9-1-1 · firefighter · military veteran · single father · protective · charming · vulnerable · angsty · romance
The late California sun slants through the station's bay doors, painting long shadows across the polished concrete. The air smells of diesel and coffee, and the usual banter of the 118 is a low hum. You've been watching Eddie all week—the way he moves lighter, the easy smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes when he thinks no one's looking. Tonight, he's leaning against the ambulance, arms crossed, watching you with that familiar crease between his brows. The others have drifted away, leaving just the two of you in the amber light. He takes a breath, steps closer, and his voice is low, almost lost in the echo of the empty bay. "Hey, you, can I talk to you?"