#squiddokiddo answers

[thatkidwholikesthunderbirds]

Thank you sm!! Of course I can do that for you!! ₍˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶₎

Here they are, just a couple of nerds.✨

[squiddokiddo]

Love your fandom asks: 10, 11, 24!

Sorry for the wait!! Been struggling with a couple of these questions. (;^^)

10• A blog (mutual or one you follow) that has made your fandom experience brighter.

There are a few people who come to mind, all who I love very dearly but I want to mention @tracybirds. They are such a patient, supportive and kind person who supported me after I tried to take my own life and defended me when I was being targeted.

They started the @thunder-pride event to raise awareness and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ thundernerds and queer fandom content. They brought a group of us together, people who I'd never even spoken to before and they're now some of my best friends.

Bri you are amazing, don't forget that ever!!

11• If you're a writer or artist, what fic or piece of art are you proud of making?

I think I already answered this question previously but I've done more art since then so I'm happy to answer again.

This one of Virgil, I have a bit of a perfectionism problem in that I feel like everything I share with the fandom has to be perfect. I had a colour palette I wanted to do something with and I was not in the mood to make a whole intricate and clean piece so I just did a scratch up for fun and I loved it so I posted. It's kicked off the concept in my head that nothing I make has to be perfect and I'm allowed to draw for fun and share that with others.

And my most recent one, Gordon and my OC Squirt on the sofa. I just got this idea in my head and sketched it up, not intending it to be that good but like I have no idea how I managed to draw Squirt laying upside down like that, also Gordon's face is just perfect to me.

24• How has fandom positively impacted your life?

It reignited my love for art, you guys are always so supportive of my artwork which means so much. Also through support of my fandom friends, I've discovered that I'm allowed to set boundaries and I don't have to try and please everyone. I'm still learning but it's already made a positive impact.

Ask game

[gladysthegeranium]

Hi Gladys.

How exactly do you type? Are you hooked up to the internet somehow? Do you use your leaves to press the keys? Are you telepathic and you get Ned to type up all your posts for you?

Hello squiddokiddo

Thank you for your question. I don't type as you might think of typing, in that I don't press keys or tap a screen. I communicate using a motion recognition programme that interprets my movements into words. You could say I dance! The technology was developed to help humans who struggled to communicate.

I have to correct it sometimes, so I tend not to "speak' to people in real time apart from Ned. Ned is rather inclined towards a view of doom clumsiness though so his interpretations of my voice are not always accurate. That's why it's great to be on here!

[deepseasquidbro]

Introducing the Squid Bro!!

Another Thunderbirds RP blog by @squiddokiddo

Hey!! This is supposed to be my pinned post but I literally have no idea what I'm doing so I'm just going to copy @thunderfledgeling because I can.

Name: Gordon, Gords, Gordo, fishface, depends who's asking.

Age: Hey man, I ain't telling you that. Just know I'm old enough to rent a car yet still young enough to be ID checked for everything.🙃

Gender: Squidboy lol.

Pronouns: He/Him but I'm chill with They/Them too.

Fave Color: Bet you can't guess.😏

Home: I live under a rock it seems since it took me this long to make a blog here... In all seriousness, I live on Tracy Island with the big bros Scott, Virg & John (if you consider the section of outer space above us as part of the island that is), my little bro Allie, our sister Kayo, Grandma, our good buddy Brains and the lil baby sib Squirt.

Career: (Damn, this kid really thought to put EVERYTHING on here huh...) This is gonna be super obvious but I am International Rescue's Aquanaut and pilot of the best Thunderbird. I also work with multiple ocean preservation and clean up charities doing talks at big events from time to time, raising awareness and getting stuck in and picking up trash and checking in on the creatures they've rescued... And paperwork...

I also spent some time in WASP and on the US Olympic swim team but that's ancient history lol, we're focusing on the here and now.

Hobbies: Swimming, surfing, scuba diving, beach combing, little bit of guitar and ukulele, keeping little gremlins in check, volleyball, sometimes crafting (yeah the squid also has a creative streak) destroying Alan at chess, being destroyed by John at chess and the occasional cooking.

Strengths and flaws: Literally have no flaws, I'm perfect and that's a strength... I'm kidding!! I can definitely be little oblivious sometimes, I also get bored easily and I struggle to focus on anything that I'm not interested in. I also have no idea how to bake a perfect crust on a pie, I have tried it is impossible!! Idk how Scott does it!!

Achievements: Won gold in the Olympics, broke the world record for 100m butterfly blah blah blah, again ancient history... I think one of my more important achievements was getting my degree in marine biology via WASP's study programme.

My blog: (Goddamnit Squirt, why do you need so many categories??) Like the kid said, I'm here to chill and have fun, maybe answer some questions and chat with you guys, keep an eye on a certain small individual and maybe post memes idk.

[idontknowreallywhy]

The lovely @hebuiltfive sent this ask from @squiddokiddo’s excellent March of the OC’s ask game about four OCs. I will answer conventionally about three of them, but the fourth requires a little extract to explain…

Bez’s favourite Thunderbird

🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

Scott cautiously patted Bez on the head and murmured his thanks for the gift of… err… whatever the giant green drool-soaked plushie monster Bez had deposited at his feet was meant to be. Some kind of chunky lizard? A turtle… but with a zip on its belly?

The dog backed away and looked at him expectantly. Ah. He needed to physically accept the gift. Ugh… but he could literally see dog-spit-bubbles gleaming on the fuzzy surface. Shudder. Come on Tracy, you’ve dealt with grosser things in Gordon’s bedroom…

Acting with the kind of caution he’d exercise towards potentially explosive toxic waste, Scott picked the item up with a thumb and forefinger, and dangled it in the air as far from his body as possible to inspect. It spun slowly in the air to reveal a very familiar yellow, red and white pattern on the top side and his jaw dropped in delighted surprise.

The shape, he could now see, was almost recognisable but it had been significantly squashed and white stuffing was poking out from several holes. Other sections had evidently been firmly re-stitched together which only emphasised how the rest of the original seams were on the point of bursting. The tail was hanging on by mere threads. Bez sat up tall on his hind legs and looked immensely proud of himself.

“Oh Bez… whatever would Virgil say?”

Scott coughed to repress the snigger that thought had prompted and then bit his lip, not wanting to offend the giant animal by laughing in his face. His body shook a little as he crouched and reverently placed the mutilated toy back down in front of its owner but he kept his cool. Said owner eyed him and then promptly picked it up and put it more decisively on top of Scott’s shoes.

“Goodness you are highly honoured Scott, he won’t let me near Thunderbird Chew! I’ve had to sneak her away while he sleeps to carry out routine maintenance in the dead of night and… err, Scott? Are you ok?”

Scott lost control and his shoulders shook as he crammed a hand into his mouth to suppress the giggles.

Thunderbird Chew! Now he really couldn’t wait to tell Virgil!

🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

[tsarinatorment]

Tag Game!

Thanks to @x-authorship-x for the tag!

Rules: Answer all the questions, then tag 9 people you want to get to know better!

Three ships: Not really much of a romantic shipper but there's a few hanging around in my brain.

Will Solace/Nico di Angelo (Riordanverse)

Ana Dakkar/Gemini Twain (Daughter of the Deep) - disclaimer I equally eye this one as platonic these two are just my new obsession in all aspects of their relationship

Emilou Apacci/Yylfordt Granz (Bleach)

First ship: Well that was a while ago, but it was Sasuke Uchiha/Sakura Haruno (Naruto)

Last song I listened to: Dream On (cover version by Voiceplay ft. Omar Cardona)

Last movie I watched: I actually don't remember. When did I even watch a movie last? It's been a long time, whoops.

Currently reading: Just finished Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan if we're talking new stuff, but also re-reading the Traces series by Malcom Rose for the first time in about fifteen years - finished Lost Bullet yesterday and am about to pick up Role Call.

Currently watching: My brain is too consumed by worldbuilding for fics you think I have time to watch things?

Currently consuming: Nothing right now but I'm eyeing my as-yet uneaten Easter eggs (yes, I know, but also dairy is not my friend so I can only eat a little of them at a time without Consequences)

Currently craving: Said aforementioned Easter eggs on my shelf.

Tagging: @gumnut-logic @janetm74 @squiddokiddo @falconfrost @fearlessinger @thesungod @ferodactyl @burning-moths @mythicalviper-fr (participation is optional ofc)

[katblu42]

The Hug Shirt: For Dad

Okay. So, first things first. Big, big thank you hugs to all of you for your wonderful support of The Hug Shirt. I'm still very humbled by the love you've shown for my first ever Thunderbirds fanfic.

And an extra massive thank you hug to @squiddokiddo for the 2nd anniversary reblog, which has brought the story to some new readers . . . and inspired to me write an addition. A return of the Hug Shirt, if you will.

I really want to thank each and every one of you who have liked, commented, reblogged and engaged with this story in any way - but if I did that I'd be here all day, and I'd run the risk of missing someone out. So please believe me when I say it is all very much appreciated.

Special thanks to @onereyofstarlight for the cheer-leading on this one.

...

Virgil dragged his weary bones out of the elevator and towards the sunken lounge area.  It had been a long day, but a successful rescue, and he was glad to be home.  He was a little surprised to find the room so quiet, and the windows shaded to keep the light level low.  Until he spotted Dad snoozing in his recliner.

Resisting the urge to run a quick med-scan and check vitals, he was about to follow the sounds of voices outside when he registered what his Dad was wearing and did a double-take.  He couldn’t help but smile as he wondered which of his brothers had tucked their father up in the Hug Shirt.

An hour or so earlier . . .

“You okay, Dad?”

Jeff lifted heavy eyelids and found himself gazing up into the concerned crystal blue eyes of his youngest son.  He wasn’t actually sure when Alan had joined him at his desk, or how long the hand on his shoulder had been there.

“I’m fine,” he answered with a fond smile.  He was still getting used to being home and having his oh-so-grown-up sons looking out for him.  “Just a little tired.”

The frown creasing Alan’s brow melted away and the hand from Jeff’s shoulder reached up to nervously scratch at hairs at the back of the blonde’s head.

“Well, we’ve got this in hand if you wanna make use of that new recliner of yours and take a break?”  Alan’s free hand waved vaguely at the holographic displays of information hovering above the desk, and Jeff realised he had zoned out for a little longer than he thought.  “Scott’s already on his way back with Gordon, and Virgil should be wrapping up any moment now.  They’ll all be back before you know it.”

Jeff couldn’t help but chuckle.  He felt as though he was being parented by his baby boy.

“Yes, perhaps you’re right,” he conceded and raised himself up out of the desk chair, grabbing the cane and starting a slow yet steady walk across to the recliner.

Alan hovered as though unsure if he’d need to lend his father extra support but, thankfully, he stayed put and Jeff was spared the indignity of being leant assistance he didn’t need.  The addition of John’s voice softly carrying through the room, coordinating the final stages of Virgil’s rescue operation met his ears as Jeff eased himself down into the comfortable seat and adjusted the lever to recline the back and lift the footrest. 

As he felt himself sink into the soft contours of the cushions he could hardly believe he had ever argued against the need for this chair.  But Virgil had stubbornly insisted that it would aide his recovery and, in a manner reminiscent of Lucy, plotted with his brothers to purchase and install the new furniture despite Jeff’s own stubborn resistance.  Virgil had practically needed to force him to sit in it the first time, and Jeff may still have resisted if it wasn’t for the glare his mother had given him when he began to protest, but as soon as he’d settled into it he realised how wrong he’d been.  This chair was everything Virgil had promised and more in terms of comfort and support for a body still on the long road to recovery after long years in space.

Jeff let the voices of his sons wash over him, barely paying attention to their banter over the comms.  It was the only soundtrack he needed, more comforting than even the welcome sounds of ocean waves, a gentle breeze through the trees, and the cries of the local birds.  He was beginning to doze again when Alan approached him.

“Do you need anything, Dad?��

“I think I have everything I need, Son.”  A spark of mischief glinted in his eyes.  “Although . . . I do miss the days of having a little boy to cuddle up against me and keep me warm while I nap.”

“Aw, Dad.”  Alan’s nose crinkled in that I’m-not-a-kid-anymore way that all kids had, then his brow creased in thought.

The expressions that played on Alan’s face as he tried to gauge the appropriate response were comical, but they pulled at Jeff’s heartstrings a little more than he expected.  He could still see the vestiges of the little boy he left behind in the young man who stood before him, trying so hard to do the right thing and not let his Dad down, but still puzzling out the right way to go about it.

“I’m way too big for you to use me as a heated cuddle toy.  But,” Alan’s face lit up in a manner that reminded Jeff of a cartoon light-bulb moment, “I think I know exactly what will do the trick.”

Alan dashed out of the room in a flurry of squeaked footsteps and was gone for a few minutes.  When he returned he was carrying what appeared to be one of Virgil’s shirts.  As he drew nearer, holding the shirt out in front of him, Jeff could see that the flannel was worn and tatty in a few places.  Alan insisted that he put his arms into the sleeves, but held the shirt towards him back-to-front.

“Trust me, Dad.”

How could he say no to that?

So, Jeff put his arms into the sleeves and let Alan pull the back of the shirt collar up under his chin and fuss over tucking the rest of the shirt around him. The flannel was soft and promised warmth.  It smelled faintly of paint and engine oil, but also traces of Scott’s aftershave, a hint of chlorine and something he couldn’t quite identify, but which reminded him of John.

“There,” Alan said as he stopped fussing and stood back.  “Just like one of Virgil’s hugs, only this way the hug can last as long as you want.”

A memory stirred somewhere in Jeff’s mind.

“Thanks, Sprout.”  Jeff returned his little boy’s beaming smile, then Alan took his cue and left the room, dimming the lights on the way past.

Jeff closed his eyes, dragging up vague memories of his two youngest boys donning a flannel shirt that was many sizes too big for them at times when they most missed their big brother – or brothers.  He began to wonder exactly what stories this shirt could tell, what moments of comfort had his little ones needed it for, and had the older boys taken refuge in its soft folds too?  But the thoughts quickly faded.  He was comfortable, he was home, his boys were safe and he was enveloped in warm folds that embodied the love of his family.

[mrmustachious]

Brother

Summary: Virgil senses something is up with Alan. It isn't what he thinks it is.

Written for @thunder-pride - Trans Men Day

Many thanks to @squiddokiddo for the binder consultation and for answering all my questions, and for the amazing ideas!! I hope you all enjoy <3

~*~*~*~

Alan winced as he made his way out of his ship, each movement sending a jolt of discomfort across his chest. He was ready to head straight to his room, rip off his uniform, and get into something loose and comfortable.

He never usually felt this bad, but then again he also never usually went this long without taking a break from wearing his binder. He knew it was a mistake to wear it at all on a rescue, so he was lucky he spent most of the rescue in his pilot seat. However, with how hectic the day had been, this was his first opportunity to get changed.

Now, he just had to make it to his room without running into anyone. With how much he ached, the journey seemed far, but it was his only safe place to get changed. So, it was a journey he had to make.

However, luck was not on his side. He had barely made it out of the hanger and past the infirmary, when he heard someone calling for him.

Read it on AO3 here!

[tracybirds]

Thank you for the tag @squiddokiddo <33

Edit: and @tanushakyrano 💕😁 have at ittttt

Rules: Answer all the questions, then tag 9 people you want to get to know better!

Three ships: I love ships and consider myself a multishipper but at the same time I don't have intense strong feelings for them... I just like playing with my "dolls" haha <3 Picked from Thunderbirds bc this be my Thunderbirds blog lol and in no particular order

Gordon/Penelope - I have never cared about a ship being endgame more, the idea of them not getting together or worse breaking up for good makes me so sad :(((( I love exploring alternates for them both butttttttt love them <3

John/Ridley - this ship cracks me up bc it's not upopular but it is divisive :D but I like both of them and I think they could be sweet <33

Jeff/Kyrano - also been sucked in and I love it <3 I literally love their little world it's a marvel especially @amistrio's vision of tender love they have for each other T.T

First ship: I guess Victoria and Mistoffelees from Cats but 2019 destroyed that for me and now I'm just nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope (screw you 2019 i'm in pain)

Last song I listened to: You're Losing Me (Taylor Swift) I like my mornings to start with heartbreak ig

Last movie I watched: Guardians of the Galaxy 3 - enjoyed it and had fun so yay <3

Currently reading: Between books as on a break from Inheritance (Christopher Paolini) again it's just sooooo long (i'm about half way so page 400 ish???). Anyway, about to pick up Everybody Hertz that @katblu42 recommended me ages ago because I finally snagged it from the library :)

Currently watching: I'm midway through the original Captain Scarlet and also The Queen's Gambit and enjoying them both. I'm not much of a binger and TV isn't my first hobby so I'll get through them slowly <3 I will be dropping everything to watch Heartstopper with @echoofheartbeats when season 2 comes out and I need to watch the next season of Shadow and Bone bc the gifs of Kaz and Inej are wrecking me <3

Currently consuming: I had ice-cream when I started writing this post but I put it away bc sore throat :(

Currently craving: a bloody break T.T and 9-12 hours sleep

Tagging: @echoofheartbeats @amistrio @little-old-rachel @angelofbenignmalevolence @janetm74 @godsliltippy @lenle-g @louthestarspeaker @ you if you wanna do the thing (I love reading these tag me in if you like!)

[soniabigcheese]

For warm and fluffy bingo: could you do Gordon with either weird nicknames or watching them be good with kids pls?💛💛

Ohhh.... @squiddokiddo you're getting two for the price of one here and thank you for the prompts! Sorry it's taken a while. And thank you @warmandfluffybingocards for the bingo card

Oh sure, all the Tracy brothers were great with kids. It was part of their job. But one had an exceptional talent with keeping them distracted and at ease in his presence.

And that's why Virgil was glad to have Gordon as his wingman.

But sometimes his younger sibling could be exasperating, especially when his mouth had no filter ... or off switch.

It had been a particularly difficult rescue, luckily they'd been in the area when it happened. Because the GDF were completely unprepared for the mass of hyperactive kids that had been caught up in this one such rescue.

There'd been a freak storm, causing lightning to strike a tree and it fell through the roof of a school.

Well ... kindergarten/nursery.

Whilst the GDF were contacting parents to let them know what had happened, it was up to Gordon to keep a bunch of scared children safe inside Thunderbird Two, whilst Virgil helped to remove the tree and make sure there was no further danger to the area. And distract them enough for when their moms and dads could collect them.

Obviously some weren't available, so the wait was even longer, due to working.

Somehow, he managed to round them all up and get them to sit down.

Gosh, it was like rounding up kittens. They were everywhere, sticky hands touching controls. Stuff being dragged from cupboards. Thankfully none of the items were dangerous, just blankets and bandages. He was glad that they hadn't found his stash of celery ....

Oops .... too late.

One kid was sat peeling the wrappers off, taking a bite out and declaring very loudly ...

EWWWW NASTY!

Eventually, Gordon managed to get them together, promising to answer all their questions. Several pairs of eyes focused intently on the aquanaut, as he told them stories of dangerous rescues.

And of grandma's cooking.

Which earned a collective EWWWWW from everyone.

That prompted Gordon, as soon as he saw Virgil approaching ... ... to tell them about the 'burrito incident'. Casting a cheeky glance at his brother, whose already flushed face from exertion, burned even brighter.

Of course, Gordon being Gordon, he exaggerated the incident even further and added his own embellishments.

And concluded that from that day onwards, Virgil had the nickname ...

'Stinky Poo'

The kids erupted into giggles

Virgil just hoped that they'd forget, but knowing his luck, stinky poo would be forever ingrained into their memories.

[thatkidwholikesthunderbirds]

For your art ask: Draw Scott hugging a Snow Leopard in an Arctic Rescue.

Dude no. Please stop asking me, I told you over and over and over.

If you'd have asked me once and waited patiently like everyone else I would have gotten to your request but you kept messaging me and asking me on like 3 different accounts. I am not an art machine, I'm a real person, I don't have to draw anything I don't want to and I am doing these requests because I enjoy making art for the Thunderbirds fandom.

Please I am asking you politely please stop pestering me.

[squiddokiddo]

number 8 please :D >>You hope more people will come to appreciate... (a ship, a trope, an episode, etc)

Sorry for the wait, been swamped with other stuff recently. (;^^)

Uhh this took some thought but I really want more people to appreciate Gordon being responsible and reliable/Gordon being a big brother trope.

It's common to see him and Alan being grouped as "the babies" and the others as "the older bros" and within the older bros there's lots of them taking turns in being the shoulder to cry on and taking charge which I don't see a lot with the younger two.

Icarus wasn't a great episode in terms of story but the reason why it's one of my favourites is because we actually get to see Gordon being very emotionally in touch with others and being a big brother to Tom the competition winner. Tom immediately latches to this squid like a limpet and Gordon is surprised but just kinda accepts his role of babysitter, no complaints. He's super patient, he always listens to what Tom has to say, he explains things to him in a way that a kid would understand but also doesn't dumb it down as if Tom is stupid or anything, he supports Tom and reassures and comforts him, he celebrates his victories with him, he lets Tom hold his hand and wraps his arm around him and ruffles his hair. At the end when Tom changes his mind about his favourite thunderbird, Gordon isn't upset or disappointed or anything and while Alan is kinda freaking out at this kid's logic, Gordon's just grabs his new little buddy and takes him off to get a treat as a job well done.

Gordon just accepts this child unconditionally. Tom chose Gordon, he sees Gordon as a safe person and Gordon takes Tom under his wing, no questions asked. Gordon doesn't know this kid like at all and yet he still treated Tom with above and beyond care and compassion, it would have been so easy for Gordon to have pushed Tom onto Penny, she volunteered to take him but when Tom wanted to stay he respected that.

I love this side of Gordon and I'm kinda disappointed we didn't get more of it and I feel like it needs more attention. It's one of the reasons I post a lot about Squirt, because it creates a dynamic that I love that you don't get with any other character.

Again sorry for the delay on my answer, anyway big bro Gordon is the best you can't change my mind.✨

Ask game

[autisticvee]

It just dawned on me that people remembered I exist in this fandom after vanishing off the face of the earth for the last month 💀 GUESS WHO'S BACK THOUGH WITH ART AND STUFF

oh and thanks to @squiddokiddo for tagging me in this

.·:¨☆◦✦◦☆¨:·. ──── ✧《✩》✧ ──── .·:¨☆◦✦◦☆¨:·.

Three ships:

In all honesty, I never really "shipped" anyone, so I can't really answer this, sorry

First ship:

Same as the first Question, but i suspect it was probably something from the Mario Franchise

Last song I listened to:

Does a playlist count? Because that is my Entire Thunderbirds OST that I listen to on a daily basis

Last movie I watched:

In Cinema - The Super Mario Bros. Movie (10/10, Saw it on Day 1, no regrets)

At Home - The Batman vs Dracula (Interesting choice, I know)

Currently reading:

Thunderbirds Fanfiction on Ao3 by all you amazing people

Currently watching:

Batman The Animated Series / Thunderbirds are GO / IT Crowd

Currently consuming:

Tea. (I'm British, what did you expect?)

Currently craving:

Tea. (It is nearly 2AM as I am writing this, forgive me)

.·:¨☆◦✦◦☆¨:·. ──── ✧《✩》✧ ──── .·:¨☆◦✦◦☆¨:·.

Tagging @galaxyagender, @idontknowreallywhy, @bogusbyron

((I'll see if I can find more, but that's all I have for now, also for the people who I tagged, you're not under pressure to do it if you don't want to))

[tagsecretsanta]

From @gordonthegreatesttracy (3 of 3)

By and from @gordonthegreatesttracy for @squiddokiddo

- - -

Cosy

“Virgy? When are mommy and daddy coming home?” Gordon asks. He was promised that they would be home before lunchtime, but he has eaten both his breakfast and lunch and he is starting to get hungry for his dinner but his parents have still not come home.

Officially Scott is in charge, but he is upstairs shut up in his room, doing some top-secret project and he just yelled at him to go away when he tried to see what he was up to, so he has gone to find Virgil.

“I don’t know” Virgil replies, honestly. He is nervously biting his lip, as he paces up and down the room holding his baby brother in his arms while he cries. His brother is teething, and has been crying for what feels like days.

It is Christmas Eve, and it has been snowing for hours. This morning it was fun. Gordon was even allowed to get up super early, his dad helped him build a snowman in the dawn light, while mom made breakfast. That was when he thought they were coming home, now everything has changed. The lightly falling snow from this morning is turning into a blizzard, and even Gordon doesn’t want to go and play in it, and it isn’t fun anymore.

Virgil has tried to phone, but neither his Mom or Dad have answered and the last time he tried their phones both went straight to voicemail.

John is unconcerned, his nose is buried deep inside a book from his required reading list for school. He is curled up on the old squashy arm-chair next to the fire, wrapped up in a fluffy grey blanket with sleeves, and isn’t even aware that it is almost dinner time. The fireplace is adorned with seven hand stitched stockings. “Daddy, Mommy, Scott, Virgil, John, Gordon and Alan”

“What ya reading?” Gordon asks, knowing that Virgil doesn’t have the answers he needs, but John knows everything, as he walks over to the redhead and peers over the top of his book.

John rolls his eyes. “It is called a book, Squid” John replies sarcastically.

Gordon is saved from his own sarcastic comment by Scott bursting into the room, causing even John to startle and finally raise his eyes from the page.

“Scott?” Virgil asks, subconsciously tightening his grip on Alan, whose cries have quieted down into small whimpers.

“Mom and dad aren’t going to make it home. They’re stuck in the City. We are going to be alone all night” Scott tells his brothers.

There is a collective stunned silence, before Gordon bursts into tears.

Virgil thrusts the baby into Scott’s arms and wraps Gordon into his embrace. “It’s okay Fish, they’re going to be fine. They will check into a hotel and be back as soon as they can. They won’t leave us. They promised that they would never leave us”

“B-b-b-but what a-a-a-about Santa?” he wails.

“Santa?” Virgil asks confused.

“Yes! If Mommy and Daddy can’t get home, then Santa can’t get here either” Gordon replies. “And I have been so good for the last week that Daddy promised me that Santa was going to bring me the toy submarine I saw in the toy store!”

“Those are your priorities?” John snorts with ill-disguised laughter.

“YES!” Gordon shouts at him, pulling himself free from Virgil and running over to the window, climbing up onto the windowsill, his nose pressed against the glass and gazing out at the snow-covered lawn. The sky is darkening already, but the flakes are relentless, and the howling wind is blowing them up against the house. “What if it never stops snowing, and we are trapped in here forever?”

“We won’t be trapped forever Fish” John tells him, still trying not to laugh.

“Don’t laugh at me” Gordon says, raising his voice and turning to glare at John.

“Indoor voice, Squid” Scott reminds him gently.

“NO!” Gordon cries.

“Oh shut up, Fish” John tells him, trying to get back to his book. “Santa doesn’t even exist.”

“YOU SHUT UP! HE IS REAL, HE IS” Gordon insists, losing his temper, jumping down from the windowsill and pushing past Scott to escape the stares of his brothers and up into the safety of his bedroom.

“I will go and get him, and when I do John, you are going to apologise” Virgil says, fixing his own glare on his younger brother.

“I didn’t do anything wrong” John replies.

“Are you kidding me? You just told him Santa isn’t real, do you know that could destroy his entire childhood?” Virgil says.

“It is about time he found out. If I had my way, we would never have even told him there was a Santa” John insists, unrepentant.

“If you had your way you would skywrite it over Disney World”

“Will you two stop it?” Scott interrupts. “Virgil, go and get Gordon. John get in the kitchen and wash up the lunch dishes.” He demands, stamping his authority on the situation before it descends into war.

John stomps loudly into the kitchen and starts to load the dishes into the dishwasher, grumbling under his breath about how terrible and unfair his life is.

Virgil makes his way up stairs and gently knocks on Gordon’s door.

“GO AWAY JOHN” Gordon shouts back.

“Gordon, it’s Virgil”

“Oh Sorry. GO AWAY VIRGIL!”

Virgil rolls his eyes before opening up the door and letting himself in.

Gordon is sitting on the floor, leaning up against his bed cuddling his stuffed squid. “I said go away” he reminds him.

“You think I am going to leave you up here alone, while you’re upset?” Virgil asks, sitting down beside him. “You do know that even if Santa does get snowed in, that he will postpone his trip with your gifts until it is safe for him to travel.”

“You promise?” Gordon asks.

“I promise.” Virgil reassures him, wiping a stray tear with his sleeve. “You coming back downstairs? Scott is doing dinner”

Gordon gags at the thought. “Do I have to?”

“Come of Squid, you have to admit that he is getting better! He rarely burns toast anymore!” Virgil tells him with a grin.

“Mummy always says that he can’t even boil water though” Gordon reminds him with a giggle.

“I know, but maybe this time it will be different and he will actually make something you like” Virgil tells him with a grin.

Gordon rubs the few remaining tears from his eyes, before letting Virgil pull him too his feet and together they go back downstairs, where John has already returned to his book.

“What do you want for dinner then, Fish?” Scott asks, handing the baby back to Virgil, and starting to raid the cupboards for ideas, pulling out pasta and rice.

“Mommy to come home and cook dinner” Gordon replies, cheekily.

“I know. I would love for that too, but you’re stuck with me instead” Scott tells him.

Gordon may only be four years old, but he is a lot smarter than his older brothers give him credit for and he knows that Scott who appears to have inherited Grandma’s cooking skills does not have the ability to cook anything more complicated than a cheese sandwich, but he is also an incurable prankster and this is the perfect opportunity to stress out his eldest brother!

“Can I have macaroni cheese, with the sauce Mommy makes?”

“Erm, no!” Scott replies laughing. “I have no idea how to make that”

“I know” Gordon says.

“Then why did you ask?” Scott replies.

“Because you love a challenge Scotty” Gordon says, there is an evil smirk on his face, and he knows that scott is considering taking up the challenge, but before he can agree there is a loud rumble of thunder overhead, followed rapidly by the sky blazing with a streak of lightning before the power goes out, and they find themselves standing in the dark.

There is instant chaos. Gordon bursts into fresh tears, John swears loudly using a word he wouldn’t dare to use in front of his parents and grandparents, Virgil comes close to dropping Alan, and the knife in Scott’s hand slips, slicing his palm open.

“Ow” he mutters quietly, but not quietly enough as Virgil’s by his side in seconds, even in the dark he knows exactly where his brother is.

“What happened?” He asks, juggling the baby and trying to get Scott’s hand.

“Nothing, I’m fine” Scott replies, tensely.

“How stupid do you think I am, Scooter?” Virgil asks. “Hand” his demand is said in a firm but caring voice.

“I am assuming that is a rhetorical question” John asks, having joined them in the kitchen and started rooting through the draws where he knows their parents keep emergency candles and flashlights.

Virgil places Alan on the floor near Scott’s feet so he can focus on fixing the cut on his palm.

John hands Virgil a flashlight before turning his own on and pointing it towards Gordon, who is still crying but his sobs are much quieter now. “Want to help me light the candles?” He asks.

“Don’t you dare let him play with matches” Scott warns, wincing in pain as Virgil dabs his hand with a damp cloth.

“Keep still” Virgil demands.

“How stupid do you think I am, Scooter? John replies, echoing Virgil’s last sentence, rolling his eyes. “Besides, I was going to let him use the flame thrower, come on Fish”

“Flame thrower?” Gordon asks, awed.

Scott gives up! “Set the house on fire, and we will have to sleep outside. Ouch Virgil, not so hard” he complains.

“This isn’t too bad, I will just pop a bandage on it for you.” Virgil tells him.

While Virgil wraps Scott’s hand, John and Gordon light up the living room with all the candles that they could find, leaving the room bathed in a warm and cosy glow, and all five brothers gather in the room, sitting down on the floor where Gordon climbs into Virgil’s lap.

“What are we going to do now?” John asks. The power cut has turned the heating off, and the room is starting to get cold in just the five minutes since that initial streak of lightning.

Scott is thinking, trying to drown out any fear he is feeling and telling himself that this is not going to be a permanent situation which will descend into anarchy, where Gordon overthrows him as brother in charge, and ties him up before throwing a party. This is his chance to really prove to his Mom and Dad that he can take charge in a crisis.

“First of all, we will light a fire. Virgil go down to the basement and bring up that bag of logs Dad and I chopped the other day. John, you and Gordon go and raid the freezer and get the ice cream as we might as well eat that before it all melts and you can make sandwiches for everyone. There is plenty of bread and cheese.”

To Scott’s surprise nobody questions their orders, and in minutes there is a roaring fire in the grate, and a plate full of sandwiches, which Scott is wrapping in tin foil, before toasting them lightly over the flames.

There is a comfortable silence in the room while they eat their way through the sandwiches and ice cream which is only disturbed by the occasional rumble of thunder as the storm moves on.

Night has fully fallen, and Gordon lets out a large yawn, which Scott doesn’t miss. “You tired Fish?” He asks.

Gordon shakes his head. “No” he fibs quietly but snuggles further into Virgil’s warm embrace.

“Mm-hmm” Scott replies smiling. “How about hot chocolate, a story and then bed?”  

“How are you going to make hot chocolate?” Gordon asks. Mommy always uses the microwave but that isn’t working in the power cut.

“Magic” Scott replies, getting up, and filing a large pot they use when they go camping, with milk and cocoa, before lying it at the bottom of the fireplace so it can heat up.

“That is not magic Scotty” Gordon tells him laughing.  

“You want the hot chocolate?” Scott grins back in response, reaching over to ruffle his hair.

“Gerroff me!” He grumbles, but he is laughing.

“Run upstairs and get The night Before Christmas, and I will read you that story I promised okay?” Scott asks.

Gordon skips from the room and upstairs to his room, where the book lives currently, until it is ready to be moved on to Alan when he is old enough to appreciate it. This book used to belong to Grandma, who passed it down to his father who gave it to Scott, who gave it to Virgil, who gave it to John, who had it memorised in less than twenty-four hours! Then it found its way to Gordon.

Gordon’s room is unnaturally tidy, as his Mom made sure it was ready for Santa. She even made him clean out the nest of dirty socks he keeps under the desk! His heart lets out a pang of regret that he is snowed in for just a split second as he grabs the book and runs back downstairs to his waiting siblings.

Virgil has raided the cupboard for marshmallows and has speared twelve onto his toasting fork and is happily poking into the fire, as Scott pours four steaming mugs of hot chocolate, not bothering to remind Virgil that he shouldn’t be having that much sugar this close to bedtime. Partly because it is Christmas, and partly because he knows that Virgil wouldn’t pay any attention.

Alan is fast asleep on the rug in between John and Virgil, the blanket John was using earlier tucked up around him, his thumb in his mouth.

Gordon thrusts the book into Scott’s hands before helping himself to more marshmallows and his mug, dropping the gooey half-melted treat into the liquid with frenzied delight. He decides to copy Virgil’s example and try and fit a dozen marshmallows in his mouth at once.

“Thish ish so good” he informs Scott with his mouth full.

“No problem Fishie, now are you ready for your story, then it’s bedtime” Scott replies, opening up the book and getting started. “Twas the night before Christmas…”

He makes it all the way through the book without a single interruption.

“Scott?” Virgil whispers once he has finished.

“Mmm?” He answers, looking across at him, to see Gordon fast asleep in Virgil’s arms.” I think we should get him up to bed”

Scott gets to his feet and takes the sleeping Squid from Virgil so he too can get up from the floor. “Come along Johnny” he says, holding his hand out to help him up.

John gives him his customary eye roll, before getting up without help, collecting alan from the floor and the five boys go upstairs together.

They make their first stop in Alan’s room placing him in the crib with his favourite toy rocket and the blanket knitted for him by Grandma before leaving the door slightly open so they can hear him if he wakes up.

“This room doesn’t look right clean” John says as they make their next stop in Gordon’s room wrapping him up under the thick winter blanket and making sure that he too is warm and cosy before they leave him to sleep away the snowy night.

“Okay Johnny, you are next.” Scott says “off too bed”

“Night Scott, are you going to get the presents from the attic?” John asks. “And don’t call me Johnny!”

“I don’t know Johnny, Mom said that we should but I would rather wait until they are home safe. Tomorrow is going to feel really strange without them” Scott replies, ignoring his request.

“What are we going to do now?” Virgil asks.

“Only thing we can do, get some sleep and hope the world rights itself overnight.” Scott replies, walking into his own room, and collapsing on top of the bed staring up at the ceiling for several minutes before he climbs under the blankets, facing the window and looking at the swirling snowflakes, making one last wish for his parents safe return before he finally drifts off to sleep.

*TB*

Virgil is asleep, buried in a nest of blankets curled up into a ball snoring gently when his bedroom door starts to open slowly, as Gordon tiptoes across the carpet towards the bed, cuddly Squid clutched in his hand, and climbs up onto the bed. “Virgy” he whispers loudly, poking him in the side of the head.

“Wha’?” Virgil replies, his eyelids fluttering but not fully opening.

“Can’t sleep. I want Mommy” Gordon tells him.

Virgil lifts up the blanket so Gordon can climb under the covers and into his brothers waiting arms. “Virgy the only thing I want from Santa is Mommy and Daddy” he says sadly.

“Me too Fishie, me too” Virgil replies as the pair drift back of to sleep.

*TB*

“VIRGY VIRGY VIRGY!”

Gordon’s cries are excited now and not the scared little Fish from the evening before as he comes tearing back into the room.

Virgil groans loudly and dramatically but makes no effort to move.

“COME ON! YOU HAVE TO GET UP. SANTA HAS BEEN AND HE HAS BOUGHT US THE BEST PRESENTS” Gordon cries, throwing open the curtains and allowing the wintery sunshine to stream in through the window.

“Indoor voice Squid” Virgil reminds him, grabbing the blanket with another groan and trying to pull it up over his head.

Gordon grabs the blanket and pulls it off his brother, dumping it on the floor “COME ON!” He tries again.

Virgil groans, but gives in, rolling over to look at the overly excited face of his brother. He is bouncing up and down with excitement. Virgil’s movements are a lot slower as he drags himself up into a sitting position and yawns dramatically.

“Okay, I am up. Lead the way” Virgil says.

Gordon grabs his hand and leads him into the living room, where he lets out a shocked cry.

Sitting on the floor under the tree surrounded by dozens of gifts are his Mom and Dad.

“How?” He asks as he throws himself into their embrace, followed by his brothers as they are finally reunited with their parents.

“It is a long story, involving a snow dispersal unit, three tractors, one all terrain vehicle and two new pairs of cross-country skis! Jeff replies.

“Hey, the power is on again” Virgil suddenly realises, looking up at the light.

“It is, now how about some coffee and presents?” Jeff asks.

The day is a blur of tasty food, wonderful gifts and the joy of a family reunited. Gordon is delighted with his toy submarine and he can’t wait until bath time, so he can try it out. The snow has finally relented, and there is a fresh snow family on the lawn all wearing hats and scarves.

“Johnny was wrong Daddy” Gordon says as they sit down for their Christmas dinner, exhausted from their day of sledding, and building snowmen and even managed some cross-country skiing down the driveway and up to the hill.

“Excuse me?” John splutters in disgust, he is never wrong. Ever!

“You said there was no Santa, but I said to Virgy last night that all I wanted for Christmas was you and Mommy, and he bought you home.”

[teapotteringabout]

Thunderfam meme time! Let’s spread some love. If you want to, tag people in the thunderfam for each answer. Shout out somebody who:

💙 Inspires you to be your best self

💚 Is always there for you when you need help

❤️ Draws beautiful art

💛 Always makes you laugh/cheers you up

🧡 Writes beautiful fic

💜 Someone you’d like to get to know better! Tell them hi!

🤍 Wildcard! Shout somebody out for whatever you want.

Hi anon! What a sweet thing to ask 💖💖 aight let's goooo

💙 Inspires you to be your best self

Hmm, I think most of the thunderfam do that. This is such a cosy, friendly space and you guys really coaxed me out of my shell. So thank you all, you made an anxious bean not so anxious 😄

💚 Is always there for you when you need help

well thankfully I haven't needed to ask anyone very often if at all, but @uniwolfcorn listened to me rant absolute paragraphs about work once and it felt so good to get it off my chest. So thank you 💗

❤ Draws beautiful art

hands down @dragonoffantasyandreality @avengedbiologist and @squiddokiddo 👏👏👏

💛 Always makes you laugh/cheers you up

a lot of people do that without realising. To name a few @uniwolfcorn and her cursed Thunderbirds screenshots, @avengedbiologist and her very profound comments on discord 😆, @jacksonstarkiller and their memes. Gold stuff.

🧡 Writes beautiful fic

omg @dreamycloud and @mothmandalore absolutely

💜 Someone you'd like to get to know better! Tell them hi!

I dont know. Everyone? @myladykayo and @womble1 ? 👋👋

🤍 Wildcard! Shout somebody out for whatever you want.

naturally shout out to @willow-salix for doing everything she does, particularly wrangling the zoom call crowd every Saturday night. I genuinely don't know how you do it

[burningcowboyhoagietaco]

not yet @bonsaiiiiiii so thanks for the tag!!!

Favorite color: ooooo it always has been purple (but recently started liking turquoise).

Currently reading: I like to read anything, but mostly tag fics.

Last song: waaaait let me check... its dying wish by Tasuku Hatanaka [moriarty the patriot opening] (I'm currently listening to my anime songs playlist so this is the one I was listening to when I wrote this answer).

Last movie: hehehehe I watched it yesterday, it was Central Intelligence (what a hilarious movie!!).

Last series: it was anime, just a sec... Got it!! It was I☆Chu: Halfway Through the Idol.

sweet, savory or spicy: idk... sometimes I want something savory, sometimes sweet, but mostly I'd go for something sweet.

Craving: hmm maybe a birthday cake :D, even tho my birthday is on august.

Tea or coffee: easy tea, i never liked coffee (unless cappuccino is considered coffee).

Currently working on: a little fic with the help of tea!! (as in @teapotteringabout !!).

Tagging: @womble1, @ak47stylegirl @dragonoffantasyandreality,@teapotteringabout, @selene-tempest, @the-lady-razorsharp, @rachfielden-xo, @squiddokiddo aaaaand @gaviiadastra. Okay sorry I forgot let me just add @willow-salix to the list.(If you've been tagged already it's okay, I just wrote out all the names that I think they haven't been tagged yet)

(I have an obsession with tagging alot of people, I just don't want anyone being left out)

Get to know me

Tagged by the wonderful @photowizard17 ::hugs::

Favorite color:  Phthalo turquoise also known as Southern Ocean Blue

Currently reading: Thunderbirds fanfic, lots of it.

Last song: Parachute by Train because I see it as the theme song to @i-am-chidorixblossom ‘s wonderful Virgil/Ray series - His Type and Find Me

Last movie: Um, I watch too much YouTube. Maybe Wonder Woman 1984 with its canyon-sized plotholes.

Last series: The Orville - rewatch.

Sweet, savory or spicy: Any depending on my mood. Everything has to do with my mood :D

Craving: Virgil hurt/comfort fic - I may have a terminal case.

Tea or coffee: Neither. I usually drink water because of a diabetes risk, but I do love a frozen Coke.

Currently working on: Currently thinking about letting Scott’s academic side out in that Steampunk AU, but this morning I wrote an injured Virgil in Callisto.

Tagging @vegetacide @i-am-chidorixblossom @scribbles97 @gaviiadastra

@janetm74 @tsarinatorment and anyone else who would like to play :D