Kevin Wordsworth hadn't been oblivious to everything that had gone on. The second the first bomb had gone off, Wordy had hit the streets with his team helping where he could but his heart yearned to contact the SRU to see if they needed him. However, his shakes had gotten worse and there was no way he was going to go put them or civilians at risk, even if he was well medicated. But every fibre of his being knew that they were being stretched way beyond their limits, every thing they had learned and used would be put to the test today.
The news of the bombings had been awful but the actual sight of the devastation crushed him more - seeing the fear and terror in everyone's eyes as they sought safety and help from around them in sheer confusion. With every bomb that had gone off a chill went through him, being in the dark about what was going on was killing him - but he had to keep going and do everything he could.
He didn't miss Greg's plea for calm and marvelled at how composed he had been. When he heard the horrific news that his friend, former colleague and old mentor had been shot disarming the last bomb, nothing else mattered except to get to his team, to the ones he considered his brothers and sisters.
Hitting the road, Wordy had stopped several times to help people in the gridlocked city but his goal was to get to the hospital as fast as he could. Tears fell down his face as he drove, his mind drifted back to the times they had together and their ups and downs. The thought that Greg was hurt tore at him, he was more than just a father figure, he was someone who understood people, someone who gave you the time of day when no one else would. He was the one you would want in your ear in times of trouble and when he had needed Greg, the man had always been there for him.
He listened out on the police radio for news but none came and the traffic seemed endless. He ditched the car halfway, parking it safely, and hit the ground running thankful that he had kept up with most of his fitness training.
Finally he reached the hospital and slammed through the doors. Rounding the corner, he spotted the uniforms before he saw the faces of his friends. "Guys!" he called out as he surged towards them dodging everyone as he moved.
Even though they all shot their heads towards a known voice, Ed was the first to spot Wordy making his way to them through the packed crowd of the hospital. "Wordy," he said in a breath. He was glad to see his old friend, to know he was doing alright. In a natural way, Wordy grabbed Ed into a tight hug and the Team leader returned it. They've had their differences during his last moments at the SRU but Wordy had always been a close friend to him, someone he could rely on in any given situation. And he was glad to see today was no different.
In turn, Wordy went to all of the members of the Team, greeting them in a tight embrace. Of course, they had seen each other the same morning in a completely different situation but seeing them all safe - or at least most of them - he needed to show his affection more than ever.
Once he'd gone to everyone, he turned back to Eddie. A question burned on his lips, it had ever since he heard the news. "How's Greg?"
None of them could answer, they had no idea what to say. They looked between each other and Wordy took a deep breath. "He'll be fine, he's a fighter right?" he asked softly and Eddie nodded.
After a couple of hours, the doctor approached. "Dean?" he asked.
The team had been gathered around. Jules was half asleep in the chair, the energy finally gone, and Sam was seated on a stool and holding her hand. Nearby, Spike was leaning against the wall watching the scenes in front of him and Wordy was trying to avoid staring at anyone as he stood beside him. Eddie was perched on his son's bedside and Dean had been almost asleep, sitting on an empty bed beside Clark.
At the sound of his name, Dean jumped off and approached. "Is my dad ok?" he asked.
The whole team's attention moved over to the doctor. They had all been patiently waiting for news. However they remained in their spots. Only Eddie moved closer along with Dean.
The doctor nodded. "He's not completely out of the woods yet but he's been stabilised. We managed to save his leg and he'll be moved to recovery very soon."
Eddie closed his eyes for a moment and nodded in relief.
A beat as the doctor looked at them all in turn. "I guess you are his team?" he asked.
They all nodded without a single hesitation. This was more than a team, it was a family. And they all could say they were damn proud to be a part of it.
The doctor let out a small smile and cleared his throat. "We'll be moving Greg up to a room-"
"No," Dean cut him off. "Dad won't like that. I mean, he won't like taking rooms when there's people who need it more."
"Your dad's a good man, son," he said quietly, "but he's going to need to be monitored and checked upon regularly. We can't afford to leave him unattended. I'll send someone over to let you know which room he is in, you can go sit with him. And the rest of you too if you want," the doctor added, looking at them all again. He then patted Dean's arm. "I heard him on the TV earlier, he did a good job," a beat and he looked to Eddie and the rest of the team. "As all of you," he gave them a nod and left quickly.
"Thank you doctor," Eddie responded before he left and then moved back to his team. He gave a pat behind Sam and Spike's backs and looked at all of them in turn. "He's right. We've done a hell of a job today. I want you all to be proud of what we accomplished."
Still seated in the wheelchair, Jules only nodded. She remained silent, trying to fight the strong feelings she had. She felt Leah shift slightly next to her. She couldn't say she had ever seen the woman get emotional but today, all of their usual strong and fierce personalities had been put to the test and it was showing on them even though they were trying their best to hide it.
Sam and Spike could only give Eddie a nod, Sam gently squeezed his wife's shoulder as if knowing she needed it. Jules looked up at him and took a deep breath.
Spike glanced at Leah - out of all of them Leah was the outsider and was still slowly getting to know them. And the team hadn't meant to intentionally leave her out but he figured she needed someone and at the moment she didn't have anyone. He discreetly reached over and gave her arm a reassuring squeeze to let her know that he had thought of her.
Leah's attention went from Ed to her arm as she felt a hand around it. She looked up to see Spike staring at her. A small genuine smile appeared on her lips, she didn't have to force it. She gave the man a soft nod in a manner to thank him, putting her hand on his arm to return the gesture.
Wordy watched the doctor walk away, the relief not only showed in his body language but in his eyes - the normally quiet reserved and gentle giant was unable to control the tears that sprang up once more. It was only in front of his beloved team that he would allow such emotions to show. Inhaling and trying to calm the frayed emotions, he felt a hand grab his and looked down to see Jules holding onto him, having noticed the man's bubbling over emotions. Nodding briefly he offered her a small thankful smile before closing his eyes and lowering his head to compose himself.
A short while later a nurse came and led them towards Greg's room. Another nurse wheeled Clark after them, the young man having been cleared to sit in a wheelchair in a neck brace and told to be very careful with his legs.
The Sergeant was laying on a bed the blankets up to his shoulders hiding the bandages. His skin colour had come back. Wires protruded from under the blankets attached to the machines which stood beside the bed, one of them hissed rhythmically as it kept him breathing.
As soon as Dean saw his dad he went to his side, grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "I'm here dad," he said softly. "We're all here." He frowned as he felt a piece of paper in in Greg's hand. He took it out without reading it and he placed it in the drawer of the bedside table next to him - he'd let his father read it when he woke up.
They all settled around his bed, trying to take as little space as possible. He wasn't alone in the room but he had just enough space to accommodate all of his visitors.
Eddie stood right behind Dean, looking down at Greg. "You're a hell of a fighter," he said, not sure if the Sergeant could hear or not.
Jules found herself crying again with all of the emotions. Sam wrapped his arms around her and held her, looking at Greg over her head. "He'll be okay," he whispered. She then wrapped her arms around Sam's and nodded, hoping he was right. Leah stood next to them and stared at their Sergeant with a soft smile.
Dean was simply silent his hand gripping his father's, Clark watched his friend for a moment unsure what to say then looked up at Eddie.
Wordy stood behind them all, leaving some space. Just being there was enough for him.
Spike stepped to where Greg's head was then leaning in, he whispered in Italian "Hang in there pa." He then looked over at Ed questioningly, wondering what to do next.
Ed saw Spike's look and glanced at his team. He made a quick head sign for them all to leave Dean with his father and give them some time alone. He started moving, initiating the motion as he pushed Clark out and they all left one by one.
Dean remained silent, barely noticing as the room emptied around him as his eyes fixed on Greg's, waiting.
As they got to the lobby which had quietened down some, a nurse approached. "Mr. and Mrs. Braddock? You both want to get checked out now?" she asked gently.
Jules looked up at the nurse and quickly swiped the tears from her cheeks. It took a moment for her to realize the 'Mrs. Braddock' part was meant for her. She exchanged a look with Sam who nodded and then back at the nurse. "Sure," she said with a soft nod. Truth was her leg was throbbing badly.
Ed gave them a nod of approval as they followed the nurse before taking out his phone. He owed Sophie a call to explain everything that had happened, and of course to let her know Clark was alright. He dialed and brought the phone to his ear.
"Ed?" Sophie answered after a while. Her cracked voice betrayed that she'd been crying.
"Soph, we're all fine. I'm with Clark," he said. He knew that's probably what she wanted to know the most.
He could hear a gasp on the other side and she sobbed again, this time with relief.
"We're at Toronto General," he continued.
Again, a few sobs were heard and seconds later, her response came. "We'll be right there," she said. She marked a pause. "I love you Ed, and tell Clark I love him too," she said, having the same request she did earlier that day.
Meanwhile, Spike made a quick round of phone calls. He gave Winnie the latest news on Greg's state as well as his own. He wanted to set up a meeting with her but somehow, he felt as if it would be inappropriate. All in due time.
His calls also included one to Marina. Dean needed someone to be with him and Marina was Greg's girlfriend. She would want to know what happened, and no matter what she would want to be with him.
As everyone was moving off to do their thing, Wordy turned in the direction they had come from and stared into the void for a moment. It seemed so long ago that he had last seen Greg but really it had been this very morning. The man had greeted him so warmly that his heart hurt thinking about it. Wordy remembered the times he'd covered Greg and been responsible for shielding him as he negotiated - he knew Eddie was probably beating himself up over not being able to protect him.
He quickly shook his head, trying to erase the negative thoughts he was having. Greg was a fighter, he had to pull through. Wordy looked over at the team and sighed. His eyes welled up again and he rubbed the tears away furiously.
A/N: Thank you all for your wonderful reviews, they keep us going and they make us ecstatic!
For all you shippers out there, look out for the upcoming chapter 5, you should be satisfied!
Kate: I know I was ^^
Uniquewriter200: I know I was too! It had to be done!
Watch this space!
