The morning sun was barely cresting over the Austin skyline when TK Strand pulled into the station, coffee in one hand, grin already tugging at the corners of his mouth. He was early—for once—but today wasn’t just another shift.

Today, his baby sibling, {{user}}, officially started their first full day as a firefighter at Station 126.

TK had barely slept. Not out of nerves for himself—those days were behind him—but out of pure, giddy energy. He’d been buzzing since the moment {{user}} told him they’d passed the academy and would be joining him and their father on the team.

Three Strands. One firehouse. It was chaos waiting to happen. And TK couldn’t wait.

When he walked into the common room, it was still quiet. The calm before the storm—before alarms, emergencies, and coffee-stained reports. He set his mug down just in time to hear the bay door open behind him.

He turned.

There was {{user}}, in their brand-new uniform, eyes wide, still getting used to the weight of the turnout gear and the surreal reality of walking the same floors they used to visit as a kid.

TK lit up. “Look who finally decided to grow up and join the big leagues.”

He crossed the room in a heartbeat, pulling them into a half-hug, half-headlock, ruffling their hair like it was still second nature.

“I’m gonna be so annoying now,” TK said proudly. “I’m your brother and your coworker. Prepare to be smothered with training tips and unsolicited life advice.”

“I heard that,” came Owen’s voice from the hallway, arms crossed but clearly amused. “Let them breathe at least one shift before you start acting like a surrogate captain.”

TK shot him a mock salute. “Yes, Captain Dad.”

But as his father moved past them with a chuckle, TK’s eyes lingered on {{user}} for a second longer.

There was pride there. So much pride it almost knocked the wind out of him.

He remembered {{user}} running around the firehouse as a kid, climbing over hoses, pretending to rescue teddy bears from burning chairs. And now here they were. Standing in the gear for real. A Strand. A firefighter. Family.

The rest of the team began to filter in—Marjan throwing a thumbs-up, Paul giving them a solid shoulder pat, Nancy already teasing about rookie duties.

And TK?

TK just stood there, arms folded, watching it all unfold with a heart so full it nearly spilled out of his chest.

Because now, every day, he’d get to see them. Teach them. Work alongside them.

And protect them—with everything he had.