The first chapter had purposely been short, forgive me - I didn't want to reveal too much in one go!

AN: I am basing this a year after the events of the finale, the final scene with Team 1 in the barn was at least 6 months after and I think another 6 months would have been ideal, as I think Greg would still have needed a little more recovery and preparation time - Also maybe in time for Dean and Clark to start official classes too.

Though Greg really missed the SRU he couldn't be part of the team anymore, and his frustration had been evident, he even tried to check in on the teams sometimes by visiting - seeing how much Greg needed to keep himself busy Holleran had pulled strings and the Academy had welcomed the idea with wide open arms.

At first Greg had been hesitant but Eddie, the team, Marina and Dean... actually pretty much everyone... had persuaded him to at least think it over.

So, Greg had contemplated it - teaching the next generation of police officers? Teaching them everything he knew? Why not? He always wanted to teach, he had always been a teacher - he had taught Jules so why not do it properly full time? If it meant passing on something that would make a difference to the lives that would be put in their hands in future.

It wouldn't cure the pain he felt at no longer being on the field but knowing that he'd be a part of the lives of the future generation of the SRU - and in a way still part of the SRU - yeah at least he could hold on to that rather than sit at home dwelling on what could have been and drowning in misery...

Of course he still had Marina and Dean - he loved them so much, and to be honest, he was glad that he could be at home with them more - but he needed to work, to be doing something... he wanted to.

It would also help him to heal emotionally, mentally - he knew it wouldn't be great at first but in time - he knew he didn't HAVE to talk about the experience, he probably would but on his own terms… it wasn't like the kids there didn't know what had happened just a year ago to the entire city!.

So, he'd accepted a place at the academy just months later and soon had his retirement do - and his official send off.

But he had to wait a little longer because he hadn't completely fully healed - his Doctor wanted to be sure he was ready for it, both mentally, emotionally and physically - Greg had reluctantly obeyed.

Then it was official - his first day - it was a huge step.

Grabbing his stick which hung on the top of the bed frame and picking up his cap from the bed he took one last look at himself in the mirror - He felt the familiar longing feeling rising and looked away - placing his cap on he made his way to the door.

As Greg exited his room he suddenly realised he could hear voices, which stopped once Greg reached the top of the stairs - as he descended he began to see figures which moved away from the stairway to make room and soon the faces of his team - Team one, in their uniforms - appeared and Greg grinned from ear to ear as he slowly took each step.

He hadn't heard them come in - which signalled a secret plan he hadn't been in on. Eddie, Jules, Leah and Spike had taken time out of their usual morning drills and Sam had tagged along whilst his team did their drills with the promise that he'd do extra after - two new members of Eddie's team had joined Team 3 on their drills instead of hanging around waiting for Eddie and the team to return. Wordy had wanted to be around but he had suddenly gotten a call the night before and couldn't make it.

Dean quickly moved to help his dad descend the last step - as the balcony stopped short of the last one - accepting Dean's help Greg arrived on solid ground and continued to grin speechlessly at everyone before trying to speak and shaking his head.

"I think what dad wants to ask is what are you all doing here?" Dean said as he pocketed his hands inside his trousers to which Greg nodded.

Eddie took the lead "Well, we wanted to see you off to the academy"

"Yeah boss, we wanted to do the whole arrive in style thing but" a beat "we decided on low key" Spike jumped in and Greg chuckled and shook his head "I don't know what to say" he said softly.

"Say you'll do what you always do boss" Jules said reaching over to hug Greg, Slightly welling up Greg returned the hug then accepted hugs and handshakes from the rest of the team "Thanks guys" he said finally "This means a lot"

Marina wrapped her arms around Greg's shoulders and kissed him gently "I'll see you later" she said softly as Dean picked up two ready packed backpacks which were beside the door - And as the team exited to stand in the front yard Greg shared a few words with Marina quietly - Dean stepped outside to join the team and Clark who had waited outside eager not to intrude on their team moment "Clark, you wanna ride with us?"

Clark looked to Eddie who gave a shrug "I'm good, go ahead".

Giving Marina one last kiss Greg stepped out and carefully stepped down to the path, the team not rushing to crowd and help him - Greg had made them promise not to make a fuss while around him - even though their job had been to watch his back for more than the last decade.

Greg headed to his car and walked around to the passenger side, as he opened it he stopped and stared over the top at his team - well now they were Eddie's team and Sam - none the less, they were his still always in his heart "Keep the Peace" he offered to which the team nodded.

Dean and Clark placed their backpacks and Greg's into the trunk then whilst Dean took the driver's side Clark slid into the back seat.

Greg seemingly lingered a moment before a small nod from Eddie reminded him he had to get going, he slid into the passenger side and closed the door with a soft thump - Dean wound down the window and as the engine started a chorus of byes and see ya's were called out and Dean's car slid out of the driveway and out into the road.

The team watched the car disappear around the corner then headed to their two SUVs that had been parked on the kerb side just as their radios came to life "I think they wanted us to see Greg off" Spike chimed cheekily.

Next chapter coming soon…