Unforgotten
AN - So here's the next chapter! Again, I can't be more grateful for the positive comments and reviews this story has received. Also, I can't believe you don't get more shout outs, Harlow! so here's one just for you. Harlow!
Disclaimer - I do not own Thunderbirds
Chapter Twenty Six - Tracy Island
Waking up in his bedroom on Tracy Island with Angel in his arms was definitely one of the best moments in his life. It was only marred by the fact that his alarm was vibrating underneath his pillow, where he had placed it so that it wouldn't wake up anybody else.
Angel stirred, rolling over to face him. Her smile lifted a weight that had been resting on him for years. The bruises on her face were almost completely healed now, barely a shadow remained. He traced down the edge of her face with his hand, brushing his fingers through her hair.
"Good morning," she whispered.
"Isn't it?" He sighed. "But you're going to have to go if you don't want to be found here. Plus, Virgil would have my head. You were under strict orders to stay in the sickbay."
"I've never been one to take orders well," she smirked, before her gaze turned serious. "We should talk later," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his fingers as they traced over her features. "Offer me a tour of the island?"
Scott nodded as she slipped from the bed. She quickly changed out of his T-shirt, handing it back regretfully. "I'll hold onto it for now," Scott promised, folding it and placing it on top of a cupboard. "But it's yours from now on." He too got out of the bed, pulling on his clothes. "I'll head down to the kitchen and make sure the coast is clear. I doubt anyone will be up after everything yesterday but just in case."
Angel nodded, padding silently over to follow him. She had put the clothes on that she had arrived in yesterday, now they were torn and dirty but it would raise too much suspicion if she wore anything else.
Before they left, Angel pulled Scott close for a final kiss. "I'm sorry I'm going to have to ignore you later," she murmured. He gave her an understanding smile as his door slid open and he checked the coast was clear.
"It doesn't matter," he reassured her. "I'll know now." He squeezed her hand as he walked her through the hall and down the stairs. Scott's prediction had been correct, the house was quiet as all its occupants slept off the excitement of the last few days.
Soon Angel was back in the sickbay and Scott was nursing a coffee in the kitchen. He was on his second cup when Virgil appeared in the doorway.
"I thought you might like to know that I'm going to go and check up on Annie now. Take her a drink and some food."
"Thanks, Virgil." Scott stood and fixed Angel a cup of tea while Virgil prepared some toast and fruit. He raised his eyes as Scott brought the tea to the tray he was preparing.
"Are you sure you know what she wants?"
Scott shook his head and smiled, lifting the tray. "Lead on," he instructed his brother. Virgil led the way to the sickbay, greeting Angel as he entered. Scott shot her a wink as he placed the tray on her bed.
"Sorry it's fairly simple, normally our housekeeper Kyrano or Grandma prepare the meals but no one is up yet this morning."
"Thank you," Angel replied softly as she picked up the cup of tea and took a sip, sighing happily. Virgil raised an eyebrow as he continued to check the monitors around the bed. He then prodded her bruised face gently, seeming happy with his findings.
"Well, you've recovered better than I expected - you're definitely free to go. Even your rib is looking ok, but don't be too rough with it yet."
"Will I be able to exercise? I usually go to a gym every day."
Virgil thought for a moment. "Probably, if you take someone with you and take it easy. We have a gym just down the corridor, I'll show you later. There is also an indoor and outdoor pool and a beach if you prefer swimming in the sea."
"I really appreciate the help you've given me," Angel said softly. Virgil just smiled at her.
"It isn't a problem, it's what we do. Scott, would you mind staying with her for a moment? I'll let dad know and find out what room she's staying in."
"Sure thing, Virgil."
"Would you be able to show me around quickly?" Angel asked Scott innocently. "I'd really like to get my bearings."
"Sure," he smiled. "Bring your tea, we'll do a quick tour now if it's ok with Virgil."
"Be my guest," the middle brother replied. "But stop if you are in pain at all."
With that, Virgil left the room. Angel took Scott's hand and let him pull her from the bed. "Did you want any breakfast?" He asked her, gesturing to the tray. She grabbed one of the slices of toast.
"I'll get some fruit later. I'd like to go on a tour, first."
"Well, my lady," Scott bowed in front of her, gesturing to the door of the room. "Your wish is my command."
Laughing, Angel followed him from the room and onto a tour of the Island.
Scott showed her the downstairs of the villa, including Kyrano's garden and the all-important gym, before taking her outside to the patio alongside the pool. Quietly, he told her about the secret launch pad underneath from which his 'bird would be launched. He gestured to the balcony and discussed the layout of the upstairs, promising to show her the lounge soon.
The house was beginning to stir and Scott had already been able to introduce Angel to his Grandma as she bustled around the kitchen. Grandma had greeted her politely, smiling knowingly at the star struck expression on Scott's face as he enthused about her culinary abilities and telling amusing stories about his siblings.
From the patio they walked slowly to the beach. Eventually, they were out of range of the house and prying eyes. Scott pulled Angel in and kissed her, before tucking her close against him as they walked on.
"I'm so sorry," Angel started. "I just couldn't remember. I knew that I had been loved but I didn't know who it was."
Scott squeezed her tight. "Don't, Angel. It isn't your fault. I'm sorry I didn't react quicker, save you."
Angel stopped and turned to face him. "If it isn't my fault then it certainly isn't yours!" Her voice quietened as she thought back. "If you'd grabbed me, you would have been struck Scott. I would do it all over again if it guaranteed your safety."
"I dreamed I did, sometimes. I dreamed that I'd saved you, you came back with me and we lived together. Then I would wake and you were still gone." The hitch in his voice nearly broke Angel's heart. She pulled his face back down to hers, kissing him tenderly.
"I'm so sorry. What you must have gone through..."
Scott buried his face in her hair, ignoring the tears that tracked down his cheeks. "It doesn't matter anymore. You're here."
They walked in silence for a while, reaching the end of the beach and scrambling up the rocks to get to the next cove. Scott helped Angel down a particularly high jump and she growled in frustration that she couldn't manage it herself.
"You've been injured," Scott commented with amusement. "You'll be fixed in no time."
"I hate being so weak." She grumbled, looping her arm through his as they walked across the next beach.
Silence fell for a while, broken only by the sound of the crashing ocean waves.
"I felt weak in the mansion," Angel confessed eventually. "I hated it. I couldn't move like I once did and I felt as though I was held in treacle." She stopped, looking out at the ocean. "I promised myself once that I wouldn't allow myself to be weak again, but it happened anyway. If you hadn't turned up, he would have killed me."
"You can't think about the things that might have happened," Scott reassured her, encircling her in his arms and resting his head next to hers. "You're safe."
"But I might not be next time." Angel protested. "And you might not be there. Ethan scared me."
Scott sighed deeply. "He got away."
"Ethan?"
"He escaped while we were trying to save you. I know I should have gone after him, but I couldn't leave you there."
Angel turned around to face him, planting her hands on his chest. "You did the right thing. But be careful - he wants you, Scott. He's filled with madness and hatred and he wants you. He thinks you stole me from him, which is something he must have fabricated in his mind while he's been in prison. He hates you and wants to see you suffer. Please, please promise me you won't do anything rash?"
"I can promise to try not to," Scott replied. "But if he threatens you, I can't stand by and let it happen."
Angel nodded. "Ok, but as long as you understand the same applies in reverse."
"So what happens now?"
"I need to train," Angel said after a few minutes. "I need to get back into the shape I used to be."
"I'd be fond of you whatever shape you are."
Angel swatted him playfully. "Be that as it may, I never want to feel weak again. I need to practice and I need to spar. Want to learn a few things?"
"Of course. But not until Virgil says your rib is healed, or there will be hell to pay." His arms tightened around her and he pressed a kiss to her head. "We should probably get back before they send a search party for us." Angel hummed in agreement and they started to make their slow way home back along the beach.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Up in the lounge, Tintin was wondering exactly where Annie had gone. Virgil had explained that Scott was giving her a quick tour, but they had now been gone for over an hour.
"Oh I wouldn't worry about it dear," Grandma said kindly, whilst concentrating on her knitting. "I imagine Scott's just got carried away. He seemed very taken with young Annie when I saw him earlier."
"Scott? Really?" Asked Tintin. "Well... that's unexpected. But he did save her yesterday, I imagine he feels protective of her."
"I'm sure it's something like that," Grandma agreed. "Now dear, are you sure you're ok?"
"Oh much better now, Grandma. Still, it's horrible to think that man is still out there somewhere." Tintin shuddered. "But at least we're safe on Tracy Island."
"That we are Tintin," agreed Jeff, coming into the room. "I've just agreed with Mike that Annie can stay indefinitely, I don't like the thought of her going back to somewhere that isn't as secure, in case Grey strikes again. I questioned Scott's decision yesterday but now I see the sense in it."
"Oh thank you, Mr Tracy. That does make me feel better. I was feeling worried about what may happen when she left."
"Ah, here she is now!" Annie was shown into the lounge by Scott, who was following closely. "I was just telling Tintin that I've arranged with Mike Clifford for you to stay here for now, Annie. I don't think, and he agrees, that it's safe for you to go back there while Ethan Grey is still at large."
"Oh I couldn't impose-"
"Nonsense dear!" Grandma interrupted, noticing slyly how close Scott was standing to Annie. "You aren't any kind of imposition, we so rarely get visitors here."
"If you are sure..." Grandma nodded firmly and Jeff smiled at her. "Well then, thank you. But, I have no clothes or anything else."
"We managed to get your suitcase from the plane hold," Jeff informed her. "So you will have a few things. We can put some orders in for the rest to arrive on the next supply plane as well."
"I can't-"
"We insist." Jeff told her firmly. "It's because of our outfit that you were put in danger, so we will fully cover all your expenses for the duration of your stay."
"Annie's staying for a bit?" Alan had wandered into the lounge while Jeff was speaking. "Hey, that's swell. We don't often get guests."
"Scott seems to have been doing a good job as a tour guide so far, so he will show you to the guest bedroom. The Garden Room, Scott."
"Yes sir," He smiled at Angel. "It's this way." He led her out of the lounge.
"How come Scott gets to be the tour guide?" Alan pouted, helping himself to a glass of water.
"To be fair to him, he did save her life," Virgil commented as he also entered the room, opening up the piano. "I reckon he probably feels protective of her."
"You managed to leave that out of the briefing you gave me," Jeff's voice was stern.
"Not intentionally, father. When we entered the room the girls were being held in, there was a man standing over her, about to hurt her." Grandma gasped while Tintin looked away, obviously still distraught at the memory. Virgil carried on quickly. "Scott managed to get him away, but he's been a bit protective of her since. She's sticking close to him too, it might be best to let them be for now."
"Thank you for telling me, Virgil. If it keeps Scott happy to be over-protective, we'll let him. He's had enough practice with you all."
Alan still pouted but didn't press the point any further. He knew as well as anyone how much Scott had looked after them all in the past. Virgil finished opening the piano up and sat down to begin to play.
"Oh, one more thing," Jeff added as he stood from his desk. "Lady Penelope is going to come and visit in a few days - she was very concerned about you Tintin and wants to see you for herself. John has also made some adjustments to the remote monitoring system on Thunderbird 5 and will come down while she is here. I know you all got to spend time together recently but it will be nice to have everyone on the Island for a change."
"Oh that will be great!" Alan said enthusiastically. "It will be a full house!"
"That it will, now I'm going to go and do some work in my study for a while - see you all soon."
"Bye dad!", "Goodbye Mr Tracy."
Alan walked over to Tintin. "Are you ok Tintin? I know that Brains has to work, but do you want to go play some polo in the pool to help you feel better?"
Tintin smiled at Alan. "That would be lovely, Alan. I'll just see if Annie wants to join us in a bit, it will probably help her recovery to get in the water."
"Sure, Tintin. See you down there!" With a wave Alan was gone. Grandma shook her head fondly.
"Always too much energy, that one. The pool will do you good dear, you look very pale."
"Oh it was horrible, Grandma," Tintin's voice wavered. "I felt so helpless. But I think Alan is right, the pool will help cheer me up a bit. Will you come, Virgil?"
Virgil smiled from where he was playing. "Not this time Tintin, though I may pop down later if you are still out there."
"Very well, see you soon." Tintin first headed to the Garden Room, so called because of the two main guest rooms it had a view over her father's garden. The room Penelope usually occupied was known as the Ocean Room for its sweeping views of the Pacific.
Tintin knocked on the open door. Inside the room, Annie was standing by the window and looking over the small garden while Scott leaned against the wall nearby, his arms folded in front of him and an amused smile on his face. At Tintin's knock, Annie turned away from the window to see who was visiting.
"Oh hello Tintin, I was just admiring this garden."
"It's my father's," Tintin said bashfully. "He used to specialise in tropical plants when he worked with a large horticultural collection in London, here he doesn't need a glass house to indulge his hobby."
"It's utterly beautiful," Annie told her sincerely.
"I will pass that on," Tintin smiled at her. "I came to find out if you wanted to join me and Alan playing polo in the pool? I understand you may not feel up to it, but the water will probably help you feel better."
"I may come out in a bit," Annie replied. "I need just a few moments to myself first, a lot has happened in the last couple of days."
"Of course," Tintin replied with concern in her voice. "How are you? After everything?"
"Much better, thank you. I can't quite believe how well this family has taken me to its heart, I am so grateful."
Tintin smiled at her. "It was the same for father and I when mother died and there was a mining accident at our home. The Tracys are a very generous family."
"You'll make me blush, Tintin."
"Really Scott, you know you can't deny it. Now, I'm going out to the pool. If we don't see you there Annie, we'll see you at dinner I hope? Grandma really is a wonderful cook and she's promised some of her favourites tonight."
"Of course Tintin, I wouldn't miss it."
The brunette left with a cheery wave. Angel sighed and Scott hit the button that closed the sliding door.
"She seems ok," Angel commented.
"Don't let her cheery demeanour fool you, Tintin is incredibly strong." Scott told her. He joined her at the window to admire the garden view. "It is a lovely garden, though I don't think I've ever appreciated it quite so much before."
Angel knocked her shoulder into his. "Well, you should have done. You live in paradise and you don't even notice it!"
"Mmmm, but it has never felt like paradise until today." Scott winked at her and despite trying to maintain a serious face Angel chuckled at the corny line. "Now I will leave you to some peace and quiet, I have a few calls to make."
"I didn't mean that you had to leave," Angel reassured him. "I can think with you here."
"But I can't think with you here," Scott replied. "And it's dangerous for me to be standing in your bedroom with you, it gives me terrible ideas. Which wouldn't be a bad thing, but we definitely have to wait until your rib is healed."
"More's the pity," Angel muttered. Scott gave her a quick kiss.
"Besides, International Rescue's newest agent needs to be kept abreast of current developments, she'll be very interested. I believe you've met - grey haired lady, lives alone, fond of cats, goes by the name Jane?"
Angel's jaw hit the floor. "You made Jane an International Rescue agent?!"
Scott shrugged sheepishly. "I kept in touch with her after, well, you know, and then recently I was at your cottage and the idea just came about. You aren't mad?"
"Mad? No! It's inspired! She was always talking about how she wished she had made more of her life."
"Phew! Well, I have just a little news to impart, so I'd better go and let her know. Any later and she wouldn't forgive me."
"No," Angel agreed. "Send her my love? If you haven't already given her a heart attack."
"I will do," Scott smiled at her, kissing her quickly again before leaving her alone.
Angel moved back to the window, gazing out at the garden with the peak of the mountain beyond. Now wasn't the time for revenge, now was the time for recuperation. Looking at the view in front of her, she smiled. She could definitely get used to this.