apologies, i tried to upload this last night but had all sorts of trouble with my one drive not connecting and saving my final draft. this is the correct one that should have been published.

Chapter 5

Gordon stood in the bowels of Thunderbird One alongside Alan. A vast pool of brownish water grew underneath their feet as they waited to be balled out by their brother. It was a shame his wife wasn't here; she had a way of mellowing him that they hadn't yet been able to master. Dripping muddy water over TB1's floor wouldn't do them any favours either. Gordon groaned softly, he just wanted to help these poor people and go home.

"So let me get this straight. Gordon got trapped, hollered for help and you didn't respond?" Scott remained stoic but his tone was enough to have Alan tripping over himself.

"I did! I was just loading the last casualty. Gordon yelled and I went to assist."

Gordon sighed in exasperation. "Can we do this later? There are people out there who need our help."

Scott flicked his intense gaze to Gordon. "No, we cannot do this later. I can't run an operation with operatives who can't cover each other's back." He threw his hands in the air in frustration. "And look at the state of you. You're not fit to do anything. Sit."

"I'm fine."

"Sit."

Gordon yanked the foldable seat down off the wall and collapsed into it. He gingerly stretched his legs out, trying not to moan in relief. His ankle was killing him, and his side felt was throbbing terribly.

Scott turned his attention to the first aid kit propped open at his elbow. He rummaged through, continuing where he had left off. "So, you went to assist?"

Gordon lifted his face upwards to look at Alan, they were doing this then. Fine. "He just stood there."

"I was assessing the situation." Alan crossed his arms, scowling.

"Assessing if me being out of the picture would solve your love life more like."

"No! that's absolutely" – Alan rounded on Gordon.

Scott held up a hand from where he was now crouched. "Enough. Alan what were you playing at? I've never seen you hesitate."

Alan pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't know what I was thinking!" His tone resigned.

"That's not uncommon." Shot back Gordon.

Alan puffed up, his cheeks flushing.

"Pack it in." Scott cut across them once more. He'd heard enough, he knew this whole thing was a powder keg that would just keep detonating. "Alan, the mission is always the priority. Next time don't let your feelings cloud your judgement. You wouldn't hold a civilian's actions against them so don't do it to your brother."

"He would." Muttered Gordon under his breath, He was remembering the incident where Rick O'shea obtained a black eye from Alan's 'rescuing'.

Scott speared Gordon with a look that was enough to cow him before thrusting a bottle of water and two pills at him. Gordon took the offering, adverting his gaze.

Scott turned his attention back to Alan. "Get out there and send the next batch of casualties with Virgil. The list's updated with the most urgent casualties for extraction at the top. Get them boarded then report back to me.

Alan still looked furious but knew he'd been beaten for now. No doubt he would be pleading over the radio on the way home with Scott for him not to tell their father. Scott thrusted a small handheld device at him.

"Yes sir." He replied stiffly before exiting the cabin. He didn't even look at Gordon as he left.

Scott turned back to Gordon. "Right, why are you limping?"

"Twisted ankle."

Scott bent down and took Gordon's foot in his hand, his fingers gently assessing the severity. Gordon barely flinched, taking this as a reasonable sign Scott yanked the boot off with speed.

"Yow! MOTHER -!"

Scott winced. "Sorry, best to just get to it before it swells, it's only a minor one."

"Was." Winced Gordon.

Scott gave a faint smile before starting to wrap Gordon's now bare foot. "You going soft marine?"

"Don't call me a Marine." Gordon all but growled.

Scott gave a soft huff as he worked. "Well, this is a fine mess you got yourself into this time."

Gordon rolled his eyes, knowing he could no longer avoid the inevitable. "Here we go."

"Honestly, he's every right to be angry. Making a move on Tin-Tin like that when they were mid break."

"Look; spare me the lecture. It won't do any of us any good." He condescended.

"Hmm. You know what Tin's like; you should have left well alone." Scott tied off the bandage.

"What do you mean you know what she's like?"

"That she can be overly playful sometimes, usually when annoyed at Alan."

Gordon stood up faster than a scalded cat. "I don't like what you're implying." He scowled down at his brother who had sat back on his haunches, hands out in a placating gesture.

"Hey, hey I meant no offence, I just – Tin's a charmer with everyone, it's very hard not to get swept up if you're not used to attention."

"You're unbelievable! Insulting Tin and now me!" Gordon drew himself to his full height (A full foot shorter than his eldest brother) and shoved him roughly in the chest.

"Look here." Scott bristled.

"No, you look here. It was me." Gordon jabbed his chest bitterly. "I wanted her, I wanted her so much that our paths crossed on a late summer night, I took her where I saw her. There was no playfulness, no throwing herself at me, so don't you dare blame her! Make her out to be some flirt." Gordon's anger fled as he held his head in his hands in shame. The anguish clear in his features. "We'd spent all those weeks together whilst I was convalescing, and she was hurting so much. Alan had broken her heart so badly, yet she still got up every morning to get my groceries, to prepare meals for me, to care for me and I realised what a beautiful soul she was. Alan never gave her the time of day, not really, not in the way she wanted. So, I did. I took her to the observatory, twilight costal walks, strolls across the pier. I let her do what she wanted to do as a friend, then I stupidly lost my restraint. Thankfully she felt the same."

Gordon challenged Scott in his gaze, amber eyes ablaze, "So don't you dare cast aspersions against her because I assure you it's not about being used to attention or a jilted lover flirting. It's about two deeply unhappy individuals discovering they don't have to be alone anymore." Gordon released a shaky breath before storming out of the cabin and back into the rain.

"Gordon Wai" -

The door swished shut behind him. Scott got to his feet, abashed by his own attitude and Gordon's outburst, but he knew now wasn't the time. Mission first, SNAFU later. He shook his head side to side, trying to get rid of the visceral mental image that Gordon's words had burned on his retinas before he strode out of the cockpit and back into the fray.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Ten bone weary hours later and they were back home. Against all advice, Gordon had continued to help with the aftermath, working with the first search and rescue teams Virgil was able to air lift in, until he could barely move. Now his presence had been requested immediately in the lounge for an urgent debrief. Their father usually let them clean up but not this time and Gordon knew what it would be about. It was enough to make him want to turn around and walk off a short pier. Well, if he could damn well walk.

Limping doggedly, he hauled himself back into the lounge, filthy and not giving a damn as he collapsed in a chair nearest his father's desk. Alan was stood to the left glowering at the back of his father's head before transferring his ire back to Gordon. Gordon held his stare, even as Alan flexed his fists in irritation before looking away. Gordon snorted which grabbed his father's attention.

Jeff spun round. "Explain yourselves."

Gordon remained silent knowing it wouldn't take much to make Alan go first. Again.

"Gordon got into a spot of bother."

"I nearly got buried alive!" He raised his voice angrily.

Alan glared at the interruption. "He called for help, but I had to assess the situation first, so I paused. I've already told Scott this." He sighed annoyed. He was tired and miserable.

"And I want to hear it from you. Like Scott said its not like you to run from the action." Jeff replied sternly. "Tell me straight. Did you pause because of the current situation between you and Gordon?"

"No!" Alan responded vehemently.

"Yes." Gordon retorted sullenly.

"Will you stop it?" Alan rounded on Gordon angrily.

Gordon struggled to his feet till he was at Alan's chin level. "No, I won't! I needed you and you refused to help me like some petulant child! I could have died thanks to your hesitation."

"But you didn't." Alan's brow furrowed in frustration.

"No; but I'm still heavily bruised with a twisted ankle. I trusted you to be professional when working together but you just couldn't do it could you?"

"Can you really blame me? I trusted that you were just friends with my girlfriend and look how that turned out."

"So, it was because of me and Tin-Tin."

Alan threw his hands in the air, encroaching closer within Gordon's personal space. "Yes! No! I don't know! Its just this hatred, its constantly festering and every time I'm near you I just want to wring your neck! You stole everything from me." Alans hands were balled into fists, his voice tinged with emotion.

"Boys that's enough." Jeff turned to Alan. "It's clear that you can't separate your emotions. While I understand how hard this must be, you were emotionally compromised on this occasion and that cannot happen." Jeff stood, leaning across his desk so that both men focused on him.

"What you need is some space to come to terms with things. Alan will need to remain here to pilot Thunderbird Three. Scott has offered to have you to stay Gordon, for the time being. He can then fly you to rescues as and when needed allowing you to also remain operational."

Gordon scoffed angrily; he couldn't believe this. "Probably because he feels guilty for insulting me and Tin-Tin this morning! Dad, you can't just palm me off like that! What about Tin-Tin? I'm not going anywhere without her."

"She's my secretary and the fact that her father's here, it would be best if she remained."

"You're being irrational. If you're trying to split us up it won't work! She loves me and I love her. We've done nothing wrong, and we're being punished just because he can't control himself!"

"Gordon!"

"No! I behaved impeccably on this mission, and this is how I get treated. I'm always pushed aside, Gordon won't mind, he's so easy going – WELL I DO MIND!" He hissed in pain clutching his side.

"Gordon that's not" -

Tin-Tin had been listening behind the screen for the last fifteen minutes in turmoil. Poor Gordon had been hurt and Alan was becoming someone she didn't recognise in his resentment towards Gordon, and it was all her fault. She couldn't take it anymore.

Stepping out from the screen at the far end of the room she tentatively made her way to the desk, her silk slippers padding across the polished floor. "If I may Mr Tracy, I think I have a better solution."

The severity left Jeff's demeanour instantly. "Go ahead Tin-Tin."

"I've been speaking to father, and I suggested if it might be sensible if I go home for a while, to Malaysia. He is accepting of the idea, if you are agreeable to it too Mr Tracy. Gordon could come with me because we'd still be close enough to the Island and remote enough to be collected if in need of a rescue with minimal attention being attracted."

At this point Kryano silently appeared at Mr Tracy's elbow to decant a large whisky. He retreated against the wall.

"Hmm. Let me talk it over with your father in private Tin-Tin and we will reconvene to decide tomorrow morning. Boys, you're dismissed. Gordon don't let those injuries fester and get some rest. You and I will have a talk tomorrow because this conversation isn't over."

Gordon stormed past Alan as fast his foot would allow, hopping down the steps to the bedrooms. A hand steadied his elbow, turning, he relaxed into the touch as Tin-Tin helped him. "I've already drawn a bath for you."

Gordon smiled weakly. "You are a god send."

She smiled as she walked him through the door to his bedroom. He went to sit heavily on the bed to undress but Tin-Tin made a funny little yelp before quickly chucking the fleece throw down just as he sat. He laughed in spite of everything, her little look of panic was comical when he couldn't give a crap about the state of his room or the mud. He undid his baldric not wanting to hoist it over his head, chucking it on the bed to the side of him. He couldn't reach the zip at the back of his uniform, so Tin-Tin carefully unzipped it. Goosebumps erupted along his exposed skin as he shrugged his arms out.

Tin-Tin gasped at the scale of the bruising on his side, her hand flying up over her mouth. "Oh Gordon, that must be excruciating. Are you sure you haven't broken anything?"

"It is and it's just bruised thankfully." He stood to slip off the rest of the suit.

"Go ahead, I'll get rid of these things." She waved him on towards the bathroom. He leant over and gave her a gentle peck on the cheek with a murmured thanks, before heading into the bathroom.

As he awkwardly lowered himself into the bath, he winced in pain until his body acclimatised. Finally, he let out a groan of pure relief. The temperature was perfect, chasing the chill away from his bones where he had been wet through. The scent of the muscle soak lulled him into the pearlescent bubbles. He slipped in up to his neck, revelling for a moment in the way the pain ebbed away to a dull ache. Then his mind turned back to his family and his impending banishment. He scowled angrily to himself. Why was it his problem that Alan couldn't accept the status quo? He and Tin couldn't have done anything more to make the transition easier. They kept their contact to a minimum around Alan, they didn't discuss their relationship openly and Gordon followed their father's instructions to the letter on that mission and look where it got him! He rested a hand across his chest gently supporting his side. A knock at the door broke his trance.

"Erm yeah?"

"Can I come in?" Tin's voice wafted through the door.

"Sure." Gordon struggled to sit a little higher.

She came in with a fresh stack of towels and a dressing gown, setting them down carefully in the cubby hole. Tin- Tin settled on her knees near the edge of the bath, rolling up her sleeves. She began to gently massage his shoulders. He leaned back focusing on her touch as the tension not only left his shoulders but his mind.

A few minutes of silence ensued before she said, "We don't have to go not if you don't want to, but I thought it would be lovely to show you my home despite everything going on."

He raised a hand to clasp hers across his shoulder. "I would love to; I've always fancied seeing more of Malaysia since we picked dad up. I've been most places but never there." He Turned his face up to look at her more clearly. "What's it like there?"

Her eyes seemed to spark with joy as she answered him. She tucked a stray hair back behind her ear. "Well, we are right on the coast in a small village on the fringes of the forest. It is a small community of perhaps a 150 people. Our house is old in age, but it has its charm and is much more modern inside. It has a long veranda overlooking the main village thoroughfare, I used to love people watching with a cup of tea in the early morning." A wistful look overtook her face. "You can scent the rain on the air among the soft musk of the forest, the back of the house overlooks it. The night is never quiet with the windows open either, you can hear the insect chatter and the hooting of monkeys. We are pretty rural and right on the coast all golden sands and rocky outcrops, great for snorkelling and diving."

"Sounds fantastic."

"I have a feeling you will love it." Tin knew this for a fact. Alan would have lied through his teeth about loving it, but she knew it would have never suited him. Far too rural, not enough nightlife but Gordon would be at home on the coast, the marine biologist in him lured by the fauna and flora.

"I'm sure I will, it would beat England."

"I don't know…... it would be nice to visit Rose and Scott at their place."

Gordon huffed. "Rose yes, but I don't need mini-Jeff in my life right now, the other one already grinds my gears."

"Gordon." Tin-Tin chided. "What did Scott do to incur your wrath?"

"Said some very uncouth things about you and basically told me its easy to become infatuated when you're not used to attention, the jerk."

She carded her fingers through his hair softly. "Oh Gordon, it was a tough day for all of you. I am sure it was just all in the heat of the moment. All of you were busy saving lives to be focusing much on your interactions with each other. Give him a chance to explain himself properly."

"I suppose. Right, I better get out as glorious as this is." There was nothing worse than overstaying in a bath and ending up wallowing in frigid water.

Tin-Tin stood. "I'll leave you to it." With a soft kiss on the top of his head she walked out. Gordon tensed; arms taking the strain as he made to lift himself up, but he had seized. His side flared like it had been set alight, then he knocked his ankle against the edge of the bath and yelped.

Tin-Tin knocked on the open door. "Are you alright?"

"Err yeah. Yeah, its fine, just erm a bit stiff…. I mean my side, my side! Is erm stiff." Splashing water could be heard over his increasingly embarrassed tone as he floundered. He swore hard enough to make Tin blush.

"Do you need assistance?" She peeked around the door.

Gordon was stood with his back to her trying to put his good foot over the bath before hissing like a cat on hot coals. He switched legs, his face baulking when he turned towards her, clutching the towel in front of him.

He sighed, head down before making eye contact meekly.

"Yes, I do."