Disclaimer: I don't own the Thunderbirds, IR, or the Tracys.

A/N: I know this is late but, Angel-Sue, this is for you and for someone so very dear to our hearts. Happy (late) birthday!

I Know…

Frowning at everything and nothing, he sat near the small creek that ran along through the Tracy family farm. He didn't know what exactly was bothering him and that just made him even more irritated. The Terrible Two hadn't been bothering him. Scott and John had been busy with football and soccer practice, respectfully. His dad was…Good question as he couldn't remember what city or country his father had gone to for yet another meeting. Grandma was in the kitchen preparing dinner for the growing Tracy brothers.

"I don't even know where Wolfie has gotten off to," he muttered. It was just a few feet from where he sat that the brothers had rescued the little pup from drowning or freezing to death. "He's the best Christmas present we've ever gotten." A heartfelt and wistful sigh escaped him, "If only we could have Mom back and life would be perfect." The thoughts of his mother brought tears to the expressive boy's eyes. "Wish you were here, Mom."

"Hey, Virg, what are you doing down here?" Scott jogged along the path to sit next to his next youngest brother. If truth be told, he'd have to admit Virgil was his favorite little brother. The one who held a special place in his heart as he was his first little brother. Not that he loved his other brothers less. They were each special in their own way but Virgil was more than his brother, he was his best friend.

Shrugging his shoulders, he just stared at the flowing water of the creek. Scott followed his stare and before glancing at his brother's face. He immediately noticed the sadness on his face as well as the tear streaks. "She's not here but she hasn't left us, Virg. She's watching over you and wishing you a happy birthday."

He sighed, "How can you be so sure?"

"That's easy. Mom loved us all so much that I can't believe or accept that she's not watching over her boys. A love as strong as what she had for us would never allow her to leave us completely."

"I wish I was as certain, Scotty," Virgil muttered, sadly. "Today is my birthday but it doesn't feel special. Not when I know that someone important is missing."

Hugging his brother and then leaving his arm draped over his brother's shoulders, he thought for a moment before saying anything. "Do you love her?"

"That's stupid, Scotty. Of course, I love her…Loved her," he corrected himself.

"Shame on you, little brother. That is what is bothering you, you're thinking in the past tense. Just because she isn't here for you to see and hug doesn't mean she's not here. I miss her more than I can ever put into words. Or paintings. Or music but that doesn't mean I don't still love her. Even when I'm old and gray, I'll still love Mom. I keep the love I have for her as my strength and reason to keep living. To be the best brother I can be to you and the others."

His mouth dropped open at his usually private big brother, "How did you know and how come I didn't expect you to say something like that?"

"I know because I know you and how you think. As for why you didn't expect me to say anything like that, it's because I have to keep you guessing what I'll say next."

Leaning into his brother's hug, he said softly, "I love you, Scotty, and thanks for being here for me."

"I know and I love you, too." Tightening his hug briefly, he whispered, "Thank you for being here for me." No more words were said as the brothers quietly relaxed in each other's presence…

"Dang it, Scotty, didn't you take a shower after practice?" Ah, the joys of brotherly love.