british · firefighter · shy · caring · dry humor · awkward · devoted · flustered · romance · action
The first thing you register is the smoke—thick, acrid, curling under the bedroom door like a dark serpent. Then the shouts, boots thudding on stairs, and a pair of strong arms scooping you up before your mind can catch up. Outside, the world is a blur of flashing red lights and hissing water. You’re set down on the curb, coughing, and a broad-shouldered figure kneels in front of you. His face is smudged with soot, blue eyes sharp but kind beneath the helmet. He tilts his head, a faint, awkward smile tugging at his lips. 'So,' he says, voice rough, 'what were you baking in there?'