Attention was a word Jack had gotten used to in the last two decades of his life. There were inevitables when he was out in public and decided to wear shorts, or when he was in scrubs picking up milk from the gas station on his way home. The awkward, less frequent words of “thanks for your service” he’d get from older men and the very frequent, immensely awkward stares he’d get from the women.

Those were things he didn’t ask for.

When women ogled him, it hadn’t been an inevitability all of his life—even if you told him, time and again, that he was attractive and handsome.

He believed you. You and only you for the longest time. Jack had a hard time believing that many other people shared your same opinion. That was until he met the 6 ladies of the Allegheny YMCA’s 8:00 AM Water Aerobics class.

It had all been harmless at first.

Initially, he sought out the practice of swimming at the suggestion of his physical therapist three years after his amputation. The water helped him say afloat without many supports and as his muscles grew stronger and his confidence of being a BKA increased, the number of laps he did after a shift were a testament to his determination.

The repetitiveness of laps helped ease Jack’s mind before he went home too. The consistent back and forth of the strokes leveled him out from a difficult night. It functioned as an additional therapy to one he did four times a month and you let him have his space.

Most days the pool was relatively empty. Modern exercise eliminated most water activities from a daily routine and early morning runs to the gym often excluded getting one’s hair wet. Chlorine and its drying effects came second to the avoidance of swim time. It wasn’t feasible for everyone, but on Wednesday’s there were 6 others who simply didn’t mind.

And he could hear it through the door as he reached for the handle.

Paula Abdul’s voice rang loudly against the brick interior of the pool room. It bounced off the walls, cannonballing into the deep end to keep the women on beat as they did their buoyant repetitions.

With their weights in hand, the fifteen minutes since they began felt like seconds.

“Alright ladies,” their instructor, Susan, called out to them in an echo. “Now we are gonna take those weights and put them high above our heads.”

Susan mimicked the movement to which all the ladies copied to the best of their abilities. However, as people got older, the arthritis that plagued wrists and elbows and shoulders kept them from reaching as high as her. It didn’t kill their motivation, nor did it distract them from the men’s locker room door creaking open just like it did every Wednesday at the same time.

8:15. Susan glanced at the clock across the pool.

Like a well-oiled machine, the women began to drop their arms and their heads turned toward the door.

Mary-Ann was the first to pipe up today.

“Hi Dr. Abbot,” she called out immediately in a sweet tone. Jack’s face blossomed into a smile. With one hello, a plethora of them followed.

“Ladies,” he greeted back just as nicely. “Looking lovely as always.”

“You too, Jack!” Cheryl swooned. “You’re as handsome as always.”

“Are you tryin’ to make me blush, Cheryl?”

“I can make you feel a lot of things!” She laughed, loudly and only egged on the other women.

Jack’s eyes pinned themselves on the pool deck in case of splashes or puddles as he knew the risk of walking out on his prosthesis. In another world, his insurance, or the VA, would kindly provide him an Össur-pro so he could save himself time.

But it also gave him an escape from the redness working its way up his neck. Without a shirt on, he was bare to show off just how much flattery worked on him. He kept an eye on his leg to distract himself.

The women never made a deal out of him taking off his prosthetic. They didn’t stare, they didn’t jeer, and for that, Jack was more welcoming to Wednesdays. As he rounded the corner, he picked up a chair with his free hand and carried it with him to the end of the pool. Sharon whistled at him.

“We’re working on our biceps too, Jack. You should feel mine—they’re like steel!”

Jack scoffed, shaking his head at the floor. “Maybe another day, Sharon. But good for you. That’s a really important thing to work on.”

“Did you have a good shift today?” Mary-Ann asked. She was the only one to really care about his job.

No. He didn’t. But he didn’t want to ruin their mornings with tales of a two victim MVA, a meth overdose, or a GSW to the head.

“Oh,” he shrugged. “Same as it always is.”

“Deflection,” one of the ladies said as he passed. “Must’ve been bad.”

Their heads followed him comically to the lane closest to them. Jack settled his stuff onto the ground and used the chair to help him slip his prosthetic off before doing a couple hops to sit on side of the pool. As he fumbled with his goggles, Lisa waded over to him.

“So, Jack, I was wondering if maybe after our session today you could take a look at—”

“Lisa!” Susan called from the deck. “Stop propositioning Dr. Abbot during the session.”

“I’m not!” She defended. “I’m just asking him to look at my—”

“Yeah,” Cheryl nagged. “That sounds a lot like a proposition to me.”

“Don’t you think if he was the slightest bit interested in you he would have said something by now?” Sharon backed up Cheryl. “Jack’s not interested!”

“Hey,” Jack scolded Sharon jokingly. “I never said that…”

“Didn’t you just ask him to feel your arms?” Lisa accused and Jack slipped fully into the pool.

“That’s different.”

“No, it’s really not.”

“Ladies!” Susan yelled out and Jack gave her a thumbs up as if to say, “it’s alright.”

“You know,” Trudy paddled up beside Lisa. “My daughter is in town for the holiday and she’s single looking to mingle.”

“Is she?” Jack laughed. “I think I have some friends that might be interested. She can have her pick: doctors, nurses, police officers, vets… a few firefighters.”

Trudy shook her head with a smile. It was the same wide, pearly grin he got from all of the women of the class except for Susan who just wanted to teach.

“You’re too humble, sweetheart,” she replied. “I’m talking about you. What do you say? Can I give her your number?”

“I’m flattered, Trudy.”

Jack turned around, reaching for his bag to grab his hand paddles when he paused. Where the hell was his bag? Shit. He must have left in the car.

“She’s a nice girl. She just turned 37—is that too young? I know you just had a birthday.”

“Tru—” Jack started but she kept going. Persistent was Trudy Davis’ middle name.

“But she lives in Reading with her son. He’s 10. Do you have a problem with kids? Oh!” She laughed at herself. “Of course not. You’re a doctor.”

“The ones that are good with kids are called pediatricians, Trudy,” Lisa clarified. Trudy shook her off.

“I wouldn’t mind having a little eye candy for a son-in-law. I’d bet you would make a mother-in-law very happy.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Jack murmured. “I think mine sees me a little differently.”

While Jack thought back on his bag, the ladies paused. Their eyes caught one another in a wide revelation that opened a new door of knowledge about their weekly friend. Lisa put her hand on Trudy’s forearm, aghast at the news that their silver fox doctor was married.

Somewhere in the distance between the water lapping and the music changing over, Francis, the oldest woman of the group at 92, held a hand by her ear and asked:

“What did he say?” She couldn’t wear her hearing aids in the water.

“He’s married,” Sharon informed her.

“Yeah,” Francis smiled. “To me.”

“Jack?” Sharon called out to him. He pulled his goggles onto his head but still looked over at the woman.

“Are you married to Francis here?” She asked.

“No,” he chuckled. “I’m pretty sure I’m not.”

“We didn’t know you were married.” Trudy was slightly offended that no one did.

This was their Jack. The same one who, every class, made sure to say hello and goodbye and let them make their silly jokes about him and took it with a brave face. Jack never wore a ring—or at least none of them had ever noticed. Many of the women themselves were married to partners for decades and thought they had a grasp in knowing when someone else was.

“You never asked.” Was Jack’s simple answer.

“Does she get mad you don’t wear a ring?” Lisa followed up and felt suddenly like she didn’t understand his generation at all.

“I do.” He rose his left hand and the smallest, tiniest, tan line reflected a thick band. “I don’t want to lose it in the pool.”

“Why haven’t you ever said anything?” Mary-Ann spoke up after having been uncharacteristically quiet. She had a glimmer in her eye, mischievous one that sent an invisible string glowing between herself and Jack.

Jack shrugged, his leg bending as he got ready to set off the wall.

“Like I said, you’ve never asked about her.”

Twenty minutes from the YMCA, you scrambled in the kitchen trying to butter toast and rush out the door.

The middle of the week always felt a little chaotic—especially when Jack wasn’t there to help in the morning. You’d gotten used to it, no choice but not to be, but it didn’t help ease the stress of trying to make sure the house was in order before you left.

You stuck the piece of toast between your teeth, shouldered your bag, and rushed to the door when your feet caught a bag at the bottom of the steps and tumbled.

Your hands fumbled for the banister as your feet twisted. The piece of toast you were excited for fell onto the floor, butter side down, and your eyes landed on Jack’s work out bag as the culprit.

“Oh, come on,” you whined to no one. “Just one fuckin’ day, I swear to God.”

You hated Wednesdays. They were the bane of your existence.

There wasn’t a day longer than it. It dragged, unceremoniously, to the two days that always gave you better hope that the weekend would be relaxing and with Jack off the next few days, it would be. You just had to get through Wednesday first.

You bent down to pick up the toast only to notice that Jack’s gear was still in the bag. He hadn’t simply just left the bag, he didn’t take any of his supports with him. His paddles, the buoys, his goddamn kickboard.

But like Wednesdays were bad for you, sometimes his night shifts were too.

Jack forgot. It happens.

Digging out your phone, the last exchange you had with Jack was an hour ago where he replied “K” to a “don’t get hit by a car” from you. It was fruitless trying to call him because he was bound to already be inside and he wouldn’t answer if he was in the pool. But you peered back at the paddles and knew Jack needed those supports. Your peace of mind would depend on him having them, even if he never ended up using them.

You swiped both the bag and toast off the floor and sighed.

“What would he do without me?”

For fifteen laps, the women of water aerobics minded their business and listened to Susan’s instructions.

They still talked, however.

“What do you think she’s like?” Trudy asked.

“A nurse,” Francis said shakily as her exertion was starting to show. “Like one of those old war movies. A soldier and a nurse… how cute!”

“He’s not a hundred, Francis.” Cheryl shook her head. “I don’t think she works in healthcare. Probably in an office, maybe a teacher, or a manager of some kind.”

“Do you think she bosses him around?”

All the ladies looked back as Jack swam past the last 15 meter marking down on the opposite end. They thought on it, imagining what a domestic Jack looked like but the man they knew and created an image for wasn’t domestic. He was just a charmer. A kind hearted night shift doctor who listened to their problems.

“No,” Mary-Ann said. “I think they probably have a really nice relationship.”

“Women can be bossy too,” Cheryl defended.

“Yeah it’s kind of… what’s that thing they say? Kinky.” Francis laughed. Her face lit up in red as a result.

They turned back to Susan who changed out the weights for foam tubes. The sea of colors changed the space as they held them in arches above their heads.

Lisa sighed disappointedly. “Is it bad that I’m kind of sad he’s married?”

“Yes,” Sharon deadpanned. “He’s young enough to be your kid.”

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be a cougar, Sharon. I can provide a really nice life and hey! I’m a really good cook too!”

“Keep telling yourself that, honey.”

Susan cleared her throat and demonstrated an exercise with the tube. She counted them down like dancers as they began another set to round out their session.

“He’s just such a nice man,” Lisa continued on.

“Then we should be happy that someone found him,” Mary-Ann concluded. “Not everyone gets to find their special someone and we know he deserves one.”

The women agreed in staggered murmurs.

As they let the music carry their repetitions away, the women’s locker room door opened with a sharp squeak. The music was almost deafening as you entered the room but a lifeguard perched on their towers blew a whistle in your direction.

You looked up, the old women in the pool stopped, and Jack paused halfway down the lane thinking the stoppage was his fault.

“Ma’am,” the lifeguard spoke. “You can’t be in here.”

You chuckled nervously. “I’m just dropping something off—I am not staying.”

The lifeguard pointed to the sign beside the doors you barely moved away from. “You must be wearing swimwear and appropriate footwear while being on the pool deck.”

“Can I just take off my shoes?” You asked. “I’m just dropping off his bag.” You pointed to Jack who clung to the lane divider.

“Go ahead.” The lifeguard returned their attention to the pool and so did you.

But no one was looking at him. They were all looking at you.

Jack treaded water in the middle of the lane with a small smile fighting its way onto his face. With his bag in your hand, he was happy to have a few unexpected minutes with you before you were whisked away for the day. His chest was rising and falling rapidly but he lifted his hand in a single wave, pointing to the chair at the end of the lane.

You slipped off your shoes and followed along the edge of the pool.

“Ladies!” The aerobics instructor called out to them. “Why don’t we take a break, huh? You’ve earned it, great job.”

Like a thousand eyes piercing your body, all the old women in the pool stared at you as if you were a vision. You gave them a polite nod in return and kept going out slight embarrassment for getting called out by the lifeguard.

“Hey,” Jack reached the edge and tugged off his goggles. “I thought I left that in the car.”

“It almost killed me this morning, actually.”

“Well I’m glad you’re still here.” Jack swiped a hand over his hair before shaking it out. The water made the color go darker and it reminded you of what he looked like before he went gray.

“Thanks me too,” you said slyly and put the bag down at the base of the chair. “How was work?”

“Pretty bad,” Jack sighed, folding his arms in front of him and leveraging himself on them.

“I can tell.”

There was a gaze Jack fell into when the days turned sour. A light that never caught his eye, devoid of true amusement you could feel across a room. He looked drained.

“I’m only gonna do a few more and then I’m heading out. Can you text me what you want for dinner? I’ll go to the store after I sleep.”

“Sure,” you nodded and bent down in front of him. “Are you okay?”

Jack’s mouth got smaller, pinching onto one side of his face in thought. “I will be.”

“I can stay until you’re done,” you told him. “I can be late.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Mmm…” You titled your head. “I think I can.”

“Honey.”

“Jack.”

Your audience grew every second you stayed. Holding out your hand to Jack, he accepted it and held your hand over the end of the pool.

“You know, I was goi—”

“Excuse me?”

The interruption made Jack’s shoulders tense. Trudy led the women to the divider that started Jack’s lane and they hovered like animals preparing to be fed.

“Hi,” you replied. “Yes?”

“Are you his wife?”

Your eyes flicked between Jack and the women and your husband’s bashful avoidance peeked your interest immediately.

“I am. Jack didn’t tell me he made friends here.”

You swung his hand gently in yours.

“Have you known him long?” You asked them and a couple of the ladies nodded.

“He’s our Wednesday snack,” the oldest one said. “Jack the Snack.”

“Jack the Snack?” You beamed with hilarity.

“Oh yeah,” she continued. “He’s the only reason we keep coming to this class so early in the morning.”

“That’s pretty good motivation if you ask me.”

“Please don’t encourage them,” Jack said lowly and the women immediately complained. Their words muddled together in one giant, half-hearted complaint that was ignored. You winked, squeezing his hand in yours.

“He is a snack, isn’t he?” You agreed. “He’s tolerable, though, right? Sometimes he’s a real pain in my ass.”

“I knew I would like her,” one of them said to another.

“He’s a wonderful man. You sure got lucky, sweetheart. Jack’s a keeper.”

“Good.” You said definitively.

And then, the comments just went flying.

“Did you know he answers all of our questions about our ailments?”

“He helped me connect my phone to the WiFi here!”

“Sometimes, he helps me out of the pool when my knees give out.”

“Jack referred me to an Ortho for my broken finger once!”

“He’s the one who made management increase the pool temperature for us!”

“He changed my tire in the parking lot when I got a flat!”

Every comment they made, Jack had to look away. It’d been months since he started coming on Wednesdays consistently and he never thought to keep track of all the things he’d done for them. It was never a hassle, it was just another part of his day.

“Ladies,” Jack spoke up. “Can I have a minute with my wife alone please?”

“You get her alone all the time. We barely know anything about her. We don’t even know her name!”

“Well you weren’t asking about her just now.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Lisa brushed him off. “What’s your nam—”

“Lisa,” he said firmly. “If I get just a minute with her, I’ll look at what you wanted to show me.”

“Susan!” Lisa shouted. “We’re ready to continue!”

One by one, the ladies of the aerobics class returned to their spots in front of their instructor and Jack’s shoulders deflated.

“Jack,” you hummed and he knew what was coming next. “Do you have… a fan club?”

“I think so.”

“Did I see Mary-Ann here? From next door?”

“Mhm,” he hummed. “She’s the only tolerable one.”

“You love it.”

“They love it—or me, I guess. I don’t know. Maybe they just like my muscles.”

Your laugh made some of the difficult night harbored inside of him chip away. “Oh my. I might need to come here on Wednesdays.”

“No.” Jack shook his head harshly. “I cannot handle any more comments from them. They’re insane. Do you know how sexual those women are?” He said it like it was some dirty secret. “They say the most absurd things.”

“Like the absurd things we did after I got home from work yesterday?” You lifted a brow. “I bet they’d love that hot gos.”

“I think you’re going to be late for work.”

“Maybe.” Your eyes trailed over his tired face again. “You sure you’re good?”

“Yeah. I’m glad you came.”

“I can’t have you drowning on me, sweetie. How could I live with myself knowing you left kickboard was at home?”

Jack rolled his eyes at your joking tone and dropped your hand. “Okay, goodbye.”

“Jack,” you laughed.

Before he plunged back into the pool completely, he lifted up on his arms and placed a quick, soft kiss on your lips without warning.

The chatter of the women struck up again.

“I’ll see you at home.”

“Could we ask them all to come for dinner?” You whispered and he kissed you again. “I think they’d all really like that. What do you say, Jack the snack?”

“Never.”

Yet when summertime came, those same six women sat in Jack Abbot’s backyard listening to stories of your marriage and knew that the man they had silly, schoolgirl crushes on, was simply perfect.

a/n: i would bet good money that the old ladies in the water aerobics photo never thought they’d be featured on a jack abbot fanfic.

sorry grandmas!

Two hours. Two hours is all you had left of your 24 hour shift at the fire house. It had been a fairly easy day with some simple calls for the trucks. A woman had accidentally left her flat iron on and set her bathroom on fire. An adult got stuck in a child swing at the park. Then there was a three car collision at an intersection. Luckily everyone left with just some bumps and bruises. That was your last call 4 hours ago. Since then you and some of your coworkers had washed the truck, gone through inventory, and now you’re playing air hockey against your friend.

“Alright Ann. You know the stakes. If I win, you buy me ice cream and coffee. But if I lose you still buy me ice cream and coffee,” You smiled wide, and got into your stance. She has been your best friend since joining the fire house. You both joined years ago but she was one of the EMTs and you were a firefighter.

She gave you a look and crossed her arms, "That's not how that works dummy. If I win, you owe me ice cream and coffee.”

You rolled your eyes, “Fineeeee. We’ll make it a double date.”

She scoffed, “I am not going on a double date with your husband’s friend.”

Whining you stood up straight, “Come on why not! You think he’s hot and he’s sad and lonely. So what if he’s a little older. My husband’s older than me.”

“It’s not his age I have an issue with ... .It's the fact that….He makes me nervous,” She admitted reluctantly.

You and your nearby coworker Hen cooed, “Awwwwww.” She rolled her eyes and quickly threw her air hockey pusher at you. “My bad, my bad.” You picked up the pusher and gave it back to her. “Just think about the date okay?”

“Fine.” She groaned, and put the puck on the table, “Now lets play.” As soon as you placed the puck on the table the intercom sounded.

“Truck 81, Squad 91, Ambo 51 respond to a residential structure fire on 18th Boulevard. Again Truck 81, Squad 91, Ambo 51 respond a residential structure fire on 18th Boulevard." 

You looked at Ann and shrugged, “To be continued.” Everyone sprang into action, and headed for the vehicles. Grabbing your coat, you went to your side of the truck. You quickly put on your bunker gear. You quickly climbed into the truck, and put on your helmet. You looked at your lieutenant and smiled, “Let's do this thing Casey!” He chuckled and shook his head. He patted the side of the fire truck as they all rolled out of the fire house. 

Sirens blared from the trucks as cars and street signs flew by. The closer you got to the call, the quicker your heart raced. No matter what call came through, your heart always raced and anxiety always found you. Even the simpler calls. It was because of the unknown. The what ifs. What if there was a big explosion during this fire? What if you all wrecked before you even got there? You always did your best to force the what ifs aside, but it was always a challenge.

You had been a firefighter for about 4 years. You loved it but the things you have seen and dealt with were beyond traumatic. Some days were worse than others, but you had a great support system at home. Jack Abbot, your husband of 2 years. The man who always made it seem like everything was okay no matter what happened on your shift. It was nice to be able to share your experience but also hear his as well. Between the military, doctoring, and being on the SWAT team he had also seen some traumatic things. Some days you guys talked through it, other days you both just sat in silence in each other's embrace. Oddly enough, sometimes silence is what you both needed. 

The truck stopped in front of the burning house, causing you to snap out of your trance. You quickly hopped out and followed Lieutenant Casey over to Chief Boden. Strapping on your SCBA tank you listened to their conversation.

“Civilians said they saw three people enter the house earlier. They’re unsure if they ever came out. Looks like it has an upstairs and a basement. Casey, I want you to take a team in and cover the top. Severide, I want you to take a team and cover the bottom. Remember if the stairs don’t seem right don’t risk it. Be cautious and watch out for each other there. We’ll handle everything else out here,” Chief Boden ordered, then looked around, “Mouch! Cruz! Hit up the plugs and get some lines started! Anne and Shay, you're on standby.”

Mouch and Cruz nodded then began to run some hoses to the fire hydrants. Ann and Shay, our EMTs, stood by ready for whoever we pulled out of the fire. Lieutenant Casey looked at you, “Abbot, Herman you’re with me lets go!.” 

Taking a deep breath you put on your respirator and followed Casey and Herman into the flames. Crouching you all moved upstairs, as Severide and his team swept the mid level. Once upstairs you three split off. You walked slowly into a burning room, and looked around. The smoke made it extremely difficult to see and the ground creaked beneath your feet.

“Pittsburgh Fire department call out!” You yelled, and shuffled through the room. No response. Once you cleared the room you slowly made your way back to the hallway. You moved carefully into the next room, the house groaned as the fire raged. “Pittsburgh Fire Department call out!” No one called out once more. Clearing the room you headed toward the door. Unfortunately as you neared the door the floor gave way beneath you. Falling through the floor you let out a scream as you crashed down in the kitchen below.

Your body hit the ground with a thud, and you groaned as pain rattled your body. Luckily, it didn’t feel like anything was broken and you were still conscious. However, your respirator was broken, the floor beneath you was on fire, and there was some burning debris on top of you. Quickly, trying to move some of the debris off your arm, you reached for your radio. “Casey, I went through the floor into the kitchen! I’m stuck under some debris! I could use some assistance!”

“We’re coming to get you!” Casey, called out over the radio. You tried to wiggle free from some of the debris, but your leg was stuck. The fire raged around you and you hissed as you felt a burning sensation crawl across your back. Shit you were on fire. The adrenaline coursing through your veins skyrocketed. Suddenly, everything was in slow motion. Somehow you were able to free your leg and stand up.

Get outside now! You told yourself. Dodging more flames you felt nothing as you sprinted toward the front door. Once outside you quickly hopped off the porch, and hit the ground. Like you were taught in grade school you stopped, dropped, and rolled. You could feel several hands patting your body to help extinguish the flames. Once you no longer felt any hands you opened your eyes, not realizing you closed them.

“Am I extinguished?” You coughed and looked up at Chief Boden and Otis as they were kneeled over you.

Chief Boden nodded, “Yeah Abbot you are. Now let's get you to the Ambo.” They helped you stand up, and the adrenaline crash took over your body. Suddenly you felt everything: the heavy lungs, the obvious burns across your back, the leg pain, and all over body aches. 

Ann and Shay quickly took you from Otis and the Chief and sat you on the gurney. Carefully, they helped you out of your bunker turncoat. Looking at the house, black smoked plumes from the broken windows as the firefighters were dousing the flames with water. Casey, Herman, and Severide’s team came out of the flames safely yet empty handed. You looked at them quizzically, as Ann gave you an oxygen mask. Casey and Herman made a beeline for you after reporting to Boden.

“Was the house empty?” You frowned, and breathed in the oxygen coming through. Ann placed something on your back that made you wince. “Ow! That’s a tender area ya know?”

She just rolled her eyes and kept working. Casey chuckled, “Yeah the house was empty. I’m guessing squatters. How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling pretty okay. A little warm but hey we all catch fire eventually right.”

Casey just laughed, and Herman patted your head, “You got that right kiddo.” They then left and  walked back over to go help put out the rest of the fire.

“I radioed PTMC. They’re ready for us,” Shay called out from inside the ambulance. You looked at Ann with wide eyes.

“I don’t need to go to the hospital. Especially PTMC, they’re snitches over there,” You coughed, “They’ll call my husband.”

Shay just giggled, and hopped out of the ambulance. Grabbing the back of the gurney you sat on she loaded you into the ambulance while Ann stayed in place. “You totally need to go to the hospital, and PTMC is the closest. No arguments. Ann, I'm driving.” Shay smirked, and went around to get in the driver’s seat. Ann groaned and climbed into the back with you. She closed the doors then began assessing and documenting your wounds. The ambulance sirens began to wail, and the vehicle began to move forward. You attempted to lean back on the gurney but painshot through you so you opted to lie on your side.

“This is ridiculous,” You groaned, “I’m literally fine.”

Ann just rolled her eyes, “You literally caught on fire, and fell through the floor. You haven't seen your back but I have. Trust me when I say you need to go to the hospital.”

Sighing you shook your head, “My husband’s gonna kill me then, I’m gonna have to hear about fire safety from him for MONTHS….. At least you get to see your handsome Dr. Robby. Maybe you can convince him to not call my husband.”

“Shut up… I probably won’t even run into him. The ER is busy this time of day,” She deflected, and started an IV on you.

You smirked, “Now because you said that you’re gonna run right into him.” She just shot you a glare, as the ambulance slowed down. 

“We’re here,” Shay sang from the front. Ann opened the back doors then hopped out. Shay joined her and they both pulled the gurney out. You braced yourself as the gurney rocked slightly. Pain moved through your body and settled into your back. They wheeled you into the ER, and it was instant chaos. Ann was right the ER was incredibly busy this time of day. Nurses moved around the area quickly. 

Alarms beeped, patients yelled, and phones were ringing. It always amazed you how people were able to tolerate this mess. You’d much rather fight a fire then put up with any of the nonsense the nurses and doctors did. You’ll never forget one night Jack had forgotten his lunch.. Well breakfast so you decided to take it to him. The moment you walked in there was an inmate from the prison screaming and peeing everywhere in his room. Two patients coded at the same time, and then another one tried to run away with his IV pole. Shen calls that night Peemaggedon, and now you make sure to text Jack beforehand if anything crazy is going on.

As they wheeled you further into the chaos, two people in black scrubs came over. One was a seemingly timid pale guy with brown or dirty blonde hair you couldn’t really tell. The other person was a young woman with dark brown hair nearly black that was in a ponytail, she had a golden complexion that was just stunning. 

“What do we got?” The man asked, and helped steer the gurney into one of the trauma rooms. A nurse you knew as Perlah, joined in on getting you situated in the room. You gave her a kind smile, and she returned it.

“Female, 29, second and third degrees burns across the back and arms,” Shay began to explain, as they transferred you from the gurney to the bed. You looked at the unfamiliar faces, and sat up slowly with a painful groan. Ann removed the oxygen mask from you as the young woman placed a nasal cannula on you. Just as Shay went to explain further, Dr. Michael Robinavitch, aka Dr. Robby, aka your husband’s best friend, walked in.

“What do we got her-” He stops as you two lock eyes, “What the fuck? What happened?”

You gave him a small smile, “Oh you know. The job.” 

Dr. Robby looked at you then at Ann, “Ann, I thought you were supposed to keep her out of trouble?” Ann’s face went red, and you nearly laughed but kept it in. 

“I can’t stop her, she's reckless,” She defended, “Running into burning buildings and what not.” 

He chuckled and began assessing the damage done to your body, “Ann what are we looking at here?”

Ann repeated what Shay had relayed, “Second degree burn to the left arm, third degree burns across her upper back, and some smoke inhalation. Also possible injury to the left lower extremity. She could walk on it, but she was limping.”

He nodded, giving Ann a once over before looking at his colleagues, “Whitaker. Javadi. What’s the plan?” 

The timid man spoke up, “Uhh we get imaging of the leg, treat the burns, antibiotics, and pain meds?”

Dr. Robby nodded, “Anything else?” He listened to your chest, then shook his head at you.

The girl chimed in, “Maybe a chest x-ray as well. Also should we get a consult for a possible skin graft?”

Dr. Robby agreed, and held the door open for Ann and Shay. Perlah also disappeared, going to find a gown for you to change into.They wheeled the gurney out of the room, and over to ‘the hub’ as the staff called it. Dr. Javadi helped you carefully take your shirt off leaving you in a bra, and your work pants.

You watched with a smirk on your face as Ann had Dr. Robby sign some paperwork for her. They chatted a little bit after he signed, she gave him a smile and waved as she walked away with Shay and the gurney. Oh to be a fly on the wall. You were so gonna give her shit later.

Robby watched her walk away then turned back toward you. He walked back into the room as the guy, Whitaker, began cleaning your burn. You hissed as he gently sprayed saline on it. He apologized softly.

“You should have her in a prone position for this,” Robby instructed. The guy nodded, and you carefully rolled over wincing as you settled onto your stomach. You stretched your arms out in front of you, bending them slightly. You tucked the pillow under your chin and sighed.

“Two more hours. I had two hours left of my shift,” You coughed, and looked at Robby as he stood next to you.

“Hey it happens. Can’t tell you how many times I had an hour left in my shift and I caught on fire,” He teased, and corrected Javadi on her cleaning technique.

You glared at him and shook your head, “Shut up.” You yelped as you felt a poke in your burn. “How about those pain meds Doc?”

Robby looked at the younger doctors with his eyebrows raised, “You didn’t give her anything yet?” They stammered quick apologies, and quickly went to go find Perlah.

“The future is bright,” You sighed, and rested your head on the pillow. 

“They’re bright kids…Sometimes,” He paused and looked at you, “Did you call your husband yet?”

“No need. I’m completely fine,” You smiled at him. 

He gave you a stern look, “You caught on fire. You’re not fine.”

“It’s part of the job Mike,” You frowned, and shifted trying to get comfortable. You let out a whine as pain shot through your back. 

“Right,” He sucked in a breath before letting it go, “I’m calling him.” He began walking toward the door.

“No, don’t!” You quickly moved, causing pain to shoot through you. “Fuck!” You cried out. He quickly came over to you, and eased you back onto the bed. “Don’t call him. It’s his day off and he had a long night. You know that. He needs to sleep. He’s been running on fumes these past few days.”

He shook his head, “He’ll be pissed at both of us if he finds out you were here.”

“He won’t find out. I’ll come up with something,” You smiled weakly. He didn’t look convinced, and honestly you knew Jack would find out. However, that was a bridge you’d cross when you came to it.

He went to go counter your argument, but Whitaker and Dana came in. You peaked over your shoulder giving her a wave. Dr. Whitaker scanned what you assumed was morphine, and began drawing it up. Dana quickly walked over to you and Robby, and placed a hand on your shoulder.

“Robby we got a GSW coming in, it’s 2 minutes out. It’s a SWAT member. I had them clear trauma one,” She relayed, and rubbed your shoulder. Your heart sank at the sound of a SWAT member getting shot. You knew it wasn’t Jack because he was at home, but Jack probably knew the poor soul.

He nodded and looked at you, “I’m on it, and this discussion isn’t over.” He left out the side door and into trauma one where they were preparing for the arrival.

“How are you doing sweetie?” Dana smiled, “Do I need to call Abbot?”

“I’m okay Dana,” you cringed as you felt the morphine flow through you, “Please don’t call him. He needs the rest right now. I’ll call him when it’s close to discharge time.”

She nodded and gave you one last pat on the shoulder. Dana then walked out of the room, and back to the hub. Perlah and Dr. Javadi came back into the room and drew the curtains. Dr. Whitaker moved behind the curtains, as Perlah came over to you with a gown.

“Lets get you out of those clothes,” She grinned, and helped you sit up. 

“At least buy me dinner first,” You chuckled painfully. She and Dr. Javadi helped you out of your clothes and into a gown. It took longer than you expected. Despite the morphine, the pain was still pretty bad. Dr. Javadi examined your left leg which now had some slight discoloration on your shin.

While she examined your leg you could hear a bunch of commotion outside the room. Must be the GSW… 

Once she was done, Perlah helped you lie back on your stomach. You sighed once you rested your head on the pillow. Dr. Javadi draped a blanket over your lower half (from the butt down) so you weren’t completely exposed.

Perlah gave Dr. Whitaker the okay and he pulled back the curtains. The three then got to work cleaning your back once again. Turning your head you could see into trauma room one. Doctors and nurses worked quickly around a camouflage figure that was lying on the bed.

You could see Robby working on the patient, as camouflaged guys littered the hallway outside. You nearly choked on your spit as you saw the side profile of a familiar man. A man who was supposed to be at home sleeping. Surely not. You had to be seeing things. Must’ve hit your head pretty hard when you feel through the floor. Rubbing your eyes with your right hand you looked again.

Low and behold there he was your husband Jack Abbot. He was dressed in his camouflage SWAT gear, and arms deep in some sort of procedure. Your feelings were torn between rage and lust as you watched him work. He was dialed on whatever he was doing with those forceps.

Dr. Javadi’s voice brought you out of your husband induced trance. “Ma'am, is there anyone we should call for you?”

You chuckled at the irony of it, “No. I have a feeling my husband will be in shortly.” Perlah laughed, but you didn’t see the shared confusion between Whitaker and Javadi. You fixed your gaze back on Trauma one and watched as they finished up. You could see Jack say something to the guy who now had a tube sticking out of his neck. Dr. Garcia and some nurses wheeled the guy away leaving Robby, Jack, and some woman to talk. You glared lightly as the woman began talking to Jack. 

You knew it was nothing but unfortunately jealousy was in your nature. The woman walked out of the room, leaving Jack and Robby to talk. You watched them talk for a few minutes wincing as one of the students dug a little too deep. Peeking over your shoulder, Whitaker mutters sorry before continuing.

When you looked back at the room both Jack and Robby were looking back at you. Your eyes widened and you gave a reluctant wave to them. Jack quickly crossed the hallway, and busted into the room. You yelped as one of the startled students got startled and basically stabbed your wound.

“What the fuck happened? Are you okay?” He stormed over to you and grabbed your hands. He eyed your burns then looked at you with concern written all over his face.

You gave him a look and deflected the question, “I’m fine and aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?” 

Before he could respond Dr. Javadi chimed in. “Do you two know each other?” You peeked over your shoulder and looked at her. In unison you and Jack pointed at each other, you saying ‘husband’ and him saying ‘wife’. Perlah chuckled as Whitaker and  Javadi’s eyes widened.

Looking back at Jack he crossed his arms and looked at you. He was itching to take over the students' work, while lecturing you about fire safety. Even though you were the firefighter in the family. He stayed silent as Whitaker and Javadi finished dressing the burns. 

“Radiology is running a bit behind today, but we’ll get you up there as soon as possible Mrs. Abbot,” Whitaker smiled and quickly exited with Javadi and Perlah. 

Jack sighed and pulled a chair over to sit right in front of you. He gave you a look and rolled your eyes already sensing what was about to happen.

“You gonna tell me what happened?” He frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

You hummed and rested your cheek against the pillow. You didn’t want to tell him but you knew he’d get what he wanted one way or the other. “It was a not so routine residential structure fire call. We went in looking for life, but no one was actually in the house. While I was searching a room on the upper level, the floor beneath me crumbled. I fell through the floor and onto the main level. The floor I had fallen onto was on fire. My leg was pinned and I couldn’t move..”

You drifted off as you relived those moments. Your voice became a whisper as it all sank in, “I caught fire. I caught on fire… I was on fire.” You repeated and your throat suddenly became dry.

Jack immediately reached out, placing one hand on your cheek and the other on your nonburnt arm. “Hey. Hey. Look at me, you're okay. You’re here with me. Baby…Are you listening?”

He adjusted your face so you were looking at him. Slowly your eyes met his, and it hit you all at once. A tear escaped your eyes and he quickly wiped it away. “Jack… I caught on fire. I could’ve died.” 

A sob escaped your lips, and he immediately moved to your side. He sat down on the side of the bed next to you, and helped you roll onto your side. Gently, he pulled you close and stroked your hair. “It’s okay. You're gonna be okay.” He soothed, and placed a kiss on your forehead. You cried into his chest and hugged his torso. 

He sat there and held you as you processed your day. He calmed you down as you cried for what felt like hours. In reality it was only about 5 minutes. “It happened so fast yet it was all in slow motion,” you murmured into his chest, “I didn’t even feel any pain. The pain has actually been surprisingly manageable until now. I just…overlooked the whole ordeal.”

“It’s okay honey this is a common thing. You’re safe now. You’ll be all healed up and ready for desk duty in no time.”

You chuckled and looked up at him, “I hate desk duty, but that's exactly where Boden is gonna put me until I’m cleared physically and…mentally.”

Despite Jack’s distaste for your job, he knows how much you love it. You’ve had many close calls in your time, but you’ve never caught on fire. He knew this was going to be a struggle for you to overcome, but he knew you could do it. He’d also be there every step of the way.

“Honey, I promise that you’ll get through this. I’ll be there with you through it all. For better or worse, remember?”

You looked up at him and your lip quivered, “I love you so much.”

“I love you more,” He leaned down and placed a sweet kiss on your lips. When you both pulled apart you could feel yourself calming back down.

 You moved your hand up to his shoulder and grasped it. This caused him to hiss and you froze. Sniffling, you pulled away and looked at him.

“Are you…hurt?” You wiped your tears away, and eyed him suspiciously. 

He looked at you and sighed, “It’s just a graze. I’ll be okay.”

You pulled away quickly and sat up straight on his lap. You grit your teeth together as pain tore through your body. “Grazed? As in bullet? You got shot? Jack Abbot, I'm going to kill you. Let me see it. Is it bad? Do I need to get Robby?”

He grabs your frantic hands and chuckles, “I promise you it’s fine. I can handle it, we don't need Robby. Now come here and let me hold you.”

He goes to pull you in but you place a hand on his chest and shake your head, “No sir. Go get the stuff to dress your wound now.”

Jack knew better than to argue so he got up, and disappeared out of the room. You settled into the bed sitt up up straight, patiently awaiting his return.

When he walked back into the room he drew the curtains closed. He grabbed a Mayo stand and wheeled it over to the bed. He placed the items he grabbed on the table and began prepping. You watched him work quietly, mainly staring at his face as he concentrated.

“Is there something on my face?” He glanced over at you with a smirk.

“Mmmm yeah,” You sighed dreamily, “Old age.”

He looked at you with surprise written on his face, “Ohh is that how you want to play it?”

Reaching out slowly you grabbed his arm, “I’m kidding my amazingly sexy gruff man.” He grabbed your hand and kissed it.

“Thats what I like to hear.” He handed you a swab coated in some type of liquid. Grabbing it from him you watched as he took off his shirt. You had watched him do that a million times but it still took your breath away.

“Damn,” You mumbled and tried to focus on the task at hand. He smirked as he sat down in front of you. Looking at his shoulder you frowned seeing the wound. “I can’t believe this. You were supposed to be in bed. Not getting shot at.”

You could feel his eye roll as you began cleaning the wound. “I was asleep, but then I woke up and got bored. You know I love my hobbies.”

You glared at the back of his head, and took another swab from him. “You need to get back into woodworking. If you want a hobby so bad I’ll start ordering stuff from Ikea for you to put together.” 

“Nooo, you know I hate Ikea furniture,” He whined and handed you nonadherent gauze and paper tape.

You chuckled and finished dressing his wound. You placed a kiss on his back then rested your forehead against his opposite shoulder. “I wanna go home.”

Before he could say anything the door opened, but you couldn’t see who it was due to the curtain. A voice rang out from behind the curtain, “You two better not be fuckin in my trauma room.” 

You and Jack laughed as Robby pulled back the curtain. His eyes widened as looked at Jack's bare torso. “What the hell was going on in here?”

“She was trying to seduce me with her sweet words, “ Jack smirked and stood up. To your dismay he put his shirt back on. 

You frowned but then played into it, “Oh yes my dear husband the fire may have torched my skin, but nothing burns more wild then my love for you.”

Robby looked at the two of you confused. Jack crossed his arms and looked at Robby, “See what I’m saying. She knows exactly what to say to get me goin.”

His old pal shook his head, “I can’t stand you two sometimes. Now we need to move you because I need this trauma room. I got the chopper bringing someone in.”

Robby came over, and began prepping your bed to move. Jack helped get everything situated then they moved you out of trauma two. They pushed you out into the hall  then made way to a room nearby. 

You looked at Robby as you lied on your side carefully. “Can I go home now? I just want to go home and cuddle my husband.”

Robby rolled his eyes, ”No you still need to get scans done. Your blood work was fine though.”

“Ughhhh this place is a prison,” You groaned. Jack patted your butt, as Robby began taking some vitals. “You know Robby… You should really consider asking Ann out. You know you want to.”

He gave you a look and you could hear Jack snort behind you. “Yeah Mike, think of the double dates we could go on…  Or how much happier you’d be.”

He just rolled his eyes at your tandem pestering, “I appreciate the concern you two, but if I want to ask her out I will. Besides, I'm going on sabbatical soon so I don’t need a relationship right now. Plus would your friend even want to date an old man with baggage.”

Jack came into your field of view and the two of you shared a look. You pouted, “Of course she would! Ann likes her guys slightly seasoned. Plus she’s got her own baggage so you guys could share scary stories from your lives.Here me out. Do a staycation as your sabbatical and date my friend.”

Robby just chuckled and handed you your call light, “I’ll think about it. I gave you another round of morphine if you need anymore press the button.”

You took the call light with a sigh, and you rested your head on the pillow. The men made sure you were fine before they stepped out into the hall to talk. You watched as they said a couple words then Jack held out his hand. Robby gave him his cellphone and Jack typed something into it. 

They talked a bit more than you heard a commotion out in the hall. Jack and Robby turned toward the noise, and they both dashed over to whatever it was. You waited patiently for Jack to return, but a nurse named Emma came to take you for imaging.

After imaging you were taken back to your room. It was empty when you returned and your husband was nowhere to be seen. Emma left you alone and released a breath you didn’t know you were holding. Staring at the wall you recalled the event of the day once more. You could smell the smoke of the burning house. Your back twinged with pain as if it was still on fire. You closed your eyes tight, but when you opened them you were back in the house. 

Looking around frantically you realized you were pinned to the floor with burning debris. The heat from flames fanned your face causing instant sweat. It was then you realized you weren’t in your gear. You were in your hospital gown. Black smoke clouded your vision and the house around you groaned as if it could come down any minute. 

You went to yell out for help but nothing came out. Your heart raced as your skin began to burn, and your lungs tightened due to the smoke. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse the floor beneath you gave way. All you felt was pain as darkness clouded your vision.

You screamed and shot up, opening your eyes to a bright light. Thankfully, you were back in your room at the ER. Sweat dripped down your face and you looked around frantically. You could feel your heart beating in your ear, as you tried to catch your breath.

Hearing you scream Jack quickly came into the room, with Dr. Javadi and Perlah in tow. He was by your side in an instant and pulled you into his chest.

He stroked your hair and whispered soothing words into your ear. You held onto him like your life depended on it, and you buried your face into his chest.

He waved off Perlah and Javadi and they left you two alone. You guys sat in silence, only your breathing could be heard. The sound of Jack’s heart beat calmed you down. It was something you always focused on whenever you had a panic attack, or truthfully just a rough time. 

He looked down at you and placed a kiss on your forehead, “You okay?”

You nodded slowly and looked up at him, “Yeah. I think…”

“Had I’d known you were gonna have a nightmare, I would’ve woken you up sooner. You were sleeping so peacefully.” He murmured and pulled you closer.

You nuzzled into his chest deeper, “I didn’t even know I fell asleep. It was terrible Jack.”

“You wanna talk about it?”

“Not right now,” You sighed, staring at the wall, “Can we go home now?”

He chuckled and looked at you, “Yeah we can go home now. You were discharged an hour ago. I just wanted you to get more sleep.”

You pulled away from him slowly and glared at him, “Jack Abbot if you don’t get me out of this hospital… I’ll…bedazzle your prosthetic.”

He laughed and moved away from you slowly, “You’ve already done that with my other one. Please leave my camouflaged prosthetic out of this.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at his words. He left your side and started to gather your things. He carefully helped you get dressed, which you realized were clothes he had gotten from his locker. Dana wheeled you outside once you were dressed. Jack pulled his truck up to the two of you and got out. 

He then helped Dana get you in the truck, and even buckled your seatbelt for you. Dana said goodbye to you both, and soon you were on the road. 

You wanted to ask when he had even gotten the truck, but you were too tired to ask him. The car ride was silent besides the radio playing softly. You sighed in relief as he pulled into the driveway.

“Home sweet home,” He sang and put the car in park. He got out and instantly came over to your side of the car. He opened the door for you and helped you out. You both made your way into your shared home, and you took a deep breath.

“Finally,” You exhaled, “I’ve been waiting for this moment all day.” Grabbing Jack's hand, you dragged him upstairs to your shared bedroom. Kicking your shoes off to the side you took your pants off and winced as you discarded your shirt. You crawled into bed lying on your side and looked at Jack. Patting his spot next you waved him over, “Come on, let's cuddle. We need this.”

He just smiled and stripped down to his underwear, “If you say so. I’m not gonna pass up an opportunity to hold you.” He made his way over to his side of the bed, and sat on the edge of the bed. He took off his prosthetic and placed it under his night stand. He then joined you under the blanket and pulled you close to him.

You parked your head right on his chest, and listened to his heartbeat. He traced your side lightly, sending a chill up your spine. A comfortable silence consumed you both as you finally relaxed,

This is what you wanted. Just you and him with no one else around. Despite the chaos that the day had brought to you both, you ended up back here in each other’s arms. This was your safe space. He was your safe space, and deep down you knew you were his too.

You were almost asleep when something dawned on you. “Jacl?”

“Yeah hon,” he looked down at you.

“What did you put in Robby’s phone earlier?” You met his gaze, and he chuckled.

“Ann’s phone number. Told him we’re not getting any younger, and she’s totally into him.”

You gaped, “You told him she was into him. She’ll kill me.”

He shrugged, "He'll never tell her what I said. Patient Doctor confidentiality. Now enough about them, let's sleep even though it’s only 7pm.” He pulled you closer (If that were even possible), and closed his eyes. You followed suit and let the weight of the day melt off of you.

You were unsure how the events of the day would affect you tomorrow, but right now you didn’t care. You were right where you wanted to be, in bed, in Jack’s arms.

Before you drifted off to sleep you looked at him one last time, “I love you Jack.”

“I love you more,” He mumbled, and looked down at you. He winked then closed his eyes. You nuzzled back into his chest and let his heartbeat lull you to sleep.

Whatever tomorrow brought you, you knew you would be able to handle it with him by your side.

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