Here is the second chapter and for this one we are going to an earlier episode, but still in season 4. Episode 11 is called Blindsided and is one of my favourite episodes of this season. I believe that Athena regretted making the "drunk and stupid" comment the minute she said it and Hen also knew she stuck her foot in it. Bobby had been so happy up to that point, I think it hit him hard and reminded him of his past also that he was in a similar situation. However, it wasn't the same. He might have forgotten about the space heater, but the building being such a fire hazard was the bigger problem. Anyway, I am getting off the soap box train. Please drop a review to tell me your thoughts…

This was not the original idea for this episode, but it was the one that desperately wanted to get written. I will write the original one as a chapter later.

Remember, they do not belong to me, just borrowing the toys.

Onwards…

"How many people had to die because she was drunk and stupid?"

Athena's voice echoed in his ears. Things had been great, he had been happy to push this part of himself into the back of his mind and focus on the joys of the life he had built. That comment dopped a proverbial bucket of cold water onto his head. He had been drunk and stupid and killed people, was he so different from the driver? He killed his kids, she only injured hers. Maybe he was worse. A pretender. A ticking time-bomb. Who was he kidding, he was just as much a monster as this woman.

"You good here, Hen?" Bobby asked as he moved to check the progress of the rest of the team.

"Not one bit, Cap," Hen replied "But I got it. It's our job, right?"

"Yeah," Bobby said after a few seconds and moved away with a purpose. Hen shared the same opinion as Athena, he heard her as he approached, but Bobby didn't think he could handle any more of that tonight. He was still hearing Athena's voice in his head and couldn't help but wonder if that is what she thought of him. Suddenly, all his doubts came flooding back and he had to work hard to push the past back into its box and focus on the job at hand.

The Captain checked on his team as he moved between the cars, making sure everyone was doing what they could while still being safe. He saw Renfrow helping a driver still in his car. As he got closer he saw that the airbags had not been disabled. He picked up his pace a little, the crash site was loud. People shouting orders, screaming, fires raging and Bobby wasn't sure that Renfrow would hear him. As he got a little closer his fears were confirmed. The airbags had not been disabled.

"Renfrow!" He called over all the noise. "Did you disable the airbags? It doesn't look like you did!"

"What's that, Cap?" Renfrow shouted back.

Before Bobby could answer the one thing he feared happened. The airbag exploded. The fireball was the last he saw. He felt the concussion wave slam into him and lifting him off his feet and threw him into the car behind him. He felt something crack, the heat on his face and his last conscious thought was Athena.

911 Whump Collection

The minute she said it, she regretted it. She was just so angry. This woman almost killed her child, because she was too weak and selfish to think about the consequences. She didn't even think about Bobby because he was nothing like this woman. Sure he made mistakes and he had the same problem, but that was in the past and he had worked so hard to change, to be a better person. The look on his face almost tore her heart in two, but she got called away before she could say anything to fix it.

By the time she went to check on the suspect again, Bobby had moved away. She could see him moving between the cars checking on his team, no doubt making sure they were okay as well. Athena squared her shoulders and started to walk towards Bobby, she had to apologize before she left. She knew her husband, he was probably already doubting himself and getting into his head.

As she moved towards him, she heard him call out, but she was too far to hear what he said or what the reply was. It was at that moment that her world came to a screeching halt.

She had always loved to watch Bobby work. He had such a commanding presence when he worked. His team loved and respected him. And that uniform, even his turnout gear, he was a sight that gave her some real memorable dreams. When they ended up at the same scene, she had to tear herself away from him. Tonight, was the exception.

She heard the explosion, saw the ball of fire, the bodies flying, felt the wind as the wave rushed past her, even ducked on instinct, all before her mind caught up and she realized the ragdoll that was just tossed into the air and dropped on the car was Bobby.

Chimney's call of "Cap!" got her running. Her mind focused on Bobby and nothing else.

911 Whump Collection

Chimney moved on to the next car, Hen had the driver handled. He heard Athena's comment, even agreed with her, but he also knew his captain would take the comment personal and so decided not to say anything. Chimney could not help but think back to before Bobby and Athena got together, Bobby's confession about suicide. He had come so far from then to now, could that comment be what drops Bobby back to square one?

He saw the look on Bobby's face, and his heart went out to the man. Athena looked guilty right after as well. He so did not want to be part of that conversation later.

As he worked, Bobby came around to check the progress and no doubt checking in on the team. He heard him check on Buck and looked up to see him come towards his position.

"You ok, Chim?" Bobby asked. His voice was strong, but his eyes was sad.

"Yeah, I'm good, Cap," Chimney replied, looking up from his work. "You ok?"

"Yeah," Bobby said and walked away. Chimney watched him go and saw him move towards Renfrow.

"Renfrow, did you disable the airbags?" Chimney didn't hear the rest, but his blood suddenly ran cold. That can be very dangerous and cause some serious damage. He quickly handed the patient over to the medics from the 139 and stood in time to see disaster strike.

The explosion was loud, and he could see debris flying with the massive fireball. He saw Renfrow being thrown to the side, but Bobby was lifted a few feet in the air and unceremoniously dropped on the car behind him. Chimney's feet was moving long before his mind registered what just happened.

"Cap!"

911 Whump Collection

The 118 ran to their Captain and no-one beat them to the crumpled figure on the ground. Buck was vaguely aware of someone calling for a burn blanket for the driver and Renfrow lying not too far away. Buck glanced at him and could see half his face was burnt badly. Medics from other houses came running to see if they could help, but Chimney and Hen took command of Bobby.

Buck and Eddie stood waiting and ready for any help they might need.

Bobby's face was red and swollen. His helmet had gotten thrown off in the initial blast and there was blood pooling under his head. His turnout was slightly frayed and blackened, but seemed intact and his right arm was lying at a weird angle. Most importantly Buck could see he was breathing.

"Bobby!"

The call sent chills through Buck's body and he caught Athena just in time. He had not even noticed her arrival.

Buck held on to Athena just as tight as she was holding on to him while Hen and Chimney was looking at Bobby. Chimney opened his turnout jacket and started feeling around his chest and stomach.

"Feels like a broken rib, maybe two. No distention on his stomach, no visible bruising or burns. Looks like his jacket protected him from major damage," Chimney rattled off, "Breathing is normal, heart's beating a little fast."

Hen had been checking over Bobby's head and neck, "Face has second degree burns, his pupils are reacting, but sluggish. Can be a concussion or retina burn. Nasty cut on the side of his head," Hen said as she pressed gauze against the bleeding wound.

"His clavicle is broken too, but that's all I can find," Chimney said and turned to the others standing there. "Buck, Eddie grab a gurney and help us get him to an ambulance." He turned to Hen, "One of us needs to take over the scene.."

"No need, Han," a voice said and they all turned to see Captain Shore standing there. "I have the scene under control, take your Captain to hospital." She said, knowing very well that these guys won't be back in the field until they know their Captain would be fine. Just like any House.

"Captain 118, we need an RA unit at dispatch for a woman in labour," Sue Blevins' voice cut off any reply from the gathered group.

"Captain 118 is out of commission for now, Dispatch. This is Captain Shore, surely you have units closer to your location," Captain Shore said while the 118 was loading their injured Captain in the ambulance.

"I do, Captain Shore, but none of the ones close to us, are the baby's father," everyone could hear her smile over the radio.

"Gotcha, he'll meet her there," Shore said.

"Right, 118 get going," Shore said, "I trust the Captain Nash will be fine, he is made from the tough stuff." She nodded at all of them and walked away.

"Athena, are you okay?" Hen asked as the boys loaded the gurney and Chimney jumped in. Buck already making a beeline for the driver's seat.

"No, I am not," Athena said, her voice wavering just a little bit. She looked around and spotted who she was looking for. "Branford, take my car back to the station. I am going with my husband." She gave the keys to the young officer and followed Hen into the ambulance. Eddie closed the door and then sprinted to the front to join Buck.

With lights flashing and sirens screaming, the 118 left the scene with a heavy heart, sending prayers up for their injured friend.

911 Whump Collection

When they arrived at the hospital the true waiting began. Bobby was taken to be assessed and because Covid protocols was still in effect, the rest of the team was politely asked to wait outside. Chim had gone to be with Maddie, before he left, he made Hen promise to phone him if they got any news.

"We will be right outside, Athena." Eddie said on his way out the door, "One call away, if you need us, we'll come running. Protocols be damned, okay"

Athena could only nod and gave him a small smile. Then the rest of the 118 left, to wait outside for any news. Athena sat down heavily on a chair, not even taking mind that she was still in her uniform. Her mind going in all kinds of directions. She took out her phone and sent a quick text to Michael and May and then she prayed that her husband would be okay, that she would get a chance to tell him that she loved him and more importantly, to make sure he knew how special he was.

911 Whump Collection

On the way out, the mood amongst the three friends was a sombre one. They were worried about Bobby even if they were excited about the new addition to the 118 family.

"Coming through!" a new voice shouted, and Eddie barely jumped out of the way when the paramedics of the 133 came barrelling through the doors with what could only be a critical patient. The man was covered in blood and his face was barely recognizable, but Hen saw enough to shout his name,

"Albert?"

"You know this man?" One of the medics asked.

"Yes, his name is Albert Han. He's Chimney's brother." Hen said, her eyes not leaving the gurney as it moved further into the hospital.

"Then maybe you should get him here, and fast," The medic said.

"He is here, just upstairs. His girlfriend went into labour," Eddie told him, while putting a hand on Buck's shoulder. The younger man took a few emotional hits tonight and he is way too quiet.

"That's uhm, something," The medic shook his head and walked back to his ambulance, shaking his head. What a night this had been.

911 Whump Collection

The three members of the 118 sat down on one of the benches that had an easy view at the entrance. Hen had taken out her phone and sent a quick test to Karen while Eddie did the same for Carla. The whole family needed to know, there was no doubt that Athena had phoned the kids and Michael.

"Buck?" Eddie asked after they had sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Yeah," Buck's answer was flat, and he didn't raise head.

"Are you ok?" Eddie asked.

"Not really," Buck answered, "But I don't think anybody is ok, right now."

"No, we're not. But we need to stay positive," Hen said, even if she wasn't feeling so positive. "Bobby is strong, Maddie is getting the best possible care and Albert, well, he is where he needs to be. We can just wait and pray and have faith."

"I know but I keep wondering..." Buck started but was cut off when Hen's phone rang.

"Athena?" That got everyone's attention. They kept their eyes on Hen, trying to listen, but then Buck's phone rang.

"Chimney?" Buck answered and Eddie attention shifted to him.

Both ended their calls and looked at each other.

"Buck, go first," Hen said.

"A baby girl, healthy and still with no name," Buck said, and a smile broke through the tension.

"Hen? What did Athena say?" Buck asked after a few minutes.

"Uhm, Cap got some retina burns, second degree burns on his face, we were right about his collar bone being broken, two ribs as well. He hit his head pretty hard and got a deep cut from the class, but he only got a minor concussion luckily. His got a few major bruises on his back and side, but he will be fine. Athena said we can check in tomorrow. She is going to go change and then spend the night so they can talk in the morning. Athena also said we should go home," Hen said.

"Uhm, I am going to see Chimney and tell him about Albert," Buck said. After saying goodbye, they each went their own way.

911 Whump Collection

Athena was holding onto Bobby's hand. His eyes was bandaged and his face was bright red. His arm was in a sling and even his hands was red and blistered.

Athena knew that his job was dangerous, hell so was hers. The only difference was that Athena usually had backup and had an idea of what she was getting herself into. Bobby and his crew went into situations and sometimes had seconds to choose or make a decision and even then, things change by the second. This was a difficult scene, lots of lives lost, people injured, and Bobby was supposed to be on top of it all. Then there was the crew, he had to keep an eye on them too. He was good at his job, and so her worries only made themselves known if he doesn't check in.

Bobby's chest was raising and falling rhythmically, indicating he was still sleeping. He had woken up earlier and was understandably disorientated. She managed to calm him down and he settled down, but not before he told her he was sorry and then completely shut down on her. She had tried talking to him, but he just said it's fine and then fell asleep.

"I love you, Bobby," Athena said, "I don't care about the addiction, about your past, because I see the good man trying to be the best he can be. The man who would willingly give up everything he has to help someone. You are nothing like the woman from the accident, you are not a monster." Athena had closed her eyes while talking and didn't catch the change in Bobby's breathing.

"I am," the soft voice startled her. Bobby had woken up during her little speech.

"Bobby," Athena breathed.

"I am always one bad day away from becoming that woman, Athena. It's a constant struggle and I am not strong enough to fight it. I uhm, I am," Bobby's voice broke and Athena's heart broke too. Athena sat on the bed next to Bobby, trying to be closer to him.

"I need you to listen to me," Athena had grabbed his hand, "You are a good man, and I know you don't believe it or accept it, but I will continue to tell you as many times as I can. You might be one bad day away from that woman, but you have a family you built in the firehouse. Each and everyone of those men and woman would fight for you and stand by you. You have me and the kids that will support you."

Bobby only nodded and held on tighter to Athena's hand despite the twinge of the burns. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his too warm forehead. She brushed over his hair with her free hand being mindful of the stitches on the side of his head.

"So if you have a bad day, you just look to your family and we will catch you," Athena said, Bobby leaned into her touch, hoping he could see her. The darkness was unnerving him.

"What happened to Renfrow?" Bobby asked after a while.

"He got burned pretty badly, he is in the burn unit, but he should be fine in a while. The driver of the car also made it here, he is still touch and go," Athena told him.

"And the team, are they...are they ok?" Bobby said, his voice getting weaker and softer.

"Chimney is a proud new father of a baby girl, Albert was also in the accident and hurt badly, he is still critical and Hen, Buck and Eddie were outside, but I sent them home. Though knowing Buck, he is still here," Athena said, "Now you need to get some sleep, I will be right here when you wake up."

"I want to...home," Bobby said, but his breathing was already evening out.

"Soon, Baby, soon," Athena gave him another kiss and settled back into her chair not once letting go of Bobby's hand.

It might take a while, but everything will be just fine.

SO that's that. For the next one, I will go to another season, and one of my favourite ever episode, May Day, Season 5, Episode 16.

As always, read, enjoy and let me know what you think. Up next:

What if, Bobby wasn't so lucky when the roof came down?

MSG