(Dis: The theme is the one we hear when Jeff is mentioned, "Thunderbirds are Go." Also since writing this, we saw a lot of what happened in this actually happened, so I've had to modify it slightly. It slots in after Upside down but before The T Drive tryouts in Break Out Series 3. Alexis is a character from a long fic I did and is Virgil's first girlfriend, they broke up before the story 'Love Story.')

Gordon sat up in bed reading long after midnight, he knew he wasn't the only one awake as he could hear quiet murmuring from other rooms in the corridor, so when a knock sounded at his door he wasn't surprised at all, that was until he saw who it was upon opening it.

"Penny?" He whispered.

"Can I come in?"

"Of course. I'm just a little surprised to see you. How did you know which one was my room?"

"The sketch of Thunderbird 4 on the door was a bit of a giveaway."

Gordon smirked as she wrapped her nightgown around herself. "Merry Christmas."

"And to you," she cleared her throat impatiently. "Don't hover, Gordon. I have something to tell you." She walked into the room and heard the door close behind her.

"I knew it. You're going to break my heart on Christmas Day. Well, Virgil is definitely the right guy for you, so tell him that I wish you all the best."

"No no, you've got it all wrong," she laughed at his expression. "I like your brother, of course, I do, the same way I like all of your siblings."

"I'm confused," Gordon sat back on his bed.

"Gordon, I am in love with you, I always have been. Ever since you went to kiss me in the temple of the Laughing King, and when I saved you from the Chaos Crew. I've only ever been in love with you."

Gordon went pink. "Oh, well that changes everything. Sorry about that Virgil stuff just then."

Penelope chuckled. "He does seem more appropriate for me doesn't he? But he's also too serious sometimes. You, on the other hand, have that balance to make me laugh but you also protect me. You're always by my side on missions. You don't think you are but you are."

Gordon scratched his head. "I guess it's my turn then to admit that I've been like that because I am in love with you too."

Penelope smiled. "That wasn't too hard was it?"

"And I thought that kiss on the boat really was just to say thank you."

"It was."

Gordon moved across the bed quickly and cupped her chin in her hands to kiss her, her lips were soft and her silky hair pressed against his forehead as he paused to look at her. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do this properly, our kiss on the boat lacked passion."

"Well it's different this time," she smiled at him. "Are you fully recovered now?"

"I still get neck aches sometimes, but yes I'm alright now. At least I'm back on missions."

Penelope stroked his head. "I don't suppose you remember me doing this when I rescued you?"

"I felt something, but I assumed it was one of my brothers," he felt his heart flutter as her nails raked through his ungelled hair. "Stay tonight?"

"I'm not going anywhere," Penelope curled up in his arms as he pulled the sheets over them and hummed. "What will happen when we face the family?

"If they ask, we'll just tell them the truth," he replied as he leant across to the bedside table and turned the lights off plunging the room into darkness then grinned as he rested his chin on her shoulder as she lay back against him. "You've made my Christmas, Pen."

"Goodnight, Ink."

Dawn broke and Alan sprinted down the corridor yelling. "It's Christmas!" He skidded to a halt beside the Christmas Tree failing to see Kayo and Scott kissing under the mistletoe, then he did. "Ewww guys, you're in public!"

Scott glared angrily at his brother. "We had the lounge before you did."

"Yeah, but people are awake and in here now," Alan opened a card addressed to himself.

Kayo tidied her hair up as Scott pulled Alan to his feet. "And since you're not waiting for anyone else, can we have some privacy for like five minutes, Al?"

Alan saw the pleading look in Kayo's eyes and sighed. "Fine," he stood up and made his way to the stairs down to the kitchen.

Scott wrapped his arms around Kayo again and kissed her nose. "One day with you is all I want."

"Then kiss me before someone else disturbs us," she ran her hands down his top and giggled as his fingers traced her hips as he kissed her against the wall. She pushed herself against his body, and felt his lips part under hers. His breath was hot in her mouth and she felt the island falling from under her feet. All was quiet apart from themselves, but then they heard voices.

"Merry Christmas baby," Scott smiled, reluctant to let her go.

"Merry Christmas, Scotty."

Grandma walked into the lounge followed by Brains and the others and she hugged Alan tightly as he scampered up the stairs and then looked over at the tree. "Any of them open yet?"

"Of course not, only my card," Alan grinned as she ruffled his hair.

"Max, could you make some hot drinks please?" Brains asked. "I think this calls for coffee and, hot chocolate," the robot beeped happily and took the flat entrance at the back of the house down to the kitchen.

"I'll give out the presents, Grandma," John smiled as he walked over to the tree followed by Virgil.

Gordon entered the lounge holding hands with Penelope and smiled. "Merry Christmas everybody."

Scott's eyes widened. "Well I'll be, it finally happened."

Penelope kissed Gordon's cheek. "Yes, it did."

Virgil laughed. "It's about time if you ask me, you two have been flirting for months now."

"Make that about two years, actually," John smirked. "Let's not forget the time you sulked for a week after I went to that auction with Penelope."

"Well, I was jealous."

"There was no need to be," Penelope laughed as she squeezed Gordon's hand in hers.

"Hey Virgil, you've got a strange-shaped present here," John smirked and Virgil laughed as he sat up on the edge of the desk to open it.

"Hmm, I wonder what this could be?" He replied humorously as he unwrapped it and shook off the paper covering it. "Wow. This is an electric acoustic! Thank you, guys," he held the shiny green guitar carefully and tuned it up then wheeled the chair closer to rest his foot upon it. "Let's give this a go."

Scott handed Kayo a small wrapped box. "For the best girl in the world."

Kayo smiled. "You charmer," she opened it and gasped when she took the lid off. "Oh, Scott."

Scott smiled. "Here, let me," he fastened the necklace around her neck and she held the jewel in her hands. "Do you like it?"

"I love it. Thank you so much," she reached her hand back and pulled him to her lips.

Gordon smirked as he sat with Penelope next to the tree. "Looks like we're competing. Here, I got this for you."

"Aw, you shouldn't have," Penelope opened the box and smiled. "This is beautiful, thank you."

"What did you get her, Gordo?" Virgil asked as he strummed.

Penelope held up the pearl bracelet. "I don't want to know the price."

"It's priceless, and by that I mean I didn't pay a dollar."

Penelope's eyes widened. "You made this?"

"I had some help," he smiled at Virgil who simply winked as he played his new guitar.

"That's incredible, Gordon," Penelope wrapped her arms around him and kissed him hard which made Grandma smile.

"EOS?"

"Yes, John?"

John smiled at his hologram of her on his watch. "Check for a systems update."

"Searching...Results complete. Oh, I have an update."

"Happy Christmas," John smirked as EOS flashed green.

"Thank you, John. Beginning download. Download complete," she found she could flash multiple colours. "This is new. Thank you."

"What's the plan today, Grandma?" Scott asked as he laced Kayo's hair between his fingers.

"Just relax. We're not putting the Christmas spread on until after midday. And before all that, here are your presents from me."

Virgil grinned putting down his guitar as Grandma gave him a squishy package and he opened it. "Awh, cute."

"Oh, I love this!" Alan squeaked as he opened his one.

Gordon received his and smiled as a yellow object sparked his interest. "I know exactly where this can go."

Kayo unwrapped hers and smirked. "Bling for the bike."

"And for the jet," Scott added as he smiled at his. "Thanks, Grandma, these are lovely. How long did they take to make?"

"Quite a while to do all six. I hope you like them?"

Virgil hung his knitted Thunderbird 2 from a hook on the piano. "I'll hang it in Thunderbird 2 in the new year, but until then, she can stay here. Well, the presents are all open, I have some work to do on my 'bird," Virgil smiled. "See you later."

"Want to go for a Christmas workout before the food, Kayo?" Scott asked.

"I would love to," Kayo stood up. "We'll see you around lunchtime," she took his hand and they left the lounge.

"I'm going to try out my new game. Thanks, everyone. I can't believe you got Cavern Quest early," Alan grinned.

"Sylvester got it for us. Since you saved his original game, he thought it was only fair if that we got to try out the new version before anyone else," John answered as he put his card up on the desk. "Enjoy it, Alan."

Scott and Kayo made their way over to the gymnasium and locked the door behind them, then Kayo programmed in the lava simulation. It was programmed to keep them on their toes and to avoid touching the ground as much as possible. The room changed into high beams and rope courses and they got started. Kayo sprinted and launched herself at a rope that swung her up onto a high beam with the width of about one foot, and she tiptoed across it before climbing up the wall to the next ledge as Scott followed her.

"You've got to go faster than that Scott, the beam had about two seconds left," she landed on a pole and spun down to the next ledge.

"You've programmed in your favourite one, it's impossible to catch you on this!"

"But you know how this one ends!" She called back as she grabbed the next rope.

"True, and I won't miss it!" Scott shouted back with a grin.

They continued to jump and swing through the long room until their ropes crossed over and they landed on the final beam together, Scott grabbed Kayo's waist and snogged her hard as she balanced on one foot.

"That's why you chose this one," Scott smirked as he noticed the necklace. "Have you opened the love heart?"

"Not yet. Should I?"

"It's up to you."

Kayo sat down on the beam letting her legs dangle above the ground and opened the heart pendant carefully. A photo of the two of them looked back at her and there was a tiny inscription written underneath it. "Will you be mine?" She read allowed.

"Well?"

Kayo turned to look at him. "Are you proposing?"

"Not as such with a ring yet, but eventually, would you?"

"Of course, I will. Oh Scott, I love you!" Kayo smiled and closed the pendant before wrapping her arms around him, her barriers broke slightly and she wiped her eyes with her hand.

"I love you too sweetheart, I always have and always will," he kissed her neck, then along her collarbone. "Let's do it here."

Kayo pulled him off the beam and they fell onto the foam mats below, she rolled on top of him and kissed him hard. Her hands made quick work of removing the lycra pants he was wearing and he took hers off just as quickly as the next sounds were lost in gasps of pleasure.

"Where are you going to put your knitted four?" Penelope asked as Gordon showed her around his 'bird.

"Probably hang it above my chair, or from the control panel. Actually, maybe from where the holograms appear, for a laugh. I forgot how good Grandma was at knitting."

"I think it's adorable."

"Do you prefer this one, or the real one?"

"Well, obviously I prefer the real one, not to mention you pilot her. Is that the correct term?"

"Technically yes as I don't fly her because she's a submarine. I usually say operate," he paused. "Would you like to take her for a spin? You never know, you might need to rescue me again?"

"I'd love to, just show me what to do," Penelope grinned as she sat in the chair. "I managed to fly Thunderbird 2, or rather drove her underwater."

"Okay, pull those towards you and we'll lose the grabs holding us in place first. Good. Then pull those handles above you to open the inner doors. Now, we have to navigate our way down the tunnel to the outer doors, try to keep her going straight or we'll go into the walls," he smiled as the craft began to move, he wrapped his arms around her and placed his hands over hers. "Push the right rudder down and keep it down, it just controls the propellers at the back."

"Urgh, you could've said I had to use both my hands and feet," Penelope complained but Gordon simply kissed the back of her head.

"I thought the footholds would be obvious?" Gordon smirked at her. "Okay we're approaching the doors, they'll open automatically." Just like he said, the doors opened and there was a rush of water, "hit that button and that'll activate the jets at the back." The little submarine shuddered and moved out of the cave into open water. "Nice one Penny, we're out."

Penelope laughed. "Virgil has it easy, your ship isn't as straightforward to control."

"This is what I keep trying to tell him, but he doesn't listen or believe me. With Thunderbird 2 all you have to do is keep the rudders steady and hover, whereas underwater is a completely different kettle of fish. Literally."

Penelope settled into the seat as she recognised the steering patterns from how FAB1 was operated in aqua mode. "Any recommendations on where we go?"

"Hmm, I'll plot a course for us, just follow it."

"FAB."

Virgil smiled as he stood back to admire the now Christmas-themed Thunderbird 2. "Now, it's Christmas."

"Hey Virg, she looks great," John smirked as he walked into the hangar. "Have you been doing this ever since you left the lounge?"

"Why, what's the time?"

"Almost 1 pm. Grandma is panicking about dinner since no one is around."

Virgil left the decorated ship behind him. "Let's console her then. The others will be back soon, I'm sure."

"I wouldn't count on that. Gordon has launched Thunderbird 4 with Penelope onboard, and Scott is still in the gym with Kayo."

"Which leaves you, me and Alan, the awesome trio," Virgil slapped his brother on the back gently. "We'd still have a great Christmas if it was only us two," he walked back up to the lounge where Grandma was pacing. "Relax Grandma, they'll come back to the house before the cooking starts."

"The cooking has started! The main is being heated up as we speak. I need help in setting up the room and you need to get dressed, as do I."

Virgil took her hands in his as John smiled. "Don't worry about anything. Get ready for the meal, I'll take care of it."

Grandma sighed deeply. "Thank you, son, but please try to get them back to the house?"

"I'll do what I can."

John watched her leave. "Wow, Virgil."

"It's just who I am. Plus Grandma has always trusted me to maintain order, unlike Scott. Let's check this dinner."

Scott took Kayo back to his room and closed the door as Kayo went into the ensuite to shower after their workout in the gym. She stood under the water happily, and through the mist, she could see Scott combing out his gel. She lathered conditioner into her hair before rinsing it then turned the water off.

"All yours, Scott."

Scott smiled as she walked out of the shower wearing only a towel tucked around her chest. "Thanks. What are you wearing for dinner?"

"One word. Red."

Scott passed her with a kiss. "Sounds delicious."

Kayo shivered as his lips brushed the tip of her ear before he stripped and broke into song under the water, she walked out into the warm room and sat down at the dressing table listening to her boyfriend singing and she turned the hairdryer on reluctantly.

Virgil tightened his bow tie then gelled his hair up into a sharp spike running his fingers up to a point before he smiled at his reflection, he looked down at a text and sighed. So she wasn't coming this year, but there was always New Year to look forward to. He took his phone over to his mini electric grand piano, and rested it on the stand as he sat on the stool, he began to play a slow romantic version of 'We Wish you a Merry Christmas', smiling always into the camera. His honey-brown eyes glittered, and he brought the song to an end on a flourish of arpeggios. He pressed send on the phone, then sat back on the stool waiting for a reply.

Gordon and Penelope were the first to enter the dining room which was lit with candles and crackers, and he held her close to him as they walked over to their assigned seats. Parker smiled at Gordon's tuxedo as he sat down beside Grandma who had changed from her usual onesie into a smart purple dress.

"Merry Christmas, M'Lady."

"And to you Parker. What a year we've had," Penelope smoothed her black dress across her lap as she rested her hand on Gordon's. "Where is everyone?"

John walked in with Alan, both wearing navy-coloured suits and he smiled. "The others are coming."

Alan sat down. "I hate suits."

Grandma smiled. "You look very handsome, son."

Virgil walked in and Penelope blushed slightly, he looked immaculate in a black suit topped off with a bow tie. "Sorry I'm late, I had a present to prepare."

"Oh for her, huh?" Gordon smirked.

Virgil frowned. "Yes Gordon, and she has a name."

"Oh, of course, Alexis. I forgot all about her," Penelope smiled. "How is she?"

Virgil pulled his chair out and sat down. "She's fine, thank you. We just like to keep our relationship to ourselves nowadays," he looked up as Brains entered with Scott and Kayo. "Wow, Kayo."

Kayo tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nothing, Virgil."

"Kayo, you look wonderful," Penelope praised as she gazed at her scarlet dress which trailed out behind her on the floor.

Scott kissed her pink cheek. "Yes, she does."

Everyone got settled and grinned at the food laid out on the table. Virgil stood up to cut the turkey and plates were passed around to speed up the loading. Once each plate had been given out Grandma raised her glass of champagne.

"Merry Christmas. And although Jeff, your father, my son and your friend isn't here, we know where he is and we wish him a Merry Christmas too," she smiled at Scott who wiped a tear away. "We're going to bring him home, and he'll never leave us again," she nodded as other voices at the table shouted Merry Christmas, and Max started a playlist of Christmas carols as crackers were pulled and food was tucked into.

The lounge was peaceful after lunch as the family members sat reading and gaming, and Scott played the piano with Kayo, his right hand resting at her back leaving her to play the melody whilst he played the chords. Virgil looked over at them as he played pool with Alan, and Brains walked into the lounge beaming.

"I have an extra present."

Scott released the pedal. "Presents? I thought we did all of those."

Brains simply raised an eyebrow and walked over to the holoprojector on the table. "Here it is."

John gasped. "A T-drive engine."

Scott left the stool at a run and paused on the top step. "Brains, you did it!"

"It's only the first prototype, but we're ready."

Scott grinned. "We can get dad," he smiled as Virgil walked over to stand beside him. "It's time to bring him home."

Virgil felt a lump in his throat. "I only wish we could tell him we were on our way."

"In 2064, we're launching and we'll be a whole family again," John grinned.

Virgil sat at the piano and played their organisation's theme he had composed when he was a teenager, but now with added melodies and themes. Scott smiled at him and Brains left the hologram up to shine around the lounge as Alan looked out at the clouds which had darkened and his eyes widened.

"It's snowing!"

Virgil looked around from the piano stool. "Well, isn't this turning out to be one of the best Christmases ever?"

Kayo pulled the veranda doors open. "It's really coming down."

"Do you think it'll settle?" Gordon leant on his elbow as he watched the flakes fall past the lounge.

"That would be awesome," Alan grinned. "Right, I'm heading out. Who's coming?"

Virgil smiled as he played. "I'll come in a bit."

Penelope nodded. "I'll join you, Alan. Gordon?"

"Yep, I'm coming!"

Scott waited for the lounge to empty then joined Virgil at the piano. "What do you think?"

Virgil glanced at the blueprint. "It's going to be dangerous, our most perilous rescue to date. But we have to do it, we need to get dad."

Scott nodded as he leaned on the piano, he reached up and poked the knitted Thunderbird 2 playfully. "I've gotta hand it to Brains, that's some design."

Virgil sighed. "Yeah."

"What's wrong?"

"What if it doesn't work?"

Scott assured him. "It will, we won't come home without him. We're all going and no one will be left behind," he rubbed his shoulder comfortingly. "Trust me."

"You've said that before."

"Virgil, I wouldn't lie to you, especially with something as important as this," he moved around the piano to face him.

Virgil looked up at him, brown tearful tears meeting ocean-blue also filled with tears. "I thought he'd be home for Christmas."

"This will be as good as," Scott smiled.

The piano music faded into silence and Virgil released the pedal with a sigh. "I guess so."

"Come on, let's enjoy the snow while we can," Scott offered his hand to Virgil and he stood up from the piano stool.

"That is a gorgeous necklace you got for Kayo," Virgil smiled as they walked downstairs.

"I'm going to marry her Virgil, I don't know when but she's the one for me," Scott grinned as they reached the kitchen and his eyes laid on the dark-haired woman standing next to John and Alan, snow fell onto her dress and Scott felt his heart flutter. "She gives me butterflies."

Virgil smiled. "You have my support whatever you choose to do," he gazed at his sister. "She's happier when she's with you."

Scott smiled back, remembering when Virgil had dated Kayo for a short while. They had been happy but they clashed over too much and had broken up after a few months. "She did love you Virg, and she still does," he clapped him on the back then ran over to his siblings before lifting Kayo into his arms and she giggled at him.

"Isn't this amazing?" Gordon smiled as Virgil joined him and Penelope.

"I don't remember the last time it snowed on the island, let alone at Christmas."

Penelope wrapped her arm around Gordon's waist. "It's beautiful. Palm trees and snow, I've never seen anything like this."

"One thing for sure, it's freezing," Virgil chuckled. "I might come back out when it's settled, it's certainly cold enough to."

John nodded. "Good idea Virg, want me to make hot chocolate?"

"Oh speaking of chocolate, we need to serve our dessert Virgil," Kayo freed herself from Scott's arms. "Come on."

Virgil followed Kayo, suddenly she slipped on the snow in her heels and he caught her effortlessly. "Steady."

Kayo looked up at him, into those eyes she had once melted under. "Thanks."

Gordon grinned at the mistletoe hanging above where they had stopped. "Whoa, look guys!"

Virgil looked up. "I can't. That wouldn't be right."

Scott rolled his eyes. "This is your mistletoe, isn't it Gordon?"

"Maybe."

"Come here," Kayo smiled and kissed Virgil gently on the lips and he closed his eyes, she released them slowly and smiled. "Let's get the cake."

Scott watched them go. "Well, I'm not missing this."

Kayo took the sliced cake up to the lounge and sat down with a piece on the sofa with Scott. Virgil sat at the piano with his cake but didn't play and Alan sat on one of the brown chairs curled up cross-legged.

Grandma sat at Jeff's desk and checked the prototype again. "When are we launching then?"

"Well Grandma Tracy, we would have to modify the Thunderbirds first, but the aim is as soon as possible. In January hopefully."

Grandma smile. "You've made my Christmas, Brains, the thought of bringing my son home. It's the best news I've ever had, all apart from being told I was becoming a Grandmother."

Scott nodded. "Thanks, Brains. And I speak for all of us when I say we can't wait to see this T-Drive in action. Merry Christmas!"

Virgil put his plate down and struck the chords to 'We Wish you a Merry Christmas' before the room was again full of singing. After a chorus and load of verses, they reached the final one and Virgil grinned as his brothers gathered around him and sang loudly.

"We Wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!