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It was the evening of the annual LAFD and LAPD joint gala.
An event where ambient lighting would reflect off sparkly dresses. Where perfectly crisp and pressed suits would be accessorised with polished badges and forced smiles. Where champagne fountains would never run out and music from the live band would fall upon ears. Where the higher ups would shake hands with the people who fund the departments. Where stories are told, awards are handed out and money was raised.
Or if you asked Bobby Nash, it was a complete and utter waste of his time.
“It’s a few hours, baby.”
Athena was in the middle of reapplying her lipstick as they sat inside Bobby’s truck. The lipstick that Bobby had managed to kiss off just moments before in an attempt at prolonging them from going inside.
“We’ll do some mingling, dance to a few songs and then we’ll go home.” She puckered her lips, wiping the outside of her lip with her nail. “Okay?”
But Bobby still wasn’t happy. “I’d rather we just skip the other steps and do the last one now.”
Athena let out a laugh. “Oh I know you would- - but we can’t. Not when people are expecting us to show, Captain Nash.”
Bobby rolled his eyes then, knowing exactly to what Athena was referring to. “I still cannot believe the Chief blackmailed me.”
“I can! It was the only way you’d actually show up, baby.” She let out another chuckle, turning to face him now. “And it worked.”
Bobby just grumbled. “We’ll stay for two hours.”
“It ends at midnight, Bobby.”
“Two hours.” The fire Captain tilted his head, while also resting a hand on Athena’s thigh. “That’s all I have in me.”
Athena smirked, accepting the challenge. “Four.”
“Two.” He leaned forward then, allowing his lips to meet with the exposed skin of Athena’s shoulder. “We’re staying for two.”
“Bobby..“ Athena’s eyes closed despite her best efforts. “Don’t start this now.”
But Bobby continued, bringing the hand from her thigh up to her stomach. Feeling the sequins beneath his palm as he slowly guided it higher. “Two hours.”
“Four.”
“Two.” Bobby said back instantly, moving to her neck before cupping a breast. “Say it and I’ll stop.”
And though even with the sharp intake of breath and the way her body began to react to his, Athena was determined not to give in. “Four.”
“Two.”
“Four”
“Two- Ah!“
Bobby was cut off by the sound of Hen banging on the passengers side window. The fellow firefighter and paramedic not being able to help herself as she interrupted the moment. Which was something Athena found highly amusing. Tapping Bobby’s arm once more before opening up the car door and sliding out.
“Y’all are terrible.”
Athena shrugged with a smile, pulling down her dress. “We were negotiating.”
“Didn’t look like it.” Karen laughed, greeting Athena with a hug. “It looked like you were being felt up in the parking lot.”
“Like I said- - we were negotiating.”
Karen turned her attention to Bobby then, laughing at the slight blush on his cheeks. “You’re hilarious, you know that?”
“Not the word I’d use.” Hen murmured, looking at Athena flatly.
“We the first ones to arrive?” Athena just ignored Hen, reaching for Bobby’s hand which slid round her waist a moment later.
Only for Hen to shake her head, hooking her arm within Karen’s. “Buck, Chim and Eddie are already inside. No doubt already filling up on food.”
“Sounds like our boys.” Karen agreed, walking with her wife while Bobby and Athena lingered behind them. “Though I can’t say I blame them- - the food at these events is always incredible.”
Athena hummed in agreement. “Can’t argue with that.”
“I could've cooked everyone’s favourites back at the house.” Bobby tried one last time, only getting laughter in response as they continued to walk up the steps. Entering the gala where the evening would begin.
Much to Bobby’s disappointment.
- - - - - -
The first hour was taken up by lots of small talk.
The fire Captain bouncing from table to table, shaking hands with strangers and nodding along aimlessly through the same boring conversations. All while Athena did the same on the other side of the room, their titles meaning they’d have to do a little more mingling than the others.
Which Athena didn’t particularly mind.
Unlike her husband.
By time hour two struck, Bobby had spoken to more than enough sponsors and smiled so much his face started to ache. The top button of his shirt was now undone and his tie was a little looser than it had been at the start of the evening. The man looking exactly how he felt, which caused some laughter to erupt when going back to his table.
“It’s been like an hour.” Buck shook his head and he worked on his fourth plate of the evening.
“It’s been two hours and thirteen minutes.” The older man held up a finger, slumping down on the chair beside him. “And it’s been awful.”
Chimney just chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. “Manage to bag any newbies though?”
“Obviously.”
Patting his Captain on the back, Chimney’s eyes rested on Karen once more. “Think you’ve had enough to want to dance with me now?”
“Absolutely not.” The scientist snickered, holding up her glass. “I need at least three more and then we’ll talk.”
But Chimney just rolled his eyes. “What about you, Hen?”
“I am not dancing with you, Chim.” She dropped her shoulders. “Not after what happened last time.”
Eddie smirked then. “What happened last time?”
“I may have trod on her foot a couple times..”
“Uh it was fourteen times.” Hen jumped back in, stealing a mini hamburger from Buck’s plate whilst doing so. “And they all hurt like hell.”
Eddie’s eyes widened and lips curled up. “Sounds about right.”
“In my defence I’m used to dancing with Maddie-“
Buck laughed then. “How is that in your defence?”
“For one she’s my height and two, she’s got smaller feet.”
Everyone chuckled at that, not finding an argument for the firefighter as they eased back into conversation. The drinks flowing and the minutes ticking by. And even though Bobby would never admit it, the fire Captain had started to enjoy himself. Laughing and joining in with the conversation, forgetting about the two hour rule he’d tried and failed to set. Which was just as well with Athena taking even longer with her rounds, spreading her charm and bagging new sponsors left, right and centre.
With the drinks flowing and the music playing, Athena did finally make her way over to the table an hour later. A little clumsier on her feet and hungrier than she had been at the start of the evening. Arriving at the table with a plate full of food and a half glass of champagne, plopping herself down beside Bobby.
“Damn ‘Thena.” Hen snickered, holding out an arm. “Hungry?”
“Starving.” The police Sergeant his back instantly, already picking up a forkful of pasta. “I haven’t eaten a single thing since lunch time- - I earned this.”
Bobby scooted impossibly closer after a moment, leaning into her. “You gonna let me have a bite?”
“Hm. Only if you’re good.” She winked before leaning into press a kiss to his lips. Which only caused a groan to escape from the youngest member.
“You’re both nauseating.”
“We’re happy, Buckaroo.” Athena smirked, not being able to help kissing Bobby once more. “And kissing isn’t illegal.”
Buck rolled his eyes at that. “No but doing it in front of me should be.”
Blowing him a playful kiss, Athena turned to the others. “Y’all having a good time?”
“Honestly? It’s better than I thought it was going to be- - though you and Cap have been doing all the work.” Eddie chuckled, getting nods in return.
“The music is better too.” Hen added, managing to catch Chimney’s eye. “Oh- - no. That is not what I meant.”
“What?! You just said the music was better!”
Hen scoffed, moving to stand up. “I’m going to get another drink.”
“What’s that about?” Athena chuckled, feeling Bobby’s hand slide round to her hip.
“Oh- - Chimney has been asking us to dance all night.” Karen informed the other woman with a smile. “And has so far been unsuccessful.”
Athena nodded, finishing her bite before responding. “Get me a margarita and I’ll dance with you.”
Chimney choked on his champagne at that. “Y-You will?”
“You will?” Bobby echoed the question, smirking as he looked down at his wife.
“Why not?” She shrugged, meeting his eye. “You haven’t asked me yet.”
Bobby chuckled then, low and deep. “Touché, Sergeant.”
“You’ll really dance with me?” Chimney asked once more, still looking dumbfounded.
“Margarita me, Han.” Was all Athena said in reply, biting down a laugh as Chimney almost tripped over his chair as he headed toward the bar.
And once Chimney was out of earshot, Bobby turned to Athena once more. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”
“Oh baby- - you’d know if I was trying to make you jealous.” She told him, leaning forward slightly. Though before their lips met, Athena turned away.
“You’re killing me.” Bobby groaned.
To which Athena just smiled at. “Good.”
After a few more minutes, Chimney had returned with Hen. The margarita handed off to the police Sergeant as the band continued to play in the background. And only when the drink was finished and a song Athena recognised started to play, did she make her move.
“You ready?”
Chimney shot up, holding out his arm a moment later. “Lead the way.”
“You better keep those hands where we can see them, Chim!” Hen called out which got some laughter from the table. All their eyes glued onto Athena and Chimney as they made it to the dance floor. The two of them finding the rhythm almost instantly, dancing with smiles on their faces and hands holding each other gently.
Karen was the first to break the silence, smiling as she continued to watch. “It’s kind of cute, actually. How close they’ve become.”
Bobby nodded in agreement, though his eyes never left his wife. “Athena likes to say that I was married to Chimney first.”
“Oh you totally were.” Buck laughed, pulling out his phone. “And his actual wife would agree.”
Hen looked over at the younger man. “How is she now?”
“Better. It’s Jee-Yun who’s got it the worst now.” Buck explained, taking photos ready to send into the group chat later. “Mr and Mrs Lee did offer to watch Jee so Maddie could come but she didn’t want to leave her.”
“When your kid is sick you don’t want to leave them.” Eddie nodded in understanding. “We all get that.”
“Though she is going to be so mad that she missed Chimney dancing with Athena in real time.” Karen laughed, resisting the urge to cover her eyes as she watched them. “Bobby- - you have to go and rescue one of them.”
Bobby laughed at that, taking a sip of his soda. “I’m kind of enjoying this actually.”
“Aren’t we all?” Hen snickered, finding it absolutely amusing. “They are the oddest couple on the dance floor right now.”
Eddie barked out a laugh. “Athena is taller than him.”
“How she does anything in those heels is beyond me.” Buck shook his head, still taking photos. “I can’t even walk properly without heels on.”
“That’s because my wife is incredible.” Bobby says proudly, unable to tear his eyes away from the woman across the room. “And damn hot too.”
That got agreement from Hen and Karen whilst Buck and Eddie just rolled their eyes.
- - - - - -
On the other side of the room, Athena and Chimney continued to dance.
Moving to the beat of the music and laughing as they matched each others moves. With the drinks that had been consumed, everything was a little more silly and a lot more fun. The laughter came easier and the smiles wider, which was a rare occasion for the two first responders.
“You’re actually pretty good, Chim.” Athena giggled, spinning them around. “Better than I expected you to be.”
Chimney laughed, shaking his head. “I think it’s just Hen who makes me bad.”
“I won’t tell her you said that.”
You can’t argue with the truth.” Chimney shrugged, regaining hold of Athena’s waist. “And I have backup now.”
Even with an eye roll, some laughter broke free. “It’s a shame Maddie couldn’t come.”
“My first gala as a married man and she’s not with me.” Chimney smiled sadly, matching his moves to the now slower beat of the new song. “Jee comes first though, I know that.”
“They always do.” Athena nodded. “And listen, I know right now it seems a little hard, having to share Maddie. But Jee is only little for so long.” She smiled at her friend, picking up on what Chimney wasn’t saying. “You and Maddie have time for each other later- - enjoy your little girl while you can.”
Nodding, Chimney smiled gratefully. Not expecting the advice but appreciating it all the same.
“Though with that being said- - if you guys ever want a date night or just a few hours at home, you know Bobby and I would love to watch Jee.” Athena met his eye once more, tilting her head slightly.
“Thank you.” He said gently. “That means a lot.”
Nodding, Athena continued to sway with Chimney. Aware of the eyes on them from across the room as the music slowed and the lights lowered. Though in true Howard Han fashion, the man couldn’t stay serious for too long, continuing to spin Athena or allow himself to be dipped by the police Sergeant. Laughter rumbling out of the two of them before a tap on Chimney’s shoulder brought it to a stop.
“Mind if I cut in?”
Chimney turned expecting to see Bobby, though was taken back once his eyes met someone else.
A man neither him or Athena knew.
“With me or her?” Chimney joked, getting an eye roll from Athena in return.
“With the lady.” The man smiled, already moving closer. “If that’s alright?”
Glancing to Athena, Chimney waited until he saw the nod. Holding his arm out a moment later. “Sure.”
With one last look to Athena, Chimney headed back to the table where eyes focused in on the man who had just started to dance with the police Sergeant.
“Uh- - do we know him?” Buck questioned first, feeling himself slip into some sort of protective mode.
“I didn’t recognise him.” Chimney said honestly, sitting down next to Bobby. “Do you?”
The fire Captain shook his head, never tearing his eyes away. “Nope.”
“Well he looks like he wants to get to know Athena.” Hen raised an eyebrow, finding Bobby’s reaction odd. “You going to do something about it, Cap?”
But Bobby just shrugged as the slightest smirk started to appear. “I’ll let him think he’s got a chance first.”
- - - - - -
Athena knew Bobby was watching.
In fact, she’d bet her life on it.
Athena could feel his presence at all times. No matter where they were or how many people filled up the room.
The way Bobby loved Athena was felt constantly. Physically and emotionally.
And tonight was no different.
“Are you a fan of jazz?”
The sound from the man in front of her brought Athena back to reality. Snapping her focus back until eyes landed on his own.
“I’m sorry?”
“Jazz.” He repeated, nodding toward the band. “Do you like it?”
Athena crossed her eyebrows a little. “Depends on the artist.”
“It’s a good genre to dance to.” He smirked down at her. “Especially when you have a beautiful partner.”
That caused Athena to roll her eyes. “Right.”
Ignoring the comment, he continued. “I’m Nick. Nick Farden.”
“Ah.” Athena nodded then, finally getting an understanding as to why this man was so cocky. “Farden Wellness?”
“You know it?”
“Farden Wellness has been a partner of the LAPD and LAFD for decades.” Athena told him without batting an eye. “Of course I know it.”
Nick raised his eyebrows, still resting his hand on Athena’s lower back. “Impressive.”
“I try to be.”
He smirked then, the twinkle inside his eye not going unnoticed. “You still haven’t told me your name.”
Athena scoffed, shaking her head a little. “That’s right I haven’t.”
Nick laughed weakly at that. “Not impressed by rich, successful men enough to give up your name?”
“Definitely not the ones who are only rich and successful because of their daddy, no.”
Nick smiled challengingly. “Bet I could change your mind on that one.”
“Oh you do, huh?” Athena glanced to the side then, eyes landing on Bobby who smirked back at her.
She was right.
Bobby was enjoying this.
“Are you going to let me try?” Nick asked after a moment, bringing Athena’s attention back to him.
But Athena just answered his question with one of her own. “Are you going to ignore the ring on my finger?”
“I think I will.”
“And why would you do that?”
Nick smiled, still smug and with so much charm it made Athena cringe internally. “Because no man can handle you in the way I can.”
Athena arched an eyebrow. “And what in the hell do you mean by that?”
“That I can show you a damn good time.” Nick smiled easily, pulling her a little closer. “Better than whoever put that ring on your finger.”
“Oh really?” Athena laughed this time.
“Let me take you upstairs and prove it to you.”
But Athena just scoffed. “Absolutely not.”
Nick crinkled his eyebrows. “No?”
“No.” Athena repeated, a little firmer now.
“And why not?”
Athena tilted her head. “Because I have a man who can handle me. And a damn good one at that.”
“He can?” Nick looked unconvinced. “Really?”
“Damn right he can.”
Athena’s eyes fell on Bobby a second later.
The man coming up behind Nick with his eyes focused and full of possession.
And Athena started to feel her stomach flutter at the sight.
“Who the hell are you?” Nick turned to face the man who had interrupted them. Dropping Athena’s hand whilst doing so.
But Bobby just smiled. Not intimidated in the least.
“You ready, baby?”
Athena couldn’t help but smile as Bobby focused in on her. “Where we going?”
“Home.” The fire Captain told her easily, as if Nick wasn’t stood between them. “So I can take you out of that dress.”
She felt her eyes grow a little wider then, not quite believing the brazenness. However, before Athena could reply Nick had beat her to it.
“I hate to break it to you, buddy- - but I already invited her up to my room.”
Though again, Bobby just smiled as he caught Athena’s eye roll from behind him. “Oh you did, huh?”
Nick remained strong. “That’s what I said, wasn’t it?”
“It was.” Bobby smirked, tucking his hands inside his pockets as he stepped closer. “Though I don’t really care for what you said- - nor am I going to entertain it.”
Athena bit her lip then, feeling that fire rise up within.
A fire fuelled by pure desire.
Because Bobby knew Athena didn’t need rescuing. Bobby knew Athena could defend herself.
But seeing him like this? Being possessive? Protective? Wanting to claim her?
It flipped a switch inside Athena that she didn’t even knew existed until he came along.
And she fucking loved it.
“Do you even know who I am?” Nick questioned Bobby after a second, puffing out his chest as if it was doing something.
“I do.” Bobby nodded, still calm. “You’re Nicholas Farden. Son of Henry and Jane Farden, founder of Farden Wellness.”
Nick just looked back at Bobby, unsure on how to respond.
And so Bobby continued.
“You’re also one smug son of a bitch who thinks he had a chance with my wife.”
Nick’s eyes narrowed at that as he stepped closer to Bobby. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” Bobby didn’t miss a beat, still staring the younger man down. “You tried and you failed- - so I suggest you walk away now.”
A scoff left Nick’s lips. “I’m not leaving without getting what I want.” He looked over Athena, looking her up and down slowly, deliberately before smirking. “And I always get what I want.”
Bobby felt his blood turn hot at Nick’s comment, the anger starting to flood his system like a tsunami. “You better get out of my face before I knock your ass to the ground.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Damn right that’s a threat.” Bobby’s fists balled up, trying to stop them from shaking. “And it’s one I’ll follow through with if you even think about laying a finger on her.”
Athena watched as Bobby took a slight step forward. Sucking in a sharp breath before reaching out for his arm, pulling him toward her with some force. “Let’s just go, baby. He’s not worth it.”
“This jackass needs to be put in his place-“
“I agree but this isn’t the place to do it.” Athena became more stern now, looking around where her eyes met the groups of people who had started to crowd round. “Now let’s go.”
Bobby let out a slight huff, still staring at Nick as he slowly started to back away. Turning around with Athena who hooked an arm inside his, keeping him close as they began to walk off the dance floor.
Though in some kind of idiotic move, Nick decided to push his luck one last time. Reaching forward to tap a firm slap to Athena’s backside with his hand. Which only caused Athena to freeze and for Bobby to see red.
Turning around and with lightning speed, Bobby’s fist connected with Nick’s face. Punching him so hard it knocked the younger man to the ground and the satisfying crunch of his nose echoed around the room. Gasps left mouths as some people rushed over with napkins and the shout for a medic. Leaving Bobby shaking his hand and Athena yanking his arm.
“What the hell!”
Bobby shrugged calmly, as if he hadn’t just punched someone in the face. “I did warn him.”
Scoffing in disbelief, Athena took hold of his hand as she led him through the crowds of people and out into the corridor. And it didn’t take long before the rest of their group had joined them.
“Holy shit, Cap!” Chimney snickered, moving to take a look at Bobby’s hand. “I can’t believe you just did that.”
“Yeah that makes two of us.” Athena snapped, taking her purse from Hen. “Especially considering where we are.”
Again, Bobby shrugged. “He touched you, Athena. He put his hands on you and I wasn’t going to just let him get away with that- - I don’t care where we are.”
“He was being an ass, ‘Thena.” Hen agreed with her boss, ignoring the scoff that came from Athena in return. “We could all see that.”
“Yeah. We were watching the whole time-“
Karen was cut off by the sound of Buck and Eddie laughing. The two men looking down at a phone which was snatched by the scientist a second later.
“You recorded it?!”
Athena’s eyes grew wider, moving until she could see the screen. “Oh my- - seriously?!”
“He went down like a sack of potatoes.” Buck was leaning against the wall at this point, wiping his eyes as more laughter came. “T- The man just dropped.”
“He’s lucky that’s all that happened.” Bobby grumbled, looking up at his wife. “Because I was ready to do more, baby.”
Athena just clicked her tongue. “You are insane.”
“I might be.”
“And you’re going to be in so much trouble when the Chief finds out.”
Again, Bobby looked unfazed. “Perhaps.”
“You don’t care do you?” She asked him, crossing her arms.
“Not one single bit.”
Athena let out a sigh then, finally allowing the smile to break out over her lips. “God I hate how impossible it is to be mad at you sometimes.”
“I know.” Bobby smirked, looking into her eyes. “Besides- - with any luck I’ll be banned from these things.”
She laughed then, loud and true. “Oh you would say that, wouldn’t you?”
“A man can dream.”