Unspoken

Disclaimer: please see Chapter 1.

Thanks for the reviews. Sorry it's taken me so long to update this but life just gets in the way. Thanks to my amazing beta making this readable for me. Hope you're still enjoying this.

Chapter 4: Speaking without sound.

Jeff and Scott sat in a companionable silence as John drifted off to sleep once more. Scott knew his father had more to say but for a moment they just relished in the peace and quiet. It was very rare on this Island.

"Scott, you need to accept that what happened happened and nothing can change that," Jeff said finally. He wanted to help his eldest son see this so that he and Virgil could talk once more. He knew things would be strained between the two of them and it wasn't a good thing. They were so connected together and it's what made them such a good team.

"I know. It's just difficult. What if Gordon hadn't come out to the pool when he did?" questioned Scott. Although he could see what his dad meant, his mind was still wrapped in the what-ifs.

"But he did and that's what matters, Son," replied Jeff and as he had with Virgil earlier, he wrapped his arm around his son.

Scott made no attempt to shrug his father off. For a moment he needed that strength which only his father could provide. Finally, he sighed and moved away. "I think I owe Virgil an apology."

Jeff smiled, "Yes, you do but if I know my son as well as I think I do, he will understand and forgive you," replied Jeff.

Scott nodded, "Better go find him then," he said, hoping his father was right. He made to stand when something grabbed his arm, halting him. He looked down to see John was awake and looking at him.

John shook his head at Scott and gestured at him to sit back down. Scott made to pull away but John tightened the grip and shook his head again.

Jeff couldn't help but smile at the stubborn look in his stargazer. Although, Scott was the more stubborn of the two brothers, John had his moments when he could outdo even his oldest brother and this was one of them. Plus, Jeff knew exactly why John was stopping Scott. "Son, sit down. You can find Virgil later when he's finished helping Gordon," he said.

Scott relented and sat back down again. "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?" he questioned, looking down at John. John shook his head and then his hands came up to his throat and then touched his head. The pain in his throat and head had come back with a vengeance and sleep was now eluding him.

Jeff had stood up the minute John's hands went to his throat, realizing exactly what his son was saying. He walked over to the table Virgil had set up earlier with the meds John might need. Jeff might not have the medical training that Virgil did but he was perfectly capable of looking after his son. Walking back to John, he raised the bed slightly so he could sit up. He handed over the required dosage and then a cup of water.

When he was finished, John sank back down against the pillow. He no longer felt sick but he knew it was going to be a while before he was better. He was aware that his brothers were all dealing with what had happened now but he hoped Gordon would come down. If any of his brothers could get through to Gordon, it was Virgil. Ever since they'd started International Rescue, he'd noticed a strong bond forming between them and it would allow Virgil to reach out to him. Even trusting in his next youngest brother, John still needed to see Gordon. He needed to so that his own mind would be put at ease.

The door swung open and in came Virgil and Gordon. Both looked much more relaxed and it was clear to all present that Virgil had gotten through to Gordon. They approached the bed and a grin appeared on the younger Tracy's face.

"So, what you gotta tell me, John?" he asked.

John just rolled his eyes at him, expecting a comment like that but secretly he was quite relieved to hear it. It meant that Gordon was coping. He still wanted to fully reassure himself of that though but it was easier said than done with everyone else there. His gaze automatically shifted to Virgil and then to Gordon.

Virgil nodded, understanding what he wanted. He looked to Scott and with a slight jerk of his head to the door, Scott stood up. "I'm really hungry so as you've got plenty of company, I'm off to get some food." He knew exactly what Virgil was getting at and it would give him a chance to talk to his younger brother. They just had to get Jeff out as well.

"Well, I think I'm going to call Alan and check in with him," said Jeff, standing up. He had seen the look pass between his sons and knew John wanted to be alone with Gordon.

Virgil waited until they had left and then turned to Gordon. "You okay here with John for a bit? I need to check on that repair Brains and I were working on."

"Yeah sure, I reckon I can handle our silent spaceman," he replied.

"Carry on like that and I think you'll be the one in the bed," said Virgil with a grin and then he left the room but made sure John could still reach the pad and pen.

Gordon sniffed the air around him, "Well I just had a shower so it must be you," he said, realizing they had all just left them on purpose.

John raised one eyebrow at him and then gestured at the seat beside the bed. Gordon sat down beside him and waited as John wrote on the pad.

You okay?

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" questioned Gordon.

John made a thumb down gesture then pointed to Gordon.

Gordon sighed and his grin disappeared, "I'm getting there. Virge helped," he replied honestly. "I've never underestimated the power of water and just what it's capable of. Hell, it almost robbed me of my own life but seeing you face down in it…Well that was something else entirely." Gordon stood up and wandered to the window. "That pool is my sanctuary and I guess I forgot just how deadly it can be. I never ever thought I would be pulling one of my own brothers from it," he continued but this time he turned back to John. "If you'd have died out there, I'm not sure I could ever have gone back into it."

But I didn't, wrote John, turning the pad so Gordon could read it.

Gordon nodded and came back over to the bed. "I know Virgil, reminded me of that. I think I just needed to see you to fully accept that."

Well, I'm right here.

Gordon grinned at him again, "Well, most of you anyway. So you ready for some epic level smothering from those brothers of ours?"

John grinned properly for the first time since he had become ill and then wrote on the pad again. Hide me.

"Not a chance. You gotta face their smothering like a man. Well, a voiceless man at least."

Following his chat with Gordon, John had finally been able to relax and sleep. Helped along a little by a light sedative Virgil had slipped his brother. He didn't like drugging his brothers like that but he also knew that John really needed rest more than anything right now.

He sat beside his brother's bed unable to leave in case his brother woke and needed anything. His father had tried to send him to rest but Virgil knew he would be unable to until John was feeling better so Jeff had given up.

A cough from the bed drew his attention down to where John had awoken once more. Looking at his watch, Virgil was stunned to see it was 5am. "How long have I been sitting here?" he muttered to himself as he checked his brother's vitals. All were looking much better and it was clear his brother was on the mend. Oh, he knew it would be a few more days before John was well but it was definitely an improvement. His brother was still without voice though which was clearly annoying the star gazer.

John reached for the pad, frustrated that he could still not speak. He quickly wrote some words down and turned it to face his brother.

How much longer?

He didn't need to say anymore as he knew Virgil would instantly understand what he meant. His brother always did. Scott may be the eldest and not much got past him but he didn't have the astute awareness of Virgil. It was almost like a sixth sense at times especially between him and Scott. Sometimes he wondered if they shouldn't have been born twins.

"I can't say for definite, bro, but could be a few more days. Sorry," replied Virgil, gripping his shoulder tight for a moment. "Is it feeling sore?"

John nodded and watched as Virgil went to get him something for the pain. He wasn't sure he could go through another few days of this. He didn't feel quite so ill anymore but maybe that was worse. When he was really ill he could just sleep and ignore the lack of voice. Now, he was realizing just how much of an impediment it could be. After all, he wouldn't be able to go back to work until he could speak. What good would he be on a rescue or even on Five?

"It will be a bit longer before Dad or Scott let you anywhere near Thunderbird Five," said Virgil as he reappeared with the medication.

John took the meds he was given and then a few sips of water which felt refreshingly cool on his throat. Sinking back down against the pillows, he sighed as exhaustion overtook him once more.

"More sleep and you will be feeling much better," said Virgil, adjusting the blankets slightly.

John couldn't argue even if he'd wanted to and closed his eyes knowing his brother was right.

Scott wandered into the room just as John drifted off to sleep once more. He smiled fondly to see his brother looking much less pale than he had yesterday. "How's he doing?" he asked, wondering if his brother was speaking to him.

"He's getting there," replied Virgil as he busied himself clearing things up.

"Look Virge, I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have said what I did. I do trust your judgement I just got a little caught up in everything but it was wrong of me to take it out on you," he said.

Virgil turned to face him but Scott couldn't quite read his expression, he did however see the exhaustion building in his brother's eyes. "Thank you. Are you okay to sit with John for a bit? I need to check on Two," he asked.

"Uh Yeah, sure," replied Scott, that wasn't quite the reply he had expected.

"He should sleep for a while yet but if he wakes feeling worse, let me know okay?" continued Virgil as he walked towards the door.

"Are we okay?" asked Scott, unsure if Virgil had forgiven him or not.

Virgil just nodded distractedly and headed out of the door, his mind already on Thunderbird Two, he didn't really take in what his brother had asked him.

By the following morning, John was feeling much better and more like himself but his voice was still hiding itself away. He was hoping Virgil would let him out today, he needed some fresh air and food. The thought of food made him realize that he felt really hungry and knew he must be on the mend. Sitting up, the room spun alarmingly and John accepted he wasn't quite recovered yet.

The door opened but John missed who entered because his eyes were on the tray being carried and his stomach growled in recognition of what it held.

"Feeling better, bro?" asked Virgil, who was carrying the tray.

John nodded, knowing that despite his best efforts he couldn't answer with actual words. Virgil smiled knowingly and handed over the tray. John smiled a thanks and tucked in. He was careful to take it steady the last thing he needed right now was to throw up again.

"How's your throat? Is it hurting?" asked Virgil.

John nodded again, his head felt clearer but his throat still felt like he'd swallowed a few knives. Virgil handed him some more medication and a drink. John quickly swallowed them down and reached out to grip his brother's arm for a moment. He knew Virgil would understand the gesture and his brother's smile affirmed that.

"How are you feeling, Son?" asked Jeff, entering the room and surprising both of his sons. He then rephrased his question realizing how hard that was to answer with no voice, "Are you feeling any better?"

John nodded and then put his hands to his throat and shook his head. Jeff who could read his sons better than they knew instantly realized that John was feeling better but his throat was still giving him trouble.

"It will ease soon and your voice will come back. You swallowed a lot of water on top of the possible infection already building there," replied Virgil.

"So, John is still a silent Sally, then?" questioned Gordon, sauntering into the room.

"Silent Sally?" queried Virgil whilst John glared at him.

"What no good? How about Mutey Man then?"

Virgil just shook his head and walked away to the desk to record how John was feeling. Gordon sat down on the bed and grinned at his brother. John waited for whatever was next to come out of the redhead's mouth. It was clear he had plenty to say.

"Oh, where to begin?" he muttered, the grin widening on his face.

"Gordon, your brother might not be able to talk but he's still capable of hitting you," cautioned Jeff.

"But it's funny. Our communications expert can't communicate with anyone, that could make things interesting," replied Gordon with a slight chuckle. As much as he intended to wind John up, he was also relieved to see how much better his brother looked. Maybe today he could hold back just a little on the teasing. His eyes then glanced over to Virgil. He'd seen his brother yawn at least five times since he walked in. His first priority needed to be getting a stubborn older brother to rest.

"Hey, bro, if you wanna grab a nap, I'm sure dad and I can take care of No Voice here," he said as Virgil yawned again.

Virgil nodded but he had no intention of going to sleep. He and Brains were almost done with their work on Two and he wanted to run some tests on her. "Yeah, good idea. You gonna be okay, John?" he asked, knowing how annoying Gordon could get.

John made a slight fist towards Gordon and then smiled at Virgil, nodding his head as he did so.

Virgil grinned back, John could handle his younger brother if he needed to. "Oh and if Dad says it's okay then you can leave the sickbay but you have to rest though no more going walkabout," he added as he approached the door. He shook his head as John saluted in agreement at him.

John turned to look at his father, a pleading look in his eyes. Jeff smiled fondly, remembering all the times he'd seen that look when John was young. "Okay, as long as you do as Virgil asked and you actually rest."

John nodded and sat himself back up again, relieved this time when the room didn't spin. Gordon jumped up and moved over so John could swing his legs off the bed. Slowly, he moved until he was on the edge of the bed. Jeff and Gordon both stood ready in case he fell but he managed to stand up and stay upright. It seemed like such an achievement which of course was rather silly but right now John didn't care.

"You ready?" asked Gordon, all laughter gone from his voice for the time being.

John nodded and they began the slow progress from sickbay to his own room, flanked on either side by his dad and brother. Neither made any attempt to help him though, Gordon recognised the need in John to do this by himself but he was there just in case.

Finally, they arrived and John sank onto the bed feeling like he had just run a marathon. Being sick really drained you out and John was glad that it didn't happen very often to him.

"Well, I'm off for a swim," said Gordon, heading to the door. He then paused and grinned. "Give me a shout if you need anything. Oh wait, you can't. Silly me," he said and ducked as the pillow came flying at his head.

"He'll leave you alone for a while now and if he gets too bad, I'll ban him from your room," said Jeff, sitting down beside the bed.

John shook his head and grabbed a pad he always kept beside the bed and quickly wrote.

It's okay at least this way we know he's okay. I prefer this Gordon.

"I do, too," replied Jeff with a smile. John then yawned and Jeff could see how much that short walk had worn out his son. "Why don't you try and sleep again for a bit?" he suggested and John nodded, shutting his eyes.

"Sleep well, Son," said Jeff, softly, brushing the hair back off his son's face.