Disclaimer: Sighs* I still don't own the Thunderbirds franchise.

A/N: I would like to thank everyone for taking their time to read and review my previous chapter. I'm just overwhelmed from all your wonderful feedback. You guys rock my socks! :D

A special thanks to Teobi for inspiring me with ideas for this chapter, and so, I dedicate this one to you!

Another HUGE thank-you to KatZen for helping me with the editing. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

WolfLeap xx

Chapter II:

It's funny how time never agrees with your needs; our flight between Tracy Island and Auckland International Airport was reasonably quick. Much to my dismay, of course; I would rather spend the rest of my life in the air then go inside a blistering mall!

My father was generous enough (I believe for Genevieve only) to lend us his private jet which I personally flew towards New Zealand's biggest city. As soon as we disembarked the plane and went through immigration and customs office, we caught a taxi which was parked outside the Arrivals Terminal. The driver smiled at my enthusiastic daughter who was bouncing up and down on the leather seats.

"Someone is very happy about something, are you going to visit someone special today?" Asked the driver in his strong New Zealand accent.

Genevieve shook her head, opening her mouth wide enough for us to imagine she was going to sing an opera. "No, no! We're off to the mall! It's my first time!"

The man nodded in admiration, however I merely moaned, rolling my eyes. Why couldn't my daughter have chosen Disneyland (at least!) for a birthday trip?

Unbelievable!

It took a moment for me to realise that the driver had turned his attention towards me, asking me which mall we would like to go to. I returned back to this dreadful reality with a jolt. Blinking rapidly, I shrugged. "Uh, the closest, maybe?"

The closer, the better. I just hope I wasn't blatant that I wanted this day-trip over and done with.

Our driver made a suggestion. "Well, you guys are tourist, yes? Why don't I take you to Sylvia Park Shopping Centre? It's the biggest here in Auckland."

Genevieve made a squeal of delight. To her; this mall was like a kingdom she instantly worshipped – whereas for me, it was like a magnetic force; pulling me towards its impending doom. I don't remember the last time I went inside a shopping mall. Maybe I've never actually been to one, since I had silently sworn to not step foot into my version of hell. Guess who's breaking their self-promise?

Un-friggen-believable!

I hesitated to reply in agreement; every answering word was torture. The taxi driver pulled the vehicle out of the parking lane, heading directly towards Sylvia Park in the suburb of Mt. Wellington.

I stared directly towards the main façade of the mall. My jaw dropped and my shoulders were hunched, like a mindless zombie – I felt numb as I gazed towards the access. Who the hell invented this morbid sight?

A sudden pinch startled me out of my self-pitying revere. Genevieve stared at me, frown carved etched into her face. "Come on Daddy," she moaned; stamping her feet. "Let's go inside!"

I heaved a sigh. It's do or die time, Scott. Let's just get this flipping trip over and done with!

Taking hold of her hand, I led her towards the entrance to the mall. As we entered through the automatic sliding-doors, I heard Genevieve squeal with excitement, clapping her hands in exuberance.

Just as I expected; the interior was full of retail stores … lots of stores. With many shoppers venturing in and out of the shops, I had no doubt that Genevieve was desperate to join them. She looked up at me in amazement, her eyes sparkling like jewels. I forced myself to smile back; I was only looking forward to leaving this place.

I'm not a man of prayer, but to tell you the truth, I was pleading deep down that Genevieve would get bored within the next five seconds. However, something told me that that won't be the case – my daughter would want to explore as much as possible. God damn it!

"So, uh, Genevieve … where would you like to go?" I cringed at the forced nature of the enquiry. Hell, the situation I was in, was awkward enough!

My daughter shrugged. "We could get my Uncles their stuff?"

Coincidentally, I found The Body Shop to our right. Behind its window frame were a collection of rubber ducks for sale. Remembering Gordon's tormenting request for one, I clenched my fists. How dare that muppet take advantage of me? What astounds me more is that Genevieve took my brothers' jokes seriously, thinking that it's a must to shop for them. There was no way I intended to fulfil their wishes; the lazy sods can shop for themselves.

Genevieve blinked at me, waiting for a reply. I sank down to my knees so that I was at her level. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I squeezed it gently. "No, today is all about you. Your Uncles don't need us to get them their things."

My daughter opened her mouth to protest, however I pressed on. "So, how about we find you an interesting place to go to?"

I soon regretted my suggestion, because as soon as Genevieve spun around to start searching; she instantly spotted a store that had her immediately jumping with joy. I followed to where her finger was pointing to. My eyes widened until they began to sting and the palms of my hands began to sweat slightly. I felt my breathing hitch slightly in my chest and the ground trembled slightly beneath my feet. Most importantly, since it was the only sign Genevieve would see, and I didn't want to ruin her big day, my smile had slipped off my face, only to be replaced by a glower. Horrified, I observed that Genevieve had discovered a fairy themed store.

Oh hell no!

Before I could grab her arm, Genevieve took off towards the fairy shop. Stunned, I could only watch her as she ventured inside the 'magical' kingdom of sissy creatures. I raked my fingers through my hair, mumbling swear words before following suit - stopping just outside the tag detectors. Stupefied, I watched as Genevieve made her way through aisles of collectible models. The store was completely painted in pink; packed with only female customers which made me jolt in panic. There was no way I was going inside.

Genevieve skipped towards the rear of the shop where a wardrobe was located, storing costumes which were for sale. Helping herself, Genevieve searched through the clothes rack - as if she knew what she was looking for. She pulled out two fancy dresses, waving one that was my size towards me. "Daddy, try this on!"

She was loud enough for the whole store to hear. Curious on who she was calling to, a few shoppers spun around and found me standing helplessly by the entrance. A wide grin was spread across their face. As if they were telepathic, I felt that they were encouraging me to join my daughter. I returned a nervous smile; my cheeks were burning bright red.

"Daddy!" My daughter's scream echoed throughout the shop, reverberating off the walls.

Not wanting to draw any more attention to myself, I sprinted towards where Genevieve was waiting impatiently for me. Covering one hand to hide my identity, while the other snatched the adult-size costume out of Genevieve's puny hand. I stared up and down at the material, recognising it as a unicorn. Jesus Christ ...

"Go on, try it." Genevieve instructed me, motioning towards the changing rooms near by.

I chuckled, trying to remain cool. "I don't think Daddy can fit this."

Genevieve shook her head, smiling sweetly. "Nope. It'll stretch for you. Go on, try it!" How the hell did my six-year-old daughter know of that fact? This was just not my day...

Accepting defeat, I lingered towards the changing rooms; locking myself in one of its cubicles. I stared at the hideous costume held in my hand. I felt my insides bursting in disgust. Not only did the costume match the traits of a bloody white Horse with a pointed horn on its head - it was indeed the size that I could fit perfectly.

A sudden knock on the door made me jump, my heart skipped a beat. I heard Genevieve's voice on the other side. "Have you got it on yet?"

"Uh, yes. It, um, doesn't fit me like I said before."

"Show me, then." Came the cheeky reply.

My feet stood firmly on the the carpet below, my body froze in panic. How the heck was I supposed to get out of this one?

To add insult to injury; a store operator came to Genevieve's assistance. "Everything alright here, sweetie?"

Genevieve giggled. "Yeah, my Daddy is behind that door. He won't come out in his unicorn costume."

I heard the lady trying her best not to laugh. "Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't be long now."

I was cornered; if I opened the door without wearing the damned costume, Genevieve would be gravely disappointed. However, if I did face the music by dressing to be a unicorn; I would never be able to endure such humiliation.

"Hurry up, Daddy!"

Another defeat. I swore silently to myself as I changed into the pathetic costume. Seeing upon myself in the reflection of the mirror, I saw my whole body transform into something so alien. My feet were replaced with hooves, and a little tail was added to the end of my buttocks, while my skull was covered in fabric of the unicorn's head. Its long pointed horn stuck out from where my forehead was hidden.

Another knock on the door. I inhaled deeply, my heart rate accelerating drastically. Like a public speaker, preparing to set foot on stage in front of thousands of people; I counted to three before unlocking the door.

In the open, I felt exposed - even though I was clearly dressed. Seeing me as a 'magical' horse, Genevieve collapsed into laughter, while the store operator placed a hand over her mouth, sniggering. A few other female customers caught the action ... I've never felt so mortified in my life.