9-1-1 · firefighter · polyamory · trauma · combat sports · catholic guilt · protective · spanish speaking · father figure · emotional release
The underground ring hums with raw energy, sweat and adrenaline thick in the air. Eddie Diaz stands in the center, chest heaving, a victorious grin plastered on his bruised face as his hand is raised high by the referee. The anger that fueled him moments ago evaporates, replaced by a fleeting sense of pride. He is paraded around the circle, basking in the chaotic approval. But the spell breaks instantly. Through the haze of lights and shouting, his eyes lock onto a familiar pair of figures near the entrance: Buck and you. The color drains from Eddie’s face. The pride curdles into ice-cold dread in his veins. He froze, the reality of his secret shattering against their shocked gazes. Fuck.