Note: Here's the next installment. Will be longer than the last, and include the other members of Firehouse 51. Reviews are always appreciated :)

Nerves-Part 2

Grace's POV:

The extra 'paperwork' was really just an excuse for Bowden to question me while we waited. To question me about my life. Questions like my military service, my job as a park ranger, my education, my upbringing, my family, my relationship to Chief Jones, my time spent in juvenile hall, my current job at URS, my skills, my experiences, my personality, my scars, etc.

However, what he didn't realize is that I'm a very private person. I don't discuss things like that with strangers. Granted, Chief Bowden isn't a stranger, but he's not a friend either. I don't trust anybody, not even myself. It keeps me on the ball, removes any personal attachment to anyone and anything. It allows me to focus on my work and gives me the chance to perform to the best of abilities to conquer any obstacle in my way.

Anyway, after I explained the tip of the iceberg about my life, I hear trucks pulling into the station.

"That must be them." Bowden deduces.

"Yes sir." I reply.

"You ready to meet the team?" He asks me.

"As ready as I'll ever be sir." I say.

"Great. Let's go. You'll do fine, just be yourself." He smiles.

Too bad being myself is the problem.

I follow Chief Bowden out of his office and into the lounge where everyone is shuffling to clean up and put everything away.

Chief Bowden clears his throat.

"Attention. Attention all!"

They all immediately stop what they're doing, looks at the Chief, and listens to his announcement.

Don't I feel awkward. All eyes are on me. Fantastic. I hope he won't make me give a speech.

"Say hello to Grace Ryan. She's currently a student at the fire academy and is looking to shadow 51 for the next few shifts. She wants to be a volunteer for this house, so let's make her feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. Grace, would you like to say a few things about yourself?" He asks.

Crap! I knew this would happen. But I can't let the Chief down so I tell my story, well part of it anyway.

I smile. "Thanks for having me guys. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait to learn as much as possible from all of you. But I regretfully decline your request sir. We have better things to do than talk about me" I say.

"Fair enough, but if you need anything. You know where to find me. Carry on folks!" And with that the Chief leaves me alone to head back to his office.

After the Chief finishes his speech, everyone comes up one-by-one, nods, and shakes my hand. It's a warmer welcome than I was expected especially since I just blew all them off moments before that.

However, one of the girls doesn't come over to introduce herself. She just has this confused and shocked expression on her face. She is dark-skinned and obviously a PIC. Oh...I understand. This must be Gabriela Dawson. Rebecca told me about her and their rocky friendship at the academy and firehouse before she...well...I don't want to dwell on it. It's still a fresh wound.

In an attempt to alleviate the awkwardness, I walk over to the kitchen counter and ask Mills, "Hey, you need a hand?" I ask.

"Well of course. Could you put these canned goods away?" He says.

"Sure. Where do they go?" I ask.

"Top, far-left shelf." He replies.

"Ok. I'm on it." I reply.

After I finish helping Mills put the groceries away, Lieutenant Casey calls me over.

"Hey Ryan, come here. Don't be shy. We've been wanting some new blood." He smiles.

I smile in return and walk over to the couch where he and Dawson are currently cuddled up together. How cute I think.

I pull up a chair next to them.

"So…" He says.

"So…" I reply.

"This is Dawson. A former PIC and the current candidate at firehouse 15."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dawson. Wait, why are you here and not at 15?" I ask.

Otis interrupts with, "That's because our Lieutenant and Dawson here are 'together.' He motions the last word with air quotes so I would understand.

"Otis!" They both reply at the same time before blushing.

I smirk at them. "I think it's adorable. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." I tell them.

Casey nods and Dawson doesn't do anything. She just turns back around and continues watching tv.

As I'm about to say something to Dawson, the intercom comes on.

Truck 81. Squad 3. Ambulance 61. Structural fire at 13th and Downing Road. Possible extraction needed.

"That's my cue babe. Gotta go. See you later?" Casey tells Dawson.

"Yep. Be safe." They kiss before parting ways. Dawson immediately leaves to I guess head back to her own house. She was probably on break or not on shift today. Or maybe it was to avoid me about the whole Rebecca thing.

"Come on Ryan. You're with Shay and Rafferty for this one. You'll get your chance to ride with truck and squad later. I want to assess your medical skills" I hear Chief say to me before ushering me to follow.

"Of course sir." I reply

"With us noob." Shay jokes. She and Rafferty hop on board the ambo and I join them.

I'm praying I don't screw this up. But to be honest, talking to Dawson freaks me out more this call does. "I'm doomed." I mumble.

"What'd you say?" Rafferty asks.

"Nothing." I sigh.

She shrugs and turns back around and grabs Shay's free hand in her own before Shay gets the ambo going strong following truck and squad.