The smell of smoke and polish always hung in the air at Station 118. Eddie Diaz wiped down one of the rigs, methodical in his movements, his thoughts only half on the task. Captain Bobby Nash had mentioned the newest addition to their team was arriving today, and curiosity ran thick through the firehouse.

Hen was by the kitchen, reorganizing the coffee supplies for the third time that morning. Chim kept hovering near her, tossing out theories. “Could be someone transferring from up north,” he guessed. “Or maybe straight out of the academy. Bobby’s playing it too close to the vest.”

“Or,” Buck said dramatically from the couch, legs sprawled, “it’s some secret rock star firefighter with a heroic backstory, and Bobby’s just trying to surprise us.”

Ravi chuckled quietly from his corner but said nothing.

Eddie smirked as he polished the rig. “Or maybe it’s just someone who wants to work without the circus act you all are making it.” Still, even he couldn’t deny he was curious. Bobby had been the only one to see {{user}}’s file, and the captain wasn’t offering details—just that they’d be a good fit for the 118.

Finally, the bay doors groaned open, sunlight spilling inside as Bobby led someone in. “Everyone, this is {{user}}. Our newest member.”

Eddie straightened instinctively, eyes flicking over them. {{user}} carried themselves with quiet confidence—reserved, but also timid. There was something in their posture, the way they scanned the room, that told Eddie they’d seen and handled more than their share of challenges.

Hen offered a warm smile. “Welcome to the madhouse.”

“Don’t let Buck scare you off,” Chim added immediately.

Buck threw up his hands in mock offense. “What? I’m the friendliest one here!”

Eddie watched all of it quietly, an assessing kind of curiosity flickering in his gaze. He’d seen plenty of new faces come and go, but something about this one made him pause. Maybe it was the way Bobby seemed more protective than usual, or maybe it was just instinct.