July 2020 written by simplyivv

- Bishop, Sullivan as we discussed a few days back about station's future... McCallister started.
- I expect from now on the station to be spotless. We can't have any more bad press.

- Yes, sir. Both Maya and Robert nodded.

McCallister gave Robert captain's bugles and Maya put all of her stuff in the box.

Robert took out his stuff and put his and Andy's pic on the table looking at it. The chief left to take a walk through the station until line up.

- She is pissed, isn't she? Maya asked and brought Robert back from his thoughts.

- Like never before.

- She will come around eventually. She doesn't even know that I knew what's going on.

- Yeah. He said trying not to think of it too much right now.

But how couldn't he, she was on his mind 24/7.

- This is going to be one interesting shift. Travis claimed getting into the station.

- Definitely! Vic agreeing and motioning him to see Andy coming alone to work.

- Problems in paradise? Travis said staring.

- Stop it! Let's go! Vic nudged him to go inside before Andy could see them.

The team got ready for the shift in silence since everyone saw that Andy wasn't herself.

Flashback

-This is you.

You did this.

Everyone looked towards Maya and Carina dancing. Shock were all over their faces at the message they just received, they didn't want to interrupt their dance and joy. They just got married.

- Probie? Dean looked at Robert.

- Guys please, it wasn't like that.

- Like what? You took her job. Andy was boiling inside.

He didn't look at Andy at all. He had enough of her non sense behavior.

- Listen to me! McCallister wanted to shut down the station and separate us all. I had to do what I had to do to keep us all together. I did it for us all! It was the only way. Robert said trying not to be too loud so Maya won't hear it.

- She would lost her job either way. He finished.

Everyone were surprised. They didn't know it was that serious. They didn't know station was about to shut down. Still they were in shock hearing the news.

They decided to wait until wedding is finished to break the news to her. Robert said he will do it. Andy went on the opposite side of the restaurant so she won't be close to him.

He will deal with her at home when they are alone. No need to make scenes in front of everyone.

No one from the team said anything to Robert but Maya noticed all of them went quiet and she turned to see where they are and finds them all still standing with shock on their faces.

- Guys what's up? What happened?

- Maya... Travis started...

- Maya we need to talk. Robert was quick to interrupt.

- Okay? What happened? She asked while Robert pulled her a side.

- The investigation is over. They made a decision...

- It's bad isn't it?

Robert nodded.

- They relieved you of your duties. They said you've been under investigation for quite some time.

The whole team where looking at them talking. No one could read from their faces how they are feeling or how all of this mess will play out.

- I had a talk with McCallister after you and he said it wasn't looking good. So what now?

- In order to keep the station running and all of us together I stepped in as captain. He said trying not to sound harsh.

- I tried to defense you. I know what you did for me and that I wouldn't have my job if it weren't for you. I did this to save 19.

- Robert. She out her hand on his arm. It will take me some time to make peace with all of this but I stand by every decision I made and I'm not sorry. It had to be done. I'm just so happy right now I can't spoil this moment.

Everyone else looked away as the finished their talk. Pretending they didn't stare all the time.

- Bishop? We good?

Maya nodded and left to join Carina and stay in their bubble just for a little while.

They heard Robert's question and figured Maya was okayish with all of it.

- You okay? Ben asked Andy seeing anger in her eyes.

- I'm not. I'm so angry I think I'm going to explode.

Andy sat at the table between Miranda and Ben. If anyone can help it was them.

- What's really going on?

- I'm so angry at Robert. For his choices, for always making decisions without me. He never thinks twice before he does something. And then this happened and I had enough.

Miranda and Ben looked at each other and they know what the only answer was.

Miranda took her hand and looked at her.

- Andy you need to talk to him. Have a real grown up talk. Without yelling and interrupting each other. You need to listen to everything he has to say and try to understand his point of view.

- He changed so much, Andy. We all see it. I know you love him very much and deeply care for him and I know how much you suffered through separation. Communication is the key. Ben continue after Miranda was finished.

- I said some stuff I didn't mean to a wrong person. She mumbled remembering words she said to Jack not long ago.

She got up and went to the toilet. "Confused lust for love. Really Andy? You are that stupid, huh?" She kept repeating to her self.

Robert stayed by the bar all by himself not wanting to talk or sit with anyone. He kept some kind of conversation with Vic's dad but he could barely remember what it was about. He kept looking and following Andy's every step.

On the other side of the restaurant Travis, Vic, Dean and Jack had very much interesting conversation and theories about what just happened. All of the agreed that Andy was pissed at the whole situation. They were surprised Maya was calm but then assumed she knew what will happen. Dean couldn't stop thinking about the scene he witnessed outside the restaurant. So he kind of drifted away.

The night ended up rather tense but all of them tried to be as happy as possible for Maya and Carina.

Robert went home before Andy knowing she came with her car and she wasn't drinking so she will be safe. He just hoped she will come home to him and they can solve this.

He kept pacing around the house waiting for her, hoping she won't stay anywhere else.

Lucky for him he heard door unlocking and she entered the house.

Maya and Carina just got home. Happily holding hands and exchanging kisses. Maya's mom was behind them. She packed her bags before arriving at the wedding. They showed her the apartment and her room and then went to bed.

- What happened with Robert? Carina asked getting ready for bed.

- We are not talking about it now. We just got married we need alone celebration.

- Mm I like it already. Carina whispered as Maya kissed her.

And they continue to enjoy their alone celebration.

They got to the beanery and saw Robert and Maya already by the island waiting for them all to sit down. Robert already in his captain mood and Maya by his side.

The rest of the team looked at each other with confused look, Andy just went in and sat and Robert of course followed with his eyes her every step.

- Before shift we need to explain a few things. Sullivan said looking at Maya.

- Okay guys. No need to be shocked. I knew what was coming. I'll need some time to make peace with it but at least we are not getting shut down. Maya said with fake smile trying to light up the mood.

- Should we be scared of him again? Travis whispered trying very hard so Robert won't hear him.

- No Montgomery. He looked at Andy.
- I could never be like I was before. You guys had my back when I needed it the most and that's something I will never forget. I really hope you understand why I did this and that we all can work together as a team.

Everyone nodded still in a shock with l the new information they just heard. Andy just stared at one spot not bother to listen.

Sullivan went downstairs to the office and Maya sat next to Andy wanting to talk to her.

- Why are you so angry at him?

- Wha... what?

Andy was confused for a second since she was in her own thoughts.

- How can you be okay with all of this? He never asked what I think about any of it. He just go and do it. This isn't a first time and I'm tired of it. I'm his wife Maya. Andy's eyes got teary.
- He never asks what I think and it hurts. He was so obsessed with getting back his title...

- This time in his defense he didn't have time to think. He needed to react fast!
He saved 19 that's what matters, I'll make peace with my demotion. It'll take time but eventually it will be okay.
- Go talk to him, but with no yelling because I know you. Try to stay calm. Maya said smiling.

Andy rolled her eyes and nodded. She was tired of being angry and she missed him even if he was right there, in front of her all the time.

- It's time for line up. Sullivan shouted.

Everyone went down, Andy was last...

- Do you think history is repeating? Is it possible to repeat the history? Travis again whispered to Vic.

- You know I'm behind you, right? And to answer you it won't since I'm married to him now. Andy said as they arrived.

Although angry Robert chuckled hearing the conversation but got serious since Chief McCallister was there.

- I expect nothing but the respect for Sullivan. I expect the team to be at their best for now on.

He gave assignments to everyone and went back to the office.

- Go. Maya motioned.

She hesitated a bit but went anyway, opening the door and knocking at the same time.

Flashback

- Now can we talk, please? Robert asked for 5 or 6 time, he lost count.

- You want to talk? Let's talk! Let's talk about how you made a decision by yourself, AGAIN, without discussing it with me. What is this 4th, 5th thing you did not bothered to ask or tell me about it. Robert, marriage isn't functioning like that. God knows I don't know nothing about it but still I'm your wife for God sake and when you made decisions like that it affects me too. Not just this one, every decision. She tried to stay calm as possible, remembering what Miranda said.

- Andy I acted in a moment, there wasn't time for a conversation. Why can you see the bigger picture here. What I was trying to do? Why are you seeing me as a villain? I need to do what I needed to do to keep 19 together. Maya knows it I know it. And I'm not sorry for doing it.

- I'm so tired to continue this. I will again say some things I will regret after. And she stormed to the bedroom.

- But you won't sleep on the couch again! Robert quickly said following her upstairs.

- No I won't because I'm going to stay at Dean's place, I can't be in the same house with you right now. She started packing the duffle bag with things.

She hesitated a bit but went anyway, opening the door and knocking at the same time.

She was the one who said they need to be professional at work.

- Are you enjoying it?

He just looked at her, no reaction, no answer.

- Why you said you did it for me, for 19? When in the first place you did it for you.

- So I should just say shut down the station and separate all of us? Is that what you want?

- Robert. Andy took a deep breath and continued.
- You wanted to go against Miller for a promotion. Ever since you got demoted you keep replaying how you will climb the ladder again.

- Andy I saw the opportunity and I took it, but I did it for all of us and I'm not sorry for that. It was that or they would shut down the station. What else could I do? I don't know why is so hard to see it?

- Because I know you! This I don't know 3rd, 4th decision you made not even asking for my opinion. I'm your wife Robert and it hurt knowing that you do whatever you think it's best not even bothering asking me. Your decisions affect me too.
- I said some things out of anger that I can't take back now so I'm leaving before I do it again. I need some space right now.

And she went to her bunk with a lot of things on her mind.

- So? Are you two a thing now? Travis asked Vic wanting to know what's going on with her and Theo.

- Kinda. I don't know. We are spending time together. She smiled.

Dean heard all of it and got judgmental look from Ben and Jack.

-What? I went to tell her and well it was late.

- It's never late to tell the woman how you are feeling. Ben stated.

- Okay, dad. Not helpful right now. If she is happy with him then who am I to torn her happiness.

Ben and Jack shared a look and decided to let it go for now.

- Man what happened? Dean asked Robert seeing him outside the office.

- To be honest I don't know why she is so angry at me so she had to leave. He said vividly tired of all the mess.

- You know where to find her. Dean patted him on his back giving him support.

Situation in the station was getting back to some kind of normal. Maya had hard time accepting her demotion but Carina and her were there for her whenever she needs it.
She tried to deal with it alone but Carina would let her. They are married now and Maya's problems are also hers. So Maya slowly learnt how to lean on on others.

It was their day off and Robert had a meeting with Richard. Andy spent the day with Dean and Pru. She enjoyed playing with her and it seems like with her she forgets all the bad things in the world.

- So when you'll have yours? Dean asked casually preparing Pru a meal.

- I... wha...

- Relax. I see how are you with her. You are ready.

- Dean...

- Look Andy I appreciate the help and everything and you can stay as long as you want but you need to be with your husband. Running away won't help. It's been 2 weeks.

- I know, I know I just need time.

- Robert you seem like you mind is somewhere else? Richard started sitting on the bench.

- Because it is. Andy left me.

- What happened?

And told him everything that happened, explain his moves and why he thinks Andy is angry at him. Robert was deeply hurt by Andy's choices.

- I feel like I'm the only one who wants this marriage to last. I know we can get through this but I it's like all we know is fight. I begged her to hear me out, to talk to me, to solve this but she just left.

Robert drifted off for a bit and Richard let him be in his own thoughts. He waited for him to come back.

Flashback

- And that's my fault? Robert raised his voice a little bit but took deep breath trying to stay calm as possible.
- Andy. He turned her so she would look at him.
- I love you and as I said before our marriage is the only good thing I have in my life. You are my life.

- Listen to me now. Give one reason, just one valid reason why are you really mad. Your stubbornness will cost you at the end. Maya wasn't thinking of you went she went and offered herself for promotion. And I know you lost your chance because you disobeyed direct order too. So this isn't about me taking Maya's job… it's about you wanting it! You said it yourself.

- I just… She scoffed.

- When you find it you know where to find me. This non sense has to stop. You can leave now. Robert said in his stern captain voice.

And she left…

- Uh I'm sorry I just got lost in my thoughts.

- It's fine. You know I have to tell you that you and Andy remind me of me and my wife. Both passionate about the job, both stubborn, ambitious and thirsty for success.

- Tell me how you two are managing all of it. Right now I'm lost. Robert sighs.

- Compromise. There is no shortcut, you both have to work hard and take care of your love. And constantly remind one another how much other person means to you. Sometimes love isn't enough you both need to want it. Imagined love is like a flower, if you don't put water on it it will die.

- As of right now I don't think she wants it. She ghosted me for almost two weeks and now when she wants to talk she doesn't know what to say and I'm losing my patience with all this non sense.

Robert nodded and run her hand over his head in frustration. Heavy baggage he had on his shoulders just got heavier.

- Tell me how others accepted the change?

Flashback

- Look I get it why you did it. I know there is no sides but I support you, man. You supported me when I needed it. And don't worry about Andy she will come to her senses, I'm sure. I'm keeping an eye on her and I have to say it she is doing pretty good job with Pru. Dean patted Robert on the back.

- Me too. I think you did the right move. Ben said.

-They are okay now. Most of them are fine and understand. Andy's behavior is what hurt me the most. And I'm pretty sure she is angry at me because I offered myself and not her.

- Talk to her is the only answer I can give you. Sit with her and wait until she starts to speak. Richard said.

- Are we really staying home once again? Carina asked.

- Once again? I thought you like spending my days off in bed. Maya started kissing her.

- I do, I really do but we can do so much fun stuff together.

- Okay we can but right now sex is the only thing that can distract me from reality and I need that. Maya finishes and they both continue to live in their newlywed bubble.

- Andy? Dean whispered as he saw Andy singing to Pru and she was asleep for a while now.

- Oh, sorry. I was just thinking…

Andy puts Pru down to her crib and sat across Dean.

- I'm angry at him for specifically offering himself for the position. There I said it.

- Look I kind of get it. But you need to see other side. He has more experience and to be honest he knows how to run the station. Look at that in this way… if he gets to be battalion chief he will probably promote you since you are either way next. He did do it for himself but he also did it for 19. Would you take the offer without thinking a second about it?

In this moment Andy hated it that Dean was right.

- I didn't start living until I become firefighter. My whole life my parents were deciding what I will do. My mom even set me up dates with women that are educated and successful.

- That's sick. Andy started laughing.

- Explain to him your reasons and I'm sure he will understand.

- I think this time I need to do a little bit more than that.

- He loves you Andy and he is crazy about you, it's so obvious. Everyone sees it.

- Okay, okay. She sighs.

- Enough about me or I'll start to cry again and get angry at I don't know who anymore…

- Tell me why are you avoiding Vic? I've seen things since I tried to distract myself from my own problems.

Dean sighs trying to avoid the topic…