Hello i'm so sorry for the delay in updating, I've been unwell the last couple of weeks and just haven't been able to concentrate at all but i have finally managed to write a bit more so hopefully more regular posting once again now! Thank you for the guest review. I promise i'm not looking to write teen angst but this story does explore the more complex family relationships and therefore there will be focus on a multitude of friendships, family and partners behind the scenes of IR - but there will always be action and people to save! You are right in that it is hard to write about relationships from the boys point of view in a realistic manner. If you have any tips please feel free to share or DM as its something i would like to work on.

Chapter 25

The late evening sun waned below the horizon, marking another impending night alone. This was the worst time for him. At least during the day, he could exercise and explore the city however as the nights drew in, he felt isolated in the little condo. This evening in particular he felt quite fatigued as he sprawled on the lounger with a blanket draped over his shoulders. Lights were just starting to twinkle into life as the sky bled red. He turned his phone over in his hand, the light illuminating his steely expression.

His mind was a tempest of fractured memories interspersed with an intolerable longing. He ran a shaky hand through his fringe, he was on the verge of obsession. His mind replayed the moment where her hands firmly gripped his waist at the observatory whilst wondering what it would be like to be held in her embrace - what was she doing right now? Was she alright? Or was she lonely too? After-all she was on a break from Alan, she must be missing him. He imagined her alone dutifully conducting maintenance checks or scribing for his father. Her face schooled into a pleasant smile whilst she was breaking inside. He wanted to be the one to console her, to make her feel loved.

His stomach flipped and churned between desire and guilt. He felt so awful, he simply couldn't pursue his feelings for her without hurting everyone he loved. Alan would be so angry, hell! If the roles were reversed Gordon would be fuming if one of his brothers was attracted to his partner, but at the same time… Alan had his chance. He hadn't been just trying to instil some confidence in Tin when he said she deserved better. Tin-Tin was bright, kind and loving, she always put the needs of others before her own, especially Alan and yet he never treated her with the same reverence. He would always put himself first, he'd always want to go clubbing with Lady Penelope or out with his friends while he left her behind at home like some prized trinket in a cabinet. To be brought out on special occasions as proof of ownership and paraded. He should want to be with her above all else. He should cherish her, tell her he loved her every day. Alan wasn't ready for a serious relationship but Gordon was. Having seen his own parents' relationship callously cut short and then nearly dying himself, he wasn't afraid of commitment, but he was petrified of the knowledge that time was short. He had no idea if she even could bring herself to like him in that way - was the fear of rejection greater than his fear of time passing him by?

His phone buzzed, startling him. The white blue glow causing him to wince. He peered at caller ID: Withheld. He thumbed the green touch point.

"Hello?"

"Gordon Tracy?"

"That's me, how can I help?"

"Gordon, its Officer Monroe. I spoke with you and your partner the other day when she rescued the little boy off the pier."

"Oh. Yes! How is he?"

"I'm sorry I haven't been in contact sooner; it was touch and go for a time but the family want you to know that although James' has been in an induced coma he came around yesterday and is progressing well. They wondered if your friend might like to see him? He wants to thank her for saving his life."

"Oh wow, that's amazing news!" Gordon's heart soared with his voice before faltering. "Unfortunately, my friend has left for home but I'm still here, I'd love to see him if I can and pass on his message."

"That's would be fantastic! His parents are really keen to see you too. They were amazed by your handling of the situation and how you kept everyone calm. They said your free to come by the hospital tomorrow, visiting hours are eleven till four."

"I will; thank you for calling officer Monroe."

"You're welcome." He cut the call, holding the edge of the phone to his mouth. He should phone Tin-Tin but he knew she'd be so disappointed at not being able to go so he decided he would keep it as a surprise for when he saw her in person. He beamed to himself. Such good news! He was looking forward to meeting James and his parents under better circumstances. He had a few errands to run in the morning, he found himself making a quick mental list, his earlier problems fading as he hopped off the lounger to get ready for bed.

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It was mid-morning on the island. Alan was sat with his shades on by the edge of the pool reading. Scott and Brains were sat at the table opposite pouring over the chess board in the middle. Brains was one of the few chess opponents that Scott found really challenged him. The only other family members who would play with Brains were Gordon and his father. John and Brains had stopped playing each other long ago, their competitiveness put a strain on their friendship so both had come to the logical conclusion it was for the best.

Tin-Tin and Penelope made their way across from the villa. Parker huffed along behind as he carried two beach bags brimming with towels, beach ball and magazines. "Good morning Alan."

Scott kicked the back of Alan's chair so it scraped a little. Alan's face remained impassive, not even glancing up. Tin-Tin's smile faltered.

"Where are you girls off to?" Scott paused his game, concerned at his brother's lack of tact and poor Tin-Tin's crestfallen expression.

"To the beach. It's not often Penelope gets to experience going to the beach and actually achieving a tan."

"Or being warm enough for one to not to be wearing cardigan and trousers." Added Penelope.

Scott chuckled. "Its not always that bad, I've had some warm days in the UK." His eyes sparkled in fondness at a memory, his dimples becoming more pronounced with his smile.

"I might be exaggerating but Tin-Tin is right, this is by far the finest spot to relax and the most private beach I'll get to experience in awhile. I'm quite looking forward to it."

"Well, you girls enjoy yourself but don't forget to stop by on the way back. We'd welcome your company."

"Sounds splendid. We shall see you in a little while." Penelope purred.

Scott turned back round to survey the board. His king was under threat from Brain's wayward Queen, seeing the inevitable he surrendered by placing his king down, the piece rolled off to the edge. Brains tutted.

"Sorry Brains but I know how that one plays out. No point waiting for the inevitable."

"W-well I'd ah! best be getting back to the err lab anyway."

"Got something cooking?" Scott cocked his head to one side.

"S-something like that yes…. I'll let you know once its ah! Perfected." He leaned on the arms as he pushed up out of the chair. Brains was very cagey about his prototypes - especially since the Thunderbird Six fiasco. He'd learnt if he spent enough money or invested enough resources before Mr Tracy got wind of the project, he was less likely to veto the idea or change his mind.

Scott leaned back, his gaze flicking across to the prone form on the recliner. He rapped his knuckles on the table as he pondered his next move. Let sleeping lions lie, or face getting his head bitten off trying to impart some brotherly advice? Ah! screw it. He stood stretching for a moment, before strolling over to sit on the side of the nearby vacant recliner.

"Hey."

Alan flicked a page. "Hey."

Scott relaxed his shoulders. "How you doing?"

"I'm reading."

"I know but I couldn't help but notice you were a little terse with Tin-Tin earlier." Alan huffed flipping another page.

"I know things are…... strained between you right now but there's no need to be impolite. She's worried about you."

Alan slapped the book down. "Oh yeah, she's so worried about me that she ended our relationship."

"I thought you said you were on a break?" Scott frowned.

"We are." He crossed his arms angrily.

"Can I give you some advice?" Scott leaned forwards elbows on knees.

"Do I have a choice?" He muttered.

"You're both young and not had many other relationships. Your always in each other's pockets here. It doesn't make for the easiest relationship, especially living with the rest of us. You and Tin-tin have been together a long time, it's not uncommon to have doubts in a long-term relationship. Now I have no idea what your break is about, but sometimes its good to step back and evaluate your relationship. If you really care for each other, you'll find a way to make it work but only if you talk to one another. If you continue to be dismissive, you'll push her away. Is that what you really want?" His light eyes bored into Alan's.

"No of course not! but she's made herself quite clear on where we stand."

Scott shifted; debating whether to admit something. He ran his hands down his legs. "Rose and I split up."

Alan whipped round; eyes wide. "You did? When?"

"Couple of months back. We got into a row over moving in with each other and the logistics. I know we've not known each other long but I felt more than ready….. turns out she didn't and couldn't provide what I would deem a valid answer as to why. I grew frustrated and she became irrationally angry." Scott swallowed, as his mind recoiled from the way her next words had burned him. "She said: I can't do this right now. I can't be with you anymore; you need to leave." His chest constricted like he'd been hit with a wrecking ball. "She pushed me out the door before I even knew what was happening - it was so fast." Scott stared at the floor.

"But your together now, aren't you?" Alan's own troubles were momentarily forgotten as he was gripped by Scott's revelation.

"Yeah, we're taking it slow but we're together and that's all I care about. I won't lose her again." He clenched his fists on the edge of the seat.

"Then how did you get her back?"

"Because of you."

"Me?!" Alan replied incredulous.

Scott gave a small smile. "When you mentioned that she might have been worrying about me; you were right. She pushed me away because she thought she was protecting me. Rose knew she couldn't move here, not her not with her career but at the same time she didn't want me living with her elsewhere when she thought I'd become an easy target and that people might discover International Rescue. She was worried I'd be attacked or that TB1 would be stolen. So much so she ended it so I'd remain here. Threat eliminated."

"I had no idea, Why didn't you tell us?"

"Because if I admitted it to you all, then I'd have to admit I really had lost her. Only Penny knew and she tried everything to get us to reconcile. I wasn't sleeping, Rose wasn't answering my calls. Turns out she wasn't eating and working overtime to stop herself thinking about us and I had no idea!" Scott ran a hand through his hair. "This is why if you really want her Alan you mustn't give up."

"Thank you for telling me. That can't have been easy for you, I see where you are coming from now. I thought that was it between us but maybe there is a chance. I shall at least try to be more amicable."

Scott stood to ruffle Alan's hair "Atta a boy."

Alan scowled ducking out the way whilst Scott chuckled. It was up to his little brother now.

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Gordon tapped his feet, glancing at the time on his luminescent green display. It was 2am and he was on a remote section of road on the outskirts of Wrightwood waiting for his ride. He'd got the all clear to travel yesterday and he couldn't wait to be home. After spending the last week alone, he was really looking forward to being back in his family's company. He still wasn't cleared for active duty but the doctors promised it wouldn't be long and they also advised that once healed he should be able to dive again but his ears may always be more susceptible to changes in pressure than they once were, but he could live with that. He shuddered but not because of the cool night air, he shuddered at the thought of being told he'd never dive again. He wouldn't have coped. It would have been worse than when he broke his back.

The familiar thrum in the air drew him away from his unpleasant thoughts as landing lights came into view. Gordon waved cheerfully knowing Virgil would have easily picked up his form on the thermal imaging cameras. The thrusters hissed as the landing gear docked into place. Gordon scrabbled up the boarding aisle as the door whooshed open. Virgil smiled, greeting his brother by putting an arm around his shoulder and lifting his bag off him with the other.

"Good to see you buddy, I've missed you."

"Same here, it's good to be going home."

It being a personal trip; Virgil was in civilian clothes, his favourite olive green shirt and chestnut waistcoat. He took his seat back at the helm as Gordon dropped into the co-pilot seat. It wasn't long before Virgil had them airborne.

"So how have you been keeping yourself amused?"

Trying to keep my mind off being lonely and failing. "Well, mostly video games and documentaries but I've been down the beach a fair bit." Since Henry and Tin-Tin had left, Gordon had taken to spending hours on the coastline, for people watching helped him feel less isolated – or at least that's what he told himself. Anything was better than being by himself in that condo where he was climbing the walls.

"Out of the water I hope?"

"Yes" Gordon rolled his eyes. "What have you fella's been up to?"

"Well, we had a pretty hairy rescue on a sinking ship, a mine shaft collapse, A Tsunami evacuation and a wildfire evacuation, even John got to go on a rescue with Alan last night. The ISS suffered a complete power outage so he and Alan had to ferry up the repair equipment but stayed to help fix the issue as the crew only had fourteen minutes till the emergency gen went out too."

"Oh wow! sounds like you guys have been run off your feet! I bet John was thrilled to be involved."

"Sure was, I'll let him tell you about it, I know he's dying to." Virgil smiled.

"I look forward to it."

Gordon settled into his seat, his soul already lightening. He couldn't wait to be home where he belonged.