Thank you so much once again for all of the amazing support with this, it means the world to me.

If he had thought about it beforehand, Virgil would have gone straight to the pool rather than accompanying his father all the way up to the rooms only to immediately turn around and go back down again. John was there, sitting on the floor in between the two doors with his head buried in his knees.

Seeing his son's shoulders shaking slightly, Jeff quickly sent Virgil on his way, making sure that he watched his wording so that his middle son didn't feel like he was just being dismissed. But unlike every other time they had tried to communicate recently, it was taken the right way. Virgil shot John a long worried look before turning on his heel and all but running off. He seemed to realise that John would only look up when it was just his father present.

But even with Virgil gone, Jeff found that John wasn't reacting to him. He lowered himself down to the floor in order to sit next to his son, practically mirroring John's position. He wanted to reach out and pull his boy into a hug, the way he had done with Scott a few nights before, but knew that John wouldn't let it happen in the same way - he had to be the one to make the initial contact in order to allow it. As he waited for John to acknowledge him, Jeff couldn't help but smile slightly. Scott had seemed almost worried that his father wouldn't know what the boys were like as individuals any more, but there was no way he could forget. He might not have been as present in their lives over the last year, but one did not simply forget the defining character traits of their own sons. He still knew how to get through to John, perhaps even more so than Scott did. Which was why he made no attempt whatsoever to engage him in conversation, but just sat staring at the opposite wall. After a few moments he began whistling softly, an old song Lucy had used to hum to help John sleep.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see John stiffen, even though the young teenager still refused to look up. Seeing that John's hands hadn't clenched in the way they always did when he was distressed, Jeff continued to whistle gently, certain that it wasn't upsetting his son. Very slowly, John's head rose, and Jeff sighed at seeing the obvious signs of tears. John had been so strong over the last couple of months; Jeff had not only seen it with his own eyes but had heard from Scott how much help his immediate younger brother had been in dealing with the younger ones. Whatever had happened earlier had clearly pushed John over the edge.

"It's tomorrow night that you can see the meteors, isn't it?" Jeff asked casually, only glancing at John out of the corner of his eye to make sure that his son's head was still up. If John was hiding himself away, it meant that he wasn't going to let the world – or his father - in, and no amount of probing would get him to lower his defences until he was ready. Seeing that John was now copying him in staring at the opposite wall, Jeff pushed on, knowing that his son was listening despite the lack of eye contact.

"I was thinking that we could perhaps put Alan, Gordon and maybe Virgil in one room and you and me can sit out on the balcony and watch it together? I know Scott said he would see it with you, maybe he can join us? Or it can just be the two of you if you like..." Even by just watching John out of the corner of his eye, Jeff could see the small smile on his face. Not only had he proven that he knew how much the viewing meant to John, but also indicated that he was aware that his son would have had plans for it. Jeff wasn't sure whether the boys were just acting like they were accepting him whilst not truly being sure, but even he could tell that John's smile was genuine.

"What do you say to that, John?" Finally deciding it was time to address him directly, Jeff turned his head until he was facing his son. John almost seemed to stiffen, before slowly moving himself until he was looking his father in the eye.

"Yes, please," he whispered, and Jeff mentally kicked himself for forgetting how young his children truly were. They acted so much older than their age, it was easy to forget that John was still just a child. Jeff smiled down at him, and slowly reached out a hand, brushing away a tear. John looked like he was going to pull away, but caught himself at the last moment. His smile widening, Jeff backed off, not wanting to push it but knowing that he had to get some answers about what had sent John over the edge. He knew that Oscar had seriously wound him up - for John to lash out physically meant he had reached the edge of his tether. But there was no way he had been upset over it, not like this. It also didn't explain why he hadn't let Scott be the one to help him as he usually did.

"What happened, John? Why did I have Virgil coming to me in a state because he knew that you were upset, that you had run away from him and Scott and wouldn't talk to them?"

John immediately stiffened, beginning to climb to his feet, but Jeff reached out and grabbed his wrist lightly. To his surprise, John flinched. Instantly letting go, Jeff frowned as he pushed up his son's sleeve only to see an angry red mark on John's wrist.

"Who did this to you?"

"No one, it was an accident."

But Jeff knew when his son was lying to him, and the fact that John suddenly would no longer look him in the eye was not lost on his father.

"John, if someone has hurt you, I need to know. Was it Oscar?" Keeping his voice gentle but firm, Jeff made it clear that he was not finishing this conversation until he knew what had happened. Judging by the panicked look that shot across John's face, he knew it as well. At the mention of Oscar, he shook his head.

"Someone else then? Did someone approach you once the others had gone? Did something happen?"

"No." The shaking of John's head was almost frantic now and he attempted to swallow back the tears, but wasn't quick enough to do so. He finally made it up to his feet, one hand practically clinging onto the wall as he backed away from his father. Jeff frowned, slowly climbing to his own feet, but keeping his distance.

"What is it then, Johnny?"

"Don't call me that!" John yelled, and Jeff inwardly knew that he had just scored a point somehow. John had never reacted to being called that before, especially since it was his mother who had started it. Despite it being her pet name for him, John hadn't minded anyone else using it, even after her death.

"Who called you that then, son?" Jeff pressed, knowing it was something to do with whatever had happened. Yet for the life of him, he couldn't work out what had happened to make John this jumpy. The boy was glancing around, as if expecting someone to just jump out of nowhere and show that they had been listening to the whole conversation. Jeff almost gasped as he realised his thought processes. Someone had done that to him - and to Scott. Someone had threatened to go after the rest of the boys in order to get a story, no matter what it took. Striding forward, Jeff swiftly unlocked his bedroom door, grabbed John's arm and pushed him into it, slamming it shut and relocking it behind him.

"Was it a reporter?" he asked bluntly, and John's eyes went wide. He glanced towards the door and back again, his hand rubbing over the mark on his arm as tears filled with eyes and he desperately shook his head again. Realising that it wasn't that John didn't want to tell him, it was because he was scared to, Jeff walked forward. Gently, he placed his hands on John's shoulders.

"He can't hear you in here. It doesn't matter what he has threatened to do, he'll never know. But I need you to tell me what happened, John."

"Nothing. Nothing happened! I don't know what you mean!"

Jeff sighed, looking into John's eyes and recognising the expression that was looking back at him. John wasn't scared for himself - there was a hint of protectiveness burning behind the tears. The father had heard what Cowlishaw had said to Scott about going after the others unless he got what he wanted. Jeff certainly knew enough about his boys to know that it was not only the eldest who was known to be protective; it was why they had all reacted the way they had to Oscar's actions.

"John." His voice was firm as he bent his knees, forcing his son to look him in the eye. "I know he is around. Both Scott and I have already had dealings with him."

"That's why Scott sounded so mad?"

"So it was Cowlishaw?"

"He never told me his name," John whispered, sinking down onto Virgil's bed and running a hand through his hair. What was the point of hiding it when his father had completely figured it out? Jeff hesitated for a moment before moving in front of John once more.

"What did he want, son?" he asked gently, determined to get to the bottom of what it was that Cowlishaw was so desperate to get that he would take to stalking young children. He couldn't let John see that he was practically shaking with anger. Not only had this man interfered with his conversation with Scott, something that had been needed more than he could have ever realised, he had also physically hurt this child. John didn't get upset over nothing. Cowlishaw had clearly scared him.

"He wanted to know about your business deals, but I swear I didn't tell him anything, Daddy, honestly I didn't. I wouldn't..."

"It's okay, John." Resting his hands on John's knees, Jeff smiled reassuringly at him, trying to calm him down from where John was clearly working himself up. "It doesn't matter even if you did; there is nothing that he can do with that information. You had to say what you must..."

"Scott wouldn't have..."

"Scott punched him last time they met. I think that is why he hurt you..."

"Didn't..."

"Then what is the mark on your arm then, kiddo?" Jeff murmured softly, causing John to finally look into his father's eyes, seeing that the man wasn't at all angry that he had been talking to someone that he shouldn't have, especially considering reporters were one of the few typesof people that Jeff forbade them to have contact with even on the best of days.

"Why did he do it?" the young teenager whispered, wanting his dad to have the answers in a way that he hadn't for a long time. Jeff sighed. It was the thing he had been waiting for – for John to think that his father could solve the issue – but it had come about in the worst possible manner.

"Some people are just like that, Johnny."

John's bottom lip trembled and before Jeff could prepare himself, his son had thrown himself into his arms, crying. Somehow, Jeff knew this wasn't just about what had just happened, but everything.

"I want to go home! I don't want to be here where Oscar is all mean to Virg and Scott's still all stressed out because Alan just wants to do the same things as him and no one will leave us alone. Please, let's go home, Dad?"

"Shh," Jeff soothed, rubbing his hand over John's back and trying to calm the boy whilst fighting off his own tears. His anger had all but disappeared as he set about trying to calm John down. Apart from Cowlishaw, he knew everything else John had just mentioned was his fault. He was the reason that John wanted to go home, that his son wasn't enjoying the holiday like he should have been.

"I'm sorry..."

"John," Jeff pushed John back, looking him directly in the eye and making sure that his voice didn't waver in the slightest. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Promise me if you see him again, you'll run as fast as you can in the opposite direction and come and get me? Don't go to Scott. He can't help with this one, do you understand?"

"But Scott..."

"He can't fix this one, son, I'm sorry. And I can't risk him punching that man again either. If you don't want Scotty to get into trouble, you'll promise that you'll come straight to me."

John swallowed hard against his tears and nodded. Smiling, Jeff straightened up, turning away and pulling out his cell. It was about time he put in a few calls with regard to making sure that Cowlishaw couldn't get near his boys again. He knew that it could wait until later, but he was also aware that John would want a few moments to pull himself together. At thirteen, bursting into tears on his father was not something that he was going to want made public knowledge. Scott would probably be able to tell, but Jeff was determined that the others wouldn't find out unless John wanted them to know.

It only took him a few moments to alert security and have the hotel promise that they would have him removed from his room at the first opportunity. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do for Jeff turned back to his son, John had wiped his eyes and even managed to smile weakly at his dad.

"What do you say, want to join the others in the pool?"

John shook his head, looking up at Jeff beseechingly.

"Read with me? Like we used to?" he whispered, undisguised hope in his voice yet fear of rejection in his eyes. Unbidden, the image of John curled up next to him on the sofa, both of them engrossed in their books sprang into Jeff's mind and he nodded. It was one of the things that had always made him feel calm, at peace, despite his busy life. Sliding onto the bed, he patted the space next to him and John scrambled across with a smile.

Who knew, maybe it could still provide him with that sense of calmness?

TBTBTB

Things were far from calm down at the swimming pool, and Scott was beginning to regret bringing the others down. The place was absolutely packed. Virgil had caught sight of Vicky and some of the others from the art class as soon as he had arrived, meaning his older brother never got the chance to find out how things had gone with their father and John. But he knew there would be nothing that he could do, and that it was better Virgil was given the chance to enjoy himself. No one seemed to be doing enough of that so far during this break, so Scott just left him to it even if he did keep his eye on his younger brother just to make sure that he was okay. Gordon had swum off almost as soon as they had arrived, but Scott trusted him in the water, knowing that he would be fine. He himself had Alan down in the shallow end. Part of him wanted the chance to be able to properly swim, to ease out the tension the afternoon had brought. He could still feel the anger coursing through him at the fact that Cowlishaw had cornered John, and he wanted the release. But someone had to stay with Alan and there were too many people in the water for him to be able to do what he wanted anyway.

"Can we go yet?"

Scott jumped, not seeing Gordon swimming up to them. He had been on the other side of the pool a moment ago and Scott carefully splashed Alan before turning to his water-loving sibling.

"Did I hear you right? You want to get out? Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"

Compared to the playful splashes that he and Alan had been sending at each other, Scott was convinced Gordon tried to throw half the pool at him in response, causing him to cough slightly and shake his hair out of his eyes as Alan tried to hide the fact that he was giggling at his big brother's antics. Before Scott could even say anything, a smaller tidal wave crashed over him from the other side and he turned, eyebrows raised as Alan dissolved into giggles again. Lunging forward, Scott wrapped an arm around his waist – made easy by the water – and his fingers sought out ticklish ribs.

"Gordy! Gordy, help!" Alan all but screamed, trying to get free from Scott's grip. Scott couldn't help but smile, suddenly glad that there were so many people. There was so much noise anyway that it didn't matter how loud they were, no one could hear them. Gordon grinned, jumping onto Scott's back and attempting to push him under. All Scott had to do was stand up to his full height and both of his brothers were barely even touching the water. Lifting Alan slightly higher to make sure he didn't go under, the oldest brother then just sat down again, causing Gordon to be dunked under before he resurfaced, spluttering indignantly but his eyes shining with laughter. Scott grinned. Lately all he seemed to do with the younger ones was try and take their father's place, constantly looking out for them rather than simply being allowed to play.

Alan was squirming in his grip and Scott let go, causing the two youngest to immediately start racing each other. He had to hand it to Gordon. The child might have been seriously competitive on most days, but he was making sure that Alan at least felt like he had a chance. If he was honest, Scott wasn't sure he had a chance against Gordon, but still found a fond smile making its way onto his face as he watched them.

But, as much as he was happy watching Gordon and Alan playing just as they should have been, Scott found himself glancing around for Virgil. The younger two hadn't had to see John so upset, they hadn't been forced to pluck up the courage to go and find their father. He had seen in Virgil's eyes how much he didn't want to do that. Scott had made Virgil promise to try and patch things up with their father, and felt more than proud that his younger brother was doing so. But it wasn't just the need to check on Virgil that had Scott scanning the pool. Something didn't feel quite right...

He located the group that Virgil had been with relatively quickly, seven ten and eleven year olds sticking together did cause a bit of a scene, even in the middle of a crowded pool. But Scott knew with one glance that Virgil wasn't with them. Standing up, Scott frowned as he let his gaze drift, searching the rest of the pool for his brother. It only took a minute to realise that Virgil wasn't in the water, but just before he completely panicked, Scott caught sight of a familiar head making its way back towards the water from the locker rooms. Sagging in relief, Scott managed to catch Virgil's eye and indicated that they only had another ten minutes before they had to get out. Virgil nodded, and Scott made to turn away, but something stopped him.

Out of the corner of his eye, another figure emerged, walking swiftly up to his brother. Oscar took Virgil by surprise as he grabbed the boy by the arm. Scott immediately felt his earlier anger shoot back to the surface.

"Come on, guys, time to get out."

Ignoring Gordon's protests, Scott simply grabbed him by the arm and practically pulled him from the water, knowing that Alan was following behind. He didn't take his eyes off the scene in front of him, though. Whilst the words might not have travelled, Scott had a clear enough view of both boys' faces to know that Oscar was say something mean and Virgil was trying his hardest not to react to it. Seeing the way Oscar's arm tensed, Scott sped up. Gordon groaned dramatically next to him and Scott was aware that his younger brother had caught on to what his older one had seen. They were almost running by the time they reached the pair, ignoring the shout of the lifeguard but reaching Virgil just in time. Oscar shoved him, clearly intending to push him in, when suddenly Scott was there, steadying Virgil with one hand and glaring down at Oscar. Showing the first bit of commonsense Scott had witnessed since they had met the spoilt child, Oscar suddenly looked a little nervous.

"Think you can start getting Al dried off?" Scott didn't look away from Oscar as Virgil nodded, taking Alan's hand and beginning to lead him away. "Gords, go with them."

Gordon nodded, taking a few steps after them before turning with a smirk. Scott knew in an instant what he was about to do, but for once smiled and stepped to one side as Gordon cannon-balled himself into the water, completely soaking Oscar as he did so. The boy looked like he was going to say something, but Scott's glare was back in place and he seemed to realise that meant he should keep his mouth shut even as Gordon swiftly pulled himself out of the water and disappeared after his brothers.

"Shall we?" Scott gestured towards the locker rooms himself, a smile on his face that by no means met his eyes, but which reflected the cold and icy tone in his voice. Oscar glanced around, but clearly saw that no one was about to come to his rescue as Scott grabbed his arm and all but marched him in. But they didn't reach the main room, instead, Scott stopped them in the cool corridor leading to it. Pushing Oscar against the wall, he rested his arm across the boy's chest, pinning him there.

"You'll pay for this!" Oscar spat, trying to dislodge the older boy, but he was no match for someone five years older. Scott grinned.

"Who's going to make me? You?"

"Yes! My father has men!"

"Oh, now I'm scared," Scott mocked, standing back slightly and smirking, but making sure that Oscar's way out was blocked.

"And what do you think your father's men can do to me that won't just have him taken to court? They'll only do what your Dad tells them, Oscar, not you. And they can't touch me, and you know it. So stop with the big words."

"Or what? At least I have threats to give out."

Scott found his grin widening, and even had to laugh at the fact that his completely relaxed attitude was clearly unnerving the boy. Oscar was used to people all but bowing to him, not throwing his threats back and laughing at them.

"At least I have people to carry out mythreats without fear of consequence," Scott muttered quietly, and Oscar frowned.

"No, you don't. Your Dad doesn't have security."

"Maybe not. But did you not see what Gordon just did to you?"

"He got me wet, big deal," Oscar scoffed, and Scott leant in closer, the ice once more back in his voice.

"Gordon immediately reacted to you upsetting his brother. Alan told you that you were mean. John would have been quite happy to pummel you into the ground if I hadn't been there to stop him. All because you hurt Virgil. No adult will interfere in a kids fight, it's a common occurrence."

Oscar opened his mouth, clearly determined to make some scathing comment, but Scott wasn't done.

"And what makes you think that it is just my family you have to worry about? Virgil has all those friends in the art club. They won't let you get close, and I hear artists can be very... imaginative when they feel threatened. All Alan has to do is scream and you'll be banned from half the facilities in this hotel, a Swinger or not. John is good friends with a few of the older gentlemen here, I don't think they will like your arrogance or your scathing tongue. And you must have seen the girls by the pool. You know, the gorgeous older ones?"

Scott didn't wait for an answer, knowing that somehow Oscar was going to stay quiet this time.

"They think it's cute when a guy has to look out for his younger brothers. And some of them have boyfriends. Older boyfriends. One I heard was a marine. Imagine what he could do to you if his girlfriend told him to. Apparently they can make someone simply disappear... I wonder if that is true? All I would have to do is give the word... And trust me when I say that you don't want to get on Gordon's bad side."

Finally straightening up and backing off, Scott grinned at the shocked expression on Oscar's face. It only lasted seconds before he hastily tried to cover it up again, but Scott had seen enough. He knew that he had got through to the child.

"So if you want to make threats, go ahead. But make sure that you have the army to back it up with. Me?" Scott locked eyes with Oscar pointedly. "This is me warning you, Oscar Swinger. Stay away from my brothers. If you don't... well, let's just say that I do have the army to back me up. Money may get you some places, but friends get you all of the way." Leaning forward, he patted the younger boy patronisingly on the cheek in a way that he knew Virgil absolutely hated, then walked into the main part of the changing rooms, whistling happily as he did so.

Alan and Gordon seemed to be fighting over various items of clothing, neither having made much progress in getting changed. Virgil, however, was ready to go, but frowned up at his big brother as Scott emerged looking cheerful.

"What did you do?"

Scott grinned, ruffling Virgil's hair.

"I taught him the meaning of empty threats."

"Scott, Dad won't like..."

"Dad has enough other things to deal with," Scott said firmly, glancing at Gordon out of the corner of his eye. "Or have you forgotten John? Dad has adult stuff to deal with that we have to stay out of. Well, why shouldn't it work the other way? He handles the adult stuff without us, we'll handle the kid stuff without him."

Virgil bit his lip, still looking uncertain. Rolling his eyes, Scott grabbed a towel off Gordon and dragged it through his hair.

"Let's just say, if it worked, you won't have Oscar bothering you again. And if it didn't... Well, let's just say I think it worked."

Despite trying to look disapproving that Scott had been up to something, Virgil had to grin. He should have known that there was only so far Oscar would be able to go before Scott put a stop to it. That was the handy thing with over-protective big brothers. They tended to act like that - overprotective. Virgil knew well enough himself how tall Scott could suddenly seem if he was angry, bigger than even their dad. Not used to having older siblings, Oscar wouldn't have known what had hit him.

Virgil had to grin at the thought.