From this prompt: "Ships where the man knows the woman can protect herself yet he still will do anything to keep her safe because he can't stand the thought of her getting hurt…"
As the Pilot of Thunderbird Two and the Head of IR security, getting time off together was more than difficult, despite the family's best efforts.
So when Two was damaged by a flailing cable and Brains decided it was the opportune time to do some upgrades to her systems too, the pair found themselves suddenly whisked away and dumped in Adelaide before they even had time to think.
Two would be out of commission for four days. Virgil had tried to argue that Brains needed him so that they could work on the repairs together, but their chief engineer had crossed his arms and just refused his help. The upgrades couldn't be made any faster, so his friends should make the most of the break.
Kayo could have argued, but she was more realistic. Virgil was exhausted and even just a couple of days off would benefit him greatly. And it would be wonders to have him all to herself for a bit. Her brothers were very understanding - mostly - but the couple still needed time alone. Adelaide was far enough away that they'd get no surprise visitors but close enough that if there was a situation that needed them they could get picked up quite quickly.
Of course, as Tracy's, nothing was ever that straight forward.
They'd found a nice bar that first night. Friendly, with just enough noise to be enjoyable but not too overwhelming, and as a bonus they stocked Virgil's favourite beer from back home.
The mistake they made - the one that both of them should have known better - was they returned the next day.
They weren't flash or obvious. But no one could really mistake Virgil Tracy, and that third time was just pushing the Tracy luck too far.
It was late. The patrons had thinned out considerably. Virgil was more relaxed and mellow than Kayo had seen in a very long time.
She didn't know who started it, or what, but a fight broke out in the corner. Just a couple of guys beating on each other. They took this as their cue to leave, and Virgil headed to the bar to pay the tab.
One minute he was alone, the next minute he was on the floor. He couldn't even decide what had happened to put him there, but the smirk on the face of the man in front of him gave him a good clue.
Oh great.
He climbed to his feet and folded his arms, the manoeuvre making his biceps flex. He knew saying he didn't want any trouble wasn't going to make any difference so he saved his breath - for now.
There were four of them, standing in a semicircle, and they allowed Virgil to walk past them back to where Kayo was eyeing the proceedings. From the position of her wrist he was pretty sure John and Scott both knew already, and he came to a stop beside her.
Three more men joined the others, and Virgil instinctively stood In front of Kayo. He could almost feel the eye roll he knew she'd be giving him, but he couldn't help it.
Kayo may not be a damsel in distress - hell, she could and did sometimes out-fight Scott - but that didn't mean he wasn't protective of her. The thought of her being even only slightly hurt…no, he couldn't just stand back.
Two against seven were not great odds, Kayo almost felt sorry for them, but they obviously were opportunists and hadn't planned well. Hopefully they could finish this before Scott came screaming to the rescue.
Virgil help up his hands. 'We really don't want any trouble here.' But the answering smirks just confirmed what he already knew and he sighed.
Kayo's hand rested on Virgil's arm. 'Seven against two hardly feels fair,' she murmured just loud enough for the men to hear, shooting him a grin as she moved to stand next to him. He nodded. 'I'll take the five if you take the two.'
'Anything you say, love.' They both smirked at the astonished look on the men's faces.
And then all hell broke lose.
By the time Scott arrived Virgil had four men in a heap at his feet and he was leaning back against the table watching Kayo play with the other three. Scott merely perched beside his brother and joined in watching. There were eleven other patrons and two members of staff who were also watching in open astonishment.
Seeng that Scott was here now Kayo dispatched her opponents quickly, to a round of applause. She grinned at the audience then made her way over to Virgil. He had the beginnings of a beautiful black eye a bloody lip and split knuckles , but the big dope was grinning like an idiot.
She hooked an arm with his and made to go, when Virgil turned to the small crowd, grin firmly in place. With his free hand he pointed at Kayo.
'That's my girl!' There were cheers. Scott laughed.
'You soppy ox! Come on,' she replied, smiling warmly at him. Kayo kissed his cheek and steered him out into the street while Scott took care of everything else.