AN: This is a story thats been on my laptop for a few years but never been published, I adore the Scott/TinTin pairing as it feels much more real than Alan.

Usual disclaimer applies - I don't own Thunderbirds

Discovered feelings

Chapter 1

The clear sunlight shone into the lounge, basking the occupants with warmth, the weekend was over on the island and the monthly switch over was in motion, Scott set off early with John to make the monthly exchange of their youngest brother from Thunderbird 5. It was coming close to 10am when the familiar sound of the returning rocket engines of Thunderbird 3 were heard throughout the island, in the lounge the rest of the family waited to greet their youngest sibling after his shift in space. It wasn't until the pair was on their way up from 3's hanger, that they knew something was wrong. It was too quiet; Alan was usually complaining about something or another; usually the speed that Scott flies his 'Bird.

The tall grey haired man shifted from his chair as the silent couch made its way to the lounge, "Welcome back son, everything go ok?" Jeff asked his boys with a cheery smile as the sofa locked into place tension in the room had reached new heights, he could see Scott's eyes darting from Alan to Tin Tin from behind Alan's back, Scott shook his head ever so slightly his deep blue eyes filled with anxiety him in the hope his father wouldn't ask for a debrief now. Jeff gave Scott a slight nod of acknowledgement of his message.

"Go and get settled son, we can talk after you've showered" Jeff added hoping to get a response from his unusually quiet son. Alan didn't reply but grabbed his bag and sloped off to his room, Scott let out a breath once the young blonde had left the room his eyes darted to Tin Tin as she tried not to openly show the look of hurt by Alan's lack of acknowledgement of her existence in the room. She didn't deserve what was to come.

"Don't worry Tin Tin, he's just tired after being up there for so long" Scott said hoping to make the young woman feel better, he hated knowing what was coming; he had been down the same road himself back in the day it doesn't get any easier with age either. Tin Tin looked up and met his gaze, she could see that he knew everything, pushing the thoughts from her mind she went to start her day.

Later that afternoon after doing the usual checks of each of the Thunderbirds, Tin Tin found herself by the pool in her favourite sun lounger reading one of the books Lady Penelope had sent her, the story was just reaching the climax of the mystery when Alan arrived, only this time he did speak to her.

"Hi Tin Tin, do you want to come for a walk with me?" Alan asked trying to sound normal and light-hearted, yet his eyes still showed the stony expression as earlier. Scott watched his baby brother from behind the safety of his sunglasses, silently praying that he would be gently when breaking her heart.

"Erm sure Alan" Tin Tin tried desperately to sound happy and not let the worry betray her voice. As the brothers looked on as the couple took the path to the beach. Scott replayed the conversation in his mind of the trip home with Alan.

"Scott, how do you give bad news without breaking someone's heart?" asked Alan after a long silence. This immediately got Scott's attention concern radiated from his cerulean eyes. The switch had been seamless, Alan done everything by the book with no fuss or dramatics. That was warning number 1. John shot his brother a surprised look as they both stood in the control room of the space station as Alan gave his brother the status update; however he did notice the vacant expression on the young blondes face, his usual eagerness and irritation at the speed which this process takes was gone.

"What's going on Alan?" big brother mode was defiantly switched on now, his grip unconsciously tightened of the 287 foot rocket controls. Alan gazed at the control panel In front of him, his eyes half closed to the world around him taking a deep breath Alan continued.

"It's just I… It's Tin Tin, I just don't love her like I did before and I know I have to tell her but I don't want to hurt her. You know?" Paused Alan; leaving the question floating for a few moments before he continued with his rambling. "I mean she is my best friend, I love and trust her completely but not in a romantic way anymore. It's so confusing." Alan sighed throwing his head back on the headrest bringing his hands to his face trying desperately to find the answer; the month is isolation had done nothing to sort out the thoughts that plagued him. Scott's heart went out to the young man beside him, it was not an easy thing to break someone's heart let alone when you have to live and work together.

"Alan I think you have to be honest with her, tell her how you feel, tell her the truth and do it soon she deserves that." Scott said finally, his own memories of break ups coming back to him and all the mistakes he made in high school and college, a faraway expression crossed Scott's chiselled features.

"Yeah, I know Scott. You don't think I'm a bad person for doing this? You don't hate me, right?" Alan questioned. Scott's face softened as he looked at his brother and gave a small smile, Alan may be a nightmare at times but he did have a huge heart; he would do the right thing.

"Of course not Alan, just remember to be honest as to why, there is no good way to break up with someone especially when you've known each other this long." Scott paused his deep blue eyes sending out waves of support. "Anyway Alan, what are big brothers for anyway if not for a shoulder and good advice" Scott continued trying to reassure his sibling. Alan smiled the conversation turned to the gossip from home that was not communicated in the daily call.

An hour past before Alan reappeared at the pool, his whole expression was one of devastation. Gordon tried to engage him in a game of chess, but Alan just carried on back into the house. It took all of Scott's self-control not to go and find Tin Tin, 'Just go already. You know you want to' the nagging voice in his head screamed. A low growl of annoyance escaped his lips. Virgil raised an eyebrow at his brother; Scott was known for his self-control. Another 10 minutes of silent arguing with the voice Scott went off to find the young woman he was so protective of, he found her sitting under a palm tree on the far side of the beach. Tin Tin sat staring out at the waves, so caught up in her thoughts she didn't hear Scott's approach. Without saying a word he sat down beside her and joined her gaze out to sea, his concentration was broken by the sound of soft sobbing beside him; with one move he drew Tin Tin into his protective embrace.

"I .. loved .. him" Tin Tin said between sobs, Scott said nothing but gently tightened his hold of the petite woman in his arms. "I gave him everything, what am I going to do now? Mr Tracy probably hates me now, I shall have to leave the island and my father." Scott noted the hysterical edge to her voice as her tears made a small damp patch on his silver shirt, his emotions a mix of anger and a desire to fiercely protect the young woman in his arms.

"Tin Tin I want you to listen to me. You are one of the strongest women I know, you have your whole life ahead of you, please don't let my idiot of a brother put you down." He replied reassuringly as he stoked her arm. "And I won't hear of you leaving this island, because if you can't see how much you mean to this family, I will just have to prove it to you." He finished pulling way to meet her chocolate eyes that were now looking red and sore from her tears, hoping he had said the right thing. Tin Tin met his gaze as his cobalt spheres bore into hers, she responded by returned by throwing her arms around him capturing him in a fierce hug.

"Oh Scott, what would I do without you" Tin Tin said finally, smiling properly for the first time that day. 'She would get through this; I will make sure of that' Scott promised himself as he returned the gesture. Tin Tin sighed and rested her head against his chest, "I could do with some time off, I can't remember the last time I had a vacation."

"That sounds like a great idea Tin Tin." Said Scott, their quiet moment was interrupted by his communicator. It was Gordon. "Scott, dinner's nearly ready; have you seen Tin Tin? Kyranos' getting worried" "Yes she's with me, we will be up in a few minutes Gordo" "Ok no problem Bro'". Standing, Scott held his hand to Tin Tin helping her up. "Miss Kyrano" Scott bowed low then offered his arm to her.

"Oh my knight in shining armour" Tin Tin giggled hooking her arm with his as Scott escorted her back up to the house.