Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Captain Elaine Maynard loved her job.

Most of the time.

Each day she would brief her officers and send them out onto the streets of L.A to do what they did best. She had faith in each and every one of them, trusting them to uphold the law and protect the citizens of the city she had called home for almost all of her adult life. Good officers would come and go, some leaving her division to climb the ranks, making way for new recruits to take up the proverbial baton, some stayed, content in their role policing the streets.

When people would ask what her job was like she would say it was like completing a puzzle, working out where best to place her guys across the city based on reporting trends and live cases. Of course there were some officers she gave more free rein to, knowing their years of experience meant they would inevitably end up precisely where they were needed, or as near as damn it anyway.

Bureaucracy. The part of the job she really despised. Captain Maynard may be a pro when it came to the politics of the job but it didn’t mean she had to like it. Not in the slightest. Tiresome, boring, impossible. All terms that barely scratched the surface in all honesty. Quite frankly she’d happily set fire to the budget report.

Handy, with the LAFD in attendance today.

The bi-annual comms meeting, LAPD, LAFD, the mayor and city council officials all gathered in one place to ‘discuss’ any current and ongoing issues and attempt to formulate some sort of action plan for the next six months.

Another thing she could do without but at least this one was taking place in LAPD headquarters, meaning she had little commute back to her office as soon as she could effect escape.

All around the large table, men in suits and crisp uniforms were talking incessantly and yet saying nothing of any real relevance. Perhaps they simply enjoyed the sound of their own voices. All except for one anyway. Captain Nash had so far remained stoically silent, speaking only when called upon by Chief Alonso.

Elaine knew very little of Captain Nash, barring of course his excellent reputation on the job. Their paths rarely crossed in the field, their interactions mainly confined to emails, or the occasional phone call concerning a scene or a case report. Elaine respected the fire Captain both in rank and from her own opinion, her instincts usually served her well in that regard, an ability to read people was a skill she was incredibly proud of.

Of course there was always the many good things she heard about him from her very own Sergeant Grant. Elaine knew that Sergeant Grant crossed paths with the 118 more than most of her officers, they patrolled the same streets after all, and there was of course the knowledge that Athena’s best friend happened to be a part of that particular team, it was only natural that they would mix socially.

Except there was always something in Sergeant Grant’s tone, whenever she spoke of the fire captain that Elaine knew was different. She’d known Athena for most of their professional lives, had seen the field Sergeant navigate her career and her somewhat complicated personal life. She’d watched her deal with the loss of Emmett, the years it had taken to open herself up to a new relationship, only to have that end in divorce. Elaine would consider Athena to be her friend, not just her colleague, and that’s why she knew there was something there, under the surface, beyond Sergeant Grant and Captain Nash.

The monotonous tone of the meeting around her was starting to give Elaine a headache, she needed a distraction, and for once the odds were in her favour when movement to her left drew her attention.

Captain Nash had suddenly straightened in his seat, his knuckles white around the pen clutched in his hands as his attention focused not on the men sitting opposite him but on the glass behind them.

Elaine’s eyes followed his gaze and she had to fight the urge to smirk in triumph when she landed upon the object of his attention.

Sergeant Athena Grant.

Amongst all the hustle and bustle of the station beyond the glass and all of the officers coming and going, Captain Nash’s eyes never left her. For her part Athena was completely oblivious, standing with Detective Ransone as they both looked over a case file.

This meeting just got interesting.

Sitting back in her seat Elaine watched as Athena tossed the case file on the desk she was standing by, before leaning against the wall beside it, her arms folded across her chest. This time she couldn’t hide the smirk, thankful that the men in the room were paying her no mind at all as Elaine watched Captain Nash follow Athena’s every move, a deep blush had covered his neck just above his shirt collar, his Adam’s apple moved with an almost audible clunk as he swallowed thickly.

Captain Maynard’s minor suspicions around whatever it was behind Sergeant Grant and Captain Nash were beginning to gain more traction, the evidence was stacking up, and she wondered, did either of them even see what was obviously right in front of them. Hell, they weren’t even in the same room and Elaine could see it, hadn’t even interacted yet and the air had shifted.

With her eyes shifting between Bobby and Athena at measured intervals it didn’t take long for Elaine to catch the moment that Athena finally looked in the direction of the conference room. Despite the dozen or so people around the table Athena saw but one it seemed. The way the Sergeant’s expression seemed to soften for a fraction of a second as her eyes locked with that of the fire captain before she tensed and stood up straight again, hands reaching for the report once more as she appeared to busy herself.

Elaine’s eyes narrowed, Athena Grant was never one to be flustered, and yet, as she reached up to mindlessly straighten her hair, where not one was out of place, it was obvious she had been caught off guard. For a moment it looked as though Athena might simply walk away, her eyes had moved to the elevator and back to Bobby before dropping again to the file in her hand as she shifted slightly on the spot. It was almost as though Elaine could see the battle in her friends mind, to stay or to run and hide. Yet an unseen magnetic force seemed to keep her rooted to the spot.

“Captain Maynard? Elaine?”

The voice of the Assistant Chief pulled Elaine from her musings and she twisted in her seat, clearing her throat in an effort to stall her response, since she had no idea what on earth her boss had just asked her, thankfully the Chief saved her the hassle.

“We’re one week out from the annual fundraiser, I want a cross section of officers from all divisions in attendance, I trust your judgement on this one Elaine, make sure your best are there please.”

Great.

Doing her best to stop the eye roll Elaine sighed softly as she nodded in her boss’ direction, that time of year again, get all dressed up just to glad hand her way around a room full of LA’s richest and most annoying patrons. She hated it, always had always would, but if it meant she could fund her department appropriately she’d grin bear it for another year.

As the meeting finally, thankfully came to an end Elaine slowly packed up her files, not wanting to find herself swept along with the group as they filed out towards the elevator, small talk was not on her agenda today, not at all. As it happened she found herself leaving the conference room just behind Captain Nash, who did not head in the direction of the elevators with the others but instead made what could only be described as bee-line for Sergeant Grant.

Barely three steps behind him Elaine couldn’t stop the raise of an inquisitive eyebrow as her Sergeant greeted the fire captain.

“Captain Nash, this makes a nice change to find you on my turf for once.”

Elaine paused at the other woman’s words, that along with the wide smile and unmistakable glint in her eye simply raised the intrigue all the more.

Was she flirting?

Captain Nash sighed heavily in response, though even from just behind him Elaine could tell his smile matched that of the Sergeant. “Oh you know how I do love a good comms meeting.”

“That was no where near believable Captain.” Athena laughed in reply, crossing her arms across her chest again.

“Really? Damn, I’m going to have to work on that.”

A silence fell between them, one, two, maybe three minutes seemed to pass as they simply stood there. The air getting gradually heavier as the atmosphere seemed to heighten. Elaine for her part simply stood there observing, stack of files clutched against her chest in her folded arms, until eventually she chose her moment to interrupt.

“So annual fundraiser next week.”

“Bye!” Detective Ransone, who had so far been sat at the nearby desk working, paying the exchange no mind, turned swiftly in his chair and set off towards the elevators causing Elaine to laugh as she moved forward to stand in between the fire captain and the field sergeant. She couldn’t blame the detective for his hasty exit, more than once had Lou been put through this particular torture already.

“Uh, what about it?” Athena spoke cautiously, eyeing her Captain carefully.

“You’ve dodged it enough times Athena it’s time to take your turn. You’re up.”

“No, no no, I don’t think so Elaine.”

“It wasn’t a question Athena, you can consider it an order.”

“But…”

“But nothing! I need my best people there and you’re my best. Besides, I need a friendly face to help me through it.” Elaine smiled gently, looking from Athena to Bobby and back again. “And I’m sure Captain Nash wouldn’t mind seeing a friendly face in the crowd either.”

Momentarily caught off guard Bobby cleared his throat, a hand nervously moving to the back of his head as he shrugged. “Uh, well I was hoping to rope in Hen and Chim and I might stand a better chance if I tell them you’ll be there. At least with Hen anyway.”

“What, no Buckaroo on that guest list?” Athena tilted her head, eyebrow raised as she looked at him, his rumble of laughter filling the air.

“You think we can trust the kid in that kinda room?”

“Absolutely not.” Though she stopped short of laughing in her reply Athena smiled widely at the thought of Buck loose in a room of dignitaries, and the heart attack it would no doubt give Bobby in the process.

Whatever reply Bobby may have had fell short as the sound of his phone drew his attention and he reached into his pocket to retrieve the device, taking a moment to read the text message.

“Speaking of Buck, swear that kid knows when I so much as mention his name.”

“Everything ok?” Athena asked softly as he smiled in reply.

“Fine, apparently I have a dozen hungry firefighters ready for dinner.”

“Pasta Thursday right?”

“Pasta Thursday. Feel free to drop by later if you’re hungry sergeant, open invitation remember. On your break of course.”

Elaine did nothing to hide her smirk at the hastily added last part of Bobby’s words, obviously he had momentarily forgotten she was even there. She said nothing, content to simply stand by as the fire captain hastily said his goodbyes and headed for the elevator.

Elaine watched Athena track the retreating form of Captain Nash, not missing the way that her eyes raked over the undoubtedly impressive form of the man in question.

“So.” Elaine turned to lean against the desk beside Athena who turned her head slowly to face her boss.

“So what?”

“Captain Nash huh?”

“What about him?”

“You like him.” Elaine couldn’t help but grin as Athena’s eyes widened for a split second before she shrugged, a futile attempt to appear nonchalant.

“We’re friends.”

“Yeah, but you’d like to be more than friends.”

“Elaine!”

“Athena!”

“We’re friends, that’s all.”

“Oh c’mon. So you weren’t just flirting with him then.”

“No.”

“He was flirting right back Athena.”

“No he wasn’t.”

“He so was. Athena I have eyes, he likes you and you like him so why not go for it? Who knows, maybe Cinderella might land her prince at the ball next week huh.”

Rising from her position against the desk Elaine gave her sergeant a pointed look, tapping the files in her hand against Athena’s folded arms before she turned and headed for the stairway back to her office. A part of her wanted to turn around to see the look on her friend’s face but she resisted. Honestly she was surprised she’d gotten away with as much as she had done already to this point, knowing Athena would only be pushed so far, her lack of push back just proved how caught off guard she had been by the whole conversation.

Athena Grant was one of her very best officers, had been for a very long time, her instincts in the field were unmatched and Elaine would trust her on the job without a second of doubt. But in her personal life, Elaine knew that sometimes, her friend had a tendency to air too close to the side of caution.

A little push in the right direction surely couldn’t hurt. Right? 

Chapter Text

She was pacing again. The soft carpet of her bedroom under her bare feet as she moved from one wardrobe to another, finding nothing new had materialised within since the last time she looked, all of four minutes ago.

Sighing for what felt like the hundredth time Athena swiped her half full wine glass from the dresser and dropped onto the bench that sat at the foot of her bed. At intervals her eyes would drift back to the open wardrobe doors and the panic would rise again in her chest like a dead weight.

Simply put, she had nothing to wear. Certainly nothing that was gala worthy anyway.

Ever since she had been all but ambushed by Elaine earlier that day Athena had been able to think of little else. Now, with the kids in their respective rooms consumed by homework her attention had turned to the logistics of the night in question. Deep down she had known without even looking that there would be nothing suitable in her wardrobe at all, unable to recall the last time she’d had the opportunity to dress up. During her separation and subsequent divorce from Michael many hours had been spent analysing their relationship, the realisation coming with quiet acceptance that after Harry had been born that had been the end of her marriage as she knew it. There was no longer intimacy, no date nights, no romantic efforts at all. For a while she had tried, suggested they go out to dinner or a movie just the two of them but Michael had always seemed to shrug it off. Athena had been content at the time, reconciling it all as just the normal progression of a marriage, so to learn that her husband was gay suddenly made things that much clearer.

Six months, six whole months since the divorce had been finalised and Athena had found herself for the first time in years contemplating the dating scene. Honestly the thought alone made her nauseous. Hen, of course had encouraged her more than once to get back out there, to live it a little. Athena knew her friend meant well, but being a single woman at fifty was nothing short of terrifying. To open yourself up to someone again, it wasn’t easy, and yes it would be nice to feel like a woman again, to feel wanted and desired and loved.

Athena sighed again, twisting the stem of her wine glass in her hand as she watched the crimson liquid slide gracefully against the glass before she took a long sip, the sound of her phone ringing on the bed beside her stopping her from draining the whole glass in one go.

Reaching out she saw her best friend’s name lit up against the display and took a deep breath, wondering just how Hen had taken the news that she too would be roped into this fiasco.

“Hi Hen.”

“Please tell me you’re coming to this pompous party and Cap isn’t just telling me you are to con me into it!”

Taking it well then.

Athena smiled as she heard the underlying annoyance in her friends tone, knowing this gala was Hen’s worst nightmare too.

“Oh if I thought there was any way on this earth I could get out of it Hen I would but Elaine is adamant. So don’t you even dare pull anything here, if I’m suffering so are you!”

Hen’s answering sigh was heavy. “I hate those things.”

“You and me both.”

“What do I even wear ‘Thena? I sure as hell aren’t wearing no dress.”

Just the notion had Athena almost choking on her wine as she took a drink at precisely the wrong moment. “You don’t have to wear a dress Hen! Though for what it’s worth I have absolutely nothing suitable in this wardrobe, and believe me I’ve been staring at it for an hour.”

“Ok so help a girl out, shopping on Monday? We’re both off right? And we can throw in a wine lunch as a reward for good behaviour.”

“Deal.” For a moment Athena allowed the silence to sit between them, she could still feel Hen’s annoyance through the line and decided on a small shift in topic. “How’s Chimney taking the news?”

“Oh he’s ecstatic, you known Chim! Loves a party especially when that party comes with an open bar. Cap on the other hand…”

Athena straightened subconsciously at the mention of Bobby, annoyed with herself for letting her heart clench like it did, the damn thing beating so hard it almost burst out of her chest.

“Oh?” Athena spoke quietly, praying her friend didn’t notice the change in her tone.

“He’s been tense since he came back from that comms meeting. On edge, he’s had Buck and Eddie running drills and the rest of the squad cleaning the entire firehouse from top to bottom! He’s been a little better with Chim and I but that’s only so we don’t bail on him next week.”

“Yeah, can’t imagine he’s thrilled at being paraded around as the chief’s star captain huh.” Athena sighed gently, her heart clenching again as she thought of him. He was the chief’s star captain, whether he wanted to be or not. The 118 was widely considered to be the best in the city and considering the chaos the team was in before Bobby arrived it was obviously a result of his excellent leadership. Though he of course, ever modest would never have it said out loud.

“True, but if he stays in this mood for a whole week it’s hardly going to make the whole thing any more bearable, for any of us.”

Standing from the bench Athena moved towards the window, leaning heavily against the frame as she finished her conversation with Hen, with plans made for their shopping trip she wished her friend a good evening and was once again left to her thoughts.

Specifically the Bobby of it all.

Honestly she had long since admitted to herself that she had feelings for him. What had started out as a simple crush had developed into something much deeper. Whilst she had been married she had hidden behind the simple gold wedding band, safely knowing she could never act upon her feelings and content to love him from a distance. Now though, divorced and free to act upon her feelings Athena was a hostage to her own fear. Never sure that her feelings were reciprocated in the way she hoped, she had remained in her safe little bubble as his friend. Oh of course there were times when he would look at her and she could swear on her life that she saw her own love reflected back at her. When his gaze would burn deep into her soul, wrapping her heart in a vice like grip that made her believe maybe they could be something. But the fear always won, every argument, every thought, was banished away by the fear that kept her at arms length, safely in the friend zone.

Until Captain Maynard called her out on it.

Maybe she hadn’t been as good at hiding her feelings as she’d thought. That thought alone was terrifying enough. Just who else had seen through her friendly banter with the captain, recognising it for exactly what it was? Flirting, pure and simple.

Right now that fear was something she would have to deal with later. Hen’s words had settled deep in her chest and she was worried about him, it wasn’t like him to be the hard liner. If he was so tense he had the whole squad working at regimented paces he was obviously not ok and she wondered why that was. Glancing down at her phone in her hand Athena made her decision. Tonight, in this moment she chose to be his friend first.

                                               **************************

He hadn’t meant to slam his office door as hard as he did. Wincing as the frames on the wall beside the door frame shook with the impact. Dropping into the seat at his desk Bobby stared down the mountain of paperwork that sat on the surface, mocking him. He was in no mood for paperwork. He was in no mood for anything at all if truth be told. He’d always hated those damn comms meetings, grateful the chief rarely asked him to go along. He’d had his suspicions about the chief’s ulterior motives for dragging him along today and his instincts had served him right once again. Ambushed into attending the god awful first responders fundraising gala.

His worst nightmare. The politics of the job had never interested him, not even for a second. On the truck, with his team, that’s where he wanted to be, doing his job, not glad handing the obnoxiously rich just so the department can have a shiny new truck. He shouldn’t have to, no one should, and yet in the real world it was a necessary evil.

Still, the whole thing had him on edge, he wasn’t a performing pony and yet Chief Alonso expected him to be just that. And now he’d dragged Hen and Chim into the damn circus as well. The guilt he felt for that sat heavy in his chest, but the chief had been clear that he wanted at least some of the squad in attendance alongside him. It wasn’t a hard decision really, knowing the paramedics were the obvious choice, the two he trusted the most to represent the department. But he still felt bad about it all the same.

The one thing that made this whole charade feel just that little bit easier was knowing she would be there.

Athena. Beautiful, brilliant Athena.

Just the thought of her had his heart rate calming somewhat as he sat at his desk, pen twisting anxiously in his hands. Ironic really, that she be the one to settle his racing mind and heart when she was also the one person that made his heart skip a beat with just a single look. The most perfect contradiction.

It wasn’t a new revelation, knowing as he had for so long now that he was in love with her. It sat with him like an old friend, the knowledge that he would love her forever, maybe even longer still, and yet could never have her. How could he? She was brilliant, bold, beautiful, and so far out of his league it almost felt laughable. It had been easier when she had been married, in an odd sort of way, to temper down his feelings and love her from a distance. The divorce had proven harder for him to handle than it really should have done. It had sent a fear rippling through him like a wave, crashing around his mind as thoughts of her now single status filled his entire being.

It terrified him, in every way imaginable. Of course the crippling fear of ever finding the courage to ask her out and the inevitable rejection was at the forefront there was also the idea of her dating someone new. Someone other than him. Having to see any relationship between Athena and another man develop right in front of him was enough to make him nauseous. The very idea causing the bile to build in his throat at any given time. He had no right to feel this way, none at all, as her friend he should be concerned with her happiness and nothing else. But there was still the selfish part of him that wanted her to himself, wanted her to want him as he did her.

Inevitably as she filled his every thought Bobby couldn’t help but think about how beautiful she’ll look, one week from now in an otherwise ordinary hotel ballroom. Try as he might to derail his train of thought it was no use, images swam through his mind as though flipping through a camera reel. What colour dress will she wear? Will it have thin straps, chunky straps, no straps at all? Will it flow from her hips like a graceful waterfall or cling to every delicious curve?

Feeling his chest clench again, the heat rushing up his neck straight to his head Bobby sat back in his chair with a thud, the pen in his hand uncharacteristically launched across the room in an effort to shake himself out of his own mind.

It took him a few seconds to register the sound as it battled through the mist that clouded his mind. Eyes falling to his cell phone as it vibrated across the desk he couldn’t help but smile at the irony. Had she heard his thoughts? From all the way across town had she felt him thinking about her?

With a deep breath and steady exhale Bobby reached for his phone.

“Sergeant.”

“Hey.” Her voice was soft in reply, his eyes closing as the sound washed over him. It was astounding really, the stillness that would settle around him when she spoke. “I hear you’re ruling with an iron fist over there this evening, everything ok Captain?”

He groaned then, one hand lifting to rub his tired eyes. He had a good idea how she’d heard such a thing and he couldn’t help but feel guilty. He hadn’t intended to take out his bad mood on the team but here they were anyway.

“You’ve spoken to Hen?”

“Yeah. She called to make sure I was definitely going to this…thing…and make me promise not to bail on her. She may have mentioned that you’ve been a little tense.”

“I hate those damn comms meetings.”

“I know. But it’s over now for another six months I’m sure you’ll survive Bobby.”

“Barely.”

The sound of her soft laughter brought forth his own as he began to feel the proverbial storm cloud retreat from above him for the first time in hours.

“Bobby it’s one night, I’m sure you can manage to make nice for a few hours if it keeps the Chief happy.”

“Big words Sergeant, could’ve sworn I saw you doing your level best to get out of it yourself earlier today.”

“Yeah well, I’ve made my peace with it I guess. As much as I hate the idea, at least Hen will be there to keep me sane.”

For a moment the silence between them lingered, not uncomfortable, maybe just a little charged.

“Only Hen?” The question fell from his lips before he could stop it, and he could swear he heard her breath hitch in response before she cleared her throat.

“Well and Chimney of course.”

“Of course.” Bobby smiled though she couldn’t see it, what he’d expected her to say he wasn’t sure, although her next words were ultimately unexpected.

“And anyway, if it gets really tiresome I’m sure you’ll be there to hold my hand Captain.”

His smile, wider now and much more genuine, chased away the last lingering tension from his body. “I’ll always have your back Sergeant.”

“That’s why you’re a good friend Bobby, the best.”

Friend.

He was her friend and she was his, always. Even when he wanted more, desired more, their friendship meant more to him than anything.

“Likewise. Thanks for calling Athena you didn’t have to.”

“Anytime Captain. Now stop staring at the paperwork it won’t do itself. The quicker you start the quicker you finish!”

“How did you? You know what never mind! Goodnight Sergeant Grant.”

“Goodnight Captain Nash.”

With a groan Bobby dropped the phone back onto his desk, with elbows against the hard wood he rested his head in his hands for a long moment.

This woman might actually be the death of him.

But what a way to go. 

Chapter Text

“Why exactly are we standing here waiting on your Captain?”

Athena rolled her eyes as she turned back to face Hen as they stood at the end of the shopping parade, the late morning sun reflecting off of Hen’s sunglasses did nothing to hide the annoyance that crossed the paramedics features.

“We’re not waiting on my Captain, we’re waiting on Elaine, you know my friend Elaine!”

“Friend? Oh ok whatever.”

Athena sighed, her right hand lifting to her forehead automatically, the dull ache of an oncoming headache was already threatening behind her eyes. It wasn’t as though Hen had never met Elaine, their paths had crossed more than a few times over the years, even socially from time to time. Maybe it was just that they didn’t really have all that much in common, other than Athena. If it wasn’t for Athena they probably would have never met in the first place. For whatever reason, Hen was not so enamoured at the thought of spending the afternoon together just the three of them.

The invitation to join them had been spur of the moment, Athena hadn’t planned it so to speak it just sort of happened at the end of shift yesterday.

It wasn’t unusual to find Sergeant Grant at her desk on a Sunday afternoon, statistically speaking Sundays were marginally quieter than any other day and so the opportunity was often sought to complete any outstanding paperwork or reports that had piled up over the week. There was something quite satisfying about making sure they were all done before close of day Sunday, making sure to start a Monday on a clean slate was something Athena felt helped to organise her mind. Of course she wasn’t always on shift on a Sunday, which made the task all the more satisfying.

What was unusual, was finding Captain Maynard in her office on a Sunday. In all the years Athena had worked under Elaine she could probably count with her fingers how many times this had occurred, even then she’d probably have half spare.

As she walked closer to the office in question, completed paperwork in hand ready to turn in Athena narrowed her eyes in consideration. Elaine wasn’t in uniform, nor was her hair twisted into the neat bun she always wore, instead falling gracefully over her shoulders. Whatever the file was in her hand it had her full attention, the tell tale stress lines present around the Captains eyes.

Gently, Athena knocked quietly on the open door, Elaine almost jumping from her seat in surprise.

“Sergeant Grant.”

“Don’t mind me Captain, just turning in these reports before I head out.”

Elaine nodded as she watched the Sergeant cross the room and drop the files into the designated trays before turning to head back out. Something however, had Athena pausing half way, turning slowly on the spot she took a couple of tentative steps back towards the Captain’s desk.

“Everything okay?”

Elaine sighed, sitting back in her chair with a huff. “Jack’s mother is in town.”

Fighting the urge to smirk Athena nodded slowly, taking the hint she slowly lowered herself into the chair opposite her boss. “Ah, so you’re hiding at work on what should be your day off.”

“The old witch was supposed to leave yesterday but has now decided to stay another few days.”

“So you plan on hiding here until she leaves? I thought you were off til Tuesday.”

“I am, but I might just sign up for some patrols if it gets me out of her way.”

Laughing quietly Athena sighed with a feigned air of the dramatic and shook her head. “Well I wouldn’t wish that on you Elaine, since you’re so intent on dragging me to this gala Friday you can help me find a suitable dress at least. Hen and I are going shopping tomorrow if you’d like to join us? There will be lunch involved.”

“Does lunch involve alcohol?”

“Probably more than it should.”

“Then you can count me in! Thanks Athena.”

“No problem. We women need to stick together when it comes to the invasion of the in-laws after all.”

Elaine smiled genuinely at her friend seated across from her, grateful for the invitation and the chance to escape for a few hours.

With a small sigh Elaine looked down at the file in her hands before looking back at the women opposite. For a long moment Elaine considered the women not as her friend, but as a very capable officer, maybe her most trusted in her division. There was another reason she needed Athena at the gala, she needed her instincts, and her experience.

“Sergeant Grant, before I bring you in on this, I need you to promise to treat this with the utmost discretion.”

Athena straightened in her seat, noting the shift in her boss’ tone, knowing they were back on official turf. “Of course, Captain.”

Elaine stood, and walked around the front of her desk to sit in the adjacent chair before handing the file to Athena.

Taking the file with an air of both intrigue and trepidation, Athena flicked it open and skimmed the contents, her eyes narrowing instantly as she took in the basics.

“Death threats, the mayor?”

“I know, nothing unusual really in itself for any man in an office of power but they’re getting more frequent and more specific. PD is just one agency working them, of course the actual investigation is being conducted way above our pay grades but with the gala coming up, it’s a security nightmare. Top brass felt we needed to know, so we can keep an eye on things.”

“They think whoever this is might try something at the gala?”

“It’s the obvious choice, which of course might mean nothing but we can’t take it for granted. It’s probably nothing, but I thought you should know. I know I was teasing the other day with the whole Captain Nash thing but, I also want Sergeant Grant at that gala as well as Athena.”

The mention of Bobby had her shifting where she sat, to be honest she was glad she’d have something to focus on other than him come Friday night, although knowing Elaine the teasing was most likely not over.

With a sigh Athena leant forward to toss the file back onto Elaine’s desk, turning to face the other woman with a perfectly arched eyebrow.

“Ok, but just where exactly are we expected to conceal our service weapon wearing full formal wear?”

Athena wasn’t sure why Hen was being so bitchy about Elaine joining them, honestly it most likely had nothing to do with Elaine at all and everything to do with Hen having been dragged into this gala escapade in the first place.

“Can you please just be nice, Hen, it’s not that hard. Elaine has been my friend since the academy and she’s been very supportive whilst I dealt with all of Michael’s crap so, just cut her some slack ok?”

“Fine.” Hen all but huffed in response, raising her hands in defeat. She could handle a few hours of Elaine’s company just fine, especially for Athena’s sake, it was true that Elaine had been a good friend over the years and Hen respected that. If she had to plaster on a fake smile for the afternoon so be it.

Fake smile in place Hen turned alongside Athena just in time to see Elaine jog across the street to reach the two women. Little did Hen know, Elaine Maynard might turn out be a better ally than she realised, and much more fun than expected.

                       ******************************************************

The truck bay was quiet as Bobby made his way between the engine towards his office, grateful he’d been able to run a few errands without being alerted to a call in between. Of course he’d taken the captains truck just in case he had to abandon the grocery store to join the team at a scene but for once luck had been on his side and all jobs on his to do list had been checked off successfully.

“What do you got there?”

Bobby jumped, startled as Chimney appeared out of nowhere right in front of him, eyes moving between his captain and the garment bag in his hand.

“My dry cleaning.”

“Not like you to cut out on shift for personal errands Cap?”

Bobby sighed, stepping around the paramedic to continue on his path towards his office, which somehow now seemed much further away than it had been. Chimney, undeterred, fell into step beside him.

“Well if the chief is intent on insisting I attend this PR bonanza he can make his peace with my picking up a suit during shift. We’re on a run of shifts until Friday Chim, when else would I find the time?”

“Right. Maybe I should get on that, actually. So what’d you go for?”

“What?”

“Suit! Black? Grey? Navy? What am I up against?”

“Black.” Bobby narrowed his eyes, unsure what had prompted his friends sudden interest in his suit choice, “Why?”

“Oh ya know, didn’t wanna clash.” Chimney grinned widely as he followed Bobby into his office, dropping into the chair in front of his boss’ desk he watched the Captain put away his bag and start eyeing up the paperwork on the desk.

“Something you wanted Chim?” Bobby eyed the other man sceptically, noting the almost smug look on the paramedics face.

“Nothing really, just a curiosity I’ve been meaning to discuss with you, and no time like the present as they say!”

“A curiosity?”

“Yep.”

“And what might that be?” Bobby gritted his teeth, attempting unsuccessfully to keep the frustration at the other man under control.

“You and Athena.” Chimney stared his Captain down, noting the immediate blush that began its ascent up his boss’ neck at the mere mention of her name.

“There is no me and Athena. We’re friends Chim.”

“But there could be.” Chimney pointed deliberately at Bobby, leaning forward in his seat. “You know you like her, we all know you like her, hell she probably knows you like her! The gala is the perfect opportunity Bobby!”

“Opportunity for what?”

“Oh you are not this dense Bobby! Ask her to be your date!”

“No one is taking dates Chim it’s not a date kind of evening!”

“Does that matter? You telling me you wouldn’t hate it if she walked in on some other dude’s arm?”

“She’s not going with a date.”

“And you know that how? C’mon Cap just ask her. Doesn’t even have to be the gala just ask her to dinner or something!”

“Why does this matter to you Chim?” Bobby’s voice was higher now, the agitation at his friend and the topic of conversation becoming quite evident.

“Because I’m your friend and I want you to be happy. I think you’d be good together. And Athena likes you too you know.”

Chim didn’t wait for a response this time, rising from the seat he began to take his leave, pausing as he opened the door he turned back to Bobby with one eyebrow raised.

“She’s out shopping with Hen right now you know, needs a new dress apparently. Hen is convinced that’s entirely for your benefit.”

Bobby rolled his eyes as the paramedic disappeared from his office. The words of his friend still replaying through his mind as he reclined in his chair. Of course it would kill him if she arrived with another man, there’d been no mention at all of plus-one’s even being a thing but now the panic was starting to settle in.

Bobby eyed his phone as it sat on the desk in front of him, his brain in overdrive as he battled to make this decision. Maybe he should just ask her, but what if she said no?

Lifting the device he decided on a different approach, he’d simply check in, test the water in a way he hoped would be subtle. Fingertips slid across the screen as he typed out the text message, hitting send before he could second guess himself, or change his mind entirely.

                                  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Athena sighed heavily as she leant against the wall of the changing room, the black dress hanging in front of her seemed to be judging her, mocking her in some way however ridiculous that might be.

They’d been at this for two hours now, two hours she’d been man handled into various changing rooms, arms full of dresses that had been picked out not by herself but by the two well meaning if not completely meddlesome friends that seemed intent on having her flash her assets to half of L.A’s finest.

Of course Hen had picked out a nice suit quite quickly, a midnight blue that complimented the paramedic very well and then it had been her turn. Athena had tried on dresses in every colour of the damn rainbow by now with no luck and she was tired, so damn tired of the spectacle.

Still, the dress that currently stood before her was her favourite so far, simple, elegant, floor length black satin. Strapless with a sweetheart neckline, her only reservation was the extensive slit that ran up the side which would no doubt leave her right leg almost completely exposed. Still, it was the first dress that had actually sparked something in her, she’d been drawn to it for some reason she didn’t quite understand.

Shaking free her agitation Athena stripped out of her clothes and slipped on the dress. The soft exhale came involuntarily as the satin glided across her skin as she settled the dress into place, reaching behind to tug the zip up her eyes lingering on her back as she noted how nicely the dress sat mid way down her spine. Turning sideways Athena looked at her reflection with scrutiny, reaching up on her tiptoes to imagine how it would fall around her high heels. The side split was high, mid thigh but surprisingly she wasn’t worried by it, another feeling coursed through her as her eyes tracked down her own well toned leg.

It thrilled her.

There was an anticipation coursing through her now. Maybe it had been the relentless teasing of her two friends for the past two hours but for whatever reason he was at very forefront of her mind again.

What would he think of this dress? What would it feel like to have his fingers ghost down her exposed spine? To feel his big strong hands travel high up her leg to rest on her thigh.

The sound of her phone made her jump then, one hand resting on her chest as she tried in vain to settle the rhythmic thud of her heart against her ribcage. With a deep breath she reached into her jeans pocket to retrieve the device, breath hitching involuntarily as her eyes registered the text message, and his name above it.

“Little bird tells me you’re out shopping with Hen today. Hope you’re having fun, but if you need rescue just let me know.”

Athena smiled as she read his words, long ago she had come to accept that the small smile was inevitable whenever she got a message from him.

“No casualties yet Captain but I appreciate the offer.”

Still smiling Athena hit send, with her phone still clutched in her hand she looked in the mirror once again, turning left and right to check all angles. She hadn’t expected him to reply so quickly but the vibration drew her attention to her phone once again.

“Successful shopping trip?”

“Very. I think I just found the perfect dress.” For a split second her finger hovered above the ‘send’ button, unsure where this was going or what she was doing but she sent it anyway.

“Can’t wait to see it. Speaking of the gala, are you going with anyone?”

Athena frowned, whatever she was expecting in reply it hadn’t been that. It wasn’t a date kinda thing so why would he ask that?

“Like a date?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, no.” Her heart was hammering in her chest again and for a moment she felt ridiculous, standing in a changing room cubicle in a full formal dress and staring at her phone as she waited for his reply.

“Good.”

One word, and what the hell was that supposed to mean? Athena took a deep breath and decided to find out.

“Good?”

It felt like hours rather than minutes went by after sending the one word question, if she’d had room to pace she’d have done so but instead she breathed deeply, one hand on her hip as her eyes looked skyward, mind working hard to figure out what he could be saying here, or what she desperately wanted him to say. When the phone chimed in her hand she didn’t look at it immediately, a flash of fear rippling through her as though she didn’t really want the answer.

Still, she had to look.

“Yeah, good. ‘Cos if you were taking a date Athena, I’d want it to be me.”

Good lord.

Her hands trembled as she read and reread the text message, her heart hammering so hard she thought it might burst from her chest. She wasn’t blind nor stupid, Athena knew they’d been flirting for months now, though she wasn’t about to give her friends the satisfaction of admitting it. Always looking for a sign that he felt the same way.

Well this was certainly a sign!

“Thena! You gunna show us this dress or not you’ve been in there forever!”

Hen’s voice cut through her thoughts, startling her as she remembered where she was.

“Just a sec!” Athena called back, her voice sounding much more broken than she’d like but she was thrown, discombobulated in the best way.

He wanted to be her date.

“Well Captain, if you ever want me to be your date you just have to ask.” This time she didn’t think twice before hitting send, the butterflies in her stomach taking flight as the adrenaline took over.

Taking a deep breath Athena turned, ready to show the two women on the other side of the door her chosen dress, because this was definitely the one. Just as her hand settled on the lock her phone buzzed once more, her smile impossibly wide as she read his reply.

“Duly noted Sergeant.”

Shaking her head in an attempt to school her features Athena cleared her throat and stepped out of the cubicle, satisfied as she saw Hen and Elaine react just as she’d hoped.

“Wowzer!” Hen gasped, jaw dropping as she walked around her friend to take in the dress from all angles.

“That is so the one! You look incredible!” Elaine nodded appreciatively, arms folded as Hen came to stand beside her.

“I wonder though…” Hen’s eyes narrowed as she looked Athena up and down before gesturing to the young sales girl who was hovering nearby. “excuse me, does this dress come in red?”

“Yes ma’am.” The young women nodded, rushing off to retrieve the requested item.

“Red?” Elaine asked, head tilted towards the paramedic beside her.

“Cap’s favourite colour.”

“Yes!” Elaine laughed, returning the other woman’s high five as the turned back to look at Athena.

For her part Athena did her best to look exasperated. She’d let them have their fun, they could tease her all they liked at this point she didn’t much care.

All she cared about right now was the text exchange she still held in her hand and the man that had stolen her heart.

Maybe she would get the red dress after all.

Chapter Text

He’d been sitting in his truck for ten minutes already. The street around him thankfully mostly deserted, saving the very real risk that one of her neighbours might think he was some sort of prowler.

How he had thought this had been a wise decision he’d never know. It had certainly felt like it in the moment, and sure he had his reasons. Truthfully tonight was going to be torture no matter what he did.

Torture of the very best kind.

                                          xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The scene was finally starting to wind down, all around him the activity was practised, measured. Recovery was rolling up to deal with the over turned tanker, Hen and Chim signing off the driver, luckily unhurt, whilst half the 118 began putting away their gear and the other half assisted the teams arriving to clean up the gasoline spill. They’d been lucky, the tanker had rolled at an intersection but hadn’t taken out any other vehicles and the damage to the tank itself had been minor.

Still, it could have been much more serious, there was still a fire risk until the spill was contained and because of this Bobby wasn’t quite yet ready to let his guard down.

Standing in a central position Bobby turned on the spot, his eyes tracking the movements of everyone around him, his brain processing their actions, it was his job to make sure everything was being handled correctly, that everyone, whether that be LAFD, LAPD or the city was doing their jobs.

When his eyes landed on her, he knew he didn’t need to worry about the LAPD part of it anyway. Sergeant Grant had her guys under control as they managed a rolling diversion to keep the mid afternoon traffic flowing without incident.

They hadn’t seen each other much this week, he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not, but with the gala looming, a tension had settled around him that he couldn’t shake. Tomorrow night he would be forced to endure not only a soul sucking department fundraiser but also the blissful torture of being in the same room as Athena without the comforting buffer of their uniforms, rank or full social circle. With only Hen and Chimney in attendance, knowing their tendency to meddle, Bobby was on edge.

It had been his own fault really, he’d led them down the dangerous path of heightened flirting the other day over texts that no one would believe were just between friends. The fact that she’d been texting him whilst trying on dresses was a notion that had given him many a restless night over the course of this week, his imagination giving him heaven and hell in equal measure.

It also didn’t help his imagination when his gaze landed on her now, walking towards him across the street. Walking, wasn’t completely accurate really, there was certainly an extra sway, subtle though it was, to her steps. He wondered if that was for his benefit.

Wondered or hoped?

“Sergeant Grant.”

“Captain Nash.”

“All good on PD side?” He knew it was, had no doubt it was but Bobby found his mouth dry and his mind void of coherent thought as she came to stand in front of him.

“All under control, the guys will stay until the scene is clear and traffic flow can be restored to normal. How ‘bout your guys?”

“We’ll clear out once we’re sure that the leak has been contained and any flammable materials dealt with by the city guys. One spark and it could go up and I’m not risking that here.” As if to prove his point Bobby looked away from her, assessing the surroundings, noting the many buildings and pedestrians in the area, a little closer than he’d like.

As if reading his mind Athena tilted her head and narrowed her gaze. “We can extend the perimeter if you’re worried?”

“I think we’re good, just need to keep an eye on it.”

He could see her answering nod in his peripheral vision and when her shoulders relaxed a little it was almost as though he could see the physical shift from sergeant Grant to Athena, when she spoke again her voice was lower, less commanding and it would be his undoing.

“You look tired, long shift?”

“Something like that, yeah.” He sighed then, giving in to the temptation to run a hand over his face.

“Hen thinks you might be stressed about the gala.”

“Oh does Hen?” Bobby laughed lightly, trying to disguise both his annoyance at Hen and the fact that she was right.

“If you really don’t want to go Bobby, then don’t, not if it’s going to make you so uncomfortable.”

He looked at her then, really looked, for the first time since she’d swayed on over to him. She had this look on her face that told him she was trying to be a good friend, but at the same time there was a disappointment there.

“No I’ll be fine. It’ll be fine. I just hate the whole, politics thing.”

“I know, but look, just smile politely, shake the right hands, and that’s it. Just think of it as a night out with your friends.”

Friends. Sure, he could do that.

Except he wanted to be more than her friend.

“Thanks.” Bobby smiled as she took a few slow steps backwards, starting to head back to her cruiser.

“No problem.” Athena smiled back, nodding once at him as she turned away.

Until he spoke again, “Can I give you a ride?”

Athena spun back to face him, one perfectly arched eyebrow levelled in his direction.

“I mean can I pick you up, tomorrow, for the gala?” He was rambling, nothing sounding remotely how he planned in his head.

Thankfully, Athena had simply smiled back at him.

“I’d like that, pick me up at 7 Captain.”

                                           xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And so here he was, sitting in his truck outside her house just a little early and losing the battle with his nervous energy.

Hen had been dropping hints all week about Athena’s new dress, the teasing had been relentless and it had gotten under his skin.

As though he hadn’t been nervous enough already.

It had been part of the reason why he’d offered to drive her to the event, despite wanting to grasp any chance he could to be alone with her, Bobby knew he’d much rather get his first look at her alone, and not across a crowded hotel ballroom. Knowing Hen and Chimney would be scrutinising his every move had led Bobby to make another decision, which really, obviously, was what was really causing his heightened nerves tonight.

For weeks now he had endured a constant rotation of comments, some more subtle than others, in regards to his friendship with Athena. A friendship that he held dear to his heart of course but a friendship he had hoped would lead to something much deeper. There was a part of him that felt the fear still, never expecting to feel this way about anyone, ever. He couldn’t say never again because it wasn’t true, again would imply that he’d felt this way before and in truth, he hadn’t. Of course he had loved Marcy, and he wouldn’t diminish the life they had once shared but this, what he felt with Athena was like nothing else. It was so deep it would surpass the depths of even the deepest oceans and so visceral it was almost crushing. If it felt like this now, what could it actually feel like to cross that invisible line they’d been dancing on for so long?

He wasn’t blind and he wasn’t an idiot. Of course he knew their banter had crossed the first boundary line in the last few weeks, they were very much in flirting territory now and his skilled hands had caught every signal she was throwing back at him. It was exhilarating and terrifying this game they were playing, a game he’d gladly let her win but not before he got his own shots in first.

But, whether he’d completely admitted it to himself until now or not it didn’t change the facts.

He had the green light alright.

And tonight he would make his move.

                                           xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

She was pacing again. Half full wine glass in hand. Unable to sit still it was like a ball of nerves had settled in the pit of her stomach and she didn’t know how to handle them.

It wasn’t altogether unpleasant, really, the anticipation of what tonight had the potential to be.

Athena had been dressed and ready for ages now, and with time to spare whilst she waited for Bobby to arrive she had found herself in the kitchen, a glass of wine poured with the hope it would both settle her nerves and boost her confidence.

It was ironic really, her lack of confidence when she was dressed as she was, she could feel that unmistakable feminine power radiate through her from the inside out.

In the past she’d never really been one to dress with any man in mind, always content to dress for herself but for him, for Bobby it felt different. She liked it when his eyes would linger on her just a moment longer, the way his body would tense for a mere second before relaxing as he exhaled a breath he probably didn’t know he’d been holding.

It was like an electric charge through her body when he smiled at her, in that sweet adorable way of his and yet his eyes would flicker with a passion he was keeping concealed within. It wasn’t new, this feeling she had, knowing she would love nothing more than to cause his control to snap. It had become something of a game, flirting with him, testing the boundary. Wondering just what it would take to win the war.

It didn’t come without nerves though, this game they were playing. His friendship had become important to her, crossing the line they’d been dancing on for a while now was a scary thing. Just as he had walls up so did she, built to protect them both from pain and heartbreak and grief. Yet if she were honest there was no one she would trust more than him, to break down the walls, to see the real her.

Somehow he already did. Maybe he always had. He saw her, not the Sergeant or mother or ex-wife cast aside, Bobby saw Athena. That alone was enough of a thrill.

But Tonight she had a job to do. Elaine needed her to be on her game tonight. Athena couldn’t forget that Sergeant Grant had an assignment, to protect the mayor, to prevent any harm coming to any of the guests at the gala tonight. Over the past few days Athena had been pulled into more than a handful of briefings with varying agencies, none of which had been of much use at all and to be honest, both she and Elaine were convinced nothing was going to happen tonight but, there was always the ‘what if’ of it all.

And she’d never forgive herself if he got caught in the cross fire.

Which is why she had been glad that he’d offered to pick her up tonight. It meant that their first meeting would be on her doorstep and not in a stuffy and claustrophobic ballroom.

That way they could get past the moment.

Because she wasn’t stupid and she wasn’t blind, she knew how good she looked and she knew, that his gaze would burn right through to her soul. The feeling of course would be entirely mutual. The man looked good in everything from his LAFD T-shirt to his turn outs and boy could he wear a suit. She’d only seen it once before, Karen’s birthday dinner last year, but the memory of him in that dark suit and crisp shirt had plagued her dreams ever since.

Her heart rate accelerated at the thought.

They needed this time, alone, to regulate, before they reached the gala. Hen and Elaine’s relentless teasing was still ringing in her ears and she needed to be on level ground before she had to face them.

Of course there was the other thing.

As much as she had enjoyed the escalating levels of flirting they had engaged in of late, Athena had decided, some time in the past couple of days that it was time. Time to take that chance and put one foot in front of the other across the invisible line.

To see what Bobby and Athena really could be.

The sound of the doorbell rang through the house, pulling her from her thoughts more abruptly than she’d like. Heart rate accelerating once again.

With a steadying breath Athena placed the wine glass back on the table and picked up her purse as she headed for the door, pace steady and measured as one hand lifted to nervously straighten her hair.

As she reached the door she paused, hand on the doorknob, willing her body to just stop shaking. This moment, that they were about to share was the culmination of months of tension, of heated looks and shy smiles.

It was time.

When she opened that door it wouldn’t just be to greet him as a friend, it would be opening herself, and them, to the possibility of something. Something that could be just, wonderful.

Because tonight, Athena would make her move.

Chapter Text

“You’re staring. Again.”

“And what if I am?” He was, of course he was, Bobby couldn’t help it, no matter how hard he tried, the smirk slipped free as he glanced sideways in time to see Chimney almost choke on his drink as he sat beside him at their table.

“Ok! That’s it! What the hell have we missed?” Hen, abandoning her own glass of wine on the table reached forward to lean past Chimney in an attempt to intercept her Captain’s line of sight.

It was futile of course, Bobby’s gaze drifted back across the crowded room almost magnetically to remain completely locked.

On her.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean?” He half shrugged in his response, fully aware that his tone was not in the least bit convincing.

“You have barely taken your eyes off Athena since you guys got here! And she’s no better,” Hen pointed absently across the room in the general direction of Athena as she stood with Elaine and Rick, “the glances, the heart eyes, the little shy smile that I haven’t seen on her face in forever Bobby!”

“And you arrived together! What was that about?” Chimney twisted in his seat, attention squared on Bobby alongside his fellow paramedic.

With an exaggerated sigh Bobby shrugged again, taking a long drink of his club soda before placing the glass back on the table, leaning closer to his colleagues as he reeled them in. “Well I could tell you, but I think it would be more fun, for me, to leave you two to your imagination.”

Looks of both shock and exasperation swept across the expressions of both Hen and Chimney as they simply stared back at their boss, mouths hanging open as they watched Bobby’s face break into a wide grin before he stood from his seat, buttoned his jacket and turned to begin his walk across the room.

The look she’d sent in his direction moments ago had been clear as a bell, to him at least, a silent plea for rescue.

Not from Elaine or Rick, even at this distance he could tell that the two of them were doing their level best to hold the conversation with the deputy district attorney and the assistant mayor. Athena though, she was struggling. And to be honest, he found it somewhat amusing. The smile on her face was charming, but fake, her stance tall and strong, except for the way she shifted her weight to her left, her non dominant side, he knew then that she was getting irritated. His suspicions confirmed mere seconds later when she turned her head just enough to catch his eye. Help. And he jumped, figuratively of course, to her rescue.

The walk towards her seemed to take much longer than it should have, finding himself intercepted first by the chief, then a fellow captain who to be perfectly honest, was a complete buffoon in Bobby’s opinion. Still, the slow pace of his journey did have it’s advantages, his eyes afforded the opportunity to linger upon her from the ever shortening distance.

God she looked beautiful, though of course to him, she always did. The endless teasing around that dress had of course been completely warranted. It floored him, plain and simple. Not for the first time this evening he thanked the good lord above for his foresight in offering to pick her up tonight. No longer was he labouring under the notion that it had been a bad idea.

On the contrary, it was in fact the best idea he’d ever had in his life to date. He’d stake everything he had on it.

Finally, finally, he had reached her side, exchanging a polite nod in greeting with Elaine and Rick. Almost instinctually, and just because he could, his hand traced slowly down her spine to settle in the small of her back, fingers pressing just enough to cause her head to tilt in his direction. His answering smile mostly for her, if not a little for the reaction his movements would undoubtedly be getting from his colleagues across the room. He could almost feel them staring, and honestly, for once, he didn’t much care.

Because tonight, everything had changed. The shift had been seismic and yet, so natural it was almost staggering. And the anticipation of what was still to come, well that was the electric charge that was powering him through this god awful fundraiser.

That, and his memory of just exactly what transpired, when she finally opened the door.

                                                                           xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Seconds felt like hours as he stood, staring at the dark wood of her door. The echo of the doorbell still rang in his ears as he shifted nervously, tie was straightened, even though he hated wearing one, cuffs pulled taut at his wrists, bouquet of flowers passed from one hand to the other.

He didn’t need to bring her flowers, this wasn’t a date, but he had felt compelled to do so, especially when her favourites had caught his eye when he’d passed the store at the end of his street on the way out, almost like a sign.

He was a ball of nervous energy, could almost hear his own heart beating. His hand raised to follow up with a knock to the door, but before his knuckles could make contact the door swung open and he froze, hand in mid air.

Jesus Christ.

His eyes widened as they first took in her beautiful face, make up more striking than usual but still portraying the softness he was used to, the dark red lipstick caused him to swallow thickly, his mind instantly wondering just what it would feel like to smudge it. When her lips curled into a small smile Bobby tried to shake himself back to the moment but his eyes had drifted and whether intentionally or not they fell lower. Lower, over the perfect swell of the sweetheart neckline of that dress.

His mouth was dry, his throat felt like gravel as he tried to clear it. His eyes continued their journey over every inch of her, good god this dress, on her, was everything. When she shifted just slightly and the full expanse of her well toned leg peeked out through the slit in the dress it was all he could do to suppress the groan that filled his chest.

She would be the death of him, and he couldn’t care less.

“Did you bring me flowers?”

Bobby physically jumped at the sound of her voice, bringing him out of his thoughts with a start.

“Ye..yeah. I just, saw them and remembered they were your favourites so…here.”

He was rambling, antsy and nervous and he cursed himself for it. Get it together for gods sake!

Athena however, was looking at him with a smile, her lips curved up at one side, the way she did when she thought something was particularly adorable. If he could roll his eyes at himself he would, he was a fumbling mess and it was all her fault.

“Thank you, Bobby, they’re beautiful.” When she took the flowers from him, fingers brushing so lightly against his own he watched her intently, noting the slight hitch in her breath as she breathed them in, turning to place them on the small table behind her in the hall.

“You’re beautiful.” His words were quiet, whispered, and to be honest he hadn’t meant to say them out loud but he had and she’d heard, he knew she had when she paused, chest expanding as she took a deep breath.

“What?” She was still turned just slightly away from him, her question spoken equally as quietly, her fingers trembled just a little as she pulled them away from the bouquet as she secured it on the table.

“Well, I mean,” Bobby cleared his throat, feeling the deep blush rising from his neck to his jawline and his cheeks like a wave. “You’re always beautiful but tonight, Athena you’re…wow.”

When she turned back to him she wasn’t looking at him, instead her hand was nervously adjusting her hair, her eyes lowered suddenly staring at her shoes.

“It’s not too much?”

“It’s perfect.” His voice was steadier now, calm, and it caused her eyes to snap back to his and he saw it. The surprise left her gaze, replaced by something he couldn’t name straight away but when she smiled, tilting her head just a little it hit him. She was relieved, relieved that he liked it, that he saw her, just as she had wanted him to.

It was the last green light that he needed.

His eyes held her’s for a moment longer, his nerves settling, his heartbeat still rapid but less chaotic. His body knew what he was about to do was the right thing, it craved it. It craved her.

One stride, one stride was all it took. His hands, no longer shaking cradled her face gently and yet with an urgency that caused her breath to catch. Though she didn’t have time to respond as his lips met her’s, softly at first, a ghost of a touch that felt reverent in a way. When she moaned though, her own hands fisting in the lapels of his jacket, tugging him closer, he pressed harder.

In the back of his mind there was a little voice reminding him, don’t smudge the lipstick, all while she was kissing him back. Slowly, so slowly they kissed like they didn’t need air, only each other. Lips parted and tongues explored, a soft passion surrounded them like a bubble of safety and peace.

For how long they kissed he wasn’t sure, time was irrelevant, it could stop completely and he wouldn’t mind. Eventually though, they did slow to a stop, foreheads together as they breathed in and out, taking a moment to return to normal, to return to earth.

“I should wear red more often, if that’s the reaction I’ll get.” Her voice was quiet, tone teasing as she pulled back just a fraction to look at him, his soft laughter warming her very soul.

“It’s a good colour on you Sergeant.”

Her eyebrow raised in humour as her hands smoothed out his jacket, moving to hang loosely over his shoulders.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked, his eyes focused intently on her face.

“Just checking.”

“Checking what?”

“That I didn’t smudge your lipstick.”

She laughed then, the sound like music to his ears as he smiled widely back at her. “Should I be disappointed that you haven’t?”

“Maybe later, when we don’t have a gala to get to.” He couldn’t resist the cheeky wink in reply, his hands squeezing her hips and for the first time he registered that he was no longer cradling her head and instead of her soft skin it was now decadent satin beneath his fingertips.

Athena sighed then, as though remembering where they were. “We really do have to go don’t we.”

“Yeah.”

“Can we talk though, later, when you bring me home?”

She sounded hesitant, though her eyes never left his, a hopefulness within the dark brown pools that made him smile.

“Yeah, we do need to talk, properly, but…”

“But?”

“The next few hours will be torture. Now that I’ve held you in my arms I’m going to want to touch you every chance I get.”

When she bit her bottom lip, her fingernails lightly grazing the back of his neck Bobby damn near pushed her back inside the house himself, but when she replied, he nearly melted right there on the doorstep.

“Who said you can’t touch me Captain, I’m all yours.”

                                                                         xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“That man is insufferable!” Athena sighed quietly, throwing Bobby a grateful smile as he steered her away from the small assembled group.

“I’ll tell Rick you said that.”

“Don’t be smart you know who I mean.”

Bobby nodded, bringing them both to a stop at the edge of the ballroom, deftly grabbing her a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and smoothly handing it to her as her eyes scanned the room. “For an assistant Mayor he’s awfully cocky. Sounds like he fancies himself the top job.”

“Oh he definitely does,” Athena took a long drink, leaning slightly into Bobby’s side as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “to hear him talk it’s as though he’s the one making all the big decisions when in reality he’s a glorified secretary.”

Bobby laughed quietly at the disdain in her voice, it was a bold man that got on her bad side and this guy had managed to do it with one conversation. “Idiotic assistant mayors aside, you doing ok?”

“I hate these things. And I should be asking you that!”

“Oh I’m actually having a lot of fun.” Bobby smiled, hands shoved in his pockets as he nodded his head back in the direction of their table. “At their expense but fun nonetheless.”

Athena looked past him across the room and a small smile spread across her face as she saw them, Hen and Chimney, both watching the pair intently. “Have they figured it out?”

“They sure think they know something. It’s killing them.”

Athena leaned into him further then, much closer than would have been deemed respectable for two friends and colleagues, her fingers played with his tie before giving it a playful tug. “Might as well give them some more to speculate on then.”

Her smile then, could only be described as cheeky, and he found it was one of his very favourite sights.

“You’re dangerous.”

“I know.”

Bobby’s hand slipped around her waist, tightening just a little and not for the first time since they got here he wondered just how quickly they could make their exit. He’d done his rounds, eager to get them out of the way as quickly as possible. He’d shook the right hands, smiled too widely at enough benefactors to keep the chief happy and now, all he wanted was to escape, anticipating the long awaited conversation he so desperately wanted to have with the woman currently pressed into his side.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

Both of them turned as the sound of Captain Maynard’s voice reached them.

“No you’re not.” Athena raised one eyebrow as she took another sip of champagne her amused smile meeting the smug look on Elaine’s face.

“No actually I am, you two look far too cosy over here, makes me think I’m missing a development.”

“Maybe you are.” Athena shot back, laughing as Bobby simply looked from one woman to the other in confusion.

“Damn. Well you can tell me all about it later ‘cos believe me I’m dying to know!” Elaine’s face was practically gleeful and although there was a hint of teasing in her tone Bobby could tell there was a genuine happiness underlying it. Still her face shifted into something more professional a breath later. “The mayor is about to make his speech and we need to be ready.”

Bobby’s eyes narrowed, noticing the shift beside him as Athena seemed to transform into Sergeant Grant beneath his grip. “Ready for what?”

“It’s nothing,” Athena stepped away, her empty glass landing on the tray of yet another passing waiter whilst her other hand slipped down his arm to squeeze his hand. “I promise. I’ll be right back.”

Her fingers slipped through his and for a fleeting second he felt as if she too were slipping away from him. The air had shifted, not just with Elaine’s words but in the atmosphere itself. It was heavy, charged, and as he watched Athena fall into formation between Elaine and Rick the fear settled in his chest.

Feet carried him forward slowly, following them a beat behind, his body moving instinctually between decorated tables, smartly dressed dignitaries moving around him as they began to take their seats. The mayor was standing at the foot of the few steps that led to the small stage, his security team taking their positions.

He wasn’t a cop, or a detective, but Bobby was by no means an idiot, everything around him felt rehearsed, looked choreographed. Was this why she had to be here, why Elaine was so insistent that Athena be here?

Was she really just, on the clock?

She was standing beside the mayor now, Elaine on his other side as they exchanged a few words. Bobby’s feet were still carrying him towards them unsure why he was so compelled to get to her but he couldn’t stop, couldn’t change course back to Hen and Chim, no, his body wouldn’t let him. His instincts had always served him well, he relied on them, especially professionally. And right now his instinct was to get to her, why, he didn’t know. Not yet. But the tension was closing in around him.

His eyes were everywhere, scanning, checking, a sea of faces and yet none of them registered.

He was beside her in an instant. His hand on her wrist made her to turn to face him.

“Bobby? What are you doing you should…”

“Somethings not right.” He interrupted her gently, his gaze holding her’s and he could see it in her eyes. She felt it too. When she pushed her purse into his chest he looked down confused for a split second until he realised she was taking out her gun. Somewhere behind her Elaine too was moving with purpose, the light bouncing off her own weapon as suddenly there were more officers around them.

It was his peripheral vision that caught it first. There were gasps, a scream heard from somewhere across the room but none of it registered, only one word broke through the growing cloud of chaos and…was that…Hen?

“Gun!”

Everything slowed.

Bobby saw it, the gun, levelled in their direction. In her direction as she stood, side by side with Elaine as they shielded the mayor. The weapon held high, steady, in the hand of a waiter, the very same waiter that had proffered the glass of champagne that Athena had moments ago held in her hand. A hand now gripping a service weapon with all the practised strength of a very capable officer.

But Sergeant Grant wasn’t in his mind right now, how could she be, of course he knew Sergeant Grant could handle this, had it completely under control.

Except she was exposed right now, no vest no protection just a gun and her training.

Vaguely he registered someone, Rick, shoving the Mayor to the ground. Someone else, he didn’t know who, yelling at everyone to get down. All around him there was activity, people diving under chairs, tables, some making a break for the exit.

Through the chaos he could see Hen, and now Chimney, around ten feet behind the gunman, unmoving, ready to spring into action despite having no kit to work with.

His eyes, back on Athena as she and Elaine, took a practised step forward, the latter calling for the man to drop the weapon.

He didn’t. For the first time Bobby saw the hatred, and determination in the young man’s eyes. It was no use, the mayor may have been his target but it didn’t seem to matter.

He fired first, the first shot pierced the air with a bang, followed a split second later by a cacophony of retaliating fire, Athena, Elaine, Rick, so many other weapons discharged he couldn’t count them.

He hadn’t even registered that he’d moved. Hadn’t felt his feet take the step, hadn’t felt his body move at all. When the smoke cleared he found himself standing right in front of her, her eyes wide as she stared at him.

Her eyes, there was a look there he hadn’t seen before, not in this intensity anyway.

Fear.

She looked terrified.

Bobby’s eyes narrowed, instinctively checking every inch of her as though making sure she was unhurt. Relief flooded through him when he saw no mark, no scratch upon her. Her hands though, they were shaking, trembling so violently her gun slipped from her fingers, falling to the ground seemingly in slow motion with a clatter that echoed around the room.

“Bobby.”

Her voice cracked, her eyes filled with tears and he looked at her, his expression full of confusion.

When her eyes moved from his face he followed her gaze as it landed on his arm, between his shoulder and elbow.

Oh.

It registered then. The burning, the pain, dull and sharp at the same time. His jacket ruined, blood ran thick and warm down his arm, his wrist, his fingers, dripping onto the floor where he stood.

He’d done it, he’d taken the bullet meant for her. And his vision blurred and his heart pounded relentlessly in his chest and he knew…

he’d do it again.

Chapter Text

Elaine Maynard loved her job.

It was a mantra that got her through the days when she was stuck in her office, under a mountain of paperwork and politics so high she forgot why she joined the force to start with.

On nights like this though, it was less of a mantra, and a little closer to the truth.

All around there was activity, her officers taking witness statements, evidence was marked and logged, forensics snapping pictures of every angle, the flash of the high spec cameras almost blinding.

This, this was Elaine in her element. In control.

She wasn’t the highest ranking officer in attendance at the gala tonight, but she had declared herself incident commander and no one, not her boss, or her boss’s boss was about to argue with her.

This investigation was going to be big, it already was, and she would not accept any mistakes, not on her watch. Of course she had complete trust and faith in her officers but eyes would be on them, all eyes would be on them, and they would be beyond reproach. Across the room Rick had his own small team of detectives assembled, already working on piecing together the background on their gunman. She knew they were waiting on the search warrant for the guys apartment, the adrenaline radiated off them as they itched to get started on tearing his life apart. It wouldn’t be much longer, that warrant was getting fast tracked so hard it was a blur in the system. One perk to having so many big names in attendance tonight.

Elaine turned on the spot, the sigh escaping before she could stop it. She was one officer down tonight, one that she would have much preferred be running this investigation beside her but it wasn’t going to happen. Elaine knew, immediately what she’d had to do and it had been harder than she’d expected in all honesty.

Sergeant Grant had been stood down.

In truth Sergeant Grant had left the room the moment she’d saw the blood almost gushing from Bobby’s arm. Replaced by Athena, just Athena.

Athena who had trembled as she clung to Bobby as his knees gave out, sinking to the floor with him. Athena who had cried as Elaine pulled her away, making space for Hen and Chimney to get to work until fully equipped paramedics arrived.

Athena who she could see now, through the large floor to ceiling windows of the ballroom, pacing on the gravel outside, Hen watching her carefully. The blue flashing lights of the ambulance reflected around the ballroom as it sat there in the parking lot. The fact that it hadn’t sped off was reassuring in a strange way, adding weight to Chimney’s early diagnosis that it was ‘just a flesh wound’.

With one last measured look at the scene around her, satisfied that all was under control, Elaine slowly made her way through the commotion and out through the now wide open doors of the fire exit and onto the patio, approaching Hen with caution.

“How’s she doing?” Elaine whispered, stopping to stand beside Hen.

“Still edgy. Won’t sit down, won’t go anywhere til she’s seen him.” Hen replied quietly, her eyes never leaving her best friend as Athena continued to pace, her eyes darting to the closed ambulance door every couple of seconds as if to reassure herself it was still there.

Elaine didn’t want to do this, not now but she had to, or she had to at least try. Taking one small step forward she cleared her throat.

“Athena, we need your statement.”

“Later.” The reply came quick, final, as Athena stared at the still closed ambulance door.

“Sergeant Grant…”

“Don’t.” Athena looked at her then, not as her boss, not really, the lines were blurred and she couldn’t think straight. “Do not use my professionalism against me right now Elaine I swear to god.”

Elaine held up her hands in small surrender, taking a half step back. “He’s going to be ok.”

“You don’t know that.” Athena spoke quietly but firmly, her eyes darkened somewhere between rage and fear. “So much blood.” Her voice cracked, her eyes lowered to her hands, still covered in his blood.

“Thena,” Hen spoke calmly, stepping forward beside Elaine, “the bullet nicked an artery but, it was a through and through. He’ll be ok.”

“I need to see for myself.” Athena paced still, her eyes turned to the dark sky above in an attempt to stop herself from crying, again. “I can’t lose him, not now. Not now we’ve finally…”

“Finally what?”

“Really Hen!” Athena turned on her heels, rounding on her friend with an incredulous look. “Now you want the juicy gossip really?”

“No! Thats not, no! Look, Thena, I’m sorry ok. I know how much he means to you, you don’t have to say it. And I’m sorry for all the jokes and the teasing, it wasn’t supposed to be like this, tonight was supposed to be…well anything but this!”

Athena stopped then, coming to stand beside two of her best friends. Her arms were folded tight around her as she shivered, it wasn’t cold, maybe it was the adrenaline starting to finally recede. “You were right. You were both right. He’s been right in front of me all this time and I’ve wasted it! And now…”

Her voice trailed off, the tears overwhelming her again. Both Hen and Elaine didn’t hesitate, both instantly wrapping an arm around her. She hated that she was crying, again, with so many people just feet away but that other part of her, the part that was only damn human couldn’t care less.

“Now,” Elaine whispered, her voice steady and reassuring, “now, you’re gunna be by his side, you’re going to tell his stubborn ass to rest because we both know he’s probably already fighting against medical advice. You’ll take care of him, and you’ll look to the future, because that man loves you.”

“Loves me?” Athena’s eyes narrowed as she looked from Elaine to Hen, who was looking at her like Elaine just spoke direct from the gospel.

“Girl he took a bullet for you.”

Athena let out a watery laugh, he had after all taken a bullet for her.

The rear door of the ambulance slammed open, causing all three women to jump, turning to see Chimney hanging out of it.

“Ok ladies, miracle worker that I am, I have convinced the stubborn old goat to get checked out at the hospital.”

“You said it was a flesh wound.” Athena’s eyes narrowed as she stepped forward, intent on seeing Bobby but Chimney hadn’t budged, effectively blocking her path.

“It is. Mostly. But with the blood loss and the fact that it has slowed but not stopped has me questioning some arterial damage. He’ll need a couple of scans and definitely some stitches.”

When Athena glared at him, that signature Sergeant Grant glare, Chimney pushed open the other door of the ambulance to reveal Bobby, sitting up on the stretcher whilst a 133 medic checked his BP.

For the first time in what felt like hours she felt like she could breathe. He was pale, covered in blood, his suit jacket now gone, folded haphazardly in his lap, his shirt had been cut to get to the wound. It was strange, usually so well put together and now disheveled as he was. But he was conscious, and for some reason, smiling at her.

Athena opened her mouth to speak and yet, nothing came out. Silence. Her throat was raw, her breathing heavy as she just, looked at him, for a long moment. So much she wanted to say to him and yet nothing would form, not one sentence.

Not until.

“Give me your keys, I’ll be right behind you.” Her eyes never left his as she stood at the foot of the ambulance, one hand outstretched to take the requested item.

Bobby just looked back at her, waiting for the medic to remove the cuff from his good arm so he could retrieve his keys from his jacket pocket. But he didn’t hand them to her, she was just out of his reach anyway, instead he tossed them to Hen, who caught them as if she’d been expecting it.

Athena glared from Bobby to Hen and back again, her hand now on her hip in annoyance. “What? You don’t trust me to drive your truck?”

“I trust you with my life Baby, but I don’t want you driving tonight.”

Her breath hitched at the endearment, used so effortlessly it made her chest ache, but she was too damn annoyed at him to acknowledge it. Honestly she had no idea why she was so mad at him all of a sudden. Maybe it was the fact he was sitting there like it was nothing while she’d been practically spiralling for god knows how long, maybe it was relief, maybe it was everything, the fear the adrenaline, the…love. It was all catching up to her and it was overwhelming. Damn man was right, she shouldn’t drive right now but she’d be damned if she’d admit it.

“I’ll have Karen pick us up from the hospital.” Hen nodded to Bobby, her gaze landing on Chimney, silently confirming he was the ‘us’ she was referring to.

“Then I’m riding with you big guy!” Chimney spun on the spot, dropping into the seat beside Bobby, tapping his good arm as he did so.

As Hen stepped past Athena to close the ambulance doors Elaine cleared her throat, she still had a job to do. “Uniform will meet you at the hospital Captain, we’ll need your jacket and shirt for evidence, and your statement.”

Bobby nodded his understanding, his gaze back on Athena as Hen swung the door shut, two swift bangs on the closed door, actioned out of instinct to signal they were good to go.

Athena didn’t move, the sound of familiar sirens made her jump as the ambulance pulled away, taking him away from her.

Elaine was by her side again, a gentle squeeze to her hand drew her gaze back to her boss. “I know you don’t want to hear this but you know the drill,” Elaine spoke gently but firmly, “we need your statement. I’ll meet you at the hospital and take it myself. Just as soon as I’ve finished up here.”

Athena sighed and nodded, she couldn’t fight it forever, she did after all, know the drill.

With a sigh and still on somewhat shaky legs, Athena started to follow Hen towards Bobby’s truck, stopping moments later to call out to Elaine.

“The gunman, is he?”

“Still clinging to life. Just.”

                               xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The hospital waiting room was loud, so loud, and yet she couldn’t name a single sound. Almost like she was in a bubble, or underwater. There was a ringing in her ears that she couldn’t shake, the headache pulsed behind her eyes under the bright fluorescent lighting.

God she hated hospitals.

Athena sighed, her eyes falling closed against the chaos, acutely aware of the presence of Hen and Chimney as they sat either side of her in those god awful plastic chairs.

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed since she had arrived, Chimney had been waiting for them with his usual cheery smile.

Honestly, she could slap that smile right off his damn face.

That wasn’t fair, Chimney had done nothing wrong, far from it really but Athena was tense, irritated and her friends were, unfortunately, right in the firing line.

They were running tests, scans, x rays, assessing just how much damage had been done to Bobby’s arm. Thankfully there didn’t seem to be much nerve damage, at least by Chimney’s preliminary assessment. But she couldn’t relax, not completely, until she saw him.

The look on his face still haunted her, every time she blinked he was there. Standing in front of her, pale and bleeding and yet, looking at her like he was concerned about nothing but her. The way his eyes had searched her face, her torso, with such an urgency it was almost painful, the relief evident in his gaze when he found her unharmed.

What the hell had he been thinking!

She was the one with the gun, the training to handle the situation, she and Elaine, Rick, they all had it handled and yet, he just stepped in front of her. It was reckless and foolish and he could have got himself killed in all the crossfire and yet, if he hadn’t, she might not be sitting here now. Might not have even had the chance to be mad at him. Damn fool.

Had he done it out of instinct? Would he have done that for anyone in that position or was it really all about her?

Athena’s head was pounding, too many thoughts swimming in every direction. It was all so overwhelming, she couldn’t organise her own feelings, her own thoughts from those she was busy theorising. Of course her mind, ever the source of betrayal, kept circling back to one thought specifically.

Had Elaine been right, does Bobby really, love her?

“Sorry it took me so long. Forensics were being assholes.”

Athena opened her eyes to see Elaine walking towards them, heels clicking against the linoleum in an odd sort of way and for the first time it struck her how odd they must look, sitting here in their formal wear.

Wordlessly, Chimney slid over to make room for Elaine as she dropped into the seat beside her Sergeant, handing her something Athena had clear forgotten all about.

“My purse! I dropped it.”

“Yeah, we had to process it through evidence before they’d let me take it. Your phones been ringing off the hook by the way.” Elaine sat back in the chair and folded her arms, her gaze falling on Chimney. “What do we know?”

“Still waiting on the test results, he’s getting the full works.”

“As he should.” Elaine nodded, glancing back at Athena as she unlocked her phone. Over a dozen missed calls and a good few texts, all from Michael.

Quickly, Athena typed out a reply, not having the energy to talk to him right now but still needing to let him know she was ok. It would be all over the news by now, social media likely had it first and Michael always did have a slightly unhealthy addiction to the internet.

“I see Hen convinced you to wash your hands at least.” Elaine scoffed, giving her friend a sneaky side eye as Athena rolled her eyes in reply.

“Actually it was Williams, he needed me to sign my statement and for a first responder he really can’t stomach blood.”

The assembled four laughed at the irony of it all, a little more jovial than necessary but it broke the levity of the situation for a brief moment.

In an odd sort of way Athena had been glad to give Williams her statement instead of Elaine. On the one hand it was a handy distraction, passing some of the time as they waited for news and it had felt easier to go through it all again with someone who hadn’t been there, that way there were no unnecessary questions, no prompting and no, pity.

As with every distraction though the effects were temporary and without it, all they had was these uncomfortable plastic chairs, terrible coffee and the passage of time as they waited, waited for Bobby to walk out of the ER stitched and mended.

That was the image she desperately wanted. She didn’t want to see him in a hospital bed, hurt and in pain, she wanted to see him walking toward her, big damn smile on his face, eyes bright and shining.

She wanted him to take her home, like he promised he would, where she would lead him inside, maybe out onto the patio if the night air was warm enough, where they could sit beneath the stars and finally, finally talk, about everything they so desperately wanted and needed to talk about.

The night had started with such promise, an anticipation that she might finally get everything she had hoped for and now, now she was here, in this sterile, impersonal space the fear and worry knotted in her stomach like a dead weight.

“We kissed.”

Athena didn’t move, her gaze fixed ahead as the words tumbled out of her mouth without thought. Vaguely, she could see the shocked expressions of her three companions as their heads all whipped in her direction so quick they could cause themselves an injury.

“You did what?” Hen’s eyes were wide, her voice quiet and yet filled with an amused wonder, causing Athena to roll her eyes.

“When Bobby picked me up tonight. He brought flowers, said I looked beautiful and then, he just looked at me, like if he blinked I’d disappear and he…just kissed me.”

“Go Cap!” Chim sat back in his chair, still grinning like an idiot, shaking his head as he laughed.

“I knew something had happened! You two were far too….close, tonight!”

“Elaine!”

“What? You were, he could barely keep his hands off you, and you, were hardly any better Athena, looking at the man like you wanted to drag him into the nearest dark corner.”

Finally, Athena turned to look at Elaine, her expression a mixture of horror and humour as Hen snorted on her other side, forcing Athena to turn in her direction.

“Oh don’t look at me like that, Elaine is right! Your heart eyes betrayed you the second you got there!”

“I hate, all of you!”

“Love you too, girl.” Hen scoffed, sitting back in her chair again, eyebrows raised as she heard Chimney ask the burning question.

“So does this mean you and Bobby are, well, you and Bobby? Like a thing now?”

Athena shrugged, part of her felt exposed by the questions and yet, she had started it. But honestly, it was something of a relief to speak the words out loud, almost as though it was helping to organise her mind in some way.

“I don’t know, really. We’d decided that tonight, after the gala we would talk, really talk it out, figure out what exactly we are to each other, together. And now…”

“And now he’s getting treated for a bullet wound and the night has been literally blown to pieces.” Chim sighed heavily, a little more dramatically than was necessary, his hands raised in a motion of mock surrender. “Jokes aside though, the man must really care about you I mean bullet is a bullet and all that but he’s facing at least eight stitches and those needles aren’t playing!”

Elaine laughed, Athena gasped and Hen, well Hen reached across the other two women to swipe the back of Chimney’s head.

“Stop talking Chim!”

“Noted.”

The nausea that had been sitting dormant within her was now rising past the fear and adrenaline to take centre stage in Athena’s nervous system. Bobby hated needles. Suddenly she was filled with the overwhelming need to get to him, her hands were shaking, her heartbeat getting faster and faster and yet, she couldn’t move.

He was alone back there with nobody but strangers and all because of her.

It was maddening, everything was spinning, her head, the entire room. Everything was unsteady, off kilter and just wrong.

Months upon months of living in each others orbits, never quite settling on the same even ground. Each of them harbouring feelings for the other that had hung unspoken in the air like a cloud, a rain cloud so full the downpour threatened to break at any moment. Just hours ago they had been standing on the same metaphorical bridge for the first time, both ready to cross, to take the chance, the leap of faith, together. Too many people had gotten between them in the last few hours, whether intentionally or not, Elaine, Hen, Chimney, paramedics she didn’t know, doctors and nurses and technicians that would treat him as a stranger, they wouldn’t know he had a fear of needles, wouldn’t know all his scars, the physical and the emotional.

With a force that surprised even her never mind the others, Athena was out of her seat and almost marching towards the double doors that separated them from the patient area. Vaguely she heard the voices of her friends calling out to her, trying to stop her, a hand, Hen’s, had even caught her arm at one point but she slipped through, her intention clear.

Just as she reached the doors, they swung open and Athena found herself all but ricocheting off the broad chest of a man in a white coat, a doctor she didn’t recognise and yet he was looking at her with an amused smile.

“Sergeant Grant I presume?”

“Yes.” Athena huffed in reply, taking a step back to regain her balance. “How did you know?”

“Captain Nash told me to look for the pretty girl in the red dress. He’s asking for you.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The room was too bright, the light bounced off the clinically white walls with a maddening intensity. The incessant beeping of the monitor working in tandem with the fluorescent hell to cause the dull ache behind his eyes to intensify.

But it took his mind off the pain in his arm anyway.

Glancing down there wasn’t much to see now really, stitched and freshly bandaged his arm rested awkwardly at his side, no position as yet could be deemed comfortable but all things considered he was lucky to escape an overnight stay.

He did, after all, have a date to keep.

The last couple of hours had been a blend of chaos that should have been familiar to him really, given his profession, and yet he just wanted it to end. Doctors had been in and out, issuing instructions to the young yet capable nurse who had not as yet, left his side since his admission. Scans and X-rays had been ordered, studied, and reordered, much to Bobby’s annoyance. They were worried about a possible nick to a major artery, the nurse had explained with a kind smile, the kind of smile meant to distract him as she set up his IV fluids and blood transfusion. Damn needles. To be fair to the young woman she’d done a decent job, only took one try to get it just right.

Once happy the damage did not require surgery the cleaning and stitching of the wound could begin. He’d been lucky, once cleaned and analysed, repeatedly, the wound proved to be much less serious than first thought, the bullet had hit his outer arm, just missing the muscle tissue, he’d be out of action for a few weeks but there should be no long lasting damage to be concerned about.

Desk duty, that was going to suck. But it was better than the alternative, he’d make it work.

The sound of the velcro of the blood pressure cuff being released from his good arm drew his attention back to the young nurse beside the bed, her soft reassuring smile still present.

“Blood pressure almost back to normal, and your colours coming back too.”

Bobby sighed, swinging his legs so that he could sit on the side of the bed, the light felt a little less harsh from this position.

“How much longer will I need to stay?”

“Once this IV is done you should be good to go Captain Nash. Providing of course you have someone to take you home?”

Bobby opened his mouth to reply, closing it again as his back straightened, head tilting in the direction of the hallway. The sound of familiar footsteps beginning to register in his mind. He’d know that sound, that paced, measured staccato anywhere. He must have been smiling, hearing the nurse laugh softly beside him as she moved towards the open doorway.

“I’ll go make a start on the discharge paperwork whilst that IV runs through. Give you a minute.”

Bobby watched the nurse disappear through the door and for a moment held his breath, deep down he knew it was her approaching, and yet a part of him feared she wouldn’t still be here, that she’d be tired of waiting and head home without him.

His fear of course, proved to be unfounded, barely a second after the nurse had left Athena appeared in the doorway and he was glad, in that moment, that he’d been unhooked from the monitor. The damn thing would have betrayed him instantly, his heart rate accelerated the moment he saw her, still in those heels, still in that beautiful dress.

A dress that was now covered in his blood.

For a long moment she just stood there, looking at him. Her eyes seemed to be searching over him, checking every inch of him for any hint of anything that could be of concern. Bobby could see the full rise and fall of her chest, the slight shake of her hand, the panic in her eyes, the way they filled with unshed tears as her gaze landed on his now bandaged arm. He watched her take a shaky breath, then another, as though she was trying to regulate herself before she could move.

He didn’t speak, not yet, unsure of what to say in all honesty. There was so much he wanted to say to her yet he found himself suddenly incapable of forming a coherent sentence. Instead he reached out his hand to beckon her closer, wincing as he realised the hand he’d moved was in fact attached to his injured arm. That seemed to stir her from whatever battle she was having in her mind, causing her to lurch forward towards him, her purse, dropped on the edge of the bed as she took his hand in both of hers, gently lowering his arm back down to as much of a relaxed position as he could find right now.

“You stayed.” His voice sounded much quieter than he intended it to be, and he wasn’t sure if it was a question or an observation, but his gaze was fixed on their joined hands, resting lightly on his thigh, his thumb tracing her skin almost feather like.

“I said I would.” Her voice sounded equally as quiet to his ears but it swept over him like a blanket of comfort and peace, and for just a moment his eyes slipped closed.

She was ok, unhurt and standing beside him, her hands wrapped tightly around his. Until this moment he hadn’t realised the knot in his chest had still been there. He’d seen her, spoken to her at the scene. He’d knew she was unhurt and yet it had been overshadowed by the chaos, the busyness of it all. Now just the two of them and Bobby found he could actually breathe fully. She was safe.

“I’m sorry about your dress.” His eyes lifted from their hands, up across her torso, the dark spots of his now dried blood stark against the crisp satin, her answering eye roll making him smile.

“I don’t care about the dress Bobby.” Athena replied, her tone incredulous that this would be his concern in the moment.

“Well I do! You’re not getting rid of it, I’ll get it dry cleaned I know a good place.” His answering tone was playful, an attempt to dispel the last wisps of fear that sat behind her eyes, he knew it wouldn’t work, not really, and to be honest he couldn’t blame her. If it were the other way around he’d be just as concerned for her as she was for him in this moment.

“Bobby…”

“I know.” Bobby sighed, reaching round with his good hand to tug her closer until she was standing between his legs. “I’m ok.”

“Are you though?” Her voice was still quiet, her right hand left his, moving up to rest on his good shoulder, fingers gripping the material of his white t shirt that had once sat beneath that crisp white shirt and jacket, clothing now sitting in evidence bags on their way to the precinct to be logged.

“I am. I’ve been cleaned, stitched, bandaged and once this IV is done I can get out of here.” Bobby sighed, watching as she looked back at him, thoroughly unconvinced. He could almost see her mind processing the information, categorising and filing and he knew she didn’t have enough to make sense of it, so he continued. “Thena they have ran each scan at least twice. No damage to any major arteries, no tears to muscle tissue, my blood pressure is almost normal and cell count is improving.”

“Did they give you a transfusion?”

Bobby raised one eyebrow, her voice was edging closer to Sergeant Grant territory and he wasn’t sure really what that meant right now.

“They did.”

“What do they mean by almost normal?”

“I’m sitting on a hospital bed after being shot at and jabbed with more needles than I’d like…almost normal is as good as my blood pressure is going to get!”

For the first time since she walked into this side room Athena finally smiled, and he could finally release the breath he didn’t know he’d been holding.

“Don’t ever, ever do that to me again Bobby.”

With his good hand Bobby reached up to the hand still gripping his shoulder, his fingers traced along her forearm, gently squeezing at her elbow as it settled there in the slight bend for a moment. “Can’t promise. Thing is I’d step in front of a bullet for you every damn day.”

He watched as she exhaled, looking as though she might argue and yet he knew she wouldn’t, instead she simply tipped her head back for a second, blinking away the tears she still hadn’t shed, before leaning forward to rest her forehead against his.

“What are we getting ourselves into Bobby?”

“Don’t know. That plan to talk it over kinda got sidelined didn’t it.”

“It did.”

“It’s a conversation I still want to have, I, we, have waited long enough Athena, I’m not waiting anymore.”

His voice sounded panicked, even to his own ears. His hand dropped to squeeze her waist and he registered her own hand shift just a little to slip to the back of his neck, fingers gently raking in the short strands of his hair that she found there.

“Hey! I know, Bobby, I know. And we will talk, properly but not tonight. You need to rest.”

“I can rest and talk at the same time!”

He knew he must have looked pathetic right now, the desperation in his tone and the obvious pleading in his eyes working together to form quite the combination. It must have worked though, Bobby watched as Athena laughed gently, smiling back at him as she shook her head.

“No, rest means rest.”

Bobby opened his mouth to protest, however feebly again, but was halted instantly as she suddenly shifted. Both of her hands were now on his face, thumbs gently sweeping his jawline before fingers interlocked at the back of his head, tilting his face up towards her own as she stepped impossibly closer. When her lips pressed against his he couldn’t help the groan that escaped. The kiss was slow, the underlying passion just sitting there between them but not coming to the surface. Not yet, it wasn’t the moment for passion, that would come later, now, in this moment it was about so many other things. Relief, gratitude, protection, care, it was about the need to finally breathe when it felt like they hadn’t in years. It was about peace, comfort, adoration and respect, and of a love neither would speak of just yet.

They kissed like it was both the beginning and the end. The edge of a new existence, a new chapter of Bobby and Athena, the end of an era filled with longing and restraint and fear, of finally letting go of the chains that kept them guarded. It was freeing and liberating and exciting in a way they’d hoped for but hadn’t fully expected.

Bobby wanted to hold her, fully and completely but even the slightest movement sent his injured arm into spasm, not one to be beaten he of course compromised. Her small frame made it easy for him, his good arm left her waist, snaking around to the centre of her back where his fingers splayed, pressing into her skin through the satin of her dress, urging her closer until she was pressed against him, chest to chest.

He swallowed her moan in the kiss, smiling in triumph as she trembled in his grip. As cliche as it sounds, this was everything he needed in his life to feel safe, to feel like home. Home wasn’t a place it was a person, or right now, home was a kiss, from the woman who made him want to live again, never simply to exist again.

Eventually, the kiss came to a natural end, both breathing heavily, foreheads resting together again. Bobby felt his eyes fall closed as he felt the fingers of her right hand trace from his neck to his cheek and down to his chest, settling over his heart as it beat a wild rhythm beneath.

“It felt like weeks, instead of hours, waiting out there you know. Not knowing if you were ok. I felt irrational, I’d just seen you in the back of that ambulance, I mean you didn’t look great Bobby let’s be honest but you were conscious and everyone was telling me you’d be fine but…that knot, in my belly, full of fear and anxiety it…it took over. And all the time I was out there, waiting, the one thing I was absolutely sure of is that I didn’t want to lose you.”

Her voice was low yet steady as she spoke, her eyes lowered as the words came easily to her. When he released a shaky breath, fingers still tight at her back she finally met his gaze.

“So I’m not going anywhere Bobby. I’m not. We can talk, later, tomorrow, whenever, it doesn’t matter. We can talk through all the logistics of you and me and we can talk about everything you and I are and will become but at the end of the day, we’re already us.”

“Yeah?” His voice was choked, emotion thick between them as he looked at her, steady in front of him.

“Yeah. Bobby I…I’m only gonna say this once so you better damn well listen. Honestly, I’ve been yours since you and that damn rooster walked up to me that first night we met.”

The laughter bubbled out of him then, happy and freely as he dropped his head forward to rest at her chest for a moment before he looked back at her, eyes shining. “Sergeant Grant you were married!”

“Oh barely!”

It was on the tip of his tongue to protest, to tease her mercilessly having always held the suspicion that she was still pissed at him about poor Maurice. The heaviness of the night had begun to lift, replaced with a hopefulness and anticipation at the edge of a fresh start on which they were both standing, side by side, together. Yet it was at that moment that the young nurse charged with his care slipped back into the room.

“Sorry to interrupt. What do you say we spring you out of this place hey Captain?”

“Oh yes please!” Bobby sighed, happily this time, as he watched the nurse move closer to check his IV. He felt Athena try to take a step back, but he wasn’t ready to let her go just yet, instead he gently manoeuvred her slightly closer to his injured side for just a moment as the nurse checked his IV. Satisfied it was complete she began to unhook him, of course the moment the needle was removed he looked away, his gaze focused on Athena tucked into his side, her hands gentle on his shoulder and chest, soothing him through it as he winced.

Next came the moment to sign the discharge papers which he managed a little awkwardly with only one fully functioning upper limb, Athena remained steadfast beside him, her presence providing a strength he felt deep into his soul.

“All done Captain.” The nurse was smiling at him again and for a moment Bobby felt an overwhelming gratitude toward her, for the last few hours he’d been tense, anxious, in pain and yet she walked him through it calmly and with care, it had been a comfort he needed, when he couldn’t have the one person he wanted most by his side at least he had someone with genuine compassion. And she was about to do something he’d forever be even more grateful for.

“He really shouldn’t be alone for at least the next 24 hours.” She was looking at Athena as she said it, who, unsurprisingly really was completely unfazed.

“What should I be looking out for?” Athena asked, as though it were the most natural thing in the world and he felt his heart clench, she really wasn’t going anywhere was she?

“Honestly he should be fine but just the basics really, look out for a fever or any other signs of infection. Pain management as needed, the arm will be sore and stiff for a few days so I’d recommend some light stretches, just to keep it from seizing too much but being mindful of the stitches. Overall just rest, fluids, and plenty to eat. Any issues just pop him back in for a check up. Doctor recommends you make an appointment in about a week to check on the stitches and recovery, then we’ll go from there.”

Athena was nodding as the nurse spoke, almost like he could see her committing every word to memory, all he could do was look from one woman to another as they discussed his aftercare, it almost felt like he wasn’t even there but for some reason he didn’t seem to mind. When the chatter faded he hastily called out his thanks as he watched the nurse leave them alone once more. For a long moment he felt disoriented all of a sudden, Athena had slipped from his grip and his eyes followed her as she gathered his things from the table in the corner. Phone, wallet, both of which were tucked away into her purse.

“Does Hen still have my keys?”

“No she gave them to me before she left with Chim and Elaine.” She wasn’t looking at him as she spoke, not looking up from her purse until she’d found the keys he spoke of and pulled them out.

“They were here?”

“Of course, they left when the doctor came to get me, although you are under strict instruction to call both Chim and Hen tomorrow, and I have to call Elaine. Oh and speaking of that doctor, Captain, pretty girl in the red dress?”

He’d forgotten about that, honestly, but it had been nothing but the truth. He knew he was grinning at her, knew she found it cute even with her eyebrow perfectly raised in reply. “Hey I stand by it!” Bobby laughed as he shifted forward to stand from the bed, his legs were shakier than he’d like but when Athena quickly moved to steady him he decided he’d cope with it. “I know the plan was for me to take you home tonight Sergeant but how’d you like the honour instead?”

When he wiggled his brows at her she tutted in reply, her arm slipping around him in an effort to support him as they took some slow tentative steps out of the room and down the hall.

“Stop being smug Robert.”

“I get to be smug, I took a bullet for you remember I’ve earned it.”

“Yes you did and believe me we will be talking more about that particular reckless act in more detail when you are sufficiently recovered mister.”

“Uh oh.”

“Uh oh indeed. I’ve a good mind to arrest you for interfering in a police investigation!”

“You won’t though.”

“Won’t I?”

“Absolutely not, I’m too cute for jail.”

“Too…just what drugs have they given you in here Bobby?”

“Only the non opioid types I promise. I come by this charm naturally I assure you!”

When she simply huffed in reply Bobby simply smiled widely, his arm around her shoulder squeezing gently in surrender. Painful as it was to be shuffling along the hospital corridor as he was now, weak and shaky he’d never felt better. With Athena tucked into his side, warm and safe and so adorably pissed at him his heart swelled. It almost didn’t feel real and for a split second he wondered if he’d dreamt it all, a part of him still not believing he could have this, her, that they were real. As though sensing his brief retreat, Athena gently squeezed his side, anchoring him back to the moment and when he looked at her the reality shone back at him.

Her eyes had never lied to him and they didn’t now, she was here, she was his, and she wasn’t going anywhere.

Chapter Text

The room was quiet, peaceful, calm. She could name only two sounds, the first coming from the slightly open window and the light breeze that filtered through, causing the thin curtain to move like a wave, even and measured. The second, the most important, was the sound of his deep, peaceful breathing as he slept beside her in the bed.

Safe.

She hadn’t slept, not really, every time sleep pulled at her something inside her would snap, forcing her eyes open and her chest to clench in fear. The need to immediately reach for him, despite never leaving his grip, the urge to reassure herself that he was still there, still breathing.

Still safe.

Her eyes searched his face in the dim light of his bedroom, there was pain, of course there was, evident in the lines at the edge of his eyes, deeper than usual, belying his obvious discomfort. His injured arm was propped on a pillow to help keep it elevated and steady. She exhaled deeply as she looked at the bandage, crisp and clean against the dark colour of his bed sheets. On his other side, his uninjured side, Athena was pressed against him, his arm curled around her, grip steadfast as though anchoring her to him. She didn’t mind, not one bit, with every wave of anxiety when his breathing slowed she burrowed closer to him. She needed to feel him, his warmth, his grasp, his breathing. Needed to know he was still there, heart still beating rhythmically beneath her palm as her hand rested on his chest.

He was sleeping soundly, just as she should be really. But it wasn’t coming, the adrenaline was still coursing through her, emotions still raw as her mind and her heart were still finding their way to the same page. And there was a part of her that didn’t want to sleep even if she could, what if she woke up and she wasn’t here, with him, what if it was all just a dream?

As though sensing her inner monologue his grip on her tightened and she sighed, it was real, they were real.

His injured arm flinched and he groaned in his sleep, causing her to lift her head to watch him, a smile playing on her lips as she watched him frown, sigh and relax again. Something he said, hours ago now, replayed in her mind and she sighed quietly, reaching over to trace a featherlight pattern on the skin of his arm, just below where the bandage sat.

“It’s not fair to have you in my bed, dressed like that and not be able to hold you properly!”

Athena stood, leaning against the doorframe to the bathroom, dressed in one of his old faded LAFD t-shirts, toothbrush sticking out of her mouth as she raised an eyebrow at him. Honestly he was adorable when he was sulking, sitting on the edge of the bed looking utterly sorry for himself.

“Would you prefer if I slept on the couch?”

“Absolutely not!”

She laughed then, turning back into the bathroom to finish getting ready for bed. When she emerged moments later she found him still in the same spot, brows furrowed and shoulders slumped. He was shirtless, dressed only in a pair of shorts and she had to fight down the urge to moan at the sight. The man was magnificent, all broad chest and muscles she couldn’t wait to explore. Biceps she wanted to sink her teeth into just because she could. But this was not the time. It was for practicality only, getting him out of his T-shirt had been painful enough there was no way they were wrangling him into another one tonight.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, quietly, arms folded around herself as she stood in front of him.

Bobby sighed, reaching up with his good hand to rub his tired face, “This wasn’t how this was supposed to go.”

His voice was quiet, defeated and her heart clenched painfully and she couldn’t help but sigh again. “I know.” She said, stepping forward, closer, her hands gentle against his hair. “But we’re here. Together. That’s what we need to focus on right now, not the what ifs and the what should have been.”

Bold words, from someone unable to shake the what if’s herself but still, he was her priority right now and she’d deal with her own demons later.

“I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay, I know what the nurse said but don’t feel obligated to take care of me Thena.”

Athena leaned back, tilting his head in her hands so she could look him in the eye. “Really, five seconds ago you were incredulous I even suggest sleeping on the couch and now you want to kick me out altogether?”

“No! No, I just…” Bobby exhaled deeply, his good hand settling at her hip. “I don’t want you to feel compromised, or…or rushed into anything.”

“You’re sweet.” She smiled, leaning down to kiss him quickly. “But if you think I’m leaving you alone you’re an even bigger idiot than I thought. And honestly, I’m staying for me as much as I am for you. I need to be close to you, I won’t relax unless I’ve got eyes on you Captain.”

“Damn,” he smiled then, leaning up to meet her in another kiss, slower this time as his hand slid from her waist to grip the back of her thigh. “If I wasn’t injured right now…”

“Tease.” She laughed, moving backwards out of his grip to move around the bed. She hadn’t wanted to step away, quite the opposite, his touch lighting a fire within her that neither had the strength to endure tonight.

Her smile was wide, yet pensive as her mind lingered, just hours ago as she all but wrangled him into the bed. So many adjustments had been made to get him into a position that even resembled anything close to comfort. Through it all, his good arm had continued to reach for her and so, amongst a plethora of pillows he had finally settled, somewhat comfortable and with Athena pressed into his side he had drifted into sleep.

Even with the pain still evident in his brow he looked calm, breathing deep and even as his chest rose and fell with every breath. She watched him through every expression, as his brow would tighten when he inadvertently moved his injured arm, the sigh when he flexed his fingers around her waist, the way his lips twitched into a sort of smile she thought might be a response to a dream.

All things considered, she kinda liked this side of him. Injured arm aside, of course, but to see him like this, unguarded, was something of a privilege. He was usually so composed, so in control of himself and she wondered just how many people had ever seen him like this, selfishly, she hoped she was one of few. She’d never been overly possessive and yet the thought of another woman in his arms like this was almost painful, it sparked something within her that she’d never felt before, a need that flowed through her veins, a need to keep him just for her.

“Have you been staring at me all night?”

For a split second she jumped at the sound, not realising the man in question was in fact awake. His eyes were still closed, a small smug smile tugging at his lips as his head tilted in her direction. For a moment she took a deep breath, shaky though it was as she watched him. Something about his voice, rough with sleep, had affected her in a way she hadn’t been prepared for, and good god was that something else she desperately wanted to keep just for her.

“Maybe.” She whispered back, placing a soft kiss to his bare shoulder as she nestled impossibly closer to him.

“You ok?” Bobby’s eyes opened then, dark eyes heavy with a mix of tiredness and concern met her own and for a long moment she just stared back.

“I should be asking you that.”

“I’m fine, Athena, really.” When she raised an eyebrow at him he laughed quietly and rolled his eyes. “Ok so my arm might be throbbing and sore but at this point I’d be more worried if it wasn’t. I’m more concerned about you right now.”

When she looked away from him briefly she felt his hand, still at her hip, flex and tighten and out of nowhere the tears swelled in her eyes.

“You could have died.”

“So could you, the gun was levelled right at you Athena.”

“Bobby!” Her eyes snapped back to his, the man was impossible, the ability to frustrate her in a split second, “I was doing my job. I’m trained for situations like that and I had plenty of back up! I don’t need you to be a big damn hero!”

“I wasn’t trying to be.”

As quickly as he had her fired up, Bobby brought her back down with just five short whispered words and that beautiful, gentle look on his face.

“I promise, Athena, it wasn’t even a decision. One second I was walking behind you and the next I’m standing in front of you with a hole in my arm. I wasn’t trying to be a hero, it just happened.”

Exhaling carefully she leant forward, forehead coming to rest on his shoulder. “I just…I could’ve lost you last night, and I can’t believe we got so lucky. You’re still here, but I keep thinking if I close my eyes you’ll slip through my fingers. Like it’s all a dream I’ll wake up from the moment the sun rises.”

“Come here.”

She felt his good arm tugging her closer, pushing her to rest further on his chest, the sharp intake of breath as his injured arm followed.

“No, your arm!”

“Don’t care.”

His breathing was heavy and she could see the pain it cost him but to resist him would hurt more, for both of them. So she went, without further question, to lay upon his chest, head tucked under his chin as he pushed a kiss to her hair. Both arms were wrapped around her, holding her tight and safe against him. Until she was here, she hadn’t realised this had been exactly what she needed, cocooned in his embrace, safe and strong, the magnitude of the past twelve hours settled around her though not as heavy and suffocating as it had once felt. Now, she felt it, let it flow through her, through both of them like a shared tension they needed to banish together.

“Just to clarify, since you’re laying on top of me half naked, are we officially dating now?”

She laughed then, face burrowed into his chest before she tilted her head to look up at him. “Well I don’t know, you haven’t actually asked me out yet!”

“True. Athena Grant, goddess upon me, will you go on a date with me?”

“Yes please.” She answered without hesitation, still laughing quietly as she pressed a kiss to his chin.

“Guess we didn’t really need to talk about it after all huh? Simple as that.” Bobby sighed happily, his good hand moving across her lower back.

“Not really no. Thing is, we’ve been in our own way long enough and when you get out of your own way everything just seems that bit clearer. We want each other, and that’s enough.” Athena closed her eyes, the sound of his heart beating in his chest was almost like a lullaby, one reserved just for her.

“The way I see it,” she continued quietly, “our friends already know how we feel about each other, and the ones that don’t will by the time Hen, Chim and Elaine are done. So we don’t need to worry about sneaking around or keeping things hidden, despite how nice that might have been.”

“Think I would have liked sneaking around with you Sergeant!”

She felt his laughter ripple through him, into her and her smile widened. “Oh I’m sure you would!” She looked up at him again then, eyes turning serious for a moment. “Thing is, I thought I needed to take this slow, with you. I know we’ve been flirting for months and I was ok with that, I liked it. But last night everything changed, and it could’ve gone the worst way imaginable. We should have known better, our jobs show us every day that life is short and yet, we wasted time. Time I don’t want to take for granted anymore. I don’t want to waste time worrying about how slow or quick we should be taking this I want to just live it Bobby. Just be us, any way we want.”

“Athena, You made me want to live again and that’s what I want, to live. To live each day knowing I have you in my life, wholly and completely and without restraint.”

For a long moment there was silence, the magnitude of everything just settling around them like a blanket. Twenty four hours ago they were two friends, standing on the edge of something wonderful, nervous energy running through them as they prepared to take their flirtations into something more tangible. It didn’t get more tangible than this. For most it would seem reckless, too much too fast but to them, it felt natural. For the first time in likely their entire lives they were letting their hearts decide, to simply live without analysing and second guessing every word. For Athena this was completely alien, she’d always sought control, order, discipline, in every aspect of her life and yet with him, with Bobby, none of that mattered. She could fall and he would catch her, every time, there was no doubt in her soul that she was safe. It was exhilarating, freeing and for the first time she found herself actually believing that soul mates were real.

She gasped, pulled from her thoughts by the feel of his fingertips on her skin, a ghost of a touch, barely there as if asking for permission and she realised his hand had moved from the small of her back, now lower as he skimmed across the back of her thigh. She lifted her head, an eyebrow raised in question as his touch became bolder, the wide smile on his face causing her chest to clench.

“What? This is the ‘without restraint’ I mentioned?”

“Is that so Captain?”

“Yep.”

She considered him for a moment, warm and solid beneath her, and of course there was the voice in the back of her mind telling her she should slow this down, for no other reason than he was injured, he’d been shot only hours ago for heavens sake and yet here he was, putting moves on her like the smoothest of operators. But, honestly, ever since he’d first kissed her, standing on her doorstep, Athena didn’t want to leave his arms, and now she didn’t have to.

When his arms tightened around her back once again and his lips met hers she couldn’t contain the soft moan, sweet lord the man could kiss. She’d never been kissed like this in her life, like it was the first and last time, like oxygen didn’t exist. She felt heavy and weightless at the same time, boneless and breathless in every way.

Without coherent thought she found herself shifting to straddle his waist, the action eliciting a moan of his own as he sat up, arms still wrapped around her as the kiss continued, growing in heat as tongues battled for dominance. Her arms wound around his neck, pulling their bodies flush together, she could feel his hardness now, pressed against her stomach and her own arousal pooled like molten heat.

“We should stop.” Her words were whispered, hot against his mouth.

“Do you want to stop?” He asked quietly, mouth dropping to kiss her jaw, her cheek, the spot beside her ear that made her thighs clench around his hard body, telling him everything he needed to know.

“Bobby your arm!”

“Is that the only thing stopping you?” He looked at her now, searching her eyes for the truth.

If she really did want to stop then she knew he would, that was never in question, but she didn’t want to hurt him, couldn’t bare to cause him anymore pain. It was a battle, her mind versus her body, her own desire, and maybe his, versus sensibility.

“Baby? If you want to stop, you know I will, and we’ll lay here together and watch the sun come up.”

“But?” She smiled, eyes locked with his, the sweet sweet man that was holding her so closely, so gently as though she might break and yet with a firmness that made her tremble.

“But, I want you Athena, I want you so badly it burns, just to look at you, here like this in my arms is more than I deserve…”

She stopped him then, her index finger covered his lips to stop him before he could disparage himself any further. “Deserve? Bobby you deserve the world.”

“You are my world.”

Damn.

If she’d thought she was a mess before it had nothing on what those whispered words did to her now. Her heart pounded in her chest so hard she thought it might burst.

“Your arms ok?”

“It’s fine, though you might have to do most of the heavy lifting!”

Their mutual laughter was swallowed then as the kiss resumed, exactly as it had ended, hot and heavy and everything they needed.

With his injured arm anchored around her back Bobby’s other hand was everywhere, every inch of her skin he could reach was traced, his touch so light yet leaving a trail of fire in its wake. The t shirt she wore was dragged from her body so achingly slowly, the kiss breaking only for a second as he tossed the garment across the room before his hand was back on her again. The firmness of his palm moved up her side, tracking across her ribs, teasing the underside of her breast before taking the fullness in his hand. Attention paid first to one breast then the other, the touch causing her body to arch against his, her own hands tracking the planes of his strong shoulders, across his broad chest until they came to rest on his biceps, right where she always wanted to be, the hardness under her slender fingers sending a thrill straight to her core. Good lord the strength in these arms was her undoing, strong enough to hold her so tightly and yet a gentleness to every one of his muscles.

She gasped as his mouth left her’s, moving across her cheek, down her neck to trace her collarbone, soft kisses followed by the sharpness of his teeth as he nipped at her skin, the contrast so delicious it could steal her breath. His hand moved lower then, over the flatness of her stomach, lower, teasing the edge of her panties as his eyes lifted to meet her clouded gaze, searching, seeking permission, with the smallest of nods she gave him the green light, words would not come, not now, not when his finger slipped through her wet folds causing her entire body to tremble against him. Already so sensitive, hot and slick and ready for him. She gasped when she felt a second finger join the first, curling inside of her as his thumb found her clit.

“Bobby! Oh god!” Her voice was cracked, choked as she arched into him, nails digging into the skin of his biceps as he started a slow pace.

“God, Athena!” His voice was deep, low, breath hot against her collarbone and yet the goosebumps followed a second later.

With the pace set and her body aching Athena rocked against him, her head thrown back as a jolt trembled through her when his thumb applied just the perfect amount of pressure. Her head fell forward and her lips found his again, the kiss was stuttered, sloppy and breathless. She could feel it in her belly, the telltale fire that told her she was close. There was an intensity behind it that she’d never quite reached before, not even on those occasions where she had quite literally taken matters into her own hands and she gasped, her movements lost their rhythm, her thighs clenched around his, toes curled, fingers gripping his shoulders with such force she knew she’d leave a mark. The pace of his ministrations quickened, reading her body so fluently already, his fingers curled inside her just enough, in just the right spot and her eyes widened, body stilled for a fraction of a second before the orgasm crashed through her with such force she could swear her soul left her body. Vaguely she could feel his injured arm tightening at her back and a corner of her brain feared she would hurt him but there was nothing she could do, she wasn’t in control of her body in any way shape or form, he had the control. His thumb was still pressed hard against her sensitive bud as her orgasm continued with enough force to steal her breath completely, her whole body shook until she couldn’t take it anymore, collapsing against him, one hand reaching down to grip his wrist to gently push his hand away.

“Fuck.” She gasped, breath coming in short sharp pants against his shoulder as she tried to come back down to earth. Bobby held her through the aftershocks, kisses peppered across her cheek, temple and jaw as her breathing regulated itself.

With what little strength she had Athena turned her head and kissed him hard, teeth nipped playfully at his bottom lip as her arms hung loose over his shoulders. With her chest pressed against his she could feel his heart beat, faster now, so fast, her own frantic too against her ribcage, barely contained. His grip around her was steady but through the haze of pleasure something pulled at her. Her eyes closed, willing her mind to take control and when it finally did she registered the heaviness of his injured arm, still draped around her but lower now, resting on his thigh as though he couldn’t hold it up anymore.

Leaning back she shifted, her hand firm against his chest as she held his gaze, her other hand moving gently over his shoulder and down to the bandage, still crisp and clean. Her fingertips lingered there for a moment, before slipping beneath the elbow to support his arm as she pushed him to lay back down against the pillows. Her eyes held his as he lay back, injured arm back at rest whilst his other mapped the smooth expanse of her thigh.

His gaze burned and yet held a tenderness that caused her chest to clench. Vaguely she was aware that she was shaking, not from nerves, not really, it was anticipation, adrenaline humming in her veins. Slowly, her fingers traced across his chest, nails raking through the smattering of hair before her hands moved lower, exploring the hard expanse of his abs. When her fingers traced the outline of his cock through his shorts his breath hitched and she smiled, almost smugly at him. Still never breaking the shared gaze Athena slowly slid his shorts from his body, nails dragging down his thighs and calves as she did so. The way his body tensed and his breathing stuttered sent a thrill through her, she had a power over him and it was glorious.

With her own panties discarded with his shorts Athena took a deep slow breath, her heart hammered in her chest as she took in the moment. Finally, after so much denial, so many months of dancing around each other and their deepening feelings they were here, with nothing between them, skin to skin, it was a feeling she hadn’t quite been prepared for, at least the enormity of it. Slowly she crawled back along his body, revelling in the way he groaned as her hands travelled up his thighs, over his hips, back up across his chest to cup his face. When she kissed him it was her turn to moan, swallowed into his mouth as he devoured her. Tongues battled and teeth clashed, Bobby’s good arm mapped every inch he could reach before settling firmly on her ass cheek. She smiled into the kiss when she felt the groan catch in his throat as his hand squeezed her ass, she’d always had a suspicion that he was an ass man, turns out she was right.

When the need to breathe became too great and she broke the kiss Athena laughed softly as his lips tried in vain to chase her’s as she sat up, straddling his thighs, one hand still firmly planted at his chest to hold him down.

Reaching between them Athena took hold of his hard cock in her hand and for a moment she held her breath. He was big, bigger than she’d expected and it made her tremble with anticipation once again. His breath hitched as her hand moved agonisingly slowly around his length, his eyes held her’s, unblinking, as she lifted just enough to take him in. Slowly, so slowly she took every inch of him, until he was buried completely inside of her and for a long moment neither moved. They stared at each other, breath heavy, chests heaving as they relished in this new connection.

“Athena..”

“I know.” Still she held his gaze as they both adjusted to the sensation. The way he was looking at her made her tremble, no lover had ever looked at her like this, like she was the stars in the sky, the most precious of treasures, no lover had ever made her feel like this either, cliche though it was they fit together perfectly. When she clenched around him involuntarily Athena couldn’t help but smile when his eyes practically rolled back in his head and his grip on her thigh tightened so much she was bound to be bruised. She didn’t care, he could brand her in any way he liked, she was his and only his.

“Athena…”

“Yeah?”

“I need you to move.” His voice was shaky, cracked and when she did start to move his eyes snapped back to her’s again, almost black with desire, desire that was reflected back at him, her smile teasing and yet seductive all at the same time.

Slowly, so slowly her hips rolled against him drawing a deep guttural moan from deep in his abdomen, her hand still firm on his chest as she set a maddening pace above him.

“Shit! Athena you’re so!”

“So what?” She countered, breathless, eyes holding his.

“So fucking good!” He groaned, voice deep as his hand gripped her waist, guiding the movements of her hips against him as the speed increased just a little, a delicious friction that drew a choked moan of her own. “You’re so fucking beautiful Athena, my goddess.”

His words, his tone, laced with desire and heat made her tremble. As a rule the man rarely cursed but here, now, there was something so undeniably sexy about it and she found she quite liked it, to know that she was the one who could make him lose control was powerful and precious at the same time.

Her fingertips on his chest tensed, nails arching into his skin as waves of pleasure rolled through her body like a tsunami, her other hand moving to the pillow beside his head to steady herself, the change in angle made them both groan as she leaned down to kiss him, hard, breathless. Bobby’s hand slammed into the small of her back, fingers splayed and flexed against her smooth skin.

Suddenly and with a strength she should have anticipated Athena found their position changed again as Bobby sat up, his arm tight around her as he increased the pace.

“Shit! Bobby! Oh fuck!” Her words, strangled in pleasure as she gripped his shoulders. The sudden shift pulled him impossibly deeper inside of her and her walls clenched around him causing his grip on her to tighten as she matched his pace.

“Bobby! I’m close!” She could feel it building inside of her, heat burning through her veins as the pressure coiled so tightly in her abdomen. His lips found her’s then, tongues clashed as his hand moved from her back to find her clit, so sensitive still just the lightest of touches sent a jolt through her entire body.

“Come for me baby. Come with me Athena.” His voice was low, steady, controlled and impossibly sexy as he whispered into the kiss, her moan swallowed by his mouth as it lay claim to her.

Seconds, was all it took after the words left his mouth for her toes to curl, fingernails cutting into his shoulders as the waves reached the shore and slammed into the rocks. Her orgasm tore through her body, thighs trembling as they gripped his sides like a vice. Her climax drew Bobby into the same delicious abyss as his hips bucked erratically, body tense as his head fell to her shoulder as they rode out the waves together.

Breaths were heavy, shaky, as she held him tightly against her, fingers raked through his sweat damp hair, bodies pressed together skin to skin as they came down from the high.

“Wow.” Athena exhaled deeply, lips pressed to the side of his temple, his low laugh rumbled through them both.

“That sounded like a compliment Sergeant.”

“It was.” Smiling widely she shifted just enough to kiss him, slow and long as her body finally relaxed completely against him, muscles sore yet sated. When his fingertips lightly traced her spine Athena shivered in his embrace, so relaxed it was almost startling. Her body hummed in the blissful aftermath and she sighed into the kiss, limbs still tangled and him still deep inside of her she felt more at peace than she’d ever felt in her life. Like this was always where she was meant to be, in his arms, for the rest of her life.

As the kiss slowed to a natural end and her forehead rested against his their eyes locked again, smiles so wide they could reach the moon. Athena watched as his eyes lightened, the darkness of desire giving way to a tenderness that made her heart clench. His eyes were always where she saw his truth, they had always been her way to his soul and now was no different, a thousand words they wouldn’t yet say but they didn’t have to, they were just there. His eyes couldn’t lie to her and they didn’t now, even when he tried to hide the small flash of pain that flickered through.

“You’re in pain.” It wasn’t a question. She knew it and he knew it and to deny it would have been futile. Despite her best efforts to keep his injured arm out of play it had been impossible for him to not hold her in the throes of the passion that existed between them.

“Yeah.” Bobby sighed quietly, his head dropping to the crook of her neck where he breathed in deeply, the scent of her calming him as he attempted to settle the throbbing pain that radiated through his arm and shoulder.

“Normally I’d recommend a hot shower but we should keep the dressing dry, baby. How about a bath instead?” Athena pressed a kiss to his temple, fingertips still carding through his hair gently.

“On one condition.”

“Oh?”

“You join me.”

She laughed then, hands gently tilting his head to look him in the eye. “You’re literally still inside me Captain and you’re trying to seduce me again?”

“Can you blame a guy? I’m insatiable when it comes to you.”

His wide smile, filled with mischief sent the butterflies to flight within her and if she hadn’t been sure before there was now no doubt she was a goner. This man had her wholly and completely and she’d willingly follow him to the ends of the earth. In less than twenty four hours her entire life had tilted on its axis and instead of being off balance Athena felt, for the first time in years as though everything was as it should be. For years she had felt as though she was spinning plates, between her failing marriage, her job and trying to be the best mother she could be, there was always a fear that one of those plates would spin into oblivion and smash to a thousand pieces. Yet now, there was only calm, she was standing on steady ground and her mind was clearer than perhaps it had ever been. Could it be Bobby, was he the reason that she could think straight, was it he that settled the seemingly endless storm within that swirled with self doubt and second guesses? Was he her strength and stay?

He was her anchor, her safety, her home.

It really is wonderful, when you open your eyes and see what’s right in front of you.

Chapter Text

Five months later

The sun was just beginning to set when Athena finally, finally, pulled into the driveway, releasing the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding. The lights were on inside the house, the soft glow casting patterns across the freshly jet washed tarmac of the drive.

She smiled, rolling her eyes, he’d been threatening to clean it for weeks, like a child excited for Christmas when he unboxed the new pressure washer he’d picked out for just that purpose.

Bobby.

Her Bobby.

With a practised ease of someone who’d done this countless times before, Athena rolled the car to a stop in the space beside his truck. A new norm she was becoming happily accustomed to. With the engine switched off and seatbelt unbuckled Athena sighed, eyes falling shut as she rested back in the seat. She was tired, so tired, this week had been relentless, a never ending stream of calls that proved enough to test even her resolve as an officer. The last twelve hours had been the worst, not because the calls were any harder, no, they’d all been routine nonsense she could handle with her eyes closed but after a run of back to back shifts her patience was at an all time low, and lord was she ready for these next four days off. Four whole days of freedom ahead of her, all of which she would get to spend with her kids, and her man.

She smiled then, her hand absently turning her cellphone in her hand as her mind drifted to the text he’d sent her hours earlier. Simple words, nothing special to any casual observer and yet they meant the world.

“Kids have decided we’re grilling tonight, bring your appetite home with you Sergeant. x”

Five months in to this new found normal and already the kids had Bobby wrapped around their fingers. She could see it now, one perfectly timed look from Harry, backed up by a quiet “oh Bobby can we?” from May, and Athena had no doubt whatsoever that Bobby would have had them in the store on the way home, cart full of all their favourites. With Athena working and Michael out of town Bobby had stepped in for school pick up today, again, a simple act, but one significant enough to prove for the thousandth time that Athena had chosen the very best of men, knowing he cared for her kids not because he had too, but because he genuinely did so. And the kids, well they adored Bobby, had from the moment they’d met him, Athena couldn’t argue with that.

Five months had passed since the events of the gala, and honestly, Bobby and Athena had been almost inseparable throughout. Athena had stayed with Bobby the entire weekend whilst he endured the immediate days of recovery, save for exactly one hour and seventeen minutes when she’d returned home to pack a bag, spare clothes, toiletries and other necessities, a bag that still resided in Bobby’s apartment five months later, joined gradually by more and more of Athena’s home comforts, now stored away in the drawers in his dresser that had long since been her’s.

Her place had become no different over the last few weeks, more of his things were finding their way into her laundry, a book and a pair of glasses on the table at his side of the bed, crockpots and preferred pans in her kitchen. That one had caused some amusement, Athena still didn’t fully understand why her pots and pans weren’t just as good as his. They agreed to disagree on that one.

They’d discussed the option of taking things slowly, it had been agreed on even, for all of a week, before it became blatantly evident that slow was not going to be an option at all. Truthfully, now that they knew what it felt like to be together, in every sense of the word, they didn’t enjoy being apart. Every possible moment they could find would be spent together, not easy at first given that he was forced into medical leave, at least until the stitches were out. Not seeing him on scenes had hit harder than Athena had expected it to, countless texts and calls were exchanged throughout her shifts. Checking in, she’d called it, in reality she needed to hear from him, needed to make sure he was ok, silly really, she knew as much, but there was still part of her that needed reassurance.

The one area in which they both had agreed that they needed to take a breath was when it came to his meeting the kids. Athena had been honest with them, telling them that she was seeing someone within those first couple of weeks, assuring them that they would meet Bobby when they were all ready. They’d both been quietly supportive at first, if a little wary which of course was only natural. Until of course Michael had inadvertently let slip that the man their mother was dating had quite literally taken a bullet for her. May had, unsurprisingly deemed the whole thing ridiculously romantic, whilst Harry had simply called it badass! When they had finally met, it had been everything Bobby and Athena had hoped, no spectacular event by any means but quietly authentic, a mutual trust, respect and affection had been almost instantaneous. And so had begun a new relationship, one belonging to the four of them.

The midnight baking club. That’s what they’d called it, when the kids had first met Bobby, unceremoniously in the bakery section of the grocery store, a late night panic after young Harry forgot to mention to his mother that his class was hosting a charity bake sale the following day, and so had ensued a stand off. Athena on one side, adamant that no one would know that the brownies were store bought, Harry and May on the other, scandalised at the thought! None of them expecting, at that precise moment for Captain Nash to round the corner, fresh off a shift and straight into the middle of the great debate. Naturally, there was to be no store bought baked goods going anywhere near that bake sale, not on Bobby’s watch, and despite just finishing a thirty-six hour shift he had followed the Grant’s back to the house to begin the task. Needless to say young Harry marched into school the next day, head held high, with the most sought after confections of his whole class, even if he did almost fall asleep in math due to the late night rush. Still totally worth it.

Athena laughed softly at the memory, her heart squeezing just a little as she remembered the deep lines of concentration on Harry’s face as he’d carefully followed Bobby’s instructions, the bright smile from May as she was offered various mixes to try before they went into the oven, working quietly beside her brother on the unofficial production line.

He was so good with them, always making sure to ask about their days, always checking to make sure they had a little treat in their lunch bags, showing up early to get them from school and whenever he could, cheering from the sidelines at Harry’s soccer games or May’s lacrosse matches. Athena couldn’t say she was surprised at any of it, Bobby treated those kids with pure love and affection, the same way he treated her. Never in her life had she felt this precious, like a treasure he wanted to protect, she felt safe, and loved every single day. Before Bobby she’d have scoffed at the notion, never one for sentimentality and yet now, she looked forward to those sweet texts during shifts, the soft kisses first thing in the morning and last thing at night. When they were apart she missed him, when they were together she was happy. Simple as that really.

Let us not assume that the last five months had been perfect, of course there had been some obstacles, some hard days but wasn’t that what life was like? Life was never all sunshine and rainbows but to love someone means to stand beside them in the rainstorm, and they’d both proved, more than once, that they’d hold the umbrella for the other every time.

It hadn’t been easy for Athena to watch Bobby struggle in the immediate aftermath of the gala, physically he had held up well, followed his doctor’s instructions to the letter in regards to his recovery and physiotherapy. But mentally, emotionally, it hadn’t been that easy. Forced medical leave followed by weeks of light duty had frustrated the life out of him, rather like Athena he did not enjoy sitting still, nor did he enjoy rotating duties as man behind or supervising scenes without joining in with the action. More than once Athena had had to step in on scenes to keep him grounded, her pep talks and quiet support helped him take a breath. The entire 118 would openly express their eternal gratitude to the sergeant, a cranky captain was not something they necessarily enjoyed. He’d been cleared for fully duty for a few weeks now, thankfully, and the collective breath had been released. And honestly, selfishly maybe on her part but Athena was glad to see him in full action again, her man was always something to see on any day of the week but back in full turnouts, skin and hair carrying that slightly smoky look and smell and she was almost a goner.

Just the thought of it caused her to moan subconsciously as her head rested back against the seat of her car. Movement catching her eye a moment later as she rolled her head in the direction of the front door. Light spilled out across the now dark driveway as the front door opened and then there he was.

Her man.

Athena smiled, eyes taking him in as he leant against the doorframe, hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans as he smiled back at her. Without looking away she reached for her purse, one hand blindly searching for the car door handle as she finally slipped out and started a slow, somewhat tired walk towards him.

“Finally! Kids and I were starting think you were gonna sit out here all night sergeant!”

His soft laughter made her smile wider as he opened his arms for her to walk straight into his embrace, a move so well practised it was now so perfectly natural.

“Just needed a minute.” She spoke softly, breathing him in as she leaned up to press her face into his neck.

“You ok?” He asked quietly, turning his head slightly to kiss her forehead.

“Been a long week.” She nodded, arms tightening around his torso for a moment before she pulled back to look at him. “Did you get the call?”

Bobby sighed, hands dropping to drape around her waist. “Chief called this afternoon, I assumed Elaine would speak with you before shift end.”

“She did. How do you feel?”

“Honestly,” Bobby breathed in deeply as he thought for a moment, “relieved. You?”

“Same, finally feels like we can close the door on the whole thing.”

Finally.

The past few months had seen a long drawn out multi agency investigation into the events of the gala, Bobby, Athena, Elaine, Rick, Chimney and Hen had found themselves dragged into more interviews, meetings and depositions than they could count in the last few weeks.

Despite taking three bullets from the service weapons of Athena, Elaine and Rick, Daniel Henderson, that was his name, made a miraculous recovery and had the audacity to plead not guilty to all charges, forcing everyone to prepare for what had begun to look like the most air tight case the Los Angeles district attorneys office had ever put together. Until today, five days out from trial, he changed his plea, finally pleading guilty and putting an end to the nightmare that swept around them like a swirling dark cloud.

To say Athena was relieved was an understatement, and it sounded like Bobby felt the same.

“I just wanna put it all behind us ‘Thena. Start looking forward instead of back.”

“I like that idea.” The smile was coming back as Athena reached up to kiss him, finally.

With his large hands tightening on her waist Athena couldn’t help but arch into him as he deepened the kiss, swallowing her moan as his tongue moved against her’s. Athena’s hands weren’t idle either, tracing movements up his arms, over his shoulders before settling in his hair, nails scratching gently at his scalp in the way she knew he liked.

“Ew seriously!”

Pausing but not breaking the kiss completely Athena smiled against Bobby’s mouth as the sound of her son’s voice broke through to register in her mind. With a quick last kiss she eventually did pull back, looking around her man to see Harry standing just behind him, looking utterly annoyed.

“Hello to you too baby!” Athena moved out of Bobby’s arms long enough to wrap her little man in his own hug.

“Hi mama! May sent me to see what was taking so long. We’re starving!”

“You can start plating bud, your Mom and I will be right there.”

Harry grinned, looking from his mom to Bobby and back before he dashed off, calling out to May something about wanting the biggest piece of steak before his voice drifted out of earshot.

“Steak huh? We celebrating Captain?” Athena raised one eyebrow as she looked back at Bobby over her shoulder as they moved inside, Bobby closing and locking the front door behind them.

“Maybe a little.”

“Or did Harry ask for it and you couldn’t say no?”

“Harry chose steak, May picked out some ribs and there’s some grilled chicken too.”

“Feeding the street?”

“Might as well be, but you and I both know those kids have healthy appetites might as well fill them up on good stuff!”

Bobby shrugged, knowing it was partly true that he hadn’t been able to deny Harry. As he followed Athena down the short staircase into the living room he smiled as she stopped in front of the coffee table, eyes landing on the vase of light yellow roses that certainly hadn’t been there when she’d left for work this morning.

“Where did they come from?” Athena stopped, turning to look at him as one hand hung in the air, gesturing to the arrangement.

“Search me!” He joked in reply, shrugging his shoulders despite his wide smile giving him away instantly.

“Bobby Nash!”

“Ok, I know I’m a day early but, happy five month anniversary baby.”

Athena sighed softly, her eyes drifting back to the beautiful flowers, smile wide as she bent down for a moment to breath them in. She loved flowers, always had, although for years she had been accustomed to buying them for herself, lucky if she got a bunch once a year from Michael. The kids always gave her flowers on her birthday and Mother’s Day but already in just five short months she’d received more bouquets from Bobby than she could count. Just because, more often than not.

Despite the traumatic hours that followed the gala they couldn’t deny that that day had marked the official start of their relationship, and every month since Bobby had made sure that a brightly coloured bouquet was bestowed upon her, a reminder that despite the darkness, a rainbow always came after a storm.

And she loved him all the more for it.

Standing back up Athena moved back into his arms once more, a kiss pushed to his waiting lips as she cradled his cheek with one hand, fingertips of the other slipping beneath the hem of his short shirt sleeve to trace the fading scar that still marked his skin. It seemed to ground her to touch it, and she did so often, reminding herself that he was still here, still her’s.

“Happy anniversary baby.” She whispered against his lips, her voice breaking just a fraction as the words left her mouth, as they did every time she said them, only five times so far but with the promise that she’d like nothing more than to say those words for the rest of their lives.

It still startled her, that she could feel so strongly after such a short time, but as Hen and Elaine often reminded her, she’d loved Bobby from the day that they’d met, perhaps not as passionately as she did now but it had been there, quiet, low beneath the surface of their friendship from the very beginning.

And as her man often pointed out, when you know, you know.

“Ahem.” The sound of a throat being cleared gently somewhere behind her caused Athena to once again slowly conclude yet another kiss as she sighed softly and turned to face her daughter, shifting quietly by the dining area.

“Sorry Mom, but Harry is threatening to eat everyone’s share of the steak if you guys don’t hurry up.”

Athena rolled her eyes as she closed the distance and pulled her daughter into a tight hug hello, playfully casting a glare at her son as he stood by the table.

“You can start without me, I’ll just freshen up quickly and be right there.”

May smiled, that beautiful smile she wore when she was happy, usually when those around her were happy, which only caused her mother’s smile to widen impossibly further as she took a step back.

“I’ll set you a plate.” Bobby whispered as he passed Athena, squeezing her hip gently as he manoeuvred around her into the dining area.

For a long moment Athena simply stood there, watching, eyes suddenly filling with unshed, happy tears as her gaze traveled around the room, Harry with his mountainous plate, towering with perfectly grilled meat, May rolling her eyes as she watched her brother balance an extra chicken wing upon a rack of ribs. The boy certainly kept his mother on her toes that was for sure, though she loved him exactly as he was, boisterous, cheeky, funny and so much smarter than he gave himself credit. May, standing beside Bobby at the table, glancing at him every few seconds with a wide smile as they worked together to evenly distribute whatever meat had been leftover from Harry’s haul. Her sweet, caring, thoughtful daughter, so quietly strong, with a steadfast determination and fire that sat just beneath the surface.

And then there was Bobby, moving so effortlessly as though he’d always been there, it was hard to remember a time that he wasn’t, so welcome was his presence in this house, in this family. His smile, his wonderfully handsome smile so bright as he passed the salad and potatoes to both children, a raised eyebrow levelled in Harry’s direction, silently encouraging the boy to add at least something green to his feast. Laughter peeling from all of them as Harry’s overfilled plate came spilling down as he tried to balance some potatoes haphazardly atop it.

Athena couldn’t help but laugh with them, more than a little aware of the warmth that had settled around her. This scene, this family, it was everything, all she would ever need right here, like the final piece of a jigsaw she never even knew she’d been working on.

Honestly, it really was quiet incredible, just what is right in front of you, when you take a moment to look.