Logan

115. Christmas, Part 3

*Ripley's POV*

A short blonde, most likely Natalie's friend handed me a drink and set down a small plate of appetizers.

"Oh, just soda for me. I'm driving." I handed the glass back to her and she slightly sighed before taking it back.

"Whatever, daddio." I craned my head in surprise and her face became beet red. "I mean, I'll be back." She quickly retreated to the kitchen and I didn't see her for a while. Natalie was walking slowly, I noticed her closing her eyes every few steps.

"What'd you do there? You were walking just fine earlier, was this from the ruckus Alex mentioned?"

Natalie's eyes bulged a bit and she sat down quietly with a whimper of pain. I noticed the grimace on her face, and then she looked up at me again. "Don't worry about me, please."

"Can you tell me what happened?" I knew I was pushing her buttons, but it was taking me everything not to call an ambulance, or rush her to the hospital myself.

She shook her head, "Don't really want to talk about it, if that's okay." By the tone of her voice she wasn't going to be opening up, not to me, anyways.

I held the bags up, "Where should I put these? They're gifts."

A small smile spread on Natalie's face, "You really didn't have to, I mean, I didn't get you anything."

I shook my head, "Nonsense, you've given me plenty."

Rein it in.

I smiled back at her slightly as I placed the gifts by the tree and then took a sip of the sprite blondie handed me.

"Frankie, this is Captain Ripley, Captain Ripley, Frankie. Frankie's dating Micah."

She extended her hand, "Nice to put a face to the name."

"Likewise," I shook her hand and she made herself scarce.

Natalie excused herself to go into the kitchen, so I decided to spread my legs a bit. I noticed some changes when I looked around. New kitchen, less couches, but more sitting areas. I also noticed one more window.

I saw a group sitting watching something on tv. I recognized then-officer now Agent Landry, along with Damien- I'd seen him sing with Natalie before. "What are you guys watching?

Damien looked over at me, "The Grinch, the Jim Carey version." He whispered, then leaned forward to shake my hand, "Damien Grey, and you are?"

"Captain Ripley," I shook his hand, "But you can just call me Thomas."

"Not a 'Tom' guy, huh?"

I shook my head and chuckled, "Never really stuck."

I took a look over at Alex and he was in deep conversation with Natalie. "So what's the story? What happened today?"

Damien bit his lip, "Whatever you do, don't fuss over her." He took a sip of his drink, "She gets agitated. Alex had some drama earlier this morning and she punched the guy in the face and he-" Damien stopped suddenly and then leaned closer, "he pushed her, and she landed on her back and passed out. Micah's fairly certain her ribs are bruised, but don't worry, he's keeping an eye on the situation. We all know she's in pain but she wants to save face for Desmond. I've only talked to him a couple times but he seems like a great guy."

I nodded, "One of my best men," I blurted, and then cleared my throat, "I value everyone, but I really appreciate what he's done for the rest of the crew."

Damien nodded, "How long have you been the captain?"

"I've been a firefighter for as long as I can remember. Never gets old"