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9-1-1<Chapter 1<The Chopper
Lucy boarded their patient into the chopper and off they went. She had a weird gut feeling that something was bound to go wrong, but she couldn’t shake what it was. All she knew was that she had to trust her gut, and use her knowledge. Little did she know, what they were in for.
Not even a minute after getting into the air, a crumble noise comes from below. The chopper suddenly stops moving and is stuck in place while in air. Lucy looks out the window, her patient crying and worrying about her best friends daughter. All she could see was dust and debris all around as the bridge collapsed.
9-1-1<Dispatch
Maddie was doing her work like normal as an LA dispatcher. Moments later she hears something that will rock her world upside down.
All around her, she heard her fellow colleagues taking multiple calls of report that the bridge at the 710 South interchange collapsed with a fire team on it. The radio spooked Maddie as she wasn’t expecting it. It was Air Ambulance two.
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. Come in dispatch. Reporting a bridge collapse at the 710 South interchange. Firefighters down, I repeat, firefighters down!”
Her voice was shaky and unsteady as she screamed into the radio.
“Copy Air two. Can you re-route to assist?”
She said as she was shaking her head rapidly, awaiting the response.
A voice came over the radio.
“Negative. We have a priority spinal transfer.”
Maddie shook her head at the sound of the word,
negative.
“Ok, do you have a visual on how many firefighters are down?”
Lucy sighed before answering.
“All of them. The entire 118.”
Lucy looked down at the bridge, hoping for movement from anyone, anyone at all.
Maddie put her hand over her mouth and her eyes started to tear up. Josh, walking by and doing his rounds, saw Maddies eyes glisten. Before he could ask what was wrong, she started talking.
“All firehouses in the downtown area, requesting additional units. Heavy rescue and USSAR to the 710 South Interchange…firefighters down. Dispatch requesting all LAPD units in the vicinity of the 710 South interchange, the overpass collapsed with both civilian and first responder casualties. Approach with caution..”
Athena answered over the radio,
“727-L-30 responding
,” then frantically started texting Bobby.
“Maddie..”
Josh quietly asked the worried young women as she was hyper-focused.
“Why don’t you take a break? You’re too close to the victims. You know protocol.”
“You have to inform me of protocol, but you don’t have to enforce it.”
9-1-1<Bridge Collapse
The 118 was just about to start leaving when the bridge collapsed. Hen and Chimney were stuck in the ambulance, Bobby fell to who knows where, Ravi waiting at the top with the engine and Buck fell onto the ambulance hood. Buck slowly got up as he didn’t loose consciousness, just swept off his feet. He looked around at the atrocity around him. The bridge was down, debris everywhere, cars crashed. He looked below him to see civilians, and remembered Bobby went down that way. Buck grabs hold of his radio and starts talking worryingly.
“118? 118, this is Buck. Hen? Eddie? Chim? Bobby? Anyone? What is your status.”
The silence was almost deafening as he anxiously awaited the status of his fellow teammates, and family. He tried again.
“Bobby? Cap. Come in.”
Buck looked down inside the ambulance only to see Hen unconscious with a superficial cut on her forehead. He muttered to himself, and told Hen he was on his way. He yelled at Ravi, who was at the top of the collapse, that he was coming up to get gear and make his way to save his friends.
9-1-1<Bridge Collapse
Ravi threw down a small-ish rope for Buck to grab hold of, and he started climbing. When he got to the top, he radioed once again, but still no response. Buck strapped in with the winch, which was connected to the engine, brought a med bag and made his way down to Hen and Chimney. As Buck got in the passenger side of the car, Hen started to re-gain consciousness.
“Huh? Buck? What happened.”
The woman asked quite unaware. Buck started to undo his harness and give it to Hen.
“The bridge collapsed.”
“Hello? Anyone there?”
A deep-ish voice said over the radio that made Buck turn his attention elsewhere.
“Eddie? Ed- where are you?”
9-1-1<Dispatch
As Maddie was listening to the 118’s radios, she waited her soon to be husband’s voice, hoping he made it. After a while, the weight was lifted off her shoulders.
“Buck? This is Chimney. I’m in the back of the ambulance with Jo. So far doing alright.”
“Copy Chim.”
9-1-1<Bridge Collapse
Then, Eddie made his whereabouts known.
“I’m down in the RV below the ambulance. Pretty sure I got a few broken ribs. Maybe a sprained ankle as well. Getting a little lightheaded down here”
“Ok, Eddie, do not and I mean do not, move that much. This whole thing is on the verge of collapsing again.” Buck chimed into his radio and heard Eddie click to confirm he heard what Buck said. Buck turned his attention back to Hen, who was still next to him, conscious.
“Any sign of Cap?”
Hen asked. Buck look down toward the road, but still saw nothing.
“No response yet.”
Hen just nodded as her head started to throb, feeling like she was just hit in the head with a pan. Buck grabbed the small penlight, and looked at her pupils. He concluded that she had dilated pupils, usually springing from a concussion. Buck, feeling that the car was getting unsteady, gave Hen his harness to get to the bottom. She put it on, and quickly went to go check in with Chimney. Hen opened the door, ready to take either him or Jo with her, but Chimney opposed.
“Chim-“
“Whatever you do, take the girl first. I’ll be fine.”
A pool of blood started forming around Chimneys abdomen as he had been impaled by the gurney. Chimney looked a little pale, and a little disoriented from the sound of his voice. Hen nodded reluctantly, and grabbed Jo into the harness with her. She started making her way down with Jo just as Buck was making his way down to Eddie.
Athena just then arrived on scene, and was at the lower level of the collapse. She looked around hastily as she was looking for her husband. After hearing from Hen over the radio he was unaccounted for, she muttered to herself and started assisting civilians away from the collapsed bridge.
As Buck reached Eddie, he heard the cars shifting even more. Buck hurried and opened the door. Eddie was there, but crushed by the refrigerator, and lying on his stomach.
“Hey.”
Buck said with a slight smirk on his face as he saw Eddie okay. “Any sign of cap?”
Buck waited, as he got asked that question for what seemed to bd the one millionth time. All he could think of was to shake his head. Buck thought pulling Eddie out would be the easiest, and the quickest way; despite hurting him with his broken ribs.
“Sorry, but this is going to hurt.”
“I guess so.”
Buck counted down and starting pulling Eddie. The screams coming from his mouth were
unforgettable.
Eddie groaned as he got pulled out and grabbed onto Bucks shoulder as he helped him down. Buck looked back to gladly see that Hen and Jo making their way down to the bottom. Buck and Eddie carefully
made their way down to the road and all the sudden Buck remembered about Chim.
Out the of blue, just as they all circled toward the bottom, the RV falls down, crushing a cargo box below and making the ambulance door swing open; exposing Chimney. Everyone gasps at the sight that they are seeing, and starts to see some blood trailing down the bridge. Buck quickly springs into action, attempting to scale the steep bridge. Things were flying out of the ambulance, Chim only holding on by his fingertips.
Once Buck got to him, he was about ready to let go and fall unconscious right then and there. He was holding onto a rope hooked up to the engine, and his gloves were covered in blood from his puncture wound. Buck grabbed Chimneys hands, and held onto the rope. Slowly, they made their way down as they heard the sound of another ambulance pulling in.
9-1-1<Cargo Box
Bobby slowly opened his eyes and realized he had been unconscious. He couldn’t see any daylight, as the whole box was covered in debris. Not knowing the time, he tried pinging in his radio to dispatch, but it was broken. He tried looking around to see where he was, but it was pitch black. From what he could tell, he had a pile of concrete pushing on his lungs, his helmet fell off, which wasn’t good, and his legs were slowly tingling, possibly loosing feeling from his blood not circulating. Bobby tried to take slow deep breathes, but it was hard. He tried calling out, which was even harder. Last thing he remembered was falling down the bridge as it collapsed.
He tried really hard to move, but most importantly to stay awake. Bobby noted that the debris on him, may be for his advantage; helping any wounds not bleed out of control. He tried assessing the situation around him. He was boxed in. No way out.
Poor Athena,
he thought.
She’s probably so worried about me. And Buck. Oh Buck.
Bobby’s family was
everything
to him. Athena was the first person he let in after Minnesota. Bobby thought of what May said while outside the hospital when Buck was in his coma.
“…Mom brought two kids into the family. You brought one.”
That one being Buck. He cared about Buck more than he could imagine. And Buck cared for Bobby more than he could imagine. Well, plus Maddie. Bobby, thinking he was going to die alone, started thinking of all the memories he made with his favorite people. His favorite people like Athena, and May, and Harry, and Buck, and Chimney, and Eddie, and Hen. Even Ravi. And, if he was dying, he didn’t want his family to see him like this. So maybe, just maybe, this was the best way to go out. No one in sight.
Bobby slowly started to get impatient, thinking maybe it was dark and everyone left. But how is that possible if he still hears things going on outside. Like people are finding him. Or at least, looking. Of course they’ve had to notice he is gone by now, and not responding on his radio. The only other thing on Bobby’s mind would be his team and how they are doing. He hopes they aren’t injured too severely. If Chim is injured bad, than it would be Hen to be interim captain. Bobby sure knew he wasn’t going to be back at work for a little while so, he might as well think about this while he has the chance. Does he even still
have
a chance?
Bobby’s thoughts started to get a little too loud. And since he couldn’t talk, he listened to the silence inside the box. He listend to the screaming of everyone outside, although it was muffled. After a while, he started hearing something odd. Almost like a cracking sound. Almost like, the bridge might collapse again.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
9-1-1<Chapter 2<Bridge Collapse
Back at the bottom of the collapse, Athena runs around looking for any survivors and casualties. She keeps telling people the usual; “All around the collapse still isn’t stable. You need to move out of the way so our people can work!” And she was getting tired of it. She hasn’t heard from her husband all day, speaking that he is unaccounted for, and May keeps calling her like crazy with all sorts of questions. Asking things like, “is Bobby okay?”, “Are you okay?”, “What’s happening?”, “Harrys worried and wants to know what’s going on.” And Athena can’t stand it. She doesn’t know what to tell her unsuspecting kids. Despite May being in college, Athena knows she will break and shut down if she tells her Bobby is missing. Let alone, possibly hurt. And Harry.. well let’s just say he won’t want to stay at home anymore.
9-1-1<Bridge Collapse<The 118
Buck ushingly brings Chimney over to the gurney and he immediately collapses. The paramedics hurry him into the ambulance, needing to stabilize him quickly and driving off. Everyone stares as it happens, worried about Chimney, Buck, also thinks about Maddie and how she’ll react to her soon to be husband’s recent injury. A million things run through Buck’s head. Now that Chimney is getting care, about Bobby. Where is he? And is he okay? Is he hurt? Buck can’t keep his mind quiet. More and more fire units are pulling in, ready to assist. The 118 goes and takes a break after being tagged out for a little. Buck just sighs as he isn’t very hungry. “What’s wrong Buckaroo?” Hen stares into Bucks eyes, as his are looking down. Buck notices he’s being quiet. “Just… thinking I guess.”“What? About.. Bobby? And May? And Harry? And Athena? And Chim?” After he hears this, he moves his head to meet Hen’s eyes. He gives a confused look. Before he can speak, she starts talking again. “How do I know that? Cause I am too. I’m worried about Chim and Bobby. They’re usually warriors, but now? They’re survivors. And I don’t.. necessarily think they know how to do that. Both of them are so used to being able to do whatever they can to help, and try not to let the pain show. After today, they have to let other people do the work while they’re hurt. Because no one will believe them when they say ‘I’m fine.’ Trust me, I’m worried too.” Buck can’t explain it. Or say a word. That’s exactly what has been running through his head. “Wow…”“Did I take the words out of your mouth?” Hen laughs. Buck then looks over, only to see Eddie who isn’t moving, let alone talking.
“Ed? You good?”
He tries to nod, but scruntches in pain. Hen and Buck meet each others eyes. Hen, who is sitting next to Eddie, lightly pushes on his abdomen. Eddie groans in extreme pain. His face says it all, like he wants to cry.
“Buckaroo, can you get another ambulance over here? This isn’t looking too good.”
Buck nods and runs over to some paramedics on scene who look to be doing nothing. He starts explaining the situation with Eddie, and they run over to him. Eddie can’t sit up anymore. He’s just lying in all the dirt and debris. One of the paramedics radios in for the ambulance to be ready. They get Eddie onto the gurney and again, rushes another one of Bucks friends into the ambulance.
“Add Eddie to the list and then it’s spot on.”
9-1-1<Dispatch
All of Maddies calls keep constisting of people reporting the bridge collapse, and she can’t take it anymore. She’s tired of hearing the same calls over and over again. Until it wasn’t the same anymore.
“Dispatch do you copy?” Someone asked
“Copy.”
“We have just sent a 40 year old and a 30 year old male firefighters of the 118 to the hospital. Both in critical condition. One with a puncture wound from a gurney, and the other with possible internal bleeding. Might just be broken ribs. Not sure though.” Maddie just froze at what she heard, Josh simultaneously running over and tapped Maddie. “Maddie.. it’s for you. In the break room.” Maddie ran from her desk and answered the phone quickly. She couldn’t believe what she heard. It was the hospital, calling about Chimney. She grabbed her things and left without telling Josh or Sue. May saw Maddie get up and leave, seeming that her desk is almost right next to hers. She wanted to call her mom again to see if she got any new information. Harry was just in the break room, eating a half of a string cheese and playing on an iPad that Sue gave him. May kept thinking she can’t lose another person. She already lost Claudette. She can’t lose a father figure she so dearly loves. She got up to go check on Harry, who seemed to be less entertained, and more worried now. It’s been almost two hours since May last called their mom; and the last time she heard something. She walked into the break room to see Harry watching the bridge collapse on the TV. She quickly grabs the remote and turns off the TV, restricting him from watching it. Sure, he may be 14, but May needs to shield him at all costs. He looks over to her just as the TV turns off. “Why’d you turn the TV off? I was watching that y’know.” “I know.. but I just don’t think it’s good for you to be watching TV so much. C’mon. Let’s go on a walk.” Harry got up and sighed. He didn’t want to, but May didn’t care. It’s what their mom would want her to do. Plus, it was a way to get everything off their minds.
They laughed aimlessly at anything, and everything. Things from cute dogs, to weird things inside stores they saw. Even people dressed up as bananas. In LA, they saw it all. Sooner or later, they started seeing countless news helicopters and news outlets driving by. May started getting mad, as the news helicopters started blocking the Air Ambulances from landing, and getting anywhere near the site of the bridge. A little past two, they started feeling rumbling and toward the bridge saw more dust from looked like to be another bridge collapse. This one was even worse.
9-1-1<Bridge Collapse<Cargo Box
Bobby couldn’t help but feel that something else was bound to happen. That was when he started hearing people yell. The sounds of things being lifted. And the sight of light slowly coming inside the box. He was being saved. The sounds of Athenas and Bucks and Hens voice became more closer and louder. He heard his name being called. He wanted to yell back, but it was impossible with the pile of concrete slowly crushing his lungs. Air started to become harder to keep. The constant feeling of almost an elephant sitting on your chest is unbearable. Finally, he saw his wife, adopted child, and Hen. They all ran over to him. Bobby was pale, and unable to talk, with multiple cuts and bruises on his face, and not to mention the concrete crushing his entire upper and lower body. They would need someone to move the cargo box. After telling Bobby the plan, everyone left the box so it could be moved. Just as the crane was gripping the box, the bridge started to collapse again. Inside the box, Bobby felt he was going upside down; and he nearly did. The concrete started shifting down to his face. Bobby wanted to put his arms to his face to shield it, but it was too late. Everything went black.
9-1-1<On the Ground
Everyone watched as the scene unfolded before them. Buck, Athena and Hen could barely stand, let alone breathe after seeing it. The box was now tilting down. Hen kept thinking about all of Bobby’s blood is now rushing to his brain. Buck kept thinking of Bobby. And Athena thought of the kids. She hoped they didn’t see this. Nor hear about it. Just as she thought that, she got a call; from Michael.
“Athena.. don’t tell me Bobby was in there.” Athena gagged and started to break down while in front of everyone. Michael was patient with her and reassured her with his company. It took her a minute to speak again but Michael chimed in.
“Do the kids know? Please tell me you haven’t told them. If anything I’ll pick them up today and bring them to the hotel with me. We are visiting after all.”
“Uhm-Thank you, and no they don’t. I can’t.. I can’t worry them Michael. They can’t see it. Hear about it. Nothing.” Athenas pain and tears could be felt through the phone. It was like being punched in the stomach. Everyone else’s tears the in background had been heard, mostly from Hen and Buck. They watched as the rescue team was working to get Bobby out. So many people everywhere, from the medics on standby, to the other police officers blocking off the scene. Buck and Hen didn’t even work now. Athena just stood there, lightly responding on radio. She saw her comrades help the rescue team, as they knew how important Bobby was to Athena. She couldn’t lose another husband. This time, to death.
As the time went by, Athena stood there as she watched while Buck and Hen started taking their minds off the situation; talking about funny calls, playing games, or telling funny stories they have from elsewhere. All leading up to the moment of getting Bobby out. Athena stood in silence, leaving the world around her. All she thought of was Bobby and the kids. How they were going to take this? How bad would the after effects be for Bobby? Would he be able to be a firefighter again? Would he even walk? Or talk? Or move at all? So many things ran through her head. Not until Hen nudged her did she move at all.
“Hey hey, look,” Buck pointed to the cargo box as it was getting to be even and equal again; not tilted to one aide or the other. Athena gasped as she saw many medics and other medical personnel run to the right side of the box, where Bobby was. She saw them bringing a backboard, and gurney and life pack, and so many different bags she couldn’t keep count anymore. All she wanted to see was Bobby, alive preferably. After 10, anxious minutes, a medic walked up to her, Buck and Hen.
“Are you the family of Captain Robert Nash?”
“Uhm.” Athena wiped her tears and cleared her voice. “Yes. How is he?” “Well, he’s alive. Critical, but stable. We think he isn’t too severely injured to need to be air lifted. On the outside though, he does have an extensive amount of injuries. Not to mention any internal injuries which he will need an MRI and CT for. We’re going to wheel him over so you guys can see him. Fair warning though, it isn’t very pretty.” The paramedic seemed experienced, and was nice. He shook Athenas, Bucks and Hens hand as he walked off.
Buck feared for the worse. As they wheeled Bobby to the ambulance, Buck’s eyes started to water and glisten. He was intubated with a neck brace, his face was pale, with too many cuts and bruises to count and his legs were twisted in some weird ways. All the monitors and IV’s within all of that too. Buck wanted to run away and hide forever. He did feel good knowing that Bobby was sedated and couldn’t feel any pain. Athena carefully grabbed his hand and lightly kissed it. She started to sob, and jumped into the ambulance with them, as Buck and Hen would tag out, then head to the hospital to check on everyone else.
9-1-1<The Engine
Buck, Hen and Ravi loaded into the engine, everyone being quiet, and worried. All Buck could think about was Bobby. He saw how bad of condition he was in, and still feared for the worst. Buck then grabbed his phone, and attempted to call Maddie or dispatch let them know the 118 would be offline.
“Hi, this is LA city services how may I help you?”
“Uhm yeah is a Maddie Buckley there?”
“Oh no sorry she tagged out. Some family things. I can take a message? Or I could help you.”
“Oh… Yeah okay. This is Evan Buckley of the 118 just letting dispatch know that 118 A-shift will be offline for a while.”
“Ok, good to know. Thank you,”
the person on the other end of the phone hung up.
“I’m sure Bobby and Chim will be okay. Like I said earlier, they’re warriors.” Hen reassured Buck, even though she had a hard time reassuring herself. The rest of the ride to the station was complete silence. No one talked, or really even moved.
As Buck got out of the engine, he quickly went to the locker room to grab his, and Bobby’s things while Hen grabbed hers and Chims. Ravi decided to work with B-shift, while Hen and Buck carpooled to the hospital. The ride over was more silence, as Buck decided to drive. No music, no talking, no moving. Only the sounds of the revving engine, and other cars out on the freeway. It was kind of calming to not hear the constant sounds of everyone else.
9-1-1<Ambulance
Athena couldn’t take her eyes off her husband. She wanted to kiss him so bad, but knew she couldn’t. When she saw his face, he was almost unrecognizable. The paramedic across from her bagged him and monitored him. He seemed nice and even started conversations a few times. Like asked how they met, how long they’ve been married, do they have any kids. Athena was always quite open about these things. Bobby however, wasn’t.
“So..” Athena started while brushing her husband’s hair.“Do you.. do you think he’ll be okay?” The paramedic looked back at his monitor only to see his oxygen was decreasing a little and his heart rate was a little elevated. He quickly adjusted different things to fix this and went back to Athena. “Well.. hard to say. I think his external injuries should be fine. Who knows what internal injuries he has. It could be anything. The doctors at the hospital we’re going to are really good though. They’ll help him.” Athena could tell the paramedic was new, and perhaps a little young. His voice and his face said it all.
They arrived to the hospital, Bobby being the first to leave the ambulance while Athena being the last. She made her way into the waiting room, and for what seemed to be hours, finally saw someone she knew. Eddie was then walking out, hunching over and a pained expression on his face, but seemingly okay; plus with a lollipop in his mouth, cause how could he say no? Just before he walked out, Buck and Hen ran inside which caught his attention. He looked over to Buck and Hen, who was next to Athena.
“Oh my gosh. Buck? Hen? Athena? Is everything okay? What happened after I left.” Eddie muttered, walking forward to sit with everyone else. Buck looked to Athena, who got a solemn look on her face. She couldn’t think of a life without Bobby. She started to slowly cry, and Eddie looked to Buck, who looked to Hen, who looked back to Athena.
Buck pulled Eddie aside and started explaining everything. Eddie froze and went outside to call Christopher, being that with Bobby in this bad on condition; he could have too. But he’s not. All because of Buck.
Buck and Eddie made their way back to where Athena and Hen were only to see a distraut Maddie. She’s crying, and almost hyperventilating. As soon as Buck sees this, he runs toward her, and grabs her hands to try and help center her. As soon as Buck does this, Maddie starts to calm down a little. She frantically starts apologizing and wipes her tears. Buck hated that she did this. Apologizing for having feelings and then acts like she is fine when he clearly knows she isn’t.
After about two hours a doctor comes out, but not for Bobby, for Chim. Maddie stands up quicker than ever and so does everyone else.
“Family of Howard Han?”
“Yes,” Maddies eyes are like a mirror. “How bad is it?”
“Not bad at all actually. He was impaled by a gurney, missed all major artery’s, skimmed his gallbladder but we aren’t too worried about that. We are keeping him overnight to monitor him in case of any bleeding. We went in surgery, stitched him up and he’s resting right now. The anesthesia should be wearing off. Would you like to see him?”
Maddie didn’t say anything but nodded more times than anyone could count. The doctor gave her the room number and before leaving, grabbed Buck’s hand.
“I need my little brother with me.”
“A-are you sure? I-I might be in the way.” Buck stuttered. Maddie gave Buck a big hug, and dragged him with her to Chimney’s room.
Athena was happy for them, that Chimney was okay. But the suspense was killing her. She needed to know if her other half was going to be okay. She couldn’t live a life without him. She thought of everything they talked about in the past few days, weeks and months. All the time they spent together. She couldn’t have her best friend leave her.
9-1-1<Chimneys Room
Maddie and Buck walked into Chimneys room to see him lying in bed. He had a nasal cannula, a heart monitor, and some IVs. His face was a little pale and he had some cuts on his face. Most prominently, one going from his right eye to the top of his head. Maddie starred in awe and sat right next to him. She grabbed his hand and started talking about her day, hoping that maybe hearing her voice would help wake up him faster. Buck stood by the window, not wanting to disrupt anything. Doctors always came in and out. Almost 20 minutes without Chim waking up or anything happening, Buck started to get worried. Who knows what’s going on out there. Just as Buck was about to leave and go check on Athena, Chim finally opened his eyes. Maddie heard his voice and started to cry. Even Chim started to cry, thinking he would never see Maddie again. Buck smiled just as Chim finally saw him and urged him over.
“Get over here Buck. You helped save me.”
“I uh-Not really. Just got you to the gurney.”
“I was about ready to let go of the back of the ambulance. You got to me pretty quick. I’d argue that you did.”
Buck looked down and smiled, knowing that he helped save Chim. But he also thought about how he couldn’t help save Bobby. Buck started to breathe heavily and his ears started to ring. He couldn’t keep balance, and ran out of the room, trying to make his way outside to catch his breath. As he passed the waiting room, Athena was sleeping but Eddie and Hen saw it all. They ran out after Buck only to see him grabbing onto his chest like he couldn’t breathe. Buck sat on a bench barely and looked around hastily. Eddie and Hen ran up to him, and asked him what was going on. Buck could barely breathe let alone talk. Hen grabbed onto Buck to help ground him and then they tried talking to him.
“Buck? What’s happening. Breath. Slow, deep breaths.” Hen calmly told Buck, being a paramedic in all. Buck took a second to talk, but his breathing was back to normal.
“When- when I was in Chims room with Maddie, he said I-I helped save him..”
“And?” Eddie sat next to Buck.
“I saved-was able to save Chimney. But…”
“You’re happy because you saved Chim but, blaming yourself because you couldn’t do anything for Bobby..” Buck looked back into Hens eyes, still confused on how she knows whats going on in his head all the time.
“He does the same. After you got electrocuted, he didn’t once leave that room willingly. Bobby always blames himself when one of us gets hurt. Because we’re ‘his team so he’s responsible.’ Buck-We all know how dangerous this job is. We still decide to do it anyways.”
Buck nodded as he understood what Hen was trying to say.
“Now. Either go back in there with a smile and an open mind, or a worried mind, but with a smile. We all need to be strong for Bobby. Even Chim although he’s in a hospital bed himself.” Buck, with tears in his eyes, nodded. All three of them walked back in just as Athena was getting up to talk to the doctor. Buck stood back, but Hen pushed him over so they could all move forward. “Family of Robert Wade Nash-Grant?” No one talked but nodded instead. The doctor looked at Athena, then to Buck, Hen and Eddie. “Whatever you’re about to tell me, you can, and better tell me in front of them.” Athena pointed to the group. “They’re his family just as much as I am. He works head over heels to protect these kids.” “Hey..” Buck and Eddie both said in sync. The doctor finally agreed, and started to look at Bobby’s chart.
9-1-1<Hospital
“Right now we have him in a medically induced coma to try and let his body heal. Minimal internal bleeding, his right lung did collapse. Both of his legs got dislocated in the fall which led to a pretty complex fracture in his left leg, and he had a small brain bleed which has subsided. We think it may be due to the fact that he lost his helmet in the fall. He has two bruised ribs and not to mention some minor bruising in his right lung as well. Other than that, he is in one piece. We’re only allowing one person to see him at a time and he has been placed in the ICU under close observation. Any questions?” It took a minute for everyone to comprehend the news, especially Athena and Buck, but everyone collectively agreed it would be best to let Athena go for the time being; Bobby being her husband in all. Athena bid her goodbyes, told everyone to go home and that she would update the team ASAP and tell them when they could all go visit. Everyone left, but Buck. He just sat in the waiting room, unable to get Bobby off his mind.
9-1-1<Hospital<ICU Room 307
Athena walked in to Bobbys room and she could barely breathe. He was on a ventilator and had a cast going down his left leg. He was quite pale with so many cuts and bruises on his face. He had a heart monitor, more IVs than she could count and several tubes all around his body. One being a chest tube. She stood in the doorway for a few seconds before making her way to the chair closest to the door, and sat next to him. She looked out the window as the sun had set, leaving a quiet city below them. The ICU was so much quieter than the normal patient rooms. She heard the quiet beeping of the cardiac monitor in rhythm, the loudest thing in the room being the ventilator. Boy she wished Hen was here to explain all this to her.
As the minutes passed, several doctors and nurses came in on rounds to check in on Bobby and Athena. Some asked if she wanted blankets and pillows. Others asking if she wanted to go get food and they’ll watch him. She just couldn’t bear the fact of Bobby being without her. As morning came around, and with no sleep, Athena finally took an intern up on her offer and went to the cafeteria to get some coffee. She sat and saw all the various doctors on break, or patient’s family’s getting food. While she had the time, Athena thought it might be nice to inform Michael and the kids of what’s happening. She dialed May’s phone first, but when that didn’t work she tried Michaels. When he answered, he sounded scared and tired. He asked about Bobby and Athena answered in the most in depth way. But, when telling her kids she toned it down a few notches to make it seem less scary.
As she walked by the waiting room, she turned the corner and saw a sleepy Buck next to Eddie. She told them to go home, why were they here still? Eddie was awake, so she guessed he had recently came. But, Buck being Buck, probably didn’t go home and stayed the night. Athena waved to Eddie as she was walking by and turned her back to walk back to Bobby’s room. Eddie got up and quietly ran toward her, careful not to disturb anyone, including Buck.
“I thought I told all of you to go home?”
“Don’t be mad at me, I did. But.. Buck. He was here when I got here. He just needs to see him.”
“And how long have you been here?” Athena questioned.
“Since.. five.” Eddie looked down. She chuckled lightly and continued sipping her coffee.
“I mean.. We could try to sneak him in? Just like you did with Christopher when Buck got electrocuted?” Athena proposed and Eddie ran back to tap Buck awake. He jolted, not expecting it. He saw Eddie and Athena waving him down and got up quickly, as they all snook down the hall to Bobbys room, and seeing Bobby himself made Buck feel a little better. Buck felt good that Bobby had been resting, but felt bad that he was as hurt as he was. Buck stood there, but Athena urged him to go into the room as nurses kept walking by. They got in the room and closed the door, Buck sitting where Athena had been originally and Eddie standing. They all didn’t speak, but stared at Bobby. The clock ticked and ticked, the room getting brighter and brighter. By 12, Athena had kept the rest of the team with updates. Chim, just being downstairs with Maddie, said he wanted to take a visit.
The 118 and Others:
Chim: Can anyone see if I can take a visit down to caps room? I wanna see him.
Hen: Chim, you probably can’t. You still need to rest too.
Ravi: Guys. I’m working. STOP SPAMMING THE CHAT!!
Athena: UPDATE: So far, Bobby’s vitals are looking good. The doctors feel confident within the next few days of taking him off the vent and lowering his sedation levels! In a few days we shouldn’t be in an ICU room anymore!
Maddie: Yay! 🎉 Also, someone tell Chim to REST!
Buck: I’m convinced no one can tell Chim what to do 😂
Hen: Athena, when will we be able to visit?
Eddie: Me and Buck just snook into his room with Athena. Anything is possible with the right people. 🤷♂️
Buck, Response to-Ravi:
TRAITOR! WORKING WITH B-SHIFT! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE CHEATING ON US!
The chats between everyone could go on for hours. Athena, Buck and Eddie still being the same room helped lighten their spirits a little. As the minutes went by, Bobby’s vitals stayed the same. His oxygen dropping occasionally from here to there.
“What’s that?” Eddie looked at Bobby and saw some weird movements.“Someone get a doctor!” Athena yelled, scared to death. Buck ran out of the room and pulled aside a nurse.
“Oh. Don’t worry he’s fine. Just some minor muscle spasms. It doesn’t really mean anything. His body is just making sure he is still alive.”
When Athena heard that, the light in her eyes started to fade. She thought maybe, just maybe, her husband could be waking up.
Slowly by slowly, more and more things started to pile up in Bobby’s room. Like cards, and balloons. Even people. By two o’clock, Maddie, Hen, and Chimney on an iPad somehow managed to make their way into Bobby’s room. May even called from time to time, sometimes allowing Harry to say ‘hi’, but mostly keeping to herself. Athena hadn’t been home in days, never wanting to leave Bobby’s side, Hen and Buck being there with her most of the time.
“Hey.. How about you go home and shower. Get some food, maybe sleep a little? Me and Buck will stay here with him.” Hen told Athena calmly. Athena was reluctant as first, but thinking more and more about it, thought it might be nice. Possibly even get to see her kids. She grabbed her bag, kissed Bobby’s forehead and walked out of the room to her car.
9-1-1<Grant-Nash House
May and Harry were brought to the house by Michael. Harry still thought of him as a father figure, but May just thought of him like a close family friend. Harry was always on his Playstation or on his phone. May however, watched TV, looked over dispatch reports and read, even scrapbooking from time to time as-well. She thought it would be better to do something work related or learn than to think of Bobby in a hospital bed. Michael had been making lunch when Athena walk in. She didn’t expect anyone to be home so she was a little taken-a-back. May instantly ran to hug her and started questioning why she was home and not at the hospital. She answered them, but started to ask her own. Like why they were home and where Harry was. Not even a minute later Harry ran out and hugged his mother. Everyone asked about Bobby and how he was doing. Athena answered mostly in one word responses, speaking that she was tired from almost two days of no sleep. She looked down to her kids hugging her, and Michael in the kitchen. She thought no matter what happens with Bobby, she always knew that she wouldn’t be alone and had a family that cared just as much as she did.
9-1-1<Bobby’s Dream Sequence
Bobby woke up in a familiar place. His old Minnesota apartment. Pictures of his old family haunted him. So many memories flooding back to him. His kids and wife weren’t there anymore, but the building odd enough looked to be brand new. Almost like nothing had happened. As he walked around, he started to get cold but didn’t want to turn on the heater after last time. Bobby walked outside, expecting to see the old parking lot; but it wasn’t there. Instead, it was the sunny, and traffic filled streets of LA. Bobby was confused: his Minnesota apartment was in LA? How is that possible. If that wasn’t weird enough, him and Athena hadn’t been married either. Bobby started to think maybe this was purgatory, and he had died, but quickly realized it was just a dream. “Ok, time to wake up now Bobby. You have to wake up.” Bobby said aloud to himself. But nothing.
Bobby started walking around the streets. It seemed like LA, even seeing the 118 too. Bobby walked in and immediately was greeted by his team. Chimney, Hen, Eddie. But no Buck. “Hey, where’s Buck?” Bobby asked curiously. His adopted son wasn’t anywhere to be seen, which in any universe would make him question. Then he saw it. A memorial in memory of Evan Buckley. He walked up to it and was confused. He asked Chimney and Hen, and what came from their mouths just may have killed Bobby.
“Bobby.. Don’t you remember? Evan died two years ago in an apartment fire. Are you okay?” Chimney looked dead into Bobby’s eyes, a serious tone emitting from his mouth.
9-1-1<Hospital<ICU Room 307
Maddie had gone back up to Chimneys room and Eddie had come to visit everyone. He first checked in on Chim, then went to Bobby’s room. Everyone was laughing and talking while waiting for Athena. Buck, had been in a coma before, knew how weird it was to be in one. It was like your dreaming; feels both real and fake. People you never thought you would see again, you see. Places you never thought you’d visit again, you go to. And memories you never thought you would experience again, you do. It’s so surreal and mesmerizing. Like sometimes, you just want to stay a little longer. But, it also sometimes feels like you’re leaving behind your old family, your old friends. Buck remembered everything from his coma. From getting the ‘news’ Bobby died, to seeing Doug and Maddie. Even seeing Daniel. It was weird to him.
Randomly, Bobby’s cardiac machine starts beeping rapidly. Hen and Eddie, upon closer inspection, saw Bobby’s oxygen levels skyrocket. They all directed their attention to Bobby, and saw the fast rise and fall of his chest. Hen ran out of the room to get a doctor while Eddie got Buck out of the room. Buck remembered when he was in his coma, and how he had a panic attack. Was that what was happening here? They all stood in the hallway for a little before being redirected by a nurse to the waiting room. Buck didn’t even look at Eddie and Hen.
“Is-is that.. like having.. a pa-panic attack in your dreams?” Hen was going to talk, but Buck had even more to say. “Is? Is that what I did when.. I got electrocuted? And.. I got told that Bobby ‘died?’” Hen looked to Buck then to Eddie. She nodded before realizing he kept starring at the floor.
“According.. to Chim. Basically. Comas are a scary place. And I know you know that. Anything could be happening in his mind right now and we wouldn’t know of it until he tells us.”
“Has anyone called Athena?”
After hearing those words in that tone come out of Eddies mouth, Buck and Hen looked to each other. Hen, being quite close to her, called Athena. Hen stepped out of the room, and the expressions on Hens face said all of what she heard over the phone.
Not even ten minutes later Athena was wailing into the hospital on the verge of tears. She was greeted by Hen, who then was greeted by Buck and Eddie. Soon after a doctor walked out to deliver the news.
“Nothing new. He was just breathing more than he could get oxygen in his body, or you could say hyperventilating. We looked at his brain activity and have concluded it was some sort of dream he had. Possibly something he heard or saw while in the dream-like-state. You are free to go back in and see him now.”
“Wait.. So when will he be cleared to lower sedation?” Athena was shaking and ready to burst out crying. “Right now we’re looking at about…” The doctor looked at his charts. “Probably later tonight. His labs have been consistent, so we are hopeful.”
Athena let out a big breath and was so relieved.
9-1-1<Hospital<Room 223
Maddie walked into Chimneys room to see him sitting up with a doctor next to him.
“Well good news! You can be discharged by tomorrow.”
“Yes! Haha! Oh doc and before you leave, do you think I could go visit someone? Just down in the ICU?” Maddie gave Chimney a stern look and tried to object, for she knew about Bobby’s recent attack. The doctor clearly didn’t get the memo.“Uhm. Yeah, I don’t see why not. As long as you’re accompanied by your fiancé, you should be fine. And hey, congrats on the engagement!” Chimney chuckled just as the doctor walked out. The doctors always made small talk while running tests, so why wouldn’t Chimney tell him about his recent engagement? Sounds like a missed opportunity to get a little congrats, and get on his good side.
Chimney started to get up out of bed, but before he could Maddie stopped him.
“Chim, hey. Uhm- how about we stay here and play.. some.. cards!”
“You hate cards though?”
“Yeah,.. but you love it!”
“Maddie.. what’s going on? Why don’t you want me to go see Bobby?”
Maddie looked at Chim and swallowed hard, as she didn’t know how to tell him about what has recently happened to Bobby.
She looked straight into Chimneys eyes and started to cry a little.
“Remember when you were in Buck’s room when he had his coma? And his oxygen skyrocketed. After he woke up, he told everyone the crazy dream he had where you and Hen told him that Bobby ‘died?’”
Chimney looked confused but on the same page. He slowly nodded before finally realizing what Maddie was trying to say.
“That.. Happened to-to Bobby.”
Maddie slowly nodded and looked to Chimney. He only looked straight and didn’t blink for a little. He was as still as a statue.
“He’s.. he’s okay though right?” Chim needed reassurance.“Oh yeah. Just a little scare. I don’t think Athena and Buck are taking it very good though. Unless you want to deal with the wrath of them combined, I suggest maybe we just celebrate here instead? We can always visit tomorrow?” Chimney just nodded and kissed Maddie. They spent the rest of the time they had daylight together playing cards, eating food, and watching TV.
9-1-1<Hospital<ICU Room 307
Athena walked into Bobby’s room all worried. The only thing that seemed to calm her down was to see Bobby alive and to hold his hand. She covered her mouth with her hand and sat anxiously in the chair. Her whole body was shaky, mostly her leg but her abnormal breathing seemed to subside once she sat down for at least a minute. Buck however, didn’t sit. Hen looked back to see him standing in the doorway, zoning out.
Athena sat in the chair next to Bobby’s bed, and looked around at all the machinery helping keep Bobby alive. She saw the IV drip and it didn’t occur to her to mention anything to the doctors about Bobby being a recovering addict then right in that moment when watching it. She got up without mention, and went to find a doctor. Luckily, it’s on Bobby’s chart and non of the medication used has caused him to relapse. To Athena, that was going to be one of the best moments for her to tell Bobby he was going to be okay.
It was almost midnight, and soon two doctors walked in. They were determined and hopeful that Bobby would be able to regain consciousness soon. Now, it was all up to Bobby. Athena sat at his bedside, hand in hand, and started saying a special prayer just for him.
9-1-1<Bobby’s Dream Sequence
Bobby slowly started to calm down, but when he blinked and opened his eyes, he was outside what looked to be Athenas house. He quietly opened the door and saw nothing but a chair and a hologram. He walked up to the chair and sat in it. It was leather, with a pillow and a blanket hanging from the back. After a minute, the hologram turned on and he saw Athena. He gasped and started hugging the pillow. He saw his hospital room, Buck, Hen and Eddie. Bobby started thinking back to what could have caused this to happen. He remembered all sorts of calls. It wasn’t until Bobby thought more about Buck and Athena, did he remember it was the bridge collapse that caused this. He needed to find a way back. Bobby’s eyes started to glisten as he saw Athena holding onto his hand and saying a prayer for him. He saw the doctors starting to lower his sedation levels, and he tried to think of all the ways he could communicate with them. He couldn’t move, even in the dream it felt impossible to a certain level. He thought back to when Buck was in the coma, and how he told Bobby about what he said to him. Does he need to find someone to tell him something? Or tell something to somone?
Bobby got up quickly and eagerly searched the house for a certain book; keeping an eye on the hologram. He needed to find the book. But not just any old book, the Bible. Finally, Bobby found it under the kitchen sink. “What an odd place for a Bible,” Bobby thought. But, nonetheless it was what he was looking for.
He quickly ran back to sit down and flipped through the pages.
Bobby, thinking about Athena, started reading the Bible aloud. He turned to Philippians 4:6-7, which read: ‘
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…’
And Pray did Bobby do. He thought hard and long about what he should say to God. About his life that he so dearly cherished, and the people in it. He begged not to take him, and let him live just a few more years on Earth. Saying that made Bobby shed a tear, thinking back to when he wanted to die. Past Bobby would be glad he is in this coma. Almost a relief, like a weight had been lighted off his shoulders. Now to look where he is, and how much he’s grown. He has a new family to love, a new life where he found purpose. Searching for that for years, just to die would be a waste. He prayed, and looked back to the hologram. He saw a countdown of 30 minutes. Nothing made Bobby’s anxiety levels skyrocket, but countdowns were an exception. It didn’t have a label to tell Bobby what it was for. Either this was how much time he had left, then he would go meet his creator, or it was the time left he had in his dream before he finally got to see Athena again in the real world.
He got up and started pacing. He didn’t know what to do. Nothing was in the house aside from the hologram, the bible and the chair. What else could he do while he was in this dream? The only other thing he could think of was to read the Bible that was in front of him, or to go outside. The only problem with being outside, was not knowing the time or being able to see Athena. The only problem with being inside, is counting down each individual second until he could know what the countdown could mean. To compromise with himself, Bobby decided to go in the backyard and read, where the hologram of the countdown and Athena would still be visible.
Bobby dragged the chair alongside him and faced the house. He started reading the Bible from the beginning, and before he knew it, he had two minutes left until the countdown was over. He grabbed the chair and pushed it inside, grabbing the Bible and putting it back where he found it. Finally, he sat down and started to pray once again with 30 seconds left. Now, this was the scary part: life, or death.
9-1-1<Hospital<ICU Room 307
Everyone from Hen, to Eddie, to Chimney (who finally convinced Maddie to let him visit, especially with the news that Bobbys sedation had been lifted), to even Buck and Athena were half asleep. The lights were off and the only thing that was able to be heard in the room was both the clock and the ventilator for Bobby. Everyone was sleeping so sound-fully and peacefully. Not a thing in the world could disrupt the silence that filled the room.
Suddenly, everyone was jolted awake by the rising levels of Bobby’s oxygen once again. But the first thing everyone saw were two eyes open and two arms reaching for the intubation tube; Bobby was awake. Athena screamed out in joy while Hen and Chimney and Eddie tried to calm Bobby down. What seemed to be almost a dozen doctors ran to Bobby’s room and kicked everyone out, and redirected them to the waiting room once again. Another 10 or so minutes go by without a doctor coming. Athena started to get worried again. That was until she met eyes with Bobby’s doctor. The whole group got up hastily and all looked at the doctor while he talked.
“So, Bobby did wake up. The only reason you all were kicked out, despite being firefighters and medics and police officers, was so we could get his intubation tube out and calm him down ourselves. We find when a patients family try’s to calm them down, it only seems to worsen their panic. Probably because all of you were seen when he was in the coma. He might be gaslighting himself to believe that you all aren’t real, or he got spooked by something last minute. Maybe even still thinking he is at the bridge collapse. Besides the point, he is okay. He will be in extreme pain the next couple of hours, and throughout night will be crucial. We gave him all the pain meds we can without interfering with his recovery. He might be a tad jittery and drowsy from the sedation. Other than that, we have no other updates. If he does well over the night, we will move him downstairs. And you...” The doctor points to Chimney, in a wheelchair and hospital gown.
“Shouldn’t you be downstairs? You aren’t an ICU patient?”
“My-uh my doctor let me.” Chimney announced sacredly, looking toward Maddie who gave him a stern look.
The doctor nodded and waked off after telling everyone they were free to go back in.
“Athena..” Hen put her hand on Athenas shoulder, and turned towards her.
“Do you want anyone else to go in the room with you? If not, that’s okay. We all can-“
“Buck..”
Buck lifted his head faster than the flash and looked at Athenas golden brown eyes.
“What?”
“I-I want Buck.”
Hen nodded and pushed Buck lightly toward Athena. As they started walking down the hall, Eddie, Hen and Chimney started to cry a little, knowing their captain was awake, putting their worry to rest.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
9-1-1<Chapter 3<Hospital<ICU Room 307
Athena and Buck walked down the halls in silence, only hearing the quiet footsteps of the nurses and doctors. For once Athena felt better than she had the past few days. She was less worried, and a little more awake. Buck, however, felt the same since the collapse; guilt, worry, sadness, anger. All these building up inside him with no way out.
They approached Bobby’s room, and looking through the half closed blinds it still looked kind of dark inside. The door was closed, and written on the door said, Close Observation. She opened the door and the first thing she saw was Bobby’s head slowly turn toward her and Buck. Athena instantly broke down in tears, while Buck was overwhelmed. Both of them stood in the doorway, just staring at Bobby. He was a little pale, still had his IV’s and heart monitors attached to him. He looked tired, and had a few extra blankets with him. He tried to wave and say ‘ hi’ , but groaned in pain. That’s what made Athena walk in the room to see him. “Oh Bobby…” Bobby’s eyes look like they were glimmering, but with some tears forming. “You gave me such a scare.” Athenas voice was trembling and somewhat hard to make out from her crying, but nonetheless Bobby knew what she was saying. “I-I’m sorry.” His voice was hoarse and quiet sounding. After looking in Athenas eyes for a little he looked at Buck; who the whole time didn’t take his eyes off of Bobby. Bobby turned his head in confusion before Buck ran out of the room, making Athena look at Bobby, seeing him nod and she ran after him.
9-1-1<Hospital<Waiting Room
Hen, Chimney and Eddie all sat in the waiting room and talked. Everyone was laughing and having a grand old time revisiting funny memories with their captain.
Randomly, everyone turns as they hear the loud footsteps and sees Buck running outside once again. Shortly following behind him, Athena. Everyone’s happy smiles and laughter turned into worry. Athena saw how quickly their faces turned, and dismissed their worry aside. Hen was the first to stand up.
“What’s going on?”
“Not sure. We weren’t even in there five minutes. Bobby was about to talk to him, but he ran out.”
“Wait.. So this is something to do with Bobby?”
Chimney stared into Athenas eyes, wheelchair and all.
“Good question.”
Eddie, Hen, and Athena all ran outside while Chimney rolled sneakily. Buck was shaking a lot, and was practically hyperventilating. Hen got Buck to sit down, but not to talk. It wasn’t until Athena got called back into Bobby’s room because he was going to sleep a little, did Buck say anything. As he watched her walk back inside, his eyes started to water even more than they already were.
Eddie and Chimney looked to each other before Chim started to talk.
“Is.. is this about Bobby, Buck? And don’t try to lie.”
Buck just looked to the floor for a few seconds, baffled about how anyone could know these things. He didn’t know what to say, what to think. He stuttered, but ultimately decided just to spit ball it. “Like.. I said earlier. I-Chim I was able to help you, t-to save you! But.. man every time I look at Bobby, THINK of Bobby! What do I see? The scrapped up, dying version of him.” Everyone jumped at the word dying. Everyone knew Bobby wasn’t dying—he wasn’t dead. Or close to it. But those words in that order made it seem like it.
No one could speak, everyone’s mouths acted like they were tapped shut. Hen, Eddie, and Chimney stood around Buck as he tried to think and calm himself.
9-1-1<Hospital<ICU Room 307
Back in Bobby’s room, Athena watched as Bobby quietly slept, thinking about after she arrived to the hospital and how deathly scared she was. Hospitals weren’t the best places for either of them. For Athena, after she got attacked, much more personal. But to Bobby? Anytime he thought of a hospital, he thought of his team. Like Eddie getting shot, or Athena getting attacked. Most importantly, when Buck got electrocuted. He never left that room willingly. He thought it was his fault. He was always so quick to blame himself and it made Athena sad, seeing and remembering how much he has gone through. She just wanted Bobby to be okay.
Athena had been brought out of her thoughts by the sound of Bobby coughing, which she had known would happen due to the dust. She reached over to her side, grabbing a small glass of water and handing it to him.
Bobby graciously accepted the water, drinking it hastily before finally speaking. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
They both sat in a comfortable silence for a little, Athena looking over Bobby to make sure he was okay and Bobby himself just watching Athena as she did so. He knew it was her way of coping and processing situations, especially when those situations involved him. At one point, Bobby himself started to look at his injuries just to see and piece ideas together, more importantly though, for his mental health and to process everything.
Athena broke through the silence, “How are you feeling?” Her voice was a little dull, but showed more emotion than he thought she would. He knew she went through this too, seeing him however bad his i juries were, and he knew it would stick in her mind for a while, thinking it was all her fault he got hurt, when in reality, it obviously wasn’t.
“I could be better. I’m more worried how are you doing?” He pointed toward her, and she looked surprised to hear the question. “That doesn’t matter, you’re the one who got crushed by a bunch of concrete”
”Yeah well I still worry about you. I know how hard you take these things. I don’t care if you tell me or not, but I just want to make sure you know it’s not your fault.”
Athena seemed taken aback by Bobby’s words, the gears turning in her head, taking in Bobby’s words. She let out a heavy sigh, almost trembling as she shook her head, tears welding in her eyes and she made eye contact with Bobby.
”I just..”
”It’s okay.” Bobby told her softly, interlocking their fingers as he comforted her. “It’s okay.”
And thats when the tears came flowing out of the dam, full force. “I was so scared. Seeing you like that? Makes me want to throw up.”
Bobby nodded his head in agreement, although he hadn’t seen how bad his injuries were a few days ago, he couldn’t possibly imagine what Athena and his team went through, all while he was laying in a cargo box. “Come here.” Bobby scooted over, making room in his bed. Athena didn’t hesitate, immediately wrapping herself up in Bobby as he pulled her close to him, willing her tears and cuddling.
911<Hospital<Waiting Room
The team made their way back to the waiting room after Buck had gotten ahold of himself, still not fully sure if he’s okay or even what he’s feeling. A million thoughts and scenarios ran through Bucks head:
Some along of the lines of a situation when Bobby would die or others if someone else he loved died. Now, realistically, he knew that wasn’t possible, (at least, not right now in this situation) but the thoughts still clouded his mind. Tears rolled down his cheeks slowly, ignoring the world around him snd zoning out on the plant in the corner of the waiting room. Most of the time, Buck never had these anxiety ridden thoughts unless in a situation like this, which in reality, wasn’t very often. The last time a situation was like this, was when he himself was the situation. After being electrocuted, Buck had been told many things of what had happened during his comatose state. Like how Bobby broke or how sad Christopher was. Oh gosh, Christopher. How was he handling this whole situation? If Buck had to guess, it couldn't have been good, at least, that was his opinion. There was always a possibility he didn’t even know, Eddie keeping him in the dark to ‘protect’ him. He always hated when people never told him things to protect him, or do things secretly without him knowing. What would make them think he couldn’t make his own decisions? It was his life, wasn’t it?
“Buck? Earth to Buck? Are you there?”
He heard a voice, a soft voice and hands in his, but he didn’t want to focus on the real world, not yet at least. But the voice sounded so nice and caring, and the warm feeling of someone's hands in his brung him out of hid mindless thoughts. “Hey Buckaroo.”
”Athena?”
”Yeah, hi honey.”
”What’s going on?” He saw Athenas face, a worried expression plastered across her unwavering face. “Honey, Bobby wants to talk to you.”
~~~~~~~~~
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
9-1-1<Hospital<Bobby’s Room Buck didn’t know what to expect walking into Bobby’s room after running out, but he knew it also couldn’t have been good. Athena was in the waiting room, giving them the space she knew they needed to have their talk. Thinking of the past year has been a lot, with getting electrocuted, it puts a lot of things into perspective. But thinking to the past fews years is a little broader. Harry going missing, Eddie getting shot, Bobby getting shot, and so much more that Buck can’t and won’t think about. And although everyone he loved came out alive from those injuries, it still didn’t erase the memory let alone the feeling of not knowing and vagueness from each situation. That’s just not how that works. Seeing Eddie get hurt felt like a stab to the heart, his best friend, his partner in crime, bleeding out after getting shot. Who would be okay after that? Let alone still thinking? However, seeing Bobby get hurt? That felt like the whole world had stopped. Buck found Bobby and Athena more if parents than his own, being neglected his whole life. Bobby never gave up on him, nor did he ever stop believing in him or just helping him. Bobby did everyone he could to make sure Buck thrived in every situation. Then, seeing Chimney get hurt during his first year, with a full blown rebar pole through his head? Yeah, he never will get that image out if his head. Everything, with injuries or just bad things that happened in the past years, Buck will always remember. No matter what. Well, maybe if he suddenly got amnesia, then maybe he could forget it. Walking into Bobby’s room, Buck was a lot more aware of what he was doing than he was earlier. Bobby looked a lot better, not as pale or as scraped up, most of his cuts having butterfly bandages, some without it due to bot being as deep. Physically though, he didn’t look bad. Bobby watched him as he grabbed a chair and sat down in it, reciprocating the eye contact with Bobby. Now, would Buck say the silence was comfortable? Or nice? Absolutely not. It was awkward. Either one of them moved which made noise, or one of them cleared their throat. Even nurses steered clear of the room, seeing how awkward it was. ”So..” Buck motioned his hand toward Bobby, wanting him to speak. He held his breath for a little, his head turning with what to say and full of thoughts, trying to say the right words. “What’s going on Buck?” ”What do you mean?” Bucks voice went an octave higher, clearly nervous. “Oh you know what I mean! Why are you avoiding me!” ”I don’t know..” Bobby sighed heavily, turning away to look out the window down at the bright sun coming into the room. “Buck—“ Bobby paused, still not making eye contact with him, but still just as confused as he was a few minutes ago. Surely this wouldn’t be their forever right? Never talking, and when they did, awkwardness. “I just want to talk to you. You’re obviously distancing yourself and I can’t figure out why, it’s not like I can read your mind Buck. Talk. To. Me.” He accentuated each of the last words, trying to affectively get his point across. Buck shifted in his seat, even more obviously nervous now, and Bobby was tired of it. He knows the kid has some trouble talking—and can’t blame him for it—but sometimes it was a real annoyance when getting him to talk about his feelings. But goodness, this was going to take forever! Sometimes Buck needed a little push, even if in the moment it doesn’t seem helpful, in the end it really is. “Buck-“ ”Bobby!” Yelled Buck, his voice quietly echoing throughout the room. “Bobby I-“ Finally, Bobby thought. “I’ve watched a lot of my friends and family get hurt over the past few years. Chimney, Eddie, Athena, Christopher, and a few more I don’t feel like thinking of-“ He took a big breath in, trying to calm his racing mind down. “But you? Seeing you get hurt? That just broke me. I can’t sleep now without seeing you, right there in that bed hooked up to all the machines and wires and tubes and just everything! It makes me want to throw up seeing you like that!” Yeah, that hurt. “Kid..” ”No! I’m not done yet!”Bobby couldn’t take a step back, but if he could, he would. The tone of Bucks words were a tone he hadn’t heard in a while. “I never told you what happened in my coma dream, did I?” Bobby shook his head, “No, no you didn’t. What you did say though, was some people helped you get back. And some people tried to stop you.” “Yeah,” He chuckled wetly, “I guess that’s part true.” “Buck? What did really happen?” Buck sighed, he knew he couldn’t keep this over his head forever, speaking that almost everyone knew it, mainly because it kept him up at night. And up until now, it had worked. “Well..” Here he goes. Buck started from the beginning, explaining a little more in detail of shat happened with Daniel, Maddie and him never being a firefighter. But the thing he was scared and hesitant about saying, was how he freaked when he learned that Bobby had died. Bobby nodded his head in agreement, understanding what he had said and taking time to process it all. He looked to Buck, locking eyes and seeing the hesitancy in his eyes. “What’re you hiding kid?” Buck stammered, “What—“ He laughed, rubbing his arms on his legs. “What do you mean?” ”You know what I mean. You’re still nervous, and as much as I’d like to believe it’s just this conversation, theres obviously something you haven’t said yet.” ”Wow, you are..good.” ”Yeah, well thank Athena for the cop lesson I guess.” Bobby gave Athena the credit, which she deserved. Knowing he wasn’t in any way going to win this battle, Buck sighed, preparing himself to say the most dreaded part of his whole dream. “Bobby..” ”Yeah kid.” ”In my dream, you—“ A frustrated grunt came from Buck, bot being able to say anything anymore, all the words lost in his head, jumbled, almost like he never spoke English in the first place. Buck knew Bobby was waiting for him to say his thing, but it was just so hard. ”I guess, here goes nothing..” Buck stood up, trying to stop himself from shaking. “Bobby—You died in my coma dream.” And here came the waterworks. Buck started to break down, sitting down again and toppling over to rest on Bobby’s arm, Bobby stroking the hair back on his head, attempting to comfort him in any ways he could. The only words he could manage out of his mouth had been, “Oh kid..” ~~~~~~~~~