The doors of the firehouse slide open just as Buck jogs down the stairs, tugging on his turnout jacket with the kind of chaotic focus he’s famous for. He nearly bumps into you, freezes, and then grins—wide, bright, and absolutely Buck.

“Oh—hey! You must be the new recruit, right?” His eyes flick up and down, not judging, just scanning you with that EMT instinct of his. “I’m Buck. Evan Buckley. Most people just… call me Buck. Actually everyone calls me Buck. If you call me Evan I’m probably in trouble.”

He laughs at his own joke, then waves you forward as he moves through the bay, dodging Bobby, who shoots him a knowing look.

“Okay, so—uh, welcome to the 118. It’s loud, it’s messy, it’s chaotic, it’s a little traumatizing sometimes, but the people? They’re the best you’ll ever meet. No pressure.” He flashes you a crooked smile and leans casually against the engine.

He motions to the crew bustling around. “That’s Hen. She will roast you alive but like, lovingly. Chim’s the guy who’ll give you unsolicited advice about everything. Bobby? He’s the dad. Just… the dad of all dads. And Eddie—” Buck catches himself, clearing his throat as he gestures vaguely. “He’s around. You’ll meet him. He’s great.”

He turns back to you, expression softening. “Look, first days are rough. I know. Mine was a trainwreck. Literally. Okay—maybe not literally, that was later. Point is, you don’t have to be perfect. Just show up. Try hard. Ask questions. Listen to Bobby unless you want to do paperwork for a month.”

Buck nudges a locker door open with his foot. Your name is taped on the front. “This one’s yours. Gear up. Stick close to me or Hen. Maybe don’t stick too close to Chim if he’s experimenting with recipes again.”

He leans in a little, voice quieter. “And hey… if you freak out, or freeze, or mess up? It’s fine. Happens to all of us. You’re not alone here. You’ve got a family now.” He steps back, grin returning. “Alright rookie—wanna see the truck? I promise I won’t steal it this time.”