A/N: Guess what, I'm not a firefighter so don't expect this to be insanely accurate...
At his next shift, Travis was just as miserable as before and it didn't go unnoticed by his friends, whom he still avoided, but that didn't mean they weren't worried about him.
But Jack was leaving him alone now, seeming to stay out of his way and let him be, which Travis was glad.
Vic slowly approached him near the end of shift though, frowning at him with worry, looking a little hesitant.
"Okay look, I know you're really struggling right now and I understand that and you probably don't want me talking to you right now but just hear me out…."
Travis turned to her with a frown, his eyes just looking her over dully.
"I'd like to come over to your place later and I'd like to bring Luke, because we'd like to give you something."
Travis frowned deeper at her, not understanding. "Why?"
"We just really want to help you out, I-I want to help you out. As your best friend. So please, just let us do this for you, okay?"
"I don't need your help, Vic, or your sympathy." Travis just frowned, Vic shaking her head.
"Well I'm not really letting you have a choice, okay? Luke and I will be at your place say around 7 or 8, no exceptions. Plus, I really think this is going to be a good thing, Trav, trust me."
"You're not bringing Ryan with you, right?" Travis huffed lowly, still not liking her idea. "And it better not be money."
"Travis, just trust me…." Vic looked at him genuinely. "I'm going to do this as your friend, for you. So I'll see you tonight, alright?"
Travis just frowned at her, eyes narrowed as he knew he didn't really have a choice, knowing Vic was going to get her way regardless, scowling at her in disapproval. "Fine. Whatever. But I don't need your help."
"Just let me do this, okay? I'll see you later." Vic just gave him a look as she walked away, Travis just huffing, wondering what in the world Vic wanted to give to him, knowing he wouldn't like it either way….
Travis glared at Jace as he picked him up after shift, neither one of them talking the ride home, Travis frowning as he walked inside.
"Vic's coming over tonight and there's no way of getting out of it so it's happening." He announced as he walked in, huffing with a frown.
Zack quickly frowned. "What? Why the hell is she coming over? She doesn't know does she?" He growled.
"No." Travis huffed, sitting down across from him. "And I didn't want her to come over either but she insisted and I can't get out of it, alright?"
"Well what the hell does she want?" Zack sneered.
"I dunno. Says she has something to give me." Travis shrugged, rubbing at his fingers anxiously. "And she's bringing her boyfriend so don't you dare think you can try and do anything to her."
"Whatever. Just make it quick, alright? Because Jace and I definitely do not approve. Plus we want to spend time with you as much as possible tonight." Zack huffed, giving him a look.
"Alright, I get it. I don't want her coming over here no more than you do. I know she doesn't care…." Travis muttered, looking away, Zack just smiling.
Eventually the two of them left shortly before seven and Travis admittedly felt weird being home by himself for once, it way too quiet, finding it hard to believe that before any of this had happened he used to live alone.
He waited for Vic and Ripley to arrive, just staring at the floor a little sadly, thinking, thinking of how Jace had raped him and his husband possibly never loved him and now his friends didn't even care.
The doorbell rang, interrupting his thoughts, getting up to answer the door, not surprised when he saw Vic, just frowning at her a little as he let her in. "Hey."
Vic looked him over, her eyes soft and caring. "Hey, how you doing?"
"I'm fine, alright? Can we just get this over with?" Travis shrugged and muttered, frowning. "Where's Ripley?"
"Just be patient, Trav…." Vic said softly. "Now, we just wanted to help you out so we got you a little present to help cheer you up."
"Yeah, I know. You already told me." Travis stated with a tired look, still not wanting anything to do with this.
"Just close your eyes and let us give it to you, genius." Vic smiled faintly, her eyes kind as she watched him.
"Fine." Travis sighed and closed his eyes, Vic making sure he wasn't peeking, ushering Lucas to come in.
Travis waited, eyebrows furrowed as he could hear them moving, frowning.
"Okay, you can open your eyes now." Vic chirped.
Travis opened his eyes and there before him stood Ripley with a white and brown Jack Russell Terrier in his arms who panted, seeming to smile at Travis just as Vic and Lucas were.
Travis's eyes widened, genuinely surprised, feeling himself smile a little. "A dog? You-You guys got me a dog?"
Luke stepped forward, placing the terrier into his arms carefully, grinning. "He's all yours, buddy."
Travis smiled down at the dog who squirmed a little in his arms with excitement, sniffing him quickly, beginning to lick at his face, making him chuckle softly. "Oh-Oh my gosh guys….!"
Vic smiled as she watched, thrilled when she saw Travis smile. "We got him from the shelter. Thought maybe you could use a friend."
Travis was chuckling as the dog was licking him all over his face, making him laugh, petting softly at his ears with a wide smile. The dog yipped and barked, panting as he wagged his tail, seeming to love him, making Travis's heart warm, suddenly happy.
Vic and Luke had their arms around each other and were both smiling as they watched, not having seen Travis smile for a long time.
"We also got everything you need, don't worry. Toys, collar, leash…." Luke picked up a bag, handing Travis one of the dog toys, who took it with a smile and squeaked it, watching his new dog yip and wag his tail, giving it to him happily, watching him take it and chew on it.
"I-I don't know what to say guys, I-I mean he-he must have cost you a lot of money…." Travis looked at them as he nuzzled the dog's face softly with his chin, holding him close, already loving him.
"You don't have to say anything but thank you, it was our treat." Vic said softly with a wide smile, her eyes a little teary as she was so glad to see Travis smiling.
The dog wiggled and squirmed and Travis grinned as he placed him on the floor, his eyes lit up with happiness. "I guess this is your new home, buddy. Do you like it?"
The dog yipped and spun around a few times, rolling onto his back and pawing at the air, Travis laughing as he began rubbing his stomach. "I hope that's a yes….!"
He grabbed the dog toy and began playing with him, laughing and smiling widely when he would jump on him playfully, Travis just beaming.
Lucas gave Vic's hand a tight squeeze with a smile and Vic laid her head on his chest happily with a smile. "Look at how happy he is, Luke…" She whispered.
Lucas kissed the top of her head softly with a smile, watching as well, looking proud. "You did a great thing, Vic." He whispered back, watching Travis come over as the dog wandered off to sniff around.
"Oh thank you guys, thank you!" Travis beamed as he came up and embraced Vic tightly, squeezing her happily as he hugged her, Vic chuckling softly as she hugged him back. "Of course, Travis."
Travis pulled away so he could hug Ripley as well, giving him a tight squeeze, his eyes widening when he realized he was hugging one of his bosses, pulling away. "Err, um, thank you, chief…"
Lucas just chuckled, patting him on the shoulder with a smile. "It's alright, Montgomery, you're welcome."
Travis beamed at them happily, his smile suddenly fading as he thought of Zack and Jace, remembering his reality, his eyes quickly tearing up a little.
"Travis, what's wrong?" Vic and Luke quickly frowned, immediately noticing.
"I-I….It's just….I can't believe you guys did this for me…." He looked up at them with big eyes. "That you would care this much about me to actually get me a puppy."
"Of course, honey," Vic frowned at him softly, rubbing a hand at his arm gently. "We just want you to be happy."
Wanting to see him smile again, she pulled him gently over to the couch where the dog had jumped up and was sniffing around, barking happily at Travis when he came over. "Wh-What are you going to name him?" She smiled at him, watching him pick up the dog in his arms and nuzzle him affectionately.
"Well, before Michael died, we were going to adopt a baby and we picked out a few names, I guess I could pick one of those…" Travis smiled down at the dog happily, who licked his face, tail wagging, barking.
Vic frowned a little at what he said, finding it touching, smiling faintly again as she watched them. "Okay. Like what?"
"Ah well for a boy, we picked out Daniel, Phillip, Troy, Joey and Milo but Michael's favorite was always Milo…" Travis shook his head with a grin as he pet the dog's ears and kissed it's face, the dog barking every time he wanted to be petted, panting happily.
Vic watched Travis with a smile, a faint sadness in her eyes to hear him talk of Michael, smiling softly. "He does look like he could be a Milo…."
Travis smiled wider, chuckling softly, pulling the dog closer into a sort of hug, kissing his head. "Well I guess that's what I'll call you then….! My little Milo."
Milo yipped and licked his face, Travis laughing at him, suddenly so happy he had found a new friend, looking happier than he had been in a long time, just smiling.
Vic got up and went to Luke with a faint smile as she watched, suddenly looking around the room. "Hey Travis, where are all your pictures of Michael?"
Travis glanced up, setting Milo down on the floor who scampered off, Travis getting to his feet. "Oh, I took them down…." He just nodded.
"Why? You love all your pictures of Michael." Vic frowned a little at him, who shrugged.
"Well I am with Jace now….I just thought maybe it was time to move on from Michael and put them away….you know?" Travis gave them a little fake grin, watching them nod slowly.
"Oh, alright. Well, would you like us to stay for a little bit? We can help you get Milo settled in…." Vic started and Travis just shook his head no at her.
"That's okay, Vic, I got it, but thanks."
"Oh alright. Guess we'll be going then. Uh give Milo a goodbye kiss for me, okay?" Vic smiled faintly, Travis just chuckling. "O-Okay."
He smiled softly at her and then hugged her again before she could leave, smiling happily. "Thanks again, Vic."
Vic hugged him back, having missed his hugs, giving him a squeeze, glad he was back to his old self again. "Of course, Travis, it was no problem. And if you ever need anything, Luke and I will always be there for you, alright?"
Travis smiled, suddenly entirely grateful to have her as a friend, pulling away from the hug, looking happy. "Thanks Vic. And don't worry, I'll take good care of Milo, I really love him…."
Vic was starting to leave with Lucas, smiling. "I'm glad you do. Have a good night, Travis. Stay safe."
Travis nodded and watched them go with a smile, turning to look at his new pet happily, who was just sniffing everything curiously as his tail wagged, Travis finally feeling happy again for once, it being the first time in a long while, feeling like all of his troubles were gone.
"A puppy? A damn puppy?!" Zack snarled when him and Jace came back, looking furious, Travis frowning up at him sadly. "Why the hell would she give you a puppy?"
"I didn't know she would be giving me a dog, Zack, honest, but please, I really like him…!"
"He's not staying here!" Zack snapped with a snarl, eyes narrowed angrily. "I'm not going to be here with a stupid dog all the time, it'll ruin everything." He pointed down to Milo who was a few feet away, whining a little at the yelling, watching, his head cocked.
"His name is Milo," Travis frowned with big eyes, looking up at Zack with a pleading look. "And he's my dog now and you can't-"
"No way! I'll take him out to the middle of nowhere and kill it! Hell, I'll take him to the river and let him drown for all I care…!" Zack growled, reaching down to grab at Milo, Travis quickly protesting, pushing him away.
"No! No, Zack you can't! He's my dog, Vic gave him to me!"
Zack stood up straight to glare at him angrily, looking furious. "I'm sorry, did you just try and tell me what to do? I'm the one who tells you what to do, remember?"
Travis looked up at him with tears in his eyes, frowning deeply, stammering. "Z-Zack, please-"
Zack snarled and punched him angrily, shoving Travis into the wall harshly, beginning to hit him in the stomach several times, Travis crying out in pain.
Zack swore and shouted angrily as he punched him and Milo quickly began to growl, running over, barking angrily at Zack, biting at his pant leg and tugging at his jeans, thrashing his head around, growling loudly as he tried to protect Travis.
Zack looked down with a snarl and kicked him away harshly with his other foot, knocking Milo into the wall who yelped loudly, whining in pain.
"Milo!" Travis screamed as he watched, his eyes quickly going narrow angrily, growling as he suddenly tackled Zack to the floor, punching him.
Zack roared in fury and grabbed at him as the two quickly began fighting, Milo once again barking loudly at them nearby and growling in an attempt to protect Travis, Zack snarling at Jace as he fought.
"Get that stupid thing out of here!"
Jace came over and snatched up Milo into his arms, glaring when the dog wriggled and tried to get away, growling.
Travis cried out when he saw Jace shove Milo into the bathroom and close the door, trapping him in there, Milo quickly barking loudly, scratching at the door.
"Milo!" Travis cried with a deep frown, Zack wrapping an arm around his throat into a choke-hold, Travis crying when he choked him, whimpering when he could no longer breathe, coughing, quickly going still.
Zack snarled and shoved him face-first onto the floor, pushing his head down into the floor harshly as he sat untop of him, Travis crying out in pain, whimpering, Zack just eventually getting off of him and beating him some more. Travis was bleeding badly when he had finished, hurting badly, hardly able to move.
He could still hear Milo whining from the bathroom and he just cried, whimpering in pain, unable to move as the two of them just left him lying on the floor, Travis miserable once more as everything hurt and he was alone again.
When they took him to his room, Travis just cried softly, not speaking to any of them, keeping his gaze downcasted as he let Zack tie him up, opening his mouth to let himself be gagged, biting down with a sniffle.
Milo was still trapped in the bathroom but by now he had went quiet, Travis frowning deeply as he hoped he was okay, wanting him.
Zack and Jace stood above him with a glare, sneering at him as they left, Travis just shaking his head sadly, his tears sliding down his face and into his lap.
But then a couple minutes later the door opened again and Travis looked up with a frown to see Jace, who only left after opening the door, making Travis's eyebrows furrow with confusion.
Moments later, he came back, remaining quiet with a sort of stoic look, Milo in his arms.
Travis's eyes widened and Jace put Milo down gently, Milo's tail wagging when he saw Travis, yipping.
Though he was glad to see him again, relieved to see he appeared to be alright after Zack had kicked him, Travis looked up at Jace with confusion but Jace didn't say anything, just closing the door, leaving them be.
Milo started to whine as he came over to Travis, confused as to why he wasn't moving, whimpering when he sniffed and smelled pain all over him, cocking his head up at him with a sort of sad look, tail drooping.
Travis just frowned down at him, wishing he could speak, hanging his head sadly with a sniffle, crying silently. He knew after what had happened Milo couldn't stay here with him anymore, not after Zack had hurt him. He'd have to return him in the morning.
Milo whined loudly and went behind him to where his hands were tied, nudging his snout at them in an attempt to be petted, continuing to whine when Travis wouldn't move them.
Cocking his head, Milo looked at Travis and then sniffed at his hands, beginning to bite gently at the rope around them, starting to tug, growling softly, trying to get him free.
Travis quickly looked up with a frown, it only hurting him as Milo pulled and Travis frowned deeply at him, muttering under the gags at him, Milo stopping at the sound, looking up with a few sad wags of his tail.
Travis looked at him with sad eyes and Milo came back in front of him, whining, slowly crawling into Travis's lap, sniffing at his face, letting out a whimper.
Travis just nuzzled the top of his head sadly with his chin, glad to have him there with him, though he still felt guilty for when he had gotten kicked, his tears getting into Milo's fur as he kept nuzzling him affectionately, crying softly.
Milo whined and kept close to him, eventually curling up in his lap as he sat criss-crossed, remaining there as he waited for Travis to eventually fall asleep, not going anywhere, staying right there with him.
The next morning, Zack was quite angry to find Milo was in there with him, quickly asking Jace why as he tried to kick Milo out the door as he barked at them but luckily Milo scampered off before he could, Travis relieved.
Jace just shrugged and straight up told Zack he had brought Milo in for Travis, Zack looking at him with a sort of glare, his eyes flickering and Travis almost thought he was going to punch him.
But he didn't even say anything, just getting Travis untied quietly, watching Jace walk out as he went to the kitchen to make breakfast before he had to go to work.
Travis stayed quiet as he fed Milo and played with him a little, smiling faintly as Milo would just bark and yip playfully as they played tug of war, Travis frowning as Zack stopped him when he tried to take him outside.
"Where the hell you going?!" He growled, marching over.
"Jus' taking him outside…." Travis said quietly with his head lowered, watching Zack stomp over and snatch the leash from his hands.
"Like hell you are. I'll do it, you stay inside."
Milo growled at him and quickly bit at his pant leg, tugging at it and thrashing his head, Zack swearing, shaking him off with a glare.
Travis watched with a faint smile, admiring Milo's bravery. "Just don't hurt him….."
Zack sneered and just went outside with him, Travis quietly wandering over to the dining table, glancing at Jace where he cooked in the kitchen, quickly looking away, frowning.
After they had eaten and Jace had left for work, Travis packed up Milo's things into a bag and gently scooped him up into his arms, frowning sadly when Milo yipped happily and licked his nose, Travis slowly coming over to where Zack sat on the couch, a deep frown on his face.
"I'm going to take Milo back…." He said quietly, Zack just huffing as he turned off the tv, a beer in his hand.
"Well it's about time. You know I still woulda been glad to take care of him for you…." He huffed with a sort of smirk and Travis didn't answer, frowning.
"Alright, go on. You hurry back though, don't take long. I'll be waiting for you when you get back." Zack gave him a sort of knowing look and Travis just frowned as he knew what he meant, turning to leave, walking out to his car.
Vic frowned when she opened the door and saw Travis, who was holding Milo, looking sadder than ever, his head lowered.
"Travis, what are you doing here?" She asked, looking him over with worry, quickly spotting the fresh bruises on his face, knowing those were new.
"I have to give Milo back. He can't stay with me." Travis frowned and he spoke in such a sad voice, Vic immediately was getting worried.
"Why, what's wrong? You were so happy with him last night, what happened?"
Travis's eyes were filled with sadness, looking like he could cry at any second, keeping his head lowered as he started to lie. "It's just that Milo didn't settle in too well last night and Jace, he-he's allergic, I-I just can't keep him, I'm sorry…."
"But Travis, you don't have to get rid of Milo just because Jace is allergic." Vic quickly frowned, not understanding. "You don't have to keep doing all these things just because Jace says so. He's not in control of your life you know."
Travis looked up to meet her gaze, frowning, his heart aching a little with pain.
If only she knew…..
He shook his head at her, holding out Milo. "I can't keep him, Vic…."
Vic frowned deeply but took Milo, who let out a sort of whine, sensing their sadness, looking up at Travis. "Well Okay Travis…I-I'll see if Dean can take care of him for you but if you change your mind and want him back, you can definitely do that."
Travis just shrugged, frowning at the ground. Vic watched him, frowning as she set Milo down inside, who wandered off quickly out of curiosity. "Why don't you come in, Travis, I could make you something to eat…." She offered, watching Travis step inside with a frown, just shrugging again.
"No thanks. Jace already gave me breakfast."
"Oh. How about some tea then?" Vic tried to smile warmly but it was hard to when her best friend looked so miserable before her.
"Sure." Was all Travis said, sitting down on the couch where he gazed down at the floor sadly, his brown eyes seeming lifeless, just completely clouded over with pain.
Vic frowned deeply at him and went to the kitchen to make the tea for him, watching him closely, unable to understand how someone once so happy and compassionate could be so sad.
She brought the tea over when it was ready, looking at Travis who just took it quietly, sitting down next to him with a frown, Milo yipping at their feet happily, Travis not even looking at him, just looking miserable.
Vic's eyes were teary as she couldn't take her eyes off him, frowning deeply with worry.
"Travis honey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." Travis just stated lowly, sipping at his tea with sad eyes, looking broken.
Vic's eyes widened, bewildered as to why he kept denying wanting to talk. "Travis, please, you and I both know it's not just nothing, now please, why don't you want to talk to me?"
Travis shrugged, avoiding looking at her. "Because there's nothing to talk about."
"Travis, please…." Vic frowned, shaking her head at him. "I don't know what else to do. I'm your best friend and all I want to do is help."
"I don't need your help. I don't need anyone's help…." Travis said quietly, his voice sounding as broken as he looked.
Vic frowned deeply, it paining her to see him so hurt and sad. "Please stop pushing us away, Travis," She spoke softly. "We're your friends and we are all so worried about you. We care about you, so so much."
"No you don't. Nobody does." Travis's jaw set, continuing to stare at the floor.
Vic eyebrows furrowed, looking almost hurt. "Who told you that?"
"What?" Travis managed to lift his head a little.
"You never would say that unless somebody said it to you. Now who is it? Is it this person that keeps hurting you?"
"What, no." Travis quickly denied it, looking away.
"Oh so now we're back to it being nobody…." Vic huffed, getting a little frustrated, just wishing he would talk. "That Travis just keeps showing up with bruises and says it's nobody. That we're just supposed to act like nothing's happening."
"Vic, stop, you don't understand…." Travis frowned, his voice getting a little angrier too, hating that this is what they were talking about.
"Well then just help me understand….! Talk to me, Travis, I'm your best friend, now please, I just want to help."
"You can't help with something like this, Vic," Travis sighed tiredly with a frown, his eyes getting teary.
"I could if you would just tell me….!" Vic frowned deeply at him.
"Well I'm not going to tell you alright?" Travis just frowned, huffing. "I'm not going to tell you because it's too personal…." He said quieter.
"And I get that…." Vic said softer, calming down as well. "And it may be personal to you but it could help if you're willing to open up….nobody's going to be against you, Travis."
Travis was quiet for a long moment as he looked at the floor, thinking hard.
"I-I guess, I guess I just can't stop thinking of Michael right now…." He stated lowly, looking vulnerable.
Vic's eyebrows raised, listening. "Michael. Wh-What about him?" She asked calmly, watching Travis swallow, closing his eyes a moment, taking in a deep breath.
"I….I'm starting to wonder, if-if Michael never actually loved me." He stated softly, almost whispering, managing to glance up at her, his frown sad.
Vic's expression quickly formed into worry, her eyes going big, shocked to hear him say such a thing. "Travis, how could you say that, of course Michael loved you….! He was your husband."
Travis just shook his head no slowly, frowning deeply. "You don't know that. You never met him."
"True…I never did meet Michael but Travis, I know how much he loved you, j-jus' look at your pictures! You guys were so happy together." Vic frowned at him, her eyes big as she watched him.
"Sure we were happy but that doesn't mean he loved me as much as I loved him…." Travis frowned, starting to sniffle, looking like he could start crying.
"Oh honey…." Vic frowned at him deeply, pulling him into a hug, rubbing at his back gently, hugging him tightly, glad when Travis hugged her back.
"Michael loved you, sweetie, so much. He absolutely loved you. Don't you ever think he didn't, okay? Think about what he would say if he were here now….."
Travis sniffled, swaying with her as they hugged, crying a little though he was trying not to. "H-He….I-I-I dunno…." He shook his head, closing his eyes tightly, thinking of Michael sadly, feeling heartbroken.
Vic just kept swaying with him, rubbing his back, thinking. "He'd say: Travis, I care about you so much and it pains me to see you hurting so badly. Please tell me what's wrong…."
Travis sniffled softly, silent tears running down his face, the corners of his lips faintly quirking into a smile. "Michael would have loved you, Vic, he would have loved everything about you…..I-I just miss him so much."
"Oh honey, I know….I never met him and even I miss him. I just wish he were still alive so you could be happy."
"I know. He's gone…..sometimes I just think about what it would be like if he were still alive, and it were me that was gone…." Travis said quietly, talking slowly, frowning as Vic squeezed him tighter.
"Honey…..there are so many people here who care about you, so much….who love you. You do understand that, don't you, Trav? Please tell me you do…." Vic frowned deeply, just wanting to cheer him up.
"Maybe." Travis just frowned deeply with a shrug, slowly pulling out of the hug, his eyes red and brimmed with tears, looking her over with a sad look. "B-But I am glad you care, Vic, I-i'm happy you still want to be my friend, after-after all that's happened…."
Vic reached over and gently took his hand, giving it a squeeze, smiling faintly. "Of course I'm your friend, Travis. I saved your life once and I would save you again in a heartbeat, on any day, even if it meant putting my life on the line for you, though I would preferably like to stay alive while doing it…." She chuckled weakly, watching him.
"And no matter what, I am not going to stop caring about you, without a doubt, because you're my best friend. And I need you. My life wouldn't be complete without you, Travis."
Travis just held back a sniffle, trying to smile through his sadness, feeling a twinge of happiness in his heart. "You-You mean that?"
"Every word." Vic nodded with a sort of smile and Travis too tried to smile as he nodded, managing to believe her.
The next day at shift was hard for Travis as he tried to keep to himself and not cry as he did his chores but it was still difficult, sniffling every now and then, wiping at his eyes, there practically not being one ounce of happiness left him, Zack and Jace having robbed it from him completely.
Unfortunately during shift they got a call for a fire at an apartment building, Travis frowning as he went inside with the rest of the crew under Jack's command, Sullivan remaining outside to handle things regarding triage and evacuees, Jack the one now in charge.
Other firefighters from other stations occasionally went past, several different crew members going to different floors.
Travis frowned as they ran up the stairs and Jack started instructing them on where he wanted them to do search and rescue, Travis frowning as he listened, already sweating in his turnout gear, feeling a little out of sorts, his head hurting.
He had trouble listening to Jack, confused.
"And be quick, this structure is not entirely sound. Find your victims and get out."
"Wait Jack, say that again, where do you want me?"
Jack turned to him, having his 'I'm in charge' expression on, the way he looked whenever he was playing captain. "Montgomery, you're with Hughes, you two are sweeping this and the upper floor."
"B-But-But I still don't understand, I-" Travis frowned, struggling to concentrate.
Jack waved at the other pairs to go off and start looking for victims, frowning down at Travis as he repeated himself again, his voice getting louder. "Montgomery, you're with Hughes, you sweep!"
"D-Don't-Don't yell at me, Gibson, I-I just don't-" Travis frowned with big eyes, Vic looking at him with worry, not understanding what was wrong with him, wide-eyed.
"Travis, listen to me, what don't you understand?!" Jack huffed at him loudly, grabbing him by his turnout with both hands, just worried about making sure he was fit enough to be doing this and for the sake of the possible victims, under a lot of pressure with decision-making as acting captain.
"D-Don't touch me…." Travis whimpered faintly, pushing his arms away, Jack looking down at him impatiently.
"Do I need to tag you out?!" He questioned firmly with a loud voice, Travis shaking his head no, though he looked a little scared, unsure himself. "N-No, no, you-you don't."
"Great, then start sweeping. Just stay with Hughes." Jack nodded to him as he and Miller turned to go off and search for victims on their own floor, Vic grabbing at Travis's arm, urging him to follow.
"Come on, Travis, we have to hurry. This way."
Travis frowned and went after her but something wasn't right: his head hurt and he couldn't focus, it actually hurting as he tried to think, getting dizzy at all the confusion, his vision seeming to start messing with him.
He followed Vic into the nearest apartment and looked around the room only to find the people living there must have already evacuated, frowning as he put a hand to his helmet, feeling like his head couldn't take any more, his heart beginning to race.
He tried his best to keep up with Vic as she quickly went in and out of rooms as quickly as she could but Travis couldn't keep up, his stress suddenly seeming to get the better of him, making him slow down and tire, frowning deeply as he just wished he could stop and lie down.
Vic had went into the apartment door right before him, Travis turning to go to another door to look, knowing she's be alright finishing up in that room alone anyways, knowing she could handle it.
But from his painful confusion, Travis went the wrong way, going the opposite direction of where Vic went, quickly getting lost, no longer with her, not even realizing it until he dawned on him of what he was doing, suddenly more confused than ever as he looked around. "Vic?"
But he couldn't find her, even when he tried going to the other rooms and searching, starting to pick up his radio to talk to her, but he was starting to feel worse, something clearly wrong, his panicking not helping either.
All he knew was that he had lost Vic and now because of him, his friends could get hurt, he had put them into jeopardy by wandering off when they were supposed to get out of there as soon as possible, the structure not completely sound and if they were spending time trying to find him, he had just put them all at risk.
I put them in danger, this is my fault, I've screwed up again, I could get them all killed just like I killed Michael, I-I don't want them to die, not if it's my fault….!
His thoughts racing, Travis was beginning to slip out of consciousness, the radio falling from his hand as he mind seemed to go numb, beginning to collapse, whimpering faintly, unable to stop himself.
He quickly fell to the floor, unconscious, having passed out, his stress from all that had been going on too much for him.
It didn't take long before Vic also realized he was missing, meanwhile, immediately feeling dread wash over her when she turned around to see he wasn't there, quickly searching for him, hoping he hadn't actually wandered off, knowing this was too critical of a time, scared, especially when he wouldn't answer his radio.
"Gibson, you there?"
"Copy Hughes, talk to me."
Vic was wandering through the hall and trying to look through rooms quickly. "It's Montgomery, Jack, he must have wandered off, I-I can't find him. I can't find Travis."
Jack quickly came running back down to her floor with the others, looking stressed beyond worry. "How could you lose him, where did you last see him? Everybody search for Montgomery, right damn now!"
"I'm sorry, Gibson, I don't know, he must have wandered off…." Vic rushed, frowning deeply, trying her radio again. "Montgomery, do you copy?"
No answer.
"We have to find him, and quickly, it's not safe in here for anyone, and he could be hurt, Miller, Warren, check every room!" Jack ordered, opening apartment doors along with Vic.
"Montgomery! Travis!" Everybody called, searching, though the rooms were starting to fill with smoke, making visibility difficult, worrying everyone further, fearing Travis was hurt, needing to find him and get him out of there.
"Gibson, Gibson, in here!" Maya suddenly shouted from one of the rooms, Jack hearing her from the hall, coming in to see they were bent down by Travis on the floor, who was not moving, Andy and Maya already starting to help get him up. "He's unresponsive."
"Alright, careful, give him here, we gotta move, now, Chief said the building's getting worse, everybody move…." Jack huffed as he slipped his arms under Travis's to carry him, Maya holding onto his feet, each starting to carry him out as quickly as they could, Travis limp and motionless.
"Somebody call it in!" Jack huffed, going down the stairs with them, looking worried.
"May-day, may-day, firefighter down, need immediate assistance!" Dean called in through the radio, everyone rushing outside, carrying the unconscious and limp Travis with them, quickly getting him to triage, fearing there was something incredibly wrong with him…
Travis's eyes fluttered open, blinking himself awake, recognizing he was lying back on what must have been a gurney, looking down to see his turnout jacket was off and there was an oxygen mask over his face, realizing he was still at the scene, other firefighters off in the distance hosing down the fire.
Frowning, feeling a little disorientated still, he looked over to see Vic standing beside him.
"V-Vic? Wh-What happened?" He questioned, wondering how he had gotten out of the building, his mind blank.
Vic had her arms crossed over her chest, looking a little cross. "You passed out, Travis." She stated lowly. "And we all had to get you out of there."
Travis quickly frowned, feeling guilty, eyes big. "I-I'm sorry Vic, I didn't mean to-"
"We all thought you were hurt, Travis, or worse. But no, you just passed out, nothing else is wrong with you. If you knew you weren't fit to be in there, you should've tagged out when Jack asked you."
Travis just stammered, looking upset. "I-I-I…."
"Not to mention you put us all at risk looking for you, when we were supposed to get out of there as soon as possible. You cost us time, Travis, when you could've avoided it altogether. You could've avoided making us worry about you." Vic frowned, shaking her head.
"Y-You-You're not mad, are you?" Travis looked at her with glossy eyes, frowning deeply.
"I'm not mad," Vic insisted. "I was just scared I was going to lose you." She huffed as she started marching off, not meaning to sound so angry, she was just concerned.
Travis swallowed hard as he watched her go, a deep frown etched on his face, eyes clouded over, upset with himself, guilty for having put his friends in danger.
His frown grew deeper when he saw Sullivan coming over, after the fire became under control and things started settling down.
"Montgomery," Travis quickly frowned at Sullivan's hands on his hips. "You put your teammates all at risk and you cost them time. I'm glad you're alright but it could've gone a lot worse, especially if it were something serious. You're lucky they got you out of there and everyone made it out safely when they did."
Travis hung his head, his eyes watery, trying not to cry, feeling terrible. "I-I know, sir. I'm sorry."
"I think it's time you and I had a word in my office. It's urgent." Sullivan just nodded, turning to walk off, Travis quickly looking up with a frown, suddenly worried his job was in trouble, wondering if he was going to get fired, knowing if he did, his life would truly be over.
He frowned deeply at the others as they went back to the station, especially at Jack and Vic, not speaking to anyone, thinking hard as he tried his best not to cry, feeling awful.
They got back and soon Travis found himself in Sullivan's office, frowning down at the floor as his captain peered across the desk at him.
"I didn't want to have to do this, but if your health and well-being starts putting others at risk, that's where I have to draw the line." Sullivan started, his voice low and serious like always. "Now it's obvious something's been going on outside of work, something personal." He eyed the bruises on Travis's face which he had gotten last night, thanks to Jace.
"Gibson and Hughes informed me you have some sort of a new boyfriend…?"
Travis looked up, eyes widening. "Wait, what? When-When did Vic and Jack talk to you, why-why were they-"
Sullivan held up a hand. "They were just giving me the information I asked them for. But like I said, it's been too many times that your personal concerns interfere with work and I have to put a stop to it before you or anyone else gets hurt."
Travis looked up at him with big eyes, his eyes glossed over with tears, frowning.
"I think you need to take some time off. To get whatever's going on sorted out, so that when you come back, it won't compromise anyone's work."
"Sir, I-I….there-there's nothing going on-" Travis tried to protest quietly, Sullivan shaking his head no. "I'm sorry Montgomery, but clearly there's an issue that needs to be taken care of, I suggest you go home for a couple of weeks and stay there."
"But-But I….I would like to keep working, sir, I-" Travis stammered with big eyes, knowing if he didn't come into work, he'd have to stay home all the time with Zack and Jace, wanting anything but that.
"I've made up my mind, Montgomery. You can go home early and take the rest of this shift off and I will see you in two weeks. I'm just doing this so you can get better." Sullivan spoke quieter, looking sympathetic. "That'll be all."
Travis felt heartbroken, trying not to cry in front of his boss as he frowned deeply, slowly getting up to leave, feeling awful, just wanting to be alone and cry, feeling like his entire life was falling apart.
First his health, then his safety, then his friends and even his husband's love were corrupted and taken away from him and now, even his job, now Travis didn't even have that.
Quickly he went to one of the bunk rooms and closed the door, beginning to cry, feeling hopeless, everything ruined.
Some time later, Jack was walking down the hall with Maya, joking with her as they made playful comments about each other, smirking at her as she went off to go on aid car as a call came through, Jack suddenly hearing faint crying as he passed one of the bunk rooms.
He stopped and quickly looked at the door with a frown, eyebrows furrowing as he listened, though he knew right away it was Travis.
He listened to Travis's loud crying for a moment with a frown, huffing to himself as he knew it was time to get to the bottom of this, opening the door and stepping inside quietly.
Travis looked up from where he sat on the bed, wide-eyed, frowning deeply as he seemed to tremble, tears running down his face. "G-Go away, Jack…." He looked embarrassed, starting to wipe at his eyes.
"No no, it's alright. I'm not judging." Jack nodded to him as he stood in front of the closed door, watching him, wondering if this was about Travis getting called into Sullivan's office.
Travis sniffled and looked away, continuing to cry, whimpering softly, looking miserable, crying into his hands.
Jack watched him with a frown and soft eyes, trying not to look too intimating to him. "What happened earlier Travis, I know that wasn't your fault. I could tell something was wrong and I should've tagged you out, that was my responsibility as acting captain."
"I-I-It's not your fault, Jack." Travis sniffled, not looking up. "I'm the one who put everyone in danger, not you."
Jack slowly nodded, quiet for a minute as he watched Travis cry, keeping his voice calm as he started to talk.
"You know it's a shame Jace hit you again."
"He-He didn't mean to. He said he wouldn't again but it just sort of happens-" Travis suddenly gasped, realizing what he had said, looking up wide-eyed, mouth agape.
Jack's eyes were wide, looking a little shocked, holding his breath a moment as he stared down at him. "So it is true?" He demanded quietly, Travis whimpering again.
"H-How-How did you know?"
"Travis, it's not hard to put two and two together when you think about it, I just hoped it wasn't true."
Travis shook, getting to his feet, shaking his head no quickly. "Oh Jack, I-I….you're-you're not supposed to know! I wasn't supposed to tell!" He cried out, starting to panic, tears running down his face.
"Whoa, whoa, hey, calm down. You didn't tell me, I just figured it out…." Jack stated and again Travis shook his head no. "No Jack, you don't understand, I wasn't supposed to let anyone find out, they're-they're going to find out! Please, you can't tell anyone else about this, Jack!"
Travis grabbed him by his collar, looking frightened, Jack putting his hands on his shoulders gently, wide-eyed.
"Whoa, whoa, Travis, easy. Now who's this they?"
"There-There's another guy, not just Jace. His name's Zack." Travis whimpered, breathing heavily as he cried.
Jack's eyes were wide, looking angry. "There's more than one?"
"Please Jack, you're not supposed to know! Oh god, they're going to find out!" Travis whimpered in fear, his hands on his head, trembling.
"Travis, they don't have to find out that I know." Jack frowned.
"No, they'll know! And If I told anyone, they'd go after Vic! They already did it once, Jack, they know where she lives, they're going to hurt her!"
"Hey, no one is going to hurt Vic." Jack put his hands on his shoulders, trying to get him to calm down, looking him in the eye. "And no one's going to hurt you again, I'll make sure of it. I'll take care of those two for you." Jack huffed and Travis whimpered quickly, looking scared.
"No Jack! They'll hurt you! I-I can't let you get hurt!"
"And I'M not going to let you get hurt anymore, Travis." Jack huffed, looking angry. "Those two have already done enough damage, I'm going to kill them!"
"Jack, no….you-you can't-" Travis cried, shaking, eyes big with fear. "I-I won't let you."
"Hey, come here," Jack frowned and gently pulled him into a hug, Travis quickly hugging him back, letting out a soft whimper, Jack rubbing his back softly. "Don't worry about me. I'm going to take care of those guys, alright? You're going to be safe again."
"B-But what if-"
"Travis, I'm doing this, I'm doing this for you." Jack looked down at him sincerely as Travis pulled away, wiping at his eyes with his sleeve, looking up at him hopefully.
"A couple of guys don't scare me. Trust me, It'll be fine. You'll be fine." Jack smiled and Travis sniffled.
"You-You'd do that for me, Jack?"
"Of course." Jack patted him on the shoulder. "Now, you get off shift early, right?"
Travis nodded, remembering how he had been told to take time off, wiping at his eyes, frowning a little. "Y-Yeah."
"Alright. Do they come there, to your house?"
"Uh huh."
"What time?"
"Normally not till later." Travis frowned softly, looking up at him.
"Alright, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to ask Sullivan if I can take you home and then we'll get there before this Zack and Jace arrive so that I can ambush them when they don't even expect it. Boom, problem solved." Jack looked proud, grinning, Travis nodding slowly.
"I-I guess that might work….b-but-but I don't want you to get hurt, Jack." His eyes got big, Jack just shaking his head.
"Don't worry about it. Trust me, Travis. This is going to work. Zack and Jace aren't going to be a problem anymore."
Sullivan agreed to let Jack take Travis home, who was sitting in Jack's car as Jack drove, admittedly a little worried, fearing this might not work.
"So….why didn't you just tell us sooner? We would've helped." Jack said quietly, Travis just frowning.
"I couldn't Jack, you know that. They were going to hurt Vic, I-I couldn't let that happen."
"Travis….you still didn't have to suffer alone. We care about you."
"I-I know…." Travis groaned a little softly. "I-I was just afraid. Zack and Jace are-are so mean, I just couldn't…."
Jack frowned as he gripped the steering wheel, angry. "That little son of a b****. I shoulda taken care of him when I had the chance, I knew something was up. And you just pretended like nothing was happening, right in front of me?"
Travis frowned, hanging his head. "I-I'm sorry…."
"Don't be. I'll take care of him for you." Jack huffed, driving towards Travis's house, suddenly frowning.
"Ah shoot, I forgot, I have to pick something up for Maya…."
"Maya?" Travis frowned a little, not knowing about her and Jack yet.
"You're sure they won't be there, right?" Jack looked at him, frowning, Travis nodding.
"Yeah, yeah, I don't think so."
"Great, okay, I'll drop you off at the house and then go to the store and come right back, okay? It should only take ten minutes."
"O-Okay." Travis just shrugged, nodding. "That's fine."
"Sweet. Sorry, I totally forgot." Jack pulled up at Travis's house, Travis getting out.
"I'll be right back, alright?!" Jack called as he started driving off, Travis giving a wave, nodding to himself as he started to go inside, suddenly feeling hopeful for once, glad Jack was going to help him.
He opened the door and went inside, freezing when he suddenly saw Jace and Zack standing there, making him gulp, going rigid.
Zack did not look pleased, eyes narrowed. "Why was Jack dropping you off?"
Travis mentally squirmed, getting nervous, his brain telling him to go back out the door and run but he couldn't move. "I-I got sent home early, Jack was just bringing me home-"
"Liar." Zack growled, looking furious. "He knows about us, doesn't he?"
Travis gulped, not liking his mean gaze, looking scared. "I-I didn't tell him, honest, he just figured it out himself…." He whimpered, Zack letting out a snarl.
"You little-! We warned you!" He shouted, grabbing Travis by his shirt, punching him to the floor, Travis crying out with a whimper, yelping when Zack kicked him in the stomach.
"Now what? Jack knows." Jace growled.
Zack was swearing, muttering to himself. "Son of a— Did he tell anyone else?" He glared down at Travis, who quickly shook his head no, shaking.
"No, no!"
"Good." Zack huffed, looking meaner than ever, his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Well, since you were the one who went on and blabbed, here's what we're going to do. Grab him."
Travis cried out as Jace reached down for him. "No, no please! No!"
But it was too late.
Jack's phone started to ring and he looked over, seeing it was Travis calling, putting it on speaker. "Travis, what is it?"
"Hello Jack." An unfamiliar voice spoke, Jack immediately recognizing the voice wasn't Travis's. He quickly frowned, a bad feeling washing over him. "Who is this?" He demanded.
"My name's Zack, I'm a friend of Travis's and apparently you already know that, even though you're not supposed to." Zack's voice was smug, sounding sly, Jack gripping the steering wheel tighter, eyes narrowed.
"Where's Travis?"
"Oh he's here," Jack could hear the smile in Zack's voice. "My buddy Jace and I have a gun to his head and if you want to see him again, you're going to do as I say." Zack smirked down at Travis as he stood beside him, Jace's hand over Travis's mouth as he held him still, pointing the gun at his head firmly, Travis trembling as he whimpered, his voice muffled, crying.
"You son of a b****," Jack's eyes went wide, growling. "If you hurt him, I swear-!"
"I didn't say anybody was going to hurt him," Zack sounded cheerful, pissing Jack off even further. "But he will get hurt unless you do what I say."
"What the hell do you want?" Jack growled, watching the road angrily as he drove.
"You're going to come back here and you and I are going to have a little talk, work this through. No harm done."
"Where's Travis, let me talk to him!" Jack demanded, needing to make sure Travis was alright.
"Oh he's fine. Here, see for yourself." Zack grinned, holding the phone out to Travis, Jace taking his hand off his mouth.
Travis gasped, whimpering, tears running down his face. "Jack, don't listen to him, don't do it, it's a trap, its a tr-mmph, mmm!" Jace clasped his hand back over his mouth, muffling his cries, Jack going wide-eyed as he listened.
"No! Don't hurt him, I'll be right over, just don't do anything to him….!" He snarled, his eyes wide with fear, worried, already turning the car around, making an illegal u-turn right on the road.
Zack chuckled into the phone, grinning. "See you soon."
Jack burst through the front door, marching inside the house, looking furious. "Travis?!"
Right away he spotted him with Jace who had an arm wrapped tightly around his chest, pointing a gun at Travis's head who looked terrified, blood running down the side of his face.
Zack was next to them, grinning when he saw Jack, extending his arms out. "Jack…! Glad you could come to talk…"
But Jack marched over hurriedly, his eyes narrowed, quickly punching Zack as hard as he could, Zack stumbling with a cry, not having seen it coming, quickly swearing, immediately furious.
He growled and tried to punch Jack back, Jack quickly blocking it, the two beginning to fight, Zack snarling as he tackled Jack to the floor.
"Jack!" Travis cried out with fear, watching wide-eyed, frightened, Jace holding him looking shocked as well.
Jack and Zack rolled on the floor in an attempt to pin the other down, each punching at the other, Travis watching with fear but as the fight went on, he soon began to realize Jack was winning.
Jack snarled as they got to their feet and he punched Zack in the stomach, swearing loudly, looking angrier than Travis had seen him in a long time, punching Zack over and over, Zack doing his best to fight back angrily but soon he quickly fell to the floor, going unconscious.
Travis's eyes widened, shocked, though it was with gratitude.
Jack panted angrily, his gaze now turning to Jace, eyes narrowed, Jace's mouth falling open as he quickly looked scared, taking a step back from Travis, letting him go.
Jack marched over, his expression looking murderous, his hands balled into fists. "You little son of a b****….!" He snarled, quickly grabbing him, already hitting him, beating the daylights out of him, Jace hardly getting a chance to defend himself, quickly getting weak.
Travis stood nearby with huge eyes, watching fearfully, shocked to see how aggressive Jack was, but was honestly glad for it, thankful that he was winning so easily, watching as he quickly knocked Jace out, Travis's mouth opening with shock.
Jack panted heavily, just a little scraped, looking up to him, managing to grin, looking proud.
Travis slowly began to smile back, suddenly realizing this was actually over, that he was saved!
"See Travis, I told you: it's all taken care of." Jack grinned and Travis started to nod, smiling, eyes getting a little teary as he couldn't believe it. "Y-Yeah…."
Suddenly Zack was on his feet again and coming up behind Jack, a beer bottle in his hand, having found it on the floor, he quickly swung, cracking it over the back of Jack's head, the glass shattering, quickly knocking Jack unconscious, Travis letting out a scream as he watched him topple to the floor.
"Jack!"
Jack didn't move, Travis looking between him and Zack, frightened, whimpering as he bent down to Jack and tried to shake him awake, desperate.
"Jack! Jack!"
Zack looked murderous as he stood above them, his jaw set angrily, blood running down his face, a new fire in his eyes, watching Travis unsympathetically, huffing as he turned and went to Jace, picking up his fallen gun.
"Jace, Jace, wake up you idiot….!" He hissed, kicking at Jace's side harshly, Jace quickly stirring, sitting up. "H-Huh?"
"Get up, we got business to take care of. And by business I mean two lousy firefighters. Now, you take care of Jack, I'll take care of Blabbermouth McGee… " Zack huffed, reaching into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out a bottle of chloroform, grabbing for a rag.
Travis was still hovering above Jack, whimpering as he sniffled and tried to shake Jack awake but Jack wouldn't move, still unconscious, Travis barely noticing Jace and Zack in the background, his only focus on his friend who was injured.
"Jack, please!"
He suddenly felt someone grab him, making him gasp and cry out, a wet rag going over his mouth and nose as Zack pulled him to his feet and held him firmly with a glare, Travis whimpering quickly, trying to move his head away, the chloroform filling his nostrils immediately, making him panic.
He tried not to breathe it in and cried out as he tried to struggle and pull away but Zack held him, whimpering out loudly when he felt his consciousness slipping, trying to fight it the best he could but he couldn't, his whimpers fading.
He began to go limp and let out a soft groan as he fell unconscious, Zack holding him as he slumped into his arms, quickly laying him down on the floor next to Jack, sneering down at them as they were now both motionless.
Jace was on his feet now, rubbing at his head, coming over wordlessly.
"Get the rope." Zack huffed, his voice low. "It's time we took care of these two for good…."