proceeded further, he glanced to Molly and winked. Molly waited for what he would do next...then he began softly nibbling on her cheek, letting his lips move softly up, down and every which way. Molly giggled louder as she blew another kiss to James as he petted her cheek nice and softly with his lips. James loved all the little sounds of joy Molly was making right until he let go and kissed her cheek gently and let her rest for a moment.
"Well...am I doing nicely for my perfect yellow beauty?" James asked.
"Hmm...I think so," Molly smiled and blushed lightly. "Do you think you could do more for me?"
"Easily," James replied. "What is your bidding, my love?"
Molly blushed softly. "Well...you see my lovely warm cheeks, James?"
James nodded and looked right to her face. Then Molly leaned in closer, bringing her left cheek to James again.
"Lick them, James. Tickle my lovely, creamy cheeks with your perfect tongue," she invited.
James blushed deeply and plucked up confidence. "Whatever my Sun needs to truly glow...I'll bring on her sunshine..."
He then took a deep breath, then leaned in toward Molly, opening his mouth. He slowly reached his tongue out to her creamy, glowing skin…then his tongue touched softly to her cheek. Instantly, Molly jumped, and in that same instant, James could taste the sweet, lovely sense of her amazing cheek.
"Ooh…! Please don't stop, Jimmy!" Molly gasped. "I'm so excited! Please keep going. Please-please-please!"
James obliged immediately and resumed licking her cheek softly and gently. Now James was falling under Molly's spells of lust, delight and bubbly joy. Her cheek tasted so sweet and tingly; a sweet, fruity, creamy flavor, and he loved it so much, just as she loved feeling his tongue tickle and gift her with every moment it lasted. James could hear Molly gasping, whimpering and moaning happily and excitedly.
"Oh…oh my goodness, James! You're perfectly gifted! That t-t-tickles! Oh! Ohh!" she squealed.
"Is it?" James asked innocently as he began licking her other cheek. "Am I making you happy, my love?"
"Oh, I'm very happy, James!" Molly gasped. "And you're making me even happier now! Do you like that?"
"Oh, Molly...I can only imagine how Thomas and Emily enjoyed their chocolatey get-together when she was his Chocolate Emerald...but I believe you taste sweeter than any chocolate I'll ever taste."
"Aww...aww, thanks, sweetie," Molly glowed, blushing a deep, happy red. Then she suddenly yelped and chirped through a big giggle.
"Oh! Ohh! J-J-James!" she whimpered. "My...my steam is almost there! I...I'm gonna...!"
Then suddenly, Molly's steam ports let loose and she let off a warm hiss of swirling steam. Molly squealed happily as her steam blanketed on and around James. His eyes were locked onto her steam ports and her large wheels at first, then as she sighed and cooed most blissfully, he turned to her closed eyes and her gleaming smile as her lovely teeth sparkled in the ceiling lights.
"Whew...ooh..." Molly whooshed and panted happily. "Oh...my...goodness, James! You have super kisses and a super tongue, just as you did as the Rail Rocket!"
"It's all for you, my love," James declared. "Being the Rail Rocket and YOUR Radiant Ruby is the best job I could ever ask for on this Railway, as long as I always have you, Molly."
"Yes, Jimmy. And I'll always have you as my Radiant Ruby, my love," Molly gleamed. "Now...you've showered me with such lovely gifts, James...and for that, your reward must be handed out."
"And what reward may that be, Molly?" James smiled.
"First...your Shining Sun wants to give you a kiss," Molly whispered. "Let me kiss you, James. Let me explore you..."
James shuddered and watched as Molly leaned in, then tugged and nibbled his lips with hers, then slipped her tongue into his mouth and began to French-kiss him very softly. James steadily shut his eyes and blushed as he French-kissed Molly right back for several more minutes, feeling her tongue writhe warmly and purely with his. They both moaned in joy as they kissed deeper and deeper until they finally let go with a gasp and a beaming smile to each other.
"Wow...wow, Molly," James gasped. "This is certainly a radiant and shining way for you and I to reconnect after me being the Rail Rocket..."
"And me being your Super Sun, James," Molly gleamed and smiled happily. "I really loved all your gifts and spells you sprinkled me with tonight."
"My sweet, happy princess, Molly, that's what I live for every day," James smiled. "To sprinkle you with all the gifts and spells I possibly can whenever we find the time to be together."
Molly giggled and blushed, looking away briefly. Then she looked right at James with a tiny twinkle in her eyes. James suddenly felt the next step was coming.
"Well, James...shall we continue on with the night...on towards my rewards for you?"
James almost said yes, but he thought that perhaps they could work up toward it just for a little while.
"Actually, Molly...I would love that...but before that…can we cuddle together for a while? I'd like us to work up to your rewards..."
Molly cooed very sweetly to James' sweet approach and smiled dearly. "I'd love to cuddle with you, James. Come here, my sweetie Jimmy."
She then gave a happy sigh and stood still, letting James do what he pleased. He smiled right at her and slowly pressed his face to hers. Then he began leaning left and right, cuddling her cheeks nice and softly. Molly sighed happily and kissed James a little as he cuddled her. Her face was so warm and soft on his face, and he loved it so, so much.
"Ohh...Molly," he whispered. "Your cheeks are so warm and fluffy...I love cuddling you, my Shining Sun. So cozy..."
"Aww, you're so sweet, James," Molly smiled back. "I love cuddling you too. You're very warm and comfy too. I'll always keep you cozy whenever you and I are together. It's your payment and reward every time we find time to be together, right here, or wherever we may be."
James smiled to this and cuddled Molly further. He then puckered up and kissed her chin nice and softly, making her giggle and chirp quietly. Then she gave a soft little yawn.
"Feeling sleepy, my Shining Sun?" James asked.
"Mmm...just a little, James," Molly answered. "Besides...I haven't even started with you yet."
James felt his heart rush as he looked up. Molly's eyes narrowed and she began to purr quietly.
"That's right, Jimmy...you've certainly earned my shining presents for your heroics today...not it's time for me to hand them all out to you. One by one."
And with no further delay, Molly made her move for the night. She batted her eyelashes softly to James at first, who smiled nervously and gritted his teeth lightly too. Then Molly buffered up, puckered her lips and began kissing James persistently, all over his face, her lips smooching squeakily as she proceeded, placing little lip-marks along James' face, all while he tensed up and felt as though big red and pink hearts were bubbling up all around him and Molly.
"M-M-Molly...oh, Molly," he whispered steadily. "I...I love your kisses above all else...please keep going. Please, my beautiful Molly?"
"Mm-hm-hm-hm-hm! Do you like my fluffy, tickly little lips, Jimmy? Hmm?" Molly teased and tittered.
James just groaned in deepening passion. Molly giggled gleefully as she saw James' half-closed eyes and shaky smile. Then she chirped happily and kept brushing and smooching her lips all along his face. James gasped and heaved strongly as Molly's little lips tickled and tugged his cheeks wherever she went. Then she pressed her cheeks to his and placed a very big, smooching kiss right between his nose and upper lip until her lips popped away with a gleeful chirp from Molly.
"You...you're such a perfect kisser, Molly. The only perfect kisser for me," James whispered.
"Oh, James...thank you. P-please excuse me being shy. Ooh," Molly blushed as she looked right at James and felt her seductive side kicking in.
"Molly?" James started to clue in.
"Oh...oh, my...you're such a handsome ruby, Jimmy..." Molly swooned seductively. "Oh...you're so gifted with splendidness, my Super Ruby. Yes...yes, Jimmy. You're-you're going to love this. Ahh..."
James' heart throbbed hard as he watched Molly slowly lean in, batting her eyelashes and purring persistently. Then she reached her tongue out, sighing silkily and making James begin to shake with anticipation and excitement. Then Molly very softly touched her tongue to his cheek. James shivered and jumped strongly.
"M-Molly...! Ohh!" he groaned.
"Ooh, do you like that, Jimmy?" Molly asked excitedly. "Is my tongue nice and warm and slippery?"
"Molly! M-Molly!" James wheezed. "I...Oh! You're SUCH an amazing lover!"
"Shh, my ruby. Shhh..." Molly hushed sweetly. "You just relax...while Molly rewards you for your heroics and radiance..."
And Molly slowly and teasingly resumed licking James' cheek wherever she pleased. James gasped and groaned loudly. Molly's tongue was so warm, soft, and oh, so gentle! It felt like Molly was almost painting him in sweet, gooey honey wherever she licked him. James felt as though he would faint, but Molly's soft little sighs and seductive sounds kept him focused the entire time, while his face blushed very fiercely. Then as Molly softly kissed the tips of his cheeks every few moments, her lips felt like a soft little blanket of flowers fluttering softly on his skin. It was almost too much for James, but that was exactly what he loved right now.
"Molly...M-Molly...!" he whispered almost hoarsely. "Don't...don't stop! Ahh!"
"Ooh...purr..." Molly purred as she licked James' cheek again. "Ooh, James...you're so pure and perfect. Purr...I love you...ooh, you're so handsome. Purr..."
And she kept trailing her tickly little tongue on James' face wherever she pleased, giggling happily and shyly wherever she went. James' wheels were quaking and shuddering like crazy. He felt like they would collapse beneath him any moment as Molly softly licked his cheek once more, then resumed kissing him up, up, up his cheek, then trailed her lips right to his nose and began kissing it over and over.
"Oh...Molly!" James exclaimed. "You have super lips and super tongue, just as I do! Please keep going!"
"I will always sprinkle my magic on you, Jimmy. Always..." Molly cooed.
Then she very softly nipped and nibbled his face slowly down his cheek again, blushing all the way.
"Oh, Molly..." James whispered with a steady bubble in his boiler.
Molly was placing James in absolute Heaven as her amazing lips kept sprinkling their magic with her kisses, nibbles, sucks and little licks. She felt both shy and seductive at once as she kept giggling and looking away every few moments, but then cooing and purring most alluringly to James whenever she kissed him deeper and more purely. By this time, James felt as though he couldn't hold together. He could feel his steam making ready to hug Molly just as she hugged him thanks to all his spells, and she could sense it too.
"Oh, James...You're starting to reach the point," Molly whispered. "Don't hold back, Jimmy. Let your steam out and let it embrace your beautiful yellow princess...your Super Sun."
Molly's soft, sweet voice was bringing James closer and closer to the peak, and he wouldn't let it let up now. His steam was just waiting to be let off, and there was no way he could hold it in now. Molly's soft, sweet voice, her beautiful, seductive body and spells had all won him over now.
"Molly...I'm just about ready...I'm gonna let loose..." James uttered strongly. "My steam is ready! May I hug you, my yellow beauty?"
"Oh, James! Please-please-please bring me into your steamy hug," Molly begged softly. "It's okay, Jimmy. Let your steam out...let us hug together."
And she leaned in and gave James the perfect little kiss and tiny nibble right on the surface of his lips. That was all he needed. With a steady whistle and whoop of joy, James let off steam and let it trail through Molly's shed, slowly blanketing her from face to cab in his steamy embrace.
"Ohh, James! Thank you!" Molly gleamed in pure, blissful joy. "I love you! I love you, Jimmy!"
"Ohh! Molly! Molly!" James exclaimed. "My perfect, beautiful Shining Sun! I love you!"
Molly took a deep breath, then steadily let off steam herself, blanketing James in her steamy hug too, and there they were. The Ruby and Sun were again intertwined in each other's steam, in absolute purity and undimmed love.
"This is truly amazing, Molly," James gasped. "There's no better engine for me except you...my sweet, beautiful Molly."
"Oh, James," Molly gleamed. "There's no better engine for me either...except you, my handsome, Radiant James. Now...give your Super Sun a hug...and a big, big kiss."
James nodded immediately and let off more steam for Molly, blanketing her in a warm, steamy hug again. She then blushed, giggled most delightfully, then let off more steam too, hugging James right back and intertwining them both into their steamy afterglow. This went on for quite some time with them constantly holding each other close, rubbing each other's cheeks and noses together and exchanging a few small kisses to the lips until their steam slowly disappeared. Their night was now complete, and they loved every moment they had spent of it.
"Oh…oh, James…" Molly panted. "You're such a perfect engine for me. I'm so, so proud of you."
"Th-th…thank you, Molly…" he murmured. "That…that was so much fun…and I'm so happy to have served you so well. I love you, Molly."
Molly smiled and nibbled his chin. "I love you too, James. You're…you're a good boy, James."
"And you're...you're a good girl, Molly," James smiled back as he nibbled her chin too.
James and Molly then spent several minutes more, resting, cuddling together, cooling their boilers and exchanging little nuzzles and kisses until Molly slowly closed her eyes, and let out a long, deep, sleepy yawn, feeling fully spent now.
"Now are you sleepy, Molly?" James yawned.
"Ohh...so very sleepy," Molly yawned again. "But it was more than worth having you here again...for the next kiss, as it were...then a whole lot more. You were marvelous, James."
"You were marvelous too, Molly," James whispered. "Infinitely marvelous."
"Ohh...ohh..." Molly kept yawning. "Time for bed now, Jimmy."
"Ohh...yes, my love," James yawned. "Sweet dreams, my Shining Sun. I love you, Molly."
"Sweet dreams, my Radiant Ruby," Molly gleamed. "I love you too, James."
James and Molly then rubbed their noses together and fell sound asleep together. James was indeed happy tonight. He had done a very fine job with all his hard work today, and the rewards of both the hard work and winning the bet were indeed the best he could hope for...and just a few minutes later, James' ears caught the sound he loved to hear above all else at night whenever he could.
Molly was snoring peacefully and beautifully as she was dreaming of what she and James would be doing together next in the near future. Every time she snored, she fluttered her lips and snored again. James' heart flipped with delight as he watched her cute little nose move slightly as she snored and heard such peaceful sounds coming from such a beautiful engine as her to his mind. Molly snored again and whistled out quietly, to which James smiled even more as he snuggled to her, making her smile.
James then kissed her cheek and her little nose once more, making Molly snuggle up to him her blissful, happy sleep.
"I really do love you, Molly…and I'll always serve you well," James whispered as he went right to sleep right with his Shining Sun.
Early the next morning, James awoke before dawn. After a most passionate night of love with Molly, he remembered that since he won the bet, his crew would be along soon to give him the washdown he had been promised for winning the bet. James looked to Molly who was still sound asleep and cuddled right up to his face. James thought back to his amazing night with her, and wished he didn't have to leave. But he knew he'd have to anyway, even without a washdown. He very gently gave Molly's cheek a kiss, which made her stir.
"Mmm...Jimmy?" she murmured softly. Then she woke up with a deep yawn, seeing James looking at her. "What time is it, James?"
"Not yet dawn, Molly," James whispered. "I had a most amazing night with you, my love."
"Mmm...so did I, James," Molly whispered. "I loved it all...but why are you up so early?"
"Well...my crew promised me a washdown before I start work today," James whispered, not saying anything about the bet. "So...as much as I wish I didn't have to...I have to go now."
Molly heard James and sighed. She knew he'd have to leave anyway, but she still gave him a dear smile.
"Alright, James," she whispered. "I had a most amazing night with you last night...and whenever the next chance comes...my shed doors are always open for my Radiant Ruby. I love you, James."
"I love you too, Molly, my Shining Sun," James whispered as he and Molly shared a soft kiss to the lips.
Soon, James' crew arrived and started James up for the day, and he was soon on his way back along the line to earn his well-won washdown.
"See you soon, Molly," James whistled to her.
"Bye-bye, Jimmy," Molly called back. "Until next time...da-da-da-daah!"
James almost glowed with pride and joy as he set off down the line with his crew, looking forward to his next meetup with Molly. Soon, as the sun began to rise, James was at the washdown at last, with Dermot and Clyde working away to make the red engine's paintwork shine and glimmer, just as they had agreed to do since James won the bet. And at last, James was beaming with pride to be looking fresh and clean again. For James, the next best thing to sharing a night with Molly was looking shinier than ever in his bright red paint. As such, he couldn't help but brag over his victory as he was washed and polished away.
"The Red Rocket emerges victorious! Next kiss, please, Molly! Thank you, thank you! Da-da-da-dah! Rail Rocket is here!"
Dermot and Clyde looked to each other and shook their heads to each other.
"It was bound to happen either way, Dermot. No denying," Clyde stated.
"Huh. James. Molly's Radiant Ruby. You can't live with him, you can't live without him," Dermot grinned.
And so James had enjoyed his share of a little gambling caper which earned him another passionate night with Molly, and a long-desired washdown. It had indeed been quite an eventful escapade for James to take part in. But this gambling caper was only half done, for James and Molly weren't the only ones to be involved in this little banter between engines and their crew. Soon, Percy's crew would conjure a similar bet...which would involve Emily and her truly loving bond as Percy's mother figure, and this would soon lead to another most playful night between her and her beloved baby Percy.
Happy New Year, everyone. The idea of this story really just came to me from watching an episode of "Last of the Summer Wine" as a really silly idea of James making a bet with his crew about whether Molly could kiss him before sunset, but it worked out well enough. Originally James being forced to kiss Emily's tender was actually going to be the real bet, but it worked much better as just be a joke instead. But this is not the end of this story, as there is another chapter to come. In the meantime, tell us what you thought of this first chapter, and as always, stay safe.
