Chapter Text
Bobby and Athena finally have a day off at the same time—something that hasn’t happened in what feels like forever—and they want to use it to spend time with their kids. Their shifts kept overlapping these past two weeks, to the point where a quick goodbye kiss or lying next to a sleeping partner was all they got from each other. Now they both have a few days off in a row, and they plan to spend the weekend as a family. Today, they’re heading to the mall. Harry needs new shoes, and May needs a new laptop.
While the kids get ready, Bobby stands in the kitchen with Athena in his arms. “Feels like I haven’t held you in forever…” She only gives a small nod. She knows it doesn’t just feel that way—it has been that way. Right now, she just wants to enjoy being close to her husband. “If our shifts overlap like that for more than a week again, you’re quitting.” He looks at her, laughing, one eyebrow raised. “Why am I quitting and not you?” She only grins and kisses him. “Because then you could cook and bake. And I’d be very grateful.”
He can already hear the implication in her voice and leans in for another kiss. They lose themselves in the moment—until the disgusted groan of their children cuts through. They break apart quickly, still grinning, while Harry shakes his head. “Gross. In the kitchen.” May fully agrees with her brother, but Athena just keeps smiling, and Bobby goes bright red—which only makes his wife burst out laughing. She’s instantly met with protest from all three of them, but she just shakes her head and looks at her “kids,” who at 18 and 13 aren’t really kids anymore. “I hope both of you find someone one day you love as much as I love Bobby. Someone you forget the world with. But just so we’re clear—not for a few years.”
While the kids still scrunch their noses, Bobby pulls his wife close and kisses her temple, murmuring an “I love you” against her skin. Harry reaches into a cupboard for a glass and bumps into Bobby on purpose. When Bobby gives him a questioning look, his stepson just grins. “Just making sure you don’t forget the world again—like Mom said…” They both laugh, and Bobby throws an arm around the boy’s shoulders. “Come on, let’s go. And remember, you want new shoes. Be nice.” Harry just grins. “I need new shoes. Mine are too small. So even if I’m not nice, I’m getting new shoes. Try a different threat.” Bobby is still smiling as they head to the car together. “Then maybe they won’t be name-brand. Motivation enough?” Harry laughs immediately. “Motivation enough. I love you, Bobby.”
Their laughter trails ahead of them, and Athena watches them with a soft smile. It warms her every time to see how close her husband has become with her kids. In the beginning, everyone was a bit reserved, and Bobby especially was worried about overstepping. But there’s no trace of that now. After nearly two years, both kids have things they only talk to Bobby about. And he’s made sure each of them has a hobby they share just with him. With May, it’s photography—they take day trips where she can spend all the time she wants on her shots. With Harry, it’s hockey. There’s no ice rink nearby, so Bobby had to swap ice for grass, but both of them love their time playing together.
Thinking about that, Athena reaches across in the car and slides her hand to the back of Bobby’s neck, running her fingers briefly through his hair. He answers her with a quiet smile.
***
Once they arrive at the mall, they start with Harry’s shoes. But when he’s still unhappy with the fifth pair, May looks at him, visibly annoyed. “Harry... maybe look at the shoes before you try them on. Why are you putting them on if you don’t even like the color?” Her brother gives her the same exasperated look back, quick as always. “I do like the color. I just don’t like how it looks on me. And how would I know that without trying them on? Think about the fifty jackets you tried on last time and suddenly didn’t like on yourself.”
While Athena hopes the two calm down soon, Bobby has to turn away so they don't see him smiling. God, he loves these kids. May—careful and thoughtful, so much like him. And Harry—impulsive and direct, but never mean.
Athena knows exactly why he’s currently facing the other way, and with a grin, she walks over to him. “We’re about two minutes away from a sibling fight, and you're laughing?” One look at her is all it takes before he can’t suppress his grin anymore. Even May cracks a small smile.
“Bobby, want to go grab a coffee and get the laptop afterward? I’m sure we’ve got plenty of time. Maybe we can even get lunch after.”
Her little brother shoots her a challenging look, but Bobby is already nodding with a laugh. “Sure. Come on, May…”
***
They grab coffee to go and take it up to the mall’s rooftop terrace. When May barely says a word, Bobby studies her quietly for a moment. “What’s going on with you? Something you want to talk about?” She stares at him in silence before looking away. She has no idea who she should talk to—or whether her stepfather is the right person for this. Maybe she should talk to her mom, but she can already see how that would end: with anger… or worse. She’s sure of it.
When Bobby wraps an arm around her and gently pulls her closer, she leans into him and closes her eyes for a moment. She still isn’t sure if he’s the best person to talk to… but out of all her options—her mom, her dad, her friends—Bobby is the one she feels safest with. “I… Mike and I had a fight…” Bobby only gives a small nod. Just hearing the name is enough to make him biased, but he makes sure none of that shows. Mike—May’s boyfriend for the last two months—is definitely not Athena’s or his idea of an ideal partner. Too sure of himself, too pushy, too demanding, and nowhere near considerate or loving enough when it comes to May.
Bobby takes a slow breath and looks at her. “Do you want to tell me why you two are fighting?” She hesitates again, but eventually speaks—starting with conditions. “You can’t get mad. And you can’t tell anyone. Please…” He watches his stepdaughter for a moment and tries with a gentle smile. “I can’t promise you either of those things, and you know that. But I can promise you this: if I get angry, then you and I will talk about it. And if I think your parents need to know, then we’ll figure out together how to tell them. Okay?”
She studies him for a moment, then nods slightly. But she keeps her eyes on the ground—she’s just so uncomfortable.
“Mike and I were at that birthday party last week and… he… he wanted to go with me into one of the bedrooms…” While May needs a moment before she can continue, Bobby has to try everything in him to keep his promise. Because he’s already furious. He pulls her a little closer and asks quietly what happened next, and this time she goes on. “I told him I didn’t want to… that we’ve talked about it before, that I’m not ready… God, why am I even telling you this? It’s so embarrassing…”
Bobby immediately shakes his head and presses a kiss to her hair.
“It’s not embarrassing, May. It’s serious, and I’m really glad you trust me enough to talk to me. Did he accept it?” She just lifts her shoulders. “If you’re asking if he did anything I didn’t want—no. If you’re asking if that’s why we’re fighting—yeah… we argued at the party. He kept trying to convince me. First he tried saying he loves me and that it’s just part of it. Then he said he’s dating a child…”
When she looks up at Bobby with tears in her eyes, his anger fades for a moment and all he sees is his daughter’s pain. He pulls her fully into his arms and holds her for a long moment before he speaks. “Honey… listen to me. Nobody gets to pressure you into anything. If two people in a relationship want different things, they talk about it—you two did that. But no one gets to push the other or use love to guilt-trip them. Telling you he loves you as leverage? May, that’s not love. At least, that’s not how you show it. You don’t use love because you want to win a fight or get your way. Think about it—imagine your mom, or even Harry and you, wanted something different from me. None of us would say ‘but I love you’ just to force someone to agree. And May… you were afraid this was embarrassing, and he called you childish. But you stood your ground. You didn’t let anyone pressure you. And believe me—no one can push you harder than someone you love. But you stayed firm. You did what made you feel safe and comfortable. There is nothing embarrassing or childish about that. You reacted like an adult—more than a lot of people who are much older than you would’ve. I’m proud of you. Don’t ever forget that.”
She still had tears in her eyes, but there was a hint of relief in her smile.
“So… you’re not gonna tell Mom and Dad?” Bobby wasn’t entirely sure yet. What May had just told him was still sinking in, and the thought of someone pressuring her like that made it hard to stay calm. “Why don’t you want them to know?” he asked gently. May just shrugged a little. “Mom would lose it. She’d be furious… at me, at Mike… and if we make up at some point, he’ll never be allowed over again. And Dad… I…”
She hesitated, trying to find a way to say the next part without hurting him, then decided to just be honest. “Mike told you he wants to be a firefighter… he told Dad he wants to be an architect.” Bobby shook his head with a quiet laugh, and when May gave him a confused look, he grinned slightly. “May… I don’t wanna badmouth him. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and jobs that fit them. But from what I’ve seen of him… I don’t exactly picture him working at the fire department. Sure, he’s athletic. But I saw the way he looks at me, and I know that look. He thinks I don’t make enough money, and he said all that to impress me.”
May stared at him, surprised. At least part of that was exactly what Mike had told her—how hard it was for guys to impress a girlfriend’s dad and that they had to come up with something. “Dad thinks he’s found his dream son-in-law. We argued about something a while back—nothing big, just school stuff—and when I told him about it, he said I shouldn’t be so hard on Mike. That I should be more appreciative. I was scared he’d blame me again.”
Bobby swallowed, then pulled her into another hug. In that moment, he knew he’d have to talk to both Athena and Michael. “Thank you for trusting me with this, May. That means a lot… Can I make a suggestion?” When she gave him a small nod, he continued softly: “We’ll talk to your mom this weekend. It doesn’t have to be today… but she should know, and we’ll do it together. And trust me—she’ll be proud of you. She’ll be angry at Mike too, but I’ll handle that with her if I have to. And your dad… your mom and I can talk to him. Make it clear that you always come first, and that you have your reasons when you argue. He’s allowed to tell you if he thinks you handled something wrong—but he doesn’t get to tell you how to act just so Mike stays happy with you. Is that okay?”
She stayed quiet for a moment, but she knew he was right. And more importantly, she knew he was in her corner. “Yeah… thanks, Dad.”
He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. Six months ago, she’d called him “Dad” for the first time. He’d come home injured from work, and Athena and the kids had spent hours not knowing where he was because his team had lost contact. When he finally walked through the door that evening, she’d practically flown into his arms—and that was the first time she’d said it. Since then, they mostly stuck to “Bobby,” but every now and then it slipped back to “Dad,” and those moments still hit him straight in the heart every single time.
“Don’t you ever forget what an incredible girl you are… actually, young woman by now. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Never sell yourself short—you deserve nothing less than the best, May.”
She smiled a little, but her eyes showed hesitation. After taking a deep breath, she finally spoke. “Bobby, can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer if it’s too personal.” He gave her a gentle nod. “You can always ask me anything, sweetheart. I’ll tell you if I can’t answer.”
She fiddled with her fingers, clearly nervous. When Bobby placed his hand over hers, she drew in another breath and whispered, “How do you know when you’re ready? Like… when it’s really the right time?” Bobby fell silent. The question hit deeper than she could know. He stared at the coffee in his hands for a moment before he spoke, his voice calm but thoughtful. “I can’t tell you exactly how you’ll know,” he began quietly. “But I can tell you this — don’t let anyone decide that moment for you. It’s something that should feel right, safe… yours. And if you ever feel unsure, that’s your answer. You wait.” He paused, then added with a faint, sad smile, “I learned that lesson the hard way when I was younger. Too young, honestly. And I wish someone had told me what I’m telling you now — that it’s okay to take your time.” May’s eyes filled with tears. “If that ever happened to me, you’d probably lose your mind,” she said softly. “And I just wish someone had protected you the way you protect me.” He smiled faintly, emotion tightening his chest. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’ve got pur family now — that’s what matters.”
He squeezed her hand lightly, breaking the heaviness with a small grin. “So… laptop time? Because if Harry finishes before us, we’ll never hear the end of it.”
May laughed through her tears and stood up with him. “You’re right, Dad. Let’s go before he starts bragging.”
***
They walked into a smaller electronics store, and after a quick chat with the clerk, May had already made up her mind. She turned to Bobby with a grin.
“Harry’s probably still trying on shoes,” she teased. Bobby chuckled, taking the laptop box from her hands as he headed toward the register. “I still need a new pair of jeans. Same model as always—two minutes, tops. You coming?” May laughed, shaking her head. She loved him dearly, but when it came to fashion, Bobby was delightfully predictable. “There are other jeans out there, you know.” He shrugged, smiling. “Why try ten pairs when I already know one that fits?”
They were still grinning at each other when the sound of shouting cut through the store. Three masked men stormed in—guns raised. Before May could even react, Bobby pulled her behind him.
There was no real cover near the counter, just open space and glass. Instinctively, he shifted to block her with his own body. One of the robbers ordered the cashier to lock the doors, and for the first time, confusion flickered in Bobby’s eyes. They were trapping themselves inside—and still in full view from the mall outside. It didn’t make sense. He stayed still, studying them, fighting the urge to reach for his phone. One of the men’s eyes darted toward him, and Bobby froze. Outside, he could already see people with phones raised—help was on its way.
When one of the robbers swung his gun toward the group of customers, Bobby gripped May’s hand tightly and leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. “Stay calm, May. I’ve got you.”
While one of the men kept his gun trained on the group, the other emptied the cash registers. But when they didn’t immediately leave, Bobby’s confusion deepened. Every instinct from years on the job screamed that something was wrong. Robberies like this were supposed to be fast — in and out, before anyone could react. Instead, the men barked orders, forcing everyone into a corner of the store that was still clearly visible from the outside. Then came the words that made Bobby’s stomach tighten. “Now we wait.”
He placed a steadying hand on May’s back, trying to anchor her — to remind her that he was there. She leaned closer, her shoulders trembling as her eyes darted around the store. He could feel how close she was to panic, and that terrified him more than the gun itself.
Only Athena and he knew how fragile May had been these past months — how easily the panic could take over. And right now, that was the last thing they needed. If she lost control, if she drew attention to herself, she could become a target. But how could he help her without speaking, without holding her the way she needed?May stared straight ahead, eyes locked on the glass storefront. Bobby followed her gaze — and froze for a heartbeat. The first police units had arrived. And among them, standing just outside the glass, was Athena.
Their eyes met for the briefest moment, a silent exchange of fear and love. But he couldn’t let himself get lost in her. His daughter came first. Always. He leaned close to May’s ear, whispering softly so only she could hear: “I’m going to write words on your hand. You trace back what you think they are, okay?” She gave a small nod, barely visible.
With slow, deliberate movements, he began to trace letters against her skin — simple words at first. Safe. Here. Breathe.
May hesitated, then traced back what she thought she’d felt. Bit by bit, Bobby felt the tension leaving her body. Her breathing evened out, her fingers stopped trembling. He kept going, word after word — anything to hold her in that fragile bubble of focus and calm — until he saw the faintest flicker of steadiness return to her eyes.
It’s May who finally breaks the silence, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you.” The two small words are enough. They tell Bobby she’s back — steady enough to hold on again. He stops tracing words against her skin but doesn’t let go of her hand. Not for a second. His gaze drifts to the storefront, to the familiar figure just beyond the glass.
Athena hasn’t looked away once. The moment she’d heard about the robbery, she’d handed Harry over to a fellow officer outside and gone straight to the scene. Officially, she’s here as a sergeant — but everyone around her can see she’s here as a wife and mother first.
Her Captain approaches quietly, voice calm but firm. “I get it, Athena. I wouldn’t be focused either. But they can’t know you’re connected to them — if the suspects realize that, it’ll put them in even greater danger.” Athena doesn’t answer. Her eyes stay locked on the two figures inside. “May was on the edge of a panic attack,” she says quietly. “Ever since that call when Bobby was hurt on duty and we couldn’t reach him… she’s been struggling with it. Bobby and I write to her whenever we’re on shift, just so she knows we’re okay. But lately… it doesn’t take much to trigger it.” Her voice trembles for a moment, then steadies. “Bobby just pulled her out of it somehow. I don’t know how he did it — every method we’ve learned would’ve drawn attention. But he managed it. He got her through, at least for now. I just don’t know how long it’ll last.”
Her captain placed a steady hand on her arm. “She’s got her dad in there with her,” Elaine said softly. “And out here, she’s got her mother and godmother doing everything they can to keep her safe.” She turned briefly, glancing toward Rick and Lou. “And those two uncles of hers? Not exactly the kind of men you want to get on the wrong side of. We’ll get them out, Athena. I promise. But right now, I need you to step back — just far enough that you’re not a target. You know we can’t risk it.” Athena hesitated, her pulse pounding in her ears. Elaine’s next words cut straight through her. “Something’s off in there. They could’ve been gone by now — but they’re staying. And they’re doing it in plain sight. We don’t know what they want yet, but this isn’t a typical robbery.”
Athena knew she was right. Every word of it. She took a few reluctant steps back, far enough to blend in with the others but close enough that she could still see Bobby and May through the glass. They were watching her too — she could feel it — but from the third row, she no longer stood out. Still, she couldn’t stand still. Her body buzzed with a quiet, helpless fear. Everyone here, even before Elaine said it out loud, had felt the same thing: something was wrong. This wasn’t how these situations went. A quick in-and-out, chaos if things fell apart — that was how it was supposed to look. But not this time. These men were calm. Controlled. Always positioned so at least one of them was out of sight. It was deliberate — calculated. They wanted law enforcement to see them, to understand that they knew exactly how the playbook worked.
And that, more than anything, terrified Athena. Because right now, those three men had the upper hand. They were the ones dictating every move. Until the police figured out what was really going on, all Athena could do was stand there — and watch her husband and daughter trapped inside, at the mercy of people who clearly knew exactly what they were doing.
***
Inside the store, the tension began to shift. One of the gunmen turned toward the hostages still sitting on the floor.
“One of you is going to call the police,” he ordered. “Put it on speaker, and bring the phone to me.”
Bobby felt May’s hand tighten around his, her grip trembling, desperate. His chest constricted as he swallowed hard.
He knew what was expected of him — what everyone outside would expect him to do. He was the one trained for this, the one who should step up. But not this time. For once in his life, he forced himself to ignore that instinct. Because if he stood up now, if he moved away from her, May would break. He could see it in her eyes — that fragile calm she was clinging to by a thread. And he couldn’t let that happen. Whatever judgment might come later, whatever people would say — it didn’t matter. Right now, he wasn’t a captain. He wasn’t a first responder. He was a father. And that was the only role that counted.
A harsh voice tore him out of his thoughts. “You!” one of the men barked, pointing his gun toward a woman near the front. “Get over here. Now!” She jumped up instantly, trembling, and Bobby’s stomach twisted with guilt. Everything in him screamed to intervene, to protect her — that deep, ingrained instinct to act. But then he looked at May. She sat frozen, her eyes glassy, silent tears on her cheeks. That was all it took.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer until her head rested against him. “I’m right here,” he whispered, voice steady despite the fear clawing at his chest. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere.”
***
Outside, Athena could hardly believe what she was seeing. Her husband — the man who always steps in, who takes responsibility even when it isn’t his to bear, who carries guilt for every outcome he can’t control — that same man was sitting still while another hostage was forced to stand. Even from this distance, she could read the guilt in his expression. But she saw something else, too. He wasn’t frozen by fear. He wasn’t protecting himself. He was fighting — fighting the instinct to act, just to stay close to May, who was visibly falling apart beside him.
And while Athena’s heart ached with pride and love for him, one of the younger officers muttered something under his breath — something about how “the fire captain doesn’t seem half as brave when it’s his own life on the line.”
Before Athena could even turn, Lou was already standing in front of the man, his voice sharp with anger. “The captain of the fire department is in there as much a hostage as anyone else. And every one of us can see he wants to act. But right now, he’s a father. You see that girl next to him? That’s May — and she’s holding it together by a thread. If I can see that from here, imagine what Bobby feels sitting next to her. The safety of the hostages is the top priority, and that’s exactly what he’s protecting. Because if she panics, none of us know how those men will react. So don’t you ever criticize someone in a situation you’ve never lived through yourself. Bobby has proven more times than I can count that he’d risk his life without hesitation. He’s not on duty right now — he’s protecting his kid. And that’s what any decent father would do. Now go help with the perimeter.”
The young officer opened his mouth to argue — but Elaine’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “In this city,” she said, stepping up beside Lou, “fire and police are one team. We respect each other — we trust each other. And we never question each other’s courage. The 118 — especially Bobby — are family. We all know what they’ve done for this city, and what they’d do again in a heartbeat. Now either you get outside, or the next time we roll out for a call, you’ll be the one watching from the curb.” The officer didn’t say another word. He turned and walked out, red-faced.
Athena looked at Lou and Elaine, gratitude softening her tense features.
Neither of them said anything — they only nodded. But in that small gesture, Athena heard everything she needed: We’ll get them out. And we’ve got their backs. And for the first time since the chaos began, she felt the smallest flicker of relief. Because she knew — Bobby and May weren’t just her family. They were everyone’s.
***
Inside the store, none of them knew what was happening outside. The woman followed the order and called 911. Within seconds, the call was routed straight to Captain Elaine Maynard — the SWAT team was still en route, and she had to take the lead. The phone was still on speaker, so everyone could hear Elaine’s calm, steady voice: “This is Captain Maynard. I’m here to listen. What are your demands?”
One of the masked men grabbed the phone and moved closer to the hostages sitting on the floor. “You’ve got two of ours,” he said coldly. “Two arrests from the bank job last month. You let them go, we walk out and everyone here stays alive.”
Elaine’s breath caught. She knew exactly what that meant — this wasn’t just about money. That robbery had left three people dead. There was no universe in which she could release two murder suspects. Her voice stayed composed, though her pulse was racing. “You know that’s not an easy request. It’ll take time, and a lot of clearance. If you want me to believe you’re serious about keeping people alive, show me some good faith. Let some of the hostages go.”
The man glanced toward the glass storefront, then motioned for one of his partners to move into cover. He knew the police couldn’t risk a shot unless they could hit all three of them at once.
When his partner ducked behind a display, he looked back toward the officers outside. “You see us? We set it up this way for a reason,” he said, raising the phone so Elaine could hear his voice more clearly. “We want you to see what we’re capable of.” Then, without hesitation, he turned and kicked one of the older hostages — hard. Once. Twice. Again. In the ribs. In the head.
Bobby felt his body tense, every instinct screaming at him to intervene.
He could already feel May trembling beside him. And before he could reach for her, her voice broke through the silence — raw, terrified, desperate: “Please! Don’t hurt him!”
The man froze. Slowly, he turned — gun and phone still in his hands — and locked his eyes on her. “Well, well…” he sneered. “Looks like we’ve got a volunteer.” Into the phone, he said, “You hear that, Captain Maynard? We’ve got someone who wants to make things interesting. You know what that means.”
But before anyone could react, Bobby was already on his feet — stepping between May and the gun.
He met Bobby’s eyes and held him there for a long, slow breath. “I’ll give you a chance,” the man said finally, low and dangerous. “Sit down. We both act like nothing happened. Don’t you want that? Don’t you want to take that shot?”
Bobby didn’t move. If anything, he stepped forward, the quiet authority in him sharpening into something colder. He’d flipped into captain-mode—not the uniformed commander, but the part of him that could cut through panic with a single, steady command. His voice was calm, hard as steel. “If you turn around and you keep your hands off my daughter, I’ll sit down. You make the choice here, not me.”
The robber laughed, a harsh, humorless sound. “Brave,” he said. “But your little girl? Everyone sees she’s not your blood. What is she then? Are you hiding the truth because she’s too young? I’ll give you one thing—she’s beautiful.” Bobby ignored the gun in the man’s hand. He ignored the insult. He only heard May’s breathing, the ragged intake and the tiny whimper she tried to hide. He took another deliberate step forward. “She’s my daughter,” he said, voice steady. “Maybe not by blood, but she’s mine in every way that counts. You let her go now.”
From the speakerphone the negotiator’s voice came back, strained but controlled: “Listen to me—please. Don’t escalate. This is the moment to show good faith.”
The man didn’t answer the negotiator. He lifted the barrel until cold metal pressed against Bobby’s forehead; the gun trembled almost imperceptibly. “And if I don’t?” he asked, the words like a blade. “What if I don’t let her go? What if I involve her instead—make sure you’re in the way until my finger moves? What will you do then?”
***
Athena stood just far enough from the storefront that her sharp intake of breath wouldn’t carry through the phone still lying on the counter inside. But she was close enough to hear every word—every accusation, every threat that came from the man pointing a gun at her husband.
She could see it in Bobby’s eyes, even through the reflection of the glass and the chaos of everything. He had only one focus now—May. Everything else, his own safety, the negotiation, even the gun aimed at him—none of it existed for him anymore. Behind him, May sat curled in on herself. Athena couldn’t see much of her face, only the trembling of her shoulders and the way her small frame shook with fear and sobs she couldn’t hold back. The sight cut through her like nothing else could.
She turned to Elaine, her voice barely a whisper. Her eyes pleaded for something—control, reassurance, a miracle. Because right now, her husband’s life depended entirely on Elaine’s next words. And Elaine spoke—steady, calm, the way only a seasoned captain could. But it didn’t matter. Athena could see from here that the gunman wasn’t listening anymore. His focus was locked, his rage narrowing into something frighteningly personal.
He wasn’t negotiating. He was hunting.
And Bobby was the only thing standing between him and their daughter.
***
Bobby could see it in the man’s eyes — the shift. The moment when reason slipped away and something darker took hold. The cold press of the gun against his forehead made it painfully clear: this wasn’t a bluff. One twitch of a finger, and everything would end. His pulse was hammering. Not from fear for himself — that part of him had gone quiet — but from the thought of what would happen to May if that gun went off. Her breath came in short bursts behind him, quick and uneven, the sound of someone fighting to stay in control.
He had no choice.
Every rule, every training note he’d ever learned — gone. Keep your head down. Don’t engage. Never reveal who you are.
But he wasn’t a captain here. Not a firefighter. He was a father.
He lifted his chin, met the man’s stare, and said steadily, “Go ahead. Shoot. That’ll show them out there you can’t be reasoned with. It’ll prove you’re a threat to every hostage in here.” He took a small breath, never breaking eye contact. “And then they’ll storm this place. You know it as well as I do. They’ll risk a few to save the many. That’s how this ends.”
The gunman’s mouth twisted into a smirk. “You’re bluffing. You think I care about you?” He tilted his head toward May. “It’s her I want. She opened her mouth, not you. Step aside, and no one else gets hurt.”
Bobby didn’t move. If anything, he stepped forward, pushing the barrel harder against his own skin.
“This is my choice,” he said, voice low but unshaking. “You want her, you’ll have to go through me. And when you do, the police will storm in. You can see them out front. And if you’re smart, you’ll guess there’s another team at the back door, maybe even one on the roof.”
He nodded slightly toward the emergency exit without taking his eyes off the man. “You’re surrounded. The only question left is how this ends — your way or theirs.”
The gunman hesitated. His hand trembled. Just for a second. Then he steadied himself. “How do you know all that?” Bobby’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “Because I’m a fire captain. I’ve seen how it plays out. You threaten lives — they end it fast. You lower that gun, maybe you walk out alive.”
A flicker of doubt crossed the man’s face. But before Bobby could even exhale, another one of the robbers stepped closer. “Enough,” the second man muttered, gripping his partner’s arm and shoving the gun down. “He’s right. We might need him.”
Bobby let out the faintest breath of relief and then a sharp crack split the air.
The calmer one — the same man who’d lowered the gun — swung the butt of his weapon straight into Bobby’s temple.
White pain. A flash. The floor rushed up to meet him. May’s scream tore through the silence. “Dad!” she cried, dropping to her knees beside him.
The man who’d struck him barked to his partner, “You leave the girl alone! If we need him alive, she stays unharmed. Get it together!”
May barely heard him. Her world had narrowed to the sound of Bobby’s shallow breathing, the blood at his temple, and the weight of his hand still resting against hers.
***
Athena could see and hear everything from her position outside the store — every word, every movement. Her husband, the man who had spent his entire life following protocol and protecting others, was now throwing all of it aside to protect his daughter. She watched as he stepped closer to the gun pointed at his forehead, saw how he didn’t flinch, didn’t hesitate. He made it clear — the only way to get to May was through him.
Relief had just started to wash over her when the second man stepped in and pushed the weapon down. For one fleeting moment, she thought the worst was over. But before she could even take a breath, she saw Bobby collapse. The hit came fast — so fast she didn’t even see the shock on his face before he hit the ground.
Even from here, Athena could see the gash on his temple, the blood trailing down his face. Yet somehow, he’d done what he set out to do. The man who struck him now seemed to recognize that Bobby was too valuable to kill — and that the only way to keep his cooperation was to ensure May remained unharmed.
Still, Athena’s instincts screamed that this was only the calm before the storm. Once hostages start to divide, chaos always follows. Elaine knew it too. She was already repositioning the team, adjusting every angle and line of sight — preparing them for what they all knew was coming: the moment they’d have to storm the store.
***
May is still kneeling beside Bobby, who remains unconscious on the floor. The panic is still there, clawing just beneath the surface, but now her focus has shifted to him. She acts. Pulling off her cardigan, she presses it firmly against the gash on his temple. “Dad, wake up… please…”
Bobby doesn’t move but one of the kidnappers turns toward her, glaring, his voice sharp even from a distance. “He’s not your dad! I thought I made that clear, didn’t I?” May flinches and gives a small, frightened nod. But as soon as he looks away, she leans down again, her voice barely a whisper. “You are my dad, Bobby. No matter what anyone says. Please… please wake up…”
It takes a long moment before he stirs. His eyes squeeze shut against the harsh overhead lights, his hand lifting weakly to shield them. May keeps one hand on his shoulder, still pressing the fabric to his head with the other. “What can I do, Dad?” she asks, her voice trembling.
Even disoriented and in pain, Bobby hears the fear in her tone. He fights to focus, though his eyes keep closing against the dizziness. “May… what happened?”
Her breathing quickens again, the panic clawing its way back — that tight, crushing feeling in her chest that threatens to take her air. Still, she forces herself to stay calm for him. “You have to stay down,” she whispers.
Before she can say anything more, the kidnappers start shouting at each other again. Even the third man can’t calm them down this time. The tension rises fast — every word sharper, louder.
Outside, Athena and the officers can hear everything through the open line, every insult, every accusation.
“This is all your fault!”
“You stopped me when I had the chance!”
Bobby only catches fragments through the haze, but it’s enough. The words drag him back to reality, the adrenaline flooding his body once more. As he blinks and focuses on the chaos around him, Athena turns to Elaine, her voice tight with fear.
“Elaine… it’s escalating in there.”
***
Outside, everything is ready to move.
Inside, Bobby looks from his daughter to the kidnappers still shouting at each other. He wonders how long he’s been out, what could’ve turned their plan into chaos—but the thought barely matters.
He’s trying to pull his mind back into the one place that’s always given him control. The Captain mode that tells him exactly what to do when everything else falls apart. But his body refuses to cooperate. His head throbs, his vision flickers. Then he feels it—May’s trembling hand clutching his arm. “I’m so scared,” she whispers, her voice breaking. And in that moment, every instinct in him screams the same thing: Get her out. Keep her safe.
The shout cuts through the air like a blade. “I don’t care what you think! I don’t need him—and I sure as hell don’t need her! I’ll finish what should’ve been done from the start! I’ll show the cops I’m not here to play games!”
It takes Bobby a heartbeat too long to understand. Then he sees it—the gun, raised and aimed directly at May.
His heart slams against his ribs.
Every pain, every trace of dizziness vanishes, burned away by pure instinct.
There’s no time for thought. Only fear. Only love. Only May.
He lunges. Pulls her down. Covers her body with his.
And as the shot explodes through the store, all he can do is pray—
Pray that the pain he’s waiting for comes.
Because if he feels it, it means she’s safe.
***
Athena stared through the shattered glass, frozen in place, until the scream tore from her throat before she even realized it was hers. The roar in her ears and the pounding of her heart drowned everything else out — the world had narrowed to that single image of Bobby and May on the ground.
She wanted to run, but Rick caught her by the arm. More shots rang out — sharp, deafening cracks that made her heart stop with each one. She couldn’t tell who had fired. For a breathless moment, the world seemed suspended. Then Elaine’s voice cut through the chaos: “Suspects down! They didn’t fire — no hostages hit!”
Athena exhaled, a sound between a sob and a gasp. Only then did she realize Rick had let go. She ran. Glass shattered beneath her boots, someone groaned, others sobbed — but none of it reached her. All she saw were the two figures still motionless on the floor.
When she finally dropped to her knees beside them, her hand went to Bobby’s shoulder. He was trembling, his arms still braced as if to shield May from another blow. The tension hadn’t left his body; it was as if his mind still refused to believe it was over. The instant her hand touched him, he flinched hard. “No…” he breathed, raw and confused, still half caught in the chaos that had just ended.
May lifted her tear-streaked face, her voice small and shaking. “Mom… did the bullet hit Bobby?”
Athena shook her head, though her heart was still racing. She brushed a trembling hand over Bobby’s back, her voice low, steady — the way only she could reach him. “Bobby… look at me. It’s over. You did it. May’s safe. You both are.” His eyes finally found hers — unfocused at first, then slowly clearing. Relief flickered in her chest like a pulse of light.
She looked up then, catching sight of the familiar faces just entering through the broken doors - the B-Crew of the 118. “Ravi! Over here!”
Her voice cracked on his name, but it was enough. The young firefighter sprinted toward them, dropping to his knees beside her. “I’ve got you, Cap,” he said softly, before shouting over his shoulder for a medic. “Cap’s down!”
One of the paramedics rushed over and knelt beside them, scanning Bobby quickly. “Concussion, deep laceration on the temple — they’ll need to stitch it. Get the stretcher, Ravi. We’re taking him in.”
He turned to May next. “Are you hurt?”
May, still in her mother’s arms, shook her head, her voice trembling but certain: “No… Dad kept me safe.”
And for the first time that night, Athena felt the weight lift — because Dad no longer sounded like something they had to explain. It was simply the truth.
***
Hen was already there when they arrived, taking care of May and Harry while Bobby sat on the hospital bed waiting for the doctor. Athena rested her hand on his chest. “Babe, lie down, please…”
He shook his head immediately. The panic had drained from him and the pain was coming through sharp and insistent, but he refused to spend the night in a hospital. After everything that had happened, he wanted nothing more than to be home with his family. If he had to convince the doctor that he was fine to get them home, he would do it.
Athena knew him well enough to see through that. She lifted his face and kissed his cheek. “If it’s at all possible, we go home together tonight. If the doctor says it’s not safe for you, you stay.” She held his gaze for a long moment; her own eyes were wet before she could stop them. “You risked everything for May today. I heard every word; I saw every single move. You would have given your life for her without a second thought… and, believe me, I could kill you for throwing your life away like that. But I would have done the exact same thing. Me as a mother, you as a father. Now this is about you, Bobby. May is safe — you made sure of that. Now we make sure you get well. So lie down, okay?”
He drew a deep breath and lowered himself onto the bed. “I’m not staying here, Athena… I’m fine. Really.” She watched him and forced the anger down. “Really? You were unconscious twice in the ambulance — on a ride of less than ten minutes. You kept asking for May because you couldn’t remember. The doctor decides, not you.”
He looked at her for a long beat, then took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Okay. The doctor decides — because I know you need that right now. But babe… you see I’m with it. I know what happened. I know where I am. Yes, I have a concussion and I need stitches. Other than that, I’m fine. Trust me.” He tried to sit up again, the dizziness that followed he kept to himself. He took both her hands and pulled her toward him. Athena wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. “I almost lost you today.”
He held her just as fiercely, and they didn’t let go until the doctor walked in. “Mr. Nash, how are you feeling?” he asked. When Bobby answered that he felt okay, the doctor regarded him with a professional frown. “I should check for myself.” He examined the temple wound, cleaned it, and began to stitch. Athena kept Bobby’s hand the whole time — she knew how much he hated needles, how even a blood test could make him tense. He gripped her hand hard enough that she felt it; he only relaxed when the final dressing was in place. She kissed his cheek without thinking. The man who had walked toward a gun to protect his daughter now fought with a single suture like any human being.
When the doctor finished, Athena asked the question she’d had to hold back: “Can he go home?” The doctor hesitated, then looked at Bobby. “Ideally I would keep him overnight for observation.”
Bobby had to fight to stay quiet; the fear in Athena’s eyes made him every bit as obedient as any order. Athena stepped forward, voice steady and firm. “You know what happened. Bobby and our daughter — they need each other tonight. I’m a sergeant and current on first aid. Given the circumstances, do you have a different opinion?” The doctor studied her for a moment and then explained carefully what to watch for: “If he becomes apathetic, has memory gaps, or wakes disoriented, call emergency services immediately. If his consciousness changes or his headaches worsen, don’t wait.”
They both listened, relief softening their faces. They thanked him. Athena would always want the absolute best care for her husband, but she knew, too, what he needed most: rest with his family. A lonely night alone with his thoughts would not help — and she refused to let him spend it like that.
***
At home, May and Harry came running toward him the second they stepped inside, and for a long moment, the whole family just held onto each other. When they finally pulled apart, Hen came over and wrapped her arms around her captain. “You okay?” she asked softly.
Bobby’s eyes were still on May. He gave a distracted nod. “As long as she is, yeah.”
Hen gently rubbed his arm, then turned to Athena, pulling her into a brief hug.
“Call me if you need anything. Even if it’s just to talk.” Athena nodded, her voice quiet but steady. “Thank you, Hen.”
Once they were alone again, Athena reached for Bobby’s hand. “Come on,” she said softly. “Sit down on the couch. I’ll order something to eat.” When he told her he wasn’t hungry, she guided him to the couch anyway and sat down beside him.
“Lie down for a bit. You need to eat something—anything. You only had breakfast… I’ll order a pizza, and if you just eat one slice, that’s fine.”
He nodded faintly, and when he lay down, Athena pulled a blanket over him and kissed his forehead. He wasn’t alone for even a second—May and Harry were sitting next to him onto the couch. “You two okay?” he asked quietly. They both nodded. Even though only May had lived through the nightmare firsthand, Harry had heard what happened, had felt the fear in the hours that followed. May looked at him for a long moment. “You’re gonna be okay too, right?” Bobby smiled and took her hand. “Give me a day or two, and I’ll be good as new. Just a concussion, that’s all. I promise.”
No matter how tired he was, or how much his head throbbed, he sat up and pulled both kids into his arms, holding them close for what felt like forever. May rested her face against his chest, and he kissed the top of her head. “I love you two,” he whispered.
From the kitchen, Athena watched her three favorite people and brushed a tear from her cheek. The fear from earlier still sat heavy in her chest, memories of what could have happened trying to break through. She forced herself to breathe, to stay strong—for them.
When the doorbell rang, she took the pizza from the delivery driver and brought it to the couch. Harry looked up in surprise and grinned. “We’re eating on the couch?” His mother smiled faintly. “Don’t get used to it. It’s a one-time exception.”
Bobby looked up at her, and as Athena sat down beside them with the pizza box, he smiled—truly smiled—for the first time that day. It wasn’t forced, and it wasn’t hiding pain. It was the smile of a man who knew they’d made it through. Together.
***
It was the first time in years that Athena had tucked her children into bed and stayed with May until she fell asleep. She’d sat by her daughter’s side for over an hour, holding her every time sobs or panic crept up again. She only hoped that Bobby had finally found some rest and was asleep by now.
But when she entered their bedroom, her hope faded — Bobby was still awake, the soft glow of the nightlight reflecting in his tired eyes. “Are the kids asleep?” he asked quietly. Athena nodded and lay down beside him, wrapping her arm around him this time. “Yeah. May took a while, but she’s asleep now… and you should be too, babe.” He nodded slightly and rested his head on her shoulder. “I love you.” She studied him for a moment, her eyes catching on the bruise already spreading along his temple. “I love you too. So much.” He smiled faintly and closed his eyes. It didn’t take long before his breathing slowed, though Athena couldn’t bring herself to rest.
She’d promised the doctor she would watch over him through the night — and she had been the one to insist on bringing him home, believing he’d recover better surrounded by his family. But the worry in her chest hadn’t eased once. She kept her eyes on him, one hand resting gently on his chest to feel the steady rise and fall of his breath. Even in sleep, he looked anything but peaceful. His hand was curled into a fist, his expression tense, as if he were still trapped in that store — still ready to fight. She ran her fingers through his hair, then leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper. “It’s okay, babe… you’re home. You’re safe.”
Following the doctor’s instructions, she had to wake him once during the night. She placed a hand on his shoulder and pressed lightly. “Bobby?” He startled violently, just like he had earlier that evening. Panic flashed in his eyes. “May?”
His breathing came fast and rough; his head pounded. For a moment he seemed lost between dream and reality. It broke Athena’s heart to see him like this. She stroked his hair again, speaking gently. “It’s alright, babe. You’re home. Everything’s okay.”
As he slowly calmed, he looked at her — exhausted, disoriented — and she brushed her hand over his cheek. “Do you know where you are?” For a moment he just blinked, confused, before remembering why she was asking. “Home,” he whispered. “I was with May in the store… there was the robbery. We were in the hospital, and you convinced the doctor to let me come home.”
A tiny smile tugged at his lips, and Athena couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Good. Go back to sleep.”
He closed his eyes again, but before either of them could settle, a quiet knock came at the door. Both of them turned as it opened — and May stood there, tears streaking her face. Bobby had never seen her look so young. “I…” she began, but Athena was already holding out her arm. “Come here, sweetheart.”
May walked toward the bed, but it wasn’t just her mother’s arms she needed. After what she and Bobby had been through, it felt like only he could make her feel truly safe again. Athena saw it in her eyes and shifted slightly to make space. “Come lie with us, May.”
May hesitated, glancing at Bobby. She was old enough now that sleeping in her parents’ bed felt strange. “Is that okay, Dad?” He smiled, his voice soft and warm. “Of course it is.”
A moment later, May was nestled between them. She rested her head on Bobby’s arm, and as he pulled her close, Athena wrapped an arm around both of them, her hand resting on Bobby’s chest. She watched as the tension slowly left May’s body — and even Bobby seemed to finally breathe easier.
“I love you two,” Athena whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so grateful you’re both safe.” May didn’t answer; she was already drifting off. Bobby reached up to smooth his wifes hair, his voice barely above a whisper. “I love you too… Try to get some sleep, babe. We’re okay.”
He fell asleep soon after, but Athena stayed awake. Her eyes lingered on them — her husband and her daughter — and for the first time all day, the tightness in her chest began to ease.
Love. That was all she felt now. Love for the two people beside her, and for the boy sleeping in the next room. Gratitude and pride for the man who, without hesitation, had risked everything to protect her child. She brushed her thumb over his cheek, pressed a kiss to May’s hair, and settled in to watch over them both.
And while she’d been forced to stand outside that store and only listen before, now she could finally see and feel them — safe, breathing, alive. And that was enough.