AU - Backdraft

Juice was angry, but he didn't even know if it was about Dee anymore. He was just scary angry. He was afraid to talk to her because o all the anger he felt. He sat and listened while she made her tea and eventually just broked down in tears. He was a mess.

Dita paused hearing her husbands sobs of dispair. She didn't care how angry she was at him, she still loved him. He was her world. She went over to the table, gently pulling him toward her so his head was resting against her midsection, running her fingers through his soft hair. She felt tears stinging her eyes, but fought them back. He was always strong for her. This time, she was going to be strong for him.

He got down on his knees and pulled her down to him, he stroked her hair and whispered to her, "Please don't do that again. It nearly killed me knowing ou went down that hole. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked Corrie. It was stupid. I'm stupid."


He smelled her hair and nuzzled against her.

Dita held him close, kissing the outer shell of his ear, "You were right. I just...I panicked. I would have done the same for you. I love you, you stubborn fool."

Gently he laid her down and rand his hand ever so slowly up her leg, dragging her nightgown up to her thigh. He rested his head on her breast and kissed her desperately with the side of his mouth.

Dita let out a shaky breath as she returned the kiss lightly, resting her hands on the back of his neck; her tears mixing with his, "Even though I didn't show it, you made me so proud today."

"I was proud of you too. You were so fearless."

He pulled the night gown over her head loving the fresh feel of her skin against his cheek. He cupped one of her breasts and kissed her neck.

Dita moaned out into his hair, arching her back away from the cold hardwood floor, She liked it when he was this way: gentle and attentive. He was a tough fighter and lover, but it was always nice when he was slow. Sometimes, with Trini and their careers, it was easy to get swept away into the rush.

He kissed her stomach across one side to her left hip then back to the right. Running his hands up and down her sides as he went. Her skin was still lightly wet from the shower and he loved it.

Dita clutched at his hair, tugging it lightly. Her eyes slipping closed as she finally found herself relaxed. Just then her cell went off. She reached up to the island and grabbed it, looking at the screen and smiling. It was Jax.

"Hello?"

A small voice filled her ears, "Hi mommy, I was callin' to tell daddy g'night and that I miss him LOTS."

Dita chuckled, "Okay baby. Hold on." She smiled softly at Juice, handing him her cell phone. Before he could put the earpiece against his ear, Trinity was gabbing away. Dita watched with a smile as Juice and Trinity talked. She continued to gently stroke his hair.

His daughter's voice soothed his ragged nerves and reminded him why he wanted another. He sang her a song, per her request and then got of the phone.

"Can we please have another?" he smiled at Dita, running his hand along her naked thigh.

Dita blushed, her cheeks turning a warm pink as she stroked his jawline with her fingertips, "After seeing how your face lit up when you heard her voice, how could I say no...besides, I thought we were already trying?"

"I thought that's what all the floor sex was about."

Before she could answer he;d unzipped his pants and brought the down low on his hips, then slowly entered her.

Dita moaned out his name as she began to match his movements slowly. She leaned up to kiss him gently.

He thought about her bravery saving her sister today and pride blossomed deep within him. This woman was his wife and he was damn lucky to have ner. He ran his noxe between her breasts and kissed her hard onn the mouth as his movements became jerky and he tried to hold on to be able to tumble over the edge with her.

She shivered as she finally let go, gripping his forearms gently as her back arched. She blew out an exhausted breath.

He collapsed onto her, still fully clothed, "Don't ever go down into a hole again, ok?"

Dita giggled, "Okay...deal."

That night Juice had nightmares like he had never had before. He'd been in many fires and disasters and never really missed out on a wink of sleep. This night, though he kept dreaming of the tower falling down around him and Dita standing at his graveside.

He sat up, a cold sweat on his brow and panted.

Dita woke with a start when she felt the bed jerk. She sighed worriedly before sitting up, rubbing his shoulders, "Another nightmare?"

He nodded, "I'm fine, it was just intense."

He pulled her to him and settled back down to sleep.


When he woke the next morning the voicemail on their homephone was full, just as it was on his cell phone. He wondered if things would ever get back to normal for the firefighter and the cop who were trapped and then rescued someone the next day. Then he thought of Opie and wondered what would happen with him and Corrie. Somehow New York had latched to that picture. He sighed. He hated attention. He just wanted to help people and live his life. He didn't want to have to do talk shows or interviews or receive medals.

He knew they would have to start getting back to normal today. The thought of going to the firehouse with so many still missing shook him to his core.

Dita was relieved to be getting back to her classroom. She was also anxious to have their daughter back home. She hurried around the apartment, getting ready for work absently. She missed the routine and the kids.

After doing her make-up, she went into the kitchen and began packing her lunch along with his as she waited for the kettle to warm up.

He watched as Dita packed his lunch. She seemed so happy to be getting back to normal.
"If the press bother you, call me."

Dita nodded, smiling softly as she handed him his lunchbag. "I'm sure I'll be fine."

He kissed his wife and headed to work.


The whole station was silent. People men were sitting here and there, their faces painted with despair. He went to the kitchen looking for Opie and found him there.

"I am dreading this day, man" he spoke softly, "How'd your night go?"