Title: Brother's Keeper – Pt. 1

By: FanofRandy

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. Emergency! is owned by Universal and Mark VII Productions. I make no profit from my imagination—only a personal joy and peace.

Summary: Gage is dealing with some personal issues. He also helps a young boy recover from a traumatic event. Will he accept help from those around him? (set after season 5) May benefit from reading my story "Without Reservation" as there are some inferences…however, this is a stand-alone. (NOTE: this story is completed on my computer...will post new chapter at least once a week)

E!E E!E!E!E!E!E!EE!E!E E!E!E E!E!EE!E!EE!E!E E!E!E E!

When the alarm went off, Johnny was already awake. He had a terrible headache which had been with him for several shifts now. He vaguely remembered knocking his head against the Squad door a few shifts back, but did not think that could be the cause. He had spent most of the night chasing away the dreams. The nightmares started after his parents died in the car accident. But, over the years they occasionally changed. This night was mostly filled with visions of Roy or one of his other shift mates (but, mostly Roy) covered in blood or burned beyond recognition after a rescue went horribly wrong.

Johnny, and all fire fighters, new his job was dangerous. But, it was what he was called to do and he was damn good at it. Despite injuries, illness, and defeat, he would not be happy doing anything else. But, the nightmares plagued him still. He was to be on duty in two hours and he hoped that a cool shower and his bright blue uniform would disguise his fatigue and pain. He pushed the sheets aside, reset the alarm and went to the bathroom.

E!E E!E!E!E!E!E!EE!E!E E!E!E E!E!EE!E!EE!E!E E!E!E E!

He made pretty good time to the station and he was there before Roy, Chet and Marco. Cap was always the first one there and Mike was usually right behind him. Everyone knew that Mike was bound to be a Captain one day…Johnny paused to think of his brother fire fighters before getting out of the car.

Chet, a.k.a. The Phantom; Johnny's nemesis. The truth be told, Johnny really liked Chet. Chet had a lively personality and much of the time his energy matched Johnny's. Of the group, Chet and Johnny were the most rambunctious. Johnny would not tell anyone if asked, but he considered it an honor to be chosen as Chet's "pigeon." It made him feel cared for in some strange way…like an older brother picks on a younger brother.

Marco, who was closest to Chet, often defended Johnny against some of Chet's pranks. Marco was a man of faith and the men often heard him saying quick prayers in Spanish. Marco spoke often of family and Johnny sometimes found himself almost jealous. But, Marco's mother, who was a delightful women and wonderful cook, spread her love to all of Station 51's A-shift through her son and her food.

Mike was the quiet one. Johnny did not know how he and Mike got along at all. They were polar opposites. When Johnny was filled with frenetic energy, Mike was composed and cool. While Johnny could rant for hours, Mike was a man of few words. But, Johnny liked the man a lot…he felt Mike was a calming force for the Station.

Captain Hank Stanley was a great leader and wielded a strong hand. When Johnny was out of line, Cap was quick to reel him back. Johnny appreciated boundaries—he felt safe within those rules and boundaries but, was not above bending those rules sometimes. The length of Johnny's hair was a way that he kept his commanding officer always on edge. Cap's door was always open and the men all had taken their turns bending his ear about one thing or another.

Finally, Roy…what could Johnny say about Roy. Roy was the ying to Johnny's yang. They could be polar opposites, but there were times when Johnny could convince Roy to be a little wild—like the time they bought the old engine and fixed it up; and, Roy provided a tether Johnny desperately needed to maintain control sometimes. Since losing his friend, Drew, Roy was the closest thing to a brother Johnny had.

He was startled out of his reverie when he heard a knock on his window. Looking up, he saw Roy smiling at him.

Johnny opened the door and stepped out. "Mornin', Roy."

"Mornin', Junior. You okay? I called your name three times before coming over here to knock on the window."

"M'okay…just thinkin' is all." Johnny said as he started walking toward the station.

Roy thought he saw dark circles under Johnny's eyes as he followed his partner into the station. They made their way through the day room and the bay to the locker room. Johnny went straight to the sink to splash some cool water on his face and Roy opened his locker.

"How were your day's off?" Roy tried to start conversation.

"Okay. Just the usual. Cleaned up around the house, mucked the stalls, worked the horses, laundry, sleep. You know." Johnny remarked.

"Yeah. I didn't get much rest…the kids and Jo's honey-do list kept me going all weekend. You look a bit tired, too, Junior. You okay?" Roy said, finally addressing his concern.

Johnny frowned as he faced Roy now. He was exhausted and was still nursing a headache, but in true Gage-style, he responded, "M' fine, Roy. Don't go bein' a mother hen now. I'm fine."

Roy nodded his head, but was not sure whether to believe his friend or not. Johnny had been injured or ill many times during their years as partners. "It's been over five years now?" Roy thought. And, Roy had come to care about Johnny as part of his family and he did worry.

Johnny opened his locker slowly…though Chet was not there yet, he did not put it past the man to come and plant a "bomb" and then leave again to throw off suspicion. Johnny was grateful he was greeted only by his clothing and personal items.

E!E E!E!E!E!E!E!EE!E!E E!E!E E!E!EE!E!EE!E!E E!E!E E!

The day progressed at an easy pace. Roy and Johnny had calibrated the Squad's gear before roll call since they had both arrived early. They checked supplies and found they were well-stocked, but would grab some items on their first run that took them to Rampart.

The men settled into their chores and found their stride. Mike and Johnny were out at the hose tower—they had been assigned to clean and hang hose. The last shift had a big fire the night before and Mike and Johnny stayed pretty busy. Mike usually enjoyed Johnny's company. Johnny talked a lot and Mike liked to hear Johnny's stories. All the men knew of Johnny's Native American heritage, and sometimes Johnny would tell stories that he learned as a child. Mike knew that Johnny had a rough childhood after his parents' deaths, but he was amazed at how Johnny usually found the "brighter side" of life and shared it enthusiastically.

Today, Mike was disappointed. Johnny was quiet; almost disturbingly so. Mike had known Johnny long enough to deduce that something was bothering the man. "What's up, Johnny?" He ventured.

Johnny was concentrating on pulling the hose up as he heard Mike yell the question. "Nothin'. What do ya mean?"

"It's just that you are so quiet. I thought somethin' may be bothering you."

"Just daydreaming, I guess. Sorry Mike." Johnny fibbed as he prayed desperately for the pain in his head to subside. He had already taken several aspirin and they had yet to work on the pounding ache.

Mike accepted his friend's answer and they continued their duty in silence.

TBC