When you meet and marry the love of your life at work, the stakes are higher, passions intertwine and both being of the Alpha kind, that sure prompts conflict.
"So you're telling me you couldn't have called?"
"Take it down a notch please. I told you I was going out and we'd be out for the night. It's been a while since I've even gone out"
"That's no excuse. You're the one who is always on about 'communication is key"
"Yes Robert, I know! God can you not be so loud? It's not like I went off mysteriously, you know I was with Vic, Maya, Michelle and Carina. I did plan on calling and letting you know that there was change in our plans but I was drunk by then and...you'd make a fuss and even come for me" She let out as she sighed, clearly tired and having a hangover being she just got in at 7 in the morning and he chooses to have this convo now. She's surprised she's even able to speak so frankly in this state and her words aren't jumbled.
He knew that last bit she said was the truth, he'd go for her just because he wants the company. He knew she was surely out of it, She was so intoxicated and nothing would come from having a convo now. In all honesty he was happy for her to be hanging out with the girls and have some sort of normalcy but he did miss her warm skin against his last night. The bed felt cold and even though he knew she was safe, his mind was running a million miles per minute wondering if she was okay. Hence his frustration from not getting a ounce of sleep.
He softened his tone as he replied, seeing her state of mind "You could've still said something Andy..." he was now inching closer to her as he used his hands to caress her arms. "You know I love you and I just need to know you're okay, plus I missed you beside me all night"
"I know" She then placed a gentle kiss on his lips "Now can I go and get my sleep, I've been up all night."
He nodded. "You need to take this before you go and sleep" he said as he handed her a set of pills and a glass of water. Andy gave a him a smile and took the pills.
Robert laughed to himself as he watched her struggling to go up the stairs after refusing to just lay on the couch. He himself needed to sleep but he decided to quickly prepare a light sandwich and just get a few morning chores done.
Andy by now had reached their bedroom and she could only manage to strip her clothes off leaving her shorts and bra on and crawl into bed. Within seconds she was out cold from the alcohol coursing through her veins and the exhaustion.
30 mins later and Robert was making his way upstairs to get some rest. He quietly entered the room and couldn't help but smile at the sight before his eyes. His wife was spread across the bed with her hair frazzled across her body. She was snoring which meant she was in a deep sleep. Robert took the chance to grab his phone and took a pic and a small recording that he'd surely tease her with.
He climbed into bed, then slowly pulled her closer to him, placing her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. Feeling her body close to him softened him and he could feel all those thoughts in his subconscious fade. He placed a sweet and gentle kiss on her forehead, after which he ran his fingers along the outline of her jaw. "Andrea Herrera, I hope you know how much I missed you. You better not pull that stunt on me again...Next time for sure I'll have to put a tracker on your phone and come take you away" he chuckled "I'm joking, I'd never do that. You deserve to have all the fun in the world after all the darkness the world has shown you. Anyways, I love you"
He knew she couldn't hear him but he couldn't help himself, he was at a point where he was so in love and comfortable with her that it became easier to just tell her how he feels. He was a man in love not afraid anymore to express his feelings. He soon closed his eyes in hopes of getting some well needed sleep.
An hour passed, then 2, then 3 and both were still cuddled up in bed. Soon enough though Robert got up, carefully removing himself so he could go take care of some things, plus he needed to get up or else he would struggle to sleep later in the night.
He took the time he had to do laundry and catch up on his reading. He was interrupted midway into reading by his phone ringing-
"Hey Luke, what's up?"
"Just checking on you"
"I'm good, just catching up on some reading while Andy sleeps."
Luke laughed "Yea Vic is out cold too. I don't know how they managed to keep awake the whole night"
"You mean the girls who are firefighters and work for 24hrs. Not that far fetched"
"Ok Sully you got me. Since it's been a while, I was gonna take a run in the mid afternoon, was wondering if you wanna tag along?"
"Yea that sounds good."
"Okay. Is 3 good?"
Robert looked at his watch "Yes that should be good"
"I'll see you then"
Robert looked up to see Andy walking over to him, quite a mess, barely awake. "Who were you talking to?"
"Not even a good morning babe, wait it's afternoon. Or a how are you?" He said as he pulled her into his lap. Andy looked at him, rolled her eyes and placed her head on his chest. "Well if you must know, I was talking to Luke. He wants us to hang later today"
"I thought we were gonna have the entire day to ourselves"
"You didn't say anything...I can.."
"It's okay. It's been a while since I've seen you two hang. What time are you going?"
"About 3"
"Okay" Her mind was now in a clear state and now there was much on her mind. They both needed to talk, and it didn't take long for Robert to sense she was now ready to.
Yes, she has always rallied about them communicating but this situation would mean she has to admit she really does push outside her boundaries. She had been putting it off in hopes of coming up with some grand plan but that didn't work and she really needed to talk to him, clear the air.
"Andy.." She looks up at him and sighs knowing very well that he had figured her out. She adjusted herself so she was now seated on the couch and facing him directly. She took a measure of comfort in holding on to the hem of his shirt. It eased her anxiety and gave her some courage; courage she would need to express how that situation made her feel.
"I do get why you felt that way you know, I would too...but you take risks too..big risks and that's the job"
Flashback to a few days ago
It was a normal day at the Station. A slow day at that and the entire team appreciated it because they were somewhat all exhausted.
"I just have a deep desire to be in my bed!" Travis exclaimed as he walked in the beanery.
"Just want this shift to be over" Vic added.
"We're almost there, so none of y'all better jinx it" Andy chimed in as she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.
Andy was overwhelmed and severely exhausted, she hadn't been feeling well from the previous night. Anyone who looked at her could see she definitely needed rest. Unknown to the others She could barely eat, much of her diet for the day was water.
Emmett still being a probie couldn't quite understand the exhaustion, but then again he really hadn't even felt deeply what the day of a fire fighter is like. "It's was a slow day..." All eyes were on him now after barely uttering those 5 words. He Included that one word they all dreaded and just like that, he jinxed it. Shift was basically over and there goes the alarm.
"What the hell probie!" Vic yelled. Andy just grunted in frustration "We were so close, I really just wanted to go home" Travis patted her on her shoulder as they all ran off to get their gear and head out.
They were called to a school fire, a school occupied with preschoolers roughly 3-6 yrs. Because of how crucial this fire was, they needed to move quickly as a unit. Andy tried her best to hide how weak she really was, she knew Robert would surely put her on Aid Car or even send her home. That would've been the best move but this woman loved fighting fires that staying on the sidelines was out of the question.
Assignments were quickly handed out by Robert. Andy and Maya were on search and rescue. Dean, Ben and Jack on getting that fire out. Travis and Vic on Aid Car.
Two teachers ran out with a kid on each side. They were doing their best to get out the younger kids, nothing else being at the forefront of their minds in the moment. Robert moved briskly in their direction getting an update on the amount of kids & caretakers left inside. 10 kids were still inside with 2 other adults who opted to stay with them. The fire had spread and cut off the the exit via the door the others were in, so by the time they got the last set of kids out the others couldn't move. They all knew this was bad and they had no time to spare. Vic and Travis quickly aided to the teachers and the roughly 8 kids on the outside. Travis gave Emmett instructions so he could help with triage.
Andy and Robert made eye contact and mouthed 'I love you' to each other; it was their routine on each call for the last 3 months and then Andy ran off, muscling up every last ounce of energy she had left. She and Maya headed straight for the room the kids were in, with the boys ahead trying to put out the fires surrounding them. Within minutes the fire was out and the boys went to go find the room where it originated from since there was evidence of the smoke spreading through the vents.
The girls found the kids and the caretakers all cloaked together in one side of the room. "Captain, Fire is contained by the classroom. We've located the kids and the caretakers" Maya radioed over.
Robert was glad to hear that. He reported to dispatch that they'll need more Aid Cars en route.
"Hi ladies, we're with the Seattle Fire Dept. We got you" Andy said reassuringly looking at the 2 caregivers. "Lady Firefighters" one of the toddlers said running towards them. She ran straight into Andy clutching to her legs. Andy managed to balance herself and then stooped and held her in her arms, lifting her gently "Yes Princess, we are. What's your name?"
"I'm Alexia"
"Cute name. We're here to get you out, How about you go with.." she pointed to one of the caretakers
"Ms.Jones"
"Right , go with Ms Jones, she'll get you out"
They made a plan to lead them all out hand in hand but then some of the kids were scared and that proved to be problematic so they opted to go with another plan. That way everyone was safe and they could keep everyone calm. The caretakers would each carry two kids out. Andy then suggested Maya bring out two and she would stay with the others until someone else comes in. Maya looked at her, she knew this was risky especially after clearly seeing through the front Andy was putting up. She definitely knew she was exhausted, something was going on. Leaving her alone for even a second with Robert being Captain, he'd surely not let her hear the end of it if something happens to Andy. "Andy, I'm not leaving you here"
"Maya, I got this I swear" She looked at Maya, then she spoke into her radio "Cap, we're gonna need an additional person here to get all these kids out. Maya is heading out with some students"
"See I know what I'm doing. These kids really need to get out of here, I'm right behind you." After several exchanged looks Maya relinquished and she and the others left.
Andy crouched to the floor and spoke gently to the toddlers. She got each of their names and comforted them. The smoke had spread through the vents so the air was getting more hazy. She got them to make an agreement, so all covered up from the smoke that clouded the air they held hands and pretended they were baby firefighters marching along Andy to get to safety. Andy wanted to bring them in the clear so it would be easier to escape the rubbles if anything happened. As they got to the door she saw Finch Coming "Okay...Abi and Jaydon you're with my friend here"
"I want to stay with you" Abi said holding unto her gear as tightly as she could on the verge of crying.
"I'll be right here. Remember our promise?"
"That I need to be brave like a firefighter and I can tell my mom and dad how brave I was"
"Yes, do you think you can do that?" She nodded.
They then continued making their way out.
The boys had contained the fire and were making their way towards the entrance, the direction where Andy and the Kids were. They were at the door heading out since they saw Andy and the kids coming. What happened next caught Andy by surprise and she knew this would be tough since she was so tired.
It was the jolt that she felt and she knew one of the kids ran off towards the door, clearly excited to be out and could she blame him? He's just a kid who was happy to see the outside. He was going great until he took a fall. At the same time her senses heightened and she could hear the creak in the above ceiling just where the child was. She looked up and shouted for Jack, the kid oblivious to the impending danger. Immediately Jack was running towards the kid to shield him from the life threatening situation about to happen.
If things couldn't get worst, the other kid panicked realizing she had left her toy doll behind. She ran back to the direction of her classroom, clearly not thinking about the dangers, she just needed her doll.
The roof came down minutes after Jack had hoisted that kid and brought him to safety. They looked back and saw Andy stop to catch her breath heading back in the direction she was suppose to be moving away from. "Captain. Got a little runner on my hands, going to need a minute to grab her and get out"
"Copy Herrera" He sensed something was wrong, he couldn't place what but she was off, her voice was off. Maya's worry peaked knowing that she wasn't in the best condition earlier. He made eye contact with her and that confirmed his suspicions, Andy definitely wasn't in her best shape. Why didn't she tell him she wasn't okay?
The boys came out and updated Robert on the condition inside. Andy would need to find another exit. The team gathered details from the teachers so they could guide Andy out.
Meanwhile Andy had caught up with the girl who was clutching to her doll for dear life with tears streaking down her face. "Hey Katie sweetie, it's okay" Andy said as she took off her mask and pulled her in for a hug.
"I needed my doll...my..my Dad got it for me" Andy could tell it was a deep sentimental gift for the child. She reflected on how she herself has a doll throughout her formative years. "He gave me before he left...I see him on the phone every week and I promised I'd keep it safe" Katie was still in tears still shaken up. "I didn't mean to run off I was just so scared I lost it"
Andy just used her fingers to wipe away her tears and reassured her it's okay "Hey don't worry about it. I'm happy your doll is safe, now we just need to get you to safety so your dad doesn't worry and you and your doll will be safe." Still in her arms Andy caressed Katie's back until she was calm.
She spotted a map and since their initial exit plan wasn't a go she had to find another way. "Cap, I'm seeing a map that shows another exit, could use some help getting outta here"
She felt Katie tugging her gear, "We walk through a secret door in the back to go play" Andy smiled
"Do you think you can help me find it"
"Yes. It's a secret okay" Andy nodded.
It seems the door was built with the original design of the building but isn't really used after it got renovated. After guidance from the teachers, Andy got all the info she needed to make her way out.
Robert was giving instructions to the others when they were interrupted by a frantic mom who couldn't find her daughter.
"Hughes.." Vic knew what he meant and quickly headed over to the mom. "Bishop you can switch with Hughes and do triage in the meantime."
He left to go aside to talk to Andy. "Herrera, switch to channel 3"
"Are you okay?" He asked, his tone softened, filled with worry.
"Yea I'm good. I got Katie and we're strong, you'll see us in no time." Andy answered trying to stay positive knowing her husband was by now worried about her.
"You gotta come out alive and okay alright, I really can't handle loosing you.."
"Robert, I promise I'm good. I'm almost out."
"Okay I'll see you soon"
He quickly made his way to the section where they would meet Andy. His heart racing as the job they do is so unpredictable and anything could happen.
"We got her Cap!" he heard Miller shout and he sighed in relief, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
He stood waiting for her and she smiled as she headed towards him. She stopped to look at Katie "See you were brave and did a great job" Katie gave her a big hug and then the others took her.
"Told you I'm okay" she said as she intertwined her arms with his. Robert just pulled her in for a hug. As he hugged her, he felt her body limp only to realize she passed out in his arms. His world stopped, this couldn't be happening. He quickly rushed her to one of the Aid Cars, getting everyone out the way as they tried to revive her. He was there but he wasn't there, his world was turning upside down, really it stopped. He couldn't go through this, if something happened to her he'd be broken, so badly that there would no coming back for him.
He was so deep in his thoughts, he didn't hear Ben telling him she's okay. It was her voice that brought him back. Honestly he felt her touch against his skin but with his mind so far away he thought he was dreaming. "I'm okay" Those 2 words meant so little but did wonders and he was glad to hear her voice. "Don't do that to me again" was all he could manage to say as he stroked her forehead with his fingers
She now had no choice, she couldn't refuse his order to go to the hospital to get checked out. He was mad that she went in knowing she was feeling sick but his mind was clouded by him being just taking in the moment with her.
Andy got checked out and it seems she was coming down with the flu and just needed rest. She knew that it wasn't anything serious and all she needed was rest but he didn't and so hearing the news he was relieved. He'd take up this discussion at home home with her.
She got a few meds & vitamins to fight of the flu and since shift was already over, they would be heading straight home.
•••••••
"Andy, we need to talk about this. Do you know how risky and dangerous that stunt you pulled today was? You could've died!"
"Robert, I really do get your frustration. Can we talk about this later though? I just wanna sleep. Are you seeing me, I'm exhausted"
He couldn't argue with that, she was a mess and definitely needed rest. "Okay we'll pick this up."
Andy took a shower and headed to bed. The meds had kicked in and she slept the entire day. Robert had to go check on her a few times just to ensure she was still breathing. He woke her in the evening so she could get something to eat or well drink, she needed something warm to keep her since she had been skipping meals. He made her some chicken soup and he was insistent on her drinking it. She did and after digesting she went back to bed, she was truly tired and beat.
The next morning she was up early and now full of energy. Getting the rest she needed did wonders for her body and she was back to her old self. Robert was happy to see her like this, but he still worried for her. On shift he put her on desk duty so he could watch her every move when he could. This wasn't well received by Andy.
"So that's it, I'm exhausted for one shift and you take it to this extreme? I told you I'm fine" she said while closing the door to his office.
"You did say you were fine before and you collapsed in my arms.." She could tell from the crack in his voice it truly impacted him and he was trying to remain strong. "Andrea, it's not punishment, it's just for you to recover fully without endangering yourself."
She must admit he had a point but he knows she's not a sit behind the desk kinda person. She grunted and rolled her eyes. "No, this is you not trusting that I can do my job, I know my limits!"
"I know you do. I do know you'll push yourself to the brink of your limits and well right now you need more rest and Reception is the best way and that's final"
"Got it Captain." Her remark pained him, the formality showed she was hurt but that was also the best he could do to ensure she was safe and taking care of herself.
The others clearly knew what was up and they understood, Andy obviously put her life in danger. Maya and Vic came down the stairs a few minutes after she came from his office. "So I guess that didn't go well" Vic asked. She just sighed. "In all fairness, you nearly gave the man a heart attack. Can't you see his heart beats for you, you're the person who turns his world?" Maya questioned.
She was surprised by Maya's words, not because she doesn't know this but hearing someone say it out loud made a big difference. "What? I see things. You scared the crap out of me too. You put me at risk to be at the front of his attacks had something happened to you."
All 3 girls chuckled knowing in fact that's what would've happened.
They all chatted a bit and spoke about Friday night plans with them as girls. They were soon interrupted by Travis "What are we gossiping about?"
"Girl talk Trav, bye" Vic said
"I don't trust you ladies" He said as he walked towards the barn. Maya and Vic eventually left and Andy was left alone.
She looked up and her eyes connected with Robert's. There was that feeling again, she was mad at him, livid, that he didn't trust her to do her job well when it was obvious she was all good. He too was upset that she couldn't understand he's just trying to take care of her. Both strong headed and entitled to their opinions. Their eyes, they conveyed so much emotions through their eyes and the looks they gave each other showed they were both hurt but too stubborn to talk it out. The entire shift was spent walking on shells around each other, the air filled with tension.
The thing about them though is their love was so intense, nothing could break it at this point. While they hated each other's guts in this moment the love they had encompassed all that.
It had been a long shift, Robert and the team had gone on a few calls and Andy left at the Station. Each time she would pray for Robert, not that she's a religious person but all because she needed him to be okay and come back to her. Her radio would be right beside her so she could at least know what's happening. Every time he came back safe she smiled internally, rejoiced even that she has him to go home with.
They still told each other goodnight before taking their night cap and the three words that solidified their love 'I Love You', three simple words that they both meant.
Now It would only take one of them to break so they can pass this phase.
••••••
"I must admit, I pushed myself to the limit but I didn't think it would be a big deal. I've been exhausted on the job before and it's nothing, it comes with the territory.."
"That's what I love about you, your passion; but Andy you really need to take care of yourself. Feeling exhausted, it means your body is communicating with you and in order to keep healthy you need to listen to your body. Several things could've gone wrong. Did you even think how that would've affected me? I sent you in, that would be on me. I didn't see it, when I realized, it was late and by then I could've lost you. Do you know the damage that would've done to me? I..."
"Robert" as she said is name, her hands found his face and she pulled him in for a soft kiss. This was a kiss that conveyed love and remorse, she really was understanding the depth of his pain. She did from the start but seeing him like this, it certainly made her eyes open for real and she knew she could be vulnerable with him. "I'm sorry. I was truly terrified and thought I would pass out at any time if I'm being honest, but I tried to say strong. I had to do it for you and for Katie, that little girl didn't deserve to be trapped. Yes I thought of you, all my thoughts were about you. I kept thinking about how we've barely scratched the surface of our relationship, our marriage. There's so much I want to do with you and we need to go through life together."
"Then you have to promise me that you'll take care of yourself. You're not alone anymore, I'm always going to be here. You have to tell me when you're in pain, let me help you. Yes I know you're stubborn and you don't like feeling weak but I won't treat you differently.." Andy looked at him "I mean I will, but only because you need time to heal and get better. You're the best thing in my life Andy and I really can't lose you."
"I know...you know umm" she paused and smiled
"What?"
"Maya laid a whole speech on me about how I almost gave you a heart attack and she was pretty sure you'd take your anger out on her"
"Damn right, I would. She knew you weren't well and she didn't tell me"
"In all fairness she didn't know. Okay she did pick up on it when she was coming out but I told her I was good. She wasn't going to push it"
"Which she should've. She should've dragged you out. You don't get to put your life at risk to prove a point, we all know how great you are so when your body warns you, take a break."
"I'll work on it I promise"
"Good. Now come here" he said pulling her closer to him. He cupped her face, rubbing his fingers across her cheeks as he looked deeply in her eyes "I love you"
"I love you more. You know what would make me love you more.." she asked with a smirk
She didn't need to say another word. His lips connected to hers in seconds. From being angry and busy they hadn't pleasured each other in a few days, so consummating their love at this point was one of the greatest moments.
Robert took the chance to test her patience with the slow burn. He knew her sitting on him didn't make it easy as it didn't ease the longing between her thighs. He kissed her gently, then he started leaving a string of red marks along her neck. He slowly undressed her, taking in every inch of her exposed body. He treated her delicately like his prized possession as he teased her and built up her anticipation.
His fingers slowly found their way between her legs, the heat rising in her body as she begged him to please her.
After much moaning and begging on Andy's part, Robert gave her what she wanted and their bodies were soon moving as one.
There was a dialogue between them, unspoken words - but the lust, the friendship, the love, all tightly wrapped together that made their making love intense and beautiful. The room filled with ecstasy and the sounds that escaped from their lips.
•••••••••
"You might need to cancel on Ripley after all that" Andy said barely catching her breath
"I think I'll still have enough energy even after we go another round" he remarked as he pull her bringing her lips to his.
This was the life they both wanted. A life together, through ups and downs, pain and sadness but one that would always lead them to happiness, which they found in each other. They were each other's safe place and they were stronger together.