Thank you to everyone who as read this story. Hope you enjoy Day 10.
TBTBTBTBTBTBTBTB
Day 10:
"Wow," Kayo exclaimed speeding into the room after hearing Virgil's deep scream vibrate along the corridor, "are you alright?"
"Not really," Virgil moaned.
"Why, what's wrong?"
"Everything!"
"What do you mean… Everything?"
"It doesn't matter," Virgil grunted, throwing his blanket off the bed and sitting himself up.
Kayo was about to retort, but stopped when she noticed Virgil's worn out appearance. "You look exhausted!"
"Just a bit," he mumbled attempting to stand up, "ouch!"
Kayo glanced at the offending bedside drawer that Virgil had wacked his knee against. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Virgil responded sitting himself back down while rubbing his knee, "forgot to close the drawer."
"I can see… You know you really should keep that shut."
"I'll try and remember next time."
"Next time?"
"Doesn't matter."
So, are you coming, we've got a mission to complete."
"Mm… Christmas decorating… Again!"
"Again?"
"Long story," he explained attempting to stand once more, this time losing his balance and toppling forwards.
"Virg," Kayo called out, racing over and grabbing a hold of him.
"Virgil why are you not…" Sally stopped when she noticed Kayo holding onto her grandson. "What's wrong?"
"Just got up too quickly," Virgil assured her
"No, you didn't," Kayo opposed, "you are obviously worn-out."
"No," Virgil yawned, "I'm not,"
"Well you clearly are," Sally said, walking over to help Kayo lower Virgil back onto his bed.
"Don't need to lie down," Virgil protested, shaking them off and sitting himself up again, "just need a few coffees, and I'll be raring to go!"
Sally sighed, her grandchildren could be so stubborn at times, no idea where they got it from of course… Most likely from their father, who probably inherited it from his own father, not her of course… But, she certainly could be authoritative when needed. "Okay then," she finally answered, "if you are so sure you are alright then I want you to stand up, and make your way to the command centre…"
"Okay then," Virgil replied, feeling relieved that his grandma had backed down so easily.
"Wait," she cautioned, "I haven't finished… I want you to do this without stumbling, or faltering in any way… And if you do, then I don't care how much you plead it's back to bed for you, especially if there are any signs that you are becoming your loveable clumsy self. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Virgil responded sheepishly, "although, I don't know if I'd describe me being a klutz when overtired loveable."
"I know someone who might," she muttered under her breath before speaking again, "now, are you ready?"
"Yes grandma," Virgil confirmed, bringing himself into a steadier standing position.
"Next step then," Sally said with a quick glance at Kayo which warned her to be on guard should Virgil tumble.
Virgil nodded, then slowly made hesitant steps towards his bedroom door. When he finally reached his destination, he smiled triumphantly at his grandma and Kayo. "See I'm fine!"
"Very good," Kayo acknowledged, "next step the command centre."
Huffing to himself, Virgil nodded and wearily began to move.
… …
"Getting slower in your old age Virg," Gordon mocked with a giant smirk across his face when the door opened to reveal his brother entering with his grandma and Kayo, "and where's your usual lumberjack gear?"
"What's wrong with jogging bottoms and a top?"
"Nothing," Alan giggled, "if you were wearing those."
"What do you mean?" Virgil queried while rubbing his sleepy eyes.
Scott stepped forwards and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Virg, take a quick look at yourself, you may realise that you've forgotten something."
"Oh," Virgil mumbled, immediately turning bright red.
"Exactly," Scott continued, patting his shoulder affectionately, "Christmas decorating in boxers isn't a good luck!"
"No, I guess not."
Why didn't you say anything?" John questioned Kayo and his grandma, his hologram displaying from the middle of the room.
"I wanted to see if he was too exhausted to notice," Sally informed him," and It looks like I was proven right."
"No, I'm fine," Virgil retorted, shaking his head defiantly before carefully making his way back towards the doorway.
"It's okay," Sally said stopping his retreat and revealing the bottoms and top which were hidden behind her back, "I've got them with me… Now, sit yourself down and get changed."
"Yes grandma," Virgil replied walking over to the large sofa.
"That's better," Sally remarked with a smile when he had finished, "are you ready to stand up again?"
"Yes," Virgil exhaled with a series of yawns.
"Are you sure?" Everyone queried, shooting each other concerned glances as they closed in around him.
"Mm… Sure," Virgil answered standing back up way to quickly and toppling forwards.
"Virgil!" She cried out, trying to stop his fall.
"It's okay, we've got him," Gordon stated, when he, Scott, and Alan grabbed a hold of Virgil.
Sally looked at Kayo and mouthed, 'fetch Brains,' once she had left she focussed on Virgil. "This little test of ours is over."
"No," Virgil protested trying to wriggle out of the hold his brothers had on him as he was lowered onto the sofa, "just got up way too fast."
"I will be the judge of that," Brains stammered, scurrying into the room and over to him.
John's hologram flashed off, then reappeared next to the head of the sofa. "Is he going to be okay Brains?"
"I'll j…just n…need to run some t…tests," Brains answered before directing his attention back onto Virgil, "now, let's check you over."
"No need, I'm just tired…" Noting Scott's anxious gaze, Virgil added. "And I'm not ill,"
"But Virgil, you've looked awful since the moment you walked in here!"
"Thanks bro!"
"Sorry… But you really do," Scott leaned in closer, so he could observe his younger brother's features, "wait, have you been crying as well?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"I haven't been crying!"
"Okay," Scott frowned, not entirely convinced,
'Geez,' Virgil thought, he hadn't shed a single tear, well not yet. His big brother really was a ninja if he could sense the tears from the previous repeats. "Seriously, I'm fine… As I've said I'm just tired, and I really need a coffee!"
"Virgil," his grandma began, placing her hand on his shoulder when she noticed his attempt to sit up again, "I know you want to do the decorating, but we can easily put it back a few hours."
"Absolutely," Kayo confirmed, "we don't mind waiting, and you do look like you need the rest."
"But Gords and Al managed to convince John to sound the alarm at 7am just to make sure I'd get up, obviously they're eager to make a start."
"I guess we were both excited at getting the decorations up," Alan admitted, "but Kayo's right, if you need to rest we'll both understand."
Virgil exhaled, he could except the offer, after all everything didn't rewind until any time after 3pm, but that would mean he wouldn't complete any of the things that Max had suggested, and the day would inevitably rewind. No, he couldn't do this again… He really needed and wanted out of this day, and the only way he could imagine doing that was by following the theories that Max had printed out. "No, I have to do everything that Max suggested."
"Ha?" They all remarked with a curious look at the robot.
Max released a series of beeps plus a shrug of his mechanical arms to signal his own confusion.
"I have to make sure everyone is having a good day." Virgil answered, stretching himself out.
"Why?" John inquired.
Virgil smirked at them. "If I was to reveal the reason then you lot would think I was crazy… Well, except for Brains, he believes me because I've told him that many times he's now having frequent spells of déjà vu."
"H…How did you k…know?" Brains spluttered.
"I'll explain later," Virgil said with a wink at Brains before pushing past the hold his grandma still had on his shoulder and trying to stand, "oh crap…" he sprawled out when a wave of dizziness hit him.
Immediately stopping Virgil's slump to the floor, Scott forced him to lie back down on the sofa then looked to Brains. "Maybe you should do those tests now."
"No," Virgil snapped, "not sick, just sleepy from back-to-back missions, and really need that coffee."
"I really don't think a coffee will help," Alan replied.
"Yes," Virgil yawned out, "it will."
"I really don't believe it will," Scott cut in, "what you're displaying is more than mere tiredness from over working, you are completely and utterly worn out!"
"I'm not," Virgil pouted releasing yet another yawn, "and already explained I need to get up."
"No," John retaliated, "you need to sleep!"
Virgil looked desperately at Brains. "But what Max said."
"I'm sure that w…whatever it is can w…wait until later."
"But have to do it all before 3pm."
"What exactly do you need to do?" Gordon asked.
Summoning him closer, Virgil blearily grinned. "Getting Penny here."
"Pen's at a conference."
"Been cancelled," Virgil informed him, "also have to make sure Johnny…"
"It's John and never Johnny!"
"Oops… Sorry," Virgil giggled, pulling the blankets over his eyes, "my mouth is quicker than my brain when I'm sleepy."
"And when you're awake!" Gordon quipped.
"You should know that I'm the only one who can get away with calling him Johnny," Alan chimed in.
"Yeah, cause your John's favourite," Gordon retorted.
"No, he's not," John replied, "I love you all equally."
"So Virg, what have you got to make sure Johnny boy here does?" Alan questioned.
"JOHN needs to bring Ridley down with him later."
"Err… She's not visiting."
"Yes," EOS interrupted, "she is!"
"EOS!"
"O sorry John was that meant to be a secret?"
"Ridley," Scott teased, "really?"
"It's not like that!"
"Seriously John," Virgil broke in, "why do you keep denying it… You love her!"
"Love… Well, err… I, err…" John spluttered, his face turning a royal red, "I don't know about that."
"You do though, don't you?"
John finally, but silently nodded his confirmation.
Virgil grinned. "Then that's all that matters!"
"So, Gordon and Penny, and John and Ridley…" Scott marvelled, "what's with all of my brother's dating without my knowledge?"
"I'm not seeing anyone," Alan informed him.
"And neither is Virgie…" John added.
"It's Virgil!"
"Payback for using Johnny," John countered, playfully bobbing his tongue out.
"Still," Scott moaned, "I'm your big brother I should know these things."
"Oh Scott," Alan teased, "I doubt you know half of the things that go on around here."
"Like what?" Scott fretted.
"Geez…" Alan sighed, shaking his head at the eldest's worrying nature. "Nothing to worry about… Anyway Virgil," he added, trying to change the conversation, "what else have you got to 'sort' out?"
"Heaps," Virgil puffed out, his eyes starting to naturally close.
"You can tell us more l…later," Brains ordered, "time for some s…sleep now."
"Can't…" Virgil stumbled out, his eyes remaining closed. "Al said he was single."
"So, what if I am?" Alan probed
"Have to suss out if you're over your crush."
A perplexed look spread across Alan's face. "Err… What crush?"
Forcing his eyes open, Virgil summoned Alan over and whispered… rather loudly… "The one you have on Kayo."
"Err, no… You must be mistaken, I've never had a crush on Kayo," Alan blushed, "and even if I had in the past… Which I didn't… I certainly haven't gotten one now… And anyway, why would you need to suss that out?"
So, Scott and Kayo can also come clean… Oh shit," Virgil exclaimed, suddenly realising what he'd blurted out.
Alan smirked. "You mean about hooking up with each other a couple of months back?"
"Wait… What…" Kayo and Scott choked out in shock. "You knew?"
"Yes."
"Since when?"
"About two months ago… I was covering John in five when he had the flu. I was trying to contact you, but you weren't answering coms, so I tracked your location, you were in Thunderbird one, so I projected through, and you and Kayo were… Well you know."
"And you didn't think to inform me?" Gordon protested.
"Err… No offence bro, I love you and everything, but you've got a big mouth!"
"Hey," Gordon objected, "I can keep a secret!"
"Since when," Alan snorted. "besides, I had no idea if it was serious or a one-off… Scott and K had been too busy to notice me, so I didn't want to bother them with what I saw. They never mentioned anything to anyone and I didn't witness anything else after that… And to be honest, all I wanted to do was wipe the image from my mind… Scott your naked arse is not something I'd like to see again!"
"I can understand that!" Virgil interjected.
"So, you caught us in one as well?" Scott asked.
"Something like that, more recently though" Virgil confirmed while rubbing his tired eyes, "and I think it's great that you two are together!"
So," Alan questioned, his eyes beaming, "you two are actually 'dating' then?
Kayo and Scott nodded, then stepping forwards, Scott gently held his baby brother's shoulders, leaned in and quietly spoke. "I know you've just denied it, but I know how you've previously felt about her… Are you sure you're okay with us being together?"
"Yes Scott, I'm sure," Alan's young blue eyes met the concerned blue eyes of the eldest. "is that why you've been hiding it then, because of me?"
"Yeah," Scott confirmed, "it is."
"Thank you for looking out for me, but seriously I'm good with this… Although," Alan glanced over at Kayo, then focussing back on Scott he continued, "now I know that it's official I'm going to have to give you a warning…"
"A warning?"
"Even though you are my brother, and I love you… If you hurt Kayo in anyway, then I'll be enlisting John's, Gordon's…" Alan looked back at his half-asleep brother. "And Virgil's help when he's more with-it to hunt you down."
Scott laughed. "You're so funny!"
"Who said I'm joking," Alan stated, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"I promise I never will!"
"Good… Because she means the world to me!"
Scott brought his brother into a giant hug and softly whispered into his ear. "I know… And thank you for being so understanding about this."
"Anything for you bro." Alan returned breathing in the hug before releasing himself.
Tapping Alan affectionately on his back, Scott returned to Kayo and held her hand. Then solemnly the pair looked at the rest of the family as they tried to gage their reactions to the revelation. "How do the rest of you feel about this?"
Sally placed her arms around the pair. "Well I think it's fantastic!"
Gordon grinned from ear to ear. "Apart from being annoyed that Al didn't fill me in earlier, then yes, I think it's awesome... And I know Penelope will be over the moon!"
"I think it's g…great n…news," Brains informed them, a warm smile on his face.
"Well, I'm a bit shocked," John admitted, "but I think it's great."
"I also agree with you two dating," EOS chimed in, "although, I'm not shocked."
"You're not?" John queried.
"No," EOS stated, "not after witnessing them having sex in Thunderbird 2's cockpit!"
"They what?" Virgil cried out jumping off the settee, but instead falling to his knees.
"Don't worry bro we cleaned her afterwards!" Kayo giggled quietly into his ear as she and Scott helped him to lie back down.
"You better have," Virgil warned, this time shuddering from the aftereffects of a succession of yawns.
"Okay, that's enough. Sleep time for you!" Sally ordered.
"But more stuff to sort out," Virgil huffed.
"Really?" Scott remarked, "I think you done enough of that already!"
Virgil released a deep yawn. "Sorry about confessing for you…"
"It's okay Virg," Scott leaned in closer to him, "to be honest you did us a favour, we may have never been brave enough to take the plunge and own up."
"Really?"
"Yes," Scott replied, stroking his hand through his brother's hair, "now, please close your eyes for me."
"No… Need to stay awake," he stammered out, trying to stand once more but falling forwards through John's image. "Geez… Sorry John… Did I hurt you?"
"No," John chuckled, "thankfully it was just my hologram."
"Oh," Virgil responded, looking slightly puzzled as he leaned forwards and flashed his hand through the image, "you looked real."
"Virg, you really should get some sleep, "Kayo recommended with a smirk on her face at Virgil's behaviour while helping Scott to lift him back onto the couch again, "you are becoming delirious."
"O…Okay then," Virgil mumbled settling himself back down.
"C…Closing your eyes will work b…better," Brains instructed, "now, stop f…fighting the t…tiredness, and get some rest!"
"Mm…" Virgil murmured, his eyes finally closing… "No, can't fall asleep," he suddenly cried out, his eyes shooting open as he attempted to stand again, this time falling straight into the arms of Brains.
"It's o…okay, I've g…got you."
"Mm… You sure have," Virgil cooed, snuggling in as close as possible to Brains and closing his eyes.
"Yep, he definitely needs to rest," Scott chuckled helping Brains, who was desperately trying to hide his slight blush and exuberance over the cuddle, lower Virgil back onto the settee, "could someone please get him a cover?"
Sally dashed out of the room, then within seconds she was back with a soft blanket clutched in her hands which she carefully placed over her now fast asleep grandson.
… …
Feeling the security of a warm freshly cleaned blanket wrapped around him, Virgil sighed softly as he pulled it closer and breathed in its aroma.
"Hey V…Virgil."
Virgil's eyes flickered open, a smile spreading across his face when they rested on Brains. "Hey."
"Would you like some w…water?"
"Mm…Yes please."
Brains smiled, picked up a glass and jug which were set on a small table next to him, poured the water, then held it out for Virgil.
"Thank you," Virgil muttered groggily bringing himself into a sitting position before excepting the water and drinking it.
"How are you f…feeling now?" Brains questioned, when Virgil had finished his drink and passed the glass back to him.
"All good," he mumbled, feeling his eyes naturally close again.
Brains stroked his hand comfortingly through his hair. "That's it, s…sleep some more, you will feel much b…brighter later."
"Mm…" Suddenly realising that he was still on the sofa, Virgil wearily sat himself up, "what time is it?"
"N…Nearly 2pm."
"And still the 21st?"
"Yes, it is."
"Oh," Virgil huffed out in disappointment, knowing that there was still a possibility the day would rewind after 3pm, especially since he'd not yet accomplished everything on Max's to do list, and he'd made a hash of some of them due to his over-tiredness.
"Why so d…despondent?" Brains queried.
"Had to confess some things."
"Can it be d…dealt with l…later?"
"Not really," Virgil answered, with a look around the empty room, "where is everyone?"
"F…Finishing lunch."
"And you didn't join them?"
"I w…wanted to watch o…over you."
"You did?"
"Of c…course, you are important to me… So, w…what did you need to c…confess?"
"A few things," Virgil admitted taking Brains hands in his, 'you can do this," he silently thought, 'just tell him, if he doesn't feel the same he won't remember anyway because the day will inevitably rewind.' Gazing into his eyes, Virgil continued, "I need to confess my…"
"Confess what?" Brains questioned when Virgil paused again.
"I need to tell the others about my mom and dad's tradition with her song," Virgil replied, inwardly chastising himself for not being brave enough, "then I'll have to play it again."
"What t…tradition?"
"Oh, that's right," Virgil yawned out, "I haven't talked you through it yet, well, not during this repeat."
"This repeat… Wait," Brains stumbled out in shock, "e…earlier you said that you n…needed to make sure e…everyone was having a good day, and you also e…eluded to something M…Max had suggested, which he had no m…memory of… When I a…awakened this morning, I was unable to get the film G…Groundhog Day out of my head. Then that led to my f…frequent spells of D…Déjà vu, which you knew about," Brains paused, removed his glasses and looked at Virgil intently, "are you t…trapped in a G…Groundhog D…Day?"
"Yes, I am."
"And I'm p…presuming the reason I'm having the d…déjà vu is s because you've c…confided in me before?"
"Yes," Virgil confirmed, "a few times now."
"And how m…many times as the day actually r…repeated?"
"Including the original day then this is the tenth time."
"Is that why you are so e…exhausted?"
Virgil nodded. "Every time I wake up at 7am I don't feel like I've gained any rest from the previous repeat… And each day, even though some good things have happened, it's been emotionally and physically draining."
"Have e…either of us had any t…theories on how to stop this?"
"Yes, you've had one which I've tried, and Max made a detailed list."
"Oh, so that's why you've kept insisting you f…followed Max's instructions?"
"Yes."
"Can you t…talk me through each day and the t…theory that myself and Max s…suggested?"
Nodding his agreement, Virgil went to speak but was stopped by Scott entering the room with Kayo by his side.
"Virg, you're awake…" Noticing his brother's attention switch to the three coffees that Kayo was holding, Scott grinned. "These are ours… And the third one is for Brains."
"Why don't you take my c…coffee?" Brains offered, taking the cup from Kayo.
"That's really sweet of you, but I'm sure Scott or Kayo will fetch me one."
"Only because I love you!" Kayo stated leaving the room.
Scott smiled affectionately at his brother. "Do you feel refreshed at all after your sleep?"
"Mm."
Scott frowned at Virgil's response.
"Not really," Virgil admitted.
"I didn't think you did… Once you've had your coffee then I want you to try and get some more sleep, okay?"
"But…"
"No buts… Your big brother as spoken!"
Virgil was about to counter but was stopped by Kayo re-entering the room with a steaming cup of coffee.
"Here, hopefully this will make you feel better."
"Thanks," Virgil said, taking the hot drink from her and sipping on it.
"Ah, Virgil," Sally greeted, striding into the room with a tray containing two bowls, "Kayo said you had woken, so I thought you might like something to eat… There's a bowl here for you as well Brains."
"Thank you, grandma."
"Yes… Thank you Mrs T…Tracy."
"How many times do I have to tell you Brains. It's grandma for you!"
"Okay g…grandma."
"That's better," she stated handing the bowls over, "now Scott, Kayo, I suggest that you leave these two to eat."
"But I wanted to keep an eye on Virgil," Scott wined.
"Err… I actually wanted to talk to Brains in private," Virgil informed him, "if you don't mind?"
"He doesn't," Sally answered for him.
"But…" Scott began to protest.
"No buts… You can either go and join Alan in the games room, or Gordon outside."
"Has he called Penelope yet?" Virgil asked.
"Yes," she replied, "he called her just after you had fallen asleep."
"So, she knows the conference was cancelled?"
"She didn't when Gordon first called, he told her what you had said, and after Parker contacted the venue it was confirmed that it had indeed been cancelled, they apologised for not contacting earlier but they had a few people to contact and she had been one of the final people on their list."
"So, is she able to still get here."
"Hopefully she'll be here later this evening" Sally smiled at him, "Gordon and Penny were very curious as to how you knew?"
"Intuition!" Virgil answered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Sally nodded, then turned to Scott and Kayo. "Come along you two." Noticing Scott still lingering near Virgil, Sally shook her head. "As I've said… Games room, pool, or," she playfully mocked, "go and create your own fun!"
"Just stay away from Thunderbird 2!" Virgil cautioned.
"We will," Kayo giggled, placing her arm affectionately around Scott and leading him out of the room.
Virgil smiled at his grandma when they had left. "Thank you."
Sally returned the smile. "That's okay boys… Now, I'm off to bake chocolate muffins."
"Oh God… The muffins," Virgil groaned.
"Hey, I'm not that bad… And anyway, I'm enlisting Max's help."
"Yes, I know, and I'm sure they will taste amazing… The only problem is that Max will use coconut."
"Coconut… but he knows that you and Alan are allergic"
"No," Brains answered, "I've n…never informed him."
"Well, don't worry I'll let him know… Now, I'll leave you both to your 'important' chat," she added before leaving the room.
With a perplexed expression, Brains leaned towards Virgil. "What does she think we are t…talking about?"
Knowing exactly what his grandmother had been referring to after her previous persistence that he open up about his feelings, Virgil, desperate to hide his reddening face, glanced at the floor and shrugged. "No idea."
"So, she doesn't know about your G…Groundhog Day then?"
"No, I learnt that lesson during day eight."
"Mm…" Brains pondered, continuing to think it over. "Well, I s…suppose w…whatever it is it can't compare to your r…revelation."
"I guess not," Virgil replied beginning to tuck into his food.
"So, what was with M…Max using coconut?" Brains asked taking a bite of his own meal.
"He put some in the muffins during the first repeat and I had to have an injection, then I forgot to warn him not to use it during another repeat and Alan had a really bad reaction." Noting Brains gazing at him apologetically, Virgil continued, "not your fault… And it's sorted now."
"But you r…remember getting an injection," Brains frowned, "and I k…know you h…hate them."
"Seriously, it's okay," Virgil assured him, taking his hand in his own.
Squeezing his hand, Brains nodded then spoke again. "So, do you want to r…run through each r…repeat?"
"Yes, I do."
… …
Listening intently to Virgil's detailed description of each repeating day, Brains could feel his usual calm temperament beginning to simmer inside of him. Virgil, the one person who truly understood him, was always there for him no matter what, who was kind, gentle, and gave the best goddamned hugs was being put through an emotional rollercoaster that was rendering him completely and utterly exhausted… And the worst thing was that if Max's theories to stop the day repeating didn't work he couldn't see any other way to stop this from occurring. Especially, as he was now being informed, the previous thoughts he'd personally hypothesised hadn't panned out. All he could do now was offer a listening ear and a comforting shoulder, but sitting here listening to Virgil sob his way through each day, the history of his music box, and the tradition Jeff carried out with Lucille and then after her passing with Virgil, he desperately wished he could do more."
Feeling his body physically shaking from having to once more deliver the ins and outs of each day, Virgil brought his story to a close. Looking up he could see Brains was in his own thoughts, obviously trying to process every minute detail he had given him… And there had been a lot of it. This time he hadn't wanted to leave anything out… Well, except for the one thing. He'd deliberately missed out his grandma's advice and Max's insistence in his notes that he admit his feelings to Brains… He fully intended to open up, but after his one pitiful attempt already which he had once again bottled out of, he had decided that it would probably be best if… One, he explained everything in one fell swoop and two, he knew he needed his mind to be more alert than it currently was, and of course thirdly, he needed the courage to take the leap.
Suddenly realising Virgil had gone quiet, Brains brought himself out of the thoughts he had been in and gazed forlornly at him. "I'm really s…sorry."
"What for?"
"A…Apart from f…following Max's instructions and my p…previous ones, I'm afraid there's nothing else I can think to s…suggest."
"That's okay."
Noticing Virgil was still physically shaking, Brains moved the now empty bowls and mugs out of the way, summoned him to move over, then slipping into the spot next to him he brought his head onto his chest. "Just b…breathe in and out for me, o…okay?"
"Okay," Virgil replied following his instructions.
"T…That's it," Brains soothed, "e…everything's going to be okay."
"How?"
"I don't know, but it will… We will f…figure this out, this G…Groundhog D…Day will come to an end!"
"Not during this one though… I've made a complete mess of Max's instructions so far."
"You've m…managed to get John to a…admit his f…feelings for R…Ridley, Scott and Kayo's r…relationship is out, and Alan is d…definitely okay with it. Plus, P…Penelope will hopefully be a…arriving here later this e…evening.
"That's true," Virgil admitted, "although, I'm sure that my exhaustion as stopped any true enjoyment they all could have had from this day… I still need to tell them about our mother's song, try and play it, and stay awake past the time when everything usually rewinds."
"What time did you say that o…occurs?"
"Usually between 3pm and 4pm, although…" Virgil paused, casting his mind back. "I think it may have been slightly later than that during day 8."
"When we w…watched the S…Star Wars film?"
"Yes."
"Well, if we try and keep you a…awake until after 5pm, h…hopefully that will do it. Or you can rest now, if e…everything does rewind then you can seek me out d…during the next one and we can work through M…Max's steps t…together."
"No, I need this to end!"
"I thought you would say that."
"What time is it now?" Virgil asked.
Brains checked his watch. "It's a…already 3.30pm."
"Then I should talk to my family about the tradition with the song and," Virgil released a deep sigh, "try and play it again."
Brains gently lifted Virgil back into a sitting position, "I'll go and f…fetch them. Will you be a…alright on your own for a few m…minutes?"
"Yes," Virgil nodded watching him head towards the door, "and thank you."
Brains looked back over his shoulder and smiled. "A…Anything for you!"
… …
Scott frowned as he waited, as soon as he'd entered the room with the rest of his family he could see that his brother had been crying and naturally he had instantly wanted to know what was wrong. However, also being extremely worried, not just about his emotional state but also his physical well-being, their grandma had insisted that Virgil have a cold glass of water before he started telling them whatever it was that he so desperately needed to say. Finally, noting his brother drown the last drop in his glass and with a slow weak sigh pass it to Max, Scott couldn't hold in his anxiety any longer. "Virg, please tell me what's wrong?"
Virgil offered Scott a weary smile. "It's nothing to be worried about."
"Then what is it?" Scott questioned apprehensively.
"It's about mom song."
Scott thought for a moment and then looked at Virgil. "The one your music box used to play?"
Virgil nodded, his hands slightly shaking.
Brains, who was sitting next to him offered his hand in support. "T…Take your t…time."
Nodding, Virgil looked at the family gathered around him. Kayo with an arm openly draped around Scott. His grandma with Alan one side and Gordon on the other. John, once again in hologram form but this time joined by Ridley. Each of their faces shrouded in concern, the love they felt for him radiating out. So, releasing a measured breath, and not quite understanding why he found this harder the more he did it, he once more retold them the story behind their mother's song.
… …
Releasing himself from the giant huddle he had found himself encompassed in, Virgil gazed tearfully and apologetically at his family. "I'm sorry I never told you about this before."
"Hey," Kayo said softly, "you've got nothing to be sorry for."
"Definitely not!" Alan and Gordon chorused.
"You haven't played it since?" Scott queried, rubbing his brother's back.
"Kind of," Virgil exhaled wiping away his tears, "I do need to play it for you today, if that's okay?"
"Now?" The entire family chorused.
Virgil covered his mouth, released a yawn, then nodded.
"I really don't think it's a good idea," Scott answered, gently wiping a few stray tears that Virgil had missed, "your hands are shaking, and you're physically and emotionally exhausted. Surely it can wait until this evening, or tomorrow?"
"I wish it could."
Sitting herself on the arm of the couch, Sally observed her grandson. "You are adamant to do this, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'm not happy about it," she stated, "but I know how stubborn you get when you've set your mind to something… Scott?"
"Yes grandma?"
"Help your brother to the piano."
… …
His legs were shaking, his hands and fingers thankfully more composed as they rested on the keys. He could do this, he knew he could, he just had to breathe in and out and not look at where his father should be… Closing his eyes, Virgil took his deep breath in, then began to play.
… …
Virgil released the pent-up breath he had been holding in, and opened his eyes to his entire family chorusing with "You did it! … That was fantastic! … Well done!"
"Thank you," Virgil half-smiled, knowing he could have done a better job if he'd been more alert.
Sensing the disappointment on how he had played, Sally reached across the piano, so she could stroke his hair. "Virgil, please smile… Your father would be damn proud of you!
"Do you really think so?" Virgil questioned, a slight stammer in his voice
"Absolutely!" John stated.
Virgil eyes fell to his father's empty spot and immediately the tears he had been suppressing burst forth.
Brains immediately brought Virgil into a soothing hold. "Hey, it's okay."
"T…Thank y…you." Virgil stumbled out in-between his deep sobs.
"N…Nothing to t…thank me for."
Virgil placed his hand on Brains face. "There's plenty."
"You should get some sleep," Kayo recommended, summoning Virgil off the piano stool with Scott's help and over to the couch, "you will feel much better for it."
Virgil released an elongated yawn as they all settled around him. "N…Not tired."
"Yes, you are," Sally stated, "you're struggling to keep your eyes open."
Virgil looked desperately at Brains. "Don't want the day to repeat."
"It's a l…long story," Brains informed them all when he saw their confusion. Then returning his attention to Virgil he continued, "y…you've done everything that you needed to do, and…" Brains checked his watch, "It's just turned 5pm!"
"N…Not done e…everything," Virgil mumbled.
"What else was there?" Brains questioned.
Virgil reached out, placed his hand on Brains waist, and whispered. "Feelings…"
"F…Feelings about…" Brains stopped, noting Virgil's eyes closing, "w…whatever it was can w…wait!"
"No," Virgil stumbled out, rising from the sofa and standing. Grateful to find that this time, despite the overwhelming exhaustion he felt, that he was much steadier on his feet, "need to stay a…awake… Just need fresh air!"
"Give him a few minutes," Sally said, stopping Brains and Scott from following Virgil out of the room.
… …
This was not where he would normally run to when seeking solace. This place was usually reserved for John when he was home from Thunderbird 5. His sanctuary, a place he could come to if he needed peace, or simply to stargaze. What Virgil was seeking now was not the stars or solitude, no, he had needed somewhere that would rejuvenate him and this had been the first option his tired-out mind had given him. Now, as a soft breeze blew gently through his hair and he gazed out at the panoramic view with the tops of the luscious dark green forest one side, the beach and silky blue ocean on the other, he knew for the first time that day his mind had worked well for him. Their island home was truly a site to behold, especially when taken in from a rooftop.
"V…Virgil?"
Looking behind him at the skylight he had used to gain access, Virgil smiled at the man whose head was sticking through. "Hey Brains."
"V…Virgil, are you a…alright?"
"I'm good."
"Are you s…sure?" Brains questioned, pushing himself halfway through the gap then stopping when he saw the drop.
"I'm sure," Virgil replied edging himself backwards, "are you?"
"The h…height," Brains gasped.
"It's okay, go back inside and I'll come back down."
"No, I'll come up, you look b…brighter than you have all day, the f…fresh air up here is o…obviously doing you the w…world of good."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!" Brains stated, a flash of determination appearing on his face.
"Then take my hand and I'll help you."
Nodding, Brains gripped onto the hand that was on offer and with his eyes tightly closed he scrambled up onto the rooftop.
"Okay, you're safe. There's a small ledge in front of us which you can rest your feet against."
"O…Okay," Brains stammered out, his eyes still securely closed.
Virgil squeezed his hand "It's alright, I'm with you… You can open your eyes now."
Brains slowly opened his eyes and gasped at the sight.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"It r…really is," Brains answered, looking around him, "I can u…understand now why you c…chose to come here."
"I don't come here enough," Virgil admitted, "I really should though, it's stunning up here."
"It c…certainly is," Brains answered, not taking any notice of the view now, instead focusing on Virgil, "b…before you left the room earlier you m…mentioned needing to talk about f…feelings?"
Nodding, Virgil faced Brains and seeing the look he was receiving, his cheeks reddened.
"What f…feelings?" Brains queried.
Virgil gulped as he edged slightly closer, he really was going to do this… Feeling his heartbeat picking up pace, Virgil continued… "You see I haven't been completely honest…" Oh no, he was over explaining, he could hear the words spilling out, saying things that didn't need to be said all he needed to do was say the one thing he truly felt with all his heart and soul… 'Oh for gods sake just say it Virgil,' he silently berated… "Hiram…"
Brains felt his heart skip a beat at the use of his real name.
"Hiram…" Virgil closed his eyes, and exhaled… "I… I love you!" Feeling a hand on his cheek, Virgil's eyes reopened, immediately meeting the dark eyes of the man gazing back.
"I love you too!" Brains stammered out, his soft lips meeting Virgil's.
Everything around him felt like it had stopped, Virgil could no longer hear the sound of the waves, or the bristle from the trees in the forest, he could no longer feel the wind in his hair. It was just him and the man who was now kissing him, who was now wrapping his arm around his waist and pulling him closer, allowing them both to sink in deeper. Tongues now met, teasing each other with soft gentle touches that sent shivers through them, their bodies melting into jelly as the kissing intensified.
They both pulled away gasping, grinning, a million happy thoughts swirling inside them. Then leaning forwards their foreheads met, a silent contented look shared between them until eventually Brains brought Virgil's forehead onto his lips, just a light gentle caress, but one that sent fireworks through Virgil's mind.
"Wow," Virgil gasped.
"Mm…" Brains contentedly sighed, "I've wanted to do that for such a long time."
"Me too," Virgil admitted, bringing Brains into a snuggle.
After several more minutes of silence, Brains checked his watch. "It's nearly 6pm."
"Really?" Virgil beamed.
"Yes," Brains nodded.
Virgil sighed in relief. "Maybe this day as finally stopped repeating."
"Maybe…" Brains returned, smiling as he spotted John's space capsule descending from Thunderbird five, "and it looks like you're going to get to see John."
"John," Virgil exclaimed with delight scrambling to his feet a little too quickly.
… …
Virgil couldn't move, he couldn't feel anything… What had happened, he and Brains had kissed… Then John, he'd been heading home… He had been ecstatic, he really wanted to see his brother… But something had happened… He'd… He'd fallen… Suddenly, an intense pain shot through his body… 'Oh God he'd fallen…'
"V…Virg, can you h…hear me? P…Please o…open your e…eyes, don't l…leave me Virgil… Not now, p…please not now…"
"H…Hiram."
"That's it, look at me," Brains shouted into his communicator, "h…hurry… I… I think he's b…bleeding internally," Brains focussed back on Virgil, "stay with me… p…please s…stay with me."
Virgil could feel his eyes flickering shut.
"N…No, d…don't f…fall a…asleep… Virgil!"
"H…Hiram…" Virgil gasped out, forcing his eyes open. "D…Don't think I'll w…wake a…again!"
"Y…Yes you will!" Brains sobbed.
"L…Love y…you!"
"Virgil no… p…please no!"
… …
A sudden blackness engulfed him. Dragging him down and down and … Then a light, followed by snippets from the repeating days which flashed before him, as if they were being played out on an old projector screen… Disassociated conversations springing forth from unseen speakers… Then nothing but the blackness again…
He bolted up, a cry shrieking from him, leaving him gasping for breath… He glanced at his bedside clock, his usual wake up time displaying with the date beneath it… The 21st of December… Oh thank god, it was the 21st of December… The day was repeating… Clambering out of bed, he dashed out of his room and headed straight to the man he needed to see.
"Virgil, wake up!"
Shooting up in his bed, Virgil blearily looked at the man before him. "Brains?"
"Yes, It's me."
"Wait…" Virgil slightly whimpered, "I… I fell, and I… I…"
"You died," Brains stammered out, tears streaming from his eyes, "I thought I'd lost you forever!"
"But I'm okay," Virgil reassured him, wiping Brains tears away, "wait, is it the 21st?"
Brains nodded his confirmation.
"The days repeating?"
"Yes!"
"Wait… It's the 21st and," Virgil looked at his clock, "5am?"
"My w…wakeup t…time!" Brains explained.
"Your wakeup time," suddenly coming too and realising what was happening, Virgil beamed with delight, "you remember?"
"I r…remember every r…repeat," Brains informed him, "you're not e…experiencing this on your own a…anymore!"
Reaching out, Virgil pulled Brains into a passionate kiss, then releasing him he smiled. "And I'll think you'll find we have a couple of hours until the usual 7am alarm call."
"Yes," Brains replied, "that's correct."
"Good," Virgil stated, instantly pulling Brains onto his bed and underneath the covers.
TBC