#lenleg's thunderbirds tag

[lenle-g]

for @katblu42 based on this WIP:

Treading carefully in his bare feet and avoiding the squeaky floorboards, he made his way to the telescope set up by the small attic window.  He sat on Grandpa’s old trunk to look through the eye-piece and make the necessary adjustments.  Yes, there.  That was the spot, the right little patch of stars, but it would be clearer without the obstacle of the window pane. He told himself he was only opening the window so he could see more clearly through the telescope, but deep down he knew the stars would call him closer if he let them.  The slight squeal as he slid the window up and open had his heart pounding again and he waited with bated breath, listening for any sign of movement downstairs.  After a long few seconds he felt assured he was still alone and undiscovered, so he resumed his position on the trunk to re-check the view through the telescope.

<3

[lenle-g]

this has been living in my head rent free all week

Riding the teacups at Disneyland

John, Virgil & Kayo: [Spinning calmly while talking]

Scott, Gordon & Alan: [Flying past them, spinning as fast as they can, screaming]

[thundergirl007]

feeling nostalgic for TAG

going through and reading those thunderbirds fanfictions i saved because i started getting nostalgic whilst saving them and decided to actually read some of them tonight and yeah i’m kinda teary and nostalgic

so here’s the thing. Thunderbirds was my first internet experience, really. I found Thunderbirds fanfiction on ff.net totally by accident sometime in 2013 and was enamoured and inspired to write my own fanfiction. I was a teenager, my fics were cringy, i deleted 3 of them out of embarrassment years ago. However I have kept a few on my fanfiction profile if people are interested. I was very into Tracy sister stories so. Whoops.

Then around the time of TAG 2015 getting announced I joined tumblr. I remember creating my account AROUND Thunderbirds. I think there was lenleg and danielstss (??) and laylaanne and artisticrainey and politelyscribblingaway (now reallyhardy!) and ladygrimblossom.

Looking in my archive i feel quite embarassed that some of my interactions were quite reactionary. Not in a hostile way as such, but as an example, i wondered why it took Scott 10 seconds to notice a suit missing in one episode and when discussion offered some reasons i was pretty rude in me “calling bullshit”. I was a very emotionally charged 16 year old when i joined and fam i am sorry for some of the tones in which i wrote posts. It was the first time i experienced blogging like this. Sorry that you all had to deal with that 🥺

It makes me really sad to go through my archive to my earliest posts (oh god i was an eager beaver back then but cringe culture is dead i am glad i was so into it) and notice how many of those blogs are deactivated. Like, i know some of them simply changed blog names (i know that lenleg and reallyhardydraws are two people still around) but the others i mentioned had a profound impact on my fandom experience and i’m sad that I can’t find them on here to tell them that.

SO i just wanted to give a very late, nostalgic shoutout to some of my favourite early TAG community peeps here on tumblr all the way back in 2015 (it’s an AGE ago my goodness). I do hope the people that i can’t tag eventually see this post because I really hope you’re all well and happy, and at the very least if you are still on here (i haven’t changed my username lmao XD) i’d love to know who you are now so i can update my memory a little XD.

- @reallyhardy. i know you’re still around, not exactly TAG, but i still love seeing your work. Especially when I compare it to your work back then! It reminds me of such a simple time in my life and I thank you for it. Your art is still one of my favourite chill and cool depictions of the Boys TM ever!

- @lenle-g. same here, I know you’re still here. Loved your art AND your writing (the goose fic. legendary). You were so nice to see on my dashboard and even though i don’t think i considered anyone a real “fandom friend” bc i was young and naive but i think it was so nice to chat headcanons and stuff back in the day!

- @artisticrainey. Tumblr says you’re not here, but I was rereading your Butterflies series tonight and it was the thing that compelled me to make this post because i remember so much of YOU back then. You were such a staple - your writing AND art were incredible, I still recognise your style when I go through my archive. I do hope you see this because you did a few of my prompts (the boys learning to drive!! was definitely one of them!! i was on holiday when you tagged me in it and i REMEMBER)

- Balek (on ff.net - not sure if they’re on here?). You wrote some of the funniest banter between the bros on ff.net that i’ve ever read and i love rereading them. They always do make me smile :D

- @ladygrimblossom. A peep that i remember being involved in all the discussions. My archive is full of reblog chains featuring BOTH of us. I remember one of my most validating (feeling) moments was when i wondered why Scott, described as a “level headed” brother, stopped what he was doing in a high rise rescue to call Alan during Space Race. And you agreed with me. Taking my point further bc i was like 16 and articulating myself badly XD

- @laylaanne. I know you’re still around too, but same again. I just remember you being a big contributor to fandom discussion and in jokes and it makes me happy.

- @doyouheartheangrymen. here’s the thing, i typed that out and i’m JUST now, after 7 years, realising that it is supposed to be read as ���do you hear the angry men” when i have been reading it as “do you heart the angry men” (adding an extra t for some reason lmao.

- @duchessnibenhu-ofpyromania. A fandom peep that again i remember interacting a lot with in discussions. I remember we shared an ikea dresser (i have replaced mine now 😥) and we’ve visited each other’s animal crossing islands!

- @daniellestitt. Someone else that was absolutely here posting meme-y content like this and you know what, i agree. In trash we trust, may he rule over us all.

- @thunderbirdgordon. I remember really liking your art style!! I thought you drew the boys really well and i really loved seeing you on my dash :D

ok so i think that’s everyone. Well that’s not true, i’ve probably forgotten someone. But all the same - to anyone that was around on tumblr in the TAG fandom from 2015-2017 during my formative years...

thank you for such a good time. Thunderbirds is my comfort fandom and whilst i don’t interact much nowadays, i would like to change that. I truly loved all my time in the fandom and I hope that everyone is happy and well. Feel free to shoot me a message if you see this post, i’d love to chat with more people!

[dreamycloud]

THIS IS CUTE 🥺🥺🥺

*puts a baby next to John and runs off*

John can hear tiny shrill crying coming from somewhere in the living room and he freezes stock still.

“Hello?” He calls into the empty space, looking around for one of his brothers and awaiting the oncoming practical joke. He’s been on the planet long enough to feel human despite all this gravity and that’s usually when Gordon decides it’s the perfect time to pull one on him. Only… no one jumps out from behind the sofa, and the crying continues. Cautiously John makes his way across the smooth wooden floor, slipping on it a little is his cosy socks, until he’s close enough to peer over the edge of the upholstery.

There’s a baby on the sofa.

An actual, living breathing baby wailing its tiny lungs out and John staggers in surprise, nearly tipping himself over the back of the sofa in the process and grabbing the edge for stability. Wild-eyed and shocked, John whips his head around, hurried and confused, searching for anyone who could be responsible for this tiny life that’s been abandoned on their sofa.

“Hello? Scott? Gordon? Anyone?” There’s no reply, but he persists with calling anyway, “Did someone leave a baby here?” Evidently someone has and the poor kid is very upset about it, their face all screwed up and red. “Oh hey,” Hurrying round into the circle of sofas John scoops up the little bundle of wiggling, kicking feet. “Hey hey,” His voice goes very soft and gentle, tucking her close to his body heat to give the baby some sense of security. “What’re you crying about little one? Huh?” John bounces the baby slightly, deeply reminded of looking after Alan when he was little, “Who left you here, hey?”

A tiny chubby hand with the teeniest little fingernails reaches up towards him and the infant burbles something incomprehensible but pleased sounding at him. John stares at the miniature waving fist for a moment, gently rocking as the baby quietens in his arms and their face relaxes, leaving the child looking up at him with wide, curious eyes. Surprised, but pleased he’s still got the knack, John smiles at the little bundle.

“Well then,” He says to himself more than anyone, “Who’d have thought.”

[lenle-g]

“Scott, and I’m one-hundred percent serious about this, do you want me to come down there and make you some pasta?”

from Love is Stored in the Pasta @astranite <3

[lenle-g]

"That will be all, Parker." "Very good, M'Lady. Very good."

David Graham | 1925 - 2024

[lenle-g]

It doesn't matter the universe, there's always going to be a John Tracy 22,400 miles up on his space station, listening

Lucy suggested I create a 2004 and a 2015 version of the 1965 John I drew to make a cool transition aND-

[lenle-g]

I think Doctor Virgil comes from the 2004 movie as he’s the one who treats John when he gets blown up on TB5. It’s sensible to assume that all the brothers have some degree of medical training, they’re a rescue operation after all, but a lot of writers find it easier to select a bro to be the most proficient so that hospitals and messy triage can be skipped over. Virgil seems to have been cast into this since the aforementioned movie - I think it’s a thing that’s missing from earlier fics. Smother Hen’s been around longer than me but I think it’s just a thing that developed from Scott usually being cast into the role of overprotective big brother and everyone just kind of loves it so it’s stuck.

Smother hen?

I have been wondering, where did the smother hen thing come from? I know its been in the fandom since before TAG, but I have no clue where it came from…

Anybody have any ideas?   

[lenle-g]

The people have spoken: blond John with freckles

[lenle-g]

from this fic WIP by @mariashades, requested by @janetm74 <3

The engine of Lee’s little Piper PA-28 fixed wing roared into life and little Scotty, all of four years old, squealed in alarm and clapped his hands over his ears. Jeff, standing well back at the hangar, scooped Scott up and held him close until the plane had taxied over to the runway.  “Y’know, planes aren’t that scary,” he fondly said as soon as the plane was far enough away. “It’s just noise, nothing to be afraid of.”  “‘S not?” Scott asked, big eyes looking up at his father as he peeled his hands away from the sides of his head.  “Nope.” Jeff smiled. “Besides, we need the noise to fly, and that’s what we’re here to do, right?”  “Right.” Scott nodded, his little face so serious it made him go all gooey on the inside at the sight.  “So,” Jeff affected a serious mein (Lucy always called it his ‘Top Gun’ face), pulled his aviators out from where he’d hooked them on his shirt and put them on his nose. “Let’s saddle up, kiddo.”  Scott immediately put on his kiddie sized aviators (and Jeff went even gooier on the inside) and announced “Let’s saddle up!”  “Attaboy!” Jeff beamed as he walked over to his plane.

[lenle-g]

From this ficlet by @niffler-gold:

"Scott?" "Yes, Allie?" he replied, looking at him in his arms. "Big drop! I want to do the big drop!" Scott put him down. "He really hasn't let that go has he?" said Virgil. Scott turned to his father. "Dad, please?" He said in his best child-like voice. Next thing their dad knew all his sons were chiming in asking him. He looked at his youngest with pride as he reminded him so much of his late wife. "Are you sure you want to Alan?" A chorus of cheers went up from his sons. So off they went back to the 'big drop' Alan had called it. Luck was on their side (also tall genetics), as Alan was just tall enough for the ride. There were 5 seats each side so all of them could fit into the row. Scott lifted Alan up and pulled down his shoulder restraints securing him in before taking his own seat. The older boys knew exactly where to sit in order to look after the two minis. John was at the end and had Alan next to him. On the other side of Alan was Scott. And then Gordon, then Virgil. Alan looked tiny in the seat. Both John and Scott had their arms over him protectively. Gordon was grinning like a mad hatter. And Virgil on the end was making sure he was safe.

[lenle-g]

Inspired by this WIP by @melmac78:

John was near the stern, looking out to sea. He had enjoyed looking at all the planes on board as well as the ships sailing by - business and pleasure, but this too was a sight to see. Especially as he had grown just a smidge annoyed of hearing Scott talk about the T-34 Mentor to the Scouts, so he had a bit of peace to enjoy it. John was amazed at how the light and clear blue sky would reflect off the Gulf of Mexico, turning the normally brownish waters the same beautiful color. Out in the distance, some offshore oil rigs still dotted the distance. While biofuels and renewable sources were finally being produced with an even lower waste footprint, there still was the need for some oil products. He was feeling a bit tired and warm from the sun as he leaned over the side to look at what appeared to be a pod of dolphins swimming by... or were they those blue men-of-war that Gordon said don't touch? There were others sounds, but they seemed distant and blurred. John watched the pod seem to double and triple in size, confusing him. Then his head started feeling light. "Oh no." He thought vaguely, as a few moments later as he hit the rail at his waist. The pilot gave a faint yelp as he tilted over, the vertigo getting worse as he saw thick netting and a more angry water churning by the hull. His vision started to swim as he kept moving forward. He tried to grab the rail, but caught air instead... A pair of rough hands grab his baldric and pulled back. John stumbled from the course correction and fell back, still feeling as though the world was going down a drain... The same hands cradled him under the arms now as he was then set on the ground. The person was propping him up against their legs and chest. There were running sounds on the deck toward them, but they sounded about the same as the waves - ocean or his ears John wasn’t sure. The person holding him had a hand on his jaw, trying to get him to look at them. He could see someone, even though the image was slightly blurry as grey edges flickered in his blind spots. John just couldn't speak. There were more muddled sounds nearby, vocalizing a sound similar to a distant flock of seagulls. That was until louder bass timber - a voice John reminded himself - shooed them away. The same voice then tried again to get John to speak. He tried this time, but all that came out was a soft moan. John then felt the other person's hand run through his hair, who also assured him he was all right. Between the hand and then a light kiss on the top of his head, John realized he was indeed conscious and being held by a brother. Otherwise, he'd be stretched out on the deck - and admittedly the kiss would be a little odd. Then the same gentle hand was at his throat, checking his pulse. "John - can you hear me now?" said Virgil as he leaned into John's view, gently lifting his chin again to check the redhead's eye reaction.

[lenle-g]

October 8th | Happy Birthday John!

(...Alan wrangled him into a party hat and Gordon got him with the confetti canon)

[lenle-g]

[lenle-g]

From Serious Moments by @mariashades

This year, it was just after two in the morning when Virgil rolled out of bed and went looking for Scott. He’d been roused from a restless sleep when, informed by some subconscious awareness or instinct, he’d sensed Scott leaving his room. Padding quietly through the dimly lit house on bare feet, Virgil found the eldest on the mezzanine floor above the lounge, his tall frame curled up and wearing the old university tee shirt and sweatpants he usually slept in. Scott didn’t look up as Virgil approached, his eyes fixed on his watch and scarcely daring to blink as the numbers ticked over, a large open bottle of something dark in his other hand. Not even Virgil crouching beside the chair got a reaction. “Scott?” Virgil asked carefully, already planning how to get the bottle off his eldest brother. This was not a coping mechanism that he wanted to chance becoming a habit. “...I’m officially older than Mom,” was the reply, and Virgil felt his gut twist at the utter heartbreak in the words.

[lenle-g]

@human-still-developing asked:

Hey Len! My good friend Kat (@silverstarfics) is working on a multi-fic work called "Yesterday's Promise". I've attached a short excerpt and if it strikes your fancy I think she would love some fanart for her birthday soon <333

There was a faint pressure. Scott tracked it back to his hands and blinked, once, twice, realising that John was right in front of him and they were sitting on the floor and John was holding his hands, squeezing.

"Too dark," he choked out.

"EOS, lights, lowest setting."

The shadows retreated back to their corners. Light was good. Light was a barricade against sneak attacks. But light wasn't safe. Nothing was safe. Even here, home, away from the main threat that crept ever closer, there was no safety, not when the danger was in their own minds. Good luck finding secure ground when the foundations of your subconscious were crumbling.

Protect your brothers.

Except when you're the one putting them at greater risk.

"I f-froze."

John winced. "Right. That."

Typically, rooms weren't supposed to spin. Then again, typically Scott didn't feel like he was having a heart attack, so, you know… fun times. Talking of time, he was taking up too much of it. Too much everything. Take a breath, there's oxygen here somewhere, oh look, John's talking again…

"Scott."

John sounded strangely panicked. John never sounded panicked. Occasionally overwhelmed but never properly panicked. And yet…

Why is he crying, a small, logical part of Scott's brain asked, filled with concern because he could count on one hand the number of times he'd seen John cry.

"Come back to me."