MSgt. Dr. Fairmont

welcome to the world, baby brielle!

Nine months and she honestly hadn’t prepared herself for this feeling. Looking down at this tiny little human that she created was easily the most heartwarming emotion she had ever experienced. Hours in labor and she honest to god couldn’t express how overwhelmed with love she was. Family had meant everything to her and now she was given the chance to get to meet her own little family. “Hi there, little one. You’re just the most precious thing in the world, aren’t you?” The blonde whispered, starring down at the baby she couldn’t get enough of. There was one thing to carry her around in her stomach, another to actually hold her in her arms. “She’s so perfect.” Again, she spoke, but this time her blue hues looked upward, glancing and smiling at the person in the room. “Did you want to come hold her?”

Everything had happened so fast, from the moment Phoebe had told him she was expecting a child to now, it all happened too fast and Nate felt like he hadn’t really prepared fully for this moment. To witness his little sister becoming a mother, to hear his niece’s first cries, it was more than he could’ve even asked for. There were no words to explain how he was feeling and he couldn’t even begin to understand how his sister felt at that moment, but Nate stared at both girls with awe, tears unashamedly on his eyes as he smiled. Proud. Endearing. There were so many days that he went through life not sure why he had made it when so many hadn’t, not sure if he deserved to be there still while so many others had lost their lives. This moment, however, this was something worth sticking around for. “It’s okay. She looks happy there.” The older brother said, his voice quiet, almost afraid that if he spoke any louder he’d scare or make the baby uncomfortable. Just looking at her, at his sister, was enough for him. “She is perfect, just like her mom. I’m so proud of you, Phoebs.” 

INSTAGRAM → NEW PHOTO FROM @natefairmont​​

I rarely ever post here but when I do, I’m in the company of my first—and already favorite—niece #newestfairmont #brielleasherfoss #babyfairmont @phoebefairmont

“Hey, we all have to have a little downtime. A couple of minutes for a breather here and there- can’t believe I used to take advantage of those fifteen minute breaks and skip ‘em.” Jason was leaning forward in his seat, gnawing at his cheek. He took things too seriously, always chose to stay stuck on a problem rather than let things go and move forward. Old habits were hard to change. “Thanks, doc. You know, I might end up coming back here. I’m about to check my place out, probably going to have to bunk somewhere. Good thing I don’t have many possessions to begin with, but it’s the concept of… home. And having a bed to sleep in at night. I’ll be honest, it’s the first time I’ve been through a disaster that wasn’t contained to just me. It’s definitely…. good on the perspective.” 

“Come on, Kovacs. Let me get you some coffee before you go home and I clock in.” Nate knew very well what it was like to go on skipping breaks and drown in work all too well, especially when things outside the hospital became too difficult to deal with. Sometimes coffee was enough to keep the going. Sometimes it just served as a guilty pleasure. “Where do you live? If you need a place to stay until things get sorted out, my couch is pretty nice. Trust me. I’ve fallen asleep on it more than I’d like to admit, too tired to make the walk to the bedroom...”

“Whitney Thomas.”  She spoke softly and then smiled at the doctor who offered to go out of his way to find out some information for her. “I would really like that,” she said softly. It was nice of him, especially since he was someone who was busy and who many relied on. “Yeah, pretty much the entire town. Well, I live in a pretty old apartment building so I was lucky that the foundation stayed in place. The room and some windows are shattered, but nothing as bad as what others have gone through. And you?”

“Absolutely.” With a smile and a soft nod, the surgeon committed the name to memory with a note to follow up on the woman’s friend. The reassuring to others that their loved ones, family and friends were okay was as important as the job of treating their patients. It was something many doctors forgot at times but Nate didn’t mind going out of his way every now and then. “That’s good to hear. Those are easy fixes. I live downtown. Luckily my building was intact. It still doesn’t make it any easier to see the damage on the streets.”

                               Libby nodded in understanding—- she could imagine how tough it had to be on the ones that voluntarily got in there every single day, surrounded by those white walls and sterile rooms, selflessly helping out people who didn’t even like hospitals. It took a good person to do that, and Libby could only try to guess how demanding it could be after a storm like this. “Yeah, I’m— I don’t even know how you do that, honestly…” She let out a quiet sigh, a soft, genuine smile forming on her lips, hopefully portraying her gratitude. “No, I live in Downtown actually, but I’m just out walking… for the fresh air.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t know how I do that half of the time either.” But it was all he knew. It was all he could do. It was what kept him alive, his purpose. If he wasn’t helping others, if he didn’t hve that motivation, his would be a different story—a darker story. The war had left a scar deeper than those on his skin, and this was the only way he knew how to move on from it. “I live Downtown too. I just came to see with my own eyes the extent of what the storm left us. Fresh air is nice. Mind if I walk you back? Unless you’re not going home...”

      Swallowing the drink like it was water, was a sign to anyone that Sera was far from okay and she even knew that Nate would see that. “Not expecting you too, Natey.” She cooed, clearly falling under the spell of the alcohol in her veins. Giggling a bit, she leaned her head against her cousin’s shoulder as she listened to him; ignoring the noise behind her. When the obvious question was asked, she snapped out of her haze. “Huh?” She peered up at Nate, sooner sitting up in her seat as she waved off his question. “Oh you know me. I’ll survive.” She shrugged, rolling her eyes slightly. “Somehow I always do.” She insisted, knowing well that even she didn’t believe her own words and didn’t expect Nate to either.

Holding his drink to his lips, Nate looked over the glass to his cousin and chuckled quietly. Whatever the reason, he was glad he had walked into this particular bar. Sera’s state was obvious but he wasn’t feeling like putting an end to it just yet. “Yeah, you will. You always do.” A hand rubbed lightly at her shoulder before he pulled her for a half-hug as they sat next to each other. “Sometimes in a nicer shape than others, if I’m being completely honest.” He smirked as he retrieved his arm from around her shoulders and wrapped his fingers around his glass. “How’s your place? How’s everyone?” He had been working so much since the storm, he needed to keep better tab of people. 

“There is just so much going on at the moment.” Alexandria replied, sending him a weak smile. It was hard to know that her coworkers were likely incredibly busy, and yet there was nothing that she could do to help them. She watched as the man looked at her wrist, knowing that he would likely tell her to take it easy to let it heal. Alix had been being stubborn about the whole thing and hadn’t been taking care of herself. “That is easier said than done, but I know that you’re right. A vacation sounds pretty tempting, although I have no idea what I would do.”

There was a lot going on at the moment, it was hard to catch a breath. Nate nodded and returned her smile with a shrug, both agreeing and understanding where she came from with the lamenting. He knew how hard it must be, how hard it was, because he too had been there before. “Sometimes the best way to help is looking after yourself so you can get back in the game sooner. It’s okay. I won’t lie. I know I’m the first one who has a hard time following my own advise but, as a doctor, please do. Whatever you decide to do, make it fun. In our world, we never know when we’ll be able to go on vacation next!”

Hailey stayed quiet and still as Nat worked on her hand meticulously. The brunette knew he was good at what he did, but she’d never seen him in action before. The way his brow creased in concentration, even through how obviously exhausted he was, was captivating. “Yeah,” She sighed, “Electrocuted. But I’m okay, I promise. I’m not cold or anything, I have a bit of a headache but that could be from the lack of sleep. Just my hand and the burns. It’s okay, Nate. I promise.” She smiled softly at him, her eyes searching his face for a few seconds before landing on their hands. They stayed that way, close and quiet, for a few moments before he stirred back to life and began working on her hand once more. But as he began to talk, Hailey’s eyes lifted to look at his face once more, a soft, empathetic frown pulling the corners of her lips downwards at his admissions. “During times like these they need all hands on deck.” She began slowly, unsure of what to say to make the man in front of her feel better, but wanting to help she continued on. “I know it’s hard, Nate. I know. And if work helps you, don’t ever feel bad for doing it. Alex, he…” She cleared her throat for a moment, getting choked up for a moment before clearing her throat and continuing on, “His first deployment was only supposed to be six months, but then it got extended to a year… and then another six months. I had Sophie while he was gone and when he came back… he had the hardest time adjusting. I know what you’re going through and I know it’s hard, but you can’t keep it all in. You have to talk about it and you have to step out of your comfort zone. It’s going to be hard and awkward and messy at times, but you can do it. And I’ll be here for you if you need help, okay?” Bringing her other hand up, Hailey rested it on his cheek and rubbed over his skin slowly with her thumb. “I know you do, and you have been. But we’re okay. You giving us a place to stay and you’ve been so great since we moved here. Just don’t forget to look out for yourself sometimes, okay?”

“I can get some water boiling for tea if you want...” It would help with the cold. He could get more covers for her. His thoughts were running in circles in his head, his eyes fixed on the bandages now wrapped around her hand, small in comparison to both of his. This he knew how to do. Healing others. Healing himself was a different story. Complicated. Sometimes almost impossible. His eyes were tired and vulnerable when they met Hailey’s, tears of fatigue and frustration threatening to set loose. “It’s...” Not that easy. It’s complicated. How could you go on with your life while so many that had your back and you had theirs were no longer there? Like Alex, men who had families waiting for them, children to watch grow, good men, strong men, brave men, didn’t make it. Nate often wished it had been him instead of someone else. Then there were times he thought it would’ve been easier than living with the memories that came haunting him at night. He didn’t say this, though, his lips pressed into a small smile, both in response to her words and the warmth of her hard against his cheek, his eyes closing for a moment. “I know. I know, I try. I will.” Look for himself was easier said than done. “I really didn’t mind you staying here. Sophie’s just- Sophie’s a ray of sunshine. I’m sure Alex would be proud of the good job you’re doing with her. You two were all he talked about, his pride and joy. I can’t blame him. He was a lucky man.”

     It was surprising to see one of her cousins in the same bar as her. Sera came to the bar to get away from everyone who knew her; but failed miserably. As she was getting ready to give the man another wave of words when Nate waltzed into her line of sight. “Nate—” She started to say but then fell to her seat in defeat. “As much as I would appreciate that, wouldn’t want to ruin that handsome face of yours.” She raised her hand and cupped his cheek in a teasing manner before looking back at the bartender with their drinks. “Though I’m okay with drinking.” She admitted, reaching for her new glass and downing it in seconds. Looking back at her cousin, she spoke, “Why are you here anyways? Figured you’d be working.”

“I had to spend some time on the beach, you know? This tan doesn’t get here in the library.” Carolina said with a smirk. “ Well, I’m glad you made it out of there unscathed.”

“Well, the tan suits you very well if you don’t mind me saying. Maybe I should take a lesson from your book and hit the beach too cause I really need it.” Nate laughed in spite of himself, letting out a sigh as he heard the echoes hitting back from the debris on the streets around them. “Thank you. I’m sorry the city welcomes you back with all of this.”

Senja nodded and relaxed, taking deep breaths as he wrapped up her burnt foot and leg. She’d experienced pain, but never anything like that. Of course, childbirth wasn’t exactly a picnic either. “Okay.” Senja said, nodding. This guy and I had lit some candles, and he stood up to grab a beer and tipped one over. It lit up my pant leg. He got burns too.”

"This guy? Who’s this foolish guy?” Nate’s voice remained tranquil, focused mostly on wrapping bandages around the foot and leg but not missing a word his cousin was saying. He didn’t want to point fingers to put blame but just the thought of how Senja had gotten her burns because of such a stupid mistake made him breath through his nose as he shook his head sternly. “There. That should do. We’ll change the bandages daily. Don’t be afraid to get it wet. It’s better to keep it clean than dry. Just no scrubbing or scented soaps around the burn.”

“I just wish that there was more I could do to help, you know?” Alexandria replied, knowing that the hospital was likely incredibly busy at the moment. There were a lot of people who were injured during the storm and she just wanted to help as much as she can. “Time off is going to be strange. I can’t remember the last time I had time off.” She added, knowing that her job was incredibly busy. “Yeah sure.” She replied, holding out the damaged wrist to him. “I got into a car accident.”

“We all wish the same thing.” Nate understood the woman perfectly. He wished there was more he could do, more he could’ve done. It was hard to remember they were merely human when they chose to dedicate their lives to helping others—it was a harsh hit of reality to know some days you just couldn’t save everyone. Inspecting her wrist, Nate chuckled and met her eyes. “It’s a bit swollen, you should keep it still so it heals faster. You should be alright just in time for when you go on vacation. We both need it. It’s been long due.” 

“Whitney, she’s a girl that I used to work with.” Emma said softly as she leaned forward, almost feeling guilty that she hadn’t been able to remember her last name. It had been a while, but once they’d found each other in that firehouse, neither had been able to detach one another from the other. “I was evacuated to the firehouse. It wasn’t a good situation there, but I think we all made it through.”

“Whitney?” Nate tried to see if he could recall anyone by that name but it escaped him, pressing his lips and pouting apologetically. “I- don’t think I treated anyone by that name but I can find her charts and check on her later. Yeah, I heard the firehouse needs some reconstruction too. Midtown is in pretty bad shape. We were a little underprepared. How’s your place?”

Hailey’s head tilted back as she looked up at him, a soft smile on her lips as he pressed a kiss into her forehead. “You have nothing to apologize for, Nate.” She said, allowing him to take hand and inspect the burn. She was a trained nurse and could easily take care of the injury herself, but she could see how tired the man was and didn’t want to start and argument with him. Especially since he just wanted to help. “Sophie’s just fine. She’s sleeping right now, poor girl is exhausted. I’ve never seen her to happy to have a bath.” She chuckled softly, reaching out to place a gentle hand on his cheek in hopes to reassure him. “Well, we ended up at the pub when the road closed on the way to the high school… and the place was definitely not set up for the weather. But we made due. I hurt my hand…” She paused, hesitated even, because she didn’t want to worry him more with the story, but she also didn’t want to lie. “Well, okay so promise not to freak out, okay? But I got electrocuted.”

Nate tried to focus on the wound, being as gentle as possible as he reached for the cleaning pads as he also nodded with relief when Hailey confirmed her daughter was just fine. He had seen so many hurt, he had treated more than he could keep count of, but the children were always the ones that got to him the most, the vulnerable, the innocent. The girl had entwined herself into his heart in a way very few could, had managed to find a way to get him to come out of his comfort zone and his all work-no play mind set. Whenever she was around, it was as if his energy was revitalized. If something happened to her, to her mother... “Electrocuted?” His eyes widened and his hands went still, his eyes searching for Hailey’s, doing his best not to freak out. “Are you cold?” It was the first question coming to his mind, only then noticing she was wearing one of his shirts rather than her own clothes. Pressing his lips at the realization, his eyes shied away from hers, from staring too long at her figure, and for a moment there he almost forgot what he was doing as he just held onto her hand unsure of what to do next. Clearing his throat, he reached for the antibiotic ointment and bandages instead, worried he’d break any blisters now that he knew the source of the burn. “I have to go back to the hospital tomorrow. I— they need all the help they can get but, I just... it’s hard. It’s hard for me to stop doing what I do. I don’t know what else to do, Hails. Working is the only way I know how to keep my mind focused on something other than... than the war and the loss. But I want to be present, too. I just don’t know how.” It was frustrating, even trying to find a way to explain himself was difficult, but Nate wanted to be there for her and Sophie, for his family. He didn’t want them to feel like the came second to his work. He just didn’t know how to go back to life after the war. He didn’t know how to be just Nate again. “But if you need anything, if Sophie needs anything, I want to be there for you.”

Senja turned her body so he could better seen the burn that ran from her foot up to her mid-shin. Her skin was red and raw, almost crispy in some spots. It was disgusting, but at least she had her cousin there to help her. “Thanks.” She said with a little smile. Her laugh at the joke about her daughter faded into a hiss. Senja rolled onto her back, gripping the side of the bed.

Nate’s hands moved swiftly, focusing on cleaning the wound as thoroughly as possible in a timely matter. “Easy, now. Breathe in.” The surgeon suggested, a hand keeping her leg still as he continued. The hisses and winces from his cousin did little to make him falter in the task at hand, years of experience making him able to put the emotions aside and doing his job. It was only after he was done that he loosened his grip and let her recover, lips pressed in an apologetic smile. “I’ll wrap this and that should be it, yeah? Promise it won’t hurt now. Talk to me. What happened?”

“Hey, I’m doing alright.” Alexandria replied, sending the man a smile chuckle. As a nurse, she had spent enough of time in the hospital to have gotten used to seeing all of the doctor’s around. Granted, usually she wasn’t hurt and was the one who was running around making sure things were running smoothly. “Well, my wrist is broken so I am probably going to have to take some time off of work which sucks.”

Alexandria’s was a familiar face. They had gotten to work together a couple of times though now she was one of the patients instead of the staff looking after others. “Some time off would be good, though. I’m also thinking about taking a few days myself.” He needed it. He needed it for more than one reason. “May I take a look? What happened to your wrist?”

“Someone has to be optimistic, right?” She asked with a smirk, sipping her sweet tea as she walked with Nate. “Luckily I just got back here, so I wasn’t too roughed up by the storm. Looks like you faired alright as well.”

“That’s right. Welcome back is in order. It’s been a while.” Nate added, crossing his arms as he stepped closer and stole a look at the scene around them. “I was called to the hospital before the storm kicked in full force. We were okay there but not a minute of rest.”