"How many false alarms can Sunset on Six have before I can revoke their smoked cocktail privileges?" Jake asks as he, Javy, and Mickey step into the lobby of the Fortune Hotel.
"Maybe it's not a false alarm this time?" Mickey offers, sounding like he doesn't believe it even as he's saying it.
As if the universe is listening the radio clipped to Jake's turnouts springs to life, "Hostess called, it's a false alarm at Sunset on Six. Go up and confirm but then you're good to head back to the station."
"Copy," Jake says as he turns toward the elevator instead of the stairs. "That's what, five false alarms this year alone?"
"This makes six," Javy says with a sigh. "Better than an actual fire though. Plus, now you get to see your boyfriend."
"That bartender with not my boyfriend," Jake jabs at the 6 a little harder than necessary. "You think I'd ever date someone who set off the fire alarm six times in six months?"
"I think it's pretty telling that you knew who I was talking about," Javy smirks. "Lead the way, Lieutenant."
"Fuck off," Jake huffs. He hates when Javy pulls rank. Or well, he pulls Jake's rank. Javy's still just Firefighter Machado. Jake's in charge right now.
"That an order, sir," Mickey grins at him.
Just to get away from them, Jake steps out of the elevator before he doors are all the way open. The view of San Diego at Sunset on Six is breathtaking every time, especially at this time of day when the sun is actually starting to set over the ocean. The hostess, Jake thinks her name is Amelia, gives them a smile that's more like a grimace when she sees Jake.
"Bradshaw," Jake calls out toward the bar. "What did I tell you last time?"
"Lieutenant Seresin, a pleasure as always," Bradley is behind the bar looking at least a little embarrassed. The embarrassment doesn't stop him from leaning against the bar and looking up at Jake through his lashes. "What brings you to our fire establishment."
"Bradshaw," Jake grits out. "You're wasting valuable city resources.
"It wasn't me this time, I swear," Bradley says, nodding toward a guy Jake's never seen before. He's got the same glasses that Jake's grandpa wears and he's looking at Jake like a nervous chihuahua. "Bobby here was learning how to use the smoker, he got a little overzealous."
"Still you're fault, you're the one teaching him," Jake rubs his eyes. "Come on man, this is getting a little out of hand."
"How else would I see if you?" Bradley teases. Jake knows he's joking and it really isn't that much of a pain to come the two blocks from the station to the hotel. But he's never going to tell Bradshaw that.
"Try coming into the station sometime if you miss me that much," Jake's mouth moves before his brain.
"That an invite?" Bradley smiles at him, his eyes going soft in the golden hour light.
"It is," Javy appears at Jake's shoulder. "Our shift doesn't end until 9am."
"Good to know," Bradley's still smiling. "Anything else, gentleman? I wouldn't want to waste any more city resources."
"Just — train this kid better," Jake says, accepting that he's lost this round.
Bradley gives him a lazy salute, "You got it, boss."
Jake knocks on the bar once before turning and walking back toward the elevator, ignoring the way most of the patrons at the restaurant watched their interaction.
"Not a fucking word, Machado," Jake says when they're back at the elevator. "And you keep your mouth shut too, Garcia."
"Sir, yes sir," Mickey says.
"Sure he's not your boyfriend?" Javy asks. Jake shoves him out the elevator doors before they close, leaving him up on the sixth floor. He can take the fucking stairs.
