Chapter Text
Maya took a deep breath and prepared herself for the conversation she was about to have with her captain and best friend. A few weeks ago, she wasn't sure where she stood at the station and what her future here looked like but now here she was about to submit her 2 weeks resignation notice.
She was genuinely happy to be joining the Aquatic Heights Emergency Response Team but she felt sad that she'd be leaving the place that had been a home to her for the past decade. Her feelings about the place might have changed but she still felt that it was still important to her. But she needed the change and step one was informing Andy.
Maya knocked lightly on the Captain's door and headed in when Andy invited her inside.
"Bishop, I'm seeing you quite often in my office these days," Andy said teasingly.
"True, I just can't stay away," Maya joked back.
"What's up, is everything okay?"
Maya sat down opposite Andy and the Captain dropped what she was doing, having a feeling that this was about to be a serious conversation.
"Remember the day off I took last week?" Maya started.
Andy nodded. "Yeah, the personal day for something important you said."
"I had an interview with the Aquatic Heights team. It's that new team that helped out during that massive car accident," Maya explained.
"The one specializing in high-angle rescues?"
Maya nodded again. "Yeah. I got a pamphlet from Chief Ross advertising for a new member. A lot has happened here and I just...I needed a change so I applied.”
Andy paused, processing the news. This was the last thing she expected and she didn’t even know what to say.
Maya gave her a moment before prompting gently, “You can say or ask whatever is on your mind.”
Andy swallowed. “It’s just a bit of a shock. I know things have been rough for you at the station since your demotion. There was Beckett and then your injury too. I guess I naively thought you’d still be around.”
Maya shrugged. “Like I said, it’s been a lot. I've felt like I didn’t fit anymore. But I'm not blaming anyone, especially not you.” She held up a hand as Andy opened her mouth. “You did try to help me but I refused. I worked through stuff with Diane and I'm better now. I just really need this change.”
Andy nodded, a sad understanding filling her eyes. "I get it. I'm sad you'll be leaving but I understand why you need to do this for yourself. Even though you said it's not anyone's fault, I feel guilty. My dad picked each of us to be a family, to love and support each other. I failed to maintain what he started. We haven't been a family and that's why you're leaving."
"You can't blame yourself," Maya replied. "We're responsible for our own actions. I made the call that led to my demotion, I blackmailed the Chief, I ran myself ragged, and pushed everyone away. You tried your best but you had your own problems, so don't blame yourself. Me leaving doesn't mean you failed. Your dad would be so proud of the captain you've become. Not because you're his kid, but because you, Andrea Herrera, are a caring, motivated leader who fights for her people."
Tears filled Andy's eyes. She quickly wiped them away. "Damn, Maya, your therapy is making you eloquent. I should book an appointment with Diane."
Maya chuckled. "I highly recommend her."
"Tell me about this new team you’re joining. I don’t know much about them," Andy said.
Maya eagerly shared details while Andy listened, saddened but happy for her friend pursuing this opportunity.
"When will you tell the others?"
"My last shift. I hate worrying people ahead of time."
Andy nodded. "Vic will be really upset."
"I know. But I'll still see everyone. I may even volunteer during clinic day, schedule permitting."
Andy hugged her tight. Though difficult, change often bred new beginnings.
*
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*
The next two weeks of shifts flew by as Maya prepared to transition from firefighter at Station 19 to a member of the Aquatic Heights Emergency Response Team. Captain Jameson sent informational packets to review. At home, Maya pored over the details of her new role. She brimmed with excitement over this new chapter, grateful for Carina's steadfast support.
Just as Maya used to drone on about fire safety, she now rambled about high-angle and water rescue protocols. She wasn't sure if Carina cared, but her wife asked thoughtful questions and seemed genuinely engrossed.
At work, Maya cherished her final shifts at the station. She would miss battling blazes alongside her team, finding victims in burning buildings, and the adrenaline of ladder rescues. As thrilling yet dangerous as firefighting was, after almost a decade it was time to move on.
Maya relished each successful call extinguishing raging fires and saving civilians. It had been her calling, but change breathed a new purpose.
On her last shift, Maya and Andy had agreed to announce the news. Lined up to receive assignments, her team reacted with shock when Maya revealed her departure for Aquatic Heights. Amidst bittersweet congratulations, Jack pulled Maya aside.
“You’re seriously leaving?”
"I am. Hopefully, you can manage without me pushing you,” Maya joked.
Jack gave a wry smile. “We’ll really miss you. I know we’ve both struggled, especially after I abandoned you and Carina. But we’re family and you’ll always have my support."
Maya reflected on their messy history— the failed relationship, her betrayal that devastated Carina, and Maya could barely look at Jack without thinking about how much she hurt Carina. They got past that though and Jack almost became their donor. Sure he fucked up by leaving but Maya understood his reasons even though at first she was just mad that his leaving hurt Carina. He had his own difficult time like he said. It eased her own self-judgment. Jack had also saved Maya’s life; she owed him infinitely. They were complex, but family.
“You’ll always be family and I could never abandon you.” Maya squeezed his hand, this goodbye was a transition for them both.
*
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*
As the shift wound down, Maya tidied her locker, the finality of this moment hitting her. She peeled off her turnout coat, worn thin with use, its scorch marks and faded 19 telling stories of its own. Tracing her fingers over her name etched onto the locker door, Maya sighed. This place and these people had been her life for almost a decade. It was her identity. Now she was stepping into the unknown.
Captain Herrera knocked lightly on the open door. “How’s it going?”
Maya tossed a weary smile over her shoulder. “Just taking it all in, you know?”
Andy joined her side, bumping shoulders. “I really am happy for you, Maya. This will be good...but the station won’t be the same without you kicking all our asses into shape.”
That pulled a laugh from Maya and she blinked back sudden tears.
“I, um...I have something for you.” Andy held out a framed photo of the team posing in front of the truck - her, Maya, Jack, Travis, Victoria, Dean, and Ben. “Had this made for you so you don’t forget us.”
Maya traced the beloved faces. “Never.”
They held each other tightly, no need for words. Then Maya breathed deeply, squaring her shoulders and closing the locker door one last time. She was ready to greet this change with flames still burning bright inside her. It was the end of an era and the start of a new adventure.
On her way out, she saw Vic looking pensive.
"Hey Vic, everything okay?" Maya asked.
Vic nodded though clearly preoccupied. Maya waited, knowing Vic would open up.
"I've been a crappy friend," Vic declared.
Maya blinked in surprise, not expecting that response. She wondered if this was about her departure from the station. Knowing Vic, she was likely blaming herself unnecessarily.
"Vic, you're not..." Maya started gently, but Vic interjected before she could finish.
"No, don't say I'm not, because I was. You've always been by my side - you supported me when I was scared of fire, and stood by me when Lucas died. I've stayed in your guest room so many times. When you became Captain, instead of supporting you, I picked a side. That was crappy of me. When the blackmail stuff came out, I assumed the worst and gossiped shamelessly. We joke that you're an emotionless robot, which is so unfair. You deeply care and your guest room is always open. I've just taken you for granted."
Vic was talking rapidly, emotions pouring out. She had to pause and take a breath.
Maya listened attentively and unexpectedly moved. Vic was right - she did minimize hurt because she expected little. Hearing Vic acknowledge Maya’s efforts and care felt validating.
“I’m trying to say I’m sorry,” Vic finished emotionally. “For everything.”
Maya immediately pulled her into a tight hug. “Me leaving doesn’t end our friendship. Please still visit.”
They held onto one another, Vic sniffling. When they pulled back, both felt a little lighter.
*
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*
When Maya got home, she found Carina in the kitchen preparing an elaborate meal. Soft music played as Carina swayed to the beat, humming under her breath. The rich scents of roasting vegetables and fresh bread filled the air.
Maya paused in the doorway, taking in the scene. She still couldn’t believe she got to come home to this incredible woman every day after she almost lost her. After the emotional day, Maya felt beyond grateful for her partner’s soothing presence.
Carina turned then, lighting up when she spotted Maya. “Ciao bella! Come, sit. I made us a special dinner.”
Maya crossed the kitchen, accepting the glass of wine Carina held out. She took a sip, savoring the crisp flavor.
“To what do I owe this incredible spread?” Maya asked, leaning in for a soft kiss.
Carina smiled against her lips. “I wanted to celebrate your last shift, or commiserate if needed. Either way, good food and wine yes?”
Maya chuckled. “A bit of both I think. Thank you, love. You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
“It’s no trouble when it’s for you. Now relax, I’ve got this covered.” Carina nudged Maya towards the set table. “Tell me about your day.”
Over the delicious meal, Maya recounted the goodbyes and nostalgia of her last shift. Carina listened intently, holding Maya’s hand, grounding her through the turbulent emotions. Later, wrapped safely in Carina’s arms, Maya let the rest of the world fade away. She was ready for whatever came next with her soulmate by her side.