As yet another month passed, the vibe at the Station had improved quite a lot. Everyone kept adjusting to each unique change day by day and over time they were each getting accustomed to the new normal.

Andy and Robert developed a better dynamic both at work and home which meant therapy was paying off. Vic had some joy in her life considering her relationship with her family was more existent and what she had with Theo was working out. On the contrary, Dean longed for her but he couldn't drop a bomb like that on her now; his Hughie was happy and that's all he wanted. He distracted himself by being a devoted father to Pru and focusing on work. His family came around more, and Dean was glad that Pru was surrounded by love. His extended swim in Puget Sound a few months ago made it clear to him that he couldn't keep pushing his family away.

Travis and Emmett still had to work out whatever friends with benefits situation they had going and if it was going to become more. Maya was reveling in her newlywed bubble and it seemed after everything she softened a bit and her pride no longer defined every decision she made. She did wonder now if the happiness she felt would last, and what that would mean for her personality. As for Jack, he kept up his appearances with Marsha amidst his breakup and continued educating himself and being there for Dean. Last but not least, 'The Dad of the Station' - all was going well for him as he and Miranda worked their magic on the team in any way they could.

"That was some call!" Vic let out as they all departed the engine and ladder trucks.

"You all did a great job today. You all showed what it means to work as a team and the end result was we got everyone out safely with no injuries," Robert spoke up as he faced everyone.

"Thank you, sir" and "Thanks, Cap' filled the room.

"Well I can't speak for Bishop," Jack added, leading to laughter from the group.

"Almost thought you were gonna be stuck for a minute there Maya. Didn't warm up enough today?"

"Guys, come on. Despite everything being tense, you know me," she rebutted while being cut off by Andy: "Maya 'Olympian' Bishop, right?" A smile now plastered across her face.

"That's right, I would've made it regardless" Maya defended herself.

"Guess you are getting reacquainted with running into a burning building again," Travis added awkwardly, which is typically his behavior. The statement earned him an elbow in the side from Vic.

Robert, who was still in the vicinity, chuckled internally. He must admit, from the beginning he did find it amusing how despite all that's happening around them as a team, they surely find odd moments to joke around and have friendly banter.

Maya shook her head; this was her team she'd play along: "Yeah Travis, I mean I had a good while in the comfy seat so I'm still adjusting. At least there wasn't a sinkhole." She sure had a comeback ready.

Flashbacks of his over-exaggeration that day as acting captain flooded his mind. "Remember how you had your uniform professionally pressed for 1 day," Vic chimed in, immediately bursting out in laughter, with Dean and Ben joining.

Andy gasped, "Wait, I didn't hear the full story."

"Bishop, I swear, if you ever say a word," Trav shouted out as he grabbed an oxygen tank to stack into the truck.

"That's a story I'd love to hear," Robert spoke up, all eyes now trailing over to him.

"See, even Cap wants to hear Trav," Vic said, giving him a pat on the back. "Guess we have the start of our dinner convo."

He sighed in defeat knowing this was something he wouldn't win. He grunted, why'd Maya have to remember.

They all continued restacking the rigs while Robert left and headed to his office. Ben followed closely behind him, knocking on the door to announce his presence.

"Come in," Robert called, his voice echoing through the room. Looking up he saw Ben. "Warren, How can I help?"

"Just checking up on you, we're friends right?"

Robert chuckled, "I'm good. Tired, it has been one hell of a shift."

"That I can agree with. You know friends can have friends over for let's say dinner." Robert raised an eyebrow. "Ok. Miranda and I would love for you and Andy to join us sometime soon for dinner. Just putting it out there so you know you can both talk about it and let us know"

"And if..." Robert began.

Ben cut him off. "There's no backing out. You've seen Miranda in action before." Robert nodded reflecting back to a few months ago when he stayed with them.

Both men chatted for a bit before Ben headed out.

On the other side of the firehouse, the women of the station gathered in the lounge area chatting.

"Well ladies, as is our tradition, one we haven't kept up in a while, it's time to spill all the details," Vic said as she sunk into the couch laying down.

Maya and Andy eyed each other. "Oh come on, you're both now married and in your own little club. I need to hear about spice...I mean not too much spice as I wouldn't want to imagine our captain in bed..but..gimme something," Vic whined.

"Well things are going well with me and Robert, all things considered. Not much to say," Andy began. She loved both girls but she didn't feel like dishing.

Vic sat up. "That's it? Why am I even friends with you again?" This earned a laugh from the other two. "Maya, your turn."

"Well, I guess the married honeymoon phase has been good. The happy marriage bliss they talk about is real. Other than that, I still have a lot to learn about Carina and I'm adjusting to my space being filled. Between her and my mom, sometimes I swear I'm gonna lose it on them...well I did last night and it triggered our first fight."

"Oh," Andy and Vic echoed simultaneously. "So did you resolve it?" Andy asked genuinely, she knew firsthand how fights can turn into deeper issues and spiral out of control.

"I guess not, we just kinda brushed it aside and moved on."

"Well I'm no expert," Vic started out, "but there's no use harboring up resentment and all that. First fights can be bad, but as I learned from a couple years ago, talking about it and listening to each other is the best way to move forward."

"I know. You all know me, I've never been one to sit and have heart-to-heart convos so it will take some adjusting."

Andy had been silent and zoned out. The eyes of the other two women fell on her.

"So Mrs. Sullivan, any advice?" Vic asked, pulling her from her trance.

Andy smiled, "Well it's as Vic said, try solving the issue as quickly as possible. Waiting for too long can cause it to fester and the outcome can be catastrophic. Remember you're now making decisions for both of you, so strike a balance. Meet each other halfway and let love guide you."

Andy could see a smile on the faces of both ladies, "What?"

"Well, you've surely grown up!" Maya let out. Not too long ago she was basically giving her the same advice.

"Ok, enough of me. Vic, you're with Station 23, Theo?" Andy said, moving the spotlight to the instigator.

She blushed slightly. "It's new, he's very thoughtful and he's always doing something to spice things up and keep me on my toes. You know me, I'm an energy junkie so we're always hyping each other up."

Their conversation continued for a good while until the boys joined half an hour later and it was cut short. Andy stayed for a few minutes but then got up and headed down to see Robert.

Walking towards his office she could see he was deep in paperwork. She smiled to herself as she watched his facial expression change with every passing minute. Knowing him, she knew he was being thorough and adding even the tiniest details. After watching him for 5 minutes, she decided to go in.

As she opened the door he glanced up, seeing her he gave her a small smile.

"You good?" she asked while grabbing a seat before him.

"Tired. It has been a long day," he responded.

"You and me both. You can finish up your reports, I'm just gonna hang back here and enjoy the silence until dinner is ready."

They both were comfortable just sitting together not talking. Just feeling each other's presence was enough to keep them all warm and fuzzy.

Robert kept working and Andy was occupied with some puzzle game on her phone to keep her distracted.

A few grunts escaped her lips when she lost miserably and didn't pass a level, which caught Robert's attention. Even over a game she's trying to be a perfectionist. He loved her and seeing her tender yet competitive side made him fall deeper.

After some time he was all done catching up on reports and whatever needed to be filed. "So I was having a chat with Warren earlier," he started.

"Oh, finally planning that men's night out?" Andy teased. She wanted him all for herself, yes but he did need friends and he and Ben were getting along great these days. It was also something they talked over a few weeks back.

"Funny. I see you've not let go of that friendship guru act...Sorry to disappoint. He was inviting us over for dinner."

"Dinner?" Andy asked shocked.

"Yes, dinner Andy. You know where people eat and chat and catch up as friends." She rolled her eyes.

"Well, that's new. So are we going?"

"It's a decision we both need to make. Just know there is no backing out, so technically the decision has already been made by Bailey." Hearing the name, Andy knew for sure it wasn't a matter of "if" but "when."

"Well as soon as we work out a time, sure," Andy replied.

They were pulled from their conversation by Dean hollering through the station that dinner is ready.

"Guess that's our cue to go," Andy said motioning to the door.

Robert got up and headed for the door too. Before Andy had a chance to open the door he was pulling her close to him. Catching her off guard his lips connected with hers for a soft and loving kiss.

"What was that for?" she asked with a smile plastered across her face while his arms wrapped around her.

"Nothing. I just wanted to kiss you"

The Next Day

It was the end of shift and everyone was heading home. Descending the stairs, Andy approached the captain's office. After knocking she went in "Babe I'm ready to go, are you gonna leave now too or will I see you in a bit?"

"Just need to finish up a few things so I'll see you at home soon," Robert replied.

She acknowledged him and then turned on her heels. "I love you. See you in a bit"

Since today was Wednesday, and the third Wednesday of the month, it meant that today it would be a movie night. They came up with simple date night ideas where they would just chill together, embracing the love and really taking tiny steps in getting to know each other fully.

Andy, remembering they ran out of a few things, decided to stop quickly by the grocery store and just stock up to avoid the rush over the weekend. After roughly an hour of running around, she was headed back home.

Parking her car, she grabbed the bags and once inside she immediately started the decontamination process for all the groceries and putting them in the necessary cupboards once done. She followed suit by getting herself cleaned up while waiting for Robert to get home.

Robert came in about an hour later and he was greeted by Andy fast asleep on the couch while the TV played in the background. He grabbed a blanket, throwing it over her, and leaving her to catch up on sleep. He made his way upstairs to freshen up and afterward get some food.

Andy only got what was a cat nap, because not too long after Robert went up, she woke up. Hearing the shower running signaled he was home. She climbed the stairs and sneaked into bed waiting for him.

Their day was quiet for the most part. After such a long shift they needed rest and Andy made sure to tell Robert he needed to complete the movie tonight. Every movie night, he'd fall asleep halfway through and it was always hilarious when he claimed he was still watching. Andy would tease him about it, and while she loved the teasing, she loved the company even more. He could be a great entertainer and would keep the movie alive.

As the hours passed, they enjoyed the comfort of home: home being the both of them in a well-wrapped bubble. Amidst all the turmoil, they managed to find hope and love in each other and it kept them going.

It was now almost 7 and they were camped out on the floor like kids eager to start the night of fun.

They chose a movie that was a mixture of action, romance, and comedy, catering to both their preferences. Andy had found herself in Robert's embrace, her back to his chest - it's where she felt safest.

Therapy had a huge impact on her, in that it made her realize that she shouldn't push away the person she loves the most, putting up walls against him and doubting him would inflict pain. It wouldn't only be on him but it would affect her internally too. The tiniest things can move a mountain and every day she could see instances of his love for her. She made it her duty to do all she could to live up to the role of a wife and make herself happy, after all, she deserved it. She came to accept that she won the lottery with Robert. This man would give her the world and he was madly in love with her.

"This is why I don't like romantic movies, they're cheesy," Robert spoke as he found the scene lacking spontaneity.

"Come on, you know it's TV, what's new? And of course, they're presenting unrealistic expectations," Andy commented.

"Which is why I still rather watch documentaries, adventure movies, and other good stuff. At least the comedy isn't bad," Robert noted, as Andy sat up, shoved his shoulder, and then fell back in his arms.

"I'm surprised you actually watch this."

"Robert, we've gone over this," Andy retorted. "This is like a one-time thing and I'm only watching because it says there's action in it."

"Right, you only watch badass characters," Robert replied as Andy nodded.

While they let out an occasional laugh every now and then, by the end of the movie, more often than not, they were showering each other with kisses, caring less about what was on the screen.

"So can we do less watching and more kissing?" Robert teased as he brushed his lips across her ear sending shivers through her body.

"My god Robert, the movie is almost done," Andy teased back, all the while wanting him to keep kissing her.

"Yes, but I've lost interest," he said as he placed kisses on her neck. He was igniting a fire in her, one she was less and less interested in controlling.

"5 more minutes," she spoke, the words barely escaping her lips.

2 Weeks Later

They both swapped places today to be on Aid Car, like the old days.

"Robert, I think we really need to plan a date because Dr. Bailey cornered me yesterday...I definitely know this is a warning and you know we shouldn't keep her waiting," Andy commented as Robert drove them back to the station.

Robert chuckled. "I bet she gave you the Bailey look. We are going to be off next Saturday and I think that Ben will be off too so we can plan on then."

"Okay," she looked at him smiling. "I enjoy this, us communicating and working together. It's like we can understand each other even with unspoken words and I won't lie, it's a really good feeling."

"Well, we've come a long way. We just needed a nudge in the right direction to enjoy the marriage bliss"

"I'm so happy I found you, Robert Sullivan."