Ok I know this is quick after the last but Midterms are coming up (YICKS) and I wanted to keep ahead on this. If you don't like this, just don't read it for another 2 weeks then pretend I just put it up!!

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The sun was barely lightening the sky when Roy opened his eyes again. He'd been awake just about every four hours during the night, each time he'd checked on his partner only to be reassured Johnny was in a deep healing sleep. Halfway through the night, he'd even dared to take Johnny's temperature. Johnny again had made a face when the thermometer's taste registered in his mouth. His sleepy brown eyes had opened, rolled in disgust, then closed again as he sighed out through his nose. Roy had chuckled quietly at his partner, glad to see some sort of action other than mere existence in him. His temp had remained an even 101.

Roy checked his watch. Only 5:20 but he knew sleep for him was over. He checked Johnny, found he was still sleeping soundly, and headed off to the kitchen for coffee. He dumped the old out and made a fresh pot. Before long, he was sipping the fragrant brew and staring out at the growing colors of the sky.

A gentle knocking at his door startled him. He placed the cup on the counter and headed toward the front door, wiping at the wet stain on his shirt as he did. He opened the door and peered out. Surprise widened his eyes and he opened the door fully, pushing open the screen door as well.

"Cap! What are you doing here?" Surprise colored his voice.

Hank looked at his paramedic and gave a sheepish grin. "Uh, hi Roy. I hope I didn't disturb you . . .?"

Roy recovered and ushered his captain in, "No, no not at all. I was up and just having a cup of coffee." He glanced at the package his captain held and added, "Uh, would you . . .like some coffee?"

Hank shook his head, "No, I just stopped by on my way to the station." He looked down at the package in his hand and grinned as he shoved them toward his paramedic. "Here. These are from Maggie. It's beef and noodles and some pumpkin bread. Johnny ate so much of her beef and noodles last pitch-in, she insisted I bring them right over and well, last time she made pumpkin bread, he uhhh…" his voice faded off as he remembered that last time.

Roy, too, remembered; he might have not been being a good friend to his partner at that time, but he remembered the baked goods Maggie had sent in and had a faint recollection of Johnny standing by the sink, eating a large piece with a contented look on his face. He also remembered the bruises he'd noticed on his partner and remembered some offside comments he hadn't really paid much attention to at the time. But now, something in him wanted to know. "Cap, that day, Johnny had bruises . . ."

Hank nodded, knowing immediately where his senior paramedic was going with this. "John got caught up in an altercation with a drunk at the parade. The report said he had a bruised hip, bruised ribs, and a concussion. Stoker said, uh…" he paused but looked in the serious eyes of his man, "John was thrown off the bleachers and hit a pole."

Roy closed his eyes and his shoulders sagged, "That was the day of the picnic here." He murmured and didn't need his bosses' nod to confirm. "I didn't even see . . ." He felt another failure added to the list. So much for taking care of each other as partners were supposed to, he had seen Johnny just after he'd been injured and didn't even notice. Well, that was past, he had the future before him and this he could do something about.

"Johnny likes pumpkin bread." he stated firmly, easing both of their guilt. "He once told me it was one of his favorite fall foods growing up." he hefted the containers, "I'm sure he'll love this. Tell Maggie thanks." He looked back at his captain. "You know Brackett is concerned over Johnny's weight. He told me to get him to eat as much as he could stand and anything he can stand." He sniffed at the odors raising from the packages he held. "This will go far to tempt him. Thanks."

Cap nodded and shuffled his feet, his dark eyes on Roy. "How is he?"

Roy gave a faint smile, "Better I think. His temp is still 101 but he slept through the night without any problems."

Cap allowed himself a relieved smile. "That's good, that's good."

Roy suddenly turned, talking to Cap as he did and his captain followed him instinctively. "I'm gonna put this in the kitchen real quick here." he did as he said then turned suddenly. "Would you like to see him? He's probably still sleeping but I'm sure he won't mind."

Before Hank could say something one way or another, Roy headed down the hall. Cap's protest died on his lips as he followed. Although he had been going to politely refuse, his natural worry over his crew had made his heart lurch with desire to see his youngest charge.

Softly the two men entered the room and stopped by the injured man's bedside. Hank looked down at his man, frowning at the thin figure. 'He's thinner than when I saw him in the hospital. God, why didn't I notice earlier?' Johnny's face was relaxed in sleep, his dark lashes stark against his pale cheek with its ribbon of rust over the cheekbones caused by the fever. But his breathing was deep, clear and even.

As if sensing the presence of others, Johnny suddenly took a deeper breath, shifted in the bed and his brown eyes fluttered open. He looked up, his gaze going first to Roy then to his captain in uniform and back to his partner before finally resting on his captain. He frowned, and struggled to sit up. "'my late?"

Hank smiled reassuringly at his youngest crewman as he put a restraining hand on Johnny's uninjured shoulder, thus stopping his movements. "No, John, you're just fine. I only came by to check on you. Just lie back down and go back to sleep."

Johnny looked more confused but his blinking was getting slower, "k, Cap. 'm tired." His eyes closed and soon his breathing evened out once more. After one more long glance, the two men left the room.

Once they had returned to the living area, Hank turned to Roy, "I'd . . .uhhh . . .. best be heading off. It wouldn't look good for the captain to be late for his own shift. I'd hate to assign myself the latrine." He smiled as Roy snorted. Then he clapped a hand on his paramedic's arm and waved toward Roy's bandaged hand. "So, how are you doing?"

Roy looked confused for a moment, glanced down and then faced his captain with a sheepish grin. "To tell you the truth Cap, I've been so concerned over caring for Johnny I've basically forgot about it." He shrugged, "It's fine I guess. A little sore but more of a nuisance really. Especially with I need both hands for something."

Cap nodded, "Well, you take care of yourself too. You can't help John if you go down."

"Don't worry, Hank. I've got my eye on both of them." A soft voice came from above them. Both men looked up as JoAnne walked down the stairs with a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry, JoAnne. I hope I didn't wake you." Hank began but Jo waved a dismissive hand.

"It's nothing, Hank. Sleep around here lately is a hit and miss thing. I don't mind, though," She reached out and pulled her husband into a hug. "I wouldn't change anything over a chance to take care of my favorite guys." She turned to Roy, "How is he this morning? You never called so . . .?"

Roy smiled, "He slept all night and his fever stayed down. He just spoke to Cap too."

She grinned, "That's good. Well, I'm gonna see about some breakfast. Maybe we can get him to eat as well." She looked at Hank again. "Join us?"

Cap shook his head, "No I have to get. We're on duty today. I just stopped by to drop some stuff off from Maggie."

"She sent beef and noodles and pumpkin bread." Roy added, "It's in the kitchen."

She smiled at Hank. "Well tell her thank you. From the amount Johnny ate that last FD pitch-in I'm sure he'll enjoy it. And pumpkin bread? I haven't had pumpkin bread in years."

"Johnny loves it." Roy stated, his mind recalling the look of pleasure on his partner's face at a time when he could only recall looks of hurt or no emotion at all. Jo looked at him, seeing something else in his eyes and made a mental note to ask later. "Really?" She said, "I never knew that. Huh. All this time I've known him and I learned something new." She smiled at Roy and squeezed his waist as she teased, "I guess he's still unpredictable as ever." As she'd hoped, he chuckled, remembering a time several years ago when he'd smugly thought he had his new young partner all figured out, only to have a large unknown piece of Johnny's life suddenly show up. He'd never made that mistake again and Johnny still surprised him.

Hank watched the marital interplay and was relieved to see the tension that had been around this house the last time he'd been there was no longer present. He knew then that this little family, which included both his paramedics was finally healing. He smiled and rubbed his hands together. 'Well, I'd better go. Roy, keep us informed on John. Jo, take care of my men." He winked at her and she stifled a giggle. He raised up a hand in parting as he let himself out the door, "Enjoy!"

"Safe shift." They both called out to him as he nodded and shut the door. Once the door was closed, Jo turned toward the kitchen. "I need coffee. Join me?"

Roy nodded, remembering his forgotten cup. As he entered the kitchen he saw Jo dumping the rest of the now cold coffee out and rinsing the cup before she refilled it with warm coffee and handed it to him. She then poured a cup for herself and joined him where he sat at the table. They sat in silence for several moments then Jo spoke. "Roy, did Hank say something earlier? Something about Johnny?"

Roy took a long drink, stalling. He'd seen the look cross his wife's face and knew she'd be asking. He set his cup down and stared into it. "We were talking about Johnny liking pumpkin bread and remembering the last time Maggie had sent some in, I guess, specifically for Johnny."

"And . . ." She didn't see why this would cause the guilt she'd seen in her husband's eyes.

"And that was the shift after the Memorial day picnic here."

Now Jo's eyebrows raised, "Oh. That." Both were silent as they recalled the scene between Jenny and Amy. Roy shifted. "He'd been hurt earlier that day, Jo, while on duty at the parade. And I saw the bruises the next day and teased him about being careless." He shifted the cup. "He'd said he'd fallen and I just made fun of him. Cap told me now that Mike said he'd been thrown off the bleachers." He looked up into her eyes, his own stinging. "He was right here, in this house. He'd been hurt and I didn't even notice. Then the way I treated him, that day and then the next." He sighed heavily.

Jo laid a gentle hand on his. "That wasn't really you, Roy. It was a spiteful stranger who looked like you." She tried to comfort him but her own guilt over that day caused her tone to come out a little weak. "Yeah right." Roy snorted then stopped as he heard what she didn't say. His wife ducked her head, unwilling to meet his gaze now. He took her chin in his hand and raised her head so she faced him. "Jo? Something else happened then. What?"

"You mean other than Amy's epic performance?" Jo spit out. Then she shrugged and gave a sigh of her own. "Amy wasn't the only performer that day. Tammy had her own personal show." At Roy's look, Jo told him about what Tammy had said to Johnny that day.

Roy clenched his jaw. "God Jo! No wonder he didn't want to come here." He looked around, "After all these years of trying to show him this was his home as much as ours then my little act leads to all of this. He must have felt like he wasn't wanted anywhere anymore, by anyone." Both stayed silent for several moments. Then Roy shook his head, "I bet that's when he noticed the pictures were gone too. No wonder he looked sick that day. I thought it was just over Amy."

Jo looked up, surprised, "He noticed?" Her eyes clouded, "Oh no. He must've been heartbroken. . ." Roy nodded. "When he left you on the deck, he was headed to the bathroom. I. . .I thought he just needed to . . .to . . ."

"He needed to get away from me." Roy finished and Jo didn't correct him. He pushed his cup. "No wonder he's lost so much weight. I wonder how he managed to keep anything down."

Then Roy took up his cup and drank the remainder of the coffee within. "Well. That's all in the past and there's nothing I can do about it now. Right now, he's here." He nodded toward the hallway, "And he's getting better. And I plan on keeping it that way." Then he smiled as he kissed his wife and softly said, "And last night? He noticed the pictures were back."

She smiled too then looked at her watch. "Oh! I've got to get moving! Jenny's still asleep and I haven't even had my shower." A squeaking sound came from the sunroom and both turned instantly in that direction. Then Roy looked back at his wife, a smile on his face. They both spoke at the same time, "That's why you won't let me oil those springs. Johnny must be awake."

"Now you see why I won't let you oil those springs. Sounds like Johnny's up, you'd better go check on your partner, Roy." Jo said then laughed softly. Roy smiled at her and left. Jo read the note attached to the foil covered pan on the cabinet, placed it into the oven and set the timer. Then she headed off to greet her houseguest good morning as well.

Roy entered the room to see Johnny sitting up and trying to untangle his legs from the sheet. Quickly he went to his side, freeing the long limbs from the sheet and swinging them off the bed. "Hold on, junior. Let me get a good hold on you." He instinctively knew where Johnny wanted to go. He positioned his arms around his patient's thinned body and said, "Ready on three. One-two-three." Johnny pushed down as Roy lifted and Johnny wavered to his feet. Roy grinned at him. "You're feeling a little stronger today, huh partner?"

To both the DeSoto's satisfaction, the corner of Johnny's lips turned upward in a pale rendition of his grin. Roy began helping Johnny toward the doorway where Jo stood watching, tears of pleasure in her eyes. Johnny looked at her and his cheeks colored. She laughed and reached out to hug his shoulders. "It's so good to see you up, Johnny."

Johnny looked over at Roy and shook his head, "Not up . . .yet." he whispered. She smiled lovingly at him, "Maybe not totally alone on your feet, but soon Johnny, soon." He just nodded as they moved by her. Then she turned and headed back upstairs.

Roy repeated the same actions as he had the night before, pleased to see Johnny did indeed seem a little more 'with it' and physically stronger. But he also knew that Johnny's strength was fragile and didn't want his friend pushing it.

As he was helping Johnny back into the room, he could tell the dark haired man
was weakening but also saw that look of determination finally enter the other man's face. 'That a boy, junior. I knew you were still in there fighting.' he silently praised, a broad grin on his face as he aided Johnny back into the bed.

Once they reached the bed and Johnny sat down, he couldn't help the deep whoosh of his pent-up breath. He couldn't believe how badly his legs had started shaking. As Roy helped him swing his legs back up into the bed, he thought, 'Man, I'm so weak! How could I get so weak in just a few days! I mean, I was walking fine by myself just three days ago.'

As if he'd heard his thoughts, Roy soothed, "Don't worry about it, Johnny. You'll get your strength back. I know it seems quick on how fast this weakness hit, but you have to realize, your body has been through a lot of stress over the last week. And you're still running a fever. Just give yourself time. You'll be back on your own two feet soon."

Roy smiled widely as brown eyes looked deeply into his at his words, then Johnny sighed and gave a resigned nod. He patted the dark haired man's shoulder and asked, "Hey Johnny how about I help you freshen up a little. Would you like that?"

Johnny hesitated, a little embarrassed over his inability to do this for himself, but then he saw the look of almost pleading in his partner's blue eyes and he recalled the words, 'Whatever you need, whenever you need it, I'll get it, or do it or . . .or what ever.' He gave a firm nod, as he thought to himself, 'Ok buddy, let's see how good your words are.'

Roy nodded, "Stay put and I'll be right back. I got your kit the other day." He left before Johnny could raise an eyebrow at that. But Johnny still had that same look on his face when Roy reentered holding his bag, a bowl of warm water, a clean washcloth and a towel. Roy chuckled, "Yes, I went to your place. Everything is alright there although I'm not sure your dog likes me."

While he spoke, Roy wet the washcloth and washed Johnny's face. Those brown eyes still watched him and now Johnny stuttered, "T . . .Te . . .zi."

Roy blinked, "Tezi? Oh. Is that the dog's name?" At Johnny's nod he continued, "OK, I don't think Tezi likes me. I didn't see PQ at all but I'm sure she's fine. You know her opinion of me." Roy kept talking while he bathed Johnny's neck, chest and arms.

Johnny nodded again. Roy looked closer at Johnny's arms as he dried them. "The burns are almost healed and so are these smaller cuts. The scabs look good." He looked into Johnny's face with a smile. Johnny blinked at him then asked, "Tate. . .?"

"Tate? Oh, yes, your paint. He looked good. He was out in the pasture with Sofie. I ran into Bud while I was there, he was already doing the barn, I gave him my address. He said his wife would probably be sending over something."

Johnny smiled softly, "She . . .makes great . . . scones." It seemed an effort to talk and he frowned then forced out. "A . . .pple crisp."

Roy smacked his lips, "I love apple crisp. I don't know about scones, don't think I've ever had any but I'd sure like to try." Inwardly Roy's heart soared. 'He's talking! He's talking to me!'

Next Roy pulled several things out of Johnny's dop kit, saying, "You're looking a little scruffy there partner. How 'bout a shave?"

Johnny nodded and said, "Couldn't before. Burns hurt."

Roy nodded, "I can imagine they did. Well, I think you're healed enough now. Shall I try?" Again Johnny nodded and Roy began spreading shaving cream over his cheeks, neck and chin. Next he adjusted the safety razor and started pulling it across Johnny's face in smooth strokes. "Your beard is so light. There is no way I could get away with not shaving every day, sometimes twice a day."

"Indian . . .blood." Johnny mumbled.

"You mean there's something else in that blood other than rhythm?" he gently teased then held his breath, hoping desperately that Johnny would take the ribbing in the friendly manner it was meant and not in the manner Roy had used just last week. To his immense relief Johnny gave a faint chortle and said, "yeah." Then tapped his fingers lightly against the bowl in a quick pattern.

Roy chuckled as he finished up. He wet the edge of the towel, wiped Johnny's face off then dried it. "There. That looks better. How does it feel?"

Johnny nodded, "Better." He looked his caregiver over and for the first time, noticed the bandaged hand. He frowned heavily, then glared up at Roy.

Roy was taken aback by the sudden change in Johnny's attitude and misunderstood it. "Uhhh, ok. Well, I guess I'll just . . ."

Johnny tried to grab at his hand but couldn't reach. So instead, he pointed and demanded, "Happened!"

Roy blinked at the anger he could see in Johnny's dark eyes then he followed his gaze. His eyes widened as he realized Johnny meant his hand. "Oh! Uhh, it's nothing."

Johnny glared at him, then one eyebrow cocked upward. Johnny tried to cross his arms in front of him but winced as the movement pulled on his various stitches. Roy reached for him, concerned. "Ok Ok, don't hurt yourself. I'll tell you."

He sat in the chair and Johnny's expression now clearly said, "I'm waiting."

Roy shrugged and began. "I was on a run with Brice." Johnny made a face and Roy grinned, "Yeah I know. But oh well." He proceeded to tell Johnny about the run, even how it had reminded him of the run where Johnny had gotten hurt. Roy thought he saw regret flash in those brown eyes at that but wasn't sure. "So anyway. Dr. Bentley said I split the flesh, bruised the joint compartments and cracked the fifth metacarpal. So it's wrapped like this until the swelling goes down, then he'll decide if he wants to fully cast it or leave it in this half cast." Roy concluded and waited to see what Johnny's reaction would be.

Johnny looked at Roy's hand then back at his own wrapped hands. "Bentley give discount?"

Roy's laugh represented a sharp bark. "No! As a matter of fact he even specifically said he didn't," he paused then grinned at his partner, "Robin."

A slight grin turned up Johnny's lips. He raised his hands slightly, inspected them then pretended to inspect Roy's in a like manner. He nodded to himself as if proving something then looked into Roy's face.

That lovely little flame in Roy's chest surged as he could have sworn he saw a mischievous glint in those brown orbs. Then Johnny said, "know wh't happened. you'w're jealous."

Roy blinked stunned, as Johnny sat there looking smug, then he threw back his head and laughed. It felt so good. He even heard Johnny's faint giggle.

Then Johnny yawned widely. Roy patted his shoulder. "Tired?" Johnny nodded, his eyes drooping. "OK. Why don't you take a short nap."

Johnny nodded and settled back. Suddenly his eyes went wide again, "Day?" He asked. Roy looked concerned first then confused. "Day? What do you mean, day? OH! Do you want to know what day today is?"

Again Johnny nodded.

"It's Sunday, Johnny." Roy answered.

Now Johnny looked worried, "You have church." He was well familiar with the routine of the DeSoto household and he knew that when Roy wasn't on shift, he always accompanied his family to church. There had been times in the past, Johnny had gone with them, enjoying the family time.

Roy shook his head, "Jo and Jenny are going. I'm gonna stay here with you." Johnny frowned and Roy smiled at him. "It's alright, junior. Jo actually insisted I stay. Now. You settle back and sleep. When you get up how 'bout some coffee and fresh pumpkin bread for breakfast?"

Roy heart jumped again at the flash of interest in Johnny's eyes at that. "Pumpkin bread?" he asked the slight smile growing on his face. Roy nodded, "Yeah and for lunch we're having beef and noodles. Maggie Stanley sent it over."

Johnny frowned, "Cap was here. Right?"

Roy nodded, "Yeah, Cap came by this morning before shift. He wanted to check on you."

Johnny nodded to himself, "Not a dream."

Roy chuckled, "No, it wasn't a dream. Cap was here this morning. He brought over the pumpkin bread and beef and noodles for you." He could tell sleep was pulling harder at the younger man. Each blink Johnny made was getting longer and slower. He laid a hand on his partner's shoulder. "Sleep, Johnny." Johnny's eyes closed fully and didn't reopen. Roy sat watching him.

"Roy, we're leaving." Jo's soft voice came from the hallway. Roy rose from the chair and went out to her. She smiled, "You shaved him? He looks better this morning." Roy nodded, "I think so too. He's still very weak and he tires easily but he's talking again." Then he frowned, "His temp is still over 100."

Jo kissed him on the cheek. "Give him time. We'll see you in a couple hours. I'd better get out there before Jenny comes looking for me. It was all I could do to keep her out of here as soon as she got up."

Roy smiled, "She's good for him. She loves him."

Jo smiled, "The feeling is mutual. Bye now."

Roy took the opportunity to refresh his own coffee. Then he sliced off several pieces of the pumpkin bread and poured another cup of coffee. He had a feeling that Johnny would only nap. Sure enough he had just finished when the springs squeaked again. He took up the tray he'd prepared and carried it into the sunroom. Brown eyes blinked up at him as he set the tray down. "Here you go. Coffee."

He carefully reached out and sat Johnny up, stuffed several pillows behind him and then rested Johnny back on them. Then he took the coffee cup and held it out. Johnny moved his head forward and parted his lips. Roy held the cup and felt Johnny's left hand come up on his. He let Johnny control the cup, he just held the weight. When Johnny moved his head back, he replaced the cup on the tray and picked up a piece of the bread. "Here Johnny. Eat this."

Again his heart soared as Johnny's left hand came up and Johnny took the bread from him, feeding himself the small piece. "Ummmm. Good."

Roy plopped a piece into his own mouth. "Yeah. It is good."

Johnny gave a faint grin, "Best hot. Straight from oven."

Roy nodded as he placed another piece into his friend's hand. "I could see that."

Johnny slowly ate that piece as well, then said, "Cream cheese."

Roy looked confused and Johnny gave a laugh. That flame in Roy's soul flared into a bonfire at the sound he hadn't heard in weeks. Johnny moved his hand with the bread in it. "Try with cream cheese."

Roy nodded, understanding now. "Oh. Ok. Maybe next time." He put another piece into Johnny's hand but Johnny handed it back. "Coffee."

Again Roy helped him but let him guide. Before long, Johnny had eaten two healthy slices of bread and drank nearly a full cup of coffee. But now his arm was beginning to shake and his eyelids to droop. Roy wiped the few crumbs that had collected on Johnny's sheet off and asked, "Johnny, do you want to lay flatter? I can remove some of the pillows."

Johnny's eyes had nearly closed but he shook his head. By the time Roy had placed the empty cups and plate back onto the tray, Johnny's breath was deep and even with sleep.

Roy put the tray back in the kitchen and washed the dishes. Then he picked up the paper and read through it. Before he knew it, he heard the garage door raise and then Jenny burst in. "Hi Daddy! Guess what! Father said a special prayer just for Uncle Johnny!"

Roy smiled at his daughter where she bounced in his lap. "He did? That's great!" Jenny nodded, "Yeap! Now I know Uncle Johnny will get better 'cause God will make him better." Roy met his wife's eyes, knowing the worry and touch of hope he saw there was reflected in his own.

Roy felt uncertain in how to respond to that. He knew that Johnny's condition was precarious at best. If something happened, what would his little girl think? But before he could answer, Jenny was off the subject and telling him all about the story told that day. "And I got to sit right on the step in front of the alter right in front of Father and Marylou sat right next to me and I got to hold the sheep and Marylou held the goat and we helped Father tell the story!"

Roy smiled as he listened to his daughter's chatter, occasionally catching his wife's eye with a smile as Jo bustled about the kitchen getting dinner ready. Finally Jo interrupted, "Jenny. It's time for dinner. Go upstairs and change out of your good clothes and wash up."

"Ok." The little girl acknowledged as she scooted off her father's lap. Roy grabbed her arm and she turned back to him. "Uncle Johnny is sleeping. Please don't wake him. You can talk to him once he's up, ok sweetheart?"

She frowned then reluctantly nodded, "Ok, I know he has to sleep to get better, Daddy."

Roy smiled and released her, "That's a good girl now go do what your mother says." And she skipped off, singing.

Jo pulled plates down for the meal and noticed as she did that the pumpkin bread loaf had been cut. She felt hands on her waist and turned to her husband, a question in her eyes. To her delight, her husband's blue eyes held a sparkle that had been absent for weeks. "Johnny and I had a nice breakfast." He told her. "We shared coffee and pumpkin bread while we chatted."

Jo looked at him closely then hugged him tightly, "Oh Roy I'm so glad."

Roy hugged her back, "Yeah so am I. He ate nearly two pieces, and drank almost a full cup." His smile widened as he added, "Jo. He fed himself."

Jo turned back to the counter, blinking her eyes quickly but Roy heard her soft prayer, "Thank God."

He kissed the back of her neck as he added. "Amen." After a close moment, he released his wife and began setting the table. Jenny bounced down singing, "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam . .." and helped her daddy by getting the silverware. Soon the family was seated, prayer had been said and the plates were filled. Talk was quiet for the most part as the dinner was consumed. They were just finishing up when there was a knock on the door.

"Wonder who that is?" Roy mused as he rose from his chair. Jo shrugged as she continued scraping the plates then dunking them into the soapy water in the sink. "Go see." She told him then giggled as he gave her a mock growl.

Surprise raised his eyebrows as he opened the door, "Doc! Dixie! Uhh, come in come in."

"Hi Roy, we didn't interrupt your meal did we?" Dixie smiled as the two stepped into the house. "Hello Jo, Jenny." She greeted the two as they came into the room from the kitchen.

"No we were just cleaning up." She told the two. "Would anyone like coffee? Or perhaps Ice Tea? I just made them fresh."

Dixie smiled, "I could use a glass of tea. Kel?"

"Coffee is fine, thanks." The doctor added.

Dixie raised the covered dish in her hands. "I brought dessert. Johnny ate so much of my bread pudding when we had that little dessert thing at Rampart last month I figured I bring some for him . . .and of course you."

Jo smiled as she took the dish. She winked at her husband. "Boy! We'll certainly eat well as long as he stays here. Maybe we should have him move in?"

At the two's bewildered look, Roy explained about Cap stopping by earlier and what he'd been told by Johnny's neighbor. "Well, at that rate he'll be back up to weight in no time." Dixie laughed.

"As long as he eats it." Brackett couldn't help but grumble. "Speaking on my patient . . ."

Roy smiled. "He had a good night, slept almost the whole time. He's been up this morning and seemed a little stronger. We had breakfast together and he ate nearly two large pieces of pumpkin bread. He's asleep now."

Kel listened carefully. "Good. And his temp?"

Now Roy frowned, "Still elevated. It was 100.8 this morning at about 6. Respirations good, lung sounds clear. Pulse about 78. BP a little low for him, 108/68."

Brackett nodded and the faint sound of squeaking caused both Roy's and Jo's head to turned toward the hallway at the same time. They faced back to their company and grinned, "He's awake."

Brackett hefted his black bag. "Good. I want to see him." Jo excused herself and called Jenny to help her to make sure the little girl was out of the way. Roy led the way down the hall. As he shoved the pocket door all the way open, Johnny turned his head to the entrance, his eyes blinking open. He saw the two with Roy and sat forward a little more.

Brackett raised his hand. "Don't Johnny. Just stay right where you are." He smiled at his paramedic but his practiced sight took in everything at once. 'Colors still off. hmmm, don't like that fever blush.'

He sat in the chair and opened his bag. "Did Roy tell you I'd be by today?"

Johnny looked up at his partner, saw the slightly horrified look as Roy realized he hadn't and gave a faint smile.

"Johnny, I'm sorry! I forgot!" Roy burst out. "I told Jo but when I got home I was so concerned about getting the IV started and. . ."

Johnny stopped him by making a cutting motion with his left hand. "No. 's ok though. He's been pretty busy."

Brackett hadn't missed the exchange and was very happy to see a spark of life in those brown eyes. It had been missing way too long, as far as he was concerned. He glanced at the pad of paper on the table and gave Roy a look of approval. "How 'bout we see how you are doing, Mr. Gage."

Johnny grinned. Brackett turned slightly and in a obviously forced severe sounding voice said, "Nurse, would you get me a fresh set of vitals?"

"Certainly, doctor." Dixie mimicked his tone as she stepped forward. She winked at Johnny and he smiled at her. "Hiya handsome."

"Dix. Dream come true. You play . . . doctor with me?" Johnny haltingly joked.

Dixie laughed as she wiped off the thermometer, shook it down, checked it again and plopped it into his grinning mouth. "Wrap your lips around that, hotshot." She told him then wrapped the BP cuff around his upper left arm, trying not to grimace as she tightened it over his shrunken bicep. Before long she had a new set of vitals rattled off, not much different from the ones Roy had told them earlier.

One difference though, Johnny heard them. He frowned, "Not that good."

Brackett smiled at him, "They're not that bad either Johnny. Now, how's the ear? Still painful?"

Johnny shook his head.

"How's your hearing?"

"Better. Not so warblely." he replied. Dixie looked at Roy and mouthed, 'Warblely?" Roy chuckled and shrugged but his eyes watched every move the team made around and on his friend. Brackett had pulled out an otoscope and was carefully checking Johnny's ears. Brackett looked up at Dixie and said, "Dix, could you draw some blood?"

She nodded and began searching his arms for a site. Johnny pointed to the back of his arm. "Roy did here." he said around the thermometer still in his mouth. Dixie frowned at him, removed the instrument, read it and placed it back in its container. "Kel, temp is 101 on the dot." Then she went back to his arms, and found a site. She tightened back up the BP cuff as a tourniquet then holding his arm under hers told him, "Little stick."

Johnny turned his head, frowning, "Why d'we say that?" He grumbled. "S'lie. no little abo' ahhhhh!"

Dixie didn't release him as she moved the needle again under his skin. Johnny hung his head, his eyes squeezed closed. After a minute, Dixie laid the needle down on a unwrapped 4x4, placed a bandage over the site she'd tried, then rolled Johnny's arm from where she had it trapped and scrubbed at another place. Again she advanced the needle and Johnny made a growling sound through his clenched teeth. This time, she achieved success and attached the tube to the catheter.

Sweat started to drop from Johnny's forehead as he remained in his hunched over posture, his eyes tightly closed, his breath coming in pants. Roy had stepped forward, his hand rubbing comfort on Johnny's back. He could see the thick dark fluid slowly filling the tube. He could also see the spreading bruise from the failed site. After she had filled four tubes, she looked up at Roy who quickly handed her another 2x2. She withdrew the needle and Johnny let out a heavy sigh. She bandaged the area and put pressure on the wound.

"I'm sorry, Johnny." She looked down at the young man she cared so about. "The first vein blew as soon as I punctured it." Brown eyes looked up at her and blinked then he gave a faint smile. "'Soright. Happens besta us."

He looked up at Roy, his eyes rolling slightly. "Dizzy." he murmured. Instantly Roy leaned him forward, forcing his head down. "Take deep breaths, Johnny." He kept him like that until he felt Johnny pushing back against his hand. He allowed him to lie back in the pillows, seeing that Dixie had removed one so he was at more of an incline.

Recovered and a little embarrassed, Johnny looked at his worried friends. "Not doing s'good, huh?"

Brackett's mouth twitched as he said, "I wouldn't say that Johnny. Your vitals are a little low but you've had a rough week. Your ears are doing good. The right ear drum is healing well and the infection in the left is mostly gone. I know you're a little weak but that's to be expected. This fever is taking a lot out of you, on top of the injuries and the surgery you just had. Don't forget, that's not quite been a week ago," He patted his paramedic's arm. "On the up side, your wounds look good, the burns are nearly healed. Now we need to get some weight on you."

Brown eyes looked mournfully up at them. All three were so happy to see sort of emotion in those coffee shaded depths they had to hold back smiles, "'m tryin'"

Dixie smiled soothingly as she patted his dark head, "I know you are, handsome. Roy said you had a good breakfast."

Johnny smiled again and they all could tell he had reached his limit as his eyes rolled again. "pumpkin . . .bread." he whispered, his eyes closing. He struggled to pull them open again, looking at his visitors. "so sleepy."

Brackett laid a hand on his ill paramedic's shoulder, "I know you are. And sleep and food and plenty of it are just what this doctor is ordering. I want to get those blood samples to the lab to check on the infection but everything so far is looking good. Are you still on the antibiotics?"

"He's got enough for four more days." Roy supplied. Brackett nodded. "Good. Make sure he keeps taking them." He looked down at the young man, seeing his head had lolled to one side, eyes closed, mouth slightly parted in deep sleep. He motioned toward the door as he gathered up his supplies.

Once back in the hallway, Jo met them, waving them into the kitchen where she had their drinks ready and Dixie's bread pudding on the table along with waiting plates. The four sat down as Jo asked, "How is he?"

They told her about the exam. Dixie frowned as she said, "He's gonna have quite a bruise again on that arm."

Brackett patted her arm. "Johnny was right, Dix. It does happen to the best of us. There's nothing you could have done differently, you didn't know."

She looked up, her eyes worried, "He's so weak, Kel." He nodded.

"He actually been stronger today than he was yesterday." Roy interjected. "Yesterday he was so weak, he couldn't even lift his hands or have a enough strength to talk."

Kel sipped his coffee then added, "Well, he is looking better. The fever is still there but it is down and the infection is nearly gone. I think he just needs a lot of rest and time. His body was already worn down before this happened and with this infection on top of the injuries and surgery, well, that's a lot for even a health body to handle."

The four friends chatted about various things as they partook of their beverages and Dixie's pudding. Then Brackett looked at his watch and frowned. "It's almost 2:30. I didn't mean to take up so much of your time."

Roy smiled, "It's ok Doc. I'm glad you came out to check him. I was worried." Dixie and Brackett rose up, thanked their hosts and gave last minute directions over the care of their friend. As they were walking toward the door, Brackett suddenly stopped, reaching back into his bag. "Oh, Roy. I almost forgot." He handed the puzzled man a sheet of paper and a small paper bag. "Its standing orders for an IV if you think he needs one and another set up of D5W." He shrugged nonchalantly "Just in case."

Roy grinned as Dixie grabbed doctor's arm and pulled him toward the door. As they left, both turned once more. "If you need us, if his condition changes for the worse, if anything happens . . ."

"You'll be the first we call, right after the squad." Jo said and Roy looked at her. Dixie gave her a wink, remembering when she'd said those words before. Both chuckled and with a wave, left.

Once the door was shut, Roy sighed, "I'm gonna check on Johnny. It's almost time for his meds again and I want to get him to eat more." Jo nodded, "I'll heat up some of the beef and noodles for him and bring it in."

Roy nodded and went down the hall, a glass of fresh juice in his hand. He entered the room, saw his partner was still sleeping and placed the juice on the table and the bag with the IV set-up near the other medical supplies they were keeping close at hand. He looked out into the backyard, and sighed as he muttered, "Looking a little shaggy out there. Guess I need to mow today."

"Don't ask me." came a voice from the bed. Roy turned his attention to his patient with a smile. "Hey Johnny. Thirsty? I brought you some juice."

He helped his friend sit up, replacing the other pillows so he was propped more upright then retrieved the glass. Johnny reached up but was unable to get his hand around the glass because of its slickness so Roy held it while Johnny drank. When it was nearly empty Johnny pulled back. Roy raised his eyebrow. "I guess you were thirsty. Do you want more?"

Johnny shook his head.

"Are you hungry? Jo's heating up the beef and noodles for you."

Johnny opened his mouth to answer but before he could, his stomach expressed an opinion of its own. Johnny looked chagrined as Roy laughed. "I'll take that as a resounding yes." He was just standing to head into the kitchen when Jo came through the door with a plate in her hands.

"I heard someone in here might be hungry." She smiled at her guest and he smiled back. She pulled the tray they'd used before when someone was ill, closer to the bed and put the plate on it. "Can you manage yourself or do you need help?"

Johnny didn't answer, instead he took the fork carefully in his left hand, and although it shook, he managed to get a fair portion into his mouth. He chewed contently.

He took several more bites then stopped, looking back and forth at his grinning friends with a puzzled expression.

Realizing what they were doing and not wanting to make Johnny self conscious they both stood up quickly. "Well, I uhhh, need to start some laundry. Enjoy your meal, Johnny." Jo said and left.

He looked at Roy who had also stood, "I'll ummm, guess . . ."

Johnny shook his head, "You can . .. stay."

Roy smiled at him, then spied the nearly empty glass. "Hey, Johnny do you want some ice tea, water or more juice?"

Johnny thought for a moment then decided, "Beer."

Roy laughed and was relieved to see Johnny give a soft smile. Roy shook his head, "Sorry Junior, I don't think that'll go with your meds."

Johnny sighed then shrugged, "Ice tea." Roy picked up the glass. "OK, one ice tea, coming up." and he left.

He took his time returning, wanting to give Johnny time to eat. When he came back into the room, he saw Johnny leaning back into the pillows, the fork on the plate, his arm back at his side. Roy looked at the food with a frown. Two bites out of the roll, and not much missing from the noodles.

"Johnny? Is there something wrong? You didn't eat much." Roy stated. Johnny looked up at him. Roy tried to read the expression in his friend's eyes. "Did you want something else?'

Johnny shook his head, his gaze dropping back to his lap. Then his stomach made a noise again and he bunched his eyebrows downward and screwed up his face. All at once Roy put it together as he retook his seat. "Johnny. It's alright. Brackett said you'd be weak for a while yet."

Johnny remained looking down. Roy took up the fork and without another word, filled it with food. He placed it near Johnny's mouth and waited. After a few moments, Johnny opened his mouth and Roy fed him. This continued with Roy feeding him bites of noodles and beef, interspersed with bits of roll and drinks of ice tea. Once he was sure there was enough food in Johnny's stomach to buffer, he gave him his medicine then continued feeding him.

When Johnny finally signaled he'd had enough, most of the plate was empty as was the glass. Now Johnny's eyes were half mast yet again. Roy removed the tray and leaned him forward, removed some of the pillows and let him lay back. Johnny's eyes closed almost as soon as his head made contact with the pillows and Roy left him dozing.

He told his wife Johnny was finished and then headed out into the backyard to mow.

Jo finished up the load she had in, folded it and went back upstairs to get more. Once upstairs, she gathered more clothes, smiled as she checked on Jenny and found her playing with her barbies in her room. She dumped the clothes onto the floor in the laundry room and went into the kitchen. She did dishes and cleaned in there until she heard the dryer beep. She pulled the clean clothes out, folded them and put another load in. As she did she heard Jenny's voice jabbering away. 'She must have brought her dolls down here.' she thought. She picked up the basket and headed into the kitchen. Jenny wasn't there. She put away the cleaned washtowels and looked into the living room. Jenny wasn't there either. She could still here her daughter's voice and it was very plain she was talking to someone.

Suddenly, she knew and headed down the hallway, "Jennifer Marie, I told you not to . . ." She stopped at the door way at the sight before her. A soft smile came across her face and she pulled back some, still close enough to watch but not enough to interrupt.

Jenny was seated in the chair beside Johnny. She had a bowl of bread pudding in her hands and was feeding it to Johnny, jabbering the whole time. Johnny's eyes were locked onto Jenny's face, a faint smile on his lips. He readily accepted each bite while his nurse rebuffed him.

"You are way too skinny, young man, you know that? You need to eat more and get strong again. Don't you know you can't fight fires being skinny?" Jenny scolded. "You need to eat this lovely pudding and get all better."

She paused as she looked down into the bowl, hesitating only briefly in her feeding. "This stuff is ok. Miss Dixie brought it, you know. I ate some. But to tell the truth, I like banana pudding much better. Maybe I can ask Mommy if we can make banana pudding with vanilla wafers!" She got excited. "Yes! That'd be really good! Would you like that Uncle Johnny?"

She placed another spoonful to Johnny's mouth but this time he didn't take it. Jenny stopped and looked at him, "Here Uncle Johnny, it's not all gone yet. You have to eat it so you get better." She tried again but Johnny turned his head and gave a soft, "No more."

Slowly Jenny put the spoon back into the bowl as her face crumpled and tears began falling off her cheeks. "You didn't eat it all. Miss Dixie said you really liked this stuff. I heard Dr. Brackett say you needed to eat so you got better. If you don't eat, you won't get better and I want you to get better Uncle Johnny." She began to hiccup with sobs.

Slowly Johnny lifted his left hand and wiped the tears from her face. "Don't cry, kid . .. dle. I'll get better." He whispered.

At that Jenny dropped the bowl and threw her arms around his neck, buried her head in his chest and cried. Johnny patted her back then looked up at Jo as she came into the room. "I . . .Jo, I . . ."

She smiled at him as she lifted her daughter. "It's alright Johnny. Here Jenny. I think Uncle Johnny is just full right now. He did eat a big lunch just a little over an hour ago."

Jenny looked at her mother, sniffling, "He . . .he did?" Jo nodded to her. She looked at her Uncle who repeated the nod. "Oh. Ok." She looked down at the bowl. "I'm sorry. I made a mess."

Jo nodded, "That's ok. You can help me clean it up. Got get some paper towels."

Johnny watched as the two cleaned up the mess, mother comforting daughter, until he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. He was dimly aware of soft lips touching his cheek and a little voice saying, "Sleep good Uncle Johnny." He smiled softly, then they were gone.

As he lay in the bed in the sunroom, he listened to the faint sounds of the DeSoto household. He could hear clothes being tossed around in the dryer, the sound of Roy's rickety mower, and Jo singing with Jenny while she did whatever in the kitchen. They were good sounds, pleasant sounds—homey sounds. And he had to stop and think.

Roy's treatment of him over the last few weeks had hurt and hurt him badly but during that time Jo and Jenny and others had showed him he was still loved. He remembered the promise he'd made to himself not to care anymore, to not let himself be hurt like Roy had hurt him ever again, but now, after today, he couldn't help but hear his grandfather's words come back to him, "When someone you care about hurts you, it hurts worse then if the same thing was done by someone else. That's because, Tanaġidaŋ, those that we love the most also have the ability to hurt us the most. And when we do get hurt, it's those same people who have what is needed to make the hurt better. Oh it might never fully go away, but you can't live your life afraid of hurts, that's not living, that's just existing. And always remember, your true family, those you love and who love you in return, that is more important than anything else. "

Today, he'd again felt connected to this family and it felt good. Johnny remembered the time when he'd had no one, when those who were supposed to care for him hated him and hurt him. Yes, they might have hurt his body but never his soul like he hurt now. And he remembered how he felt dead inside when he hadn't allowed anyone to care about him or for him. He didn't want that again.

Slowly, more than a little scared, Johnny allowed the pieces of himself that he'd hidden away after Roy's cruel words in the squad to come back up into his soul again. His eyes filled with tears of pain at the remembered words but then those cruel words were gradually canceled out by the gentleness that Roy had been treating him with over the last few days. Slowly, bit by bit, those deep wounds sealed, still there, but finally healing. And exhausted, Johnny slept.