Title: Flashburn
Chapter 8 – The Future Looks Bright
A/N: Wow the last chappy was the lowest reviewed of the story and so am sorry that so many didn't like the rescue but I hope you all at least like the ending.
Donna's body silently rolls toward Ed's side of the bed in the middle of the night; her mind quickly picking up on her husband's absence. Her eyes open and she curses herself for being so consumed with fatigue from the day's events so as to be blind to her husband's obvious plight that forced him to leave their bed in the wee hours of the morning.
"Ed? Baby what's up?" Donna asks softly as she heads into the living room, stopping a few feet behind him and just holding her place.
"I'm okay," Ed finally answers as Donna dares to take a few steps closer, her hand resting on his tense shoulder, his warm hand gently resting atop it. "Couldn't sleep."
"Sorry," she whispers as she plants a small kiss on the top of his head offering a small giggle as the slightly stubbled surface tickles her lips. "You need a shave."
"I know," Ed slightly smirks as he entreats her to come and rest on his lap; his arms automatically circling around her and holding her close, his eyes however, kept fixed outside. "I saw him. Tristan. Too many nightmares to stay there and keep you awake."
"Figured as much. Sorry," Donna huffs as her body sags into her grasp; looking up a few seconds later. "What are you seeing?"
"Building outlines, fuzzy lights…shapes…nothing definitive but yet it seems familiar."
"That's positive right?"
"I still can't see you," his voice dies out as she looks at her husband's face to see his warm blue eyes glistening in the dimly lit surroundings. Her hand rests against his rough cheek as her lips press to his face and then she pulls back with a firm smile.
"You will in a few days," she assures him warmly as his grasp around her tightens.
"I don't blame his mother for being angry with me, I had a job and I failed to do it."
"She forgave you Ed. She understood. I think she was angrier with herself and her son but didn't want to blame him in that hospital room. You hear your son has been shot because he skipped school, you hear he's with a police officer and figure why didn't the cop do something to keep your son from being shot. But then he tells her the cop is blind and he had to help. Ed, she's not blaming you; it was just a gut reaction. You know that right?"
"Yeah…I know," Ed whispers as he exhales heavily. "Even the few seconds that kid was away from me and I was alone I…"
"What?"
"Donna he ran as soon as we cleared the building. Yeah he came back but he still ran and I couldn't blame him. And when he was shot I kept thinking to myself…damn kid why didn't he just keep running?"
"He did the right thing in the end and came away with a scar, no permanent damage. Come on now, let's get back to sleep."
"Donna…"
"You know you sleep better with me in your arms," she purrs in his ear as her hand clasps his, their bodies detaching as they slowly stand up and head back for the bedroom, Ed's fingers gently rubbing his face as they leave the darkened room and his mind telling him that at least seeing the outlines of the buildings across the street from their apartment was a good thing and recovery was on schedule; just a bit of a slower schedule than he might have wanted but healing was taking place. The enter their bedroom, both of them easing down under the covers and Donna's body pushing up against her husband's as his arms curl around her.
XXXXXXXX
"Mmm good morning," Donna greets Ed early the next morning; their alarm set to go off a few minutes later.
"I don't have to see you to know you're smiling," Ed's body stretches in his wife's grasp; her lips curling upward into a warm smile as her hand rests on his chest.
"It's because I was right. You slept better with me in your arms didn't you?"
"My brain was too distracted to think bad thoughts," Ed admits in truth as he slowly opens his eyes and then instantly squeezes them shut; Donna's head snapping up in concern.
"Ed? What is it?"
"The light…it seems brighter this morning."
"Is that normal?"
"Dr. Eng said it could be like that since I've been keeping them…well mostly closed for the past few days," Ed sighs as he dares to slowly open them again. But the light sensations return and he allows the lids to slide closed once more. "I think they're anxious also."
"Can I say it's been a real eye opening experience?" Donna gently teases as Ed merely shakes his head at his wife's lame joke. "So what's the plan for today?"
"I'm going to sit and mope," Ed slightly snickers as his fingers finally find her cheek and rest on her smooth skin and tenderly stroke. "I'm gonna…you know for the first time in days I don't actually know."
"Good because I want you to just lie here…with me," Donna whispers as she leans over him and reaches for something; pulling out her pair of handcuffs and trapping his left wrist to the headboard; forcing his lips to curl into a broad smile. "I'll call in late," she tells him as her hands slowly slip under his tee-shirt and his free arm pulls her down onto his chest; his lips growling in her ear before it hungrily devours the skin.
"I'm hoping for an easy day," Donna comments as she takes the last sip of her coffee and then places the empty cup in the sink and leans in, kissing her husband on the cheek and then pulling back and reaching for her phone.
"Yeah me too. See you tonight."
"I love you," Donna replies as she heads for the door; Ed following a few feet behind.
"Love you too."
Ed closes the door behind her and then leans against it for a few seconds, daring to open his eyes and look at the watery, fuzzy outline of his apartment and feeling his heart settle a few seconds later. It's coming back…your sight is coming back…don't push it…you can just give it time. You will see again – in a few days time.
With that feeling of less agitation starting to foster in his mind and heart, Ed pulls back from the door and heads toward the hallway, feeling his way down the wall until he had reached the laundry facilities and pulls the door open; his mind telling him that today menial tasks didn't seem that bad.
"And you actually had fun doing laundry?" Wordy's voice smirks on the other end of the line.
"Hey I gotta do something to keep myself busy," Ed huffs as he leans back on the couch. "Going stir crazy here."
"Today was a boring day," Wordy tries to appease his best friend's bored tone.
"For Donna also?"
"Course."
"Damn you're a bad liar," Ed retorts as he reaches for the remote.
"She didn't take the kill shot, Tom did. They're just finishing up now. A few more days right? You'll have your big anniversary celebration this weekend and then start fresh on Monday."
"That…is the plan," Ed replies as he hears the door handle jiggle. "Gotta run." He hangs up with Wordy and slowly stands up just as his wife enters, his ears picking up the sound of the door closing and his eyes daring to open; watching her fuzzy outline approach but still unable to see the expression on her face. "Rough day?"
"Wordy beat me to it right?"
"He left all the gory details for you," Ed answers with a warm smile as they embrace.
"I'll tell you over dinner. How was your day?"
"Productive actually."
"Oh do tell."
XXXXXXXX
"Are you actually nervous about tomorrow?" Donna asks softly as they lay in bed together, two night later.
"Each day has gotten better…I'm just ready to climb the dam walls," Ed's lips gently growl as his arm tightens around her side pulling her closer. "I know my wife is a very patient woman."
"Your patient wife also spent most of her days at work," Donna replies with a heavy frown as Ed looks down at her with a tender smile. "I think you did a lot better than I could have."
"Well at least you locked the guns away."
"But you did manage to find my spare. How was that by the way?"
"Hey what can I tell ya? I was really bored," Ed chuckles as he reaches over and turns off the light. "But if I have to do another load of laundry this week I just might go looking for the others."
"What time is that appointment tomorrow?" Donna snickers as they finally allow themselves to fall into darkness.
But morning comes all too soon and each of them are greeted with a fresh bout of anxiety; each of them eager to get the day started, get to the Doctor's office and get the official prognosis – would Ed actually regain 100% use of his eyesight or was there any damage that would alter his future professional course.
"I'm okay," Ed tells his wife with a small lie as they head, hand in hand toward Dr. Eng's office early Thursday morning. "Just nervous. I know we talked about it but…but am hoping it's good news."
"Me too."
The two of them take their seats in the waiting area; Ed's eyes slightly fluttering open behind the dark shades from time to time as he'd either hear or feel people moving beside him. A few minutes later a small girl accompanied by her mother plunks down beside Ed; her mother on the other side of her. Ed's somewhat watery eyes slowly open as he feels her arm poke his and then pull back.
"Oh sorry did she poke you?"
"Uh…no she's fine," Ed replies in a kind tone.
"I can never get this right," the little girl giggles as Ed's eyes are drawn downward to ward a small but bright game console.
"What is…I've never seen controls like that," Ed mentions in truth as he squints; telling himself that perhaps he wasn't focusing properly.
"It was made especially for me," the little girl looks up and beams. "I can't see them, I can only feel."
"You're…blind," he states more than questions in a tone so soft he wasn't sure anyone had heard. But as soon as she nods he curses himself for sounding insensitive. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."
"That's okay mister, I was born this way. I have an ear bud that tells me what direction the balloon is and these consoles move the gun and when I shoot something I hear it say well done," she concludes with a beaming smile; Ed's eyes instantly watering behind the dark shades.
"That's uh…that's pretty good," Ed replies; Donna's hand squeezing his as she feels her husband's frame tense beside her and can only imagine what he's thinking and feeling inside – today he'd be told he would be able to see again. Some? They would be forced to go through their entire life in the dark. And yet here was this little girl, offering to share her game console, wanting to let a stranger enter a part of her special world; giving him a small glimpse of what it was like to really be kept in the dark. Ed closes his eyes and tries to let his senses guide him the way it did the little girl – his score told the whole story.
"With practice you'll get better," the little girl giggles as she snatches her game back. "I'm Alice."
"Alice, I'm Ed. Alice you're an amazing little girl," Ed warmly commends as she smiles.
"And what do you do Ed?"
"I'm a um…police officer."
"Cool! Can I feel your badge?"
"Sure," Ed replies as his fingers fumble in the inner folds of his jacket and pulls out his SRU ID and hand it to her. He listens in deft fascination as her little fingers start to feel the raised metal and then of course the smooth surface around his official shield and she describes to him all she's feeling.
"Thanks," she hands it back, Ed's lips offering a small smirk as he puts his badge away; the two of them being called in seconds later.
"Take care," Ed tells the mother and her daughter as he and Donna stand up.
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Lane, please come this way," Dr. Eng's nurse greets them and leads them both to a small examination room; Ed being led to the table and instructed to sit on the table and wait.
"Morning," Dr. Eng greets them as he gently pats Ed on the back, Ed removing his dark glasses and handing them to his wife. "How were the past few days? Less eventful I hope."
"Downright boring," Ed groans as Dr. Eng offers Donna sympathetic gaze.
"And how are you feeling with everything?"
"You mean besides a new found appreciation for those without sight?" Ed manages in a weak tone.
"Yes besides that," Dr. Eng acknowledges with a nod.
"Agitated and bored," Ed answers in truth as Dr. Eng starts to tilt his head back and reach for a pen light.
"Okay let's see what's going on shall we?"
Ed takes a deep breath and then tries to relax as Dr. Eng moves from eye to eye, inspecting, prodding, questioning and then reassuring.
"In a few days time it be back to perfect. You'll come in next Monday for a final eye exam and if that goes well I can clear you for duty."
"Thank you Doctor," Ed extends his hand and takes Dr. Eng's, giving it a firm grasp; hoping to make up for his rash actions a few days prior when he as hostile and down right angry at the mild-tempered physician. The two of them leave the doctor's office, heading for their truck and then the barn.
"I was sitting there praying I'd get my sight back today…so impatient and that little girl only mentioned it because I brought it up. She'll never see, ever."
"And yet she was so happy around you, can't blame her," Donna mentions as she slowly meanders through the busy morning traffic.
"No," Ed answers simply as they make small talk about the upcoming weekend, Donna asking if Ed wanted to put their anniversary weekend on hold; Ed still not telling her what the surprise was, only that there was one but then assuring her that he would be more than ready to spend their anniversary together as planned.
"Hey buddy!" Wordy exclaims as Ed and Donna slowly enter the SRU headquarters and walk up to Winnie's desk. "Welcome back!" He slaps Ed on the back before giving him a friendly hug. "Sam was getting bored being team leader this past week."
"So says the man giving me a hard time this past week. How do you put up with him," Sam grins as he and Jules walk up to Ed; Sam also giving Ed a hearty hug before the rest of the team joins in.
"So what's the prognosis?" Greg asks in concern as he and Ed wander toward the vacant team one meeting room; the rest of the team milling about until it was time to get into the field.
"So far so good," Ed huffs as he looks away.
"Eddie? What is it?"
"Boss these past few days…they just opened my eyes. I know it sounds corny," he turns back to see Greg shaking his head.
"Not at all. You were forced into a world that others have had to face all their lives; of course it would give you a new perspective on things. You found you were more dependant on others for some things and less on others. Donna still have those guns locked away?" Greg concludes with a small smirk.
"She's a smart woman," Ed nods seriously. "I promised Brent a tour of the SRU when he was back on his feet."
"I hear a but in there," Greg interjects.
"I was thinking about something else. He risked a lot."
"He did and he not only saved your life but that of others that might not have even known they were targets," Greg adds. "What else do you want to do?"
"Boss…"
"Eddie you tell me; I think he's earned a bit of special recognition."
"Okay…"
XXXXXXXX
"Really? You still won't tell me?" Donna moans as they sit on the couch Friday night; the next night their anniversary dinner and the surprise at the gardens that Ed had planned a few months back as a surprise to his wife.
"Nope," Ed replies with a grin as his hands continue to gently massage her feet. She smiles under his loving touch but then looks up when his expression turns serious.
"I'm not mad," she tries to assure him as he looks at her with a small frown.
"Was thinking about the course you were offered to teach and…"
"Ed I already told you…"
"Hold on a sec, let me finish," Ed replies softly as she looks at him but nods. "I want you to take it."
"I already told Holleran no. Ed we talked about this remember? Us spending more time together, not more time apart."
"You want to teach it right?"
"I do but that's not…"
"Then I want you to take it. In fact I insist."
"Why do I have the feeling you already have something up your sleeve?" She retorts with a small smirk.
"Because you are amazing," he replies to which she folds her arms over her chest and holds his gaze. "And a tough sell."
"What?" She presses.
"When I was telling Holleran how my wife wanted to take part in the new training exercise he…"
"You what?" She counters as she sits upright and leans forward. "You told him?"
"I did," Ed answers firmly. "And he mentioned that at the same time they were doing a pilot program for officers with career ending or career altering disabilities and wanted to know if I wanted to share a few experiences when I was temporarily sidelined and what kind of amazing support system I had and how benefited. And I said yes."
"You what?" Donna asks in a quieter tone. "Really?"
"It's a pilot program but I think it's great. Too many are injured in the line of duty and just somehow forgotten. If this can bring more attention to what their needs are and they get a better support system from the city I think it's great. What? Are you mad?"
"Hardly," she whispers as she leans in closer, her hand resting on his cheek. "I think Holleran knew what he was doing in asking you."
"Really?"
"Ed your presence alone makes people stop and listen. And if you can share some of your real fears and struggles and how you got past them, those ones that are injured, either permanently or temporarily will have to respect that. I do," she tells him in truth. "I think it's a great idea. And the fact that it's the same night…we can exchange notes or something," she smiles as she plants a kiss on his lips. "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispers as his hand wraps around her head and he pulls her closer to him. After the kiss he pulls back slightly, his forehead resting on hers as he exhales. "If it can help even one that's what counts right?"
"It does. However," she pulls back with a firm stare, "that doesn't get you off the hook for going to Holleran behind my back."
"Figured you'd say that."
"Figured or hoped?" She playfully pushes him back. "You know just because I'm madly in love with you doesn't mean you can take concessions with my time."
"Want to punish me?" Ed wags his brows as Donna shakes her head.
"Yes. Tonight you sleep here – alone."
"My wife is a cruel woman," Ed groans as she leans back down on his chest, the two of them sagging back into the comforting folds of the couch, Ed's arms folding around her. "When it happened all I could see was the end. And now…now I was shown it wasn't and I want to help others see that also. Now tell me about that call."
"No way."
"What? Why not?" Ed asks in surprise.
"Because you'll be jealous that I got to kick ass and you didn't."
"Next week I'll make up for lost time," Ed chuckles.
"Bad guys of Toronto beware."
XXXXXXXX
"Wow," Ed states as he walks into their bedroom early Saturday evening and stares at his wife just as she puts on some perfume. "You look amazing. Is that…dark purple?"
"Ah I see someone has gotten full use of their eyesight back."
"Am never taking that for granted again," he tells her seriously as he gazes at her warm blue eyes a few seconds longer. "Ready to go?"
"Yes. Now where are we going?"
"You'll see."
"Damn you're stubborn," Donna smirks as she loops her arm around his and both head for the door. They head outside and into a waiting cab; the air being cool but not cold, the sky clear and the sun adding a colorful glow in the western horizon.
"I think that…really?" Donna asks as they near the entrance to the Nathan Philips Square.
"It's our place right?" Ed answers; it being the place that he proposed on the night of their skating adventure, Ed meeting Jake and making a new friend for life.
"It is," Donna replies in truth as they both get out of the cab and walk toward a smiling Jake.
"Hey happy anniversary you two," he greets them both with a warm hug. "Right this way."
"Jake how long as he been planning this?"
"Who? Ed? Ah he just called me this morning," Jake grins.
"Oh partners in crime I see," she nods as she looks at Ed with a knowing smile. Jake leads them toward a small private table over looking a beautiful garden setting, the table set with candles, flowers and a few sparkling lights.
"Enjoy."
"Ed this is simply amazing," she replies as she pulls him in for a kiss. "You did all this?"
"With some help from a new friend. You like it then?"
"I love it. It's…amazing. Thank you."
"I'm just glad that I can now enjoy it as much as you," he answers in truth as he takes her hand and gives it a warm squeeze. He looks at her, studying her beautiful face as she talks about the setting, a few more things about Jake and his family, some other plans for their new year ahead and of course what surprise he had planned for Brent this coming week.
"Happy anniversary," Ed whispers as he takes her in his arms a few hours later, their privately catered dinner over and their wedding song playing in the background.
"Happy anniversary," she answers back as her hand snakes up the black fabric of his suit, behind his head and then guides his lips down to hers. She hungrily devours them, their bodies pressing together in their private setting. A couple of hours later the two of them lay happily entwined under the sheets, two naked bodies pressed together after a romantic encounter, falling asleep for the first time in days with happy smiles and happier dreams to accompany them through until morning.
XXXXXXXX
Donna awakens early Monday morning to see Ed watching her in silence, a small frown adorning his handsome face. "What is it? Dr. Eng is going to clear you for duty."
"Full duty?"
"Oh now you're just being selfish," she teases as his lips purse. "Yes he'll clear you for full duty," she assures him.
"I never want to not be able to see my wife again," he utters as his finger traces the outline of her face. "Waking up to darkness each morning…was hell, pure hell."
The two of them linger a bit longer in bed before its time to get up and get the day started; Ed's mind too anxious about a what Dr. Eng would tell him and what he would then tell the team. His mind however, already prepared to play one last prank on his team.
"So told you she'd love it," Wordy walks into the locker room; Ed turning to him with his dark sunglasses on. "She…what's going on? Didn't Dr. Eng clear you for duty?" He asks in concern, Sam and Spike hearing the question and also wandering over.
"Really? You're not cleared for duty?" Sam asks in shock as Greg joins them.
"Eddie…what's going on buddy?" Greg inquires.
"Well…here's the thing," Ed huffs as he slowly removes his glasses and looks at them with a blank stare; the other four faces looking back in bewilderment. "Dr. Eng said there were some things about my vision that just couldn't be fixed."
"And what's that?" Spike wonders.
"The fact that I have to see your faces first thing in the morning," Ed snickers before Wordy looks at Sam and both rush at Ed; Donna watching the playful antics from the opening to the locker room.
"Good new then?" Tom asks softly, neither of them wanting to break up the playful wrestling match to which her husband was losing; the room full of happy laughter.
"Cleared for duty," she replies with a warm smile as they both turn and leave; rejoining their own team three.
"And how was the weekend?"
"Perfect," she answers in truth. "Absolutely perfect. Things are finally back to normal. Well…with a few exceptions…"
"So how's it feel?"
"I gotta tell ya it was the worst few weeks of my life," Ed sighs as he and Wordy linger in the locker room getting ready. While Dr. Eng had cleared Ed for duty, it was with the few stipulations that he relinquish the team leader role to Sam for the rest of this week just to ensure that he didn't damage anything further. Ed was okay with that as it would give him a bit extra time to plan the special surprise for Brent.
"Am glad you're doing the course thing together."
"She wanted more time together and I couldn't be the cause of her not taking the course," Ed huffs as he looks out the window. "'sides this way we can you know…do a teacher thing that…"
"Okay I don't want any sordid sex details."
"Sex details? Oh come on Ed, you gotta share now," Sam's voice pipes up over the headset.
"Thought you said this thing was off?" Ed groans.
"Did I?" Wordy retorts with a snicker. "Didn't see the button."
"Not funny."
XXXXXXXX
"Wow this place is really cool. Can I see where the guns are kept?" Brent asks upon his visit a few days later; having spent about twenty minutes with just Ed as Ed toured him around the various areas of the SRU; Brent taking it all in and finally admitting that it was making him really want to be a cop now, something of course Ed took much pride in.
"Sure," Ed smiles as he looks past him to his mother as they rejoin her in the main area on the way to the gun cage. "I'm glad you're back on your feet."
"Yeah this was nothing. Sure got me a lot of attention from the girls though."
"More than he's ever had," Brent's mother replies with a polite smile. "Thank you again for this."
"Your boy did a brave thing," Greg's voice is heard as he comes up behind Ed, the rest of team one joining him and team three in the background. "I'm Greg Parker."
"He's the boss around here."
"Ah just the guy who pays the bills," Greg adds modestly. "But I am here to tell you this in an official capacity. Brent did help us apprehend one of the city's most notorious and vicious killers and we'd like to reward that bravery with an official ceremony and present to him in public the Citizen Bravery Award."
"Uh…really?" Brent looks at Ed in shock.
"Brent it took courage for you to come and help me like you did. It took even more courage for you to stay and help me fight and then for you to put yourself in front of me. You have earned this recognition."
"I uh…wow…mom?" Brent turns to his mother who looks back with a silent teary gaze before she looks at Greg in wonder.
"This is a serious honor ma'am and one well earned."
"Mom please?"
"Of course," she replies in a soft whisper as she gives her only child a very proud hug.
"He made us all proud," Greg adds as Donna and Tom walk up to them; also bearing proud smiles.
"Man that is seriously kick ass amazing," Brent gushes as he turns back to Ed with a big smile and then wraps his arms around him and gives him a warm hug; the rest of the group offering some happy chuckles. "Yeah when it is?" He asks eagerly, making them all chuckle.
"It'll be next week and Winnie," Ed points to Winnie who offers a friendly smile and waves, "will get your email address on the way out and she'll send you everything you need."
"Okay so…"
"Team one hot call…"
"Oh man what does that mean?" Brent asks as the overhead buzzer is heard.
"It means…" Ed looks at Brent in haste, "it's time to go to work. Come on…you can suit up with me."
"Sweet!"
Brent follows after Ed as they hurry for the gun cage; Brent's eyes widening as he watches the elite police team gathering up all their gear in a very systematic fashion.
"Now that…is cool," Brent utters as Ed pulls out the large sniper rifle and checks it, showing it to Brent with a firm smile. "I really want to use one of those."
"You will…one day," Ed winks as Greg slaps him on the back; Ed now back in full control of his position and his team.
"Okay team one, let's move!" Ed shouts as he pats Brent on the back, telling him he'd see him next week and then ushering the team out toward the exit stairs, catching his wife's eye as he hurries past and giving her a small smile; the two of them knowing they'll compare notes at the end of the day.
"You're husband is cool," Brent praises as team one disappears into the stairwell.
"Yeah," Donna looks down at Brent with a smile and nod, "he really is."
She excuses herself and heads for Tom, the two of them heading to gear up in case they were needed; their routine back in full swing after the momentary setback.
"Okay team we need…Sam… I want you…" Ed's voice trails off with instructions after having gotten a few more details from Spike.
He looks over at his best friend behind the wheel and knows that what he told Donna about his opening remarks on the first night of the course next week was right. He was blessed with an amazing support system that not only rallied around him in his darkest hour, but fought back with him every step of the way; encouraging and strengthening him and forcing him to appreciate them even more. He had faced a very frightening personal hell but was shown that even in dire circumstances the courage and kindness of strangers can mean the difference between life and death and that even the most innocent of bystanders can make the biggest impact on the world around them. He had been shown that life is too short to take even the most basic of life's gifts for granted and had made a mental note to live each day to the fullest and show to those around him that this lesson did teach him something – whatever you hold dear and love in the world is not only worth fighting or dying for but most importantly – worth living for.
"Okay team one! Let's do this!"
THE END!
A/N: Well we have reached the end of this angsty little ficlet. I want to thank those of you who stuck with this entire story to the end, your encouraging feedback meant the world and even earned one extra chappy for my final FP story so hope you hope you enjoyed this ending and the story in general and would love your final review before you go and thanks so much!