#gordon tracy needs a hug and gets one

[edutainer2022]

It's Gordon's day, so here's my little tribute. Gordon is bored, John takes a big brother refresher course. Scott wanders in at the end for extra fluff and because he has an in-built brother radar.

We Could Build an Island

"Hey, John!"

Those words, in that sing-song, were enough to make John tense right where he was sitting on a lounge sofa, legs folded neatly beneath him, a tablet in his hands and shoulders deep in the paper he was due to review a week ago. He hated being late with reviews, but he'd rather not relive the Eos-as-research assistant disaster that resulted in a fired tenured professor and a devastated graduate student that one time. Yes, John was quietly paying for her therapy, submitted stellar recommendations and tag teamed with Brains for a transfer to Mofie's lab in Zurich. But Eos was banned from academic discussion for the time being. His mandated time planetside felt like a perfect opportunity to catch up on the backlog.

But those words, in that sing-song, meant he'd be delayed from the review even more. Because that sing-song meant a bored Gordon. And a Gordon, bored to the point even a swim couldn't alleviate, was not something John had had to deal with since before college, probably. Not on his own, anyway. Where were the reinforcements when one needed them? The lounge was deserted. Maybe because John shooed everyone away, needing to concentrate and not feeling like going up a flight of stairs in Earth gravity. No chance now, as the pat of sand shoes on hardwood floor drew closer. John sighed and braced himself. Sure enough, on cue, his lap was full of blond and loud tropical sunset, and tan in a flash, his nostrils assaulted by the ever lingering smell of chlorine. John was really proud of himself for not wincing. Carnelian eyes peered up at him in alarming combo of delight and mischief.

"Hey, John! Remember when I was your favorite little brother?"

One ginger eyebrow arched in perfect unamusement, honed to an art over the years. John hadn't put down his tablet in hopes to salvage some time for the review still.

"You mean when you were my ONLY little brother?"

That was only part mockery, of course. Much as John would wonder still, on occasion, how on Earth were they related, arrival of baby Gordon heralded his joining the elite club of big brothers, Scott and Virgil shared, and a lifetime of love, pride and worries like nothing else.

Gordon beamed up at him, from where his head was plopped on John's thigh, virtually delighted John picked up on their well practiced ribbing routine. Even his eyesore of a Hawaiian shirt lit up brighter, somehow. One tanned arm made a wide arc, before landing over Gordon's heart in a dramatic flare that could put the Royal Company to shame.

"Oh, Johnny, you wound me here! Can't a brother just bask in the company of a fellow brother while on shore leave?"

The carnelian eyes were now accompanied by a pout in a picture perfect immitation of puppy innocence. John was strong. But not entirely immune. However, this was Gordon and John was a firm believer in empirical investigation over taking anything at face value. So he threw his best effort to school the features out of a silly smile and sent the second ginger brow up to flag the escalation to a state of thoroughly not amused.

"I'm not Scott. You might wanna try again. What did you do?"

To John's surprise, Gordon's veneer of theatrical innocence actually fell, the bright joy dimmed in an instant, sending John's every big brother instinct on high alert. His tablet left abandoned on the arm rest, he tried to take a discrete stock of Gordon's frame for possible injuries. A quick inventory of the last couple of days came up short on disasters, close calls or losses that could possibly plunge the Fish into a funk desperate enough to seek out John, of all brothers. He was contemplating the merit of pinging Eos for footage of the last rescue, as Gordon spoke again:

"Nothing, if you should know. I did nothing. It's just..."

Gordon's voice trailed and he sighed. Honest to God sighed. Now John was really worried.

"Scott is in the meeting in Dad's office and it's gonna take forever. Virgil is shopping with Grandma. Brains locked me out of his lab... I'm out of older siblings to bug."

Relief bubbled in John as the dramatic hand wave reappeared for a curtain call. The poker face was increasingly difficult to uphold.

"Kayo is out and about somewhere..."

Gordon had the decency to snort in response.

"Let it be on record that you are NOT my last resort sibling over Kayo, Johnny-boy. I cherish our special bond... and my self-preservation instincts."

John was openly smiling by the end of the tirade, a mixture of familiar fondness and exasperation.

"A) Don't call me Johnny. B) What do you need, Fish?"

The face turned up to him was full of hope and impossibly young. The fact that made John register a dull ache somewhere behind his ribcage. Darn, was it how Scott felt all the time?

"A cuddle?"

Gordon threw a little wiggle in with the plea and a best recreation of "uppy hands" since Alan was two. No, John was not immune at all. The review would have to wait.

TTTT

When Scott emerged from a four hour battlefield that was the TI Department of Finance meeting and made his way quietly to the lounge, he was met with a sight so unusual he actually rubbed his eyes, wondering if the maze of the quarterly budget numbers unlocked a wormhole into a parallel dimension. Curled into each other on the couch, like two cats, were John and Gordon, sound asleep. John's long arms circled protectively around Gordon's smaller frame, Gordon's head tucked beneath his big brother's chin, snoring quietly into John's shirt. Scott tiptoed to fetch a throw blanket, kept in the lounge for John's planetside chills and his own all-nighters with paperwork. His smile was mild and rueful, as he crouched to tuck the blanket around them. John would have one hell of a creek come morning and Gordon should really know better than to curl his back like that for long, but Scott didn't have the heart to wake them up.  He gave in to the chance of not being called out by oh-so-grown-up little brothers and treated himself to a kiss on the top of Gordon's head and a feather light peck on John's forehead. He lingered a moment, just holding the blanket over them. Scott would want nothing else, really, than to be able to shield them like that, to keep them all safe. Finding himself with a sharp pang in a severe lack of little brothers to cuddle in the immediate vicinity, Scott went ahead with the heretofore half-formed plan to go check on Alan.

TTTT

A slit of turquoise flashed through the ginger lashes for a split second, but John didn't wake up. He was dreaming that Mom was there, tucking them in, kissing them good night, watching over them with Scott's blue eyes, her familiar glow in his features and her infinite tenderness in his soft smile.

#john tracy #gordon tracy #gordon tracy needs a hug and gets one #scott tracy #is always there for his brothers #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds 2015 #my fic

[gumnut-logic]

Five times Alan discovered a secret and one time he kept one (Part Three)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

This one was a bit of a challenge. It fought me (that and work had worn me out by Friday, so I had to delay writing until today).

Thank you again to the amazing @onereyofstarlight for reading through and her amazing support ::hugs tight::

And Thunderfam, I know I haven't replied to anyone yet (I figure you probably want me writing more fic instead with what time I have :D ) but I have to say you've all knocked my socks off with your kindness with this one. You are a bunch of wonderful people. The Tracys would be proud.

Warnings for all the angst and hurting Tracy boys. This one hurt to write.

I hope you enjoy.

-o-o-o-

Everything was numb.

The room was dim and grey. White sheets, blue curtains, and the beep of medical monitors.

Two of his brothers sat around the bed with him, the third lying pale, wan and silent.

It was all in such contrast to his bright and energetic fish brother. He should be sitting there smirking, telling a truly awful joke.

Lying there so still…

Alan felt the well of grief deep in his belly, threatening to reach up and overwhelm him again.

He shut it down. He couldn’t afford to feel anything right now.

He’d already had his hysterics. There were no tears left. His heart was parched and dry, quietly waiting for the rain.

For the good or the bad.

Scott sat beside the bed almost as still as Gordon. His eyes were fixed on their brother, both hands wrapped around limp fingers, holding on as if to prevent Gordon from leaving.

Again, the thought caught his throat.

He must have made a sound, as Virgil looked at him with red-rimmed eyes.

Alan looked away, back towards Gordon’s sheet-draped body.

“Allie, you want to get something to eat?”

Virgil’s soft words disturbed the silence, shifting Alan’s heartbeat.

He shook his head.

Scott looked up and the pain etched into his face cut Alan’s heart to pieces.

He swallowed hard.

Virgil’s attention switched to Scott, but he said nothing further.

“Allie?” Scott’s voice cracked.

Alan moved without any thought other than hurt. He stumbled around the bed and fell into his big brother’s arms.

Strong arms. They wrapped around him and hid him from the reality in the room.

The reality that Gordon might never wake up.

And if he did, he might not be the Gordon he knew.

Scott drew in a harsh breath in Alan’s ear and the sound that escaped between his brother’s teeth was pain itself.

Alan thought he couldn’t cry anymore, but apparently he could.

He squeezed his eyes shut and refused to let out a sound, clinging to his big brother who was trembling almost as much as he.

He clung for a moment before stronger arms were gently wrapping around the both of them. Virgil was saying something, a soft, whispering rumble Alan didn’t have the energy to understand.

Time passed. He had no clue how much, but when he finally pulled away, nothing had changed. Gordon was still lying there; Virgil’s eyes were even more red-rimmed, and Scott’s expression still hurt.

“Sorry.” Alan’s voice was scratchy and harsh.

Neither brother answered him. Virgil gently rubbed his back and Scott’s hand wrapped around his arm.

Scott’s other hand had crept back to Gordon’s fingers and was again clinging to them.

Alan took a step back and cleared his throat. “I think I’ll go and find Grandma.”

Virgil’s hand stopped it’s circular motion but didn’t leave his back. “Allie-“

He stepped away a little more, his eyes drifting to Gordon, ever so grey and still.

“I’ll be back. I just need…I’ll be back.” He turned away from all of his brothers, dislodging both their hands and darted around the bed to the door.

“Allie-“ Scott calling his name hurt, but he pushed through the door and out into the hospital corridor, striding, then running down the hall.

The nurses on duty frowned at him in concern but he ignored them and ended up at the elevators where a small group of people were waiting.

They all looked at him with as much concern as the nurses.

A sign for the stairs and he pushed through into an empty concrete stairwell, the heavy fire door closing softly behind him and shutting out the world.

He stumbled down steps until everything was quiet and he could let himself fall back against a wall and breathe.

He didn’t want to think. Thinking meant hurting and since that call from Aunt Val, that had interrupted Virgil helping him with his schoolwork oh so long ago, the world had been spinning too fast.

Gordon, his amazing fish of a brother had been in an accident. A hydrofoil going faster than it had any right to, an explosion, death, and the remains of his sunshine brother jigsawed together on that bed.

He squeezed his eyes shut. Really? How did he have any tears left?

His throat ached, his head pounded.

The concrete at his back was cold, seeping through his t-shirt.

Just breathe.

It was John’s voice. His space brother teaching him how to control himself. Panic was not recommended in space.

The stairwell swam a little through the moisture in his eyes.

Panic and emotion are dangerous in space. The first step to controlling any situation is controlling yourself.

He could see his brother floating in front of him on Five.

Scott had been ever so proud of Alan that first trip up to their orbiting Thunderbird. He wasn’t allowed up there for long. Long term effects on growing bones and bodies in space had far too many unknowns. Grandma and Virgil had wired him up like a turkey ready for roasting, drawing as much data as possible as to how his body functioned in space. There was no way his family was going to risk him.

At thirteen he was still nodding at most of what his family told him, but there were frustrations. He wanted to be out there like John. John got to do amazing things while Alan was stuck at home doing schoolwork and could only watch.

But Scott had finally said yes to starting his training and that had led to finally being allowed up onto Five to learn with his brother.

It was amazing.

And frustrating even more because it was all moving so slowly.

Control meant safety.

John’s voice, ever so calm, bounced around his head.

Control.

He closed his eyes and drew in a breath. Let it out, let it take his tension with it.

Draw in another clean breath.

Let it all out.

Another.

Slow your heart rate.

John’s voice was melodic, almost hypnotising.

Calm.

Apparently this would all come naturally…eventually. For the moment he was still learning, but he was determined to get into space and make his family proud.

Scott smiled at him, blue eyes glistening.

Alan let out another breath and…

A door banged open somewhere above, and he jumped.

“I don’t appreciate your tone, Mr Tracy.” Aunt Val’s voice was sharp and commanding.

“And I don’t appreciate the GDF’s lack of assistance in this matter.” John’s voice reeked of sarcastic formality. “It is clear there are suspicious circumstances. Why aren’t you investigating?”

“As I stated earlier, we do not have jurisdiction.”

“Bullshit!”

Alan flinched. John rarely swore. In English, anyway. That was usually a thing for his military brothers.

“Are you going to sit and watch this one out just like you did with the Zero X?

Alan froze.

“John, I-“

“No, there are no excuses, Colonel. This is about family. How many more Tracys have to die before the GDF actually does their job? No wonder my father felt the need to spend billions to save lives. Someone has to.”

“Mr Tracy.” Her voice was like ice. “I understand the stress you are under, so I will excuse your remarks. However…” Her tone softened. “John, I will do my best. I promise.”

“Since when has that ever been enough?”

There was silence after that, followed by a door opening and closing.

Alan forced himself to start breathing again.

A scuffle of shoes on concrete proved that only one person had left the stairwell. The remaining soul suddenly let out a sob.

Moving ever so quietly, Alan crossed the stairwell and peered up the stairs.

His star brother had his back to the concrete wall just inside the fire door. His head was in his hands as he let himself slide down the wall until his butt hit the floor.

The sound of crying echoed down the steps.

John never cried.

Out of all of them, he was the calm one. Likely because of his job in space and that control and all. That and if he did, he did it in space where no one could see or hear him.

So seeing him crumpled on the floor sobbing into his hands…

Alan put his foot on the first step to climb up…

The fire door flew open with a bang.

Alan scuttled backwards into the shadows.

“Oh, John, honey.” Grandma hurried over and wrapped his brother in her arms. She drew his head to her shoulder.

Alan’s eyes widened as John clung to their grandmother, so far from the calm man Alan knew.

“I should’ve seen it.” The words were rasped out.

“You can’t see everything, honey. You’re not a god.”

“But I should-”

“You were busy with Scott in Japan. You were doing your job.”

“Just like I did with Dad.”

“John!”

But nothing more was said for some time and Alan grew more worried by the moment. His family was falling apart.

John was a huddled mess in the corner of a hospital stairwell, the concrete as grey as Gordon’s room.

Alan’s chest tightened again.

“John, Alan, get back here now!” Virgil’s voice was harsh over comms.

Alan didn’t think, he just moved. John and Grandma made it through the stairwell door while Alan was only halfway up the steps. He cursed himself for leaving in the first place.

The corridor was an ignored blur and he threw himself through it at a run. He skidded into Gordon’s room, past a jagged hole in the door itself that hadn’t been there when he’d left.

His family was crowded around Gordon, his fish brother’s eyes open and staring at Scott.

Voice whisper quiet. “Keep th-the noise down. Tryna sleep.”

Gordon’s eyes closed and his face relaxed.

Alan bit the inside of his cheek and looked up at Scott.

Exhausted blue eyes shone with hope.

-o-o-o-

Part 4

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #alan tracy #john tracy #scott tracy #virgil tracy #gordon tracy #sally tracy #grandma tracy #val casey #nuttyfic #thunderangst #all the warnings #this one hurt

[astranite]

Notes- Christmas TAG secret santa fic.

Because of this post and @janetm74 and @edutainer2022 here are my additional notes for my 2023 thunderfam secret santa fic.

It contains brainstorming that became part of the og fic and notes as a continuation for the car ride. It was actually these that I came up with first and intended to write but got side tracked with explorations of getting ready, especially given the prompt i was given was “Every day is a school day” with Jeff and Lucy. Also deadlines!

Mind that this is pretty much as is from my notes in its entirety, complete with spelling errors, partial sentences and utter lack of cohesion as I jumped between ideas.

Link for the fic proper on ao3.

---

“Every day is a school day” Jeff and Lucy. And everyone.

Car drive to spent christmas with Grandma and Grant at Gran Rocha. The preparing and road tripping shenanigans.

getting all five kids plus themselves and luggage into the car on time as chaotic as a school day. Jeffs line?

S15, J13, V12, G 6?7, A3

Wake-up call. Alarm going off Lucy tired and grumpy where Virgil gets it from. I’ll get the kids up and you can head straight to the coffee. Jeff fooling around like mock drill sergeant. Scott’s grumpy teenness and chucking a pillow at him with surprisingly good aim for supposedly asleep. Scott getting up. Bed hair mess that Jeff runs a gentle hand through pulling him into a hug. Virgil and John. John and Bagel the cat curled up together. Both hissing at him in unison. Virgil needed to be hugged and woken up more slowly. 

Down in the kitchen. Jeff kissing Lucy and trying to steal her coffee. No you cannot steal my coffee Jefferson Tracy, you have your own.  Lucy’s massive science pun mug. Hair in her face looking like little Virgil. 

HURRICANE LUCY. Time skip to about to go?

packing- John wanting to fit telescope. Or “But I did leave my telescope behind” but bag full of books. 

Last min shoving presents in. Neighbour to feed the cat.

Scott nabbed the car keys first on massive ** many different  keychain so neither Lucy nor Jeff could lose them. Swinging them around his finger, “can I drive” Parental chorus of “No!” Doesn't have license yet but is learning to pilot. argument of Grandma lets me drive on the ranch. Thats the beat up old ute and theres nothing much out there to hit any way.

And they were done. Bags were in the car, kids were in the car, last final bathroom stops had been had.  Lucy patted down her pockets. Keys! She didn’t have them, so Jeff must except that he didn’t. Surely the couldn’t have lost them with the neon pink rocket ship key chain attached to prevent this. Until they both spied Scott leaning against the drivers side door and swinging them around his finger.  

“So, can I drive?” Scott asked as if he didn’t already know the answer to that question. 

“No,” came the parental chorus. 

Then the other kids repeating them, picking up on it slightly behind. 

Scott grinning and tossed the keys in the air one last time then caught them. He passed them to Lucy’s waiting hand prompted by a stern eyebrow. 

7 seater beat up car. Drive- Kansas to Texas. approx 9 hours to 8 1/2. Lucy english thinking its ages. at least america had good highways. and from her mothers tales at least kangaroo spotter was a redundant position. 

Panic at dress clothes for Christmas day

someone packed no underpants. Gordon only packed underwear and swimmers. Trying to sort laundry at last minute. Jeff’s haphazard packing of his own clothes with getting everyone else in military order. Lucy remarking jokingly, “Mightve gotten to mars adn forgot your space suit. 

Jeff the nerd, calling Grandma to tell on our way, “Houston we have take off”. Kids dramatic countdown. A “finally”. FOnd eye rolls. 

John and Virgil at back seats. Johns already long limbs folded up.

Scott getting the dubious privelige of the middle row. but centre seat between Alan and Gords car seats and on big brother duty. 

Lucy hoping but not expecting to get some rest on the trip. Up all night getting ready. has mystery novel to read. but trying to wrangle kids. Putting Jeff’s cowboy hat over her face to keep the sun off as she sleeps.

Stops for toilet breaks. Lunch fast food. “Do not let gordon have soda.” Johns burger order. Virgil picking pickles out to give to john. The chips stealing. Trying to eat and drive. sending older ones in to fish younger out of the play area. losing Scott to it too, send in John planning it like a mission.

Jeff adn Lucy discussion over what coffee is supposed to do. ADHD Jeff. starting with Scott asking for coffee, cheekily. No, we dont need you any more hyper. Jeff’s confident, “Coffee doesnt do that” Even same with Aa. spirited debate. JSSo that means I can have some? eff still saying no coffee for Scott.

Lucy driving at some point. 

If Lucy had to hear one more rendition of baby shark she was the one who was going to get out and walk.

music and Lucy and Virgil comparing synesthesia.

John reading massive heavy text book, splayed out across knees. not getting car sick, serve well for astronaut. for fun, reminded he didnt need to study. 

Scott bored and restless. tinies asleep. no phone signal. twisting around, being told off for seat belt, trying to see what Johns doing. seat swap and he and John are in the back doing maths and physics, heads bent together. virgil eyes closed but awake or leaning around car seats to look out the windows, bobbing head to music through headphones. 

when John adn Scott get stuck, calling questions out to Lucy. Jeff snoring in front seat, head on lucy;s jumper, went from wide awake to clonked out even after the coffees.

Virgil using breath on fogged up windows to draw. Scott and John used it for math.

Gordon are we there yet. Alan copying him. 

naming animals and animal sounds. then naming sea creatures. then sounds of sea creatures. some known, some gordon happily making them up.

car sickness. Scott getting car sick, in spite of crazy spins and flips but then hes in control. another reshuffle, Jeff wedged into the middle seat, Lucy laughing and looking in rear view mirror at tall, broad shouldered husband folded awkwardly into the back. John and Virgil back-back. Scott getting shotgun, window open and nauseous. Vomit bags in glove box because learnt from past fiascos and puke in hat story. Scott grumps would be fine if I was driving 

some point tinies and Jeff all asleep.  John and Virgil happy together. Lucy getting to check in and chat to scott. 

on destination. everyone there, big family.  Lee? Kayo adn Kyrano and Kayo mother. Jeff brothers? packed into the big ranch house. noise and merriment. hot dry texas air. smell of good food cooking. some slight odour of burnt. 

explain lucy parents farm????

“The eagle has landed” finding rooms, unpack car. eldest three in together. youngest. 

John overwhelmed after trip, not wanting to talk to anyone. near tears at thought of going into party. going to stable to spent time with horses. 

Virgil running up to Grant and talking his ear off, to much delight of both parties. Grant, still broad shouldered and strong from farm work, charcoal black hair now salt and pepper grey. 

Achievements getting caught up with. Jeff telling grandma about scotts, Scott proud but a bit uncharacteristically shy, leaning into a side hug. 

the comments of how big the kids were all getting, and theyd better not be having more. Lucy laughing and very nope five is plenty enough. 

somewhat tired cranky, sticky dusty kids. Gordon spilling something sticky on him in the last hour, waiting to get there to wash him off. Recovering excitement at bath. 

grandma’s welcome cookies. 

——- other fic. Graduation. car crash. Injuries—the bruises. Scott burst into tears with brothers because he wants mum

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #astrawrite #jeff tracy #lucy tracy

[idontknowreallywhy]

Resurface 9 - Rebalance

Stepping away from the main event a little for a look at how the Tinies are doing…

❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛

Thunderbird Two sat steaming on the icy concrete of the hospital’s helipad. It was a bright morning in Calgary but everything was deeply, deeply white. It was only marginally above eyeball-freezing temperature and it would definitely have been more sensible to wait for Grandma to finish whatever argument she was having with the pharmacy inside… either inside the ship, or the hospital. But Gordon didn’t seem to want to do either of those and Alan sort of got it, so… here they were.

Alan paced the length of the big green behemoth. Slowly. Carefully, testing each step before putting his weight on that foot. He didn’t want to slip and cause an incident. If only they’d suited up his uniform boots would have been far more grippy… and warmer. Still, he needed to concentrate on something and the act of walking was, ironically, safer ground than most of the other options. He shivered.

“You alright, Allie?”

“Sure, why wouldn’t I be?” He didn’t look around. Focussed on placing his feet one at a time into the footprints he left on the last pass.

“Well I dunno, perhaps the horrifying experience of our most consistent, reliable elder brother suddenly losing his sanity, yelling at our dead father and nearly throwing himself and Scott down a cliff?”

Alan flinched. Then looked down at Gordon who was crouched by one of Two’s struts, looking for all the world like a kicked puppy. He looked young, and lost and in need of a big brother. But right now there weren’t any available, only Alan the perpetual younger brother. Alan the baby who needed protecting from everything. Alan the small and incompetent who hid a terrible secret inside.

If Gordon knew… if Scott and John knew… what if Virgil told them? Did Virgil even know?

He may only have been a little kid but he had been smart enough to know he’d messed up. Smart enough to join the dots between his clumsiness and Virgil getting sick. He hadn’t been smart enough to understand why one brother had left him, but he had known he was to blame for nearly losing the second.

He grit his teeth and started pacing again.

And then paused and made a U-turn back to where his usually irrepressibly sunshiney brother huddled, stony-faced in the shadow of his wingman’s ship. Alan crouched alongside him and they both stared into the distance for a while.

“This sucks.” He ventured.

“Yup.”

“You alright?”

“No.”

Alan let out a humourless laugh.

“Sorry, stupid question.”

“I asked it too.”

“Yeah, and I lied. Sorry.”

“S’ok.”

He really wasn’t very good at this. He tried to think what Scott or Virgil would do, and mostly the talking bit happened later… the first response to a sad sibling usually boiled down to one of those magical all-encompassing big brother hugs. But surely he needed to be bigger than Gordon for that to work? Alan was the baby, he didn’t have the arms for it. Didn’t have the presence.

Yet… maybe it wasn’t about size. Thunderbird Three was, after all, a lot bigger than Two. But Two’s wings had an unparalleled ability to shelter them all. While Three was adventure, Two was safety. And Four, Alan realised, depended on her more than any of them.

Right now Four needed Two badly.

But Three was better than nothing.

He held his breath and reached around Gordon’s shoulders and pulled him close. His elder brother stiffened for a moment, clearly conflicted. Then seemed to melt into Alan’s side with a gasp. Alan wrapped his other arm around him and squeezed tighter.

“What if we don’t get him back, Alan?”

“We will. He will be ok.”

“You don’t know that.”

“No, but… I’m hoping really really hard.”

“I guess that’s all we’ve got.”

“That and… we always have each other? Tracys stick together no matter what, right?”

Gordon huffed a small laugh from somewhere in the vicinity of Alan’s armpit.

“What?”

“You’re just a teeny tiny Scott clone, you know that right?”

“I’m not that small!”

Alan flicked Gordon on the ear. Gordon jabbed him in the side which made him squeal uncontrollably. They scrabbled for a few moments before both tipped over and lay there for a minute, laughing the kind of laughs you laugh when the only other option is to cry.

💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️

Sally hurried out of the lift, dragging a small suitcase and clutching the paper pharmacy bag she’d had to shout down three junior pharmacists and two senior to obtain. Turned out, even when you have the consultant psychiatrist convinced, the pharma team were very reluctant to dispense an older drug, even if it had been proven to work well on a particular patient in the past. She didn’t have time to mess about with the shiny new third gen antipsys when she didn’t know how her boy would react. She just needed some certainty. They all did. That she’d managed to make them see sense without having to use the Name was professionally satisfying. She didn’t really want to risk that kind of speculation right now. People could be unkind about things they didn’t understand.

Somewhat apprehensive as to what state Gordon and Alan might be in, she was surprised, although not unpleasantly, to find both younger brothers on their feet, brushing slush from their clothes and hair… flicking it at each other just a little more than seemed strictly necessary. She raised an eyebrow in askance then lowered it, deciding not to go there. Whatever kept these two going right now was fine by her. She hugged them both briefly but hard, then heaved the case on to the platform.

“Right boys, let’s go home.”

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #gordon tracy #alan tracy #idontknowreallywhy fanfic #thunderangst #what is a big bro anyway #tw: mental illness #Resurface fic

[skymaiden32]

Negotiations

Read on AO3 here

Fandom: Thunderbirds

Tagging: @dragonoffantasyandreality @thundergeek59 @janetm74 @katblu42 @liseylou @amistrio @uniwolfcorn (Please ask if you would like to get alerts when I update or post new stories.)

Thundertober Day 3: Armour

Alan thinks they may have gone a little too far with the armour on his uniform.

Continuity: TAG

------

“Are you sure I need all of this…?” Alan asked, still a little uncertain as he waddled out of the fitting room. 

“Yes.” His four older brothers and grandmother in front of him chorused, causing Alan to grumble. 

He huffed. “I can barely move in this thing.” He was only vaguely able to gesture at the full body armour currently situated over his uniform. “And it’s really heavy…”

Scott grinned. “Good. That means it’ll work.” 

“Yep.” Virgil nodded. “Some of Brains’ finest work, if I do say so!”

“Plus,” John cut in. “Everything feels lighter in space anyway. It’s perfect for Thunderbird 3 missions.”

Alan sighed. “That still doesn’t mean it’s good for missions on Earth, Johnny…”

“Sure it does.” The older astronaut argued. “You’ll be on Thunderbird 2’s support crew; you need heavy duty stuff for that.” As an afterthought, he muttered, “And don’t call me Johnny.”

Gordon nodded in agreement. “When I tell you about all the scrapes and bruises me and Virg have gotten just for handling some of that equipment…”

“Yeah!” Alan tried to protest. “But you guys weren’t given full body armour to wear!” At that moment, Kayo walked into the room. The Tracy’s watched as their adoptive sister took one look at Alan, and immediately had to stifle a giggle. Alan frowned. “See? She thinks it’s too much. Hell, Brains probably thinks it’s too much! You guys are being way too overprotective…”

“And is there anything wrong with that young man?” Grandma Tracy interrupted. “Your brothers and I just want to make sure you’re safe…”

“I know but…” Alan sighed. “Maybe we can compromise on it? I don’t need this much armour.”

“Alright kiddo,” Scott took charge of negotiations. “What do you wanna get rid of?”

Alan smiled innocently. “Is everything an option?”

Scott deadpanned. “No.”

“Eh. It was worth a shot.” The teen shrugged. “I’ll wear the shoulder pieces. Honestly, I think they make me look cool.” He admitted.

His older brother hummed. “Wear the chestplate too and we’ll call it even.” He held his hand out. “So, Mr Tracy, do we have a deal?”

Alan was quiet for a good few minutes. On one hand, he could try to get just a bit more out of this. On the other hand, Scott was serious about this. All of them were. And when someone in his family was serious, it meant they weren’t messing around. Scott wouldn’t budge. He never did when it came to safety. Alan smirked, reaching his hand out to accept Scott’s. “We do indeed…” The teen winked. “Mr Tracy…”

Scott rolled his eyes as he let go of Alan’s hand, pulling him into a hug and ruffling his hair. He was glad Alan had agreed to at least part of the armour, because if anything happened to him, he'd never forgive himself for not convincing him to wear more of it…

#thunderfam #thunderbirds #thunderbirds are go #alan tracy #scott tracy #virgil tracy #john tracy #gordon tracy #grandma tracy #kayo kyrano #thundertober #thundertober 2023 #sky writes stuff

[dragonoffantasyandreality]

Show of Love

This WIP had been sat there for a bit until I decide to finish this to commemorate in the loving memory of Matt Zimmerman, the voice actor of Alan Tracy in the original series.

Go chase that swinging star Matt. Your best friend David Holiday awaits you there.❤️

Ao3 version.

@willow-salix @myladykayo @uniwolfcorn @skymaiden32 @mothmannerly @teapotteringabout @dreamycloud @janetm74 @the-original-sineater @the-lady-razorsharp @misstb2

-0-0-0-

His brothers has many ways to show their brotherly affection towards Alan. Whenever be it subtle or obvious. It didn't matter, as they were never afraid to show it to him at moments notice.

If you ever ask Alan how his brothers showed affections for him, he'll fondly explain all of their ways in his own cheeky and sweet tone, like an excited child. In short, he loved them to death, even he didn't like all the teasing. But explaining it all would take him forever, so he would rather list off the ones that each of his bros were best for. To him at least.

Gordon, his immediate older brother, his partner in crime. While his water born sibling was usually the mastermind and the expert of pranks and jokes, he always made Alan feel equal to him with a simple head boop. A strong but gentle hand into his golden locks, pulling Alan closer till their foreheads touch. This simple touch of heads, confidence and trust was bridged in between them. Love radiating from the warmth of the touch. Sometimes, Gordon would rub his forehead to generate more warmth, in which Alan recognized as the resident fish making sure that he gets enough affection before a difficult mission. Both in rescue... And in the house. Sometimes, Alan imagined that its also a way Gordon would transmit his brilliant plans and/or jokes into his brain.

A one arm hug was all John could show love for him. Through all the confusing poetic talk and all the chit chat about space, whenever Alan felt lost, John would always reach out and wrapped his long arm around his shoulder in the dead silence, and pull him closer to the warm body like an anchor to Alan's sea of doubt. The single hug spoke volumes without saying a single word, John always listening like a watchful star in the dark sky. Alan would then lay his head on his bonny shoulder, feeling John's head then laying on his, as if he understood the struggles he's been through. Perhaps, Alan considered to opening up his deepest fears and insecurities to John one day. If he were to pluck up some courage.

Virgil was best known for bear hugs. Two big strong arms extend then trap Alan into their tight yet relaxed grip. But what's more than a simple hug, was that Virgil always knew when he needed them. His artistic brother was always been observant. Knowing every bit of detail of Alan, to the point knowing what he needed after a difficult situation or mission. A movie watch, fresh baked cookies, good friendly humor, or in some cases playing the piano together. Alan could say, Virgil was the closest he had for a Mother. Heck, the closet he had of his Mom. And all was spoken in that big hug. All the warmth was bundled around him as he taken comfort from his brother and best friend's gentle and understanding words.

Scott may be his eldest brother, but Alan looked up to him like a second Father. His coach, his idol. He was the reason he was a very good pilot and the reason he became a fantastic racer! And one of the reasons he had the same haircut. Scott was everything to Alan. His sky to look up to. His voice to always hear in the darkness. And it meant everything, when Scott would lay a warm kiss on his forehead. Alan would feel the sensation of warmth traveling down from his brother's lips, through his scalp, his whole head, and then the rest of his body. The sensation of love and knowing that no matter how much cruel life was, Scott was always there. All in that one kiss on his scalp.

Actually, now that he thought about it... all of his brothers would be always there for Alan. No matter how lonely he felt, or how his insecurities eat him up from the inside, no matter how much his mind told him that he won't be as good as his brothers... somehow, they always proved him wrong.

Their love were as immortal as his memories could take him. As if they were secretly interlinked, they knew what he needed whenever he felt overwhelmed by the world he was brought into. And its through those tiny actions of affection that reminded him, they were just as human as he was.

And perhaps this was why, Alan was very grateful to be their youngest brother.

#thunderbirds #thunderbirds 1965 #alan tracy #matt zimmerman #tracy brothers #my fanfics #Thunderfam

[greywake]

Assignment Prompts #2

Okay, so...the second prompt was "Unexpected Death". A totally different kind of beast from the first one. Pretty predictable, but I've set this scene at Lucille's wake. Gonna put in a cut here so that people don't have to read more than they want to.

Jeff sighed and closed the door to the room his youngest two shared, struggling to hold back his tears.

Gordon, at the age of nine, had a general understanding of what death meant, but little Alan…all the four-year-old could grasp was that mommy had gone away.

He dragged his feet as he returned downstairs to those attending the wake. There was some comfort to the stories being shared of how his beautiful Lucille had touched people's lives. How she had been kind and loving, how she had gone out of her way to help…

He took a breath and went to check on his older boys, all still dressed in their funeral clothes. Scott glanced up as he entered the room and nodded reassurance that they were okay. Well, as okay as they could be.

Returning to the "grown-up's room", Jeff found a glass of whiskey being pushed into his hand by his old friend and colleague Lee. He nodded his thanks but couldn't bring himself to take a sip.

He knew he was running on autopilot but just couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. How the avalanche had taken his boys' mother, his beloved wife. How there hadn't been any equipment available to start digging her out. How maybe she'd still be here if there had been…

He took another breath and ran his hands through his hair. Someone in the room laughed. Amusement tinged by sadness.

He wanted to be angry. How dare anyone find something funny when Lucy was gone! But it had been in response to one of her favourite stories. One that always made her smile.

He managed to excuse himself and head outside without running. He needed air. He needed space.

He needed his Lucy.

"Jeff?" He nearly jumped out of his skin when Lee put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I got you, man."

He found himself pulled into a fierce hug and for a brief moment he wanted to fight free, to not show weakness. But it wasn't weakness. It was missing his other half, his confidant and best friend, his partner, his wife.

"Why?" The question was torn out of him and he crumpled onto Lee's shoulder.

Lee just held him tight and let him sob into his shirt.

"Why didn’t they get there in time? Why didn’t they have the equipment to save her?”

Lee said nothing. They both knew the answer after all.

Money.

It always came down to money. Or the lack thereof. And it being in the control of someone who was willing to do what was necessary to save as many lives as possible.

Money and the will.

Money and…

It was a lightbulb moment. He had money. Tracy Industries had made him more money than he knew what to do with.

Lee pushed him back when he felt Jeff stiffen and studied him closely, “I know that look, Jeff. What crazy idea’ve you come up with now?”

Jeff blinked and smiled slightly, the first that had come to his face in the last twelve days, he would make this idea happen. It would be a love letter to his Lucy and a gift to the world on her behalf. But what would he call it? His darling girl had always teased him that he was a “go big or go home” kinda guy…

Got it.

“International Rescue.” He looked Lee dead in the eye. “I’m starting International Rescue and you’re going to help me.”

#thunderbirds are go #jeff tracy #dealing with grief #creative writing #writing courses #getting better

[edutainer2022]

Necessary preamble: 1) Jeff Tracy is gone not long ago and Gordon hates everything. But mostly Scott. Well kinda.

2) It's a grief fic. And it's an angsty fluff fic. It's a Gordon and Scott fic. Because we need those. Gordon Tracy just kept talking in my head.

TELL THE WATER

Gordon is thirteen. And angry. And hates Scott. Stop. Scratch. Repeat. Gordon is thirteen. Dad is gone. And he hates that. But Dad is not there, so Gordon has nothing real to hate. But Scott is there. Scott is always there. Which is kinda awesome, otherwise, because when big brother was away Gordon missed him something stupid. Scott is a smother and a pain in the... but he's more fun, than John. But now Scott is sitting at Dad's desk. All the the time. And in Dad's office in New York. And in Dad's plane. And with Dad's GDF guys. And he has the same aftershave scent, for God's sake! But he's not Dad! Dad is gone! And Gordon hates this most of all. So he balls up that hatred and anger into a hot, spiky blob, and spits it in Scott's general direction with everything his swimmer's lungs can give. Well, not the hatred part. But the Scott not being Dad part, anyway. His chest aches from excertion and his eyes sting. He knows the blow landed, because Scott flinches. It's the silence and the quiet that follow that are scary. Virgil dissolves into the shadows, hot on Scott's tracks, and John stays in his room that night, while Gordon cries himself to sleep. His squid sense suggests nobody is mad at him. Not really. And Gordon kinda hates that even more.

John picks him up from the pool, parks him in Dad's... Scott's outer office at Tracy Industries and vanishes to collect Alan from therapy. Tracy brotherhood grapevine goes it was the Tracy Legal advice to get the kid a shrink - it'll look good on the guardianship transfer record. Will make Scott look a responsible and capable caretaker. Gordon wonders what passes as points on Scott's record to be his legal guardian. Not decking him that other day for lashing out? Gordon's not an idiot, John's perpetually rolled eyes notwithstanding. He knows everyone is walking on glass around him now. Virgil gives him those soulful eyes and the not so big hugs, like it's no big deal, but he's there. And those are good. Those are the best. But he would rather Virgil yelled at him and tackled him, and swung. Because he knew how big brother looked at Scott - with the kind of fear Scott would shatter into splinters any minute. John ruffles his hair and takes Alan off his hands a lot these days. Scott's barely there anyway, buried in miles of spreadsheets and hours of meetings. Scott is not mad and does not hold a grudge. Gordon knows a sulking Scott. This is not it. Scott is focused, and rueful, and oh so patient with him. That's becoming Gordon's new favorite thing to hate. Second only to idling in the antechamber to Scott's... Dad's office and waiting for Scott to be done with yet another meeting. Virgil is flying Grandma in to New York before they're all to head back to the island. John's not back yet, so there's noone to talk to. There's Dad's PA... well, he guesses, Scott's now too. But she's engrossed in a hushed conversation with a paralegal, who just recently stepped out of that meeting. Eavesdropping is bad and all, but he's RIGHT THERE and there's nothing much to do otherwise. Their voices are low, anyway. He did make out "poor boys", and "will have to adopt the youngest anyway", and "such a tragedy". Virgil had Mom's musical ear, but Gordon didn't spent his whole life plotting mischief to not have developed a heightened hearing. The whispers weaved into a sympathetic tsk stringed by "Will he even want to foster both boys? It's a lot of responsibility so young. Emancipation is an option. Those Olympic track kids can handle themselves". Gordon didn't know what emancipation meant, but he understood enough to know the assistants wondered if Scott would want to disown him. If Scott should. And Gordon bolted.

Virgil found him later in the executive bathroom, but let him be. Every Tracy knew the Squid is gotta hide in nooks and there was that. Scott gave him the kind of smile that didn't reach his eyes. It never did anymore. Gordon hated that too.

He spent the whole flight home curled up in his seat, looking out, sick to his heart. He wanted to hate everyone, and to hate the island, to hate the stupid blanket Virgil tucked over him, but it didn't stick. He didn't want to hate Alan, who curled up to his side and slept the whole flight through.

Gordon tried not to hate that emancipation thing too. He looked it up. It was kinda badass. He'd be like an adult and everything. He could do whatever he wanted. Scott would not have to be his Dad anymore. Scott would not have to be his... anything anymore. Not hating that didn't stick either.

So Gordon tiptoed back to the lounge, once the rest of the villa hushed into sleep. Or whatever passed for sleep in the Tracy household these days. Scott was seated at Dad's desk, looking at a whole lot of nothing in the shadows. He was doing that a lot lately. All the time. Scott was also watching the holovid of Dad's explosion all the time, so Gordon knew his cue, when the bluish shimmer flickered out at the table. And it was just Scott, his fists clenched on the table top, his eyes the only source of blue in the expanse of shadows. For a moment Gordon could swear Scott's eyes projected that explosion, like their portraits did in the lounge. But it was just a trick of light. Scott never cried after Dad. Not in the ways that were visible or apparent in the morning. And that was telling something, as Gordon knew even John cried this time around. A lot. Scott would just sit and hypnotize the explosion, as if there were anything more to see. Gordon hated it with a vengeance.

He did erase the recording once, when Scott was away from the island. Big brother just bummed a copy at the GDF. Now Scott had it on his phone as well,  which was the kind of off limits even Gordon dared not cross. Not yet, anyway. Virgil could. Virgil was Scott's unofficially assigned emotional support little brother, as Gordon once tried to explain to Al. Al, 4 at the time, got confused at "unofficially assigned" and "little brother", because Virg was "big brother", wasn't he. Anyway. Virgil wouldn't put his foot down with Scott and that holo-explosion mania, because Virgil looked at Scott like he would disappear into thin air too if he didn't hold his breath. John didn't have sway over Scott in matters that didn't involve multy-tier formulas. So that left Gordon next in line to do something about big brother's obsessive tendencies. Which Gordon wouldn't have to bother about if he were emancipated. The idea made him queasy.

Gordon shuffled from foot to foot, catching Scott's gaze. Instantly worried. Great.

'What's up, Fish? Had a bad dream?'

Gordon bargained to bail out and go with the nightmare thing. But he remembered Scott's phone, and how Scott could whip that explosion vid any moment, even in a meeting, or in a Thunderbird. And how, if Gordon didn't stick around till he was old enough, he wouldn't be able to wipe it off, or replace it with a cute panda, with hell to pay from Scott, but he'd be like an actual adult then, so it would blow off. Gordon squared his shoulders in his best big brother imitation:

'Nah, didn't sleep at all.'

Scott was on his feet and towering over him all in one stride, Gordon could swear. Damn, those legs were LONG. Scott was also squeezing his shoulder and peering down on him, almost doubled over Gordon's smaller frame, checking for signs of illness.

'Hey, buddy, everything alright? You want me to tuck you in?'

Gordon wanted to scoff. And to swat big brother's hand off. He was not A KID like Alan. He was discussing emancipation here. Serious adult stuff. But Scott's eyes were kind. And soft. And warm. Like the water. Safe. So he drew enogh air, dived in and landed face-first somewhere in the expanse of big brother's chest. Well, his abs, more like, but Gordon didn't complain. Not tonight.

'I don't wanna emancipate. I don't wanna be nobody's. I'm sorry I said that about you and Dad! Can I be yours, please! Please!'

Gordon didn't catch another breath till he almost had a mouthful of Scott's shirt. He reinforced his point with clasping both arms around Scott's waist in a drowning man's grip. He could hear the frown in his big brother's sigh. There would be more to this conversation come morning, for sure. But for the moment Gordon was crushed and instantly supported afloat by the powerful wave of big brother's hug.

'You're always mine, Gordo. If you'll have me'.

Gordon floated on the heaving tide, for a while, just relishing the closeness, and the depth, and the love that ebbed and eddied, and whirled into everything that was Scott. That's how he knew his biggest brother finally cried in the open, since Dad. And he didn't hate it at all.

That's how Virgil knew the biggest brother finally slept in earnest through the night, since Dad, when he found them in the lounge the next morning - Scott sprawled on the sofa and Gordon squid-attached over him in a fluid heap of extremities and drool. Both smiling.

#thunderbirds are go #scott tracy #gordon tracy #grief/mourning #virgil tracy #gordon tracy needs a hug and gets one #scott tracy needs a hug #scott tracy is a beloved biggest brother #tracy brotherdom of angst #methinks i have astronomy #thunderbirds 2015 #my fic

[gumnut-logic]

Sparked by a post started by @janetm74 - The Scott Smotherhen Scale. This is not much, but have a little pissed off Scotty :D Also, Pete is from my fic ‘Bedside’.

-o-o-o-

“They did what?!”

Pete took a step back. “Hey, man, they’re fine. The teachers broke it up.” A snort. “Though I have to say, your little brothers know how to kick ass. I don’t think Bullneck is going to walk straight for a while. Gordon may have taken out his chances at fatherhood.” I had been quite a sight seeing that dickwad waddle off with the principal.

“Where are they now?”

Pete took a step back as Scott straightened. His friend had been out of town all day with cadets. Still in uniform, he cut a definite military vibe.

Was it weird that he’d asked Pete to keep an eye on his four brothers? Possibly, but then Pete only had two sisters, both older and all into make up and boys. He shuddered inside. It would be so cool to have a little brother.

Apparently having four was an extra challenge.

“They’re with the principal.” And Pete found himself having to skedaddle backwards as Scott shot off in the direction of the main school building.

Oh shit.

Pete grabbed his bag, and hurried after him. “Scott! They’re fine. Virgil had it under control.” Was that a scoff? A grunt? “He gave Rogers a black eye. John is okay. Hell, Gordon is a weapon of mass destruction. You Tracys are scary.”

This time there was no acknowledgement at all. Scott threw the main door to the school office and strode through.

Pete caught it on the back swing and scrambled in after him.

It was like a military review. The three younger Tracy brothers appeared to all be standing at attention in a line while the Principal spoke…strongly to them…something about physical violence in the school yard.

Virgil, sporting a split lip, was glaring up at the man, one foot in front of Johnny, as if to block access to his little brother. Johnny’s red hair was a mess, there was dirt on his pants, and he was staring at the ground.

Gordon…Gordon was poking his tongue out and making faces through the door across the room. A room full of caterwauling and injured bullies, apparently.

When Pete finally caught up with Scott, he almost wished he hadn’t. The eldest Tracy looked fit to carve someone a new one.

“Mr Tracy.” Principal Stevens apparently had a death wish. “Is your father with you?”

“No, sir.” It was cold and sharp, blue eyes darting over his brothers.

Pete didn’t fail to notice the second eldest Tracy relax just a little, his shoulders dropping, as he caught sight of Scott.

“Is he available? I’ve attempted to call him, but he hasn’t responded. This is serious.”

“He’s busy.”

“Your grandmother?”

“At the surgery.”

“I need to speak to a responsible adult about this. This can’t keep happening.”

“It shouldn’t happen at all.”

Pete stared at his best friend. You can’t speak to a teacher like that, much less a principal. “Uh, Scott?”

The eyes that hit him…okay…. Pete straightened. Apparently they were doing this and Scott was his friend so…uh…let’s do this.

What happened next was just plain weird. Not only did Scott manage to get his brothers out of that room without the principal further demanding a parental presence, but also had him admitting the school was at fault and needed to fix the problem.

The glare Scott sent Bullneck on the way out was enough to cause the kid to whimper out loud.

Shit, man, Scott was lethal.

Maybe it would be way cooler to have an older brother.

Out in the parking lot it was a Tracy-only fest. Pete stood to one side as Scott performed his own military line up…and checked each brother for injury.

Gordon started yelling, Virgil talking over him.

Johnny just stood there.

But Scott did that something he always seemed to be able to do. He took control. A hand on Virgil’s shoulder quietened the worry there. A hug strangled little Gordy’s anger.

A soft word pulled Johnny’s eyes up from the ground. Pete swore something passed between the two of them, Johnny’s shoulders straightening as Scott’s lips thinned.

Yeah, a big brother would be amazing.

-o-o-o-

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #scott tracy #nuttyfic

[astranite]

Respite (Spun Glass and Golden Light)

Scott and John, or sky and star!

It's another long one at a bit under 5000 words! Tags copied from ao3 as look, I really should be asleep already.Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff, theres a fair spectrum of emotions here, Brothers, Thunderbird Five (Thunderbirds), Nightmares, John is also pretty not okay here too as well as Scott but they are both working on it, space metaphors thrown in for good measure, Cuddling & Snuggling, because everyone needs a hug of course, another fic where John and Scott drink hot chocolate!, they are both also learning they can let each other in and Scott is realising this.

Many thanks to the fab @idontknowreallywhy for all the cheering on and wonderfulness!

---

“Do you want to come up to Five?” John asked.

Scott answered far too fast. “Yeah.” His voice broke in the middle.

John thought it would take more convincing, it always did to get Scott to accept anything approaching help. But this time…

He caught one last flash of blue eyes made bluer, meeting his and piercingly desperate, before the hologram shut off from Scott’s end and John was blinking away the after images in the suddenly dark comm hub.

Scott, in rumpled day clothes at 2:47am Tracy Island time, hair falling across his forehead in uneven waves of curls. Scott, whose dark circles under his eyes had startled John into thinking they were bruises, his sharpened features thrown in harsh relief by the dim lamp by dad’s desk. The hologram was fuzzy at the edges, all noisy static between him and his brother, but John couldn’t miss the way Scott looked over his shoulder like he expected something to be there. Or someone. 

Ghosts of his past, John thought, then shook himself.

Scott had nightmares, they all knew it. But he always pretended he wasn't shaken by what he saw. Tried to carry on like they didn't happen, like nothing ever happened, and Scott was as invincible as the legend he’d built around dad was.

John saw, more often than the others. There was a reason he monitored the villa feed for movement outside of usual hours when the rescue alarms hadn't gone off. 

He’d caught a few funnier moments for blackmail, namely Alan and Gordon attempting to steal storebought baked goods from the fridge and getting them mixed up with Grandma’s latest creations in the dark. Repeatedly, because they’d never figured out how Scott and Virgil conspired together to swap the containers.

But there were worse ones for all of their family. Nights Alan slept on the couch because being in his room, alone inside close walls was too much. Gordon making his subdued way through the halls, cheerful facade gone with gasps of pain unable to be stifled, going to get painkillers from the infirmary for his back. Kayo, prowling on silent feet, checking, triple checking security feeds for any slightest threat, not able to believe in the safety of their island anymore. Jagged notes of piano, near silent from keys barely pressed, while Virgil had tears on his face. 

And Scott, of course Scott who had it the worst of all of them, who was the bravest of them but couldn't see it. Late nights, ending slumped ragdoll-like over endless paperwork from endless responsibilities put on his shoulders. Agitated pacing, wearing only socks so he wouldn't wake anyone, ragged breaths louder than his footsteps. The times when Scott was a trembling ball of tears, curled under dad’s desk where he barely fit anymore, hands over his head blocking everything out. 

Sometimes John talked to them, offered company and comfort, other times he let the moments pass silently. He was used to witnessing things he could never speak of again; his own moments of pain rarely had anyone but he made sure his siblings’ did, just in case they needed someone reaching out for them.

Watching over Scott in particular to make sure no harm came to him was an unsaid duty John took as his own. Virgil was there in the day, with him on the ground during rescues, but John amongst his stars kept the nights within his reach. 

He’d already sent the space elevator down and now he waited, marking careful timings as Eos quietly spoke them. Scott was suiting up. Scott was finishing pre-launch checks. Scott had reached the Kármán line, the beginning of space.

John drifted through a gravity-less Five, switching to lights that gave off a soft, golden glow. They filled the Thunderbird up like she was one of those ancient incandescent bulbs, long since obsolete. Like she was delicate spun glass as well as cahelium strength, two opposites the same, together complete where glass could break and cahelium bend. She was different from her sister ships, a different purpose and way of approach, but in the end she was the same. Rescue. Salvation. Pulling them all back from the void. 

He couldn't take the nightmares away, the fear and pain scarred deep in his brother’s bones, but he could offer respite. Warmth and light and safety, with some distance from it all. A set of arms to hold Scott close and a shoulder to cry on when it was needed. It was something, it was everything, in the rare times Scott could reach out and take it. 

And John needed it too. He could watch over Scott from afar, he always would, he couldn't not. But he also needed his big brother close enough that he could feel his heartbeat, how his chest rose and fell with each breath, not just as numbers on a screen, but here and real and close. Maybe he wasn't the touchiest person generally, but his brothers wrapped up in a hug or sides pressed together where they sat, their soft voices in the bubble of quiet, that meant safety. With only arm’s reach to check if they were okay, especially for looking out for Scott. There was a reason that otherwise he had to have all of the data. But right now he needed Scott.

John waited for the familiar clunk of the space elevator docking, for Eos to give the all clear for her checks for the airlock being correctly pressurised, before the doors opened. 

They silhouetted Scott in their frame, stuck halfway between the warm lights of Five and the cooler, harsher ones in the space elevator. 

Scott hesitated, like he always did here, a hand blue-gloved in space issue suit gripping the edge of the airlock. 

John opened his arms, because Scott needed this as much as he did. They were the same this way.

He was met by a brother tumbling towards him, clumsy out of their element, in a crashing hug. For a moment, John almost expected it to be Alan, eager and young, those blue eyes— But Alan was nearly as graceful up here as John these days. And his eyes didn't hold the same nightmare bright intensity and John hoped they never would.

Scott hit him in a collision of bodies and John had to stop their combined momentum, a foot finding a wall to slow them until his shoulder slammed into a bulkhead cabinet anyway. Automatically, he wrapped himself around Scott. 

“Just a bit of a bump, nothing that hasn’t happened before. You gotta have a lighter touch when you kick off in micrograv,” John said cheerily. Scott was still mumbling repeated apologies under his breath. 

John took the moment, in spite of his words, to just cling to Scott, like Scott was clinging to him, burying his face at his brother’s neck. A moment, a minute, a respite. 

Finding handholds on Five’s inner surfaces was as easy as it was familiar. John could find every one of them blind, oxygen-deprived, with no Earthly directions as a frame of reference. He had, before. 

He shifted to get his fingers around Scott’s wrist, a quick tap on his hand to warn Scott first, then Scott’s locking around his own in a rescue grip, to pull them through a quietened Five as one. 

To the galley. Hot chocolate wasn't quite the same when it came in a foil pouch with a straw as opposed to Earth’s ceramic mugs, but it was chocolate and you could still warm your hands around it.

John made up two, passing one off to Scott where he hung about against what was nominally the wall, though the orientation didn't matter without gravity’s bounds. 

“Thanks.” Scott tried for a smile. He was still gripping the hand hold with the white-knuckles-beneath-gloves grip of someone unused to being without gravity and scared to drift away. 

John settled on the ceiling in arms reach, with just his toes tucked under a bar. 

Quiet lulled between them. John’s favourite type of quiet, with just the soothing hum of the life support systems, the ever-present undercurrent of Five, and their own breathing. 

Technically, it wasn't hot chocolate, but nutritionally-complete chocolate-flavoured drink didn't have the same ring. It wasn't the same as a proper meal but a stressed Scott barely ate, John wasn't exactly sure how many hours had passed but it’d be too many if he counted, and right now Scott needed something sweet and calorie-dense and easy to get into him. 

It was fine until Scott shifted, his hand slipping momentarily with a sharp intake of breath and that all too familiar flash of panic swiftly hidden. Except up here that split second where he flailed before freezing up and stopping himself sent him into a spin. 

John caught Scott’s outstretched arm to steady him. He moved next to Scott with a graceful twist to be against the same wall so Scott could hold onto him. Taking the hot chocolate from him, John gently guided Scott’s hands, one to the grab bar, the other to his baldric. 

“You can’t fall up here, not really. Even if it feels like it sometimes,” John said. Reassured. Because this was his sleep-deprived big brother he was talking to, not the perfectly put together Commander.

Scott’s eyes searched his face, latching on to John’s with the same unbreakable trust that let John lead on missions where he could see more from above and Scott actually listened. 

“Okay,” Scott said, like it was that simple, like anything in their lives was simple. Because he believed John.

They were close enough that John could see how the strands of Scott’s hair were matted together by old gel not yet washed out. More grey was flecked around his temples, his hair surrounding his head in a floating halo from the lack of gravity and the way it caught the light. 

Scott flinched at the soft click-rush-clunk of ventilation systems cycling as they should be, a sound unusual for Scott but not enough to normally be a threat. Scott’s fingers tightened on John’s baldric. 

Both of them breathed slowly and carefully, to a steady rhythm of calm until the moment passed.

With how Scott was obviously still struggling with the lack of gravity, John quietly decided to make it easier for him when he wouldn't ask.

“Eos? Gravity back on please,” John murmured aloud to ensure Scott had some warning. 

The lights around her camera blinked, flashing to a sunset tone in acknowlegement. 

“Will do, John,” Eos said.

The gravity ring mechanisms whirred as they accelerated to the appropriate velocity, providing a force at what would soon be slightly less than Earth standard gravity.

“Hello, Scott Tracy,” she added in greeting. John had noticed they’d been getting on better recently, he was glad of it.

Gently, he guided himself and Scott until their feet touched the floor. Until they could sit next to each other on the ground, cross-legged with their knees bumping, to finish their hot chocolates.

When Scott slumped with relief, letting out a long, shaky exhale, John knew he’d made the right call. 

They stared out at the stars now ‘below,’ stretching out into infinity. Always captivating. 

Scott hadn't looked out there, eyes carefully averted until he’d shuffled even closer to John, and John had tucked an arm around him to hold on. Because while Five and her warm glow, her connection to everything meant safety like any Thunderbird did, for Scott the gaping void of space held only danger and the need for rescues. Only with John it became their sky again, like they were stargazing on the roof of the farm house on Earth, far beneath them and years ago.

“You want to talk about it?” John asked softly, an opening so that Scott knew he could share and he’d listen.

“Uh. I don’t know. Maybe?” Scott’s usually well hidden uncertaintly bubbled to the surface.

“I’m here for you. Either way it’s okay,” John reminded gently, because Scott needed to hear him say it aloud even though it was always there implicitly. 

“Nightmares. It was the snow again.” It was a sign of how far Scott had come that he would talk about what was on his mind, instead of burying it deep inside in a misplaced attempt to protect them. John found Scott’s hand and gently squeezed it.

Scott shuddered, continuing, “Probably from the rescue the other day, the entire mountainside came down. But it was with all of you guys instead and it looked more like the skii slope from the avalanche and mum, but I was too late and I couldn't save you, there was nothing I could do, you were all gone and I was alone—”  Scott’s voice rose, distressed. 

John could feel him shivering against his side, had only to glance to see the tears building in the corners of Scott’s eyes, the way he had his teeth sunk into his trembling lower lip, the same as he always did when he was trying not to cry. John’s heart broke at that, it always did. He gripped Scott’s hand, tightened the arm around him in a wordless effort to make sure Scott knew he wasn't alone, John was here and he wasn't going anywhere.

Scott took a deep breath and went on. “I know it wasn't real, but it felt like it.” 

John made a quiet, empathetic noise. In the moment, in the haze where the lines blurred between sleep and wakefulness, nightmares did feel real. And in the sick feeling after when you just couldn't shake it. He’d been there too.

John could imagine the warmth of Scott’s hand through their space rated gloves as Scott squeezed his. “No matter what happens I’ll always fight for you all and I know you’ll all do everything you can to make it back home to me. And we have systems and procedures in place, and better equipment designed for bad conditions, and everything to make sure that never happens. But it still scares me,” Scott admitted.

“It scares me too.” Usually he didn't say that part aloud though with the work they did and the consequences they saw it never hadn't been in mind. “But we hold onto hope and each other and never let go.” John’s voice came with a fierceness he hadn't quite realised was still buried inside him. They had to believe in it. Or they were already broken.

“We’re Tracies. We’re not going to stop trying to make it home.” Scott returned with a fire John had missed before he dropped quieter but no less determined. “All of us. Even— even me.”

John hung onto him because he knew how long it had taken, how much it still took for Scott to say those words. To mean them. 

He pressed his forehead against Scott’s temple. The fear of losing Scott to his own sacrificial, heroic recklessness bit at John even now, along with the need to somehow protect him from the world. 

But they both were alive, here and now, in spite of the odds so far. 

Scott leaned into John.

The feelings, the fears were there, but together up here amongst the stars they lost enough of their power that they could sit with them and they would soften, the raw edged terror of nightmares washing away.

Five was a bubble of light surrounding them, sheltering them from both the void of space and all that was outside. He and Scott were wrapped up in their own little world, as tiredness itched at John’s eyes and Scott lay his head on his shoulder. John pulled his big brother closer, not that there was really any space between them anyway. They were safe as much as was possible in this big, vast world. More importantly, they were here together. 

John waited, not wanting to break the moment for as long as possible, wanting in a childish way to stay here with Scott forever, until his legs were numb and achy from sitting on them, until his eyes were threatening to slide shut, until Scott’s weight against his shoulder was resting heavily against him. Even then he was loathe to move. 

A gentle poke and repeating his name had blue eyes blinking sleepily up at him from how Scott was slumped. 

“Bedtime, big brother.” John trailed a hand through Scott’s hair, brushing back the stray strands fallen over his forehead.

“Mmmph,” Scott grumbled, tucking his face further into John’s neck.

Scott’s characteristic instant alertness come online a couple of seconds later and he pulled away. All for that he hadn't been properly asleep, merely content and dozy, a rare sight John treasured.

They walked, pressed shoulder to shoulder, to John’s tiny bedroom, tucked away on the nearer side of Five’s gravity ring. Reduced gravity made their footsteps lighter but the company did that too.

Scott hesitated at the door of the second cabin, mostly used on the occasions when Alan was up for training, put there because Five wasn't initially designed to be manned alone which John purposely didn't think about.

When Scott shrank a millimeter closer to John, John pretended not to notice the display of what Scott would call weakness in himself but never in anyone else, and nudged him with a casual, “C’mon. Puppy pile?”

“Does it still count without everyone?” Scott replied, following him though.

“Mmm,” John thought, “Yeah.” He knew he missed out on plenty on Earth too.

A hug pile of just them might be just what they needed. Both of them at this point. Memories of the whole family in a tangled, happy heap were some of John’s fondest and he knew that went for Scott too. But it was a lot and right now Scott needed calm and quiet to rest and not to feel as if he had to put on a brave face in front of everyone.

John pulled pyjamas out of his cupboard for them both, tossing an obligatory space pun t-shirt and pair of comfy sweat pants at Scott. Sharing clothes with Scott was easy given they had the most similar builds of their siblings, tall and slim, with Scott being slightly broader across the shoulders and John running more awkwardly lanky. IR space suits were comfortable but not the most for sleeping in, despite how often John ended up doing so.

They changed into pyjamas in silence, except for when John yawned midway through peeling his suit off, then Scott did too, causing them both to giggle in the way of the well past tired. 

John smiled to himself while he put on a pair of socks, watching Scott poking about his room, trailing fingers over the spines of his paper books, then inspecting the stickers on his window and the handful of glow-in-the-dark stars John had up here because they reminded him of home even with the real ones right outside. His big brother’s curiosity even over these tiny details of his life, a facet he didn't often see with John up in orbit so much, made him warm inside. Especially with the way Scott was so relaxed up here in what was John’s space, a stark contrast to earlier and the staticky comm feed. The dark circles beneath his eyes remained though.

With a jaw-cracking yawn, John tipped backwards to lie on his bed. He wriggled his galaxy patterned duvet out from from beneath him where he’d landed on top of it, unattaching it from the side of his bed where it fastened to formed more of a sleeping bag to prevent him from drifting away when he left the gravity off. Which he probably did too often when the days blurred together, rescues and downtime without separation.

Stars, he was tired. Too many rescue calls, not enough sleep for— he no longer kept track of how long, but that was another day’s problem. Right now, he was here and Scott was here, so John could believe everything was going to be okay. Provided they both got some shut eye sometime soon. 

Shuffling over to the wall made more room for Scott, even if John usually curled up right in the middle. The bunks on Five were larger and far more comfortable than the narrow and too short for anyone who wasn’t like, Gordon height, ones he remembered not so fondly from his NASA days. Still, not exactly sized for two people both over the six foot mark but they could make do. 

“Promise I won’t push you off,” John joked. 

Piling all of their siblings, because if one person was getting cuddles everyone suddenly wanted them, onto beds and couches definitely not designed for so many had led to the occasional person falling off the side, usually facilitated by shoving from the victim of a grievous crime such as ate the last sweet.

Scott rolled his eyes and repeated John’s motion of flopping down onto the bed, long limbs all everywhere, complete with tossing an arm over John’s chest and a foot over his ankles. He let out a dramatic sigh, looking to John out of the edge of his vision for his reaction.

John couldn't even pretend to be annoyed. This was Scott messing around playfully and John had missed this even as he still didn't take breaks from monitor duty and all his emotions were bubbling up in his chest until he was laughing, until there were tears in the corners of his eyes.

And Scott was laughing too, John could feel him shaking with it. Nothing was even that funny but here they were, giggling like a couple of careless, carefree kids, the sound echoing off of the walls. Five filled up with their laughter, contained it in a cocoon of light and air and protective walls between the vacuum outside where no noise could travel. 

They were both left grinning exhaustedly at each other as the world came back to the reality that it was well past 3am, they needed to actually sleep especially with Scott having come down from the adrenaline crash of a nightmare and rushing up here. John rubbed at his gritty, tired eyes.

A word to Eos in addition to a goodnight had the lights switching off, the room only illuminated by the stars outside the window. Shutters would automatically close when Five’s rotation would put them facing the sun, but for now John could look out and marvel that he was here as he used to do every night, reaching up to touch one of his glow in the dark stars, a familiar green on the wall. 

Scott watched him and John gave a half-shrug before shuffling closer. And he wasn't alone.

John shook his head to clear it before rolling onto his side, holding out his arms to Scott. 

Big brother immediately went in for the hug, burying his face at John’s shoulder, clinging to him with maybe a little left over fear or maybe just because John was near. He wrapped his arms around Scott tightly. Took a moment, another moment just to be.

Wondering how long it had been since he’d been part of a cuddle pile with any his siblings, instead of an outside observer in holographic format was not something he wanted to waste time on right now. Or how it still took a horrific nightmare for Scott to seek respite from all the pressures of the world that seemed gathered around dad’s desk. Or for John to get respite from falling on the wrong side of the distinct divide between solitary and alone. Not that he could ask for it, he and Scott were too similar in that way. Instead, John let himself sink into the hug. 

“You alright, John?” Scott’s concern was not unusual, he always found a way to check up on them.

“I’m really glad you’re here.” It could be interpreted in several ways, glad for Scott, glad for himself. That’s all John had, the rest he couldn't possible articulate but it was enough for now. He tucked his nose into Scott’s hair. 

The sun shutters slid over the windows exactly as they were supposed to. They were left with the green glow of his own stars. 

Scott’s chin was digging into his collarbone. Neither of them would likely have slept enough to be safe to fly tomorrow with the hours they were running to.

He shifted, making a quiet noise. Gently rearranging them was easy when Scott willingly followed through with John’s actions, guiding him to lie with his back to John’s chest instead. John wound his arms around Scott, ending up with his hands resting over Scott’s stomach, able to feel the rise and fall of it with each breath. He bumped his forehead against the back of Scott’s neck.

“‘M not the little spoon,” Scott protested even as he snuggled against John.

“Reality would suggest otherwise,” John returned, an observation, with the edges filed off as his deadpan humor had turned accidentally cutting these days.

It was rare that their positions were not reversed no matter the little brother involved. This made sense on a surface level, Scott’s height was greater than anyone else’s, long arms to pull them close, wrapped up safe. He was big brother, the eldest, their leader, he was the one who protected them from the world. 

But John could also be there for him. Usually that meant from afar, a hologram projected from a wrist comm they always kept on them or beside flight controls, a voice in his ear, an extra set of eyes. All the data at his fingertips and a Tracy’s determination to keep their family safe. He didn't know whether anyone realised how many crises he averted before they became problems. He protected Scott, and it was far easier now he would let them in.

Scott was warm and something tightly wound inside John loosened. They were there for each other, it was a balance, this was how the world worked. Now that Scott let them take some of the weight instead of carrying the whole universe on his shoulders, it was easier to lean on him too because they shared things like this. To not follow Scott’s less than stellar example of hiding struggles, but from a big brother who tried to do and be everything instead of the little ones, because John couldn't bear to add anything else to the pile. Scott trusted him, he could trust Scott too.

John was just about to drop off to sleep when Scott suddenly tensed up. 

“I don’t want to go to sleep. I don't want to have more nightmares.” The words came out jagged and scared, whisper quiet.

Scott was exhausted but the fear was stronger, unpredictably resurging just when everything seemed alright. John had seen how Scott would try to escape it before passing out into uneasy unconsciousness. He found Scott’s hands, sought them gently and linked theirs together. 

“I can’t make them stop but I will be right here if you have one,” John said, “I promise.”

“I know.” 

Scott settled again, letting out a deep breath.

John felt Scott fidgeting with his hands, carefully curling and uncurling his fingers, tracing over his knuckles, pressing their palms together, as the fear ebbed again.

The sounds of Five washed over them, humming softly as if breathing with them too. Familiar and home. John’s family was also his home. He needed them too. They needed him. He and Scott were rest and safety for each other as much the Thunderbird was for the world. 

John made sure to give an, “I love you,” to his big brother while he was still awake to hear it because these things were important to be said and to be heard in reply. 

Slowly, ever so slowly the grip of Scott’s hands relaxed, remaining loosely entwined with John’s as sleep finally came. 

John kept holding onto Scott. A Scott who knew he could come to John for anything and had come to him tonight. Scott was here, they were both here together on Thunderbird Five amongst the stars. The rest of John’s thoughts trailed off at sleep’s approach but they were filled with a quiet hope.

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #john tracy #scott tracy #sky and star #astrawrite

[idontknowreallywhy]

WIP almost-Wednesday because I’m excited about this one but also a bit stuck so it might not see the light of day for a while 😂

Will be part of chapter 3 of Play it Out.

Virgil carefully stowed his tools in Two’s specifically designed storage compartments and stretched, stifling a yawn. He checked his watch - 2am already! Gordon had bailed and disappeared off to bed a while ago but he hadn’t realised it had got quite so late… he’d got thoroughly absorbed in those calibrations though and it was satisfying to have it finished.

He wiped his hands on his jeans and made his way over to the elevator, turning to look back at the big green behemoth as he waited for the door to open. He was now 3 weeks ahead on his ship’s routine maintenance schedule and she was purring like a kitten. Between the familiar but challenging work and Gordon’s background chatter, he’d been doing a great job of not thinking too much either. Which was… good. Hopefully if he ignored the weird existential angst feeling for long enough it would go away and he’d get back into the more healthy habit of loving his life.

Which he did.

So.

All would be well.

As he passed through the lounge he was relieved not to find Scott there working until the early hours again. He’d seemed more tense and frowny than usual the last few days and Virgil was incredibly thankful he’d resisted the temptation to unburden himself to his big brother. The last thing that man needed was anything more to worry about.

Not that he wasn’t eaten up with guilt about it anyway. There was a good reason he was never deliberately untruthful with Scott - it felt like a betrayal even if he knew it was for the best. He was a horrible liar at the best of times, and now he could feel his face burning whenever his brother caught his eye. Every time Scott spoke to him, Virgil’s treacherous heart jumped into his mouth and he was almost overcome by the need to confess everything.

Not that there was much to tell.

Except that he was a fool who needed to get a grip and be grateful.

With stealth borne out of years of practice he crept past the rooms of his younger brothers on silent feet and paused at his own, glancing over at Scott’s. A prickle of… something ran through him and he was seized by the sudden insane urge to burst in and demand a big bro hug. It had been a few days, in fact, since his last, but Scott slept little enough as it was. Tomorrow, then.

Gosh he was tired. He opened the door and made a beeline for the bathroom, beginning to pull his shirt over his head as he walked. He became vaguely aware of a rustling noise from the vicinity of his right foot and shook it irritably, failing to shed whatever had got stuck to his sock. Flannel tangled over his face he reached down and removed the sock, random scrap of paper and all and abandoned it behind him.

Once the grease was washed from his hands and teeth thoroughly brushed he drifted back into the bedroom and went to stand at the window. He squinted into the grey, his eyes finding nothing to focus on as the low lying cloud reflected the light from his bedside table straight back at him. He shivered, despite the villa’s consistent, comfortable temperature.

Tracy Island’s sub-tropical winters were very mild compared to those he’d experienced growing up, but the cooler temperatures combined with the frequent sea mists still made him long to hibernate. He pulled the blinds down and shut it out.

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #wednesday wip #wip wednesday #idontknowreallywhy fanfic #virgil tracy #scott tracy

[skymaiden32]

Heavy Lifting

Read on AO3 here

Fandom: Thunderbirds

Tagging: @dragonoffantasyandreality @thundergeek59 @janetm74 @katblu42 @liseylou @amistrio @uniwolfcorn @idontknowreallywhy (Please ask if you would like to get alerts when I update or post new stories.)

Thundertober Day 8: Gentle Giant

Even the strongest people need a pick me up.

Continuity: TAG

------

‘An absolute unit.’

That’s what his dear brother Gordon liked to call him. And it was something Virgil embodied in pretty much everything he did. 

He was by far the strongest of his family. Sure, Scott and Gordon, being military trained, had a fair bit of muscle on them. And John kept relatively fit with his exercises up in space. But Virgil had always been the strong one. Even as kids, he could easily lift two of his little brothers onto each shoulder and carry them around. He continued to lift them up to this day. In more ways than one.

Whenever Scott was having doubts or John wasn’t talking to anyone. Whenever Gordon was having flashbacks or Alan just needed a nudge in the right direction. He was there. He would always be there, supporting them. Just like his beloved Thunderbird 2 supported her sister craft on rescues. He was a lot like his ship in that way. They were kindred spirits, Virgil and Thunderbird 2. Gentle giants in every sense.

He was the heavy lifter. The demolition expert. The medic. All he did was support. So, he snarked to himself as he was laying down in his bed one random Thursday morning, unable to get up. Just why couldn’t he push past this? This feeling he had right now? Of hopelessness and despair that he hadn’t been able to shake since that rescue two days ago? He didn’t know how long he’d been lying there, senses so dead to the road that everything blurred together. But clearly, his brothers did. Because it was his brothers who saved him. 

“Virgil?” The door creaked open, Alan’s voice gentle as he looked at his brother. Still in bed at three in the afternoon. It worried them. It worried them all… “Grandma made cookies if you want any.” Instead of the usual sounds of disgust whenever someone mentioned Grandma Tracy’s cooking, Virgil simply grunted. The alarm bells in Alan’s head went off. “Stay where you are, I’ll be right back.” Virgil grunted again.

Alan came back. With everyone. Even John had come down from Thunderbird 5. Scott didn’t say anything. He just wrapped Virgil up into the tightest hug he could possibly manage, squeezing hard. The rest of their family joined in as well, cocooning Virgil in a warm embrace. One that he’d desperately needed. For the first time in what felt like forever, Virgil began to cry. Sobbing into his big brother's shoulder, letting the emotions out that he’d held in for so long.

At long last, he spoke. “I should’ve done more…” His voice cracked. “I should’ve done more to help that little girl…” If at all possible, the hug got even tighter.

“It wasn’t your fault, Virgil.” Gordon’s voice was strong in contrast to his own.

“It was.” Virgil insisted. “She was right there in front of me. She was…”

“Already gone.” Another voice interrupted his tirade. John. “Virgil, she was already gone. Her life sign was dead before you even got into that cavern.”

Virgil cried again in despair. What John had just told him was new information to him. “Then I should’ve worked faster!”

“No.” Scott simply stated, pulling back from his brother as much as the group hug would allow. “Virgil, look at me.” The younger of the two struggled to lift his head, but he did. His brother’s determined blue eyes met his dull brown ones. “You were already working as fast as you could. I know it hurts. But you did everything in your power to save her.”

Kayo’s voice was in agreement with Scott. “She knows you did what you could Virgil. It’s alright to mourn her. But she doesn’t blame you, and she wouldn’t want you to blame yourself…” Virgil sniffled.

“I wouldn’t blame you if I were in her shoes…” Alan’s voice was small. “She was my age. I didn’t know her, but I know better than anyone in this room what would’ve gone through her head.”

“That’s why I should’ve done more…” Virgil replied. “A family lost their sunshine. They lost their Alan Tracy because I wasn’t strong enough to save her.”

Everyone froze. “Honey…” Grandma weaved her way into the centre of the hug. “Now listen to us, none of this is on you.”

“But-”

“Virgil. None of that.” Grandma’s voice was firm, but not unkind. “It’s not your fault. I want you to get that into your head right now.” Virgil wiped the last of his tears away. Of course she was right. They were all right.

“You okay now, Virg?” Scott ruffled his hair.

Virgil smiled sadly as the hug parted, but his heart was lighter now. Much lighter. They’d done all the heavy lifting… “I will be, Scott. I will be…”

#thunderfam #thunderbirds #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #virgil tracy #alan tracy #gordon tracy #scott tracy #john tracy #kayo kyrano #grandma tracy #sky writes stuff #thundertober #thundertober 2023

[godsliltippy]

I posted 2,567 times in 2022

70 posts created (3%)

2,497 posts reblogged (97%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@gumnut-logic

@gaviiadastra

@crossingdesigns

@chenria

@janetm74

I tagged 325 of my posts in 2022

#thunderbirds are go - 54 posts

#thunderbirds - 46 posts

#gordon tracy - 23 posts

#reblog - 17 posts

#🤣 - 17 posts

#fanartam2022 - 15 posts

#fanartam - 15 posts

#😂 - 13 posts

#marchoftheocs - 9 posts

#march of the ocs - 9 posts

Longest Tag: 90 characters

#their friendship is just as important to me as gordon and penelope's romantic relationship

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

More sleepy babies

75 notes - Posted November 25, 2022

#4

Shoulder buddy

Shes developed an attachment to my shoulder :P

I'm gonna need someone to adopt these munchkins before I get attached!

77 notes - Posted December 2, 2022

#3

I'm pinned

78 notes - Posted November 18, 2022

#2

Thunderfam role call!

Just reblog "here" or 🤚 if you're still active (at any level) in the fandom 😋

109 notes - Posted March 25, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Thunder Scout Code

Remember the oath: "A rescue scout is calm, a rescue scout is brave. Never scared, always prepared, to help, to guide, to save!"

For members of the Thunderfam, new and old, we have been called to honor the core values of the show we love. In a world that can be full of fear and anger, we have the opportunity to honor the message of International Rescue through these values. 

Our support of each other is our strength:

S - Safety We offer a safe place where individuals can share their passions, struggles, and fears without judgement.

V - Vital Everyone matters. Everyone is worthy of love and respect. All bring their own song to our symphony. 

J - Joyful In everything we do, find joy. The tiniest spark of joy can fuel the heart and mind. Our passion is inspiring!

G - Grateful Find contentment in the little things that brighten the day. Today is a day you are loved.

A - Appreciate A little goes a long way. Take a moment to love what we do.

G - Gentle A soft word, a hug, or a hand on a shoulder can be an invitation for healing.

K - Kindness It never hurts to be kind to someone. Rarely has a kind word broken a heart or crushed someone's spirit.

P - Patience Take a moment to breathe, to reflect. Time is a limited commodity and shouldn't be wasted with rash decisions.

P - Playfulness Be silly! Create! Enjoy the space we are nurturing!

B - Belonging The Thunderfam is a space where everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in their own unique way. Where we celebrate each other's differences. Everyone is a part of the whole and has something valuable to contribute. 

J - Just love each other. Above all, that is what we're here to do.

H - Humility We aren't called to be perfect. Be willing to accept yourself and others as they are, without unreasonable expectations. Help each other grow to become the best versions of ourselves.

Reblog to share this message and to affirm your support of these core values. We have a wonderful, diverse community, and while each of us can create the experience that fulfills us, our hope is to create a good one for all.

122 notes - Posted April 9, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

[ak47stylegirl]

The Fish Prince (Royal Tracy Au) - Chapter 3 -

Okay guys here’s the next bit and I just want to thank you guys for all of your support with that comment, it really meant a lot to me ❤

Okay I hope you guys enjoy. 

Prev | Next 

---

As the car drove through the gardens that adorned his home, Gordon spotted his family lined up outside the palace entrance in their winter clothes, his father front and centre.

Wow, they’re really throwing out the red carpet, Huh? Gordon thought with a grin, barely resisting the urge to jump up and down in excitement like a child on Christmas. 

He missed them so much! 

Gordon almost jumped out of the car the second the footmen opened the car door but restrained himself, getting out at a speed more suited for someone of his status. 

Like he cared about that...but his father did, so….

Gordon came face to face with his stoned-faced father, his brothers standing to attention slightly behind him. Other than the fact that Scott was holding Alan on his hip, (the kid looked like he had just been woken up from a nap or desperately needed one) the air was thick with a formality that their life adhered to. 

He took a deep breath and gave his father a salute, barely able to keep himself from grinning like a loon. “Gordon Tracy, reporting for duty, sir..” It was so weird to salute his father, but his father was the king, which meant that he was his superior and commander. 

His father nodded, the corner of his mouth twitching up, “we missed you, son..” His Dad chuckled, laying his hand on his shoulder and the formal spell was broken; his brothers quickly broke ranks to tackle him with hugs.

“We missed you fish, I almost forgot what it was like to be pranked!” Virgil grinned, messily ruffling his blond hair. 

“Ahhh no! Not the hair!” Gordon pulled away with a laugh, fixing his hair up while the others laughed. “It took me forever to get it right…” 

“Oh, I thought you just woke up like that..” John teased with a smile, coming to stand next to him, laying his hand on his arm. “It's good to see you, Gordon…”

“It’s good to see you too, Johnny!” Gordon grinned, the corners of his mouth starting to hurt with how much smiling he was doing, “So how have the stars been? Seen any aliens lately?” 

John rolled his eyes with a slight chuckle, “Remind me again why we missed you?-”

“I think it’s a mild case of insanity..” Scott commented with a grin, reaching out to ruffle Gordon’s hair, messing it up again; this time beyond repair. Alan shifted in Scott’s arms, the kid starting to wake up. 

“-And don’t call me Johnny…” John's grumble went ignored. 

“Gordy?” Alan wondered softly as he sleepily rubbed at his eyes, “Gordy!” Alan cheered, a big grin adorning his little freckled face, ”Scotty! Put me down!” Alan cried, starting to wiggle in Scott’s arms, seeming to have bounced wide awake in his excitement.

Dad frowned. 

“Woah! Woah! okay, okay! Stop wiggling before I drop you, kiddo...” Scott yelped, doing his best not to drop Alan, who was doing his best to counteract that. “you’re happy now?” Scott asked slightly sarcastically as he set Alan down, who ignored him in favour of torpedoing Gordon.

Dad’s frown deepened.

“Gordy!” Alan tackled his waist, causing Gordon to take a step back to stop himself from falling over. Gordon would have for sure fallen over if it was for Virgil catching him slightly. 

“Wow! Where did this little gremlin come from?!” Gordon teased with a grin, wrapping his arms around Alan, whose head barely came up to his waist. “Did you shrink while I was gone?” 

Alan pulled away from him with a look of distaste; his button nose scrunched up. “I didn't shrink! You're the one that's short!”

“Alan…” Scott warned, raising an eyebrow. 

Alan froze and blinked up at Scott, before crossing his arms in a pout, “Sorry..” Alan muttered, averting his eyes away but while no one was looking, Alan quickly stuck his tongue out at him. 

Gordon grinned, about to retaliate when-

“Alan Tracy!” Dad snapped, causing Alan to jump and look over at Dad; the kid’s eyes wide with fear. “Don’t stick your tongue out at your brother! He is your senior and deserves your respect! Apologise right now!” 

“Dad, calm down...” Scott said, looking at their father with a slight frown. “He was just messing around, you don’t need to yell at him like that...” 

Dad’s eyes narrow slightly at Scott, grunting in distaste. 

Okay, so the weird power dynamic between Dad and Scott when it came to raising Alan was still very much a thing, Gordon thought with a slight frown feeling the tension in the air as Scott and Dad had a whole conversation with just their stares. 

And so was the fact that Alan’s relationship with Dad was still on rocky grounds if the kid’s reaction was anything to go by, Gordon sighed deeply, watching as Alan inched his way behind Scott’s legs, away from Dad’s glaze. 

Gordon really didn’t understand why their Dad was so hard on the kid, Alan already had it hard enough with his health causing him so much misery. Allie didn’t need the added pressure from Dad. 

No wonder the kid flocked to Scott…

TBC

#Gordon Tracy #Virgil Tracy #John Tracy #Scott Tracy #alan tracy #jeff tracy #thunderbirds #thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #Royal Tracy Au

[fallenfurther]

Homecoming - An unexpected visitor

Chapters 1 , 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Chapter 10 is here, finally, after my muse deserted me yet again. I hope you enjoy how I've introduced this character back in. I'm mixing all the different Thunderbird worlds lore to create a version that fits in with this story.

**********

Leaving the island on Sunday was heartbreaking. He had spent the day with Gordon, who had helped him with a little physiotherapy in the pool. In the morning the rest of his boys had returned, including John, but they had all needed to sleep. Jeff had watched their return from the gantry. Their movements had been slow as if each blue boot had lead in the sole. Alan could barely keep his eyes open, and the eyes of the older boys were hollow and struggled to focus on anything. It had been a very long rescue and with weak waves from the boys, Jeff made sure they all headed straight to bed. So many lives had been saved because of his boys' courage and skill, but the cost to themselves was clear. The calendar contained few social events and some of those had become no shows thanks to a call out. The changing rooms in the facility were apparently bypassed in favour of their rooms and personal bathrooms, leaving Mum to turn on the robot cleaner to mop up the dirty footprints that now trailed through their home. 

His sons had slept long into the afternoon, waking only to say goodbye. Hastily donned clothes and yawns accompanied the farewell hugs he received. He swore Alan almost fell asleep in his arms, making it harder to let go of the teenager. Jeff had missed so much. Mum flew him to the facility and handed him over to the staff after sharing another hug. At least it wouldn't be long until he was back on the island again. His mother would return to take care of the boys, as she had done for so long, though Gordon had helped him leave an array of food in the kitchen for his brothers to find once awake. He smiled knowing he'd helped them even in such a small way, but he had wished they'd been able to spend time as a family. 

"Next weekend. You'll see."

Jeff hugged his mother as tightly as he could in the reception of the facility. He could wait five day. He'd already waited longer.

*******

Jeff placed his tablet down at the sharp knock on his door. Nurse Mary poked her head through the crack with an apologetic smile on her face. She was a patient nurse, who had been very kind to Jeff over the months. He gave her a warm smile.

"Sorry to disturb you, Mr Tracy, but there is a gentleman at reception here to see you. He's not on your visitor list. He says his name is Kyrano. Do you know the man?"

"I do know him. Please, let him in. I'd like to see him."

"I'll go get him for you."

Jeff was a little surprised, having not heard anything from his old friend since he'd been back. There was no way that the man wasn't keeping an eye on International Rescue, but it had thrown Jeff when he wasn't there upon his return. Even Brains had braved the unknown and flown to the Oort cloud, but Kyrano had been absent from the island for years according to his sons. The man had left his teenage daughter in the care of Mum and Scott and disappeared within months of them calling off the search. Kyrano was a tough man, had been through a few horrendous things himself, yet had still fought for a better world. It was his knowledge that had kept the island and International Rescue a secret. His knowledge of communication and governments had allowed them to stay under the radar. Jeff had trusted him completely and relied on him just as much as he had Lee Taylor. Kyrano had watched the first launch of the TV21 and been there as Jeff set off for his first rescue in Thunderbird One. He'd worked closely with Brains on the original automatic camera detector, though his sons had decided that technology was now obsolete. It had been a shock to see images of the Thunderbirds online. Apparently it was harder than expected to keep the craft offline with everyone having 4K cameras in their pockets, and the logs confirmed they often did rescues in more populated areas than Jeff and Lee ever had. Apparently EOS monitored the publicity and images available on the web, removing some when required. The world knew a lot more about International Rescue than ever, even the GDF knew where the Island was. Times had changed, and it appeared his friend had as well. The man had left the Island not long after Jeff's accident. He'd left everything on the shoulders of his grieving boys. It was something that he'd never expected. He retired, as Kyrano had called it, though it looked more like abandonment to Jeff. 

Mary returned with a smile and let in the mysterious man. Jeff stood up as his eyes took in every detail of his old friend. The grey in the man's hair was evident, with grand streaks of silver sweeping through the styled strands like it was a choice that it was there. He'd aged well, the wrinkles around his eyes and temples were still fine. The man still stood with the same air of silent authority that made everyone listen to him. The man had the biggest heart beneath his serious demeanour, hence why his departure from International Rescue had surprised Jeff. Mary left the two of them alone. 

"There's no need to stand for me, Mr Tracy."

"I'm perfectly able to stand, Kyrano, and I've always stood for you."

"Despite my insistence."

"Mum would have my hide if she knew I'd disregarded my manners."

"Dr Tracy is a fierce woman."

"You can say that again."

Jeff sat back in his chair and waved at the empty one beside him. Kyrano stood a little longer before heading over and gently taking the offered seat, the man's movements still as quiet as ever. 

"You are quite the man, Jeff." There was a slight softening in the man's features, though he was still alert. "No one should have been able to survive that long in deep space."

"I've always been a record breaker."

"Indeed."

Jeff scrutinised his companion, deciding to skip the small talk, which was something Kyrano did to hide his real agenda, and cut to the important stuff.

"What do you think of the International Rescue my boys have created? Have they done it justice? Do you think they went too far with the social media aspect of it?"

Kyrano's eyes sparkled and a smile came to his face. That was the man Jeff remembered. The observant cunning man who would always know the right time to step in. 

"They've done well, considering the circumstances. They have made mistakes, many of which they have learnt from. However, some of them have significant character flaws that they fall for time and time again. I believe they were right to start using social media when they did. The world needed reminding that there were people behind the machines, and they had managed to keep out of the limelight, to the best of their ability, until that point. I believe their AI has been extremely helpful in monitoring and controlling sensitive material."

"I'm glad you've been keeping an eye on them."

"Of course I did, they are like sons to me and my own flesh and blood was with them. Considering it was my half-brother who was threatening their lives it was my duty to keep them as safe as possible."

"Yet you left the Island."

Kyrano had the courtesy to close his eyes. It was his way of preparing himself, thinking through every word to ensure the correct meaning was portrayed. Jeff suspected he was about to hear something very personal to Kyrano, something he may have never spoken to another human being. Those emerald eyes opened and stared into his deep blue ones. 

"I couldn't live with the guilt. I watched your boys search for you. They refused to give up, the anguish in their faces haunted my dreams. The way they went out and returned despondent. We had been trying to convince the GDF about Belah, that he was operating as The Hood, and that he was dangerous. Only after they saw the footage from inside the Zero-X did they actually believe some of what I had told them, but it was too late. You were gone. I had intel, Jeff. I hadn't been certain, but there had been a minor security breach at the compound. It had the markings of his work, his techniques, but I hadn't acted on it. If I had, we might have been able to search the Zero-X before take off. We might have been able to stop him, and you might not have gotten stranded."

"You know as well as I that there would have been no guarantee of that. That they would have probably ignored us, just as they had before. Nothing you could have done would have changed the outcome of that day. If anything, it could have made it worse."

"Oh, but the guilt, Jeff. I couldn't live and watch your boys suffer. Every day I was reminded of my failure. I was the Chief of Security. It was my job to manage the information network and analyse possible threats, and yet you were still killed. Your boys held on to hope, while all I could see every time they replayed the footage was how I killed you. How my brother had taken away a great man, a father and a friend. I struggled to do my job, forever on edge, doubting, double checking everything and chasing so many obvious false leads. That's why I resigned. I left quietly knowing Dr Tracy would make sure Tenusha was well looked after. That her education would continue and she would be relatively safe with your boys."

Jeff's mind could see how the events may have caused such feelings in Kyrano, but his heart couldn't get around the fact that he left. How could he leave Tenusha? 

"But those boys never blamed you. They needed you to support them, to guide them through their grief and help them continue. Instead you left them to figure most of it out on their own. I never expected you would do something like that, Kyrano." 

Jeff couldn't keep the hurt from his voice. A man he'd trusted, who had the skills and knowledge to guide them, has just left them. 

"I never stopped watching over them, Jeff. I kept an eye on security threats from afar while they took over. They had others, Dr Tracy and Mr Taylor, who were perfectly suited to help them through."

The man paused to fetch two glasses of water, one of which he offered to Jeff. Jeff took a sip before placing it on the table. 

"I had resolved to track down and locate my brother. I needed to stop him from hurting your boys again. His vendetta against you was driving him, and even though you were gone I knew it wouldn't fizzle out, not with the boys continuing International Rescue. I tracked Belah for the first year and a half, interfering with his plans and frustrating him, but I couldn't catch him. I finally managed to trace his finances and wipe them out. With no funds he disappeared off the face of the planet. He hunkered down and I had no idea where. By the time I had finished chasing every lead, every dead end, just over two years had passed since I'd left. They had all moved on, built International Rescue up again without me. John had been performing most of the security duties from Thunderbird Five, but was starting the handover to Tenusha. My daughter was taking my place. I watched over the next months as she settled into the role, with the help of John and Miss Creighton-Ward, she found her feet. She's very good at what she does, so I let her take my place. With my brother in hiding, I headed to my parent's land and started on the upkeep of my childhood home. All the while I had my toe in the water, my contacts still feeding me information. I knew my brother would come back at some point, stronger and more vengeful than ever. Each year, International Rescue grew, responding to more rescues and perfecting their techniques. They were all safe. They didn't require me anymore."

"So you have been watching them the entire time? Just from a distance."

"Yes, until they got the AI. Since she settled into Thunderbird Five, she closed off all my access loops into the network. She secured it tight. I have relied on my contacts since."

"So you didn't know I was alive?"

"Not until the world did."

There was regret in the man's eyes. The realisation that things could have been different. He'd done what he had thought was best and it'd left him alone and away from family.

"So, what do you do to keep yourself occupied?"

A smile crossed his friend's face. 

"I should be asking you that. You were the one trapped so far away from everything."

"I mined asteroids for ice, grew algae and kept the oxygen flowing. Nothing too interesting, how about you?"

"Gardening, cooking for my elderly neighbours, training and keeping up to date on current affairs." 

Kyrano stood up, his glass of water finished. Just like that, his visit ended. A hand was offered to Jeff, which he shook. 

"May I visit again?"

"You may, though I'm hoping to become an outpatient soon."

Kyrano nodded solemnly. 

"You could approach Tenusha. Reach out and start mending that bridge. There might still be a place for us old guys on the Island."

"I'll consider it."

"I believe she would welcome seeing you."

Kyrano left with just a light click from the door. His footsteps were still eerily quiet. The man could slip past most people, a useful skill when it came to retrieving stolen files and keeping International Rescue's secrets. He and Parker had been an unstoppable team in those early years. A smile crossed his face at the memories. The ball where he had escorted Lady Penelope for Sir Hugh Creighton-Ward, which had ended in dogs chasing Parker across the lawn while Kyrano slipped into the shadows. Those early days when Jeff's bones didn't ache and he could run around the island with ease. Gravity, and time, could be so cruel. 

Forcing himself out of the chair, Jeff headed into the little garden. The wind brushed against his cheek and he closed his eyes. His mind drifted to times gone by. The wind took him back to his Air Force days, where he had stood beside the runway with his comrades, wind trying to destroy his neatly styled hair and dirty his pristine uniform, as the plane before them taxied to a stop. He smiled as it changed direction, blowing straight into his face and taking him back further. Back to his first flights in Mum's precious old biplane, goggles tight over his eyes as the wind stole his whoops of delight. The air stilled for a moment, before becoming gentle, barely moving Jeff's gelled hair. At that moment, he was standing in the rough rocky outcrop, eyes scouting the horizon beyond Mateo Island. That had been the beginning of it all, Kyrano standing behind him with Brains as Jeff gave them a tour of the island he wanted to buy. He'd turned around to see the cogs of Brains' mind turning and Kyrano steadfast. Jeff had spread his arms wide and asked their opinion. Brains had confirmed it was plausible, and the location had many advantages for a rescue organisation. Kyrano had given him a smile and a nod before confirming it would be a good secret base, easy to conceal with very few neighbours to annoy. Opening his eyes to the deep blue cloudless sky, Jeff wondered what he was to do next. International Rescue was running well, Tracy Industries was still an industry leader and yet his sons were isolated and tired. That had never been part of his plan. Sighing, he pottered over to his bench and sat down with a feeling he had much to mull over. 

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #homecoming #jeff tracy #kyrano #unexpected visitor #the visitor #do you want him back?

[gumnut-logic]

Sweetapple Slice 4

Alexander Sweetapple series

@idontknowreallywhy asked:

What would it take for your character to get into a fight?

I could have taken this many ways. I might still. But thi is what happened this time :D

Many thanks to @onereyofstarlight for the late night read ::hugs you tight::

This is a male/male romance, so if that is not your thing, this isn't your fic.

The first 350 words of this were posted last night, here be the rest :D

I hope you enjoy :D

-o-o-o-

Virgil gripped the keep-cups a little tighter than he probably should. Especially as they were full of scalding hot coffee. But he was worried, and his flight down to Mahia may have been a little impulsive and over-reactionary.

Landing a four hundred and six tonne Thunderbird in the middle of the Tracy Industries R&D Facility at 3am was likely to get his butt toasted by a certain older brother.

As it was, several staff had come running out and he had had to wave them off.

No emergency. Everything’s fine. Sorry for waking you up.

Just need to check in on someone.

He’d probably made everything worse, come to think of it.

But they’d all wandered off back to bed. The one remaining person had been Fireman Fred and his expression had been far too knowing for Virgil’s comfort.

So he’d proven that the second eldest Tracy brother wasn’t perfect and possibly was a little far too smitten for his own good.

But it was the absence of one person that had him worried the most.

The housing apartments for employees were sufficiently upmarket to lure in talent to the business. Each employee had their own space, be it cabin or apartment.

Alex had opted for an apartment on the end of a row. It had been obvious the few times Virgil had been invited back to the engineer’s home that Alex spent little time there.

The man lived for his lab.

To the point that Virgil had initially headed towards that building only to be diverted by a nudge from Fred. “Erica kicked him out. He was makin’ a racket. Yelling at his computer like it had threatened his first born, or somethin’”

Virgil winced. Or somethin’

“Thanks, Fred.” A sigh. “Sorry for waking you up.”

The big man dropped a weary hand on his shoulder. “Yer a good one, son. Bein’ there when he needs yer. The rest, well, shi’ happens.” With that, Fred patted him once more on the shoulder, turned, and walked off into the darkness, presumably back to his quarters.

Leaving Virgil to make his own way to Alex’s home.

There was a light in the window, as he expected, but Virgil still approached the door with a little hesitation.

He didn’t ring the doorbell, only tapping on the wooden door.

Footsteps had Virgil straightening where he stood.

Alex flung the door open. “What?!” His eyes widened. “Oh! Virgil! Come in. Ohhhh, you brought coffee! I love you!”

Something in Virgil’s belly relaxed as Alex flung the screen door open and virtually dragged him inside. This was his Alex. He didn’t need to worry. It was all going to be okay.

“You on the way back from a rescue?”

Virgil handed him his coffee and couldn’t help but smile when Alex immediately scarfed half of it down. Probably not the best at 3am, but considering why Virgil was here, it was a gift of…some kind.

Virgil’s shoulders dropped just a little. He hadn’t meant for Alex to become involved and he really hoped he would be forgiven.

“No. No rescue.”

Apparently no competition for the coffee either because Alex downed the remainder of his cup in one gulp.

And Gordon thought Virgil inhaled his stim juice.

The cup was put down on a side table. “Hey, what do you think of fractal polymers?”

And there it was, the core of the issue. His heart melted as Alex finally showed how agitated he really was. He walked backwards, obviously not sure what to do with his hands, and towards the glowing face of his laptop. The familiar graphics glared across the room at Virgil.

“Uh-“

“I’m so glad you’re here, Virgil. I need your opinion on this.”

Virgil dragged his feet forward. A breath. “What’s up?”

“Do you keep up with the engineering boards online?” Virgil opened his mouth to answer, but Alex kept talking. “Of course, you do. What a stupid question. Umm, I like to keep abreast of the latest in polymers, because, well, Siliwrap, and I came across this amazing article by V.T Green. I mean the guy is a master.”

Virgil swallowed as Alex gestured emphatically with his hands.

“You have heard of him, haven’t you?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Total genius with polymer work.” Alex was really getting into the topic now. “Awhile back he had this idea for a self-healing polymer. It was amazing, Virgil. The design was beauty itself.” The expression on Alex’s face had Virgil’s heart beating so much faster. “But anyway, hero worship aside, the guy knows his stuff.”

“Sounds like it.” Virgil just wanted to kiss Alex until all his worries vanished. He could do that. His job was saving people, wasn’t it?

“Yeah.” Alex’s shoulders dropped. “There are too many assholes in this world.”

“Alex-“

“The article proposed the idea that if we could generate a finite fractal-structured polymer, it might be able to create an interlocking chain strong enough to support weight over long distances. He described fishing line that could lift an ocean liner from space. He even proposed that the chain could possibly be built on demand, constructed electronically when needed and similarly disassembled when not.” Alex grabbed both of Virgil’s upper arms. “Can you imagine the possibilities?!”

He didn’t need to. The technology now powered Thunderbird Five’s elevator.

“Alex-“

“But where there is genius, there is always idiocy.” Alex flung up his hands in frustration. “He was called ridiculous. Some claimed his theories were no more than technobabble from a science fiction show. One said he was a sellout and goodie-two-shoes who licked Tracy ass!”

Virgil opened his mouth.

“What is wrong with trying to do good?!” And yeah, there was the passion that had been shouted all over the engineering boards. ApplesWithAttitude had made his point very, very clear. Even taking on the annoying Coloncous - V.T. Green’s nemesis.

And the retaliations had been worse than nasty.

“How can people be so disappointing? Why is money and power the ultimate goal?” Alex sat back on the edge of his desk, deflated. “Why are people such assholes?”

Virgil put his coffee cup, still untouched, down beside Alex’s empty one, and took the handful of steps to get up and close to the man he was in love with.

Yes, in love at this very moment.

He dropped a knuckle beneath Alex’s chin and nudged the engineer to look up at him. “Your words were beautiful, you know.”

Alex stared at him a moment before his eyes slowly widened. “You-“

Virgil kissed him before he could say anything more, hard enough, soft enough, for the man to melt in his arms.

It was a long moment before he was forced to break off for air. Alex hung in his arms, staring up at him, possibly a little dazed.

Virgil’s lips curled into a small smile.

“You’re V.T. Green.” Quiet awe.

“Yeah.”

“You’re brilliant.”

His smile quirked to one side. “Sometimes, maybe. But then, you’re not so bad yourself. ApplesWithAttitude taught them a few things tonight.”

Alex blushed. Just a little. Enough to widen Virgil’s smile just that little bit more.

“They pissed me off.” And there was the fire again. “They had no right.”

“I must remember not to anger you myself. You’re scary.”

Alex let out a small laugh, but he reached up and brushed his fingers across Virgil’s cheek. “How are you so…”

But Virgil didn’t let him finish, touching his lips softly with his own, kissing gently. “Thank you for coming to my defence.” He whispered the words.

Alex drew in a breath, catching Virgil’s lower lip. “My pleasure.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

But Alex suddenly broke off the kiss. “Hey, that means we can talk fractal polymers!”

Virgil stared at him a solid moment before he lost it, and cracked up laughing.

-o-o-o-

AN: Sorry, forgot to add that you can find the V.T. Green story here if this makes no sense.

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #virgil tracy #alexander sweetapple #nuttyfic