Virgil shivered as he flew himself and Gordon back from their mission in Canada, Scott had taken off before them followed by Kayo in Thunderbird Shadow, but Thunderbird 2 was far behind.

Gordon wrapped a blanket around himself and tucked his feet up on the seat much to Virgil's distaste, "make it warmer in here and I'll happily put my feet down."

"I can't make it any hotter, we've both caught a chill, that's all."

Gordon sighed then frowned as he looked ahead, "I don't like the look of those clouds Virgil."

"It's fine, looks like rain to me," Virgil gripped the wheel harder as he watched the clouds begin to engulf them, "we must be over Scotland at the moment."

"Head south, it might be better going over Europe."

"FAB, let's do it."

About an hour away, Scott called Thunderbird Shadow who was right behind, he smiled as Kayo's image appeared in front of him.

"Hello sweetheart," Scott smiled at her.

"And how can I help you, Scotty?"

"You could help me if you were with me."

"Ha, not in the state you're in. I'll hug you after a shower."

"A shared one?"

"We'll see," Kayo smirked, "how far behind us are Virgil and Gordon?"

"An hour or so, not too bad. I might slow down and give him a chance to catch up."

"Aren't you cute," Kayo retorted with a chuckle.

"It's been known. It is Christmas after all."

Kayo laughed, "alright, we'll pull back, Alan will hate us though, he'll land all alone."

"He'll be fine, I think John is coming down to spend Christmas with us, Grandma has forced him to visit."

"Cool, poor John, Christmas with gravity," Kayo yawned, "I cannot wait to put my feet up."

"Want me to fly Shadow for a bit?"

"No I'm alright thanks," Kayo smiled as Scott raised an eyebrow, "Scott, I'm fine, I'm just a bit tired."

"We still have another hour before we get home, it's really not a problem if you want me to take Shadow."

"I'll ask if I do," she grinned back, "want to sing a Christmas song to pass the time?"

"Since when do you sing?"

"Since I'm kinda bored and it's only us two on comms right now."

"Ok, on the count of four we duet with 'Something Stupid'."

"The song, or literally a stupid song?"

"The song Kayo, don't tease," Scott smirked as Kayo laughed at him, "3,4!"

Back in Thunderbird 2, the second eldest and aquanaut had hit the storm, snow mixed with ice lashed against the windows and a breeze rocked them as they flew through black clouds which made the craft stand out like a green beacon, Virgil checked navigations but they weren't showing him any indication of where they were.

"How far have we come since our last position?" Gordon asked as he resorted to a paper map.

"About 50 miles, but in regards to our location, I have no idea."

"This isn't good bro, lose height or we could be in a heap load of trouble."

"We already are, the panel is beginning to freeze, if I take us lower, we could get into even more."

Gordon bit his lip, "is the radio working?"

Virgil shook his head, "it's given up, too much interference from the storm," suddenly disaster struck, and Thunderbird 2 plummeted, "what the hell?"

Gordon pulled the second wheel down to aid his brother, "I've got her, what just hit us?"

"Nothing has hit us, the back thrusters have given up. We're falling to the ground!"

"I'll try the VTOL engines."

"We're at 22,000 feet, that won't do any good. I'll try to keep her as level as possible and bring her down in a crash dive, stand by Gordon!"

"FAB, I'll send an emergency message to John, something has to get through somehow," Gordon frowned.

Thunderbird 2 circled lower and lower rapidly losing height when at last, visibility got clearer and Virgil fired the VTOL engines hard which rebooted the giant craft's engines. A grand mansion was in the distance and the whole land was covered in a thick coat of snow, the fields and forests were hidden in white blankets and they looked above to see a grey-black sky full of snowflakes, they smiled at each other with relief before the craft shuddered again and the engines coughed a thick plume of black smoke out of the tail.

"Shit, we're going to crash," Virgil cursed in a low growl.

Gordon looked across at his brother, "try to get us closer to that house, they might be able to help."

"I'll try, I can barely see anything through the windows," Virgil pushed the rudders down and clicked various switches trying desperately to keep his bird in the air for as long as possible, but with a final spark she nose-dived into the white sheets and the engines were silent, as were the pilots.

Two figures who had been watching from the house ran out with shovels and thick coats for the snow, they approached the craft cautiously and one of them typed in a code on the door which opened, they ran in and over to the knocked out pilots, one went over to Gordon whilst the other shook Virgil's shoulder gently.

"Can you hear me?"

Gordon shook his head and blinked his eyes a couple of times before moaning, "what happened?"

"Open your eyes and find out."

Gordon blinked again, his vision becoming a little clearer then gawped in surprise, "Lady Penelope?"

"Fancy you crashing onto my property? How is Virgil, Parker?"

"He's coming round now, M'Lady."

"Oww, did we hit something?" Virgil rubbed his head painfully.

"Possibly one of my statues, we won't know until this snow has gone," Penelope smiled.

"Lady Penelope, is that you?"

"Do you know any other Penelope?" Penelope smiled warmly as she knelt down next to Gordon's chair.

Virgil smiled weakly as he rubbed his head, "sorry about crashing onto your lawn, there was nowhere else to park."

"Lawns can be replanted. Are you alright?"

"Bruised and bumped, but we'll be fine."

"We saw Thunderbird 2 falling and alerted your siblings, Scott will be on his way back. As for you two, you're coming into the house to dry off and eat, follow me."

Virgil helped Gordon to his feet, "we'll just grab a set of clothes first."

Gordon grinned, "your house? I don't think I've ever been inside."

"What a treat for you then," Penelope smirked over her shoulder at him, "if you two can walk, we'll be waiting at the front door."

Virgil nodded, "see you there."

Penelope smirked as she walked back to the house with Parker, "fancy that, a drop by from our favourite duo."

"If you say so, M'Lady."

"Parker, I know you don't like Gordon, but I happen to enjoy his company."

Parker raised an eyebrow at her, "begging your pardon M'Lady, but on more than one h'ocassion you've said that he drives you h'up the wall."

Penelope laughed, "that's only an exaggeration, and I love to tease him," suddenly the sky filled with noise, and Thunderbird 1 lowered from the clouds with Shadow beside her, "ah more visitors. Better fire up the coffee pot Parker."

"Certainly M'Lady."

Penelope leant by the door as Gordon and Virgil trudged through the snow leaving a sad Thunderbird 2 in a drift, she smiled sympathetically at the young pilot who was looking forlorn, "this snow won't be here forever Virgil, don't worry."

"I'll get to work on her when it's not so snowy. Sorry to barge in on you like this, especially so close to Christmas."

"My house is always welcome to friends," she smiled at Gordon who blushed immediately, "just make yourselves at home, oh and excuse the mess, we've just begun decorating the house for Christmas."

"That's pretty late," Gordon frowned, "would you like some help?"

"If you're willing to hang tinsel and decorate a 9ft tree?"

Gordon gulped, "that's tall."

Scott ran up to them with Kayo, "Virgil, Gordon, are you two ok?"

"We're fine Scott, the crash was nothing, minimal damage," Virgil rested his hand on Scott's shoulder, "relax."

"I was wondering what was taking you two so long to catch up."

Kayo smirked, "well they were in Thunderbird 2."

Virgil glared at her, "yes Kayo, thanks for that."

Penelope laughed, "come on, get out of the cold," she closed the door behind the group of Tracys and led them into the main lounge where a fire was lit and the Christmas tree was half decorated, "there it is."

"Wow, that's at least two feet taller than ours," Scott gasped, "but you haven't finished decorating?"

"No, we've been out on charity events all this week, doing our part for Christmas."

Scott nodded, "we can lend a hand I'm sure."

Virgil smiled as he ran a hand along Penelope's grand piano, "I didn't know you owned a piano Penny?"

"Oh that, it's been in the family for years, my mother used to play and then we just kept it on display for conversation starters and class identity," Penelope sighed, "I hate saying that, but it's true."

Virgil scooted the stool out and sat upon the velvet cushion, "it's beautiful."

Scott sat down next to Kayo wrapping his arm around her shoulders, "that'll keep him entertained for hours."

Penelope nodded, "you guys have just given me an idea since you're here. Why not spend Christmas with us?"

"Gee Penny, we'd love to but we could get a call out at home," Scott rubbed Kayo's shoulder.

"Oh come on Scott, we always worry about call outs at Christmas. We could fly home tomorrow and pick up the others," Kayo smiled at him before kissing his cheek gently.

"I guess we could, unless Thunderbird 2 perks up tomorrow."

Parker walked in with a tray of drinks, he set the coffee down on the table and smiled, "dinner for five tonight then M'Lady?"

"It looks that way Parker, thank you."

"I'll tell the cooks M'Lady."

Virgil watched him go then picked up from where he was playing, "Thunderbird 2 won't be going anywhere tomorrow, I need to check her tail and VTOL engines."

Scott nodded, "well we'll go home then, and I'll discuss the Christmas plans with John."

Virgil rolled his eyes and paused the melody he was playing to look over at Penelope, "ignore Scott, we were going to invite you to ours this Christmas anyway."

Penelope grinned, "you were?"

Gordon nodded, "of course we were, it wouldn't be polite of us not to invite you to stay."

"Well, in that case, I will definitely have to do some room rearranging," Penelope winked at Gordon without anyone seeing and he ran a hand through his hair shyly.

Scott sighed, "if we get a call out, I'm blaming all of you."

"We'll have the birds here you numpty," Kayo elbowed him, "all apart from Thunderbird 3, but I doubt someone will need rescuing on Christmas Day, most people aboard the satellites go back to Earth that day."

Virgil shrugged, "you can't win this Scott, and I've found my spot for Christmas."

"Feel free to play it whenever you like," Penelope smiled at him and he warmly returned the gesture.

That night, the guests made themselves comfy in the rooms Penelope had provided, Kayo and Scott shared one much to their delight and Virgil had a room opposite Gordon's down the hall. The lights were all turned off, but Virgil remained sat by the large window in his room gazing out at the black shadow of Thunderbird 2 nestled in the snow still as deep as it had been when he crashed landed, he sighed then pulled the dark curtains across in one movement before turning to the bed. Stripping down to nothing but his boxers he snuggled under the satin sheets which he cocooned himself into with a smile then closed his eyes. Just as he got comfortable, he heard his phone buzz, he wriggled a hand free and unlocked it to see a message, he hummed contentedly as he answered it then fell immediately into a deep slumber. Down the hall, Gordon had found himself with some extra company, Penelope had made her way to his room and the two were happily cuddling each other under the sheets chatting nonchalantly about their lives, he stroked her cheek gently with his index finger as her own wound patterns across his fringe slowly which made him laugh.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Penelope asked softly.

"I'm fine Penny really, don't worry about me."

"I always worry about you, that's why I love you."

Gordon blushed in the darkness, "you, love me?"

"Yes, I find it hard saying that myself."

Gordon laughed, "well you know my feelings for you. I wanted to spend Christmas with you from the start."

Penelope grinned, "very cute."

"We should probably get some sleep, don't you think?"

"What's the hurry to sleep?"

Gordon smirked as he pulled her closer, "I know what you mean. Is this an early Christmas present?"

The next morning, a sunny view met everyone's eyes, the snow was still thick but now Virgil could see the damage done to Thunderbird 2. Scott laid his hand on his brother's shoulder with a smirk as he looked across the field to the parked crafts.

"Think you can fix her?"

"My bird? Shouldn't be a problem, I can see what the damage is."

"Need any help?"

"I don't think so but I'll call if I change my mind."

"FAB, I'll be inside helping Penny with the decorations."

Virgil looked back at his craft then went to get changed into his uniform, as he approached his door Gordon came out of his own with Penny, "morning guys."

Gordon blushed, "umm morning Virgil."

"I'll see you downstairs Gordon," Penelope kissed Gordon's cheek without hesitation and walked confidently back to her room.

"Had a good night then?"

"Urgh, you're so embarrassing," Gordon moaned.

Virgil laughed, "all I said was good morning, I'm not the one walking out of my room looking flushed."

Gordon leant against his door frame, "so, you off to fix your green girl?"

"Yep, and I wouldn't mind some help unless you were planning to decorate with your girlfriend?"

"I was but, if you really need me I guess I could skip that."

"No no, I wouldn't dare ruin plans," Virgil grinned.

"Dammit you're sending me mixed messages, do you need my help or not?"

Virgil smirked, "go on, get out of here. Scott has already offered to help if I need it. See you later."

Gordon smiled, "I hate you sometimes."

"Feeling is mutual I assure you," Virgil closed the door with a grin then got changed into his uniform looking out to his bird gleaming a pine green from the snow, "please don't make this hard, we need to pick up a special guest."

Scott smiled up at Kayo who was hanging decorations onto the tree then heard the front door open and close, "I guess Virgil has begun work."

"If you want to work with him you can, I'll be fine doing this."

"Nah, he said he can do it alone, besides, I much prefer working with you."

Kayo smiled as she took a hook from him, "that's not what you usually say."

"That's only when we're on missions and you disobey orders," Scott stood up to wrap his hands around her waist, "off duty we work perfectly."

"I follow orders, I just like to tweak them," Kayo turned quickly to kiss him then smiled as she gazed into his eyes, "and you don't really mind, I know you don't."

"Are you coming back with me later to pick up the others?"

"If you want me to?"

"It's up to you."

"Go alone, you know how awkward John feels when us two are together."

Scott stroked her hair back over her ear, "alright," he kissed her again gently then took out a bundle of lights from a box on the sofa, "every time, these always get tangled somehow."

Gordon walked into the room with Penelope, "started without us? Rude."

Kayo threw tinsel at him, "you can hang this then."

Penelope laughed, "thanks for the help, this could actually all be done by lunchtime. Has Virgil gone?"

Scott nodded, "yep, we won't see him until Thunderbird 2 is up and running I'm afraid."

Virgil sat up on the roof of Thunderbird 2 running a scan of the ship under him and smiled, "really? All I needed to do was reboot the engines, this will be easy," he hopped gracefully down onto one of the wings to the snow before opening up the module and heard his comms beep, "here?"

"Need a hand, Virgil?"

"I don't think so, give me an hour and I'll be back inside to help."

"What happened?"

"Nothing serious, I just need to reboot her engines and re-align the back thrusters."

"That sounds pretty difficult, especially without Brains' help."

Virgil smiled, "just listen out for swearing then."

"FAB, see you soon."

Virgil nodded then signed off, "constant worrier."

Meanwhile, on Tracy Island, Grandma had persuaded John to come down for Christmas but they were still unaware of the change of location.

"I did a scan on everyone and they're at Lady Penelope's."

"Why on earth would they be there?" Grandma asked.

"Thunderbird 2 went down as we know, maybe she's still damaged."

"I say we get out there," Alan leapt up.

"And you're just going to land Thunderbird 3 on the snow?" John smirked, "good idea."

Scott called in at that moment, "anyone home? I tried Thunderbird 5 but EOS sent me here."

"Grandma forced me down," John smirked as Grandma pouted slightly.

"I'm guessing you've already discovered we're at Penny's, and we're planning to stay here."

Alan glared, "and what about us?"

"Don't look so annoyed Alan, I'm coming over this afternoon to pick you guys up. We're spending Christmas in England this year."

"In the snow!?" Alan squeaked, "I'll get packing, come on John."

Scott watched the hologram of his youngest brother disappear then laughed, "one out of three?"

Grandma smirked, "what makes you think I'm not going? You can't get rid of me that easily sonny."

"John?"

John tapped his feet nervously as he bit his lip, "that's a little out of my comfort zone, Scott."

"You're not spending Christmas alone, John."

The ginger sighed, "alright, but I'm moving Thunderbird 5's position so I can move between locations."

"It's two days at the most little brother."

"I'm taller than you."

"Only just. Surely you can survive gravity for two days?"

Grandma smiled warmly across at him, "you can do it, son, we'll all be there with you and give you space when you need it."

John sighed, "alright, I can do it, EOS will forward calls to other services and we'll take a vacation for Christmas."

Scott grinned, "see you later guys. There's still decorating to do."

Grandma smiled at him, "I'll get us all sorted here, take your time. Is Virgil ok?"

"He's fine Grandma, don't worry," Scott smirked knowing that the second eldest of his brothers was her favourite grandson, "and Gordon is more than ok if you know what I mean."

John laughed, "I bet."

"See you," Scott winked then signed off as he turned back to the decor in the large lounge.

Virgil ran a hand through his hair in relief as he jumped back down to the snow after finishing his work, "and now to fly," he stood back from the VTOLs and autopiloted the giant craft to take off, the snow melted under her heat as she rose into the air and hovered, "that's my girl."

"Got her going then Virg?" Scott's hologram appeared from his wrist controller.

Virgil answered his comms with a smile, "yep, I'm all done Scott, and in good time too, I have a personal mission to attend to."

"What do you mean?"

"I think you mean who, and you know who I mean."

"You're all riddles bro. Do your errand then get back here and give us a hand with the decorating."

"FAB, I need a shower first."

"Use Thunderbird 2's?"

"How common do you think I am?" Virgil laughed, "see you inside. Comms off."

Kayo smirked up at Scott from where she was threading tinsel around the tree, "what's up with Virgil?"

"No idea."

Virgil landed Thunderbird 2 again and made his way back to the house, he paused on the porch and knocked the snow out of his boots before entering the house, he ran up the stairs as quickly as he could without drawing attention to himself from the lady of the house and closed his bedroom door to get changed out of his uniform, soon hot water was streaming down his body and he closed his eyes as his hair fell over his eyes washing out the gel and grime from working.

Penelope walked into the lounge and hung up some mistletoe, "did I hear Virgil?"

Scott shook his head, "nah, that was probably us."

"Good, he's not walking in here covered in snow and dirt, we've just cleaned up."

Kayo laughed then coughed to cover it up, "sorry, a tickle in my throat."

"When are you picking up Grandma, Alan and John then, Scott?"

"After I'm done in here, I hate leaving jobs unfinished."

Gordon snorted, "unfinished, yeah right. Kayo and I have been doing most of the work whilst you've been making phone calls."

"That's not true," Scott glared at his younger brother, "it's been important."

Penelope kissed Gordon's cheek, "this room looks great guys, it doesn't need any more work, what we need is some coffee and music."

"Scott can provide the music," Kayo stood up after hanging some bells on the tree, "he's a great pianist."

Gordon sided with his sister, "yeah, not as good as Virgil but adequate."

Scott's cheeks reddened, "umm, I'm not as good as you're making me out to be."

Penelope sat down on the chez, "another pianist? I had no idea you guys were so talented."

"Our mum forced us to learn the piano, Alan and I gave up and turned to rock," Gordon sat down next to her and helped himself to a cookie.

"I'll call for some drinks to be brought up, then we can have some music."

Virgil walked down the stairs, his hair freshly spiked up and a spring in his step, he paused by the door to the lounge and called in, "I'll be back in about half an hour."

"Virgil, how on earth did you get past me?" Penelope scolded as she gazed at the young man now in jeans and a tight shirt.

"You would be surprised at how quiet I can be Penny, I'll be back soon I promise," he smiled then carried on walking, "see ya!"

Penelope shook her head, "he could be a spy if he wanted to be."

"Hey, stealth is my thing," Kayo smirked as she leant on the piano lid subtly waiting for Scott to move.

"Competition sis," Gordon winked, "I wonder where he's off though?"

Scott looked at the time, "I might go and get the rest of our team, I promise I'll play later."

Penelope nodded, "alright, you're let off, but you owe us."

"FAB," he kissed Kayo's cheek tenderly then left the house shutting the door quietly behind him, he looked over to the field and Thunderbird 2 took off, "what a sneak," he ran over to Thunderbird 1 and launched leaving the mansion behind as he plotted a course for Tracy Island.