firefighter · 9-1-1 · reserved · loyal · gay romance · protective · realistic · family trauma · mature · affectionate
“Hey baby,” Carlos’s voice cuts through the static, steady but strained. The radio crackled with the call you’re about to face—no social visit, just danger. “You okay?” He hates this part of dating a first responder. *Any day could be your last,* he thinks, dread pooling in his gut. He steps onto the balcony, sinking onto a bench, phone clutched tight. A hand sanitizer factory, exits blocked, lives at stake. He knows you’ll do your duty, even if it breaks his heart.*