Kaito and I were enjoying our ramen until Kaito received a call, and I too received one at the same time.

Me: Xander? What's-

Xander: I know you are on leave until Monday, but duty calls.

Me: On my way.

---END OF CALL---

Kaito: Ready?

I took one final slurp of my ramen noodles and nodded.

Me: I am ready!

Rushing out of the shop, I got into Kaito's car and immediately drove to the fire station, where everyone else were getting prepared to head out, getting out of the car, I rushed to my locker and packed my bag and phone and rushed to change. I began struggling with the belt (which was a first) but Kaito in swift motion, helped with it, and put on my helmet as well.

Me: (blushing) Thanks Kaito.

Kaito: Okay. Let's go, rookie!

Rushing to the truck, we jumped in and I saw Sharla looking at me, but I ignored her sharp gaze.

Me: What's the situation,n Xander?

Sharla: You don't know the situation Zayla? A bit disappointing for a rookie.

The truck fell silent.

Me: At least be grateful I came out to help on my off day Sharla.

Sharla: A firefighter doesn't get free time Zayla.

Me: (to Xander) You were saying?

Xander: Um, yeah. An intoxicated lady is at the brink of falling from a 10-floor building.

Sharla: And we are there to save a drunk lady?

Xander: This means someone's life, Sharla. Our jobs involve more that just saving people from fires. We are also a rescue team. Regardless of what the situation is, we are there to help the community.

Kaito: Xander, set up any safety precautions where possible.

Xander: On it.

Kaito: Sharla, and the others, we will be heading to the rooftop. 

Sharla: Got it.

As soon as we got there. People immediately made way for us.

Elderly lady: Thank you for coming. Please help us.

Kaito: We will.

I stayed behind as others went out. Kaito then looked at me with a raised eyebrow, leaving me puzzled.

Me: What?

Kaito: What are you waiting for? Come out! We are going up.

Me: (shocked) What?!

Kaito: Unless you are scare-

Me: (coming out of the truck) Please Kaito. Have some dignity. I would never be scared to take up a mission.

Kaito: (smirks) That's my rookie. Let's go.

I felt my heart skip a beat. I never saw him smirk or even call me his rookie... Kaito, what are you doing to me now!

We rushed upstairs and boy, were those difficult stairs to get through but I am Zayla - I am born to be a firefighter.

We got upstairs and saw the lady.

Lady: What do you people want?

Sharla: We want to help you.

Lady: By what? Stopping me from jumping off?

She walked to the railing and nearly threw herself off. We screamed in unison.

Us: NO!

She then began to laugh. She was intoxicated indeed. While they kept her company by chatting with her, I quietly slipped away to one of the apartment doors and knocked in them. A man answered the door.

Man: How can I help you?

Me: Sorry to disturb you sir, but do you have some alcoholic beverages with you right now?

He then looked at my uniform.

Man: (lighting up) Oh! You are a firefighter! Anything for you guys. How many do you want?

Me: Six?

Within minutes, he gave me six-pack of the cans and I thanked him.

Me: I promise to pay you back for these! Thank you sir!

Man: Don't stress. Continue saving people.

Me: (smiling) Thank you sir! That means a lot!

I then rushed back to see an entire commotion happening.

Lady: (shouting) What will you do for me? What can you do for me?!

Me: I can drink with you.

Everyone turned to look at me, holding the six-pack drinks. I walked up to her set the drinks down.

Me: I am also stressed about life. Though I look bubbly on the outside, I am a reserved person. I think you understand that, right?

She started to calm down.

Lady: True. But I am not moving from the railing. One mess and I am jumping.

Me: Okay. The game rules are up to you to make.

Lady: Mmm... Rock paper scissors. If I win, you drink, and vice versa.

Me: Game on.

ROUND 1

Lady and I: Rock, paper, scissors!

She was clearly in the wrong and though I kept on telling her, she kept on getting aggressive.

Me: Okay! I am wrong.

I was actually a lightweight drinker, but in this very instant, I hoped that nothing happens to me.

So I drank.

Kaito: Zayla-

Me: Don't interrupt the game Kaito.

I pulled out a thumbs up.

Me: The fun has only begun.

ROUND 2

Me: It's your turn.

She drank.

ROUND 3

Lady: It's a tie!

We drank the last two drinks in the pack and I moved away from the railing.

Lady: Hey! Where are you-

In swift motion, she collapsed and the others got her and took her downstairs. Sharla shook her head and went downstairs, leaving Kaito and me alone on the rooftop.

Kaito: Tricked rescue?

Me: Sorry. That was the only way I could rescue her.

Kaito: Dangerous but effective.

Me: I take responsibility for everything.

But the weight of the alcohol started hitting me.

Me: Don't worry! I am fine! 

I went downstairs and everyone was clapping hands. It was one of those things that kept me going.

Xander: Zayla, I heard what you did up there. Are you okay?

Me: I am fine!

Kaito: Zayla.

Me: (looking at Kaito) I am not fine. I think... I think I am going to throw up.

Kaito rushed back inside to fetch something as I tried to fight back the nauseous feeling.

Xander: Zayla, breathe.

Me: I... I can't.

Kaito: Use this.

He handed me a plastic bag and I quickly rushed to a hidden corner and threw up. It was overwhelming for my body and myself to be able to drink 4 cans - I shocked myself. 

After the nausea went away, I threw the plastic away and went back to the others. I saw Sharla walking to the other truck, while Kaito and Xander came to me.

Xander: How are you feeling?

Me: Much better. My body isn't used to drinking 4 cans of alcohol, let alone even one. I shocked myself when I withheld for long.

Kaito: Here is some water.

Me: Thanks Kaito.

I drank in small gulps. 

Kaito: Ready to head back?

Me: Yeah.

Just before we could enter the truck, I called out Kaito's name.

Me: Kaito...?

Kaito quickly turned to look at me.

Kaito: Zayla!

And I gave in to my second stage of intoxication - passing out.

Xander took the wheel while I kept Zayla on my lap. She rested on my chest, her breathing even yet a sign that she had passed out from the heavy drinking.

Xander: How is she?

Me: (looking at her) She's okay. Just passed out due to the drinking.

Xander: You care about her huh?

Me: Who?

Xander: Kaito. Let's not fool ourselves. I can see that you care about Zayla. It's evident in the way you care for her. You even visited her father? Come on. That isn't mentor love, that is called loving someone. You love Zayla.

Me: Nonsense. I can't love my rookie. She is just my rookie. I have taken her under my wing.

Xander: 200 bucks for that statement.

Me: ...

Xander: See?

I shook my head as I looked out the window.

Me: You are right. I do care about Zayla. But today, she proved her potential - though dangerously - that she has what it takes to be a firefighter.

Though, I still can't fall in love with Zayla.

Xander: Invite me to your wedding as your best man, okay?

Me: Xander, just focus on the road.