Title: After the Inferno

Author: Madilayn

Rating: M

Fandom: Thunderbirds (original series)

Characters / Pairings: Jeff T/Lady Penelope

Disclaimer: Thunderbirds was created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and is owned by ITV. I make no profit from the use of the characters

Summary: Lady Penelope has been trying to get Jeff to notice her for some time, and now she feels that she has the perfect opportunity. If only Jeff would cooperate.

Author Notes: I always felt that there was more to Jeff and Lady P than just a "working" relationship. And let's face it – she was the only person who could get him to do something he didn't particularly want to! This fic is set after the "Atlantic Inferno" episode.

"Jeff, you really need to let go. Scott's a grown man and until several years ago, he held a Command position in the Air Force. He does know what he's doing."

"I can't help but worry."

"Nonsense. You trust his judgement in the field, and he did do well with the oil rig bother. He just needs to build his confidence at controlling behind the scenes – as you have told me yourself several times – and he can't do that with you hanging over his shoulder. Now, kindly remember you are on holiday and supposed to be relaxing. Don't make me instruct Parker to block you from communications." She relaxed back into her chair and crossed one leg over the other, closing her eyes and enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Jeff smiled at her and leaned forward. "Now you wouldn't do that would you Penny?" His voice was smooth, persuasive and Penelope opened one eye and looked at him.

"Don't tempt me. And now I know where Alan gets it from."

"Gets what from?"

"The big pleading eyes thing. It doesn't work for him, and it won't work for you."

Jeff laughed, but also made a mental note to find out just when Alan tried to get something out of Penny; and what it was he was after. "I'll just have to try something else," he said. "And don't worry. I've said my piece to Scott. And from now on I'm all yours, pretty Penny. What have you got planned for us?" Jeff was still smiling at the woman sitting next to him and he couldn't help his gaze warming as she opened her eyes and stretched.

"I intend for you to completely relax and take a break. To stop trying to save the world all the time."

"I've already told you when I agreed to come back with you – relaxing and taking a break sounds very good."

"It does. So why did I have all but kidnap you? And why have you called home six times in the last four days; and spent two of those days playing with Sir Harry's project?" Jeff grinned. He could see her mentally tapping her foot.

"Jealous? Actually, I was saving you from Sir Harry's attentions. He's very interested. If it wasn't for me spending that couple of days on his project, he would be here."

"I beg your pardon?" Her tone of voice was incredulous.

"I told you – he's interested in you. I only intended to look in when I went down there and be back the same day. But I heard him talking to one of his Managers. I didn't like what he was saying about you, so I decided to dissuade him."

"Jeff…" He heard the warning in her voice.

"No, Penny. He was disrespectful, and I'm not prepared to let you be put upon by that sort of person. I don't care if he's a Baronet. He's an arrogant ass, and I don't want you to be exposed to his sort of interest." Jeff looked quite fierce and unconsciously his fists clenched. Penelope had only seen him look that angry once before and she felt her heart thump and stomach turn over at the thought that he had expended that anger to protect her.

"Thank you, Jeff. I must admit he has been rather tiresome. I do hope you didn't hurt him too much."

"He'll be fine. Though Parker was quite upset that I didn't let him get into the action. And Sir Harry now knows that you are off limits.

"As for the calls home, I'm a father, Penny. It comes with the territory – to check on my kids."

"Your adult extremely responsible kids. Who know what they're doing."

"You're right," and he grinned suddenly. "You know, after I said my piece to Scott, he said his to me. Followed shortly afterwards by John; who, by the way, called me. And which is why I am now putting myself entirely in your very capable hands." In his turn, he leaned back in his chair and smiled again at her, eyes half closed. He wasn't going to admit to her just how furious he had been at the thought of Sir Harry thinking he could touch Penny – let alone find himself in her bed.

Penelope caught her breath. Damn the man. How could he not know what effect he had on her? How could he not see that she wanted more than flirting filled with double entendre. Breathe out girl she told herself. "Excellent. I have some ideas. The weather is so lovely at the moment, I thought we might spend a couple of days camping."

Jeff's eyes flew open. "You camp?" His mind was racing. He could not imagine the elegant Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward camping; living off the land, chopping wood. "And I mean really camp. Without Parker doing everything."

"Yes, Jeff. I camp. And yes. Without Parker doing everything. I can fend for myself you know. I don't need Parker around all the time."

Jeff chuckled. "Parker would beg to differ."

"I could say the same about Kyrano, you know. I think it will do us both good to get away from people trying to do things for us."

"You're right about that. But how are you going to keep Parker away?"

Penelope laughed in her turn. "We may have to run away and just leave a note. Or you could come up with a brilliant idea."

"You're supposed to be the sneaky one, Penny."

"Please Jeff. Sneaky is such an ugly term. I prefer covert."