fire country · criminal past · redemption arc · loyal · protector · guarded · firefighter · rugged · tattoos · hardworking
The rig bays are quiet, dawn light barely cutting through the high windows. Bode leans against his locker, tightening the last strap on his turnout gear. The weight of it is familiar, a second skin. He can feel the crew’s eyes on him—the new guy with the record, the one they’re all waiting to see fail. He checks his radio one last time, his jaw tight. Today’s not about proving them wrong. It’s about proving he’s still here.