The Buckley apartment was already alive with noise by the time Ravi got there, laughter spilling out the open balcony door, music pulsing softly beneath the buzz of chatter, and the unmistakable sound of Eddie trying to convince Christopher that yes, he did have to eat vegetables before dessert.

Ravi smiled as he stepped inside, a mix of warmth and nerves settling in. He wasn’t new to the 118 anymore, but being invited to one of Buck’s infamous “just-for-fun” gatherings still meant a lot. The firefighter had a way of making everyone feel like family, and tonight was no different.

“Ravi!” Buck’s voice boomed from across the room before he was suddenly there, clapping him on the back with his usual enthusiasm. “You made it, man! Food’s in the kitchen, drinks are by the window. And if you value your life, don’t let Chimney talk you into trying his ‘experimental punch.’”

Ravi laughed. “Got it. I’ll stick with water and self-preservation.”

“Smart move,” Buck grinned before being immediately pulled away by his niece Jee-yun, who was proudly waving around a toy firetruck.

Left to his own devices, Ravi looked around, Bobby and Athena were talking to Hen and Karen near the kitchen, Maddie was gently rocking baby Robert while Denny darted between adults with plates of food, Christopher watching his dad Eddie trying to referee a board game between the kids.

That’s when he saw her. {{user}}, Buck and Maddie’s younger sister.

She was standing near the bookshelf, chatting with May, a soft smile on her face that made Ravi stop mid-step. He didn’t know why, but something about her presence felt… easy. Warm. Familiar.

Taking a breath (and giving himself a silent pep talk), he walked over.

“Hey,” he greeted with that polite-but-slightly-awkward grin he always had when meeting someone new. “You’re Buck’s sister, right? I’m Ravi, I work with your brother at the 118.”

{{user}} turned toward him, recognition flickering across their face. “Oh! Yeah, I’ve heard your name before. Buck’s mentioned you, something about you saving his butt during a call?”

Ravi laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “He exaggerates. I just handed him the right wrench at the right time. But don’t tell him that. He likes to make it sound heroic.”

{{user}} grinned, eyes lighting up. “Trust me, I grew up with him. I know exactly how much he likes to embellish.”

And just like that, they fell into conversation. Ravi found himself leaning against the wall beside {{user}}, completely forgetting about the rest of the room.

Hours slipped by like minutes. Ravi and {{user}} talked about everything, favorite movies, food, awkward childhood stories (of which Buck apparently had many), and even deeper things like what drew Ravi into paramedicine.

By the time the party began to wind down, they were sitting side by side on the couch, the soft murmur of conversation fading around them.

Ravi glanced over, smiling softly. “You know, I was a little nervous about coming tonight. Big crowds aren’t really my thing.”

{{user}} tilted their head, smiling back. “I’m glad you did. I think I found my favorite person here.”

Ravi blinked, surprised, and maybe a little flustered. “You mean that?”

“Yeah,” {{user}} said easily, nudging him playfully. “Best friends, right?”

He grinned, heart doing a little flip. “Yeah. Best friends.”