Chase and Skye had happily adopted Rocky and welcomed him into their home. Rocky was trying his best to adapt to the fire house style of living. He was very happy to have a real home with loving parents, but deep down he still wondered if this was too good to be true.

*** Dreamscape ***

Rocky was running...

"You worthless, irresponsible, little brat!" Voices echoed all around as Rocky ran from the pain chasing him.

Every time his parents caught up to him, they would say they were so sorry until they got within arms reach. Then the belt would appear again with those horrible words yelled at him over and over.

"What have I done?" cried Rocky. "Please don't hit me any more!"

Then, worse words he never wanted to hear. "You're trash! No one will ever love you!"

*** End of Dream ***

Rocky woke up screaming. "Please don't!" He was in his room at the fire station. He was covered in sweat and tears streaked down his face. The bed was twin sized with green and white sheets. The walls were bare but Rocky had been told he could put up anything he liked.

The light came on and there stood Chase and Skye.

"Honey?" said Skye.

"Are you okay, buddy?" asked Chase.

Rocky just pulled the sheet up to his chin and stared, not totally understanding if this was part of the dream or not. "Please don't hurt me," he whispered. "No more..."

Chase sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for Skye to step out. She nodded, holding back a sob as she stepped out, shutting the door behind her.

"Rocky," Chase breathed. He set his hand on the bed, but Rocky shifted, curling into himself. "You're home, you're safe. I'll never let anything happen to you, as long as I have a breath in my body." Rocky lowered the sheet, but still said nothing, only looking down at his hands. "I'm here for you as well as all the guys here. We love you and want to help you get through this."

'Love you?' thought Rocky. "No one loves me, I'm trash," he said under his breath.

Chase stood and moved closer to his newly adopted son, slowly as to not spook him. He understood the pain Rocky must be going through; he had seen it on the streets too many times. "Rocky, those are words of your past," said Chase softly. "We aren't your past, we hope to be your future."

"Is any of this real?" Rocky finally said.

Chase looked at him questioningly. "Any of what?" Chase asked. "Our love, this home we brought you to?"

Rocky shook his head. "How can you love me? I'm just trash off the street."

Chase moved closer towards the hurt boy. "No. You're not trash" he said."You are a wonderful, bright young man. You are worth so much more than you know."

"But how? I can't help but think this is only until you grow tired of me," Rocky whispered, his voice cracking.

Chase couldn't say anything as the tears rolled down his face. He reached and pulled Rocky into a tight hug. He could feel the fear and resistance within Rocky slowly melt away. "I'm so sorry I was not able to protect you from your past," said Chase "But I promise you, we love you as if you were our own child and I want to be able to prove that to you."

"I really appreciate it," said Rocky. "But how long will it last? Before you-" He looked up at Chase with wonder in his eyes, the fear of being left behind still there. "Before you get mad..."

Chase sat back looking at Rocky and seeing himself. He saw a scared little boy who wondered when the next shoe was going to drop.

"Rocky, I understand you don't trust your surroundings yet," said Chase. "But I can assure you, everyone here will gladly lay down their lives to protect you and show you how much we care."

"But why?" asked Rocky. "I can't understand why anyone would do that. My own parents hated that I was in the way." His voice began cracking once more as the emotion built inside him. "I've never been worth anything to them. Why would you all care?"

"Because," said Chase. "Everyone here lives to help others and put everyone else before themselves. Skye and I love you because we want to show you a world where love is real. The guys all love you because you've become a part of our family."

"Still-"

"I know," Chase interrupted. "We are not the normal run of the mill family. But people like us do exist. We only live to serve others in the professions we've chosen. We don't do it for the glory or the money, there's a lot of things we could do for that. We do it because we have a genuine love for people."

Rocky just sat there with his head down, looking at his lap.

Chase continued, "I don't expect you to trust us overnight. But if anything is bothering you, please tell me and we'll fix it together."

Rocky sat in silence for a while.

"I don't know," Rocky finally said. "I trust you Chase, but I don't know what good I am."

"What do you mean?" asked Chase "You're awesome, I've never met anyone as bright as you are."

"But all of you are rescuers," said Rocky. "I've never done that before. I just don't see how I fit in around here."

"Well, let's see," Chase sighed as he thought. He's way too young to do any of our jobs. "What do you really like to do?"

Rocky sat there for a moment thinking. "I like to draw things."

"Like an architect, you mean buildings?" asked Chase.

"No, more like ideas I have," said Rocky. "I know it's useless, but it's what i enjoy."

"Can you show me some of your drawings?" asked Chase.

"I found a half used pad of paper at school that I was using while at the orphanage," said Rocky as he pulled out the pad. Inside, intricate sketches of various objects Chase didn't recognize. He couldn't even form the words to describe the futuristic looking objects.

"Wow, these are amazing! The details are so good," said Chase as he flipped through the pad. "Have you ever thought about actually making some of these things?"

"Not really," said Rocky. "Dad always said I was wasting my time and couldn't earn a living drawing." He sighed.

"Well you know that's not true," said Chase "There is all kinds of drawing jobs out there. But if you can make what you've drawn based on these ideas you have, you could be a great inventor one day."

"But all I have ever done is gather old things and try to make them fit," said Rocky. "I've never had a job, so I've never had money to make the things I thought of."

"Have you ever thought of showing your work to one of your teachers?" asked Chase. "Maybe they could have helped you."

"The only teacher I really like is my Physics teacher," said Rocky. "I love to figure out how things work."

Chase was momentarily stunned, forgetting that Rocky was far more intelligent for his age than any other kid. He had taken extra classes, physics included. His eyes widened as he thought of an idea. "I think I might have an idea for something you can do around here to help," said Chase with a grin.

"What's that?" Rocky asked.

"You could help us get our vehicles in shape," said Chase. "Zuma tries his best but he isn't the most mechanically inclined person. It sounds like you could figure out our engine problems and develop a maintenance program."

"But, I like physics? How could I help?"

"With your ideas. Plus, you're a smart kid. You'd be helping in a great way," said Chase. "And if you do a good job, we'll pay you the money we would have had to pay a mechanic anyway." Rocky nodded, smiling a bit as his eyes drooped. He let out a big yawn, causing Chase to chuckle. "We'll discuss this in the morning" said Chase. He gently pushed him back, bringing the covers up. "Try to get some rest. Just know we are close and you are safe."

Chase got up and walked to the door stopping to turn the light off.

"Chase," said Rocky. He turned, a concerned look in his eyes. Rocky smiled. "Thanks." Chase smiled back, closing the door behind him as he walked down to his and Skye's bedroom.

Rocky looked down at his drawings and smiled. 'Maybe this is real', he thought.

Rocky put his pad back under his pillow. He laid back and for the first time in weeks he felt warm and safe. It would still take time to fully trust everyone else, but he knew in his heart that Chase was sincere with his words. He finally felt like this was becoming a home. Rocky drifted off to I sleep and slept through the night for the first time that he could remember.

***

The next morning Rocky awoke to the smell of pancakes and bacon. 'Wow, that smells good,' he thought as he got up to get dressed. He looked over at the clock it read 7:30 on a Saturday. "Wow, they start early around here," said Rocky laughing to himself.

Rocky opened the door to be hit in the face by the full force of the great smells coming from the kitchen. He stumbled down the hall and noticed everyone sitting at the table talking. They stopped and looked at him as he walked in. He paused for a moment, concerned he had walked in on a conversation.

"I-I can go back to my room if you want me to," Rocky stuttered.

"No! We were just talking smack and shop talk," laughed Marshall. "Come on in, sit down and eat with us." Rocky seemed skeptical as he approached the table.

"Chase said you were going to help me with the trucks later," said Zuma. "It'll be nice to have someone to help, I try but I'm not that good"

Rocky nodded as he sat down next to Marshall. Skye walked over and set a plate down in front of him. Skye rubbed his head before walking away. "Did you finally get some sleep sweetheart?"

"Y-yes Ma'am," Rocky said. Skye frowned a bit, but quickly replaced it with a smile. Marshall smiled sympathetically towards her.

"Chase will be back soon," said Skye. "He ran to the store for me."

"So," Rubble said. His voice, which was much deeper than any of them, intimidated Rocky a bit. "Chase was telling us that you want to build things?"

Rocky nodded as he eyed his plate.

"Eat honey," said Skye "It'll get cold." Rocky picked up his fork and began eating.

Marshall was looking over at Rocky and got up from the table. He walked over to the counter and picked up his iPad. Walking back to the table, he set it next to Rocky. He looked up at Marshall with a puzzled look in his eyes.

"Here you go," said Marshall. "Zuma already loaded all the information about the vehicles on it and you can use it for research as well."

Rocky looked at iPad and touched it almost as if he was seeing if it was real. Rocky looked up at Marshall, a questioning look upon his face. "Really it's yours," said Marshall with a smile. "It will help you keep track of everything and with the stations WiFi you can use it anywhere."

"T-thanks" said Rocky picking it up and looking at it. "You can have it back when you want it."

"Nope, you're going to need it," said Marshall with a wink. Rocky smiled a bit.

Zuma slid his chair over and began showing Rocky where the app was that he used for tracking the vehicle information. Rocky quickly picked up the program and was already able to find functions that Zuma didn't know it had. He was able to find engine schematics, wiring diagrams and a multitude of charts for various settings.

"Wow, I didn't even know it did that," said Zuma in awe.

"I'm sorry," said Rocky "I didn't mean to show off or anything. I just was looking for the information on the engines."

"You're not showing off, dude," Zuma said. "You're showing that you know a lot more than me. But can you surf?"

Rocky looked back down at his plate and quietly said "I don't really like the water." He started to think about the last time he had gone swimming. 'No,' he thought. 'Not here. Not now.'

"Don't sweat it, dude," said Zuma. He had thought he had struck a nerve. "I'm just joking with you. I'm impressed, you're really smart."

Rocky thought about the fact that he was beginning to feel that they really cared. He had heard nothing but compliments since he got here a few weeks ago.

Skye walked over and handed Rocky a rolled up poster. Rocky looked at Skye. "Go ahead look at it," she said.

Rocky unrolled it to see the dashboard of Skye's helicopter. He stared, amazed at all the switches and controls. "I thought you needed something on your wall," Skye said. "I thought maybe you'd like this. It's the controls for my helicopter."

"This is really cool" said Rocky "I've always liked aircraft."

"Great," said Skye. "Maybe we can go look at the real thing later."

Rocky carefully rolled up the poster and went back to finishing his meal. After he finished he got up to wash the dishes.

"Whoa dude," said Zuma. "It's Marshall's day on the dishes. You don't want to go and spoil him."

"W-what do you mean?" said Rocky. "It's my dishes, I don't mind washing them."

Zuma lead him over to the station chart. He showed him the assigned tasks and pointed to today's assignments.

"You see we all take turns cooking, cleaning and so on" said Zuma "Today it's Skye cooking, Marshall's got the dishes, Rubble sweeping and mopping, Chase has yard detail, and I got general housekeeping. We share all the duties that way no one gets overwhelmed. Of course, if anyone needs help all they have to do is ask."

"What do I need to do?" said Rocky "I have to earn my keep."

"This isn't a labor camp Rocky," laughed Zuma. "We share because it's the right thing to do. Sometimes, we have to help each other out if someone is sick or out of town, but it works out." Rocky nodded as Zuma explained. "I'll tell you what. Let's go look at the vehicles and I'll explain what I usually do. Then you can help me with my chores, it's Saturday and we wash sheets today. I could use the help."

"Okay" said Rocky, nodding his head.

The two walked out to the engine bay and began going over the different vehicles. Skye stopped and watch for a moment with a smile on her face. The two seemed to be getting along great. 'There's hope for him yet', thought Skye

Chase came into the kitchen with several bags of groceries.. He set them on the counter as Skye began putting them away. Chase looked out the window at the engine bay, "How is he doing this morning?"

"He ate breakfast with us," said Skye smiling. "Now Zuma is showing him the vehicles. He really seems to be taking to Zuma."

"Well Zuma is the big brother everyone would want," laughed Chase. "Should I check on him?"

"Nah," said Skye. "I think they're fine right now. Give them a little while."

"Alright," said Chase. "As much as I don't want to, I guess I'll go mow the grass." He walked into the garage and began pulling out the lawn mower. He stopped and watched Zuma and Rocky for a moment, they both seemed lost in their own little world. He smiled as he started the mower and began mowing the yard.

"Alrighty then, I've shown you Marshall and Rubble's vehicles, Now that Chase is back, I'll show you his," said Zuma.

"Ok," said Rocky. "There is a lot more to these vehicles than I thought."

"Yep," agreed Zuma. "We've adapted over the years based on the needs of the jobs we've responded to."

"Makes sense" said Rocky "You know, if you have something else you want to do, I don't mind, I mean I don't want to waste your day babysitting me."

Zuma stopped and turned to Rocky placing a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, first off, you're not wasting anyone's day. I must admit it takes some getting used to you."

"W-what do you mean?" said Rocky looking down at his feet.

Zuma lifted his chin, "I mean you're smarter than the average kid." Zuma paused to smile. "You're also a joy to be around. You're obviously are listening to what I'm saying. I'm just not used to someone your age actually listening and learning."

"Oh" said Rocky smiling slightly. "I like the mechanics of how things work."

"Exactly why Chase thought you'd be great for this," said Zuma. "Once I'm done, all of this is yours to take care of. I mean, we'll still be around to answer questions if you need us."

"But somehow I don't think you will," laughed Zuma.

"But I'm a kid," said Rocky. "You're willing to trust me with your equipment?"

"Absolutely!" said Zuma "Chase showed me your drawings. I know this is all simple compared to what you're thinking of. I think you are a perfect fit. Who knows, we may find you a position on the team, if you get bored with maintenance." Rocky smiled. Zuma went on to explain Chase's vehicle. "He doesn't really go on rescues much, since the accident."

"Accident?" Rocky asked. "What accident?"

Realizing Chase hadn't told him yet, he shook his head. "I better not say. You should ask Chase himself." Rocky frowned, but Zuma ruffled his hair, chuckling. "He's usually at the school now." Zuma went on to explain that Chase's vehicle was still equipped with all the original equipment. Then, with an obvious glow, Zuma moved on to his hovercraft.

"This is my pride and joy," said Zuma beaming. "I can do so much with my vehicle. It's versatile on ground and water." Zuma explained how the fans worked as well as the equipment attached to the hovercraft. "I'll let Skye explain her helicopter to you. I stay away from it. Too many things going in opposite directions at high speed," laughed Zuma. Even Rocky laughed at that thought.

"You've already shown me that you know how to research the information on the equipment," said Zuma "I'll leave it to you to decide what the best schedule for everything should be. But if you need help don't hesitate to ask." He looked at his watch and his eyes widened. "Wow it's lunch time already? Let's eat!"

Rocky hadn't noticed that time seemed to have flown by this morning. Chase had already finished the lawn and blowing off the grass. Rocky and Zuma made their way inside the station to find everyone getting ready to sit down to lunch.

"I thought I was going to have to send Chase out to pry you two away from the vehicles" laughed Skye. "I hope everyone is ready for cheeseburgers."

"Is there bacon?" asked Rubble

"It wouldn't be a cheeseburger without it," laughed Marshall grabbing a plate.

"Ignore them," Skye chuckled. "Grab a plate or Rubble won't leave you anything."

"Hey!" said Rubble then looked down to see he had set three burgers on his plate "Okay, maybe she's right." Everyone laughed and began to get their food before returning to the table.

Skye looked over to see Rocky looking in the trash can. "Is something wrong Rocky?" she asked.

"I saw the soda cans in the trash," said Rocky "Do you ever think about recycling?"

"I know we should," admitted Skye. "I just don't think about it much."

"Okay," said Rocky still looking at the cans.

"I'll tell you what. After lunch, you can come with me to the store and we'll get recycling bins, how's that sound?"

Rocky smiled. "Thank you, I know it's not much, but I like to do what I can."

"Well, then it's settled. We just became a recycling fire station," said Marshall, patting Rocky on the shoulder. With that Rocky walked over and grabbed a plate and put a cheeseburger on it. He then walked to the table and sat next to Zuma.

Chase watched as Rocky spoke with Zuma. He smiled and looked towards Skye. She too had a smile on her face. They knew Rocky was going to fit in just fine. It would take time but every time he trusted one of the gang, he'd grow to heal, one step at a time.