It wasn't the klaxon that got Scott up the next morning. Nor was it his inbuilt alarm clock that saw him rise with the sun at an hour deemed unfit for even the resident fish.

No, it was his bedclothes being pulled back quickly. He was up and dropped into a fight-stance before he'd even registered what had happened. He blinked at Kayo. She stood there, unsmiling.

'Let's go.'

Thank god he slept in pyjamas last night.

They made their way to the gym where Kayo wasted no time in launching into training.

They trained for what seemed like hours. Scott marvelled at how good the reaper was, he could barely touch her. Not that he'd tell her that, of course. But hell, she was fast! By the time they had finished he felt bruised all over.

Walking up to the kitchen Scott was not surprised to be waylaid by Gordon. His brother threw an arm around Scott's shoulder and the walked together, Scott waiting for whatever wisecrack or prank Gordon had in mind. He didn't need to wait long.

'Are you and Kayo an item?'

'WHAT?'

'Coz I gotta tell you, that was fast moving, man.'

'God – no – Gordon, we are not an item.'

They entered the kitchen on the last part of the conversation, neither noticing that Penny was sitting there. She looked upset at the conversation, but she was a Lady, and she knew how to hide her feelings. Her shields were back in place when Scott turned and spied her at the counter, teacup in hand.

'Penny! When did you get here?'

'I flew in late last night, darling. You were all asleep, John guided us in.'

Scott smile was genuine. He and Penny were old friends, and she always brightened the island when she came. Gordon coughed and busied himself preparing one of his obnoxious smoothies while the two talked.

'Have you met Kayo yet?'

'Not yet, Scott. That's why I'm here.'

'They've been going at it all morning in the gym. She wiped the floor with him!'

'She did not! Gordon, so help me…'

'Oh reaaaally, Scooter? Go easy on her did you? Because she's cute and you got a crush?'

The room temperature suddenly seemed to drop as a voice of ice sounded.

'Excuse me?'

'Oh – er – I – er…'

As the fish foundered under Kayo's gaze, Scott rolled his eyes and smirked at Penny. She couldn't help but smile back.

'You're next for training, Gordon.'

Gordon gulped.

Training progressed over the next few days. Scott's run became a thing of the past as Kayo drilled him mercilessly. But she didn't neglect his brothers either, keeping up the ruse that she was there to train them all.

By the end of the first week they were all groaning but even Scott could see that they had benefitted. A late rescue had seen Alan almost crushed by a falling beam, but he had danced out of the way in a move Scott had seen the reaper teach him, and he couldn't have been more thankful. This was good for all of them. Even Scott had to admit that he was faster than before.

Kayo was helping them all. It was the least he could do to repay the favour.

The session in the gym on that last day was different. Everyone was seated around the edge of the mats, even Grandma and Penny were there to watch. Kayo and Scott had been sparring for a while when Scott had stood tall, looked at Kayo and nodded. She immediately understood what he meant when he quietly spoke so that only she could hear.

'Fine. Let's get to training then.'