Archive of Our Own

The house was bathed in the bright light of a full moon, but neither occupant noticed. It was a month after Clay for Kids reopened and love was in the air. They were too busy snuggling into each other as if to soak in every moment and slow down time. They were no strangers to this routine; however, tonight’s meant more than usual as they were going to be home for a few days. He had work while she had a flight to catch in the morning for a bachelorette trip for a lifelong friend.

As a single moonbeam filtered in through the curtains, she finally spoke. Her head turned up slightly but laying against his bare chest. “Baby?”

“Yes, my love,” his voice was full of pure love.

“Can I ask you something that’s been on my mind while I was packing earlier?”

“Of course.” He leaned down and kissed her. “You know I’m an open book with you.”

“I know we both cherish the memory of how we met.” “I also cherish the memory of how I met Vera.” “My question to you is how would you have liked to meet the boys if you could have met them before joining the department?”

The question stopped him in his tracks. Not because of the timing, but because it made him think. “Ya know baby, that’s an amazing question.”

She leaned up and kissed him. “I’m going to add to it.”

“Oh?”

“Would you have met them all at the same time or individually?”

“Oooh.” “Can I get back to you on that when you get home?” “I’d like to talk to them about it.”

“That’s fair.”

The couple shared a warm kiss before the topics turned to a more personal nature. Slowly talking turned into more intimate fun until they fell asleep with her on his shoulder and his other arm around her lovingly.

Time passed silently in the room that was filled with deep breathing and contented sleep. Neither moved during the night, soaking in each other’s scent and feel. While they wanted time to stand still, it did not oblige them. Their dreamlike evening ended with the blaring of the alarm clock perched on the nightstand to the left of the bed.

At first, they tried to sleep through it. However, the unending sound forced them to open their eyes and acknowledge it. He reached over and turned it off as she kissed his shoulder. For a few moments neither moved as they woke up. Finally, she sat up enough for him to roll over and sit up.

After sharing a good morning kiss, they headed for the bathroom. She started the shower while he took care of business. By the time he was done, she’d brushed her teeth and the water was their ideal temperature. He stepped in first and reached out a long, tan arm to help her into their waterfall of love.

At first the water cascaded over the intertwined lovers as they woke up with their favorite kind of cardio. After a few minutes of fun, she lovingly washed every crevice of his body before he returned the favor. Once they were sufficiently clean, he reached over and shut the water off. Then he reached over and wrapped her in a long, thick towel.

The process of drying each other was a slow, sensual one. They’d purposely built time in for this as they savored their last few moments in each other’s arms. All too soon, it was time for them to untangle and get dressed. He followed her into the bedroom after hanging the towel to dry. She slipped into her favorite flying outfit, a comfortable top, and equally comfortable jeans. He slid into the baby blue top and dark blue pants of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Normally, he did not dress out at home. However, today he was not going straight to the station. Instead, the couple walked hand in hand out of the bedroom. They didn’t stop for coffee but rather went straight to the front door where their bags were waiting. Minutes later they were on the road. Breakfast was from their favorite fast-food location. It consisted of easy to eat, car-friendly items and of course a strong cup of black gold for each of them.

The sun was just painting the sky the colors of early dawn as they drove through town. The early hour meant traffic was extremely quiet and easy to move through. After finishing breakfast, they turned the radio up and started singing off key to every upbeat song they could find.

It was as if they blinked and suddenly the sprawling expanse of Los Angeles International Airport was in front of them. They joined the winding line for departures as they held hands tightening their grip as the terminal grew closer. Their eyes shone as he found a parking spot along the curb in front of her terminal. Both climbed out of the car before he retrieved her small suitcase from the back seat.

He walked it around the car and handed it over on the sidewalk as they held each other in a tight embrace. It ended with a shower of kisses and promises to call when she landed. Not wanting to risk each other being late, they parted ways after signing I love you to one another. He climbed back into the car and headed for the station while she headed inside.

As he drove toward his second home, the morning traffic began to pick up. Yet, his senses were as sharp as always. Thanks to knowledge of back roads gained during work, he was able to make it to the station forty-five minutes early after a quick stop for the paper.

He pulled into the lot and found his traditional spot before climbing out and grabbing his bag and extra uniforms. Although he hoped he wouldn’t need them, they were always on hand just in case. Armed with the necessary items he made the quiet trek across the parking lot. Moments later, he continued his silent walk to the locker room.

The apparatus bay was full of the sounds of snoring and sleep as his C shift counterparts desperately clawed back as much sleep as possible for the morning tones. Already dressed, he dropped his bag off, hung up his uniforms, picked up the newspaper, and left the room.

His route to the dayroom was diverted as he took a quick walk around the lumbering sleeping engine that would soon be in his hands. The initial look revealed the engine had seen some work, but overall, it was a calm evening. After a quick tap, he headed for the dayroom to start the coffee and read the paper.

Thanks to his girl’s early flight he was the first member of his shift to arrive for the day. His presence on the couch startled Henry, who had been sound asleep. A quick scratch behind the ear sent the dog back to dreamland. His first reading of the paper ended as the coffee finished brewing.

As if the black gold had an unseen beacon shining in it, a fresh set of footsteps entered the garage. Mike smiled as he poured both cups of steaming brew. He avoided adding anything to them as he would later in the day. Their first cups were always the straight black jet fuel needed to quickly prepare for whatever awaited them.

The new footsteps soon stopped in the doorway. A shocked Hank Stanley smiled at his blue-eyed fellow officer. His voice was low as he walked into the room. “Good morning, Mike, what are you doing here so early?”

Mike smiled as he handed Hank his coffee. “Lucy had a plane to catch this morning from LAX.” “I drove her to the airport and figured I’d just get in a bit early.”

“How was traffic?”

“Smooth.”

“Good deal.”

The guys savored their first mouthfuls of coffee. This was always a unique time for them as it was the only guaranteed quiet cup of the day. It was an even more rare circumstance when C shift was asleep through this moment. If they were being honest both cherished this time as it allowed them to wake up and mentally prepare for whatever the next twenty-four hours held.

About halfway through the cup, Mike came up for air. “Hank, can I ask you something?”

“What’s on your mind?” Hank looked his friend in the eye curiously. He loved these quiet conversations because they could cover a variety of topics.

Mike smiled warmly, “Lucy asked me something last night that has been on my mind.”

“Oh?”

“It’s a fun question I’d like to ask everybody.”

“Okay, color me curious.”

“If you could have met us outside of the department, how do you think we would have met?” “She also added do you think we would have met everybody at the same time or individually?”

Hank whistled softly as he finished his coffee. “Ooh that’s a really good question.” “I can think of an interesting way.”

“Oh?” Mike refilled their cups before they moved the quiet conversation to the couch; much to Henry’s dismay.

“A coast-to-coast road trip.”

“Now that could be fun.” Mike grinned. “Where would you have started?”

Hank paused as he thought, “I’ll get back to you on that because I have a couple ideas.” “I want to see what the other guys think too.”

“Okay.”

“Where would you have started if you were doing a cross-country road trip to meet us?”

Mike swallowed as he wiped his suddenly damp eyes. “For me it would have been a round trip not just one way journey.”

“Why?”

“I’d have probably started the trip just after I put Lucy on the plane back to Italy after high school.”  Mike swallowed a large swig of coffee. “Those first weeks after she left were brutal.”

Hank shook his head, “I can’t even imagine what you went through.”

The guys went quiet for a few minutes as they finished their second cups of coffee. It was time for C shift to wake up.

Hank smiled, “I’ll be right back and yes I am still thinking about the trip.”

“Okay.”

Hank stood and headed for the locker room. Mike sat back and enjoyed the last few moments of silence before the station woke up. He stood, took the coffee cups to the sink, and cleaned them. Then he started a fresh pot for C shift just before the wake-up tones went off.

As the on-duty crew woke up and started moving, Hank walked back into the kitchen. “Mike, I’ve got it.”

“Oh?”

“I know where I would start my cross-country trip.”

“Oh?”

“I’d have started it when I was in college before I met Jamie.” “Likely I’d have started at my parents’ home in Northern Virginia.”

“Always a safe choice.”

The conversation paused as the room began to fill with their bleary-eyed counterparts. Each man was grateful for the coffee and thanked them.

An hour went by before Hank decided to change roll call. It had been a long month for his crew, and he wanted to start the day with something different. “Boys, grab a cup of coffee, we’re going to do roll call a bit different.”

Curious, but comforted by Hank’s relaxed tone, the crew did as they were told. Mike switched to milk so as not to berate his stomach with a fourth cup of coffee and not much food to wash it down. Once everybody had their chosen drink, the crew gathered around the kitchen table.

Roll call started with a few notes from headquarters and the doling out of chores. Then came the twist. Hank smiled, “Okay boys, now that we got the normal stuff out of the way, I have an interesting question to ask you.” “Mike asked me this morning, and I want to see how you’ll respond.”

Stay asleep ya twits, the crew thought. They were intrigued by Hank’s introduction.

The smiling captain continued, “It’s a three-part question. If you could meet us before the fire service, how would we meet? Would it be individually or as a group? My addition, if you could take a cross-country road trip to meet us, where would you start?”

The crew gasped. Johnny spoke up first, “I would have loved to meet you guys before we did.” “How would we have met?” His voice thickened, “It probably would have been when I tried to run away from the reservation after my mom died.”

The guys were stunned, “Wait you did what?” Mike asked quietly.

Johnny sucked in a long, deep breath. “Mike, I’ll tell you after everybody has their turn.”

Mike nodded, “Okay.”

Roy spoke up. “I think I’d have met you guys either in pairs or individually.” “It would have been during spring break my senior year of high school.” “I like the idea of the road trip leaving from around here.”

Chet nodded, “Roy took my idea.” “I’d probably leave from my grandparents’ house in Northern New Jersey.”

Mike nodded, “Roy, you and I would have been doing round trips.” “I’d have left from my parents just after we put Lucy on the plane to go back to Italy after high school.”  “I think pairs or singles are the nature of the game.”

Marco asked, “Cap?”

“I have done the road trip leaving from my parents’ house in Northern Virginia.” “Depending on the time of year I would have probably headed north before I went west.”  “I am also in the pairs or singles group.” “I would have waited until I finished my time in the service and just stayed out here.”

Marco smiled, “I love the road trip idea. I’d have gone on it after my dad died when my mom went back to Mexico for a bit.” “It would have been the perfect mental reset.” “I am also in the pairs or singles group.”

As Marco finished his answer, the county woke up. Unfortunately, for the guys, it proved to be one of those days. Luckily, Lucy caught Mike at home when the engine crew stopped to make sandwiches between fires. Her flight had been smooth and exciting as she joined some of the other party goers.

Seconds after they hung up, the station was called out to a massive commercial fire. It kept them on their toes until midnight. The fire was so huge that two full battalions were called out to fight it. The beast was finally brought under control where they could be released at 0100.

McConnikee put the station on rehab for two hours with the move up unit staying in place to cover the area. Two trucks of tired men found hope and serenity in the sight of their small home away from home. The move up unit stayed in the driveway to let them shower and decompress. There was also a vague hope for sleep.

Marco and Chet hung hose while Mike gave Red some TLC. Johnny opted for a sink bath while Roy took a fast shower. Hank started the coffee to get them through the decompression and paperwork session.

Twenty minutes later the guys gathered around the table. Roy, Johnny, and Hank started working on the paperwork for the run as the others trickled in. The call was discussed as they tackled the paperwork trail it created.

It was 0230 when the last word was written. The paper trail was cleared through blurry eyes. Although eyes were still sharp enough to realize Johnny didn’t relax the way he normally did after paperwork.

Hank blinked a few times to clear his vision. Yes, he was exhausted, but he was more concerned about his youngest charge. However, Roy beat him to the question that quietly filled the room.

“Johnny, you, okay?”

Johnny swallowed hard, he never liked to have his crewmates worried about him. “Yea, I’m good.” The words sounded hollow and not just because he was tired.

Roy doubled back, “Junior, if I believed that not only have, I failed as your partner, but I’ve failed as your friend.” “Wanna try that again?”

Johnny swallowed again, this time he knew he couldn’t escape. “I’ve been better, but I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling right now.” “Part of it is because I know we’re exhausted and the other reason being I’m still wrapping my head around what I’m feeling.”

The honest answer said a lot to the crew in very few words. Roy patted his best friend’s shoulder. “Whenever you need to talk, we’ll be ready and willing to listen even if it’s on one of our off days.”

Johnny nodded, “Guys, to say thank you is never going to be enough.” “I hope I won’t ruin anybody’s day off…”

Mike shook his head and voiced everybody’s opinion, “Johnny, you’re not going to ruin our time off if you need to talk.” “Goodness knows that this crazy bunch will jump at any hour to help one of our own.”

Hank nodded, “You took the words out of my mouth, Mike.”

Johnny nodded tiredly, “And I can’t thank you enough for starting that mentality, Cap, but right now I don’t even think I can keep my eyes open long enough to start the story let alone finish it.”

Hank nodded, “You’re welcome and I don’t blame you.” “Come on boys, sack time.”

The normally feisty bunch made a quick exit from the kitchen much to the delight of the already sleeping Henry. If he was being honest, the basset hound enjoyed the quiet when possible. Everyone including Henry shared the same thought as the guys got ready for bed, stay asleep ya twits. Tonight’s been long enough.

Moments after they walked into the dorms, the room was filled with the sounds of sleep. The four hours before the morning tones passed silently. It was as if the universe heard and understood their desperate plea.

A chorus of groans and moans echoed off the brick walls after Hank acknowledged the tones. The guys were clearly still feeling the impact of their last call. It took a few extra minutes, but eventually they got up and got the day started. By the time B shift showed up, they were fed, full of caffeine, and grateful for the time off.

Johnny was especially grateful as he needed time to collect his thoughts. The idea of the cross-country road trip still appealed to him. His brief explanation may have only taken moments, but it brought back a lot of painful memories.

“Hey Roy?” Johnny jogged over to his best friend’s sports car.

“Yeah?” Roy’s voice was full of the concern he felt for the man who felt like his younger brother but was also his best friend.

“Are you going to be busy either late tonight or some time tomorrow?”

“Joanne’s mother is coming into town, but otherwise no.” “However, anytime you need me I’ll be there.”

Johnny swallowed, “Thank you.”

“Do you want me to meet you somewhere?”

Johnny swallowed, “I’m not sure, I am going to start the day at the Silver Horseshoe and go from there.”

“Why the ranch?”

“I need a hard ride to clear my head to be able to talk with you guys.”

“That makes sense.” “Would you like me to come with you?”

“Not yet. Enjoy sometime with the kids and Jo.” “Once I can voice my thoughts, I’ll call you.”

“Okay.” Roy laid a hand on Johnny’s arm, “don’t rush yourself. Take all the time you need to get yourself right.”

Johnny nodded, “I promise.” “Would you mind calling the others, so I don’t run up a phone bill at the ranch?”

“Not at all.”

“Thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Looking forward to it.”

The duo split as Johnny turned and headed for his Rover. Moments later, he followed Roy out of the parking lot. The guys followed each other for quite a bit until Johnny split off to head home.

 Roy watched him split off as he stopped at a red light. Ride hard Junior, but please be careful, we’ll talk when you’re ready. The thought ended as the light turned green and Roy’s focus returned to the road.

For his part, Johnny made a quick stop just up the road. He needed to top off his gas tank plus he grabbed a soda and a granola bar. The veteran of many rough, emotional mornings, he knew better than to eat a lot for a while. Yet, he knew he needed something. After refueling he was back on the road.

Instead of listening to the radio, he opened the window and let the air around him speak to him. While he was excited by the idea of the road trip that was discussed at work, he knew he owed the guys an explanation for his comment to Mike. The idea of opening that emotional and painful worm hole to the past scared the paramedic more than he wanted to even admit to himself.

The peace of the ride let him realize just how bad he needed the coming ride. It also gave him time to drink his soda and prepare his body. Yes, he was sore from the midnight fire, but he needed this. Forty-five minutes after leaving the station, Johnny pulled up to the ranch.

A light smile filled his face as he turned up the long, rocky driveway. He took a few deep breaths as he pulled into a parking spot close to the bunkhouses. He shut the engine off and took a breath before he climbed out and retrieved his hat from the back seat. He was already wearing his cowboy boots, a button-down shirt, and jeans. He locked the door and tossed his keys in his pocket.

Instead of his normal quick walk to the barn, he slowed down and took in the sounds of the ranch. His friend Brett’s voice caught his ear as he stepped onto the edge of the barn. “Take Midnight out,” Brett said, “Let her run, but be careful she’s been extra spicy today.”

“Yes Sir,” the young ranch hand he was talking to replied before leaving to retrieve the young horse.

Johnny cleared his throat to get Brett’s attention. Brett looked up at the sound and was surprised by the new arrival. He jogged over and smiled, “Good morning, my friend, this is a surprise.”

Johnny blushed, “I hope I didn’t scare you.” Johnny said as he extended his hand.

“Not at all,” Brett shook the outstretched hand. “Are you up for a ride or just coming by to say hello?”

“To ride Ember if I won’t be in the way.”

“You? Never.” “Something must be on your mind if you’re ready to ride this early.”

Johnny nodded, “Truthfully, there’s enough on my mind to cover the ranch three times over.”

Brett cringed, “Sorry you’re going through it my friend.” “Is there anything I can do for you?”

Johnny shook his head, “Not right now. However, later, I’ll need a drink and something for a massive headache.”

“You got it.”

The guys were talking as Johnny groomed and prepared Ember for the coming hard ride. Brett climbed aboard his horse to get ready for some other chores he had on the ranch. Yet, he waited for Johnny. Once the paramedic mounted his ride, the duo left the barn and split.

Johnny headed for Ember‘s favorite pasture to run in. Thankfully, it was clear that the work for the day was in other areas of the ranch. The horse became excited when he realized the location and naturally started picking up speed.

The duo naturally picked up speed until they were at a full gallop. Thankfully, the horse had an unlimited amount of energy. It let the paramedic run him to the horse’s limits for an hour.

By the time they arrived back at the barn, Ember was exhausted and his rider was finally ready to talk. His pain was inches from the surface as Brett joined them with the requested medicine as well as some crackers. “How did the ride go?”

Johnny coughed to clear his throat that had dried out because of the dirt in the pasture. “It’s exactly what I needed to focus my mind.”

“Good.” “Here,” Brett handed over the requested drink, medicine, and a pack of crackers. The crackers were a surprise addition.

“How’d you know I’d need the crackers?”

“I can’t take even the lightest pain meds without some type of food.” “If I try to, I regret it the rest of the day.”

“Oh, trust me you are not alone on that boat.”

The conversation paused briefly so Johnny could eat his snack and take his medicine. After finishing his water, he asked, “do you mind if I use the phone?”

“Not at all, come on.”

After taking care of the horses, the duo made the relatively short trip to Brett’s place. The cowboy had made sure he was ahead of his chores in case Johnny needed help after his ride. They walked in and took their hats off.

“The phone is on the wall, feel free to call whoever you need to.”

Johnny nodded, “Thank you,” he took another long drink as he walked over to the phone and picked it up. He dialed Roy’s number from memory.

The phone rang twice before Joanne’s warm voice filled his ears. “Hello?”

Johnny was surprised only for a second. “Hi Jo, it’s Johnny.”

“Hey Johnny, hang on a second Roy’s right here.”

“Thanks.” Johnny drank down the final swig of his soda.

Moments later, Roy was on the phone. “Hey Junior, how was your ride?”

“Exactly what I needed,” Johnny’s voice thickened. “I can finally almost get through the story without losing it completely on you guys.”

“Glad it worked,” Roy’s voice was gentle and comforting. “Where do you want us to meet you?”

Johnny took a quick breath and swallowed back a gas bubble driven by his emotion and his drink. “I’m actually torn about that.” “Part of me wants to meet you guys somewhere special, part of me just needs to get raw here and now.”

“Take a breath and tell me what you feel.” “If the mountains are screaming, we’ll meet you there.” “If you want to meet us somewhere else, we’ll do that.”

Johnny went quiet for a minute. For the briefest moment, he closed his eyes and was not in Brett’s house. His mind raced for a moment before he found his voice again. “Can we meet at my place? I know it’s tight with everybody there, but I need to show you guys something.” His voice barely sounded like his own.

Roy replied quickly. “You bet your boots. Now the most important question, are you okay to drive?”

The emotional man swallowed a hiccup, “I can be.”

His best friend didn’t like that answer. “Is Brett there?”

Johnny looked back and saw the concerned cowboy watching him. “He’s right behind me.”

“Can you put him on the phone for a minute, please?”

“Okay.”

Johnny took the phone off his ear and Brett walked over, “he wants to talk to you.”

Brett took the phone, “Hi Roy, how can I help you?”

“Can you do us all a favor and drive Johnny back to his place?”

“Sure, let me do a couple things for a minute, but I’ll be glad to.”

“Thank you so much.” Roy took a breath, “I’ll be honest, I’d rather him not drive right now.”

A quick look at Johnny confirmed Roy’s concerns. “I’ll take care of him, I promise.”

“Thank you, see you soon.”

Brett hung up before he turned to his friend. He was concerned when he saw the pained look in his eyes.

Brett’s voice was filled with worry. “Johnny, you, ok?”

The emotional man shook his head, “Not even close,” Johnny’s voice shook. “The emotions that the ride brought up in me are begging to come out.”

“Bad call last night?”

“No, more personal.” “One of the guys started an interesting conversation last night and it struck a nerve with me.”

Brett was intrigued, “Do you mind if I ask what the topic was?”

“What would happen if we met each other on a road trip well before we met at work?”

Brett grinned, “Now that sounds fun.”

“Normally, I’d agree with you, but then I stuck my foot in my mouth and unintentionally reopened an old wound.”

Brett sobered, “I know that you want to talk to your guys, but if something pours out, I’ll listen to anything.”

“Thank you, my friend that means a lot.”

“My pleasure.”

Brett kept an eye on Johnny while the guys chatted for a while. Johnny helped with a few small tasks that took them to Brett’s truck. He’d received permission to drive Johnny home. After a quick bathroom stop, the guys climbed in the truck and headed out.

The seasoned cowboy knew whatever monster was chewing on his slightly younger friend was bad because Johnny was painfully quiet during the trip. As his small place came into view Johnny’s stomach gurgled as his throat tightened with emotion.

“Do you have to leave?” The question was asked so quietly, Brett wondered if he’d heard it right.

“No, I can stay until whenever you are okay.”

“Thank you.” “I just…I don’t want to be alone,” Johnny’s voice was as thick as cold molasses.

“My friend, you sound almost sick.”

“Then I sound as good as I feel even after a hard ride.”

Brett was suddenly grateful that Johnny’s house was just a few feet away. It was clear the hurting man was on the edge of something very painful. Johnny bowed his head as the truck turned into the driveway. He didn’t realize that everybody else was already there until the engine shut off.

As soon as it did the rest of the guys descended as if they were on a call. Brett climbed out of the truck and said, “Roy, he’s not good.’

Roy nodded as he flipped Brett his keys. “We’ll get him, can you open the door for us?”

Brett nodded and headed for the door as Roy opened Johnny’s door. The sound made the emotional man look up.

He was only slightly stunned to realize he was staring into Roy’s eyes. “Hey Pally, you got here, quick.”

Roy nodded, “Told ya we would.”

“My head is spinning so bad right now.”

“Let us get you inside and then you can scream, cry, talk, anything you need to do.”

“I’m not sure I trust my balance right now.”

“Slide to me. I’ve got you.”

Johnny unbuckled and slid over to Roy. He felt familiar strong arms around him as his best friend around him. Suddenly, there was another set of arms, belonging to Hank, around him. The walk to the front door was painfully slow. Johnny was able to walk but was supported because of his shaky balance. The rest of the engine crew led them into the house. It was clear it was going to be a long, painful day that was desperately needed.

Johnny coughed thickly as they walked inside. “I can’t thank you guys enough for being here.” “I never realized how much I needed this until I felt my stomach flip on the way here.”

“Do you need something for your stomach before you start?”

“A soda for now, not sure about later.” Johnny’s throat was tight as he was lowered to the couch.

Brett was stunned at how quickly the others moved. While Marco grabbed a soda, the rest of the guys quickly surrounded their hurting brother. Mike even motioned Brett into the semi-circle so Johnny could see that everybody was there for him.

Roy’s voice was gentle, but respectful. “Johnny, look around. You are safe it’s us.”

Johnny looked around slowly as the cold soda was placed in his hand. He gulped it faster than he intended before his head dropped. His voice was thick and full of pain that had been buried for years. “I felt better than I do right now when we buried Drew.”

“I’m sorry if my question yesterday hurt you.” Mike felt horrible.

Johnny shook his head. “It didn’t. I absolutely love the idea of a road trip with you guys.” He gulped more soda. “The thought of why I tried to run is what has me tied up in more knots than should be humanly possible.”

Hank spoke in his gentle fatherly voice as Johnny tensed with years of pent-up emotion. “Johnny, don’t make yourself sick. Yes, we want to hear as much of that story as you want to tell us, but please don’t fight your physical reaction.”

“I…I’m afraid of it.” While he hated to admit any kind of weakness, he knew he couldn’t lie.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know how it’s going to come out.”

“Son take a breath, close your eyes, and let your body do what it needs to do.” “I promise none of us are going to move an inch.”

Johnny couldn’t fight himself anymore. Wordlessly, he took Hank’s advice. For a few moments, the room was still then suddenly a series of animalistic screams, followed by a rough cough/burp and a flood of hot tears filled the room.

As the group held the hurting man gently, Brett thought, Thank you Ember. You broke him in the best way possible. Johnny bounced between screaming and crying for forty-five minutes. No words were spoken as the feel of a combined backrub let the hurting man know he was safe. As the screams melted into continuous tears, Brett broke away to get medicine, tea, and crackers.

Finally, an hour after returning home, Johnny went quiet. Roy held him gently as Brett brought over the tea. Hank laid a cold cloth on his neck which allowed the paramedic to catch his breath.

“I…I couldn’t stop.” Johnny’s voice was raw from the last hour.

Roy spoke gently, “It’s okay we knew you needed it.”

“I ran…” Johnny coughed against a sore throat. He was rewarded with tea which he sipped. “Who made this?”

Brett replied nervously, “I did.” “Is something wrong with it?”

“No, it’s absolutely perfect.”

“I hope it helps.”

“It will.” Johnny slowly picked his head up. He took another long drink before he looked at the group. “I ran from the reservation the night my mom died because I was mad, scared, and in a lot of pain.” “I wanted to save her, but I didn’t have the skills or the tools to do so.”

Johnny barely muted a needed burp before he continued, “I ran nearly ten miles before the local LEO found me and brought me home.” “I tried to run three more times before I was finally shipped out to my aunt and uncle.” “I wish I could have met you guys during that time.”

“Why?” Mike asked gently.

“As much as we might drive each other crazy, we are the family I’ve never had.” “It’s because of this crew that I am an uncle to Roy’s kids.” “It’s because of you guys I know that I can chase dreams I never thought possible like the firefighter Olympics and all.”

Johnny groaned, “Brett, did you grab some medicine?”

“I did,” Brett handed over the medicine and crackers.

The hurting man took the medicine and crackers gratefully. He groaned, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Roy asked, “How are you feeling now?”

“Better now.”

“Good.”

Hank looked around the group. “While we’re all here, does anybody else have anything to get off your chest? I don’t care if it’s work related or not.” “Brett, the floor is open to you too.”

Brett was stunned by the offer, “Thank you. I’m good but thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The tired crew stayed quiet but began to snuggle in for some needed rest. Seeing the guys settle down, Brett excused himself to get back to the ranch for dinner. Johnny walked him to the door.

“Thank you for everything today my friend.”

“My pleasure.” “Go rest for now. We’ll keep your truck safe until you pick it up.”

“Thank you.”

Johnny stayed at the door to watch Brett back down the driveway. His outburst earlier had him exhausted, but his friend’s safety was paramount. Once Brett was safely on the road, the tired man joined the rest of his crew.

By then the others were at various levels of wakefulness. Chet and Marco were listening only with their eyes closed. Mike was fighting the sandman as were Roy and Hank. Once Johnny rejoined them, the guys settled down for a much-needed family nap. The stress that had once filled the house melted as a six-man chorus of snores replaced it.

The naps lasted several hours before they slowly woke up. As the first up, Johnny oversaw the coffee. As the coffee brewed, the others slowly woke up.

Marco was the first to join Johnny in the kitchen. “You are a God.”

Johnny smiled, “Nah. Just wanted to make sure you guys wake up gently.”

“I didn’t realize how bad I needed that until just now.”

“Me either. I slept deeper over the last few hours than I have in longer than I care to admit.”

“Good, I’m glad,” echoed the voices of Roy and Hank as they walked into the kitchen. Mike and Chet were not far behind.

“Guys, to say thank you.”

Chet cut Johnny off, “You’re welcome. Just do us a favor.”

“Yes?”

Hank replied, “Don’t wait until you’re sick and spinning out of control to talk to us.” “You know we’ll listen to anything at any hour.”

Johnny nodded, “I know. I’ll do my best to work on that.”

“It’s all we ask.”

The guys enjoyed their coffee before they headed out. Roy took Johnny back to the ranch to get the Rover. Then they headed for Roy’s, Johnny kept clothes there anytime he wanted to stay, especially when Roy’s monster-in-law was in town.

On his way home, Mike stopped by LAX to pick up Lucy. He was eager to have her home. Their embrace at the airport was emotional yet romantic and passionate. When they finally relaxed, they walked arm in arm to the truck.

The trip home was filled with stories from Lucy’s weekend. Mike purposely held off on his story until they got home. He even managed to keep the subject on other topics as they stopped for dinner.

As night settled in, they returned home and headed for the bedroom. After a warm, sensual shower, they settled into bed. She snuggled into his arms gazing at him.

Mike gazed down, “My dear, I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you so much too baby.”

“Do you remember your question the other day?”

“Yes, why?”

“I asked the guys that morning.”  “We came up with a collective answer.”

“Oooh really,” Lucy was excited.

“We would meet either in pairs or individually on a cross-country road trip.”

“Now that is an awesome idea.” “We should try that some time.

“Ooh, I like that idea.”

Lucy yawned, “We’ll plan the trip another day, but right now I need to find my eyelids in my favorite place to sleep.”

Mike kissed her passionately. “Sleep well baby. I love you, Bella.”

“I love you too Bello, have a great night.”

They slid into dreamland snuggled together under the blankets surrounded by love and creative dreams.