Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tyler sat in his car nervously tapping the steering wheel watching the other vehicles roll into the parking lot.
He had parked opposite the address he’d found online, LAFD Firehouse 118. This was it, the nerves were in full flow, his determination to confront the man who abandoned him as a baby leading his mind. That was until he spotted him exiting his truck, he was older than he’d expected, they looked similar, same eyes, same smile. His mom was right. He did look like his dad.

——————————————————

Bobby was up in the loft readily preparing breakfast for the team, chatting with Hen and Chim as they sat at the island in front of him.
“Yeah, so that’s what we’ve decided. No involvement from Michael this time around, we find our own architect, and approve everything together!” Bobby explained as he stirred the eggs.
Hen and Chim glanced at each other smirking,
“Surely not, this can’t be Bobby and Athena Nash actually communicating with each other.” Hen remarked as she sipped her coffee, Chim chuckled at her as Bobby raised his eyebrow and pointed the spatula in her direction
“Hey, don’t make me bring back Gerard!”
The three laughed as they continued the breakfast preparations.

Buck and Eddie were down in the truck bay making sure everything was fully stocked ready for their next call. Buck leant forward to check the list in Eddie’s hand as the other man snatched the paper out of his sight.
“No way! Not after last time, the list stays with me, Buck! Cap’s orders”
Buck pouted and flicked his hand against Eddie’s arm
“I’ve explained several times, that was Buck 3.0, I am now…”
Eddie raised his eyebrow and smirked
“Well, I’ve lost count, but I’m not 3.0 anymore, I am a mature sensible firefighter, now gimme the list”
Buck dived towards Eddie with hands outstretched.
The two men laughed as they ran toward the front of the engine, stopping suddenly at the sight of the young man in the doorway.

“Erm, I’m looking for Robert Nash” the young man asked, looking curiously between the two young firefighters.

“And, who exactly are you?” Buck asked folding his arms across his chest and stepping ahead of Eddie.

“Erm, yeah, I’m Tyler, I’d like to talk to him if I can, it’s kinda private” Tyler shoved his hands awkwardly into his pockets and rocked on his heels

Eddie and Buck glanced between them, silently agreeing Eddie should be the one to leave and find Bobby, Buck’s protectiveness keeping his feet rooted in front of Tyler.

Eddie jogged up to the loft “Hey cap, there’s a kid downstairs wants to see you, says his names Tyler. Kinda weird tho, he called you Robert?”

Bobby set the spatula down and glanced over the glass balcony, “Don’t recognise him. Reckon he’s someone we’ve saved?”

Eddie shrugged

“Buck!” Bobby shouted down into the bay

“Erm Cap, you better come down and see him. He says he’s from Minnesota.” Buck shouted back up nervously, not once taking his eyes off the mysterious visitor.

Bobby walked down the stairs, thoughts racing, did Marcy have a nephew he didn’t know about, or Charlie? Why would someone from Minnesota be here, at his firehouse? And why on earth did they call him Robert?!

As Bobby got closer to the young man, his features softened before turning into a look of shock. He looked just like Bobby Jnr, except his hair was darker, like his.

He extended his hand to Tyler, “Hi, I’m Capt Nash”

Tyler glanced at Bobbys hand before looking him directly in the eyes,

“and I’m Tyler Mills. Your son.”

———————————————————————-

Bobby’s eyes widened as he shook his head, “I think you’re mistaken Tyler, I’m sorry but I’m not your father”
Tyler’s hands fidgeted in his pocket as he rocked on his heels again, “No, Mom was very clear, Robert Nash, Capt of Firehouse 8, in St Paul. You used to live with us in Highland Park, until you left us and married that woman.”

Bobby laughed slightly and shook his head again, “Never in my life have I lived in or anywhere near Highland Park. I always lived in North or East side St Paul. Someone’s been lying to you kid”

Tyler balled his fists in his pocket “My mom’s not a liar! You left us! You left me!”

Bobby took a step towards the agitated young man before Buck grabbed his arm “Listen, Tyler, I’m not saying your moms a liar, maybe she’s just tried to protect you or something by, but believe me, I’d never abandon a child. Ever!”

Tyler took in a deep breath before looking back up at Bobby, “You haven’t even asked her name!”

Bobby rolled his eyes slightly and took a breath similar to Tyler’s “What’s your mom’s name?”

“Kelly. Kelly Mills. She met you working in Murphy’s, the Irish bar in..”

“Downtown St Paul” Bobby finished

The team glanced between each other, eyes wide, mouths gaped.
Hen leant closer to Chim, whispering “They do look kinda similar”
Chim hummed in agreement before nudging Eddie, who silently agreed.
Buck still stood slightly between Bobby and Tyler, arms across his chest, legs slightly set to balance himself.

Bobby glanced at the floor before looking back up at Tyler “My office is this way, we’ll talk in there.”

—————————————————————-

Hen, Chimney and Eddie sat at the kitchen island whilst Buck raided the refrigerator for snacks.

“Do we call Athena?” Hen offered into the silence

“Not our place is it, they’ve only just started communicating properly, we’ve got to leave this one to Bobby” Chim responded, not lifting his head from the salt granules he was dividing into neat piles on the counter.

Eddie sounded his agreement as he strolled over to the pinball machine, “Do we think he’s telling the truth then? Bobby abandoned him as a kid?”

“He would never, he said so himself! There’s got to be lies somewhere! Bobby wouldn’t do that” Buck shouted defensively from inside the fridge

“Buck, what are you doing?!” Hen asked as locked her phone and slammed it on the counter in frustration.

“He stress eats.” Eddie explained, as he continued his game

Chim and Hen both spun in their seats to look at Eddie before looking back at Buck, who has resurfaced from the fridge with handfuls of food.

“It’s not stress eating. I’m….bulking” Buck defended

Chim smirked at Buck before grabbing a candy bar from the island “Same.”

——————————————————————

Bobby sat behind his desk and gestured for Tyler to take the seat opposite.

“So you do remember her?” Tyler asked as he sat back in the chair

“Briefly. Days back then can be blurry Tyler, I wasn’t in a good place, I wasn’t a great man. Your mom and I was a one night thing. I was married, my wife and I had argued, I left, found a bar, got chatting to your mom and things went from there.”

Tyler shook his head, “No, you’re lying. What are you tryna say about my mom. That she slept around?!”

Bobby held his hands up defensively, “No, no, not at all. I’m the one at fault here, not your mom. Whatever’s she’s told you was probably trying to protect you. I barely even remember it. Only when you mentioned the bar, it came back to me!”

“So you’re telling me she told me you abandoned me to protect me? Protect me from what?” Tyler slammed his hands on the desk

Bobby glanced down at his hands in his lap, “I don’t know, but I promise you, if you are my son, I never ever knew about you”

Tyler let out a breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding as the room filled with the sound of alarms blaring.

Bobby jumped up from his desk, grabbing his radio and slipping it over his head. “Will you stay? We’ll talk when I get back?”

Tyler nodded as Bobby led him back out into the bay.

Bobby jumped into the captains seat in silence, placed his headset on and focused on the road ahead.

The team behind him exchanged glances before all looking at the floor in silence.

Chapter Text

They’d been back from their latest call for an hour, Bobby headed straight to his office when they got back and no-one had seen him since. Come to think of it, they hadn’t seen the mysterious ‘Tyler’ either.

Hen and Chimney were busy restocking the Ambulance, whilst Buck and Eddie were over in the gym area lifting weights when Athena entered through the side door.

“Have I missed lunch?” She asked as she walked over towards the Ambulance, “It usually smells of my husbands good food around this time?” She glanced at her watch and raised an eyebrow as Buck and Eddie slowly made their way over.

Hen glanced at Chimney before looking back to Athena, “Erm, he’s in his office ‘thena. I think he might need you.”

Panic covered Athena’s face in an instant as she looked between the 4 firefighters, “What happened?! Is he okay? Did he get hurt?” She started to become frustrated, “If that man has refused treatment, again, I swear..”

“No, no, nothing like that, I think you just need to talk to him.” Chimney interrupted, nudging Hen in the ribs before she had chance to intervene.

Athena glanced once more between the other 4 firefighters before heading over towards the captain's office.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bobby grunted as he heard a knock on the other side of the door, only lifting his head when Athena spoke.

“Baby, what’s happened?”

Bobby hung his head again before sighing and standing up. “‘Thena, I need to tell you something, but before I do, you best sit down.”

Athena looked at her husband with suspicious eyes, folding her arms across her chest defensively, “I think i’ll stand.”

Bobby sighed and walked round the front of his desk, leaning his lower back against it, his hands rooted to the surface, either side of his hips.

“Do you remember me telling you how bad things were between Marcy and I, just before the kids were born? When the drinking got out of control?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And I told you I’d cheated in the past.”
Athena’s eyes narrowed as she hummed in agreement once again.

Bobby sighed and looked up to the ceiling, his eyes filling. He rubbed the back of his hand against his eyes and looked back at his wife. “This morning a kid, well not a kid, he’s a grown man, but, yeah, a kid, my kid, turned up here looking for me.”

Athena held her hand up towards Bobby, “Woah, back up, who’s kid?”

“‘Thena, I swear to you I didn’t know. If I’d have known then….”

“Bobby. Baby. Stop. Let’s go back to the beginning. Who is this kid? What’s his name?”

Bobby glanced up at his wife with tears in his eyes once more. “Tyler. Tyler Mills.”

“Let me call Rick, I’ll get him to do a background check. Where’s he from? What’s his birthday?”

Bobby shrugged and rubbed his eyes heavily, “Erm, Highland Park Minnesota, his Mom’s name is Kelly, no idea on Birthday but I’m guessing he’d be a few months older than Junior.”

Athena grabbed her phone from her pocket and dialled the familiar number.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The door to the cold, bland apartment slammed behind them as Bobby all but collapsed on the couch infront of him. With everything they had both been through in the past year, Bobby had been extremely proud of himself for barely even having the urge to drink through any of it, but now, oh he knows he could easily finish off 2 bottles of whiskey right now, at least.

He groaned into the cushion as Athena made her way around the small kitchenette.

“Well, at least we know he wasn’t lying about his name, his mother’s name or where he’s from.” Athena said as she poured them both a glass of ice tea.

Bobby huffed and sat himself up, “I just can’t believe she wouldn’t tell me, I mean, she told him my name, where I worked, Marcy’s name. She knew so much about me, yet didn't even bother to tell me about Tyler!” He put his head back in his hands again, groaning as he pulled his hair in frustration.

“We don’t know for definite that he is actually your son yet Bobby. We’ve requested a DNA test, let’s see if he agrees to it. Then we take it from there.”

“I thought I'd felt guilty before ‘thena, I thought that I'd battled my demons and I was finally free, but now I find out I’ve probably got a 23 year old son, who I knew nothing about, who’s spent is entire life believing I knew about him and that I abandoned him. What if he is my son, and he hates me. How do I even begin to deal with that?!”

Bobby almost jumped off the couch, rubbed his hands over his face, breathing deeply. “I need to go to a meeting. Now.”

Athena nodded and walked over to him, “Want some company?”

Bobby slipped his hand into hers and rested his chin on her head, “I’d like that.”

They made their way down to Bobby’s truck, Athena’s thumb stroking the back of his hand as they walked.

Once they settled into the truck Athena glanced over at her husband, “Did she know?”

Bobby quirked an eyebrow, “Marcy?”

“Yeah, did she know you slept with someone else?”

Bobby shook his head shamefully, “No, she accused me of it many times, working late, staying late in bars etc, but I always denied it.”

“How many times did it happen?”

“Just the once, I swear to god Athena, it was once. She threatened me with divorce, my drinking was way out of hand and I just stormed out. Thought my marriage was gone, I went into self destruct mode.”

“Did you regret it?”

“Every day. I wanted to tell her, but then she told me she was pregnant with Junior and I chickened out. Thought if she knew the truth I’d never see my kid again. Turns out that fucking happened anyway!” He slammed his hand on the steering wheel.

Athena reached over and placed her hand on Bobby’s thigh, smiling weakly at him. “You’ll work it out baby, we both will, together.”

Bobby smiled unconvincingly before parking the truck outside his usual meeting place.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tyler sat outside the bar watching people pass him by, he’d just spoken to an LAPD detective, apparently Bobby had requested a DNA test. First he accused his mom of lying and now him, what’s his problem?

He unlocked the phone, hovering over the call button once again, before sighing and pressing the icon. He waited until the dialling tones finished before being transferred to the voicemail of his intended recipient.

“Hi, it’s me again. I found him, he didn’t believe me, he said it was all a lie. You were right though, we look alike, even sound alike. Funny things, genetics. I just wish you were here to back me up about it all. I miss you mom. Love you always”

Tyler hung up his phone, facing it screen down on the table before picking his glass and downing the amber liquid within, wincing as it burned down his throat.

“Hmm. Funny things, genetics.” He raised his glass slightly to the sky before beckoning the server back over to the table.

Chapter Text

“Baby, it’s been over a week now. You have the proof you wanted. Call him.” Athena remarked as she placed Bobby’s coffee on the island ahead of him.
“What if he doesn’t want to know me. He thinks I abandoned him. He hates me, and he has every right to.” Bobby huffed in defeat.
“Baby, stop. Stop this right now. I’m not letting you do this to yourself again! Why does he have a right to hate you? You didn’t know he existed until he appeared at your place of work 10 days ago!” Athena sighed and placed both her hands around her own mug.

“She’s right Bobby, you’ve got nothing to feel guilty about!” Chimney added.
Bobby glanced around at his team, who had all decided to descend on the small apartment to offer their support to their evidently struggling leader.
The rest of the team nodded, Buck stood up from the small couch and headed towards Bobby, “Cap, you’re an amazing dad, an amazing man even, Tyler would be lucky to have you in his life. Just call him.”

Bobby sighed and picked up his phone before heading into the bedroom “Fine.”

He closed the door behind him and perched on the end of the bed, scrolling through his contacts to find the newest name, he exhaled before pressing the call button and holding the phone to his ear.

————————————————————-

Tyler groaned as his phone rang loudly on the cabinet next to the bed, he glanced at the caller ID before answering.

“Hi.”

“Erm, Hi Tyler, it’s Bobby. I, erm, I was wondering if you wanted to meet up today, for a coffee, and a chat?” Bobby asked nervously as he fidgeted on the other end of the phone.

Tyler rubbed his eyes and yawned, “Uh, Yeah, what time? And where?”

“In about an hour? There’s a coffee shop near the firehouse, I could meet you there?”

“Sure, just you though?”

“If that’s what you want, yeah. I’ll text you the name”

“Okay, see you there in an hour Bobby.”

Tyler ended the call and sat up in bed, he assessed the room in front of him, maybe he had gone a bit too far with the mini bar. Empty miniature bottles lay along one side of the dresser and day old takeout containers cluttered the other side. He stretched his arms over his head, scrunching his face as he caught a whiff of himself.

“Better get a shower!”

——————————————————————

Bobby headed out of the bedroom to the waiting faces in the small living area

“So?” Hen asked

“I’m meeting him at Billy’s coffee shop in an hour.”

Athena smiled and sipped her coffee, “We’ll all go!”

“No, he said he wanted it to be just the two of us. I don’t want to break his trust straight away do I?” Bobby said as he put his hands in his pocket, rocking slightly on his heels.

“I’m not sure Cap, he seemed pretty angry the other day, what if it’s an ambush?” Buck exclaimed as he crossed his arms over his chest

“It’s hardly gonna be an ambush Buck, I asked him to meet me remember. And anyway, I can handle whatever anger he’s got to throw my way. I’ve got 23 years to make up to him.”

Athena shook her head, “Buck’s right baby, you shouldn’t go alone, what if he’s too angry and lashes out. You need back up!”

“‘Thena, it’s not a stake out. I’m not an undercover cop about to be found out, he’s my son. If he lashes out, he lashes out.”

“At least let me organise a drive by from my unit?”

Bobby rolled his eyes and glared at his wife

“Fine, I’ll drop you off and wait near the firehouse. I’ll steer clear of the coffee shop, I just want to be nearby in case it goes off.”

“Copy that sergeant” Bobby smiled at his wife and ran his hands over his face, “Urgh God, I haven’t felt this nervous since I proposed!” He let out a small laugh and sat back at the island to finish his coffee.

————————————————————

Bobby sat nervously at the table in the far corner of the coffee shop, he decided to wait for Tyler to arrive before ordering a drink, he didn’t want to be presumptuous, he also didn’t want to be sat nursing a coffee waiting for someone who may not even show. The bell above the door broke him from his thoughts as he glanced up at the arrival, an evidently hungover Tyler. Bobby stood up, wondering how to greet his son, deciding to just offer his hand out to the young man.

Tyler smiled and nodded at Bobby, not shaking his hand and sat in the seat opposite Bobby.

“Coffee? Looks like you need it. Heavy night?”

Tyler glanced up at Bobby and nodded, “Please. No sugar, no cream”

Bobby nodded and headed to the counter to get the drinks.

He headed back to the table, placing the mug of coffee in front of Tyler.

Tyler smiled appreciatively and took a small sip, “Definitely what I need today”

“Heavy night then?” Bobby asked as he sipped his own drink

Tyler nodded, “Went a bit mad with the mini bar. Surprised you didn’t suggest meeting in a bar to be honest, heard you like a drink yourself.”

Bobby chuckled slightly and reached into his pocket, pulling out his most recent chip and sliding it across the table “6 years sober.”

Tyler picked up the chip and inspected its markings “Oh shit, you’re like a full blown alcoholic. Mom said you were a drinker, I just thought she meant socially.” He offered the chip back to the older man.

Bobby shook his head and placed the chip back in his pocket, “Nope, a lot happened to me because of drinking, that’s a conversation for another time though, kinda, I wanted to explain my side to you. If you’d let me?”

Tyler gestured with his hand for Bobby to continue as he sipped his coffee

“Like i said, Alcohol has caused me so many issues over the years, don’t worry, this isn’t gonna be a lecture about drinking but, yeah, my marriage was falling apart, my wife, well, ex wife, no, late wife, knew the drinking was getting out of control and told me to make a choice, her or the drink, I stormed out the house, headed straight to downtown and that’s where I met your mom, it wasn’t an affair or anything sordid like that, it was a one night thing Tyler, I swear to you. If I knew she was pregnant, believe me I’d have been there for you.” Bobby sighed and sipped his coffee “but to be honest kid, you’re probably better off that I wasn’t around.”

Tyler huffed and glanced up at Bobby, “Did she know about it? Your late wife?”

Bobby shook his head and looked down at the table in shame, “No, within a few weeks, she was pregnant herself, I just put it to the back of my mind and hoped I’d never have to tell her.”

“So you’ve got other kids?” Tyler sat forward in his seat

“Had. A boy and a girl, Bobby and Brooke. They died along with their mother 10 years ago. A big apartment fire.”

“The one in Hayden Heights?”

Bobby nodded sadly

“I heard about that, some idiot left a stove on or something didn’t they?”

“Space Heater.” Bobby pointed to himself, “The idiot.”

Tyler’s jaw dropped, “You killed your own family?!”

“Accidentally, they said the building wasn’t up to code and all sorts but yeah, it was my fault, and I’ve spent the last 10 years punishing myself for it.”

Tyler’s eyes widened as he glanced back down at the table “Shit.”

Bobby laughed slightly, “Yeah, shit. Told you, I wasn’t the best person back then.”

“Sounds it.” Tyler looked across at Bobby and smiled slightly.

“So, go on, tell me more about yourself then.” Bobby exhaled and slipped a hand back around the mug in front of him

“Why does this feel like the start of a meeting, do I need to start with, My names Tyler and I’m probably an alcoholic too?” He chuckled and sipped his coffee.

Bobby shook his head and laughed, “Only if you want to.”

“Okay then, well you know my name, I’m jobless, homeless and until 10 days ago I thought I was practically an orphan!” He shrugged and slumped down in his seat

Bobby looked quizzically, “Your mom’s passed away?”

“6 months ago. Cancer. Found it too late, nothing they could do.”

Bobby reached across the table, placing his hand on Tyler’s arm, “I’m so sorry”

Tyler pulled his arm away, “I’m over it, that’s what pushed me to find you. Lose one parent, find another, or something like that.”

“So do you have any other family? Siblings?”

Tyler shook his head, “Nope, just me. It was always just me and mom, never really had any other family.”

Bobby nodded sadly, “Well, you’ve got me now, and my family.”

“I thought they died?!”

“I remarried 5 years ago, Athena, she’s amazing, she’s got two kids, May and Harry, and then there’s my team, you met them when you came to work, they’re my family. All of them, and you.”

Tyler nodded and played with his empty mug, “Sounds kinda nice”

“You can meet them all if you want? Might have to wait to meet Harry and May though, May’s away at college and Harry’s in Florida with his dad.”

Tyler shrugged, “Why not.”

Chapter Text

Bobby smiled over at Tyler as he placed his phone back on the table. “Athena’s on her way, she should be here any minute.”

Tyler nodded and signalled to the server for a refill on his and Bobby’s coffees. Bobby nodded and asked for a third cup ready for Athena.

The door opened behind them as Athena made her way over to the table. She smiled widely at Bobby before looking over to Tyler, she let out a small gasp at their similarities.

Tyler stood from his seat and held his hand out to Athena, “Hi. I’m Tyler.”

Athena took his hand and introduced herself before taking her place at Bobby’s side, “It’s nice to finally meet you Tyler.”

“Likewise.” Tyler smiled and sipped his coffee before glancing back up at Athena, “So you’re a cop?”

“Sergeant, yes.”

“Nice. I applied to be a cop back home, didn’t make the cut though.”

Athena looked at Bobby with a smirk, “Thought you’d apply to be a firefighter?”

Tyler shook his head and smiled, “No, can’t do heights.”

Athena and Bobby chuckled slightly, “What stopped you from getting into the academy then?” Athena asked with intrigue.

“Medical.” Tyler rolled his eyes, “Stupidly went for a few drinks with my friends the night before, apparently turning up to your police academy medical technically ‘over the limit’ is highly frowned upon.”

Athena shook her head and side eyed her husband next to her. “Would you ever try again? Sober this time?”

Tyler shrugged, “Can’t. Once you’ve applied once and failed the medical they won’t let you reapply.”

“What if it were in a different state?” Bobby piped up.

“You mean here? in California” Tyler’s glance snapped up from the table

“Why not? You said you’ve got no family back in Minnesota, you’ve got family here now, with me, and I’d like to be in your life Tyler. I’ve got a hell of a lot of making up to do with you.” Bobby said sincerely.

Tyler shrugged, “I’d give it a go. If I can.”

Athena smiled, “I’ll speak to my captain at the precinct, see if she can pull some strings for you. On one condition though, you get all this..” she gestured up and down his body with her hand, “under control. Whatever it is, drink-wise.” She glared at him and nudged Bobby with her arm.

“I’m not an alcoholic!” Tyler shouted defensively as he stood up. “I’m not him!” He pointed at Bobby before exhaling heavily and storming out of the coffee shop.

“Thanks Athena!” Bobby said as he shook his head, “Why didn’t you leave it to me to deal with?!”

Athena looked over at him in shock, “well I didn’t expect that kind of reaction, I thought hens be grateful at least!”

Bobby shook his head, “You don’t understand.” He stood up from his seat, “I need to talk to him. I’ll call you later!” He turned and left the coffee shop, leaving Athena to her coffee and thoughts.

—————————————————————-

Tyler rejected yet another call from Bobby as he finished his third drink. He signalled to the bartender to refill his glass as he waved his credit card.

Sighing as his phone rang again, he finally answered. “What do you want Bobby? Leave me alone.”

Bobby exhaled in relief on the other end “I want to help you Tyler. Just tell me where you are.”

Tyler huffed and downed his fourth glass of whiskey “Dunno, a bar round the corner.”

“Round the corner from where? Your hotel?!”

“The coffee shop.”

Bobby sighed, turned a full 180 and jogged back in the direction he came from. “Which one? What’s it called?”

“Dunno, Tim something.”

Bobby rolled his eyes, of course it had to be the first bar he broke his sobriety in after he joined the 118. “Stay there, I’m 5 minutes out.”

————————————————————-

Tyler signalled for 2 more drinks as Bobby sat next to him at the bar. Bobby shook his head to the bartender “One for him, club soda for me please.”

Tyler scoffed, “Not joining me for one?”

Bobby shook his head again, “Too much to lose.”

Tyler laughed as he threw the drink back. It’s be nice. Having something worth losing.”

“Hey, you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Don’t go throwing it away over this.” Bobby gestured to the empty glass “Come on, let’s find a table, away from the bar.” He picked up his glass and walked to a table on the far side of the room. Tyler reluctantly stood and followed Bobby over to the table, taking the seat opposite.

Bobby sighed and sat back in his seat, “So go on, no judgement from me, tell me, when did it start?”

“What start?”

“This. The drinking.”

Tyler shrugged, “I dunno, when I was, um, 21.”

Bobby raised his eyebrow causing Tyler to duck his head

“Okay, maybe a few years before. I wasn’t getting on well with Mom, she had a new boyfriend, who was an ass. Like, not even a little bit, like, he fully fucking hated me, but she didn’t care, she loved him and spent all her time with him.”

Bobby sipped his drink again, “How old were you?”

“14.”

Bobby sighed

“What happened to no judgement!”

Bobby laughed, “No judgement from me, I was younger. Go on.”

“Well that’s kind of it. I spent less time at home, more time hanging out with my friends, older kids, you know, the usual, parties, staying out late that kinda thing.”

“And it just got worse?”

“It made me forget, forget how shit my mom was making me feel, forgot how shit you made me feel. I felt like nobody wanted me and this just helped me forget all that. I felt free.”

Bobby nodded, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you kid.”

Tyler shrugged, “So go on then, what’s your story.”

Bobby sighed and laughed, “Oh no. Let’s not dig all that up.”

“No go on, you said we need to get to know each other. Tell me Bobby, what made you drink?”

Bobby sighed again and spun his glass in his hand. “My dad died.”

“Shit. How old were you?”

“13. I found him, he was drunk, fell, hit his head, dead before he hit the ground apparently. I didn’t find him until the next morning.”

“So it is genetic.” Tyler laughed

Bobby scoffed slightly, “Must be.”

“What did your mom say?” Tyler asked as he signalled to the bartender for two more drinks

“I dunno, she’d left us a week or so before, took my brother with her. I didn’t wanna go, I knew my dad couldn’t cope on his own, just didn’t realise how bad on alcohol he actually was.” Bobby looked up at Tyler.

“He had everything to live for, a family, a job, he was a fire captain too. But he chose to drink over everything. Once they’d collected his body and I sat in the house waiting for my mom, I found his stash of whiskey in the kitchen, poured myself a glass and yeah, never looked back really.”

Tyler sighed and fiddled with a napkin on the table, “So we’ve both had shitty childhoods then.”

Bobby laughed, “Both have alcoholic fathers yeah.”

Tyler smiled softly before looking back up at Bobby, “I think I’m ready.”

“For what?”

“Help.”

Bobby smiled softly and stood up, “Come on then.”

Tyler looked at him, “Where are we going?”

“To get you some help.”

Tyler went to grab his fresh drink as Bobby took the glass from his hand, placing it on the table. “Leave it.” Bobby gave the bartender the money to clear their bill, plus tip before grabbing Tyler’s arm to steady him and lead him towards the door.

“I’m not going to AA!” Tyler staggered and slurred slightly in the fresh air

“I thought you wanted help?” Bobby let go and faced his son

“I do.”

“Well this is step 1. Well, technically, step 1 is sobering you up. Come on!”

———————————————————————

Athena sat in the empty apartment after spending the last hour stress cleaning. She looked up as the door opened and Bobby walked in.

“Baby, I’m sorry…” she started

“We’ll talk later baby, let me get him sorted first.” Bobby interrupted as he dragged a very drunk Tyler into the apartment behind him.

“Can you get me a spare pair of sweats and a T-shirt for him please?”

Athena nodded and walked into the bedroom before opening Bobby's dresser drawers.

Bobby dragged Tyler towards the bathroom and turned the shower on full and cold. “Come on, clothes off and in. This will sober you up in no time!”

Tyler staggered slightly as he undressed and climbed into the shower, yelping at the temperature.

Bobby left the bathroom and met Athena in their bedroom. “Didn’t take him long did it?” Athena stated as she sat on the bed.

Bobby shook his head, “He’s asked for help.”

Athena shrugged slightly, “Its a start, let’s hope he actually wants the help.”

“He probably will drink again, you always do when you first try and stop it, but he needs me ‘thena, he needs us, his family. Just like I did.”

Athena sighed softly and took her husbands hand, “You can only help someone who wants to be helped baby, you know that.”

Bobby squeezed her hand and smiled, “I know, but he has no-one. I’m all he has left.”

They both looked round as Tyler opened the bathroom door, hair dripping and towel wrapped around his waist, “Why is everyone’s answer, a cold shower?!”

“It works” Athena and Bobby said in unison before laughing.

Tyler shook his head and picked the clothes up from the bed and headed back into the bathroom.

Athena stood from the bed and looked at her husband, “I’ll put on a pot of coffee and I’ll call Buck, he’ll get the 118 here, if it’s a family he wants, a family he’s gonna get.”

Bobby smiled widely at his wife before blowing her a small kiss, “I love you baby.”

Athena smiled over her shoulder, “I love you too boo”

Chapter Text

Tyler groaned and rubbed his eyes as the smell of fresh coffee dragged him out of sleep. He rolls over to face the room ahead of him. He’d spent the last 2 days sleeping on Bobby and Athena’s couch in their tiny apartment after they’d hosted their mini intervention just for him.

He spotted the coffee on the table and sat himself up. “Morning kid.” Bobby said quietly from the island behind the couch. Tyler raised his hand in a half hearted wave as he drank his coffee.
“Buck will be here soon, you better hurry up and get dressed. He doesn’t mind you waiting round for him, but god forbid you keep him waiting.” Bobby chuckled.
“Where’s Athena?” Tyler asked through a yawn
“Work. She got called in to help with a big case.”

Tyler nodded and stood himself up, stretching and groaning, “Why did I agree to this?”

“It’s to make you feel better, anyway, you need stuff to distract you and things to aim for. Athena wasn’t joking when she said she’d talk to Elaine for you. Don’t let her down.” Bobby explained

As Tyler trudged into the bathroom there was a knock on the door, Bobby walked over opening the door to reveal both Buck and Eddie in their workout gear, “He ready?”

Bobby smiled, “He’s just gone to get dressed. Should be out in a minute.”

Buck rubbed his hands together and stretched toward the ceiling, “We’ll put him through his paces Cap, don’t worry.”

“It’s about giving him a focus and making him feel better, not training him to compete!”

“Well first of all, he’s coming to the firehouse with us. Best way to start him off is ‘Hose Maintenance’” Eddie explained with a chuckle.

“How long have you two been planning this?” Bobby asked with a raised eyebrow

“When you called last night, I was already at Eddie’s so we just decided two would be better than one and we spent most of the night coming up with a training plan for him!”

Bobby shook his head and laughed, “Just don’t get him anywhere near a ladder. He’s not good with heights apparently.”

“So we’re not training him to be a firefighter?!” Buck pouted

Bobby threw his head back and laughed, “No! We’re supposed to be giving him a focus to stay sober!”

Buck sighed and put his hands on his hips, “Well, next time, clarify! We’ve got a whole 12 week programme mapped out!”

Eddie nodded in agreement and crossed his arms over his chest, “Looks like we need to adjust it!”

Tyler appeared in the doorway, with his grey sweatpants and Bobby’s Minnesota Twins hoodie on.

Eddie smirked and looked him up and down, “You do remember you’re in LA not Minnesota don’t you? It’s 84 outside, you’re gonna fry.”

Tyler rolled his eyes, “Well I don’t have anything else!”

Buck crouched down by his bag, “Thought you might say that, you can have these, they’re too small for me now!” He threw 2 pairs of shorts and a couple of smaller sized LAFD t-shirts towards Tyler, “Don’t forget a water bottle! Meet us downstairs in 5!”

Bobby smiled at the 3 men before sitting behind his laptop, “Go easy on him you two!”

Eddie mock saluted Bobby as he left the apartment, Buck nodding behind him, “Enjoy the architect meeting Cap!” Buck shouted down the hall.

Tyler stepped out of the bathroom once again, now wearing the shorts and T-shirts Buck had handed down to him, Bobby felt pride rise in his chest as his son stood before him in LAFD training gear, “It’s a shame you’re so against being a firefighter kid, suits you!”

Tyler smiled back at Bobby before picking his water bottle up and heading towards the door, “I’ll let you know for definite once I’ve finished with the Deadly Duo down there!”

Bobby laughed loudly as his zoom meeting with the architect began.

———————————————————————

Eddie’s truck pulled up outside the firehouse and the 3 of them jumped out.

“Now, first things first, drink this!” Buck said as he handed Tyler a mixer bottle filled with a creamy pink liquid. “Strawberry protein shake!”

Tyler started to drink his shake as he followed the two men into the firehouse, “So what we doing first then? Weights?” He smiled as he tried to lift one of the dumbbells off the rack

“Nope, first thing you need to learn if you wanna be… I mean, don’t wanna be, a firefighter. Is the hoses.” Buck explained as he walked towards the stack of spare hoses ready to be loaded onto the engine, “I’ve spoken to C shift and they’re happy for us to do all the loading and maintenance until they get a call.”

Tyler drank the last of his shake and closed the lid, “What does this have to do with me applying to the academy?”

“So you do want to be a firefighter?! Bobbys gonna be so happy!” Buck asked with a wide grin on his face

“No, the police academy, Athena said she’d put a good word in for me!” Tyler explained as he assessed all the equipment around him.

“Oh.” Buck said crestfallen

“It’s about building your strength Tyler. You ever seen a skinny firefighter?” Eddie explained as he nudged Buck with his elbow

Tyler shrugged, “I mean, Chimneys pretty trim!”

Buck laughed, “Wait until you play basketball with him, for a small guy, he’s pretty ripped. Anyway, let’s move on, he’s my brother in law!”
Eddie chuckled and grabbed the first pile of hoses, “First things first, you wanna lay this out flat and then get it rolled up nice and tight.”

Tyler nodded and grabbed the mangled hose line from Eddie, his arms falling under the weight, “Fuck, it’s heavy!”

Eddie and Buck laughed, “Let’s see how quick you can do this, Eddie, get the whiteboard!” Buck smiled as he grabbed the stopwatch from his pocket and placing it over his head. “Ready, Set…. Go!”

———————————————————————

Bobby finished up his zoom meeting with the architect, happy that she had included all of his and Athena’s choices and designs, he stuck the sheet of notes on the refrigerator door with a magnet and made himself some lunch.

He glanced up as the door opened and an extremely exhausted Tyler trudged inside, throwing himself onto the couch with a groan.

“Hey! Shower! Athena will lose her mind if you stink up the couch!” Bobby shouted from the kitchenette.

Buck and Eddie wandered in a few moments later, laughing between them. Tyler dragged himself to the bathroom groaning.

“Want one?” Bobby asked as he cut his sandwich, Buck and Eddie nodded and sat themselves down at the dinner table, “How did he do?”

“Terrible.” The answered in unison before laughing, “Not bad for a first attempt though.” Eddie added

Buck smiled and pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket, “Here’s the drills we did with him and the weight routine we did, with his times and weights.” He stood and handed the paper over to Bobby who assessed it with intrigue

Bobby sucked in a breath and glance at the bathroom door as he heard the shower, “Shit. I didn’t realise he would be that out of shape. Then again, thinking back to my bad days, I wasn’t far off that some days.”

Buck smiled sadly before taking the two fresh sandwiches and sitting back at the table with Eddie, “He’ll get there Bobby. In his defence, I don’t think he moaned once whilst we were there. Didn’t stop moaning all the way back but, at least he got it all done.”

Eddie nodded as he bit his sandwich, “His strength might not be up to standard, but he’s a natural firefighter, even if he doesn’t realise it.”

“It’s in his blood.” Bobby said with a smile

Eddie nodded, “I hope he realises it soon though! Cut off for this years applicants is next month.”

Tyler emerged from the bathroom in the sweatpants and Hoodie he had on earlier, “Everything hurts!”

Bobby chuckled and handed his a plate with a sandwich on it, “Eat up, we’ve got a meeting in an hour.”

“I said I didn’t want to go AA.” Tyler sighed and bit his sandwich, “Can I go tomorrow?”

Bobby shook his head, “You either want help or you don’t? The longer you put off going, the worse you’re gonna feel. Trust me!”

Tyler sighed in defeat, “Fine, but I’m not getting up and talking, and if I’m the only one there under 40, I’m leaving!”

Buck and Eddie looked between Bobby and his son in silence.

Bobby scoffed and continued to eat his sandwich, “You’d be surprised.”

Eddie and Buck sensed the slightly tense atmosphere and quickly finished their lunch, “Thanks Bobby, great food as always! See you tomorrow Tyler, same time!” Buck said as he began to leave

Tyler nodded and waved to the two men before looking back at Bobby, who hadn’t stopped staring at him.

“Fine. I’ll go!”

Bobby smiled, “That’s the attitude you need. I’m only trying to help kid. I’ve been in your shoes and it took me 2 decades to realise I needed the help a long time ago.”

Tyler sighed and wiped the crumbs from his hoodie, “I know. I’m sorry! First steps admitting it isn’t it.”

Bobby nodded and stood up, grabbing his keys, “Come on.”

———————————————————————

Athena pulled into her parking space at the small apartment complex she shared with her husband, and now his long lost son, she sighed as she got out of her car and headed inside. She enjoyed seeing Bobby start to bond with Tyler but she missed the alone time they had become accustomed to. She wanted nothing more to get in, order Thai food, put a movie on and curl up with her husband, instead she felt like she needed to play host to this fully grown man who had taken residence on her couch.

Suddenly a pang of guilt flooded through her, did Bobby feel like this about Harry and May? And if he didn’t, why does she suddenly feel it now? She’s never felt it about Buck, who might as well be Bobbys son.

She opened the door to the apartment to hear music playing, she glanced around the door into the kitchenette, she could see her husband at the stove, Tyler next to him, nodding at whatever Bobby was saying to him. He was teaching him to cook. They were so engrossed in their task they hadn’t even heard the door open.

The guilt in Athena’s chest suddenly disappeared, replaced with a warm feeling of love and pride. She’d watched him do this so many times, with May, Harry, Buck and even Jee Yun, but watching him pass on his grandmothers recipes to his own flesh and blood seemed to hit her differently. She wanted to sweep him up in her arms and kiss him, but she didn’t want to interrupt. She slowly made her way over to the island, seating herself there quietly.

She heard snippets of Bobbys teaching over the music, the only phrase she heard clearly being, “If you add some of that, it’s Athena’s favourite.”, she smiled, “I’m guessing you’re talking about cinnamon.” She asked as they jumped at her presence.

Bobby smiled, “How long have you been sat there?” He leant over the island to kiss her softly,
Athena leant to meet him, “only a minute or so. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Tyler smiled and collected some of the food on a spoon, handing it to Athena, “Want to try it?”
Athena greatfully took the spoon and tasted the food, “Perfect as always baby.” She smiled sweetly at Bobby, who held his hands up and pointed to Tyler, “Turns out the kids a natural cook too, this was all his work.”

Athena smiled at Tyler, “Thank you very much then Tyler.”
“It’s the least I could do, to say thank you, I know I’m intruding on your lives, I’m gonna start hunting for apartments soon, Buck said he’d help me out.”
“You can stay as long as you need Tyler, you’re family.” Athena said as she rested her hand over his.

Chapter Text

Tyler sat in the passenger seat of Bobby’s truck, spinning the small metal chip between his fingers. 30 days sober. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gone this long without drinking, but he felt good. He’s been carrying on his daily workout routine with Buck and Eddie and he’d smashed the physical requirements for both academies, police and fire.

He sighed and glanced at Bobby as he drove them back from their recent meeting.

“I’m proud of you.”

Bobby's remark snapped Tyler out of his thoughts, “Huh?”

“30 days isn’t easy, especially on your first attempt at getting sober. I think it took me 3 or 4 times to earn that!” Bobby nodded to the chip between Tyler’s fingers

Tyler smiled and looked at the older man, “Can I ask you something?”

Bobby smiled, “Course.”

“Would you be upset if I chose PD over FD?”

Bobby laughed loudly, “Not at all. You’re your own person, if you wanna be a cop, go for it, I’ll be happy if you’re happy kid.”

Tyler nodded and looked back down at the chip, “They said I was a natural and it would be a waste if I didn’t persue it.”

“Who? Buck and Eddie?” Bobby looked with concern

“Uh-huh. I got the feeling you’d be disappointed in me for throwing the opportunity away.”

“Listen, I became a firefighter because I felt like I had to, don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else! After my dad died, I felt obliged, he’d said my brother and I were his legacy. Charlie decided to become a social worker, helping kids escape abusive situations, so I felt it was all on me. If you don’t want to be a firefighter, please don’t feel any pressure or expectation from me! However, if you decide to become a cop, definitely expect pressure and expectation from Athena!” Bobby chuckled as they pulled up outside the apartment complex.

Tyler laughed and jumped out of the truck, walking round to Bobbys side, “Thank you…… Dad.” He wrapped his arms around Bobby and tapped his back.

Bobby stood rooted to the ground, not expecting the embrace or the ‘Dad’. He waited a second before returning the embrace and smiling widely, “You don’t ever have to thank me kid.”

Tyler let go and took a step back, running his hands over the front of his shirt to calm himself, “Don’t tell anyone I did that.” He smiled

Bobby patted Tyler’s shoulder and headed inside “Secrets safe with me.”

——————————————————————

Tyler sat at the kitchen island with the laptop open infront of him, two screens faced him, application forms, one for PD and one for FD. He’d filled them both in over the space of a few weeks, after missing the last intake deadline. He just struggled with which one to send off. He’d dreamed of becoming a cop as long as he could remember, his hatred for his step father driving him further. He’d dreamt of being able to arrest him, rescuing himself and his mom from his abusive ways but on the flip side, he’d enjoyed the training with Buck and Eddie. It came naturally to him, he’d even conquered his fear of heights thanks to them both. I mean, it was the cruelest way to conquer a fear, but he did it!
He’d spent his entire life feeling like he’d let everyone down. No, let’s not go down that spiral again Tyler!

He sighed and read back through both applications before finally deciding which one to submit, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes and hit the submit button and slammed the laptop shut. Now we wait.

Bobby and Athena had gone out for a date night, after much persuasion from Tyler, selfishly he need the alone time himself, he’d eaten his takeout and now it was getting late.

He walked back to his makeshift sofa bed and lay down, switching the TV on and hoping sleep would take hold quickly.

———————————————————————

Bobby walked down the hallway holding his wife’s hand, shushing her between his giggles, “Tyler will be asleep, shhh.”

Athena rolled her eyes and let go of Bobbys hand, running it now down his bicep as he tried to open the door “Spoil sport.” She whispered

Bobby looked at his wife and placed his finger on his lips as he quietly opened the door, glancing at the unmoving figure under a blanket on the couch. He looked back at his wife and gestured towards the bedroom, “In there!”

She giggled quietly and made her way to the bedroom ahead of him, swaying her hips and glancing over her shoulder at her husband.

Bobby sighed and shook his head before following her, closing the bedroom door quietly behind him.

“We need to be quiet.” He whispered as Athena pulled his jacket off his shoulders

“Baby, it’s been weeks. I’ll be quiet if you can.” She winked as she started unbuttoning his shirt

Bobby leaned toward her and attached his lips to her neck as he slowly unzipped her dress, “Oh I see. Trying to play that game are we?” He moved to nibble on her earlobe, smirking as she moaned gently.

Athena pushed his shirt from his shoulders and kissed his shoulder softly, stopping suddenly as they heard movement from the other room. Suddenly, Bobbys phone pinged as they heard the front door shut.

‘Gone to Buck’s.’ The text read

Bobby chuckled and threw his phone on the dresser before lifting his wife and placing her on the bed.

“Maybe we don’t need to be quiet.” He kissed a trail down her chest, stomach and eventually onto her upper thighs.

“Let me hear you.” Bobby said before moving his kisses agonisingly closer to her core

—————————————————————

Buck trudged over to his door as he heard the small knock, he opened it to see Tyler stood there in sweats and an old LAFD t-shirt “Had to get out of there, I hope you don’t mind.”

Buck looked at him in confusion, “What’s happened?”

“I didn’t want to spend my night lay there listening to them.”

Bucks eyes widened before he laughed, leading Tyler into the apartment, “Sounds like officially part of the family now Tyler I think we’ve all heard or caught them over the years!”

Tyler shook his head and sat down on the couch, ”Don’t traumatise me any further!”

Buck chuckled and grabbed his two gaming controllers, throwing one to Tyler, “Shall we carry on from last time?”

Tyler nodded and sat himself forward to concentrate.

It had become part of his new routine, some nights he would go round to Buck’s apartment, usually when the urge to drink got too much, and they would sit for hours playing different games, talking, ranting, discussing conspiracy theories. Anything to take his mind off the overwhelming urges.
Buck didn’t mind, he enjoyed the company, it was similar to having Chris around, except he could curse and go in depth into his theories, same amount of eye rolling and sarcastic comments but a more adult level of conversation. Kinda like having a little brother, it was nice.

Hours passed by before Buck headed up to bed, leaving Tyler lay on his couch.

——————————————————————-

It had been a few weeks since he’d put in his application, he’d had his acknowledgment email but nothing since. He hadn’t mentioned to anyone the outcome of his choice, anytime someone asked he just claimed he’d missed the intake again and would apply next time.

He still felt some guilt over his choice but he’d decided he had to follow his heart, both Bobby and Athena had told him the jobs they do weren’t just jobs, they were almost like a calling, and if that’s what you’re destined to do. You’ve gotta do it.

His attention was drawn to the email that had just landed in his inbox. An invitation, to enrol at the academy.

Tyler’s heart raced, what if he failed, what if he’d made the wrong choice. His anxiety started to build, he could feel the panic creeping through his chest, in the distant depths of his mind he could hear Eddie’s voice, just like the day on the ladder, coaching him through the attack. He recited the technique to himself, ‘5 things I can see, 4 things I can touch, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can smell, 1 thing I can taste.’, after a few minutes it passed, he inhaled deeply before replying his acceptance and confirmation that he would indeed be there, in a weeks time, to enrol and have his physical and medical assessments.

He sat for several minutes, he wasn’t sure how long exactly, his coffee had gone cold, he knew that much, he took his phone from his pocket and dialed the all familiar number, waiting to be redirected to the voicemail, that was surely becoming very full.

“Hey it’s me again, sorry it’s been a while, things have changed for me recently. I think you’d be proud of me, I hope so anyway. I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in 49 days now, Bobbys been taking me to meetings every day, 90 in 90 days and all that, but it’s helping. But what I was really calling for is, I’ve done it mom, I’ve got in, I’m gonna do the one thing I truly think I was destined to do. I’m gonna be a true Nash, I’m gonna be a firefighter. I enrol next week…”

Bobby stood on the outside of the apartment, he didn’t intend of eavesdropping, he heard Tyler’s voice and became curious, so he stood and listened. He felt pride flow through his body at Tyler’s words, he knew he left small messages for his mom every now and again, but he wasn’t expecting this. He’d made sure not to mention to anyone at the Chiefs office who Tyler was, in case he decided to apply, he didn’t want Tyler getting the same treatment he got, ‘oh you only got in because of your dad’, ‘we had to work hard to get in, we weren’t gifted it unlike some’. He’d done it. He’d got in off his own back. He felt the tears filling his eyes, before realising the level of his intrusion, Bobby turned on his heel and headed back down to his truck. He needed a friend to talk to, to offload his emotions on, to brag to, he didn’t know exactly what but he needed to tell someone, and he knew the best and worst person to do burden.

Chimney.

Chapter Text

“Right, that’s the last of it!” Bobby exclaimed as he dropped the box on the kitchen island and rubbed his hands together.
He placed his hands on his hips and assessed the small space. “Should be enough space for you?”

Tyler nodded and started to unpack the boxes labelled ‘Kitchen’. “You didn’t have to do all this y’know. I could have made done until I got some more money? What am I gonna do with all these anyway?” He asked as he held up a set of pans covered in dust.

Bobby chuckled and perched himself against the dining table, “You’ll find homes and uses for everything, I know it’s not much, we’d have given more ourselves but most of Mine and Athena’s things are now living their life at the LA dump.” He shrugged.

“Tell everyone I said Thanks! It means a lot,” Tyler smiled as he held up a bashed up box, “What even is this?!”

Bobby laughed and shook his head, “Fondue set, that’s courtesy of Hen and Karen. I think you might have gotten the last box!”

Tyler laughed and placed the box on top of the refrigerator, “I’ll google how to set that one up!”

Athena emerged from the bathroom with a triumphant look on her face, “There you go, all your necessities now have a home. We picked you up some extra body washes, toilet rolls and toothpaste,” she paused as Tyler rolled his eyes at her, “Don’t roll them eyes, believe me, it took May months to realise there’s certain things you’ve just gotta keep in stock!” She chuckled and leant against her husband at the table.

“You gonna be okay here?” Bobby asked as he put his arm around Athena

Tyler nodded, “Uh-huh. Got my TV, sports channels, Buck’s spare Xbox. I’m all set!”

“Well we’ll leave you to settle in. Call me if you need me.” Bobby smiled as he headed for the door

Tyler smiled back at them both and walked them to the door, “I will!”

Once the door was closed Tyler sighed and look at the small apartment, it wasn’t much, but he finally had a place to call his own. It felt good. He reached his hand into his pocket, pulling out his 90 day chip, he’d attended his 90th meeting yesterday and watched his Dad proudly present the chip to him. He held it tightly in his hand before placing it on the fireplace ahead of him, alongside a small battered frame with the child-like handwriting scrawled on the front ‘Me and my mom!’. Tyler lifted the frame, smiling at the photo inside, he was about 7 years old in that photo, he’d just won his travel ball tournament and he was holding the trophy tightly in his hand, with his mom beaming beside him. He kissed the photo lightly before placing it back.

“I won’t let you down again, I promise.”

——————————————————————

Bobby paced around the mezzanine floor of the firehouse, checking his watch every 5-10 steps.

“It’s not gonna make time go any quicker Bobby.” Hen remarked as she looked up at him over her glasses

Bobby sighed and sat on the couch next to her, pulling his phone from his pocket and checking the screen again.

Hen shook her head, “What’s got you so nervous anyway?”

Bobby sighed and glanced around the room, “I’m waiting to hear about the new probie. Since Ravi transferred out we’ve had an open space here. It’s final day today, I’m just hoping he passes.”

Hen nodded absentmindedly and continued scrolling on her phone before snapping her eyes up to meet Bobby’s, “Tyler?!”

Bobby nodded slowly, a small smile forming on his face.

“Are you sure that’s wise Bobby? I mean, we remember how protective and equally harsh you were on Buck when he first started, and he’s only your pseudo son?!” Hen asked quietly as she sat up on the couch, giving Bobby her full attention.

Bobby nodded, “We’ll be fine!”

“I know we will, it’s you I’m concerned about! And the guys will be too when they find out! I’m surprised the chief is even allowing it, conflict of interest or whatever?!” Hen clasped her hands together and placed them on her lap

Bobby glanced down, “The chief doesn’t know.”

“Bobby!! You have to declare it! You can’t have your son working here and the chief not at least be aware. Do you want to get suspended?! Does Tyler even know you’ve put the 118 forward for him?” Hen shook her head as her voice increased in volume, attracting the attention of Chimney, Buck and Eddie as they made their way up the stairs.

“Tyler’s coming here?! I thought he had his heart set on PD?!” Buck asked as he threw himself down on the couch

Bobby shook his head, “I’m not even sure I’m supposed to know, I overheard a conversation of his and just kinda ran with it.”

Hen shook her head and looked at the other 3 men, Chimney in particular, who seemed to be looking aimlessly around the room, “How long have you own Chim?!”

Chimney held his hands up in surrender, “Hey! I knew he applied to the academy, not that he was coming here! And anyway, I was sworn to secrecy!” He nudged Bobby in the back, hoping his captain and best friend would defend him

“In fairness, I picked the worst person to tell, but he kept his promise and didn’t tell a soul! Leave him alone” Bobby chimed in

Hen shook her head again and tutted at her Captain, “Please tell me your wife knows!”

Bobby glared at Hen, “Of course she does, what do you take me for?!”

Hen raised her eyebrow at him, “When did you actually tell her?”

Bobby looked nervously at the floor and fiddled with his silicone wedding ring, “Um, last night when I found out his place with us was provisionally confirmed.”

Hen sighed again, returning to her phone, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you Cap.”

Buck glanced at Eddie before looking back at Bobby, “What times his test?”

Bobby shrugged, “I think he’s on the morning session,” he checked his watch again, “Should be done anytime now I think.”

“So, if he doesn’t know that you know, who’s gonna call you and tell you?!” Eddie asked as he sat on the back of Hens seat

Bobby sighed, “I’m kind of hoping when they tell him which house he’s been assigned to, if he passes, that he’s call me.”

Eddie shook his head, smirking and glanced down at the Truck Bay.

Tyler made his way across the truck bay, hands firmly in his pocket, jacket zipped up to his chin, white sneakers on his feet. He didn’t give Eddie the impression his timed physical went well.

Eddie kept quiet and communicated silently to Buck that he should watch the stairs behind him.

Buck turned slightly in his chair as the younger mans slowly trudged his way up them.

Bobby heard the footsteps on the stairs and jumped out of his seat, turning to face the stairs head on. “Tyler!”

Tyler glanced up at Bobby and smiled weakly before looking back at the floor.

Bobby sighed and made his way over to his son, he placed his arm around the younger man’s shoulders, “Wanna go talk in my office?”

Tyler shook his head, “I’d rather stay out here, with my team……Cap.” He looked up and smirked

Bobby raised his arms in the air with a huge grin plastered across his face. He wrapped his arms around Tyler, “I’m so happy for you! I’m so proud!” The rest of the team made their way over to the two embracing men, wrapping their arms around the ever growing huddle.

Tyler chuckled slightly, “Had you going for a minute then didn’t I?”

Bobby pulled away slightly, beaming at his son before embracing him again.

The gang slowly dispersed, Buck and Eddie heading to the captains truck, Bobby could make out the words ‘Donut’ and ‘Cake’, god knows what they were coming back with. Chimney headed over to the cupboard beside the coffee machine muttering about ‘the good stuff’, Bobby chuckled and headed over to his usual domain to help the search before it descended into typical Chimney chaos.

Hen looked at Tyler and placed her hand on his shoulder, “I’m happy for you, I’m happy you’re joining the team, but I will say this, put that man through any stress, I mean anything at all, you’ll have all of us to answer to. You listen to what you’re told and don’t be going on like a hero!”

Tyler nodded, “Promise.”

Hen smiled and pulled him into a small hug, “Welcome to the family Nash Jr.”

“I’m watching you” she added with a chuckle

Tyler smiled and headed over towards the kitchen, he’d never had a family before. He just had to promise himself, he wasn’t going to fuck up again.

Chapter Text

The shift had been going fairly smoothly for the first 6 hours, they’d had one or two minor calls, Bobby was glad Hen’s theory hadn’t had a chance to be tested. Ever since their conversation last week his anxiety had ramped up.

It was Tyler’s second shift, the first shift had been much the same, but Bobby had a deep set fear that when the inevitable ‘big’ call came through, he wouldn’t prove his friend right, he would become overly protective of his son, as he had done with Buck years earlier. He had to keep pushing it to the back of his mind and hope that he could keep his attitude in check when the time came.

Bobby wandered out of his office and up to the kitchen area, Buck, Eddie and Tyler were playing a particularly competitive game of Pool, whilst Chimney and Hen sat at a nearby table discussing Jee Yuns upcoming preschool admission.

Bobby smiled at his team and made a start on their next meal, his eyes drifted over to Eddie and Tyler who were stood muttering to each other. Tyler kept shaking his head as Eddie tapped his shoulder with confidence. Bobby could just about make out the words ‘Trust me’ come from Eddie’s lips. Tyler shook his head and went to play his next shot.

“Well played Tyler, let’s make it a little more interesting..” Eddie suggested

Tyler shook his head, “I’m broke so I’m not playing for money.”

“Second that one!” Buck chimed in

“No, no, let’s test the concentration. Word association whilst we play. Even if you get the ball in the pocket of you can’t think of a word quick enough, it’s the next players turn.” Eddie suggested as he leant on his queue

Chimney turned in his seat to laugh at the 3 younger men, “You really will try anything to win won’t you Diaz?”

Hen chuckled with him and she folded her arms on the table

Buck and Tyler looked at each other before sighing. “Fine.”

“Tyler you’re up.” Eddie said with a smirk on his face

Bobby stopped his food prep wand wandered towards the group with intrigue, he knew Eddie had something planned, he just couldnt quite work out what.

Tyler managed to pocket three consecutive shots and their companion associate words, the competition ramped up and morale was increasing, until Eddie dropped the word ‘Library’, everyone’s heads snapped in Tyler’s direction as he, not concentrating on the world around him, just his shot and thinking of a word, blurted out “Quiet!” And cheering to himself as the 8 ball landed in the pocket.

The collective gasp of 15 firefighters, excluding Eddie and Tyler, they were sure could be heard state-wide.

Bobby rolled his eyes, jogged over to the kitchen area and turned off all the burners in anticipation of the next alarm, which followed less than 90 seconds after Tyler’s voice.

Chimney and Hen glared at Eddie whilst Buck continued to stand mouth agape at the new probie, “You. Didn’t.”

Tyler glanced around the room as the alarm went off, ”What did I say?!”

Bobby walked behind both Tyler and Eddie on his way to the firepole, slapping them both gently on the back of the head, “I’ll deal with you later Eddie!”

Eddie chuckled as he headed towards the fire truck, “Apparently it’s a curse saying the ‘Q word’ in the firehouse.” He explained to a dumbfounded Tyler

Buck caught up to them both and shoved Eddie gently in the back, “There’s nothing apparently about it! Remember last time?!”

Eddie shook his head and laughed, “I said it then, I’ll say it now, there’s no such thing as a curse!”

Chimney and Hen climbed into their respective seats, either side of Tyler, who had taken claim to the central seat, with Buck and Eddie facing the older members of the team travelling backward, everyone bar Tyler turned their faces away from Eddie.

“This is gonna be the shift from Hell.” Chimney muttered out of the window

Bobby sat in his captains seat texting Athena,

‘We’re in for a fun day, Eddie tricked Tyler into saying the Q word on shift. Xxxxxxxxx’

His phone chimed as the response landed in his inbox

‘Not this again? Eddie has a point, you’re all too superstitious 😂 i'm sure you’ll be fine baby xx’

Bobby rolled his eyes, she may have a point but so did Chim, everytime it’s happened on his shift it’s been the day from hell.

Tyler stayed quiet in his seat fiddling with his helmet in his hands, he leant slightly towards Chimney on his left, “I didn’t know!” He explained quietly

Chimney looked at Tyler with a slightly softer expression, “Next time, don’t listen to Eddie.”

Buck sighed as they pulled up to their call, a truck had driven headfirst into a fire hydrant, taking out a couple of plants and stop signs in its path. Driver was fine, just stuck ontop of the spraying hydrant.

Bobby shook his head and began directing his team to extract the driver and get the hydrant back operational.

——————————————————————

They were now 20 hours into ‘the shift from Hell’, in the 14 hours since the forbidden word had been shouted from the upper floor, they’d received 18 typical ‘shit’ calls, cats stuck in trees, kids stuck in baby swing seats or grocery carts, lonely old people calling in bogus gas leaks just to see a friendly face. Bobby had given up, he threw himself down on the chair in his office, groaning at the ever growing pile of paperwork, that had been his plan today, sign off all B and C shift reports and catch up on his own admin, except now, ontop of that pile, he had added 20 reports of really stupid calls. He grabbed a post it from the pile and scribbled on the top ‘Diaz, toilet duty, 2 weeks!’, he fixed the note to his computer screen so he wouldn’t forget.

As he picked up the reports, flipping them over to start from the bottom, the alarm went off again, “For fu…”

It was PD requesting an RA unit to a fight in a coffee shop. Bobby jumped up from his seat and jogged out to the bay, “Tyler! Go with Hen and Chim!”
He turned to Hen, “You can help me sign off on his basic medical training, plus he can bring back coffees for everyone!”

Tyler nodded and jogged to the ambulance climbing in the back.

——————————————————————

The ambulance pulled up to the coffee shop, the 3 firefighters exited the vehicle and headed towards the officer in charge, Athena.

Athena glanced at her exhausted friends and step-son before laughing loudly.

“Don’t.” Hen lifted her hand out towards Athena’s face

Athena laughed again, “The two fighters have been sent off to the precinct but the barista got a few burns on her hand and arm.”

Chimney looked over to Tyler who stood with his hands in his pocket looking lost, “Grab the burn kit and follow me kid.”

Hen stayed outside chatting to Athena as Chimney headed inside with Tyler on his heels like a lost puppy.

Both women laughed lightly at the young man, “Bobby said he needs his basic medic training, and he needs coffee.” Hen laughed to her friend as they began discussing the busy shift.

Chimney began explaining how to treat the light burns on the young woman’s arms as Tyler began laying the burn wrap and gauze over the reddening marks.

He smiled at the young woman, apologising in case he was hurting her.

Chimney stood back filling in the paperwork as Tyler talked the woman through the after care process, the burns weren’t significant enough to warrant a trip to hospital so he took some more gauzes and burn wraps from the kit and lay them on the counter.

“I’m Tyler by the way.” He said as he checked under the wrap once more

“Robyn.” The young woman smiled back at him

Chimney nudged Tyler with his leg, “Might as well pick up some coffee whilst we’re here.”

Tyler nodded and stood up, “Oh yeah, Uhm right.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and began listing his order to the other barista behind the counter. Robyn stood from her chair and headed behind the counter, “I’ll get these Kyle. You go and collect the empty cups and check refills.” She smiled back at Tyler, who nervously fiddled with a sugar packet on the counter.

“There you go. On the house.” Robyn passed over the trays of coffees

“Erm, thanks, I don’t know if we’re allowed to take free ones?” He turned to ask Chimney, who had made his way outside to Athena and Hen

“Just tell them you paid for them then?” Robyn shrugged and smiled again

Tyler laughed softly, “Yeah, just don’t tell anyone.”

“Secrets safe with me Tyler.” Robyn smiled as she got a napkin and a pen, writing her number down

“Next time you want a free coffee, or yknow, a drink or something, give me a call.”

Tyler blushed heavily as he shoved the napkin in his pocket and collected the coffee and headed outside

Athena glanced at the young man as he walked out of the door, “What’s wrong?”

Tyler glanced around before looking back at his step mom, “Me? Nothing?”

“You’re bright red?”

“No im not!” He ducked his head to check his face out in the side mirrors of the ambulance

Athena laughed, “Definitely your fathers son.”

Hen and Chimney exchanged a glance and a smirk before getting back in the ambulance, taking their own coffees from Tyler’s stack of cups

Tyler sat himself in the back of the ambulance with the coffees resting beside him, he pulled the napkin and his phone from his pocket before sending a quick message over to the number on the sheet.

‘It’s Tyler x’

Chapter Text

Bobby stood on one side of the room chatting to a new member as Tyler began stacking the chairs and clearing away the coffee station at the back of the room.
He’d was now 6 months sober and had never felt better. He couldn’t believe how much his life had changed in this short time.
He arrived in LA 7 months ago full of anger, full of hate, fuelled by grief. He had no idea what his plans were once he’d confronted his biological father, but he knew for certain it wasn’t this. The last thing he could have ever imagined were that they would be working together, running these meetings together and really making up for all those missed years. They’d even gone to a few baseball games together, like he’d always wished they’d done in his youth.
There was just one thing missing.

Bobby glanced over at his son as he wished the newest member of the group goodbye, he remembered a conversation he’d had with Wendell when he’d been sober about the same length of time. He slowly made his way over to Tyler and helped move the chairs with him, “So, how you feeling about everything? Work? The new place?”

Tyler shrugged, “Yeah, it’s going great, I’m enjoying it.”

“You doing much outside of work other than this? You don’t really talk about anything else, or, yknow, anyone else” Bobby glanced over to his son with a raised eyebrow

“Who’ve you been talking to?” Tyler stood with both hands on the back of an unfolded chair

Bobby raised his hands, “Chimney may have mentioned something.” He smirked

Tyler shook his head, “She never texted me back. Anyway, don’t think I’m quite ready for a relationship just yet. I’m still tryna settle in aren’t I.”

Bobby sighed, “I’m not saying a relationship, just, yknow, get yourself out there, find a hobby, make friends, live a single persons life.”

Tyler smiled slightly, “Well, I go to those game nights with Buck.”

Bobby stacked a few more chairs, “But you work with Buck, what about outside of that, you speak to anyone else?”

Tyler shook his head

“Well why don’t you text that girl again? She might have been busy.” Bobby shrugged

Tyler shook his head, “I bet it wasn’t even her real number. It’s been 3 weeks, no-one’s that busy.”

Bobby sighed, “It’s the modern problem with being sober, harder to meet people isn’t it. What about the online dating? Bucks been trying to get Eddie onto that one with the swiping.” Bobby shrugged, “See if you can get yourself on there, even if it’s for fun?”

“You’ve never had to have this conversation before have you?” Tyler laughed

Bobby laughed back at him, “No haha, Bobby and Brooke were way too young for any conversation like this.”

Tyler chuckled, “I can tell. Don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so uncomfortable.”

Bobby placed his hand on Tyler’s shoulder, “All I’m trying to say is, loneliness is horrible when you’re trying to stay sober, it can lead you to overthink and dwell on things, I’m not saying you need to jump into bed with someone to distract yourself, but look at Athena and I, we have built a life together that’s so great I don’t feel like I need to lose myself daily in a bottle. I can lose myself in her instead.”

Tyler raised an eyebrow, “Hmm Ive heard…”

Bobby shook his head and laughed loudly, “That’s not what I meant!!”

Tyler laughed again, “No I get you, I’ll try put myself out there a bit once I feel ready.”

Bobby smiled and pulled him into a side hug, “That’s all I’m asking.”

Both men laughed slightly and exited the room, Bobby turning to lock the door behind them.

“Tyler?” A voice from the other end of the hall turned both men around

Tyler smiled at the young woman, “Robyn. Hi.”

Bobby glanced between the two of them before making his way to the main door, “I’ll meet you in the car kid.”

Tyler nodded to Bobby and turned back to Robyn, “How’ve you been? I tried texting you but I don’t know if I got the right number?”

Robyn ducked her head slightly, “No, you did.”

“Oh.” Tyler shoved his hands into his pockets nervously

“I’ve just been going through some stuff recently, I thought I’d replied but by the time I’d realised, it’d been over a week and you hadn’t texted again so I thought you’d be talking to someone else.”

Tyler shook his head, “No, I’ve just been working really and this.” He stuck his thumb over his shoulder at the door.

“You’re in recovery?” Robyn asked curiously

Tyler nodded proudly, “7 months sober.”

Robyn nodded, “Was that your sponsor?” She shook her head, “Sorry, it’s anonymous isn’t it! I didn’t mean to pry!”

Tyler placed his hand on her arm, “It’s fine. Yeah, he is, and he’s my dad.”

Robyn looked down at Tyler’s hand, “Oh.”

“Sorry, I’ve just put you right off me now haven’t I? No point getting to know someone who can’t go out for a drink is there?” He removed his hand

“Not at all, I don’t drink anyway.” Robyn assured him.

“Are you..?” Tyler gestured back towards the door

Robyn shook her head, “No, by choice. I used to drink and I can if I want to, I just don’t see the appeal anymore really. I’ve had my days partying, and the hangovers are a killer.” She laughed

Tyler laughed back at her, “Yeah, that’ll do it.”

Robyn looked up at Tyler softly, “Fancy going for a coffee? Get to know each other properly?” She glanced at Bobby outside in his truck, you’ve probably got plans haven’t you? Just ignore me.”

Tyler shook his head, “ I was just gonna go back home anyway, I’ll tell him to head back to his. Give me two minutes. I’ll be right back.”

Tyler jogged out the door with a smile plastered across his face. Bobby put his window down as Tyler stopped by his door. “You got a date then?” He wiggled his eyebrows

Tyler laughed as his face reddened, “Shut up. Go home, I’ll call you later. We’re just going for coffee.”

Bobby laughed again, “Okay, well, enjoy!” He turned the engine over and put the truck in reverse.

Tyler jogged back to the door as Robyn walked out, “So what brings you here then? I haven’t seen you here before”

“Oh I volunteer with the food bank. I’m usually based over in Glendale but they needed the extra hands here today so I offered to help.”

“Ah nice! They’re invaluable those places, we used to use one back home.”

“And where’s home?” Robyn asked curiously

“Oh, Minnesota.”

“What brought you out here then?”

“It’s a long story, I’ll explain when we get the coffees.” He explained with a smile

——————————————————————

Bobby pulled up in his usual parking space outside the apartment complex before heading inside. Then sat on the couch with her feet on the coffee table reading a book. She glanced up as the door opened, “Hey baby.”

Bobby smiled and placed his keys in the dish by the door and removed his shoes, “Hey. You okay?”

Athena nodded and placed her book down, opening her arms towards her husband, “Did you have a good meeting?”

Bobby nodded as he sat next to his wife and leaned into her embrace, “Yeah, not too bad, I had a chat with Tyler.”

“And?”

“He’s got a date.” Bobby chuckled and glanced up at his wife

“Oh lord. When?”

“Right now, they’ve gone for a coffee.”

“So he never got a text back from that coffee shop girl?” Athena asked as she looked down at her husband

“How did you know about her?” Bobby asked with intrigue

Athena laughed, “I was there, I called him out on it when he walked out of the shop with a face as bright as the truck.”

Bobby chuckled, “yeah, it’s the same girl I think. We bumped into her on the way out of the meeting.”

“You didn’t stand there playing Gooseberry did you?!” Athena asked him with wide eyes.

Bobby shook his head, “What do you take me for? I left them to it, went and sat in the truck, I’d have been home 10 minutes earlier if he’d have given me some sort of signal.”

Athena laughed, “Please tell me you didn’t sit there watching them intently, waiting for said signal?!”

Bobby ducked his head slightly, “I thought he’d have yknow, maybe waved, or given some sort of ‘shoo’ gesture.”

Athena laughed loudly and shook her head, “That poor boy. He’s so much like you, I bet his face was bright red the whole time wasn’t it?”

Bobby chuckled, “Oh yeah!”

Athena shook her head again, “Bless his heart, I bet he was so embarrassed.”

“I thought you said it was cute?”

“Only when you do it baby.” She kissed his nose gently

Bobby smiled, “Good.” His ears slowly turning a deep shade of pink

Athena pulled him closer and kissed him softly, “I love you.”

“I love you too baby.” Bobby smiled and snuggled his head closer into Athena’s shoulder

——————————————————————

Robyn sat listening to Tyler relaying his backstory, about his mom and her death, and his subsequent move to LA and new life he’d began here.

“So, yeah, here we are.” Tyler finished and sipped his coffee.

“Woah, you’ve had quite the journey then,” Robyn replied as she reached for his hand across the table

“So I haven’t scared you off then? With my fucked up life?” Tyler smiled and squeezed her hand gently

“Nope, I’m interested in getting to know you more, the real you, not the one from the past.”

“New and improved Tyler. Or Tyler 2.0 as Buck calls me.”

“Buck?” Robyn asked, tilting her head slightly

“Yeah, we work together, kinda like a big brother I never had really. Him and Eddie if I’m honest, I don’t think I’d be where I am now if not for them both.”

Robyn smiled softly, “They sound like good people.”

Tyler nodded, “They are. They all are really. My Dad, his wife, the rest of the 118. A family, something I’ve never really had before yknow.”

Robyn smiled, “A found family.”

“Exactly.” Tyler smiled back at her as Robyn’s phone dinged

Robyn sighed as she read the message, “It’s my sister, she’s having a crisis! I’m gonna have to go, I’m so sorry!”

“Don’t apologise, I feel like I could sit here and talk with you for hours. Do you wanna grab dinner one night this week? A proper date?”

Robyn smiled and squeezed his hand, “Id love that.”

“I’ll make us a reservation and let you know when and where, any nights you’re busy?”

Robyn shook her head, “Nope. It’s just me and my cat most nights.”

Tyler chuckled, “I’ll check my shifts and I’ll let you know.”

Chapter Text

Athena stood in the middle of her new kitchen assessing the decorations she had laid out, they’d been in the new house for 2 weeks now and after much persuasion from Hen, the Nash’s were ready to play host to their official Housewarming Party.

Bobby walked through the side door leading to the garage with his arms full of platters, “Watch out baby!” He squeezed past her and laid the food platters down on the island, ready for Athena to arrange in the way she had planned. “You’ve been busy!” She raised her eyebrow to her husband

Bobby chuckled and walked back towards the Garage, “Perks of the firehouse kitchen, plenty of space to prepare all this out of your way, and plenty of storage to hide these from Harry!” He held up boxes of cookies and cakes, “If I’d have kept them here, he’d have demolished these!”

Athena laughed as Harry walked in through the sliding doors leading to the back yard. “Are those cookies?!” He reached towards the box, as Bobby swatted his hand away, “There for the party!”

Harry pouted and looked at Athena, “Mama?” He fluttered his eyelashes with a wide grin

Athena shook her head, “Don’t ‘Mama’ at me.” She chuckled and grabbed a cookie from the box “One!” She handed the cookie to Harry, who grinned at Bobby as he bit into the cookie “These are amazing Bobby. Definitely your best work!”

Bobby shook his head and laughed, “Come and help me set up the grill outside then Cookie Monster!”

Harry laughed and followed Bobby outside placing his hand across his shoulders, “Lead the way Bob!”

Bobby raise his eyebrow and glanced back over his shoulder to his wife who stood watching her two boys with adoration, Harry may be almost the same height as Bobby but he always reverted back to the same 8 year old to get his own way.

—————————————————————-

The guests had began to arrive as music filled the largely open plan living area. The kids had all taken over a small area of the living room with Mara and Jee Yun making up their own dances to the music, Denny and Christopher sat on their phones laughing at memes they’d sent to each other.

The adults had congregated on the back porch near the grill, laughing and joking. Harry drifting between the two groups, being the eldest child yet a good foot taller than some of the adults, which he took pleasure in reminding Chimney of everytime he got within half a yard of the poor man.

Tyler opened the door and walked into the house, Robyn following close behind him. They’d been seeing each other regularly for the last month or so and felt ready to introduce her to his chaotic yet loving family. As they entered the living room, Jee Yun raced over to him grabbing his hand “Tyler look!” She repeated the lance she had been practicing with Mara, a huge grin on her face.

Tyler smiled and applauded, “Yeah, it’s a 10 from me girls!”

Robyn smiled behind him and applauded quietly

“Who’s that?” Jee Yun asked as she pointed at Robyn

“Oh this is my friend Robyn!” Tyler said with a smile

“Do you like to dance?” Jee tilted her head as she quizzed the new girl

Tyler chuckled, “I’m sure she’ll join you guys later, let’s go meet all the adults first, yeah?” He reached his hand down to Jee’s height, smiling as she high fived him with force. He nodded in acknowledgment to the two boys sat on beanbags who had glanced up at the noise

Tyler reached for Robyn’s hand as he led her outside, the large group of adults all turning in sync to face them.

Tyler smiled slightly as his ears turned a deep shade of pink, “Hey, erm this is Robyn, Robyn, this is my family.” He then continued to introduce everyone individually until he landed on Bobby, “And this is my Dad, Bobby.”

Bobby smiled and reached his hand out towards Robyn, “Nice to meet you properly Robyn.”

Robyn smiled, “You too!”

Athena nodded towards Hen, Karen and Maddie as the 4 women edged closer to Robyn, “Why don’t you join us inside, we’ll get you a drink, leave the men to catch up.” They needed to vet the new addition for themselves.

Tyler watched as Robyn followed the women inside before turning back to his father and his friends.
“Oh he’s smitten.” Chimney teased
Tyler rolled his eyes and smiled

Bobby chuckled as he worked on the grill, “Leave him alone.”

Buck put his arm around Tyler’s shoulder, “If you ever need any advice..”

“Don’t ask Buck!” Eddie chimed in

The men all laughed as Tyler grabbed a can of soda from the cooler

“Seriously though, you really like her don’t you?” Chimney asked as he sipped his beer

Tyler nodded as he gulped his soda, “Yeah, she’s just so chilled out. She’s good to talk to, she doesn’t judge me and all that so yeah.”

“Have you.. yknow.. sealed the deal yet?” Buck wiggled his eyebrows at Tyler

Bobby raised his eyebrows at the younger firefighter, “Buck! Not whilst I’m stood here!”

Buck chuckled and looked over at Tyler, who’s eyes had quickly hit the floor

The other 3 men, including Bobby, all looked quickly at Tyler, “Well?”

Tyler glanced up at the 4 men, now staring intently, “Not yet no!”

“How long have you two been seeing each other?!” Buck asked with wide eyes

“About a month.” Tyler answered, his face now slowly matching the same shade as his ears

Eddie narrowed his eyes slightly, “You have before though haven’t you?!”

Tyler’s eyes widened, “Yes!”

Chimney chuckled before placing his hand on Tyler’s shoulder, “Don’t listen to those two Neanderthals. If you want to wait until marriage like a good catholic boy, then that’s up to you.”

Tyler laughed and shook his head, “One, i'm not catholic, two, im working on it. Now leave it!”

The men all laughed and continued their other conversations as Tyler joined Bobby at the grill.

————————————————————

Karen sipped her drink through the straw as she stared intently at the young woman opposite her, “So what’s your intentions with Tyler?”

Athena choked on her drink slightly as Maddie and Hen laughed, “Leave the poor girl alone.” She turned to Robyn, “Ignore her, Hen’s been on a run of shifts these last 2 weeks and she’s not had any adult interaction.”

Karen narrowed her eyes at Athena before laughing, “She’s not wrong.”

Robyn smiled weakly at the 4 women stood before her, “I like him. He’s nice.”

Maddie smiled back at the younger woman, “He’s sweet isn’t he.”

Robyn nodded, “He’s just really easy to talk to. We like a lot of the same things, he’s becoming like a best friend.”

Hen raised her eyebrows, “Just a friend?”

Robyn shook her head, “No, like I like him more than that, but it’s important to be friends too right?”

Athena nodded, “Definitely, I mean, Bobby and I are best friends as well as Husband and Wife.”

Hen spun her head towards Athena, “Oh, when did this happen? Shouldn’t your original best friend be made aware that she’s been replaced?” She chuckled

“Is chimney aware that he’s not your best friend?” Maddie added as she sipped her drink

“We’re getting off topic. I wanna know if Tyler’s gonna get friend zoned or not.” Karen added

Robyn shook her head, “No, I mean, unless that’s all he wants?”

Karen sipped her drink again, “Has he made a move?”

Robyn shook her head, “Not yet.”

Karen hummed, “It didn’t take Bobby long did it Athena? Second date wasn’t it?”

Hen raised her hands, “Woah, let’s not be discussing Bobby and Athena’s sex life please. I hear enough!”

Athena blushed and shook her head, “Ignore her. Remind me to make the next drink without alcohol!”

Robyn laughed slightly, “Do you think he just wants to be friends then?”

Maddie shook her head, “He seems really smitten with you, from what Chimney and Buck have told me, he doesn’t shut up about you.”

It was Robyn’s turn to blush as she glanced through the doors at Tyler, who was in deep conversation with Bobby outside.

“Does he know you want to take it further?” Hen asked

Robyn shrugged, “I think so, I mean, I’ve been dropping hints.”

Athena laughed slightly too loud, “One thing you need to learn about men, especially Nash men, hints are ignored, you have to be upfront and to the point or it flies over their head.”

Robyn smiled slightly, “So I just need to be forward with him?”

The 4 women nodded in unison

Robyn nodded thoughtfully in return

—————————————————————-

The party was starting to slow as the evening drew to a close, Hen had left an hour earlier as Karen struggled to control her volume during conversations, leaving more than a few of Athena’s colleagues feeling slightly insulted. They had all left not long after.

Chimney and Maddie had bid their farewells earlier in the evening, taking Jee Yun home to bed.

Bobby sat in the back porch, with Athena lay against his chest. Buck and Eddie stood just off the decked area deep in conversation as Christopher remained on the beanbags inside, texting intently.

Tyler and Robyn stood in the kitchen discussing the evening.

“So, what do you think of everyone?” Tyler asked as he sipped his soda

“They all seem nice, very protective over you aren’t they?” Robyn said with a smile

Tyler’s eyes widened, “Who’s said something?”

Robyn shook her head and grabbed his hand, “Nothing, it’s quite cute. You’re like everyone’s little brother aren’t you.”

Tyler smiled and ran his thumb on the back of Robyn’s hand, “Yeah, kinda”

Robyn smiled and stepped closer to Tyler, taking his can of soda from him and placing it on the counter beside them

Tyler smiled down at the young woman as she stood toe to toe with him, he wrapped his arms around her waist and leant down to kiss her gently

They broke apart as they heard jeering and whistles coming from outside, they glanced out into the yard to see Buck and Eddie whistling and cheering.

Tyler shook his head and looked back at Robyn, “Want to come back to mine?”

Robyn smiled widely, “Lead the way.”

Tyler grabbed her hand and lead her to the door shouting over his shoulder “Laters!”

They climbed into Tyler’s truck and head off to his small apartment, neither of them able to wipe the grins off their faces.

As soon as they’d climbed out of the truck and headed to the door, Robyn couldn’t keep her hands off Tyler. “Apparently I need to be more forward”

Tyler smiled down at her as he unlocked his apartment door, “I like it. They said the same to me too.”

Robyn laughed and pushed him towards the bedroom, unbuttoning her blouse as she headed towards him.

Tyler’s eyes widened as he pulled his own shirt off, kicking the bedroom door shut behind them.