All We Are Chapter 4: Four, a blue bloods fanfic

A/N: Sincere apologies for the update delay. Here are a few more missing-moments between Danny and Linda Reagan and their family. As usual; no copyright infringement intended. I own nothing. I just love the show. Thank-you for your patience and all the feedback, I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy the read!

Linda kicked the oven-door closed in one swift movement, placing a lasagne-dish on the kitchen bench. The lights above her fizzed loudly, flickering out and coating the house in darkness.
"Crap." She muttered, squinting at the ceiling. She felt her way through the kitchen, her eyes adjusting to the dark. "Guys?" Linda called tentatively, rushing into the darkened living-room. She collided with Danny at the base of the stairs. Linda gasped as he caught her, steadying her gently, his large hands grasping her upper-arms.
"You okay?" He asked gruffly, his face inches from hers.
"Yeah." Linda breathed.
Danny led the way towards the front-door. They huddled together on the dampened porch scanning the blackened street through the heavy downpour.
"Okay, well, on the upside – it's not just us." Linda shrugged. Danny closed the door behind them with a grimace.
"What happened?" Jack asked from the couch, flicking the switch of the nearby lamp to no avail.
"The storm's cut the power, the whole street's out." Danny explained.
"Now what do we do?" Sean queried, leaning back against Linda. She draped her arm around his shoulders, kissing his hair quickly.
"We're gonna need flash-lights, candles – and anything else you can find, alright?" Linda instructed, pulling her phone from her pocket, using the light to guide the way through the house.

"This is kinda fun." Sean announced glancing at his parents. Linda rolled hers eyes, grinning at Danny in the flickering candle light.
"Fun, huh?" Danny repeated, digging his fork into the vegetarian lasagne which sat in the centre of the coffee-table.
"Yeah." Sean grinned with a shrug. "It's kinda like camping-out."
"Except we get to sleep inside." Jack pointed out, nudging Sean, loading his fork with lasagne.
"I dunno, you two keep telling those lame jokes your Uncle Jamie teaches you - we might make you sleep outside." Danny joked, beaming at their outraged expressions.
"Hey!"
"They're funny!" Sean and Jack protested together.
"Don't listen to your Dad; he's kidding – you are not sleeping outside." Linda chuckled, gently swatting Danny.
"You're right, I'm sorry – some of them are pretty funny." Danny grinned, holding his hands up in surrender.

Relaxing into the couch cushions Linda smiled, listening to Jack, Sean and Danny chatting, laughing and joking over the sound of the raging thunder-storm.
"Wait, wait! I've got a good one!" Jack piped, kneeling from his spot on the floor. "Why can't you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?" Linda looked sideways at Danny, shaking her head with a shrug.
"Because, the pee is silent!" He finished, bursting into laughter, as did Sean. Linda scoffed loudly, unable to contain her laughter. Danny groaned, chuckling quietly beside her. Glancing around at her boys, Linda grinned. Sean was right; it was kind of fun.

Danny had called from the courthouse. Linda could hear the distress in his voice, the urgency. Erin and John Boyle were being held hostage in the courtroom. Danny had spoken to Erin briefly over the phone.
"Are they okay?" Linda asked quietly, while she waited outside the boy's school. She raised a hand, waving to Jack and Sean as they bounded down the school stairs towards her.
"Yeah, so far - I think Erin's hurt though... Can you get Nicki from school? Don't tell her anything yet. Erin wouldn't want her to worry." He said hurriedly. Linda nodded, smiling at the boys who climbed into the car chatting loudly.
"Alright, I've got the boys. We'll pick up Nicki. Be careful, okay?"
"I will. Love you."
"Love you, more." Linda replied.

"Is Dad okay?" Sean asked from the back-seat. Linda glanced at him in the rear-view mirror. She nodded with a smile.
"Yeah honey, he's fine. He might be home a little late, though." Jack nodded understandingly. "Aunt Erin's gonna be late too, so we are gonna take Nicki home with us. What do you think? We'll make some dinner, watch some movies…" Linda grinned as they agreed cheerfully, clearing their bags from the middle-seat. She exhaled softly, silently praying that Erin, John and Danny would be alright.

"Aunt Linda? Guys?" Nicki frowned with a surprised smile. Linda beamed, walking towards her niece and hugging her quickly. "Where's Mom?"
"She's stuck at the office." Linda explained lightly. "So you're staying with us tonight." She grinned, her arm around Jack's shoulders. Nicki nodded, adjusting her bag with a smile.
"Okay."
"Come on, we'll grab your gear from your place."

Linda had kept Nicki and the boys occupied for the evening. Jack and Sean had finished their homework while Nicki completed her essay at the dining-room table. They had all helped Sean finish constructing his model volcano – complete with bright overflowing lava – for his natural-disaster project. Erin had texted Nicki, wishing her goodnight and promising her that she would see her in the morning. Nicki had smiled replying quickly, sending her mother a picture of Sean's volcano. Together they had baked chocolate-chip cookies and made fettuccini for dinner. They were halfway through a large bowl of popcorn and 'Superman II' when Danny had texted. He had gotten an injured Erin out of the courtroom safely. Everyone was okay, including him. He was coming home. Linda let out a small sigh of relief. She smiled at Nicki, who returned the grin from her spot on the floor between Sean and Jack.

"Hi." Linda breathed, wrapping her arms tightly around Danny as he walked through the front-door later that night. He pressed his face into her neck. "How's Erin?" She whispered, pulling back from the embrace, her palms flat against his chest.
"She's okay. Shoulder hit, through and through. They're keeping her overnight for observations. Dad and Gramps are with her." Danny explained tiredly, running his hand across his face. "John's fine too. How's Nicki?" Linda nodded. "The boys?"
"Nicki's fine, she's asleep. Jack and Sean are okay, too." She assured him softly.
"We'll take them to see Erin, tomorrow." Danny sighed. She agreed, squeezing his hand tugging him towards the stairs.
"You know Nicki's not gonna be happy we kept her in the dark, right?" Linda said quietly, as they reached the second floor. Danny rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, I know. She's exactly like her mother." He muttered, poking his head around the door to Jack's bedroom, followed by Sean's. Linda folded her arms across her chest while Danny checked on their boys. She smiled as Danny adjusted Sean's covers, glancing over her shoulder at the guest bedroom Nicki was currently occupying. Through the doorway she glimpsed her niece, sleeping soundly beneath the duvet. Danny's arm looped around her shoulder as they padded down the hall.

The hospital was relatively quiet for a Saturday morning. Danny and Linda led the way through the empty corridor toward Erin's hospital room. Nicki stormed alongside them silently. Jack and Sean trailed behind, jogging to catch-up.
During the car ride to the hospital, Danny and Linda had explained to Nicki, Jack and Sean what had happened to Erin and John. Linda had reached back around the passenger seat, placing her hand on Nicki's knee as Danny recounted the events of the day before. She'd watched as her niece's face crumpled in confusion and shock. Nicki's hands had covered her face, her shoulders shaking slightly. She had leaned forward in her seat, furiously brushing her dampened eyes and demanding further information.
They turned the corner of the hospital corridor, catching sight of Frank, Henry and Jamie standing in the hall outside Erin's room. Breaking away from Danny and Linda - Nicki sprinted passed them, skidding through the door into Erin's room. Danny, Linda and the boys joined Henry, Jamie and Frank; watching Nicki and Erin through the window. Stepping towards the edge of Erin's bed, Nicki collapsed against her mother. Linda swallowed the lump that lodged itself in her throat, leaning back against Danny. His arms wrapped around her waist. They watched wordlessly as Erin smoothed back Nicki's short hair, hugging her tightly. She spoke quietly to her daughter, who nodded, wiping her eyes roughly with her sleeve.

"We should head down to the cafeteria." Henry suggested, leading the way down the corridor.
"Let's see if we can find your Aunt Erin some red-velvet cup-cakes. They're her favourite." Jamie said to his nephews, who hesitated in the hall. Nodding, Jack and Sean waved at their Aunt through the window. Erin returned the wave with a reassuring smile. Content, they followed their Grandfather and Uncle down the hallway. Frank and Danny trailed slowly behind, talking quietly. Linda paused, smiling through the glass at Erin, who nodded gratefully.
"Thank-you." Erin mouthed, cradling her daughter's head against her chest. Linda nodded, grinning at her sister-in-law as she wandered the length of the hospital corridor after the Reagans.

Danny watched Sean and Jack as they ran through the World War II Memorial. His case over the past week had been awful. More than anything, he just wanted to spend the day with his family. He needed a day with them. He could feel Linda's concerned gaze, in the afternoon sunshine.
"You wanna talk about it?" She murmured, leaning against his side. He shook his head. He didn't want to talk about the case. Not just yet. Linda nodded understandingly. He'd tell her everything later. Right now, he just wanted to be with them. He sighed with a half-smile as Linda's arm snaked around his ribs, her hand coming to rest between his shoulder-blades. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, securing her snuggly against his chest. Linda pressed her lips to the side of his neck softly. His eyes drifted closed briefly. Danny exhaled against her. Somehow she always knew how he was feeling, always knew how to make him feel better, make him smile again – no matter how bad his week had been…
Linda squeezed him tightly, her fingers grasping the fabric of his tee-shirt. Releasing him slowly, she kissed his stubbled cheek. The feel of her soft lips and warm breath against his cheek made his stomach flip. Her hand cupped his cheek. Danny glanced down at his wife, smiling genuinely for the first time that week as Sean and Jack ran through the Memorial towards them.

Danny watched as Jack and Sean chased each other along the path, ducking around clusters of tourists. Jack's hand rested protectively on Sean's shoulder as they weaved their way through the crowd towards their parents. Danny smiled, shaking his head at his sons. They halted in front of him and Linda, clutching their sides pantingly grinning widely. They were good brothers. He was proud that they were. Some days they reminded him so much of his own brothers…
He missed Joe. He knew Jamie missed him too, but it was different. He was the eldest. He was the one who was supposed to protect his younger siblings. That was his job.
"Okay guys, who's hungry?" Linda asked elbowing him gently, bringing him back. She smiled as they nodded simultaneously.
"Come on, let's go." Danny grinned, slipping his hand into Linda's as they followed Sean and Jack through the Park.

"Hey guys!" Danny called as he pushed open the front-door.
"Kitchen!"
"Hey!" He greeted Sean, who bounded down the stairs, closely followed by Jack. He hugged each of them, hanging his jacket on the bannister as they filed into the kitchen. "Hi, babe." He whispered, kissing Linda quickly. "How was your day?"
"It was good, busy – but okay. How was yours?" She asked her hand on the knot of his tie. He met her concerned stare with a smile.
He had told her about the case; about the Lin siblings, their family and the events that had led Amy Lin to the subway station that night. He'd told her that he'd been thinking about Joe, more than usual. That he'd been missing Joe… Linda had listened to him patiently while he talked, waiting until he had finished - trailing off quietly - before she wrapped her arms around him, holding him closely.
"It was okay." He assured her, his hands on her shoulders. "Hey buddy, how did your Statue of Liberty speech go?" Danny asked turning to Jack and Sean. Jack grinned, nodding excitedly.
"I got an A! I remembered the whole poem and everything!" Danny's smile stretched into a grin, he cheered loudly, hugging Jack tightly.
"I knew you could do it!" Danny cried. Linda laughed stepping back, leaning against the bench. Her arms wrapped around Sean's shoulders as they watched Danny gleefully spin Jack around in the middle of the kitchen.

"Alright you, show me those ticket-stubs." Linda grinned, crawling across the covers to where Danny sat on his side of their bed. She sat sideways beside him, wrapping her legs loosely around his waist crossing her ankles at his hip. He shook his head at her with a grin. Wordlessly Danny pulled open the bedside draw, retrieving a small box. Flipping it open, he held up the faded red ticket-stubs. Linda bit her lower lip, accepting them from him.
"I can't believe you saved these."
"Why not? You've kept all kinds of stuff over the years."
"Yeah, but I didn't know you did too." Linda said quietly, leaning forward and hugging his arm to her. That night was where everything between them had officially begun. It meant so much to her that it was just as important to him too. She frowned slightly; her cheek resting on his shoulder, his hand on her knee. "Did you really love me that night?" Linda breathed quietly. Danny chuckled, kissing her hair.
"Yeah, I fell in love with you that night…" He admitted, glancing sideways at her. "You know, I don't even remember what 'The Cider House Rules' was about. I was too busy watching you. I only remember you." Linda kissed the crook of his shoulder with a smile.
"I remember you too." She whispered, her eyes meeting his.

It had been the greatest first date she'd ever had. It was fun. It was relaxed. It was everything she had wanted. They had completely connected. He'd made her smile. Everything had made sense. Eventually the night had drawn to a close. She hadn't wanted it to end. She'd wanted to kiss him. Actually, she'd spent the whole night wanting to kiss him. They'd stopped on the crowded corner of Tenth Street and University Place, his hand in hers. He'd stood before her. Her eyes had scanned his face. They'd moved from his dark brown eyes to his lips. They were a whisper from hers. His nose had nudged hers gently. Her heart hammered in her chest. He was so close. Her body had tingled in anticipation. He'd pressed his warm lips to hers tenderly. Her knees had weakened pleasantly and she inched closer to him as the kiss deepened. There were no spaces between them. She could feel his heart thumping against her own. He'd kissed her like he had meant it. The backs of his fingers had brushed across her warm cheek and into her hair as she moved her lips against his. Pulling away from the kiss breathlessly, his eyes had poured into hers. He was so handsome. The crowd around them had dispersed. It was just her and Danny. She hadn't been able to suppress her smile. Neither had he.
He'd kissed her again; slowly, insistently, deeply, yearningly. Her arms had curled around his shoulders. Her body pressed against his. Hip to hip, chest to chest, heart to heart – they embraced. Their bodies were completely in tune. A rush of warmth and desire spiralled through her. His palms flattened along her spine as he held her closely, his lips caressing hers. Her whole body had felt like it was on fire. Everything in that moment had felt so right… It had been perfect.

Inclining his head towards her, Danny brushed his lips across hers. Her fingers traced the length of his stubbled jaw, resting lightly on the nape of his neck.
"What else have you got in there?" Linda asked quietly, inching across the duvet closer to him. Danny grinned, holding up a creased photograph as she settled against him. Linda smiled, squinting at the picture. Danny, Joe and Jamie beamed brightly up at her; a newborn Sean cradled carefully in Danny's arms. Joe held a grinning, two-year-old Jack in his lap. Jamie sat between them grinning, Sean's bear in his hands. Linda flipped the picture over, smiling softly as she squinted at Joe's untidy scrawl; the Reagan boys. She squeezed his hand. She hadn't seen that photograph in years. Danny held up a crinkled ticket.
"First Rangers game Dad took me to." She chuckled with a nod. He passed her the top half of a black and white photo-booth strip.
"Hey, I still have the other half of this!" Linda said nudging him affectionately, her chin resting on his shoulder. Danny nodded with a smile, skimming wordlessly through the additional photographs in the box; snapshots of his siblings at various Graduation ceremonies, a picture of a five-year-old Danny with his Mom, a wrinkled photo of Linda nursing a day-old Jack - which he had carried in his wallet for two years, a teenage Danny and his younger brothers at the beach with Frank…
Linda frowned reaching into the box; she lifted a crinkled Polaroid from beneath a handful of faded baseball cards. She stared down at the picture. It was of her. She was laughing, her long hair falling over her shoulder, illuminated in the bright autumn sunlight that filtered through the deciduous trees behind her.
"That one made it all the way to Iraq and back." Danny muttered his eyes on her. Linda thumbed the torn corner of the Polaroid.
"Really?" She whispered, her eyes dampening. She knew he had taken a few photos, though she hadn't really expected this particular one to be one of them. She buried her face in his shoulder. Danny nodded; his cheek against her hair. He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her palm softly.
"Yeah, that was the day you told me that you loved me for the first time."

He had been on his meal break. Linda was meeting him for lunch. They'd only been together a few months. His whole life had changed the day they had met. She was everything he had ever wanted. He was crazy about her. He just wanted to be with her, all the time. He'd grinned, watching the crisp autumn wind whip through her hair as she snapped Polaroids of the City. He'd kissed her, his hand resting on her hip beneath her coat. They'd had lunch, wandering hand-in-hand through the Park, talking animatedly. She'd handed him the camera as she ordered fresh coffees from a nearby cart.
He couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. As the leaves had fallen around them; he'd made her laugh. She was so beautiful. Unable to resist, he'd taken the photograph quickly. She'd swatted his arm, stuffing the camera back into her bag. He'd kept the Polaroid, pocketing it with a grin as she walked ahead, tossing him a smile over her shoulder. He was so in love with her.
He'd had to get back to work. She had flicked her hair out of her eyes with an understanding nod. She'd risen to her toes and kissed him softly. As she pulled away, he'd grabbed her easily and peppered kisses along her jawline. Linda had squirmed, laughing. He'd hugged her tightly. She fit so perfectly in his arms. He'd pressed a kiss to the corner of her jaw; beneath her ear as he held her close.
"I love you…" He'd breathed into her hair. The words were out before he knew it, before he had a chance to think about their impact. Danny smiled nervously. He had meant it. He didn't want to take the words back. He had never felt anything close to what he was feeling for her – with anybody. He was in love with her. It was as simple as that. She was it. His heart had pounded as he felt her still against him.
"I love you too…" Linda had exhaled against his rapid pulse-point. It was so faint; for a moment he'd thought he had imagined it. He released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Linda had ducked her head shyly and moved to step out of his embrace. She loved him. He'd grinned, capturing her lips enthusiastically with his. He'd smiled into her mouth. His arms had clasped around her waist as he lifted her bodily from the pavement. Setting her down; he'd pressed his forehead to hers, his heart had beat loudly against hers. His hands had cupped her cheeks, his grin wide as their eyes burned into each other.

"Yeah, I remember." She murmured into his shirt. Danny smiled softly, placing the box on the bedside table.
"I'm in love with you." He said; his voice low. Linda glanced up at him as he continued. "It was always you, Linda. You're the One. Nobody else ever came close." He finished sincerely. Linda smiled shyly at his reassurances. She had always known how much he loved her. Even when he hadn't been able to articulate it, she'd never doubted his love for her and their boys. Neither of their past relationships could ever compare to what they had together. Nothing could.
"I am so in love with you." Linda replied smiling as Danny leaned towards her. He kissed her so softly, so passionately, her stomach fluttered. Her arms looped around his neck and shoulders, pulling him closer as they collapsed into the sea of blankets that made up their bed, his body covering hers.

Linda leant her hip against the kitchen door pushing cereal around in her bowl. The morning News had captured her attention. Marcus Green's face was splashed across the screen; along with footage of NYPD officers, witnesses and residents of the area where Marcus Green had been shot. She glanced at the kitchen clock.
"Alright boys, come on. Carpool's gonna be here any minute." Linda called, turning away from the screen. Jack and Sean thundered down the stairs; darting around her, tossing their backpacks towards the front-door. She followed Sean into the kitchen, handing him his freshly packed lunchbox along with Jack's. Linda glanced around the kitchen door at Jack, who stood in the centre of the living-room, focused on the television. She stepped toward her eldest son, knowing that he would have questions; that he would want to talk about Marcus Green and about what had happened. She grimaced at the interruption of a loud car horn from the street.
Linda shook her head as Sean bolted passed her, flinging open the door. She watched Jack slowly pull on his backpack, following his brother. Linda walked with him across the lawn, waving at Tommy's mother, who sat in the front seat patiently waiting for Jack and Sean. Jack paused, turning to her, adjusting his glasses. Linda nodded firmly, predicting what he was about to say.
"We'll talk about Marcus Green after school, okay? I promise." She assured him. Jack nodded, with a small smile. Linda pulled him to her, hugging him tightly.
Marcus Green had only been a year older than Jack. She couldn't even begin to imagine what the Green family would be going through. The thought of losing either of her children was barely comprehensible. She just wanted them safe, all the time.
"Mom…? You're kinda squashing me." Jack mumbled against her.
"Oh sorry, honey!" Linda whispered, releasing him. She kissed the top of his head quickly before he climbed into the backseat beside his brother.
"Bye, Mom!" Sean called through the open window as Jack pulled the door closed.
"Love you! Have a good day!" Linda waved, smiling as the car disappeared from view.

Danny shouldered through the large glass doors of the ice-rink, a gush of cold air piercing through his suit and coat. The scrape of hockey-sticks on the ice and shouts of the young players and their coach echoed around him. He had spent the afternoon at church, contemplating his day in the empty pews. His CI; Gary, hadn't made it. It was his fault. He had sent Gary in to retrieve Damiri's black-book, and he had been murdered because of it. Danny had felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. Some of it had been relieved during his quiet conversation with their Priest that afternoon. Now, all he wanted was to see Linda and their boys. They were all he needed.
He scanned the benches surrounding the rink, lifting his hands to his mouth to breathe warm air into his fists. He smiled tightly as he spotted Linda in the scattered crowd of parents. She sat on the edge of her seat, shivering slightly in the chilled ice-rink. He jogged heavily up the stairs, sidling awkwardly along the row towards her.

"Hey!" She grinned in surprise, shifting to make room for him.
"Hi." Danny replied sliding into the space beside her, beneath the tartan blanket that covered her legs. Linda draped her leg over his, snuggling into his side. Danny pressed his warm lips to hers quickly. "How're the boys doin'?" He asked, skimming through the sea of players for their sons.
"They're okay." Linda nodded, her nose slightly reddened from the cold. She slipped her cool hand into his. Danny watched her wince as Jack was rammed into the glass-wall by another player. Linda inched forward in her seat, craning to get a clearer view of her son. She gripped Danny's hand firmly. Jack recovered quickly, rising to his feet and skating speedily after the opposing player. Danny chuckled quietly, giving her hand a light squeeze as she released a breath and settled more comfortably into the bench beside him.
"Hey, how's the case? How's your CI?" She asked lightly, glancing at him quickly. Danny squeezed her hand with a sigh, frowning as he concentrated on the players. He ducked his head, glancing sideways at her quickly. Linda gripped his chin gently, forcing his eyes to meet hers.
"Danny, what's wrong?" She queried with a small frown. Danny grimaced. She always could figure him out. He ran a hand across his face. He didn't want to talk about it. Not here. He wasn't even sure where to begin, how to explain to her that it was his fault… That a man had died because of him. He wanted to protect her from the worst parts of his job, he always had. Linda watched him patiently, her hand on his face, his brow furrowed. He exhaled and opened his mouth to speak, to confess everything. To let her in…
He turned to her as Linda took his hand in both of hers. She grasped it with a small nod. He didn't have to explain. Wordlessly, she understood.
"Are you alright?" Linda breathed, concerned. He nodded, shrugging slightly as he gazed down at their hands before turning his attention back towards the rink. He felt his mouth twitch into a proud smile as Sean sent the puck sailing into the goal. Linda leaned over and kissed his cheek-bone softly, her fingers in the ends of his short hair as the players scrambled loudly through the gates of the rink, trudging in clusters towards the bleachers.

Linda and Danny rose from their seats, standing among the crowd of parents as Jack and Sean bounded up the stairs towards them. Linda beamed, watching her son's faces light up as they caught sight of their father, standing in the bleachers grinning proudly. She smiled as Danny hugged Sean and Jack together, kissing each of their sweaty foreheads quickly.
"Did you see my goal, Dad?" Sean asked excitedly, passing Linda his helmet and gloves. Danny nodded, ruffling Sean's damp hair with a wide grin.
"I did. Good job, buddy! Jack, your block was great. How's the arm?" Jack responded with a breathless smile, pulling up his sleeve and examining his forearm, which had reddened slightly.
"It's alright!" He answered. Linda rolled her eyes good-naturedly, gathering their gear together. She waved over her shoulder at Tommy's mother and a few of the other parents as they began to leave the rink with their children.
"Alright you guys, we better get going." Linda voiced, resting her hands on Jack's shoulders. Danny nodded with a grin, hoisting Sean's hockey-bag over his shoulder and leading the way down the stairs. Linda grinned following her husband and sons out of the chilled rink and into the cool night air.

"We're here!" Linda announced, following Jack and Sean through the back-door of the Reagan house and into the kitchen. "And I've got cheese-cake!"
"Oh, bless you!" Erin grinned taking the cake-box from Linda's hands and placing it on the bench. "Where's Danny?"
"He's dropping case-files to the station for Gormley." She explained. Erin raised her eyebrows at her sister-in-law. Linda smiled knowingly. "Don't worry; he'll be here for dinner. Where's Frank?"
"Francis is visiting Angelo Gallo. He's being discharged this afternoon." Henry answered, entering the kitchen alongside Nicki.
"Ooh Aunt Linda did you bring cheese-cake?" Nicki enquired gleefully. Linda nodded, winking at her niece who hoisted herself onto the island-bench.
"Uh-uh. Not before dinner." Erin said sternly, moving the cake-box across the kitchen and placing it safely on the opposite counter-top. Nicki rolled her eyes with a grin, fishing an apple from the fruit-bowl.
"Nicki, go find your cousins – you guys are on potatoes. Grandpa, where's the roast?" Erin said as Nicki leapt from the counter, skipping out the door with a smirk over her shoulder. Linda smiled, settling comfortably on one of the kitchen chairs as Erin delegated Sunday dinner duties.

"Hey! Look who I found!" Jamie called, wandering into the kitchen. Danny trailed behind his younger brother with a grin, tugging off his coat and dropping it over the back of one of the kitchen chairs.
"Hi, honey." Linda beamed over her shoulder from the bench, where she was preparing ingredients for the large salad.
"Hey." He greeted, leaning over and kissing her quickly. "Hi, guys." Danny grinned, wandering across the kitchen and wrapping an arm around each of his sons as they sat at the kitchen-table, washing potatoes in a large bowl.
"You're late." Henry quipped, grasping Danny's shoulder as he passed his eldest grandson. Linda smirked as Danny rolled his eyes at his grandfather's retreating back.
"So how was everybody's week this week?" Linda asked with a smile around at each of them.

Linda glanced around the bustling kitchen at her family. Dusk had begun to fall and the dinner preparations were in full swing. She watched as Jamie helped Sean peel carrots while Jack handed Erin the bowl of washed and peeled potatoes to be chopped and baked alongside the roast; which Henry was primarily in charge of. Nicki was perched on the counter beside the sink, leaning back against the over-head cabinets, peeling string-beans, her MacBook open beside her.
"Table's done!" Danny announced striding into the kitchen and leaning back against the sink, he munched on a few string-beans as Nicki turned her attention to her computer, scrolling through her music library.
"Hey!" She exclaimed, lightly smacking his shoulder and moving the bowl away. Linda chuckled, pulling open the refrigerator, fishing out a handful of tomatoes. Chopping them quickly, she tossed them into a large glass bowl, smiling as she listened to Danny help Nicki peel extra string-beans while flicking through their niece's music collection.
"Nicki, where did you get this stuff?" Danny asked amused. Nicki frowned, glancing at the screen over his shoulder.
"Oh, that's from Uncle Joe's iPod. Uncle Jamie lent it to me last year. Some of it's pretty great." She grinned. Danny nodded, smiling across the room at his youngest brother and hitting the play button. The kitchen filled with Joe's music.
"Hey, do you remember when Joe first bought this album?" Danny grinned at Jamie, who nodded.
"Yeah, he used to play it over and over in The Chevelle – everyday, for like, weeks." Jamie snickered.
"Did I ever tell you guys about the time I busted Joe doing the 'Risky Business' dance to this song?" Erin laughed, grasping Jamie's arm.
"No way!" Jamie cried, with a laugh.
"Seriously, it was so terrible. It was hilarious!" She continued, laughing breathlessly. "He was like… Hold on." Erin shook her head, kicking off her Converse and jogging out of the kitchen. "He flew down the hall in his bed-socks." She explained sliding across the hardwood floors in her ankle-socks, re-enacting Joe's dance-moves.
The kitchen erupted into laughter as Erin skidded to a halt against the island, her grin wide. "And all he had on was his school-shirt and tie and a pair of boxers." She added cringing. Danny and Jamie laughed loudly.

As their laughter eventually quietened, Henry sighed.
"Your brother certainly had a knack for being able to make you all laugh like that." Henry murmured with a smile. Erin grinned, leaning back against the counter.
"Yeah, he did." She agreed. Nicki looped an arm around Erin's shoulders as the final chords of Joe's song echoed through the kitchen and Nicki's playlist shuffled to a different song.
"Okay, this one is one of my favourites!"
"Hey, I like this song." Jack volunteered from the table. Linda brushed his hair back from his forehead with a smile. "Imagine Dragons, right?" Nicki nodded at her cousin with a proud smile. Linda smiled across the kitchen at Danny. He winked at her. Their boys were growing up so fast.
"This is the song you were playing in the car the other day." Erin realized with a smile as the first verse began.
"Yeah, 'It's Time'." Nicki nodded excitedly once more before increasing the volume on her MacBook. She jumped from the counter and began dancing around the island-bench, singing along. Erin and Linda glanced at each other with a small shrug and a smile, following suit and twirling with Nicki around the kitchen. Jack and Sean jumped to their feet enthusiastically. It wasn't long before Danny, Jamie and Henry joined in, dancing alongside their family.

Frank Reagan sighed, his breath fogging in the cold evening air. He waved to his protection detail as he reached the porch. He was late for Sunday dinner.
Pushing open the door, he frowned at the loud music that pulsed throughout the house. He shrugged out of his coat, following the sound through to the kitchen. His face stretched into a grin. He relaxed against the door-frame, his arms crossed across his chest watching his children and grandchildren dance joyfully around his kitchen.
With a quiet chuckle, he rested his hand on his father's shoulder; who sat at one of the kitchen-table chairs, a bright grin on his flushed face.
"Welcome home, Francis." Henry said quietly, patting his son's hand as the song came to an end.
"Thanks, Pop."

Danny wandered into the bedroom, loosening his tie. "Hey, how was work?" He asked Linda as she exited their wardrobe in a pair of jeans and a light grey sweater. She pulled a face, shaking her head with a grimace.
"You don't wanna know."
"What happened?" Danny questioned with a raised eyebrow. Linda sighed, running a hand across her face.
"We had a gastroenteritis outbreak on the third floor. So all their patients had to be quarantined, which meant that the ER was swamped because we couldn't send anybody upstairs or anywhere… It was just a really full-on day." Danny smiled softly, pulling her into a hug.
"How are the boys?" He murmured into her hair. Linda shook her head, nuzzling into his shoulder.
"Still fighting."
"They'll get over it." He assured her, his hands running along the length of her spine.
"They've been driving each other crazy all week, about everything."
"Siblings, huh?" Danny muttered, dropping a kiss in her hair. He felt her frown against his shoulder.
"What, did you and Jamie get into it this week too or something?" He shook his head. "Erin?" Linda asked, glancing up at him.
"No, no. Maria's brother, Javy; he's mixed up in our case."
"Maria has a brother?"
"Yeah, they're estranged. I think she's probably missed having him around though." Linda nodded, meeting his gaze with a smile.
"Siblings." She sighed, rolling her eyes at the raised voices of Sean and Jack echoed up the stairs.
"I'll handle this one." Danny offered, gently squeezing her shoulders before heading down the hall.

"Whoa! Okay, guys! Enough!" Linda shouted the next afternoon, raising her voice over Jack and Sean who stood at opposite ends of the coffee-table yelling loudly at each other. "Enough!" Linda repeated as they quietened, turning to her.
"He started it!" Sean and Jack protested in unison. Linda held up her hands, shaking her head with a sigh.
"I don't care who started it! I'm finishing it. I'm calling a truce! No fighting this weekend. I mean it." She said firmly, her hands on her hips. Jack and Sean glanced at each other. "Come on, guys – it's Thanksgiving!"
Linda watched as Sean and Jack shrugged, their shoulders slumping slightly, before turning to face her once more.
"Okay." She said with a nod. "We've got pies to make for dessert for tomorrow night, which means that the two of you need hug it out, right now!" Linda instructed firmly. She watched with a small smile as her sons sighed and shuffled towards each other, hugging briefly. "Alright then, kitchen."

"Hello?" Danny called, shouldering through the front door.
"Hi!" Linda whispered loudly, walking towards him briskly. She hugged him tightly, releasing him with a breathless smile. She stood before him, her hands grasping his upper-arms. He bent to capture her lips quickly.
"Mom, I think the pies are done!" Jack called from the kitchen, poking his head around the door. "Hi, Dad!" He added before disappearing into the kitchen once more. Danny frowned confusedly, raising his eyebrows at Linda.
"I called a truce." She explained. Danny's face broke into a wide smile. Sometimes Jack and Sean reminded him so much of himself and his own brothers. "It worked. They've been great all afternoon. It's like they've completely forgotten what they were fighting about in the first place." Linda added, shaking her head with a shrug.
"Yeah, that sounds about right." Danny quipped; he couldn't help but grin at his flour-covered sons who stood smiling, in the middle of the kitchen.

Linda took a step back, admiring their newly decorated tree which stood in the front window of their living-room. Christmas had always been her favourite holiday. She especially loved decorating the tree with her boys. It had become a tradition the four of them upheld together. During the first few weeks of December, Danny took the boys out to pick a tree for their place - usually with Frank and Jamie - while she hauled ornaments and decoration filled boxes from the attic. The four of them would then spend the afternoon rummaging through the boxes; examining the adorable hand-made ornaments Jack and Sean had created over the years and the delicate, shiny ornaments they had received as gifts, including the glass turtle-doves Linda's Grandmother had given her and Danny for their first Christmas together.

Their Christmases were always relatively busy; there was Christmas Eve dinner with the Reagans followed by Midnight Mass, then Christmas Day lunch with her side of the family and finally Christmas dinner with the Reagans once more.
Christmas morning, had always been theirs. It was her favourite. She, Danny, Jack and Sean always spent the morning together; making their way down stairs as the sun peeked through the curtains, preparing breakfast together, before excitedly exchanging presents on the living-room floor in their pyjamas.

Danny flicked on the coloured twinkle-lights in the darkened living-room. Linda smiled, nodding at the illuminated tree. She felt Danny's arm wrap around her shoulders, Sean and Jack stood in front of them, grinning in awe.
"It's beautiful." Linda murmured approvingly. She smiled as Danny kissed her cheek. She glanced around at the decorated interior of their house. Danny and Jack had looped a string of yellow fairy-lights along the bannister of the stairs; where they glowed festively, along with the colourful Christmas paper-chains that she and Sean had taped around the arch of the dining-room that afternoon. Leaning back into Danny's embrace, Linda grinned. She loved Christmas.

Linda smiled, skipping down the stairs as Danny walked through the front-door.
"Hey, perfect timing! Dinner's almost – whoa, what happened to your eye?!" She cried, her hands automatically cupping his face. Her fingers lightly skimmed the swollen skin around his bruised eye. He smiled tightly, leaning into her hands.
"It's fine." Danny said in a low voice, his eyes not quite meeting hers. Linda frowned, gently running her thumb across the cut on his cheekbone. Something was wrong. She could feel it.
"No, it's not. What's going on, Danny?" Linda asked quietly. She watched as he exhaled, pressing his lips into her palm.
"It's Mickey." Danny started in a low voice. "He's, he's caught up in some stuff. I didn't think he was – but, we set up a play and he's… He's involved."
"Is he gonna be okay?" Linda whispered. Danny shrugged wordlessly. "Are you okay? I mean, besides the eye?" He shook his head slightly, his brow furrowing.
"I just, I don't understand how he got there. How he got in so deep, without even realizing." Danny said quietly. Linda reached for him once more, her hand on his fore-arm. He looked at her grimly. She sighed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders firmly. She felt his forehead drop to her shoulder, his arms around her hips. Releasing him slowly, she cupped his face once more.
"Come on; let's get you some ice for that eye."

"Alright, I'm off. I'll see you tonight." Danny said, handing her his coffee mug and pressing his lips to hers.
"Have a good day. Don't forget we're having dinner with Erin and Nicki tonight at the Italian place Nicki loves." Danny nodded, ruffling Sean's hair as he crossed the living-room. Linda leant against the door-frame as he skipped down the front-steps.
"Hey, try not to get punched in the face today, okay?" She joked, winking at him. Danny grinned, climbing into the car with a wave.

"Okay guys, come on!" Danny called up the stairs; he smiled, sipping his coffee as Sean and Jack thundered down the stairs. He stood in the door-frame watching as Linda quickly tidied the kitchen. "You're going Christmas shopping with Erin today, right?"
"Yeah, Nicki's coming with us – she has a teacher-conference day." Linda answered.
She and Erin had spent every Christmas - for the past two decades - Christmas shopping for the Reagan men. Mary Reagan had always spent the day with them as well; advising Linda and Erin on gift ideas for Frank, for Henry, for Danny, Joe and Jamie... It was their tradition, and after Mary had passed, Nicki had taken to joining them.

"Hey, don't let Erin buy me one of those really bad Christmas sweaters this year, okay?" Danny muttered with a grimace.
"I make no promises." Linda smiled with a small shrug. She placed her hand on his cheek.
The events of the past week had taken their toll on Danny; Mickey Patrick and his family were safe, though she wasn't sure if their friendship was going to survive, and his eye had finally healed. She glanced at him proudly.
"What?" Danny asked, grinning confusedly at her. Linda chuckled, shaking her head at him.
"You are a good man. You're an amazing father and husband. You're a seriously great brother." She said softly, leaning against him. "And you're a good friend too." She smiled as he reddened slightly, ducking his head shyly. "I just thought you should know." Linda shrugged, rising to her toes and kissing him.

Linda led the way into the living-room. Jack and Sean bustled around them, tugging on their coats. She watched as Jack jogged over to the side-table. He pulled open one of the small wooden draws of the Advent Calendar she had made, another of her favourite traditions; one that had come from her own mother.
Continuing on the tradition; Linda always stocked the Calendar with daily surprises for Danny, Jack and Sean in the lead up to Christmas Day. The surprises were usually little things; Christmas chocolates, candy-canes, toy cars, various sporting cards. There was a pair of cuff-links in one of the draws for Danny as well as a new tie in another. She had included a few packets of Nano-Blocks for Sean and Jack and a pair of novelty Christmas socks for each of them. She was sure they enjoyed the tradition as much as she did.

"Okay, hurry up! We're gonna be late." Danny chided Jack and Sean.
"Cool!" Jack exclaimed, pulling three different coloured candy-canes from the draw. He held them in his open palm as Danny shepherded both boys out the front door. Linda followed with a smile. She shook her head, watching the three of them cross the lawn, swapping the coloured candy-canes between themselves. Sometimes she was sure she had three kids. Waving from the stoop, she returned the grin Danny offered her, a bright red candy-cane clamped between his teeth. He winked at her cheekily, slamming the car-door shut and reversing down the drive.

Linda ran a tired hand across her face as she padded along the landing of the Reagan house. It had been a fairly long and busy Christmas Day. She, Danny and the boys had spent the morning at home, enthusiastically opening gifts, scattering the living-room floor with wrapping-paper. They had headed Up-state to her Aunt's house for Christmas lunch, laughing along with her sister; Wendy, their siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. As dusk began to fall, they had farewelled her family and made their way back to Bay Ridge for dinner.

The Reagans were all downstairs, bustling through the kitchen preparing dinner for the family. She started as Danny jumped around the corner of the bannister, blocking her path with a wide grin. She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face as he caught her waist, hugging her close. Linda's arms curled around his neck. Loosening his grip on her, his hands slid beneath her red cable-sweater his palms flat against the small of her back. They swayed on the spot in the hall, grinning goofily at each other.
"Hi."
"Hi."
"Here." Danny said quietly, reaching into his pocket. "This is for you." He said, placing a pink heart-shaped candy-cane in her hand. Linda smiled. Sometimes he was so sweet. She rose to her toes, hugging him tightly. He chuckled softly, his arms enveloping her. She scattered feathered kisses along his jawline as they swayed together on the landing.
Linda paused, her arms around his shoulders. They had moved from the middle of the hall to the open arch of the upstairs living space. Danny tore his eyes from hers, glancing up at the arch. She followed his gaze upwards to the multiple sprigs of mistletoe nestled in the garland above them. Linda smiled wryly as Danny moved towards her, gently pressing her against the arch wall with his body. She sighed contentedly as he dropped soft, light, tender kisses onto her lips.

"Nicki, can you tell your Aunt and Uncle that dinner's almost ready?" Erin asked, handing Jamie a bowl of mashed potatoes for the table. "I think I saw Danny follow Linda upstairs." She added, jabbing a thumb over her shoulder. Nicki nodded, scooting around Jack as he made a beeline for the table. She took the stairs two at a time, her hand loosely skimming the bannister.
She paused as she reached the second-floor, her eyes falling on her Aunt and Uncle as they embraced beneath the garland decorated archway. She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. They were cute. They were still so in love. She couldn't help but smile; someday she wanted a relationship, a marriage like theirs.
Silently, she turned on her heel, retreating down the stairs. Standing on the bottom step, she glanced over her shoulder with a smirk.
"Aunt Linda! Uncle Danny! Dinner!" She hollered up the stairs.
Nicki grinned as she skipped into the kitchen, standing beside her mother at the counter. Nicki reached across her, retrieving a freshly baked Christmas cookie from the tray on the bench.
"Hey! We're about to eat." Her Mom chastised, shaking her head. Nicki smiled, splitting the cookie in half and innocently offering it to Erin. "Did you find Danny and Linda, sweetie?" Erin inquired accepting the cookie while she spooned broccoli into a dish.
"Yeah, they'll be down in a minute." Nicki replied with a smile, wandering into the dining-room.

"Mom, when does Nicki go to college?" Sean asked from the back-seat, as they drove home from Sunday dinner. Linda smiled at Danny's sideways glance.
"Not for a while, honey."
"How long?"
"Um, a little over a year."
"How long 'til Jack goes to college?" Linda chuckled, glancing over her shoulder at Sean.
"A long time." She replied.
"It's not that long." Jack objected. "It's only five years."
"Oh boy." Linda groaned, leaning against the passenger door.
"That's still a long time, bud." Danny smiled, resting his hand on Linda's leg.
"Can I have Jack's room when he goes to college?"
"Sean." Danny warned, shaking his head.
"You can't have my room." Jack said flatly.
"Can I have your room if you go to Stanford like Nicki?"
"No."
"Sean, that's enough." Linda sighed, throwing him a look.
"Besides, I think I definitely wanna go somewhere on the East Coast." Jack added decisively. Linda smiled, turning to look at Jack.
"Honey, that's great. Either way, you know that Dad and I will support you; wherever you decide you wanna go, right? And you've got plenty of time to think about it. You're thirteen; let's just get you through high school first, okay?"

Danny stood on the sidewalk, watching Linda storm back into the house, her coat blowing in the icy breeze. Her words echoed around him, settling in the pit of his stomach like ice.
"Just don't take it out on our son!"
He shivered slightly in the cold, trudging towards the porch. She was right. She almost always was. He shook his head, irritated with himself and frustrated with the case… Danny shuffled through the front-door and into the kitchen. Linda stood at the counter, hastily packing away assorted dishes.
"I'm sorry." He breathed. Linda nodded, turning to him slowly.
"I know. But I'm not the one who needs to hear that." She replied firmly. Danny nodded, understandingly. His cell beeped loudly in his coat pocket. Linda sighed quietly in response, lightly patting his arm as she exited the kitchen. Danny grimaced.
"Reagan." He answered, grabbing his keys and walking out the door.

He had made it to Jack's family history presentation. He had stood along the back wall of his son's classroom alongside his family. The case had played on his mind as he listened to Jack talk. Sometimes his children amazed him. That afternoon, Jack certainly did. The way he spoke about their family, their service and how he knew that all they wanted was to protect each other from their experiences both overseas and at home, on the job. He was so proud of him. He owed Jack an apology.
His phone had buzzed as the presentations drew to a close. Danny kissed Linda's hair quickly and squeezed Jack's shoulder, exiting the classroom.

"Hey." Danny said quietly, wandering into Jack's bedroom after Sunday dinner with their family. "You got a minute?" Jack nodded, placing his book on the small table beside his bed. "You did really great on your family history project. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks." Jack smiled.
"You know, what you said… About how when people see bad things, they don't want to worry their families… You, you were right." Danny started, sitting on the end of Jack's bed, his elbows resting on his knees. "I just want to protect you and your brother and your Mom from all the bad stuff."
"I know." Jack murmured, glancing up Danny. "Maybe, maybe one day you can tell me about it or, or show me your medal?" He offered, moving closer to his father. Danny smiled, his eyes crinkling as he nodded.
"Maybe." Danny pulled Jack into a tight hug, lightly kissing his crown.

Danny slumped in his chair, his head in his hands, his elbows on his desk. The case was over. John Russell had taken his own life. Danny frowned at the report in front of him. He had filed Russell's death as an accident. He couldn't stand the thought of Tommy Russell one day discovering the truth. Dr. Dawson had wandered into the Station as the sky darkened outside. He sat quietly, patiently in the spare chair by Danny's desk.

It was late when he got home; the house was dark and quiet. He trudged slowly up the stairs, checking on both Sean and Jack as he passed each of their bedrooms. Danny padded the length of the softly lit hallway, pushing open their bedroom door. He smiled at the sight of Linda sleeping. The bedside lamp was still on; her book, face-down on the duvet. Tip-toeing across the room, he pulled the bathroom door closed behind him.
When Danny re-entered the room, Linda was awake.
"Hi, honey." She said sleepily, shifting against the pillows.
"Hey." Danny replied wearily. He climbed beneath the covers, sinking into the pillows and blankets that covered their bed. He stared at the ceiling for a moment, taking a deep breath and turning to her.
"Are you okay?" Linda murmured, running her hand through his damp hair. Danny shook his head, his eyes closing.
"No." He breathed. He turned on his side towards her, his arm draping across her body, his head on her chest, his ear over her heart. He felt Linda's arm wrap around his shoulder, across his back. Her other hand cradled his head tenderly.

Linda exhaled softly, her fingers in Danny's short clean hair. She ran her hand along the length of his spine, through the soft cotton of his tee-shirt. His breathing steadied against her as he slept. She gently pressed her lips to the top of his head, her eyes drifting closed once more.

"Alright guys, you're all set!" Linda grinned, zipping Jack's camping-pack closed and setting it by the door.
"I still don't see why I can't go too." Sean muttered, leaning against the bannister. Danny knelt in front of his youngest son, hugging him tightly.
"It won't be long 'til we're packing your gear as well, I promise." He said quietly to Sean. Linda smiled, busying herself with Jack's back-pack.
"Mom, it's fine." Jack whined, beside her.
"I know, just checking." She grinned, wrapping her arms around him. "Look after your Dad for me, okay?" She whispered. Linda felt Jack nod against her shoulder.
"I will." He promised, glancing up at her with a smile. Linda kissed his forehead quickly.
"Alright, Jack let's get going." Danny ordered. She and Danny smiled as Jack high-fived his brother, pulling him into a loose hug before skipping out the door.
"Take care of our boy. And have a good time with your family, alright?" Linda said, grasping Danny's jacket with a grin. He nodded, kissing her softly in the door frame.
"I will. I'll text you when we get out there." Danny agreed, ruffling Sean's hair before bouncing down the stairs toward the car.

Linda smiled at the boys; who lounged sleepily on the couch in their Christmas pyjamas. She glanced at the kitchen clock. It was getting late.
"Time for bed, you two."
Sean rose from the cushions tiredly, stumbling on the hem of his flannelette Jets pyjamas. Linda steadied him gently, leading him towards the stairs.
"Jack?" She queried, frowning slightly at her eldest who sat cross-legged on the couch. "Come on, it's late."
"Dad's not home yet." He stated quietly. Linda glanced down at Sean who stifled a yawn.
"Sean, why don't you go upstairs and brush your teeth?" He nodded drowsily, climbing the stairs carefully. "Jack honey, your Dad's gonna be home late tonight." Linda began sitting beside him on the couch, one foot tucked beneath her. "Dad's okay. I promise. He will be home tonight." Linda reassured him firmly. "Tell you what, why don't you head on up to bed and as soon as he gets home, I'll send him up to say goodnight?"
Jack nodded slowly, moving from the lounge. She followed him up the stairs.
"Okay, but I'm not falling asleep until Dad gets home." He yawned. Linda smirked as they reached the landing.
"Alright, honey. Go brush your teeth."

Jack filed into the bathroom as Sean exited it. Linda followed Sean into his room, tucking him in gently.
"Night, Mom." He mumbled, rolling onto his side.
"Night, sweetie." She whispered, switching off his bedside lamp. She walked out of Sean's bedroom and into the hall. Jack headed toward his own room.
"I'll send Dad up as soon as he gets in." Linda promised, kissing Jack's forehead as he climbed into bed. Jack nodded. "Night, Mom." He said, placing his glasses on the pile of books on the night-stand.
"Goodnight, Jack."

"Hey." Danny said gruffly, hanging his coat in the hall closet.
"Hi, hon." Linda smiled, kissing him quickly. "You eat?" He shook his head tiredly. "I'll make you something... Oh hey, Jack's waiting up for you."
"Is he okay?" Linda nodded.
"Yeah, he's fine. He just wants to make sure that you are." She said kindly, kissing his cheek as she moved into the kitchen.

Linda yawned, stretching her arms above her head, frowning at her watch. It was just after six. Beams of morning light followed her through the front-door into the quiet house.
Her week had been a week of night-shifts. She was exhausted. It had been a week of phone-tag. She and Danny had continuously missed each other's calls. She missed him, missed talking to him. She missed Jack and Sean, who she only saw briefly before school and the afternoons when she was dropping them to Henry's or Erin's for the night.
Danny's case had required all of his energy. He had left her a weary voice-mail, relaying basic details about it to her. The whole week had been disjointed. She missed her family.
Quietly she ascended the stairs, poking her head around the door of Jack's bedroom. Sean slept on the trundle-bed on the floor beside his brother. She smiled softly at her children, tip-toeing into the room and perching carefully on the end of Jack's bed in her scrubs, watching as they slept soundly.

"Linda? Honey, I'm home!" Linda heard Danny's voice echo up the stairs the following evening.
"Upstairs!" She replied, over her shoulder pulling on a pair of clean jeans.
"Hey!"
"Hi." Linda grinned, spinning on her heel and hugging him. She sighed as his stubbled jaw grazed her cheek. She smiled against his pulse-point.
"I missed you." She murmured, fisting her fingers in his shirt.
"Missed you too." He whispered into her shoulder. She kissed the corner of his jaw. Linda's breath hitched as his cool hands dipped beneath the waistband of her jeans. She inched closer to him, nudging his nose with her own. Danny's lips melded against hers in an instant.
She kissed him earnestly; her hands roaming his back and shoulders. She tugged his shirt from his shoulders, letting it flutter to the floor. His palms slid from the small of her back to her ribcage. She arched against him as Danny littered kisses from her jaw to her collar-bone. Linda gasped softly as his lips traced the lace fabric of her bra. Her fingers threaded through his short hair, her nails lightly scraping the nape of his neck. Linda's arms wrapped around his shoulders, his lips found hers once more.
"Danny," She whispered breathlessly, breaking away from his lips. "Danny, wait." She repeated her lips close to his ear. "Honey, we can't do this now." Sighing, he pressed his forehead into the lee of her shoulder. Linda's chest rose and fell heavily as she let out a breathless laugh. "We have to be at your Dad's in…" She lifted his wrist, squinting at his watch. "Fifteen minutes." Danny groaned, shaking his head against her.
"Yes!" Linda replied, taking a step back and surveying her shirtless husband. "Seriously, you gotta get changed and we have got to go." She let out a breath as he kissed her once more.
"Later?" He murmured against her lips.
"Definitely." Linda nodded, kissing him back.

"Hey, what was all that about?" Linda demanded, dragging Danny into the kitchen.
"What?"
"You know exactly what! We told Sean he could go to Philadelphia with his friends! We discussed it. And I've met his friend's parents – Danny, we've already talked about this! So what is going on?" She watched her husband cross his arms across his chest, sighing heavily. Danny shook his head.
"I know. It's just, this case I'm working on… Missing kid…"
Linda nodded understandingly. She watched Danny run a hand across his face.
"Okay. But that doesn't mean you can change Sean's weekend. That's not fair, Danny." She leant against the counter.
"Yeah, I – I know. I just…"
"You want him to be safe, and I love you for that – you crazy over-protective parent, you – I want him to be safe too! But we've talked about this! We said he could go and he's so excited about it…" She paused, reaching for his elbow. "He's gonna be fine." Danny raised his eyebrows at her with a smirk. "And yes, I realize that most of the time I'm the one who wants to wrap him and his brother up in cotton-wool and never let them out of my sight, but – Sean really is going to be fine." Danny nodded, conceding. He took a step towards her, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist.
"Alright." He said quietly. "But, he has to take a cell-phone with him and check-in and I wanna meet his friend's parents before he goes." Linda chuckled, agreeing with a grin.
"Okay."

Linda grinned, her hands on her hips as she surveyed Sean's newly packed back-pack and suitcase.
"You know I'm only going for the weekend, right?" Sean asked, looking up at Linda, his eyebrows raised.
"Yeah, honey, I know." She replied, squeezing his shoulders gently. "But, it gets cold in Philadelphia so you'll need a couple extra layers." She nodded. "Plus it's got your jersey in it." She added, kicking the suitcase gently. Danny grinned at her from the door.
"And you're gonna remember to call us and check-in right, bud?" Sean nodded at Danny with a dimpled grin.
"I don't get why he gets a cell-phone. I don't even have a cell-phone." Jack protested from his spot on the stairs.
"Jack, relax." Linda sighed, placing her hand in his hair. "The next time you go inter-state, you get to take the spare cell too, okay?" He grinned up at her with a nod. "Sean, you've got my cell number and Dad's in there, right?"
"Yup, and Grandpa's and Aunt Erin's and Nicki's and Uncle Jamie's…" Linda beamed, sharing a look with Danny who shrugged. The sound of a horn echoed through the front-door.
"That's your ride." Danny smiled, resting his hand on Sean's shoulder. He picked up Sean's suitcase, shouldering out the door. Linda, Sean and Jack followed Danny to the front lawn, where he was shaking hands with the father of Sean's friend. Linda adjusted Sean's collar quickly.
"Hey, you're gonna be careful this weekend, right? No wandering off. No talking to anyone you don't know. You make sure you keep the cell on you at all times, alright? And be polite – seriously Sean, best behaviour."
"Promise." Sean grinned, hugging her quickly.
"Have fun with your friends, honey." She added, kissing the crown of his head. She felt him nod against her. "I love you. See you in a few days."
Linda stepped back, watching as Sean climbed into the back with his friends. She and Danny waved until the car disappeared from view, before following Jack back into the house.

"He'll be fine." Jack said reassuringly, glancing at his parents. "Besides, you know the two of you are going to call him pretty much every hour until he gets home."
"Hey! Not every hour." Linda retorted. "Maybe every twelve hours, or so…" She watched as Jack grinned, shaking his head and bounding up the stairs.
"At least wait until he actually gets to Philadelphia!" Jack called from the landing. Linda scoffed, turning to Danny who gave her a knowing look.
"Okay, fine." She said, rolling her eyes at her husband; who was trying not to smile. "We'll wait until he gets to Philadelphia to call!"
"You crazy over-protective parent." Danny muttered with a grin.

"Go to sleep, Jack!" Linda chuckled, tugging the covers around his shoulders.
"We're still goin' to breakfast tomorrow?"
"Yeah, honey. You, Dad and I are still having breakfast tomorrow, but you have to go to sleep first." She kissed his forehead quickly before flicking off his bedroom light and heading up the hall.

Linda paused as she entered their bedroom, glancing at Danny with raised eyebrows as he spoke into his cell.
"I'm glad you're having fun, Seano." He smiled at her. Linda shook her head with a light laugh. "Okay, love you too, kid. You wanna say goodnight to Mom?" Danny asked grinning, handing Linda the phone.
"Hi, baby. How was your day?" Her heart swelled as Sean briefly filled her in on his day.
"Mom, I gotta go. I'll call you tomorrow. Night!"
"Goodnight, Sean. I love you."

Linda crossed the bedroom, handing Danny his cell with a grin. "Well, he's having a great time."
"Yeah, sounds like it."
"I told you he'd be fine." Linda quipped, pulling off her tee-shirt swiftly. She smiled shyly as Danny's gaze swept over her. Linda's fingers grasped his shirt as he kissed her languidly, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. Linda's hands pushed his shirt from his shoulders, her fingers trailing across his chest. Her breath hitched as Danny scattered a line of soft kisses from her neck to her sternum to her navel. She let out a breathless laugh, kissing his throat as their limbs tangled beneath the sheets, their lips meeting once more.

Linda squinted at the blur of snow that piled along the sill. She loved it when it snowed. She sneezed violently. Linda sniffled, wearily holding a hand to her warm forehead. It was Flu season. It had travelled through the whole family, resulting in each of the Reagan's taking at least a week off work or school. It had been a stressful few weeks. Though thankfully, they had banded together; cooking meals for each other, picking up groceries and driving each other the doctors' appointments.
Linda was the last to catch it. She dropped her head back into the soft pillows. Danny, Sean and Jack had caught it the week before – she was fairly certain from Frank or Henry, who had contracted it from Erin and Nicki. Her colleagues had suffered the previous week; she had covered shifts for many of them. Apparently it was just going around. She had heard Danny talking quietly to St. Victor's that morning over the phone, informing them that she wouldn't be able to come in today.

"Hey," She heard Danny whisper; his silhouette filling the room as he made his way over to the bed, gingerly sitting on the edge.
"How're you feeling?"
"I'm okay." Linda nodded, moving to sit upright.
"Hey, take it easy." He murmured. She shivered slightly and Danny pulled the duvet closer around her, fitting her into his side. "Babe, there's no way you can chaperone Sean's field-trip tomorrow..." Danny said gently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"What about you?" She whispered, looking up at him. He grimaced, his brow furrowed.
"I caught a case. What about Erin?" Linda shook her head.
"Erin's just had two weeks off work. What about Henry?"
"Jamie's working a double-tour tomorrow. He said Gramps is still recuperating."
"Guess we try your Dad then?" Linda said quietly, her head thumped painfully.
"Yeah, I'll call him. I've gotta get the boys to school. C'mon, back to bed." Danny whispered. He pressed his lips to her heated forehead. "Get some rest, okay? I'll see you later." Linda's eyes drifted closed as Danny quietly closed the door behind him.

Linda blinked blearily at the small clock on the night-stand. The afternoon sun peeked through the curtains. She rolled over, frowning at the sound of rustling papers.
"Hey Mom," Jack said quietly, sitting cross-legged on top of the covers.
"Hi." Linda murmured. She squinted at the papers and books that littered the bed.
"Sorry, I was just finishing homework." Jack explained with a shrug, adjusting his glasses and shifting the books onto the bedside-table. Linda smiled, running a hand through her hair.
"It's okay. Where's Sean?"
"He went with Dad to get some dinner." Linda nodded; she was actually feeling hungry, which was a good sign. She relaxed into the pillows once more. Linda glanced at Jack; sitting comfortably on the bed. She extended her arm, resting her hand on his knee.
"How was school?"
"Good." Jack nodded. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. I think the worst of it's over." Jack smiled, leaning back against the head-board.
"That's good. Can I hang out in here?" He asked, retrieving a discarded throw from the end of the bed and wriggling underneath it. Linda chuckled quietly, nodding.
"Sure, as long as you don't get sick again." She warned. Jack grinned, pulling his Nintendo out of his pocket.
"I won't. Oh yeah, Dad said to tell you that Grandpa can take Sean on his field-trip tomorrow." Linda smiled softly, her eyes closing once more. The faint sounds of Jack's video-game lulling her into a restful sleep.

Danny crept into the bedroom, a cup of tea and a bowl of soup balanced steadily on a breakfast tray. He smiled at the sight of his sleeping wife, their eldest son slept beside her; his game-console face down on his chest. Danny set the tray down, sitting on the edge of the bed beside Linda. He brushed her fringe from her forehead. He kissed her temple as she stirred, opening her eyes. Linda caught his hand, holding it gently.
"Hi." He whispered.
"Hi."
"Brought you some soup. It's not exactly your Chicken-Noodle, but it's not bad." Linda smiled appreciatively, patting his hand and sitting up. She glanced over at Jack, who nuzzled into Danny's pillow sleepily.
"He's been here all afternoon." Linda whispered. "Should we wake him?" Danny shook his head.
"Nah, let him sleep… He was worried about you." Danny's gaze met hers meaningfully. Linda smiled, squeezing his hand.
"Well, he shouldn't be. I'm okay." She promised.
"Good." Danny grinned, kissing her forehead again. "You wanna eat up here?" Linda nodded, leaning comfortably back against the head-board.
"Yeah, go grab Sean. Let's eat in here tonight."

Danny adjusted his tie with a grimace. He had never liked Charity Events; he always felt slightly out of place, even in his dress-blues. It was the kind of environment his father and Erin thrived in; a place to network and meet people. Danny would much rather meet fellow Officers at the local Cop Bar after a tour. He glanced around at the crowd; handfuls of NYPD Officers had made an appearance. It seemed like half the City was here. He had tried to search out his sister, but hadn't found her in the sea of lawyers in the crowded ballroom. He stared up at the high ceiling; colourful decorations were draped neatly between the chandeliers above.
He turned his attention back to Gormley and his wife; who chatted politely with detectives from various precincts. Danny frowned at his phone, buzzing in his suit pocket.
"Excuse me." He apologized to Gormley, side-stepping the clustered group, heading toward a nearby alcove to answer the call.
"Hey, babe, where are you?" He asked, smiling into the phone.
"Hi, I'm so sorry I'm late! The boys got caught up at practice; they're with Henry and Nicki at your Dad's… I'll be there in five minutes..." Linda explained breathlessly.
"It's okay; I'll see you in a bit." He grinned, waving to Jamie who wandered nervously through the ballroom. He tugged on his sleeve, spotting Danny and smiling widely.
"Hey, kid!"
"Danny, hey! Man, am I glad to see you. Did you know there was going to be this many people?" Jamie asked, glancing around at the crowd. Danny shook his head. "Where's Linda?"
"She's on her way. You seen Dad?"
"Yeah, he's talking to Deputy Commissioner Moore over… there." Jamie gestured to the far side of the room; their father was hidden from view. Danny shook his head with a wry smile at his younger brother.

The music faded and the crowd applauded. Danny glanced at his cell once more. Jamie nudged him. He glanced at his brother, who nodded to the far corner of the ballroom. He followed Jamie's line of vision, his eyes sweeping the crowd. He did a double-take as he caught sight of his wife strolling through the crowd towards him.

Danny felt his heart race as he stared at her, mesmerized, unable to tear his gaze away. She was truly stunning. Linda's dark red dress fell to the floor. It clung to her body as she moved; the colour changing, shimmering beneath the glow of the chandeliers. Her short blonde hair framed her smiling face. His gaze roamed across her bare shoulders, to the contours of her collar-bone and the dipped neckline of her dress. Danny felt his stomach flip as Linda caught his eye. She smiled serenely, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. He watched as she greeted Gormley and his wife, and Maria and her brother Javy, pausing to chat to them briefly.

"Wow, Linda looks great." Jamie commented, sneaking a sideways look at his brother, who was grinning goofily.
"Yeah." Danny breathed. Jamie raised a hand to wave at his sister-in-law. Linda returned the wave with a grin, excusing herself with a smile before weaving her way through the scattered crowd towards them.
"Hi honey, sorry I'm late." Linda apologized, kissing Danny softly; her hand on his jaw. "Hey, Jamie." She added, pecking his cheek quickly.
"Hey Linda, nice dress. Oh hey, there's Eddie. I'll catch up with you guys later." He smiled, grasping Danny's shoulder as he left.
"Eddie, huh? Which one is she, the blonde in the dress-blues?" Linda grinned, elbowing Danny. He shook his head, staring at her.
"You look so… Incredible." Danny exhaled. "I, I mean you always look amazing, but… You, this…" Linda felt herself blush. She grinned, leaning into his side.
"Thanks, honey." The music began to swell once more. Danny turned to his wife with a smile, feeling much better now that she was here.
"You wanna dance with me?"
"Always." Linda answered, her crimson lips stretching into a grin. Danny offered her his arm, which she accepted without hesitation, allowing him to lead her onto the crowded dance-floor.

"Touchdown!" Sean yelled. Linda heard an audible thud, followed by a loud crash as Sean tackled Jack to the floor.
"Hey!" Linda shouted, rushing from the kitchen. "What are you two doing?!" She stared down at Jack, who was lying on the floor. Sean met her eye sheepishly.
"Football drills."
"Football drills?" Linda repeated doubtfully, her hands on her hips. She glanced at the corner cabinet and the shards of china that littered the floor in front of it. "Oh no!" She cried, dropping to her knees in front of the broken plate.
"Sorry, Mom." Jack said quietly, standing beside her.
"It's okay, Jack. You didn't mean it."
"But it's Grandma's plate."
"Yeah." She confirmed. "No sports in the house, Jack. You know the rule. You both do." Linda added firmly, glancing over her shoulder at Sean.
"I'm sorry too." He said. Linda nodded with a tight smile. "You two should start your homework." She carefully picked up the pieces, hoping she would be able to super-glue them back together. Taking the plate into the kitchen, she set the pieces on the counter, glancing at Sean and Jack who sat at the dining-room table, their homework spread out in front of them.

Linda heard the soft click of the front-door later that evening, as Danny arrived home.
"Dad!" Jack and Sean exclaimed, bounding toward their father joyfully.
"Hey, you two!" Danny greeted, ruffling Sean's hair affectionately. "How was practice?" Linda rolled her eyes good-naturedly. She started as she heard a thump, dashing into the living-room; Linda paused as she caught sight of Jack, Sean and Danny play-fighting exuberantly on the couch.
"Are you kidding me?" Linda demanded, staring at the three of them. "What is the rule about sports in the house?"
"But…"
"No buts, Jack! You and Sean accidentally broke my Grandmother's plate - just this afternoon – while practising drills, in the house!" She exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air. Danny glanced between Sean and Jack sternly. "You know what? You're banned. You're all getting a forty-eight hour sports-ban."
"What does that mean?" Jack asked nervously. Linda tucked her hands beneath her elbows.
"No sports. No talking about sports, no playing sports – of any kind – and no watching sports! You guys don't have a game this weekend, so the four of us are going completely sports free!" She finished triumphantly, smiling at the confused faces of her husband and sons.
"Uh, honey?" Danny started slowly, rising from the couch and standing before her. He raised his eyebrows at her questioningly. Linda responded with a hard stare, raising an eyebrow, daring him to contradict her. Danny conceded, nodded slightly.
"Consider it a weekend penalty-box!" She added, patting Danny's arm. "Starting now! And remember I am fluent in Pig-Latin and 'Ob', so don't even try it." Sean and Jack nodded, glancing at Danny quickly.
"Alright then, weekend penalty-box." Danny agreed, shaking his head and high-fiving his wife with a grin.
"So… What are we gonna do all weekend?" Sean asked slowly looking from Danny to Linda; who beamed.
"Everyone go get changed, we're eating out!"

Their weekend had become one of Linda's favourites. The four of them had spent Friday night at their favourite pizza place; laughing as Sean and Jack attempted to out-do each other with pizza related jokes. Throughout the night they had chatted about; the boy's school, their friends, Danny's recently closed case, the ER's new Interns and Jack's upcoming book-report while they walked to the gelato place on the corner.
Jack and Sean had made breakfast for Danny and Linda on Saturday morning, rendering the kitchen a disaster area by mid-morning. They had spent the afternoon at their favourite park, laughing and taking photographs as they strolled along the lush trails until they reached the large, old tulip tree which stood proudly in the afternoon sunshine. That night, the four of them had crowded into the kitchen, making dinner together.
As the sky darkened outside; Danny, Linda, Jack and Sean had settled around the dining-room table, listening as Jack said Grace. They had fallen asleep together on the couch, the end credits of 'Iron Man' rolling across the screen.
Sunday morning had been relaxed. Light rain sprinkled outside the kitchen window as Linda poured steaming mugs of coffee for her and Danny while Sean and Jack watched cartoons. She'd smiled as Danny kissed her hair, wrapping his arm around her shoulders while they stood in the kitchen door-frame.

"Alright guys, let's go!" Danny called from the living-room, rolling up his shirt sleeves.
"Hey Mom, does the sports-ban still count at Grandpa's?" Sean asked, pulling on his coat. Linda nodded firmly.
"Oh yeah, you're still banned until after dinner." Danny shrugged helplessly at Jack, pulling open the front-door with a grin.

"The boys okay?"
"Yeah, they're checking the scores before bed." Linda smiled.
"I had fun this weekend." Danny said quietly from their bed. Linda slid beneath the covers, lying on her side. She kissed his cheekbone softly.
"It was fun, wasn't it? I should ban sports more often." She laughed as Danny shook his head, his eyes crinkling as he grinned.
"Can we wait 'til football season's over?"

"So how was the sports-ban?" Erin questioned with a wide smile, stretching bedside Linda, the Brooklyn Bridge looming above them.
"It was actually really great." Linda grinned, her words forming a light mist in the early morning air. "We hung out all weekend. We made dinner together, went to the park, watched movies – it was really fun!" She gushed, jogging on the spot.
"I'm glad. You guys deserve a quality weekend together."
Linda nodded, bending to tie her shoelace. "Hey, are you ever gonna tell me how the speed-dating went?" Erin smirked at Linda, who rose to her feet.
"Maybe."
"I'll race you!"
"No way! That's how I ended up speed-dating in the first place!"
"Come on, Erin! Same bet as last time. If you win, I'll do Sunday dinners for a month. If I win, you tell me everything!" Linda bargained as they began jogging.
"You're on!" Erin cried over her shoulder, speeding past Linda with a grin.
"Hey!"

Excusing herself from the table, Linda followed Erin into the kitchen.
"Gettin' kinda chilly out there, huh?" Erin quipped, tugging open the dishwasher. Linda nodded, frowning.
"What are we gonna do?"
"About Danny and Dad? I don't know… You know what they're like."
"Yeah; they're both stubborn, terrible communicators, obsessive workaholic Reagan men."
"Exactly." Erin scoffed. Linda rolled her eyes. Erin paused by the sink. "Actually, I may have an idea… Leave it with me?"
"Sure." Linda nodded with a grin, taking the large apple-pie dish from the fridge.

Linda ruffled Jack's hair as he sunk into the couch cushions beside her. He passed the popcorn to Sean, who sat on the floor in front of them. Danny smiled softly, his face relaxing as he caught sight of his family.
"Hi, honey." Linda greeted, grinning up at him as he joined them on the couch. Sean leant back against Danny's shins, lifting the bowl of popcorn towards him. Danny took the bowl, leaning to kiss Sean's hair as he did so. He stretched his arm across the back of the couch, the backs of his fingers traced Linda's cheekbone.
"I guess you and Erin are in cahoots?" He quipped glancing at the screen, where he and Jamie and Joe beamed at the camera in their hockey gear, their helmets knocking together as they squashed into the frame.
"Little bit." Danny nodded, unable to contain his smile as Jack leant back comfortably against his arm.
"You okay?"
"Yeah." He whispered, watching as his eight year-old sister cartwheeled her way across the front-lawn. Linda smiled as she glanced sideways at Danny; absorbed by the home-movies, a faint smile on his lips.

Linda leant her head back against the seat of the couch with a sigh. It had been one of those days. The kind she wished had ended differently. She lifted the glass of amber liquid to her lips. It burned her throat; she made a face, shuddering slightly as she swallowed. Linda brushed her hand through her hair exhaustedly.

The ER had been inundated with casualties as soon as Linda's shift had started. She had busied herself with her assigned patients, completing their transfer papers and sending them to either surgery or to other wards. Her shift had almost been over when the Code Blue alarm had sounded through the hall. She and one of the ER's Interns, Parker had rushed into the room. Sally Hale, their youngest patient was in cardiac arrest. She and Parker had sprung into action; additional nurses filled the room, calmly ushering Mrs. Hale into the corridor.
"Come on, Sally. Stay with us." Linda said quietly, moving away from the bed as Parker ceased compressions and positioned the defibrillator above the eighteen year-old's chest.

Linda froze, staring at the monitor in dismay. Her stomach dropped heavily.
"Time of death, sixteen-forty-nine." Parker stated wearily. Linda nodded mutely, writing the time of death into the chart. She scrawled her signature at the end. Her shift had been officially over for twenty minutes. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Maggie.
"What happens now?" Parker asked, glancing at them.
"I'll notify next of kin." Maggie answered, squeezing Linda's shoulder. They exited the room, heading to the wash bay outside the door. Linda scrubbed her hands thoroughly under the water. She caught sight of Mrs. Hale sitting in one of the waiting-room chairs, her spine straight, her eyes focused ahead of her. Maggie followed her gaze.
"You should head home; it's gonna be a rough couple of hours. Aly's just clocked on, we'll handle this, I promise."
"You sure? I can stay…" Linda started. Maggie shook her head kindly.
"Go home, Reagan. Go home to those kids of yours, okay? I'll see you tomorrow." Linda hugged her friend quickly. Losing a patient was never easy. It was always awful. She felt terrible that her shift was over. There wasn't anything more she could do. It was Maggie and Parker's responsibility now as hospital policy would dictate. She watched Maggie walk calmly towards Mrs. Hale, whose face began to crumble. Linda felt her own eyes sting with tears. Gathering her gear, she had headed out the swinging front-doors of the ER.

"Hey, babe." Danny said quietly, closing the front-door behind him. He frowned as he caught sight of his wife, sitting on the living-room floor. "You okay?" Linda wiped her eyes with the back of her hand quickly, glancing up at him and shook her head. She gently placed the half-empty glass on the coffee-table. "What happened?" Danny asked softly, sinking to the floor beside her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tucking her into his side. He furrowed his brow, examining his wife's face.
"I lost a patient today." Linda sighed wearily. Danny remained quiet, listening to her. "She was eighteen." Danny shook his head sympathetically. "And I know that it happens, that it's life. I just wasn't expecting it. You know? One second, she was totally fine… and the next… It just happened so fast." She shook her head again, blinking rapidly.
"You did everything you could for her." Danny said reassuringly. Linda nodded.
"I know." She gulped, wiping her eyes once more. "We all did. I just wish I could've done more." She let her head drop to Danny's chest. He cradled her gently, kissing the top of her head.

Linda swallowed, moving out of Danny's arms slowly. "I'm okay now." She said thickly, sniffing. She patted his knee. "Come on, we gotta go get the boys from Tommy's place."
"I can get 'em. Grab dinner on the way back, if you want?" Danny suggested kindly, wiping his thumb across her cheek. Linda nodded with a grateful smile.
"Yeah, okay thanks. I'm gonna go have a quick shower." She added rising to her feet, her hand in Danny's.
"You sure you're okay?" Danny questioned sincerely, pulling on his coat.
"Yes, I'm alright." She promised.
"You know I love you, right?" Danny offered with a smile. Linda nodded, kissing his cheek softly.
"I know. I love you too." Danny nodded, pressing his lips to her forehead. "I'll see you in a bit." She smiled faintly as he crossed the darkened lawn.

It was the type of phone-call that she had always dreaded receiving. Standing by the soccer-field, her phone had buzzed. The number for Danny's precinct flashed across the screen. Her stomach had bubbled with fear.
"Hello?"
"Linda, honey? It's me." Danny's voice reverberated through the phone. Linda let out a breath, her hand on her forehead.
"Danny? Are you okay?" She asked breathlessly, turning her back on the field and taking a few steps toward the car-park.
"I'm okay. I'm fine. But something's happened; one of our guys was shot. We don't know anything yet; just that he was one of ours."
"Oh Danny. I'm sorry."
"I just wanted you to know in case you hear anything. I'm gonna call Dad next. Can you call Jamie and Erin; let them know I'm alright? They've probably heard already. I don't want them to worry."
"Okay, I'll call them. You be careful, alright? Promise me."
"I promise. I'll be home when I can. I love you."
"Love you too." She whispered quickly, which was promptly followed by the bleep of the dial-tone. Linda blinked, frowning at her phone as she scrolled through her contacts. She exhaled, finding Jamie's number and hitting the call button.

It was late when Danny finally arrived home. Linda saw the flash of headlights in the drive, followed by the slam of a car-door. She jogged down the stairs, flinging open the front-door before Danny had a chance to open it. Linda launched herself at him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, holding him tightly. She heard Danny exhale into her shoulder, his face pressing into her neck. She could feel his furrowed brow against her pulse. Linda blinked back tears, her fingertips grasping the inflexible material of his suit jacket. Danny's hands gently released her waist, flattening against her back as he held her.
Finally, Linda released him, stepping back and letting him further into the house. She watched as he tugged off his jacket; hanging it loosely on the bannister. He was home, she could breathe.

"Guys, come on, let's go!" Danny called loudly, straightening the tie of his dress-blues in the dining-room mirror. Linda strode through the living-room, pulling on her coat. Jack and Sean bounded down the stairs; their shirts untucked, their ties hanging loosely around their collars.
"Hey! I thought you guys were ready!?" Linda cried, pausing at the base of their staircase surveying her dishevelled sons. Jack shrugged guiltily taking a step towards Linda, who grasped the loose ends of his tie, knotting it quickly. She flattened his collar before moving to fix Sean's tie. Danny helped Jack pull on his suit jacket, adjusting the lapels with a smile.
"Okay, you're done." Linda grinned, brushing back Sean's hair and kissing his forehead quickly. "Ready?" She asked turning to Danny who nodded.
"Yeah." He answered, grasping Jack's shoulders and guiding him toward the front-door.
"Why do we have to wear our suits?" Sean whined, squirming in his jacket.
"Sean, quit it. After family dinner we're going to the Academy Graduation to hear Grandpa's speech, that's why." Linda explained, pulling the front-door closed behind her. "Oh no! I told Erin we'd bring dessert!" Linda said stopping suddenly in the middle of the lawn.
"We'll grab something on the way." Danny offered, placing his hand on the small of her back guiding her toward the car.
"Okay." Linda grinned relieved, shutting the car door behind Jack.
"Alright, let's go." Danny said with a smile before reversing down the drive.