training wheels. // evan 'buck' buckley

iv. tensions unvieled

the morning sun peeked through the blinds of my apartment, signaling the start of what i hoped would be a pivotal day. i glanced at the clock, realizing i had just enough time to make it to the deli bobby had recommended. the idea of visiting the firehouse alone had been swirling in my mind since the day i moved in. i wanted to thank the crew for their kindness, but more than that, i wanted to start building a connection with them on my own terms.

the deli was a small, bustling place, filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and the sound of orders being called out. i lingered by the counter, carefully selecting an assortment of sandwiches, chips, and a couple of pies that had caught my eye. i added a few extra cookies on a whim, thinking they might make a nice surprise for dessert.

when i finally reached the firehouse, the sight of the large red trucks parked in neat rows made my heart race. it was a reminder of the seriousness of their job, a world i was still on the outside of, despite my connection to bobby. i hesitated at the entrance, feeling the weight of the moment. taking a deep breath, i pushed the door open and stepped inside.

the firehouse was a hive of activity. i could hear the sound of water splashing as someone cleaned one of the trucks, and the occasional burst of laughter echoed from the direction of the common room. the familiar scent of coffee mixed with the faint, lingering smell of smoke.

i scanned the room, spotting hen near the kitchen, casually flipping through a magazine. hen looked up as i approached, her face breaking into a welcoming smile.

“hey, charlie!” hen greeted warmly, setting the magazine aside. “what brings you here?”

“i, um, brought lunch,” i said, lifting the bags a little higher. “i thought it might be nice to thank everyone for being so welcoming.”

hen’s smile widened, her eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation. “that’s really thoughtful of you. you didn’t have to, but i'm sure the guys will love it.”

as hen called out to the rest of the crew, i found myself fidgeting slightly, nervous about how they’d react. the sound of boots clattering against the floor announced chimney’s arrival, followed closely by eddie. the kitchen quickly filled with the rest of the team - buck, bobby, and a few others who had just finished their tasks.

“you’re spoiling us already,” chimney said with a grin as he reached for a sandwich. “you’re gonna make us all fat if you keep this up.”

i laughed, my nerves easing as the others made their way to the table, their faces lighting up as they discovered the food i'd brought. the crew’s casual banter and easy smiles made me feel more comfortable, as if i'd finally found my place among them.

“i just wanted to say thanks,” i said as i took a seat. “for everything. i know i’m new, and it’s probably weird having bobby’s niece hanging around, but you’ve all made me feel so welcome.”

“nah, we’re just glad to have you around,” eddie replied, his voice steady and sincere. “and we’ll never say no to a good meal.”

buck leaned back in his chair, giving me a playful smirk. “i’m still waiting to see if you’re gonna follow in bobby’s footsteps and start cooking for us.”

i chuckled, shaking my head. “don’t hold your breath. i’m not much of a cook.”

“don’t worry,” bobby chimed in, his tone light. “you’ve got time to learn. and we’re all happy to taste-test whenever you’re ready.”

the lunch stretched on, the crew taking their time as they enjoyed the food and each other’s company. i found myself drawn into their stories, laughing at chimney’s wild tales, and listening intently as hen shared her experiences from recent shifts. even buck, who was usually the jokester, had a few serious moments, offering advice on places to visit and things to do around LA.