AN1 – wow I am on a roll this week huh another chapter. I updated my other fic and then instead of doing the boring housework I sat around all day today and wrote this because I couldn't stop thinking about Felicity meeting the Tracys. I hope I have done it justice as this was the hardest bit I think I have had to write so far on this fic. There will but loads more between the boys and Felicity before she leaves for Starling City.
I do not own Arrow or Thunderbirds I'm just helping them play together for a while
CHAPTER 6
"Tracy Island this is Juliet Tango Five on approach over." John spoke into the microphone resting along his cheek.
"Juliet Tango Five this is Tracy Island receiving you over." The reply came back moments later.
"Requesting permission to land over." John continued.
"Juliet Tango Five you are cleared for landing and taxi into hanger. I will be waiting on the ground over."
Receiving Tracy Island, Thanks Dad. Over and out." John finished the radio transmission and made his start to bring his plane into landing. He could just make out the lights on in the villa and the lit runway.
He pressed the intercom switch and activated the two-way radio channel. "Felicity are you still awake and buckled in will be arriving shortly."
There was a long pause, John was about to say more in case she had actually fallen asleep when Felicity's voice came back through. "Yeah still here and strapped in. Okay come and get me when it's all over with."
"OK over and out." John cut the radio and concentrated on the landing.
Felicity noticed the sudden brightness outside the windows and curious she pulled back the blind on the window closest. They were inside a huge hanger that had a variety of aircraft inside it all looking shiny and sleek. One vehicle however struck Felicity it was a pink car with a dome it was a shock on the eyes with its brightness. She returned the TV off and watched out the window fascinated at what she could see. After a few minutes the view from the window stopped moving and Felicity felt the engine vibrations stop. She turned the chair around to face the table and waited for John to emerge from the flight deck.
About five minutes later John finally emerged and when both met each others eyes they smiled in greeting. Felicity unclipped her safety harness and stood up stretching before picking up her bag and moving over towards John.
"How was the trip?" He asked.
"There is the slight chance I may get used to flying if it was always like this. It felt like being at home catching up on one of my shows only the leather chairs are not as snuggly as my sofa." She replied making John laugh.
"You could always ride on the sofa it has harnesses too. Once were in the air you don't need to be strapped in when you get more comfortable with the travel. Now I know we do have sink into sofas in the villa if you want to try one of those out and meet my family."
"Uh John is everyone waiting?" Felicity asked suddenly feeling very shy and nervous. She hadn't thought about the first meet just that she liked all of the Thunderbirds when she had met them and couldn't wait to say hello again. She also had neglected to think about the little fact that she shouldn't know John is a Thunderbird.
"Probably Dad will have made them stay in the Villa while he's come down to the hanger to welcome you." John answered he faced Felicity making sure she was looking directly at him and listening. "Just be yourself like you were a month ago everyone liked you then."
"Okay I can do that." She said distracted. John left Felicity and retrieved the luggage cases from the cupboard.
"No arguments I'm carrying both." He said as he placed them next to the exit and opened up the hatch door.
The hanger light streamed into the plane and Felicity looked out nervously and met the eyes of an older man. He had similar features to John as she remembered but his face this time was much cleaner and he was wearing black trousers, with an opened neck collared shirt a stark contrast to the matching blue uniform she remembered.
John picked up the cases again and led the way down into the hanger, Felicity followed close behind. At the bottom he stopped and closed the hatch door before continuing to close the gap between them and his father.
"John." His dad called out when they were steps apart and then John found himself wrapped in a welcoming hug.
"Hi Dad." John replied. He was unable to return the hug as he hadn't been given the chance to drop the cases so he stood there until his father released him.
When Jeff released his son he turned towards Felicity with a warm welcoming smile on his face.
Felicity watched the exchange of greeting between father and son and she kept a few paces behind John letting them reacquaint. When the older man's attention fell on her she felt her cheeks flushing from the attention. She saw the smile he displayed and relaxed slightly but her mind continued racing with what to say. She had seen him, spoken to this man as a Thunderbird and now she was meeting him as the billionaire and head of Tracy Engineering and John's father.
"Hello Mr Tracy, it is very nice of you to invite me to your island and home. It is a lovely home what I have seen so far not that I'm judging I have nothing to compare it to I've never been to a private island before. I didn't see anything from the window either I don't like flying so I had the blind down and you probably didn't need to know any of that I'm rambling and really need to stop." Her mouth did all the talking without the need for her brain to even attempt a logical reasonable speech. She felt her cheeks redden and burn more, at least I haven't blown his cover as a Thunderbird.
"It's nice to meet you again Felicity Smoak, please call me Jeff." Jeff handed out his hand to Felicity to shake.
Felicity took the hand in a daze and gently shook the larger rougher calloused hand. Did I hear him right he said again I'm sure of it, play dumb it can't hurt better to be safer than get in trouble she thought.
"Your brothers have all stayed up to make sure you got back safe John. Grandma too she's made a batch of coco." Jeff turned back to John.
"Grandma's coco I can already taste it." John mentally drooled.
They made their way up into the Villa in silence. Jeff led the way all the while replaying back Felicity's reaction. She hadn't given any typical reaction he was so used to dealing with. She seemed nervous but he had expected shock and realization of making the connection of him here to when he first met her a month ago. Maybe I was filthier than I realized and she can't recognize me, perhaps when she meets the boys Scott and Virgil were both clean on that mission.
When they approached the elevator John managed to glimpse Felicity when she turned to face the door and he could see she looked worried more so than when they were going to fly he thought. He maneuvered himself into the lift in such a way he could brush his arm against hers. He desperately wanted to take her hand and reassure her that everything was okay and not to worry.
His dad was stood more in front of them next to the control panel of the elevator facing the doors than now were closing. John nudged Felicity's arm gently and when she turned to look at him their eyes met. John smiled softly and he saw the worry lessen on Felicity's face as she smiled back. Then he felt his stomach flutter, something he hadn't ever felt before but had read about in his collection of novels. He felt his cheeks redden at the realization and he watched as Felicity blushed too.
The sound of the doors opening broke the moment and both snapped their heads forward and looked out of the opening elevator. Jeff stood back away from the door and motioned for John and Felicity to go first. John took the first step forward and Felicity made to keep close. Once in the hall way John placed the cases next to the elevator along the side of the hallway. "Ready?" John quietly asked careful of his Father over hearing. He now took Felicity's hand in his.
Felicity was going to answer John with a no she really wasn't ready she would rather take on the Dodger again. Feeling John's hand slide into hers she felt calmer and braver her mouth changed the answer before her brain could sanction it. "Yeah how hard can it be, your Dad wasn't so bad." She whispered back.
John gently led her towards the main part of the Villa and where he knew everyone would be waiting the main lounge. Jeff followed behind and he watched John take Felicity down the hallway, he couldn't help the smile that has spread across his face at the sight.
When Jeff had stopped by the lounge to announce the impending arrival of John and his guest Grandma had headed into the kitchen to pour out the drinks ready. She arrived back into the lounge placing the tray of drinks on the table just as John walked in holding the hand of a lovely blonde young lady. Grandma beamed at the sight she was always worried that out of all of her grandsons John might end up growing old alone being the quietest but seeing that look on his face she need not have worried.
The heated debate going on between the two boys sat on one of the sofas died as soon as John entered and a moment later the gentle piano sounds stopped abruptly. Grandma's hot coca filled tray went unnoticed an unusual event in the Tracy household. The three men stood from their different locations and all scrambled to be the first to get to John and meet Felicity again. The surge forward stopped as three pairs of eyes noticed that John was holding hands with. Well that's our look out, was the comment running through the three Tracy brothers at the sight before them.
When Alan had swapped places with John three days earlier they had been finishing up a mission and John had left for the conference before they had returned. So this was their standard welcome home greeting of their space brother. Big hugs, pats on the back and loud welcome homes were exchanges amongst the siblings. During the displays of affection each brother whispered their own private message. Scott referred to his earlier conversation, "I was only joking but now I am digging out the baby albums, Johnny." Virgil joked, "Bro code Johnny first to see and all that." Then Gordon in his usual finesse, "Stealing the Starling City vigilante's girl that's brave. Good job you hide away in space." John ignored all of this brothers he would get his own back.
Lady Penelope stood gracefully and moved around the table to join Grandma Tracy. Waiting her turn to greet the two new arrivals. Jeff Tracy had skirted around the brothers reunion and joined him mother and Penny, he paid close attention to the up coming introductions.
John moved backwards and putting his hand on Felicity's back he introduced her to his brothers. "Felicity this is Scott." He pointed to the tallest in the lineup he was exactly as she remembered. Scott held his hand out to Felicity who took the offered hand. "It's nice to meet you again Felicity." Scott said smiling. "Uh it's nice to meet you too." She replied keeping as neutral comment as possible. She had finally decided to just completely play dumb until someone else brought up the topic of International Rescue like what happened between her and John two days ago.
"This is Virgil." John introduced the next brother in line. He held out his hand too for Felicity to shake. She took the offered hand. "Lovely to make your acquaintance." Virgil flourished, Felicity replied. "And yours." "And lastly this is Gordon." John introduced the prankster of the family. Gordon copied his brothers and held out his hand and as Felicity took it instead of shaking Gordon leant down and placed a kiss on the back of her hand. "It is a pleasure to bask in your beauty." Gordon proclaimed. Felicity felt her cheeks burn as she turned a crimson colour and she took her hand back. Scott leant behind Virgil and clipped Gordon on the back of his head for the behaviour before his younger blonde brother throttled him.
Grandma tactfully stepped in before any family fights could develop. "Come and grad a mug of coco before they get cold." Scott, Virgil and Gordon manically raced towards the table trying to the first ones there. Grandma collected two mugs and as John and Felicity moved towards the centre of the room she met them and offered the beverages. John took his and made the introductions while Felicity accepted hers. "Felicity this is Grandma Tracy, Grandma this is Felicity." "It's wonderful to meet you dear. How was the flight?" Grandma Tracy asked. "It's lovely to meet you Mrs Tracy. It was okay I don't like flying much." Felicity replied. "Oh call me Grandma everyone else does. John's a good pilot your in safe hands. Come and sit down." Grandma fussed moving to allow Felicity and John to get past and sit on a free sofa.
Jeff intercepted them first and introduced the other lady in the room. "Felicity this is Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward." Lady Penelope held out a small delicate looking hand towards Felicity. Felicity hadn't noticed the British lady until Jeff introduced them but when the hand extended Felicity was a little apprehensive at shaking until she felt John rest a hand on her elbow. "Hello it's nice to meet you." Felicity said as she took the hand. "It's delightful to meet you again Felicity I believe we have a lot to discuss and you have a very commendable poker face." Lady Penelope replied.
Felicity pulled her hand back and just stared open mouthed at Lady Penelope. Jeff had watched Felicity carefully and she seemed to be non the wiser to who they were even though she had met them only a month ago. Then he saw Felicity hesitate before taking Penny's hand also like she had met the aristocrat. Penelope's comment surprised him but then the London agent didn't miss a trick that's why she was their number one. "Felicity I am afraid I asked John to invite you here under slightly false pretenses. Do you know who we are?" Jeff asked, he took a seat and signaled to Felicity to take one too. John sat next to Felicity and Penny joined Jeff.
Play stupid just in case it's a trick remember what Lady Penelope did. "Yeah you are the CEO of Tracy Engineering." She innocently replied if nothing else she was getting some practice in with lying.
"It is okay if you do recognize us we are in a secure location to discuss such things." Jeff replied trying to encourage the answer from Felicity, if she was playing dumb he was thoroughly impressed with her.
"Okay I have one question what do you want with me?" She asked worried that Lady Penelope and John may have lied and they were going to do away with her. The stab of pain that struck in her chest at the thought John may have lied frightened her a little.
"We would like to introduce you to our Organisation." Jeff replied. Felicity looked between the faces watching her closely. She had never been scrutinized so much in her life. None of the faces appeared sinister they had the same friendly trustworthy look that she remembered from that horrible night.
She met Jeff's eyes. One last burning question in her mind, "Why does International Rescue want me I'm just an IT girl." She said first the vigilante had asked her help incognito and then needed her help to save his life. Now the Thunderbirds wanted to recruit her.
"You were an interesting individual when I met you in Starling City. Twice in one night you put others needs before your own that is a remarkable quality I value. Another is loyalty you refused to reveal anything about your other alliance even when you were faced with police charges because you believe in the good being done. I have it on good authority that your brave and smart we would like to being you in to help us in the future should we ever need you. That is if you would like to our Agents do not get involved directly but keep their eyes and ears open for information leaks, plans to attack us and cover up if our secrets do pass into the world." Jeff answered.
Felicity felt blown away at the description of herself, she defiantly didn't see herself like that she did the bits she could like operate technology. Did she want to be involved with International Rescue? What Oliver had been trying to do for months was save one city and he had vanished, she was hopeful he would come back but if he didn't could she go back to living like every other person? "Okay I'm in but do am I still allowed to help the Hood?" She agreed.
There was the sound of a mug smashing on the floor while eruptions of "What?!" Cried out about the room. Jeff, Lady Penelope and John were not responsible for the outburst it was the remaining Tracy boys and Grandma had dropped her mug in the shock of hearing the family's biggest enemy mentioned. The poor girl was involved with him Grandma was devastated.
"John move away." Scott ordered from his now stood position taking control of the situation. John refused to move and a mischievous smile passed over his face. Oh what fun I could have he thought. Jeff's commanding voice deeper and more intimidating than Scott's echoed around the room. "Enough boys, I believe there is a misunderstanding on the term Felicity just used. Sit and calm down Scott and we can resolve this easily Felicity is no threat to us." Once Scott sat with a sulking face Jeff continued in a softer voice. "The Hood is known as a continual threat to International Rescue and our family. Since we established 15 years ago he has made attempt after attempt to gain our equipment and try to destroy us. The worst attempt he made involved him gaining entry to our island and he almost killed John, me, Scott, Virgil and Gordon on Thunderbird 5. If it hadn't been for Alan, Fermat and Tin-tin International Rescue and the Tracy family would have ended then. Sine then the Hood has escape prison and continues to try to harm us but he keeps failing."
Oh my GOSH Felicity thought to herself she subconsciously grabbed John's hand and then tried to explain who she had been referring to. "I really didn't know, the Hood I was referring to is the vigilante. It's the media's name for him but it is a work in progress. I will stick to calling him the vigilante from now on so there is no more confusion. Sorry to have upset you all." She apologised. John squeezed her hand reassuring her. Grandma Tracy relaxed and took a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding thank goodness she thought. She stood up and headed to the kitchen to get a dustpan to tidy up her smashed mug. "Here Grandma let me." Virgil had stood and followed his Grandma. "Go and sit back down." He instructed her.
"You can tell who did any background reading." John said. "We're not all nerds space boy." Gordon retorted. "No you're a fish squid." "Actually the term is mollusk. Ha something you didn't read about."
"Enough you two now we have that matter cleared up and Felicity has agreed to join us I think it is time we went to bed and continue this in the morning." Jeff ordered. Everyone agreed.
John stood up and placed his mug on the tray and then turned to take the mug from Felicity. "That was amazing coco Grandma thank you."
"Oh your welcome dear now off with you, John are you going to show Felicity where she is staying?" Grandma asked.
"Yes Grandma." He replied and moved to her side and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Good night."
John took Felicity's hand and steered her towards the doorway where they entered from earlier. "Night everyone." John called.
"Night John." Was chorused along with a "Goodnight Son." from Jeff.
"Goodnight." Felicity called to everyone and shyly waved.
"Night Felicity." Was chorused and they left the room.
John led Felicity back towards the elevator and after collecting Felicity's suitcase they entered the metal box and travelled up a floor. Felicity was processing all that had gone on and remained silent and John stayed quiet too on the journey.
On the above floor the elevator doors opened to another corridor only this one ran parallel to the elevator than away from it and there were evenly placed doors along the wall. Felicity followed John out of the elevator and he stopped at the first door opposite the elevator.
"All these rooms are guest quarters and while you're here this one is yours." John explained as he opened the door. "After you." He said. Felicity pushed the door completely open and walked in. Her eyes widened at the room. It was a long thin space with a lounge type area as soon as you entered, with a large TV and sofa. Then there was a huge double bed that looked extremely welcoming to Felicity, on seeing it Felicity suddenly felt the time zones catching up. Past the bed Felicity could just make out a type of balcony past the floor to ceiling, wall to wall glass windows and doors.
"WOW." She remarked. John slid past her while she was ogling the room and laid the suitcase on the puffy at the end of the bed.
"The room is sound proof but if you have the doors open and we have a call out you will hear the thunderbird craft leave. You can venture round the Villa help yourself to the lounge and kitchen and tomorrow I will give you the grand tour. The bathroom is through this door." John pointed to the door. "And if you need me or anyone else the intercom panel over there by the door has a list of contacts and will put you through to whom ever you need. Would you like me to walk to you breakfast in the morning?"
"Thanks, I should be okay until breakfast. Yes please. John?" Felicity turned to face John worry marred her face. "I'm sorry about upsetting everyone." She apologised again.
John took her hands in his. "It's okay you really weren't to know and if anyone should be apologizing it should be me for deceiving you."
"Yeah was meeting you part of the plan if so you have a good poker face too." She replied.
"No that was complete coincidence or fate. I knew father wanted to recruit you since he returned from Starling City. Lady Penelope was doing background checks to make sure you were safe and then when you told me about her visit I'd had the call from Dad that morning to say you had passed. I suggested bringing you to the island not all agents get to visit here, I wanted to show you home." John explained, he felt his cheeks heating slightly at the last admission.
"Oh." Felicity blushed and felt butterflies doing a merry dance in her stomach.
"Right I had better leave you to get some sleep, I will come and get you about 10 later this morning as long as no calls come in."
"Okay. Thanks John." She replied. John lent forward and placed a kiss on Felicity's cheek then withdrew .
"Goodnight Felicity."
"Night John." And John turned and left the room closing the door behind him.
Felicity flopped onto the bed in a dreamy haze. What was happening between her and John. I thought I liked Oliver, she thought, Oliver ran away when you needed him he's a playboy John is a gentleman and has whisked you away to his tropical private island. John can understand when your talking techno babble and he likes Dr Who. I hardly know him, I've known Oliver over 6months, but you and Oliver only share your nighttime duties together, give John a chance and see what happens Oliver isn't around but John is. Her mind fought with itself eventually she lifted herself off the bed and got ready for sleep.
She crawled into bed and sank into the softness of the mattress and snuggled the quilt up around her head. Almost instantly she fell into a sound sleep.
AN2 – so you lovely lot do we have a rescue in the night or shall I save it for later on? I hope you enjoyed this bit please let me know as your reviews do mean so much to me