"Sir, you can't go past this point. We need to prep him for surgery."
"Okay," Gil said distractedly as he gave one last squeeze to Malcolm's hand before he let go completely.
As the army of nurses pushed an in-and-out of consciousness Malcolm, he called out, "It'll be okay, kiddo. I'll be right here when you get out."
And then they all disappeared through the double doors which closed with a slam that resonated through the bright and sterile hallway, leaving Gil all alone.
He ran a hand over his face. It could have been much worse. He told Malcolm to wait for back up, but did the kid listen? Of course not! It was a good thing they got there when they did to apprehend the perp before he could finish the job, or Malcolm would be lying in a body bag instead of on a surgical table with a bullet in his right shoulder.
Gil was brought out of his thoughts by the hurried clacking of heels on tile that grew loud and then suddenly stopped. He turned to find Jessica a foot away from him, worry swimming in her blue-grey eyes.
"What happened? Is Malcolm okay? The officer on the phone just said he was taken to the hospital. Gil, what happened?" Jessica said, her eyes pleading for answers to her many questions.
Gil took a step forward, grabbing her by the arms. "Malcolm was shot . . ."
"Oh my God! Is he . . . Is he . . ." Jessica's breathing starting to become rapid and short.
Gil took another step closer into her personal space, trying to catch her eyes, and giving her a little shake to get her attention. "Hey, Malcolm will be okay. It was just the shoulder. We got there just in time and the culprit is in custody. It's going to be okay."
But his words did nothing to quell her erratic breathing and the tears beginning to pool in her eyes so Gil moved his hands to her shoulders, bringing her in for a hug she definitely needed if the tightening fists in his shirt were any indication.
Stroking her hair he whispered,"He'll be alright. Our boy will be alright." And he would be because he was Malcolm Bright.
Eventually Jessica's breathing steadied and just in time too. Gil saw Dani escorting a crying Ainsley towards them.
"Look who's here," Gil murmured as Jessica pulled away and wiped her face of any evidence that she was crying.
When Ainsley got to them she immediately went into her mother's embrace seemingly like the child she was. Gil watched the two women console and confort each other in silence. He put a hand on each of their backs, kissing them both on the head.
"I've got to take care of a few things of at the station," Jessica looked at him with a question in her eyes," But I will be back later."
Jessica mouthed a "thank you" while Ainsley pulled away from her and wiped her tears. She then moved into Gil's arms and he gave her a brief hug in return.
"It'll be alright, kiddo. Don't worry, your brother will be back to annoy you in no time. Take care of your mother in the meantime." Ainsley gave a watery chuckle. Jessica took her by the shoulder and led them to the seats that lined the hallway. Jessica glanced at Gil who looked back at her and indiscernible look in his eyes. He nodded to her and left to catch up with Dani who stood at the end of the hall.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! I've been binge watching this show and I absolutely love it. I ship Dani x Malcolm, but in ep. 9 when I saw Gil hug Jessica - I was not expecting that at all - now I am intrigued by their relationship. I tried to do my best to portray the characters as they were intended, but I can never get my ideas to formulate that well on paper. Any mistakes are all mine and I apologize. Please R&R! Stay safe everyone.