"With Sam?" Trevor repeats credulously.

Elvis nods miserably.

"Why is that so bad for you?" The auxiliary fireman asks gently.

"Well, for one thing, I don't know how the whole town will react to the fact that I'm in love with a man." Elvis sighs sadly. "Also, Sam is more than just my mentor- he's my best friend." He stifles a sob. "I'm just scared that he doesn't feel the same way about me and we lose our friendship!"

"Hey, hey, boyo, it'll be okay." Trevor attempts to reassure. "First of all, you shouldn't worry about what the townspeople think. They're not responsible for your love life- you are. And I for one have got nothing against you being in love with Sam-because to me, love is about showing kindness, compassion, loyalty and companionship to someone you care most about in the world. I mean, I'm not as young as I used to be, and yet I love Dilys- love is nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, you have to tell Sam how you feel. I know for a fact he's open minded, but even if he says that he doesn't love you romantically, you'll feel better to have it out in the open."

There is a silence between the two men, for a moment, Trevor wonders if he had said the right thing- he doesn't want Elvis to get cold feet about speaking.

"You know, Trevor- you're right." Elvis wipes his eyes with his sleeve and manages a shaky smile. "I'll tell him how I feel. Thank you- I'm just being silly now. It just seems so obvious..."

"You're not silly, Elvis. Even when the solution is obvious, it can be more difficult to be rational when you're hurt, angry or frightened. Besides, friends are for helping you solving problems like this."

Elvis rises from his seat, wobbling precariously as he uses his crutches for support. "Well, thanks again, Trevor. You've made me feel a lot better."

"Anytime, Elvis. Oh, and I wouldn't say anything about this conversation for the time being." Trevor informs him.

With that, Elvis surges out of the kitchen, still on crutches, leaving Trevor to read the paper and finish his tea.

"Drat! It's gone cold! Better put the kettle on, again..."

...

"I'm worried about him, Penny. Elvis just hasn't been himself lately." Sam tells Penny, as the two firefighters work on cleaning Jupiter after the bus rescue. "He's been quiet and not quite as cheerful as he normally is.

As he says this, Sam suddenly finds himself wishing he could see the goofy, cheerful, soul lifting smile of his friend. He feels his face flush, and he is surprised. He never felt like that before- during the time Elvis was in hospital, the redheaded man had thought of him a lot, but he had just put down to concern of his best friend at the time. Now, however, he isn't so sure.

"Yes. I agree with you, Sam- maybe we should talk to him." Penny decides, just as she hears the door open with a crash. "Hello Elvis!" She calls, without turning round to look at him.

"Hello Penny- oh, hi Sam!" The fireman in question blurts, flushing.

Sam notices his best friend standing there awkwardly, and he feels relieved- Elvis is looking more his normal self than he had been earlier.

"Sam, I have...I have something important to tell you. I'm"-

Just then, loud and persistent ringing slices through the air, and Station Officer's Steele voice could be heard: "Emergency! There's a fire at Pandy Lane Farm!"