dream a little dream of me

Ch1: proposal and make-out

"You did what?" - I bursted into laughter after my best friend said a thing I could never relate with her.
"Oh, come on, Andy. You are shaking the whole bed. And yes, I proposed. Today."
Said Victoria Hughes before ending up laughing with me. Thought on marriage and settling down was creepy. At least for me. I mean, I definitely knew I want to get married and have firehouse babies one day but I am still not quite ready. I am young, full of energy.
Also, since Maya started dating Jack and didn't even bother to tell me we drifted apart. Not to mention she took a job that was promised to me. Vic and I got closer and soon made best friends. She is dorky, awesome, crazy as much as I am. And I love our sleepovers in my bed, when she has something interesting to share at 2am and my dad is asleep or not home. Vic was my therapy. After I found out about my father's cancer and him refusing treatment, after Ryan died, after Robert pushed me away so both of us could have our promotion and then he ended up giving a job to Maya- well, I bet you can imagine how I feel.
In the meantime, Vic started affair with Lucas Ripley, Fire Chief. They were the happiest couple on Earth. And the softest. I loved how Ripley was treating my best friend. He was caring, calm, patient and cheerful person. It was nice to meet him outside the work, especially when my dad is not home and Vic is pleading me to invite them for dinner, because no one except Robert and me knew their deepest secret.
We had a rough call today. It was fire of storage full stacked with coffee sacks. Ripley ran inside to save Captain of 42. Collin. They had history, I guess. Him, Ripley and Robert. Way back to Academy. I didn't ask.
"Uhm, okay. Why? Marriage? Vic? Marriages are not our thing."
I gave my best friend a serious look.
"I thought so too, Andy, but then when I met him and fell in love with him. Look, I want Ripley and I want my job. Marriage gets me both of that. Plus, there won't be more living in the shadows. He is MY person." 
Not gonna lie, but when I saw sparkles in her eyes I knew she was ready, for commitment and everything marriage brings with itself.
"Okay. I support you. You're right. He makes you happy and you two can finally come out as a couple. Well, married couple."
I smiled slightly and locked my gaze on the opposite wall.  She noticed something was wrong. She always does that. She knows me, now even more than Maya does.
"Andy, what's bugging you? It's Sullivan, isn't it?"
She asked offering her hand. I took it and sighed before I explained myself.
"Vic, there is so much going on right now. I am so angry and mad and tired. I am angry with Jack for breaking the code with Vasquez but I am breaking it myself. I am angry with my dad because he refused treatment and now took vacation on Hawaii with Reggie. I am angry with Robert for promoting Maya over me. But on the other side, he is my brightest spot. I don't know how to explain it Vic. This man-"
I stopped talking before my emotions took over. I was on my period and today, luckily on our day off I had terrible period cramps. They only happen when I am stressed out.
She was listening, waiting for more. I decided not to.
"You should go. It's our day off. Call your hubby and enjoy the sunset with him."
Just when she was about to complain her phone rang.
"It's Miller." She said and answered the phone. After they were done talking she hung up and explained to me everything. Dean invited entire team for party down at his house boat. It was extremely rare for him to invite us for parties by himself. Usually Jack invites everyone. But baby Pru really soften him. I smiled but I refused the invitation. I told Vic I want to stay in my bed, eat cereals and watch Netflix.
She nodded and she knew my decision is final. She hugged me and left to the party. I curled up in my bed, too lazy and in too much pain right now to get up, walk to the kitchen and bring cereal box back here. Soon I've fallen asleep.

*Robert Sullivan- POV*

"What Warren? Are you sure I should come along? I am your Battalion Chief."
"Yeah, so what? This is party, Sullivan. Don't worry. Relax, you are part of us and you deserve to spend some quality time. Plus I think Chief Ripley is going to be there as well."
Warren reassured me. He didn't know story about me and Ripley but we seemed to be getting back where we left off. Luke and I started to rebound. I hope that will turn out well, because now- when Andy is mad at me and Warren is my subordinate I don't have much friends. And to be honest, it feels kinda sad. I am lonely. That was the main reason that I accepted Miller's invitation and agreed to come to the party with Warren. To have some fun. I was aware Andy will be there and that it might get weird between us but who cares, right? This life is short. We almost lost one of ours today.
Warren and I joined the rest of the team down on the house boat. Miller was in an amazing mood. Gibson was making out with Bishop. Hughes was with Montgomery and Luke was with Emmett or Probie. I was looking around the room to catch that beautiful dark hazel eyes but there was no sign of them. I excused myself and went to Hughes.
"Hughes, a word. Please."
I smiled slightly while Montgomery was leaving us alone.
"Sir? We're off duty. And uhm. Of course. What's up?"
Victoria flashed a smile.
"Right. You know it's still weird for me. I am getting used to this bonding with my team and sharing meals and stuff, anyway, Herrera is not here? Where is she?"
I asked in quiet voice so only she could hear me.
She winked.
"No. She didn't make it. She is sick. At home."
"Wait- Pruitt is on Hawaii, you are here. You left her alone?"
She shrugged.
"Andy is a grown up woman. Plus extremely stubborn, but she can take care of herself. And she has pain meds and cereals and Netflix so..."
Victoria explained while taking a sip of her wine.
I nodded thankfully before walking away, grabbing my jacket and leaving to my car. Maybe I will never bond with my team but at least I will try to fix things between me and woman I love. I drove myself to the closest supermarket. Bought ice cream and chocolates. And of course box of Magic Carpet cereals Andy loved. After that I went to the pharmacy across the street and bought Ibuprofen. It usually helps with pain I assumed she is going through now. I got back in my car and drove to her house. I rang the bell and waited impatiently with bags in my hands.

*Andrea Herrera-POV*
Hour and a half later.

My peaceful sleep was interrupted by doorbell. I was kinda pissed because I thought it's Vic and I told her to go to that party. It was 1pm. Our day off. I was supposed to rest and she was supposed to have fun. I slowly walked down to the door and opened it.

"You know, Vic, you're no fun-"
I said while opening the door but then I saw it wasn't Vic. It was Robert. My Battalion Chief and my brightest spot. And person I am currently angry with for promoting the wrong Captain.
He just stood there, smiled slightly. He was aware I was mad and angry and pissed but he came.
"What-What are you doing here?"
I asked giving him dose of my attitude.
"I was at the party. Saw you weren't there and Hughes told me you're in pain and I thought I could bring you these. And there is chocolate inside. And ice cream. Plus Magic Carpets."
He smiled lifting up bags a bit.
I couldn't help but chuckle a little.
"Magic Carpets? How did you know they are my favourite?"
"Um...maybe because you eat them every morning."
He laughed.
"Might be. Thank you. But I am still mad."
"I know."
"And I still don't want to talk with you."
"I know."
"And I still don't want to see you."
"I know."
He replied with those short two words. Still calm and caring. He gave me dose of empathy and of course his love even when I was the one pushing him away. I dropped my attitude. Today- we almost lost one of our people. Call was tough. Everyday as a firefighters we are in danger. Life is just too short to wait or be angry.
"But I am craving a good smoothie and you're the one who makes the best smoothies plus you owe me a lot, Chief."
I chuckled as I moved aside and let him in. He walked in and I locked the door behind us. We found our way to the kitchen. I immediately sat down and took one Ibuprofen. This pain really needed to go away. I hated it. And I hated period cramps.
Robert was unpacking bags. And he went to preparing fruits for our smoothies.
"So...how are you, Andy?"
"That's a really hard one to answer right now. Why do you even came here? I am on my period so we can't have sex-"
He interrupted me immediately, now looking straight into my eyes.
"Is this really how you look at me? Like someone who wants to have sex with you, drag you into bed, spend a night with you and leave?"
He was serious. God, he was dead serious. And affected by my words. In negative way.
"No, Robert...I-"
"You what? For God's sake I would never do that. Andrea, when I told you I love you I meant it, okay? I meant it. I still do!"
He said with a loud voice and chopped strawberries, not looking at me.
I wasn't sure what to say. I wanted to apologise. I was acting really rude. And I love him, too. With my entire heart.
"I am sorry, Robert. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Although I was still in pain I stood up and walked to him. I hugged him from behind and leaned on his back.  I was enjoying his presence. His scent.
" Ich liebe dich, auch."
I tried to speak German. At least to say those three words in his first language. He immediately put down the knife, wiped his hands and turned to face me. He was now smiling staring down in my eyes. He tucked my hair behind my ear, had his hand on my cheek.
"Do you really mean it?"
"Of course I do. And I just want to be in the safe place right now and I don't know why or how but you're the safest place I have."
I smiled and I was already on my tip toes, having my hands on his chest. He put his hand around my waist and pulled me closer, gently. He kissed me. I kissed him back. We could feel it. Our bodies connected. Taste of his lips was better than sweetest strawberries I loved that much. This man really knows what is he doing. I wanted him. Right now and right here, only him- Robert Sullivan, my Battalion Chief and my brightest spot.
But both of us knew it won't happen soon, because I was on my period. After hot make-out session he made us smoothies. Strawberries, banana, chia seeds, yoghurt and just a little bit of cinnamon. My favourite. I took his hand and walked with him upstairs. We ended up cuddling in my bed and watching "La casa de Papel". 
"You know, I could really get used to this, Chief."
I said and chuckled. I loved teasing him by calling him "Chief".
"Don't- not now, Andy. Not when I can't have you."
He sighed and kissed me. Again kiss full of his love, lust and care. For me. I felt it. And I returned the same energy. I know he felt it, too.

to be continued...