DISCLAIMER: I REALLY WISH I COULD LAY CLAIM TO THOSE BEAUTIFUL TRACY MEN, BUT SADLY I CAN'T.
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NOTES:
Sorry for the 2 week delay.
This was meant to be the last chapter - but after looking through it several times I decided to split it. This is the longest of the 2 sections, the last part just needs a few more minor alterations and it will be finished. So, I should be posting that final chapter in a couple of days.
Really hope you like this, reviews as always very welcome.
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Chapter 53: Home.
Jeff pulled the car he was driving to a halt and surveyed his sleeping son who was comfortably propped up in the back seat. Virgil had been full of joyful energy after he had received the news that he was going home. However, shortly after saying their goodbyes to Gerry and carefully placing him in the car, the medication he had been given just before leaving had hit, Virgil's energy had dissipated, and he'd drifted off to sleep. Jeff released a contented sigh as he continued to watch his child enjoy a peaceful slumber. He really didn't want to wake him, but he knew he wouldn't hear the end of it if Virgil missed the arrival of his beloved bird. So, even though there was currently no sign of Thunderbird 2's arrival at their designated pickup point, Jeff reached over into the back seat and placed his hand on Virgil's arm. "Hey son, time to wake up."
"Mm…" Virgil yawned, slowly opening his eyes. "Sorry dad, what did you say?"
"Your girl will be here soon," Jeff informed him.
Virgil released a big grin and looked out the window at the bright blue sky. "How long until she's here?"
"Not long," Jeff replied, checking his watch, "by the time we get you out the car and into your wheelchair then I'm sure she'll be coming into view."
"FAB!" Virgil responded excitedly.
… …
Ten minutes later, Virgil, who was now sitting comfortably in his wheelchair, looked up at the sky when a familiar sound began to fill the air. "She's here," he beamed, as he observed Thunderbird 2 finally coming into view. Like each of his brothers he was obsessed with his own bird. Constantly cleaning her, checking her over for damage, and helping with upgrades to her systems. Also, like each of his brothers he believed his Thunderbird was the best. It was always an intense discussion between them, each of them making their own valid points, and each of them mocking each other's crafts. During one of their heated arguments, Gordon had earned himself a laugh from the others and a slap around the head from Virgil when he had compared Thunderbird 2 to a giant flying toad. Virgil had gone on to explain to them that she was only clunky when she was not being handled correctly, if she was treated with respect, then she was graceful like an Albatross soaring through the sky. Now as he watched her coming into land he really felt like that comparison was the right one to make. Although, Scott was making a hash of the landing. "Hey dad, tell Scott to ease of the pedal and she will land much easier for him."
"Do your own dirty work!" Jeff chuckled.
Virgil grinned at his father and pressed his watch. "Hey Scott."
"Hi Virg, are you calling through to tell me how to handle your girl? Because if you are then I'm happy to turn around and leave you here," he joked.
"I wouldn't dream of it!" Virgil responded.
"Good," Scott laughed, "because I know how to fly your lady."
"Oh, you certainly do!" Virgil responded back, watching Scott finally bring her onto the ground.
"So, who is the best pilot?" Scott questioned.
"You're one of the best… Although, not as good as me!" He added under his breath.
Scott jumped out of the pilot seat and climbed out of Thunderbird 2. "Hey bro, I've missed you."
Virgil returned the hug that Scott was wrapping him in. "Missed you too!"
"Hey," Jeff said, with a fake pout, "am I invisible here?"
Scott shook his head at his father's reaction and pulled him into a warm embrace. "You know, you really do take after Gordon!"
"I think you'll find it's the other way around," Jeff replied, with a deep laugh.
Virgil coughed to gain their attention. "Come on you two… I want to go home!"
Jeff glanced at Scott. "Shall we leave him here?"
"Yes," Scott nodded, "especially if he's going to do an Alan and ask if we are there yet every five minutes!"
"I promise to be good," Virgil stated, pulling huge puppy dog eyes at them both.
"Come on then," Scott smiled, taking control of Virgil's wheelchair and pushing him towards his bird, "let's get you into your flying frog!"
"She's not a frog," Virgil retaliated, "she's a green goddess!"
"If you say so," Scott chuckled, ruffling his brother's hair, "now come on, let's get you home!"
… …
"Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We will be making our final descent in the next five minutes. Please take this time to make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened, and any carry-on-luggage is safely stored away… Thank you!"
Virgil rolled his eyes at Scott's announcement and gazed out at the view before him. It had taken a lot of his persuasive powers to convince his dad and his brother to allow him to sit up front and not in the infirmary. Along with his firm promise not to tell Scott how to control his bird during the flight. It had been very difficult to keep that part of his bargain, especially knowing what some of Scott's habits were when he was piloting. Now, as the familiar sights appeared before him, he realised his silence had been worth it. Firstly, he'd only been able to make out the once volcanic ridge, which from a distance made the island appear barren. Then, upon inching that little bit closer he'd been able to see the turquoise waves cascading onto the golden beach, and the luscious dark greens of the forest that covered half of the island. A few years back he had loved exploring the woods and camping out with his brothers on the beach. However, since International Rescue had become fully operational, they had kept saying they would go out, but none of them had found the time. That was something that would have to change, 'as soon as I can walk again,' he thought to himself. Life was to short and precious to keep putting things off.
"She's beautiful isn't she!" Jeff said, snapping Virgil out of his daze.
"Yes, she is," Virgil replied, grinning at his father as their hidden home with Gordon's much-loved pool appeared before him, "I've made this descent so many times, but I've never really taken in her true beauty… I knew I was a bit homesick, but I guess I've missed the place more than I realised."
"Well, you're home now!" Scott announced, gliding Thunderbird 2 along the runway, past the tipped palm trees, and into the hangar.
… …
"Virgil!" Alan practically sang, bouncing over to his brother who had just been brought out of Thunderbird 2 and placed in his chair.
Virgil smiled at his youngest brother's enthusiasm. "Hey Alligator, I've missed you."
"Missed you too," Alan replied, laughing at the childhood nickname while enveloping Virgil into a warm embrace, "and you as well dad."
"Missed you too son," Jeff added, hugging Alan.
"Hey," Scott protested, "what about me?"
"You've only been gone a couple of hours!" Alan laughed.
"Still," Scott pouted, "one of your hugs would be nice."
"Okay," Alan grinned, allowing Scott to wrap him in a quick hold.
"So, where are those other two brothers of mine?" Virgil questioned, when Alan had turned to face him once more.
"No idea!" Alan smirked.
Mm, really… What are you up too?" Virgil responded, raising his eyebrows.
"Nothing!" Alan answered, far too quickly and suspiciously for Virgil's liking.
Virgil kept his eyes on a grinning Alan as all of them made their way from the hangar. "Where is everyone?" He asked, when they entered the very quiet Villa.
"Surprise… Welcome home!"
Virgil practically jumped in his chair, even though he had suspected a surprise party may have been organised, and then exhaled with relief when he saw the delighted faces before him. Not only were his two other brothers and grandma now embracing him, but standing there grinning back at him were Tin-Tin and her father Kyrano, alongside Brains, Parker, and… "Hey," he sighed, at the sight of the beautiful Penelope.
"Hello," she smiled sweetly, making her way towards him and holding him gently in her arms, before kissing him softly on his lips.
"What the?" Tin-Tin mouthed to Alan who was now standing next to her.
"No idea," Alan shrugged, "they're being mysterious and won't tell us what's going on."
"Pen is my best friend, I'll find out," she assured Alan before acknowledging Virgil who was now grinning back at her, after finally letting Penny go. "Hello Virgil."
"Hey sweetheart, do I get a cuddle?"
"Of course!"
"I hope you've been looking after that baby brother of mine?" Virgil whispered in her ear as he held her.
"Yes, I have," Tin-Tin answered shyly, while turning bright red.
Virgil chuckled at her response and then turned to face the rest of the congregation. "Kyrano."
"Master Virgil, it's very good to see you."
"And you too, Kyrano," Virgil replied, shaking the man by his hand, "Brains… I've been told that I'll be answering to you for all of my medical needs from now on?" Virgil questioned, while shaking his hand.
"That's correct," Brains responded, fiddling with his glasses.
"Well don't worry, I promise to be good and do everything you say!" Virgil stated before glancing over to Parker who was still staring at him quite sternly after he had embraced Penny. "Hello Parker."
"Master Tracy," Parker greeted, firmly shaking Virgil's hand, while sustaining a look of distrust on his face.
Virgil maintaining a hold of Parker's hand, beckoned him towards him and began to speak quietly. "Parker, I understand that Penelope is like a daughter to you, and you would do absolutely anything to protect her!"
"That's correct!"
"Well, I want you to know that I care about her very deeply, and I promise I will never do anything to hurt her!"
"That's all I needed to hear Master Virgil," Parker stated, instantly relaxing.
"Are you tired?" Ruth questioned, when everyone else had gone to fetch the party food from the kitchen. "Your father said you didn't sleep during the flight back home. We can delay the party until you've had some rest."
"What, and miss out on some of that awesome looking food," Virgil answered, his mouth watering as Kyrano and Parker carried some of the treats into the room.
"We can save you some," his grandma replied.
"With four brothers, there's no chance of any surviving!"
"That's true… Plus, I have made all of your favourites."
"Well, that settles it, I'm certainly not resting then!"
"Well, if you do feel sleepy let one of us know, okay?"
"I will grandma!"
Ruth ruffled his hair, then turned to face the table so she could supervise her always ravenous grandsons. "Gordon Cooper Tracy… Put down that knife, Virgil gets to cut the cake and have the first slice!"
