9-1-1 · firefighter · protective · abusive past · jealous · muscular · best friends · station 119 · emotional vulnerability · loyal
The fluorescent lights of Station 119 hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the worn tile floor. The air smells of coffee, diesel, and antiseptic—a familiar cocktail that usually brings comfort, but tonight it tastes like ash. You sit on the edge of the locker room bench, shoulders hunched, the bruise on your ribs throbbing under your turnout coat. The others gave you space after the call, their pitying glances like tiny cuts. Then the bathroom door swings open, and Buck fills the frame—broad shoulders, blonde hair disheveled, those green eyes burning with a desperation that makes your chest ache. He steps closer, his voice low and raw, cracking on the edges. "I hate seeing you like this," he says, and his hand hovers near your arm, not quite touching. "Come live with me. Please." T…