I intended to upload this yesterday, but unfortunately, FFN was down so I was unable to do anything... But, FFN is running again! So it's time to hop back into this! Enjoy!
At MedStar Memorial…
After the fire, many firehouse companies were there in the waiting room, awaiting news on a respected and beloved firefighter. Many of them walked around anxiously, conversated, or sat in silence.
Arnold soon stood up after having something on his mind. Yanking Spinelli's coat, they stepped aside.
"When I give you an order, Lieutenant… you follow that damn order… and I don't care what you see, I expect you to follow orders despite you being Lieutenant of Engine, and despite being the same rank as me." Arnold quietly and sternly scolded her. "But, Arnold-" Spinelli tried to explain, but Arnold stopped her. "I don't care if we're the same rank, I'm still responsible for your life regardless, whether you care or not…! I expect better from you…" Arnold walked away, leaving Spinelli in despair…
Stella stood up from her seat and walked to the Italian woman, Catherine, who had her surgical gown on.
"Excuse me, Dr. Shepherd? Do you know what's going on?" Stella asked.
"Chief, there's no guarantees right now, it's really a 50/50 chance… I can't even say she'll make it off the table… She'll either pass flying colors, or not make it off at all... I'm sorry, Mrs. Shortman…" Catherine sighed. "Excuse me, but I have to go now…" Shepherd soon walked away.
Stella had a sad look, every firefighter in the room saw, and all they could do now, was pray…
Spinelli punched the vending machine she was leaning on and decided to sit alone…
Two Hours Later…
Two hours of surgery passed, and no news ever since Stella asked Catherine.
It was also two hours since Arnold and Spinelli spoke to each other, regarding Spinelli's mistake earlier.
While he sat beside his mother, Arnold looked to Spinelli, who spent the last two hours sitting on a chair next to the vending machine and curled up like a ball with her face in her knees. He decided to stand up and walk over to her.
Standing near her dusty turnout gear, Arnold patted her knee once. "Hey…" Spinelli looked up. "What do you want…?"
Arnold sighed. "Listen, Spinelli, I had to say that to you earlier because, well, it's not in your nature to freeze up! I've never seen you be so scared like that! You're the bravest Lieutenant I'd ever know, but that doesn't change the fact I had to tell you that." Arnold decided to help her up and then caress her cheek. "And what I said is true, about being responsible for your life, maybe not as much as a Lieutenant, but as your husband and as a son-in-law. I love you, Ashley Spinelli…" Arnold pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry…"
Spinelli whimpered and hugged him back. "I know you did what you needed to do… I love you…" They both sighed deeply. Arnold stroked her hair while Spinelli clenched onto his shirt. He then rubbed her back. "It's alright… It's alright…"
Over with Stella, Teddy had come out this time.
"Dr. Deegan, please tell me you have good news." Stella came up to Teddy. "Mr. Shortman, Clemente passed surgery with flying colors." Stella sighed in relief. "But, she isn't out of the woods yet. Her recovery is… it's going to be difficult. Her chances of waking up are honestly 50/50 chances, and it's all up to her, nothing more we can do, Chief." Teddy gave a somber look.
Stella sighed. "Teddy, from Chief to another Chief, be honest, what do you think of her chances?" Teddy thought for a moment. She then sighed. "Like I said, it- it's really 50/50… My- My best guess is she could wake up today or this week? We'll keep a close eye on her, run labs, and keep an eye on her brain activity. Last I checked, her brain was fully functional, but, I think we have a sliver of hope."
"So, she has a fighting chance?" Stella asked. Teddy nodded. "I'd have to say so."
"Can we go see her?"
Teddy nodded again. "Absolutely." They shook hands. "Thank you so much, Dr. Deegan." Stella gave a small smile. Teddy smiled back. "Of course. We're all family, after all." She soon walked away.
Stella soon gathered everyone. "Alright, everyone, listen up…" Everyone soon gathered. "So, um, while Clemente isn't out of the woods yet, she has a chance of coming back. Keep her in your prayers, she'll need all of our love and support…"
Spinelli sighed in relief while Arnold rubbed her shoulder.
Two Minutes Later
Teddy soon guided Arnold and Spinelli to Pep's ICU room upstairs.
In the room, they found her intubated and hooked up to several machines, her neck wrapped up, and a surgical scar on her fractured arm and lower torso, which was hidden under the blankets.
All Spinelli could think of was hearing that PASS alarm along with the traumatic sight of seeing her friend pinned under. The haunting sound of the alarm kept playing in her head while Arnold rubbed her shoulder.
She gulped. "I- I…" Spinelli remembered back to the horrifying sight of Murray taking Pep's air mask off to reveal the injuries.
She slowly sat down next to her bedside while rubbing her arm. "I'm here… sis. You once said you were robbed of your childhood and adolescence, at least you pulled through to be with us. And I genuinely hope you'll pull through to be with us once more… I love you as my friend, my colleague, and as the sister I never had. I may have the Michelle and Vic as sisters, but you'll always be my number one sister…" Spinelli slowly broke down in tears while clenching Pep's hand.
Arnold kissed Pep's forehead and sat down while clenching her hand. "We're here for you, and we'll be there when you wake up… And we'll especially be there for your recovery. We love you…"
Phoebe soon came over to the receptionist's desk where Teddy was signing several papers. Phoebe looked over to her saddened friends and roommates.
She sighed. "Poor guys, they really can't catch a break, can they?" She looked at Teddy.
"When you think of it, it does make one wonder why… I mean, I get that they're firefighters, but do they really have it that rough? That- It just feels mind-boggling what's been happening lately and even way before. What happened to this city?" Teddy proceeded to ask. Phoebe shrugged and shook her head while leaning on the desk. "Wish I knew, sis, wish I knew, but that is a good question…"
They only sighed after.
Half an Hour Later…
Half an hour passed by, and no change in Pep's condition so far. Phoebe and Catherine had run another brain activity scan, her brain was fully functional, thankfully.
After standing up, Arnold kissed Pep's forehead again and walked over to Spinelli.
Rubbing her back slowly, "Hey. Hate to say it but, we have to get going now, we still have a shift to finish." Spinelli looked up at Arnold and then back at Pep. "We'll be back soon. We promise…" Spinelli soon stood up and got pulled into a hug by Arnold.
"Shhh. Sh, it's alright…" Arnold tried comforting her.
"Why does this hurt so much?!…" Spinelli clenched his shirt while tears slipped down. Arnold had a suggestion. "Take the rest of the day off, I'll see what my Mom can do. You're not fit to-"
"And what am I supposed to do at home?! To hell with that! I'm not sitting at home-" Arnold soon stopped Spinelli from ranting while caressing her cheek. "Alright. Alright… Come on." He kissed her forehead.
They soon walked out of the ICU room after one last look at their friend and roommate.
"Are you sure you want to continue with your shift?" Arnold asked. Spinelli nodded slightly. He kissed her cheek. "I know Pep would want you to be strong, and be the strong Lieutenant you are." Arnold gave an encouraging smile.
As they were about to walk out, they met up with Sergeant Tanner.
"Sergeant? What are you doing here?"
"It's regarding the warehouse fire, guys. Arnold, your mother said it started with an incendiary device, right?" He asked.
"From what Suzy and I found at the scene, yeah."
"That's two major fires we've had in the span of 48 to 72 hours, and that's where I'm starting to get suspicious. Lieutenants, I need you to stop by the scene later today, I think this was another fire set on purpose." Tanner explained.
Arnold and Spinelli looked at each other. "If that's what you think, we're with you."
Tanner patted both their shoulders. "Knew I could count on friends like you two, thanks." He soon walked away.
"This city is home to so much arson it's just sad at this point…" Spinelli shook her head. Arnold only kissed her forehead several times as they soon walked off.
Later
As Squad 55 passed by an intersection, the ride inside the heavy six-wheeled rescue truck was pure silence. Everyone was mainly minding their business until Arnold spoke.
"Good thing you're still on Squad, Smith, otherwise we'd be a man short." He told Dean.
"Just happy to help out, and happy to be under one of the best Lieutenants in the city." Dean replied.
The heavy Squad rig stopped as a moving truck turned left into a neighborhood.
"Wonder who could be moving." Cruz wondered. "Why not check it out? Could be good, no?" Arnold suggested.
"Got it." Cruz answered. The heavy six-wheeled Squad vehicle turned right into the street.
The truck soon stopped around 400 feet behind the moving truck. "I'll be on the radio." Arnold told Cruz as he soon hopped out to briefly inspect the area.
While two movers were carrying a couch inside the house, all of Squad wondered who was moving in.
"Wonder who could be moving in?…" Arnold asked himself as he put his hands in his pockets after adjusting his radio on his shoulder.
A blonde woman with perky breasts came outside. "Yeah, just put it inside, I'll show you guys where-… to put it…" The woman paused when she saw the football-headed Lieutenant roaming around.
"Uh… I- Just set it inside, I'll be over there in a minute…" The blonde woman slowly walked over to the Squad Lieutenant.
After getting a good look, the blonde woman recognized him. "… A- Arnold? Arnold, is- is that you?"
Arnold looked over to see who was calling his name. With the heavy Squad rig in the background, he looked to see it was… "… Nadine?! Oh, my goodness! Nadine! It is you!" He opened his arms for a hug.
Nadine approached her old friend and hugged him. "Oh my God, Arnold, it's been so long!" She smiled brightly. "That's what she said." He chuckled.
"I didn't mean it like that!" Nadine chuckled. "It's been so long since I've seen you! I remember when you were only at a firefighter rank! Are you still stuck at that rank?" Nadine smirked.
Arnold shook his head with a smile. "Nope. I was promoted to Lieutenant years ago. And earlier this month I was promoted to Squad Lieutenant, which also meant a little extra training for rope, scuba, and other rescues." He explained.
"Oh, Arnold, I'm so happy to hear that! Say, we should take the chance to catch up tomorrow, well, if you're off duty, of course. Starbucks tomorrow morning?" Nadine offered. "I'm up for it." He smiled.
"Say, fancy rig." Nadine finally noticed the six-wheeled Squad truck.
Over with the rest…
"Who do you think she is? Fifty bucks say she's one of his ex-girlfriends." Dean slapped the seat.
"Bro, no way. Seventy says an old friend, I should know." Cruz looked back.
McCaffery thought for a moment. "I'd say- Wait! Cruz, how would you know?" He asked. Everyone looked at Victor.
"What? I have many old friends, and that looks like a guy meeting an old friend. Minus well pay up now." He shrugged.
"Boy, I wish Clemente was here, she probably would've had something funny or factual to say." Suarez mentioned. "At least she's funnier than Smith over here." McCaffery snickered.
"Bro, shut up… You're just jealous I'm funnier than you!" Dean looked at Russell. "Oh, really? Is that why the local circus offered you to be the lead clown?" Cruz looked back and started laughing.
Dean only kicked the back of Cruz's seat while the others contained their laughter. "I'm still funny for the record."
"Hose jokes don't count!"
"Shut up!" Dean scolded. The rest couldn't contain their laughter and started laughing.
"So, Arnold, how's Rhonda? It's been years since we've spoken to each other, and, well, I wanted to know if I could surprise her tomor-" Arnold then cut off Nadine's sentence. "Uh, actually, Nadine? I have to go now. Uh- I'll see you tomorrow morning!" Arnold soon walked back to the truck while Nadine noticed the sketchiness but shrugged it off.
"Bro, the black Hulk joke is more factual than funny, see these gains?" Dean flexed his biceps.
Arnold soon got in and shut the door. "Dean, stop flexing your biceps, we don't need the black Hulk on the loose. Besides, that's the millionth time you said you're the strongest on Squad. How about proving it in arm wrestling Spinelli?" Arnold looked back.
"Lieutenant, I didn't even say a word. Secondly, she'd kick my ass like she kicked McCaffery's ass." Dean explained. The others agreed. "She does have a rep of being the strongest, to be fair. I mean, she beat all of us in arm wrestling! Like, Suarez's hand was sore for the week when she slammed him!" Cruz added.
"Then I think it's time we see what happens." Arnold smirked. "Cruz, get us home, I have something in mind…"
"Alright, Lieutenant…" Cruz cranked the engine.
At The Firehouse
Squad 55 soon rolled inside the engine bay, where Spinelli was sitting at the Squad table, specifically, in Arnold's gaming chair. She knew which was his chair since they were color coded. Arnold was red, Pep was blue, Cruz with white, McCaffery with green, and Dean with all black. (No racial jokes)
Most of them had gaming chairs as seats, except Suarez, who had an office chair.
Spinelli smacked the newspaper against the table (not that she'd read one) when she saw the Squad truck pull in and park behind Truck.
"About time these guys get back."
The brakes hissed with everyone hopping out. Arnold soon walked up to Spinelli.
"Hey, sweetie."
"Hey, hun." Arnold passionately kissed Spinelli.
After a few seconds, they separated after a small peck on each other's lips.
"Squad, gather around 'cause I want to see whether Dean really is the black Hulk." Arnold smirked. "Which is why my beautiful and amazing wife, Spinelli, will challenge Smith to an arm wrestling contest. And I swear on everything, say something Spinelli being a man and I'm ripping your brain out with my bare hands…"
No one even dared to say something.
Arnold kissed Spinelli's cheek. "Show 'em why you're the best female Lieutenant." He smiled and rubbed her shoulders.
"I thought I was the best female Lieutenant during my time?" Michelle came walking by eating an apple. "What are y'all up to?"
"Arm wrestling between Smith and Spinelli, care to watch?" Cruz suggested. Michelle thought for a moment and smiled. "Sure, why not?"
Dean sat down with a nervous expression but was still confident. Spinelli showed off her muscle. "Don't worry, your misery will be quick." She gave an intimidating look.
"Are you sure-" Arnold cut off Michelle's question without looking. "Shut up."
"Alright."
"On my count. Three! . . . Two! . . . One! . . . GO!" Suarez slapped the table, and Spinelli and Dean started arm wrestling.
"I'm barely using… any … strength!" The two were competing hard, and so far, their arms have barely even moved.
"You're in… for quite… the… defeat… Lieutenant!…"
"GO, SMITH! YOU GOT THIS!"
"COME ON, SPIN! SHOW 'EM HOW TOUGH YOU ARE!"
"COME ON, DEAN!"
"SHOW 'EM YOUR STRENGTH, LIEUTENANT!" Arnold looked at Michelle. "Surprised you're taking her side." He chuckled. "Someone has to support her apart from her husband." She smirked. "SHOW 'EM SOME TOUGH GIRL POWER!"
"YOU GOT THIS, DEAN! GOT IT IN THE BAG!"
"COME ON, SPIN, YOU GOT HIM ON THE ROPES! HE STRESSIN'!"
"COME… ON!…" Spinelli was using all her strength to bring down Dean.
After forty seconds, Spinelli was slowly moving Dean's arm to her left.
"COME ON, LIEUTENANT! YOU GOT THIS! SHOW HIM HOW TOUGH GIRL POWER IS!"
"COME ON, FIGHT BACK!"
"YOU GOT IT, SPINELLI! ALMOST THERE!"
"DEAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? YOU BETTER THAN THIS, MAN!"
Spinelli finally slammed Dean's arm to the table with one final grunt.
THUD
"WE HAVE OUR WINNER! LIEUTENANT SPINELLI!" Suarez pointed in her direction.
Spinelli stood up with triumph, Arnold hugged her and even picked her up with Michelle cheering her on.
"THAT'S HOW YOU DO IT!" Spinelli pumped her fist once.
"I'm so proud of you, baby…" Arnold smiled warmly. Spinelli cupped Arnold's face and started kissing him.
After their kiss, Arnold put Spinelli on the ground and nuzzled against her. Soon, he let go. Spinelli looked at Dean.
"Hey. GG's. You were the second toughest opponent. I gotta hand it to you." They dapped each other. "It's really true what they say about you. You're one tough Lieutenant." Dean finally smiled.
Arnold rubbed Spinelli's shoulder and kissed her cheek several times while she smiled.
Later
A Battalion pickup soon pulled up to the burned school where a police SUV was parked. Several FD SUVs were also there.
"Man, this place is a disaster…" Spinelli mentioned. Arnold walked beside her. "Let's see what Tanner has in mind." He handed her a flashlight.
Tanner soon found them. "Thanks for coming guys." He shook both their hands. "Any leads?" Spinelli asked.
"Apart from finding the same incendiary device from the warehouse, not really, but that's what I'm suspicious about."
"Where'd you find it?" Arnold asked. "First floor, near the lockers in a hallway." Tanner replied as they walked inside and headed to the spot.
As they walked along, Spinelli noticed something odd. She aimed her flashlight at a wall. "Hey, guys, look at this burn pattern." She pointed at an electrical outlet.
While Tanner didn't understand much, Arnold noticed the burn pattern was way different and aimed his flashlight at it. "I think you're onto something…"
Arnold soon stepped on something weird. He pointed his flashlight down. "Hey, Tanner, I don't think we're just dealing with arson, but someone must have broken in."
"There's no way the school security is that poor." He looked to where Arnold pointed. A bunch of broken glass on the ground. "If the device is over there, then that means…"
"Someone faked that device while the real cause is this outlet!" Spinelli finished his sentence. "Whoever set this is an idiot too, guy splashed gasoline and probably lit a lighter and dropped it by the looks of it." She noticed.
"How do you know?" Tanner asked in confusion. "Don't ask…" Both Arnold and Spinelli answered. "So we know what the cause is, but now the question is who could've done this?" Tanner questioned. "And why specifically this place too." Spinelli added.
"Whoever set this, they'll eventually show their face… But this really makes you question…"
Spinelli then aimed her flashlight at some burned red cloth. "Hmm…" Arnold looked at her. "You alright?" She nodded. "Yeah. Probably just nothing anyways." Arnold rubbed her shoulder.
"Let's keep looking around and see whether there's more evidence we can collect." Tanner suggested.
Fast Forward to Later That Night
It was nighttime in Hillwood, and Arnold and Spinelli were back home and in Andy's room to tuck her in for bed.
With Andy cradled in Spinelli's arms while Arnold was hugging her from behind, Spinelli kissed Andy's forehead once more.
"…Goodnight, sweetie. At least you had a relaxing day, and I won't specify the details. We love you, sweetie." Spinelli warmly smiled. Suddenly, Andy mumbled an 'M' while she reached for Spinelli.
Arnold and Spinelli looked at each other in shock. "Did she just say what I think she said…?" Arnold started smiling. Spinelli looked back at Andy. "Come on, girl! You got it!"
Andy took a moment before she mumbled both a 'D' and an 'M'.
Arnold kissed Spinelli's cheek. "A moment that makes you the proudest parent…" He smiled. "Ashley Spinelli, you're the best mother and wife." Arnold kissed her cheek again.
While Spinelli felt joyful about Andy's mumbling, she still didn't feel all that complete. Arnold noticed the minor disappointment in her. "Honey, what's wrong?"
Spinelli sighed while caressing Andy's cheek. "As much joy as that brought me, I wish Pep was here to experience this… She's practically part of this family along with Phoebe, who's done so much for us…" Arnold exhaled and hugged her from behind.
Kissing her cheek once, Arnold tried to think of something to comfort her. "I know she's a fighter, Pep will pull through. Just watch."
Soon, Andy mumbled an 'M' again and reached for Spinelli. Arnold smiled at Spinelli. "At least take the time to enjoy this, enjoy the affection your daughter's showing, and that means you're doing something right." Arnold kissed Spinelli's cheek.
Spinelli smiled at Arnold and then looked back at Andy. "I guess you're right. After all, Andy is our precious little girl, and we're raising her well." She kissed Andy's forehead.
Soon, Spinelli looked back at Arnold and started kissing his lips passionately.
Quite a cute little ending, no? ... Notice how PD has been getting more involved? I've been thinking of adding the Hillwood PD into this story, so it'll practically be Hillwood Fire, Med, and PD. *wink* Anyhow, Hillwood PD will be making more appearances. So, anyways, with that out of the way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope to see you back in the next!