Only a few days had gone by since James had his little bet with his crew over being able to kiss Molly before sunset, which would have determined whether or not he'd go without another washdown for an entire week. But through all the rush, bustle and hard work James and Molly had that day, the bet concluded in James' favor when he saved Molly from having an accident and she kissed his lips just at the setting of the sun that day, winning him the bet. As the days passed afterwards, the other engines came to hear about James' bet with his crew, although they heard absolutely nothing at all about the initial stakes James' crew had teased him with in the first place. Some of the engines admired James' diligence to get the work done and save Molly, some saw more of how overly proud he was to be washed again.

But the gambling caper wasn't over yet. While the engines continued to work long and hard every day through the bustle of summer, Percy was now starting to feel an edge with all the hard work. He had been kept rather busy himself, with passengers, goods and mail alike.

"Bust my boiler, so much work!" Percy exclaimed to himself. "I could use a washdown myself if I had the time!"

While not as overworked as James felt he was, Percy did find himself wanting a good washdown himself. He wasn't filthy or shabby in the least, but a washdown would at least make him feel fresh again. And just like James, this little line of thought would spawn into yet another bet...which Percy's crew would make with him...and this time, Emily truly would be involved, one way or another, whether Percy won the bet or not.

It was another crisp, bright morning when the engines set off from Tidmouth Sheds to start another busy day of summer. This time, Percy was the last engine to wait for his crew to arrive. Soon enough, he saw his driver and fireman coming by to start his day. Just like James, Percy thought it worthwhile to express his little desire to his crew to see what they would say.

"Morning, Percy," said his driver Richard. "Another beautiful day in summer, and a ton of work for us to cover."

"Good morning, Richard," said Percy. "I know we're all very busy...but when would there be a good time for me to be looking smart again with a good washdown?"

"Sorry, Percy. Your patience is notable, but there isn't time now," said Richard. "You've got plenty of goods and mail to manage today, right until evening. Maybe tomorrow."

"Hmm. Oh, well," Percy sighed. "It's just that I've been working so hard with the other engines, maybe a washdown would help me feel a little rejuvenated. Quite like James did after he won his bet for Molly. Isn't there any chance I could be given a good cleaning anytime soon?"

When Percy said this, Richard suddenly turned to Percy's fireman Isaac. Over the past few days, they too had picked up some of the details of James' little gamble with Dermot and Clyde, and with the topic of wash-downs this morning, they suddenly got an idea. Percy watched as they looked around, making sure there was no one else nearby. Then they huddled together and whispered for a minute or two. When they looked up again, they had slightly playful smiles on their faces.

"Richard? Isaac?" Percy puzzled.

"You're certainly a patient and hardworking engine, Percy," said Richard. "And I think you just gave us an idea."

"What idea?" Percy asked.

"With the topic of wash-downs on your mind, just as James did a few days ago...we have a little proposal for you," said Isaac.

"A proposal?" Percy asked.

"Hmm...not exactly, Percy," said Richard. "More of...a wager. After James' share of this little game...would you care to partake in a little bet with us?"

Percy suddenly looked curiously to his crew. Much like James, he had never been dealt a bet before, and after hearing about James' share of bets, he wondered what his crew could be on about.

"What kind of bet?" he asked eventually. "Surely, I can't hope for the next kiss from Gina anytime soon."

"No, Percy. That's very true," said Richard. "But all the same, as word inevitably gets around on Sodor...I wonder if you heard anything about the bet James' crew made with him?"

"Hmm," said Percy. "I feel it had something to do with Molly...and the next kiss with her before sunset?"

"That's right, Percy," said Isaac. "As such...what would you say to partaking in a bet of our own...for you?"

Percy looked right to his crew with a curious expression. He didn't think much about winning or losing, but he was still curious to know what this bet would entail.

"I suppose I could engage in a little challenge with your bets," Percy accepted. "What's the bet you wish to make?"

"Before the next day, Percy," said Richard. "You must deliver ALL the mail and finish all your work on time, with no delays or muck-ups whatsoever."

"I see. And the stakes?" Percy asked.

"The stakes are as such, Percy," said Richard. "If we lose the bet, we'll give you a good wash and polish this very evening, after your work is done."

"Oh! Thank you," Percy smiled cheerfully. "I'll be glad to be looking smart again. But...what happens if I lose the bet? Do I go without any wash or polish for a whole week like James could have?"

"Hmm...no, Percy," said Richard. "Those were the stakes James had to face. If you do lose, we'll still make sure you're looking clean and spotless, sometime after today."

"But as per losing the bet," said Isaac. "...you, Percy, have to invite Emily to Knapford Sheds the next chance you get, and ensue a most playful and persistent tickling banter with her...WITHOUT telling Thomas, and without him knowing or finding out in any way."

That was it. The words had been spoken, like they initially were with James. Like Dermot and Clyde did, Richard and Isaac stood and watched for Percy to react. Unlike James' situation, this was very different, and much more light-handed. When Percy heard the stakes he was faced with, he indeed felt jumpy and quite nervous at first. He knew how he and Emily viewed each other as mother and son since the beginning, and he remembered his night of motherly therapy with Emily when they took their final exceptions together by kissing on the lips once and once only. If he had to invite Emily tonight, it would of course be playful and innocent, but unlike the initial joke James had been told by his crew, Percy saw an advantage on both sides of this bet. He'd gladly enjoy a good wash and polish, and he was quite eager to enjoy another playful night with Emily once he got the chance. Percy gave a smile of approval and spoke up again.

"I see. Well...as it turns out, I think I'm happy with either outcome of this bet. It's not about winning or losing for me."

"Hmm. Why do you say that, Percy?" Richard asked.

"If I win, I'll be looking spotless again, and if I lose...well, at least I get another playful night with Emily. Either way, I get something enjoyable out this bet...although circumnavigating Thomas knowing about Emily and me getting together might need some thought..."

"Well, we'll leave that to you, Percy. However you see fit," said Richard. "But for now, we have a long day ahead of us. So let's get to it."

And so they did. Percy's first job was to deliver a stone train from Ffarquhar Quarry along the Harbour Line on Thomas' Branch Line to Knapford Harbour, where the stone was then loaded into a ship. Once he was relieved of his stone, Percy made his way back up the Harbour Line with his empty trucks, until he stopped at the hay fields where the gangers were waiting for him collect the hay that they had left to dry in the sun. It was also here where Percy became a woolly bear after he been covered in treacle. Once the gangers had loaded his trucks with hay, Percy made his way up the line to Elsbridge, where Toby was waiting for his trucks so he could deliver the hay to farmers along the Branch Line who wanted winter feed for their stock. With that out of way, Percy had enough time to fill on water before getting ready for his next job. He collected the milk tankers from the siding for St Pedroc's Dairy near Elsbridge Station and delivered the milk to Knapford Yards.

With the milk dropped off, Percy collected his mail trucks and began his mail run, collecting the letters and parcels from each station on Thomas' Branch Line. Once he finished with the branch line's post, he started collecting the post along the Main Line. As he departed Wellsworth, he saw Emily approaching him in the opposite direction with her local passenger service.

"Hello, Percy," whistled Emily.

Percy remembered his bet with Richard and Issac, and knew that he couldn't let Emily know about it, so he had to be subtle.

"Hello, Emily," he replied, giving her a little wink as they passed by. Emily noticed the wink and wondered about what Percy could be thinking as she stopped at Wellsworth to let off some of her passengers.

Percy thought he had done a good job in not making Emily feel too suspicious of what was going on. Once he finally finished with his mail runs, Percy's next job was to collect a brand new plough for Terence that had arrived at Knapford Harbour. He arrived at the harbour in good time, and once the new plough was loaded onto his flatbed, he set off along Thomas' Branch Line for Hackenbeck.

Percy was enjoying his run, but as he left the Harbour Line and made his way along the Main Branch, he saw Thomas coming from the other direction with some stone trucks.

"Hello, Percy," whistled Thomas cheerfully as he puffed past, but Percy was nervous about what Thomas would do if he knew about the bet he and his crew, especially if he knew that it involved Emily.

"Hi, Thomas," replied Percy, innocently, hoping not to attract too much of Thomas' attention. Luckily, Thomas didn't suspect anything, though Percy was glad when he finally delivered Terence's plough to Farmer Finney's farm. Once the plough was unloaded, Percy only had more job left before his day's work was done. He made his way up Ffarquhar Station where a small goods train was waiting for him to deliver to Knapford Station. Once he was coupled up, Percy made his way back down the branch line one last time until he arrived at Knapford, tired, but triumphant, having finished all his work in time as evening began to set in.

"At last..." sighed Percy, feeling quite pleased with himself. He had managed to go through the day without Thomas learning about the bet. By now, Richard and Issac had to accept defeat.

"Well done, Percy. You won the bet fair and square." acknowledged Richard.

"Looks like we owe you that washdown after all." said Issac. Percy couldn't have felt more content as they made their way up to Crosby Washdown for his well-deserved reward.

Soon, Percy was gleaming green again. His work was done, and he had won the bet, just like James did. But even though he had won, Percy was now putting a few other pieces together in his mind. If favor was on his side, his day wasn't over yet. He remembered seeing Emily earlier. Now was the time for him to find out if his bet could be utilized a little more even now.

"There you go, Percy," said Richard. "Clean and spotless, just as we made in the bet. Now let's say we go home?"

Percy heard his driver and suddenly spoke up. "Actually...no. I don't think I'll be going back to Tidmouth Sheds. Not tonight, at least."

"What are you talking about, Percy?" Richard asked.

Percy looked to him with a little smile. "Take me to Knapford...so I can see Emily, if she's there. I'm going to invite her...to Knapford Sheds."

"But Percy, you won the bet," said Richard. "Inviting her to Knapford without Thomas knowing was for if you lost the bet."

"I know," Percy replied. "But unlike James' bet, I see the advantage on both sides of my bet, like I told you before...therefore, I'm accepting all the stakes. I'm off to find Emily. And we're gonna have fun together."

So Percy set off through the coming evening, starting to feel his heart jump excitedly. He felt very sure he and Emily would be in for a most playful night together, which would include the next nibble as it were for both of them.

Back at Knapford, Emily had just finished with her passengers for the day. She left her coaches in a siding and sighed deeply. It had been yet another long and busy day of summer, and she was feeling ready to call it a day. Thomas had yet to come back for one more job to do through the night, intended to do it with Percy, depending on how the night would transpire for all three of them.

"Whew. Well, it's been a long day," Emily stated proudly. "As long as I'm a busy engine, then I'm a happy engine."

"And you did very well today, Emily," said her driver Paul. "We can always count on you."

"You can indeed, Paul," Emily smiled back to him. "I just wonder how Percy might be doing. He must have had a busy day himself..."

Then Emily heard Percy's whistle up ahead. She looked and saw him returning to the yard. He looked up and rushed right up to Emily. He then stopped right before her buffers and peeped hello on his whistle.

"Well, hello, Percy," Emily smiled.

"He-he! Hi, Emily," Percy replied.

"Well. You look as good as new, Percy," Emily observed. "Did you have a washdown?"

"In fact, I did, Emily," Percy replied. "Even with so much work to manage, I got it all done, and I feel even better to be clean again."

"I'm sure you do, Percy," Emily smiled. "You certainly look nice and smart with a clean boiler...and so very cute too."

Percy couldn't help but blush to this. "Th-thanks, Emily...mother."

"And you must feel proud to have had a washdown during such a busy time," Emily went on. "Just as James felt when he got his washdown a few days ago."

When Percy heard this, he suddenly remembered exactly why he came to see Emily. After a whole day of thinking the bet over, and recently winning it, his chance had come, and he suddenly went quiet and lost in thought. Emily saw him looking down to his buffers and humming lowly to himself. As she remembered him winking to her earlier in the day, she began to sense that they would be doing something together tonight, just as she had wondered earlier.

"Hey, Percy?" she asked kindly. "What are you thinking about? We've all been busy today, but now that the day is done...do you want to tell me something? Maybe do something with me?"

Percy looked up when he heard this. Emily was clearly working into what he had in mind.

"Oh...E-Emily. I was thinking...well..." he began a little unsurely.

"Yes, darling?" Emily smiled.

"Well...Emily, would you..." Then Percy made his planned invitation, both from the bet, and his own choice. "Would you...like to join me in Knapford Sheds tonight? I think there's something I need to tell you. Just between us."

Emily was now curious. She began to sense that she and Percy would indeed be doing something together after all, and after a most busy summer day, she gladly accepted the invitation...and she would soon find out just what this was all about.

"Hmm," she pondered. "Well, after another hard and busy day, why not spend a night with you, Percy? Of course."

Percy smiled lightly and gave a little nod. He then and buffered up to Emily, feeling his heart begin to jump. He knew he had to bring everything forth and see what Emily would make of it.

Soon, Percy and Emily were settled comfortably in Knapford Sheds again, in each other's company. Now that he had brought Emily here, Percy wondered how he could bring forth the reason as to why he brought her here without making it too awkward.

"Here we are again, Emily," Percy said gently. "In Knapford Sheds."

"Yes. So we are," said Emily. "With such a busy summer for all of us, spending a night with you is a fond way to end a busy day, Percy."

"Y-yes, Emily. It is," Percy said a little quietly. Emily noticed this and wondered what could be going on.

"Hmm. I really sense there's something on your mind, Percy. Would you be a dear and speak your mind to me?" she asked.

Percy looked to Emily and felt a little jittery now. Now that the day's work was done, there was nothing else delaying him. He had to tell her everything to bring it all together, so he took a deep breath and gathered his words.

"Well...I've had a big, busy day, as we all have, Emily," he explained. "So much work I had to do and keep on time too. I was hoping to see you sometime today, Emily. But as everything turned out today...I didn't just bring you here out of invitation."

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

"I can never lie to my mother figure who I love so much," Percy peeped. "There's another underlying reason I brought you here, Emily. It wasn't just about wanting to spend it with you again. That's only part of the reason."

"I see. So...why else did you bring me here, Percy?" Emily asked.

Percy cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Emily. I see no point in needlessly dragging this out. I must ask you...have you heard anything about the bet James had with his crew? The one concerning the next kiss with Molly against the odds of him doing so before sunset so he could be washed down?"

Emily looked down for a moment, then back to Percy. As it turned out over the past few days, she had picked up some of the grapevine of the bet James' crew made with him, and although she and the others never found out about the initial joke James' crew told him, she got a feeling as to where Percy could be going with this.

"Yes...as a matter of fact...I have, Percy," she answered. "All I've heard was that if Molly didn't kiss James before sunset, he'd go unwashed for an entire week unless the Fat Controller officially ordered him to be so. But as it so happened, James took the win by saving her at Gordon's Hill, and he and Molly did get the next kiss."

"Yes, that's right," Percy replied. "Anyway...the reason I bring that up is because...well...today, my crew made a little bet with me."

Emily raised her eyebrow inquisitively. "Hmm. And just what bet did they make with you, Percy?"

"Well, like James, I've been wanting a good wash myself lately, although I wasn't as dependant on it as James. I told my crew about it, and they issued me a bet to finish all my work on time with no delays. They said if I won, they'd wash and polish me this very evening."

"Yes..." Emily listened.

"But if I lost," Percy went on. "They...er...well...they said I had to...invite you here, and ensue a lot of tickling between us...without telling Thomas...and without him knowing. That's what they told be it would be..."

Emily looked right at Percy and took in the spoken words, then leaned up and down, nodding slowly. After such a busy day of her own, she was glad to spend the evening with Percy, but all the same, she wasn't expecting this to be the reason she had been invited to Knapford Sheds. She then wondered if Percy won or lost the bet as she began putting a few things together herself.

"Well. I see," she finally said. "Very interesting. My crew has yet to make a bet with me. Maybe, maybe not. Out of interest, did you win or lose the bet, Percy?"

"Oh. I won it, Emily," said Percy. "I finished all my work on time with no mistakes or delay, and my crew has already washed me. But you already know that."

"Yes. I saw it myself when you came back," said Emily. "But then...why did you still bring me here if you didn't lose the bet?"

Percy giggled softly, trying not to sound awkward as he explained the matter.

"Well...you see, Emily...unlike James' bet with his crew, I saw my bet in a different way. James was fully bent on winning and getting what he wished for, both to be cleaned and to get the next kiss with Molly. When Richard and Isaac presented it to me this morning, I decided to take both sides of the bet. It was never about winning or losing. I knew that either way, I would be cleaned in the end...but I also thought I'd really love a playful night here with you...if I could get that chance. And it seems I have, now that you're here. Therefore, Emily...do...do you accept my part of this little bet? Do you accept my invitation for you by my own choice, rather than being conditioned to if I lost the bet?"

Emily heard everything Percy said and thought for a while. At last, she looked to Percy again. She blinked once or twice...then smiled very dearly.

"You know, Percy...Yes. I do accept your invitation here in Knapford Sheds. This time of year is proving to be a big bustle as it is every summer, and in the midst of all the busy times we have to manage...I would love to share another playful night with you, my adorable baby Percy."

Percy beamed and smiled. His side of the bet had paid off, just as he had hoped.

"Thank you, Emily. But...what about Thomas? He hasn't heard anything about the bet...and what if he were to find out about the grapevine of this bet?"

To this, Emily buffered up and touched her nose to Percy's, crooning softly.

"It's okay, Percy. Don't worry. With a playful tickle banter for us both, even if Thomas did find out, I know he wouldn't mind. He knows how you and I view each other as mother and son figures, and just as you respect my ironclad bond with him, so too he respects our bond as mother and son."

"Yes, Emily. He does," Percy nodded. "Thank you again...for being here with me tonight."

"You're very welcome, my dear," Emily replied.

Percy nodded with a little smile. Then a few moments later, Emily suddenly giggled. Percy looked and saw her blushing lightly before she looked at him with twinkling eyes and a playful smile.

"Ho-ho. Mmm..." she giggled and smiled. "So, Percy...now that you've taken your little bet...what do you say I fulfill your bet?"

Percy felt his cheeks get warm and his heart began to beat playfully. "E...Emily...are you...?"

"After all, you and I are the perfect mother and son on rails," Emily continued with a smile. "And much like Thomas, Donald and Douglas, and my dear sweet brother Bernard, of course, you have a very special place in my heart, Percy. Which means you are one of few engines who gets to play with me whenever we please. And as you and I know, whenever we have the time, I love playing with you, Percy."

Percy tried not to blush to the sweet, playful chirp in Emily's voice as he answered. "Oh. Oh, Emily...I love to play with you too."

"And only engines who have a significant place in my heart get to share playful get-togethers with me like this," Emily chuckled sweetly.

Percy smiled more and looked to his favourite mother figure. From the perspective of a son who loved his mother, Percy loved Emily's beautiful body. Her smooth curves, her hair-shaped smokebox, her sweet, bubbly voice, her twinkling eyes, her big, beautiful cheeks, her cute, rubbery little nose and her absolutely adorable smile all made her perfect for him, and he just smiled away to his beloved mother figure. Emily noticed Percy looking right at her and smiled sweetly.

"What is it, Percy?" she asked cheerfully. "Do you like how beautiful your sweet, lovely mother is?"

"Y...yes. I've said it before, Emily, but I can't help it," Percy said sweetly. "...You're beautiful, Mummy. You're so pretty..."

"Thank you, little cutie," Emily giggled through a happy blush. "You're a sweet little engine too, Percy."

"Thank you, Emily," Percy chimed. "But before we begin our playful night together...may...may I ask you something?"

"Of course, my little treasure," Emily chimed.

"I...I'm starting to have this funny feeling in my boiler," Percy said, trying not to sound awkward. "Almost like butterflies are in my boiler...and it's making me my heart jitter. I'm sure it's just because of the bet my crew made with me which led to us here tonight, but...is that alright?"

Emily hummed sweetly rubbed her nose to Percy's, making him giggle softly.

"Of course it's okay to feel jittery, Percy," Emily gleamed. "It happens to all the engine couples when they feel excited to get frisky with each other. But that's very, very different from you and I. Of course, we're each other's mother to son figures, professional in every way. But the jitters in your boiler are nothing to be anxious about, Percy. For you and me, it means you're in a playful, innocent mood...and this is where my motherly magic comes into play. Only the best for my little treasure, Percy."

"Oh...motherly magic?" Percy peeped cheerfully. "I'm sure I know, Emily...but what does that mean?"

"Well...how about I show you, my smoochie-coochie Percy? Here I come," Emily smiled playfully as she leaned in toward Percy's face.

Percy now knew his tickle-banter with Emily was beginning. He peeped his whistle enthusiastically and beamed as Emily started their playful night. She slowly puckered her lips, closed her eyes and touched lips to Percy's cheek. She heard him gasp and giggle at first, then she proceeded to tickle his cheek, softly nibbling along his cheek and swirling her lips up, down and along his cheek, planting soft little kisses wherever she pleased.

"How does that feel, Percy?" she fluted sweetly. "Do you like when Mummy tickles you?"

"Oh...he-he-he!" Percy giggled bashfully. "Y-yes...that tickles, Emily. Oh, I love your kisses."

"Aww. Well, how about I make it even better?" Emily whispered as she began fluttering and softly swishing her lips on the tip of his cheek.

"He-he-he...oh, Emily," Percy giggled.

Emily giggled back as she then began to playfully nip and pinch Percy's cheek, nibbling it so softly and speaking very softly and playfully too.

"Tickle-tickle, little Percy. Aww, you're so cute. Tickle-tickle-tickle," she tittered and nibbled sweetly.

"Oh...M-Mummy...oh...oh, Emily..." Percy blushed deeper as Emily softly swirled her lips up, down and along his cheek, petting him nice and softly.

"Someone looks happy to play with me," she whispered softly.

"I-I'm very happy, Emily..." Percy said with joy on his face.

Emily then placed her lips right in the middle of his other cheek and began to nibble softly up, down and every which way she pleased. Percy shivered and cooed happily as he felt Emily's warm and creamy lips softly explore his cheek. He instinctively leaned inward and cuddled Emily's face, which made her giggle with delight.

"Aww, aren't you a sweet, cuddly little baby?" she cooed.

Then Emily leaned a little lower and pressed her lips to Percy's cute little chin, where she proceeded to kiss, nibble, nip and caress his soft, gentle skin. Percy squirmed and shuddered lightly, closing his eyes as Emily softly pressed her puffy, creamy cheeks to his, kissing and nibbling away on the tip of his chin. Then she began whispering very quietly just to make Percy tickle even more to her loving nurtures.

"Kiss-kiss..." she whispered very silkily as she smooched his cheek. "Oh, Percy...I love you, my sweet little smoochie-coochie. Kiss-kiss..."

"Oh...oh, Emily...I love you too," Percy whispered with a warm shudder. "Oh, I love your nibbles..."

"Yes, Percy," Emily hummed. "Feel my beautiful lips caressing you and keeping you warm..."

Percy giggled gleefully to this. Then he saw Emily leaning slightly upward. "Emily? What are you doing?"

"Oh, Percy...I want my big, creamy lips where they belong," Emily said most angelically. "And I want your adorable, sweet little cheek where it belongs."

Emily then began to kiss up and up Percy's face, back to his cheeks again, letting her lips brush and swirl along his skin. Then she hummed happily as she reached the very center of his cheek again. She gave him a big, cuddly, smooching kiss right there, then proceeded to kiss him over and over along his cheek. Percy began to whimper just a little, feeling his cheeks blushing bright red. Then Emily gave a happy sigh, letting her soothing warm breath flow along Percy's face.

"Nibble-nibble," Emily whispered and playfully teased as she went along. "And tickle-tickle, Percy. Tickle-tickle-tickle."

"Oh...oh, Emily...I love you, mother," Percy whispered, smiling all over. "Your lips tickle wherever you kiss me."

Emily's eyes twinkled and she pressed her lips lightly to the tip of his nose, making him chirp as she slowly trailed her lips round and round, kissing his nose in tiny little circles. Percy whimpered again as Emily placed her soft kisses on his nose, feeling her warm breath drift along his face too, making Percy closed his eyes again and give a soft coo of bliss.

"Mmm...ah. Mmm...ah. Ooh, I love kissing you, Percy," Emily glowed sweetly. "Your nose is such a little tickly-wiggly!"

Then Emily softly leaned down and gave Percy a series of little kisses on the corners of his mouth.

"Oh...oh, Emily...Emily," Percy chimed happily. "I...I love you..."

"Hm-hm! I love you more, Percy," Emily teased happily. "Mummy loves tickling her sweet little baby."

"Ooh-hoo-hoo, Emily...!" Percy giggled as she very softly nibbled his nose. "Th-that tickles!"

"Yes, it does, Percy," Emily tittered. "Now...Mmm...Time for the best part, my smoochie-coochie baby."

"What is it, Emily?" Percy gleamed.

Emily paused for a moment, while Percy waited. Then Emily's smile grew bigger, her eyes glimmered, and she buffered up again.

"Come here!" she snickered playfully. "Who's got who now, Percy?"

Then Emily took a deep breath, pressed her lips to Percy's cheek, and blew a loud raspberry. Percy was most certainly not expecting this and jumped strongly.

"Aah! Emily! Whee-hee-hee!" he squealed and squirmed hysterically. "Ha-HAH-he-he-he-he!"

"You sound most ecstatic, Percy," Emily giggled. "Do you feel fit to hug your mother?"

"I think so, Emily!" Percy laughed. "My boiler is really bubbling now! Please, may I hug you?"

"Of course, sweetie. That's your boiler telling you you're ready to hug your sweet, beautiful mother," Emily giggled as she nibbled his cheek again.

"Emily...Emily!" Percy shook. "My steam's just about to hug you!"

"Go on, Percy!" Emily sang happily. "Give Mummy a hug, honey!"

Percy could feel his heart tickling madly in his boiler as he smiled hugely and squeaked out, "Yes, Mummy!"

Then with a most cheerful whistle, Percy let off steam and let it settle around Emily's boiler, hugging her warmly and closely, which made her smile and whistle happily right back to Percy.

"Oh, Emily. Thank you," Percy chimed merrily. "Do you like my hug?"

"Ohh, I love it, Percy," Emily gleamed. "I see my motherly magic has worked beautifully tonight. Oh, your hugs are so warm and comfy, Percy. Mm-hm-hm-hm-hm!"

And Emily closed her eyes and basked peacefully in Percy's warm hug, feeling so very happy that she had taken part in Percy's own little bet. Percy gleamed proudly to see Emily relaxing into his hug until his steam gently cleared away.

"Well, how was that, Percy? Did you have fun?" Emily asked sweetly.

"Whew! So much fun, Emily!" Percy cheered. "Another playful night for both of us so far. And did you enjoy your hug?"

"Hee-hee! Of course I did, Percy," Emily gleamed. "Just as every mother loves a warm hug with her precious son."

And she leaned in and gave Percy a big kiss on his cheek, to which he giggled and smiled happily. For a few minutes, he and Emily rested and regained their breath, feeling quite cheerful to be enjoying another playful night together, and it wasn't over yet. After a few minutes, Emily gave a content little sigh and looked at Percy again. He looked to her and could see she was putting some things together.

"What is it, Emily?" Percy asked.

"Well, Percy...I've had my turn to play with you," she said sweetly. "Now, do you think you're ready? Do you want to kiss, nibble and tickle me, my little Pip?"

Percy giggled gleefully and almost said yes, but then paused, thinking a little to himself.

"Well, Percy?" Emily coaxed gently. "Would you like to play with me?"

"I...I'd love to do all that you'll let me do, Emily," Percy replied. "But before that...I...I want to ask you something."

"What's that, little one?" Emily asked.

"Can...can we cuddle together before we continue?" Percy peeped. "Let us hold each other close? Please?"

To this, Emily smiled and nibbled his chin. "Aww, Percy. Of course you may. Why wouldn't I want to cuddle you, my sweet little baby? Cuddle with Mummy."

Percy's heart nearly melted to Emily's sweet, loving approach and he immediately leaned in and pressed his cheeks to hers and softly leaned left and right, brushing his skin gently with hers, which made them both shudder and hum most peacefully. Their hearts beat warmly and their boilers bubbled gently together.

"Oh, Emily. Your cheeks are so cozy..." Percy whispered. "So puffy and warm...just like a mother hugging her baby...oh, it's so lovely..."

"Yes...yes, Percy," Emily whispered. "Your cheeks are lovely and warm too...so precious and soft, like a beautiful, newborn baby..."

Then as Percy softly brushed his cheeks on Emily's, he gradually heard a very soft little sound coming from her as she slowly closed her eyes, almost as if she were falling asleep. Then her eyes slowly opened again, and as Percy rubbed and brushed his cheeks with hers, he heard the little sound more clearly. Emily was purring peacefully and very happily to Percy's cuddles.

"Mmm...purr..." she purred as she planted a few soft, cuddly little kisses on Percy's cheeks. "Oh, Percy...cuddle me, my little Percy. Purr..."

"Emily? You...you're purring, Emily," Percy whispered. "That must mean you're very happy. A-are you?"

"Yes, Percy...I am. Oh...purr..." Emily whispered.

"You...you sound so lovely, Emily," Percy whispered. "And yet...with your purring...I...I hope I'm not overstepping anything..."

Emily purred again and softly nibbled Percy's chin.

"No, my sweet little baby," she whispered. "Not at all. It's true that I purr to drive Thomas' fervor between him and me...but with you, Percy, it's truly gentle and intimate. Just like a mother cat happily cuddling her kittens, I'm purring because I'm very happy. You're my little kitten, Percy...and you make me so happy, my smoochie-coochie baby. Purr..."

And she kissed Percy again, right on his chin. To this, Percy's heart jiggled so delightfully, he purred a little too as he nuzzled Emily's cheeks and kissed her a little too, to which Emily sighed very happily. About ten minutes later, they softly let go and looked to each other again. Now Percy's turn was due to be taken.

"Well, Percy? Do you think you're ready?" Emily asked kindly. "I'm very sure you want to make me tickle with joy, don't you, little Pip?"

Percy nodded sweetly and held back a giggle. He was indeed ready.

"Very good. Now it's your turn to make my cheeks happy," Emily giggled. "As we both know, Percy, my soft, creamy cheeks are very sensitive, just like a beautiful mother's cheeks are when her son kisses and tickles her. So...would you like to play with me, Percy?"

Percy thought for a moment, then just like James felt with Molly only a few days ago, he decided to play to Emily's delight first, then her motherly bond too.

"I...I'd love to kiss and tickle your cheeks, Emily," Percy whispered. "But before I do...Oh, Emily...your nose is so cute and rubbery. Please, may I kiss and tickle your nose, Mummy? Please?"

To this, Emily smiled with all her lovely white teeth and giggled, "He-he-he. Permission granted, my baby Percy. Kiss my little tickly-wiggly nose."

In that moment, with a delighted squeak, Percy took his chance for his and Emily's playful night. He buffered up and softly began kissing Emily's oh, so adorable, cute little nose. Right away, Percy giggled gleefully as he felt Emily's nose twitch and wriggle to his kisses.

"Tickle-tickle, Emily. Tickle-tickle-tickle!" Percy chimed most cheerfully.

"Ooh! Ahh! Hm-hm-hm-hm-hm! Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho! Percy, that tickles!" Emily shook and giggled most delightfully. "Yes. Oh, yes, Percy! Give me tiny little kisses on the tip of my cute little nose. Please?"

Percy felt so delightfully twitchy, he squealed with glee and kissed Emily right on the tip of her nose, making it wriggle and Emily squealed happily in turn.

"Nibble me, Percy. Kiss and tickle me all over my lovely face," she chimed with delight. "Make your sweet, happy mother giggly and happy. Don't be shy, Percy."

Percy wouldn't turn away any chance now. He winked playfully and touched his smiling lips to Emily's cheek. Then he began to give her little nibbles along her cheek, feeling her lovely soft skin warming his lips and making her blush and jump.

"Ooh...that tickles so nice," Emily tittered. "Y-you have nice lips...oh, oh, Percy...!"

"Ohh...Emily!" Percy squeaked. "I love hearing you giggle. Does Thomas make your cheeks happy like this?"

"In his way, yes he does," Emily chimed. "And you do it very nicely too, my precious boy. Ohh...Percy, my little treasure! I love you so much!"

"Aww...I love you too, Emily...and you know," Percy said sweetly. "When I kiss you even now, I still remember how your cheek felt...when you shared your motherly therapy with me."

"Yes, Percy?" Emily answered happily. "What do you mean by that?"

Percy blushed very deep red as he remembered what he said that night, and decided to mention it once more to Emily.

"Between us, Emily...your cheek still feels like a beautiful mother's breast. Warm, soft, puffy, and so beautiful and full of life. I love you, Emily, my sweet, beautiful mother."

Hearing this made Emily's heart jiggle and flutter most delightfully as she thought back to that most special night between her and Percy. Then another soft nibble on her cheek made her whimper and giggle to Percy's lips tickling her, and she decided to playfully tease Percy along and make it even better.

"Ooh," she cooed playfully. "Is that so, Percy? It's certainly true between you and me! Aren't my cheeks so puffy and big and beautiful and soft?"

"Yes, Emily. Yes," Percy smiled from buffer to buffer. "As I've said some times before, your cheeks are so big and beautiful, Emily. And they're so soft and cozy."

"Mm-hm-hm-hm! Are you just saying these things to make me smile, my darling little Percy?" Emily asked happily.

"Yes, Emily. Because I'm your perfect little son, just as you're my perfect mother," Percy gleamed as he kissed her cute little nose right on the tip.

"Ohh, Percy!" Emily squealed happily. "I think I should hug you for all your lovely charms...may I?"

"I'd love to feel your warm, steamy hug, Emily," Percy smiled.

Emily blushed again and danced lightly in response. "Well, let your wish be granted, my baby Percy."

Percy was so very happy right now as he heard Emily's sweet, angelic Scottish voice sounding away to all his son-like charms. He then began kissing and nibbling up, down and along her cheek once more, leaving tiny little lip-marks on her face and making her blush happier and happier. Emily was absolutely loving every moment she felt with Percy as he continued to kiss, tickle and tease her. She batted her eyelashes to him and flashed a lovely smile with her lovely white teeth. Then she felt herself getting ready to hug Percy with her steam, just as they did every time they shared a playful or intimate night alike together.

"P-Percy...ooh..." Emily tittered. "I...I feel my steam getting ready to hug you. Is my sweet little baby ready to have a hug?"

"Whenever you're ready, Emily," Percy chimed. "Just tell me when your hug is ready to be given."

Emily giggled right along with Percy as they anticipated their next hug together. But then, at that very moment, Percy and Emily suddenly heard a whistle from outside. When they heard whose voice it was, their hearts pounded and raced almost painfully.

"Hey, Percy? Where are you?" Thomas' voice sounded from outside. "There's one more mail run to manage tonight. Could you come along and help me deliver it?"

In that instant, Percy and Emily's hearts jumped and pounded like hammers as they remembered planning to do this without Thomas knowing or being told. Even though Thomas wouldn't mind, the prospect of being discovered was still most alarming for Percy and Emily. Mainly because they didn't really suspect to have to navigate this matter after enjoying so much of the night together.

"Oh...shit!" Emily mouthed the words, but didn't speak them aloud until her next quiet sentence. "It's Thomas!"

"Thomas! What do we do?" Percy chittered lowly and anxiously.

"Just...stay quiet, Percy," Emily whispered. "Stay calm. Maybe he won't suspect..."

Percy did what Emily said and did stay quiet for a few moments. Then he eyed further to the back of the shed and got an idea.

"Hmm...we could hide," he thought. "Perhaps if I..."

Then without warning, Percy shunted Emily further into the shed until her buffers touched the back.

"Wha-Oh! ...Percy!" Emily said sharply at first. "What are you...do-o-oing...? Ooh...ooh...that t-tickles..."

Emily trailed off and cooed blissfully, for Percy had resumed nibbling and tickling her soft little chin.

"Percy? Are you in there?" Thomas' voice came from outside, sounding a little more directed to the sheds.

Emily's heart pounded with uncertainty, and Percy shook nervously. But then he winked to Emily and spoke up.

"Yes, Thomas. I'm just getting polished up in here. I'll be ready for you soon, as will the mail."

"Hmm. Alright, then," came Thomas' voice. "I'll be turning around at Tidmouth Sheds, then coming back shortly. Just be sure you make good time with the mail afterwards."

"Yes...will do," Percy called.

Then to his and Emily's relief, they heard Thomas huffing away from the sheds. As soon as it was quiet again, Percy gave Emily a wink, who nodded in response. Then Percy proceeded to kiss and playfully pinch Emily's cheek so daintily and perfectly, which brought her closer to hugging him indeed.

"Oh, Emily...are you ready to hug your cute little son?" Percy teased sweetly.

Then he cuddled to her face again and softly nibbled nose. When she felt Percy's finishing nurtures, Emily felt her steam ports ticking so warmly, she felt like she would hug Percy with her steam any moment.

"Oh-oh-oh!" Emily trembled blissfully. "P-Percy...Percy! I'm tickling and bubbling inside...! Mummy's gonna let off steam and hug her baby!"

"Oh, Emily!" Percy peeped cutely. "Thank you! Please hug me, Mummy. Please-please-ple-e-ease?"

And he leaned downwards and gave Emily's soft, round chin a series of little kisses...and that was exactly what she needed to oblige her beloved son figure.

"Oh...Ohh...P-Percy...! Whee-hee!" Emily squealed happily as she gently let off steam and let it settle around Percy's boiler.

"Peep-pe-e-ep!" Percy whistled delightfully as he felt Emily's steam warming him all around his boiler.

"There, Percy. Do you like my warm, cozy hug?" Emily asked angelically. "So lovely and warm, isn't it?"

"Yes, Emily. Yes..." Percy beamed so proudly and happily. "Just like a mother's hug...oh, Emily...I love you..."

"Oh, yes. I love you, Percy. I love you...hm-hm-hm," Emily cooed softly as her steam gently hissed and swirled around Percy and herself. They held in each other's hug for some time, softly kissing and nibbling each other's cheeks a little more, exchanging happy whispers until the steam faded away.

"Well...another playful night, Emily...did you like that?" Percy peeped cheerfully.

Emily sighed deeply and briefly thought back to the little interruption.

"Well...I was NOT expecting that little indirect run-in with Thomas...Phew...that was too close!" Emily exclaimed. "But other than that...you did most beautifully, Percy. Such a good little boy, you are. I really had fun."

"Aww, thanks, Emily," Percy smiled. "You did most beautifully too. But from now on, I think it'd be easier to let Thomas know when you and I have playful nights like this. At least so we won't feel so urgent if he comes by the sheds again."

"As I said before, Percy. I know he wouldn't have minded," said Emily. "I think we were just frightened by the prospect more than anything else. Neither of us were expecting him to come along. But I think you're right. At least with him knowing, we wouldn't have any unexpected surprises."

"I agree. Well, that was fun, Emily," Percy peeped. "But for now, I think I'd better help Thomas with that little mail run."

"Yes, I think you should. Off you go, Percy," Emily whispered. "And as soon as you're finished the mail run...feel free to come to bed with me. Right back here. You've earned not just a playful night with me, but a warm, safe and cozy sleep with me too."

Percy peeped happily. "Thank you, Emily. I'll be back soon. You can bet on it."

And with a wink, Percy set off for his last little trip for the night, while Emily sighed happily and waited for him to return.

Soon, Percy and Thomas were hard at work delivering the mail.

"So, Percy, how did your day go?" asked Thomas.

"I'm tired, but proud, Thomas," replied Percy, without giving anything away about Emily. "Tired, but proud."

Once the mail run was done, Thomas returned to Tidmouth Sheds, while Percy slipped back to Knapford Sheds. Emily was waiting for him happily.

"I'm back, Mummy," yawned Percy, ready for a good night's sleep.

"Don't fall asleep just yet, Percy," whispered Emily. "Let off steam with me once more. Share a goodnight hug with your mother, my sweet little baby..."

Percy happily agreed, and so he and Emily let off steam once more and share one more hug, whispering happily to each other and gently basking in their mother to son afterglow.

"Oh...oh, Emily," Percy whispered. "I...I feel so warm and cuddly inside...do you?"

"Oh, yes, Percy..." Emily crooned. "Isn't it lovely? The mother to son afterglow. I remember how you and I felt it on our night of motherly therapy together. The rising sense of warmth in our boilers that tickles so softly and beautifully, then we both let off steam so gently and hold each other in such a warm and safe hug together...so warm, cozy and cuddly...just you and your sweet, beautiful mother."

And soon, Percy and Emily's steam faded away and they both felt the spell of sleep settling into their boilers. It was all absolutely perfect for them both.

"Ohh...ohh," Percy yawned. "I'm so sleepy, Emily...thank you so much for another most playful night. I loved it all."

"I loved it too, Percy," Emily giggled and yawned herself. "Ohh...Anything for you, my cute, adorable, perfect son. I love you so much, Percy."

"And anything for you, my sweet, beautiful mother," Percy smiled. "I love you too, Emily. So much."

And with a happy kiss to each other's cheeks, Percy and Emily fell fast asleep together, crooning drowsily together and holding each other so warmly and closely as the mother and son they always were to each other. And so the gambling caper had played its course for James and Molly, and Percy and Emily too.

And summer was still in full swing on Sodor. As this busy time continued onward, it would soon be time for Bill and Ben to continue onward themselves. They had been sitting dormant in their sheds for quite some time now, wishing they hadn't been so intensely naughty to Thomas and Emily. But as once Thomas regained his lost honour during the construction of the Harwick Branch Line, so too would Bill and Ben regain their honour and turn over a few new leaves for themselves, and others too.


And that's that covered. As the ending says, the next story will be a sequel to "A Close Slide", where Bill and Ben will receive their chance at redemption. Should be an interesting one, that's for sure. As for when that'll be up, the simple answer is that it'll be up whenever it's ready, just don't be surprised if it takes a while. I don't wanna hear anybody telling me to hurry it up. Until then, tell us what you thought of this story, and as always, stay safe.