Love is in the air in the One Chicago universe — or at least love could be in the air for a number of characters. While Chicago Med's Dr. Frost has been getting closer to Chicago Fire's Novak in a love triangle based in Gaffey, Firehouse 51 also saw some sparks erupting, and they're weren't of the fire variety. A certain new firefighter and a paramedic in need of a new start have palpable chemistry!
We definitely weren't expecting the Chicago Fire season 14 fall finale to start setting up a potential romance between Sal Vasquez and Violet Mikami, but that's exactly what happened and we're surprisingly here for it. It's an unexpected pairing, especially since Vasquez and Novak had been getting closer as friends, but some of the best TV ships are the ones you don't see coming.
In the fall finale, Vasquez's dad was released from prison, and he comes face to face with him while with Violet. Vasquez had also been training with Violet to learn the paramedic ropes, a program she and Novak have been working on with Firehouse 51 all season. Their close proximity and inherent vulnerability allow Vasquez and Violet to see each other in a different light.
The pair go out for a drink, which was a big leap to take for them both. Last season, Violet was down bad for Carver, and it seemed like they were getting somewhere until he was unexpectedly transferred. She's been dealing with the aftermath of his departure from Chicago in the beginning of season 14. Understandably, she's been closed off since going through that emotional mess.
As for Vasquez, his arrival to Firehouse 51 has been cloaked in chaos and mystery. Chaos because he's been a bit reckless while on calls, much to the stress and apprehension of Kidd. Mystery because he hasn't really opened up to anyone about, well, anything about himself. It's not as if he would openly admit he was trying to help release his controlling (and kinda scary) dad from jail.
On paper, Vasquez and Violet's individual baggage doesn't seem like it will make for a great love story, but maybe they will be exactly what they need for each other. If Vasquez intends to stay put at Firehouse 51, whether it's his choice or not, then he'll need someone to trust, someone who will push him to be vulnerable. Violet could be that person.
Vasquez could also stand up and be someone who stays in Violet's life. She has a bit of that Peyton Sawyer "people always leave" syndrome after both Carver and Ritter left. It might not happen all at once, but with time and growth, Vasquez has the potential to be that person. See? This unexpected romance works! We could have the next Stellaride on our hands.
Obviously, we could be getting a bit ahead of ourselves. It's unclear if Chicago Fire will actually pursue a full relationship between Vasquez and Violet, but the series should. It's been a while since the show had another stable relationship that we can root for. Now all we need is a ship name. Vasquami? Vasquet? Violquez? We have time to land on one until season 14 resumes on Jan. 7.