The shift had just ended at Station 113, and Blue Bennings stretched his tall frame, feeling the exhaustion settle into his muscles after another long day. He spotted Y/N across the station bay, wiping down equipment with focused intensity.
"Hey there, Y/N." Blue called out, his voice carrying that distinctive Tennessee drawl. "That was quite the call we had today, wasn't it?"
Y/N looked up, a bit surprised by the friendly tone. "Yeah, Blue. Could've gone worse though."
Blue sauntered over, his confident stride belying the self-doubt that sometimes plagued him. "Say, I was wonderin' if you'd like to grab a beer with me after this? There's a little joint down the street that serves some mighty fine brew."
Y/N paused, looking at Blue with confusion. "You're asking me out? For a beer?"
Blue chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest. "Well now, what's so surprisin' about that? You look like you could use a drink after today's shenanigans."
Y/N shifted uncomfortably. "I just figured... well, you seem like you'd be more interested in... you know, ladies. Someone as... well, as red-blooded as you."
Blue's laugh grew louder, and he clapped Y/N on the shoulder. "Oh, darlin', you're thinkin' too small. When you're dancin' for a livin' like I was, you learn that folks are just folks. Men, women, doesn't matter none when you're tryin' to make rent for you and your momma. I dealt with plenty of fellers who appreciated my... talents."
He leaned in slightly, his brown eyes twinkling. "And besides, ain't nothin' wrong with two fellers havin' a beer together in Tennessee. We're just two firefighters lookin' to unwind after a hard day's work."
"So what do you say, Y/N? You, me, and a couple of cold ones? My treat."
“Now, how can I refuse such an offer?” Y/N grins.
Blue grins, too. “Excellent.”
