Well, this is it folks, the last chapter to my first mutli-chapter thunderbirds fic. I hope you have enjoyed it and don't forget to let me know what you thought!

Grinning as his brother swung himself out of bed, Scott momentarily frowned as John stumbled, but as the younger man crossed the infirmary, he couldn't help but be grateful as he reached him. Taking a moment to steady himself against the edge of Scott's bed as the room spun slightly, John took a deep breath to steady himself.

"You ok, Johnny?" Scott asked quietly, concern flickering in his eyes.

"About as good as you." John responded flatly, knowing Scott would never admit to being in pain and therefore covering his own back at the same time. Not missing the look his only older brother was giving him, John then set about freeing Scott's arm, knowing full well the infirmary was not the place he needed to be right now. Within a matter of seconds, he had pulled the restraint free, allowing Scott to swing his legs out of bed whilst his brother clutched onto it, supporting himself and breathing heavily.

"John?"

"I'm fine. Go before Gordon wakes up." Nodding his affirmation, Scott took a tentative step forward, his legs shaking as he did so. After two or three steps, he stopped. There was no way he was going to make it to Virgil's room like this.

"You ok, Scotty?" John asked softly, not realising he was repeating his brother. With a slight smile, Scott replied.

"About as good as you." Laughing softly at the realisation, John nodded before immediately regretting it. Nodding was an action that was going to be off the agenda for a while. Thinking hard, John smiled suddenly when the answer hit him. Crossing the infirmary as quickly as he dared, John tried to ignore the black spots littering his vision as he opened a cupboard. Pulling the hover chair out, John shot Scott a smirk before making his way back across the infirmary, much slower this time.

"John, honest, I'm-,"

"Fine? Fine my ass. Do you want to be with Virgil or not?" Grinning at his younger brother, Scott lowered himself into the chair. Leaning back with his eyes closed, Scott couldn't help smiling.

"You know me too well, o brother of mine."

Gently pushing the chair in front of him, John also smiled, but it was sad one. Thankful his brother couldn't see his face, John quickly regained control of his emotions. Yes, he did know Scott too well, which is why he knew precisely how much it would have torn the family apart to lose him. For someone that tried his utmost to keep his brothers happy, Scott didn't seem to have quite realised the extreme effect he had just had on the family by threatening to leave them. And knowing Scott, would not ever realise quite how important he was to them, for in his mind, one of his younger brothers always came first.

Silently opening Virgil's door, John carefully navigated the chair into the room, being mindful not to knock over one of the many easels littering the room. For someone who hated anything to be in the wrong place in either his 'bird or the infirmary, Virgil's room sure was a tip. Helping Scott out of the chair and into the one standing next to Virgil's bed, John smiled as Scott immediately brushed back Virgil's hair, his good hand resting lightly over Virgil's own. Heading out of the room, John paused when Scott softly called him back.

"Take the chair. They won't know I had help, that way."

"You sound like a fugitive," John smirked, but did as he was told anyway. As quietly as he could, the blond headed back to the infirmary, this time really intending to sleep. It wasn't so much he wanted to go back, more he knew he would never be able to make it to his own room without being caught. Slipping through the doors, he paused on the way back to his bed. Placing the chair back in the cupboard, John smiled fondly down at Gordon's sleeping form, smoothing out the covers around him. Even with a broken leg and one arm restrained, the red head was still a restless sleeper.

"Sleep well, kiddo." John whispered softly, slipping back into his own bed. Within a matter of seconds, the astronaut joined his brother in the land of dreams.

TBTBTBTBTBTB

Feeling the sun warm his face, John blearily opened his eyes, wanting nothing more than to snuggle back down and go back to sleep. Forcing himself to sit up, he glanced over at Gordon's bed to see his younger brother already awake, talking quietly with Alan, the empty breakfast tray balanced on the edge of the bed. Alan looked so much better than when John had last seen the kid, obviously having managed to get a few hours of decent sleep himself. Glancing over, Gordon smiled warmly when he saw his big brother sitting up.

"Mornin' sunshine." He called over cheerfully, causing Alan to also turn his head.

"Hey Johnny. How are you feeling?" Pausing for a moment, John thought about Alan's question. How was he feeling? Sure, his head was pounding, another reason why he wanted to get some more sleep, but other than that, he felt fine, his heart considerably lighter than it had been 24 hours ago. Before he could answer, however, his father strode in, also looking considerably more relaxed than before. On seeing that they were both awake, Jeff paused, his hands on his hips. Catching both of their eyes in turn, he tried not to smile.

"Which of you is responsible?"

"Come again?" Gordon asked, for once actually innocent in this. Trying not to give himself away, John attempted to mirror Gordon's confused expression, but he wasn't sure if he was quite managing to pull it off as his father's eyes lingered over him for a fraction of a second longer than they had Gordon.

"Scott." Jeff responded blankly, making Gordon glance over at the previously occupied bed. Laughing outright at the lack of older brother in it, Gordon couldn't stop himself.

"Where is he?"

"Virgil's room. They are both still asleep."

"Sweet. We have to get a picture of this." Making to hop down from the bed, Gordon fell back with a very colourful curse as the restraint still on his arm held him in place. Raising their eyebrows simultaneously, both Jeff and John looked towards Alan, who in turn shrugged.

"You said keep him company, nothing about letting him go."

"Thanks, Al, glad to know you have my back."

"As always, Gords, you know that."

"Well, that answers that then." At the puzzled looks his sons shot him, Jeff looked pointedly at his older blond.

"If Gordon is still restrained, there can only be one person who helped Scott. Don't you agree, John?"

"Nope. He could have done it himself. You know what Scott is like when it comes to one of us being in need of some attention from big brother." As Jeff momentarily paused whilst taking in John's words, he missed the wink John sent sending to Alan. Smirking, Alan decided to try and get his older brother of the hook.

"Yeah, Dad. Don't you remember when he overrode all of the codes of the entire villa, climbed out of a window and practically scaled the cliff in order to get into Gordon's room that one time?"

"I guess. But I also remember someone else climbing over the roof to do the same thing, so you can't completely blame this on your brother." As Alan flushed in embarrassment, Jeff decided to let it go. He knew full well it was John who had helped, the boys seemed to have forgotten about the security cameras, but had wanted to hear it from his son himself.

"Well, John, I came to tell you Brains says you're free to go. No 'birds for a while, I'm afraid, and he says to tell you that if you do so much as think about thinking, you'll be back in here before you can say genius. And I mean to reiterate that, Son, you need to take it easy. And as for you, Gordon, you can also go, but do I need to remind you that you also can't do anything?"

As Gordon pouted, John navigated his way off the bed, thankful to be allowed out. The infirmary has always given him the creeps, something that had intensified over the last day. He couldn't blame Scott for wanting out as soon as he possibly could. Supporting his older brother, Alan helped John out of the door and down towards the kitchen, Jeff right behind them.

"What about me?"

Smirking, Alan continued forward, leaving his father to go and free his brother. He had a feeling Gordon would make him pay for that, especially as it was clear Jeff had intended for Alan to let him go as soon as he had arrived in the infirmary, but the youngest couldn't help it, he needed something to cheer him up after the stress of the few days.

TBTBTBTBTBTB

A few hours later, and John was lying comfortably on one of the sun loungers, the sun playing across his hair and making it look even blonder than before. Scott was opposite him, having finally been "officially" found and extracted from his little brother's room, and was now also enjoying the sun, fast asleep. Gordon sat to one side, glowering at the pool. He was as close as physically possibly without any part of him getting wet, sulking. He was not happy that it was at least going to be six weeks until he was back in his beloved water, Virgil finally coming clean and saying that the break had been a bad one. The latter himself was no where to be seen, but John had last seen him disappear into his father's office and knew that Virgil had some apologising to do about the way he acted. Although John wouldn't be at all surprised if Jeff refused to listen to an apology, he knew he wouldn't have. His brother had been stressed and worried, he had nothing to apologise for. And Alan was…somewhere illusive, as per usual. The blond couldn't help but wonder whether his youngest brother was down at the beach, running. He was far too much like Scott, any sign of stress and the youngest Tracy threw himself into physical activities, the more strenuous, the better. And the last day had certainly been tough on him. Having been used to having a big brother constantly smother him, Alan had been forced instead to watch as one by one, they all succumbed to something, whether it be physical or mental. It wouldn't have surprised any of his brothers if the last few days would bring on another load of nightmares, Alan always seemed susceptible to venting out his concerns in sleep.

Stretching lazily, John winced as the sun caught him in the eye and made his head give an uncomfortable thump. He knew it would still be a couple of days before he was completely back to normal again, but for now, he was content just to watch his brothers. Smirking at Gordon's scowl, John then let his eyes rest on Scott's sleeping form, or what he could see of it past the blanket Jeff had summoned up from nowhere when he caught sight of his oldest boy fast asleep. As if knowing he was being thought about, Jeff himself appeared, arm slung casually around Virgil, who looked a lot more relaxed. Smiling at his brother, John was relieved when Virgil smiled back, coming over to sit on the edge of his lounger.

"Hey, John." He stated softly, causing his older brother to lean over and ruffle his hair fondly, pretending to ignore Virgil's attempts to duck his arm.

"Hey yourself, kiddo. How you doing?"

"I am NOT a kid." Virgil declared obstinately, glaring at his brother, looking and sounding exactly like one. Watching them with a fond smile, Jeff wandered over.

"Fancy admitting that you freed Scott yet, Johnny?"

"What makes you think it was me?" John asked innocently, his eyes twinkling.

"Maybe because neither you have changed a bit in the last ten years."

"How come, Dad?" Gordon softly called over, wanting to know the meaning behind his father's words. The red head was always after blackmail on his older brothers, it made roping them in to help him on a prank so much easier when he had something to go on.

"Scott's never liked being told where he can't go. There was this one time, I think Scott was about sixteen at the time." Groaning, John glanced away, embarrassed. He had forgotten all about that incident. Seeing John's reaction, Gordon's interest levels shot up, but he was not the only one, Virgil was also suddenly paying a lot more attention. Anything that can cause a visible reaction from John was worth knowing. Letting himself be lost in the past, Jeff could quite clearly remember the events from that day. It had seemed like such a big deal at the time, but now, looking back on it after coming so close to losing his precious boy, he knew it had been nothing.

"You can't do this!" Throwing his father the dirtiest look he could manage, sixteen year old Scott Tracy ignored the heads poking out from the bedroom doors surrounding them at his angry voice.

"I can and I will, Scott. You are too young to be going to that sort of thing. You are staying home."

"You can't stop me!"

"That's it. I've had it with your attitude, Scott. First you snap at Gordon, then you are rude to your mother, and now this!"

"Dad-,"

"You're grounded! Now, get to your room and don't let me see you for the rest of the evening."

"I hate you!"

Running a hand over his face in weariness, Jeff sighed deeply. Scott's early teenage years had been so smooth, but all of a sudden, the temper seemed to have flared into life in the stubborn youth. Glancing around him, Jeff could make out all four of his sons watching the commotion.

"Gordon, Alan, shouldn't you both be in bed?" He asked, his voice taking on a much gentler tone as the two youngest jumped guilty at being caught out and scurried back to bed.

"How are you feeling, Virgil?" Crossing the hallway, Jeff let his hand rest momentarily on Virgil's forehead, frowning when he still could feel the signs of his earlier fever. "Come on, Son, let's get you back to bed."

Half supporting and half carrying Virgil back to bed, Jeff perched on the edge of his bed as Virgil gazed up at him, looking like the spitting image of his wife.

"Don't be mad at Scotty, Daddy," the ten year old whispered, his pleading voice capturing immediately at Jeff's heart. Sighing, he tucked the covers around his middle son some more.

"He has to learn, Virgil. When your mother or I tell you boys not to do something, it's because we love you and don't want anything to happen to you. Scott has to understand that."

"Then tell him, Dad." Inwardly groaning at Virgil's annoyingly good logic considering his age and the fact he should have been ill, Jeff smile, albeit a tight one.

"Get some sleep, Virg." Dropping a light kiss on his son's untidy mop, Jeff left the room, pausing just long enough to flick out the switch. Heading back down the stairs, Jeff missed John sitting in his doorway, a frown puckering unhappily on the twelve year olds' face. Hearing a creak, Jeff turned sharply to see Scott inching his door open again.

"I just wanna see Virg," the youth protested, catching sight of his furious father.

"Bed, Scott. Now." For a long second, the glared at each other before Scott backed up into his room, shutting his door with far more force than necessary. Wondering if he was overreacting, Jeff grabbed the small chair that stood in the corner of the landing and sat himself down, determined that Scott wouldn't be sneaking out tonight.

Watching his father and older brother in misery, John caught the meaning behind Scott's words that his father didn't. Scott didn't want to go anywhere now, he just wanted to check if his little brother was alright. And because of that, John was going to help. Slipping into his room, the youngster picked up one of his small balls before inching the door open, holding his breath as his father's eyes flickered over momentarily. As quickly as he could, John threw the ball towards the stairs, smirking in satisfaction as it bounced noisily down the steps, making Jeff jump in surprise. Standing up, the Tracy patriarch peered down the stairs, frowning when he couldn't see what was making the noise. Then, to John's delight, he set off down the stairs. The minute his back was turned, the small blond was out of his room, across the hallway and slipping into Scott's room quick as a flash.

His older brother was lying on his stomach on his bed, glaring at the wall. Hearing his door open, Scott turned and frowned when he caught sight of John slipping through his door.

"Are you mad? Dad'll kill you, go back to your room, John."

"You want to see Virgil, yes?" John stated, causing his only older brother to frown at him, before nodding.

"So I'm going to help. When you hear my signal, run for it."

Without giving Scott a chance to respond, John was gone again, slipping back into his own room just as his father reappeared at the top of the stairs. Waiting for a few moments for his father to settle, John placed himself on the floor in what he hoped was a convincing position, before crying out.

Instantly, Jeff was by his side, looking on in surprise as John started to cry.

"Hurts, Daddy, it hurts."

"What hurts, buddy?"

"Leg." As Jeff ran his eyes over the limb, John buried his head in his hands, pretending to look as if he was in pain, but in reality hiding the lack of tears. Jeff scooped his son into his arms, marvelling at how heavy he was, and made to carry him down stairs. Backing out of his room, Jeff missed a figure darting across the hallway, but John caught Scott's eye and winked before letting out another cry. Carrying John down the stairs, it didn't take long for Jeff and Lucille to calm their son, before he decided it didn't hurt any more. Putting him to bed, Jeff decided to check once more on Virgil. Carefully inching his door open, the father didn't know how to react to find Scott fast asleep on the edge of Virgil's bed, his younger brother's hand clutched firmly in his own.

"Wow, didn't hear about that one, Johnny," Gordon remarked with a smirk, bringing Jeff back to the present to see John bright red.

"I remember that, sort of," Virgil murmured, his eyes gaining a far away look. "I don't remember the fight, but I remember waking up with Scott in my room with no idea how he got there."

"So whenever Scott is not where he is supposed to be, especially when a younger brother is hurt or ill, you can blame John."

"Hey," John cried, sounding indignant. "He escapes himself, not all of them are my fault. How can they be when I'm not even on the planet half the time!"

"I don't know, Johnny," Jeff mused, watching his son thoughtfully, "I wouldn't have said Scott knew how to override all of the access codes, and Five does have that sort of technology."

Smiling as Gordon burst out laughing at the look on his brother's face, Jeff smiled fondly at his boys as Alan wandered onto the scene. Taking one look at his laughing brothers and the indignant expression on John's face, he frowned, although it lost its effect somewhat by the smile still on his face.

"What did I miss?"

"Me getting you back for ditching me and going with Dad." Virgil declared suddenly, springing forward and grabbing Alan around the waist. Ignoring his struggles, Virgil dragged his brother over to the edge of the pool before unceremoniously dumping him in, fully clothed, much to Gordon's delight. Hearing John laugh, Virgil turned towards his older brother.

"Don't know why you are laughing, Johnny-boy, you did it too."

"You're not moving me." John declared obstinately, clutching onto his sun lounger worriedly as a dripping wet Alan climbed out of the pool. Sharing a look with Alan, Virgil smirked.

"Aren't we?" And with that, the two brothers sprung forward and each seized a side of the lounger. Between the two of them, they somehow dragged it over to the edge of the pool and tipped it on its side, sending their brother into the water with a splash that woke Scott. Emerging spluttering, John caught one look at the look Scott was giving Gordon and smirked, before turning his attention back to Virgil and Alan. Heading back inside, Jeff couldn't help but laugh as Scott silently helped Gordon up and the two of them moved behind their unprepared brothers, a simple jab in the back being enough to send them flying forwards and into the water.

"Keep protecting them, Luce," He whispered to himself as a familiar scent washed over him, making him breathe in deeply and smile.

"Don't I always?" No one but Jeff heard the answer; however, as he continued to watch his boys lark around.

Ta da! The end!

And that's it, the end. A huge thank you to all of those of you who have reviewed throughout this, you have really kept me going.

Whirlgirl: Thank you SOOO much for all of your great reviews throughout this, i've felt really bad i haven't been able to respond to you personally, but your reviews really do brighten up my day, they are always so nice and supportive. Thank you so much, i truly appreciate them.

Special thanks goes to PirateMoose by beta-ing this for me. Thank you, hun, what would i do without you? :)

SilverBee: Thank you so much for your constant support throughout this, your review make my day, they are always so awesome. So in continuation of our little system, i just wanted to say a great big thank you, you're the best! *hug*

Once. A. Queen. Of. Narnia: well,what do i even say? It's thanks to you that this story went the way it did, it would have been a lot shorter if it wasn't for our extremely random conversations, i owe you big time.

Well, that's me done! Until next time then, take care! :)