Talk about being late to a party. I'm so late to this party I'm almost early for the next party! So let us not faff around any longer- straight to the review.

. Michael Corleone had nothing on the bristling rage of Jeff Tracy.- Jesus cried a river, that's scary. Seriously.

. John with his chin set, looking like he belongs in the military. **meep**

. Curse Lady P and her bra.- The lament of a million boys and men world-wide, I suspect.

. Alan suddenly needing the safety of being four years old again. I HEAR THAT!

. "That looks like it sucks." "Sucks scuzzy pond water through a moldy bamboo straw." - Yeesh. Can't get suckier'n that.

. An entire neighborhood was downed somewhere in the world by Gordon's mouth.- I share Gordon's pain. I fucked up my feet once by jumping 10ft off a dock wall onto the metal deck of a boat. It hurt. A lot. They had to wheelchair me back across the dock. Over cobblestones. Everyone laughed at me :)

. "Onaha could make pickles from my fine, cucumber-cool ass." - But would anyone eat them? NO!

. They limped, gimped, and wimped their way up to Gordon's room.- What a team! :)

. Alan finally realising that Fuckin' A Bubba is actually FAB. High-five!

. "Just don't let Scott know you figured it out. It's kind of a little thing of his on the first mission, like a graduation kind of thing. He gets a kick out of it."- HAHA! Just like Scott!

. The Hood's continuing mind games. Evil bastard.

. For the first time, Alan got why John was the one Dad put up in 'Five. It wasn't the stars. It was John. Ever since he'd gotten his family back, he'd seen John moving from one brother to another, always with something to say meant only for them, and pulling them back, even Dad. John heard something in each of them.- John really is the understated hero of that family.

. "Gordon?" "I'll take the west."

"Virgil?" "I'll take the couch. Wake me in an hour if they aren't back."- Virgil's smart.

. The blood on the floor next to the desk. **shudder** and then cleaning therapy. (Virgil didn't go to sleep at all!) and then smashing Mom's crystal paperweight. **facepalm** See where tiredness gets you, guys?

. New favourite onomatopiaic word. Skibble. As in, "...pieces skibbling under the sofa, the desk, and off in directions they probably would still be finding them a year from now."

. Alan actually sparing a thought for the murdered thugs. Whoever they were, those guys had names. They had friends and family. However they got here, decent guys or deluded dumbasses, there was someone waiting somewhere for them.

. "You never answered me. If Dad doesn't scrap the operation and you have a choice, if you don't choose IR, what do you want to do?" "Shack up with you in Montana?" - YAAAYY! MONTANA! **jumps up and down, waving hand in the air** Pick me, John! Pick me!

. In the background, Gordon said, "Uh, Virg, I think something might be wrong with your monitor."

John muttered, "And he wonders why I don't let him touch anything on my girl."

"That sounded vaguely dirty," Gordon chimed.

- 'Vaguely' to Gordon meaning in-your-face-blatant to the rest of us...snerk!

. The whole ending to Chapter 8, with Virgil and Alan. Now, see, I'm good at cutting and pasting and tagging little comments on the end. But the whole ending with Virgil and Alan in the room listening to music and looking at Virgil's crumpled up artwork (and realising how good he actually is) felt very calm, very real, very much an oasis in a storm. And I am definitely looking up Kenny Wayne Shepherd on YouTube after this.

Road trips. Ranches in Montana. These are two things that are most likely never going to happen to me, no matter how much I dream about them. But it will never stop me dreaming, and I love all the little references you put into your chapters, because you actually give me a glimmer of hope that one day, yes, ONE day, I may just find myself getting off a plane or out of a car in Montana. Which has nothing to do with your story, but it's just something that happens when I read your words. :)

So anyway, sorry for the insolently late review. i won't let it happen again! Please say you're updating soon.

lotsa love and M&Ms,

Jules xx

Okay, this is just beautiful. I love people who write the movie fics like this. Because, yeah, if life were a Disney movie everything would end in sunshine and rainbows...I especially love your John. He's so John, and yet deeper at the same time. I totally need you to finish this. Really. No lie.

Please.

Another chapter...Please

So, I've sat down a few times to review, before realizing that I couldn't start because I wouldn't have enough time to finish the review, and say all that I want to say. Yeah, you know, I like to dissect each chapter you produce, because there are so many points in each chapter that I need to touch upon!

So anyway, where to start? Okay, I loved the tie-in with the family in this chapter. Despite the chapter being focused on Alan and Virgil, each brother had a fair amount of 'screen-time', should I call it, but not once did the supporting characters of the chapter outshine the main duo. I commend you for that, and for still allowing everything to flow from last chapter, into this chapter.

The way you write these characters in regards to each other is just amazing; so detailed and yet not one character outshines another. Each point you make (*they* make) is justifiable. And like I've said before, this is one of the only stories I've found on FF that makes me feel as if I'm right there with the characters, experiencing what they're experiencing. I honestly empathize with them, and feel their emotions from my own perspective, instead of just reading that "this is what they're going through". That, Six, is a sign of true creative ingenuity.

Again, I adored the way Alan was written. Thinking back to a time when he was younger, his interactions with his *loving* father. That shows me Alan's age, tender at 14. Mature enough to understand the hurt his family is feeling, but young enough to still *be* vulnerable, having not yet experienced life the way his family has, and not having those lessons to rely on to cope with his feelings.

I also loved the way Alan saw Jeff. I personally think this is how Jeff would be/is viewed by all of his sons. Adoring, for the man has put nothing but his sons first for their entire lives, and he's the only one they've really had to rely on their entire lives, role model wise,(aside from Grandma, but a father-son relationship is much different than a grandson relationship).

I'd also like to thank John for having the mind to block Alan from seeing the dead bodies. Oh John, always so sensible. (Dang, now I want another John chapter! And this is coming from someone who typically doesn't really look for John centered stories or chapters!).

I like the attention you give to minor details - like the 'f-bomb'/Blitzed London analogy. That was the perfect way to create a picture of the tension in the room at that time.

The details surrounding the Alan/Gordon/Scott meet up were beautiful. Again, that scene really spoke to me about the place of life Alan's at; little brother, vulnerable in his own right, but carer when he's needed. I don't know what it was about that little paragraph, but when Alan saw Gordon running and forced himself up and over to his brothers, then took Gordon to the lounger, that seen was... perfect. He put his own fears and doubts aside for the benefit of his brother. Still talking himself up by comparison of his brothers, and what he *should* be able to do, because *they* can do it. He's so naive, but yet still endearing.

I loved this line, "Sucks scuzzy pond water through a moldy bamboo straw," - how do you come up with lines like this? I'm closer to the age of the brothers, and I can't even come up with stuff like that!

Alan's thoughts about Gordon got to me, too. You know, the stuff about how Gordon was acting in specific ways to benefit whichever brother he was around (based on their needs) - that was quite perceptive on Alan's part.

Another small detail that stuck out to me: 'John's scissors cut Gordon's paper in neat slices...' - I loved the detail of the way John cut the "paper". Still neat and organized and... peculiar. A beautiful detail.

Back to Gordon - even though I guess it's probably something that we all keep in the back of our minds, reading about the stash of medicine in Gordon's bathroom saddened me. It's a common detail with Gordon-focused stories that his injuries still act up, and his back never really healed to the tune of complete normalcy, but to actually read that he had medication for severe pain in his own room for close aid is kind of sad. I don't know why, but my mind immediately just turned to Virgil. And what his reaction would be to seeing Gordon's stash. Or if he already knows. I wonder who's room is next to Gordon's. And if they've picked up on this stuff, when it seems as if Gordon keeps that part of his life completely private.

Oh, and I hope you know that between this type of information and the little spoiler you gave me for Gordon's story, I'm itching with impatience now!

Another line that particularly stuck out to me, and really had me contemplating Alan was this, "Still unsure of his hands compared to anyone else's, Alan took his time cleaning up the cuts." - Again, Alan's trying out what's typically the Big Brother role - the 'carer' type of role. He's so innocent in that moment; fresh to the responsibility-of-someone-else role, and not at all confident in his own abilities. That was sweet, in a melancholy way. It forced me to really see Alan as he is, instead of just pretending or assuming that he's confident in at least his own abilities (though maybe the unsureness comes from having to use his abilities on someone other than himself).

"If Gordon wasn't going to sleep, neither was Alan." Again, there goes Alan, trying to live up to what I think he sees as his brother's expectations, to fit into the team. If they can do it, then he should be able to do it too; that's what makes them heroes. They just keep going (still what I think Alan's thinking!).

Scott and John, again. That special relationship, where even the the Big Brother needs some comforting. You really make me love John. Seriously.

Virgil and Alan. An interesting pair. I don't often see them interacting all too much, and not at all in the way that Alan interacts with any other brother. Maybe it's because Alan has a strong personality, no matter which way he's written, whereas Virgil is a little less defined. Anyway, I'm glad that you've explored this pairing.

Virgil is so intuitive. Even before assessing Alan (and his state of mind), he kind of knew that Alan needed something to help him along. I love seeing this detail of Virgil. It's quite refreshing, because Virgil isn't one of the more central characters. Yeah, he's got a few solo stories, but not many where the authors really delve into his personality.

In this aspect, I like the fact that Virgil needed reassurance from Alan. I know that Alan doesn't quite see it like this, but that's 2 older brothers now who've relied on him in the aftermath of the incident. I hope Alan understands the fear that Virgil had for his (Alan's) safety and sanity, and realizes that Gordon's not the only brother who has missed him, and cares for him, and actually wants him around.

I love that Alan is seeing his brothers in a way that's completely new to him. It's kind of shitty that it's because they almost all died, but better late than never ... right?

Okay, so remember how you said that you would probably have enough run-off ideas from this story to make a slew of one-shots? Well after the Gordon story is finished, I think you've got a few places you could go! You do an amazing job writing Virgil and John, and I'd love to see a story with both or either (as the staring character). You bring them alive in a way that not many people do. You define them, but not in the typical 'Virgil is the painter and draws or paints when he's stressed' and 'John's the quit one who prefers to watch and add his two sense in every once-in-a-while'.

I hope you don't stop writing for this fandom for a long, long time!

Sooo, G is up next, right? With ... Virg? I thought that you once said that Gordon would be recycled at the end of the story, and I know The Big J is coming up, but I don't recall the pairing for the rest of the story.

Hmmm ... I don't want this story end, ever! Even after the Gordon story, I hope you keep the stories coming, because I can't get enough of your writing! (Yes, I love your writing so much so that I can't help but over punctuate!)

Amazing job, as always, Six! Don't keep us waiting too long for the next chapter!

XOXO, M

Utterly amazing as always. There’s really not a whole lot more I can say – I’m just so impressed by the quality of your writing. I’ll be sorry when this is over.

Bee

I love this story.

I love how much darker and more realistic you're handling the idea of this home invasion, kidnapping and attempted murder. I love that you made the Hood into a real bad guy, who is dangerous and menacing and how this haunts the family (because seriously, those bodies were unexpected and the ruthlessness with which he acted toward the Tracys should be evidenced elsewhere).

I love the anger that simmers beneath almost every action of the Tracys. (Mostly the elders, but that line in there about Alan's grin was a great way to show his as well.) Because said home invasion/kidnapping/attempted murder entails more than just worry for each other and a family that breeds intelligence and strong will like theirs does wouldn't deal well with such a trespass.

I love the interaction, the fact that none of the brothers deal with what happened in the same way but the obvious knowledge between them of how to try to help each other. I love that, despite this, they are sometimes at a loss here because of the magnitude of the situation and the emotions. And that Alan, most of all, feels out of depth with the way his brothers manage their anxiety.

I love that the details of their history come out in the ways that they try to manage things. Like Scott and the gun or Virgil and sleep, it seems like you're working in the small things and really developing a believable response to what happened, unique to each one of them. The part where Alan notes how John seems to find words for all of them or the way that Gordon still tries to bolster the feelings around him with a little bit of flippancy (those lines about his "cucumber-cool ass" and how they were going to re-do yesterday were wonderfully in character and, thus, rather funny during the tense un-funny moments).

But most of all, I absolutely love how you write Alan. I love his growing maturity, the way that you show that sometimes understanding why you do something doesn't keep you from doing it (or even feeling justified in doing it). I love the complexity of his relationships with his brothers and how he's coming to see them more clearly as the men that they are, trying to work out how to relate to them (and, again, that he does so in different ways). Each conversation has been heartbreaking and so full of revelation but with the earnestness and wariness and bite that comes with talking to siblings. The tug and pull of dialogue between characters that know each other and are still trying to figure each other out. I love his introspection, how he takes things in and rationalizes them and how it doesn't always match what comes out of his mouth. I love his point of view on his family, the little things he notices.

In short (which this has not been), I love this story. Thanks for a great fic.

You know, I wish we had the ability to favorite stories repeatedly...I might abuse that power though. I'd crash fanfiction because I'd favorite your story so much.

Told you I'd leave you a good review! I wish I could have sooner, but when you're up to your freckled nose in schoolwork, time escapes you. But, that is not an excuse! So, since I've had my few days to even THINK about all the things I'm going to congratulate you on, this had better be a darn good review, or I shall be disappointed in myself.

~Angry Jeff Tracy...RUN FOR THE HILLS! You better believe Corleone doesn't stand a fighting chance against father and businessman Tracy.

~"Curse Lady P and her bra." I snorted and spit out my juice all over the counter when I read that line!

~"All that and a bowl of Cheetos?" You better believe it, Alan! Your brothers and hanging with you for a long while...

~And you actually thought "FAB" meant something cute, Alan. Not with brothers like Scott and John, they got style! And Jeff, you haven't a chance of getting rid of that phrase.

~"I'll take the couch." Smart choice, Virgil. Enjoy that rest while you get it...before you're shuffled off to listen to some oldies with your kid brother.

~John! Nice mouth, though seeing what you just went through, you have the right to say that.

~Intrepid Reporter Barbie. I pictured it. And laughed so hard, because I have absolutely no problem picturing Lady P as Barbie. EPIC comparison.

~Who you gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS! That is a fabulous movie, and I was immensely happy to see you reference it!

I can’t think of enough English words to tell you how AMAZING this story is. It’s just so darn GOOD! One thing about words, they can’t convey feelings like actions can, so hopefully all of the caps will do some pitiful job of expressing how much I am enjoying this story! I get all happy every time I see an update, and then everything is put on hold while I read the next chapter! You know, I think that once you finish this story, I’m going to print it out just so I can take it on car rides and read it over and over! There are not enough synonyms in our language for how FANTASTIC your writing is!

Super psyched for the next chapter!

~RR

P.S. I just realized…two more chapters…but I shan’t cry yet! I will wait and be happy and enjoy what you have gifted us with!

I would like to start by letting you know that I have written award-winning fics in other fandoms, so I know what I am talking about when I say that you are an *awesome* writer! I'm not comfortable enough with TBs canon and characters to write in this fandom, but I do enjoy reading the stories; at least, the well-written ones.

I tend to avoid unfinished stories because too many are never completed. That being said, when I saw the number of reviews of your story, I decided to peek at the first chapter last night. This was like a good book that I could not put down. I kept reading and reading w-a-a-y past my bedtime, to the point that I forgot this was an unfinished story and was sad to find that there was not another chapter (yet) after this one.

If the TBs movie had given even *half* the heart and soul to the characters that you have given them, IMO it would have been much more successful.

I would love to read more of this story, but even if you stop right here, I have to take a moment to thank you for sharing your talents. Whatever you do and wherever life takes you, please keep on writing.

Thank you.

WOW...I can't find the words to describe how much I love this story! I love how you approached the subject and, like stated in this chapter, the whole Hood's situation can't erase the problems the family was having! I love the insight of these chapters and the interaction between the brothers! Keep up the incredible work you're doing!

Oh wow, I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love this story! Especially this chapter! Ah! I can't wait for more! Keep up the amazing work ]

I was so excited when I saw you had updated, I thought for some reason you had finished at 5 or 6. For some reason I'm not getting alerts for this story any more / I really enjoyed these last few chapters, they weren't as stretched out as some of the earlier ones, more action, less thinking. Definitely looking forward to the next update! D

cant wait for more

Six,

Amazing chapter as always. I've been miserable, between worrying about potential lifestyle changes, college, and sicker than Hell with a mixture between a cold, allergies, the stomach flu, and an ear infection.

And this made my day. You have no idea just how happy it made me when I clicked on my email and there was a notification that you updated.

It's an excellent update, too! I love the fact that you bring in pop culture and integrate it with the story, and the balance between dialogue and detail is perfect. And you added a good amount of Gordon time! I LOVE GORDON! Even though you tore up his feet. :D

Now, I'll be expecting the next chapter in an acceptable amount of time, so hop to Cadet. Or you know, take care of your family first...if you think they're more "important" or something.

-Sam

Aww, they finally gave into sleep together. Something tells me that is more what they need than any of the attempts at finding out what the hell is really going on. Instead just the chance to admit to being completely and utterly relaxed in each other's presence.

Another gorgeous chapter. The way you capture the boys reading each other's emotions and reacting to them without words is just pure genius, I don't think I've ever read them so deeply written!

Beautifully done!

Heyo, just wanted to say I'm really enjoying this story! Some of the things you put down make me laugh so much and I loved the way you developed the relationships between the boys. Though I'm used to reading stories where Virgil/Scott and Gordon/Alan are the closest, with John going where he's needed, it's a refreshing change and you've done it seamlessly well.

What did you mean by 'Studio 60' in your notes at the end of chapter 6? Was it a story where someone was imprisoned and tortured or is it a Thunderbirds fanfic? If it's the latter, can I have a link? :P

Keep updating. I'm looking forward to how the rest of the brothers purge themselves of such a traumatic experience - never mind when they finally talk it through with Jeff.

XD :D XD