After discussing with the other crew members, Roy met up with Captain Stanley at a diner not usually frequented by firefighters. Both were even more concerned than before as when the other crew members were asked how they thought Johnny did on his first day back, they all felt something was off. No one could really pinpoint what was different – just that Johnny seemed to distance himself from everyone and wasn't quite the same person he was before going on disability leave. All wondered if it was due to being a victim of Chaotic Arsonist, as the media had dubbed the fire starter or something else. However, it almost seemed more than that, as if Johnny held some sort of secret.

Whatever it was, Marco, Chet, and Mike, all agreed to keep a closer eye on Johnny and agreed it was best for them to just head home. No one wanted Johnny to feel as though the Station 51 "A" shift was ganging up on him and the hope was that if the breakfast meeting was discovered, it wouldn't be taken the wrong way. If it was, then perhaps John would be willing to turn to one of the other men of their shifts. As bad as it felt planning this out, each person knew that something wasn't right. No matter how long it took until things turned around for Johnny, each man vowed to be there for him. It wasn't a hard decision to make at all, or even really a decision at all. After seven years together, they were family and to them, this is what family did.

As Hank and Roy picked at their breakfast, they listed what they had noticed throughout the shift. For Roy especially, having a quiet, withdrawn John who couldn't seem to meet anyone's eyes was disturbing. In all their years as partners, never once could he recall a time when Johnny was so quiet unless he was injured. Both agreed he was still professional on the job, but it almost was like Johnny was disconnected from what was taking place in the station.

"I keep trying to talk to him, tell him the family misses him, ask him questions, discuss things, and ask him what he thinks," Roy sighed heavily as he explained what would take place in the squad. "But he would just give the shortest possible answer, sometimes just make a noise to let me know he heard me. It's unnerving."

"Do you think you can trust him?" Hank asked, worried.

Pausing, Roy thought about it, "Right now, yes. I just know that there is going to be a breaking point. When or how it'll happen, I don't know. I think that worries me. If Johnny doesn't start talking about what is bothering him, what happens if he reaches that point on shift?"

Sighing heavily, Hank pushed back slightly from the table. His eyes were clouded with worry.

"I understand, but from what Kel says, it doesn't seem like there is any reason to take John off shift or do more than strongly recommend he goes back to counseling. With the debriefing we have more or less every shift, I honestly cannot see him doing that."

"I can't either Cap," replied Roy sadly. "I just wish he would let us in."

"What about his aunt? Have you tried talking with her?" Hank wondered. "I know it's kind of underhanded, but…"

Looking uncomfortable, Roy couldn't meet his Captain's eyes.

"Actually, I couldn't due to Johnny. I know over the last year, her diabetes has gotten a lot worse. She also suffered a minor stroke about 14 months ago. To say the least, she isn't doing well at all."

"Ahh, jeez," Hank ran his hand through his hair. "And John didn't want anyone to know, right?"

"I think it was him and his aunt's decision, but yeah," Roy said. "We already knew how bad things were for her and her diabetes seems to be tricky, but she is going downhill faster than anyone thought."

Sighing, Hank shook his head, "This can't be helping."

"Actually," Roy put in. "Johnny was dealing well with everything. He felt guilty at first about being grateful about the stroke, but since the stroke caused memory loss, his aunt really isn't aware of what is happening now. I told him it was reasonable to see it as a blessing."

"It's still got to be tough," Hank shook his head again.

"But the point is, he was dealing," pointed out Roy. "At least for the most part. So, we can reasonably assume that the issues Johnny has been having started right about four months ago, soon after Johnny was injured."

"But how are we supposed to help him, if he won't let us?" Hank huffed, frustrated.

"That, I don't know."

"And why then? Why not sooner? The arsonist had been around for four months prior?" Hank wondered out loud.

"Again, I don't know," Roy repeated, feeling frustrated himself. "All I know is something is going on with Johnny and he won't let us in. Until he does or we see something we can take to Doctor Brackett, our hands are tied."

"Sorry," Hank apologized sheepishly.

"No problem," Roy gave off a half smiled. "I get where you're coming from, believe me. We just have to wait and be there for him."

Nodding, Hank paid for the meal and they headed their separate ways.