-gasps- a new story!

so, set about a year after my previous story (Match Made in a Fictional Place). i'm seriously not having any inspirational titles coming to me, hence the unfortunate temporary title. obviously you'll need to read a bit more before suggesting anything, so i'll strike a deal: i give you the story under the temporary title, and, when it's done, you all suggest a title if i haven't come up with one by then. fair?

Prologue

A young couple sat together happily on the beach, watching the moon track its way across the stars. The gentle sounds of the waves lapping against the sand mingled with the night-time sounds from the jungle behind them.

Alan looked down at Tin-Tin, who was half-leaning on him. Her face glowed in the moonlight, contrasting with her dark hair. He felt the same as he always did; that she was some sort of mythical being, and, if he wasn't careful, he'd lose her. But he'd decided enough was enough, and to take action. He pushed her off his arm slightly, and turned her round to face him.

"Tin-Tin, I've got something to ask you," he said, reaching surreptitiously into his pocket.

"What is it, Alan?" she asked softly, her eyes seeming to glow. Alan gazed into them, content just to look at her for a moment. Mentally, he shook himself, as she raised an eyebrow at him.

"Tin-Tin, I think you might already know what I'm gonna say, and God knows it's been long enough, but I honestly just couldn't help it and-" Tin-Tin silenced him with a hand over his mouth.

"Alan, you're rambling," she chuckled.

"Sorry." Alan took a deep breath and tried again.

"Tin-Tin, I've wanted to ask you this for so long, and now, finally, I've gotten on with it." He produced the small box he'd been hiding and opened it. Tin-Tin's eyes widened as she took in the simple ring, with a heart made out of twisted metal on top.

"Tin-Tin Kyrano, will you marry me?"

TB

Up on a balcony overlooking the beach, another young couple heard Tin-Tin's squeal of delight.

"I think she accepted," said Maria, smiling.

"How did you know he was going to ask her?" asked John, kissing her cheek.

"Call it a woman's instinct," replied his wife with a crafty smile. John wrapped his arms around her, patting the bump.

"Either that or you've been eavesdropping," he muttered playfully.

"Me?" Maria opened her eyes wide innocently. "And when have I ever eavesdropped?"

"Oh, how about the time I was discussing your Christmas present with Dad?"

"That was an accident!" retorted Maria, though her eyes danced mischievously. "Besides, I still appreciated it, didn't I?"

John kissed her. "Yes you did." He looked back at his baby brother and his now fiancée and sighed.

"Back to Thunderbird Five tomorrow." Maria looked up at him, a little amused.

"The baby won't come while you're away, I promise. There's still a couple of months to go. Besides," she went on, smirking a little, "I'd much rather have you there flapping around like a headless chicken instead of your father."

"Mt father never flapped around like a headless chicken," said John, pretending to be affronted. "Well... not after Virgil was born..."

Maria's laughter floated over the tops of the trees and mingled with the night animals.