Well, it's been . . . a long last few weeks, to put it mildly. That's not even taking into consideration the "musical houses" game I've been playing while figuring out where I'm staying for the rest of my summer job. Basically, a lot's been going on, including what went down on my profile. To everyone sticking with me through this, you have absolutely no idea what that means to me, and I will do my absolute best not to let any of you down.

Also, this chapter was hard to write, especially trying to get everything set up for Austin. Huzzah, though . . . almost 7K words for everyone to enjoy!

So, let's see, what all happens . . . ah, yes. Maddie fills Buck in, he runs but ends up somewhere he knows he can go, Sylvie's the focal point at 51, Eddie's the perfect friend, the Halsteads have some problems Sylvie might be able to help with, Maddie makes another friend, and TK finds out what his dad has been so excited about.

Enjoy, everyone!

***

"He was seven when you were born," Maddie continued to explain. "He was gone a year later. That's why you don't remember him."

Buck swallowed hard, trying to work moisture into his mouth. It wasn't working. "How did he die?" he croaked.

"Juvenile leukemia," Maddie answered. "He got sick right after that photo was taken." Buck rubbed a hand over his face as Maddie looked at the photo again. "Our lives changed forever after that. Three years of doctors and hospitals, every treatment they could find . . . but nothing worked."

Buck looked at the photo again, of Daniel . . . of Daniel Buckley, his older brother, who – "I don't understand why no one told me. I mean . . . I had a brother!"

"They were in shock after he died," Maddie said. "They packed up his things. We moved to a new town. They made me promise never to tell you."

"No, it doesn't make any sense!" Buck insisted.

"They were grieving," Maddie said. "I think they still are."

Buck stood up from the couch, starting to pace back and forth. "So I was born in the middle of that," he said slowly, thinking through everything. "Of him being sick."

"Yeah," Maddie nodded.

"Leukemia," Buck repeated. "I'm surprised they didn't try a bone marrow transplant."

"None of us were a match," Maddie said. "Not Dad, not Mom. Not me. They couldn't find a match." She looked up at Buck. "So they made one."

Buck abruptly sat down on the arm of the chair, feeling his legs give out. "Me," he said numbly. "I was a match."

"You were," Maddie confirmed. "But then the cells didn't graft. Daniel had a relapse."

"And he died," Buck's voice wavered. "And our parents decided to pretend he never existed. And they never could look at me like a son they wanted because the one they did want was the one that died."

Maddie cringed. "I wanted to tell you so many times," she whispered. "But the more time that went by . . . it just got harder, you know? And I'm so sorry."

Buck looked down at his hands, not sure what he should be thinking. All he knew was his entire mind was careening around, trying to find something, something that made sense, something he could cling to. "This – " He took a deep breath. "This wasn't your idea, was it?"

"No," Maddie shook her head desperately. "No, never! I never wanted to pack up my dead brother's things and move to a new town, much less pretend he never existed!"

Buck nodded absently, chewing his lips. "I'm sorry," he cleared his throat. "I, uh . . . I have no idea what that must have been like."

"Evan," Maddie said softly, scooting towards him.

"Just," he abruptly stood up, rushing for the counter where his keys were. "I'm sorry, I just need – "

"Just let me know wherever you end up, you're OK?" Maddie begged.

Buck gave her a quick look, seeing the tears in her eyes. "Yeah," he finally nodded, fumbling to get the door open. "Yeah, I will."

He saw the look of raw relief on her face before he shut the door behind him.

***

Christopher's soft snores reached Eddie's ears as he leaned in the doorframe, watching his son sleep after speaking to Carla on the phone. He smiled softly, watching the most important person in his life safe in bed. Christopher was everything to him, the reason he worked his job, the reason he had moved to Los Angeles. Very little made him happier than seeing him as peaceful as he was. He closed the door as quietly as he could, padding back towards the living room. He didn't have a shift tomorrow and planned to spend the day with Christopher at the park, so he had time for a quick beer before bed –

He stopped when he saw Buck standing just inside the door, frozen in place, his blue eyes wide with panic, keys clenched so hard in his hand, his knuckles were white. "Buck," he moved forward quickly, seeing him shaking. "What is it? What happened?"

"I, uh . . . " Buck swallowed hard, looking down at his keys. "I didn't know where to go when I left."

"You came exactly where you knew you could," Eddie carefully pried his knuckles open, taking the keys from his best friend. He winced, seeing the imprints left in Buck's palm. "Come on, sit down."

"I – I don't know if I can," Buck stammered, wringing his hands. "E – ever since I left my apartment, I've just needed to move."

"OK," Eddie nodded, watching Buck in concern as the blond paced his living room. "Do whatever you need to do, Buck."

Buck only nodded, mumbling to himself as he walked back and forth, never staying in the same place for longer than a second. Eddie stepped into the kitchen to grab two beers, then walked back out to see Buck had finally dropped backwards onto the couch, his head in his hands. Eddie silently sat next to him, close enough that he could knock his knee against Buck's in a comforting manner. He stayed quiet, giving Buck all the time he needed to say whatever he needed to say.

It could have been seconds, or it could have been an hour. Eddie had lost all sense of time when Buck finally opened his mouth. "Maddie visited."

"Did something happen?"

Buck laughed bitterly, a grating sound that made Eddie wince. "That would be an understatement."

Eddie placed his hand on Buck's knee tentatively. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"Um . . . " Buck took a shaky breath. "I think I still need to process everything she told me before I tell anyone else. This is . . . this is kind of our thing we need to work through right now."

"OK," Eddie nodded. "That is completely fine."

Buck slumped in relief. "Thanks, Eds," he said quietly.

"I've got your back, Buck," Eddie promised, squeezing his knee. "Whatever you need, I'm here."

"Thank you," Buck smiled sincerely. "There's stuff I still need to talk to Maddie about, but I just . . . "

"You just needed to breathe," Eddie guessed. He nodded sheepishly. "Must've been quite the bomb that was dropped."

Buck shook his head. "Oh, you have . . . no idea."

***

Kelly was not having the best week. The best thing that had probably happened was going on Red X duty with Boden and helping the police lieutenant find his wife again. The other best thing was probably witnessing Sylvie's maniacal glee in helping Mouch sow chaos against Chuck Rutledge. Her idea to dump donuts on the firehouse drive? Kelly had to admit, he never thought Sylvie had it in her.

Then Gallo had burst his bubble when he chattered excitedly about how Matt had somehow managed to snag the number of the woman they saved from their earlier call, and that when he and Stella had helped Mouch, he had overheard the lieutenant on Engine 40, Greg Grainger, inquiring about Sylvie's relationship status. When he had caught up with Matt, the truck captain had stumbled over his words before managing to get out that he had turned Sydney down as gently as he could. He hadn't heard a thing from Sylvie about Grainger, though.

That was why he was sulking with Squad in the common room next shift, all of them getting their coffee for the morning. "What's got you in a funk, boss?" Joe asked, leaning next to him against the counter.

"Nothing," Kelly shook his head, taking a sip of his coffee. Joe quirked an eyebrow, and Kelly made a defensive motion with his arms. "What? It's nothing!"

"Mmmhmm," Joe hummed, walking over to join Squad at the table.

" . . . interested in him at all?"

"No, I'm not." Kelly looked up to see Sylvie and Gianna walk into the common room, both women in their uniforms, Sylvie cradling a coffee mug in his hands. "He's handsome, of course he is, I have no problem admitting that. I'm just not interested in him."

"Who's our little sister not interested in?" Tony called from the table.

Sylvie blushed. "Lieutenant Grainger," Gianna smirked.

"Really?" Gallo asked in surprise. "I thought for sure he would ask you out."

"He hasn't," Sylvie shook her head. "I mean, I think he tried hitting on me the other night at Molly's, but I'm not interested in him."

"He's Rutledge's lieutenant," Mouch grumbled, still sore about the final prank in the war where Rutledge had a helicopter drop dozens of donuts on 51's drive. "I'm glad you're not."

"That's not it, Mouch," Sylvie sighed, sitting down at the main table. "He's not what I'm looking for."

"What is?" Gianna wondered.

"Yeah, I think the only guy I ever saw you interested in was the chaplain," Ritter nodded from where he was dishing breakfast.

"And we all know how that ended," Stella muttered.

"Kidd," Matt glowered.

"Yeah, I know how it ended," Sylvie rubbed her temples. "That shows me what I get for trying to force myself into that situation again."

The air in the room grew tense. "I'm sorry, force yourself?" Herrmann narrowed his eyes.

Sylvie froze, slowly looking up from her coffee as if it had scared her. "Did I just say that out loud?" she asked timidly.

"Yeah, girl," Joe nodded, looking at her worriedly. "You did."

Sylvie closed her eyes. "Shit."

Concerned, Kelly pushed off the counter and walked over, seeing Matt drop his newspaper to give his full attention to their best friend. "Sylvie?" he asked quietly. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to."

Sylvie looked up, seeing the concerned faces of her best friends, the worried ones of Gianna, Ritter, and Gallo, and the "trying to be nonchalant but failing" ones of Herrmann and Mouch. Tony and Capp were looking at her as if they were waiting for the word to herd everyone out of the room. Joe looked ready to herd her out if need be. She took a deep breath, opened her mouth –

Her phone started trilling an unfamiliar tone to everyone in the room, and she almost jumped out of her chair. "Hang on," she felt through her pockets for her phone. "I think that's . . . " She checked the Caller ID, then frowned and answered. "Hey, I'm on shift right now, and I can't – " She cut off with a frown, and Gianna tilted her head, hearing the frantic male voice on the other end. "Whoa, hang on," Sylvie stood up, phone pressed to her ear. "TK, calm – TK, I can't understand you." She maneuvered around the chairs. "TK, talk slower, I can't understand a thing you're saying." She turned and looked at Kelly, mouthing "Your office?" with a concerned look in her eyes.

Kelly nodded. "Go," he gestured.

Sylvie looked relieved and gave him a sign with her hand that Kelly didn't understand. He heard Joe, however, choke on his coffee and heard a clatter that signaled Ritter had dropped something in the kitchen. Sylvie jogged to the bunkroom, still talking into her phone. "Sorry, TK, start over. What message did you get? I muted the chat when I was getting dressed . . . "

She trailed off as the door shut behind her, and Mouch finally looked around. "TK?" he repeated incredulously. "What kind of name is that?"

"Someone who likes initials," Herrmann deadpanned.

"Maybe he's why Brett's not interested in Grainger?" Gallo wondered.

"Um," Ritter cleared his throat. "No. I doubt it. I really doubt it."

"I've roomed with Brett for years," Joe reminded everyone. "Other than Casey and Severide, I know her best. I even dated her. I know her. If she says she isn't interested in Grainger, she's not interested in Grainger."

"So who's TK?" Gianna asked. "I know I'm new, but Brett seems really open about her friends."

"Well, there's two she hasn't really talked about," Capp leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "She met them while we were in Santa Monica. They aren't here for us to interrogate."

"You mean meet?" Mouch frowned.

"No, I'm pretty sure he means interrogate," Tony smirked.

Gianna rolled her eyes. "Great. I should be lucky I've only got Joe breathing down my neck. Brett's got five of you."

"Yes, she does," Capp bared his teeth in a sharp grin.

Joe snickered. "We're probably tame compared to these two."

"Hey!" Kelly protested.

"We are not that bad!" Matt shouted at the same time.

There were four disbelieving snorts from around the room. "Serial arsonist," Joe said.

"Arnow factory," Capp chimed in.

"The chaplain," Tony smirked.

"Do we count the Badlands?" Joe turned to them.

"I think we should," Capp nodded. "They were worried."

"We're definitely counting the bacteria infection," Tony nodded.

"And that's just in three months," Joe said loftily.

"Halleck," Gianna raised her mug to her lips. "Enough said."

Gallo choked on his coffee as Joe grinned and raised his mug in acknowledgement. "Atta girl, Mackey. You're learning."

Matt sighed, rubbing his temples. "Every single one of you is cleaning the apparatus floor until I can see my reflection in it."

"Why stop there?" Kelly grumbled.

"Don't tempt me, Sev."

The bells of the house went off with a clamor, and Kelly had never been more thankful for a call requiring all vehicles. "Off your asses, Squad," he gestured. "Come on!"

While his men were teasing bastards, they still moved like there was a fire burning under their feet as they ran for the rig. As Kelly climbed into the officer's seat, he caught Sylvie rushing for the ambulance, saying something hurriedly into her phone before hanging up and leaping into the driver's seat.

He made a mental note to ask her if there was anything she needed help with when they got back.

***

Buck's phone had been blowing up with texts all morning, and Eddie couldn't help but eye the screen as it constantly lit with incoming messages. Buck, somehow, was still sleeping through it on the couch, and Eddie finally gave his phone a quick check to see if there were any messages he knew Buck would want to answer immediately.

To his surprise, the only names he recognized were Maddie (no surprise there, he thought), Bobby, and Athena. There wasn't anything from Chimney or Hen. However, the chat rapidly taking over notifications included names such as . . . were those Cocker Spaniel and Grumpy Cat? "What the hell?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Wuzzat?" Buck mumbled, nose scrunching adorably as he gradually woke.

"Um," Eddie cleared his throat, gesturing to his phone. "Sorry, your phone just constantly has messages coming in, and . . . well, there's a chat you've got that is really active."

Buck pushed up and reached for his phone, rubbing his eyes as he opened the chat. He knew he had texted TK late at night and he hadn't been sure if the other firefighter had been on shift or not.

Cocker Spaniel: Holy shit.

Cocker Spaniel: Buck?

Cocker Spaniel: If you ever want to talk, my private messages are open.

Grumpy Cat: Absolutely.

Grumpy Cat: Same over here in Austin.

Cocker Spaniel: Or a phone call.

Cocker Spaniel: Or FaceTime.

Cocker Spaniel: That's if Squad would stop trying to read my messages over my shoulder.

Grumpy Cat: Back up.

Grumpy Cat: Say what?

Cocker Spaniel: I kind of ran out of the room when you called me this morning.

Cocker Spaniel: The boys get Curious.

Grumpy Cat: I'm torn between saying that's adorable and creepy.

Cocker Spaniel: Creepily adorable.

Grumpy Cat: Boom.

Buck snorted loudly and sent another chat.

Golden Retriever: FaceTime later for more details?

Cocker Spaniel: Whatever you're comfortable with.

Grumpy Cat: I've got a lunch date with Carlos, but I'll be available this evening for sure.

Cocker Spaniel: I'll still be on shift, but I could probably kick someone out of their office.

Grumpy Cat: Flip a coin?

Cocker Spaniel: Hmm.

Cocker Spaniel: Good idea.

Cocker Spaniel: Who's which?

Grumpy Cat: Heads is Severide.

Cocker Spaniel: Buck, guess it.

"Hey, Eds," Buck looked up. "Heads or tails?"

Eddie, who had proceeded to the coffee maker, looked at him in surprise. "What?"

"Heads or tails?"

Eddie looked beyond confused, and he finally answered, "Tails."

Golden Retriever: Tails.

Cocker Spaniel: Mackey just gave me the weirdest look but obediently flipped the coin.

Grumpy Cat: And?

Cocker Spaniel: Tails.

Cocker Spaniel: Wow, Matt's office is a popular place.

Buck snickered, standing up and walking into the kitchen. "Well, now I have a call to make tonight."

"Your friends?" Eddie guessed.

"Yeah," Buck sighed. "Apparently texting one of them in the middle of the night was enough to make both of them worry."

"You gonna tell them?"

Buck sat down at the counter, running his fingers around the rim of the mug Eddie placed before him. "What do you think?" he asked.

Eddie froze in place, his mug halfway to his mouth. "What do I think?" he parroted.

"You're my best friend, Eds," Buck nodded, completely serious. "I mean . . . if I'm not sure I can talk to you first, is it really a good idea for me to tell them?"

Eddie leaned against the counter, narrowing his eyes. "Here's what I think. Whatever this secret Maddie shared with you is, it sounds like it's up to you guys who you tell and when you tell. Would I like to know what's making you this upset? Of course, I want to know so I can find some way to help you. At the same time, I don't want you to tell me until you want to tell me." He paused. "Does that make sense?"

Buck smiled. "Perfect sense. Thanks, Eds."

"You're welcome," Eddie smiled. He checked the time, then cleared his throat. "I don't suppose you're available for the morning?"

Buck snickered. "You want me to make edible breakfast, don't you?"

Eddie sighed. "I will be forever known as the one member of our team who would somehow burn water, won't I?"

Buck laughed, standing up. "Let's see what's in your fridge."

***

Sylvie had been expecting a message when they returned from the scene about when she would be talking to TK and Buck.

She was not expecting to see a text from another group chat.

Ginger Snap: I'm in trouble.

Sylvie halted in her steps, but before she could respond, another text popped in.

Cinnamon Sugar: What medical malpractice did you do this time, and who do I need to stop from arresting you?

Ginger Snap: Very funny.

Ginger Snap: It's worse than that.

Cinnamon Sugar: What's worse than that?

Ginger Snap: Natalie and Connor.

Cinnamon Sugar: Yeah, I can't stop them from being arrested.

Ginger Snap: This is serious, Jay!

Ginger Snap: BIG PROBLEM

Sylvie frowned, finally texting back.

Lemon Honey: What happened?

Ginger Snap: FaceTime?

Sylvie checked her watch.

Lemon Honey: Give me fifteen minutes to freshen up.

Ginger Snap: You're a life saver.

Cinnamon Sugar: So am I trying to stop your two crushes from getting arrested or not?

Ginger Snap: That's not even remotely funny.

Cinnamon Sugar: Brett?

Lemon Honey: . . .

Lemon Honey: It's a little funny.

Ginger Snap: Traitor.

Cinnamon Sugar: That's our little sis!

Sylvie rolled her eyes fondly. "Why do I keep getting adopted?" she grumbled, heading for the bathroom.

"Adopted?" Gianna parroted, following her.

"Yeah," Sylvie nodded, scratching her head. "I seem to keep getting adopted by everyone I meet."

***

Jay stared blankly from his end of the call. "This started with Marcel?"

"It sounds like everything that's happened since Connor first left has had to do with Marcel," Sylvie sighed, reclining on her bunk with her earbuds in, grateful everyone was having their meal in the common area. "I mean, he's a great surgeon, but I have trouble figuring out if his heart is gold or steel."

"Maybe a mixture of both?" Jay suggested.

"More gold than steel," Will shrugged. "Nat's never said much about his past, but he seems to have a pretty big soft spot for two types of patients: any kids and any with cancer."

"And this was cancer," Sylvie deduced.

"It was cancer," Will nodded. "Our oncologist said there was nothing that could be done, but Marcel went ahead and scrubbed in to complete the surgery. Natalie was told by one of the nurses what he was doing, she got Connor, who proceeded to berate Marcel while he was operating . . . then ordered him to get out of the room while he finished the procedure."

"Connor went behind the oncologist's back and finished that surgery?!" Sylvie's jaw dropped.

"Uh huh," Will nodded. "And Natalie went in right behind him. Connor only tried once to convince her otherwise. She didn't listen."

"And let me guess," Jay sighed. "Goodwin was upset."

"She was pissed," Will nodded. "But she didn't do anything, as it was such a successful operation. Connor looked like he could be knocked over by a feather."

"And Marcel?" Sylvie couldn't help but grin.

"Looked like he drank the world's most sour lemonade."

Sylvie made a face. "Honestly, I'd trust Connor more than Marcel. Don't get me wrong, the man's a genius surgeon, but Connor – "

"We know him better," Jay nodded. "I know."

"Yeah," Will rubbed his forehead. "But the way they smiled at each other . . . "

He trailed off, and Sylvie's eyes widened. "Oh."

"Yeah," Will nodded. "Oh."

Jay sighed. "What was that one rule on NCIS? Never date a coworker?"

"Yeah," Sylvie snorted. "And I'm in love with two of them."

"Me, too," Will sighed. "At least Jay hasn't fallen down that rabbit hole yet."

Jay winced. "Define the rabbit hole?"

Sylvie blinked rapidly. "Wait – "

"Who?" Will leaned forward, eyes wide.

Jay sighed, rubbing his face. "See, I'm not even sure what it is yet. All I know is I kept an eye on Burgess when she went to pick up the girl we were protecting a week or so ago, and after what happened last year, I wanted to keep an eye on her, you know?"

"Absolutely," Sylvie nodded.

"And, well . . . " Jay winced. "I may have fallen a little bit in love with her when I saw her with Makayla."

"That's kind of like saying everyone's a little in love with Sylvie at 51," Will pointed out.

Sylvie snorted loudly. "One person isn't."

"We'll get back to that," Jay gave her a steely look. "Small problem. I'm already together with Hailey."

"What?" Sylvie's jaw dropped.

"No way!" Will grinned widely. "Congrats, man!"

"Thanks," Jay gave them a small smile. "It's . . . basically as recent as a few nights ago. She turned down an offer at the FBI to stay."

Will whistled. "I can only imagine what a pay raise that would've been."

"Big," Jay snorted. "Let's just put it that way."

"I'm glad you have her, Jay," Sylvie smiled softly.

"Thanks, Sylvie," he smiled back. "It's just . . . I've had these feelings for Hailey for so long. And now to suddenly start looking at Burgess that way . . . " He shrugged helplessly. "It's a little confusing."

Sylvie snorted softly. "Welcome to my life, boys."

Jay gave her a tight smile. "I pity you."

"Any advice?" Will asked.

Sylvie sat up on her bunk, taking a look around the room. She took out one of her earbuds to listen for anyone coming through, then turned back to her phone. "You think you might want to go for both of them?" she asked for clarification.

"I mean . . . " Will ran a hand through his hair, mussing it up even more than it already was. "I can't think about being with one of them and not want the other, too."

"And sometimes it's like that," Sylvie nodded. "The word itself literally translates to 'many loves,' so if that's what you're looking for . . . go for it." She crossed her legs under her, putting her chin on her open palm. "The big thing overall is communication. Nothing is ever going to work if you don't communicate with each other."

Jay snorted. "Life's biggest story."

"Yep," Sylvie agreed. "But considering the many – and I mean many – types of relationships you could have in polyamory, communication is key."

Will tilted his head. "What kinds have you had?"

Sylvie did another check of the bunks, then thought back. "The first one I had was actually when I was approached by my school's quarterback and running back," she answered finally. "They were keeping their relationship together more on the down low just because . . . well. Fowlerton was pretty traditional."

"I can see why you left," Jay snorted.

"I knew they were meant to stick with each other, but I was happy with them the few months we were together," Sylvie smiled fondly. "That was when I really started to notice how ridiculously tactile I am. Quality time with them was one way I was happy. The other was the amount of physical touch involved."

"So when you said the few months you were together," Will trailed off.

"I was the secondary in their relationship," Sylvie nodded. "They were each other's primary partner, but I was also someone they were both interested in. This was our senior year in high school, so after graduation, when we all went our separate ways, I broke off amicably."

"That's a relief, at least," Jay sighed.

Sylvie grimaced. "You won't be happy about the second one I had, then."

"Oh, no," Will faltered.

"Yeah. And where communication is key." She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Harrison."

"Your ex-fiancé?" Jay asked in surprise.

Sylvie nodded. "He was my boyfriend for the time, but there was another girl I had started to have feelings for. One I had seen a few times at a bar while I was in training to be a paramedic. I talked with Harrison, tried to make it clear, and at first, he seemed fine with me seeing Mara. And it was that way for several weeks. Harrison was my primary partner, yes, but Mara was still important. Harrison liked the idea of me being a housewife; Mara was the one who helped me study to be a paramedic when I needed help. Over time, Harrison started becoming more jealous and possessive. I should've realized Mara was who I needed, not Harrison. But of course, Fowlerton being the town it was . . . " She shook her head. "Well. Harrison proposed, I said yes, and next thing I know, I learn Mara's moved out of town. My best friend at the time still had her contact information and I learned Mara had moved for my sake. I was the talk of the town already because I wasn't going to be the usual housewife, or the usual wife someone expected me to be. She didn't want anything else on me."

"I'm sorry that happened to you, Sylvie," Will swallowed.

"Remind me to kill Harrison the next time I see him," Jay glowered.

Sylvie snorted. "You go ahead. I won't stop you. It's because of him that every public relationship I've had since has been with one person, and, well . . . you guys know how they've gone." She shook her head, regathering her thoughts. "There's a lot of ways polyamorous relationships can go, and I just gave you only two of many. You can be a pair and have another partner, one who you're committed to but not necessarily as much as your primary partner. Your primary partner doesn't have to be in a relationship with that partner as well, or it could be all three of you. It could be more than three. One night after a particularly bad shift and I went out to one of the bars, there was a group of four who seemed to realize I needed a distraction. All four of them had different relationships with each other – one girl was dating one guy, who had casual relationships with the other two members, and I think it got a little more complex – but you get my drift. You never know what you'll get. I just know that whether the relationships I had, what always attracted me were people I could just tell were so important to each other, they could define 'ride or die with each other.'"

"Casey and Severide," Will whispered.

Sylvie smiled sadly. "Yeah. Casey and Severide." She shrugged. "Ruzek and Atwater had appeal for a time, too. Hell, Will, you and Connor did, too."

"What?" Will balked, making Jay burst out laughing.

"So did Jay and Erin," Sylvie said thoughtfully, and it was Will's turn to laugh as Jay choked on his.

"Geez, girl," Will snickered.

"Yeah, I know," Sylvie waved it off. "Look, my point's been made. Whatever the two of you decide to do, if you ever need help, I'm here."

"I appreciate that," Will smiled. "Thank you, Sylvie."

"Meet you at Molly's soon," Jay grinned.

"Bye, boys," Sylvie gave a wave.

Will terminated the call, and she sighed, removing her other earbud and flopping back on her bunk. That was the most she had ever shared with anyone about her polyamorous relationships . . . well, anyone except one person. Mills had listened with an open ear when, after they had been called to a scene involving a quad, she had let slip she identified as polyamorous. Mills had never pushed her to talk to him, though, and he would have accepted anything she told him. He had been the one to encourage her to open up to Joe, and she was glad he had done so. Joe had been the one she leaned on for so long after Mills left regarding her identity, and now she not only had Buck and TK, but also Will and Jay. She smiled happily, checking her other chat to see when the FaceTime that evening would take place. She was enjoying herself.

A chirp announced an incoming text, and she tilted her head curiously before opening it.

Joe: Wanna help me destroy Capp and Tony in Euchre?

Joe: First round at Molly's is the prize.

Sylvie grinned, getting off the bunk and heading for the doors.

Sylvie: Let's kick their asses.

Joe: That's my Roomdog!

Sylvie giggled, sliding her phone into her pocket as she jogged towards the Squad table. She completely missed Stella watching her with an unreadable expression from behind the door.

***

"I told Buck yesterday."

Taylor raised an eyebrow, taking her salad from the person behind the counter and joining Maddie in walking out onto the patio. "The big Buckley secret?"

"Yes," Maddie sighed. "You know, that big secret I almost had a panic attack over?"

"How could I forget that?" Taylor snorted, pointing with her fork at a table with an umbrella. "How did it go?"

"Honestly, better than I thought it would," Maddie admitted, sitting down with her sandwich. "I told Buck what happened, he said he needed time to think . . . and I'm trying to give him that space, but what I really want is to talk with him more about it."

Taylor nodded, opening her salad and digging in. "Is he still at his place?"

"No, he left," Maddie shook her head. "I got a text from him saying he landed somewhere, but he didn't say where. Not much of a surprise, if he didn't want me trying to find him."

Taylor narrowed her eyes, fork frozen in the air. "You didn't try to find him, did you?"

"I was tempted," Maddie winced. "But considering what this was about? As much as I want to find him and cling to him and never let go . . . I want him to come to me when he's ready."

Taylor smiled warmly. "You're a good sister, Maddie."

She blushed prettily. "I haven't always been."

"You're doing far better now," Taylor smiled, putting her hand over Maddie's. "That's what matters."

Maddie smiled, squeezing her hand. "Thank you, Taylor."

"You're welcome," she nodded. "Anything for my favorite first responders."

Maddie snorted. "I get the feeling there isn't much competition for those titles."

"Nope!" Taylor chirped. "None at all."

Maddie laughed, standing from her table to throw away what was left of her drink. "I'm flattered," she began as she turned. She moved right into the path of a petite, dark-haired woman with her hair in tight curls, and their collision made soda spill and papers fly. "Oh, my God!" Maddie gasped, Taylor immediately standing from the table to help. "I'm so sorry!"

"No, no, it's not your fault," the other woman shook her head, brushing her hair behind her ear as she crouched to pick up her papers. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Neither was I," Maddie argued, bending down to help, too. "And I'm the one who had a drink in my hand."

"I was distracted," the woman said. "I just got a promotion in my school district, and I've been trying to get caught up with regulations and what's expected this year, so I didn't even notice where I was going."

"I know how that goes," Taylor helped pick up papers, too. "That's me whenever I get a story I know will get people's attention."

The woman looked up at her curiously. "Taylor Kelly, right?" she asked. "I've seen your reports. You're one of my favorite reporters in the city."

"Only one of?" Taylor scoffed. "I must be slipping."

The woman giggled, accepting the papers they helped pick up. "Thank you so much. I'll be careful from now on."

"So will I," Maddie snorted as she stood, watching the woman brush her flower-printed dress off. "At least let me buy you an apology drink?"

"Oh, that's not necessary," the woman shook her head.

"You don't want to argue with a Buckley," Taylor smirked. "They're stubborn when they want to be."

"Hey!" Maddie protested, not noticing the woman freeze. "I'm being nice!"

"Yeah. And stubborn."

Maddie huffed, folding her arms petulantly. "I hate you."

Taylor patted her shoulder with a saccharine smile. "Sure you do."

"I'm sorry," the woman cleared her throat. "Did you say Buckley?"

Maddie frowned, looking back at the woman. "Yeah, that's my last name."

"Sorry," she shook her head. "One of my students last year spoke very often of a man whose last name was Buckley. He always called him Buck, though. His Buck." She smiled fondly. "The boy was one of, if not the, favorite in my class."

Maddie's eyes widened. "You taught Christopher Diaz?" The woman blinked, then narrowed her eyes. Maddie quickly held out her hand. "Maddie Buckley," she introduced herself. "Christopher's father, Eddie, is my brother's best friend."

Ana's expression cleared, and she smiled, shaking her hand. "Ana Flores. Yes, I taught Christopher last year."

"Nice to meet you, Ana," Maddie beamed. "And, well . . . you obviously know Taylor."

"Obviously," Ana laughed. "It's wonderful to meet you both. And . . . I will take that drink, actually."

"Wonderful," Maddie grinned.

***

TK stared blankly at his phone screen in disbelief. "You were a savior sibling?"

"Technically, still am," Buck reminded him. "I'm still alive."

"Holy crap, Buck," Sylvie pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm so sorry about that."

"It's not your fault, Sylvie!"

"No, but I'm still sorry that happened and you had no idea at all."

"Maddie kept that from you all this time?" TK asked.

"She never wanted to," Buck said. "Our parents made her keep it secret."

TK scowled. "I don't like your parents."

"Yeah, they're not too high on my list of people I like, too."

"Well, you're high on the list of people I like," Sylvie announced. "So if you ever need to bitch about parents who decided to hide a family member from you, I've got my phone on me."

Buck smiled softly. "You're awesome, Sylvie."

"Thank you," she smiled. The bells went off behind her, and Sylvie sighed. "Damn it. I'll talk to you guys later, OK?"

"See you, Sylvie!" TK waved. Buck waved, too, then Sylvie's connected winked out. When she was gone, TK gave Buck an iron look. "Whatever's going through you head, Buck, listen to this: you may have been born to save Daniel, and you may not have saved him. But you were a baby. There was nothing you could have done."

Buck visibly sank in relief on screen. "Thank you, TK," he said quietly. "That's . . . that's something I didn't think I needed to hear out loud."

"Then I'm glad I could say it for you," TK smiled. "Because it's absolutely true. And I will say that however many times you want me to."

"I may need to hear it more," Buck chuckled. "I'm going to talk to Maddie again tomorrow."

"You back at yours?" TK craned his neck, trying to see Buck's background.

"Yep," Buck nodded. "Figured Eddie didn't need me crashing at his again."

TK frowned. "He probably wouldn't mind."

"Probably not," Buck agreed. "But still."

TK nodded. "Alright. Well, if you ever need to talk again, my ringer will be on."

"Thanks, brother," Buck smiled gratefully. "Hope everything goes well in Austin."

"Hope so, too," TK snickered. "Talk to you later."

"You, too, TK."

Buck ended the connection, and TK sighed, putting his phone down and taking out his earbuds. "I tried to stay out of the room as much as I could," Owen said quietly from the hallway, emerging into the kitchen. "Is everything OK?"

TK couldn't help but smile at his dad's concern for his new friends. "Well, I think Buck is as OK as he can be with his situation."

Owen nodded, accepting the answer. "If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

TK grinned. "Looking to adopt more firefighters?"

Owen tilted his head side to side. "Might be more likely than you think."

TK frowned, not having expected that answer. "What does that mean?"

"It means we have a meeting with the Deputy Chief tomorrow morning," Owen answered. "And if it's what I think it's about, we're going to be busy."

***

Sure enough, when the Strands walked into Firehouse 126 the next morning, they could see the Deputy Chief's vehicle parked outside. TK looked at Owen warily. "Is this something I need to worry about?" he asked.

"I don't think so," Owen shook his head, smiling. "I'm looking forward to this, honestly."

"Hey, guys," Tim greeted them from where he was taking inventory on the ambulance. "The Deputy Chief's in your office, Cap."

"Thanks, Tim," Owen nodded.

Radford looked up from the files he held when Owen knocked on the door. "Captain Strand," he nodded in greeting. "Firefighter Strand. Thanks for the meeting."

"Of course, sir," Owen nodded.

"Uh, I'd say the same, except I have . . . no idea what this meeting is for," TK smiled nervously.

"You didn't mention it?" Radford asked Owen in surprise.

"I didn't," Owen shook his head. "I figured it would be better to be sure and not get hopes up if everything fell through."

"If what fell through?" TK scowled.

Radford smiled. "The AFD brass came to a decision. After taking firehouses into consideration, the calls they get, and the areas they cover, we know which houses are getting the Rescue Squads." TK's eyes widened comically, and Radford nodded, smiling as he held a folder out to each Strand. "Ultimately, the other members of your crew will be up to you. Considering the men you brought in for Ladder 126, I have every ounce of confidence you can build just as strong a crew for your new rig. However long it takes for you to get your crew, you'll remain on Ladder 126. Right now, however, everything you'll have at your disposal is in those folders."

"Wait," TK stammered, looking from a victoriously grinning Owen to a proud Radford. "You're serious? We're actually – ?"

"Yes," Radford smiled. "Welcome to Rescue Squad 9, Strands. I look forward to seeing what you do with it."

***

Oh, I think someone in that firehouse is going to have a pretty good idea regarding what to do for that crew.

We're getting even closer to our friends heading to Austin . . . I'd say they'll be there in a few chapters or so. ;) Which means I'll have to hurt Buck and Sylvie more. Oh, dear.

As for the rig number . . . Firehouse 252. Firehouse and Ladder 126. How could I not choose the only single digit number divisible by 9 as the number? Come on.

graphic by marvelity