Take on the World

15.

Andy used to never dread coming into work, it was always something she would look forward to every time she had a shift. Most people couldn't say they loved their job as much as she did, but firefighting was her dream, so everyday that she got to do it was perfect in her mind.

But instead of walking through the front door to the station and feeling that rush of energy she usually felt... She felt darkness and a wave of pure rage wash over her.

Not only was she going to have to deal with seeing Robert, but she also had to see Maya have the job she'd wanted ever since she joined 19. Two of the most important people in her life were also the two people she disliked most at this point in time. She hasn't spoken to either of them despite the numerous text messages she'd received from them both.

The only time she talked to Robert was to ask if he wanted to see Luna after shift. It had been almost three days since she'd seen him besides the daily facetime call between them. Of course the little girl missed her dad, but she also saw that her mom was hurting and needed to be there for her. It was something Luna always did, no matter how young she was, she could sense if Andy was upset and would try her best to cheer her up... Even if it was just by playing dress up and doing a lot of baking, from the box of course, it always seemed to put Andy in a better mood.

And it was one of those mornings where Luna threw a fit because she didn't want Andy to leave. It didn't happen often, but when it did, it always broke her heart and she usually gave in to Luna's wishes...

So she was coming to work with Andy today.

That meant desk duty.

Which also meant she'd be stuck in the station with Robert all day as he sat up in his new office like some king on a throne, acting all high and mighty.

"Mommy..." She heard the soft voice bring her out of her thoughts as she placed her back in her locker, looking down to see Luna patiently standing beside her, the little girl looking almost scared to finish what she started saying. "Can I see daddy?"

Andy bent down to be eye level with her, giving her a soft smile. "Baby, you never have to ask to see your dad. I'm sure he'd love to see you, I'll take you up in a minute, okay?"

The pit in her stomach grew and grew the closer they got to his office. The door was wide open, something she didn't expect, he always had his office door closed. It must've been because the rest of the team wasn't here yet or because he know had the upstairs conference room as an office, giving him yet another level of distance from the team.

He was unpacking everything, settling in. He looked stressed too, almost like he didn't know how to handle himself. Andy felt bad, even if they weren't together and she was supposed to hate him, she still cared for him and wanted him to be alright, but she wouldn't ask any questions.

"Daddy!"

Luna let go of the hold she had on Andy's arm and ran straight to Robert. It took him a minute to register what was happening, but the second the little girl came in contact with him, he was lifting her off the ground, holding her close. You'd think they hadn't seen each other in months by their reactions just then, but in reality it had only been three days. It was shocking to Andy how close the two had gotten in just a matter of a few months, but she was glad nonetheless that they shared a close bond.

"I've missed you, so much" Although she felt a bit awkward standing there, she couldn't bring herself to leave the room. She also found herself smiling at Robert's words, and the way Luna just clung herself to him, looking like she never wanted to let go.

It took a minute, but finally Robert looked up and saw Andy standing there. He noticed that she looked tired, a bit lost, like she didn't know what to do with herself. She looked... Sad...

"Um... I'm gonna go finish getting ready for shift. Is she alright here with you for a bit?" She asked, clearly uncomfortable.

Robert couldn't even speak, so he just nodded. When Andy turned around and walked out of his office, Luna looked to her father with a pout on her face, then smacked him on the back of the head.

"Hey! What was that for?" He asked, shocked at the sudden change of attitude the little girl had.

"You're supposed to talk to her, dummy."

•••

"Herrera..." Maya said for the third time, trying to get Andy's attention... Unsuccessful in every attempt. They'd went on a call, Andy only being able to come along because Robert now had a desk job and could watch Luna. "Andy!"

"Yes, captain Bishop, what could I possibly do for you on this fine day?" It wasn't like her to snap at Maya, but today she just felt like snapping at anyone who pushed her in any little way.

"Andy... please don't-"

"Don't what?" Andy fired back, completely aware that the entire team was now watching them. Maya stayed silent, not sure what to say back. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

She walked off, completely livid. Maya had made a call back at the scene that could've left a man dead, Andy wasn't having it so she ran back into the house, without proper equipment or backup. Maya had already chewed her out about it, saying that she was now captain and what she said goes...

Andy was taking off her turnouts, shrugging them off, not even bothering to put them away, just leaving them on the floor, desperately wanting to get to the showers. As she was grabbing her things from her locker, she felt someone grab her arm and pull her into a bunk room.

"After shift, you and I are going out for drinks, mister baby daddy up there can watch Luna... But you need someone to vent to, I'm here, and we haven't hung out in forever."

"Vic, I don't..." Andy sighed, even if a couple of drinks sounded amazing, she knew it wouldn't solve anything, her problems would still be there in the morning.

"I'm not taking no for an answer, so just say okay... Because you don't really have a choice here." Vic replied, not budging at all.

"Fine, but you're buying."