Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Eddie balanced his phone between his ear and shoulder as he weaved through the crowded shopping mall, his attention split between Carla’s voice and the errand he needed to complete.

“Okay, so we’ve got the decorations, the cake is ordered, and the guest list is set. You’re sure he still wants the pizza bar, right?”

Carla chuckled. “Yes, Eddie. Christopher has been talking about it for weeks. He’s not going to change his mind last minute.”

Eddie sighed, glancing around. “Just making sure. The mall’s pretty packed today. Must be because of this book signing event. I hope the line’s not too long - I’ve got work later.”

He adjusted his grip on the gift bag he’d already picked up for Christopher and maneuvered past a group of teenagers. His gaze skimmed over the signs and posters scattered throughout the mall, but he didn’t pay much attention to them. The crowd seemed denser near the bookstore, but he barely registered it. He was too focused on wrapping up his call.

“Anyway, I gotta go. I’ll pick up the signed copy and then grab a few more things before heading home.”

Carla started to respond, but suddenly -

Pop. Pop. Pop.

The sharp crack of gunfire cut through the hum of conversation, followed by a collective gasp. A beat of silence hung in the air before chaos erupted. Screams. Running footsteps. A child wailing.

Eddie’s body reacted before his mind could catch up. “Carla, I gotta go!” He ended the call and shoved his phone into his pocket, instinct kicking in. People were bolting in every direction, knocking over chairs, abandoning shopping bags, pushing toward exits in a desperate attempt to escape.

His eyes darted around for cover. The bookstore.

He moved quickly, guiding a few frantic shoppers inside before slipping in himself. There were already several terrified people crouching behind shelves, others clinging to loved ones. Someone hurried to pull the doors shut, but the large store windows left them vulnerable.

Eddie exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay calm. Panic wouldn’t help anyone. He reached for his phone again and dialed 911.

“911, what’s your emergency?”

“This is Eddie Diaz. There’s an active shooter at the Westfield Mall. I’m inside the bookstore near the south entrance. At least a dozen people are sheltering here.”

The dispatcher’s voice was steady. “Understood, sir. Law enforcement is on the way. Can you confirm if you see the shooter?”

Eddie scanned through the gaps in the shelves, but the view was obstructed. “No visual, but shots were close. People are still running.”

“We need you to stay where you are and keep everyone as quiet as possible.”

“Got it.” He ended the call and immediately texted his team.

Active shooter at Westfield Mall. I’m inside the bookstore, sheltering with civilians. Law enforcement on the way. Pack my gear, I’ll need it later.

When he looked up, he noticed the way the people were staring at him - some clutching their phones, others gripping their arms as if holding themselves together. Fear hung thick in the air.

“How do you stay so calm?” someone asked, voice shaking.

Eddie took a breath. “I’m a firefighter and first responder. We’re trained to handle emergencies like this.”

A murmur passed through the group. It wasn’t much, but the knowledge that someone trained was with them seemed to settle some of the panic.

Then, from the side, a woman spoke up. “We should lower the storefront shutter.”

Eddie turned toward the voice. A woman in dark jeans and a fitted leather jacket stood near the entrance, her hazel eyes sharp despite the fear in them. She gestured toward the security panel.

“If we close it, it’ll keep us save,” she added.

Eddie nodded, stepping toward her. “Good thinking.”

Together, they moved toward the controls and after pressing a few buttons, the metal shutter slowly descended, seeming to take forever. 

Then suddenly -

A cry. Faint. High-pitched. A child.

The woman’s head snapped up. She immediately hit the STOP-button, halting the shudder three feet over the ground.

She was determined to slip back out, but a firm hand caught her arm.

“Whoa - where are you going?” Eddie asked.

“There’s a kid out there,” she said urgently.

His jaw tightened. “Yes, but running out blindly isn’t-” He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Listen, I’m Eddie.”

Despite the chaos, she blinked. “…Jasmine.”

His grip loosened, but his eyes remained locked on hers. “Okay, Jasmine. We do this together. No hero stunts.”

A small, humorless laugh escaped her. “Says the firefighter.”

A flicker of a smirk, gone in an instant. “I’m trained for hero stunts.”

Jasmine swallowed, nodding. “Right. No hero stunts.” and then she ducked under the shutters and ran.

“Jasmine!” Eddie swore under his breath and sprinted after her.

They darted past rows of overturned chairs, the lingering scent of coffee and paper clashing with the acrid smell of fear in the air. The child’s whimpers echoed through the open corridor leading toward the emergency exit.

“There!” Jasmine pointed.

A toddler, no older than three, stood trembling near a toppled magazine rack, his tiny fists rubbing at tear-streaked cheeks.

Eddie didn’t hesitate. He scooped the boy up, tucking him securely against his chest. “Hey, buddy, we got you.”

The child buried his face against Eddie’s shoulder, tiny sobs shaking his body.

Then- A sound of a gun loading.

Eddie’s blood ran cold as he looked up.

A shooter.

A tall, masked man emerged at the end of the hallway, raising a rifle with terrifying precision - aiming straight at them.

“Shit,” Eddie muttered, instinctively shifting to shield the boy. His pulse pounded in his ears. No way out.

Jasmine’s eyes darted wildly, landing on the red panel just a few feet away.

The fire alarm.

Before Eddie could react, she lunged forward and slammed her fist against it.

A deafening wail erupted through the building.

Then, chaos.

The sprinkler system in the main shopping area roared to life, unleashing a downpour of freezing water from above. A sudden hiss of mist filled the air, obscuring their figures in a haze of silver droplets.

The gunman flinched, his grip momentarily slipping. That was all the time they needed.

“Run!” Jasmine yelled.

Eddie was already moving.

With the child held close, he grabbed Jasmine’s wrist and tore back toward the bookstore. Their soaked clothes clung to their bodies as their feet skidded across the slick tile.

A gunshot rang out. Too close.

Jasmine yelped as they rounded the corner, nearly losing her footing. Eddie’s grip tightened around her wrist, steadying her as they threw themselves toward the safety of the bookstore.

But some idiot inside had closed the shutter.

“Open the damn shutter!” Eddie bellowed.

Inside, someone fumbled with the buttons.

Another shot. A spark flew as the bullet struck metal.

“Hurry up!” Jasmine screamed.

Then, with a mechanical groan, the shutter lifted just enough for them to dive inside.

The moment they were through, it slammed shut again, sealing them in.

Jasmine collapsed against a bookshelf, chest heaving. Eddie was crouched beside her, the child still clinging to him, his tiny fingers digging into Eddie’s soaked shirt.

For a few precious seconds, all they could do was breathe.

Then Eddie turned to Jasmine, water dripping from his face.

“You really don’t like to listen to other people, do you?”

Jasmine let out a breathless laugh, pushing wet hair from her face. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Eddie huffed, shaking his head. “You’re crazy.”

“Maybe.” She exhaled. “But we’re alive and we managed to save him.”

Eddie glanced down at the little boy in his arms, his small body still trembling from fear and exhaustion. The soaked clothing clung to his tiny frame, and Eddie frowned. “We should get him into some dry clothes.”

Jasmine nodded. “The children's section is over there. Let's see if they have something that fits him.”

They made their way through the children's section and Jasmine quickly found a soft T-shirt with the animated superhero Cat Noir on it and a pair of small sweatpants. Eddie crouched down, putting the boy on the ground, then carefully began peeling the wet clothes off the boy, who shivered and whimpered. “Hey, buddy, it's okay. We're just getting you into something warm, alright?”

Jasmine handed him the dry clothes, and together they managed to dress the little boy, who seemed calmer now but still clung to Eddie.

After Jasmine had found shirts for herself and Eddie, he tried to hand the child off to one of the others sheltering in the bookstore so he could change quickly. The moment he tried, though, the little boy's face crumpled, and he let out a heartbreaking wail, clutching onto Eddie like a lifeline.

Jasmine stepped close to them. “Shhh, sweetheart, it's okay.” she cooed, gently stroking the child’s damp hair. “Eddie just needs a minute, and then he'll be right back, I promise. How about I hold you for a little while?”

The boy sniffled but didn't protest as Jasmine carefully took him into her arms. Eddie shot her a grateful look before disappearing behind a bookshelf to change. Jasmine swayed gently, whispering soothing words until the child's sobs turned to small, hiccuping breaths.

When Eddie returned, he asked: “Why are there bat wings on this shirt and who are ‘The Bat Boys’?”

Jasmine bit her lower lip, smiling. “Guess you’ll have to google it when you get home.” she replied.

Eddie raised an eye brow, but Jasmine just handed the little boy back to him, still smiling to herself.

“I’ll be right back.” she said, while disappearing behind a different book shelf. She quickly took off her leather jacket and her damp tank top and put on a shirt with the words ‘High Lady of the Night Court’.

When she returned to Eddie, he had resumed his careful pacing and the boy had apparently drifted off to sleep, his tiny head resting against Eddie’s shoulder. Jasmine watched, impressed by how naturally he had handled the situation.

“You’re really good with him.” she remarked softly.

Eddie glanced down at the sleeping boy and smiled. “I’ve had some practice. My son was about this age when he’d only fall asleep if I walked around with him like this.”

Jasmine’s brows lifted. “You have a son?”

“Yeah. Christopher. He’s actually the reason I’m here today. I wanted to get him an autograph at the book signing. He loves that series and I wanted to surprise him with a signed book.”

“That’s sweet. But isn’t that books series for 13 years and older?”

Eddie laughed. “No worries, Chris is turning fourteen in two days.”

Jasmine blinked in surprise. “Fourteen?” She looked him over. “You don’t look old enough to have a teenager.”

Eddie chuckled. “I was nineteen when he was born. My parents pressured me into marrying his mother. We were barely adults ourselves.”

Jasmine’s expression softened. “That must have been…a lot.”

“It was,” Eddie admitted. “And Chris… he was born with cerebral palsy.”

Jasmine’s gaze flickered toward the sleeping boy, as if imagining what Eddie’s son must be like. “That must have been even harder.”

Eddie nodded but shrugged. “He’s amazing, though. Smart, funny, stubborn as hell—he’s the best thing that ever happened to me. The two of us make a great team.”

Jasmine’s smile faltered slightly. “What about his mother?”

“She passed away a few years ago,” Eddie said simply. “But we’re okay.”

Jasmine’s eyes softened. “I’m really sorry.”

“Thanks,” Eddie said, giving her a small, reassuring smile. “It’s been a while. We’ve found our way. But what about you? Any kids?”

“I’ve always wanted kids, but… I never had the luck of finding a husband. And now that I’m over thirty, I don’t really think it’ll happen.”

Eddie tilted his head slightly, noticing the way she tried to sound indifferent, but the sadness in her voice betrayed her. “You never know.”

Jasmine let out a small, half-hearted laugh. “Well, at least my mother has finally stopped nagging me about it. Now she’s focused on my younger sister, hoping she’ll give her grandchildren.”

Eddie grinned. “My mom still nags me - despite the fact that I already have a kid.”

Jasmine chuckled. “Mothers are relentless.”

Eddie nodded, then looked at her seriously. “But no matter what your mother might have said in the past, I’m sure she’d be proud of you after today.”

Jasmine waved it off, downplaying the moment. “That was just adrenaline.”

Eddie smirked. “If you're considering a career change, you might want to look into firefighting or first responder work. You’ve got the instincts.”

“I think I’m good.” Jasmine laughed. Then she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just a little. “But I’ll tell you what - if I ever need rescuing, I’ll make sure to request you personally.”

Eddie met her gaze, his voice a little lower. “You wouldn’t even have to ask. I’d be there in a heartbeat.”

Jasmine smiled and opened her mouth to reply but before she could say anything else, an unfamiliar voice cut in.

“Hey, Mr. firefighter,” a woman’s sultry tone interrupted.

Eddie turned his head, his shoulders tensing slightly as he took in the newcomer. A young woman, mid-twenties maybe, with perfectly styled blonde hair and a tight-fitting top that left little to the imagination. She batted her lashes at him, ignoring Jasmine entirely.

“You’re really brave, you know that?” she purred, stepping a little too close. “I mean, risking your life to protect all of us… It’s kinda hot.”

Eddie sighed inwardly. “Just doing my job, ma’am,” he said evenly, keeping his tone polite but firm.

She reached out, brushing her fingers along his forearm. “Oh, come on, don’t be so modest. I feel so much safer knowing you’re here.”

Jasmine, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The woman’s attempts were so blatant it was almost comical.

Eddie shifted uncomfortably and took a step back. “The best thing everyone can do right now is stay put and wait for law enforcement to handle the situation.”

The woman pouted, undeterred. “I’d feel a lot safer if I stuck close to you.” She leaned in, dropping her voice to a low whisper. “You know… maybe after all this, the two of us could-”

“Not interested,” Eddie cut in, his patience thinning. His voice wasn’t unkind, but it was final.

For the first time, the woman looked taken aback. She glanced at Jasmine, as if only now registering her presence, and her lips thinned. “Oh. I see how it is.”

Jasmine gave her a tight, amused smile. “I don’t think you do.”

Before the woman could retort, a sharp crack echoed through the mall. A new wave of fear rippled through the bookstore as a thin haze of smoke began creeping in from under the store’s entrance.

Jasmine and Eddie hurried back to the others.

“They’re trying to flush us out,” Eddie declared, scanning the area. “We need to move.”

One of the bookstore employees, a nervous young man in a uniform polo, hurried over. “There’s a back exit through the stockroom,” he whispered urgently. “It leads to a stairwell.”

“Perfect,” Eddie nodded. “Everybody quickly grab your things and then gather here. Stay low, stay quiet.”

When they all returned, Eddie turned to Jasmine and gently handed her the little boy. “Keep him close,” he said quietly. She nodded, securing the child in her arms.

Then, Eddie addressed the gathered people. “Does anyone here have a gun?” he asked, his voice low but firm. “Just in case.”

An older woman in her sixties raised a hand. “My husband does,” she said, looking at the man beside her. “Give it to him, Henry.”

Henry, a stout man with thinning gray hair, hesitated. “Now, hold on a second-”

“Henry,” his wife snapped, exasperated. “Give the man the damn gun.”

Henry scowled. “He’s a firefighter. How do we know he even knows how to use it?”

Eddie’s patience was wearing thin. His jaw tightened before he finally spoke, his voice clipped. “I completed two tours in Afghanistan. My helicopter was shot down, and I survived multiple gunshot wounds while trying to get my squadron to safety. I think I can handle a damn 9 mm.”

Henry blinked, looking properly chastised. With a reluctant sigh, he pulled a pistol from a holster at his belt and handed it over. Eddie checked the chamber, made sure the safety lock was on, then tucked it into the back of his waistband.

“Thank you,” he said curtly. “Now let’s move.”

The group moved swiftly, weaving between bookshelves as smoke thickened in the air. The jealous woman lingered close to Eddie, clearly rattled but still shooting Jasmine occasional glares. Jasmine ignored her, focused on keeping pace with Eddie as they reached the back door.

The moment they stepped into the stairwell, the sound of approaching footsteps made them freeze. A figure emerged from the shadows - a man clad in dark clothing, gripping a rifle.

Time seemed to slow. The gunman’s gaze locked onto them, and his lips curled into a cruel smile.

“Looks like I found myself some stragglers.”

Eddie instinctively pushed Jasmine behind him, his pulse hammering. “Take it easy, man,” he said, carefully pulling the gun from the back of his waist band and taken the safety off. “No one here wants trouble.”

The gunman chuckled. “That’s too bad.”

Before Eddie could react, the blonde woman made a dangerous move. Terrified, she grabbed Jasmine and shoved her forward, using her - and the child in her arms - as a human shield. “Shoot them both!” she shrieked. “Just don’t hurt me!”

Jasmine stumbled, barely keeping her balance as the boy let out a terrified wail.

Eddie’s blood boiled.

The gunman raised his weapon, but Eddie was faster. He fired once, twice - his shots precise. The gunman crumpled, his rifle clattering to the ground.

Jasmine gasped, staring wide-eyed at the motionless shooter, pressing the boy against her chest. The blonde woman stood frozen, her face pale with shock.

Eddie’s breathing was heavy, but he kept his stance firm. He turned to Jasmine, his eyes scanning her quickly. “You okay?”

She swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah.”

His gaze shifted to the woman who had just tried to sacrifice Jasmine and the child to save herself. His voice was cold. “Get moving. Now!”

The woman whimpered but obeyed, scurrying past him without another word. The others followed her.

Eddie exhaled sharply, glancing back at Jasmine. “Let’s go.”

She nodded and without hesitation, she followed him down the stairwell, leaving the chaos behind them.

Chapter Text

Outside, they ran right into the arms of Bobby and the others from the 118. Relief flooded Eddie as he saw his team and the feeling was mutual.

Bobby clapped a firm hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “Good to see you in one piece.”

“Everyone made it out,” Eddie assured him. Hen and Chimney immediately started checking over the evacuees. Jasmine remained by Eddie’s side, still holding the little boy, who clung to her.

Bobby gave a quick nod. “SWAT just entered the building. Hopefully, they’ll have the shooters contained soon so we can start working on the fire.”

“One shooter’s already down,” Eddie informed him.

Bobby’s gaze sharpened. “You sure?”

Eddie gave a firm nod. “Yeah. That one won’t be getting back up.”

Bobby relayed the update over the radio just as Buck jogged up to them, looking between Eddie and Jasmine with curiosity. “Hey, who’s the kid?”

“We found him. He was all alone so we took care of him until we can find his mother,” Eddie said.

Buck’s expression softened as he ruffled the little boy’s hair. “We’ve got a gathering point for reunification. I’ll take you there.”

Bobby gave them a look. “Make it quick. We’re moving in as soon as we get the all-clear.”

On the way to the gathering point, Buck introduced himself with his usual easy grin. When Jasmine told him her name, recognition flashed in his eyes. He smirked but didn’t say anything - yet.

Eddie, unaware of Buck’s reaction, said, “Jasmine helped save the kid and got us out of a sticky situation.”

Jasmine sighed. “I was also partly responsible for that situation.”

Buck raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Can’t wait to hear this story.” He shot Eddie a teasing look, but Eddie ignored him.

At the gathering point, the little boy’s mother spotted him and rushed forward, sobbing as she scooped him into her arms. “Oh my God, thank you! Thank you both so much!”

Before Eddie or Jasmine could respond, a sudden, thunderous boom shook the air. People around them gasped and ducked instinctively. Eddie and Buck’s heads snapped toward the source - thick, black smoke billowed higher into the sky from a deeper part of the mall.

Bobby’s voice barked over the radio. “We’ve got an explosion inside! All units, move in!”

Eddie turned to Jasmine his eyes filled with urgency. “I have to go.”

She nodded quickly, stepping back. “Go. I’ll be here.”

He hesitated for just a second, searching her face, then turned and took off alongside Buck. As they ran, Jasmine cupped her hands around her mouth and called after them, “Be safe!”

Eddie didn’t look back, but she swore she saw the slightest nod before he disappeared into the chaos.

Chapter Text

A little later Eddie and Buck moved cautiously through the remnants of the destroyed mall, their boots crunching over broken glass and charred debris.

The shooters had intentionally gone into various stores, poured gasoline over merchandise, and set multiple fires, which had spread from one store to another.

The fires had finally been extinguished, but Eddie and Buck were doing one last sweep to make sure no lingering embers threatened to reignite the chaos.

The bookstore was barely recognizable, its shelves collapsed, books scorched and scattered across the blackened floor. The acrid scent of smoke still hung in the air as Buck ran a hand through his soot-covered hair. “Man, this place is a mess. Guess story time’s canceled.”

Eddie gave him a sidelong look but said nothing, scanning the area for any remaining hazards. Buck, however, had something else on his mind.

“So…” Buck started, his tone light but mischievous. “That woman who stuck by your side through all this? Jasmine?”

Eddie glanced at him. “Yeah, what about her?”

Buck smirked. “You do realize she was the author doing the book signing, right?”

Eddie frowned. “What?”

Buck grinned like a cat who had just cornered a mouse. “Your Jasmine, is Jasmine Bench. The author of the books Christopher loves so much.”

Eddie scoffed. “Don’t be stupid.”

“Stupid?” Buck said, scanning the wreckage before his eyes lit up. “Then what do you call this?”

He reached down and plucked a slightly singed promotional poster from the debris, flipping it around with a flourish. There, clear as day, was Jasmine’s face alongside the words: Book Signing Today! Meet Bestselling Author Jasmine Bench!

Eddie groaned, rubbing a hand down his face as realization settled in. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Buck burst into laughter. “Unbelievable! How do you not recognize your own kid’s favorite author?” He shook his head in mock disappointment. “Christopher is gonna be so ashamed of you.”

Eddie muttered something under his breath while Buck continued to revel in his newfound victory, milking every second of Eddie’s disbelief.

When the two finally stepped back outside, the chaotic scene had calmed significantly. Most of the people from the mall had either been taken to the hospital or were given the all-clear to go home. Eddie’s eyes scanned the remaining crowd, his stomach sinking slightly when he realized Jasmine was nowhere to be seen.

“Looking for someone?” Buck teased, nudging him with his elbow.

Eddie huffed, crossing his arms. “I just wanted to thank her properly. Say goodbye.”

Buck grinned and playfully slapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, we’ll manage to get Christopher his autograph. And if you’re lucky she’ll give you her phone number as well.”

Eddie shot him a look, but Buck just smirked, already enjoying the idea of teasing him about this for the foreseeable future.

Chapter Text

The next afternoon, Jasmine arrived at the fire station with a big plastic bag on her arm and a box in her hands. As she stepped inside, Buck spotted her and immediately recognized her.

“Jasmine Bench,” he greeted with a grin. “What a pleasant surprise.”

Jasmine smiled back, recognizing him as well. “Hey, Buck.”

“Congrats on the new book, by the way,” he said, leaning casually against a fire engine.

“Thank you.” she replied, blushing slightly.

“So, what brings you here?”

She lifted the box a bit. “I brought cupcakes for Eddie and the rest of you guys. Just a little thank - you for helping me and everyone else at the mall.”

Buck’s smile widened. “Wow. Thank you! They’re gonna love that. But uh… Eddie’s not here right now.”

Jasmine’s face fell briefly, but she quickly recovered. “Oh. Well, could you give them to the team for me?”

“Of course,” Buck promised. “And don’t worry - we’ll save one for Eddie. Probably…”

Jasmine chuckled, then hesitated for a moment before holding up the plastic bag. “Also, I was wondering if you could give this to Eddie.”

Buck raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“A birthday gift.” she explained. “Eddie told me how much his son loves my book series, and since the final book just came out, my publisher released a special edition set. Eddie wasn’t able to get an autograph for his son, so I thought I’d surprise him with a personalized gift.”

Buck’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Chris is gonna freak out. That’s awesome.”

He was about to take the bag when an idea struck him. His grin turned devious. “You know… why don’t you give it to him yourself tomorrow?”

Jasmine blinked. “Tomorrow?”

“Yeah! Christopher’s birthday party. You should totally come.”

“Oh, I don’t know…” Jasmine hesitated, shifting the bag in her hands. “I don’t want to crash a kid’s birthday party uninvited.”

“Uninvited?” Buck scoffed. “That’s nonsense. Christopher would be thrilled if his favorite author came to his party.”

She still looked unsure, so Buck played his trump card. “Look, if it makes you feel better, you can come as my +1. No pressure - just as friends. I just want to see the look on Chris’ face when he realizes the Jasmine Bench is at his party.”

She studied him for a moment before finally relenting with a small smile. “Alright… why not?”

“Yes!” Buck pumped his fist before quickly pulling out his phone. “Here, give me your number so we can plan it out.”

Jasmine laughed at his enthusiasm and entered her number into his phone. As she handed it back, she shook her head, amused. “See you tomorrow then, Buck.”

“See you tomorrow,” he echoed, grinning as she left the fire station.

Still smiling to himself, he picked up the box of cupcakes and headed for the kitchen, already imagining Eddie’s reaction to this latest development.

Chapter Text

The next day, Buck pulled up in front of Jasmine’s home and sent her a quick text to let her know he had arrived and then walked towards her door. A few moments later, it swung open, and when Jasmine stepped outside, he let out a low whistle.

“Damn,” he said, giving her an approving nod. “you look amazing.”

Jasmine hesitated, glancing down at her outfit. “Is it too much?”

Buck shook his head immediately. “Absolutely not. You look lovely.”

A faint blush crept up her cheeks as she grabbed Christopher’s gift. After locking her front door, she followed Buck to his car. Like a true gentleman, he opened the passenger door for her, and once she was settled, he jogged around to the driver’s side, hopped in, and started the engine.

With a grin, he threw her a quick glance. “Ready?”

Jasmine nodded. “Let’s do this.”

And with that, they drove off.

Buck pulled up to Eddie’s house, parking the car with a satisfied smirk. As he turned off the engine, he glanced at Jasmine. “Ready to make a birthday boy’s day?”

Jasmine chuckled, adjusting the bow on the present. “I hope he likes the surprise.”

“Are you kidding? He’s gonna love it. And Eddie…” Buck trailed off with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Well, let’s just say I can’t wait to see his face.”

Jasmine frowned but didn’t press the matter. She took a deep breath as Buck got out and quickly rounded the car to open the door for her. With a small smile of appreciation, she stepped out, smoothing the skirt of her dress.

Before she could knock, Buck swung the front door open and waltzed inside. “Honey, I’m home! And I brought a surprise!”

Eddie, who had been talking with Bobby near the kitchen, turned toward the entrance, ready to give Buck a hard time - until he saw who was with him.

His words died in his throat.

Jasmine stood beside Buck, looking absolutely stunning in her short, lavender A-line dress with thin straps, the soft fabric swaying just above her knees. Her hair was styled elegantly, and those beige heels made her legs look even longer. For a second, Eddie could only stare, his brain short - circuiting.

Buck, of course, lived for moments like this. “Oh wow, Eddie, you okay there? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost. Or maybe… an angel?”

Eddie blinked, snapping himself out of it. “Jasmine - hi! I - I wasn’t expecting you.”

She smiled warmly, holding up the neatly wrapped gift. “I hope it’s okay. Buck insisted that Christopher would like his present even more if I gave it to him in person.”

Eddie shot Buck a glare, but Buck just grinned, completely unapologetic. “Don’t look at me like that. I was doing you both a favor.”

Before Eddie could argue, a voice cut through the room.

“Jasmine?!” Christopher’s excited shout came from the hallway, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. He skidded to a stop in front of her, eyes wide with awe. “No way! You’re really here?!”

Jasmine laughed, crouching slightly to be at his level. “I wouldn’t miss your birthday, Christopher. And I have something special for you.”

She handed him the gift, and Christopher eagerly tore off the wrapping. His gasp of pure delight filled the room as he held up the complete special edition set of his favorite book series, each book personally signed.

“This is so cool! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He threw his arms around Jasmine, hugging her tightly. She laughed, hugging him back.

Eddie, watching the interaction, felt something warm settle in his chest. Buck, standing next to him, elbowed his ribs lightly. “Dude, you’re smiling like an idiot.”

Eddie quickly schooled his expression, but Buck wasn’t fooled. He just chuckled and patted Eddie’s back. “You’re welcome.”

Eddie sighed. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t," Buck shot back, grinning. “Now go be a good host and get the lady a drink or something.”

Still shaking his head at Buck’s antics, Eddie finally stepped forward, looking at Jasmine with something softer in his gaze. “It’s really good to see you.”

Jasmine met his eyes and smiled. “You too, Eddie.”

Buck, ever the enthusiastic co-host, clapped his hands together. “Alright, now that the birthday boy has had his moment of pure joy, it’s time for you to meet the rest of the crew!” He turned to Jasmine with a grin. “Come on, superstar, let’s introduce you to the family.”

Jasmine chuckled as Buck gently guided her further into the house. Eddie, still somewhat dazed, watched as Buck took over like a personal tour guide.

“First up, our fearless leader, Captain Bobby Nash,” Buck announced, gesturing toward Bobby, who offered Jasmine a warm smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jasmine. Thank you for making Christopher’s day so special,” Bobby said kindly.

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” Jasmine assured him.

“Next, we have Hen and Chimney - best paramedic duo in the game,” Buck continued.

Hen’s eyes widened in recognition before she let out an excited gasp. “Wait a minute. Wait a minute. No way!" She pointed at Jasmine, then turned to Buck. "Is this who I think it is?”

Jasmine blinked. “Uh… depends on who you think I am?”

Hen practically vibrated with excitement. “You wrote the ‘Supreme Chronicles’ series! I love those books! Girl, why didn’t you say something sooner?!”

Jasmine laughed, slightly flustered. “I didn’t think it was relevant at the moment, you know… with the whole mall shooting and all.”

Hen ignored her reasoning and grabbed Chimney’s arm. “Do you get who this is?!”

Chimney squinted at Jasmine, looking thoughtful. “You do look familiar. Hold on-” His eyes suddenly widened. “Oh, wait! You were on that morning show a few days ago, right? Talking about your latest book? Maddie was watching it. Now I remember!”

“That was me,” Jasmine admitted, blushing.

Buck was beaming. “See? You’re already famous around here.”

Just then, Athena and Karen joined the group, having caught Hen’s excitement from across the room.

“What’s all the commotion about?” Athena asked with a raised brow.

Karen glanced at Jasmine and then at Hen, who was still grinning like a kid in a candy store. “Oh no. What did I miss?”

Hen was quick to answer. "Jasmine here is Jasmine Bench. The author of ‘Supreme Chronicles’ - aka the book series that’s been keeping me up at night."

Karen’s eyes widened. “No way! I love those books!”

Jasmine looked between them, blushing even more. “Wow, I’m flattered. This is very unexpected. Thank you.”

Hen turned to him with a smirk. “Eddie, how did you not recognize her sooner? Christopher talks about her books all the time.”

“I- uh-” Eddie stammered, but Buck, ever the instigator, threw an arm around his shoulders and answered for him. “Oh, he was definitely distracted when they first met. Trust me.”

Jasmine, catching Eddie’s flustered look, decided to spare him and turned to Buck. “Could you get me a drink?”

"Right on it!" Buck gave her an exaggerated salute and disappeared toward the kitchen.

Just then, Maddie walked up as well, drawn by the laughter. “What’s going on?”

Chimney grinned at her. “Remember that author you were watching on that morning show? She’s standing right there.”

Maddie’s jaw dropped slightly before she turned to Jasmine. “Wait, really? That’s amazing! I knew you looked familiar!” Maddie exclaimed, stepping forward with an excited smile. “I read your books too! And I might have spammed my brother with a few texts with theories what might happen in the last book.”

Buck groaned from the kitchen. “A few?”

Athena chuckled, shaking her head as she stepped beside Bobby.

Jasmine grinned. “I love hearing that people enjoy them. I should’ve brought extra copies.”

Hen playfully nudged her. “You say that now, but wait until all of us start begging for signed editions.”

Laughter filled the air, and the energy remained light as Jasmine effortlessly fit into the group.

As the party continued, Jasmine found herself chatting with Christopher, who excitedly showed her his favorite parts of her books. She listened intently, asking him questions and even sharing a few behind-the-scenes details about her writing process.

Eddie stood nearby, watching the interaction with something warm in his expression.

Hen and Chimney exchanged a knowing glance before Chimney, grinning, leaned in. “So, Jasmine… ever been to karaoke night with a bunch of firefighters?”

Jasmine raised an eyebrow, amused. “Can’t say that I have.”

Hen smirked. “You’re in for a treat, then. You should come with us. Consider it a 118 tradition.”

Jasmine hesitated for only a second before grinning. “Alright, why not? But only if Eddie sings too.”

Eddie sputtered. “Hey, wait-”

Buck returned at that moment, handing Jasmine another drink with a smug grin. “Oh, this I gotta see.”

Chapter Text

As the party continued, Jasmine and Eddie found themselves caught in moments of quiet chemistry - lingering glances, fingers brushing as they reached for the same dish, and subtle smiles exchanged across the room.

At one point, Jasmine was laughing at something Bobby had said when she turned her head and caught Eddie staring at her. Their eyes locked for a moment too long, and Eddie, suddenly self-conscious, cleared his throat and looked away.

Jasmine bit her lip to suppress a smile. She was drawn to him, undeniably so, and judging by the way his ears turned pink whenever she was close, the feeling wasn’t one-sided.

Throughout the evening, their interactions became more charged - when she reached across him to grab a plate, their arms pressed together, sending a jolt up her spine. When she handed him a napkin, his fingers lingered against hers just a second longer than necessary.

At one point, she found herself standing beside him while watching Christopher unwrap a gift. “You really love him, don’t you.” she murmured softly.

Eddie glanced at her, his expression tender. “Yeah. He’s my whole world.”

Jasmine smiled warmly. “That’s obvious. He’s lucky to have you.”

For a brief moment, it felt like they were in their own little world. The party carried on around them, but neither moved away.

Then, a loud cheer erupted as Christopher unwrapped a particularly exciting gift, breaking the moment. Eddie cleared his throat again, stepping back slightly, and Jasmine let out a quiet breath.

Buck, who had been watching from the sidelines, smirked to himself. Oh yeah, this was going to be fun to watch.

Chapter Text

The house was quiet now, the sounds of laughter and celebration long faded as the last of the guests had gone. Only the occasional clink of dishes and the soft hum of the refrigerator filled the silence as Jasmine and Eddie worked together in the kitchen, clearing away the remnants of Christopher’s birthday party.

Jasmine stacked a few empty plates while Eddie wiped down the counter, both slightly tipsy from the earlier festivities. The warmth of the evening lingered in the air, but the occasional distant rumble of thunder hinted at an approaching storm.

“You didn’t have to stay and help,” Eddie said, glancing at her as he placed a few leftover dishes in the sink.

Jasmine smiled. “Oh, please. Buck was practically smirking at me the whole night. If I had left with him, he would’ve teased me the entire way home. Figured I’d save myself the embarrassment.”

Eddie chuckled. “Yeah, he was definitely enjoying himself tonight.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, working side by side, their movements easy and in sync. Every now and then, their hands brushed - once as they reached for the same plate and then again when Eddie handed her a dish towel. Each touch sent a jolt of awareness through them, and neither moved away.

Finally, as Jasmine turned to place the last plate on the drying rack, she found Eddie standing closer than she expected. The air between them shifted - charged, expectant. She looked up at him, her breath hitching slightly at the intensity in his gaze.

Eddie swallowed, his eyes flickering down to her lips for just a moment before he met her gaze again. He leaned in slightly, hesitation and desire warring in his expression. Jasmine felt herself mirroring his movement, her heart pounding in anticipation.

And then-

A loud crack of thunder boomed through the house, making them both jolt back in surprise. The moment shattered, but before either of them could be embarrassed, the unmistakable sound of rain finally hitting the ground reached their ears.

Eddie let out a breath and ran a hand through his hair, laughing softly. “Well, that’s one way to kill a moment.”

Jasmine exhaled a laugh as well, shaking her head. “Guess the drought is finally over.”

They moved toward the back door, drawn by the sight of the long-awaited rain pouring down. The backyard was already slick with water, droplets bouncing off the patio furniture, the scent of fresh rain filling the air. Jasmine hugged herself, watching as the water streamed down in steady sheets.

“Looks like you’re gonna have trouble getting home,” Eddie noted, hands on his hips.

Jasmine pulled out her phone. “I’ll just call an Uber.”

Eddie frowned. “At this time of night, in this weather?” He shook his head. “I’ll drive you.”

Jasmine hesitated. “You don’t have to do that.”

Eddie shot her a look. “I’d feel better knowing you got home safe.”

Something about the way he said it, the quiet sincerity in his voice, made Jasmine’s stomach flip. She nodded. “Okay.”

“Give me a second,” Eddie said, before heading upstairs.

Jasmine leaned against the doorway, trying to calm the mix of emotions swirling inside her. A few seconds later, she heard Eddie’s voice, low and soothing. She tilted her head slightly, listening.

“Hey, buddy.” There was a sleepy murmur in response. “I’m taking Jasmine home real quick. I’ll be back soon, okay?”

Christopher mumbled something; his voice too muffled to make out.

Eddie chuckled. “Yeah, I’ll tell her. Now go back to sleep.”

Jasmine felt something in her chest tighten. When Eddie came back downstairs, she raised an eyebrow. “What was that all about?”

Eddie smirked. “Chris wanted me to tell you he had the best birthday ever.”

Jasmine smiled, warmth spreading through her. “Well, you can tell him it was my pleasure.”

Eddie grabbed his keys and gestured toward the door. “Let’s get you home.”

As they stepped out into the rain together, Jasmine couldn’t shake the feeling that she was walking into something far more complicated than she had anticipated.

Chapter Text

As Eddie drove through the rain-soaked streets of Los Angeles, the rhythmic drumming of raindrops against the windshield filled the silence between them. The wipers swished back and forth, cutting through the blur of city lights reflected on the wet pavement.

Jasmine sat in the passenger seat, arms loosely wrapped around herself, gazing out the window. The warmth of Eddie’s presence next to her should have been comforting, but instead, a familiar unease began to creep in.

What was she even doing here?

Minutes ago, they had nearly kissed. She had felt the warmth of his breath against her lips, had seen the desire flickering in his deep brown eyes. And yet, the moment had been interrupted - by fate, or perhaps something else entirely.

Would he have kissed her if the thunder hadn’t stopped them?

Would he have regretted it if he had?

Her fingers clenched against the fabric of her dress as her mind spiraled down a path she knew too well. It was easy to get swept up in the moment, in the laughter, the shared glances, the magnetic pull that seemed to draw them together. But outside of all that, what was she to him, really?

Would Eddie have looked at her twice if they hadn’t been trapped together in a life-or-death situation?

Was she just a lingering aftershock of the trauma? A temporary distraction?

She stole a glance at Eddie, who was focused on the road, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel. He looked so at ease, so effortlessly him. Meanwhile, she felt like an imposter in her own skin. A woman who had somehow stumbled into his life, into his orbit, but didn’t quite belong.

She wasn’t the type of woman she suspected someone like Eddie Diaz fell for.

She wasn’t spontaneous or wildly confident. She wasn’t experienced in relationships. Hell, she hadn’t even dated in a long time. And Eddie? He was attractive, charming, a father - a man who had loved deeply before. What could she possibly have to offer someone like him?

Jasmine swallowed hard, shifting slightly in her seat. Maybe this was all in her head. Maybe she was overthinking everything, like always.

Or maybe… maybe she should put some distance between them before she let herself fall for something that wasn’t real.

Because falling for Eddie Diaz? That was a risk she wasn’t sure she wanted to make.

The car slowed as Eddie pulled up in front of Jasmine’s home, the headlights casting a soft glow against the rain-slicked pavement. The storm had settled into a steady downpour, the kind that muted the world and made everything feel heavier.

Eddie shifted the truck into park and turned to Jasmine with a small smile. “Here we are.”

“Yeah,” she said, reaching for the door handle. “Thanks for the ride.”

Eddie frowned slightly. Something in her voice had changed - lighter, but distant. That warmth between them, the teasing, the almost of what had just happened in the kitchen - it was suddenly gone.

His fingers tightened briefly on the steering wheel. “You okay?”

Jasmine forced a small smile. “Of course. Just tired.”

Liar. Eddie could hear it. But he didn’t push.

“Alright,” he said slowly, watching her carefully.

She hesitated for half a second before opening the door. The cool night air rushed in, damp and thick with the scent of rain. She stepped out, the water instantly soaking her clothes, and just as she was about to close her door, Eddie said: “Jasmine?”

She paused, her stomach twisting. “Yeah?”

His expression was unreadable for a beat, but then just said. “Good night.”

Jasmine swallowed past the lump in her throat and returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Good night, Eddie.”

She closed the door, turned and walked up to her front door, fumbling with her keys, acutely aware that he was still watching.

Inside the truck, Eddie let out a slow breath, his brows pulling together.

Something had shifted. And he had no idea why.

As the door unlocked with a quiet click, Jasmine stepped inside, leaning against it the moment it closed.

What was she doing?

Whatever it was, she had a feeling she was already in too deep.

Jasmine sighed as she collapsed onto her couch, still feeling the weight of her own thoughts pressing down on her. She shouldn’t feel like this. She had met Eddie just two days ago.

With a shake of her head, she reached into her purse for her phone, already preparing to distract herself with mindless scrolling. But before she could even open an app, her screen lit up with a new message.

Eddie:

Thanks for staying to help tonight. And for making Christopher’s birthday so special. I’m really glad you were here.

Jasmine stared at the words for a long moment.

He didn’t have to send her that. It wasn’t some grand romantic confession, but it was… genuine. Thoughtful.

And suddenly, she wasn’t so sure that she had imagined everything between them.

Her fingers hovered over the screen. She could keep it simple, say you’re welcome and leave it at that. But before she could overthink it, she typed something else instead.

Jasmine:

Thanks for the ride home. And for making it impossible to back out of karaoke night now. 😉

Eddie’s reply came almost instantly.

Eddie:

No backing out. We have a deal.

She bit her lip, staring at the message.

Maybe, she wasn’t completely crazy for feeling something here.

And maybe karaoke night wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

The atmosphere a few days later in the karaoke bar was electric, buzzing with energy as the 118 cheered each other on during their turns on stage. Drinks flowed, laughter echoed, and Jasmine had already sung two songs - one solo, and one with Hen and Maddie - earning her a solid spot in the team’s good graces.

Then Buck got a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Jasmine, I think it’s time for a duet.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What are we singing?”

A wicked grin spread across his face as he leaned over to scroll through the song list. “Trust me.”

The moment the opening guitar riff of I Love Rock 'n' Roll blasted through the speakers, Jasmine burst into laughter. “Seriously?”

“Come on, it’s a classic!” Buck waggled his eyebrows and extended a hand as the lyrics popped up on the screen. With a dramatic sigh, Jasmine took it, letting him twirl her onto the stage. The crowd cheered, and she couldn’t help but get caught up in the fun.

Eddie, seated in a booth with the others, took a sip of his beer, watching as Buck and Jasmine launched into the song.

I saw HER dancin’ there by the record machine...

Eddie’s brow furrowed as Buck shot him a quick, knowing glance before turning back to Jasmine with a cocky grin. Jasmine, catching on quickly, played along, flipping her hair and strutting across the stage.

Eddie’s grip on his beer tightened.

By the time they reached the chorus, Buck was in full performance mode. He grabbed Jasmine’s hand pulling her in close for a playful rockstar pose. Jasmine laughed, clearly having a blast.

So come and take your time and dance with me! Buck dramatically reached out a hand toward Jasmine, and she took it with a theatrical spin, landing back-to-back with him as they belted out the lyrics.

Eddie exhaled sharply, looking away as Chimney chuckled. “Damn, they’ve got chemistry.”

Eddie didn’t respond, but his jaw clenched ever so slightly.

Jasmine and Buck were feeding off the crowd’s energy now, playfully dancing and leaning into each other during the verses. When the final chorus hit, Buck dramatically dropped to his knees, strumming an air guitar like a rock god. Jasmine laughed so hard she nearly missed her cue, catching herself just in time to belt out the last line with him.

The moment the song ended the bar erupted in applause. Jasmine grinned and gave Buck a high-five before hopping off the stage.

Eddie turned back to his drink, but Buck, ever perceptive, slid onto the bench next to him, nudging his arm. “You good?”

“I’m fine.”

Buck smirked, taking a sip of his beer. “You sure about that? Because you’ve been scowling at me like I stole your lunch.”

Eddie scoffed. “I wasn’t scowling.”

“Dude, you were giving me a death-stare,” Buck said, amused. “And I was just singing.”

Eddie exhaled sharply, gripping his bottle a little tighter. “You were putting on a whole damn show.”

Buck’s smirk widened. “It’s karaoke, that’s kinda the point.”

Chimney, still chuckling, leaned over. “And let’s not forget the little lyric change. That was a nice touch.”

Eddie shot Chimney a glare as Buck grinned innocently. “Oh, did you catch that?”

“We all caught that,” Chimney said, barely containing his laughter.

Eddie didn’t answer, and Buck studied him for a moment before leaning in. “Listen, man. You know I’d never hit on someone you’re into, right.”

Eddie froze for half a second before scoffing. “I’m not—”

Buck held up his hands. “Relax, I’m not judging. Just stating facts. And maybe pointing out the obvious.”

“There’s nothing obvious to point out,” Eddie muttered, turning back to his drink.

Buck grinned, shaking his head as he patted Eddie’s shoulder. “Sure, man. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” He got up and walked off, leaving Eddie staring after him, jaw tight.

Chimney clinked his beer against Eddie’s. “You know he’s got a point.”

Eddie groaned, taking another sip, but didn’t argue.

Chapter Text

A moment later, Jasmine approached Eddie with a soft smile, her eyes still bright from the rush of performing. “You look like you could use a dance.”

Eddie blinked at her. “What?”

She tilted her head toward the dance floor. “I asked the DJ for a slow song.”

Eddie hesitated. “I don’t really -”

“Please?” She held out a hand, gentle but insistent.

Something in her tone - something warm and inviting - had him sighing in defeat. He set down his beer and let her pull him toward the dance floor just as the music shifted to something softer, the lively energy of the room melting into something more intimate.

Jasmine rested her hands lightly on his shoulders, and Eddie’s hands found their way to her waist, the movement as natural as breathing. They swayed to the rhythm, and finally, Eddie felt the tension in his chest ease.

She looked up at him, her expression thoughtful. “You’re a good dancer.”

He huffed a small laugh. “You sound surprised.”

“I’m not,” she admitted. “Just… glad.”

Their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them - something that made Eddie’s grip tighten ever so slightly on her waist. Jasmine’s breath hitched, and she lowered her gaze for a moment, suddenly hyperaware of how close they were.

After a beat, Eddie cleared his throat. “So… Buck.”

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. “What about him?”

“I just mean… you two seemed to hit it off.”

She let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah, he’s fun. I like him.”

Eddie felt something tighten in his chest again, but before it could settle, Jasmine added, “As a friend.”

He exhaled slowly. “Good to know.”

Jasmine studied him for a moment before tilting her head. “You’re not trying to hook us up, are you?”

Eddie scoffed. “No. Definitely not.”

“Good.” She smiled, and it did something dangerous to his pulse. “Because that would be the last thing I want.”

For a moment, neither of them said anything, the soft music filling the space between them. It felt like the room had shrunk, like the only thing that mattered was the warmth of her hands on his shoulders, the way his fingers pressed just a little more firmly against her waist.

And then the song ended, but Eddie wasn’t ready to let go just yet.

Jasmine took a small step back, but before she could turn away completely, he reached out and caught her wrist. She stilled, her breath catching as she glanced back to him.

“Come on,” he said, his voice warm but firm. “Let’s get some fresh air.”

She didn’t hesitate, slipping her hand into his as they stepped outside. The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the heat of the crowded bar, and Jasmine inhaled deeply, letting it clear her mind. Eddie still held onto her hand, his thumb brushing absentmindedly over her skin before he slowly let go.

For a moment, they just stood there, side by side, neither in a hurry to fill the silence.

“I don’t think I’ve said this yet,” he admitted, voice quieter now. “But I’m really glad you came tonight.”

Jasmine turned to him and smiled, feeling that familiar warmth settle in her chest again. “Me too.”

He shifted a little closer, his gaze lingering on her lips. And when Eddie lifted a hand and tucked a stray curl behind her ear, her breath hitched.

Jasmine studied him, her heart pounding harder than she wanted to admit. The way he looked at her like - she was something very, very tempting - made her dizzy. Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the adrenaline still lingering from earlier, or maybe it was just him, but suddenly, she didn’t want to overthink it anymore. So, she stood on her tip-toes and closed the last bit of distance.

Her lips met his - soft, tentative at first, giving him an out if he wanted one. But he didn’t take it. For a heartbeat, he was right there with her, the warmth of him sinking into her skin.

And just as she began opening her mouth - he pulled back.

The loss of contact hit her like cold water dousing a flame.

Jasmine’s breath caught, her heart stumbling over itself as Eddie stepped away, his expression unreadable.

For a second, she just stood there, frozen, her lips still tingling from where his had been. And then, realization crashed over her like a tidal wave.

“Oh.” The word barely left her lips, but it carried everything - hurt, embarrassment, the sting of rejection curling deep in her stomach.

Eddie’s mouth opened like he wanted to explain, to soften the blow, but she didn’t let him.

“No, it’s fine,” she said quickly, forcing a tight, humorless laugh. “I misread that. My bad.”

“Jasmine-”

“Seriously, don’t worry about it.” She took a step back, then another, needing space, needing air.

Eddie looked like he wanted to say something, but she didn’t give him the chance.

“Anyway,” she said, her voice clipped as turned toward the door. “I should head back inside. Good talk, Diaz.”

She didn’t wait for a response and just brushed past him.

Because if she did, if she saw whatever was written on his face, she might actually break.

Chapter Text

Jasmine pushed open the door and stepped back into the bar, the warmth inside doing nothing to ease the cold sinking into her chest. She made a beeline for the booth where her purse sat, keeping her head down, hoping no one would notice her. Maybe she could just slip out without-

“Hey, you okay?”

Damn it.

Buck’s voice stopped her in her tracks just as her fingers curled around her purse strap. She forced a smile before looking up at him and Hen, both of whom were watching her a little too closely.

“Yeah, of course,” she said, adding a light laugh that felt hollow even to her own ears. “Just getting tired. Think I’m gonna head out.”

Hen raised a skeptical eyebrow. “That fast? You were having fun just two minutes ago.”

Jasmine shrugged, shifting her purse over her shoulder. “Guess it caught up to me all at once.”

Buck tilted his head, his brows knitting together like he was trying to piece something together. His gaze flicked toward the door through which Eddie just came in, and his frown deepened. “You sure that’s all it is?”

Jasmine’s stomach twisted, but she forced herself to hold his gaze. “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Hen and Buck exchanged a look - one of those silent conversations that made it painfully obvious they didn’t buy a single word she was saying.

“Alright,” Hen said slowly, not pushing, but not fooled either. “You need a ride?”

Jasmine shook her head. “Nah, I’m good. Just gonna call an uber.”

She could feel the weight of their stares as she turned toward the exit, but neither of them stopped her. Still, she knew that as soon as she was gone, they’d start talking.

And she had no doubt Eddie Diaz’s name would come up.

Chapter Text

The locker room was quiet the next day, but tension hung in the air. Eddie stood in front of his open locker, shoulders tight, rubbing a hand over his face. He hadn’t made a critical mistake on the last call - not really. But he had hesitated. Just for a second. Just long enough for Bobby to notice.

“Everything okay?”

Eddie turned around. Bobby stood in front of him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. His voice had been calm, but there was an unmistakable weight behind the words. “You seemed distracted out there.”

Eddie immediately straightened, shaking his head. “Yeah. I’m good.”

Bobby didn’t look convinced. He tilted his head slightly, waiting.

Eddie exhaled through his nose, visibly debating how much to admit. A lie wouldn’t work - Bobby would see right through it.

“I just… hesitated,” Eddie finally admitted. “Sorry, it won’t happen again.”

Bobby studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Make sure it doesn’t. A second of hesitation can be the difference between life and death.”

“I know.”

Something in Bobby’s expression softened slightly, and he clapped Eddie on the shoulder before heading toward his office.

He barely had a second to process the conversation before a throat cleared beside him.

“So…” Buck’s voice was way too casual. “You wanna tell us what that was about?”

Eddie turned, already bracing himself. Sure enough, Buck, Hen, and Chimney were standing there, arms crossed, watching him with far too much interest.

“I hesitated,” Eddie muttered. “Bobby called me on it. End of story.”

Hen raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. And why did you hesitate?”

Buck folded his arms. “Because unless this had something to do with Christopher, I know it wasn’t about work.”

“Chris is fine.”

Chimney smirked. “Which means something else has you distracted.”

Eddie clenched his jaw. “It’s nothing.”

Hen sighed, shaking her head. “You know we’re not leaving you alone until you fess up, right?”

Eddie exhaled slowly, looking like he already regretted not walking straight out of the room.

“…it’s about Jasmine,” he finally muttered.

Buck’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. “I knew it!”

Chimney grinned rubbing his hands together. “Oh, this is definitely getting interesting. What happened?”

Eddie rubbed a hand over his face. “She, uh… she kissed me.”

Hen’s eyebrows shot up. Buck whistled lowly. Chimney, because he was Chimney, just said, “Damn, Diaz, and you’re MOPING about it? What, was it THAT bad?”

Eddie shot him a glare. “No. It was-” He hesitated, shifting his weight. His voice lowered. “It was good.”

“Okay,” Hen said slowly. “So… what’s the problem?”

Eddie hesitated again, staring at the floor.

Buck narrowed his eyes. “Eddie?”

A heavy sigh. “…I pulled away.”

Silence.

Then-

“You WHAT?!”

The three of them groaned at the same time.

“Oh my God,” Buck muttered. “You idiot.”

“I panicked!”

“You moron,” Hen groaned.

Chimney shook his head. “Wow. Bold strategy, Diaz. Reject the woman who literally saved your ass from a shooter. That definitely won’t come back to bite you.”

“I didn’t reject her!” Eddie snapped, frustrated. “I just… I pulled back.”

Buck pointed at him. “Yeah, see, the problem is, that feels like rejection.”

Eddie clenched his jaw, looking away.

Hen studied him for a second, then her expression shifted. “Okay, hold up. Why did you pull away? Really?”

Eddie swallowed hard. “Because of Christopher.”

That got them to pause.

Hen’s expression softened slightly. Chimney’s grin faded. Buck sighed.

Eddie rubbed his hands together, guilt settling in his chest. “It’s not just me in this, okay? Chris is my priority and she’s probably one of his favorite persons in the world right now. I can’t-” He let out a sharp breath. “I can’t just rush into something and risk screwing it up.”

Hen nodded slowly. “I get that.”

Buck did too - but he still frowned. “Okay. But, Eddie, man… did you actually think about that when you pulled away? Or did you just chicken out?”

Eddie hesitated.

Buck groaned. “Unbelievable.”

Chimney clapped his hands together. “Well, congrats, Diaz. You just made a woman who genuinely likes you feel like crap. Hope that works out for you.”

Eddie muttered a curse, exhaling sharply.

He knew. He knew he had screwed up.

Buck shook his head. “You need to fix this.”

Chimney nodded. “Yeah, assuming she hasn’t already changed her number.”

Eddie groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

Yeah. He really screwed up.

Now he just had to figure out how to fix it.

Chapter Text

As the usual post-dinner chatter filled the firehouse kitchen, Bobby Nash took his time rinsing off his plate, his movements steady, deliberate.

Across the room, Eddie was making a point of focusing on his drink, avoiding the not-so-subtle glances from Hen, Buck, and Chimney. Their earlier confrontation had left its mark, and Bobby had caught just enough of it to know Eddie needed someone to steer him in the right direction - before he did something he’d regret.

“Hey, Eddie,” Bobby called, his tone casual as he reached for another plate from the sink. “Mind giving me a hand with these dishes?”

Eddie hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding, pushing away from the table and stepping up beside Bobby at the sink. “Yeah, sure.”

Bobby passed him a towel to dry as he continued washing, letting the silence settle for a moment before speaking. “So… I heard a little bit of what went down earlier.”

Eddie stiffened just slightly, his hands tightening around the dish he was drying. “Yeah? And?”

Bobby huffed out a small chuckle. “And I think they weren’t wrong to call you out.”

Eddie scoffed, shaking his head. “So now you’re joining the interrogation squad?”

“No, Eddie,” Bobby said, his voice calm, measured. “I’m just trying to help you make sense of what’s really going on in that head of yours.”

Eddie sighed, setting down the plate with a little more force than necessary. “It’s not that complicated, Bobby.”

Bobby arched an eyebrow. “Isn’t it?”

Eddie stayed quiet, jaw tight, as Bobby passed him another dish. The older man gave him a moment before continuing. “Look, I get it. You’ve been through a lot. Losing Shannon, raising Christopher on your own, trying to figure out what’s best for both of you.”

Eddie swallowed hard but didn’t interrupt.

“And every time you get close to something real, you pull back,” Bobby went on, drying his own hands now and turning slightly to face Eddie. “Like with Ana. You remember how that ended?”

Eddie let out a scoff. “Yeah, I remember. I had a full-blown panic attack because people kept assuming we were going to get married.”

Bobby nodded. “Exactly. And maybe it wasn’t just about Ana. Maybe it was about the fact that every time things start feeling permanent, you panic. Because it means risking everything again.”

Eddie ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “I don’t know, Bobby. I just-” He trailed off, gripping the edge of the counter.

Bobby watched him for a beat before speaking, his voice softer now. “Eddie, no one’s saying you have to rush into anything. But don’t push something good away just because you’re scared. If Jasmine means something to you - and from what I’ve heard and seen, she does - then maybe it’s time to stop running.”

Eddie didn’t respond right away. He just stood there, staring at the dish in his hands like it held all the answers. And maybe Bobby’s words were starting to sink in.

Bobby gave him a firm pat on the back. “Think about it,” he said simply, then grabbed the last dish and left Eddie standing there, alone with his thoughts and the undeniable truth he’d been avoiding.

Chapter Text

Eddie unlocked the apartment door as quietly as possible, careful not to make too much noise in case Christopher was already asleep. The warm glow of a single lamp in the living room cast soft shadows across the space, and the faint sounds of the television playing on low told him Carla was still up. Sure enough, as he stepped inside, she turned her head from where she sat on the couch, offering him a knowing smile.

“You're home late,” she observed, eyeing him critically as he dropped his keys onto the counter. “Long shift?”

Eddie let out a tired sigh, rolling his shoulders. “Something like that.”

Carla raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. She had been around long enough to know when something was weighing on him, but she didn’t press. Instead, she stood up and made her way to the kitchen, opening the fridge. “I left you some dinner. You just have to heat it up.”

Eddie smiled faintly, appreciating the gesture. “Thanks, Carla.”

She studied him for a moment, hands on her hips. “You look exhausted, mijo. You need to take care of yourself too, not just Christopher.”

Eddie chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I will. I promise.”

Carla gave him a skeptical look but didn't argue. Instead, she reached out and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “Go to bed soon, Eddie. No staying up and overthinking things.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he teased, earning him an affectionate eye-roll as she grabbed her bag and headed for the door.

“Good night, Carla.”

“Good night, Eddie. And get some sleep!” she called over her shoulder before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

Eddie exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand down his face. His body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. As tempting as Carla’s home-cooked meal was, exhaustion won. He barely made it to his room before collapsing onto his bed, not even bothering to change out of his clothes. The moment his head hit the pillow, sleep claimed him.

The dream started softly, like the gentle hum of a memory forming.

Sunlight filtered through large windows, casting golden streaks across a cozy living room. The scent of coffee and something sweet filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter. Eddie stood in the middle of it all, feeling a warmth so deep it settled into his bones.

Christopher sat on the couch, grinning as he tried to swat at the hands covering his eyes.

“No peeking!” came a voice, teasing and full of light.

Jasmine.

Eddie's chest tightened at the sight of her. She stood behind Christopher, her long, dark hair falling over her shoulder as she leaned down, laughing against his ear. “Okay, okay, you can look now!”

Christopher let out an exaggerated gasp as he pulled her hands away, eyes lighting up as he saw the small stack of presents on the table in front of him. “Is this for me?”

Jasmine plopped down beside him, nudging him playfully. “Nope. It’s for the neighbor’s kid. We just wanted to see your reaction.”

Christopher laughed, pushing her lightly. “Jasmine!”

Eddie found himself chuckling, drawn into the moment. His heart felt full, overflowing with something he hadn’t let himself acknowledge before.

Jasmine turned then, her eyes meeting his, and suddenly the world around them softened. The laughter in the background faded, the light seemed warmer, and the space between them felt charged with something unspoken.

“Hey,” she murmured, her voice a soothing melody.

Eddie reached for her hand without thinking, taking her hand into his. It felt right. Like they had done this a million times before. Like they belonged here, together.

Christopher, oblivious to the shift, tore into his gifts with enthusiasm, completely lost in the excitement. But Eddie’s attention never wavered from Jasmine. He brought their joined hands up, pressing a kiss to her knuckles, and she smiled at him in a way that made his heart stutter.

This is what happiness looks like, a voice whispered in the back of his mind.

A home. A family. A love that didn’t feel like an obligation or a duty - but something he wanted. Something he had chosen.

Eddie moved to sit beside them on the couch, and Jasmine immediately leaned into him, fitting against his side like she belonged there. Unable to resist, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. The kiss was warm, familiar, and so full of tenderness it made his heart ache.

“Get a room,” Christopher groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically.

Eddie and Jasmine broke apart with laughter, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, her body still shaking with amusement.

Eddie closed his eyes, savoring the moment.

But when he opened them again, he was staring at the ceiling of his dark bedroom, heart pounding, breath unsteady.

The dream was gone, but the feeling wasn’t.

And for the first time, Eddie saw it clearly - what he truly wanted. Who he truly wanted.

He had to fix this.

Before it was too late.

Chapter Text

Eddie leaned against the firetruck, phone in hand, thumb hovering over the screen. The wind had picked up since the morning, rustling through the streets, an ominous prelude to the storm brewing over Los Angeles.

The last call had been nothing major - a downed power line sparking near a residential block. Now, the team was wrapping up, getting ready to head back to the station.

But Eddie wasn’t thinking about that. He was staring at his phone, willing a notification to pop up.

Nothing.

“Dude, you’re checking your phone again?” Buck’s voice cut through his thoughts, laced with amusement.

Eddie sighed, locking the screen and shoving the phone into his pocket. “No.”

Chimney snorted. “Sure looked like you were.”

“Who are we kidding?” Buck grinned. “He’s been glued to that thing all morning. Let me guess - you texted Jasmine again?”

Eddie pressed his lips together, unwilling to confirm it, but the way his jaw clenched gave him away.

Hen, who had just finished checking in with dispatch, caught the tail end of the conversation and arched a brow. “Wait. Jasmine is still ignoring you?”

“She’s busy,” Eddie muttered, avoiding their gazes.

Chimney let out a low whistle. “Oof. That’s not a great sign.”

“Maybe she just needs time,” Hen offered, less teasing and more thoughtful. Then, after a beat, she reached for her own phone. “Want me to text her? Just to make sure she’s okay?”

Eddie hesitated for a second but then nodded, exhaling sharply. “Yeah. I just… I need to know she’s alright.”

Hen sent off a quick text, and the group fell into a moment of silence as they waited. It didn’t take long - Jasmine replied almost immediately.

“She says she’s fine. Just busy with book signings today and two days from now,” Hen read aloud.

Relief flooded Eddie’s face, his shoulders loosening. She was fine. At least, physically. But the fact that she had responded to Hen so quickly while ignoring him made his stomach twist.

“See?” Buck nudged him. “She’s alive. Just really, really mad at you.”

“Thanks, Buck,” Eddie muttered dryly, rubbing a hand down his face.

Chimney smirked. “Man, you really messed up if she won’t even leave you on read.”

Hen shot them both a look before turning back to Eddie. “At least now you know she’s okay. Give her space, but don’t give up.”

Eddie nodded slowly, but as another gust of wind howled through the street, he couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out. Something told him that waiting wasn’t an option anymore.

Chapter Text

Eddie sat at the firehouse kitchen table the next evening, phone in hand, staring at the screen, once again, like it held the meaning of life. Or, more accurately, like he was trying to will a reply into existence. His fingers hovered over the screen, rereading his last message to Jasmine for what had to be the hundredth time that day.

No response.

Again.

Outside, the wind howled against the station’s windows, rattling them slightly. The storm had had grown stronger, carrying an eerie sense of foreboding.

He let out a frustrated sigh, dropping his phone onto the table with a little too much force.

“Man, I’ve seen breakups go better than whatever this is,” Buck remarked, sliding into the seat across from Eddie with a smirk.

“It’s not a breakup,” Eddie muttered, rubbing a hand over his face.

“Sure,” Hen chimed in as she grabbed a coffee. “It’s just a prolonged period of radio silence that’s making you look like a sad puppy. Totally different.”

Chimney walked in just in time to hear that, eyebrows shooting up. “Oh, are we still on the ‘Eddie Gets Ghosted’ party?” He sat down next to Buck, grinning. “So, what’s the plan, Romeo? Just text her into submission?”

“At this rate, the only thing you’re winning back is carpal tunnel,” Hen added, taking a sip of her coffee.

Eddie groaned. “You guys are hilarious. Really. Top-tier comedy.”

“We try.” Buck leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “But seriously, man, what’s your next move?”

Eddie hesitated. “I don’t know. She’s ignoring me, and I get it. I screwed up. But I need to make things right. I just… don’t know how.”

That was all it took for the teasing to stop. The three exchanged looks, then collectively shifted into helping-a-friend mode.

“Alright,” Chimney said, leaning back in his chair. “Big gestures or small gestures? What’s the play here?”

“Flowers?” Hen suggested. “Classic, but kinda boring.”

“What about a handwritten letter?” Buck offered. “You could pour your heart out. Women love that stuff.”

Eddie gave him a flat look. “Do I look like the kind of guy who writes heartfelt letters?”

“Okay, fair point. What about just showing up somewhere she’ll be?” Hen asked. “Not in a creepy way, obviously. But, like, if she’s got plans somewhere public-”

“Oh! What if you dramatically read an excerpt from her book at one of her events?” Chimney grinned. “Really go for it. Make it a whole performance.”

Eddie just stared at him. “Yeah. Because nothing says ‘I’m sorry’ like public humiliation.”

“Alright, alright, how about something simple?" Buck said. “Just show up at her book signing and talk to her.”

“Oh, sure,” Chimney cut in. “She’s already ignoring his texts, so let’s escalate that to in-person rejection. Maybe she’ll throw a book at him.”

Hen smirked. “Well, considering how heavy hardcovers are, that might actually knock some sense into him.”

Eddie groaned again, dropping his head onto the table. “You guys are the worst.”

“Come on, we’re helping!” Buck clapped him on the back. “Okay, so maybe no surprise pop-ins. What about a heartfelt video message?”

“Yeah, great idea!” Chimney said. “And if she doesn’t respond, we’ll just make it go viral. Nothing says romance like peer pressure from the internet.”

Eddie shot him a glare. “I hate you.”

“Look, let’s sleep on it,” Hen finally said, laughing. “We’re clearly too tired to come up with anything that won’t get you arrested. We’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

Eddie sighed but nodded. “Fine. Tomorrow.”

Chapter Text

The next morning Bobby walked into the kitchen his expression serious. “Alright, listen up: The storm’s getting worse, and there’s a real chance we’re going to be dealing with some heavy-duty damage today. Tornado warnings are in effect. I need everyone to be sharp and prepared. This could get rough.”

Then, as if on cue, the station alarm suddenly blared to life.

“Firehouse 118, respond to reported tornado touchdown - multiple structural collapses. Address incoming.”

The room instantly shifted into high alert. They all jumped from their seats, but as the details came over the speakers, Chimney froze for a second.

“Uh… guys?” He looked down at his phone, then back up, his face suddenly serious. “That’s the bookstore Jasmin is signing her books today.”

Eddie’s blood ran cold.

The fire engine sped through the rain-slicked streets, sirens wailing as the storm intensified around them. Rain pelted the windshield in heavy sheets, and the wind buffeted the truck hard enough that even seasoned firefighters like them could feel the unease settle in their chests.

“This storm is no joke,” Buck muttered, gripping the edge of his seat as another gust of wind rocked the truck.

Eddie barely heard them. His mind was racing with worst-case scenarios. Was she trapped? Injured? Worse?

“She’ll be okay,” Hen said from across him, her voice steady but gentle.

“Yeah, man,” Buck added. “If anyone can handle themselves, it’s Jasmine. She’s tough.”

As they turned a corner, the destruction became clear. The bookstore - or what remained of it - was barely standing. The entire front had caved in, glass and debris littering the sidewalk. People were stumbling out, covered in dust and cuts, dazed but alive.

Eddie barely waited for the engine to stop before he was unbuckling his harness.

“Whoa, whoa, Eddie!” Bobby called out. “We do this together.”

Eddie swallowed hard, forcing himself to nod. He needed to focus. Panicking wouldn’t help Jasmine.

As the team rushed toward the wreckage, Eddie’s heart pounded.

She was in there somewhere.

And he had to find her.

Chapter Text

Inside, the air was thick with dust, every breath tasting like concrete and ink. The shelving units had collapsed like dominos, burying tables and chairs beneath mountains of books and debris.

“Watch your step,” Bobby warned as they moved deeper into the wreckage, flashlights cutting through the swirling dust.

Eddie coughed, sweeping his beam across the destruction. “Jasmine!”

No response.

His chest tightened as he climbed over shattered wood, scanning the debris. He wasn’t the only one looking - Hen was clearing a path toward the far corner, Buck and Chimney lifting fallen beams.

Then-

“Over here!” Chimney shouted.

A hand.

Barely visible beneath the rubble, fingers slack, dust coating the skin.

Eddie’s stomach plummeted. “Jasmine.”

He was at her side in seconds, hands shaking as he started digging. “Jasmine, hey - can you hear me?” His voice cracked.

No response.

Her body was limp, pinned beneath a support beam.

“Buck! I need help!”

Within seconds, the others were there. Hen checked her vitals while Chimney and Bobby worked to stabilize the wreckage.

“She’s got a pulse- faint, but it’s there,” Hen confirmed.

Eddie’s breath hitched. “Stay with me, Jasmine.” he whispered.

The beam shifted, and suddenly, Buck was pulling her free. Eddie caught her before she hit the ground, cradling her against his chest.

She wasn’t waking up.

“Come on, Jasmine, open your eyes.” His voice broke, forehead pressing against hers as sirens howled in the distance. “You don’t get to do this. Please.” He swallowed hard. “Please, don’t leave me.”

A ragged breath. A slight stir.

Then, a whisper: “Eddie? You found me.”

A wave of relief crashed over him. He exhaled audibly and pressed his lips to her hair.

“I’ll always find you.”

Rain poured as they carried her out, the weight of the moment settling over the entire team. Jasmine had barely survived, but she had survived.

The storm was relentless, hammering against the pavement. The others shouted - paramedics rushing forward, Bobby giving orders - but Eddie could only focus on the faint rise and fall of her chest.

She was breathing. She was alive.

“Get her stabilized,” Hen told the paramedics as Eddie laid her onto the stretcher. Jasmine blinked sluggishly, her lashes damp from the rain and dust. She tried to lift a hand to her forehead, but Eddie caught it, holding it tightly.

“Hey,” she murmured, voice hoarse. “You look like hell.”

Eddie let out a strangled laugh, his grip tightening around her fingers. “You were buried under a damn building, and I look like hell?”

Jasmine gave him a weak smirk before wincing. “Ugh. Everything hurts.”

“You’re lucky it’s just bruises,” Hen reassured her. “But we’re taking you to the hospital. You took a hard hit to the head and we have to make sure you don’t have internal injuries.”

Jasmine groaned. “Great. Hospital food.”

“Yeah, yeah, complain all you want,” Chimney said, shaking his head. “You gave us a heart attack in there.”

Eddie still hadn’t let go of her hand. He wasn’t sure he could.

Buck clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You coming with?”

Eddie barely hesitated before nodding. “Yeah.”

Chapter Text

Hours later, after too many scans and too much waiting, Jasmine was finally discharged with a mild concussion, a few stitches, and strict orders to rest. Eddie, of course, had refused to leave her side.

The ride to her apartment had been quiet – much too quiet. The weight of everything that had happened still hung between them, unspoken. She could feel Eddie’s gaze flick toward her every so often, but he said nothing. Neither did she.

Now, sitting on her couch, Jasmine could barely focus on the throbbing in her skull. Instead, all she could think about was Eddie - how he hadn’t left her side, how he had carried her out of the wreckage, his voice breaking as he begged her to wake up. And yet, here they were, drowning in silence.

Across the room, Eddie stood with his arms crossed, staring at the floor like it had personally offended him.

She licked her lips. “You don’t have to stay, you know.”

His head snapped up. “What?”

She gave a small shrug, forcing a casual tone. “I mean, I appreciate the whole ‘bodyguard’ thing, but I’m fine. Really.”

Eddie’s jaw tightened. “You were buried under a building a few hours ago, Jasmine. You’re not fine.”

Her stomach twisted at the intensity in his voice, but she just huffed. “I’ve been through worse.”

His eyes darkened. “Yeah? Like what?”

Jasmine looked away. She wanted to believe that his concern meant something more, but she knew better. Eddie had made it clear - he wasn’t ready for anything beyond friendship. The last time she had let her guard down, let herself hope, he had pulled away.

And now? Now, he was looking at her like losing her had nearly broken him, but she wasn’t sure if she could trust it.

The silence stretched, thick and suffocating. Finally, she let out a breathless, humorless chuckle. “This is weird, right? We should be celebrating that I’m alive, but instead, you look like you’re about to explode.”

Eddie ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “You scared the hell out of me, Jasmine.”

Something in his voice - hoarse, raw - made her breath catch. She swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

Eddie took a step closer, his expression unreadable. “I thought - I thought I lost you.” His voice cracked slightly, and that did it.

Jasmine pushed herself to her feet, ignoring the way her body ached. “Eddie-”

“I can’t do this anymore,” he interrupted, his voice low and strained.

Her stomach dropped. “Do what?”

“This.” He gestured between them, frustration lacing his movements. “Pretending I don’t feel what I feel. Walking away when I don’t want to.”

Jasmine’s breath caught. “Eddie…”

“You kissed me that night at the bar,” he said, voice quieter now.

She gave a small, hesitant nod. “Yeah. I remember.”

His fingers twitched at his sides. “I shouldn’t have pulled back.”

Jasmine’s pulse thundered in her ears. The air between them was thick, charged, like the seconds before a storm.

“Then why did you?” she whispered.

His jaw tightened. He hesitated. Then-

“Because I was scared.”

Her breath hitched. “Of what?”

Eddie swallowed hard, and when he spoke, it was barely more than a whisper. “Of losing you, like I lost Christopher’s mother.”

Jasmine’s chest tightened, emotion clawing its way up her throat. She could see it now - the fear that had been eating at him, the weight of it pressing down on his shoulders.

“You’re an idiot,” she muttered, stepping closer.

Eddie let out a breathless, almost disbelieving chuckle. “Yeah. I am.”

And then, finally, she closed the distance.

The moment their lips met it was like a dam breaking. Desperation, relief, longing - it all collided in a kiss that had been waiting far too long. Eddie inhaled sharply, his hands flying to her waist, pulling her in like he never wanted to let go. Jasmine melted against him, fingers gripping the front of his jacket as if to keep herself grounded.

The kiss deepened, slow and searing, a silent promise between them. Eddie’s hands slid up her back, anchoring her to him, as if trying to memorize the way she fit against him. Jasmine’s fingers tangled in his hair, tugging slightly, and he groaned against her lips.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, breaths mingling.

Eddie let out a shaky laugh. “Took us long enough.”

Jasmine smiled, still breathless. “Yeah. It really did.”

His thumb brushed tenderly against her cheek. “I’m not running this time.”

Jasmine searched his eyes, finding only certainty there. Then she nodded. “Good. Because I’m not letting you.”

And with that, she kissed him again - because after everything, after all the near-misses and unspoken words, she wasn’t about to waste another second.

Chapter Text

The hospital room was bathed in soft afternoon light, filtering in through the large window.

Jasmine sat propped up in bed, exhaustion evident in her features, but nothing could dull the radiant glow of new motherhood. In her arms, wrapped snugly in a pale blue blanket, lay her and Eddie’s honeymoon baby - a beautiful, baby boy. His tiny face was relaxed in sleep and his tiny fingers curled into delicate fists.

Across from her, Christopher sat with a proud yet slightly awed expression, his seventeen-year-old frame looking comically oversized in the small hospital chair. He had been staring at his baby brother for the last fifteen minutes, his heart full, his mind still wrapping around the fact that he was now a big brother. The age gap was big, sure, but he already knew that he was going to be the best big brother possible.

The door swung open, and in came Buck, grinning ear to ear, his arms full - flowers in one hand, two gift bags in the other. He took one look at Jasmine and the baby and let out a soft, amazed whistle.

“Well, well, look at this little guy!” Buck beamed, setting the flowers and one of the gift bags down before walking closer. “Man, he’s already got the Diaz charm.”

Jasmine chuckled. “I don’t know about that. He’s barely a day old.”

Buck grinned, then turned to Christopher, holding out the other gift bag. “Got something for you too, buddy. Can’t have you feeling left out.”

Christopher blinked in surprise, then took the bag with a grateful smile. “Thanks, Buck.”

Buck finally turned back to Jasmine, his eyes shining with warmth. “So… are you gonna let me hold my new honorary nephew, or what?”

Jasmine exchanged a look with Eddie, a secret smile passing between them. “Actually, Buck…” She shifted slightly, adjusting the baby in her arms. “Would you like to hold your godson?”

Buck’s expression faltered, his eyes widening as he processed the words. “Wait… what?”

Eddie, standing beside Jasmine’s bed, nodded. “You heard her. If anything should ever happen to us, we know that both of our sons would be happy, loved and safe with you.”

Buck’s breath hitched, and he quickly blinked a few times, as if trying to ward off the sting of tears. Slowly, carefully, he reached out, and Jasmine gently transferred the sleeping baby into his arms. Buck cradled the tiny bundle with a reverence he rarely displayed, looking down at the infant with an expression so full of emotion it made Jasmine’s throat tighten.

“I would take care of both boys,” Buck said softly, his voice thick with unshed tears. “I promise.”

A moment of quiet emotion filled the room, then Jasmine smiled. “Would you like to know his name?”

Buck swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah.”

Jasmine took a breath before answering. “His name is Evan Christopher Diaz.”

Buck’s head snapped up, his blue eyes widening in pure shock. “Wait - hold on. Evan Christopher Diaz? You - You’re naming him after me?”

Jasmine and Eddie shared a knowing smile. “Well,” Jasmine started, “without your help-”

“More like meddling,” Eddie interrupted with a smirk.

The room filled with warm laughter, but Buck still looked stunned, his grip on little Evan tightening just slightly as he tried to process it all.

Jasmine grinned. “Without your help or meddling, little Evan might not even be here.”

Buck let out a watery chuckle, but he could no longer fight it - his eyes welled up, and this time, a few tears slipped free, rolling down his cheeks as he smiled down at his godson. “I can’t believe this,” he murmured. “You guys… you named him after me.”

Eddie clapped a hand on Buck’s shoulder. “There’ll probably be some confusion at the beginning, what with two ‘Evans’ around, but I’m sure we’ll work it out.”

Buck sniffed, wiping at his eyes quickly, before looking down at the sleeping baby with pure love. “We’ll definitely make it work.”

THE END