Now that we're done in the O.R., let's see how things are lookin' like in 55, no? Enjoy!
Later That Night
It was around eight-thirty at night, a relatively quiet night too.
Arnold was in the Captain's office dealing with paperwork like usual. Meanwhile, everyone else was upstairs in the kitchen mainly conversating about their days.
Spinelli lightly elbowed Travis's ribs. "C'mon, man! Just call your secret man, or what's the matter? You need a little spice between-"
"Ok, come on! It was just a one-night thing, otherwise, I'm totally fine, and definitely not seeing Grant again!"
"Uh-huh…" Spinelli nodded, not accepting that answer. Before she said anything, the kitchen door opened.
"Travis? I think you got company." Arnold came in with another guy. It was Grant, the guy Travis slept with the other night. "He said he needed something from you." Arnold winked before walking away.
Spinelli stretched. "Welp… I think I know what I'm gonna do for the next half hour. Good luck with yours." She smirked and walked over to her fiancé.
Arnold had an arm over her and smiled. "Finally I can spend a little time with my sweet." He kissed her forehead, making her giggle as they walked away.
While Travis and Grant walked away conversating, most of the others were already talking about their day, while on the other hand… Pep was currently sitting alone and resting her head on the table, worrying about her problems outside the station.
Michelle walked over to her when she noticed the sad expression on her face.
"Hey, you alright?" She sat beside her and put down the coffee mug with juice.
She merely shrugged. "What can I say? I don't really know what to tell you."
"There's gotta be something bothering you, and I already know there's something wrong just by looking at your face. Come on, girl-to-girl talk here, what is it?" Michelle rubbed her back.
"You know what? Fine. I'll tell you. I have a growing crush on Arnold, I don't have any other love interest except him! There's nobody like him, he's so unique, he's passionate, he's caring and charming, he's just so sweet, he's-"
"Woah, woah, woah! Ok…" Michelle lightly blushed. "I- I… Wow." She was rather surprised by what she said.
"I know what's best for both of us, but Mich, I just can't stop thinking about him! I don't come off as weird or anything but…" Pep sighed and slapped the table. "I know he has a kid and he's gonna be remarried soon, and I know I have to let go but… I've been having issues lately with my place, in terms of rent and crap, and well… I've had it rough all my life, parents disowned me and I had to live with a neighbor who treated me great, at least. But to be real, Arnold was the best thing that happened to me. He's such a great person and kind, but-"
"But something is telling ME that you should talk with him." Michelle smirked. "Look, he may not love you as a girlfriend or even less as a wife since he's getting remarried, but he'll love you as a friend, no? I mean, it's better than carrying around your load of troubles."
Pep paused for a moment as she started to think. "I guess you have a point." She shrugged. "Sooo, do I go talk to him or-"
"I think it's best if you do, I'm sure he's also willing to help you out with your personal problems." Michelle rubbed her back and smiled. Pep finally smiled and soon stood up and started to walk out of the kitchen.
Ben walked over. "Hey, what's going on? Is there a problem?" He asked.
"Nope, everything should be better now." Michelle smiled.
"When I said I'd have fun the next half hour, this is NOT what I had in mind…" Spinelli facepalmed.
"Phoebe lost her job saving a man's life, and Teddy had her fired for no reason, so we have to do something to help her!" Arnold was sitting, trying to think of what to do.
Spinelli soon sat on his desk. "Come on, can't we leave this for later? I'm bored, and I wanna get personal with my future husband…" She playfully ran a finger on his chin.
"I guess I can figure something out tomorrow." He shrugged and turned to her. "Just have some coffee with her and charm her, I don't know!"
They were about to lean in for a kiss, but a knock on the door was heard.
"Cap, I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk with you." Pep gulped.
"Sure thing, Clemente. What can I help you with?" Arnold asked.
"Is it alright if Spinelli stays? I want her to be a part of this conversation." Arnold nodded. "What's going on, Clemente?" He asked.
"I- I need help, personal help. I've been having problems lately. I'm on the verge of being kicked out of my place, despite my salary my financial situation has been rather rough lately, no I don't gamble or anything. I've also been carrying a bit of a personal matter you and I need to talk about."
"So you're about to be kicked out? Is money tight? Do you need me to write you a check or-"
"No! God, no, I couldn't ask you for that. I- I've been struggling with this and I already told you before."
"Gas leak at 3814 Coco Street." The station alarm had gone off.
"Second time this week…" Spinelli groaned. "I'll be back, hun." She kissed Arnold and soon ran out of the office.
"Clemente-" As Arnold started to talk, Pep interrupted as sirens started blaring and Engine 55 started driving off.
"Arnold, I want to know if we can be close friends." Pep blurted out. "I- You're on my mind 24/7, I can't stop thinking about you! You're the only good thing that has happened to me… Not only am I asking you for any help, but I also want to know…" She paused and lightly grimaced.
"Come on, spit it out." Arnold gave a confused look.
"No, I can't, it's not important. The important thing here is, I need your help, Arnold…"
Arnold soon stood up and approached her. "Hey, hey, I'm here. Shhh." He slowly pulled her into a hug while she had tears building up in her eyes.
"Just let it out. I'm so sorry to hear all that you're going through, Pep. I promise I'll find a way to help you out. I promise." He stroked her hair.
Minutes Later
Engine 55 soon arrived at the address provided. Three members hopped out.
"Man, someone should tell the mayor about maybe lighting up this street, it's dark here!" Spinelli mentioned.
The red sirens flashed brighter than the lights around the neighborhood.
"Has anyone seen Travis? He was supposed to be with us." Scott asked as he grabbed a crowbar. Spinelli and Dean shrugged.
"As far as I know, no."
"I haven't seen him since we were in the kitchen."
Scott and Dean walked to the front door while Spinelli would check around the house for any hazards.
"You feeling better now?" Arnold asked Pep while he gave a peck on her forehead. She lightly nodded.
Arnold had something in mind but wasn't sure whether his idea would work or not.
"Pep, I- I have something in mind, but I'm not sure about it, I'll have to talk with Spinelli about it but… Given your current situation and all the trauma you have from your life, I have something in mind that should turn your life around."
"We received a call about a gas leak?" Scott asked the man who opened the door.
"Oh, I'm sorry but we don't have a gas leak here." He replied.
"Are you sure? 'Cause maybe there is and you're just not aware of that and it may kill you and your family in their sleep." Scott replied.
"I assure you, we don't have a gas leak."
"Nothing around the house, I'd say it's a false alarm." Spinelli came back.
"We're so sorry for wasting your time." The man apologized.
"Yeah, we're sorry as well. Have a good evening." Scott replied as they soon started heading back to the Engine.
"Some people just love pranking first responders, no?" Dean shook his head.
"That's our life." Scott shrugged.
Later
"Ok, now that Spinelli's back, Pep, I think what I'm about to offer you will shock you and turn your life around." Arnold was currently sitting at his desk. "I discussed it with Spinelli once she got back and well…"
"W- What is it?" She asked.
Arnold took a deep breath. "Pep, I'd like to have you move in with me and Spinelli. Be our roommate, in other words."
Alright, alright. I know this may be a big move since Phoebe is already moving but I thought why not? Besides, I kind of felt like more characters need to be included in some ways.