Everyone Needs A Hero

Part 5 And I'm Saying Goodbye

"Tuck " Miranda Bailey yelled out to her sons "Joey "
She looked at sweet Danny who was about a year old. Danny short for Danielle. Ben's idea.
The thought of Ben made Miranda break down into tears again and she dropped her purse. She couldn't bear this, couldn't handle it. She wanted to be the one who died first. It was never supposed to be Ben.
"Mom" Tuck walked into the living room to see his little sister on the floor with her little pink shoe in her mouth and his mom crying again. She tried not to cry in front of them. But he always knew when she was crying.
He walked over to Danny and picked her up gently tugging the shoe from her mouth and putting it on her foot instead. "Mom" he said again.
"It's okay Tuck. I'm...I'm ok. Are you ready to go?" Miranda choked out in-between sobs.
"Yeah I was just helping Joey tie his tie. " Tuck explained to her as he messed with the cuffs of his wrists."Are you ok? Is there anything I can do ?"
"Oh Tuck" Miranda cried " I wish there was. But "
"But you need Dad. I know. I do too." Tuck sighed softly"But we have to go"
Miranda nodded and wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her dress as Joey walked out of his room.
"I'll get the car seat " Joey announced when he saw Miranda's tear stained face.
"Vic " Ripley sighed as he watched her finger yet another bouquet of flowers at the store " We're going to be late. "
"I know " Vic deflected " They just have to be right you know. They have to be Warren. "
The flowers they had originally bought had wilted because Vic or Lucas had forgotten to put them in water. They couldn't remember who. Vic had insisted on getting new flowers before going to the funeral.
"Well how about the ones you're holding?" Ripley asked pointing to the flowers Vic had in one hand .
"They're not really what I'm looking for. They're more what I'd get Miller."
"I thought you forgave Dean " Ripley questioned.
"Yeah I did but I still feel like it's not right yet. " Vic answered as she placed the flowers back and reluctantly pulled another bouquet from the stand admiring it.
" Did you tell Montgomery you forgave Dean yet?" Ripley asked setting his cap down on the sales counter knowing they'd be here a while.
"Do you think Warren would have liked Roses or Tulips ? Or maybe these blue ones ?" Vic asked him changing the subject.
"Ah so you haven't" Ripley confirmed "Which is why you keep choosing flowers Miller would like. "
"I think the blue ones and the roses " Vic finally decided "Now just need to decide between white,yellow, or red roses "
"White."Ripley replied.
"No I haven't told him yet. " Vic said as she plucked a couple bouquets of white roses from the stand and brought them over.
"Your cap" Ripley pointed to her cap which lay in between the lilies and carnations.
"Right thanks." Vic nodded and walked over to grab her hat as Ripley paid.

" On a scale of 1 to bad how bad is it that Ripley's not here yet ?" Dean asked Jack as they scanned the area where the procession was to start.
"Well Sullivan's not here yet either so maybe 9." Jack answered looking around.
"Sullivan is escorting Miranda and the kids to the funeral. He'll be here" Andy assured them "And so will Ripley. "
"You think my dad will show ?" Emmett asked noting that his Dad wasn't there as well.
"God I hope not "Jack groaned " He'll make the whole thing worse than it already is."
"And it'll be live " Dean agreed" Funerals are not supposed to be featured on the news"
"Honestly I'm pretty sure Robert told Dixon he wasn't welcome"Andy added " He came by early this week and Sully just let him have it."
"How's the Dean Miller apology tour going? Anyone else forgive you yet?" Jack asked Dean lightly.
"Bishop kinda did. " Dean replied " And I'm waiting for Vic to talk to Travis before I try. "
"Because she told him about you throwing her or about her forgiving you ?" Jack asked nodding.
"The first one. " Dean answered "at least the staring stopped. And I finally feel like I can eat with the rest of you."
"Well at least you feel like a part of the family again " Jack smiled.
Dean nodded as he watched Vic and Ripley approach.

"You're late " Sullivan told Ripley and Hughes when they arrived.
"Yeah Vic wanted to have the right flowers. " Ripley explained "You're late too "
"Because I gave Warren's wife and kids an escort " Sullivan replied "I had an excuse."
"What should I do with these?" Vic asked holding out the very large bouquet of flowers.
"I'll take them " Sullivan responded" Go join up with the rest of 19. Ripley and I will be there soon "
Vic nodded and left to go join her friends at the front of the procession.
"Hey " Andy greeted her as she walked up " We were debating how bad it was that the chief wasn't here yet. "
"I couldn't find the right flowers. They all seemed to be perfect for Miller and not right for Ben" Vic explained.
"Whoa am I dying soon ?" Dean asked Vic.
The four shot Dean a look.
"Too soon. Yeah I figured." Dean said quietly.
"No "Vic replied" Something still doesn't feel right. "
"Because you haven't told your best friend about the fact that you forgave your other best friend."Jack stated.
"That's what Lucas thinks. But it has nothing to do with that. It's just a feeling." Vic defended.
"Right " Andy added " So you're buying Dean funeral flowers?"
"No not funeral flowers." Vic objected"I'm sorry I stopped talking to you and wouldn't let you apologise flowers. "
"Vic your apology was fine I don't need flowers." Dean told Vic with a smile " It was perfect actually. Short. To the point."
"Ok then maybe they were Dean I'm sorry your partner died flowers" Vic suggested.
"See that we could believe. " Jack said "If they weren't actually Dean I'm sorry I didn't tell my best friend I forgave you yet flowers."
"Oh so that's what they were " Andy exclaimed when she saw Vic's face.
"Oh they were" Dean added"They so were."
"No like I said "Vic argued" This has nothing to do with that. "
"You're a really bad liar " Andy teased.
"The worst " Jack added.
"Well where are the flowers Vic?"Dean asked.
"I put them back because they were flowers for you not Warren " Vic answered.
"19. " Sullivan addressed " We ready?"
The group split apart into thier lines and stood straight as Ripley came over Ben's helmet in hand.
"Dean " Ripley addressed Dean "I thought you might like to carry this "
Dean nodded and took the helmet"I'd be honored sir. "
Miranda stood at the end of a street lined with firefighters and a couple cops. She looked at Danny who was now safely snuggled in her hold sucking her thumb as she slept.
Ben had loved Danny so much. He had thought she was perfect in every way possible. And she was. She was the perfect mixture of both Miranda and Ben.
Miranda saw him in her every time she looked at Danny and it made her sad. It broke her heart to look at the beautiful daughter they had made together.
She could hear the sirens beginning at the start of the procession and looked back to the street.
When the procession was close enough she could see all of 19 at the front of the engine. Dean Miller was in the middle carrying her husband's helmet.
Sullivan and Ripley were marching slowly behind him.
The crew broke off when they reached the church and went to find their seats. The church was packed with what they could only assume were Ben's friends from Grey Sloan. They could see Jackson Avery sitting in the middle with a nice black tux on.
They filed into the second row. Dean joining up with his four friends after placing Ben's helmet on top of his turnouts.
"I can't believe we just did this for my dad and now we're doing it again" Andy sighed.
"Oh I know. First Rigo then Pruitt and now Warren" Jack agreed.
"There's been an abnormal amount of death this past year " Vic observed in agreement.
"Guys quiet " Dean whispered as Miranda Bailey approached with Sullivan at her side.
The group nodded and stood with their caps in their hands.
They watched as Miranda took a seat in the front row next to a tall African American man who put his arm around her shoulder. They were friends. The man was Richard Webber.
Ripley walked up to the podium after the priest finished speaking and Avery had finished his eulogy. There were to be two, one done by Avery and one done by Ripley. Vic had helped Ripley write his eulogy a couple of weeks back.
"Ben Warren was someone I didn't have the pleasure of knowing for very long " Ripley began slowly " But he was someone I am proud to have known. He was an excellent firefighter and doctor. He made decisions we all questioned at one point or another but decisions that were right. He saved many lives his short time with Seattle Fire. He dedicated himself to that."
Dean nodded as he thought of all the stupid reckless but correct decisions Ben had made and the lives he had saved. They all had a Ben story. A story where Warren had done something reckless or even stupid on the job and it had resulted in a life being saved.
"The people that Warren worked with at Station 19 know more than I do. I only know about some of his more reckless decisions but also some of his greatest. " Ripley continued " I knew him as stubborn"
Andy laughed quietly at that . Ben was incredibly stubborn. He had blatantly defied her,Jack and Pruitt on multiple occasions. He had even defied Ripley and Sullivan.
"I knew him as reckless. I knew him as smart " Ripley went on " Nobody ever had a problem with Warren because he usually was right. Usually. And because he was kind. A year ago when I almost died and ended up in his wife's hospital Ben came to see me and brought flowers. He didn't judge me once for my relationship with Victoria Hughes."
Vic smiled at the mention.
"And he was incredibly kind to everyone. I never once received a complaint from a patient or victim about Warren. Which is more than I can say for a lot of firefighters. For myself. " Ripley continued "The night that he died Ben Warren was a hero. That is the only way he can be described that night. He pushed a little girl out of the way of a falling support beam and helped her find a way out. She found her way out because Warren told her to follow the hose lines. He sacrificed himself so that little girl could live another day. And that wasn't all of it".
Dean looked at Vic who shrugged with a smile.
"That night Warren also told his partner to leave him defying the number one rule of the job. Never abandon your partner. He told his partner to leave so that the Mom of that little girl could live. And that in turn is the reason Dean Miller is alive today. "
Dean looked at Ripley sadly.
"If Dean had stayed behind with Warren much to what he believes Warren would not only have died but so would Dean Miller,Amanda Neese and Paula Neese . Instead Warren saved three lives that night. It is not Dean Miller's fault nor is it Amanda's but rather some sick twist of fates. " Ripley continued.
Vic looked at Dean who looked back to her with confusion.
"I was told to make sure I gave the credits to that last bit to my fiance Victoria Hughes as she helped me write this. "Ripley announced going off script for a moment.
There were scattered laughs in the audience at the part. Dean looked at Vic who smiled tearfully.
"I'm honored that I had the chance to know Ben Warren. And I'm incredibly honored to name Warren as a hero for his valor and ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy Warren. We'll miss you here at 19" Ripley finished as Sullivan rang the bells.

After the funeral they had gone to Joe's to celebrate Ben's life and have a couple drinks. The bar had filled with several people from the department and hospital.
"Hey " Ripley greeted Vic hugging her from behind" What did you think of our speech ?"
Vic smiled looking up at him"It was beautiful. And I think someone might have gotten through to Miller about how he is not at fault"
Dean nodded " I can finally see it I guess."
"You mind if I join you guys?"Ripley asked"Sully left to take Miranda home "
"Not at all Sir " Andy answered taking a sip of her drink.
Ripley nodded and took the empty seat by Vic. He waved a waiter over and ordered himself a scotch neat.
"Hey thanks for that by the way. " Dean looked at Vic" it was nice what you said "
"For the record I wrote that when we weren't talking."Vic confessed"And there may have been some alcohol involved."
"Was he really as stubborn as everyone says?" Emmett asked "I only knew him for a couple months."
"Yeah I've got a thousand Warren stories from when I was temporarily captain" Andy laughed.
"Ditto "Jack agreed " So many stories."
"Like you wouldn't believe"Vic laughed in agreement.
"Speaking of which" Dean began as he downed another shot " Anyone of y'all want to take my baby ? "
"What?" Andy laughed drunkenly.
"You are so drunk Miller " Vic smiled as she leaned on Ripley's shoulder.
"No I mean it. " Dean said "Look I may be drunk and my thoughts are impaired or whatever.But before they shut down the PRT program Ben said he'd take my baby if something happened to me. "
"So can't Miranda still take your baby ?" Jack asked confused.
"Well she has Danny,Tuck and Joey already. And she's a single parent. I'm not going to stick her with Pru if Warren's not there to help" Dean explained" So which one of you wants my child ?"
"I appreciate the thought Miller but I am drunk. Like really really dumb drunk. And I think Sully wants sober me to make decisions about children" Andy slurred with a smile as she finished off her beer.
"Yeah I'm not really a baby type Miller " Jack laughed " But you know who'd be great parents - Ripley and Hughes."
"No "Vic objected"I told you I don't do babies "
Ripley looked at Vic with a smile.
"Yeah but Hughie you love my baby " Dean protested.
"Exactly which is why I'm perfect for last minute babysitting or telling her superhero stories about her superhero Daddy."
"Well I don't know Hughes " Ripley looked at her " I think we'd be pretty great together."
Vic laughed at that almost spraying alcohol everywhere " Lucas you can't be serious"
"Well it's a disaster plan right "Ripley tried " Disasters rarely happen. So we probably won't even need to."
Dean nodded in agreement"I like what Ripley has to say."
"Except disasters do happen. "Jack added "Specifically disasters happen to 19. A lot more than other stations"
"Look I'm sure you'll find someone"Vic told Dean casting her eyes on Emmett with a mischievous smirk"I bet Emmett likes kids."
"I like kids " Emmett replied looking up from his phone " But I'm not sure I'm what your looking for"
"You know who would have been perfect?"Andy asked"My dad. He would be a perfect second choice"
"Yeah "Jack agreed"He was a great guy. Actually grown up responsible."
"Wasn't in an inappropriate relationship with the Chief"Vic added mocking herself.
"Or married to his boss " Andy chimed in with a smile as she tried to build a castle from her empty shot glasses.
"Or sleeping with another firefighters wife " Jack said with a laugh.
"You know if you think about it I think probie is probably the most responsible out of all of us" Andy declared as her shot glass castle fell.
"Yeah " Dean agreed " He is."
"He would have been perfect months ago because he was afraid to run into fire" Vic laughed "So he wouldn't have died on the job"
"May I add that I've changed?" Emmett defended" I'm not afraid anymore."
"Because you were shot." Jack nodded in agreement.
"Well Dixon will you take my baby ?" Dean asked looking at the rookie firefighter.
"Like I said probably not what you're looking for. And I'm having a lot of fun but I'm going to go ahead and leave now" Emmett said as he got up.
"What you don't drink past 12?" Jack teased.
"Oh leave probie alone " Andy laughed as Emmett walked away" he probably doesn't want to get roped into taking Miller's baby "
"He didn't give me an answer" Dean sighed sadly.
"Actually I hate to bail too but I'm going to go be stupid drunk over there with my husband" Andy announced gesturing drunkenly at Sullivan who had just arrived and taken a seat at a booth.
"Who's our designated driver ?" Jack asked looking around at the group who had become painfully and stupidly drunk. Even Ripley was starting to slur as he flirted with Vic.
"Me" Maya walked up" And I'm glad because you all look like you shouldn't be driving."
"Bishop" Dean looked up drunkenly"Will you take my baby ?"
"Dean you should probably decide who gets your baby when your sober " Maya answered " Hughes Ripley you going to be able to get home?"
"Yeah"Vic answered" We're going to call an Uber"
"Gibson, Miller let's go." Maya replied "I should take you home before Dean decides to give his child to the bartender"