Chapter Text
[Firemans Prayer
When I am called to duty, God,
wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life,
whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout,
quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out...]
Always a take-charge type of man, Pruitt Herrera gets tired of waiting for Ryan Tanner, newly returned to San Diego to return his
calls and texts; he jumped on a flight to California a week after getting clearance from his oncologist. The whole time he is in the UBER,
on his way to his "adopted son's' apartment, Pruitt reflects on what he'll say to convince Tanner to return to his home city. Jenna Matson,
the woman Tanner left Seattle for, answered. Her pretty face immediately settled into an unfriendly expression the moment she sees him.
She is aware by now, of course, that HE, Pruitt was the catalyst for her fiance's return to Seattle.
"Yes?" She was obviously very displeased with him being there.
"RYAN!" she calls loudly, turning from the door without a word, and without inviting him inside.
"Good evening, Jenna. If Ryan is here, I'd like to speak with him, please."
She closed the door (pointedly not inviting him inside); he is after all the reason for Ryan leaving her.
Without a word, she turns away and yells "RYAN!" after closing the door in his face.
When the door cracks open again, Jenna yelled "I don't want him in my house!", from somewhere in the rear. Ryan stepped out from somewhere
in the rear, hesitantly offering the older man his hand in welcome.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, a little cooly.
"I have a reprieve it seems, and I..came in person to say how much I regret coaxing you back home, the situation being what it was. Maybe
we can have a beer someplace."
"I don't know, Captain. I'm sleeping on the couch as it is; that little adventure to Seattle didn't just cost me time and money; I'm barely hanging
onto my girlfriend...can't really blame her though, can I?"
"It's MY FAULT, Son-all of it. I hoped that your returning would cause Andy and Sullivan to end their relationship; I imagined the connection
between the two of you to be stronger than what it was, and that her infatuation with HIM weaker. I miscalculated. I apologize, Ryan."
"I accept. Of course, I accept-we're like family, no matter what. Jen won't like us going for a beer; text me before your flight and I'll try to meet you."
"Sure. Let's do that. I'll wait for my UBER downstairs in the lobby. I'll text you."
{
I want to fill my calling,
to give the best in me,
to guard my friend and neighbor,
and protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I must answer death’s call,
bless with Your protecting hand,
my family one and all.
//////
Ryan is staying in San Diego, whatever happens in Seattle with Andy and Robert. He sees
Pruitt off before his patrol shift, and they talk more about the circumstances of Ryan's
Seattle trip. The younger man is satisfied with Pruitt's explanations, and the two men part ways
amicably.
Chapter Text
The Firecaptains Prayer
Dear God,
Please guide me in my plight.
Help me think quickly, but safely.
Guide, my hand to help those who are seeking knowledge.
Give me the wisdom, to help the injured and the weak.
To help those who have no thrive for life.
Grant me the strength to fight the fire with assertive skill.
And God please grant me the ability to return home, to my family.
And, if in your wisdom I may give my life,
protect them from harm, no matter what the foe.
Amen
Ryan is able to get away before his shift to share a beer with Captain Herrera. The atmosphere is still tense between them, though not as
much as before. Ryan said how glad he is that Pruitt's cancer is stalled, and they toast to that. "I wasted your time, Mi'jo, and I regret that very
much. My hopes didn't match the reality...I just hoped, I suppose...I have told her many times that the two of you should be together,
instead of all of this on again off again bed-hopping."
"Yeah, well. You can't help who you fall in love with I guess. Can't blame you for doing what you thought was best. I know that it wasn't done
from a place of malice...she's happy?"
"She is", the retired Fire Captain admitted. "Relationships are a lot of work, and except for high school-with you-which I don't count, and that
short stint with Gibson, she never was in a serious relationship. What happens if Sullivan *blows over*?"
Tanner said "I don't think it will, based on what she told me. "Never felt this way for any other man'; 'he makes her feel alive'; 'she wants to
hate him, and she can't'...I don't see myself risking what I have with Jenna again: she barely took me back this time. Nah, I'm gonna hang HERE."
He finishes his beer and dug in his pocket for money, which Pruitt waves off. "The thing that kinda bothers me is Maya Bishop told me that Andy
is actively trying to get pregnant...did you know that? Because if you DID ..why'd you encourage me to go?"
"No!" Pruitt insists. "That's news to me. I really did miscalculate."
Ryan says "It's moot anyway...have a great trip back-I'm glad that you are in remission