Rescue 77

Okay, this story is an AU on top of and because of the crossover. Just say that in my mind the Rescue 77 episodes are set in the same time frame as season one of Leverage in 2008. Wick is he cute little 24ish year old self, which means that Eliot a cute little 24 year old as well. Eliot served his country but never delved into the world of wet work or hitter for hire, he went straight from the service to being a retrieval specialist.

PS: In case you don't know…. CK played Wick Lobo.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, no harm intended just showing my love for the show.

Characters to know:

Wick Lobo – Cute cocky Rescue/EMT… Young CK… need I say more?

Michael Bell – Rescue/EMT… about 7 years older than Wick. (Cute enough to be Wick's big brother…. But that's another story that may happen…muhahahhahahaha)

Kathleen Ryan – Senior EMT… about 10 years older than Wick.

October 2005

The rescue squad returned to the station after four grueling hours pulling people from mangled cars on the interstate. The fire truck was already there ready for the next call but the garage area was empty. Bell and Ryan climbed out of the vehicle and walked to the back of the unit. They were tired but one look at Wick and it was clear the kid was beyond exhausted, both physically and mentally.

"Come on junior we're home. We'll get the gear stowed and you can take a nap." Ryan said. She tried to act like she was teasing but Bell knew that they needed to get the younger man to rest when Wick stumbled as he climbed out of the squad.

Wick rolled his eyes at being called junior, at twenty one he was the youngest crewman at station 77 and the others didn't let him forget it. "Don't jinx us Ryan...every time you go counting on down time we get a call." Wick complained as he leaned back against the rear of the squad fighting not to yawn. He stretched his arms over his head then rolled his shoulders. A nap really did sound good. If he was lucky he would be able to settle down in a recliner in the lounge and catch an hour of sleep before they were called out again.

" !" Bell groaned, he was in complete agreement with Wick's Jinx concerns. If they were bored and wanted action the station would go days without a call. If they needed sleep they seemed to be plagued with endless runs. Looking over at his friend Bell shook his head, Wick was normally full of energy but right now he looked like he was running on fumes. "Seriously Wick, you need to try to get some rest. What made you volunteer to pull a double anyway?" Bell asked as he nudged Wick out of the way and grabbed two of the equipment boxes from the back of the squad so that he could set the gear up to charge.

"I need the money man, I want to send my baby brother a care package for the holidays." Wick said as he forced himself away from the squad, slowly he pulled off his turnout coat and hung it up in its place on the wall.

"So, he's not coming home this year?" Bell asked.

"Well, it's not like he can just hop on a plane when he takes the urge." Wick grumbled. "It sucks. He thinks he's indestructible, and I'm not there to reel him in."

"Isn't that like the pot calling the kettle black? You don't exactly play it safe out there." Ryan said pulling out a clip board to start the post run checks.

"There is no comparison Ryan… no comparison." Wick replied.

"Are we ever going to get to meet this elusive baby brother? You talk about him all the time but I've never even seen a picture." Ryan asked as she started the Inventory check. They had restocked at the hospital but it was best to get a complete inventory now in case they had forgotten something.

"You think Wick's a little afraid his brother is better looking?" Bell asked Ryan.

"That's got to be it… poor Wick is afraid of the competition he'd get from his baby brother." Ryan agreed…

Wick gave the two senior EMT's a confused look. "You've seen pictures Ryan, they are all over my locker." Wick replied.

"What? I've seen pictures of you in was has to be some good Halloween costumes…Which by the way, you've got to tell me where you got the BDU's…they look real. But I haven't seen any little brother pictures." Ryan said.

Wick laughed. "We're twins guys….I thought you knew that."

"No, we know you have a "baby" brother." Ryan stated.

Wick smiled. "I'm a full hour older... I was born at 11:03 pm on the 23rd of June. Eliot was born at 12:05am on June 24th."

"Let me guess... He can't stand being younger... And you can't help rubbing it in." Ryan grinned.

"Oh yeah... It drives him crazy." Wicks eyes twinkled as he laughed.

"Two Lobo's, how does your family handle it?" Ryan asked jokingly.

They saw Wick's smile falter for a second, then it came back bright. "Nah, it's just the two of us against the world." he said.

"I pity the world." Ryan teased, but Wick's eagerness to volunteer for holiday shifts took on a whole new meaning.

"So, does that mean your brother is overseas?" Bell asked. He and Ryan had both assumed Wick's brother was off in college not out serving his country. When Wick nodded Bell asked. "When is he due back?"

"His second tour is over in January. " Wick replied.

"Two tours, is he planning a long term career in the service?" Ryan asked as she looked up from her paperwork.

"No, at least I don't think so. He planned on one tour and then he was going to do the whole marriage thing.. only she married someone else while he was gone.. and Eliot needed to get away so he did a second tour. I'm hoping that he will find something to do that will keep him here once he's home. Maybe even the fire department… then you guys would really have to watch out." Wick smiled to himself, the thought of having his brother around all the time was great even if he knew it would never happen.

Their conversation was put on hold when Captain Durfee walked up. "Wick." He said softly, the tone of his voice sent chills down the spines of the rescue crew. They had heard that tone before… heck they had used that tone before. Wick turned toward the captain, Bell and Ryan looked on as well.

"Son there are some men here to see you." The Captain reached out and placed a hand on Wick's shoulder. Wick looked toward the Captains office and saw the men in full Military dress.

"No!" Wick yelled, pulling away.

"I'm sorry son." The captain said trying to grab the younger man's arm.

Wick shook his head, eyebrows drawing together as his eyes filled with tears.. "Nooo…" he said breathlessly as he again tried to move away. His knees buckled but he was saved from hitting the concrete floor by a pair of strong arms grabbing him from behind and easing down.

"Easy Partner…I've got you." Bell spoke softly to his friend. He could feel the violent tremors running through Wicks body.

Durfee knelt in front of Wick catching the younger man by the chin. He forced Wick to focus on him. It took a while for the captain's words to sink in..."He's missing son, they are looking for him...there is a chance..."

77 77 77

Wick lay there quietly taking in the sounds around him. His eyes burned, and he felt heavy. As if he didn't have the strength or will to even draw a breath. He knew it was morning by the sunlight coming in thru his eyelids. He could feel a hand resting on top of his head and the weight of another on his shoulder. Slowly he opened his eyes and took in the sight around him. He was in lounge, surrounded by the crew of station 77. the fire crew were sleeping in various recliners, not a soul missing from the room.

Wick was lying the couch. His head resting on someone's lap, he didn't have to see a face to know it was Ryan's. Bell was sitting on the floor leaning against the front of the couch. His own head pillowed on the arm that was reaching out holding onto Wicks shoulder. Wick shifted slightly and the hand on his head began moving, gentle fingers carding thru his hair in a soothing motion. Wick squeezed his eyes shut, but he couldn't stop the flow of tears.

He didn't remember getting here.. everything was a jumble. The only clear thought in his head was that his brother was missing in action. Wick prayed for his brother's safe return. He prayed that Eliot found the strength to hold out until he could be found… he prayed that his brother knew how much he was loved and needed. He knew it was selfish.. but he prayed that his brother wasn't alone.

He didn't ask for anything for himself because he knew his prayers has already been answered in the people with him now. They walked into fires together every day. They would see him through the hell that was coming while he waited for Eliot to return. Because Eliot would return…there was simply no other option.

TBC