Sometimes Annabeth felt like she never left Chicago med. Not while she was on shift that was just part of the job but lately it felt like the people, she cared about kept getting hurt. The atmosphere at Molly's had been so good for once. Chief's police issues were resolved her was reinstated; Kelly's review had gone just how they had hoped. Things felt how they used to be. Until Gabby had found Herrmann lying on the floor in the storeroom of Molly's. Cruz's friend Freddie who he and Herrmann had been trying to help out had stabbed Herrmann and just left him there bleeding out on the floor.
For Annabeth it was like time stood still. She knew awful things happened all the time, but when a human being purposely hurt another person that way it was still a lot for her to process. She had no idea how people like Jay did what they did every day.
Cruz had been stood alone with his head in his hands. Kelly had really laid into him when they had been loading Herrmann into the ambulance. She understood that everyone was hurting, but it didn't feel right to blame Joe that way. All he had done was try to help Freddie, he would never have purposely put anyone in any danger, especially Herrmann.
"I need to get some air" She said standing up unable to take the tension in the room anymore.
"I'll come with you" Kelly told her.
They walked silently side by side along the corridor. Kelly pushed open the door for her leading out to the parking lot. She closed her eyes feeling the cool breeze on her face. It was a chilly night but that felt soothing almost.
"So how come you needed to get out?" She asked looking up at Kelly who was leaning against the side of the building looking up at the sky.
"Because I can't keep looking at Cruz" He told her still looking up "I might punch him if I do".
"Kelly you know it's not his fault" She said shaking her head.
"Freddie should never have even been at the firehouse" He said his voice getting louder "If I'd been…".
Annabeth placed a hand on his arm noticing the extra attention they were starting to get.
"You know one of the things I love about you" She told him "That as much as you try and act tough you care so much about that family in there, you've got a big heart. Well so does Joe, and right now that man who's a part of your family is falling a part over what happened, he doesn't need us turning on him too".
"One of the things you love about me?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
"Do you always have to ruin a beautiful friendship moment?" She asked smacking him in the shoulder.
"I'm sorry" He said putting an arm around her shoulders "We should head back inside, see if there's an update".
"Is this our thing now?" She asked as Kelly kissed the top of her head "Heart to hearts in hospital hallways?".
"I think that's just your pep talk thing" He teased.
When they got back to the waiting room Cruz was talking to officer Ruzek, Annabeth recognised him as one of the people who worked with Jay in the intelligence unit. She gave Joe a small smile as she passed him.
She could see that Kelly instantly tensed up again, so she took a seat beside him and squeezed his hand. He rested his head against hers still holding her hand.
The night felt never-ending. Just like when Gabby had been rushed in for surgery. She was happy to know that Connor had been called into work and he was the one taking care of Herrmann. He was Herrmann's friend too and she knew what an excellent surgeon he was. Even Jonah said so and to get a compliment from Jonah Breeland was no small feat. She wished Jonah was there, as much as he could be an idiot at times, he always knew the right thing to say at times like that. But he was in New York looking at apartments. She couldn't believe he only had another week left in Chicago and then the person who helped her get out of Bluebell, her taste of home was leaving her.
She saw everyone looking over to the double swing doors before she even heard Connor's voice. They had managed to stop the bleeding, CT looked clear but now it was just a waiting game.
Cindy was able to go and see him, Mouch and Gabby went with her.
Annabeth walked over to Connor who looked beyond stressed and exhausted. She was sure it had been a rough night for him too.
"Are you alright?" She asked him.
"Yes" He said softening when he realised, she was the one talking to him "I'm just hoping Herrmann is ok".
"I know you did everything you could" She told him "And Herrmann's as tough as they come".
"I know" He sighed "It's the waiting part I hate".
"I should let you get back to your patients" She said as Chief Boden told everyone they needed to head over to the firehouse to start their shift.
"I was going to head back down to the ED" He told her "I'll walk you out".
"I know it's your job" She told him as they reached the entrance "But thank you, for taking good care of him".
"You look beautiful by the way" He told her taking in her outfit.
"Thank you" She said blushing slightly "I am glad you were here though".
"Me too" He admitted "But your company still would have been nice".
Annabeth noticed Kelly hovering around out front looking over at her as he paced impatiently.
"I better go before I'm late" She said biting her lip "I guess I'll see you later?"
"I'll be here" He nodded.
When she walked outside Kelly tried his best to act casual like he hadn't been watching her. She decided not to call him on it.
"I figured you'd need a ride" Kelly said told her.