Apologies for the delay in updating, real life is getting hectic but i hope the next update will be sooner, we are not far from the end now...

Chapter 30

Tin-Tin stood on the gangway in the hangar, her hands gripping the railing almost as if she was trying to physically hold onto her frayed composure. As soon as she heard engines, she had rushed down the elevator to await them. Naturally Scott arrived well in advance of the others and had already headed straight to the lounge. Thunderbird two had literally just landed.

She breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the elevator rise from Thunderbird Two. At this distance she could just make out Alan by his blond hair and well-built frame next to his brother's smaller more athletic profile, his copper tones catching the light as they ascended. She knew they'd only got a few scrapes and bumps but to see them walking out themselves and chatting to each other for helped to ease her earlier anxieties. To her relief they seemed a lot less hostile with each other, whatever had been brewing seemed to have been broken. She would have to talk to them both at some point but for now her main priority was to make sure they really were okay.

She quickly pressed the elevator button so that it would stop at her floor. When the elevator drew level both boys' eyebrows rose in surprise. She rushed in arms extended towards Alan before catching herself and slipping into the gap between them. "Oh, I was so worried when you went missing! "Are you both alright?" She checked them both over starting with Alan before then noticing the crimson stain on Gordon's uniform. She glanced up in alarm and gasped as she caught sight of the wound, her hand outstretched she tried to sweep aside his fringe for a better look. Gordon gently caught her hand before lowering it to her side.

"Just a cut, its worse than it looks. Alan took a nasty hit to the chest but I think we'll survive, won't we?"

"No worse than nearly getting microwaved by the sun." Alan gave a wry smile and squeezed Tin-Tin's hand. If it wasn't for her determination that day, they wouldn't be here now. She hesitated at his touch before returning the gesture, she was surprised but pleased that he was being so agreeable.

"No worse than nearly having your organs combust and your ears blown." Gordon shrugged nonchalantly. He twitched as Tin-Tin's skirts caught the back of his calf. The lift was very interesting to him in this particular moment. He watched the blurred greys intently as the lift continued upwards.

"No worse than nearly being eaten by a giant alligator or two." Tin-Tin untangled her hand from his grip as they neared their destination. Alan paused before removing his grip completely.

"No worse than jesting you ate a transmitter to our father who has as much of a sense of humour as a bear awakening from hibernation mid-winter." The elevator clicked into place as they all burst out laughing, the tension easing somewhat between them. Alan and Gordon indicated Tin-Tin should step out first. She headed straight round the corner of the screen to greet Scott who already had a large plate of chicken salad on his lap. Gordon made to follow her leave before an arm barred his way. He looked up at Alan warily only to discover his attentions were focused elsewhere. Alan was watching Tin-Tin tease Scott over his appetite, the way she pushed her hair behind her ear was nothing short of endearing. His father remarked upon something that caused her to smile in a way that made his heart ache. He withdrew his arm from Gordon's path, holding out his hand instead. He swallowed before facing his brother. His crystal blue eyes resolute and filled with regret. "She would never forgive me if we continue to quarrel." He looked away his confidence suddenly faltering. "You were right earlier. I do deserve this and I'm sorry for the accusations I bandied about, it wasn't fair of me. You've had a tough time of late and I know Tin-Tin is a good friend to you. I also know Tin-Tin would never… she cares too much to spite someone in such a way even if she has been hurt deeply." He caught Gordon's eye with his chin held high. "Truce? For her sake?" Alan gaze bordered on hopeful, his face unguarded. The anger and torment that had been there only hours before had passed over like a bad storm giving way to clearer skies.

Gordon's brows shot skywards, whatever he had been expecting when they got home - this wasn't it. He glanced towards Tin-Tin just as she looked over her shoulder. She saw them both, Gordon staring straight at her, his expression stoic. Alan's hand was extended, his back turned to her. Gordon seemed to make up his mind before confidently shaking Alan's hand. Both men stood for a moment before Gordon used the back of his free hand to rest against Alan's forehead as if attempting to check his temperature. Alan swatted him away, gently shoulder barging Gordon who pushed him back not angrily, they were jesting with each other which they hadn't done in a long time. She turned away her mixed feelings ensnaring her further, what was she going to do?

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The boat passed under the compact rocky archway that signalled their return to the island. Gordon was at the helm as he steered them inwards. The small yacht was overfilled will activity, Scott being one of the tallest hopped over the top rail, clinging on till he reached the edge where he leapt off to secure the line. He deftly lashed it to the bollard as the others gathered their diving gear. Gordon cut the engine before watching them all disembark. He swung his gear over his shoulder before locking the cabin and hopping back onto the walkway.

It had been a great session. Gordon had focused on some simple diving exercises with a little capture the flag activity that created a bit of 'friendly' competition. In the end Scott and Alan won leaving Tin-Tin and Virgil defeated. They were all in high spirits - not to mention ravenous. It wasn't long before they had all piled into the kitchen where Kyrano had already prepared a small feast in anticipation. Gordon had quickly pushed himself back to peak fitness, he was stiff as a board most nights but content in the knowledge that he hadn't lost his ability just yet. It did mean this appetite wasn't far behind Scott these days though. He made straight for grilled sea bass just as Scott grabbed the other side of the plate. Their eyes locked, forearms tensed. Virgil rolled his eyes and passed another freshly prepared dish of bass from his side of the table. Scott relaxed. "Why thank you." He grinned warmly.

"You know Kyrano creates enough food to keep an army going, there's no need to jostle for it." Virgil admonished them.

Gordon paused swallowing his mouthful. "Yeah, but Scott eats more than entire unit that's come back from an eighteen-month deployment."

"Hey! I've had to live off more rations than you can count. I can regulate myself."

"Air force aren't known for their rationing." He plucked some peppers off the platter.

Scott frowned. "Someone's quite recovered, aren't they?"

Tin-Tin sniggered somewhere to Virgil's left. Gordon just grinned back at Scott before helping himself to the last of the potatoes directly under his brother's nose. Scott snatched the last one, they both laughed just as the alarm sounded.

They all scrabbled from the table with a scraping of chairs and clatter of cutlery hitting plates. They quickly filtered around their father's desk who was already in deep conversation with John. "John's reported there's a situation on the London underground. There's been a collapse on the metropolitan line, trapping one of the main services. As of yet there are no reports of casualties but it's already been declared a major incident. Scott head on out, John can brief you once your airborne."

"Yes Sir." Scott replied, already mid rotating out of the lounge.

"Virgil; take Alan with you and use Pod 2 with the mole and the stabilising gear."

"Yes Father."

"What about me, Dad? They sound like they need all the help they can get."

Jeff paused. They could do with him but Jeff was aware Gordon had been on nearly every rescue this month. He'd only just reached his fitness level prior to the mine incident; Jeff was worried in his eagerness to support the team he was over exerting himself. He seemed to be throwing himself into his work of late, if he wasn't on a mission then he was training, if he wasn't training, he was running through exercises with the others. Jeff had barely seen him.

"Alan will suffice, the three of them should be more than enough and with him going to relieve John within the next week it will do him good to stretch his legs before he goes." Gordon nodded, a little disappointed. "Next time Gordon. The way things have been lately I don't anticipate it being long." Jeff called John back in for an update leaving Gordon to excuse himself. His eyes fell on Tin-Tin sat next to the coffee table.

"Fancy a game?" She indicated to the chess board.

"Tempting… but maybe later, I just remembered I haven't written up the reports from this morning's training session."

"No worries. I understand." She smiled brightly.

Gordon bowed awkwardly away in the direction of his room. He hated lying to her. For the last month Alan had been good on his word. His jealously had simmered down completely although it was obvious, he still had feelings for Tin-Tin. He was giving her the space and time she needed to heal and Gordon begrudgingly respected him for that. If Alan was prepared to set an example, then so must he. Gordon stepped across the threshold of his room, making straight for his personal balcony outside. He slumped down onto the lounger. He'd done his best to stay away. Every rescue, every drill, every maintenance check he was there. There had been no downtime since he had returned to full fitness. At first, he revelled in it, the feeling of having a purpose again made him feel more alive than he had in months. Then he realised he was avoiding her completely, actively taking on more tasks to aid hiding his avoidance. There could be no repeats of animosity between him and Alan, not when they had to live and work together so closely.

He sighed as he gazed out across the island. It was mid-summer; the isle was thick in vegetation, the plants in full bloom, the sound clamour of birdsong filled the air. He tried to relax in the moment, to shut his intruding thoughts back in the box from where they had erupted. Him and Tin-Tin were effectively alone. He was itching to spend time with her, for it to be the way it was before when they were just friends. Happy and content with their relationship, none of this wistfulness that punctured his every waking moment when he wasn't occupied with working. When Alan had offered the truce, he'd decided to leave it in Tin-Tins hands. If there really was anything between them then she would have to be the one to make the first move. As far as Gordon was concerned his love for her was not reciprocated. When they had got back from that mission he had watched as she stepped in the lift, her first instincts had still been Alan; you didn't need to be a relationship expert to determine her body language. There was a part of her at least that still cared deeply for Alan and Gordon wasn't sure he could ever compete with that deeply ingrained first love.

Eventually he forced himself to write the reports, losing himself to the performance analysis and recommendations that his father would expect as part of their weekly update session. There was a tentative knock at the door. He leaned back checking his watch. Wow! Seven PM! Time had flown. He depressed the button for the door without even thinking. Tin-Tin stood bare foot in the hall in his favourite green floral blouse, the one that matched her eyes. She peered behind him into his room as he quickly hit the button. "Hey. I'm guessing its dinner time?"

"Yes, your father was wondering where you might be." They fell into step alongside each other, their arms barely touching but it still felt electric to him. This was the closest he had been in weeks; the scent of Jasmine enthralled him once again cloying around the last dregs of his resolve.

"Do you know what's for tea? I hope its…..."

"Chicken Parmigiana?"

"For real?!"

"I made it myself, I know its your favourite."

"You mean you thought of me? How kind!"

"You can think of me when you clean the dishes."

He barked with laughter as they entered the lounge. If only she knew. Jeff caught the both of them on the way to the dining room. "What are you two up to?"

"I was merely suggesting it may be Gordon's turn to do the dishes."

"Ah I see. That would explain things." With three older brothers Gordon had very quickly learnt he could skimp on household duties from an early age. They settled for tea together, Gordon sat next to his father and Tin-Tin hers. Gordon noticed the lack of his brothers as they settled down for their meal. He knew his father wouldn't have left the desk until the mission was over so they must be on their way home. He tucked into his dinner, the melted cheese and Parma ham calling him. Brains came in last minute to take the seat on the free side next to Gordon.

Dinner was pleasant, Jeff and Brians discussed his latest plans for the fleet, Kyrano and Tin-Tin discussed her father's garden and his idea of extending it around the back of the villa. Gordon concentrated on his food until his father asked about today's latest training exercise. He immediately downed his knife and fork gesturing animatedly with his hands. Tin-Tin peeked around Jeff's shoulder to see Gordon in his element. She watched him closely there was something….. different about him tonight. It wasn't often he got to spend time with his father away from the others, he seemed more relaxed. He wasn't cracking jokes or causing chaos, he was just himself and it warmed her heart. His passion for diving and sharing his knowledge with his family was on full display as he relayed the days events to his father. He smiled as his father praised him but he wasn't grinning or smirking it was genuine and lit up his features beautifully. He really was handsome when you stopped to appreciate him. "Tin-Tin?"

"Hmmm.?"

"Tin-Tin are you alright? I was asking you about your day."

"Sorry father, i'm well thank you." She blushed.

Once dinner had been cleared and dessert was served; It was then that the guys absence was raised. "I take it they're on their way back? Gordon forked another helping.

"The boys aren't returning tonight. They're staying at Penny's. Scott radioed in to ask permission after Penny learned they were in the area but little did he know Penny already called ahead. She needed and I use her words 'A few young wealthy benefactors.' to support a charity gala after some last minute no shows. She would have had to cancel the event so I allowed them to stay over. They'll be back sometime tomorrow."

Both Gordon and Tin-Tin locked eyes at the same moment. She glanced away first. Gordon's pie was momentarily forgotten. Jeff took the pregnant pause as a sign of Gordon's displeasure. "I'm sorry you couldn't go son."

He snorted. "Don't sweat it! You know I'm no socialite. One would say my etiquette is lacking."

"Well, when you swap the snaps in crackers for flashbangs I would agree." Jeff held out his hand for Gordon's empty plate.

"I saved that party, dull as ditch water it was."

"I'm not sure Mr Rodgers shared the same sentiment." Jeff smiled wryly. He'd never liked the bastard and was pleased to have an excuse to retire from that party early thanks to his young son's behaviour at the time. They'd never been invited back either which was an immense bonus.

Once the plates were cleared Gordon insisted on clearing the plates and loading the dishwasher, despite much protesting from Kyrano. "I can handle it, let your daughter spoil you." Tin-Tin looked torn as she led her father out. Her gaze lingered as she left, it felt like snowflakes peppering his skin. Gordon took a shaky breath; the stack of plates chinking in his hands. He had finally seen what his heart had been daring to hope for, she felt the pull too, the attraction. His stomach chose that moment to painfully remind him of the meal he'd just consumed as it flipped, the nausea bubbling to the surface leaving him queasy. He was in dangerous waters now; the siren's call would be his undoing.