Chapter Text
Battalion Chief Wallace Boden looked over his crew as they all settled in for the debriefing that they did before every shift. He knew that his crew was about to be surprised and some of the more than others. He cleared his throat and waited until they all quieted down. “Alright listen up. Today we have two new people starting. We have a Firefighter that will be joining truck 81 that has transferred in from LAFD. We also have a new PIC for Ambulance 61. I trust that you will make them feel welcomed and keep the hazing down because there is a reason that both of them have transferred here from where they were previously stationed.”
Matt sat forward and looked at Gabby whose face was pale. He wanted to know what she had done that resulted in her getting demoted, but also knew that he’d have to ask Boden in private. With the way Gabby had been acting toward him he wanted nothing to do with her unless it was completely work related. He looked at Boden with a raised eyebrow. “Just who is the new firefighter and PIC, Chief?”
Boden smirked slightly as he looked at Matt. “The new firefighter is Evan “Buck” Buckley and the new PIC is Stiles Stilinski. They will both be here in the next few minutes. They had to make a stop before getting here at the Fire Chief’s request.”
Matt abruptly stood up and looked at the Chief with wide eyes. “Buck and Stiles are here, Chief? Why didn’t you tell me? Are they alright? Do they look like they’ve been injured recently? Those two are trouble magnets!”
Kelly snorted and looked at Matt pointedly. “Do you mean like you, Matt? And like me I guess. Oh, hell, Chicago is doomed.” He looked at Boden and pointed. “You do realize that within the next week or so that Chicago is going to be laid to siege by several men who will kill anyone who even dares to hurt Matt, Buck, or Stiles, right? Please tell me Stiles at least has a detail on him! Last I heard from him he was getting death threats because of the work he was doing.”
Leslie Shay whistled as she recognized Stiles’ name. “How did Stiliniski come to transfer to Chicago, Chief? Last I heard several packs, firehouses, and even police departments were trying to get him to transfer and he kept refusing them. Didn’t he just help save the President’s life not even a week ago when he was in D.C. for a conference of some sort? If I remember correctly he is the highest ranking magical person in the United States and Canada if not the world. Hell, his magical power far outstrips Dr. Strange who is the Sorcerer Supreme. I knew that he was a paramedic, but I didn’t realize he’d been one for longer than a year.”
Boden rubbed a hand down his face as he looked around at his crew. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to get away with not at least vaguely answering Shay’s questions. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment before he opened them back up and looked at Shay. “Stiliniski had some things go down where he lived and worked, and he wanted a fresh start. When he heard from Buck about what was happening to him both of them requested transfers to here to be close to some people they consider family. It was either we get them out of where they lived and worked or end up having a mini war on our hands because of how both were being treated. Their transfers here were buried and filed under another area so that they can get settled in without idiots showing up trying to cause said mini war here. I am warning you all now that if ANYONE mentions that both men are at this firehouse on any Social Media platform before they are ready to let people know where they are that you will automatically be suspended without pay for up to two months. That isn’t to mention the reprimand that you will have in your file! Am I clear?
Also, Mr. Stiliniski will be revamping how the ambulance is done. We will be getting a second ambulance for our firehouse as well because with Stiliniski here more than likely the number of calls we get sent to will be doubled if not tripled. If I find anyone not following Stiliniski’s orders when it comes to ambo calls they will automatically be fired with no questions asked. Chicago is lucky that he picked here to settle especially with everything that has been happening across the United States lately. If he has to leave on other official business he will pick who runs ambo for him and that could include someone from Squad 3.”
Everyone responded in the affirmative right before a voice from the doorway asked, “Is it safe to come in yet, Chief Boden?”
Boden chuckled lightly. “Come on in PIC Stiliniski. Is firefighter Buckley with you?”
Stiles huffed and rolled his eyes. “He dropped me off. Well, him, Commissioner Grissom, and the Chief all dropped me off along with two detectives from Intelligence. In fact, the two detectives from Intelligence are still here and have been assigned to me for the day.”
Boden shook his head. “They may as well come on in then.” He smirked when he saw who the two detectives in question were. “Detectives Halstead and Ruzek, it is nice to see you today. You will keep out of PIC Stiliniski’s way when he is on a call. I understand why you have been assigned to him, but that does not mean that you can impede his work. Understand?”
Jay Halstead nodded and then smirked at Boden. “It was either Ruzek and me, Chief, or you would have had Voight, Tony Stark, and James “Bucky” Barnes here and they would have impeded Stiles’ work if they thought that he was putting himself into danger. Do you have any clue that poor Stiles is going to be watched like a hawk? Hell, even Buck watches him closely!”
Stiles frowned at Jay. “That is because you all are a bunch of worrywarts! I haven’t gotten into any major trouble in the last month!”
Adam chuckled and shook his head. “I think that has more to do with Stark and Barnes having the Iron Legion following you and Buck around, Stiles. I mean they actually got between Buck and his old Captain when that idiot thought it was a good idea to try to put his hands on Buck because he didn’t like the fact that he was reprimanded. The paramedics in his house were sent back through training and have to attend sensitivity classes. If I remember correctly and I’m pretty sure that I do the idiot male paramedic thought it would be a good idea to put his hands on you when you showed up. It took several people to stop Stark and Barnes from putting his stupid ass in the hospital.”
Stiles shrugged and then smirked. “He should have known better than to put his hands on a fucking Spark. Not only that I am a latent Guide and the dumb fuck knew that. He is lucky him putting his hands on me wasn’t enough to flip the damn switch of me coming online because he would have been lucky to survive with how damn close he was to me. I just knew I wasn’t going to stand by and let them all gang up on Buck when everything that has fucking happened is their own mother fucking fault.”
Jay laughed as he nodded at Boden whose eyes had widened in surprise. “Stiles, is a Spark, Chief Boden, and that is one of the many reasons as to why he will have a protection detail on him at all times. As you know ever since he did what he did when Hunters started targeting those who were supernatural he became the face of the supernatural for a better word. He is the one who makes the decisions for who gets to be on the council and who isn’t fit to serve on the council. He is also the one who is in charge of making sure that no rogue attacks happen.”
Boden nodded sharply. “Understood, Detective Halstead.” He looked around the room with narrowed eyes. “I want each and every one of you to keep your heads when you’re out on calls. If the fire is magical in nature you are to tell me and PIC Stiliniski right away. Next week we will have at least one more paramedic starting so that the second ambulance will be staffed properly. Mills, Dawson, and Shay, all three of you will report to PIC Stiliniski for your assignments for today. Stiliniski, if something comes up let me know and I’ll back whatever play you want to make.”
Stiles nodded and looked at the three paramedics Boden had mentioned. He had read their files and already knew who he would like as one of his second in charges. “Paramedic Shay, you’re with me. Paramedics Mills and Dawson as soon as I talk to Paramedic Shay I’ll be having talks with you. Should the bell go off Shay and Mills will be riding along with me today. For now I’d like you both to make sure that the ambulance is stocked while I talk to Shay.”
Leslie nodded and stood up. She followed Stiles back to an office and wasn’t surprised to see that he had an office of his own between Matt’s and Kelly’s. She waited until Jay and Adam walked into the office before she shut the door and walked over and hugged Stiles before she slugged him in the arm. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were in Chicago when I talked to you last night! Who are you planning on bringing in for the second ambulance since I know you won’t want Dawson in charge of any calls we get sent to?”
Stiles snorted even as his eyes hardened at the mention of Gabby. “I am bringing in Sylvie Brett actually. She is a Mage and will be able to help me should I need magical backup for some fucked up reason. I know that Lieutenant Severide is a shifter of some sort, but I’m not one hundred percent sure what kind yet. Eh, I’ll figure it out as time goes on. Dawson feels like she should have magic but her own actions have made it go dormant. Come to think of it she also feels like she should have been a Sentinel or Guide but once again her own actions have caused her to lose the ability to come online. If you don’t mind, Leslie, I’d like you and Sylvie to split responsibilities in being my second.”
Leslie smiled softly. “I have no problem working with Sylvie Brett, Stiles. If you want her and I both to act as your seconds, then that is fine with me. As for Kelly he is a Panther just like the spirit animal that hangs around him. I would appreciate not being paired with Dawson, Stiles. I still love her, but I came online about two weeks ago after a situation and her emotions are too much for me. She is obsessed with Casey and I’m afraid that is going to take a turn for the worse. So far Kelly has been able to keep Casey away from Dawson, but I’m not sure how much longer that will last because every day her obsession grows. She’s pissed that it is Kelly and me helping Casey out since he lost Hallie. She is pissed that Voight has taken to checking in on Casey daily and even randomly showing up here at the firehouse. Her emotions have a dark edge to them and I don’t think it is going to take much to push her over the edge.”
Jay stiffened at that, and he walked around and knelt down in front of Leslie. “Why haven’t you let one of us known, Shay? You know that none of us are going to let anything happen to Casey especially since he’s a son to Hank. If Dawson even attempts anything with Casey, she’s going to bite off more than she can chew. Does she not realize just who he calls dad? I know for a fact that at Molly’s two nights ago he slipped up and called Tony Stark dad while he was on the phone to him. Will choked on his beer when he heard that and I had to explain just how many father figures Matt Casey has especially since all of them are listed as not only his emergency contacts but his next of kin right alongside Severide.”
Leslie shrugged her shoulders. “I have been talking to Blair about Dawson and everything I’ve been feeling. Blair and Jim will be here tomorrow and now I understand why since when I asked neither of them would tell me why.”
Stiles rolled his eyes. “They are coming to check up on Buck and me. We both just left L.A. without bothering to let anyone know. I did send Derek, Peter, and my dad a text letting them know where we were going, but Buck needed away from the 118 and I needed away from Scott McCall, Allison Argent, and Deaton. The 118 and McCall, Allison, and Deaton won’t know what hits them because all of them are under scrutiny and they don’t even realize it just yet.”
Leslie smirked at Stiles. “They will just have to learn what they did the hard way then. However, I know you, Stiles, so what have you set into motion when it comes to the 118? I know that you’re not going to let them get away with what they’ve done to Buck. You are protective of that man even though he is a couple years older than you and a former Navy SEAL.”
Stiles shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. “Right about now the 118 is probably learning just how much trouble they are in. Instead of returning to the 118 Buck transferred here. While he dropped the lawsuit against the city he didn’t drop the ones that are targeting certain people. The Battalion Chief that accepted Bobby’s word without investigation and Bobby Nash himself will have to pay Buck a million each for what they’ve done. Buck will have to go back to L.A. one day next month to get an award for saving upwards of thirty people during the tsunami that hit a couple weeks ago. I have to tag along to because I’m also getting an award since I helped save just as many while I was in L.A. visiting Buck. If I’m not mistaken Commissioner Grissom plans on having the whole of 51 go with us to show support.”
Jay laughed. “It isn’t just the whole of 51 who will be there, Stiles. Grissom has already talked to the police commissioner and he’s authorized all of Intelligence to be there. I know for a fact that Noah, Chris Argent, the Hale’s, Gibbs, DiNozzo, Stark, Barnes, McGarrett, and Williams plan on being there as well. We all have it on our schedules already because we knew that you wouldn’t feel safe with Buck and you going back to California without some kind of protective detail on you after the threats that McCall has made toward you and that isn’t to mention the threat of Howard Han and Bobby Nash.”
Stiles rubbed a hand down his face in frustration. “I really want to know of the consequences that the 118 has been handed. I wonder if we can find a video of it somehow. I think that it would be a good training tool on how a firehouse shouldn’t act toward one of their own. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder just how in the fuck Nash became a Captain or even how he has kept his captaincy. I get treating people like family, but that doesn’t mean that he should have quit being a captain at the same fucking time.”
He took in a deep breath and let it out as he turned his thoughts to something else. He looked at Shay with narrowed eyes. “How are your shields? Are they holding steady when you’re out on calls? Has Blair trained you how to layer your shields yet? I don’t want you to push yourself more than you should because that can not only affect you but whoever you are working on at a scene.”
Leslie smiled softly at Stiles because she knew that he had asked out of concern for her. “I have learnt how to layer my shields and they’re locked tight. I thin my shields to get the emotional pulse at a scene if I feel that something is seriously wrong, but other than that I keep them locked down until I’m at home with Casey and Kelly. Those two take the whole overprotective thing to a whole new level.”
Jay grinned at Leslie. “Those two aren’t the only ones who are protective of you, Shay. I mean Will calls me daily to see if I’ve laid eyes on you. I know for a fact that Voight and Antonio both call Boden daily to check in on you. There isn’t one of us that want to see you hurt and while you may have kept the fact that you came online from the Mundanes all the Sentinels and Guides in the city be they online or latent know that you are online. It is just like we can feel that Stiles, Buck, and Casey could flip online at any point and it wouldn’t be a surprise. There is a reason why everyone is closing ranks even if we don’t talk about it out loud. Besides Stiles needs the protection detail because he’s had several threats. We’ll stay out of your way at calls as long as we don’t deem there to be a threat to him or anyone else around.”
Stiles nodded but before he could say anything the alarm rang calling for Ambulance 61 to attend a suspected cardiac arrest. He stood up quickly and headed out of the office with Shay, Jay, and Adam on his heels. He spotted Mills and Gabby heading toward the ambulance and called out, “Dawson, you’re staying behind. Mills, you’re driving while Shay is in the back making sure everything is ready to go as soon as we’re on scene.”
He didn’t miss the rage on Gabby’s face at his pronouncement but ignored it in favor of jumping into the passenger seat. Once they were on the road he looked at Peter Mills and demanded, “How much did Dawson help with on making sure that the ambulance was stocked?”
Peter shook his head. “She kept trying to talk to Casey instead of doing what you ordered. I tried to get as much of it completed as I could, but she kept getting in my way. I didn’t think that it would be wise to shout at her even if I really wanted to. I know that Casey and Severide kept trying to get her to do what you ordered but she ignored them too. I have a feeling it will take Boden stepping in to make her do her job. I loved Gabby at one point, but she is not who I thought that she was and I refuse to cover for her when she doesn’t do her damn job. I eventually want to get back on squad 3 but I know that I need to finish healing completely.”
Stiles’ eyes grew cold as he turned his head to look at Peter. “I will deal with her when we get back to the firehouse. I am not going to have someone on an ambulance that I can’t trust, and it is more than obvious that she can’t be trusted. The reason I was brought in as PIC is because she kept disappearing from the scenes and choosing to not do her damn job. A patient almost died because she decided to go into a fucking fire instead of check a patient over like she should have. I won’t put up with it and Grissom already knows that she’s on thin ice with me. I can’t and won’t allow her to jeopardize the health of other people be they patients or her partners. If she wants to be a damn firefighter than she needs to go through the damn academy like everyone else does when they want to become a firefighter.”
Leslie laughed and stuck her head between the two seats. “I suggested a while back that she go through the academy and she did sign up for it but she chickened out at the last moment. If she signs up for it again and doesn’t go through with it she’ll be blacklisted from ever signing up to go through it here in Chicago and in Illinois. Stiles, there is plenty of supplies but depending on what we will need at this scene we may need to restock a few supplies.”
Stiles nodded but didn’t say anything because they pulled up at the address. He jumped out of the ambulance and followed Peter and Leslie. He decided to let them handle the call because he wanted to see how they worked together. He watched silently as both of them efficiently checked over the patient by checking the woman’s breathing, blood pressure, oxygen level, and pulse. He wasn’t surprised when Leslie quickly hooked up the portable EKG machine to see if anything was showing up irregular on it before they loaded the patient onto the stretcher.
He jumped back in the passenger seat once the patient was loaded into the ambulance with Leslie tending to her. He nodded at Peter when the younger man looked at him and sat back for the ride to the hospital where they dropped the patient off. Once they were all back in the ambulance and on the way back to the firehouse he nodded to himself. “As long as you two don’t mind once we get the second ambulance I will more than likely be pairing you two together. You work very well together. That is why I stood back and watched. I wanted to make sure that you two could work together with no problems.”
Peter nodded. “I have no problem working with Shay. Honestly, I’d rather work with Shay than I would Dawson and that is saying something because normally I get along just fine with anyone I work with. I just can’t stand the person Dawson has become lately and I know a lot of other people can’t either.”
Stiles hummed under his breath. “I have a feeling Dawson isn’t going to like me, but I need to look out for the good of my crew. Once we’re back at the firehouse I’d like you two to get this ambulance stocked properly since even I can see that some things are getting low even if not dangerously low. I will be talking to Boden once we’re back and him and I will talk to Dawson. I would appreciate it if you two would just ignore her until I get around to chatting with her.”
Peter and Leslie both nodded and then filled Stiles in on the things they felt like he should know with being new at the firehouse. That lasted until they were backing into their space at the firehouse ten minutes later.