He knew he shouldn't, but he did. Scott needed his son right now, even if it was for selfish reasons. The little boy would drown out the pain in his heart. It was hard not having him on the island, always there to return to, but that's what happens when you split up with your girlfriend. The court believed it better for the boy's development to live off the island with his mother, where he can meet other children his age and socialise. Scott saw the logic, even if it meant there was a small empty bed on the island most the time.

Balancing International Rescue and fatherhood was hard. When he had his son, Alan took Thunderbird One. It had hurt the first time, but now he stood at the glass window waving with his toddler, before making the most of what little time he had. His son was the biggest distraction from a rescue, running off the minute Scott's back was turned. He'd lost count of how many times his heart had raced when the boy had gone out of sight.

Scott had already called ahead, confirming that it was all okay and that he could take his boy early. He knew the fuss he would get for coming in Thunderbird One, and the eye roll from his ex-girlfriend. Brains had been amazing as always. There was now a specially designed children's seat permanently stored in one of Thunderbird One's overhead lockers. It had come in useful on a rescue once. Scott pulled the seat out and attached it to the passenger seat behind his chair. He double checked it was secure, before stepping to the back of his 'bird and opening the hatch. It was a short walk to the terminal, where they were waiting. His son ran at him, jumping into Scott's arms. Scott hugged the boy tight. This was what he needed. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and met those of his ex. She handed him a small bag with a smile.

"Be good for Daddy now."

"Yes, Mummy."

The boy turned to his mother, one arm letting go in preparation.

"Goodbye sweetheart."

"Bye bye, Mummy!"

The boy waved at her before turning those big blue eyes on Scott.

"We fly now?"

Scott kissed the boy's forehead.

"Yes, we fly now."

Little legs kicked against him and Scott lowered the toddler to the floor. Taking the boy's hand, they walked together out the terminal and towards Thunderbird One.

"We go in One?"

There was so much eagerness in his son's voice that he had to laugh. He wanted to scoop the boy up again but knew it would end in a tantrum.

"Yes, we're in Thunderbird One today."

When they reached the steps, Scott slowed, letting his son take the lead. Letting go of the small hand, Scott watched as his son charged up the steps into the rocket plane. The giggles warmed Scott's heart as he followed. The boy was bouncing on his feet next to Scott's chair. Pressing the switch to close One up, Scott took a few long strides toward the cockpit.

"That's my seat, squirt."

Picking the boy up, Scott deliberately held him high above his head. The chuckles that caused were priceless. Bringing him close, Scott turned to the passenger seat and got his son safely strapped in. Rubbing the boy's brown locks with a sigh, Scott stood. He wanted to get home and clean so they could start their weekend. It would help Scott put the last rescue behind him. The child's rucksack slotted easily into the nearest compartment, and after securing it, Scott took his place as pilot. The screen already confirmed he had clearance, John working everything out already, so all Scott had to do was fire up the engines.

Thunderbird One rose from the ground in a smooth manner, as Scott twisted the controls. He directed her away from the airfield, towards the clear flight path, gaining altitude as he went. The readings went up and up until it was safe for him to accelerate. He got the engines growling, warming them up. He tilted his head back slight before slowly saying those favourite words.

"Thunderbird One is"

"Goooooooooooo!"

His son finished, bringing a smile to Scott's face as he allowed the engines to roar.