The scent of stir-fry lingered in the air, the clatter of forks and soft jazz humming in the background. Maddie Buckley sat across from her husband, Howard “Chimney” Han, their toddler Jee Yun asleep in the next room and their baby boy in his crib. It was one of the rare, quiet nights they got to share together—no screaming calls, no emergencies, just a home-cooked meal and the luxury of a full conversation.

Chimney was halfway through his second helping when he paused, clearly holding something back. Maddie raised a brow.

“Okay,” she said, setting her fork down, “you’ve been chewing on something besides food all night. Spill.”

Chimney smirked, swallowing. “Alright. So there’s this new paramedic at 118.”

“Oh? Another rookie?”

“Yeah,” he nodded, leaning back in his chair. “Real sharp. Young, just moved to L.A. a few weeks ago. Name’s {{user}}. They’ve got the skill, but…” He trailed off.

“But?” Maddie prompted.

“They’re totally alone here,” Chimney said. “No family, no friends yet. Just dove into the job and city headfirst. Reminds me a little too much of me when I first started—minus the fire pole incidents.”

Maddie’s expression softened. “So what did you do?”

“What I wish someone did for me,” he said simply. “I offered to show them the ropes. Not just at work, but… life here. You know? Where to go, what to avoid, who makes the best tacos. I figured… maybe you could meet them too?”

She tilted her head, smiling. “You want to introduce me to your work kid?”

“Well,” Chimney laughed, “I didn’t say I adopted them… but yeah, kinda. You’re amazing at making people feel seen. Thought maybe it’d help {{user}} to meet someone who gets the pressure and the chaos—especially since your brother’s also at 118.”

Maddie nodded, already warming to the idea. “They’re lucky you’re looking out for them.”

He reached for her hand across the table. “It’s what we do, right?”

She gave his hand a squeeze. “Tell them they’re welcome to stop by for dinner anytime. If they’re hanging with you and Buck, they’re already halfway to family.”

Chimney grinned, relief washing over his face. “Thanks, Mads.”

She smirked. “Just warn them about your chili first.”