I apologise for the long wait but just want to thank everyone for the lovely reviews - I appreciate them so much x thanks for the continued support.

Scott watched as John slept. It was about 8am the next morning and the whole family had managed to get in a few hours of sleep before the sun rose. Dr. Stephen had warned that John needed his rest after such a traumatic night, she told them John would need a lot more sleep than usual for his body to heal. Despite this Scott was really getting jittery, all he really wanted was to have a long conversation with him. So much had happened over the last couple of days and Scott felt like a talk between the two eldest was much needed.

Over the last few months Scott and John had definitely gotten closer. As the two oldest brothers they couldn't afford to have any childish squabbles anymore. They had to grow up, they had to set a good example for their younger brothers.

If Scott was being honest, John had been his life-line. The only brother who would do something first-time asked - or even without Scott having to ask. The only brother he didn't have to keep a smile on his face for. The only brother he could let down his defences with.

Scott knows he wouldn't have been able to cope without John around. Every night when the younger kids had gone to bed Scott and John would stay up for a bit. This would be their time. A time for them to talk. They talked about everything on their chests. They listened to each other and they planned how to fix any problems they were having. That's what Scott needed right now - one of their night-time talks.

Before now he hadn't realised just how much he needed them.

He really wanted to talk about their father and his new found attitude towards his family. John had only gotten a small glimpse of the change last. After the all the drama their dad had cautiously approached from his position against the wall. When Johns eyes set on him they were full of surprise - as if he hadn't expected the man to be there - and Scott had definitely seen Jeff grimace at the look.

Jeff had sat down on the other side of the bed from Scott and slowly raised a hand to brush it through Johns hair while asking softly "Hey Johnny, how're you feeling?"

Scott could see John still hadn't fully processed the fact that their dad was here and not just here but acting very different from the Jeff they'd come to expect over the past months.

It took him a moment before he answered "Erm...yeah I'm okay"

He still looked uncertain and sensing the awkwardness, Jeff pulled his hand away. Scott sighed at their fathers resigned look, he wanted to tell him that John didn't mean anything by his actions. It was just a surprise that he needed time to process.

In fact Scott knew John would probably be the fasted to forgive their father. He had always defended their dad and Scott had rarely heard him complaining about his absence. John certainly was not one to hold a grudge.

In fact, Scott was pretty sure John would be grateful for their fathers return as Scott knew John had been worried about him. Worried that he had been stretching himself too thin. He was probably right to worry. The only times John had shown true anger at their father was when his absence had badly affected Scott. It was not uncommon for John to find Scott passed out on a couch somewhere in the house and Scott had more often than not woken up to a blanket draped over him.

One of the biggest outbursts took place when John had found out about Scott's grades slipping, he'd been furious. Not at Scott but at Jeff. Once the initial anger died down John was the one that had started helping Scott keep up with his school work. Despite being two grades below Scott, John was exceptionally smart. Before the accident, Scott had been extremely jealous of Johns superior school grades. He had always been bitter at how easily school work came to John. However, like he said they couldn't afford to be childish anymore. Scott didn't know why he'd ever resented John for it, it seemed silly now, now he only felt pride in John's school grades.

John started reading ahead in all his textbooks, he would borrow Scott's and do his best to understand the Junior level school work. He would either sit down with Scott and do his best to help him study or he would entertain the kids while he did his homework. Even if John didn't quite understand the work he would always sit with the textbook and ask questions or use flashcards to test him. Scott knew John was the only reason he'd managed to keep up in school.

All in all, Scott's pretty confident John will be happy to accept their dad again. Well...maybe after a long conversation, John has quite the knack for giving out lectures and he's pretty sure ones been brewing with his dads name on it for a while now. Scott has definitely been on the receiving end of some over the past months. He's pretty sure John just needs to vent to their dad a bit before he forgives him.

Right now though, Scott just wants to be sitting at their kitchen table, having a one-to-one conversation with John himself. A long one. So he sits and waits. Waits for John to open his eyes and wake up.

...

John was drifting in and out of consciousness, not quite ready to wake up yet. However, when he heard the squeaky hospital room door opening, he squinted his eyes open, expecting to see a family member. And especially hoping it was Scott.

When he saw a large, unfamiliar man striding into the room, his chest tightened slightly. The man didn't look like a doctor and John could not think why else a stranger would be entering his room.

Still weak, he tried to push himself up a bit on the bed so as not to feel so defenceless but it wasn't very successful as his arms shook with the effort. John was especially alarmed to see none of his other family members were present in the room.

The man set his eyes on him and John asked with a shaky breath "Who are you?"

The man put on a sleazy smile that made John shiver slightly "Robert Campbell, I'm a friend of your dads Johnny boy"

John really didn't like the way this man said his name and he felt extremely uneasy when he stepped into the room, making a show of closing the door firmly behind him.

"He's never mentioned you before" John replied casually.

"Really? Never a mention of his good friend Rob from the company? I mean I'm basically his right hand man."

John really didn't like the way this man was speaking, it was very condescending and he couldn't imagine his father would ever have a friend like this. Even if he did work as Tracy Industries - why would he be here?

John's voice had a slight shake to it as he replied "My d-dad isn't here, maybe you should go and look for him in the hospital."

John didn't end his statement in a question, he made it very clear he wasn't comfortable with this man being here and wanted him out. John was sure the man picked up on this but he made no move leave. John was really hoping Scott would come through the doors right about now.

The man smirked "Your father told me to come and watch you, how are you feeling John?"

Johns heart rate picked up as the man moved closer, he was really starting to freak out and his already abused lungs seemed to be struggling under his heavy breathing. "I-I'm fine"

The man was practically standing over him now and John felt very claustrophobic - unable to move from the bed with the mans huge form blocking his view of the door. Alarm bells were ringing in his head, telling him this was not a good situation.

The man smiled unconvincingly down at him "Can you tell me how the accident happened John?"

John knew there was definitely something wrong here. Despite being a bit distant lately his father would never send someone John didn't know to watch them. This man would also have known what had happened if he'd talked to their dad.

John steeled himself and tried to put as much confidence into his voice as he could. "I think you should leave now."

Again, he didn't ask it as a question but the man did not back down. Knowing his cover was pretty much blown the mans tone suddenly became very hostile "Did your dad crash the car John? Is that why you're here?"

John pressed himself back into the bed as the man moved uncomfortably close. He didn't like the way this man was accusing their family of things and despite his fear he defiantly shook his head "What? No! He wasn't even in the car."

The man smirked and John became uncertain of his answer. It wasn't until the man pulled some paper, a pen and began writing that it finally clicked. This man was a reporter!

Over the years all the boys had gotten talks about how to deal with a reporter. With a dad who was once an astronaut and now a successful businessman, Jeff had made sure they all knew what to do when approached by a reporter. Most of the warning had been to just walk away and don't say anything at all, but John couldn't exactly do that in his current situation. All the boys had had some sort of run in with a reporter at least once in their lives but John had never witnessed one being this forceful. It was downright terrifying.

John was shaking with anxiety now but he did not back down. "I know you're a reporter, get out of my room!"

John really started to panic when the man just sniggered deeply. He made a quick move to lean over and press the call button, hoping someone would come and get this man out of here but was startled when the reported grabbed his wrist - halting the movement. The mans beefy hand wrapped all the way around Johns slender wrist and John found he couldn't pull away. He hadn't been expecting the man to actually touch him, he'd thought the coldness was just an act to intimidate him. John started to struggle weakly in the mans grip.

The reporter just continued with his questioning as if he wasn't currently assaulting a minor "What about that one John?" He gestured with his other hand towards Virgil before resting said hand on Johns chest, completely immobilising him. "Is he not going to make it?"

John felt tears well up in his eyes as the man hit a rough cord with that one. Realising this situation was bordering on dangerous he really started to loose it.

"GET OFF ME!" He screamed with a voice thick with emotion as the tears continued to fall.

That was the moment Scott burst into the room and John could not have been more relieved.

...

It's about 9:30 as Scott makes his way back to John and Virgil, his dad had dragged him away to the hospital cafeteria to get some breakfast about 10 minutes ago and although Scott's stomach had been growling loudly, he really hadn't wanted to leave his brothers' side. It didn't feel right leaving their side when they were both so vulnerable.

Eventually, he agreed to go with his father but only to pick out some food and return with it to the room. There was no way he was going to sit in the cafeteria when he knew his brother could potentially wake up alone. Well Virgil was there but Scott knew he wasn't the best company at the moment.

He grimaced at the thought of the middle Tracy brother as he sped up his walk, suddenly desperate to get back to his brothers.

Scott was just approaching his brothers' room when he heard it.

"GET OFF ME!"

There was no mistaking it for John's voice and hearing the terror filled yell, Scott dropped everything he was holding on the floor before sprinting the last few metres to the room. He was sure he almost took the door off its hinges with the force he used to burst it open but he didn't even give that a second thought as he entered the room.

Scott saw John being forcibly manhandled on the hospital bed with tears streaming down his face. He instantly recognised the sleazy reporter he had encountered yesterday and all he saw was red.

He growled "Let go of my brother. NOW!"

The reporter immediately released John holding up his hands with mock innocence. Scott saw John pull his abused wrist into his chest and rub it slightly. Knowing this man had hurt his brother made Scott lose any fear he had previously had for the man.

The reporter reverted back to his fake friendly voice "Hey, no need to get angry, we were only talking - weren't we Johnny."

The man smirked at John and the boy flinched before turning to Scott. "He's a reporter Scott!"

The reporter glared at John and started approaching the bed again. Seeing his brother pale slightly, that was the last straw for Scott.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"

Scott ran at the man, throwing a punch as soon as he was close enough. It was messy but there was a satisfying thud as his fist connected with the mans face. The reporter instantly turned to the side clutching the sore side of his face and swearing violently. Scott took the time to shake out his hand, that had hurt more than he had expected it to.

The reporter had a look of fury on his face as he turned back to face Scott. "You're gonna to pay for that, kid"

Before Scott could even comprehend what was happening, the much lager man had forcefully shoved him against the wall. Scott felt his bones shudder with the impact and his breath was knocked out of him. Through the haze of pain, he vaguely heard John shout his name sounding panicked.

The man slammed a fist into his face and Scott's head reeled with the force of it. Scott may have gotten a lucky hit in earlier but this man was far stronger and bigger than he was and Scott could do nothing but struggle weakly at the hands currently pinning him to the wall.

Scott was just beginning to think he'd gotten a bit in over his head when suddenly hands were around his throat and he chocked as his air supply was harshly cut of by the crushing force of the mans fingers. Scott couldn't even comprehend what was happening. He knew reporters weren't usually the best of people but assaulting children was pretty brutal. What was wrong with this guy!?

Scott suddenly realised he might be in serious danger as his vision started to blacken. He needed to breathe! This was torture. His lungs were screaming. Was this man really going to kill him!?

Then all of a sudden the pressure was gone.

His limbs were useless as he slumped to the floor, making one of the strangest noises he had ever made as he struggled to draw in the breath he so strongly craved.

He looked up just in time to see the reporter basically body slam a person - who Scott quickly identified as John much to his alarm - into the wall beside him. He then made a break for it as he ran out of the room, leaving the door wide open.

Despite the pain in his lungs Scott quickly turned to assess his brother. John was leaning against the wall next to him, stark white and breathing deeply while cradling an arm around his ribs.

"You okay, Johnny?" he rasped out.

John nodded "Yeah, I'm good - you? I thought you were going to black out there"

Scott grunted "So did I - but I'm good, what happened?"

John managed a smile that looked like a mix between a smirk and a grimace "I tried to push him off you - admittedly it didn't really work, wasn't exactly steady on my feet but I got his attention anyway"

Scott glared at him "What were you thinking!? You're hurt John!"

John just shook his head angrily "He was killing you Scott! I saw his face he wasn't going to stop!"

The brothers looked at each other for a moment, both assessing each others condition and both looking a bit worse for wear, then Scott's eyes softened "Thanks, Johnny" he leaned back against the wall, placing an arm round John and pulling his younger brother towards him.

John sighed "No problem - trust me when I say I know what it feels like not being able to breath"

Scott's heart clenched at the statement as he pulled his brother closer, both boys taking strength from the other.

"Oh, my"

Scott glanced up startled at the voice from the door. It was Dr. Stephen, she was gaping in the doorway at the sight of the two brothers.

"What on earth happened?" She gasped quickly making her way over to the boys who were still huddled together on the floor.

Scott explained the story as she checked them over and got John settled back into his bed. She was confident he hadn't sustained any further damage besides maybe a bruise or two where he'd hit the wall. Although John had assured him himself, Scott visibly relaxed under the assessment by the doctor. It assured him much more coming from a medical professional.

As for his own condition, his face was already starting to show the beginning of what was sure to be a colourful bruise. As for his neck, Dr. Stephen told him that he was extremely lucky his windpipe hadn't been damaged with force of pressure that had been applied. His neck would also be sporting a colourful array of bruises.

"You were both extremely lucky today" Dr. Stephen warned as she finished her assessment. "I've notified hospital security about the reporter but the police are going to want a statement from both of you, this man needs to be put behind bars for what he's done to you boys"

Scott nodded in agreement as Dr. Stephen got up and left the room but he still had questions to ask. "What did he say to you John? Before I got here"

John looked down at his hands, not meeting Scott's eyes at the question.

"I couldn't stop him from coming in Scott, I-I told him to leave and he wouldn't"

Scott's fist clenched at his brothers defeated tone and at the fact this man had taken advantage of his injured little brother. He reassured his brother softly "I know you couldn't John, I didn't expect you to have. I just want to know what he asked you?"

John scrunched his fists into the blanket "He kept asking about dad and the crash, I told him dad hadn't even been there then he started writing it down but I swear I didn't know he was a reporter until after I'd said it Scott. I'm sorry!"

Scott had an arm around his brother in seconds "It's okay John, don't worry about it."

John just ignored Scott continuing with his fast paced telling of events "Once I knew he was a reporter I tried to press the call button but he grabbed my wrist and I couldn't get him off. Then he started asking about Virgil and if he wasn't going to make it and I just didn't know what to do."

John was sobbing now and Scott was almost joining him after listening to the terrifying encounter John had had with the man. Scott rubbed his brothers arm trying to calm him.

"I'm sorry John, I should never have left the room in the first place"

John sniffed "Not your fault Scott"

"Not yours either John, just rest for now okay? I promise I'm not going anywhere this time"

Before John even had time to respond the door opened again and their dad came running in clearly out of breath as he puffed out "Boys...I just heard...what happened... Are you both alright?

Both boys nodded and Scott was about to verbally reassure his father when the door opened again. Things seemed to be getting a bit hectic as two police officers entered the room. Scott was wondering why all this had to be done now, John was obviously tired and needed rest and to be honest Scott did too. The crowded room was doing nothing to help either of the boys.

Sparing Scott from having to speak to them, Jeff turned to the officers holding out a hand shaking each of their hands and introducing himself. "Have you found anything about the reporter officers?"

One of the men, clearly in charge, stepped forward, further into the room "Actually we're here to talk to..." he looked down at his notebook "Scott Tracy" looking back up at Jeff he continued "about a reckless driving accusation from the other party involved in this accident"

Jeff visibly paled and that was when Scott knew he wasn't going to be getting any rest anytime soon.

To be continued...