Title: Brother's Keeper – Pt. 25

By: FanofRandy

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

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

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The hospital chapel was on the first floor and Marco made his way there after he changed out of his "scrubs" after visiting Johnny. He made his way to the front of the small chapel, lit a candle and then found a pew. He bowed his head and prayed silently for his friend.

A few moments passed and two more of the men, Mike and Cap, entered the small room and found a place in the back of the small chapel to sit and pray. Cap remembered how he prayed for his men the previous day when the building was collapsing, and God had answered his prayer and brought all his men out alive. He felt the need to give thanks for that miracle and to pray for his youngest charge, John Gage. Mike sat next to his Captain and followed suit…asking for God to heal his friend.

Chet was the last to enter the room. He had his head down and did not even notice the other men present. He went to the front and lit a candle and with tears in his eyes, quietly prayed, "Dear Lord. I know I don't have a right to ask you for any favors. I have drifted so far from you that you probably wonder what I am even doing here. But, God, I believe that you can heal Gage and that's what I'm askin' for now. We all coulda died yesterday, but what Johnny told us about watchin' out for each other, well, God, that meant something to us. We all watch out for each other, and I just don't feel like anyone's watchin' out for Johnny right now. So, I'm askin' you to take care of 'im, will ya? Just don't let him die, God, cuz' I just don't know what we'd do without him…what I would do without him." Chet backed up and took a seat as he finished his prayer.

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A few floors up, Roy stood by the door to Johnny's room for a few moments. He could not believe all that had happened in the week since had done a CPR demonstration and all hell broke loose. He wondered for a moment how things might be different if HE had gone into that room with Bobby and Henry instead of Johnny. But, he allowed the thought to pass as he stepped to Johnny's bed.

Roy glanced at all the instruments and machines Johnny was attached to. He looked to see that Johnny was getting IV fluids and intravenous antibiotics. As he glanced down to his partner's face, he noticed the black eyes and the seemingly superficial wound received by Bobby's gun. "What if you hadn't been shot, Junior?" Roy wondered aloud. "We would probably not be here now, but that tumor would still be causing you problems." He muttered.

Roy glanced down at the bag that would catch the outflow of fluids from Johnny's Foley catheter…there was not much there, and considering the amount of fluids going into the man, that was not a good sign. Roy took Johnny's hand and held it tightly…probably more tightly than was necessary. "Hey, Junior, can you hear me?" Roy spoke with soothing tones. "You sure know how to worry a bunch of doctors and firemen, you know?"

Roy could feel his eyes getting hot as the tears began to form. He wiped them away on the back of his other hand and grabbed the chair behind him and scooted it toward the bed. Roy looked at the nurse and, without words, pleaded for her to leave them alone. She obliged, knowing that Roy was skilled in medical care and could monitor Johnny while he was visiting.

Once alone, Roy wasn't sure what he would say or do. He just felt that he and Johnny needed to have a moment where it could be just them…two brothers talking…well, one brother talking, the other listening. He hoped Johnny could hear him.

"Johnny, I don't know what to say. Leave it to you to have me speechless." Roy choked back a few more tears before continuing. "Bobby's gonna be alright, Junior. He was released to stay with his grandparents at their hotel. They have a couple hearings to attend before they can leave town. He really wants to see you, Johnny. The kid has really fixated on you. Ms. Reed is the psychologist here…she says that Bobby has not let go of your badge since he arrived here."

Roy could hear the monitors around him and he thought he began to hear some changes in the heart rate monitor. When he glanced up, he could see that Johnny's heart rate had increased since he had begun talking about Bobby. He thought he would test his theory and continued.

"Bobby's family court hearing is in a couple days and the Grand Jury meets to consider the charges against his parents a few days later. Miss Reed said the thinks Bobby will be okay to give testimony at both hearings. She said that he is drawing all his strength and courage from your badge. She also said that it would be great if you could be up and around to testify at the family court hearing, but knows that won't be possible. She seems like a nice lady, Johnny, from what I have seen. She seems to really like you, Junior. But, what's new? You always do have a way with the ladies." Roy felt as though he was rambling, but he could tell that Johnny was responding and pressed the call button.

"Johnny, I know you can hear me. I need you to open your eyes and wake up. We are all really worried about you. Just open your eyes, now." Roy said in a determined tone.

Dr. Brackett entered along with the nurse who had left Roy alone with Johnny. "What is it Roy?" He asked.

"Look at the monitor. His heart rate has been increasing since I have been talking. I think he can hear me, Doc." Roy offered.

TBC