TS2

John couldn't believe he was doing this, held by just two ropes on one of his favorite rocks. He and his girlfriend were going to climb midway up the rock and do it. He was worried, excited and anxious at the same time. It was a beautiful Southern California day, the birds were chirping, there was no smog, and he was with Victoria, rock climbing naked. Gage was both exhilarated and needless to say excited; his girlfriend was certainly full of surprises.

Climbing, the once fearless paramedic carefully watched where he was going trying to protect his unprotected anatomy, whereas his date climbed with complete abandon. Once they reached their appointed rendezvous, they entangled with breaths panting and already sweaty bodies. They explored each other. Bringing each other to orgasm, Johnny didn't feel his arms and legs rub and tear against the sharp rocks; he could only feel Victoria's hot breath and her body against his. Once sated, they repelled down, put down a blanket and made love among the pine needles.

Once in his apartment, the paramedic noticed his injuries and how bad his muscles hurt. After popping a few aspirin, taking a hot shower, and a meal of burger and fries, he did feel better.

****

Johnny had a slight limp going on shift. His whole body ached and he didn't think a whole bottle of aspirin would do the trick. Unfortunately, Roy was waiting for him.

It didn't take Roy much to noticed his bandaged partner. DeSoto frowned as he dressed.

"What?!" John shrugged, changing into his short sleeved uniform shirt and grabbed his jacket.

"Kinda warm for that, huh?" Roy sat on the bench tying his shoes. "Victoria?"

Johnny ignored him and finished dressing. Snorting, he went out to the bay.

Mike, Marco and Chet noticed the tension of the paramedic team.

Once roll call and chores were assigned the paramedics did radio check they were free, Gage had drawn the dorm and Roy would be cooking. He heard whispers in the bay and he had no doubt they were talking about him. They could be jealous; he didn't care, he had Victoria.

Their first call of the morning was an unknown type rescue. It ended up with a man caught underneath his garage door. With a call to the engine, Marco, Chet and Johnny were able to lift the heavy, wooden door off their victim.

Gage did a quick assessment as Roy called into Rampart, however after the rescue and Roy riding in with his victim, he muscles protested further. He tried to look on the bright side. Victoria had hinted at something more spectacular for their next encounter. He couldn't wait.

Johnny quickly headed for the coffee at the base station and got a look of reprimand from the head ER nurse. The dark haired paramedic was confused as to his friend's look.

"Hey Dixie," John waved and still could see the look. "Uh, I do something wrong?"

Dixie crossed her arms. "You Johnny?" She said sarcastically. "How could you do something wrong?"

Gage blushed, not sure of what he had done wrong; Roy came back and headed for coffee too but remained mute; he leaned on the counter and watched.

"Well let me tell you a certain someone volunteered to help at a charity event for the hospital Saturday night, but didn't show without so much as a phone call," Her words hissed and spat at him until he remembered.

Blushing ten shades of red did nothing to abate the disappointed look and reprimand from Dixie.

"Hey Dixie, I'm awfully sorry about that. I . . . I got caught up in something," Gage's mind quickly flashed to the lovemaking in Victoria's apartment after the rock climbing and then he tried to look serious. "Really Dix I'm awfully sorry and I promise it won't happen again, ever." He placed his hand over his heart and grinned.

Dixie smiled and succumbed to Gage's charm.

"All right Johnny, you get off this time but if it happens again I won't be responsible for what I do to you," Dixie smiled and Johnny could breathe.

Johnny looked at the HT and looked for a quick way out; depressing the button he called the squad available and was greeted with a call. With a wave to the nurse, Roy and Johnny left the ER.

Once in the cab and driving to their next victim, Roy glared at his irresponsible partner just as their call was cancelled.

Johnny had been staring out of the window.

"It was Victoria wasn't it," Roy stated succinctly with an undertone of disappointment. "It figures you would dump your promises for some woman."

Johnny sighed and then looked at his disappointed partner.

"It's not like I do it all the time Roy," Johnny's nostrils flared. "This is the first time it happened and it won't happen again."

"Of course it won't John, because they all ready know they can't depend on you. Let's see you promised Marco you'd help him move, then there's Chet and his car, and oh yeah—there's me. You do remember promising me to help with the backyard two weeks ago, don't you?" Roy's recriminations shattered Gage's defenses.

Johnny had nothing to say and bit his lower lip.

"You just don't understand, Roy. Victoria is…" Gage's eyes glazed over remembering the ecstasy he felt with her. "It's just . . ."

Roy held up his hand as he backed the squad in.

"I don't want to hear about it Johnny, okay. But don't worry—no one else will make demands on your promises. That I can promise you."

The slamming of the squad door set Johnny's nerves on edge.