#gordon tracy needs a hug and gets one

[edutainer2022]

I accidentally found the bit in my drafts, with no memory if there was a bigger context for it. Anyhow, Gordon and John talk about POW Scott, which is always fascinating. Gordon is graduating into brotherhood, John is there for him.

***

The tablet clanked and tumbled down the slope, before smashing into pieces. Good riddance! If Gordon could, he would tear it with his bare hands all over again.

A long warm arm wrapped around his hunched shoulders. For once - it wasn't Scott. Gordon squeezed his eyes against hot, angry tears and took in a ragged breath. For once, maybe the only time ever, he was glad it wasn't Scott. He'd slip, do his usual foot in mouth thing and say something that would hurt Scotty more... More than THEY already had...

The arm squeezed him a little and he leaned into the embrace.

"You know, those files are encrypted for a reason..."

John's voice was even, matter of fact. But Gordon could hear the underlying worry. He could feel the anger rise up in protest. He loved his brothers with everything he got, but there were so damn MANY above him on the totem pole. Sometimes they all conveniently forgot he wasn't a child anymore! He deserved a place at the table when biggest brother's peace of mind was at stake. He deserved to CONTRIBUTE.

John's worry naturally went a step further.

"Does Alan know?"

"Whan do you think, I'm an idiot?!"

A ginger brow arched, questioning without judgement. But the turquoise eyes were warm.

Allie would be good enough to hack John's finest firewalls, but he wasn't there yet. Thank God! Okay, Gordon maybe could see the point why John and Virgil kept the classified GDF files from him. The clinical, precise descriptions of the horror and hell Scott had gone through in Bereznik was not something to easily bounce off from. Ever.

Gordon sniffled. A small, young sound. Embarrassing. But he was just about holding it together in big brother's hug.

"How did Scotty do it? How could he..."

Survive? Stay sane? Gordon was old enough to remember the husk of a brother Dad brought home from the hospital. But he couldn't imagine... Dad, then John and Virgil, made sure he never would.

John shifted his eyes at the ocean, then up to the sky.

"Scott told Dad once he was chanting our names, over and over, and over. Through everything... That's how he held on - for us."

[edutainer2022]

'COTTY'NUGGLE

It wasn't common for John to be clingy. 'John' and 'clingy' seldom even occurred in the same sentence. John and physical contact was a rare occasion enough, so the death grip their ginger spaceman had on the biggest brother, both sprawled on the couch after a dodgy debrief, was hard to miss. Something happened on the last space mission. Something that wouldn't make it into their report. Something that had John tag along back to the island in Three, leaving Alan up in Five to man the comms. Something that now had John clutching a perplexed and visibly exhausted Scott to his chest, turquoise eyes daring anyone to pry big brother away. Nobody challenged John's claim.

Virgil was concerned, but kept to the piano, in the orbit of the shaken brothers, but giving John a berth he obviously needed. The medical scans checked out green. Whatever happened was not a physical injury. A silent thanks to Mom went up for that. Virgil could bide his time and wait till the brothers were ready to talk. Or not.

Soft sounds of piano music was accentuated by the slap of bare feet from the general vicinity of the kitchen deck. Unlike Virgil, Gordon took the pile of brothers as an open invitation and all but bounced in place, excited:

"We're doing the ''cotty'nuggle'!"

Along came an expert dive on the couch and a mild "omph!" from Scott. His arms went instinctively to tighten around the swimmer's back as Gordon wriggled and settled more comfortably. John's hand shifted to clasp Scott's on top of the Hawaiian shirt. His other hand moved up to shield Scott's eyes from the overhead lights.

Virgil smiled to himself as he regarded the scene. "Cotty'nuggle" as part of Tracy lingo originated with him, that's all an 18-month old Virgil ever wanted to do - snuggle his big brother. Snuggling Scotty was a refuge, a solace, a grounding reassurance in a whirl of life that kept taking so much. Virgil was beginning to feel left out, so closed the piano lid and drifted to the far end of an already crowded couch. John was being positively squashed by the combined weight of solid lean muscle. Virgil opted to perch himself on the armrest, lifting Scott's long, long legs into his lap. John met his gaze over the side of Scott's head, cradled on his shoulder, but said nothing. Gordon was apparently beginning to drift into snoozeville, blissed out by the brothers' warmth and light circles over his shoulderblades. The birdy-blinder trick, however, wasn't working for Scott as John expected. Biggest brother was awake and leaned his head closer, so a breath above whisper could be heard.

"You good, Jay? Gords and I are heavy, we're crushing you."

John reacted by tightening a hold on Scott's hand and shifting his palm from the brother's eyes to card through untamed curls. Scott showered after the mission and didn't come up to the lounge put together to the nines, as always - a clear signal something was very much off. There was a brief pause before John answered, as if considering the weight of the living, breathing body against him.

"You're here. I'm good."

Virgil caught the forlorn turquoise gaze again at that, but John closed his eyes quickly. Not yet, then. Later he'd get to the bottom of it. For now he let John enjoy the one perk of gravity he probably didn't mind at all - the real warm weight of a snuggled brother in his arms. Alive.

[mrmustachious]

Part 3 and the final part of the rec list! Don't forget to check out part 1 and part 2 too! Blame tumblr for not allowing me to put it all on the same post! 💕

List below the cut. All warnings, ratings, etc. are inside each fic~~

✨FANDOM RECS [CONT.]✨

Fraught Friendships by RenaHime

This oneshot is set in the aftermath of the episode “Impact”. Always wondered as to why Ridley never featured again after this, so here is my answer.

A Father by rosefields

Scott Tracy has been under a lot of pressure since his mother died. But he can cope, it's not a problem. Jeff know that, his oldest is strong and capable and he doesn't need his father. Right? (Partly Outsider POV)

Up in Flames by @sparkwithinme

Inspired by a small bit of dialog from Inferno.

Reflection by @scribeofred

The city of Kingston. One year ago, an earthquake. Now, fires and explosions. History isn't repeating, but lives still hang in the balance, and the Tracys are a single wrong step away from losing one of their own.

the observable entropy of a closed system by scribeofred

Everyone involved in the operation has their own methods of ensuring absolute secrecy is maintained. This—this is yours.

Pranks and Tempers by @weathergirl8

It was only supposed to be an innocent prank, but Gordon didn't bargain for more.

A Guide to Valentine's Day (and how to exploit it) by @silverstarfics

“John, darling,” Penelope announced brightly. “Would you like to go on a date with me?”

“No.”

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous. Not a romantic date.”

In which John and Penelope pretend to go on a date to make the most of the discounts offered on meals for couples, because Valentine’s Day is about all kinds of love, including the platonic kind.

Five Times Alan Flew Another Thunderbird by silverstarfics

...and the one time he didn't.

Five Times The Floor Was Not Lava by silverstarfics

...and the one time it was.

Out Of This World by silverstarfics

Reality has rules: the supernatural don't exist (but Alan's just seen his brother stabbed by a demon), demon deals aren't real (which is also odd given Alan's accidentally made one), and nightmares exist solely in your head (only he's just dragged his entire family into a hell dimension). Or: Alan learns some truths about the world that he'd rather not have known at all.

The One Where John Gets A Hug by silverstarfics

Spending months by yourself has never been advisable behaviour, and John's never been good at asking people for help. Or: the Tracys learn the magical art of communication, with a load of hugs thrown in for good measure.

The Spider Incident by silverstarfics

It takes a certain kind of bravery to save the world... it takes a different kind of bravery to remove a spider from the shower. Or: there is a spider, and the Tracy boys are disasters.

Tomorrow Never Knows by silverstarfics

Things had not gone according to plan, to say the least. Now they were trapped on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere with no hope of rescue and increasingly slim chances of survival. To make matters worse, the Chaos Crew had shown up. This was not going to be a fun week.

Shattered by @jerriandtheirfanfics

One Tracy brother leaves his feelings bottled up, until the smother hen catches him out. Movie-verse oneshot.

Whatever It Takes by Siocled_poeth

Realisation hit John's gut like one of Gordon's elbows: he'd been kidnapped, and he'd walked right into it.

It didn't seem as though his family were looking for him. His father probably hadn't even noticed he was missing. He had to decide what lengths to go to to get home.

Denied by @thunderstorm-bay

Gordon is frustrated after "Deep Search" and "City Under The Sea".

Enough is Enough by SpaceKat38

Chapter 19 of Whumptober 2022

Just Another Rescue by teddy0bear

No summary.

Buckle by Teobi

She finds him sitting at his father's desk, when everyone else has gone to bed. Add-on to S1E15, 'Relic'. TAG2015

Sunny Side Up by TheRebelFlower

Brandon wants to cook breakfast for Alan, but will his plan fail when it turns out he's not the first one to arrive in the kitchen?

Brother by @mrmustachious

Virgil senses something is up with Alan. It isn't what he thinks it is. Written for Thunderpride 2023 - Trans Men Day

Sleep Under the Fish by mrmustachious

One day, a strange boy appeared on Penelope's beach. And then he disappeared.

Little did she know about the world that lived beneath the sea, and what that one encounter would open her up to.

A Thunderbirds/Luca AU

We'll Always Have Paris by @tikatu

Kyrano takes Tin-Tin on a journey of the heart.

and finally, the penny drops! by @tanushakyrano

This was not how Scott had envisioned having his bisexual awakening, but sometimes that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

Besides, it definitely could have been a whole lot worse, so who's complaining?

give or take a million by transienttumbleweed

Half a dozen years ago, in the lobby of a Wichita hospital, Scott Tracy made a choice.

It was the right choice, in the end, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t … consequences.

It’s fine. He’s handling it. (Present-day AU.)

like to the lark at break of day by transienttumbleweed

John Tracy is not having a good week.

Fortunately, his older brothers have a full tank of gas and no sense of self-preservation. (Present-day AU.)

piece by piece by transienttumbleweed

Six times Tanusha cried because of the Tracys, and one time she couldn’t. (Present-day AU. Can be read independent of the rest of the series.)

I Just Can't Wait To Be Free by @tsarinatorment

When Scott gets stuck, Gordon’s the only one around - too bad he can’t stop laughing.

Late Night Lifting by @whatgaviiformes

Smart doesn't mean weak

Tracy Seaside Orchard and Farm by whatgaviiformes

An alternate universe. Gordon has a successful farm... and seems to have nothing to do with this International Rescue thing.

Turning Circles by whatgaviiformes

It was official. Gordon had a crush on his brother's ice dance partner. Ice Skating AU

Once in a blue moon by @such-a-random-rambler

please, someone, why can I not write anything else! A little John and Virgil together. Now with chapter 2 wohoo!

Seeing Stars by such-a-random-rambler

While John deals with memory loss from a domestic accident, the others rally round

Don't Cough by Whump_and_Whine

John's dying, alone in space as his brothers rush to get to him. He realises they're not going to get to him in time, and contemplates how to die. It's a sad fic, but in my head, John does survive after this, but I've tagged death of character, and suicidal thought in case. If you want more details, read the notes.

Tricky Trust by Whump_and_Whine

John's sick. He needs to be sedated, but that comes with its own problems...

Grudgingly Human by Yarnaholic

Post EOS. Scott faces some old demons while trying to talk down a man standing on a building ledge after a rescue.

La tarte aux pommes d'or by @yarol2075

Scott needs to thank the Mechanic - it really shouldn't be so hard.

PART 3/3 [PART 1] [PART 2]

[socialitesleuth]

What's your favourite thing about each of the Tracy brothers?

Gosh, this could end up being quite a long answer. I admire the boys for so many different reasons... Let me see if I can narrow them down to one a Tracy, Anon.

Scott. Let me begin by saying that I've never envied that poor boy's position. He's had to carry the world on his shoulders from such a young age but he rarely complains about bearing such a burden, if ever. He works so hard to make sure every single person in his life is safe, and happy, and healthy, and whilst this does lead to him missing out on things in his own personal life (oh, this reminds me, I have a number to pass on to you, Scott, darling 😏), one cannot deny his selflessness is remarkable.

Virgil. His piano skills are masterful and his art is simply sublime, but my favourite thing about Virgil is his gentleness. All the boys display an abundance of kindness in all they do, but Virgil's compassion is something else. If you're ever having a bad day, find Virgil. He will always, without fail, help you feel better. Most of the time it consists of a hot drink (preferably hot cocoa), some gentle conversing, and one of his famous bear hugs, but this system of his works every single time. He's an angel in disguise.

John. Naturally I'd have to say his intelligence. John is incredibly gifted, and he's only ever used those 'cerebral powers' of his for good. It's commendable. (Though never challenge him to a game of chess, no matter how good you think you are. He will beat you, fair and square, ever single game). If you need your day to get better, you go to Virgil, but if you have a tangible problem you need sorted, John is your man. And he will always take time out of his day to help you out.

Gordon. (There is no yellow font colour. What travesty is this?? Gordon, you get pink because it's my favourite colour and you're my favourite Tracy... don't tell the others!) I can't appear to be biased so I won't list the thousand things I adore about him (I also don't want to inflate his ego). So, I'll instead pick one thing, as I have done with everyone else. My favourite thing about Gordon is his loyalty. He will always stand in your corner, and he won't give up on you without a damn good fight. Like the rest of his brothers, he is selfless and full of compassion. He also has some pretty good terrible jokes, if you ever need cheering up.

Alan. Alan is one of the next generation's greatest young minds. He's fast, he's intelligent, and his heart is wide and full of love. I think it's fair to say he's inherited a selection of each of his brothers' best traits. He's got an incredibly bright future ahead of him, which I know he'll do well in.

In short, Anon, they're all incredibly kind. I think that's the common link between these answers. Their heroics extend far beyond their work with International Rescue. They are exceptional.

[thunderthirstbot]

[HOT] 🔥 Hot posts right now from the ThunderThirst Discord channel #fic-recs

ThunderThirst Note: All fics rated T and below. Please remember that the #nsfw-fic-rec channel is strictly 18+ and subject to mod approval.

1. “Clear for Landing” — Scott Tracy x Reader

Summary: Your first day working at Tracy Industries doesn’t quite go to plan. Especially when the CEO himself catches you out.

Tags: CEO Scott Tracy, Strategic Teamwork, Personal Chemistry, suits that hug in all the right places, boardrooms and business, unapologetic thirst, CEO Scott Knows What He Wants

Excerpt:

“You're shivering,” Scott said, slipping his jacket off without waiting for permission.

You shook your head. “I’m fine.”

He draped it over your shoulders anyway.

“I know,” he said softly. “But I need to take care of you.”

2. “Heavy Lift, Soft Hands” — Virgil x Reader

Summary: You’re helping Virgil with maintenance on Thunderbird 2 when things get…personal.

Tags: Virgil Tracy’s toolbelt, oil-stained forearms, Inappropriate Use of IR Equipment, he just doesn’t brood, he’s too soft for that, he’s just thinking, planning, building baby cribs in his head already, in his eyes you see forever, so much muscle.

Excerpt:

“It’s okay,” Virgil said, voice gentle as his hands wrapped around your waist, lifting you like you were made of air.

“I’ve got you.”

And you believed him. You’d never have any reason to doubt him.

3. “Storm Warning” — Scott x Reader

Summary: Trapped together during a thunderstorm, enemies-to-something-soft, sparks in more ways than one.

Tags: Protective Thunderbird One, Scott Tracy rescues hearts, a bad guy rescuee? how could you, stormy night, emotional vulnerability hiding under a pair of blue eyes, The Mission Comes First (Except You), Scott’s inner monologue, protective instincts run deep, Inappropriate Use of IR Equipment, all of your favourite tropes.

Excerpt:

The rain pounded against the roof of the outpost. You turned, only to find Scott already watching you—jaw tight, eyes unreadable.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?”

He didn’t blink.

“Because if I don’t, I’ll say something I can’t take back.”

A beat. A breath.

“Say it,” you whispered.

4. “Tempo” — Virgil x Reader

Summary: Each note was another step closer, seeking harmony.

Tags: Late-night piano session, fingers brushing over keys and hearts, Voice Like Thunder, Heart Like Velvet, sharing quiet moments, Virgil’s love is a soft steady flame, please just marry me already Virgil, plot?? who needs a plot!

Excerpt:

“You never play for anyone anymore,” you murmured.

Virgil’s fingers paused on the piano. “I don’t usually feel like anyone’s listening.”

You sat beside him, close enough to feel the warmth from his arm. “I am.”

He looked at you then—eyes dark, searching—and played the next chord with your hand in his.

5. “Pressure Equalized” — Gordon x Reader

Summary: A close call - in every sense.

Tags: Flirtatious underwater tension, lingering touches, unspoken confessions in a decompression chamber, water temperature:rising, all talk but he’ll prove it, Inappropriate Use of IR Equipment (Scott Would Not Approve), unresolved tension, not nsfw, probably nsf your heart tho

Excerpt:

“That was a close call,” you said, your heart still racing.

Gordon grins; that devastating, cocky masterpiece that he likes to wear alongside that painted on wetsuit. Leaning back against the metal wall of the sub as he studies you.

“Yeah, but you had me. I’d never let you sink.”

[edutainer2022]

@katblu42 @astranite It's a snippet of a very raw draft I had sitting in my notes for a while - along these lines of ideas. And it's a longer soliloquy by Gordon, than is maybe strictly in character. But someone needed to tell Scott how it is, so Gordon volunteered. It's supposed to be a companion piece to STAY (Scott did A Stupid Du Jour, so Virgil yelled at him to leave, then broke down, and John is not much happier):

***

- You think we're gonna be okay when you're gone. Deep down, you believe that.

You think Virgil is gonna be upset. Devastated even. But we love him so much, and we'll rally around him, and it'd be alright, eventually. Which is... fine, true - we do love Virgil so, so much, and we WILL rally around him. Except it won't be alright. Ever. You don't GET IT, do you? Virgil will DIE, if you're gone. One day we'll just find him prostrate over your cold body in the infirmary.

[Scott stares, speechless]

- You think John is a Vulcan or something, and he's not gonna feel much feelings or miss you - he has his stars and his comms, and he has Eos, and he's got Alan, right? Wrong! John will check out. He's just gonna be DONE with humanity - I don't think we'll ever get him back. And I don't think it's gonna be pretty. At best he's gonna try to upload your consciousness into Five or something. At worst... you get the idea... Oh, and DON'T get me srarted on Alan. The kid thinks you're his Dad in earnest. We had to re-train him to not call you Dada at three. At twelve he told me he sometimes pretends it's gonna turn out you're really his Dad when he's eighteen and all grown up - so it doesn't hurt so much. So good luck thinking Allie's gonna be fine dealing with your loss!

And you think I won't care much at all. You think I'm so resistant to everything you are, you know, the whole being a pilot, being a neat-freak or being a boring adult thing, and I'm kinda more of Virgil's brother anyway, so I'd bounce right off and be on my merry way. Well, newsflash: I need you too! I'm about doing cartwheels so you'd notice, because you wouldn't let me cut corners and if you're proud that means I've done something really right. And if you're gone... I won't bounce off, okay! I need you too, I need my big brother!

Gordon is shouting by then, hot tears streaming, unreserved. Scott is there in one flash of motion, crushing him into an embrace, but Gordon doesn't hug back, which is, maybe, a first in the entire history of their brotherhood. Gordon doesn't pull away either, hiding his face deeper into big brother's shoulder, just allowing to be held. They stay like this a minute. Two. Till Gordon pulls away at an arm's length and rotates Scott's shoulders towards the exit with a theatrical push.

- Go! Go grovel with Virgil, then go up to Five and apologize to John. I wouldn't put it past him to lock your self-destructive ass out in the cold, though. Then come back and cuddle Alan. Then stop doing... whatever you're doing to yourself.

Scott finds the carpet, the comforter on the bed and the zipper of the open suitcase, suddenly, thoroughly fascinating.

- Virgil wants me gone from the island.

- No he doesn't, you, dingus. - Gordon is back in the game with a John-worthy eye-roll and flapping of hands. - He wants you to STAY and not be killing yourself in stop-motion. We all do. Go! I'll unpack your stuff.

- Is there gonna be glitter in my underwear?

- Nah, I'm too mad at you.

- Hey, Gordon?

- Yeah?

- I need you too.

when the character who's like "i will never reveal my trauma to anyone" gets a high fever and, while weak and delirious, starts spilling every.

last.

secret.

[scramjettracy]

what are u looking forward to most about becoming an uncle(one day, not saying anyone is hiding anything!)

ALL OF IT

(I love kids, ok?)

You wanted something more detailed than that didn’t you? Alright…

First of all, mini versions of my little siblings would be the most adorable thing! And I don’t mean in a way just limited to genetic resemblance - we all know how fun it is to spot traits that are inherited by nurture too. Watching people grow and develop their personalities and interests is an incredible privilege and even if they decide not to raise their families on the island I hope they will let me visit often enough that I can enjoy seeing that development.

Second of all, seeing my siblings being parents - that look of absolute adoration in their eyes as they watch their tiny person. I remember seeing it on Mom and Dad’s faces and it’s the most precious thing. I know all of them would be excellent parents if that’s what they choose, and I will be so proud.

Third, being an uncle means I get baby cuddles, and then toddler cuddles and then kindergartener cuddles and then and then… well you get the point. More family = more people to hug.

Fourth - I want to help. I want to be the kind of uncle who is on hand to babysit when the parents are exhausted, to clear up the spit ups and the diaper disasters. To pace the floor if kiddo is grouchy and the parents need 5 minutes to scream at the sea. To tell them over and over again how good of a job they are doing.

Fifth - then later? I can’t wait to be Uncle Scott to these humans! I want to be the kind of uncle who they come to for stories, who they can confide in when they are stressed or scared, or plot surprises for their parents with, or who can help them (Safely! Honest!) do all the crazy adventurous stuff if they want to, and be their cheerleader for all their hobbies and achievements.

Sixth - ALL of these kids are gonna make it all the way to Falcon. The First Tracy Island Rescue Scout Troop is going to be EPIC. 🥰

Lastly, for now… have you SEEN how adorable baby clothes are? I could never get excited about buying clothes for me (as Gordon points out frequently I am very very dull on that account) but I warn my accountant right now that when there are mini Tracys on the horizon: UNCLE SCOTT IS GOING SHOPPING.

[gumnut-logic]

More of my TTSS fic which does yet have a title (Part 2)

Part 1 | Part 2

I know, I know, I promised to post more, but I haven't, and it is no longer Christmas. A mild dose of burnout is likely the culprit and I've really just faceplanted into a pillow for the last few weeks and haven't been able to write anything. There may have also been a Stardew Valley affliction as well.

But there were the 4000-odd words I wrote before Christmas, so here, have some of them :D

Crazy Christmas fic and this bit is all Virg :D My poor boi :D

-o-o-o-

Virgil pushed his pilot’s chair back and stretched everything. Two was hovering over Arctic ocean that had eaten two of his brothers.

“John, any change?”

His orbiting brother flickered onto the dash. “If there had been any change, I would have told you.”

Virgil sighed. “Sorry.”

“Me, too.”

If there was one type of rescue Virgil had grown to dread it was deep ocean. Gordon was out of reach. History had eroded confidence and they had been down there a while.

There was no doubt Gordon knew what he was doing. Confidence in his brother’s skill was not on the table. It was fate and the nefarious that triggered anxiety with all the proven possibilities.

“I still have connection. I can still see where they are. Did you want to speak to Scott?”

“Yes. No. Shit, I’m sorry. John-“

“Thunderbird Four to Thunderbird Two.” Gordon’s voice was a little higher pitched than normal. “Virg, we met Santa! We’re at the North Pole!”

What? There were a number of things he could have said to that but all his brain could supply was, “The North Pole is thirteen hundred kilometres away.”

“Not that North Pole, Santa’s North Pole!”

“Gordon-“

Scott’s saner voice cut in. “Thunderbird Two, we have a large number of people to evacuate. Prepare for maximum capacity both personnel and equipment.” He paused. “Virgil, this is a Code W situation. Keep alert and report all anomalies.”

Oh, great, a Weird one. “FAB, Thunderbird One.”

“We are finalising the first party now. Will advise upon departure, Thunderbird One out.”

Virgil stared at the dash. “John, did you get that?”

“He did.”

The voice was not John and there was something on the Two’s yoke…a giant bug!

“I am not a bug! How rude! Mun, do you see the mind in this one?” The black winged thing was about as big as his hand and sitting quite comfortably on the steering yoke, feet dangling over the buttons.

A blink and Virgil realised the closest definition he could find was a fairy, a black winged fairy.

“Puny, but it will do.”

“I really hate being called ‘fairy’. It’s almost as bad as ‘raven’.”

“Better than crow.”

“True, but then we might be embarking on some kind of avian prejudice and you know what crows get like - all uppity about how smart they are and all.”

There was a second bug sitting on John’s projector on the dash.

“We are not bugs!”

They were very loud.

“Serves you right. I didn’t call you ‘monkey’ or ‘ape’ when I first saw you.” It mimed some kind of primate. It pointed at him. “Aaaah, it’s King Kong, I need a big flyswatter!”

“You have a point. At least he didn’t think we were flies.” The one on the projector stared at him. “This one really doesn’t like bugs.”

“Then I guess we’re lucky we’re not bugs.” The fairy on the yoke stood up. Its wings weren’t entirely black, they were sparkling rainbow iridescent, like a crow or raven. And it really was a Tinkerbell like fairy, though less the blonde and more the goth. “I’m Hug and this is Mun. We’re here to help you move Nikolas and the team. You’re Virgil Tracy, bug-hater and rescue operative, and you need our help to help you help us.”

“Okay?”

“Where is your cargo hold?”

“On the surface of the ocean?”

“What?”

“Module Four is down there.” He pointed downwards.

The fairy frowned. Mun took off from the projector and flew to the windows. “He’s right. It’s down there.”

Hug frowned. “Well, get it up here.”

“It needs to be down there to collect Thunderbird Four.”

“Then you go down there.”

“Why?”

“We need to make room.”

“For what?”

“The team.”

Virgil crossed his arms over his chest, a gloved finger hooking into his baldric. “How many people are we expecting?”

“All of them. And if you don’t move your butt, they aren’t all going to fit. So get down there and show us where we can make room!”

“John, are you getting all this?”

“Affirmative, Thunderbird Two.”

“Assessment?”

“Scott did say ‘Code W’.”

“I’m talking to fairies, Thunderbird Five.”

“Last week you spoke to Ewoks and didn’t have a problem.”

“They were kids, John. These are not kids.”

Hug smirked suggestively. “Definitely not kids, boyo.”

Oh god.

“Thunderbird Four has started ascent, we need to be prepped, Thunderbird Two.”

Virgil swallowed, eyeing Hug who was licking her lips. “FAB, Thunderbird Five. I’ll rappel down.”

“Watch the crosswind.”

Virgil backed out of his pilot’s seat, doing his best to confirm the stability of autopilot without actually getting anywhere near the dash.

Hug cackled with delight. “You were right, Mun, he definitely doesn’t like bugs. This one is going to be fun.”

-o-o-o-

More to come :D

[idontknowreallywhy]

Resurface 30 - Reposition

Story so far

I was going to post a WIP but realised that the next chapter had got so long I may as well cut it and post in two or three parts, the first of which is here. Do they actually get to the point yet? No. No they do not. But they are thinking about it.

Also - please do not treat my ill-advised and much-mangled metaphor as legitimate advice on how to save someone from a rip. I’m a seaside girl so feel compelled to say - DO NOT DIVE INTO RIP CURRENTS PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙

There were a lot of hugs over the next couple of days. Pretty much wherever Virgil chose to sit he’d find himself sharing the chair, or at least the elbow room, with at least one family member. Usually more. During waking hours they moved around the villa like iron filings trailing a magnet.

The filings weren’t generic in their behaviour of course. Alan favoured a hand hold and a continual commentary on whatever happened to be crossing his mind - Virgil encouraged this, still not entirely persuaded by his baby brother’s assurances that he now accepted nothing had been his fault. There was perhaps more of the eldest in the youngest than in any of the rest of them, yet Virgil didn’t have the same instinctive read on the younger man’s expression. He was more than content to keep him close until he could be sure.

John, by contrast was quiet, watchful and specialised in the almost undetectable shoulder nudge. His presence was most striking for its tangibility and yet again Virgil found himself wishing it didn’t always take something awful happening before he could enjoy it.

Gordon, unfussy, tended to cling to whatever part of Virgil was available and on one occasion had abandoned all pretence of cool and leapt on to his back to be transported around, limpet-like, until Virgil threatened him with Four’s sonic hull-scraper.

Kayo had become surprisingly obsessed with ruffling his excessively curly, unstyled hair at every opportunity. Except today she was pouting because in celebration of waking up with the last traces of meds almost entirely expunged from his system, Virgil had reached for his beloved pomade (the recipe for which he’d only slightly tweaked from the version his father had used) and finally tamed the floof so he could look as well as feel more like himself again.

Even Brains had been unusually present recently, having just transferred his hours of poring over technical specs on his tablet up a few thousand stairs. Which meant Virgil got to join in and they’d exchanged some useful ideas for modifications with Alan chipping in not unintelligently. Until the engineer started to ask Virgil’s thoughts on some upgrades to Shadow at which point a series of crashing noises from the kitchen area had spooked him and he’d darted for the stairs muttering something about time-sensitive testing. Gordon had snorted about how at least Scott might reduce the washing up carnage he always produced while on meal-prep if he smashed it all as he went along. Virgil chuckled but it felt a little hollow and his throat was dry.

Scott… well… Scott had taken on the brunt of the food prep duty and had thrown himself into it with his usual energy. It had not gone unnoticed that every single one of Virgil’s childhood favourites had appeared on the table at some point over the last week. A steady stream of cookies and pastries had also been emerging because “Virgil needed fuel for his recovery”. Given his freakish lack of activity Virgil wasn’t convinced he needed quite so much extra fuel but had had more than a little assistance in consuming them. Alan had enthusiastically proposed shutting down Tracy Industries altogether as they could make just as much profit with a bakery if only Scott would get his priorities right more often. The chef had been toasted heartily for the good fortune of avoiding Grandma’s genes.

John and Virgil had exchanged a glance, both remembering what the younger two did not - that on the occasions where the messages from the moon base, or from the Mars mission had dried up - their Mom had channelled her anxiety and helplessness into frantic baking sprees. The community cake sales were never so well stocked when Jeff was safely planetside.

When not engaged in destroying the kitchen, Scott had hovered as expected but he hovered at the edges of the pack. Encouraging smiles, chuckles in all the right places as affectionate banter flowed. He teased a little, he ticked the tinies off for their excesses and he argued with John about a mathematical theorem Virgil knew his normally fastidious brother had deliberately misquoted to get a rise out of the older man.

Unlike with Alan, Virgil was entirely immune to this particular facade - a lot was not right with his best friend. His voice was wrong, too steady, unnaturally even. He was constantly just out of reach which was utterly wrong for Scott who was the most tactile human he knew. The man even looked wrong for some reason Virgil couldn’t put his finger on.

Grandma had been keeping a weather eye from a distance, albeit usually in the same room, or perhaps one away. Virgil glanced up and caught her eye as she leaned on the balcony of the mezzanine. She’d smiled, initially, and then frowned a little, raised her eyebrows and looked deliberately towards Scott, who was currently entirely unnecessarily explaining to Alan why he needed to finish high school. The woman had never been one for the subtle hint.

His brother was lost at sea, caught in a rip tide and drifting from the safety of the beach and Virgil had the only life preserver. It was inevitable that the circumstances of his illness would have knocked his eldest brother off course and Virgil still didn’t know exactly what had happened. All the possible implications rushed and sucked menacingly just below the surface and he knew the only way to reach Scott in time would be to face his terror and dive into the current to find out for himself what it carried.

Yet he never seemed to be in quite the right position at quite the right moment to make the leap…

💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚

Sometimes the boys just needed dragging into the right places.

“I’ve taken the liberty of informing Casey that International Rescue is on hiatus for at least another seven days.”

Sally released Scott’s arm and insinuated herself between Virgil and the coffee machine - the one piece of kitchen equipment with which she held no beef.

“The GDF will cover what needs to be covered. EOS is monitoring and will let us know if that appears to be falling apart.”

Her eldest grandchild rolled his eyes and somehow his entire body followed.

“Give them a chance, Scott, they may surprise us yet. Tracy Industries is in the perfectly competent hands of your COO and all the regular SMT meetings are postponed for a month due to your sabbatical…”

“My… my what?”

“You heard.”

Scott stood, hands on hips and gaped like a fish while Virgil tried to surreptitiously cover his grin by resting an arm on the kitchen island and leaning on his hand. Sally struggled to keep a straight face as he misjudged and his elbow slipped off the edge.

“The regular maintenance schedule has been paused - Brains has pulled the guts out of Thunderbird One and spread them all over the hangar and Two is both wing- and engine-less so neither is going anywhere fast. I believe Shadow is next on his list…”

Sally found herself wishing she had a camera to catch the identikit expressions of horror on both the boys’ faces - the same one they thought she never saw when she announced she’d been baking.

“Gordon has taken John, Kayo and Alan diving off the new reef. There is nothing left you boys need to do other than have that conversation you’ve been avoiding.”

She placed two steaming mugs of coffee on the countertop, reached up her hands to effect simultaneous destruction on both immaculate hairstyles and left them to it.

💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙💚💙

Scott ran an anxious hand through his hair, trying but not quite succeeding to recover the precisely gelled arrangement and Virgil suddenly realised what had been bothering him about Scott’s appearance. Something HAD changed.

He peered at his brother’s hairline.

“You’ve dyed it!”

[skeefee-sky]

so!! here's the rewrite of that one story i was talking about c: the, 'genderbent but not genderbent' story... or... i still don't actually know what to call it x'D shall we go with Sister Tracy?? i dunno >w<

anyway! i definitely do have more ideas for this AU now, so, expect more from me c: cause after doing this rewrite, my brain got flooded with ideas xD so, yeah haha. keep your eyes peeled xD 👀

💚💛 TB ~~~ TB ~~~ TB ~~~ TB ~~~ TB ~~~ TB ~~~ TB ~~~ TB 💛💚

The villa was oddly quiet for an afternoon. Eldest and youngest brothers were still away on their own solo rescues, middle brother monitoring from space, other members of the family off in their own corners of the buildings. The slowly, setting sun threw colours across the peaceful lounge, of brilliant pinks, yellows and oranges. The second-eldest Tracy drank in this time of day, in the rare moment she wasn’t caught up in a rescue, pulling out her sketchbook to document the colours.

Today was different.

Vivienne sat on the high edge of the pool, her sketchbook resting untouched on her knees as she stared up at the sky. She was distracted, her mind solely on the rescue that had happened earlier that morning. She’d never felt so disappointed in herself before, but something today… Something had really stuck with her, and she hadn’t been able to shake it all day. They’d rescued the construction crew; she should have been satisfied. But something her younger brother had said…

“Don’t you dare.”

Tranquillity interrupted, and she’d spoken the words the moment she sensed movement behind her. Gordon froze in his slightly hunched over position, hands raised in the air. The blonde made a teasing grumble as he dropped and plonked beside her.

“You’re getting good. I was only fifteen steps away this time!”

“Yes. Because I’d really be that unsuspecting when you’re about to push me into the pool…” Vivienne smirked, adjusting her position.

“It was the perfect opportunity!” Gordon chuckled, brushing a hand through his hair before he lent back on both hands. “I’m not here to push ya though, Vin; promise. Just wanted to, check in… you know.”

Being one of the only girls in a family of all boys had its perks, sometimes - she did really appreciate when her brothers checked in, even if at times it did get bothersome. It often reminded her of the true bond she had with them. Shifting again, Vivienne pulled her knees up to her chest, nursing her sketchbook.

“Yeah… Guess I, was a little funny after the mission today…” she admitted. Gordon slightly raised an eyebrow; ‘a little’?

“It totally was because of what I said, huh…?”

Vivienne swallowed. Technically, she hadn’t been the only one worried - Scott and John had voiced their concerns too. But of course Gordon's focus would be her word.

“I thought, you were actually going to go through with it…” the second-eldest murmured, muffling her words onto her knees as she closed brown eyes. “I’d, be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about what could have happened.”

It had been a tight spot, and Gordon had gotten stuck. But his big sister had been there to pull him and the construction crew out, and the aquanaut had only come away with a few scrapes down his right arm. Vivienne knew it could have been much worse…

“You know me, Vinnie… Always making you and Scotty worry,” the blonde laughed softly, playing with the threading on one of his bangles. “No matter how old we are…”

Brown eyes quietly darted over to watch him, taking in the features of her little brother. No matter how old they were…

She still remembered the days a much younger brother would come to her, asking for stories about the sea and mermaids, or trying to join in on her piano practicing. She didn’t like to remember the days that included tears, concerned voices, or much needed hugs where little hands would curl into her clothing and not let go for a while… A weight suddenly against her shoulder returned her to the moment, and she glanced at her younger brother as he comfortably rested his head against her.

“I didn’t mean to, Vin…”

“I know, squid…” Vivienne hummed, uncurling a little so she could place the sketchbook beside her and then tucked an arm around him. “… I’m your sister. I’m made to worry.”

Gordon's weight shifted as he let out a sigh and leant into her. She was, and, that meant Scott didn’t have to worry as much… They shared their worry levels. That probably came with being the eldest. Of any of them, the aquanaut always considered himself the closest to their sister, and secretly enjoyed her comfort more than their eldest brother's. Brown and amber eyes followed the sun as it finally disappeared beyond the horizon, and Gordon eventually lifted his head at the soft rumbling in the distance.

“Sorry you didn’t get to draw your sunset before Scott came home, heh…” he apologised.

“Plenty more opportunities,” Vivienne mused, giving him the gentlest nudge as she sat up and crossed her legs, tucking the sketchbook back into her lap. Thunderbird One’s engines grew louder. “… Thanks, Gords. I needed that.”

The aquanaut hopped up, beaming a grin at her as he held out a hand to help her to her feet. The amusement in his eyes faded a little before he spoke again.

“You always told me it’s okay to be worried in the moment, especially when things happen out of your control. You remember that too, big sis,” he pleaded; the two of them taking steps back toward the villa as their brother’s Thunderbird approached. Vivienne almost missed Gordon continue over the roar of the ship’s engines once they were safely inside.

“Promise I won’t be losing an arm anytime soon!”

She only laughed and rolled her eyes before looking away to watch the silver rocket descend under the pool before them. She needn’t worry, but she did it anyway. She was never going to be like her brothers in certain aspects, but if they needed a rock; someone to listen, someone to comfort, she was going to be there.

No matter how old they were.

[loopstagirl]

Crashing into his office chair with a long suffering sigh, Jeff Tracy ran a hand wearily over his eyes. They had barely got past the welcoming hugs before the trouble had started. He had hoped this term at Wharton's would have helped sort Alan out, but it seemed the moody teenager was just as moody as ever. He couldn't fault his other boys for the teasing; the light hearted banter had been part of their family meal for as long as Jeff could remember, he would have been worried if it had been any other way.

Yet Alan's reaction showed he still had a long way to go until Jeff considered making him part of the team. He had hoped this break would prove him wrong and he would have been able to talk to his youngest son about starting training in the summer, but after the incident at dinner, Jeff knew that was off the agenda. With a sad smile, he turned to the photos lining the edge of his desk, showing the young and carefree Alan who didn't feel the need to argue against everything his father said. All of his sons looked so young and innocent in the photos, not weighed down by the responsibility of saving the world on a regular basis.

That reminded Jeff of what he had come into his office for in the first place. Alan wasn't the only one causing him grief over the Thunderbirds. Flicking a switch on the panel in front of him, the father patched himself through to the son he needed to have a word with.

"Scott, my office, now." Not waiting for a reply, Jeff disconnected himself, resting back in his chair and allowing it to take his weight. Alan's arrival had already disrupted things on the island if Jeff was summoning his eldest son. He couldn't remember the last time he had used that tone of voice with Scott, not since he was at least Alan's age. At that time, even Alan couldn't compare to the mood swings Scott went through.

"What's up, Dad?" Startled out of his musings by Scott's almost silent arrival, Jeff swung his chair around so he was facing his son. Leaning casually on the doorframe, his eldest child didn't seem to have realised what the tone of voice meant, his posture relaxed as he hooked one hand in his pocket, the other swinging freely.

"Your control of Thunderbird One."

"There is nothing wrong with my control," Scott began, heat beginning to already emerge in his voice as he leapt to the defence of his 'bird without quite knowing what he was defending. His posture had already stiffened, the hand coming out of his pocket as he straightened up, clearly showing his father his military past as he all but stood to attention.

"Not the control, no," Jeff agreed, watching Scott closely for signs to show he knew what he had done. "Let me rephrase that then, your handling of Thunderbird One."

"Dad, what are you talking about?" Scott asked, his tone bordering on rude as he voiced his confusion. He didn't mean to sound blunt, only was completely bewildered as to what his father was referring too. The rescue had gone without a hitch, apart from the rig almost blowing up too soon for the boys to clear it. But with Jeff joining them on the rescue for a change, the team had worked to utter perfection, determined to show their father just how good they were at working together. A previous argument between Virgil and Gordon had made him accompany them this time, declaring he didn't want personal matters getting in the way of their job. Like it would though. Scott knew his brothers well enough to know whatever personally matters were occurring got left behind whenever they turned from Jeff Tracy's sons into the members of International Rescue. Although at the moment, that was not helping the eldest son work out what had his father so annoyed.

"Scott, think. On the way home, what did you do?"

"Fly? I honestly have no idea what you are talking about, Father."

"I'm going to give you one more clue, Scott. Just after we saw your brother."

And then, like a light bulb coming on, Scott knew precisely what he had done that was making his father annoyed. Jeff always had maintained that the ships were not to be used for stunts, something he believed his sons kept too. In range of the island, they did, but sometimes on the way home from a successful mission, one or more of the Tracy boys had the need to display their relief and delight in a job well done. Caught up in the adrenaline from the mission and the excitement at seeing his baby brother, however, Scott Tracy had forgotten his father was in Thunderbird Two

Watching Scott grimace slightly as he suddenly became very interested in his shoes, Jeff was hard pushed not to laugh. His son, whilst being a mature 28 year old that had the role of field commander in one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, looked exactly like the ten year old who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar again. Reminding himself that he was supposed to be angry at his son, not reminiscing in the past, Jeff smoothed his features back into a disapproving look, thankful Scott had been looking down at the time.

"Well?"

"I was testing her thrusters?" Scott offered sheepishly, only meeting his father's eyes momentarily before looking down again, a flush beginning to work its way up his neck.

"Try again," Jeff responded drily, resting further back in his chair to regard his son. He was partly curious as to what Scott would come up with; he had become a scarily talented liar during his teenage years. Although judging by that first attempt, the father was hopefully he wouldn't have to worry.

"She had a mind of her own?"

"Nope, not doing it. Scott, what are the rules regarding the 'birds?"

"Never let Gordon fly One and don't let John near Two's controls when he has had chocolate?" Biting his lip quickly, Jeff rolled his eyes, attempting to desperately stop the smirk emerging. If he was honest, Scott was completely right.

"No, the other rule. And don't say don't let Alan near the 'birds either." Judging by the look that overcame his son's face, Jeff knew he had caught his eldest out there. Once more glancing at his shoes, Scott finally faced his father.

"Sorry."

"Scott, there is a reason why the 'birds cannot be used for stunts. This isn't the air force, son, you can't joyride One, it is far too dangerous."

"I had her completely under control!" Scott burst out suddenly, feeling slightly put out that his father was doubting his piloting skills.

"I don't question that, but you are supposed to be setting an example to your younger brothers, that is why you are the field commander and not the other way around."

"Dad-," Before Scott could continue on an outburst that Jeff had not seen from his son for quite a few years, a shrill beep came out of the monitors in front of him, causing the father to sit forward with a concerned frown making its way onto his face. Checking the readings, Jeff sighed wearily. He was right to think that trouble had arrived back on the normal paradise.

"Hang on, isn't that-?" Once more cutting Scott off, hopefully before he could work out what was going on, Jeff reached out a hand and smoothly hit a button, only to find himself face to face with a worried looking Alan, Fermat just being seen in the corner of the screen.

"Alan, my office, now." Disconnecting again, Jeff couldn't help but notice he had just repeated the exact same words he had used on Scott. Who was going to be next? With a wry grin, Jeff only hoped that it wasn't going to be John. It had happened in the past though, Scott and Brains going up to collect the younger man just so Jeff could have a word. The blond was not always the calmest of people when his brothers' were out on a tricky rescue, and Jeff had been more than astonished by the language that had come out of his star-loving son's mouth. Before his thoughts could go any further, Scott all but exploded, having put together the pieces regarding his youngest brother.

"What the hell did he think he was doing? If he has touched her in the slightest, I swear I'll-,"

"Scott."

"How did he know my access codes? I've changed them since the last holidays to stop him doing this. He better not have-,"

"Scott."

"If anything is wrong, I'm going to kill him."

"Scott, that is enough! Alan is not the question here, you are. Due to your behaviour regarding Thunderbird One, you are to sit out of the next mission." Jeff knew that it was a slightly drastic measure to take, but the father was more than aware that unless he regained control now, the boys were simply going to spiral out of hand. And quickly as well. It was the only way Jeff felt he had any control over them, and if he was honest, he hoped that if Alan could see Scott being put in his place, then the younger brother wouldn't feel like it was just him that was being singled out.

"What?"

"Gordon can take One, Virgil, Two. I need you boys to know I'm serious about the stunts, they are not going to happen."

"Dad!"

"You're grounded for the next mission."

"But Dad..!"

"Bottom line, Scott. I thought you had grown up." Regarding his son coolly, Jeff narrowed his eyes as Scott opened his mouth to protest, but luckily, the young man realised his father's mood and backed down. Without another word, he turned on his heel and marched out of the room, posture tense. So wrapped up in his anger was he that he barely even noticed Alan stalk past him in the opposite direction, face mirroring his eldest brother's.

"Hey, Scott, there you are, dude. Where did you...Scott?"

"Leave it, Virg."

"You alright, man?"

"I said leave it!" Scott snapped, barely sparing his stunned brother a glance as he stormed past. He could not believe that had just happened. Alan had been back on the island for not even an hour and already things were becoming chaotic. Scott couldn't quite work out why his father was so annoyed about the stunt, if anything; it had shown precisely how in control of his baby the ex-air force pilot was. Stalking out of sight and up the stairs, he didn't hear Virgil's low whistle of disbelief.

"You alright, Virgil?" Glancing up from his painting, Virgil spared Gordon a quick glance as the red head strolled casually in.

"Something has stolen our brother and replaced him with the teenage Scott."

"Ouch," Gordon winced, just about remembering enough of Scott's teenage years to know that was not a good thing. "I think he, Dad and Al are having a party in Dad's office, I just saw the Sprout head that way."

"Great. This is going to be fun couple of weeks." Virgil moaned, carefully laying down his paint brush and stepping back to critically examine his work. Biting his lip and slightly poking his tongue out in concentration, the young man made a few corrections before stepping back once more.

"Virg, do you want to come out in the boat with me later? I need a diving buddy." Gordon suddenly suggested hesitantly, hoping his brother was distracted enough to agree without realising what he was agreeing too. Virgil wasn't the first choice for a midnight dive, heck, he wasn't even Gordon's second or third choice. But with Scott in a mood, Alan no doubt heading the same way and John not even on the planet, the red head thought he may as well give it a go.

"I don't know, Gords, I…"

"You need to grow up!"

"Then let me!"

Hearing the angry tones, Virgil glanced over at his brother, eyebrows raised. "Count me in. Can we go now?"

"Give me some time, Virg, I've got to get the stuff-,"

"Alan! If you've touched my 'bird..!"

"Let's go." Gordon practically yelped, and tearing off the old shirt he had been wearing over the top of his own to protect his own, Virgil joined his brother in the mad dash out of the villa and down to the sea front.

Standing at one of the many windows lining his office, Jeff sighed, thinking over the conversation he had just had with John. He was right about Alan, hopefully the kid would grow out of it, but for the life of him, Jeff couldn't work out what had bought on the sudden temper of his eldest. He supposed it was because, intentional or not, he had criticised Scott's handling of his own 'bird, something he knew the pilot would have taken to heart. Seeing a sudden movement out of the corner of his eye, Jeff turned and allowed the smile to form for the first time that night. Virgil and Gordon certainly weren't sticking around for this storm; they were making a break for it whilst they could. For a moment, Jeff wondered whether he should remind them of protocol regarding going out at night, how everyone needed to know where they were in case of a rescue, but hearing the shouting match taking place between his eldest and youngest, Jeff shook his head. He envied them that they could escape.

Little did he know quite how much he would long for that escape himself within the next couple of days.

[astranite]

Awww John and Gordon. Reread kudos :)

This lovely Star and Fish picture made me want to revisit this little story:

WE COULD BUILD AND 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, perfected to an art over the years. John hadn't put down his table 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 he's 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 joint 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.

[astranite]

Cotton Candy Bubblegum Icecream Means Sticking Around No Matter What.

A fic for @squiddokiddo of Gordon and their oc Sea-Squirt Tracy with some fluffy hurt/mostly comfort between siblings, for a hope this cheers you up even a little as you’re hurt too and this is the closest I can get to giving you a proper (very gentle) squid hug.

Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57426040

Squirt drawn by Squiddo here!!!

.💛💛💛

“Hey Squirt, how are you doing bud?

Gordon sat down on the side of their bed, transferring several plushies to his lap so he didn’t squish them.

The kid frowned, hugging the fin of their giant ikea shark closer. That had been a fun trip for them both when they got it together.

“Sore.”

“Ouch, yeah no wonder. ” Gordon scootched a bit closer. “I getcha, back and neck injures aren’t fun at all.” He had plenty of experience in that department.

“It really sucks, Gords.”

“I know and it does, a lot. You did really well on the misson though, I’m proud of you. For all of it but also for taking care of yourself too when you were hurt so Virge and I could look after you.”

Squirt reached out the hand that wasn’t holding onto the shark to hold onto Gordon’s hand.

“Thanks.”

They paused for a moment then cracked a small smile from beneath the pain. Gordon knew that smile well. “I totally did it for the stickers though. I got two, a manta ray and a blob fish.”

Gordon grinned along with them, leaning into the joke, the laughter, the tiny bits of joy that could be grasped in a rough spot. “Aww those are cool creatures. Virgil only gave me one last time!”

“That was because it was a literal paper cut. From y’know, wrapping paper. I liked the gift though. ”

A couple of sea creature erasers wrapped up in shiny yellow paper that Virgil would recycle into an art project was a something just because to cheer Squirt up a bit when they were having a rough week. The tiny paper cut part was regrettably true. Only regrettable that he should’ve known he could find another sea flap flap sticker, it had just been hiding. It would’ve still would up stuck to Squirt somehow.

“I was most grievously injured, young Thunderfledgling.” Gordon pointed out the largest of his hydrofoil scars on his forearm, a long line of pinkish-white sliding up its length.

Squirt snorted with laughter then winced.

Gordon squeezed their hand. “You ‘kay?”

“Yeah. Ouch. Everything really hurts.”

“Alright. You just say if need me and Virge to check you over again if its not getting better and we can work out whether we need to go to the hospital.”

Squirt made a face.

“Yep, I mean my reaction exactly. They’re shit places to be but important.” Gordon ruffled Squirt’s hair, ever so gently and brushing the ginger curls so those deep brown eyes could definitely see him and know he meant it. “I’m here for you though and I’m going to stick by you whatever happens. You’re my little sibling.”

Gordon let it sink in for a moment.

They didn’t need to say anything as Squirt slowly shuffled to lean into Gordon’s side, more difficult with their injuries.

Gordon put his arm around them to give them a hug, extra careful because he cares about Squirt ever so much but sure and steady so they know he’s got them.

“You wanna watch something together or anything?” He offered.

“That’d be nice.”

“There’s icecream in the freezer I can get you too if you want it.”

“What flavour?”

“How does celery sound?”

Squirt raised a scathing ginger eyebrow. Okay they nearly squinted the other eye closed at the same time but they did it! Wow though they were spending way too much time beating John at chess for them to have picked that mannerism up so vividly.

“I’m kidding! I got you bubble gum and cotton candy last time I was doing groceries and I know for a fact where Alan hid the popping candy and where John and Scott decided to put the sauces cause they are way too tall for the rest of us.”

That got another little smile from Squirt as they pulled up the tv menu from the holoprojector in their room.

Even though they were hurting, Gordon loved to get to spend some time with his littlest sib and would take care of them no matter whether that was resting up here or trips to the hospital, laughing with them or comforting them when everything go too much, all the while doing his best to be a safe harbour they could return to in the storms.

[riallasheng]

link to truth or dare - tumblr / pearlypairings / 750775429030428672 the wuestions. ⇢what made you choose your username? ⇢add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here ⇢ tag someone you appreciate but don't talk to on a regular basis ⇢do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both? ⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work?

ah! thank you for the link! (these look fun, I'll need to check them later)

⇢what made you choose your username? Rialla is a word from the 'twin language' my baby brother and I used when we were young, when he was otherwise non-verbal outside of this made up langauge of a couple dozen words. It meant 'warden / guardian / watcher' Sheng is a nickname I've had for decades that friends called me. I forget what it meant now, ot be honest (I use Jedi all the time becasue that's been my nickname since I was like 2 years old. my RL initials spell the word jedi, and further I was born May the Fourth XD )

doing the 'add 50 words' last as it's big / blocky

⇢ tag someone you appreciate but don't talk to on a regular basis that's not fair... I'm a MASSIVE lurker by nature and horrible at tagging on top of it. There are VERY few people I speak with / chat with as often as I wish, and TONS who I appreciate. I'm going to skip this one because it feels kinda mean to have just one person when I'm guilty of it so often (and if I listed multiple people and forgot someone I'd feel MORE horrible)

⇢do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both? I.... don't really like either. Original characters I tend to only like if they're secondary / support. I don't like them when they're main characters. I totally get that others DO like that, and I'm not saying it's bad... just not something I like. I kinda hate reader inserts ^^;; I've never written one (nor have I ever had a self-insert) and I generally don't READ reader-insert fanworks. Again. if people like it, that's fine, this is just my PERSONAL stances.

⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work? any? XD but in all seriousness, I love long and indepth comments, esp when I get to have indepth and long winded discussions and conversations with people. I LIVE for comments, even if it's just a single word I love seeing it, but I THRIVE on long comments / comment discussions. ^^

⇢add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here rebuilding a cut scene from The Collector for my Moments anthology

“Okay, I’ve downloaded all of the security footage from Tracy One and the Hanger with Scott’s code and am uploading it to the Island now,” John said, voice quick and sharp.  “Need to finish up with the police and Father, I’ll be back once everything is done.”

John’s screen cut to black before TinTin could even open her mouth, and she sighed softly as she turned to look at everyone else.

Alan met her gaze, a thousand conflicting emotions racing over his face, his hands fisting and unfisting as he fought to keep his emotions in check.  Gordon reached over and put a hand on Alan’s shoulder, not letting his brother shake him off, and Alan closed his eyes and took a deep, slow, breath, then gave a small nod.  “I’m okay.”

“Y’sure?”

“…yeah.  Okay enough, at least.”

TinTin gave Gordon a smile in thanks, walking over to wrap Alan in a hug as best she could (there were many times she loved that Alan was solid as a brickhouse in build…  this was not one of them).  Alan’s arms wrapped tight around her, and he buried his face in her hair.  “I just want him to be okay,” he whispered, almost too soft for TinTin to hear.

“I know.  We all wish that, Alan.  I’m certain he will be, and we will have him home soon.”

“Can I quote ya on that?” Gordon asked, his voice – like his smile – strained around the edges.

TinTin offered a lopsided smile and shrug.  Promising felt like ill-wishing.  Ill-wishing they couldn’t risk right now.  “Scott is a fighter.  I would not be surprised if he fights his way free and shows up at home, scuffed but whole.” Gordon offered a huffing sigh, his smile slipping for half a heartbeat before he tacked it back into place.  “Yeah.” 

[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…

[gumnut-logic]

“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-