CS17
John's first shift back was weird. He felt the guys should be mad at him. Truth be told he wasn't exactly the easiest guy to get along with during the holidays. Overwork and stress made him an ogre and the guys were treating him normal.
Coming in early, he quickly changed and was leaning on the squad as the rest of the shift appeared.
"Welcome back Johnny," Chet smiled
"Yeah man," Mike patted on the shoulder as the rest of the guys lined up.
Roy and Hank walked in from his office and John could feel the color drain from his face.
His partner walked over and stood next to him but John flinched.
"Welcome back John," Stanley smiled. "I'm glad you're well rested. I'll give you the dorms to clean."
"Yeah thanks Cap," John grinned.
Tones sounded as the A shift of 51 started.
The day was filled with many runs and little time for talk. Before dinner Johnny was able to get the beds ready for their sleep and he sat down on his made bed. He was tired but it was a good tired. Guilt filled him since he hadn't had a chance to thank his friends.
"Hey Gage, dinner's on," Chet stuck his head in the dorm. "You done yet? I'd like to sleep on some clean sheets you know."
Gage stood up and headed out of the dorm. "Of course I'm done Chet."
Chet followed John into the dayroom and cracked a smile at the large cake sitting on the table with balloons.
"Well you didn't think we'd welcome you back properly did you Gage, baby?" Chet laughed.
John cleared his throat. "Um thanks guys and I mean it."