17

Hello! actually got some time in the day this weekend to provide an update. A huge thank you once again for your lovely reviews including islandsandstars and bubzchoc. This is the last chapter before the epilogue.

Rose had been signed off work for a week by her doctor so there was not a lot to be served by going home. She protested she had plenty to be doing but Scott simply wouldn't take no for an answer. If she really, really wanted to she could work remotely from Tracy island. So here they were, sat in Thunderbird one mid-flight. Scott had wanted to pilot but Alan argued that he had piloted the night before and therefore should rest as Scott so often recommended to his brothers. Scott hated it when his own advice was used against him. He was now begrudgingly sat in the passenger section but at least he had excellent company.

Although still in a lot of pain, riding in Thunderbird one had given Rose a boost. The only other time she had been in One she had been unconscious, so it didn't really count. She hadn't stopped smiling since they had taken off, her joy was infectious and Scott was keeping her entertained with some facts about his bird.

Alan could hear them chatting away, he was happy for his brother. It sounded like they were already very close. "Thunderbird One to base, requesting permission to land."

"Permission granted. Welcome home son."

Rose hobbled out behind Alan but in front of Scott as they all made their way through the hole in the wall, which Scott held on a half turn long enough for them all to pile through. One of the disadvantages of arriving home in One was that usually everyone would be in the lounge, you could hardly stay by the pool when she was coming in unless you wanted to be engulfed by the thrusters. Rose entered to a full house (bar John who was still covering five). Virgil and Gordon immediately vacated the nearest couch so that Rose could sit on it. They preferred to sit on that one as the other one was used as part of TB3's launch sequence which had been known to disturb their leisure on more than one occasion when she got called out. Scott gently swung Rose's legs around and raised her foot for her before popping an orange cushion behind her back to support it against the arm rest. He then sat just down from her feet.

"Well its sure nice to have you home son, and you too Rose. I trust apart from a few hiccups (He gestured to her ankle) you had a nice time?" He was still sat at his desk which wasn't uncommon for Jeff.

"We did thank you; it was nice to visit family and enjoy some time together. Thank you for having me here for a few days I hope to be operational again as soon as possible." Rose smiled.

"Don't you worry about that; I am sure Penny can manage a little longer, just you concentrate on healing. Take as long as you need. That goes for you too son!" Scott grinned; he may have gone to last night's rescue without permission from his father.

"Thank you." Rose replied.

"So, what did you two get up to on leave? I've heard Cornwall's got a lot to offer couples looking to get away, very romantic." So, Gordon was going straight for the jugular like a shark pinning its prey. Jeff just shook his head. All his previous warnings about being on their best behaviour and not prying into his brother's private affairs ignored. Jeff got up and quietly left the lounge, they could sort this out themselves. He needed coffee.

"We had a great time, visited loads of beaches, coastal paths and an air museum." Scott was not rising to the bait that easily.

"An air museum?" Virgil asked.

"Yeah! Rose thought I might like it and took me as a surprise, it was awesome! They had a real spitfire."

"No way, that's amazing! What mark was it, did you see the engine? was it a PV-12 or a Mk IX?"

Gordon rolled his eyes, tuning them out. Talking about planes again; boring! Trust Virgil to divert the topic as Mr. peacekeeper! now Gordon was going to have to push harder. From what Alan told him last night he was pretty confident he was now looking at his brother's girlfriend, but he really wanted to know for how long! the conversation had now moved on to talking about seeing Rose's family. Hmmm this was more interesting, he made eye contact with Alan across the room who gave him a solid thumbs up. Scott couldn't see as Alan was behind him but Tin-Tin could, she frowned at Alan. He winked.

"So, your family live in Cornwall Rose, am I right in thinking that we met your mother on that rescue?" Gordon enquired innocently. Scott inwardly cursed; talking about planes usually bored the life out of his brother enough for him to disappear to the pool in disgust but not today apparently.

"Yes, she was the police sergeant you met. Scott and I had dinner with them as we were in the area and my sisters were home. It's not often I get to see them all together."

"Oh, that must have been lovely!" Tin-Tin purred.

"It was really nice but one of my sisters is a bit of a handful (Rose made full eye contact with Gordon at this point) and she riled Scott up at bit." Oooh now Gordon was intrigued. "She wouldn't stop pestering him about his personal life." Rose paused. Why did Gordon suddenly feel like he was being schooled? Scott remained stoic.

"Really?" Was the only safe response Gordon could muster.

"I don't think she will do it again in a hurry… will she Scott?" Rose smiled calmly at Gordon.

He laughed. "No, I think she got the message that I wasn't interested in discussing it by that point." He now looked at Gordon daring him to continue. Scott tried not to lose his composure as he watched the fleeting turmoil rippling over Gordon's face. Gordon wanted to follow up on that comment so bad…. only he now wasn't sure if it was safe to do so. He didn't like the way these two were focusing on him Scott was literally inviting him to ask which was a clear danger sign. How had they flipped it like this? Virgil threw a sidelong look at his ginger haired brother wondering what his next move might be.

"You know what I think we need drinks before we continue to find out more about this vacation!" Gordon suddenly declared. He slapped his hands on his knees before standing up and making a quick march to the kitchen.

Once he had gone Rose and Scott burst into a fit of laughter and high fived each other. "Ouch! you guys! that was pure mean older sibling - team tagging tactics!" They just laughed harder with Virgil. Tin-Tin joined in with her distinctive melodic laugh.

"Seriously guys how long?" Alan piped up from behind. Scott forgot the other youngest was still present.

Scott made to respond before Rose cut across him "If you're really dying to know Alan it was about a week ago, don't think I didn't hear you corner Scott outside our room this morning with the poor excuse of breakfast. I bet you'd been waiting there all along!"

Now it was Alan's turn to go beet red. Scott high fived her again.

"You know I think Gordon could do with a hand with those drinks." Alan rose to also leave in haste.

Tin-tin shook her head. "I'm so sorry you two, Scott you know they are just excited for you."

"I know but they've had their fun and now I've had mine so we'll call it even!" he chuckled.

"Well; I am very happy for you both, I always thought you were great for each other!" Virgil hopped up and kissed Rose on the cheek. "Welcome to the family." Rose smiled and Scott looked genuinely touched by his brothers' warm gesture.

Tin-tin also stood up; the day was too fine to be sat indoors. "I am also very happy for you both, I'll convince the boys to come with me to the pool, maybe you'd like to join us later?"

"Thanks Tin-Tin that would be swell." Scott remarked.

At last! Peace and quiet in his own lounge. He gently massaged Rose's good foot. "Well that went better than expected." Rose remarked.

Scott smiled. "Years of practice. With you by my side they don't stand a chance!" They both grinned.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Jeff looked out over the balcony with his mid-morning coffee in hand. His kids were down by the pool catching a bit of much needed down time. Alan was basking in the sun with Tin-tin by his side, Virgil was painting set back from the pool in the shade, he had learnt early on not to paint too close to the pool in case a wayward beach ball hit his easel. It was so sunny that even Brains had taken his tablet to sit at the garden table and soak up the sunshine working on his latest schematics. Gordon was conducting his usual morning workout to one side of the pool, he had already completed several lengths. Jeff's attention however was drawn to the two figures closet to his end of the pool, almost below the balcony.

Rose was sat on the edge of the pool up to her knees in the water. Scott was in the pool encouraging her to complete some basic physio exercises. The water was a good way to increase the movement of the limb and she had been making good progress over the last week. He could see Scott was encouraging her to flex the joint carefully. She hissed at times in pain but Scott let her have a minute and then continued. Jeff noticed the way her son held her like fine china, offering words of encouragement and praise as he looked up at her. He watched as Rose trusted Scott enough to slip into the water fully as he gently led, coaxing her to put her foot on the floor. Gordon swam over to take her other hand and together Scott and Gordon encouraged Rose to lift her leg and flex the joint fully in a gentle movement before then getting her to tread the water between them. Since Scott had brought Rose home Jeff had seen a remarkable change in his son, like an unseen weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He was more content and smiled more often than not. That serious edge and the responsibility of being the second in command easing away as he learnt to share that burden. He was glad his son had potentially found someone to share his life with, someone who would care for him and who he could care for in kind. It made Jeff long for Lucy's company keenly, in a way he hadn't felt for some time.

The week had swiftly passed and all too soon, it was time for Scott to say goodbye. He dropped Rose back himself at Lady Penelope's where Penny had offered to escort Rose home so Scott didn't have to worry about leaving TB1 unattended. Scott clambered down from the pilot's chair and pulled Rose onto his lap on in the other passenger seat. He held her tight kissing her passionately as she held his face in her hands, his free hand locked in her hair.

Eventually they broke apart, neither of them wanting to say the word goodbye. Instead Scott uttered "I love you." to which she kissed him back. "I know." she looked at him mischievously. He grinned lifting her up and kissing her once more. He was healed enough now to lift her out of the hull and down the steps before she grabbed her crutches. He dipped back in for her bag as Parker appeared to take it for her. "Thank you, Parker."

"Your welcome miss. Mi 'lady has been waylaid; she sends her h'pologies. I'll just be inside." He headed back up to the house.

Rose turned back and Scott who hugged her warmly. "I'll see you soon, I promise."

"It's ok don't rush back on my accord we'll meet when we meet." He leant down as she gave him a peck on the cheek.

He started to help her up the steps but she refused. "Go on! I'll be fine, Parker can help me in a minute I want to see you go."

He didn't look impressed at leaving her stood there so she sat down on one of the higher steps. "Satisfied?"

He rolled his eyes whilst she laughed, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. It was an image he was sure he would revisit over the coming days. He waved and jumped up into the cockpit in one swift motion. He didn't look back as the door swished shut behind him. He took off with a heavy heart.

Rose waved from the steps far below and remained there long after thunderbird one was no more than a blip on the horizon. Her face betraying none of the internal strife the sight of him leaving caused her.