Scotty Special.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
A brother is ill but Scott is there to look after them and has just the cure. They may not be children anymore but sometimes the thing you need most is the comfort of a big brother.
This is for Loopstagirl on the day of your birth which should be celebrated because you are so awesome. You're an amazing friend and a beyond talented writer. I am so happy to have our friendship and remember Geraniums for life.
Scott opened the door to his brother's room and was surprised to find it empty. Gordon had picked up a virus from a group of school children they rescued last week. It hadn't required a stay in the infirmary just a few days in bed but his brother appeared to have gone walkabout. He would never understand why his brothers felt the need to go walking when ill. He was of course completely ignoring the fact that he did it as well. They were just never good at admitting they were ill. Gordon however was usually the most sensible. After his accident, he knew better than to push himself too hard. He closed the door and pondered his situation, luckily, he had someone who would know exactly where to find his brother. He raised his watch and pressed the relevant buttons.
"Where is he?" he asked, knowing John would just understand.
"Your room," came the reply.
"Why my room?" asked Scott in surprise. He had been expecting his brother was in one of the other rooms but certainly not his.
John shook his head at his brother, "You know when he's ill, its you he wants, not dad or Virgil, you. You always looked after him when he was young. Even when dad was around, it was still you he wanted, you he trusted." There had been a time after their mother died when Jeff hadn't been the best father so Scott had stepped seamlessly into that role. He'd watched over them when ill to the detriment of his own health at times.
"Probably hiding from Virgil and his torture devices," said Scott lightly.
"Perhaps but judging by his heart rate, he's not asleep." John could tell a lot through his brothers watches and he knew Gordon was no longer asleep.
"And you lot say I'm the smother brother," muttered Scott, walking to his own door.
"You are, I'm just watching from afar. Tell him to feel better," said John, his attention diverted back to the various machines around him.
"I will, speak to you later John and thanks." He didn't need to explain why, John would just know.
John nodded and signed off.
Scott quietly opened the door even though he knew his brother wasn't asleep.
"No need to tiptoe, I'm not asleep," croaked a voice from the bed.
"Not in your bed either," retorted Scott with a grin.
"Yours was closer," was the reply as Gordon lurched up and staggered to the bathroom.
Scott followed him and waited until his brother had emptied his stomach of whatever was in it. His brother then sunk onto the tiles not having the energy to get up again. "Even worse place to rest, Gords," he said, approaching him.
"Its cooler here," came the reply as Gordon's head lolled against the shower stall.
"I know but I have a better place," he said and carefully he pulled his brother upright.
Gordon staggered but managed to stay upright, the whole room was spinning so he was grateful Scott still had hold of him.
It was a slow walk back to the bed and Gordon wasn't even sure if he walked or was dragged back to the bed but he sank down onto it with relief. Somehow, he ended up laid down with his head on the pillows.
"Thanks," he said softly as a cool hand rested on his forehead.
"Anytime, did Virgil give you something for the fever?" asked Scott as he laid a cool flannel on his brother's head.
"Yeah," replied Gordon, his throat hurt too much to say anymore.
Scott held out a fresh glass of water, "Sip a little of this, will help with the burning in your throat."
Gordon was careful to only have a few sips, he didn't have the energy to be sick again. "How come you and Virg escaped this?" he asked grumpily, they had all been on the same rescue.
"We didn't get hugged by half of the kids," replied Scott, knowing kids always gravitated to Gordon. These ones were so grateful to be rescued that Gordon had received rather a lot of hugs.
"They hugged Virgil too," muttered Gordon but he knew it wasn't as many as him. If he was honest, he was glad it was only him who was ill. Scott was a nightmare when ill and Virgil always seemed to go down badly with anything. Better him than them two as they could at least still go out on rescues.
"You always did tend to catch everything that went around. Luckily, you usually get them hard but fast. Knowing you, you'll feel better tomorrow but you should try and rest," said Scott, hooking his foot around a chair and pulling it to him.
"I should also be in my bed," admitted Gordon though he didn't want to move.
"Its okay, no point moving now you're settled."
Gordon glanced at Scott as he sat down, "What about you? You gonna sleep on the floor?"
Scott chuckled softly, "Wouldn't be the first time."
Gordon couldn't argue that one either, his brother had often slept on their floors when they were ill or couldn't settle as kids. Even now as adults Scott had still done it more times that he could count. It was a big brother thing apparently according to John not that John got much of a chance to do it.
"So, where's Virgil?" he asked, surprised not to find him constantly watching over him.
"He knew I was coming to check up on you," he replied. Virgil had been in earlier so as long as Gordon didn't worsen, Virgil would leave him to Scott.
"And he trusted you? What an honour," said Gordon, fighting back a yawn.
"He trusts me to look after you or sit on you, if you start trying to get up and about," he said, with a slight grin.
"Think you're confusing me with you there or possibly Johnny, he likes to go walkabout." Gordon could still remember finding John face down in the pool after he had got out of bed too soon. He had gone for some fresh air but on feeling worse, he'd tried to head back in. Unfortunately, he ended up in the pool instead.
"He learnt his lesson at least." John had suffered with the effects of drowning on top of the virus he was already fighting.
"Bet you haven't," muttered Gordon, relaxing back against his brother's pillow. He knew he should move but right now the nausea had settled and all he wanted to do was sleep.
"Just sleep little brother, if you feel better when you wake, I'll make you a better drink than water," he said, knowing that Gordon had always loved his honey drinks he made them when ill.
"Promise," mumbled Gordon as his eyes closed.
"Absolutely," replied Scott and he tucked the blanket lightly around Gordon.
Scott wasn't sure how long he had sat watching over his brother or even if he was fully awake for that time but he knew it must have been at least a couple of hours. His brother was still sleeping peacefully but the sheen of sweat was ever present. Lightly touching his forehead, Scott could tell he was still running a fever. He wondered when he was next due some more medication. As if hearing his thoughts, the door opened and Virgil appeared. In his hands was more tablets.
"How's he been?" asked Virgil, his voice barely above a whisper but Scott heard every word.
He looked down at his watch, "Been asleep about three hours now. Was sick earlier but not recently. He still feels hot though."
Virgil softly approached the bed and could tell Gordon was no longer asleep. Gordon was a light sleeper like Scott. He picked up the thermometer and chuckled softly as Gordon's eyes sprung open, "Just checking your temp, nothing else."
"That better be all," he said, knowing how much Virgil loved to play doctor with his stethoscope.
Virgil checked his temperature and was relieved to see it was high but not dangerously so. "Reckon you can swallow some tablets or would you prefer an injection?"
"I don't feel sick anymore but my throat is killing me," he admitted, his voice sounding hoarse and croaky.
Scott handed over the glass of water, "Try a couple of sips of this first and see if that eases it."
Now up close to Virgil, he could see that he looked rather warm himself and he suddenly had a fear that Gordon may have shared after all.
"Virg, run," said Gordon, having seen the look.
Virgil looked to Gordon and then at Scott, recognizing the same worry. He grinned and pulling a cloth out of his pocket, wiped it across his forehead, "I've been welding Scott, I'm just hot not feverish, relax."
"Okay but no hiding it if you do, I'm not carrying you from the silos again," replied Scott, relieved to know it wasn't more serious.
"I only did that once," muttered Virgil, turning back to Gordon. "How many times have we picked Scott up?" His oldest brother tended to work through an illness until his body collapsed on him.
"A few times," agreed Gordon, sipping the water and felt a flood of relief that it didn't make him feel sick again. He managed to swallow down the tablets. "Thanks Doc."
Virgil rolled his eyes, "Do you have to call me that?" it was an argument that had gone on for years and Virgil knew it wasn't going to end.
"Well, you insist on being the medic so yes I do," retorted Gordon with a grin. He always thought it was so cool how much medical knowledge Virgil had learnt over the years but that didn't mean he couldn't tease him a little.
"He's got a point," agreed Scott with a grin, "You need anything?"
Gordon gave him a shy smile that always meant he wanted something, "Can you make me a Scotty special?"
"Can you keep it down?" asked Scott, knowing exactly what his brother wanted and had already promised to do it earlier but wanted to make sure it wouldn't make a rapid reappearance.
"Nah, I think that bit has passed."
Okay, I'll be right back," he said and jogged out of the room.
"Hmm Scotty special, not had one of those in years. Are they still as good?" asked Virgil, sitting in the chair Scott had vacated. Scott made an amazing honey drink that tasted so good when you were ill.
"Oh yeah and they still work," said Gordon his voice softer as he remembered all the times Scott had made him one when he was a kid.
"How does the rest of you feel?" he asked, knowing Gordon had a better than most, idea of his body. His accident had meant he knew when things were wrong that others might overlook.
"Head is achy but I've had worse. Just feel so drained in all honesty," he explained, trying to be honest. He could never see the point in downplaying it to Virgil. It just made him worry more. Better to be honest and get the smothering over and done with.
"The meds should help with the head but let me know if it gets worse."
Gordon nodded and then took the moment to watch his slightly older brother. Virgil was a lot like Scott when it came to working through an illness and he had been exposed as well.
"I'm really okay," said Virgil, knowing what his brother was thinking.
"Never said you weren't," grinned Gordon.
Scott came walking back in with a mug and Gordon sighed, happily as the soft scent of lemon and honey drifted into his nose. He took the mug but was careful to sip it.
"You need a break?" asked Virgil. Despite Gordon not being seriously ill, they never liked to leave him alone. Gordon never made a fuss but he did like the company, had done ever since he was little.
"Nah I'm good but you look like you need a shower." There was a smudge of grease on Virgil's cheek and his white t-shirt was no longer white.
"What are you trying to say?" asked Virgil with a pout.
"You smell," replied Gordon before Scott could say anything.
Virgil made a fist at Gordon but his eyes were glittering with amusement. He then left them to it, knowing Scott would call if he needed to.
Scott sat back down in the chair, bringing his feet up to rest at the bottom of the bed, "Drink okay?"
Gordon nodded, sipping some more, already his throat felt better. He knew it wasn't going to fix everything but it helped and that was what counted.
He soon finished it and laid back down on the pillows, "Want your bed back yet?"
"Nah, I'll only have to change everything, we'll worry about that tomorrow," he said, taking the mug and resting it on the unit.
"You're the best," said Gordon, feeling the pull of sleep drawing him back down again.
"Don't let John hear you say that," he said softly.
"He already knows, you're his best too." Gordon's eyes drifted shut once more.
Scott smiled, his brother had sounded so much like when he was a kid and ill. Looking at him now, it was easy to remember the little redhead who never slept in his own bed when ill.
Gordon awoke to the sounds of birds singing and realized it had to be morning. Glancing across, he was surprised to see John sat by the bed reading a book.
"How long was I out?" he asked lightly.
"Only a few hours. How are you feeling?" asked John, smiling down at him. His brother looked pale but not as feverish.
"Rough but better, I think. Did I sleep through Three?" the rocket was so loud even with the sound proofing material; Brains had built the villa with.
"No, I teleported down here," joked John, grabbing the thermometer. He showed it to Gordon, who nodded and turned his head. John waited for the result and it was much lower than yesterday.
"Thought I was the funny one?" he muttered and moved so he could sit up. John quickly rearranged the pillows for him. "Thanks. How did you get Al to agree to swap?" Alan didn't like being on Five when Gordon was hurt or ill.
"Dad decided nine weeks without a break from Five was pushing it a bit," replied John. He had stayed up for a double rotation after Alan picked up a minor injury on a rescue.
"Damn bro, you should have said something." He hadn't realized John had been up there that long. He and Alan were meant to rotate every month but that was sometimes delayed not usually by that many weeks though.
"Ah you know I love Five. Its peaceful and no one plays pranks on me," he said, sitting back down.
"That you know of," said Gordon with a knowing grin. He was now plotting ways to get John even on Five.
"You can quit that or I'm stealing your Scotty Special that is being made as we speak," said John, his voice taking on that tone which said he meant every word.
Gordon saluted his brother, "Yes sir. Seriously though you shouldn't be up there so long." He missed John and he needed more downtime; he was too pale and thin.
"I missed you too," said John with a grin, knowing exactly what his brother was trying to say. He had always shared a close bond with Gordon, stemming from the days after his hydrofoil accident. John was there from the beginning and thanks to a delayed mission start, he was able to be there through most of his early recovery.
Loud voices could be heard from the corridor and then the door was opened. Scott entered but the sound of Virgil muttering filled the room as well though not his actual presence.
"Go look after the actual sick brother, you have or it won't be him in that bed." The words drifted through the door but Virgil had gone in the opposite direction.
"Uh oh," said Gordon to John.
John just laughed at Scott who looked thoroughly put out. "Virgil was helping Grandma and got a face full of flour causing him to choke. Big brother freaked out thinking he had what you have."
"I did not freak out," muttered Scott, handing the drink to Gordon.
"He did," whispered John to Gordon who nodded in agreement.
"Scott, he's fine and if he isn't then we'll know soon enough. How about you watch squirt and I'll go help Virgil," suggested John, standing up.
"Okay but you know what he's like admitting when he's ill especially as Gordon is already," said Scott, sitting down in the seat, John had just vacated.
"Yeah, he's exactly like you," grinned John as he moved quickly to the door. He looked back at Gordon. "Rest up little brother and I'll see you later when Virgil has finished plotting vengeance."
"Good luck," called Gordon.
By that evening, Gordon was much better and had moved back into his room. Scott stripped his shirt off and wandered into the bathroom, feeling the need for a nice hot shower. It had been a long couple of days and he was looking forward to a few hours rest. Once the water was to the perfect temperature, he stripped the rest of his clothes off and stepped in. The hot water cascaded down his aching muscles and he sighed in relief.
His hands came up brushing the wet hair off his face as he relaxed against the wall, allowing the water to fall. Gordon was on the mend and Virgil showed no signs of the virus so it looked like they had got off lightly this time. That was the trouble with this job, you never knew what you were stepping into and yet he wouldn't change it. It was who he was and the world needed them.
After washing himself, he finally stepped out of the shower and reached for his towel. Wrapping it round his waist he was suddenly felt a tickle in the back of his throat. He gave a gentle cough and it eased thankfully. He couldn't have what Gordon had could he? He hadn't hugged any of the kids but he had of course been actively looking after Gordon. Now he thought about, he did feel more drained than he should be and Gordon's had started this way. Nope, he just didn't have time to be ill, there was way too much to do. He pulled on some shorts and headed back into his room. A good night's sleep would do it and he wasn't ill, just tired. He climbed into bed and was soon asleep.
Deeply enough to not even hear the door open and two figures quietly enter.
"He's got it too, hasn't he?" whispered John.
"Yeah, I spotted the signs earlier," replied Virgil. He placed a glass of water and some tablets on the unit beside his brother.
They crept out of the room and down the hall to towards the lounge.
"He's going to be a nightmare tomorrow," said John.
"I think we'll let dad handle that one," said Virgil with a slight grin. Scott was an awful patient.
"I could lock his room down?" suggested John, knowing it was easily done.
Virgil chuckled slightly at the suggestion. "How about we call that plan B. I'm going to let dad know what's going on."
"Okay, I'm going to make sure Gordon is actually asleep and not chatting to Alan then we better sleep, gonna be a long and tiring day tomorrow," replied John. They were going to be busy keeping Scott in bed.
Virgil slung his arm around his brother, "We got this John, just like we always have."
The End.