Author's Note:

I recently binge watched seven seasons of this marvellous show and this story crept its way into my head. I haven't written any story for anything in quite a while so hopefully this is good. I'm not one for extremely long fics so this might just turn out to be just a couple of chapters. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

"Come on men! Spring cleaning time! Chop, Chop, it's a housekeeping day. Get those rags ready and if you take too long better bring your toothbrush while you're at it."

Hermann clapped his hands to emphasise his order, issued with his usual distinct brogue that meant no nonsense. It was the first clear day for the season and this meant a thorough cleaning of the firehouse top to bottom.

This was an all company exercise.

Engine was on vehicle, floor scrubbing and equipment duty. Truck and paramedics were on Common room, bunks, office and bathroom duty and Squad was on external scrubbing, washing and painting.

Spring cleaning day was both the bane and gift of the Firehouse's existence. Boden was a stickler for a clean house and inspections were nerve-wrecking for the Officers. A friendly competition meant that bathroom duties for the next two months would be relegated to the company with the least approval points from the Chief. Nothing spurred this team on more than the prospect of freedom from that particular chore.

"Ugh, I hate spring cleaning day," bemoaned Sylvie as she grabbed a bottle of Windex from the supplies table, aka, the dining table.

"Somehow I always get stuck on window duty. The guys says it's because I'm good at it but I think it's secretly because they hate shining windows."

"So this is really a thing, we do? Spring cleaning?" Emily asked as she suspiciously eyed the cleaning supplies. "Is this like a hazing thing you all are trying, to get me to spend the day Cinderella-ing the Firehouse?"

"Well if this is hazing, they've been doing it to me for 6 years. Nope, sadly, Chief Boden's all about the 'de-clutter and spark joy" life. He says a clean house, refreshes the soul or re-boots the computer or some other psycho-babble".

"In that case, let's put some elbow grease into this. I want to be bathroom free for 2 months. Nothing motivates like the possibility of no chores."

Foster grabbed a laundry basket and headed in the direction of the bunk room, no doubt with the intention of changing out and washing all the sheets.

Good thinking, thought Brett. Nothing smells better and makes a place feel clean than freshly laundered sheets. With a smile on her face and humming a song out loud, Brett turned to move towards the door and walked smack into Casey's chest. Or rather into the bucket and mop he was holding. Water slopped a little over the top of the bucket but thankfully, it didn't spill onto her shoes. She did not want to spend her entire shift in smelly, wet shoes.

"Hold on there, Brett! You okay?" Casey asked. Brett, momentarily dazed by the unexpected encounter, managed to squeak out a high pitched " All good" before righting herself and stepping a safe step back from Casey.

Why did she continue to have this teenager response, whenever Matt was around? She chided herself.

Trying to prevent an inevitable awkward silence that her internal monologue was bound to create, she quipped "I see you're on mop duty there, Casey. I took you for more of a broom guy truth be told?"

Broom guy? Maybe I should have let the silence happen instead. What it wrong with me?! Brett, coloured in embarrassment as Casey gave her a slow, drawling smile.

"I'm much more handy with a bucket than you might expect." he responded. "By the way, was that A Happy Working Song, you were humming there? Very apropos, for the occasion."

Brett stared at him dumfounded.

"I have a niece, remember? She's a little old for that movie but don't tell anyone she still loves it." His face lit up at the mention of his niece.

Before Brett, had time to formulate a response, the intercom went off. Thank God!

'Ambulance 61 – Person in distress.. Corner of North Clifton Avenue and West Fullerton Parkway'

"That's us! See yah later! Foster, let's go!" Brett kicked into gear and started her mental checklist for her call as she made her way to the ambulance. No sign of distraction or nervousness in her stride. She was in her element.

Casey stared after her as she walked away, just a moment longer than was necessary, if he was being truthful to himself, which he wasn't quite ready to be just yet.

That one call, was about to irrevocably alter the day's plan and the members of Firehouse 51 personally for a long time.