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Bobby couldn't believe he had actually agreed to let Chimney set him up on a blind date—on Valentine's Day, of all days. Yet here he was, standing in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his crisp navy suit, getting ready to leave. He still wasn’t sure why he had said yes. Maybe it was because his sponsor had been encouraging him to put himself out there, to take a step forward and enjoy life, to let go of things that held him back. Maybe it was because, in the moment, it had felt like the right thing to do.
He always loved Valentine's day. It was one of his favorite holidays. Baking heart shaped desserts with his mother was one of his favorite memories from his childhood. Sharing his love for Valentine’s with his kids and first wife was everything Bobby ever wanted. But when they passed in the fire by his mistake. Bobby thought he didn’t deserve it now. He shouldn’t go out and find someone else when he would just ruin it. This was supposed to be a day of love and he had no one to give it to.
Staring at the address Chimney had just texted him a high-end restaurant he never would have picked for himself. He realized this was too much. A blind date with a complete stranger? What was he thinking? He didn't want to be sitting across from someone he didn’t know, trying to force a connection.
Because the truth was, there was only one person he wanted to be with tonight. Only one person he wished he was meeting for dinner.
Athena.
Bobby let out a slow breath, running a hand over his face as he sat on the edge of his bed. His thoughts weren’t on the date, the restaurant, or even the possibility of meeting someone new. They were on Athena.
For the past two years, he had felt something growing between them. Something he hadn’t expected, something he hadn’t been looking for. At first, they were just friends, two people who understood each other in a way that didn’t need words. Two people who were in command at their jobs and dedicated their lives to saving others.
He noticed how independent and confident she was and that she carried herself with this presence that commanded the room. But more than that, she was kind. She saw people, really saw them, and somehow, she had seen him.
Somewhere along the way, his feelings for her had turned into something more. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful, she was so effortlessly stunning that sometimes, when she laughed, he found himself momentarily breathless. It was the way she made him feel at ease, the way she challenged him, the way she could silence the chaos in his head with just a look.
And then he’d heard about her and Michael splitting up. It had been a while now, long enough for him to think about it more than he cared to admit. She had talked to him about it, how Micheal told her he was gay. She opened up in those rare, unguarded moments she didn’t share with just anyone. She told him how she had held onto a marriage that wasn’t what it should have been, how she had convinced herself it was enough because she wanted stability, because she had a family to protect, because she was holding onto the idea of what she thought her life was supposed to be. But in the end, she had been holding onto something that wasn’t really there.
She was hurt. And in her own way, she had deceived herself, believing she was where she was meant to be until she couldn’t ignore the truth any longer.
And Bobby understood that. Because hadn’t he done the same? In a way it was the same, holding onto the past, punishing himself for things he couldn’t change, convincing himself he didn’t deserve to move forward?
Bobby had wanted to ask her out so many times. The thought had lingered in the back of his mind more times than he could count, creeping in every time they shared a quiet moment, every time she gave him that knowing look, every time they sat together after a long shift, talking about everything and nothing at all.
But he doubted because what if he wasn’t good enough for her? What if she wasn’t ready to date other people yet? As strong and independent as she is, he knew she was soft on the inside. He knew part of her needed to heal a bit. He knew what it was like to wake up and suddenly have to rebuild your life in a way you never planned for. And as much as he wanted to be the person she turned to, the person she let in, he didn’t want to push her into something she wasn’t ready for.
Bobby shook his head, exhaling slowly as he glanced at the time. He had to get going. Maybe something with Athena was never meant to happen. Maybe he had been fooling himself into thinking there was something more between them. She probably didn’t see him that way.
Or maybe, just maybe, she did.
Maybe they had been dancing around the same feelings all this time, caught somewhere between friendship and something deeper, something neither of them had been ready to name.
Or maybe it was nothing.
And that was the thought that kept him from saying anything, from crossing that line. So instead, he buried it, just like he always did. He pretended his heart didn’t race when she was near, pretended he didn’t watch her when she wasn’t looking, pretended that every small moment between them didn’t feel like it meant something.
Bobby grabbed his keys and the flowers he bought earlier. Letting out a sigh as he headed for the door. He had made a commitment, and no matter how much he wanted to turn around and call the whole thing off, he couldn’t do that to the person waiting for him. Whoever she was, she didn’t deserve to be stood up just because his heart was somewhere else. Maybe she was someone who he could connect with.
As he slid into his car, his phone buzzed. A text from Chimney.
"Have fun, Cap! You deserve this. "
Bobby scoffed, shaking his head as he set his phone down. Fun. Right. Because nothing screamed fun like sitting through a blind date on Valentine’s Day while wishing he was somewhere else entirely.
The drive was short, but with every mile, the knot in his stomach tightened. When he finally pulled up to the restaurant, he realized it wasn’t just a restaurant, it was a jazz club. A really high-end one. The kind of place where the music was smooth, the lights were dim, and couples sat close, whispering over candlelit tables.
Of course, Chimney had picked a place like this.
Bobby sighed, running a hand over his face before stepping out of the car. He straightened his suit, squared his shoulders, and walked toward the entrance.
When he stepped, the low hum of conversation blended seamlessly with the smooth sound of the jazz band playing in the corner with a dancing area where couples laughed and kissed as they swayed to the music. The atmosphere was warm, intimate, the kind of place meant for romance. He swallowed hard, already feeling out of place.
He walked up to the host stand, clearing his throat with the flowers in hand. “I have a reservation under Nash,” he said.
The host scanned the list before nodding. “Ah, yes. Right this way, sir.”
Bobby followed as the waiter weaved through the restaurant, past tables where couples leaned in close, fingers grazing over wine glasses, soft laughter filling the air. He felt stiff in his suit, uncomfortable in a way that had nothing to do with the fabric.
This was a mistake. He doesn’t do blind dates, especially on valentines. He doesn’t do this type of thing at all.
But it was 7:25, and his date would be here any minute.
The waiter stopped at a table near the stage, a perfect view of the band playing under soft golden lights. “Your date should be arriving soon,” he said with a polite smile before stepping away.
Bobby sat down, rubbing his hands together to steady himself. His heart was pounding in a way that felt ridiculous, he’d been through fires, rescues, life-or-death situations. And yet, sitting here, waiting for a stranger, he felt more nervous than he had in years.
Minutes passed by and his date hasn't shown up yet. Chimney had told him she would be there. It was already 7:40 now. His date was late. She was supposed to be here at 7:30
Maybe she was stuck in traffic. Maybe she had trouble finding the place. He tried to be patient, but as the minutes stretched on, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest.
It felt awkward sitting here alone, he could feel a couple of stares. He could see the waiter waiting to serve him once his date came. The flowers on the table were just sitting there, waiting to be taken.
By 7:50, he let out a slow breath and stood up, glancing around the restaurant.
Maybe she had arrived and just didn’t see him.
But no. As his eyes swept over the room, it became clear. She wasn’t here.
She wasn’t coming.
He had just been ghosted.
Bobby exhaled, running a hand over his jaw, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. A blind date on Valentine’s Day? What were the odds it would actually go well? And yet, despite everything, he still felt that sting of rejection.
Maybe this was supposed to happen.
He wasn’t even mad at Chimney, he had meant well. And really, what was the harm in sitting here and enjoying a meal on his own? He had the reservation, the food would probably be good, and he wasn’t even paying for it since Chimney had set everything up. He could just sit back, listen to the jazz band, and call it a night.
Still, as he checked the time—8:05—he felt the weight of the evening settle in his chest. With a quiet sigh, he reached for the bouquet of flowers sitting on the table. He hadn’t even thought about what to do with them now.
Maybe he should just go.
He stood up slowly, glancing around the dimly lit room, debating whether he should leave or stay a little longer. And that’s when he saw her.
Athena.
She was only a few steps away, sitting alone at her own table, a wine glass in front of her. The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow over her face, highlighting the sharp angles of her cheekbones and the warmth in her dark eyes.
And the moment their gazes locked, Bobby felt the air shift.
Surprise flashed across her face before it softened, her lips parting slightly. What was she doing here? Did she have a date?
Bobby hesitated, gripping the bouquet a little tighter. He wasn’t sure if he should walk over or turn back to his seat, but something about the way Athena held his gaze, steady and unblinking, made the decision for him.
As he approached, Athena stood, and for the first time, he took in her full appearance. She was wearing a stunning burgundy dress, the deep red fabric hugging her figure just right, the soft shimmer catching the low lighting of the club. She looked absolutely exquisite .
For a second, Bobby forgot how to speak.
Then, with a small, almost nervous smile, he gave a nod and said, “Sergeant.”
Athena arched a brow, that familiar smirk tugging at her lips. “Captain. Didn’t expect to see you here. What brings you here?”
Bobby hesitated for a moment, shifting the flowers in his grip. “Blind date,” he admitted. “Courtesy of Chimney.”
Athena huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “Really? You don’t seem like the type to do blind dates.”
He let out a dry chuckle, glancing down briefly before meeting her gaze again. “I’m not, I guess, it just happened somehow.”
Athena smiled and asked. “So where is she?”
Bobby looked away for a second, feeling a sting of rejection said. “Never showed up.”
Athena’s expression shifted, her smirk fading into something softer. “Seriously?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
He let out another humorless chuckle, shaking his head. “Yeah. Guess I should’ve seen it coming.”
Athena scoffed, folding her arms. “Some people have no manners.”
Bobby studied her for a moment, then glanced at the empty chair across from her. “What about you?” he asked. “You here alone?”
She hesitated for a split second before lifting her chin, but there was something unreadable behind her eyes. “Apparently, some people don’t have the decency to cancel properly.”
Bobby stared at her, barely able to believe what he was hearing. Someone had stood her up? Athena Grant ? On Valentine’s Day ?
Athena lifted a shoulder, playing it off like it didn’t matter, but Bobby could tell—it did, even if just a little. He knew her well enough by now to see past the act. She wasn’t the type to dwell on things, wasn’t one to let anyone see when she was hurt. But he could see it. Just a flicker of disappointment in her eyes, quickly buried under that effortless confidence. He was really in disbelief that someone could stand her up. He didn’t even know that she was putting herself out there again.
Then he felt that small tingle in the back of his mind, just maybe, he could make her valentines better. And maybe it wasn’t his place, maybe he had no right, but at that moment, he wanted to treat her like she deserved and he wanted to make her night better.
Without a second thought, he set the flowers down on the table between them and gave her a small, sincere smile. “Well, since we’re here, mind if I join you, Sergeant?”
Her eyes widened softly before a slow smile curved her lips, and she gestured to the chair across from her. “I don’t mind.”
Bobby pulled out the chair and sat down, feeling the tension ease from his shoulders the moment he settled in across from her.
Athena reached for one of the flowers, twirling it slowly between her fingers, the candlelight casting a soft glow over her skin.
He watched her for a second, then smiled. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Athena.”
She glanced up at him, something warm and unreadable in her gaze, then let out a small, breathy laugh.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Bobby.”
Bobby felt his chest warm. That was when the server approached, a pleasant smile on her face as she glanced between them.
“Well, don’t you two look lovely together,” she said brightly, setting down two menus.
Bobby opened his mouth, not sure what to say, but Athena only arched a brow, a knowing glint in her eye. She didn’t correct the server, didn’t laugh it off, just reached for the menu with an easy grace.
Bobby followed suit, clearing his throat. “I’ll, uh, have the filet, medium.”
Athena glanced at him before handing her menu back. “Salmon, please. And another glass of wine.”
The server nodded, still smiling as she jotted down the order. “Perfect. I’ll be right back with that.”
As she walked away, Bobby risked a glance at Athena. She was still twirling the flower between her fingers, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips.
She was certainly something and maybe everything might just change tonight.
______________________
“So what brings you here?” Bobby asked, leaning forward slightly. “You don’t seem like the type to go on a blind date either.”
Athena let out a quiet huff, shaking her head. “I’m not. I wasn’t even supposed to be here in the first place.”
Bobby frowned slightly as she set the flower down. “What do you mean?”
She sighed, swirling the wine in her glass. “I was supposed to be working a shift tonight. I always do on Valentine’s. It’s never been my favorite holiday, too much going on, too many expectations. And, well… since Micheal and everything had happened, I just, I don't know. I just don't do Valentines.”
Bobby understood and just nodded.
Athena took another sip of her wine before continuing. “Anyway I had my shift set, no plans, just another day for me. But my kids—” she let out a small chuckle, shaking her head, “—they wanted to spend Valentine’s with me this year. Michael had plans with his partner, so he offered to switch things around so I could have the night with them.”
Bobby smiled slightly. “That was nice of him.”
Athena nodded. “Yeah, it was. So, I switched my shift with someone else. I had a whole night planned. Something simple, just us.” She exhaled sharply, tilting her head. “Then, without any notice, May’s friends invited her to some Galentine’s sleepover, and she tried so hard to act like she didn’t want to go but she really wanted to. She promised me that she will have a mother-daughter day with me. So I wasn’t gonna say no.”
Bobby smiled. “Of course not.”
Athena shook her head with a small laugh. “Then it was just me and Harry. I figured, okay, we’d still do something, just the two of us. But guess what? His friend invited him for a sleepover too. There was this new video game that was just released.”
Bobby chuckled, shaking his head. “So, just like that, you had no plans.”
“Just like that,” Athena confirmed, tapping her fingers against her glass. “I was about to beg for my shift back, but then Hen stepped in.”
Bobby immediately knew where this was going. He let out a small chuckle.
Athena let out an amused breath. “Oh yeah. She wasn’t having it. Said I needed to get out there again, that I deserved a nice night, that I needed to stop hiding.”
Bobby studied her for a moment, noticing the way she was still fidgeting with the flower. “And you agreed?”
Athena scoffed. “Not at first. It took a lot of convincing. A lot. I thought about it and I think its time. I’m ready. Eventually, yeah… I let her set me up. She told me all about him, I met with him because I just wanted to see. We got along but I knew that something was off. I thought that maybe it was just me, maybe I was moving too fast and shouldn't put myself out there. But turns out, apparently, my date didn’t think I was worth showing up for.”
Bobby's jaw tightened. Seriously, how could anyone stand her up when she was anything but full of worth.
Athena exhaled, shaking her head as if shaking the whole thing off. “Anyway, that’s my Valentine’s Day. Not exactly what I expected.”
Bobby looked at her for a long moment before picking up his water glass again, his expression soft but firm.
“Well… their loss,” he said simply.
Athena looked at him, her lips parting slightly, something shifting in her gaze. She held his stare for a beat before a small, genuine smile touched her lips.
“Guess so.”
The server returned with their meals, placing Bobby’s steak in front of him and Athena’s salmon in front of her. The warm aroma of seared meat and buttery seafood filled the air, mingling with the low hum of jazz playing softly in the background.
“Enjoy,” the server said with a polite nod before walking away.
For a moment, neither of them spoke as they settled into their meals. Bobby adjusted his napkin, cutting into his steak, while Athena took a small sip of her wine. Then, setting her glass down, she tilted her head slightly toward him.
“So,” she started, slicing into her salmon. “How exactly did Chimney manage to get you here?”
Bobby let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “It wasn’t Chimney at first,” he admitted. “It was my sponsor.”
Athena raised a brow. “Your sponsor?”
He nodded, exhaling through his nose. “Yeah. He’s been pushing me for a while to let go… to start actually living again. To stop punishing myself.” He stared at his plate, gripping his fork a little tighter. “But that’s easier said than done.”
Athena set her fork down and leaned in slightly. “Bobby…”
He didn’t look up. “It’s been years, but it never really goes away. The number is always there. 148 people.” His voice was quiet now, heavy with guilt. “My wife. My kids.” He swallowed hard, his jaw tensing. “Gone. Because of me.”
Bobby glanced down, couldn't bear to look at her even if he told her everything.
Athena frowned. “That wasn’t your fault,” she said firmly.
Bobby let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head, but Athena wasn’t backing down.
“The building wasn’t up to code,” she reminded him, her voice steady. “You didn’t set that fire on purpose. And you’ve spent every day since trying to atone for it.”
He swallowed again, the tightness in his chest loosening just a little.
Bobby finally looked up at her, and her gaze was unwavering, filled with something steady, something warm—something that made him feel seen in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time.
“You’re a good man, Bobby,” Athena said softly, her voice firm but gentle.“You’ve saved more lives than you can count. You’ve built a family in the 118. And you’ve stayed sober. That means something.”
Athena leaned in just a fraction. “You deserve to be happy, Bobby. You know that, right?” Her voice softened even more, and his throat tightened when she added, “I also know that your kids are proud of you and how far you’ve come. Your wife knows that you didn’t mean to.”
Something in his chest ached.
She saw him, just like she always had.
He let out a slow breath. “My sponsor says the same thing,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “He told me I should find someone who can support me… let someone in who understands me. That I should take it slow, one step at a time.” He toyed with the edge of his napkin, his fingers pressing into the fabric. “So this… this is my first step.”
Athena nodded, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. That smile of hers. She really believed in him, she was trying to remind him of something he had long forgotten about himself.
“Anyway,” he continued, sitting back slightly. “I was on the phone with my sponsor, and he overheard me talking about it one day and decided he wanted to ‘help.’ Next thing I know, he’s going on about how I should have a date on Valentine’s Day.”
Athena let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. “That sounds about right.”
“At first, I ignored him,” Bobby admitted, picking up his fork again. “But then he brought up the idea of a blind date.” He stabbed a piece of steak, considering his words. “I wasn’t really interested, but he kept pushing, and eventually… I figured, why not?”
Athena hummed, tilting her head slightly. “Well, sometimes things work out in unexpected ways.”
He looked at her for a long moment, taking in the way the candlelight flickered against her skin, the way her eyes held something both knowing and kind.
“Yeah,” he murmured. “I guess they do.”
Soon enough, their conversation had shifted into something more lighthearted, blending seamlessly with the soft hum of music in the background. The weight of heavier topics had lifted, replaced by easy laughter and comfortable warmth. Bobby found himself watching her more than he meant to—watching the way her lips curved when she smiled, how her eyes twinkled when she laughed. She was just so beautiful.
She made him feel light, like he wasn’t carrying the past on his shoulders for once. She made him feel grounded, rooted in this moment, here with her.
Athena rested her elbow on the table, leaning into her hand as she listened to him talk about his day. “So, let me get this straight,” she said, barely containing her amusement. “You nearly had a heart attack because Buck thought it’d be a good idea to test out a new cooking technique in the firehouse?”
Bobby sighed, shaking his head with an exasperated smile. “If you can even call it a ‘technique.’ The man tried to make some kind of flaming dessert with a blowtorch. A blowtorch, Athena.”
She let out a laugh, warm and rich, and Bobby swore he could feel it in his chest.
“That sounds about right,” she said, shaking her head. “I mean, Buck is Buck, but did he forget where he works?”
“Clearly,” Bobby chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. “Chimney was encouraging him too, so I knew it was only a matter of time before something went wrong.”
Athena raised a brow. “And let me guess, something did?”
“Oh, of course.” Bobby sighed dramatically. “He caught a potholder on fire. Nearly set off the sprinklers.”
Athena laughed again, and Bobby found himself staring for a beat too long, caught up in the way she looked so effortlessly radiant.
“And here I thought I had a long day,” she teased, shaking her head.
“Well, what about you?” Bobby asked, settling more comfortably in his seat. “How was your shift?”
Athena rolled her eyes playfully. “You ever have one of those days where you feel like every single call is someone making the worst decision possible?”
Bobby nodded. “Every day at the firehouse.”
“Exactly,” she said with a pointed look. “I had to deal with a guy who tried to fight a parking meter because it ‘ate’ his change. Then I had another guy who called 911 because his neighbor’s dog looked at him ‘funny.’”
Bobby chuckled, shaking his head. “Sounds about right.”
“And then,” Athena continued, her expression exasperated but amused, “I had to deal with some teenagers trying to jump from one rooftop to another like it was some kind of action movie.”
Bobby let out a low whistle. “And people wonder why first responders age faster.”
Athena gave him a knowing look. “You’re telling me.”
For a while, they just talked about their shifts, her kids, even the little things like their favorite parts of their childhood. He found himself learning little details about her, noticing little things about Athena that he hadn’t before. The way she absentmindedly twirled her fork when she was deep in thought, her brows knitting together ever so slightly before she spoke.
The way her lips curled just a little more on one side when she was really happy, a smile that wasn’t just polite but completely, genuinely hers. She had this quiet habit of brushing her thumb along the stem of her wine glass, almost like a nervous tic, though he doubted she ever got nervous.
And when dessert came, he realized she had a sweet tooth—her face lighting up ever so slightly when she saw the menu had chocolate chip waffles. She tried to play it off, but Bobby caught the way her eyes lingered just a little too long on the description before she ordered, as if she was pretending it was a casual choice and not something she loved. It was a small thing, but he stored it away, committing it to memory, because every little piece of her felt like something worth knowing. Bobby found himself laughing more than he had in a long time, and Athena… Athena looked at him like she enjoyed this, enjoyed him.
And maybe that was why, when his gaze drifted toward the small dance floor at the center of the restaurant, he felt the sudden urge to keep this night going just a little longer.
That's when he pushed back his chair and stood, smoothing a hand down the front of his jacket. Across the table, Athena’s gaze lifted to him, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
“Care for a dance?” He held his hand out. She was surprised, glancing towards the dance floor and then to him.
A slow smile grew on her face. "I'd like that."
Bobby felt the warmth of Athena’s hand in his as she placed hers in his palm without hesitation. He squeezed gently, leading her away from their table and toward the small dance floor, where other couples swayed under the soft glow of dimmed lights.
The music was slow, something smooth and rich, the kind of melody that settled in your chest. He turned toward her, his movement careful, as if giving a chance to change her mind.
But there is no indication. His left hand finds her hip, setting just above her hip. Athena stepped in closer, pressing her palm against his chest, feeling the slow even beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.
They fit together just right. Their feelings, the attraction, how right it seems between them is undeniable.
Their other hands remained joined between them, a soft tether keeping them connected as they begin to lobe.
It's slow. Unhurried
The rhythm of the song guides them together, their movements in sync despite saying a word. Bobby's eyes were on her and her alone. He barely registered the other couples around them.
They way her body moves so naturally against his. The way his fingers brush absentmindedly on her waist over her waist and she exhales slightly at the touch. His grip tightens–not to pull her closer but to ground him. To stop himself from doing something he shouldn't.
Oh.
It was hard not to.
Little by little, the space between them just disappeared.
Athena’s hand, which had been resting lightly on his chest, slid up slowly, her fingers tracing a slow path until they curled around the back of his neck. Bobby swallowed hard.
It was such a small movement, something that shouldn’t have made his heart kick up the way it did. But there was something about it, the softness of her touch, the way her fingertips lingered just slightly.
Neither of them spoke.
There was no need to.
The moment was enough, the quiet hum of the music, the warmth between them, the way their bodies moved in sync as if they had done this a hundred times before.
But as the music started to wind down, his eyes made contact with hers. Her eyes are softer than he’s ever seen them, deep and searching. It makes something stir low in his chest, something warm and unfamiliar, something dangerous in its tenderness.
And then the final note played, leaving them in silence.
Bobby swallowed, reluctant to let the moment slip away, but before he could think too much about it, he let his hand slide down from her waist, his fingers finding hers again. Without a word, he led her off the dance floor, guiding her back through the restaurant and out into the cool night air.
Athena took a slow breath, looking up at him with something unreadable in her eyes. And then, she smirked. “You surprise me, Captain. You dance well.”
Bobby huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “I had a good partner.”
For a moment, they just stood there, still caught in the lingering warmth of their dance. Then, something soft flickered in the corner of Bobby’s vision. He turned his head slightly, eyes drawn to a golden glow filtering through the trees. Just beyond the patio, a garden stretched out, winding paths lined with twinkling fairy lights casting a warm haze over the plants. It looked untouched, almost like something out of a dream.
Athena followed his gaze, and there was an unspoken understanding between them. Neither of them moved toward the car. Neither of them said they should be heading home. Instead, she tilted her head toward the path with a small, knowing smile.
“Well, since we’re here…” she murmured.
Bobby smiled, offering his arm. She looped her hand through with ease, and they stepped onto the garden path together. The gravel crunched softly beneath their shoes as they moved at a leisurely pace.
Lanterns hung from iron posts, flickering gently, illuminating patches of greenery—climbing ivy curling up trellises, delicate clusters of lavender, rows of white roses.
Athena hummed in appreciation. “Didn’t expect a place like this right next to a Jazz Club.”
Bobby chuckled. “It’s a nice touch.”
“Not a bad way to end the night,” she admitted.
They continued walking, their steps easy, shoulders occasionally brushing. Bobby found himself slowing down, soaking in the quiet moment, the soft rustle of leaves, the faint scent of flowers mixing with the cool air. It had been a long time since he’d just… walked . No sirens blaring, no station calls waiting. Just peace.
But then, something caught his attention, and he stopped short.
Athena nearly bumped into him. “What?”
Bobby didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he crouched down slightly, fingers brushing over a small, potted plant nestled between some taller shrubs. His expression softened.
Athena peered over his shoulder. “Don’t tell me you just got distracted by a plant .”
He shook his head but didn’t pull away just yet, studying the leaves carefully. “This is rosemary,” he murmured. “It’s one of the first things I ever grew.”
Athena arched a brow. “You garden?”
He glanced up at her with a shrug. “Used to. Back in Minnesota, when I was younger, my mom had this tiny backyard garden. She used to say it was important to know how to take care of something, to watch it grow.” His fingers skimmed over the leaves lightly. “My brother and I…we’d always get in trouble for pulling up vegetables before they were ready. But she taught us how to do it right. How to be patient.”
Athena's smirk softened. “That explains a lot.”
Bobby huffed a quiet laugh, standing up again. “Yeah?”
“You make great food.”
“Just great?”
Athena gave him a knowing look, her smirk deepening. “Alright, fine. Amazing food.”
Bobby let out a satisfied hum, tucking the sprig of rosemary between his fingers. “That’s more like it.”
She let out a small laugh. He stood up and they continued to walk down the path, Bobby twirled the rosemary sprig between his fingers, glancing over at Athena as they strolled side by side.
“You ever garden?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.
Athena hummed, considering the question. “I do, from time to time. It helps me relax.”
Bobby nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Yeah, I get that. There’s something about it—keeps your hands busy, gives you something to focus on.”
She glanced at him. “Why used to?”
“Time… life got in the way somehow. There’s always a battle with my mind,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But recently, my neighbor—she’s getting older, so she forgets sometimes. Plus, she’s always off traveling with her grandkids. She gave me a key to her apartment, told me to water her plants while she’s away. I don’t really know why—guess she trusts me. She’s sweet, though. I probably spend too much time there when she’s gone, but it helps. Keeps my mind distracted, you know?”
Athena smiled, and there was something in her expression, something warm, something steady, that made his chest tighten in a way that wasn’t uncomfortable. She looked proud of him, and it did something to him, that quiet understanding in her eyes. She didn’t judge him. She didn’t press him for more. She just… saw him. And for a man who had spent so many years trying to make peace with himself, that meant something.
“That’s good,” she said softly.
He smiled, tucking his hands into his pockets as they continued to stride down the path. The night air wrapped around them, cool but not unpleasant. The path ahead was lined with more fairy lights, winding through tall hedges and lush greenery, and there was something peaceful about it. About this.
Bobby let the silence settle between them, but his thoughts were quiet. He hadn’t expected tonight to turn out the way it had. He had expected a nice dinner, good conversation, maybe even a few laughs with the person he was going to go out with. But he got ghosted and coincidentally Athena had appeared, in the same situation as him. He couldn’t believe it, and it felt good, because this… this was something else entirely. On Valentine's day, he wanted to spend it with her and here he was.
He always felt at ease with her. She was the only one that made him feel like he could just be. It has been a long time since he felt this at ease in someone’s presence.
His gaze flickered back to her, and for a moment, he simply watched her. He didn’t know how many time he caught himself staring at her.
She was so dang beautiful.
Then, he noticed it—the way she pulled her arms a little tighter around herself, the way her shoulders hunched ever so slightly. It wasn’t much, just a small shift, but he caught it. The air had cooled, not too much, but enough that he could tell she felt it.
He hesitated for only a second.
Then, without a word, he shrugged off his suit jacket and gently draped it over her shoulders.
Athena immediately started to shake her head, her hand coming up to push it off. “Bobby, I’m okay—”
“Just relax,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. His hand lingered lightly on her shoulder, keeping the jacket in place. “Take it.”
She looked up at him, brow raised, but he just held her gaze, a small knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“You’re cold,” he added softly.
For a moment, she didn’t move. Didn’t say anything. Then, with a quiet breath, her fingers curled around the lapels of his jacket, pulling it closer. “Thank you.” She murmured softly.
As they reached the end of the garden path, Athena’s steps slowed. Her gaze drifted to the side, catching on something just past the small shop near the exit. A claw machine, tucked beside the storefront, its glass case filled with cheap stuffed animals and plastic trinkets. The kind of prizes no one really needed, but somehow, winning one always felt like a victory.
A soft smile tugged at her lips.
She turned to Bobby, her eyes glinting with something playful. “Are you any good at those?”
Bobby followed her gaze, letting out a quiet chuckle as he took in the machine. “Are you doubting me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Athena tilted her head, crossing her arms under his jacket. “I don’t know, Captain,” she mused. “I feel like you might talk a big game.”
His laugh came easy, warm and deep. “That sounds like a challenge.”
“Maybe it is.”
Bobby huffed, shaking his head with amusement. “Alright,” he said, stepping toward the machine. “Let’s see what I can do.”
Bobby slid a coin into the machine, the mechanical hum filling the air as the claw jerked to life. Athena stood close beside him, her arms still tucked beneath his jacket. He focused, maneuvering the claw with careful precision, his lips pressing together in concentration.
Athena smirked. “You look serious.”
“Shh,” he murmured, his eyes never leaving the prize pit.
With one final press of the button, the claw descended, clamping around something small. They both watched as it lifted, wobbled slightly, but against all odds, managed to hold on. The prize dropped into the chute with a soft clunk.
Bobby reached in and pulled it out, opening his palm to reveal a tiny plastic heart.
Athena let out a small laugh, tilting her head. “Well, look at that.”
Bobby turned toward her, holding the small plastic heart out, and Athena took it, her fingers brushing against his before curling around it. She held it in the palm of her hand, staring at it for a beat too long before looking up at him.
His gaze locked with hers, and something shifted.
The heart, the quiet, the weight of the moment between them. It settled in his chest, deep and certain. Athena swallowed, and Bobby caught it, the way her throat moved, the way she hesitated just slightly. His eyes flickered to her lips before dropping to the heart in her palm. She was close, so close. And then he noticed her gaze had done the same, tracing his lips before meeting his eyes again.
Oh boy.
Oh.
He really wanted to.
And maybe he really couldn’t stop himself.
Maybe tonight was meant to be.
The air felt heavier between them, thick with something unspoken but undeniable. Bobby exhaled softly, almost like he needed to steady himself. “I enjoyed tonight more than I should have.” His voice was quiet, almost rough.
Athena’s fingers curled tighter around the heart. Her lips parted just slightly before she nodded, something warm in her expression. “Me too.”
Bobby stepped closer, his chest just brushing against her arm. His gaze dipped again, lingering on her lips before his hand lifted, fingers grazing along her jaw before settling against her cheek. She didn’t pull away—she leaned into his touch, just slightly, just enough.
And they didn’t rush.
There was no hesitation, no second-guessing, no nerves. Just this quiet pull, like gravity, like something inevitable.
The first kiss was tentative, a slow press of lips, a test to see what it felt like—to see if the moment was as real as it felt.
But the second came without thought, without hesitation.
Athena leaned in, and Bobby met her halfway, his hand still cupping her cheek as he pulled her in, his fingers pressing just slightly into her skin. She was so warm, so soft, and he couldn't stop himself from deepening the kiss just a little, from pressing closer until there was nothing between them but heat and the quiet hum of the moment.
His other hand found her waist, fingertips grazing the fabric of her dress before settling against her back. Athena’s hands found their way to his neck, fingers curling just slightly as she drew herself closer, her body molding into his like it belonged there.
Bobby let out a quiet breath against her lips, his grip tightening as the world around them blurred into nothing but this, this kiss, this closeness, this moment that neither of them seemed to want to end.
When they finally pulled apart, just barely, their breaths mingled in the small space between them. Bobby rested his forehead against hers, his thumb tracing the soft curve of her cheek as he tried to catch his breath, trying to process what just happened, what had always felt inevitable.
Athena’s lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper, but still laced with that signature confidence. “About time.”
Bobby let out a quiet chuckle, his grip on her waist tightening ever so slightly. “About time,” he murmured right against her lips before closing the distance again.
This was right, this was it. Just perfect, and everything clicked.
Because somehow, a Valentine’s Day that had started with disappointment had turned into something neither of them had expected. A night of laughter, of dancing, of quiet confessions beneath the soft glow of fairy lights.
And now this.
This kiss, this feeling—this realization that maybe, just maybe, they had both been waiting for the right person all along. That they both felt the same way all along, they just needed the right moment, the right timing.
A Valentine’s Day gone wrong? Maybe at first.
But not anymore.
It had led them right where they were meant to be.