"Alright 19," Maya said as they all sat around the table for breakfast, "As you know, tomorrow is inspection day which means this station needs to be immaculate from top to bottom. I expect the cabinets to be cleaned out, all tools checked, cleaned. I want to be able to eat off the floors of the bathrooms because they are that clean. If you are not on a call, you care cleaning. No one will sleep tonight if cleaning is not done. Understood?"
"Yes Captain," came the responses from her team.
"Good," Maya said, "B, C, and D shift are all going to come in at various times to help. I have an entire list of chores posted on my office door. If you don't know what to do, check that before you ask me."
Everyone nodded as Maya continued handing out vehicle assignments for the day. This inspection could not have come at a worse time for the fire captain.
She and Carina had decided that after a little over a year of marriage, that they were ready to start a family of their own, and while they had talked about all the options, the OB/GYN was pretty insistent that she wanted to at least try to get pregnant because after spending her entire career bringing babies into the world, she was ready to do it herself.
They had settled on reciprocal IVF because Maya was younger, and Carina was scared of passing on the genes for bipolar. This meant that Maya was going to be providing the eggs and Carina was going to be providing the uterus which sounded great to Maya. All she had to do was get hormone injections for ten to fourteen days and then have her eggs harvested.
She had started the injections 8 days ago, and they were starting to take their toll on her. She was feeling extra emotional and for the past twelve or so hours, she had been feeling very nauseous. She was also getting bloated to the point that her pants were uncomfortable.
However, she had to wait until tomorrow before she went in to get checked to see how her eggs were developing so she just pushed through the uncomfortableness of the whole thing.
Her anxiety had also been at near record highs since she started the treatments, and just a few hours ago, Carina had had to help her through her third panic attack in the past two days. She was able to work through it at work for the most part, but with the inspection, her entire body just felt on edge.
Just as everyone was finishing breakfast, they got called out to a fire. It sounded like a simple house fire, but when they got there, they found that there was a lot more complicated than that.
It turns out, thanks to some unfortunate Seattle wind, that the sparks from the fire had blown all over, catching both a neighbor's house as well as a large area of trees behind the house. Maya instantly called in another two companies to come help them, but it was bad.
The winds made everything hard and because it had been weirdly dry in Seattle for the past three weeks, everything that a spark went near lit up like a Christmas tree. They battled the fires for over twelve hours before they finally had control over it.
By the time it was fully contained and out, it was nearing midnight and station 19 was beyond exhausted. They had had short breaks to eat something and hydrate, but they had all been working hard.
"When we get back to the station, don't forget, we have to clean," Maya reminded everyone, "The trucks need to be polished and we have a list of chores a mile long before inspection."
"Maya, we all need to rest," Andy said, "We have been on our feet for almost 18 hours. We can clean in the morning. Maybe B, C, and D shift got a bunch done today."
"We have an inspection in 9 hours," Maya said, "The station needs to be…"
"We are going to sleep," Andy said, "I promise we will all help clean. Just give us all four hours."
"Whatever," Maya said, having every intention of cleaning as soon as they got back.
They pulled into the station, a few members of B and D shift sweeping in the barn.
"How was the call?" Barnes asked as they climbed out.
"Long," "Exhausting," "Intense," came the various responses from the A shift as they got out of the trucks.
"Well, we were just finishing up cleaning the barn and then we are going to head home," Wiggins said, "We got through pretty much all the cleaning aside from the truck and the gear you guys are wearing."
"Did you do the storage room?" Maya asked.
"Yes Captain," Barnes nodded, "And every other room in this place."
"Thanks guys," Gibson said, going over to them, "Go home. We are going to crash for a few hours and then get to work on finishing it."
Within half an hour, A shift had all showered and were in their bunks except for their fearless captain. She knew that the other shifts had done a good job, but she could not get her brain to settle down about all the things that might have been missed so she started going through the house starting at the desk.
She went through the cabinets, making sure everything was clean. She did the same with the top of it before continuing on to the turnout room. She made her way through the entire lower level of the station, recleaning her office for the third time in the past week just to make sure everything was absolutely perfect.
As she worked, the feeling of nausea she had been fighting for the past few days was getting worse, but she just ignored it.
At 5 am, she heard noise upstairs, going up to see who was up.
"Hey," Andy said, yawning a little as Maya walked into the beanery where the Latina was making coffee, "Did you get any sleep?"
"No," Maya said, shaking her head, "I spent the night rechecking everything that got done yesterday and fixing the stuff that needed to be redone. I was too anxious to sleep."
"I don't know how you do it," Andy said, shaking her head, "I am going to go wake everyone else up to get them helping in like five minutes. I just wanted to make sure we had coffee before I did. Do you want some?"
"No," Maya said, shaking her head, "I'm not feeling particularly well right now. I think it's probably just nerves."
Andy nodded, knowing how Maya got when she was nervous.
"Do you need help with your injection this morning?" Andy asked, remembering she had been helping Maya with her hormone injections when Carina couldn't.
"Oh, shit, yeah," Maya nodded, going to the fridge, "God, I cannot wait to be done with these."
"How many more?" Andy asked, drawing up the solution for Maya.
"I have at least another one more day," Maya said, wiping off the area of her stomach where the injection would go, "But it could be up to five. I have a scan tomorrow to see how things are going. I hope it's only one more because I am honestly starting to feel the effects. My pants are all feeling too tight from the bloating and I just feel blah."
"Well, here we go," Andy said, plunging the needle into Maya's stomach, the blonde wincing a little bit.
"What's going on in here?" Vic asked, stumbling into the kitchen in her pajamas.
"Just my daily injection of hormones," Maya said as Andy pulled the needle out.
"Oh, yeah," Vic nodded, "So glad I am not you."
Maya just rolled her eyes as she took the needle, knowing she needed to go put it in the sharp's downstairs.
"Coffee," Vic said, walking over to the pot, pouring herself a full mug.
"I am going to go take care of this," Maya said, "And then we have to finish cleaning."
As Vic walked back toward Maya with the mug of coffee, the blonde's stomach turned, and she raced for the bathroom.
"Crap," Andy sighed, "Today is off to a great start."
"Why did our captain just ran past me looking like she was going to hurl?" Travis asked, walking into the beanery.
"Because she probably is," Vic said.
"Is she sick?" Travis asked, eyes wide, "Because if she is, we are going to have a really interesting inspection."
"I think she mentioned this could be a side effect of her hormone treatments," Andy said, picking up the needle Maya had dropped on the counter.
"What might be a side effect of hormone treatments?" Ben asked, joining the others.
"Nausea and vomiting," Andy said, knowing the doctor would know.
"Oh, is that why our captain is losing her breakfast in the bathroom?" Ben asked, "Yeah, that can be a side effect. Poor Maya. It's inspection day."
"I'm going to go check on her," Andy said, "Vic, can you go put this in the sharps? Trav, go get everyone else up. We have so much to do."
"Yeah," Vic nodded, taking the needle.
Andy went into the bathroom, finding Maya just coming out of the stall.
"You ok?" Andy asked as Maya walked over to the sink, washing her hands.
"Yeah," Maya sighed, "I'm fine. I need to brush my teeth, and then we need to get to work."
"Mai, you can go take a break," Andy said, "It's 5:30 now so you can go crash for two hours and still help us for an hour and a half before inspection."
"Andy, this is the biggest day of the year," Maya said, shaking her head as she went to grab her toothbrush, "I am fine."
Maya had been getting moodier and moodier with her hormone treatments so Andy just left it alone.
"I will be in the beanery in ten minutes for chore assignments," Maya said, "Everyone needs to either eat something by then or shut up about being hungry."
Andy nodded, heading back to the beanery. Maya brushed her teeth, running some cold water over her wrists to try to help with the nausea that was still bubbling in her stomach. She started feeling a little bit better before heading to the beanery.
"Alright, 19," she said, "Chores. We have trucks that need cleaning after yesterday and gear and general cleaning. Miller, Hughes, Gibson, get to work on cleaning the vehicles. Warren, Herrera, and Montgomery, gear. Gibson, get the beanery and bathrooms cleaned. I'll be helping around in various areas. I want everyone clean and in their class A's by 8:30. Let's go. B-shift will be here at 7 to help with chores and then take over after the inspection."
Everyone got to work, cleaning the station quickly but efficiently. Maya went to help with cleaning the gear and tools, her body achy and tired.
"How's the nausea?" Andy asked as Maya put another halogen away.
"It's not great," Maya said, swallowing thickly, "But it's fine."
"Here," Andy said, "When I was pregnant with Luca, remember how sick I was?"
"How could I forget?" Maya said, "You threw up in my office trash can more than once."
"Well, I know you aren't actually pregnant," Andy said, "But I sucked on mints for the first like four months I was pregnant, and it really helped. I found some in the beanery this morning. Try them."
"Thanks," Maya said, putting the candy into her mouth, "God, this is the worst time for me to feel like this."
"It will be fine," Andy said as they kept working, "Just try not to puke on Chief Greggory."
Maya shook her head as they got back to their tasks.
By 8:00, everyone was upstairs getting ready. Maya decided she probably needed to try to eat something because she was starting to feel a little weak and dizzy so she went into the beanery, grabbing a bottle of her favorite protein shake out of the fridge.
She went down to her office as she drank it, going into her bunk. She had a text from her wife, asking how she was feeling and if they were ready for the inspection. Maya quickly texted her back, not telling her how gross she was currently feeling, telling her they were ready as they could be for inspection.
She then pulled off her t-shirt and regular uniform pants to start getting ready. She pulled out her formal uniform, pulling on the pants first. As she did this, she found that they were tighter than normal due to all the bloating that was going on from the meds. She got them button just barely before pulling on her uniform shirt. That was always a bit tight because that made it look professional, buy Maya's boobs were sore and the pressure from the button up was so uncomfortable.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves that were getting more and more on edge. Her team didn't know this yet, but Maya had put in her application for Battalion chief because the fire chief was running for Maya, meaning if he got it, promotions were going to trickle down. Greggory was at the top of the list to take the chief's job, and Maya was gunning for the Battalion chief job so this inspection was that much more important.
She pulled her hair up, trying to ignore how she was currently feeling, forcing the last of her protein shake down. It already wasn't sitting well in her stomach, but she was really hoping it was just nerves that would start to calm once the chief arrived.
By 8:30, everyone from both A and B shift were in their class As and ready for their inspection, going into the turnout room and getting their gear, lining it up where it needed to be.
"How are you feeling?" Andy asked, coming over to her friend.
"I'm mildly regretting my protein shake," Maya said, hand on her stomach, "It is not settling well."
"Sorry you are feeling so shitty today," Andy said, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder, "Do you still have the mints?"
"I've got one under my tongue right now," Maya said, opening her mouth.
Andy nodded as they got back to last minute preparations.
Right at 9 am, Battalion Chief Greggory walked in and the inspection began. As they were walking through the station, Maya stomach went from bad to worse.
"Excuse me," she said as the chief inspected the state of the barn, "I will be right back."
Maya sprinted into the bathrooms, throwing up just as she got to the toilet. She took a second to compose herself before going to wash her hands. She looked very pale but not too bad, dabbing some cool paper towels across her face to try to help.
Once she was done, she straightened her shirt before walking out of the bathroom.
"Hey, Kiddo," a voice said as she went to head back to the barn and Maya felt her blood run cold.
Standing at the desk was her father.
"You cannot be here," Maya said, fear filling her body as she looked at him, "I will call the police."
"Come on," Lane said, holding up a piece of paper, "A restraining order? Really? What the hell is wrong with you?"
Maya had forgotten that today was the day her dad was going to be served with the restraining orders barring him from being within 1000 yards of both Maya and Carina.
He had found Maya in the park about two weeks ago, telling her he had been secretly watching her for a month and that she was slow and lazy and not dedicated enough. She had tried to run, but he had grabbed her arm hard enough that he left a bruise before hitting her across the face when she yelled at him.
The whole incident had been traumatic, and she and Carina had decided it was finally time to take legal action both because that was unacceptable behavior and because if they were going to be trying to bring a baby into the world, that baby needed to be safe.
They had gone to the police with the evidence of abuse and had gotten everything filed. They were told it would take a little while, and Maya had been emailed about three days ago telling her when they were going to serve the orders.
However, with the inspection and the treatments, it had slipped her mind, and yet here he was, violating his restraining order not even 24 hours into it.
"Lane, you need to leave," Maya said again, voice shaky, "You are not allowed to be here, and I am trying to work. Please leave."
The noise had clearly gotten the attention of her team in the barn because Dean, Jack, and Andy all appeared at the door just then. Andy disappeared almost as fast as she appeared though.
"Mr. Bishop, you need to leave," Jack said.
"You cannot tell me what to do," he said indignantly, "I am here to see my daughter."
"You are legally not allowed to see her," Dean said, the entire team having been informed of the restraining order after Maya had filed for it just so that they could make sure it was followed, "Now, you need to leave."
"Gotta get your big tough men to fight your battles, huh Maya?" Lane said, stepping towards her.
"Back up," Jack said as he and Dean got between their captain and the man responsible for half her DNA, "Now."
"What is going on?" Chief Greggory asked, coming out of the barn, "Is this how you run this station Captain Bishop-Deluca?"
"Bishop-Deluca?" Lane said, "You changed your last name? You have gone soft kid. And you must be very lazy because you are looking quite chubby too. You have really let yourself go."
"Who is this?" Chief Greggory asked, looking at the captain.
"This is Lane," Maya said, "He is my father."
"Bringing family drama into the station is very unprofessional," said Chief Greggory.
Just then, the doors to the station opened again and in walked two SPD officers.
"We got a call about a violation of a restraining order?" one of them said.
"Yes," Jack said, "Our captain had a restraining order out against this man, Lane Bishop, and he is violating it."
"Sir, you are going to have to come with us," one of the officers said.
"Let me just check the restraining order," the other officer said, pulling out a tablet.
Maya went to the officer, confirming that it was the right order before she, Jack, Dean, and Andy all gave their statements.
"We will be following up if we need to," the officer said about an hour after they got there, "Sorry for the interruption."
As soon as the officers left, Maya went back into the barn.
"I am so sorry Chief," she said, her anxiety at an all-time high, but still at least somewhat in check because she was still so worried about the inspection, "I didn't know he was going to…"
"Captain Bishop-Deluca," the chief said, "Don't worry about it. I didn't realize the severity of what was going on. I am sorry for jumping to conclusions."
"Thank you si…" Maya went to answer only to have her stomach revolt again.
She slammed her hand over her mouth, barely making it to the trash can before she threw up again. Utterly disgusted, she took the trash bag out, putting it in her office before slipping another mint into her mouth and going back to try to save what was left of the inspection.
"Are you alright, Captain?" the chief asked.
"Yes, sir," she nodded, "Sorry."
The rest of the inspection was uneventful compared to the beginning, the chief telling them that they had passed and done quite well. He told Maya he would have his report to her by the end of the week and that if she needed anything, to let him know.
As he left, everyone let out a huge sigh of relief, high fiving and chatting except for Maya. Andy noticed her friend had slipped away and she went to try to find her. She knocked on the office door, getting no response, but deciding to go in anyway.
"Maya," she called, noticing the door to her bunk was all but shut, "Hey, Maya, you ok?"
Andy opened the door, finding Maya sitting on her bed, pulling on her tie and struggling to breathe.
"Maya, are you ok?" Andy asked, going over to her.
The blonde shook her head, continuing to pull at her tie. Andy went over to her, quickly getting the accessory off, wondering what was going on with her friend.
Just as she was about to ask, there was another knock at the door.
"Bambina," Carina called, coming into the bunk, "Oh, what happened?"
"I came in here and she was like this," Andy said, moving as Carina set down the pans and bags she was carrying before going to her wife.
"Bambina," Carina said, going right to her wife where Maya was pulling at her collar, trying to get it off, "Calmati. Let me."
Carina quickly and skillfully unbuttoned Maya's shirt, pulling it off along with the t-shirt she had under it, leaving her in just her bra before she pulled her close.
Andy just stood in the doorway, shocked at what she was watching. She had heard Maya mention off hand that she had anxiety about things or that she was feeling anxious or having a panic attack, but she didn't realize that it was this bad and she wondered how many times something similar to this had happened in this office and the blonde had braved it alone. She made a mental note to talk to Maya about it when the whole fertility treatment cycle was over.
Suddenly, Andy was drawn out of her thoughts as Maya started heaving, the Latina quickly grabbing a trashcan and getting it to her friend a minute too late, the blonde throwing up all over herself and her wife.
"I'll go get something to clean that up," Andy said, though she wasn't sure anyone heard her because Maya was still somewhat hyperventilating and Carina was helping to calm her down.
Andy came back about ten minutes later, having decided Maya and Carina probably needed a little time alone, with a bowl of warm water and some wash clothes, finding Maya much calmer in Carina's arms.
"Grazie," Carina said quietly, Maya's face buried in her chest, "The stuff I set down is for you all. It is breakfast. Take it up for everyone."
Carina had had the day before off and knew how stressed-out Maya was about the inspection and had thought it would be nice to do something for the station after what she knew was going to be a successful inspection. She also knew the fertility treatments were starting to wear on her wife, and that probably meant the rest of the station was starting to feel the stress too so she wanted to thank them for putting up with the cranky blonde.
"Thank you," Andy said, surprised, "Let me know if you guys need anything."
Carina nodded, still rubbing Maya's back as the lieutenant left.
"Bambina, can I clean you up a little?" Carina asked.
"Yeah," Maya said, "Sorry. This keeps happening today."
"It's ok," Carina said, grabbing a washcloth, "Are you getting sick or do you think it's just the meds?"
"I think it's just the meds," Maya said as Carina helped her clean herself up, "And the inspection stress and the fact that I had to file a police report on shift today."
"What?" Carina said, concerned, "What happened? It's only 10 am."
"Lane showed up," Maya said, rubbing her eyes.
"Oh Bambina," Carina said, "I am so sorry."
"He got arrested," Maya said, going to her dresser and grabbing a clean shirt and getting out one for her wife too because she had gotten her clothes dirty too, "So that should be fun having to deal with that."
"Do I dare to ask how the inspection went?" Carina asked, changing her shirt.
"I think it was fine," Maya sighed, "I puked twice during it and Lane showed up too so it could have been better. I think I blew my shot at battalion chief."
"Don't talk like that, Bambina," Carina said, wrapping Maya in her arms, "It could still happen."
"Yeah, and my dad could decide to just leave me alone," Maya said, putting her head on Carina's shoulder, "What were you doing here to begin with?"
"I brought breakfast for you and your team," Carina said, "I know how stressed you have been and thought you all could use a treat. Plus, you have been a bit extra cranky because of the meds and since I am a big part of the reason you are taking them, I figured I should do something to thank you for putting up with you."
"Shut up," Maya said, not moving from her place in Carina's arms, "Is it ok if I skip breakfast though?"
"After what just happened, I would say that would be a good idea," Carina said, chuckling, "I can make you some dry toast at home."
"I can't go home right now," Maya said, shaking her head, "I need to fill out reports and go over the inspection and…"
"Bambina, did you sleep last night?" Carina asked. "No," Maya said, shaking her head.
"And you have been sick to your stomach all day?" Carina said, eyebrow raised.
"It's just from the hormones and my anxiety," Maya said, "I'm fine. So, I feel gross. I am still going to feel gross at home."
"Si, but at home, you can feel gross in bed with me," Carina said, "And not here in clothes that are clearly making you uncomfortable."
"It's just cause I'm so bloated," Maya sighed, "These hormones are wrecking my body." "I'm sorry," Carina frowned, "I should have done them."
"No," Maya said, shaking her head, "I am glad I am doing them; I just wish they weren't happening at the same time as everything else."
"Lo so," Carina nodded, kissing her forehead, "But now it is all done so you can come home and just lay in bed and let me take care of you because you are going to have to do the same for me when the baby is making me feel sick in a few months, hopefully."
"I should stay," Maya said, "I need to save my days off."
"Bambina, you are off today," Carina said, laughing, "You do not have to stay. Please let me take you home."
"I guess," Maya nodded, "I need to go do a quick debrief for my team though."
"Of course," Carina nodded, "Do you want me to come?"
"Oh, you have to so they can thank you for the food," Maya nodded, smiling as she grabbed Carina's hand, "Wait, I need to grab something."
Maya went to her desk where she had stashed some of the mints from Andy, popping one in her mouth.
"It helps with the nausea," Maya said, sucking on the candy, "Andy told me."
"Si," Carina nodded, "I know. I actually think I am the one who told Andy to do that."
The two of them walked upstairs, hand in hand, and into the beanery.
"Hey Cap," Travis said as they walked in, "Is everything ok?"
"It will be," Maya said, keeping her hand firmly in Carina's, "I just wanted to come up here and tell you all how impressed I was with all of you and to thank you for everything you all did to get ready for it and during it."
"It's our station too," Vic said, shrugging, "And impressing Greggory is fun."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Well, I just wanted to tell you all how amazing you all did," Maya said, "And tell A shift to go the hell home after you finish eating because yesterday was a lot and you all deserve a break."
"Thanks for breakfast, Carina," Dean said followed by a cacophony of "thanks Carina" and "you're the best Carina" from everyone else.
"Do you guys want plates?" Ben asked, walking over to them.
"We are going to go home," Carina said, "Someone isn't feeling very well."
"It's just the hormones," Maya said, yawning a little.
"Go home and sleep, Captain," Ben said, "You're body is doing a lot of hard work."
Maya and Carina said goodbye to a few more people before heading down to Maya's office, grabbing her stuff before heading out.
"When we get home, I am going straight to bed," Maya said, yawning.
"You need to have something to drink first," Carina said, "Your body needs the extra fluids right now."
"Fine," Maya nodded, "Later, can we take a bath?"
"Of course," Carina nodded, "We can do whatever you need to feel better."
"I am really happy you are the one I am starting a family with," Maya said, smiling at the Italian, "You are the best wife in the world."
"I love you too, Bambina," Carina said, taking Maya's hand in her own, "And I am glad you are who I am starting a family with too."