Chapter Text
Scott eventually pulled the conversation around to lighter topics, clearly having felt pity for Gordon and she was thankful. While it was clear he was choosing to not expose too many embarrassing events she didn’t think her sides could take much more laughter. It was clear that the Tracy’s had had a wilder childhood then she’d suspected, even with what she’d learnt today.
He paused to think for a second before locking his eyes on her. That smile turned mischievous, blue eyes twinkling at her and she understood just why he was such a heartbreaker. If she did not already feel the pull towards his younger brother she could easily see herself falling for him.
“You were clearly curious about the boys calling me dad.” She hummed in agreement. “Get them distracted later and I’m sure you’ll probably hear at least one of them call me it.” He glanced at his communicator, briefly pulling something up and nodding in satisfaction.
“In fact, give it about an hour or so and you’ll probably see it in person.” The grin was crooked, showing off his dimples and she was helpless but to smile back.
“Oh? And why is that?”
“Because Virgil and Gordon will soon be on their way back from a 13 hour mission clearing a flooded village in Thailand.”
She’d known about the mission, having arrived long after they had taken off. Scott had been off duty due to being over his rescue hours and due a break she knew, one of the reasons she’d picked today to come and have their little chat. He’d been reluctant to join her in the Round House until he was satisfied that the two had the situation sorted, despite John’s close monitoring. She wondered just how often he had been checking up on them during the day subtly. Gordon had lovingly called him a Smother-Hen multiple times over the years and she was beginning to see that he was right.
“And why would that affect things?” Call her curious, or just eager to see the all too serious Scott smile more but she wanted to know.
That mischievous grin took on a fond edge, blue eyes softening. “Because Virgil is a giant teddy bear when tired, has been on three back to back missions, awake over 32 hours and by the time he gets home he’ll be well past the point of watching his words.”
--
Curious to see how right he was Penelope had deigned to join the boys for dinner after her enlightening afternoon with Scott. The two had made their way to the kitchen and she watched as with the ease of long practise he’d started sorting out dinner, waving off her offers to help. She’d almost be offended except Alan had popped up at some point, having completed his school work for the day and had murmured to her over her arguments that Scott was a bit of a control freak when he got in the kitchen, not wanting help unless he was teaching them how to cook something.
This teasing resulted in Alan being pulled into a bear hug coupled with dancing fingers on the teen’s ribs as he shrieked and tried to get away before the teen was released with a smacking forehead kiss; something that caused her to be reflective. The whole Tracy family had always been highly physically affectionate with each other. It was something that she’d always loved about them, having grown up in a much more reserved household. But as she watched the way Alan leaned comfortably into Scott’s affections she saw it in a new light. Scott had always been one of the most affectionate, always quick to reach out to his brothers; a hand on the arm or shoulder, gentle neck squeeze, tap of the foreheads or a warm hug always available and the others leaned into his actions without thought, drawing comfort from him in the most basic of ways. No, she might not have verbally heard it but the Tracy’s had never hidden what they were to each other.
Soon enough the roar of Thunderbird Two’s VTOL’s announced the workhorse of International Rescue’s arrival. She gazed thoughtfully out at the island, glowing in the late afternoon light as the big green ‘bird pulled up, landing smoothly on its hidden runway.
“Fifteen minutes.” Scott called out as he began putting the finishing touches on dinner. He looked over to Penny with a smile. “The boys will just be getting showered and changed. It’s no fun being in a mud encrusted suit even if they are waterproof, trust me.” Alan’s disgusted face assured her that it was something to be avoided.
Alan began getting out plates and cutlery, waving away her attempts to help with a firm, ‘you’re a guest Lady P’. A glance at Scott and she saw the small pleased smile and knew he’d drilled manners into the others. The sight of Parker and Grandma Tracy walking up from the beach distracted her from any rebuttal as they came in and joined her at the table. From previous observations she knew which seats the boys typically took and had taken care to avoid them. Kayo and Brains were out she knew, at a symposium in Brussels, and so wouldn’t be joining them.
John’s near silent arrival startled her slightly, having not realised that the astronaut would be coming down for the meal but she greeted him warmly, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. John was the first of the family she’d really gotten to know despite her father’s connection to International Rescue and it was always wonderful to see her friend. He spent far too much time in space for her liking. John looked remarkably relaxed, having changed out of his spacesuit into some more casual clothes and greeted the others happily, quiet affection visible on his face. He wasn’t the most expressive with his emotions she knew, but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel just as deeply as others.
At some unheard signal the others began moving the already laden plates to the table, putting them down in their assigned spots. Sure enough she heard the padding of quiet feet and saw the two missing Tracy’s making their way down from the residential area.
Both were still damp from their showers but looking settled. Gordon was in his usual Hawaiian shirt and shorts but had neglected to wear shoes, bright eyes sparkling as they took her in, smile curling the corner of his lips and she felt herself match it. Virgil was in his usual flannel, but had traded his jeans for sweatpants and was only wearing socks. His hair was floppy, having forgone his usual gel and he looked younger for it. He also looked exhausted, dark smudges under his eyes and she remembered that Scott had said this extremely long rescue had been his third back-to-back call out. He looked much worse than Gordon but she knew Gordon hadn’t been on as many call outs and was comparatively better rested.
Despite Scott’s best efforts, One and Two were the most frequent Thunderbirds needed so it was inevitable that he and Virgil got called out more frequently than the others. Gordon had mentioned it to her before, worried about burn out but there was only so much they could do about it. Thunderbird Two was designed to be the workhorse of the team, carrying their more specialised equipment and that meant that Virgil was needed for most rescues. While the others could pilot Two; all of them being cross-trained on each other’s ‘birds, Virgil simply had the knowledge and skillset that the others didn’t and so was frequently the one to carry the load.
Behind her she sensed Scott come up, easing past her as he took in his brothers. A muffled curse and he was in front of Virgil, hand coming up to gently cup the grazed cheek, looking over the butterfly bandages holding one of the cuts together. Virgil leaned into it briefly, closing tired brown eyes.
“I thought you weren’t hurt.” There was a gentle admonishment to it, and blue eyes scanned carefully over each of them, looking for hidden injuries. His free hand skimmed Virgil’s shoulders and pressed carefully at his chest, eyes sharpening at Virgil’s hiss.
“It’s just some scrapes and bruises Scotty. I’m fine.” Virgil muttered, trying unsuccessfully to escape the Smother hen that had him in his sights. It was clear to Penny however that he truly was exhausted as Scott easily held on, continuing his impromptu examination.
“He’s mostly telling the truth Scott,” Gordon intervened, placing a calming hand on Scott’s arm. “He just got caught by some rubble in the mudslide that resulted from the flooding. I scanned him on the ship. Virgil has some wickedly nasty bruises forming down his right side, and two bruised ribs but nothing worse than that.”
Scott frowned heavily at the mention of bruised ribs but there wasn’t too much to be done for that. Blue eyes flashed to brown and Gordon nodded.
“Have you had antibiotics? I don’t want you to risk infection with these cuts, not if you’ve been in a mudslide.” He directed this to Virgil, carefully stroking a thumb over the cut cheek.
Virgil seemed to involuntarily close his eyes at the action, nodding wearily. “Yeah. Gordo gave me a shot in Two. I’ll need another one in two days.”
Seemingly reassured Scott left one hand on Virgil’s cheek, looking over Gordon carefully.
“And you?”
“I’m fine.” Gordon reassured. “Not a scratch. Promise Scooter.”
“Alright.” Glancing back at Virgil Scott carefully wrapped an arm around his younger brother, drawing him to the table and to his seat next to him.
“Come on then, let’s get some food into you. You’ve been on your feet for hours and have probably burnt through your reserves. Knowing you two, you didn’t take nearly as many rest breaks as you should have.”
John nodded, easily dobbing in his younger siblings as Gordon grumbled but made his way to the table as well, keeping pace with Penny.
As the others got comfortable Virgil made to stand, only to be stopped by his brother’s hand.
“Food Virg, I’m serious.”
Virgil turned big brown eyes to his oldest brother.
“Coffee?” He pleaded and Penny melted. Scott it seemed, was made of sterner stuff.
“Not on your life kid. That’s the last thing you need.” Reaching over he poured a glass of juice, setting it in front of his brother.
“Drink up. You’re having at least two. I know you skipped eating unlike Gordon and your blood sugar’s probably through the floor.” The raised eyebrow halted anymore pleading and Virgil obediently drank the juice, beginning to tuck into his food. Penny did so as well, pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted, having had to decline Grandma Tracy’s food on a few occasions.
Seeing this Gordon leant over quietly, “Scott learnt from Mum. He’s always been a fantastic cook. He did most of the cooking growing up and taught us all how, but he is definitely the best in the family.”
She nodded, remembering what Scott had told her. It made sense. Deciding to push it aside she focused back in on the table and the bright discussions going around it.
There was warmth in the air that comes from good conversation with great company. The brothers all managed to keep the conversation flowing from topic to topic and Penny enjoyed the chance to eat with friends where she didn’t have to hide so much of herself away. They were all skilled conversationalists and it was nice to be able to let loose in a way she so rarely could. Gordon was seated by her side and it was lovely to be able to share this time with him, his warm leg carefully pressed against hers as they enjoyed the frankly excellent meal.
Gradually however, she could see Virgil beginning to flag as the lack of motion and caffeine got to him. During dessert, an apple pie the eldest had somehow had the time to make during the day Penny watched as Virgil began to slump more against the table, head resting heavily on his hand before sliding down gradually to rest against his arm on the table. He was still responding to conversation but had stopped eating, brown eyes blinking more slowly by the minute. When he let out a jaw cracking yawn however Scott decided it was time to interfere.
“Alright you,” Scott’s voice was warm with affection. “Time for bed.” He stood and mindful of the others bruises eased Virgil off the table.
“I’m fine,” Virgil’s words were slurred with exhaustion and the others were grinning fondly at their gentle giant. Evidently this was a familiar dance. “I just need some coffee and I’ll be good to go.”
“Not a chance,” Scott said, easily getting the drowsily protesting pilot to his feet, an arm wrapped around his unbruised side. “The only thing you’re getting is bed, a scan and some painkillers. You’re officially off duty for the next 72 hours.”
“Scott.” There was a definite whine there, something Penny had never heard from Virgil before. So often did the middle Tracy seem older than his years, particularly when on a rescue. It seemed tiredness brought him closer to his actual age as the eighteen year old groused at his older brother. “I’m fine.”
Scott ignored his protests with long practise.
“You’re way over your rescue hours Virg, you’re exhausted and in pain. You need a nap. Don’t make me make it longer.”
“Dad that’s not fair.” And there it was. It was clear Virgil didn’t realise what he’d said and Penny smiled at the tone of teenagers all over the world being told something they disagreed with.
Somehow during the conversation Scott had eased Virgil around and his face was pressed into Scott’s neck, Scott’s hand carefully cradling him there as he wrapped him in a gentle hug.
“Tough kiddo. My prerogative.”
She could hear vague grumbling emanating from Virgil, but was unable to decipher it due to it being mumbled into Scott’s chest. The elder simply chuckled softly, pressing a fond kiss to the mop of dark curls.
“You’ve only been an ‘adult’ for 10 months kiddo. You still can’t legally drink in America. Come on.” With a quick wave goodbye to the others and a sly wink at Penny, Scott led the overtired pilot out of the room, carefully helping him up the stairs towards where Penny knew their bedrooms were.
“He’ll be back.” Gordon said, drawing Penny’s attention. “He’s just got to put the Teddy Bear to bed. Dad’ll give him a scan, load him full of painkillers and tuck him in. Once he’s sure Virg is out properly he’ll come back down. Might be a little while though. He tends to fuss if one of us are hurt, even if it’s minor.” There was deep affection in Gordon’s voice as he looked towards the stairs.
“And if you don’t also want to get tucked in like when you were little I suggest that you make your own way to bed before Scott gets back down Gordon.” Grandma Tracy spoke, looking over to the eighteen year old. “I know it’s not late but you were also on that thirteen hour mission.”
Gordon sighed but didn’t argue, a sign of how tired he truly was. He’d previously shared just how exhausting flooding and mudslides were to deal with.
“Well it was lovely to see you Lady Penelope, even if it was for such a short time.” Standing up he gave her a short bow, making her smile at his antics. He nodded to Parker and leant over to scratch Sherbet on the head. Pressing a kiss to his grandmother’s cheek, Gordon grabbed Alan by the wrist tugging the yelping teen up the stairs with him. Penny could hear the muttered talk about a video game level they’d been trying to beat. So much for sleep.
This left just Penelope, Parker, Grandma Tracy and John. As Sally brought out cups of tea Penny saw John looking at her appraisingly. It seemed he alone out of the siblings had realised what they’d let slip.
“I see Scott told you then.” It was said with an even tone, carefully neutral.
“Yes.” She sipped carefully, enjoying the floral blend. “I may have been a bit high handed in my questions and Scott felt the need to explain the realities to me.”
John didn’t even ask what she’d been talking about, the redhead far too perceptive for his own good. Reflecting on it now Scott had acted with far more grace then expected in the situation. He could have briskly shut her down at any time but instead had taken the time to explain. But that was Scott in a nutshell. The man was far too kind, always giving too much of himself to the world.
John stepped away from the table for a minute and she could hear his quiet voice speaking to someone before he came back to the kitchen.
“Scott’s going to be a little bit,” he said apologetically. “He said not to wait for him.” She couldn’t help but wonder what was holding the eldest up, curious if it was just him not wanting to leave a little brother who was in pain or something else, though she knew it was none of her business. Curiosity was an excellent trait to have in her line of work but she had to be mindful not to let it take over and snoop into her friends and families private business, at least not too often. Some things were not meant for her after all.
John gestured outside, a slight smile on his face.
“Would you like to take a walk together Penny? While we digest that delicious meal?”
She nodded, standing up gracefully and calling Sherbet to her. Parker looked comfortable where he was and she knew he’d settle down for a further chat with Sally. The two of them really were huge gossips when given the chance.
Before too long they were outside in the golden light of the setting sun. Penny walked side by side with John, Sherbet trotting along happily on his lead. He wasn’t the biggest fan of being on a lead but with all the local fauna on Tracy Island she knew he needed to stay on one. It was a peaceful trail, full of verdant green foliage and little crystal streams, the scent of tropical flowers in the air. It was nothing like home but it had its own charm and she’d grown to love the stunning island.
“You don’t have a problem with me knowing?” Penny clarified, drawing back to the conversation at the table and John raised an eyebrow.
“Why would I have a problem with you knowing that Scott’s our Dad?” He asked, turning right at a fork in the path and leading her up a gentle slope. She hadn’t been on many of the Island’s paths and was curious as to where this led.
“We trust you with our lives regularly Penny, and while this is not something we’d want bandied about to the general public none of us are ashamed of what Scott is to us.”
“It’s just, in all the years I’ve known you, not one of you have made any allusion to it.” She probed gently and John just shrugged.
“We don’t tend to use the term outside of family. Habit I suppose. We already face enough scrutiny as a family being who we are. We don’t need any more just because we have a slightly unusual dynamic.”
She turned to look at him and the redhead gazed back calmly. He’d known her a long time, and that was why he was so willing to answer her questions.
“And you? Do you also call Scott Dad? Consider him a father?”
He hummed, trailing delicate fingers over a leaf as they walked past.
“I don’t tend to call him Dad. I’m just a little bit older and I suppose that makes a difference. He is our Dad though, in all the ways that matter. None of us would be who we are without him.”
She conceded the point.
“Does it bother your Grandma to know that you call your older brother Dad rather than her son?” A little bit rude, but John had known her for years and wouldn’t take offence.
John grimaced slightly.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I’m sure Scott would have brought it up to her years ago when we first started doing it. She’s never had a problem with it to my knowledge though. I suppose it might sting a little, but empirically the facts line up – Scott’s been the one to raise us for most of our lives, even before we lost our father to the explosion. If anyone had earnt the title it was him.”
He glanced over at her. “Please don’t bring that up with either of them. Neither of them need it shoved in their face, so to speak.”
“Of course,” she murmured agreeably. She was nosy, not cruel.
They rounded the bend, finally arriving at the destination that John had in mind. It was a clearing in the jungle, one side opening up to gaze down towards the ocean, Mateo Island clearly visible. It was stunning in the light of the setting sun, the calls of the birds around them as they settled down for the night adding to the serenity.
John smoothly shifted the conversation away from the family, bringing up her latest charity endeavour. She allowed him to do so without fuss, aware that he’d reached his limit with her prying. They stayed there for a little while, enjoying the view of the darkening skies before beginning to make their way back to the house. She wasn’t staying the night even though both Scott and John had offered, preferring to make her way back to England. It might be getting dark but she was no stranger to night flights. There was something to be said for sleeping in one’s own bed.
As they re-entered the kitchen she saw that Scott had made his way back downstairs. The man was looking remarkably more relaxed now and she knew he must have been satisfied with his own examination of Virgil. He was chatting quietly with Parker, sipping at an after dinner coffee.
His bright blue eyes automatically looked up at the noise, naturally finding his brother first, checking on him without words before they shifted to her.
“Sorry for having to step out before,” he said apologetically and she waved a hand dismissively.
“It was no trouble. You left me with such excellent company after all.”
John scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, still not used to her brand of teasing after all this time. She looked over at Parker who understood immediately, standing up from the table and saying his quiet goodbyes to Sally.
“I do believe however, that it is time we said goodnight. It has been a long day after all and we have a bit of a flight before we get back home.”
“Are you sure you won’t stay the night?” Those blue eyes were awash with concern but she smiled.
“We will be fine Scott, though I thank you for your excellent hospitality.”
He grinned at that. “You’re a friend Penny. It’s no drama for us to host a friend.”
He knew there was no changing her mind. Saying her goodbyes to Sally and John, she allowed Scott to lead them towards the elevator that would take them down to the public hanger where they’d parked FAB1. It was separate from where the Thunderbirds were kept. While the world might know who ran International Rescue and the Island did get occasional visitors she knew that they were careful to keep the location of the ships secret, not wanting anyone to try to access them. They walked in calm silence towards the car, Scott automatically shortening his lengthy stride in deference for the difference in their heights. He really was a gentleman. Far too often she was let down with the men that she interacted with on the daily but the Tracy boys never failed to impress her.
As FAB1 came into view Parker stepped forwards to perform pre-flight checks and Scott turned to face her, seemingly knowing she had something to say.
“Thank you Scott.” She said sincerely. “I know you didn’t have to share your story with me but I am glad you did.”
He quirked his lips in a smile. “It was my pleasure Penny. I know our family is a bit unusual. I don’t blame you for not understanding until I spelled it out.”
She couldn’t help but smile back and his grin grew teasing.
“Though I hope you do understand now why I’m not interested in any more kids.”
“No,” She laughed. “I fully understand. Those four are certainly a handful.”
She thought back to what she’d seen.
“Though they are a credit to you. You’ve done a great job in raising them.”
His smile turned bashful.
“I’ve done my best.”
“Don’t sell yourself short Scott,” she said sternly. “I doubt they’d have turned out as well rounded without your positive influence in their lives.”
He raised his hands in surrender, clearly knowing better than to argue with her and she smiled in satisfaction.
Leaning forwards, she pressed a delicate kiss to his cheek, letting him wrap her in a gentle hug.
“Goodnight Scott.” She began making her way towards the car, where Parker was holding the door open for her. As she slid inside she couldn’t help but calling out.
“I’d suggest you go and check on your boys Scott. I got the impression that Gordon and Alan were planning on staying up past their bedtime and might need a stern word from their father.”
His bark of laughter was the last thing she heard before Parker shut the door, walking around the car and slipping into the driver’s seat.
As he began taxiing down the runway Penny could see Scott standing in the distance, watching to see that they’d taken off safely.
“Home M’lady?” Parker said and she turned her gaze from the lone figure towards the darkened sky ahead of them.
“Home Parker.”