Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Come on Alan,” Jeff said, spreading his arms wide. “You can do it!”

Baby Alan merely looked at his father in confusion.

Lucille Tracy came into the room, wiping her hands from drying the dishes on her pants and sighed when she saw what was taking place:

Scott was sitting a foot or two away from Alan, smiling at him in the special way the ten year old did when doing something with his brothers. John was sitting on the ground trying to read his reader for class, the nine year old sticking his tongue between his teeth in concentration while stealing glances at his younger brothers.

Virgil was sitting cross-legged, staring at his puzzle, trying to fit the pieces together, the four year old getting more and more annoyed each time he failed while three year old Gordon was staring around at the chaos in confusion, trying to get someone to play with him and his toy fish.

Alan looked up and squealed with delight when he saw his mother looking at them, a gentle smile on her face. He stood up on his shaky legs, holding onto the edge of the table for support and looked around as if trying to decide who to walk to.

Lucille sat down a few feet away from her husband and started encouraging the infant as well, trying to get him to walk to her. Alan smiled and gurgled happily, taking one wobbly step towards her. But just as he did Scott stood up; Gordon had started pulling Virgil’s hair, annoyed that his older brother wouldn’t play with him and the eldest knew that he would be the only one able to split the two of them up when they got like this.

Alan let out a small squeal of excitement, took five tottering steps and fell into his surprised brother’s arms. Lucille and Jeff laughed as Scott automatically wrapped Alan in a hug, well aware of the special bond that was shared between all of their boys. Jeff stood to separate their middle children who were getting more annoyed at each other but before he could the eldest two moved.

John stood up, abandoning his book and picked his youngest brother up from Scott’s arms, walking over with him to Virgil and Gordon. The two boys had both started to cry and hit each other with their small fists, Virgil very unhappy that Gordon had chosen to pull his hair to get his attention. Scott carefully pulled them apart while John bounced Alan, keeping the little blond happy as their oldest brother gently encouraged the two to stop fighting and apologise to each other.

Soon Gordon started laughing again, pleased at having his brother’s attention. The happy blond couldn’t stay mad for long and reached out to John, asking for his brother to let him hold Alan who reached out in turn for his closest brother. The redhead complied, sitting Gordon on a chair and squishing next to him before handing him Alan.

Virgil who had been fine until then got upset and Scott picked up the little boy, sitting him down on his lap on the couch, cuddling the little boy close. Jeff sat back down on the loveseat with Lucille, content to let their eldest handle it. Both got very protective of the younger ones and it seemed like they had the situation well in hand.

“What’s wrong Virgil?” Scott questioned, drying his brothers eyes. Virgil snuggled into his older brother, looking up at him, knowing that Scott could fix anything.

“Scotty, I can’t do the puzzle. It don’t work.”

Scott looked over at the puzzle and laughed, seeing what was wrong. Lifting Virgil he sat them on the ground next to the puzzle, tickling the little boy when he pouted. “I can see what’s wrong. Look Virgie.”

The elder carefully flipped some of the pieces over that were facing the wrong way, revealing that they were from a different puzzle, clearly having been mixed up. Seeing the bag with the other puzzle pieces he quickly sorted through them and drew out the missing pieces.

Together the two brothers finished the puzzle, Scott letting Virgil take the lead and only helping when it looked like he was getting stuck. Soon enough however it was complete and the picture of the rocket was revealed.

“I did it!” Virgil yelled excitedly and turned to face his elder brother proudly. Scott and John laughed, the elder picking up the little boy to spin him around happily while John tickled Gordon and Alan who both giggled happily, pleased to be brought into the joy.

Jeff and Lucille joined in the laughter, glad to see their children so happy. Glancing at the clock on the mantle Jeff stood up, scooping Alan and Gordon up from the couch, one on each arm as he rocked them gently. As he did Lucille got the other three settled on the couch, John and Scott curling up protectively around their younger brother in what the adults called the ‘Tracy puppy pile’. A familiar sight in the house.

That done, Lucille plucked her youngest son from her husband’s arms and hugged him gently to her. The little blond smiled sleepily up at his mother as he cuddled into her, his head coming down to rest on her chest, heartbeat a soothing lullaby. Alan slowly fell asleep in her arms, tiny fingers clutching onto her shirt. Carefully, in order to not wake the little boy she carried him up the stairs to his and Gordon’s shared bedroom, knowing that Jeff would be right behind her with Gordon. Easing him into his crib, she kissed her youngest on the forehead before doing the same to Gordon who Jeff had tucked in. Her little water baby rubbed his eyes with his fists before murmuring goodnight sleepily to his parents, rolling onto his stomach and conking out, a hand clutching tightly onto his toy fish. Jeff flicked on the little rocket nightlight and turned off the main light, the glow in the dark stars that he had put up when Scott first used the room lighting up the ceiling.

Lucille walked back downstairs slowly, arm in arm with Jeff. When they re-entered the lounge it was to the sight of their oldest three. They had all fallen asleep curled up on one another; Virgil sucking his thumb contentedly, leaning against Scott’s chest with one fist clutched tightly onto John’s pyjama shirt. Together the pair managed to collect all three boys without waking them and carried them quietly up the stairs and into their shared bedroom. They had tried to offer Scott and John a separate room, being so much older than Virgil but they had all kicked up such a fuss that they thought it was better to just leave them together, they seemed happiest like that.

Jeff and Lucille looked through the doors of both rooms at their sleeping children and then back at each other, smiling peacefully.

“We did good didn’t we?” Lucille said as she wrapped her arms around her husband, tears of happiness in her eyes. Her boys could be such a handful while awake but they brought her such joy. And it was moments like this, when all five were asleep that she was able to reflect just how special each of them really were.

“Yeah we did,” Jeff said, kissing her softly on the temple. Gently breaking the embrace he lead his wife by the hand to their room. Lucille turned and looked at the sleeping forms and whispered,

“Goodnight. My angels.”  

Chapter Text

In the lounge room of the Tracy homestead, there was an old rug. This rug had been handed down for the past three generations until it was given to Lucille, who brought it to her new home when she married Jeff Tracy. Wherever they moved the rug came with them. Lucille wouldn’t have it any other way. This rug, unlike many from the time was brightly coloured, almost luridly so. It had large patches of blue, green, red, yellow, orange and purple all through it, weaving together in a way that somehow managed to bring cohesion and beauty to what would typically be a headache inducing mess. It was an eye-catcher, and people new to the house always found themselves drawn to it.

This staple of the Tracy family home was currently occupied by four boys. The eldest, an eight year old brunette was currently bouncing a giggling thirteen month old on his lap, the little blond baby looking up every so often to gaze in adoration at his older brother. Similarly, sitting across from Scott who was holding Gordon comfortably were his next two brothers, John and Virgil. The red head and little black haired boy were in almost identical positions, with the seven year old holding the two year old Virgil, who was smiling excitedly bouncing his elder brothers action figure up and down in his lap. The kitchen door rattled open for a moment, as Lucille stuck her head through the door while wiping her hands on her apron, smiling at the sight of her four boys happily playing with each other. She left the door ajar before returning to her baking, determined to finish the apple pie she was making for dessert while the boys were happily occupied.

Looking over at the other two Scott smiled.

“Hey Johnny,” he called out and turquoise eyes landed on his own bright blue. “Do you think Gordon’s ready to walk?”

John looked thoughtful at this, gazing at the mischievous blond in the elders lap. Gordon had been standing up a lot recently, holding onto various pieces of furniture as he explored his new vantage point. It had caused some excitement in the household as he’d started getting into things previously too high for him and there’d been a scramble to put things even higher. They hadn’t had to worry about this with Virgil who was generally a cheerful but uncomplicated baby but it was clear that Gordon was full of a lot more mischief than his immediate elder brother.

“Might be,” he said in a contemplative voice and Scott grinned, poking the little blond’s chubby belly, eliciting an excited squeal. Virgil giggled in response to Gordon’s happiness, reaching out his own chubby hand to his little brother and the two toddlers latched onto each other, babbling away to the amusement of their older siblings.  

“Gordy,” Scott said warmly, stroking a thumb against the little cheek to regain his attention. “Want to learn something you can use to get into more trouble?”

The little boy didn’t understand the words but Scott’s conspiring tone clearly got through and the blond clapped his hands together, excited. If their parents could see them now they’d suddenly understand how all four managed to get into so much trouble. Though Scott might present the serious and sensible older brother to the world he was very much the ringleader in their little group, happily leading them into all sorts of mischief, but just as capable of pulling them back out, albeit usually a lot dirtier.

With a glance at each other the two older boys swapped brothers and moved apart to the edges of the rug, keeping a firm grip on their charges.

“Gordy?” Virgil questioned Scott, confused as to why he’d been removed from his playmate but Scott just hushed him.

“We think Gordy might want to have a go walking Virgie,” he explained calmly and saw Virgil’s eyes light up in understanding.

Likewise John was holding the little blond in his lap, smiling reassuringly down at him when he looked up in confusion.

“Hey Fishy,” his voice soothing. “Don’t you want to go over to Scott and Virgil for a cuddle? I think they might have something for you.”

Scott called out to their youngest, grabbing his attention.

“Gordy! Come over here!” He put enthusiasm into his voice but kept it low, not wanting their mother to hear. For some reason both their parents had been really interested in trying to get Gordon to walk, it had been the same with Virgil and they didn’t quite understand.

Gordon made an excited noise at seeing his brothers beckoning him over and he went to crawl over. John however scooped him up, ignoring the unhappy whine Gordon gave.

“No Fish,” he said patiently. “Not like that, there’s a quicker way.”

He hauled the toddler up onto his feet, keeping his hands steadily around the small waist as the blond got his bearings. It was a familiar position as the others had been helping him toddle a bit with their assistance but he’d yet to do it on his own.

Now on his own two feet Gordon looked over towards his brothers again, feeling John’s safe warmth at his back.  Brown eyes locked on bright blue, seeing the encouragement in them and the little blond took one wobbly step forward as John released him. His legs gave out from under him but before John could even reach out a hand to sooth him the toddler had shakily pulled himself to his feet again, determination evident in his frame.

“Come on Gordy,” Scott coaxed in a gentle voice, holding out a hand for the small boy, Virgil copying his eldest brother. “You can do it.”

Slowly, feeling it out, Gordon put one foot in front of the other, wobbly but still upright. His brown eyes were fixed on the warm blue of his eldest brother and slowly he toddled forward across the colourful rug, emboldened by the warm praise of his brothers.

Giggling, he collapsed into Scott’s lap atop of Virgil who merely wrapped an arm around him as both were smothered by Scott.

“Great job Gordy! You did it!” The brunette exclaimed proudly. John stood, a grin splitting his face but before he’d had a chance to hurry over to his brothers Gordon had wriggled out of the others embrace and on shaky feet hurried over to John, collapsing on him with another giggle.

Scott and Virgil couldn’t help but laugh at John’s face, the redhead obviously not expecting Gordon to practically run over to him. But he hugged the water baby to himself tightly, glad to be included. For a little while the youngest Tracy wobbled between his brothers, the three creating a triangle on the rug, each holding up a different toy to entice Gordon to come to them. Gordon was clearly loving the game, getting a cuddle and a hug with one of his toys before being encouraged to go to the next brother. Every pass he made however it was clear that he was getting more used to walking, feet finding their footing quicker and quicker until he was practically rushing between the three.

Lucille, obviously drawn by the happy noises her boys were making called out from the kitchen, voice warm.

“What are you four up to?”

John and Scott shared a conspiring look, grabbing onto the younger boys and holding a finger to their lips to keep them quiet.

“Nothing mum,” they called out together, the picture of innocence.

Not trusting that for a second Lucille made her way to the lounge room, only to see all four boys sitting in a huddle playing with some of the plush sea animals that they had been gifted when Gordon was born. Suspicious but unable to place why she looked at all four. Virgil and Gordon were incredibly giggly from where they were sitting but she couldn’t see anything to worry about.

“Alright,” she drawled out, scepticism clear in her voice. “You boys have fun.” Heading back into the kitchen to the explosion of giggling from all four she knew that she was definitely missing something but as nothing was on fire she just had to hope that whatever they were up to wasn’t too bad.

“Johnny?” Virgil asked, clearly confused why they couldn’t share Gordon’s achievement with their mum but happy to go along with his elder brothers.

“It’s a surprise!” John explained, stroking a hand down the raven hair, reaching out the grasp one of Gordon’s happily waving fists.

“Want to surprise Daddy when he gets home Gordy?”

Gordon grinned brightly, showing off his baby teeth.

--

Jeff fumbled with his keys as he tried to open the front door, exhausted from his day at NASA. He’d started taking on a more advisory role after Gordon’s birth but that didn’t mean that the days were not still exhausting.

Just as he managed to get the key in the lock the door opened, revealing his smiling wife.

“I thought I could hear you fumbling around,” Lucille said and Jeff leaned forward, greeting her with a gentle kiss.

“My hero,” he teased lightly, rewarded with Lucille smacking him gently on the shoulder with a tea towel.

“Come on you lump. You’ve got four excited little boys to greet.”

Stepping inside he dropped his bag next to the closet, hanging up his coat absently as he stretched in readiness.

“Boys!” Lucille called out as the pair headed towards the lounge room. “Guess who is home?”

Rounding the doorway he was greeted with four excited faces snapping towards him.

“Dad!” Scott and John called excitedly, Virgil waving with a cry of Daddy.

But what stunned him enough that he dropped to the floor was his baby boy. Gordon had taken one look at him and hauled himself to his feet, running over to him with a squeal and glomming on his leg. Beside him he could hear Lucille gasping, hand on her chest but he just wrapped his arms around their little water lover, hauling him into his lap.

“What?” He heard himself ask faintly, sending a bewildered glance to his wife. “Did you know about this?”

They’d been trying to get Gordon to walk for a couple of weeks, the boy looking more than ready but he’d stubbornly refused, preferring to crawl around the floor.

“No I had no idea,” Lucille replied, crouching down and running a hand through the tousled blond hair. A quick glance at their other three boys however and she flashed back to earlier.

“I get the feeling that there are three who do however.”

Gesturing to the three grinning kids sitting on the rug they hurried over to their parents.

“Daddy, Gordy walk!” Virgil said enthusiastically and Jeff laughed.

“I can see that Virgil. Do you three have anything to do with it?”

John grinned bashfully while Scott just shrugged, unable to hide the glee in his eyes.

“Just a bit. Gordon did all the work.”

There was a hidden part of the parents who felt the smallest pang on missing seeing their babies first steps, but glancing at the three proud older siblings they couldn’t help but share a rueful glance. With how it went with John and Virgil they should have suspected nothing less, looking at the way the eldest had wrapped an arm around the other two protectively.

The family of six stayed that way for a bit, just revelling in the joyous mood before beginning to move to the kitchen for dinner.

It was only as they were washing the dishes together after dinner, the boys all safely tucked into bed that Jeff froze. Turning to see her husband dripping water over the floor Lucille nudged him, getting a wide eyed look in turn.

“What is it?” She asked, seeing trepidation in his eyes.

“I’ve just realised.” Jeff said slowly, a note of anxiety in his voice. “Gordon can walk.”

The words hung in the air for a moment as both parents took in the implications.

“Oh dear.” Lucille said, slightly faint. There would be no more peaceful mornings in the house now she knew. Then something struck her.

“It’s worse than that love. Gordon can’t only walk, he can run.”

“He’s never done anything by halves,” Jeff murmured distractedly.

The implications of that hit both of them and they shared a weary look, Jeff summing up the situation neatly.

“Bugger.”

Chapter Text

From the moment that Scott laid eyes on Virgil it was clear to everyone that the two of them had a special bond. The brunette boy always seemed to be aware of his little brother, cognizant of his moods and what he needed, oftentimes before his parents were. It had been something that astounded and slightly annoyed Lucille and Jeff; heading to Virgil only to find the little brunette already there, a little smile on his face as he beheld the raven haired baby. He was a fantastic older brother to John, there was no denying it but John had always been in Scott’s life, always around and so Virgil was the first time the little boy had been old enough to be aware that he was gaining another little sibling.

He and John had been ecstatic, both loving the idea of someone else to join in their fun, though their parents had to carefully explain that it would be a while before Virgil was old enough to join in their games. Both boys had turned out to be wonderful older siblings to Virgil, something that Jeff and Lucille especially appreciated when Lucy unexpectedly became pregnant so soon after Virgil’s birth.

Her three oldest were seated on the family rug, curled up together as Scott read his school reader to the other two. Gordon was asleep in a bassinette to the side of the room. He was a darling boy, but when he was awake you knew he was awake, he made sure of it.

Lucy snorted a laugh, looking on as John corrected Scott on one of the words in his book from where she was sitting sorting washing. Their little redhead was already an avid reader, having taken to pinching his older brother’s books as soon as he was done. If it meant that Scott came home with more books than normal no one seemed to mention it. Not that Scott wasn’t good, the brunette loved pulling his readers out after school and reading to his brothers but it didn’t have quite as much a draw as it did for their second born. Lucy privately thought Scott loved reading so much just because it was something to share with his brothers.

Glancing to the clock she knew it was almost time to get dinner sorted. Distantly she wondered what Jeff was up to. He’d started the process of moving away from active missions when she’d had Gordon. Four children under ten, with two under two was quite a lot to handle on her own and she’d had to put her foot down. But that still took time and Jeff was currently of a mission on the moon. He was scheduled to come back in a month but that didn’t mean that she didn’t miss him deeply.

Standing up she checked on little Gordy. Her three month old babe was still soundly asleep, little mouth open as he dreamed peacefully. She’d fed him a short while ago and so knew he would sleep for a while longer. Bending down and giving him a soft kiss she looked back on the boys.

Scott had finished up his book and was listening as John read one out loud, Virgil wedged between them, cuddling into Scott’s old stuffed bear. They looked like they would be fine as she got their food sorted.

“Scott darling?” She called softly, and he flashed his blue eyes towards her as she walked over.

“Yes Mum?”

“Can you watch your brothers while I’m in the kitchen? I won’t be long.”

Her darling seven year old nodded confidently, glancing to check over at the bassinet before refocusing on the two within reach.

“Sure Mum.”

She bent down, running gentle fingers through his hair and he flashed her a warm smile.

Virgil looked up as she moved away, beginning to crawl after her but she shook her head.

“Stay with your brothers, baby.” Dark brown eyes tracked her carefully before John called out to her fourteen month old and her baby was distracted by his brothers, crawling back over and tipping into the redheads lap with a giggle, rewarded with John’s star blanket being thrown over his head.

As she bustled around the kitchen getting the mashed potatoes ready she could hear John restart his book and smiled. Scott had it well in hand. Taking a moment for herself she turned on the kitchen speaker, classical music beginning to drift serenely through the room. It was quiet enough that she’d be able to hear if anything was wrong.

--

Scott looked over his brothers as John continued to read his book, Virgil sitting in his lap and playing with John’s special blanket. Their mum had made each of them one when they were born and it was something they loved, only sharing them with their little brothers. Even Grandma knew not to touch them.

It was always a good feeling when mum trusted him with his little brothers. Glancing over at the bassinet he knew that Gordon was still asleep by the lack of noise, allowing him to focus on John and Virgil.

John was reading the book again, carefully enunciating his words and trying to change his voice for the different characters just like their teachers did. He was running a finger under the words as he read but Scott knew that he was doing it for Virgil’s benefit rather than his own. John was an awesome big brother.

They’d both been scared when Virgil had been born, daddy explaining that he was born a little early and needed to stay in the hospital for a while as he got stronger. That Virgil was an early baby but that he’d be okay. It hadn't happened like any of their friends at school had explained but there was no way that they were going to leave their baby brother alone in the hospital. Both mummy and daddy hadn’t wanted them to come to the hospital but he and John had been adamant and they gave in.

Scott remembered the first time he’d laid eyes on the little container holding his baby brother, wearing a strange green gown and clutching firmly onto John’s hand as dad led them over. Virgil had looked tiny, even smaller than Bradley Thwaits’ little sister had when he’d brought her to school to show off. He’d been covered in lots of different wires and tubes and it had scared him but he’d put on a brave face for John and Virgil. He was the oldest, it was his job to look after the others.

With their fathers encouragement he’d carefully put his hands through the holes, the nurse gently explaining that it was okay to touch their brother, that by doing so they could let Virgil know they were there and he could grow strong. When he had, brushing his fingers gently against the small hand he’d been startled when his eyes had opened. But from the moment the brown eyes had opened he’d been unable to look away, introducing himself gently to his newest little brother. John had also put his hands in then, gently holding Virgil’s other tiny hand. They’d shared a glance then and he knew John was thinking the same thing. Virgil was theirs to protect now.

They’d come back every day, arguing with both their parents and grandparents that they needed to be there to look after Virgil, to make sure he knew he wasn’t alone. Scott didn’t know how to explain it but he always felt better when he’d been and he’d overheard one of the nurses say that Virgil always did better after seeing him. His little brother always woke up when he was there, wrapping his tiny fist around his finger.

When they were finally able to bring Virgil home it was the best day. He’d been determined to be the best big brother ever for Virgil, showing John all the things he could do to help Virgil, teaching him how to be one as well. He always just knew what Virgil needed. There was just something inside that let him know that his brother needed him and he’d taken to listening to it. He knew he’d surprised mum and dad more than once by going to Virgil before he’d started crying, knowing what he needed but he couldn’t explain how he knew.

Recently Virgil had been holding himself up on the couch a lot and mum had explained it was because he was getting close to walking.

Thinking about it, Scott scooted backwards a little bit closer to Gordon. His movements didn’t go unnoticed by either younger brother who looked up in confusion. He was remembering what their mother had been doing in the evenings before she took the littlies to bed, moving back and trying to encourage Virgil to walk over to her. But the black haired baby never seemed interested, preferring to crawl. Mum had been asking him and John to help him to standing while she stayed further away so he knew what to do, at least in theory.

“Johnny, help Virgil stand?” He asked and his younger brother nodded, understanding. With a smile he pulled the toddler to his feet, hands wrapped securely around his small waist.

“Virgil. Come here.” Scott’s hands were open encouragingly, beckoning the little boy towards him, eyes warm. “Come on baby brother.”

Virgil’s eyes locked unerringly on his brother’s bright blue ones, a smile on his face. Scott couldn't help but hope Virgil knew what he wanted just like he did for his little brother. And it seemed he did.

With John’s help steadying him Virgil took a wobbly step forward, clearly wanting to go to Scott.

“Let go John,” the elder said and he did so. Virgil’s next step was unbalanced and he tumbled to the floor but was scooped up by his brother before he could cry.

“It’s alright Virgie.” John spoke softly. “You’re okay. Let’s try again.”

He pulled the babe to his feet again, poking at his belly to get a giggle from him.

“You can do it Virgil.” Scott called again, gaining the little ones attention.

With a determined look Virgil tried again. One wobbly foot after the other landed on the floor but the little boy didn’t fall, instead slowly making his way across the rug to the beckoning smile of his biggest brother. Before too long he’d finally made it and Scott gathered him up in his arms, pressing happy kisses to the little face and getting furious giggles in return.

“You did it!” He was so proud.

“Mum!” John called. “Come quick!”

There was a racket from the kitchen, the music stopping as their mum hurried out.

“What is it?” She said, hurrying over and quickly checking the room. Lucy took a calming breath as she realised no one was hurt. With her boys being as adventurous as they were you never knew.

“Watch what Virgil just did!” John exclaimed excitedly. At the redhead’s nod Scott turned Virgil, pulling him gently up to standing, keeping his hands around his waist.

“Go on Virg.” He said encouragingly. “Go to Johnny.”

“Come on Virgie.” John said holding his arms wide open, a big smile on his face.

With a happy squeal Virgil slowly tottered over to his immediate older brother, legs wobbly but still holding firm. He tipped forward into the redheads lap with a giggle and John hauled him in properly, wrapping his arms tightly around him.

“Oh my.” Lucy said faintly, sitting down on the couch. “Did Virgil just walk?”

“He walked to Scotty first!” John said proudly, and the dark haired boy grinned happily.

She knew that Virgil had been close to walking but hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. Let alone without her in the room. But judging by the proud look on her boys faces she shouldn’t have expected any different. It had been the same with them. Her boys all seemed to gravitate towards each other.

As she watched John helped Virgil up and her little black haired babe toddled slowly over towards his biggest brother, giggling happily all the while.

“Mum!” Her eldest called and she glanced over. Scott still had a huge grin on his face but beckoned her to sit on the ground, clearly wanting for her to join in the fun. With a smile she did so and watched proudly as Scott released Virgil encouraging him to go over to her.

Her baby did so and soon she had him wrapped in her arms, little face buried in her chest as he babbled her name happily. She couldn’t help but smile proudly, peppering his face with kisses as he cooed happily.  All too soon however he was on the move, heading off towards his brothers who were encouraging him to toddle between them. With a small smile she grabbed her comm and started filming. Jeff would kick himself for missing this but that was the life of an astronaut. She’d send the video in three days when they were able to have their weekly chat, wanting to be able to share this joyous moment with him. At least she could honestly tell him that he wasn’t the only one who’d missed out on Virgil’s first steps.

The fun continued for a little while longer before Virgil got tired and collapsed into his eldest brother’s lap. Scott merely tugged him close and knowing that mum was finishing up on dinner still flicked on the screen. He found their favourite superhero cartoon and set it playing, John foregoing his book in order to watch as well. With the knowledge that Gordon was still safely asleep in the corner Scott allowed himself to relax. He had the best brothers. And he couldn’t wait to tell Bradley Thwaits that his little brother walked to him first.

The thought made something warm tingle inside but if his mum asked him he knew he wouldn’t be able to explain. Somehow he’d known that Virgil would walk to him first and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

--

There was only one thing that Jeff could say when Lucy was finally able to show him the video of Virgil toddling happily between John and Scott, explaining to her husband how she’d found out he was walking.

“What, Scott got there first again?!”

Chapter Text

Sometimes Lucy wondered if they were insane, having two boys so close together. She loved both John and Scott with all her heart but there was no denying they were a lot of work.

She wouldn’t change them for the world however, even when she was at her wits end, exhausted and just needing two minutes to herself.

Sally Tracy had been a godsend, always there to offer a supportive word whenever she needed it, ready and willing to pick up the phone when one of the boys had a questionable health reaction. Lucy knew she’d hit the jackpot in her mother-in-law, especially because both of her parents had already passed. Lucy was grateful that Sally was so patient with them both, especially when they called her late at night, panicked over something that turned out to be nothing at all.

Currently she was sitting on the floor with John and Scott, Jeff by her side. John had just turned one and was insanely curious about the world around him, always crawling around and exploring everything he could get into. It was the same yet different from Scott. Scott had also been a little explorer, but he always seemed to want to know where everything was, trying to find anything new. She got the feeling that her youngest was curious in a different way. They were so different, her two boys. It drew more than one raised eyebrow from strangers.

From the dark brown hair to the bright red, blue vs turquoise eyes, almost tanned vs pale and beginning to develop freckles; John and Scott were almost night and day. It was only when you saw them interacting together that it became clear they were brothers.

From the second he could crawl John was off after Scott, eagerly following the toddler around, babbling softly to him. Scott in turn was surprisingly patient with his younger brother. John was the only thing in the world that could slow her little speed demon down, her eldest doing so without being asked. She’d been slightly nervous when John was first born, having heard some horror stories from her mother’s group about the difficulty some of their children had in transitioning to not being an only child anymore but Scott had taken to it with relish. He’d been fascinated from the second John was born, absolutely besotted with the little boy.

Currently Scott was running in circles around the room, flying his little toy plane around and making zooming noises. John’s bright turquoise eyes were fixated on his brother, his interest visible to both parents. He’d been pulling himself up on the couch the last few days and Lucy couldn’t help but wonder if he was going to attempt to walk soon.

Holding him upright, she wrapped her hands gently around his own as he got his feet situated underneath him properly. He wobbled for a bit but turned to look towards her.

“It’s alright baby,” she cooed gently and John turned his bright gaze to his father. Jeff, seeing what she was planning had shuffled back slightly, spreading his legs and opening his arms.

“Want to come to Daddy, John?” He called, a smile on his face. John looked contemplative, looking between his feet and his father in consideration.

Their movements had attracted their eldest’s attention and Scott had stopped running in circles.

“Mama? What doin’?” Their dark haired boy called out curiously, stopping next to his father, plane clutched in one chubby fist.

“We’re trying to see if Johnny wants to take some steps Scotty.” Jeff explained to the toddler. The boys face scrunched in confusion.

“What?”

“Watch darling.” Lucy, still holding her youngest boys hands, gently encouraged him to take a step forwards, helping him balance. John looked unsure but did so, leaning on her hands to remain upright.

“Oh.” Scott plopped himself onto the ground, toy plane forgotten behind him.

“Johnny.” He called and as both parents expected, bright green eyes snapped away from his father and onto his older brother. A happy babble burst out of John and Scott seemed to understand, grinning at him.

“My Johnny.” Scott said, eyes locked on the younger. He stretched out his hands encouragingly, eyes fixated on his younger brother. Lucy and Jeff held their breath, aware that something was being communicated between the two of them.

“Come on Johnny. Come to Daddy.” Jeff called after a moment, and it seemed to shake John from his concentration.

The baby pushed a foot forward tentatively and Lucy let go of his hands, her own hovering behind his back as he wobbled on his feet. But he didn’t fall. One foot after another landed on the rug as he stepped towards his father and brother. Jeff was calling out gentle praise, trying to encourage but not distract the little boy as he headed over.

However it was not to his smiling father that the little boy headed, instead shifting his trajectory slightly so he could make his way to his older brother. Scott seemed to sense it as well, arms opening wider as he called out to his little brother, a big grin engulfing his face. All Lucy could do was smile as she saw her little redheaded boy toddle towards his big brother, the two oblivious to anyone else in the room.

Step by step he made his way over, eyes fixed on smiling blue until he fell over the elders lap. Scott gave a huff of surprise at the unexpected weight before giggling. John blinked in shock at the tumble but settled at Scott’s laugh, beginning to giggle himself.

“My Johnny.” Scott repeated, curling around the younger and Lucy laughed leaning into Jeff. He wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to her hair as they looked proudly on at their boys.

“Yes darling, he certainly is yours isn’t he?”

“Mine.” Scott said firmly.

“Yours kiddo.” Jeff said with a laugh. They were well aware how possessive Scott could get over his brother. He was a wonderful older brother but he definitely did struggle to share John’s attention with other people.

Lucy reached behind her and snagged Scott’s blanket from where he had dropped it during his attempts to emulate a plane. A flick of her wrist and it had covered the little boys’ legs, both reaching out at hand and tugging it up their legs.

The two sat there staring at their little miracles for a while, just enjoying the milestone that John had reached. It felt like they blinked and the boys got older and Lucy for one just wanted to sit in this moment for a while. The house was about to get a lot busier she knew, now that she had two curious boys who could get around freely. It would be exhausting but she honestly couldn’t wait.

“Maybe the next one will actually walk to us.” There was a slight whine to Jeff’s voice and Lucy playfully swatted him on the arm as she laughed.

“Maybe. It won’t be for a while yet though. Those two are enough of a handful right now.” She glanced at their two boys curled up together contentedly. “Though I get a feeling that this pattern might continue, if Scott has his way.”

Jeff sighed good-naturedly, amusement shining in his eyes.

“Sometimes I wonder who’s actually in charge here.”

Lucy giggled again.

“Don’t be silly Jeff. We were never in charge. The second that little flyboy was born he took over.”

“Yeah.” Jeff conceded. “You’re right. Scott’s in charge.”

It was quiet for a moment before a high pitched voice piped up.

“ ‘ott!”

Blinking in shock the two parents stared at the boys. Scott was grinning as he cuddled John close. The younger was looking up with a grin, patting clumsily at his face.

“’ott!” He repeated.

“What…” Lucy whispered.

“Oh come on!” Jeff groaned. “He can’t get both of them!”