"So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday."
Robert was always a flirty man. I mean when you look at the guy it's so obvious why. He loved to be surrounded by women, he enjoyed attention. And the women loved to be in his company. I say women because that man couldn't keep one girl long enough to become his girlfriend. He didn't want to settle, he didn't want to love any of them. They were just one night stands and he wasn't bothered to see them ever again.
He became captain and that meant he needed to change station which brought him to Station 19. He didn't know anyone there. He lived in Seattle his whole life but he never lived in this part of the city. He figure it since no one knew him he can have a fresh start. No more one night stands, no more drinking until morning. It was time to grow up.
Joining the 19th was a little bit difficult for him since everyone there was already friends and he was the stranger. But they accepted him nicely, except for one person.
Since day one Andy just couldn't get a long with him. Since day one he was treating her differently than others. At first she thought she imagined that but when the rest of the team noticed she figure it she wasn't imagining things. She knew who he was, she did some digging. She won't be fooled by him.
Months were passing by and they still didn't get a long but Andy decided to stop questioning every decision he made once she saw he knows what he was doing. The whole team was getting a long and Andy got frustrated by the fact that everyone loved him except her. She thought her team is going to abandon her for him.
One day after shift they all decided to go to Joe's bar for a drink. They had a really long shift and they wanted to relax and celebrate that everyone made out alive from that 5 alarm fire. Vic and Maya did some convincing but at the end Andy gave in and joined them. One thing they didn't mention is that Sullivan is going to join them.
- So you forgot to mention he is joining too? Andy asked rolling her eyes when she saw him entering the bar.
- C'mon Andy let him live. He is not that bad person. Vic said.
- Yeah, Andy give him a slack. A few others said.
- Fine. She said annoyingly.
Robert joined them by the table and he was sitting across Andy and kept staring at her the whole time which annoyed her even more.
- Stop staring, I'm not one of those women. She was a little bit tipsy so she was a little bit more relaxed and when she is like that she tells what's on her mind.
She is direct not bothered that the rest of the team doesn't know details about his life. Everyone was looking at them and the good thing that table was separating them. Robert knew what she was thinking saying 'those women' so he just chuckled.
- I see someone did background check. He started laughing.
He was so not bothered by her statement and that's what made her angry. She wanted to hurt him but that man was immune to her. She got up and went to sit by a bar just so she is not near him. Of course he was joining her since teasing her will become his thing now.
- You know it's not nice to abandon your friends and drink alone. He said sitting next to her and taking one shot and drinking it.
- I abandon them because of you. She answered never looking at him.
- Ouch that hurt. He said putting his hand at his heart pretending to be hurt.
- Why are you hating me so much?! What did I ever do to you?
She didn't know answer to those questions. She just knew he irritated her so much. She just offered him another shot to drink with her and she stood up and went to the toilet and he stayed by the bar waiting for her to come back. Something was dragging him towards that woman. She was different from other women he met. On the other side Andy's ex broke her heart and she decided that no one will do that to her ever again.
She just got up and went to dance with Maya and Vic. Robert stayed by the bar observing her dance moves and Andy also kept an eye on him. They shared a few glances. She just wanted to see him being with a woman so prove her theory that no one can change. In the middle of her dance she saw that woman approached him and started talking to him.
- Told ya. She said to Maya and Vic.
- Andy, why are you so damn obsessed with him? Maya asked annoyed.
- It's because she likes him and it drives her crazy. Vic added.
- What? No, no... one big no!
Maya turned Andy towards him so she can see that Robert nonchalantly rejected woman who was literally throwing herself into his arms. If this happens months ago he would gave in but now he wasn't interested at all.
- See? So stop attacking the poor man and stop trying to prove something you don't even know what. Maya said and Andy just sighed.
- And if you like him, don't be afraid. Indulge. Who know maybe he is the one. Vic said winking.
- Oh please. Andy chuckled.
Seeing him waved at her with new shots ready to drink she left her friends and joined him by the bar.
- And she left. Vic said laughing.
- Sometimes I just don't get her. She is willing to hate him just because she likes him. And she won't admit it like never. What a stubborn person. Maya stated.
Robert and Andy really enjoyed each other company. Drinking and having fun, talking about anything and everything. She didn't see that everyone from the team left and that they were alone. Maya did it on purpose, she just wanted for her to stop being scared of possibly having a new love interest.
-I think I'm going to go home. Andy said getting up.
- Great, she left me alone here. She said noticing Maya wasn't there.
- I'm going to take you home then. He was quick to get up and surprisingly she didn't fight him.
Ride home was nice. They continued their talk from the bar. Andy was feeling so relaxed around him. It was easy to talk to him and he was so much fun to be around.
- I think this is the first time I hear you laugh.
- See I'm not the bad guy as you first thought.
- I never said you were it's just... ugh never mind.
- Say it.
- Well okay. I called your ex station and some guy was very talkative and he told me everything and I mean everything. She blurt out.
Robert kept quiet for a few minutes and then looked at her.
- Andy I was all of that. Call it whatever you want it but I've changed. I'm not that person anymore. Did I left the bar with a woman?
- Well...
- Oh sorry. He started laughing.
- I didn't mean it in that way. He suddenly got nervous.
- Relax, I know what you meant. Andy started laughing seeing him being all nervous.
They arrived and Andy was getting out of the car but she was stopped by Robert asking her a question.
- Uhm, can I say we are friends now?
Andy leaned against the door and looked at him.
- Yeah, you can. She smiled.
Since that night atmosphere in the station changed. They became friends. Close friends. Maya and Vic kept teasing her every chance they got. After some time Andy stop paying attention and also hanging out with Robert was more fun than hanging out with Maya and Vic.
Not in one moment she didn't want to give him impression that she wanted more. It was her way of protecting her heart because she was sure he will broke it if they start something. Rules didn't bother her since she was 'if I want it I'll have it' type of woman. But with each day passing feelings grew stronger. Robert didn't know that was that since he had never been in love before. He just knew that he will do anything to see her laugh. Just like that day in the car when he drove her home. Seeing her happy was everything to him.
And that was the obvious sign but he had hard time realizing it.
- So you and Sullivan? Jack asked out of blue while they were having breakfast.
- What about it? Andy asked not looking at him. She kept eating.
- You two are extremely close.
- So?
- Nothing, it's just weird since you hated him.
- So? I never hated him. I just didn't like him.
- Who you didn't like? Robert asked entering the beanery.
- You. Andy said nonchalantly which made everyone look surprised.
- Why are you look so surprised? Robert asked sitting next to Andy and starting to eat.
No one said anything they just kept eating and Andy chuckled at the sudden silence.
- We are still on for that thing after? Robert whispered.
- Yup. She said getting up.
- And Jack... what I do outside work is personal and non of anyone's business but mine.
Robert chuckled knowing this was about him.
That afternoon Robert picked Andy up and they drove to local elementary school to do a little presentation about firefighters. The kids age 8 had a lot of question and funny things to say to them. They both enjoyed being with them, having fun.
One kid particularly asked them if they were a couple because they are always smiling when the look at each other. Both of them said no in response. Both kept being in denial and hiding their feelings.
- So are you a baby person or... Robert asked while he was driving her home.
- I don't know. First I need to find a man who is willing to stay.
Robert kept quiet for the rest of the ride but his thoughts was all over the place. 'How someone wouldn't stay?' was his immediate thought. They were in front of her building and he almost forgot to stop.
They said their goodbyes and he had to let her go once again. Every time he would drove her home his heart would sink a little bit.
Arriving at her apartment she saw that the door were open and she knew she locked it before she went out. She live alone so it was definitely a robbery. She didn't know what to do, should she call someone, should she enter... She decided to turn on the lights in the hallway first but nothing was happening so she got closer to try to hear something and she did. Someone was inside searching for something. So she slowly opened the door but the person heard it and hit her in the back of her head and she fell down unconscious. She regain consciousness after a few minutes and immediately called Robert.
- Andy? Hello? Andy, are you there?
- Robert, she whispered, can you... come... something happened.
And it went silent. Robert immediately got back to his car and drove back to her place as fast as he could. He ran inside and found her laying down barely moving. He got to his knees and saw blood. She probably lost consciousness after she called him and she regain it back now. He slowly moved her and saw that she had a wound on the back of her head.
- Hey, hey be still. I'm here.
He put the towel on her head and waited for the AidCar to come. Andy kept losing her conscious from time to time but they came fast and drove her to the hospital. Robert followed them and ran inside with them. He kept pacing around the waiting room until he saw the doctor coming.
- She is okay. You can go see her.
And he ran before doctor could finish the sentence. He got in front of her room and let out a deep breath he was holding. He was relieved she was awake and okay. He got in and she immediately raised her hands to hug him. He buried his head in the crock of her neck. A few tears escaped his eyes but he was quick to brushed them away. But he couldn't hide the red puffy eyes from her.
- I'm okay. Hey! She said breaking the hug so she could see him better.
- I thought... you kept losing conscious so many time I got scared. He took her hands in his caressing her hand with his thumb.
With one hand she brushed his tears.
- I just don't know what I would do if something happened to you. And they hugged again.
The doctor discharged her under one condition and the condition was that someone stays with her over night to keep an eye on her since it's possible that something can go wrong. Robert immediately said he is staying with her no question asked.
So he drove them back to her place and they got inside and Andy froze seeing a big stain of blood on the floor. Robert just escorted her to the bathroom and he said he will take care of it. She went to take a shower to get rid of the blood that was on her. She was a little bit disoriented but she said she can do it by herself so Robert went and cleaned the stain on the floor but something inside of him broke when he realized it was her blood and how she could easily die.
Robert cleaned the floor, washed his hands multiple times, wiped his tears and he heard her opening the door of the bathroom so he quickly helped her since he saw her losing her balance. She sat on the bed and got under the sheets and he didn't know what now. Sometimes he would lost himself around her. He would get nervous he will make a wrong move that she will think it's something else.
- So do you need anything?
- Uhm. You.
- Uhm... okay... I...
- Come here silly, why are you suddenly so confused. She said removing the sheets so he can lay next to her.
He extended his arm for her to come to his embrace. It was a bold move from his side since he didn't know how she will react. Andy didn't say anything she just adjusted her head in his chests and he kept playing with her hair.
He sensed she was still awake so he pulled away to face her. He was about to say something and he really hoped she won't get scared.
- Thinking about how I almost lost you tonight and everything came rushing to my mind. You made me a new person. The one I thought I would never be. You showed me how life can be amazing and fun with you.
- Okay? She got confused.
- I know you will probably get scared after I say this and it's okay, really, but I need it to say it...
- I love you. I'm not just in love with you... I love you and I think you love me too. I never said this before to anyone but here it is now or never...
Andy stayed quiet. She pulled away from him and started nervously playing with her hands. Of course she loved him too. That feeling was there for a long time now but she was still unsure about possibility of them being a real thing.
- Andy I don't expect from you to say it back... I just needed to set myself free...
She turned around and puts a finger on him mouth to shush him. She then got closer to him so close their noses where touching. Andy removed her finger and with the same hand took his chin and placed a kiss on his mouth.
- You talk to much tonight and my head hurts and I needed to shut you up somehow.
A big smile appeared on her face and he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him and placed another long lasting kiss that left them breathless.
Andy adjusted her head back to his chests and they both drifted to sleep.
Morning came pretty quick, they were both exhausted from the night before. Robert woke up first finding Andy still very much attached to him so he decided to wait until she is awake.
The good thing was that they had a day off so no need to rush anything. He enjoyed seeing her at peace, sleeping and in no pain. Last nights events were scary but at least a good thing came out if it. He finally expressed his feelings, he finally said what was on his mind for so long and he finally felt free. He knew that he needed to show her that he is worth her love but from now on everything will be easier.
After a few minutes Andy started to stir so he lightly caressed her arm getting her know that he is there so she won't get scared.
- Good morning! She said with raspy voice while rubbing her eyes.
- Good morning! He kissed her forehead.
- How are you feeling?
- Like I'm having a hangover. She hugged him tighter.
- So last night wasn't a dream, right? You really said those things? Andy asked pulling away from him.
- If by 'those things' you mean 'I love you', then yes I said it.
- Okay I was just checking in. My head is a mess you know I got hit last night. She said teasing him.
- Not funny, Andy.
- Right. Not funny. Got it. She now felt dumb for saying it but she just wanted to hide her nervousness.
She wanted so bad to tell him that she loves him too but she wasn't sure. She then remembered last night and the look on his face when he saw that she is okay and she knew that he is here to stay. No matter who or what he was before he was now here. So she cupped his face and look deep into his eyes...
- I love you too. And gave him a light kiss.
- It's probably too soon to say it but after last night I don't want to waste any moment. I don't want to lose you because I was a coward to say those words back. I never said it so quickly before, well I said it only once... She started rambling.
- Hey, hey I said no pressure. Why are you so nervous? He asked with his calm voice.
- You make me nervous. I spent days, weeks trying to hide my feelings so you won't think I have feelings for you.
- What?! He chuckled and she looked at him confused.
- I was doing the same thing. He started laughing.
- Oh god we are a mess. She chuckled.
- But at least we are a mess together. So that's something. He pulled her closed to him and kissed her very passionately.
- If... you don't... stop... this will go... further... Andy said trying to catch a breath.
Robert just couldn't stop placing kisses. For her lips she continued to her jawline and her neck. He easily found her weak spot what caused Andy to let out a moan.
- If you are not ready we can do this another time. Robert said not sure what she wanted.
Andy didn't say anything she just pushed him down and climbed over him. She started kissing him slowly, teasing him as much as possible. One thing that was on her mind was that he slept with a bunch of women but he never felt how it is when a woman who you love make love to you.
Andy could feel him getting hard underneath her so she knew she was doing the right things. She took off his shirt and he then removed hers, starting playing with her breasts which again made Andy let out a loud moan. Andy kept rubbing her sensitive spot against his male part and Robert kept running his fingers over her upper body. The fire she was feeling between her legs was unbearable. Robert slid off his boxers and Andy adjusted herself onto him. Slowly getting in her left Andy gasping for air. Robert pulled himself in sitting position and Andy wrapped her legs around him. Sitting position was one of Andy's favorite but how he knew that. He knew every single thing she liked. He read her so well. They were unison together. Two souls as one.
It didn't take long for Andy to reach her climax and left breathless holding on his shoulders like her life depending on it. She felt weak, like her legs weren't cooperating.
- I got you. He whispered and turned her placing her on bed so now he can climb over her.
With a few more thurts he reached his climax and rolled off of her. Robert took her hand and interlaced their fingers, placing a kiss on her hand.
- Thank you. He said looking at her.
- For what?
- For making love to me.
- Anytime. She smiled.
They spent the day in bed, eating, watching movies, talking... They even touched the uncomfortable subject regarding exes but that was mandatory. Both of them didn't want to hide anything for each other. Both of them knew that whatever happened in the past stays there and that the past doesn't define you. All people have past and things that are not proud of.
The next day they arrived at the station in the separate cars although both of them were driving from her place. Andy didn't want to take another day off so Robert made her promise if she felt even a little bit odd or something she would tell him immediately so they glanced at each other and went separate ways.
Everyone was in the beanery preparing breakfast and Andy joined them.
- So Andy where were you all day yesterday? Maya asked curious.
- Probably with Sullivan. Jack immediately jumped in.
- I was home. It was raining so where am I supposed to be. And Jack non of your business. She winked and continues to eat.
Sullivan joined them a little bit later and he was greeted by everyone. Minutes after he arrived Andy finished and went to be at the front desk so she can move from everyone.
- Excuse me, does Robert Sullivan works here? A woman asked entering the station.
- Hi! Yes. I can get him for you. Andy said getting up from her chair.
- That would be good. A woman said.
As Andy got up she saw that woman was pregnant, like really pregnant. She got a little bit disoriented but manages to went to the beanery. Her thoughts were running inside of her head so fast that when she arrived in the beanery she just stood there.
- Andy! Andy! Robert's voice got her back.
- Uhm yes. Sorry.
- You okay? He immediately asked knowing what happened 2 days ago.
- Mhm. Someone is looking for you downstairs.
Robert got up and followed her downstairs.
- Who is it? Robert asked while they were going downstairs.
- A woman. Andy stopped in her tracks and Robert turned.
- Okay? He said hesitantly.
- She is pregnant Robert, like really pregnant.
- Do you really think... of course you think that... He said annoyed and left.
Andy kept sitting on the stairs while he was talking to the woman. And when woman left he just went to his office. Andy didn't hear a word they said so as soon as the woman left she went to his office. She just opened the door and stood by a door frame not saying a thing.
- Do you trust me? He asked as he knowledge her standing there.
Andy nodded.
- I really need you to say it out loud. He said with a concerned look on his face.
- I trust you. What happened? What she said? She knew what he meant by asking her that but still she needed to ask.
She slowly sat in front of him and waited for him to speak. She tried not to overthink and make scenarios in her head but it was not working. Robert ran his hand over his face, scoffed and got up. He sat at the desk in front of her and took her hands in his. At this moment Andy knew what he was about to say and she took a deep breath.
- She is claiming that it's my baby.
Andy took her hands out of his So he turned her chair and knelt in front of her.
- I did sleep with her a few days before I moved here but the baby it's not mine, Andy.
- How... how you can know that? She said with tears in her eyes.
- I just know. So I'm going tomorrow with her to do DNK test because I don't want to wait.
- Okay... uhm I just need a minute to process this. She got up and stormed outside.
- Andy...
But she was long gone and he didn't want to follow her. He knew she needed space.
The whole shift was calm so Andy remain in her bunk most of the time. She only got out to eat and she would go back. Robert buried himself in paper work to distract his thoughts.
'This can't be happening. I finally fell in love and this can't be happening. I knew my action will have some consequences. Stop, it's not yours. You were always so careful.'
He kept thinking about that night when he slept with that woman. His drifted away with his thoughts he didn't even noticed Andy at the door. It was past midnight and she couldn't stop her thoughts too.
- I'm sorry I vanished. She said shyly.
He jumped and closed the door behind her.
- Andy...
- I'm sorry I reacted this way and I know we said what happened in the past stays there but this... it's a little bit too much. She was fast to brush her tears.
- I can't wrap my head around this, I'm sorry. I tried... Tears were now streaming down her face.
Robert didn't say anything he just pulled her closer as possible and hugged her.
- Me neither. He whispered.
- You mean the world to me and it would be selfish to ask you to stay until this is clarified. In the morning I'm going to get tested and I'll have results by the end of the next shift. So in 2-3 days.
Andy just hugged him tighter and rested her head on his chests. She felt guilty for doing this but she just can't do this. It was too much to handle.
The day off for both of them were stressful. Andy being at home alone with her thoughts and guilt and Robert doing a test praying his inner feeling is right and he is not the father. She wanted so bad to text him or call him but decided against it. Robert on the other side wanted to do the same thing but also decided to give her space.
The next shift Maya noticed Andy was awkwardly distant and distracted. She tried to talk to her but Andy rejected multiple times so Maya backed off. Andy couldn't talk to anyone right now. She had pounding headache since yesterday and she felt awful. Robert kept an eye on her from a far, he sensed something was up and he knew it's his fault.
The call came in and everyone was out. Doing what they know the best - saving lives. While pulling out the last victim Andy passed out so Ben was confused what to do first. He shouted for help on the radio and Jack and Maya ran inside to get her out.
Robert completely froze hearing Ben saying 'Andy lost consciousness, need help.' Jack and Maya carried her out and Maya shouting 'Captain, captain' brought Robert back.
He immediately ran towards them and knelt in front of her holding her head.
- C'mon Andy, wake up! He repeated a few times.
- Wha...what happened? She said disoriented.
- You passed out. Is your head hurting again? Robert asked concerned.
Andy nodded.
- Since when?
- Yesterday.
Maya and Jack were looking at each other confused.
- Why didn't you tell me? Robert asked helping her get up.
- It's nothing.
- It's not nothing and you know it. Let's go to the hospital.
On the way to the hospital Robert said to the team what happened to Andy a few days back and all of them were surprised she never mentioned anything. They left Andy at the hospital and Robert went back after he got changed. He put Jack in charge for the rest of the shift and left.
Arriving at the hospital she found Andy asleep so he went to find dr. Shepherd. Amelia said that head CT was clear and that mostly it happened because she didn't eat or sleep. Of course Robert felt responsible.
In the morning Andy woke up and found Robert asleep on the couch. That brought tears to her eyes seeing him being there for her after all that is going on. Robert's phone rang and he woke up. He rejected the call seeing Andy awake.
- How are you feeling? He sad next to her on the bed.
- Better, I guess.
- You scared me. He pulled her into a hug and the phone call interrupted them.
- Go! I'm okay. Andy said seeing the need for him to answer it.
- Good morning. Yes, just tell me. Robert said shaking.
- Thank you. He answered and he sat at the end of the bed holding his head in his hands.
He thought his legs abandoned him. He could stop shaking. He started sobbing instantly.
Andy got scare that her worst thoughts came true.
- I'm... I'm not the father. He finally managed to let all out.
Andy jumped and hugged him from behind giving him comfort. He wiped his tears and turned to face her.
- I told you to trust me.
- I know you did and I trust you I was just scared. It was just too much things going on at the same time my head was about to explode. I'm sorry I chickened out.
He hugged her like his life was depending on it. Andy buried her head into his neck.
- Take me home. She whispered and he nodded.
Entering her apartment she stopped him.
- Before this between us continues you have to know that I never planned on leaving you. My love for you would never change and the rest we would figure it out eventually. But one thing I'm sure about is my love for you.
- By 'this' you mean our relationship?
- If you still want me... She looked at him with puppy eyes.
- I've never stop wanting you. Since the moment our gazes connected I knew I found my person. but you were pain in the ass at the beginning.
- I really I'm sometimes. She chuckled.
Robert lifted her and carried her in the bedroom wanting to make love to her as long as they both have even a little bit of strength.
At the end of the day it's only important to have your person by your side. The one who will cheer for you. The one who makes you a better person. Who will love you unconditionally.
And that was what Robert finally found in Andy.