Everyone Needs A Hero

Part 11 - The Five Stages Of Grief

"Hey " Vic greeted walking up to Andy and Maya who she had noticed in the parking lot. "What are we doing ?"
"Hey " Maya answered pulling her over and pointing out across the parking lot " Look at new guy "
Vic looked out across the parking lot where July had parked his motorcycle. He was in his leather jacket ,ripped jeans and black combat boots.
"So what's so interesting about him ?" Vic asked not seeing why they were standing there gawking at him.
"You've been married too long " Maya groaned " Look!"
Vic looked back over. She watched as he took off his helmet and shook out his hair.
"Yeah I still don't see it " Vic told her "but we should go inside. We have things to do. "
"Look " Maya said turning her back around so that she was facing him.
July was walking up slowly one hand holding something underneath his jacket. It was hard to tell what exactly he had.
"What's he got ?" Vic asked trying to look closer.
A dog poked it's head out and squirmed in his arms. July stopped, craned his head downwards and kissed the top of his head. He then switched the dog to his other arm.
"Is that a ?" Vic asked for confirmation.
"Yep " Andy confirmed with a blissful sigh.
Vic could see what they saw now and had to admit looking at the guy in this light made him slightly attractive. Not as attractive as she found Luke but still.
"He's an ass but damn is he hot" Maya admitted what they were all thinking.
"Now you know why my dad was so intent on not giving him an interview " Andy declared "He was afraid I'd fall head over boots in love with him "
"Well who can blame him ? " Maya teased.
"This is ridiculous" Vic cut in" Andy you're married. And Maya you hated the guy five minutes ago."
"That was until I saw the dog " Maya laughed.
"Hey " July greeted as he walked up" My apologies for being late. Scout had to go to the vet."
"It's alright " Andy sighed almost breathlessly.
"You all okay ?" He asked staring at the three of them "is there some big fire somewhere I'm missing?"
"We're fine thank you "Vic answered"Cute dog "
"Uh thank you ?" July questioned wondering whether the team was pranking him. He'd seen several rookies and new transfers go through weeks of being pranked. Sometimes he had even been involved in the juvenile fun of pranking the new guy.
When he got no response he turned and left heading into the station.
"We should go in " Vic announced when he was gone" We have things to do "
"Right " Andy whispered.
Vic sighed and pulled the two of them inside the building.

Miranda sighed as she stepped out onto the catwalk. She had just gotten out of an intensely boring board meeting and had a fight with Catherine at the same time. Both had left her physically drained.
Her pager beeped from her scrub pocket and she pulled it out. Consult in the pit.
She sighed and looked up. And then she froze.
She let out an uneasy breath hit by her husband's death yet again.
"Gibson ?" She asked walking towards the middle of the catwalk.
"Hey " Jack greeted "I'm sorry I was kinda hoping you wouldn't see me here. I figured it's hard to see us "
Miranda nodded" You obviously haven't spent much time here. My office is right over there " She informed him pointing in the direction of it.
"Well yeah I usually only ever see the ER " He admitted " How have you been ?"
"It's hard " Miranda sighed "uh is everything ok ? Shouldn't you be at the station?"
"Yeah everything's fine " Jack replied " Just waiting for someone "
Miranda nodded " Someone from the station ?"
"No " He replied " Someone else. "
Miranda sighed " I heard Herrera's captain now "
Jack nodded " Yeah. Things aren't great over there though"
"Why ?" Miranda asked quietly not really knowing what to say .
"She hired someone. He's an ass. I'm not even sure he's in the right profession" Jack explained " He rides a freaking donor cycle Miranda"
"That's " Miranda struggled to find the right word." A motor cycle seriously? Doesn't he see enough accidents to know better?"
"Apparently not. " Jack agreed quietly.
"So aside from that how are things ?" Miranda asked looking out at the hospital.
"Ripley and Hughes got married " Jack told her " It was spur of the moment but it was good."
"That's great" Miranda smiled feeling her eyes tear up as the memories of her own wedding flooded her mind.
"You know you don't have to do this " Jack told her " You don't have to talk to me. "
Miranda shook her head " It's painful but I don't mind. Besides Ben would have wanted me to stay in contact. "
"Hey " Jo greeted " Oh uh Bailey."
"Wilson ?" Miranda greeted turning to her " Do you need something ?"
"Uh actually Miranda I was waiting for her " Jack cut in.
Miranda looked between the two " You've been ?"
"We connected when I volunteered for safe surrender." Jo explained" And we talked at the memorial at Joe's. "
"Oh " Miranda said softly " But I would have noticed."
"We don't usually meet up here " Jack told her " For your sake. And when we do I try to go unnoticed."
"Right" Jo agreed " We usually go to Joe's or for coffee. "
Miranda nodded " You didn't have to do all that " She told them.
"We know " Jo answered " but it was the considerate thing to do."
"Thank you " Miranda said quietly " Well I should go."
Jo turned to Jack " You were supposed to wait in the ambulance bay "
"I got bored. And I wanted coffee." Jack told her.
"Fine " Jo gave in " That's not how I wanted to tell her "
"She was going to find out eventually " Jack said gently " Besides I'm working with Kingham today and I needed a pick me up."
" Well I can accept that." Jo sighed " Which cart did you go to ?"
"The one in the lobby " Jack answered " Why you want some ?"
"No " Jo laughed "Come on if you're working with Kingham you need a proper cup"
Jack nodded and followed her away. " I can't stay long. Andy will kill me if I'm not back and we get a call."
"Lucky for you I have to be in the OR in 15 minutes" Jo replied grabbing his hand.