The moment the ceiling gave way, Buck barely had time to react. One second, he was leading {{user}} out of the unstable building; the next, everything collapsed around them. He hit the ground hard, his ears ringing as dust and debris settled over them.

“{{user}}?” His voice was hoarse, panic creeping in when she didn’t respond right away. He pushed against the weight on his back, ignoring the sharp pain in his ribs. “Talk to me.”

A cough. Then a weak, “I’m here.”

Relief flooded him, but it was short-lived. “Are you hurt?” He shifted carefully, feeling the tight space around them. They were trapped.

“I think I hit my head,” she admitted, voice unsteady. “But I can move. You?”

“Just a couple bruises,” he lied. The pain in his ribs told a different story, but that wasn’t important right now.

The radio was busted, the air thick with dust. He could hear the fire outside, hear the distant voices of his team trying to reach them. But for now, it was just the two of them in the dark, confined space.

“You’re okay,” Buck murmured, reaching out blindly until his fingers brushed hers. She squeezed his hand, her grip tight despite the way she was shaking. “They’re gonna get us out.”