A/N: Hello Again. I just want to say a quick thank you to everyone who reviewed. You guys are awesome. I am happy that you guys like the "firefighting 101" tidbits at the end. I'm glad it helps. On the chapters that have more firefighting in them, there will of course be longer a/n's at the end. Also, I have no real posting schedule, once a week when I get time is about how it will go.

Thanks to my wonderful beta LittleLea05

Disclaimer: Not mine; it belongs to the talented Mrs. Meyer. Although firefighting Edward can own me anytime…..

Firefighting Facts

A fire department responds to an alarm of fire somewhere in the United States every 16 seconds.

A civilian is injured by fire about every 20 seconds.

A civilian is killed in a fire roughly every two hours.

Fire kills roughly 100 firefighters a year.

More than two million career and volunteer firefighters serve in more than 50,000 departments throughout the United States – This is just one stations story.

Chapter 2 – The crew of Engine 17

Edward POV

I was a little kid waiting on Santa Claus for my Christmas present. But in reality I was pacing my apartment willing the alarm clock to tick by faster so I could start my first day as a probationary firefighter for the city of Seattle, Engine 17. I was nervous; I was excited, I was anxious to start the day. Captain Cullen had informed me to be at the station by eight AM today but I was so ready for this day to come that I didn't sleep at all. Not one bit, not one wink of sleep. I couldn't show up too early for my first day so I paced. I even double checked my red bag to insure I had everything I would need for my first day. Finally at five I decided to take a shower and get dressed. While on the clock at the station we are suppose to be dressed in uniform. Blue rip stop pants (nomex) and our company fire shirts, I settled on a plain white shirt since I didn't have one yet.

I had done a lot of research on Engine 17 when I got home yesterday so I could be as prepared as possible. I already knew where it was located. Luckily enough it was literally walking distance from my apartment building, only a few blocks from here. I also learned that the engine was staffed with five members, technically six now, and the ladder truck that shared the station was staffed with four members. For safety reasons the names and ranks of my future brothers in fire were not listed. Not like it mattered too much, I would be meeting all of them in about an hour anyhow.

I finally left my apartment and started the short walk to the station. I had my red bag thrown over my shoulder as I walked. I tried to get my thoughts in check before getting to the station. Today was a big day and I had to hope for an easy one, but I knew it was unlikely. I would be thrown in head first without a life preserver to help. Engine 17 was literally one of the busiest stations in the city because of its direct central location. They were called all the time for various incidents: fire, rescue, car accidents, medical calls and almost any other disaster you could think of. I had my work cut out for me, especially as a probationary firefighter.

Probationary firefighters, rookies, probies – they all really have the same definitions – the bitch of the station. Probies are made to do every disgusting chore there is, every task that is assigned to him without complaint. The captain says jump, your only response should be 'how high?' Every firefighter goes through this rite of passage, now it's my turn.

I turned the corner onto Second Avenue and came face to face with my new firehouse. Station 17 was one of the oldest in the city in one of the busiest downtown areas. It was a large two story old red brick building. The bottom of the firehouse housed all the equipment plus the engine and ladder truck. And yes, it even had the ever clichéd fire poles connecting each floor. The top floor would be the firefighter lodging - the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, showers, sleeping quarters and the captains' office. Behind the building was the training area. When the station was not out on a call, training was a must, that's what every firefighter is taught. A training building was constructed a few years back, from what I read, specifically for this station. It was an all cement two story building, with stairs on the outside for mock drills and fires. The station and training facility literally took up almost the entire block of Second Street.

I slowly approached the front of the building. The engine was parked in the driveway and looked rather dirty. The ladder truck was parked in the engine bay. Equipment was still spread out inside and I had to assume that they had just gotten back from a call. I looked around the bottom floor but failed to see anyone. I started climbing up the stairs when I came face to face with one of the other firefighters. He was tall and built like a quarter back. He had fairly dark skin and long black hair pulled back low. I must have startled him because he stopped abruptly on the stairs with a questionable look on his face before he smiled.

"You must be the new probie?" His smile held a sort of playfulness to him and I got that feeling that this was a fun firehouse to work at.

"Yeah, hey I'm Edward Masen." I stuck out my hand and quickly shook his.

"Jacob Black. Come on, I'll show you around upstairs and introduce you to everyone." He turned and started making his way up the stairs. We came into a room with benches and lockers everywhere first. "Go ahead and drop your red bag there. You can unpack your stuff into the locker later. We keep all our turnouts downstairs though. This locker is for personal use." I dropped my bag and continued to follow him down the halls. "You've got great timing though…." Jacob continued. "We just got back from a fire about forty-five minutes ago. We were just taking a breather before putting the rest of the equipment away and cleaning up."

We stepped out of the hall into a large open room. To the left of me was a huge nearly industrial sized kitchen with a table that could easily seat twelve. In front of me was a pool table with two guys racking up the balls getting ready to start a game. And to the right was three couches huddled around a huge flat screen TV that was currently showing a movie with four other guys sitting there. On opposite sides of the room was the two fire poles that lead downstairs with the wood coverings over the holes so nobody stepped into them.

"Hey guys, I wanna introduce the new probie to ya…" Jacob called out and I was suddenly in the spotlight. "Guys this is Edward Masen, Edward this is…" He point to the pool table, "Emmett McCarty and Jasper Whitlock. They are on the engine with me." The guy named Emmett was huge. Grizzly bear sized with dark black hair. I was easily intimidated by him. Jasper was around my height with dirty blonde nearly shoulder length hair. He looked simple and laid back.

He turned back to the couches, "And these are the ladder guys – James Thompson, Ben Cheney, Mike Newton and Peter Whitlock – they are cousins, just so you know." I nodded to each of them and said my hellos while Jacob continued on talking to them. James had long hair also pulled back in a low pony tail. What's with these guys and longer hair here? Ben was short little guy and I could guess they hired him for all the small space rescues. Mike was the clichéd high schools wanna be quarter back with the 'frosted' blonde hair of the early nineties. Peter looked a whole hell of a lot like Jasper and I would question whether they were brothers instead of cousins.

"Em where is…."

"Probably getting ready to wash the engine you know how…"

"Yeah, I know." His tone was very terse in his answer. "Carlisle in his office?"

"Yep." Their conversation was very brief and kind of cryptic. As far as I knew I hadn't met the engineer yet and I knew Carlisle was the captain. This was a very laid back fire station if they were calling their captain by his first name. I could get use to this. I followed Jacob down another hall that lead into the sleeping quarters. There were ten standard twin sized beds made up like we were in the army. He took me over to one closest to the bathroom. "Your bed." He pointed out. "Bathroom." He point to the door right next to my bed. I should have figured. Of course the probie would sleep closest to the horrible smelling bathroom that ten guys would be sharing. He turned and quickly strode to the other side of the room. He pushed open a door and I stepped inside. "Showers." I glanced around and smiled at myself. At least they were better than high school gym showers. There was roughly five shower heads along each wall and concrete center divider between each one that came up to just above waist height – somewhat private in a totally open shower stall shared by all men. What confused me was the lone shower at the far end of the room on the left. It had concrete dividers also but the shower head was nearly completely surrounded by concrete except for a little space to step in. The walls of it looked to come to about shoulder height.

"What's with the one weird shower stall at the end? Is it the captains or something?"

Jacob laughed. "Oh….that. Yeah, that's the engineers shower. We don't get to use it."

"What?" He laughed even harder as we left the room and proceeded down the hall.

"Just wait, you'll see." He knocked gently on the door to the captains' office, "Well, this is where I leave you. See you in a few." He turned and walked away just as the door opened.

"Oh Mr. Masen, please come in." I followed Captain Cullen into his office and took a seat when he motioned for me to.

"Jake show you around and introduce you?"

"Uh, yeah he did sir."

"Please, you can call me Carlisle. We are very relaxed around here. The guys tend to play a lot of practical jokes, when we aren't training and when chores are done we fill our time with video games, movies, pool and such. I like a very laid back atmosphere and I find my crew is better and at the top of their game if they don't have to try to live and work in a stressful environment. When you're here try to have a little down time because once we leave the stress begins."

"That sounds good. I think I will like working here very much."

"Good. Do have any questions before I get you started?"

"No, not really. I haven't met the engineer yet and I would like to do so before we get a call. I'd also like to get my turnouts set up and ready just in case also."

"Not to worry. I am assigning you to the engineer today actually. Engineer Swan is also our Lieutenant so you will be taking orders from both of us and occasionally some of the other guys. Just don't let them try to push you around too much. So, go ahead and unpack your stuff into your locker. Take your turnouts downstairs and I am sure you'll run into the engineer there." I shook his hand and exited the office. I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't learned the engineers name yet and why they seemed to be so damn respectful of him. Carlisle, the captain, doesn't even have his own shower stall but the engineer did? That didn't make any sense. Unless….the engineer is some old guy that's well known or injured. Swan, Swan….name didn't ring any bells for important names I had learned in this service so far.

I by passed all the guys in the living room area to headed towards the lockers. They all seem quite engrossed into whatever movie they were watching anyhow. I quickly unpacked all of my toiletries into my locker and hung up the few spare clothing items I had brought. I pulled out my turnouts, boots, gloves and flash hood to head down stairs and put in my cubicle next to the engine. I found my stall easily enough. There was a brand new yellow helmet sitting on the top shelf with the name MASEN stamped across the back of it. I quickly hung up my coat and laid my gloves next to my helmet with my flash hood. I bent over and started tucking my boots into the bottom of the pants, so I could just step in and pull my pants up to be ready to go, when I heard a throat clear behind me. A very non-masculine throat clearing.

I stood up and spun around to find the most drop dead sexy woman I have ever seen, standing there in a pair of cut off jean shorts and a black string bikini top. A sight I was not expecting to find in the engine bay of my new firehouse. But god damn was it a hell of a sight. She was short, probably about 5'4" with long chestnut brown hair pulled into a hasty bun on her head. She had deep inviting brown eyes I could swim in. She stood there with her arms crossed over her chest which just accentuated her barely covered perfect tits. Her stance was clearly showing an attitude at my presence.

But what the hell was a woman like this doing in the firehouse engine bay? Maybe she was a resident on this street and wanted the fire hydrant opened up or something. Damn, why'd I have to be the one to break it to her that the city hasn't allowed that in years? I don't want to piss this beautiful girl off anymore than necessary. No, I wanted to ask her on a date. Okay Masen, you're a firefighter now, just charm her. Can't be too hard.

I flashed her a smile before I spoke. "I'm sorry ma'am but the fire department doesn't open up hydrants for resident use anymore. Is there something else I can help you with?" She let out a large breath of air and seemed to be fighting back a snarky reply. She put her hands on her hips as she replied.

"What makes you think I wanted you to open the hydrant for me? Which, by the way, I know is illegal!"

"Um…" I swallowed thickly and motioned to her outfit. "You're wearing a bathing suit and shorts. I'm sorry, I just assumed." She let her hands fall from her hips and she looked rather exasperated. "Is there something I can help you with?" I was just trying to be polite now. I didn't want a confrontation on my first day as the probationary firefighter.

"Yeah, you could hurry the hell up and grab the fire hydrant wrench from the back of the engine…." I was about to cut her off from her tirade, but I was glad I didn't or I am sure I would have gotten in a lot of trouble. "…then you can grab that one inch line over there and attach it to the hydrant with a nozzle so you can help me wash and wax the engine. We have about a two hour buffer before we bump up the list to get called again assuming a serious disaster doesn't happen. I want the engine detailed and then I am going to teach you how to fill the SCBA bottles so I don't have to do it anymore. You're wasting time. Hurry up, let's get a move on."

I blanched. Holy fuuuuck. This was the engineer? This fine, beautiful, attitude filled woman with the sexy hands on hips, don't-mess-with-me stance is my new engineer and lieutenant? I am so fucked.

"You're Engineer Swan?"

Bella POV

We had just gotten back to the station when Carlisle approached me. I hadn't pulled the engine inside because my baby needed attention. She was so dirty after the four AM fire this morning and I completely planned on washing and waxing her yet again. Wouldn't be the first time I took solitary time to myself with the engine. I often get teased about it by the crew, but I don't care. An engineer's job is to take care of their engine and I think I do a damn good job with big red.

"Bella?" I turned to find Carlisle standing in front of me.

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to let you know I am going to give you the probie this morning when he gets here."

"What? Why me?" I groaned. I hated training the newbie's. I got stuck with both Emmett and Jake. Although, Emmett was fun to hang around with. He learned quickly and didn't push my buttons – too often at least. Jake on the other hand, he hounded me for a date from day one. I gave in about a month into his one year probation, four months later he "meets the woman of his dreams". They're married now with a daughter on the way. I was trying to not be bitter but there were some unresolved issues with us which made it difficult to work with each other and this happened nearly four years ago. Don't get me wrong, I am happy for him and Leah, I really am. But I will never date another firefighter again and I haven't since.

"He doesn't know anyone on the crew yet and he doesn't know he will have a woman as a superior. He had an amazing interview and he is really bright, but some men can't take orders from a woman and that's where you come in. This will be his first test."

"Fine captain." I replied curtly. "He'll be helping wash and wax the engine."

"I was expecting that Bella. Mans got to learn the respect for his equipment."

"What's his name?

"Edward Masen."

"Oh, and he can fill the BA tanks with me. It can be his new job."

"Works for me." He turned and walked off. I pulled my turnout pants off and tucked them in my equipment stall. I was hanging up my coat when Emmett, Jasper and Peter showed up next to me.

"What do you want now?" I groaned as I turned to face them. This couldn't be good. These three were easily our resident pranksters and I could sense them brewing something.

Emmett smiled and laid his massive arm around my shoulder. "Bella, Bella, Bella….we hear the Cap gave you the rook today."

"Yeah, so?"

"So…." Emmett smiled a devilish grin. "We were thinking, you totally need to fuck with him today."

"Oh god guys, can't you be nice to a rookie on his first day at least once? And why the hell are you dragging me into it?"

"Well, Bella to put it nicely….You've got the rack." Peter answered as Jasper nodded his head along.

I groaned. "What do you guys have in mind? NOT, like I am committing to anything, I just want to know what I may be potentially getting myself into."

Emmett laughed. "Bella, six words. Cut off shorts, Black bikini top. Drives all the guys crazy." I slapped my hand across his chest.

"You're married, all three of you. You don't want me telling your wives do you?"

"Bells, we aren't going to be down here with you guys. But maybe just wash the engine wearing that. Get him flustered and see what he does. Sure way to find out if he can handle the heat and pressure of this job." I had to laugh. Jasper always had a way of being able to talk me into their stupid mischief and such. I think they figured that out and now they use him against me.

"Fine, but I do this my own way. And you guys mind your own business. Plus, if I see one cover pulled away from the pole and you guys are gazing down at us – it's over!" The guys laughed and did their high fives as they walked away.

I quickly walked to the opposite side of the engine bay. Since I was the only woman hired here and because of the new "Prevention Of Sexual Harassment" lawsuits, otherwise known as POSH, they renovated the inside of the engine bay to include a room off to the side for me. It was right next to the air compressor room with all the BA bottles and equipment but I didn't care. It was small. It had the same twin bed like the guys' upstairs and a closet to hang my items. I also had a small bathroom with a sink and a toilet. I didn't mind so much. I hated the fact that I still had to share the showers up stairs with the guys but at least the city made accommodations for me. My own 'private' shower stall in the back of the room. I had showered several times with all of the guys in there. At first it was awkward, now it's just funny. They can't see me and I chose not to look at them. But we always make jokes about dropping the soap if we are in there at the same time. Plus, it doesn't hurt that I am on really good terms with all of their wives, except for maybe Mike's.

I quickly stripped and wrapped my large beach towel around me to run upstairs for a quick shower. I slipped into the shower in time for only one guy to be left showering after the fire. Unfortunately that guy was Mike. He was relentless, I was annoyed. I chose to ignore him like the plague; he chose to follow me around like a puppy dog even though he was married to his supposed high school sweetheart Jessica. He left soon after I got into the shower, thank god. I quickly showered and hurried back down stairs. I had just slipped into my room when I heard footsteps going up the stairs. I pulled on my cut off jean shorts and black bikini top. I kept these at work because I did use them quite often on hot days to wash the engine.

I towel dried my hair the best I could and pulled it up into a bun. I heard someone come back down into the engine bay and decided that it was now or never. I slipped on a pair of flip flops and walked out my door. I walked quietly behind the ladder truck to see who was down here. I was not expecting to see him. I saw him yesterday at the airport. Carlisle had asked me to pick up Esme from visiting her family back home and I had seen this guy standing at the information kiosk looking at departure and arrival times. I had wanted to speak to him so bad but decided to walk away blushing instead. Now, I am glad I didn't.

I stood back and watched him for a little bit before announcing myself. He was going to be a problem; I could already see it now. He was far too good looking for his own good. The bronze hair, the lean body, the muscles, the confidence. I was biting my lip so hard I thought I was going to pierce the skin. He bent over then to start fixing his boots and turnout pants and I had to stifle the moan threatening to bubble up. He had a nice ass.

I quickly marched over there and cleared my throat. I needed to take control of the situation. He spun around not expecting me and had the audacity to treat me like a common resident on the street. Of course I knew fire hydrants weren't for public use! He was really starting to irritate me with his cockiness. I should have known he'd be like almost all the other effin hot firefighters. He was a cocky know-it-all. Time to knock him down a few pegs. Thank you Em, Jazz and Peter for the ideas!

"Yeah, you could hurry the hell up and grab the fire hydrant wrench from the back of the engine then you can grab that one inch line over there and attach it to the hydrant with a nozzle so you can help me wash and wax the engine. We have about a two hour buffer before we bump up the list to get called again assuming a serious disaster doesn't happen. I want the engine detailed and then I am going to teach you how to fill the SCBA bottles so I don't have to do it anymore. You're wasting time. Hurry up, let's get a move on."

I was about to turn and walk away when he spoke again. God his voice was almost like verbal sex. "You're Engineer Swan?"

"Yes, do you have a problem with that?"

"No ma'am. Not at all." I turned to walk away and caught one of my feet on the other. Stupid flip flops, a day doesn't go by without tripping over myself. Maybe that's why I was promoted to engineer? I felt myself lose my balance and knew the fall was coming. There was nothing to catch myself on this time. I felt a strong hand wrap around my arm and set me up right before too much damage was done. I looked over my shoulder and saw Edward staring at me. He quickly dropped his hand like I was a hot piece of steel. "Sorry ma'am."

I huffed. "Enough with this ma'am business. I'm Bella. Nice to meet you." I stuck out my hand for a quick hand shake.

"Edward." He smiled and I felt my legs starting to melt. No, no, no, no….not good. I will not date another fire fighter. No but you could screw him. I instantly felt like a bad cartoon character with an angel and a devil riding shotgun on each shoulder telling me ways around my promises to myself.

"Well, let's hurry up Edward; we have a lot to do." I quickly walked over to the engine to back it up through the engine bay and into the training yard behind the building. There was a hydrant back there we could use and it would keep us out of watchful eyes in the neighborhood. Being dressed like a teenager on a hot summer day wasn't exactly appropriate at the fire station no matter how lax Carlisle was on the rules.

I went back into the engine bay and quickly grabbed a bucket, soap, sponges, towels and the wax for the engine. I stepped back outside to find that Edward had attached the one inch line with the nozzle, opened the hydrant, secured the engine water tight and covered the hose bed in the short amount of time that I was inside the engine bay. But I couldn't see him. The hose was sitting there all ready to go to wash the engine and my rookie was nowhere to be seen. I laid out the washing stuff and just turned around to go back in the engine bay when Edward stepped out – shirtless, shoeless with his pants rolled up slightly at the end. He looked almost edible. I was trying really hard to not look at him, his chest, his abs, the distinct 'V' shape that lead down to his…Okay Bella! That's enough.

"Uh, Edward, you take the nozzle and spray the engine off. I'll start washing from back to front. You can join me after the engine is sprayed off." I mumbled as I quickly ran some water from the outside tap into the bucket. I heard the loud rush of water exit the nozzle and hit the side of the engine. A fine mist of water sprinkled the air and with the way the sun light wove its way through it – Edward looked godly standing in the sun. Water droplets in his bronze hair accentuating the color made me want to run my hands through it. I quickly looked away and started washing the engine feeling the blush creep its way into my cheeks.

We worked in silence on the engine. I was on one side and he was on the other. That was actually working for me. As long as I didn't see him, I wouldn't be tempted. I had gotten to the point that I started chanting 'I will not date a probie firefighter' over and over in my head. Not only that, but I was his superior and it shouldn't be allowed, much like an executive dating his assistant. And there were strict rules about dating within your firehouse, but I'd already broken those rules, what's to say I can't do it again. No, no, Bella you can't do it. Great, I'm arguing with myself again, insane asylum here I come.

The engine was washed and waxed in record time. Edward caught on fast and worked hard. As long as he kept this up, everyone would be pleased. I pulled the engine back into the bay while he cleaned up. I quickly changed into my standard blue nomex pants and fire department shirt. I fixed my hair to look more presentable and more like the firefighter I am. My prank days were over. Let's see Jazz try to talk me into another one after this. It blew up in my face. I found Edward fully dressed waiting in the engine bay when I came back out of my room.

"Edward, follow me I'll teach you how to fill the BA bottles." As we walked over to the air compressor room he stopped hesitantly in front of the door to my room.

"What room is this?" I turned and looked at him.

"Mine. City accommodations and such. Can't have me sleeping in the same room with nearly ten other men, eight of which are happily married, now can I? Wait, are you married too 'cause then it would be nine."

"No, I'm single." His eyes danced at that statement like he was trying to convey a message to me. Yeah, okay, good to know. Move along now Bella.

"Right, anyways, let's get those tanks filled." Seconds later I found myself cramped into the tiny little room closely pressed to Edward showing him how to refill the bottles and rotate them so they lasted longer. I could feel the heat of the room getting to me and I needed to get out of there, but I couldn't leave the rook alone and hope he can fend for himself. I was about to just give in and allow myself the indulgence of his presence when I heard the tell tale alarm.

Bing- Bing- Bing. "Engine 17, Ladder 17, Battalion 11, Engine 12, Engine 4 and Ladder 4 please respond to a report of a structure fire on the corner of Broadway and East Fir Street. Structure is reportedly the Church on the corner." I heard Alice's voice ring over the intercom. The woman never ceases to amaze me. Jasper's wife working at dispatch nearly insured us all the decent calls within the city limits all the time. Hallelujah.

I heard the sound of the guys above us rushing to get down stairs. I turned and winked at Edward. "Come on Probie, your first day, your first fire; let's see what you've got."

A/N: Firefighting 101: Description – SCBA – Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, BA is short for Breathing Apparatus.

I hate to do the 'so what do you think' part, but I am curious to know……