Here we go, folks! Stop me if you've heard this before: a Los Angeles firefighter, a dual-certified Austin firefighter, and a Chicago paramedic walk into each other after a train derailment . . .

***

"You OK?"

He barely heard his partner's words over the shock he still felt that caused the static in his ears. All he could do was watch as the doors to one of Los Angeles' ambulances shut on man he just saved. . . with the woman he once loved, who helped change him for the better and then broke his heart when she left and never returned, locking eyes with him until the ambulance roared away. The other man's fiancée. What were the chances? His, of course.

He took a deep breath, not answering the question. "What's next?" he asked one of his own.

***

Buck ran a hand through his hair, taking a long pull from a water bottle he had gratefully taken from another EMS crew. Eddie had gotten a call from Hen and Chimney to help elsewhere, and Bobby had gone to coordinate with the other firehouses that responded. He hadn't heard over the radio yet, so he was sitting off to the side while he could, turnout coat open, helmet by his side. He could still feel his heart pound in his chest, his pulse jumping against his neck. He took another deep breath, resting his forearms on his knees, already dreading the adrenaline crash.

He missed the concerned green eyes turning his way, but he didn't miss the clack of a radio against metal on turnout gear. "You good, man?" a voice asked worriedly.

Buck blinked up at the green-eyed, dark-haired firefighter looking down at him with his head tilted like a puppy's. "Yeah," he answered, then cleared his throat when his voice came out hoarse. "Yeah, I'm good. Just working through adrenaline right now."

"I get that," the man smiled. "Quite the scene, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Buck looked up at the train derailment. "I've never worked one like this before."

"Me, neither," the firefighter admitted, aiming his flashlight up towards the train, his low whistle indicating how impressed he was. "I mean, I saw a few incidents in New York, but never something like this."

Buck blinked, looking the (admittedly hot) firefighter up and down. For the first time, he noticed he wasn't wearing the same gear as the Los Angeles firefighters around them; this one was in black turnout gear with orange fluorescent stripes. "You're from New York?" he asked in surprise.

"Born and raised, but that's not where I'm stationed now," he shook his head.

Buck hummed, then held up his hand. "Evan Buckley, 118, Los Angeles," he introduced himself.

The firefighter's eyebrow quirked up, but he grinned and took his hand, hauling Buck to his feet. "TK Strand, 126, Austin."

"Texas?" Buck's eyes widened. "What the hell are you doing in L.A.?"

"Not even six months into our time at the 126, and we're the lucky house that gets to attend a firefighter conference in Santa Monica," TK rolled his eyes, opening his turnout coat to show his all-black uniform, the Austin FD badge over his heart.

Buck frowned. "The 126 was the house that lost almost all of its crew, right?"

"All except one," TK nodded.

Buck nodded thoughtfully. "Must be one hell of a crew to get picked for a conference."

TK grinned. "Well, I'm a little biased." Buck laughed, shaking his head and taking another drink. His head swam suddenly, and he wobbled on his feet, instinctively reaching out to hold TK for balance. "Whoa," TK grabbed his arm to help. "You OK, Evan?"

"Just Buck," Buck managed to say, blinking spots out of his eyes. "I think it's just an adrenaline crash."

TK looked him over in concern. "You never said what you did before you came down here."

Buck chuckled bitterly, using his thumb to point over his shoulder at the wreck. "Rescuing my ex-girlfriend's fiancé."

"What?" TK's jaw dropped as he looked up at the wreck. "That was you?!"

"And my partner," Buck nodded, then instantly regretted it when he felt lightheaded. "Who needed to get called away by the paramedics at our house."

"Where are they?" TK looked around. "Or your captain?"

"Working on patients," Buck answered. "And coordinating with the other captains?"

TK looked around, squinting in the darkness and the lights to see if any paramedics remained. He caught sight of fluorescent yellow lettering with EMS, and he called out quickly. "I need a medic here!"

The paramedic swung around immediately, holding her helmet securely in place as she looked around. TK waved to signal her, and she nodded, shouldering a bag and jogging over. "What happened?" she asked.

"He climbed up into that," TK pointed at the train wreck.

If Buck thought TK had been impressed, the paramedic's jaw hit the ground as her eyes bugged wide open. "Really?!"

"I'm a bit of a daredevil," Buck said lamely.

"A bit?" TK scoffed. "That's like saying I'm a bit gay."

The paramedic shook her head in awe, looking through her bag. "We saw that rescue. You impressed our squad crew, so that should tell you how incredible you are."

"You have a squad rig?" TK asked in surprise.

"Yeah," the paramedic confirmed with a grin. "A surrogate big brother of mine is on the crew, and one of my best friends is the lieutenant. I know when they're impressed."

Buck felt his face heat up from a mixture of embarrassment and pride. "Thanks, I think?"

"You're welcome," she beamed at him. "Now, what am I looking for?"

"I think it's just an adrenaline crash," Buck answered, waving the water bottle he still held. "And maybe dehydrated."

"You didn't hit your head on anything, did you?" the paramedic asked, fishing through her bag.

"No," Buck shook his head. "I would have felt it."

TK snorted. "I'm dual certified, and I know I've sustained injuries I never notice until I'm coming down from an adrenaline rush."

An image of badly bleeding cuts caused by glass from a windshield on Halloween flashed through Buck's mind, and he winced. "Good point."

The paramedic pulled a penlight from her bag, and Buck saw her turnout coat open slightly. She wasn't wearing a black uniform like TK, or a navy one like Buck. Instead, she was wearing a navy jacket with silver bars on her collar, two navy squares on each, and it was slightly zipped open to reveal a dark grey shirt, a white logo over her heart that looked like it said – "Chicago?" he asked in surprise.

TK's eyes flicked up to her helmet, realizing for the first time that he hadn't read it. "Yeah," she nodded. "We were on our way to – "

"Santa Monica?" he guessed dryly.

She smiled bashfully. "You, too?"

"Uh huh."

She chuckled, clicking the light on. "Only two rigs came out from Chicago for the conference. Squad was requested specifically, and Foster and I tagged along. We were only a few miles out when dispatch radioed us and asked for help. This is basically a playground for Sev and his crew." She paused. "I never said my name, did I?"

"Nope," TK grinned, popping the end.

She flushed adorably. "Sylvie Brett. I'm the Paramedic In-Charge on Ambulance 61, from Chicago 51."

"TK Strand on Ladder 126, Austin 126."

"Evan Buckley on Engine 118, Los Angeles 118," Buck offered. "Just call me Buck."

"Nice to meet you both," she smiled charmingly. "Now, you know how this works, I assume?"

"Yes, ma'am," Buck smirked.

She lightly swatted his shoulder. "OK, just a quick check for a concussion . . . " She used the penlight to check his pupils, and Buck figured something finally went right that evening as she nodded and turned the light off. "Yeah, I think it's just the adrenaline wearing off. Keep drinking, though."

"Will do," Buck took another long sip just for her as she put the penlight away.

"You must be going out for drinks after a rescue like that," TK remarked.

"Gotta finish the shift strong first," Buck shook his head. "And then I think I need to chat with my ex."

"Your ex was on there?" Sylvie eyed the train.

"Yeah," Buck grimaced. "With her fiancée."

Sylvie's eyes widened. "Oh, pickles."

TK laughed at the expression. "Not quite the word I would pick, but sounds about right."

"Yeah," Buck sighed. "The last time I saw her was when she walked through the doors of the Los Angeles airport to find herself again and I told her I would be here waiting for her. It took me months to realize she wasn't coming back and I should get out of her apartment."

Sylvie sighed. "I'm sorry about that, Buck."

"Hey, it's not your fault," Buck shook his head. "You weren't dating her."

"If she was the one doing the ghosting, then it's not your fault, either," TK pointed out.

"Let's hope a chat actually settles that."

Sylvie patted his shoulder comfortingly. "I'll hope it does."

Buck couldn't help but smile at her. "Thanks, Sylvie."

She perked up. "And I know you probably have your firehouse if you want someone to talk to, but since I'm only . . . " She paused, frowning. "I can't remember how long we had until we reached the city."

"Less than half an hour, I know that from when we pulled off," TK volunteered.

Sylvie pointed at him. "I'd just be a phone call or a text away, if you needed someone to chat with."

"Good idea," TK nodded in agreement.

Buck looked between them in bewilderment. "You'd do that?" he asked in a small voice.

"Yeah," Sylvie answered as if it was obvious.

"Of course, man," TK nodded. "Never hurts to have a friend outside of your department."

"Yeah, basically all of my first responder friends are located around my house back in Chicago," Sylvie nodded in agreement.

Before Buck could get over his speechlessness, the radio on Sylvie's coat crackled. "Brett, we've been cleared to roll out," a male voice said.

She reached for her radio. "Copy that," she answered. "I'll be back soon."

"Copy."

"Quick," she searched the pockets of her pants and tugged out her phone, handing it to TK. "Put your number in there."

TK's eyebrows rose mischievously as he took her phone without question. "You did hear me say I was very gay, didn't you?"

"I did, but shush," Sylvie's blush deepened. "No offense meant, TK, but I have a type."

"Oh?" TK grinned devilishly. "Is it Buck?"

"Don't drag me into this!" Buck protested, even as he took the phone when TK passed it to him.

Sylvie shook her head, burying her face in her hands. "You both are extremely good looking, but believe me, I know my type."

Buck nodded, finishing putting his number in and handing the phone to Sylvie. "Don't suppose I'm yours?" he cheekily asked TK.

TK did a double take as Sylvie burst out laughing. "If I didn't have a boyfriend, I'd say yes," TK looked him up and down slowly.

"Damnit."

"And on that note, I have an ambulance to get back on," Sylvie giggled, backing away. "Nice to meet you boys!"

"Drive safely, Sylvie!" TK waved.

"Don't drive off the highway!" Buck added, pointing to the train behind him for good measure.

Sylvie's laughter rang in the darkness as she jogged off. "I admit, if I was into girls, she'd probably be my type," TK admitted.

"She's pretty awesome," Buck agreed.

TK's radio crackled next. "TK, we're heading out," a voice that sounded similar to the firefighter's said.

TK gave Buck an apologetic look as he responded. "On my way."

"Thanks for your help, man," Buck offered a hand.

"Of course," TK smiled, shaking his hand. "Hopefully I'll see you before we head back to Austin."

"Maybe check with your boyfriend first?" Buck smirked.

TK barked in laughter. "We'd have Sylvie to supervise us!" he countered.

Buck snickered as the firefighter left. "Yeah, we would," he agreed to himself, picking up his helmet and walking back to where he knew the 118 rig was parked.

He was almost there when his phone pinged with a notification. He checked his pockets and pulled out his phone, noting that he had been added to a group chat. It was his number plus two unknown ones, and right away, he knew who it was.

Unknown Number: I was serious about that phone call or text, Buckley.

He laughed, not noticing the rest of his crew coming up behind him as he typed out a reply.

Buck: I take promises like that very seriously, Brett.

The last number chimed in just as he added contact information.

TK: I'm bored already. Do you know how long it takes to get from Austin to Los Angeles?

TK: 20 hours.

Sylvie: Sorry, I couldn't hear you over my partner complaining about a 29-hour drive.

TK: What?!

Buck laughed loudly, typing out his own response.

Buck: Thanks for the laugh, you two. I'll probably need more tomorrow.

TK: I aim to please.

Sylvie: Drive safe, TK!

Sylvie: And get some sleep and water, Buck.

Buck: Yes, mother.

"Who're you texting that's up at this hour?" Hen asked in surprise.

Buck just looked up, a smile on his face that appeared to surprise Eddie, judging by his expression. "No one you need to worry about."

***

And they're already trouble. XD Can anyone think of hilarious chat names for each of them? I think they should have them.

Anyway, we're sticking in Los Angeles for a little to allow these three to bond a little. Then just because of the timeline, it'll be a little Chicago centered with bits from Los Angeles, and then we take the big shift to Texas.

Speaking of Texas, it looks like so far people are liking Owen/Tommy and Maddie/Nancy. Thank goodness, they're the ones I rooted for. XD

Keep an eye out for updates, all!

graphic by marvelity