Home is wherever I'm with You

Semper Paratus

Everyone was quiet when they arrived at the station. The only sounds at the moment were the coming from the doors of the engine and ladder as the firefighters exited the vehicles.

All the first responders were poker faced, trying to not show whatever they were feeling, trying to not jinx it with a bad thought, as they stared at the floor to avoid eye contact with any of their brothers or sisters –well, only one sister at the moment.

It was the captain's voice that broke the silence.

"Today has been... rough... to say the least, and the shift is not even halfway over." Beckett started as he removed his helmet from his head. Everyone was surprised to find out the captain did have a voice tone that didn't show condescendence or mockery. He was very somber. "However, you all heard chief McCallister, you can have the rest of the day off. I'm gonna call B-shift, you can all go after they arrive, just put your gear away."

Everyone nodded and a few whispered a chorus of quiet "Yes, captain," at his direction before starting to walk towards the turnout room.

Beckett was turning around to head to his office but changed his mind at the last minute to talk to the team again. "Someone, please, get me an update on Hughes, Miller and Aquino."

"I'll go to the hospital." Travis was the first to speak, pushing his jacket and helmet in Maya's hands for her to grab.

"Thanks, Montgomery." Beckett said, finally exiting the barn.

Travis turned to look at Maya for a second to nod at her, the blonde nodding back, before taking off, still in his turnout pants, and run all the way to the hospital.

The lieutenant stared at his back as he ran away until he was out of her sight. She released the breath she didn't realize she was holding and entered the turnout room where all the others were already cleaning their gear.

She placed Travis' stuff on his area first, his jacket and helmet were clean since he had been on triage the whole time and hadn't even worn them for long or near any debris.

Unlike Travis, Maya had helped with the evac and to close the gas valve, so her gear wasn't just dusty, it was also a little bit wet. It was gonna take some time to get it all clean.

The Olympian placed her helmet on its place and started to take off her jacket when she felt someone approaching her.

"You should go to the hospital." The owner of a very deep voice said.

Maya turned around and tilted her chin up a little to look at the man in the eyes, necessary thanks to their very prominent height difference. "I have to get this cleaned first and then wait for B-shift, you heard Beckett." She replied as she slid her arms out of the fireproof clothes.

"Don't worry about Beckett, I'll cover for you." Sullivan grabbed Maya's jacket from her hands. "And I'll clean this up. Go support your family."

The woman observed the former Marine's expression for a moment. He was serious, as always, but she could also see a hint of sadness and dread in his eyes. "Aren't they our family?" She countered because, even if he had stabbed her in the back, she followed the code and every firefighter was part of her family, including him. Robert might not be her favorite person but she would worry –just a little bit– if something happened to him.

The tall man refrained from scoffing, chosing to shake his head instead. "They are. But I won't pretend my relationship with them is as important as yours."

Maya nodded slowly and then looked down as she pushed the suspenders off her shoulders. "Thank you."

"We're good." Was his only answer as he backed away slightly, Maya's jacket still on his hands.