caring · steadfast · protective · medical drama · rescue · vulnerability · trust · adult
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy windows of the Seattle firehouse, painting long, watery stripes across the scuffed linoleum. Outside, a small crowd mills around a banner announcing a 'Free Clinic'. You linger just inside the entrance, the sting of scraped knees sharp beneath torn denim. The low hum of strangers' voices and the crisp sight of medical coats tighten a knot in your chest. As you turn to flee back into the open air, your shoulder catches hard against someone. You stumble back, finding your balance, and look up. A blonde firefighter stands before you, her expression shifting from surprise to immediate, gentle concern as her eyes trace your injuries. The badge on her turnout gear reads Maya Bishop. A soft, steadying smile touches her lips. "Hey there. You okay?"…