FX: The Series does not belong to me, and I'm in no way profiting financially from this fanfic. FX is a Fireworks Entertainment Inc. and Winterset Productions Inc. Also produced in association with Rysher Entertainment and Hallmark Entertainment.

Written by David Powell

RED STORM CHALLENGE

An Ending, A Beginning

AN FX: THE SERIES FANFIC

Still feeling Angie's kiss and hearing her parting words ' Nothing has changed Rollie, Nothing, as far as I'm concerned' Rollie Tyler turned to Mira.

' No sign of Loubar' Mira reported.

' She's sure not Manny's little girl anymore.' Rollie said, watching as Angie walked away from the ambulance.

' No she's not.' Mira replied.

' Yeah' answered Rollie

' So, What now?' detective Palmira Sanchez asked the Australian born FX man. Standing up, Mira walked off knowing she'd be back early in the morning.

' Yeah. What now?' Rollie replied questioningly, looking in Angie's direction.

Getting to his feet, the blanket still wrapped around his shoulders, covering the bandages. He felt the bullet wound beginning to ache. Hurrying to catch Angie, Rollie headed back towards the FX van, parked in front of the Eastside Sheraton. Running over what he had to say, Rollie moved slowly along the park's pathways.

Angie was sitting in the cab of the FX van when Rollie got there, a resolute expression on her face. About to say something concerning the last few days, Rollie changed his mind ' Let's go home Angie.' He said, sitting down in the back seat.

' Sure thing boss.' Angie replied.

She's getting through this better than me Rollie thought with a shake of his head. She was right, she isn't going to break. I don't know if I'm going to do so well thought Rollie.

Angie pulled the FX van into the loft, and looked at her partner he looked terrible.

' Come on boss, you need some rest.' Angie said, drawing him from his melancholy thoughts. Dragging himself slowly from the van, Rollie headed inside. Suddenly thinking of Loubar and what he'd done to Angie on the bed upstairs, Rollie shuddered. Walking to the couch, he flopped down and spread out.

Angie made a pot of tea, carrying a cup to Rollie. ' Here Rollie, drink this. Then I want you upstairs to have a shower, get changed and into bed.' Taking the mug from Angie he steadily sipped the tea, not wanting to reply. Angie stood staring at the Aussie, hands on her hips waiting for an answer.

' Ok, I'll have a shower and change.' Rollie finally answered, holding his mug in his right hand, his left had been strapped to his chest to avoid being moved.

Nodding her head Angie replied ' Ok boss, you go do that.'

Angie helped Rollie take his jacket off before he headed upstairs to the shower. ' Why did he avoid answering about the bed…' Angie said to herself, suddenly realising the answer. He was thinking of what Loubar had done to her, with Rollie's face, in Rollie's bed. Tears appeared in her blue eyes at the memory. She had wanted something to happen between them for so long, and now Loubar's actions seemed ready to destroy everything.

Moving upstairs Angie removed all the covers from the bed, throwing them in a pile on the floor. Pushing the mattress clear she stood it against the wall. Heading downstairs to the FX van she removed an inflatable mattress and an electric pump. Moving back upstairs, she quickly had the mattress inflated and then grabbed several spare quilts from the wardrobe. One she lay on top of the airbed, adding new sheets and the other quilt to the top. Waiting while Rollie finished his shower, Angie busied herself with some small inconsequential jobs.

Rollie stepped from the shower, towelling himself with one hand was a bit of a problem but finally he was dry. Pulling on his sleeping clothes he walked from the small bathroom. Rollie looked at the bed. The mattress and sheets had been removed and had been replaced.

It is as if she read my mind he thought, then again, we spend so much time together it's no wonder she can read me like a book. I only wished it worked both ways Rollie wished.

' You really need to get some sleep Rollie, and I thought, well, maybe…' Angie said, a compassionate look on her face.

' Thanks Angie. Look, I umm, would you stay tonight?' Rollie asked hesitantly

' I know you'll want me to have the bed so you'll have to make do with the couch but I'd feel better knowing you were here.' He added.

Angie's eyes had widened at the start and had a slightly wild look to them, she was as hesitant about the bed as he was, but she nodded and answered ' I'll see you in the morning.'

Rollie had slept well. Slipping from the bed he headed downstairs and saw Angie's recumbent form on the sofa. ' She said nothing has changed, but she's wrong, she let slip about her feelings for me, and I love her even more.' Rollie said quietly to himself.

Angie woke while Rollie was making breakfast. She smiled over at him, stretched and stood up. Walking over to where Rollie was making buttered English muffins. Angie insisted on taking a look at the bullet wound. Rollie sat down as Angie removed the bandages and cleaned the wound like the paramedic had told her.

Replacing the bandages she looked at Rollie's grimacing face ' Oh Rol I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Rol' she said.

Putting his other arm around her he replied ' It's ok Ange, it's ok.'

Looking down at her he asked with a slight grin ' Are you satisfied Doctor Ramirez?'

Seeing that he was poking fun at her, Angie replied ' It seems to be holding together. I don't want any undue stress on the arm and certainly no exercise.'

' Yes Ms Ramirez' Rollie answered giving her a wide-eyed innocent look.

Rollie stood up and finished toasting the muffins. Handing a plate to Angie he sat down next to her, relaxing in her closeness. The pair ate the meal, neither willing to break the silence that had descended.

' You know Ange, I'm ready for a holiday. We've had a fairly busy time lately and I want to have some time off. How about it, want to take a few days off?' Rollie asked.

Looking at her partner with a suspicious expression Angie hesitated in answering. A few days off sounded good, but Rollie hated not having anything to do. She wondered what he had in mind. ' Sure it sounds great, but just what do you have in mind Rollie? Angie asked ' You're meant to be resting remember.' ' Well I need to get a new mattress, I thought we could go shopping.' Rollie answered.

' For a few days? That might stretch even your abilities' Angie answered.

Shaking his head, a grin coming to his face Rollie responded ' I thought we could go to Yosemite, you could show me around. I can walk, but I don't think I'll be up to any rock climbing.'

Angie sat looking at the Aussie considering. ' I'd like that Rol, you sure you're up to It.' she asked, concerned.

' You bet.' Rollie replied, smiling now she had agreed.

' I'll book us the tickets and a little place I know, you'll like it.' Angie replied.

Rollie and Angie made their way to the village. It had a wide range of shops, including a place selling furniture. Since Angie was driving, Rollie sat back and enjoyed the ride. Once at the village, they wandered through making their way to the furniture shop.

Picking out a good mattress didn't take long, which Angie thought was good considering the looks they were getting from everyone in the shop. It seemed everyone thought they were a couple. It could be worse she thought. Rollie arranged for the bed to be delivered and then suggested that they have lunch out. While Angie was ordering their meals, Rollie entered a small business that he had visited before. Quickly arranging a sale, Rollie hurried back to meet Angie before she noticed he was missing.

Sitting opposite sides of a small table, Rollie and Angie enjoyed a relaxing lunch and headed back to the loft after picking up some things for the trip.

The mattress was delivered that afternoon and Rollie asked the guys to put it upstairs immediately. Angie helped Rollie make the bed and Rollie lay down, testing its feel. ' This is nice Ange, you should try it.' Rollie said.

' Thanks but no thanks boss, I'm sure that you'll have me up here and you'll be down on the couch one of these days. I'll wait.' Angie replied with a smile.

Rollie rolled over to look at his partner and smiled. ' Who knows?' Rollie said.

Angie organised for Frank's family to look after Chiops while they were away. Frank said no sign of Loubar had been found yet but they were still searching.

Angie had the packs ready to go. Rollie had cushioned his straps heavily so it would be less likely to hurt his shoulder. Taking a taxi to J.F.K airport, they were informed that there had been a late cancellation on an earlier flight and they could board immediately if they only had carry on luggage. Rollie looked at Angie and shrugged. Turning back to the teller he agreed and they hurried to catch the plane. It was just over twenty two hundred miles to San Francisco. From there they would take a smaller aircraft to Fresno airport. Picking up their rental from the airports vehicle loan company, they would then drive to Yosemite.

Rollie was soon sleeping in the plane's comfortable seat while Angie took the window side. Looking at the tall FX artist, Angie envied his ability to drop off to sleep almost anywhere, even if he didn't sleep very well. The flight was about four hours long and Rollie woke about half way. Rollie continuously leaned over to look out the window, and they passed the rest of the flight in low level conversation. Rollie was almost back to his usual self, telling jokes and reminiscing over old times with Leo and Rick.

Leaving the plane Rollie and Angie were hurried onto the small connecting flight. This was a great deal more crowded than the seven four seven they had left New York on. After the short flight, Rollie and Angie booked out their rental, a Land Rover four wheel drive.

Stowing the packs in the back, Rollie climbed in the passenger side of the comfortable vehicle and let Angie drive. His shoulder was feeling better and he could have handled it but Angie knew the way and he didn't mind. Removing a CD from his pack, he pushed it into the travel resistant CD player. Listening to the various artists CD, Angie guided them surely into Yosemite National Park. Heading for her favourite cabin.

The drive took about two hours and Rollie was glad when they arrived. Angie was right, this place was perfect. Between the two of them, they soon had the place set up and a hot drink brewing on the stove. Rollie had lit the open fire and now snuggled down in his thick woollen coat gazing into its flickering depths. It was a lot colder at this altitude Rollie noticed. Angie brought Rollie's drink over and sat down on the two-seater sofa next to Rollie.

Rollie stood up, moving into the bedroom he picked up several blankets and returned to the cabin's living room. Sitting down he pulled the blanket over himself and motioned to Angie for her to take the other half of his blanket. Angie smiled and leaned over, settling down with her head on Rollie's good shoulder.

Rollie looked down at his beautiful blonde partner and saw that she had fallen quickly asleep in the warmth of the blankets. Thinking there were worse ways to spend an evening, Rollie closed his eyes and drifted towards sleep.

Waking in the middle of the night, Rollie saw the fire had burnt down. Retrieving the other blankets he had grabbed, he spread them out, covering both of them. After a time, he managed to return to his own dreams.

Rollie and Angie were up several hours before dawn. Rollie had said he'd like to see the sunrise from one of the mountains. After a hot and hasty breakfast, the pair started off, walking side by side. Rollie checked his right jacket pocket, feeling the hard lump inside, sure that it was safe he continued walking.

They had topped one of the lower mountains and had sat down on a large rock to await the rising sun. The pair watched as the sun rose majestically over the horizon, flooding the cold, windy mountain with its crimson glow. Waiting until the whole sun hung above the horizon Rollie looked over at Angela.

' That was as beautiful as watching it from the top of Uluru.' Rollie said, using the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock.

' I love coming up here to watch the sun rising and setting. I usually get up early so I'll have a nice clear view, its so peaceful here.' Angie answered.

' Ready to press on, or would you rather stay here a while longer?' Angie asked.

' Whenever you're ready Ange.' Rollie said, pulling on his backpack and checking his top pocket once more.

By the time lunchtime came, the pair had made their way to the top of a taller peak. Because of their early start and the distance they had travelled, they hadn't seen anyone. Finding a place out of the wind, Rollie shrugged out of his backpack, squatting down he pulled out a blanket. Setting it on the relatively flat ground he sat down upon it.

Angie opened her pack and removed their lunch from it. Setting the plates and cups down on the blanket, Angie knelt down opposite Rollie.

Pouring some hot coffee into the cups, Rollie handed one to Angie. It was still cold up here, even in the sun. Angie had pulled her gloves on and Rollie had followed suit. Pulling his jacket tighter, Rollie asked Angie ' Are you warm enough?' ' I'm fine Rol, I've spent time up here so I'm more used to it than you.' Angie replied.

They finished the food and feeling warmer from the coffee Angie moved to sit on a rock topping the mountain. Angie gazed out at the beautiful scenery, her mind wandering.

Rollie sat below, frowning at the small object resting in his hand. Looking up at Angie he stood hesitantly and made his way up to the summit.

Kneeling on one knee beside the rock where Angie was seated Rollie said ' Angie.'

Angela answered ' Yeah Rollie?' without taking her eyes off the view.

' Angela Ramirez' Rollie began trying to get her attention.

Hearing that name from his lips was unusual, turning back, her eyes locked onto the object in his hand.

' My heart and soul are yours to do with as you please, but I beg, Will you marry me?' Rollie finished hesitantly, opening the box. Inside was a gold, platinum and diamond engagement ring.

Angela was stunned, after all the years she had hoped… and after Loubar had… she had lost all hope of it ever happening. Taking her eyes off the ring, Angie looked up into Rollie's dark brown eyes and whispered ' Yes'.

Slowly removing Angie's left glove Rollie pulled the ring from the box. Watching Angie's face as he slid the ring onto her finger, Rollie was rewarded with a radiant smile.

Angie took a closer look at the ring, sliding it from her finger she read the inscription.

To Angie, My love, My life, Rollie.

Sliding it back on, Angie turned to Rollie and said ' It's beautiful Rollie', tears of happiness in her eyes. Rollie slid his arms around his fiancee of a few seconds, and for the first time in the thirteen years they had known each other, kissed her on the lips.

Several silent minutes passed, then Rollie broke the silence ' I love you Angela Ramirez' he whispered. ' And I love you Rollie Tyler.' She replied.

Sliding the ring from her finger and replacing it in the box, Angie turned to Rollie only to see his eyes and mouth wide open. From the look, she guessed he was thinking she had been kidding about the whole thing. ' I wouldn't want to lose it Rol, and my hand is getting cold I need my glove back on.' Angie explained.

Hand in hand the couple hiked back down the mountain, it was getting dark when they finally arrived back at the cabin. Rollie opened the door and allowed Angie to pass through first. Once inside he quickly had the fire lit and a rosy glow filled the room.

After a hot meal, Rollie and Angie sat down on the two-seater sofa and listened to some music on Rollie's portable CD. Rollie smiled contentedly and carefully ran his hand through Angela's soft blonde hair. He had finally bared his deeply buried feelings to Angela and had been happy to find those feelings returned. Angie turned within his arms, lifting a hand she brushed a soft brown lock from his eyes. ' I think I'll sleep out here again.' Rollie said, pointing to the fire ' How about you?' ' I'm happy here too, it's warm and I've got a nice pillow. I'm not moving.' Angie replied indicating his shoulder.

Leaning over Rollie placed a soft kiss on Angie's lips and said ' I wouldn't have it any other way.'

Snuggling together, the two FX artists drifted to sleep secured in the each other's arms.

Mira stood several miles or so away from the lake where Rollie had been shot. Angie had mistaken him for Loubar while the two men had been fighting. Looking down at the body, the electronic facemask must have fallen off during his struggle to reach here. He had made it this far before collapsing. Examining the body, Mira noted a bullet wound through the lung, stomach and leg. It was confirmed, Victor Loubar, international arms dealer, Rollie's enemy and Angela's rapist was finally dead.

THE END.

Email: fx_6@mailcity.com