Sorry for the delay with this update, but I'm back in student mode, plus just started a new job so feeling all upside down in my head at the moment. I'll try my best not to let the next update be such a long wait xx

Chapter 50

Virgil had spent a couple of hours listening to Scott talk. Once he had dealt with the initial anger he had felt to Virgil's presence in his reality, he began to open up; and once he started talking it all just came pouring out. It felt to Virgil that Scott had talked to him, the way he had wanted to have been able to have talked to his own brother. He had even broken down a number of times as he talked about memories from his childhood; from a time when he had a better relationship with his Virgil and before it became strained.

By the time Scott had left the room, he was physically and mentally exhausted; and Virgil was betting he wasn't the only one. Although he was glad he was able to feel like he could be a help to Scott in some way- regardless of how tough he had found it all. He knew coming into this reality that things were going to be different to the way things were back home, but he had no idea how hard he was going to find these differences. But the longer he was here; he was also starting to see aspects that were very familiar. The more time he'd spent with Scott, the more he saw his own brother in him. It made him realise that he and his family were lucky with the way that their lives had turned out.

Yes, they had undergone some hardships over the years, such as the loss of their mother and Gordon's accident, but he saw the positive outcomes of those tragedies' now too. Being here in this reality was showing him just how easily things could have gone very differently for his family. Although his brother's often drove him crazy, he knew that he would never want to go through his life without any of them; despite knowing the fact that their job could make that a possibility they may have to face some day. But he knew that whatever life threw at them they would all be there for each other and to support each other whatever happened.

He couldn't even imagine what it would be like having the sort of relationship with any of his brothers like the ones that were going on in this reality; especially not being close with Scott. Virgil didn't think he could be any closer to his brother – even if they were twins. Despite this Scott not being his brother, he felt the same brotherly urge to be there for him the same way he did with his own brother.

He lay down for a while, trying to process everything that had happened since he had got there, when his thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.

"Come in," he called out, as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat up. Slowly the door opened slightly and a familiar blonde head popped through the gap.

"Sorry to bother you," Alan said sheepishly, "but I was sent to tell you that dinner is ready…if you'd like to join us?"

"Thanks, I'd like that," Virgil told him as he made is way over to the door, then followed him towards the dining room. It felt weird to him to be around someone he usually felt completely comfortable with, and to now be at a loss and not know what to say.

"Did your brother have to go through this as well?" Alan asked suddenly breaking the silence, as he gestured to the scar that ran down his cheek. His question had taken Virgil completely by surprise as it was something he had wanted to ask about, but didn't feel like it would be appropriate. Yet now that Alan had brought it up, he felt almost ashamed to answer him.

"No…I'm sorry," he told the younger man.

"Oh, no need to apologise," Alan said waving his hand in a dismissive gesture. "I'm actually kind of glad he didn't. Plus it's quite comforting to know that there is still a version of me out there that is still handsome," he added with a laugh.

"It's not even that noticeable," Virgil declared, glad that the blonde had his back to him so he couldn't see the blush creeping into his cheeks due to the obvious lie he had just told. Suddenly Alan came to a stop and turned round to face Virgil, a grin spreading across his face.

"I know that's not true…but I appreciate it," he blushed in return. "My brother Virgil would never have lied like that to avoid hurting my feelings," he shrugged.

Virgil opened his mouth to respond, but he had no idea what to say.

"It's okay, really. I've gotten used to it now that I hardly even notice that it's there anymore," Alan confessed. "Besides it hasn't put Tin Tin off and that's the main thing, right?" he said with a wink.

Virgil was stunned. He knew about his youngest brother's feeling for Tin Tin, everyone did. Yet so far nothing had ever come from it. "You and Tin Tin?" he asked.

"It's still very new," Alan admitted as he turned and continued to walk towards the dining room, "Avery doesn't even know about it yet."

"Ah," Virgil replied in understanding. That would be why she hadn't mentioned anything about it, they must have got together after she had disappeared. "I'm very happy for you both," Virgil told the blonde as they approached the door to the room.

"Thanks."

"Where's Gordon?" Scott asked as Virgil and Alan entered the dining room. At first Virgil wondered if he was asking them, but he then realised that the question was directed towards Jeff.

"I don't believe that your brother is joining us tonight," Jeff answered with a small look of disgust on his face, which was quickly replaced by a look of joy as he noticed that Virgil had walked into the room.

"Virgil you can sit here by me," Jeff told him, as he indicated the chair at his right hand side. At first Virgil was reluctant, until he noticed that it would put him to the left of where Avery was already seated at the table. As he took his seat, he looked around the room and gave the others a quick nod of acknowledgment. When his gaze rested on Scott who was sat opposite him, he gave the eldest brother a small smile and was surprised to receive a smile in return. This exchange however, did not go unnoticed by the tables other occupants.

John was sat to Scott's left, so he was directly opposite Avery. Next to Avery was Tin Tin and then Brains. Alan was in the seat at the foot of the table facing Jeff, and the seat that was on John's left which Virgil assumed was Gordon's seat, remained empty. Plates which were still covered were already in place on the table. Kyrano then stepped forward after a nod from Jeff, and removed the lids in turn from the plates. As he did so, the smell of curry filled the air, causing Virgil's mouth to water in anticipation. It seemed like there was another similarity to his reality like Avery had told him; Kyrano's cooking.

"Tonight is a night for celebration," Jeff began, as he got to his feet with a glass of whisky in his hand. "At last Avery has returned to us and not only that, she brings with her new life to this family," he said smiling proudly. "And also…" he continued turning his attention to Virgil, "…to our guest of honour, Virgil. Who I have come to realise is here to give an old man one last chance to be with his son." Jeff raised his glass in a toast and then took a sip from it, before taking his seat and indicating for everyone to enjoy their meal. Virgil could feel his cheeks burning in response to the words that had been said about him; it was made worse by the fact that the eyes of everyone who was sat around the table had turned to look at him. Both he and Avery knew that Jeff's words weren't true, he wasn't there to give the older man one last chance with his son, he was only there to makes sure that Avery had made it home safely. But he also didn't want to be the one to burst the man's bubble.

Everyone ate in silence; the tension in the room was suffocating. Whenever he looked up from his plate, he noticed that someone was looking at him, or that Scott's eyes kept glancing towards the door; no doubt looking out for Gordon. Once he had cleared his plate, Virgil turned to Jeff to thank him and Kyrano for such a delicious meal.

"You're very welcome Virgil," Jeff replied "It's not every day we get to sit down and eat like this," he admitted. Virgil wasn't entirely sure what he had meant by this, but from the tension he saw in Scott's shoulders as the words left his father's lips, Virgil suspected that Jeff was the reason why.

"You really didn't have to go to any trouble for me."

"Nonsense, it was no trouble. Tonight is a special occasion and you have done us a great honour by bring Avery home; it's the least I could do. It's just a shame that Gordon's selfishness had to ruin it for everyone else," Jeff answered, clearly annoyed at his second youngest son's refusal to join the family for a meal.

"That's not fair," Scott snapped getting to his feet so fast that he almost knocked his chair over.

"That's enough Scott, sit down," Jeff ordered through gritted teeth, "We have company," he added, embarrassed by his eldest son's sudden outburst.

"I don't care and I don't think Virgil does either." With that Scott stormed out of the room, followed closely by John who looked worried about his big brother.

"Are things this chaotic in your reality?" Jeff asked Virgil, trying is best to lighten the mood.

"Sometimes," Virgil admitted with a small shrug.

"May we be excused please Father?" Alan asked as he got to his feet, before Jeff had a chance to reply to Virgil. Jeff gave a nod and a moment later Tin Tin got up and both she and Alan left the room; leaving Virgil and Avery alone with Jeff.

The smile that was now blazoned across Jeff's face angered Virgil, because it gave him the impression that this was exactly what Jeff wanted. Then Jeff's next comment confirmed the artist's suspicions.

"Just like old times," he muttered as he got to his feet and indicated for the two of them to follow him to the lounge. Both Avery and Virgil took a seat opposite Jeff who had sat down at his desk. Jeff then finished the whisky from his glass, before getting up and refilling the glass and taking is seat once more; placing the glass down on the desk in front of him. For a moment he sat staring at the glass in front of him, as if contemplating what his next words would be.

"I understand that you have your own family and your own life to get back to son," he began "however, I have noticed that you seem very fond of Avery…so if you wanted to stay…"

"Dad," Avery exclaimed.

"Thanks for the offer, but as you say I have my own family to return to. I'm sorry."

"Of course," Jeff sighed in reply. He had expected this answer, but that didn't make Virgil's words any easier to accept.

"It's not that I'm not fond of Avery," Virgil added "because I am. I think she's amazing, but…"

"We've already discussed this," Avery continued, taking over from Virgil. "We belong in different worlds and as much as I don't want to – I have to deal with losing Virgil…we all do."

Virgil gave her a smile. He felt so proud of how she was dealing with this whole situation as he knew it hadn't been easy for her.

"You know I had to try," Jeff said with a chuckle, yet behind his façade Virgil could see that Jeff was disappointed that Virgil would be leaving. He got up from behind his desk and made is way over to refill his glass.

"Of course," Virgil replied, mimicking Jeff's earlier response before adding, "Would it be possible to go out for some fresh air?" the air inside the lounge suddenly feeling heavy and suffocating.

"Sure…I'll come with you," Avery said as she got to her feet and indicated towards the door which led outside. They both said a quick goodnight to Jeff then made their way out.

It felt nice to be out in the sea air. Night had fallen and despite the camouflage that covered the paths they were able to walk, the stars were still visible above. Virgil finally felt like he was able to relax at last.

"Are you okay?" Avery asked, breaking the comfortable silence that he developed between them. "I'm sorry about Jeff's behaviour earlier…he had no right…"

Virgil shook off her concern. Truth was he wasn't surprised by the question, in fact he had expected to be asked as he could tell that Jeff was having trouble dealing with losing his son. Virgil also knew that it wasn't Avery's place to apologise on his behalf.

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but I can't wait to return home tomorrow," he told her with a chuckle. The laugh that Avery gave in response told him that she understood completely.

"I think that now you understand my apprehension about returning."

"Do you regret not taking me up on my offer?" he asked, his voice low.

"In a way I do, but like I said before, they're my family. I belong here," she managed before breaking out in a big yawn. Virgil gave a small laugh.

"Maybe you should go and get some rest."

"You're right," she said as she gave another yawn. "What about you?"

"I think I'd like to stay out here a while longer if that's ok?"

"Sure, just makes sure to stay under the shelter," she instructed him. "Goodnight Virgil, thanks for everything today," she said as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and made her way back the way they had come, returning to the villa.

Virgil continued walking along the covered pathway. Although the understood the need for the alterations that had been made to this version of the island, the alterations made it difficult for him to get his bearings. Up a head he noticed a door which appeared to be in the side of a stone wall. Looking around confused, he struggled to figure out what it was he was looking at. So he curiously made his way over to the door and opened it a little so he could look inside. As he did he was hit with the overpowering smell of chlorine.

'Of course, the pool,' he thought to himself. He then remembered how when he had approached the island in the plane, that the pool was nowhere to be seen. In fact where Virgil believed that the pool should have been all he saw was a rock face. Clearly the camouflage that Brains had put into place was very convincing.

With his curiosity growing, Virgil decided to step inside and have a look around. As he expected he saw the pool laid out in front of him. However what he didn't expect to see was Gordon as he was seated on one of the loungers that were still in place at the side of the pool, his back was towards the door that Virgil had just walked through.

To Virgil it looked as if the red head was staring at the pool, deep in thought. He decided that he didn't want to disturb and was about to turn and leave when the door finally shut with a very audible bang.

"Scott, I told you I wanted to be left alone," Gordon snapped as he turned towards the door, clearly expecting to see his oldest brother standing there. Virgil guessed that Scott had gone in search of his younger brother after his outburst and sudden departure from the dinner table. Gordon's words told Virgil that this had been the case and that Gordon had not been interested in talking to his brother.

"What do you want," he snapped when instead he realised that it was Virgil standing behind him. His reaction one of anger, just as his big brother's had been at Virgil's presence.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," Virgil replied sheepishly, his eyes locked on a spot on the floor as he was unable to bring his gaze up to look the aquanaut in the face.

"Just go away…why can't everyone just leave me alone," Gordon shouted as he turned round so his back was once again to Virgil.

Virgil knew that he should have done what the red head asked, but in that instant before Gordon had turned away, Virgil had looked up and saw that the younger man had been crying.

In that moment his big brother instincts took over and he knew that he couldn't leave Gordon like this, no matter how much the other man wanted to be left alone.

"I'm sorry Gordon," Virgil told him softly "but I can't do that."