Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The drive to Phoenix was almost 6 hours. 6 hours cooped up in a car with Bobby Nash. It hindsight, it didn’t seem terrible. Bobby was a kind man, he thought about others and he was quite charming.

That was the worst part. Athena couldn’t handle 6 straight hours of the man she had completely fallen head over heels for, let alone a whole 4 days. This was pure torture.

It was supposed to be an innocent weekend trip for Athena to get and get out. There was a criminal the LAPD had put a BOLO out for. He had fled to Phoenix and recognized by a facecam.

Eliane had suggested for Athena and a few other officers to go retrieve the man. Athena had shook her hand, saying it was better for her to go alone. She was an independent woman after all.

Athena had informed Hen about the trip, who had informed the 118, which of course, including Bobby. He didn’t think very highly of her plan to go alone.

Bobby had showed up on her door that night and said, “You can’t go to Phoenix alone, Athena, it’s not safe.” She laughed in his face.

And somehow, some. how. with that stupid face and dumb smile, Bobby had convinced her that he could come along.

“Let me come with you. I can be backup, Athena.” he had said. She couldn’t resist that. Spending hours on end with Bobby Nash? How could anyone resist that.

So, she said yes. And he convinced her, once again, to go longer than just a weekend. Bobby wanted them to see all the tourist attractions and explore the city.

“And why would we do that? This is merely a business trip, no more.” Athena counteracted.

Bobby smirked, teasingly and said, “It’s a bonding experience. We could het to know each other more.” And then he winked at her.

That’s how Athena Grant had ended up in the same car as Bobby Nash, the man she had fallen hi love with, for 6 straight hours.

Bobby didn’t know how he got himself into this whole situation. It was just genuine concern of Athena’s safety at first. She couldn’t go to a whole ‘nother state alone to catch a criminal?? What was she even thinking?

Then his brain had turn to mush and he’d said he would go with?? I mean what kind of stupid did that? Somehow, Athena had said yes, though. And there he was, making their criminal catching case into a getaway for them both? What the fuck was he thinking?

With his irresistible charm, apparently, she had agreed to make it into something more. And now, here he was driving to Phoenix, Arizona, with the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid his eyes on.

It was pure torture that he couldn’t reach out and touch her whenever and wherever he wanted to. Bobby wanted to innocently, maybe-not-so-innocently, lay his hand on Athena’s thigh or rub his thumb across her knuckles or rest his hand on her cheek. He tried to ignore that urge. Bobby had to drive 4 more hours, anyway. It wasn’t the time and place for any of that.

“Bobby? You’re not going to fall asleep on me, are you?” Athena’s voice had cut through his thoughts.

He glanced over at the woman beside him. God, she was beautiful. The sun was coming through right side of the car, which was Athena’s side. Her soft ebony skin glowed in the sun and it seemed to wrap Bobby in a tight hug.

There was never a time Athena didn’t look good in Bobby’s opinion. She looked good in uniform, out of uniform and in civilian clothing, she looked good in dresses especially, she looked good in jeans, t-shirts, work-out clothes, anything you could think of Athena wearing, Bobby knew she would look perfect.

She would probably look beyond perfect without any clothes on, but he tried not thinking about that thought either.

Bobby sobered himself from those thoughts and chuckled breathlessly. “I won’t fall asleep on you ‘Thena. I’ve still got 4 more hours before I can sleep.”

Athena’s brow quivered. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive later? I’d be more than happy to? I would’ve been driving myself if you weren’t here, anyways.”

The man chuckled again. “That’s why I’m here, so you don’t have to drive yourself.” Athena didn’t seem very satisfied with his response.

“How about this? I’ll let you know if I’m feeling too sleepy and we can trade places. Sound good?” Bobby proposed.

Athena rolled her eyes and agreed. Bobby wanted to reach over and kiss those stupid eyes so badly.

“Alright, fine. But! I’m taking a nap now, so that if you’re tired and need a nap later, I’ll be up for drinking.” She huffed.

“That’s nice, Sergeant, but I don’t really take naps yet. I’ve got some energy sitting up my sleeve.”

Athena shifted to face Bobby. Her brow was raiser and she looked as if she had something to say.

“You calling me old, Captain?” she teased. Bobby couldn’t help but smile.

“Nope, just saying I can go longer than you think.” he muttered, shrugging.

Athena’s breath hitched and she couldn’t stop the next thought that crept into her mind. She wondered how long Bobby could-

No! What was she thinking?! That was entirely inappropriate and not what she should be thinking about right now. She needed to sleep.

“Alright, well, suit yourself. I’m taking a nap. Don’t wake me unless it’s an emergency. I will bite you if it’s anything less than that.” Athena sighed and faced the window to get comfortable.

A smirk tugged at Bobby’s lips while he imagined Athena biting his hand. Or somewhere else, perhaps.

Once her breaths had slowed and her body relaxed, Bobby wished Athena a good sleep.

“Sleep well, ‘Thena. I’ll be here when you wake up.” he whispered. The next hour was peaceful and quiet. Bobby watched her unconscious body rise and fall and smiled to himself. How did he grt this lucky?

Chapter Text

Athena awoke to Bobby’s soft hand on her shoulder. He shook her a bit before she realized what was happening.

“Mmm, what?” she mumbled. Athena blinked a few times to wake herself all the way. She focused on the closet thing to her, which happened to be Bobby.

He was leaned in towards her, his eyes sparkling like little stars and his smile reaching all the way to her heart.

“Do you want anything to eat? I pulled into an Arby’s but we can go somewhere else if you’d prefer?” Bobby asked softly.

Athena’s heart swelled at the sight of him so close and so gentle. She wished to wake up next to him all the time.

“Do they have smoothies or milkshakes or anything like that?” Bobby’s smile grew.

“Do they ever?! Athena, Arby’s has amazing milkshakes. You want me to get you one?”

Bobby’s smile made Athena smile and she couldn’t help but want whatever Bobby was offering.

“Yeah, that’d be nice. Do they have flavors?”

Bobby hummed in thought. “Uhm, they’ve got chocolate, jamocha, vanilla, and I think orange cream? What fancies your taste buds?”

“Hm, let me try a Jamocha one. I could use some coffee.” Athena requested. Bobby grinned.

“You know they don’t have actual coffee in them, right? It’s just flavored.” he teased. Athena swatted at his arm and he laughed.

“Can’t you let a girl dream?” she muttered.

Bobby pulled into the drive-thru and got a bacon burger for himself and a reuben for Athena. They got pops along with the shakes and shared fries. The car was parked in Arby’s parking lot as they ate.

Athena crumbled up her wrapper and spun to face Bobby. “Get out.” she instructed.

Bobby’s brows came together. “Excuse me?”

“I said get out. I’m driving. You’ve already driven most of the way, now it’s my turn.”

“Athena, I don’t mind driving you don’t have to-” he started.

Athena pushed a finger to his lips and shut him up immediately. Bobby’s eyes went wide as he realized what was happening. She was so close.

“I am not asking, Captain. Get out. I will drag you.” she warned. Then a pause. “Please, Bobby, let me do this. You’ve already done so much.”

The man sighed and opened his door. Athena did the same and hopped into the driver’s seat.

“See? It wasn’t that hard now, was it?” she teased. Bobby rolled his eyes.

“‘m only doing it cause you asked so nicely. When you’re mean about it, I don’t follow.” he grumbled.

Athena found this all amusing. “Oh yeah? Guess I’ll be on my best behavior for you then. If it means I get what I want?”

Bobby gawked at the tone she used with him. Lord, he needed her badly. If only she always used that tone with him. He would be wrecked.

“Mm, yeah, you wish. Can’t get everything you want.” Bobby went along with her teasing, which he actually loved, but would never admit.

“No? That’s too bad. Might have to go back to threatening you, then.”

“You’re law enforcement, didn’t think you could do that to civilians, Sergeant?” Bobby reasoned.

“Oh, you’re not just a civilian, Captain. You’re much more than that.” she smirked.

Bobby hoped she didn’t notice the way he almost choked on his own spit. He was much more than what? What had she meant by that?

“Good to know I mean something to you, Sergeant.”

“Hm, I wouldn’t get your hopes up, Captain. Who knows, maybe I’ll turn around and stab you in the back? I would be careful if I were you.” she tsked.

Bobby’s brows raised. “Yes ma’am. I have enough trust in you, though, I don’t think you would do that.”

Athena felt as if she’d been lifted to heaven. “Yes ma’am”?? Was he insane. Did he not know what that would do to her? The way his voice dropped and the slight raspy tone that flooded Athena’s ears was unbearable.

“Thought you didn’t like my authority tone? You seem to have listened pretty well just then?”

Bobby slightly frowned. “You’re a woman of authority. I kind of have to listen to you, don’t I?”

Athena giggled from beside him. “Bobby Nash submitting himself to a woman of authority is something I never thought I’d hear.”

Silence.

“You know you don’t actually have to go along with everything I say, right? If there’s anything you want, we can do that too. We’re doing this together?”

Bobby gazed over Athena’s smaller frame focused one the road, but still paying attention to him. Her face was in a slight frown and he wished to put it back to a smile.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know, Sorry. I didn’t mean to make it awkward. I just want this to go well for you. It’s not about me.” Bobby shrugged.

“No, no, it’s okay, I get it. We’re just not used to this.” Athena pointed to him and back to herself. “We haven’t ever spent this much time together, we just have to figure this out.”

“Yeah. Figure this out.” Bobby muttered.

God, he hoped they figured this out. It would be a miserable four days if he and the woman he loved were on bad terms.

“Please let them figure this out.” Bobby whispered to the air.

Chapter Text

Athena pulled into the hotel’s parking lot and Bobby stirred. He had fallen asleep a few minutes ago and she felt bad that he couldn’t sleep longer.

“Hey,” she whispered, “we’re here. You ready?”

“Mph, yeah, guess so.” he murmured. Bobby’s sleepy voice might be the most attractive sound Athena’s ever heard. How is she supposed to hear that for three more mornings?

Bobby manages to pick himself up and get out of the car to retrieve his luggage. Athena stands beside him, getting her own luggage from the trunk. Their arms touch a couple times, but neither makes any attempt to move away.

The lady at the front desk welcomes them in and gives them keycards to the room. On a mutual decision, the pair had decided to just share a room. It would be easier for the mornings and to have the same schedule for the day.

“You’re on floor 6, room 38! Have a nice stay, you two!” the lady cheers. Bobby and Athena both thank her and head up to the elevator to their room.

“6 hours just to be on floor 6?” Bobby mentions as they’re riding up the elevator. Athena laughs quietly.

“Guess it was meant to be, huh?” she replies. He nods and whispers “guess so.”

The elevator dings and the two walk down the hallway to find room 38. A few other couples pass by as they’re walking.

With Athena leading, she manages to find room 38 pretty fast and digs the keycard from her pocket. She steps inside and lets out a small gasp, stopping in her tracks.

There’s one bed.

One bed, a huge TV, a mini fridge and microwave, a closet and a small desk, and armchair and the bathroom. But most importantly, there’s only one bed.

Bobby bumps right into Athena’s backside, not realizing she stopped walking.

“Oomph. Athena? What’s wrong? Why’d you stop?” he mutters and brushes himself off. The realization dawns on him when he takes a look around the room.

“Oh. There’s one bed.”

Both of them are freaking out in similar ways, yet neither one knows it. Neither of them care to share that they’re freaking out either.

“They probably just mixed it up. It’s fine. We can go back down and ask for a different room.” Bobby suggests, like the kind and caring gentleman he is. Athena agrees and they go right back down to the front desk.

“Your stay was booked under Athena Grant, was it not?” the lady asked, confused.

“Yes, yes, it was but I’m pretty sure I selected a two-bed room. I swear I did.” Athena argued.

“I’m very sorry, ma’am, but it says here you booked for a one-bed room.” she twists the computer screen around for Athena to see it herself.

It says she booked a one-bed room. Damn it. It wasn’t a mistake on their part, it was a mistake on hers.

“Okay- that’s, that’s fine. And you don’t have any two-bed rooms available?”

The lady shakes her head. “I’m sorry ma’am. The only other rooms are suites, which still only have one bed. You’d have to pay extra for one of those as well.”

“No, no thank you, that’s alright. We’ll make do with what we’ve got. Thank you, though.” Athena sighs and walks back over to where Bobby was standing.

He’s leaned up against a wall in the lobby, big arms crossed and face stern like no one can get through to him. Athena has to stop herself from launching into his big, muscular arms and kissing him senseless. God, he’s so infuriating. She has to spend three nights in the same bed as this hunk and not get freaky? That doesn’t seem possible.

Bobby’s eyes shift to Athena when she comes into his view. The look on her face already tells him what he needs to know. He has to spent the next three nights in the same bed as her.

Damn it. How was the supposed to happen without him doing something he’d regret later? This woman was drop-dead gorgeous and Bobby had to keep his hands to himself? That wasn’t fair. It was unfair. So, so unfair.

“So. No other rooms, I assume?” he murmured as Athena rode back up the elevator with him. She shook her head.

“It was my fault. I didn’t specify two beds. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Bobby frowned. “Athena, I’m not mad? I still don’t mind sharing a room with you. It’s fine, I can just sleep in the armchair.”

Athena scoffed. “You will not be sleeping in an armchair, Bobby Nash. You are far too big and tall for that. We’ll figure something out, we always do.”

He tried ignoring the way Athena’s voice echoed through his head or the sound of her reassurance hit him right in the heart. It was hard not to believe she had some feelings too. She had too, right? This wasn’t just a little one-sided relationship Bobby had made up in his head? It couldn’t be.

“Right, course we will.” Bobby muttered under his breath.

Once in the room, their bags were thrown on the bed and shoes were discarded on the floor. Bobby spread out on the mattress, eyes closed and breathing soft. Athena almost thought he had fallen asleep. She poked a finger into his ribs and he doubled over trying to push her away.

A few laughs were shared before Athena laid on the mattress next to the man. They fell into a comfortable silence for the next few minutes, relaxing from all the driving time.

“We should probably eat again at some point tonight.” Bobby muttered to the air. Athena nodded and there was a shift in the bed from her sitting up.

“Do you want takeout or should we go out?” Bobby asked, lifting his head.

“Well, are you tired? Or do you want to go out?” Athena hummed.

“I am, but I could still be up for something, if that’s what you’d prefer?” Bobby shrugged.

Athena laughed. “Too bad. I’m tired and would like to stay in.”

“Alright, room service it is. Works for me.” Bobby chuckled.

“Good man. Now, you order, I need to shower.” Athena said and hurryed off into the bathroom with a change of clothes.

Bobby watched Athena go, seeing the slight shimmy of her walk, the way her hips moved, and the slow bounce of her ass. He needed to stop thinking about these things. It was only making his urges grow.

After the food had been ordered, Bobby plopped himself onto the bed and closed his eyes. This was going to be a very long trip, and Athena was practically holding him on a leash. There was no easy way to do anything with her so close to him and looking that good.

He hadn’t heard the shower turn off or the bathroom door open. Athena stood before the bed, watching Bobby’s chest rise and fall with each breath. It was surely a sight. One she wanted to see forever. The man of her absolute dreams just being here? Right there in front of her looking as good as he always did, if not more. Athena wanted to kiss him all over and never stop.

“Bobby..?”

The man jumped and looked around frantically. “I- wha- ‘Thena? You good? Wha’s up?”

Athena almost laughed. He was being really cute right now. God, she just wanted to tell him everything.

“Bobby. Were you- did you fall asleep?” she asked, giggling. He frowned.

“I- no! What?! Maybe? I dunno. Did the food come?” Bobby grumbled, embarrassed.

“I don’t know, did you order it?” she mocked and Bobby scowled at her games.

“Yes, I ordered it, Athena.”

Athena raised her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay, just making sure.”

“Yeah, uh huh.” Bobby grumbled, getting off the bed to join her at the pull out table. A knock on their door redirected his path.

They sat across from each other, knees bumping occasionally from the small size of the table. Food was laid out in front of the pair and conversation was flowing lightly.

As Athena dipped a fry in ketchup and lifted it to her mouth, a drop of the red sauce slipped onto the edge of her lip.

Bobby was memorized. His focus didn’t leave the little sliver of ketchup, and he stared, wondering if he should lean in and wipe it off for her.

That would be unprofessional, though, right? That would cross the line of keeping his hands to himself and there would be no going back.

What if Athena went to kiss him and they did.. things and then they spent the whole rest of their trip being awkward because they explored each other’s bodies but neither would admit their feelings and so it just stayed extremely awkward and tense and just???

Oh, God, he was spiraling. This was so bad. Was was he being so dramatic? None of that would actually happen, it was just his stupid imagination. Athena probably didn’t even like him, anyways. I wasn’t logical for him to think about these things. They were never going to happen as long as-

“Bobby? Bobby, hey, you still with me?” Athena’s voice came through holding some concern.

Bobby snapped out his thoughts and found Athena’s big beautiful brown eyes staring back at him. He softened under her gaze.

“Where’d you go just then?” she asked quietly.

“I didn’t go anywhere, ‘Thena. I’m right here.” Bobby reassures her.

Athena reaches a hand across the table and strokes her thumb against Bobby’s forearm. His heart starts to pound as he shivers into her touch.

“Good, I thought I lost you for a moment.” she confesses.

Bobby shakes his head. “I’m not going anywhere. You won’t lose me.” he whispers, thinking Athena can’t hear. But she can.

All those thoughts run through Bobby’s head again as they finish up dinner. ‘She has to like you! That wasn’t just a friendly interaction! Yes, it was! She’s just a very friendly person, that’s all it is!’

He sighs. Bobby hates doubt. It’s like a black hole sometimes.

Chapter Text

“Okay, so what do we do about our sleeping situation?” Bobby asks once they’re back to laying on their backs in the bed.

“I’m not sure. Are you going to shower?” Athena replies.

“Am I going to shower? What’s that got to do with the bed?”

“You stink. I don’t wanna be sleeping next to that smell, thank you very much.” Athena teases.

Bobby rolls his eyes. “Fine. I’ll shower if you’re so bossy about it.” he grumbles.

The man groans as he’s getting off the bed and Athena laughs at him. The warm water running against his bare chest allows for some relaxation of today’s events, but not as much as hoped.

The thought of Athena still lingers in his mind and it eats him up inside. She’s beautiful. Her personality and her looks, all of it. Everything about the woman is just perfect. He wishes to show her his feelings. It’s just not that simple, unfortunately.

The arrangement they have to make tonight is pretty unfortunate too.

As Bobby steps out of the bathroom, his eyes fall to the sight of Athena in their bed. She’s changed into pajamas and her hair sits down in its non-uniform style. The eyeshadow she wears has been rubbed clean and her eyes shine beautifully in this light. She doesn’t have a bra on, he notices. Not that he was looking or anything, it was just right there. Oh, God, he’s doing it again.

Athena seems to be thinking the same about Bobby, standing there in front of her, staring like a lost dog. His shirt is lifted up a bit at the bottom, revealing some tummy and a few hairs, which is so hot. His waistband also shows, which is- well you know. Where neat and brushed hair usually sits is damp and tousled strands of slightly greying hair, and Athena just wants to play with it, twirling the hair through her fingers.

Neither is aware of the other’s personal dialogue and neither cares to share what they’re thinking.

“You gonna come to bed or just standing there lookin’ like a lost dog?” Athena’s voice chimes.

Bobby shakes his head slightly as he sobers himself from those thoughts.

“Yep, I’m coming, just- I’m coming.” he mumbles.

It becomes verrry awkward once the two adults are sitting in bed together. Bobby’s shifted all the way to the edge of his side because he refuses to let himself get too close to Athena. That could end in a potential nightmare.

She yawns, breaking the tension as they both chuckle a bit.

“Are you tired? I could turn off this light if you-”

“Yeah, a little bit,”

“What are we going to do about the whole-”

“Bobby, it’s fine, we’ll just stash a pillow between us. We’re both adults- it doesn’t have to be weird, right?”

The man frowns. “Yeah, no, it doesn’t need to be weird. I don’t know why I’m making a big deal out of this, sorry.”

“No, no, it’s okay, I get it. We’ve never done this before- sleep with each other I mean. It’s just new, that’s all.”

“Yeah. Right, course. It’s just new.” Bobby grumbles. That’s not what it is for him, but if that’s what Athena wants to say, then she can go right on ahead.

Bobby flicks the light switch off and Athena gets a pillow situated between their bodies. He feels like the string that connected them had been snapped. Bobby can’t feel Athena’s body close to him anymore and it’s driving him crazy.

He ends up staring at the ceiling for what feels like hours, his body to wired up to sleep. It might’ve been hours, it might’ve been a few minutes, Bobby doesn’t know.

Athena shifts in the bed. Her soft, sleepy voice surprises Bobby.

“Bobby?” she calls.

“‘Thena..?” he hesitated.

“Are you still awake?” she mumbles.

I don’t know? Do you think I am? “Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Can’t sleep.” he admits.

“Me neither.”

Bobby doesn’t know how to respond to that, so he stays quiet. Was Athena having the same types of thoughts? Or was she just uncomfortable and couldn’t fall asleep?

“Move the pillow, Bobby.” Athena commands.
What?! Did he just hear that right?

“Do what now?”

“I said move the pillow. It’s making it harder for us to get comfortable. I don’t care if we wake up cuddling tomorrow morning, I just want some sleep.”

Bobby freezes before he can find the right words to say. “Erg, oh, uh, okay.” he stutters.

The string connecting the two of them seems to return once the pillow is removed. Athena doesn’t seem to notice the change, she just rolls back over and sets her head on her pillow.

Bobby watches as her face muscles relax and her eyes flutter slightly. He listens as her breathing slows and gets lighter.

Maybe now he would be able to fall asleep without the constant feeling of longing to hold the woman beside him. It would hardly be appropriate to even touch her in the slightest, but a man could wish.

Chapter Text

Athena was the first to wake the next morning. The first time she blinked, she hadn’t seen the outside world yet. A couple blinks later, and she saw what had become of the man next to her.

Bobby’s face was pressed into his pillow, and only a few inches away from Athena’s face. His features were scrunched together in a way that made him seem in distress. It wasn’t something she had expected when waking up with the man of her dreams.

Now that Athena really paid attention to the man, he looked very in distress. There was sweat pooled around his hairline and his shirt had been thrown to the end of the bed.

That was concerning.

Was she supposed to wake him? Or let him sleep? Athena didn’t know.

She decided on a shower first. If Bobby had waken while she was in the shower, then she would bring it up then.

He wasn’t awake by the time she was out of the shower.

After slipping on her outfit for the day, Athena climbed back onto her side of the bed and pushed her face next to Bobby’s.

He hadn’t moved a muscle. His face was still scrunched and his skin glistened with a thin layer of sweat. Athena wondered if he always woke up in this state. She hoped not.

One of her hands ran from his temple down to his jaw and settled on the back of his neck.

“Bobby.. hey..” Athena whispered.

The man stirred but didn’t wake yet. Athena scratched her nails across the back of his head and into his hair.

“Bobby, it’s time to get up. Can you get up for me?”

A bit more stirring occurred before Bobby’s eyes open lazily. His gorgeous hazel orbs shined straight through Athena’s heart.

“Mm.. ‘Thena..?” he murmured.

Bobby’s sleepy voice felt like a little puppy who had wiggled and squirmed its way into Athena’s heart. She didn’t have the guts to push the puppy away.

“Hey, Bobby.” Athena smiled.

“Wha’s happenin’?” he slurred.

“It’s 9:13. I figured we should be getting up? You were passed out, though, didn’t know if I should wake you.” she explained.

“Mmkay. I’m good, I’ll get up.”

But as Bobby sat forward, he swayed a bit and grabbed his forehead in pain. A low groan escaped from his throat and Athena didn’t know whether to be turned on or worried.

“Woaaah, Bobby. It’s alright, just relax.” Athena cooed. She gripped his biceps in attempt to steady his body.

It hadn’t yet registered that Bobby’s shirt was actually off of his physical body, which meant Athena was touching his actual skin. It was like a scene out of a movie the way the sparks flew when she touched him. None of that mattered right now, though. Athena needed to be focused on the man’s wellbeing. She could unpack those feelings later.

“You okay there, mister?” she asked softly.

Bobby frowned a bit. “I- I dunno? Head hurts. I feel hot and sticky too.” he mumbled.

“You sweat a bunch while you were sleeping. Took your shirt off a some point too.” Athena hummed.

As if it was a crime to be shirtless, Bobby snapped his head down to look at his bare chest. His eyes then darted to Athena, and the to the edge of the bed, where he flung himself, as far away from Athena as he could be.

“Oh- oh my. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. That was- that was inappropriate, I’ll grab a shirt, I can-”

Athena scooter herself closer to the man and reached our, pulling him back. She kept a hand on his forearm..

“Bobby, it’s okay, I’m not offended or anything. You were just uncomfortable, it’s okay to take your shirt off.” she reassured.

Bobby’s frown returned as she said these words.

“You- you don’t think that’s weird or anything? Sorry, I just didn’t want to make things..” he waves a hand around in the air, “awkward or anything between us.”

“It’s not awkward, Bobby. We’re…. friends. I want you to feel comfortable around me. It doesn’t bother me to see a shirtless man.” she tried to joke.

“Oh..Okay.” the man points to the bathroom. “I’m uh- I’m gonna go get dressed.”

Bobby appears a minute later fully clothed with today’s outfit. He looks incredibly cute in this red t-shirt and Athena has to resist touching him. She wants to call him handsome in as many ways she can.

“You’re staring.” he states.

Athena snaps out of her trance. “No.”

“Really?” Bobby mocks.

“You cleaned up.” she says.

A small grin forms on the man’s lips. “Do you mean the clothes I’m wearing or the layer of sweat I was wearing?”

“Both, I guess.”

“Wasn’t gonna walk around looking like that.” he shrugs.

“What happened?” Athena isn’t even fully aware she just asked that, it kinda just came out.

Bobby frowns. “What does that mean?”

“You looked really upset. While you were sleeping, I mean. Most people look peaceful, you didn’t. And you were sweating quite a bit. Why were you upset?” Athena asked.

Bobby swallowed. “Think it was a nightmare. I don’t remember much, though.”

“Why didn’t you wake me? I could’ve helped.”

“I don’t think I even woke up. I don’t remember the usual sitting up and panting or anything.” he admits.

“Oh. Well, what do you remember?” Athena wonders.

“..There was a little boy.” Bobby hesitates. “And Buck was there too. I think the boy was supposed to be a younger Buck. He was in a fire. And, and I couldn’t-”

The man’s voice cracks and he looks to the ground. As he tips his head back to Athena, she notices the trembling of his lip and the red lining under his eyes.

“I couldn’t save him, Athena. His face- it, it blurred into Robert Jr’s and I- it felt like I lost them both. Buck looked just like- and then he-”

Bobby stops talking and shakes his head sadly.

“You know what, it’s stupid. I’m fine, Athena, really. Thanks for checking up on me. I’m all good, though.”

Athena doesn’t believe one bit of this. She hops off the bed and plants herself right in front of the man. Two hands reach up and wrap around Bobby’s neck as she pulls his whole body down to meet hers.

A small gasp leaves his mouth in surprise. Bobby’s hands instinctively wrap around her waist and hold tightly. His chin finds itself sitting on her shoulder and tucked slightly into her neck.

“You don’t have to pretend you’re okay with me. I see you and I see what you’ve been through. I’m here, Bobby, and I’m listening.” Athena whispers.

She can feel Bobby’s chest rise and fall with a deep breath. His grip on her waist loosens and he pulls away.

A few stray tears stick to the man’s face and Athena goes to wipe them away without thinking. Her hands cup his face while her thumbs swipe across his cheek. His breath catches.

Athena watches as Bobby’s lips slowly part looking down at her and he swallows harshly. His eyes dart back and forth across her face as if memorizing it.

“Look who’s staring now.” she mumbles. They lock eyes and neither seems to pull away.

“You’re awfully close..” Bobby trails off. His voice is low and almost raspy up close. Athena shutters against his body.

“You want me to move?” she asks, pulling away farther.

“No.”

Bobby pulls her back into his arms and wraps them around her waist again.

“Thank you. I think I needed that.” he murmured into her neck.

Athena smiles. “Glad to be of service.” she replies.

Chapter Text

After their whole whatever that even was thing from a few hours ago, Bobby and Athena had managed to get out of the hotel and walk around downtown Phoenix.

It was a nice day out, Athena bad actually taken her jacket off and tried stuffing it into her bag. It didn’t fit. Bobby being the gentleman he was, had offered to carry it for her.

He had stared while Athena lifted her arms and stripped the jacked off herself. It felt like a romance movie when the character slows down as they do something attractive and Bobby couldn’t take his eyes off. He had opened and closed his mouth a few times, but couldn’t figure out what to say. His heart raced and his forehead pooled with sweat. Eventually he saw the struggle of Athena trying to fit the jacket in her bag and he settled with,

“Do you want me to hold it for you?”

Athena had looked up and smiled at him like he just cured whatever illness she had. His heart pumped faster and he tried smiling back as best he could.

They had stopped at a park bench to rest for a while. The wind had picked up a bit and it flower through Athena’s hair beautifully. Bobby didn’t take his eyes off her once.

“You’re doing it again.” Athena teased.

“Not doing anything.” Bobby reasoned.

“You’re looking at me funny.”

“You look nice. Sun’s hitting you well.” he mumbled, looking away.

“Bobby Nash! Are you flirting with me?”

A grin broke across his lips. “Nope. Wouldn’t dream of such a thing.”

“Good.” Athena nodded. “Might get you in trouble.” she mumbled a lot quieter.

Bobby heard her anyway and he had to hold in the gasp that threatened to escape. His stomach rumbling managed to cover it up well.

Athena turned to face him and raised a brow.

“You hungry?”

“Apparently. My stomach says so.”

The woman starts to stand. “Let’s go find something to eat then. We’re near Roosevelt Row, I bet we can find something there. I could eat too.”

A hand extends out to Bobby to help him get up. He could get up by himself just fine, but it was nice of Athena to offer. (she just wanted to hold his hand)

“What about this place?” Athena asks, pointing to the building beside them.

“It’s a bar, Athena. What are we supposed to eat at a bar?” Bobby mocks.

“Dunno, but we’ll find something.” she shrugs, opening the door and walking in. Bobby groans and follows, because what else was he supposed to do? Not follow her? No way.

“Well, see anything you like?” Athena asks once their inside and looking at the menu.

The small building is pretty crowded with lunch hour rush and their bodies are pushing tightly together. It’s hard to focus on reading a menu when the can feel each other’s body heat so close.

“I’ll probably just get a burger. Not much else on here anyway.” Bobby mumbles.

“You’re picky, aren’t you?” Athena teases.

“Well, what are you gonna get, then?”

“Nachos. They’re easy.”

Bobby rolls his eyes. “Yeah, fun. Up until you drip cheese all over your white shirt and complain about it to me all day.”

Athena looks playfully offended. “Wooow, I know you did not just say that. I don’t even complain that much!”

“Yeah, okay. It’s not like you sat on my desk for an hour complaining about how Lou took over the case because you’re not a detective. Which you aren’t, by the way.”

Athena scoffed. “It was not an hour! And he normally lets me help on his cases! It was no different that time.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“I’m kicking you out.” Athena states. “Go find a table or something, I’ll order.”

Bobby expression changes quickly. “Are you sure? I can stay here if you need me to-”

“Bobby, hush. Did you forget I’m a literal police sergeant? I can handle myself.” Athena reassures. The man still doesn’t look convinced.

In a softer tone, Athena says “Come find me once you’ve gotten us a table.”

With that, Bobby finally nods and heads off the other direction.

The line to order anything is longer than Athena would’ve liked it to be. There seems to only be a few people working. She sighs. This might be a while.

“Hey, beautiful.” A voice calls. Athena closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

Cat-callers. Damn it. This is to be expected, though. She wishes Bobby would come back back already.

Athena turns to see a middle-aged man standing beside her with a grin on his face. She tries smiling as best she can.

“Hi.”

“You look really nice today. I like the way this shirt fits you.” the man says. She’s briefly reminded of Bobby words from earlier that morning, but this guy is much more jabbing with his words.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” she says blankly.

“You ever been here? Let me buy you a drink, show you around? I can be pretty good company.” he asks, winking.

Gross. Men like this are disgusting. Bobby isn’t that type of man. He would never do something like this to a woman. Actually, he would probably get too scared and stutter over his own words. Athena almost laughs out loud when the thought pops in her head.

“I think I’m okay. I can order for myself, thank you, though.”

“I could order for you, if you’d like? I’ll get myself something while we’re at it. I’ve already got a table ready, if you’ll join me-”

Chapter Text

At that moment, Athena spots Bobby’s tall frame coming closer and she begs for him to get here sooner. Once he’s at arm’s length, she immediately reaches for him.

Athena pulls Bobby closer and wraps an arm around his waist, resting her hand on his hip.

“There he is!” Athena exclaims.

“Hey, baby!” She squeezes his hip a bit tighter to send the message.

Bobby freezes at the pet name but quickly recovers when he sees what’s happening.
It’s like he knows Exactly what’s needed in this situation. He casually swings an arm around Athena’s shoulder and presses a kiss to the top of her head.

“Hey.” he mumbles into her hair.

The man reels back, obviously aware that Bobby is much bigger than he is.

“Oh. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were here with someone.” he says.

Athena laughs lightly. “That’s okay. I meant to tell you my boyfriend was around here somewhere-”

Bobby’s hand on her shoulder gripped tightly at the mention of being Athena’s boyfriend. She pretended not to notice.

“Uh, yeah, sorry again. I should’ve asked, my bad. You two enjoy your night.” the man says and scurries off.

Neither Bobby or Athena let go from their hold on the other. Bobby looks quite shaken currently. Athena sighs from the energy that man took out of her.

The realization dawns on her that she just put Bobby in a bad spot. She snaps her head up to look at him.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to put you in that kind of situation. I just- that guy wasn’t giving up and you were right there- so I just..”

“Athena, stop.” Bobby instructs. She listens.

“I’m perfectly okay with being your fake boyfriend if you need me to, especially if it means getting guys like him to back off.”

A shocked expression flies across Athena’s face. “Really? You’re sure it’s not weird?”

“What did you literally just tell me this morning? We’re friends, it’s not weird, Athena.”

Bobby’s voice falters a bit at the mention of “friends” but he brushes past it.

“Right. We’re friends, it’s all good.” Athena mumbles.

The pair end up ordering as planned and sit at the table Bobby scoped out earlier. They’re halfway through their meal when Bobby grumbles something incoherent.

“Huh?” Athena asks.

“You shouldn’t have to deal with that.” he grumbles again.

“You mean the constant flow of guys half my age trying to hit on me? Yeah, I’m aware, thank you.” she mocks.

“I’m serious, Athena, you shouldn’t have to deal with that. It’s not on you that guys are so testosterone-driven and hit on you all the time. That’s not fair to you.”

Athena pauses. She hadn’t expected this type of reaction from Bobby. I mean, she knew he was protective and didn’t like immature kids with raging testosterone, but this? This felt different for some reason.

“Bobby. Hey, look at me.” He did.

“It’s not on you either.” she states.

“Never said it was.”

“No, but you’re thinking it. I see right through you. You think if you would’ve gotten to me sooner none of this would’ve happened. That’s not true.”

Bobby grunts. “Shoulda never told you anything ‘bout me. I was gonna ask how you know all this, but what the hell, you’re a police sergeant, of course you know everything.”

Athena frowns at the sudden change of emotion from the man beside her. She reaches out to put a hand onto of his. Bobby flinches at the touch, but doesn’t pull away.

“No, it’s because it’s you, not because it’s my job. Whether you like it or not, I know you, Bobby. That just how it is.” Athena states.

The man beside her grunts in frustration. “We never used to tell each other this much or spill so many secrets. Why is this happening now?”

Athena giggles softly and the sound warms Bobby’s heart.

“Because there’s tennnnsion.. And we’ve never spent this much time alone together, we’re getting to know each other, like you said.” she says dramatically.

“Tension is right.” Bobby rolls his eyes. “I’m getting kinda sick of this restaurant, whatdya say we go check some other stuff out?”

Athena’s lips form into a grin. “I would love that.

Chapter Text

As the wind picked up even more that day, Athena had snatched her jacket back from Bobby while they walked. Her shoulder bumped into his multiple times as she tipped into his person bubble. Bobby guessed she was still cold and this was her way of getting more body heat.

“You still cold?” he asked.

“No.” she answered.

A minute passed before the man spoke again. “You sure?” Bobby asked.

“Maybe.” Athena shrugged.

Bobby shifted closer to her body and wrapped a strong arm around her shoulder. It was a bit of an uncomfortable position as they walked, but if it kept Athena warm, he would do it without hesitation.

“That better?” he whispered

Athena leaned into the wall that made up his body and hummed contently.

“Much better.” she mumbled.

“That’s good.” Bobby sighed.

“Why do you always know what people need?”

“We’re first responders.” he shrugged. “Being everyone’s calm in the chaos is kind of our jobs.”

“No, I asked why you, specifically, always know. I’ve never met anyone like you, Bobby Nash.”

A smile threatened to escape Bobby’s lips, but he refused to let it appear.

“Dunno, guess it’s just who I am.”

Athena took a moment to look at the man next to her. Because he was so much taller than her, his jaw was the first thing she saw.

And God, was that jaw something.

Athena imagined laying onto of his chest, peppering a string a kisses down his jawline and to his neck, feeling two big hands on her hips and holding her steady.

Her gaze trailed down to his chest and his stomach. Bobby had muscles, that was no doubt, but he also had a bit of a tummy. And that, that was extremely attractive. She remembered the way his shirt rode up earlier and seeing those little hairs poking out.

If her gaze lowered a little further, she might-

Oh. Yep.

Seeing even the tiniest bulge in Bobby pants makes Athena’s body jerk. She knows it would probably never happen, but a woman could imagine.

And Athena sure did.

Having Bobby’s hands on her body, exploring her body? Now that would be a dream come true. Having Bobby’s cock in her body would be an even bigger dream come true.

Not the time to be thinking about this, though.

Athena realizes she’s been in her head for a while now, forgetting to respond to Bobby.

“Well, I like who you are.” Athena says.

She can feel Bobby shift a bit to get a better look at her. She tilts her chin to look up at him too. His eyes soften and his jaw drops slightly. Athena can feel herself sweating and her heart start to race. She tries smiling. Bobby pulls out an ear to ear grin. Her smile drops and she swallows hard. She can see his pupils growing ten sizes.. and oh my God, how are they not kissing right now.

Bobby’s gaze drops to her lips for a millisecond and he turns his head back in front of him.

Damn it. That could’ve been it, Athena curses herself internally.

She starts to wonder.. All these chances, all these moments, do they mean anything to Bobby? Or is this just a one sided thing and she’s seeing it all in her head? God, she hoped not. But would she ever admit that? No.

And all of a sudden Bobby’s unwrapping his arm from her shoulder and he’s pulling away, and what did she do wrong?

Oh? But all of a sudden he’s grabbing her hand and interlocking their fingers and he’s pulling her into a nearby building that she can’t ready the sign of.

“Bobby? Where are we going?” Athena asks.

“Shh, just trust me, you’ll like it.” Bobby whispers. And Oh My God, Athena’s practically foaming at the mouth from how turned on she is by this man.

Bobby leads her into an elevator where he pushes the number 4 with one hand because the other hand is still interlocked with Athena’s and someone would have to pry them apart if she didn’t tell him to let go.

Athena glances down at their joined hands, then up at Bobby’s face and she can’t help but smile. He watches from the corner of his eye before looking down to meet hers. A small little smirk flys across his lips.

Bobby’s gaze lowers to Athena’s lips and back up to her eyes in a flash, but she notices. He does it again, slower this time, and she reeeaally notices. A sharp intake of breath leaves her body when she sees Bobby’s lips part ever so slightly. His eyes soften and bit and Athena swears his pupils are growing again. She also swear he leaned closer just the tiniest bit.

So, she takes her chance and leans in the tiniest bit too. And oh, he definitely just leaned in more. And oh-

Oh. The elevator dings, causing Bobby to jerk his focus to the now opening doors. He glances back to Athena, briefly, and tugs her closer, signaling to follow him.

Damn it. Another missed chance. How many more of these will Athena have before she gets what she really wants?

Chapter Text

Athena follows Bobby down a long hallway before he stops them in front of a fully blacked-out door. He lets go of Athena’s hand and fishes out a small orange ticket from his wallet.

With one hand, Bobby opens the blackened door, and with the other he gently pushes Athena into the room. She gasps.

“Oh my God, Bobby.” she moans. “It’s beautiful.”

The man grins from beside her. “I told you you would like it.”

All the lights are turned off in the room and the walls are decked with the little yellow fairy lights. There’s some battery powered roses hanging off the walls as well, casting a soft pink glow into the restaurant. Tables are scattered throughout the area and a small bar sits in the corner. A slow jazz band plays from the stage and some couples are up and dancing.

“You got us a reservation?!” Athena exclaimed.

Bobby grins again, nodding. “Course I did. No two people go to Phoenix without coming here.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t know you had a ticket this whole time.” Athena shakes her head, laughing.

“I can be sneaky.” Bobby laughs along.

A waiter comes over and asks for their ticket and seats them on the right side of the restaurant with a beautiful view of the city lights beneath them.

Bobby seems to be glowing in this light. The city light from down below cast a soft yellow stream across his body, making him look so much more handsome than ever.

“Take a picture.” Bobby says. “It’ll last longer.”

Athena freezes. “What?!”

“Of the city. From up here.”

“Oh. Right, yeah, that’s a good idea.”

Athena pulls out her phone, flips it sideways, and angles it just enough so that Bobby’s face is in frame.

If this isn’t the most perfect picture of Bobby ever, Athena doesn’t know what is.

He’s stunning? In a landslide, the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on. She wouldn’t ever get tired of looking at that man’s face. Ever!

Athena flips her phone back upright and gets another picture of Bobby grinning too proudly at her to notice the camera, and her heart goes insane.

Oh my God. What was happening between them?

“Can I take a picture of you?” Bobby asks.

“What?!” Athena squeaks.

“With your phone, of course. Just so you can remember this.”

A shy smile reaches Athena’s lips and she nods, handing her phone to Bobby.

Bobby grins as he holds her phone like an official photographer, which is really not the case right now.

“Kay, ready! Big smile!” he says and Athena giggles like a child.

“This is not elementary school picture day, Bobby. Please do do tell me to say cheese.”

The man pouts. “Awh, no? That’s what I was going to say next!”

They both giggle ‘til their cheeks hurt and Athena swats at Bobby’s arms.

“Stop making me laugh if you actually want to get a picture!” she says while laughing.

Bobby quickly shakes himself off and gets back into photographer position.

“Kay, you ready? I swear, no jokes this time.”

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

Instead of looking at the camera, Athena’s eyes travel to the face behind it. Bobby has the stupidest, cutest, little smirk sitting on his face and she just wants to pinch his cheeks and call him handsome.

Would his pupils grow if she were to do that? Would his lips part, even in the slightest? Would his eyes dart back and forth between her eyes and lips? Would he lean in like he had in the elevator? She hoped so.

“You look really nice.” Bobby tells her as he’s handing back the phone.

“You’re not too bad yourself.” Athena smiles.

Bobby lets out a low chuckle that makes the hairs on the back of Athena’s neck stand straight up and her southbound square tickle.

“Are we ready to order, you think?” Bobby wonders.

“Yeah. I think so.”

The man nods and waves down the nearest waitress he can find. His deep voice flows through the funky pronounced food names like it’s nothing and the pressure grows inside Athena.

She can’t keep squeezing her thighs together all night long, can she?

Chapter Text

I mean, Bobby’s cooking is fantastic, but this? This is the real thing.

Athena doesn’t know what could beat this. It’s unlike anything she’s ever eaten before. But again, Bobby’s unlike anything she’s ever seen before. It only makes sense that he would be the one to bring her here.

“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten anything this good!” Athena giggled around her fork.

Bobby dramatically put a hand to his heart, playfully offended by her accusation.

“Hey! What about my cooking?!” he exclaimed.

“Your cooking was the best thing I ever tasted before this.” Athena states.

Bobby pouts, then grins bright as the sun on an LA summer day.

“That’s pretty good, actually. I’ll take that.”

Athena giggles and swats at Bobby’s arm when he teases her about the way it sounds. She knows he’s joking, he loves her laugh. More than a lot of other things, more than most things.

The eye contact has been so active these past few minutes that Athena can’t ignore the feeling that she just wants to lunge over the table that separates them and smush her lips against his. She wants to force her hands into his hair while he grips her waist and he-

Yeah, Athena’s definitely getting ahead of herself. That’s not going to happen.

She still wishes is does, though.

Bobby’s grin widens as he reaches across the table and finds her hand, clasping their fingers together.

“Thanks for coming with me tonight.” he whispered.

Athena smiles as much she can without laughing from nervousness. “Thanks for getting us a reservation.” she whispered back.

The warmth that Athena feels from this man radiates throughout her body. That’s also when she realizes she’s had too much to drink tonight.

“I’m terribly sorry to ruin this moment,” her face scrunches sheepishly, “but I think I have to pee?”

Bobby chuckles, letting go of Athena’s hand.

“That’s okay, go ahead. I’ll keep you or seat warm for you.” he promised.

He could something else warm for her, Athena thinks. She shakes that though away, standing up and skipping off to the bathroom.

Bobby watches her go, watching the way her hips sway and her head turns back to smile innocently at him.

Once alone, Bobby’s elbows fall to the table, hands covering his face as he groans audibly into them. He takes a deep breath, exhaling more than he needed to just to let it all out.

Athena was driving him batshit fucking crazy. How was one meant to keep hands off that? Truthfully, he wasn’t keeping his hands off like he said he would. There were little moments like just now, when they were walking, in the elevator, times like that when they couldn’t stop themselves from touching each other so innocently and carefully.

Bobby loved those little touches, I mean,
who wouldn’t? But he also wanted more. He wanted not so innocent touch and rough kisses and roaming hands. He wanted to show Athena how much he loved her. He wanted to show her with both the loving, gentle hands and the hands that could undo her.

Athena wasn’t back from the bathroom yet. It was a thought that flew through his mind just as quick as it flew away.

What was she doing in there? Was she okay? Bobby had to make sure she was okay. He was going to check on her.

I mean- not him, him. Mainly because he wasn’t a woman and today wasn’t a good day to get into trouble, but he would ask someone else to check on her.

Standing up from their table and glancing to the front of the restaurant, Bobby’s blood ran cold.

There was a man. There was a man with hands on his Athena.

Athena stood out of the bathroom, small smile on her face, and tucked a little too close to this guy than Bobby would’ve liked.

The fury in his veins built up, up, up to the point where Bobby couldn’t control it when his strides reached Athena and the unknown man.

A thick and possessive hand wrapped around Athena’s back and settled tightly on her hip, pulling her closer to Bobby and away from unknown.

He leaned into her face, quickly swerving to her ear and enjoying the catch of her breath so close to his skin. A soft kiss was placed to the side of Athena’s hair.

“Hey, baby.” Bobby murmured with a slight rasp to his voice. The second catch of her breath was even hotter than the first. It was almost rewarding knowing that he could do these things to Athena. She gazed up at him longingly. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed and her lips part slowly, forming a seductive smile.

“Was wondering where you ventured off to.” Bobby smirked, leaning a bit back. Athena pulled him closer and clung onto his middle like a lifeline. That probably meant she was hoping to get away from unknown man.

Her voice didn’t sound that way, though.

“Just… meeting a new friend.” Athena looked Bobby up and down, hoping to get a reaction out of him.

Bobby leaned in farther, his lips practically touching her ear.

“Mmm, is that so?” he huffed.

For the first time since intercepting unknown hitting on Athena, Bobby finally turns is attention to the man, still holding Athena.

“‘m Bobby.” he says. “Who’re you?”

The man visibly shrinks himself under the gaze of a 6-foot man claiming this woman he just tried hitting on. His eyes shoot wide open.

“Uhm, uh- I’m Scott, bu-but I was just leaving. I’m sorry, I- I didn’t realize. You…you two have a good night. Sorry. Again.”

As Scott shimmies off, Bobby spins back to face Athena. The smirk that sits on her lips looks amazing, but his mind is elsewhere.

“Are you okay?” Bobby asks.

Athena completely ignores his question, looking the man up and down again. “You came in pretty hot just then.” she provoked.

Bobby frowns, sighing.

“Athena.” His voice drops. “Are you okay?”

The woman rolls her eyes. “Yes, Bobby. I’m okay. He didn’t try anything, I’m fine-”

“But would he have?” Bobby cuts her off. “Would he have tried anything if I wasn’t there? Would he have done something to you?”

Athena tips her head to the side knowingly. “I don’t think he would have, Bobby. And if he did… I would’ve been able to handle myself. A woman can protect herself, you know. We don’t all need a strong, muscular firefighter like you.”

Bobby’s soft smile turns into a laugh as his chest vibrates against Athena. Her heart swells at the thought that she could make him laugh so freely. He could do the same to her if he tried.

“You wanna head back to the hotel now? Or-” Bobby starts.

“Yes, please.” Athena finished.

Chapter Text

Athena insists on showering first and Bobby doesn’t put up a fight. He could use some alone time right now.

That was basically a date, wasn’t it? I mean, neither of them had confirmed it or anything, but they ate a meal together and enjoyed each other’s presence for over an hour?

And the whole “baby” thing? That didn’t mean nothing to Bobby and he sure as hell hoped it didn’t mean nothing to Athena.

Oh, and don’t even bring up the elevator. He was going to. He was going to kis- then the elevator dinged and their moment had ended.

Bobby also got to hold Athena’s hand today. Nothing could’ve prepared him for that either. The buzz that continued to flow throughout his veins even after they had separated was unlike anything he’d ever felt before.

He’s sitting on the bed, leaned back against a few pillows, eyes shut when the bathroom door opens and a rush of hot air comes with it.

Bobby can hear the floor stop creaking in front of the bed as Athena stops to look at him.

“Are you sleeping?” she whisper-shouts.

Bobby peeks into the world with one eye and shakes his head.

“Ah, got it. Just resting. Well, shower’s open when you’re ready for it.” Athena shrugs.

“Guess I should get to it..” Bobby grunts as he hops off the bed and grabs his extra set of clothes.

He only realizes once he’s in the bathroom that he’s forgotten his towel. It would be totally fine if he just threw his clothes back on and went back out to grab it but..

A terrible, awful, extremely dirty and unfair idea pops into his head and he just has to do it.

Bobby unlocks the bathroom door and steps out into their shared hotel room and watches as Athena’s expression turns for confusion to pure shock to something even more.

“Sorry, sorry, just forgot my towel. Don’t mind me.” Bobby mutters as he reaches into his suitcase and purposefully flexes juuuust a tiny bit.

Athena’s eyes travel slowly from his bare collarbone down to his pecs, where the hair is thickest, down to his stomach, which makes her toes curl, and even down to his waistband where his jeans still sit, sadly.

Bobby Nash isn’t wearing his fucking shirt and Athena Grant doesn’t know how she’s restraining herself right now.

She can’t help but to stare. Who wouldn’t??

Bobby disappears back into the bathroom just as quickly as he came out of it and Athena has to sit alone with her thoughts.

Bobby Nash just walked into his shared hotel room with Athena Grant shirtless to see her reaction.

He knows now. This isn’t one-sided. It probably hasn’t been for a while now, but he had to make sure. Athena can’t hear it, but Bobby’s laughing to himself as he’s washing the shampoo from his hair while he wonders how long it’ll take for one of them to snap.

He hopes not long.

Athena doesn’t bring up the whole shirt incident as they’re getting ready to go to bed. They’ve both gotten changed into more comfortable clothes and are now laying side by side on their backs on the bed.

Athena twists to turn off the lamp on her side of the bed and Bobby gets the message to do the same.

It’s pitch black in their hotel room when Athena shifts, probably rolling over, and whispers into the dark.

“Good night, Bobby.” she says.

“Good night, Athena.” he replies, but doesn’t make any attempt to roll over or get comfortable on his side of the bed.

It’s going to be a long night.

Chapter Text

Bobby’s sleeping situation is the same as the night before, except there’s no pillow in between them, and it’s driving him crazy. It would be so easy to just reach out and touch Athena’s body or pull her closer to his body.

He’s been staring at the ceiling for 20 minutes at least when he hears Athena shifting again.

“Bobby..?” she mumbles.

“‘Thena? Why’re you still up?”

“Was gonna ask you the same thing.”

“Can’t sleep, I guess.”

“Mm, me neither. You should c’mere.”

Bobby’s heart seems to come crashing down to a halt and his clears his throat to stop himself from coughing up his lungs.

“What?!”

“C’mere, I wanna cuddle.” Athena murmurs.

“Come lay with me, Bobby.” she repeats after Bobby’s made no attempt to move.

“Uhm, yea- o-okay.” he stutters and scoots closer to Athena’s body.

“How do you want me-”

“ - Lay on me - ”

“ - You want me to - ”

“ - Yeah, I don’t care how heavy you are, lay on my chest, Bobby - ”

“ - O-okay?”

Bobby brackets his arms on either side of Athena’s shoulders and lets himself stand above her for a moment, noticing the way her sleepy smile shines up at him.

He could easily lean down and kiss her right now- the urge to do so is strong, but he knows that would be unfair while she’s still half asleep.

Bobby lowers himself down on top of Athena’s body and lets himself relax as her hands wrap around his back.

“This okay?” he murmured.

“Mhm, you’re good..” Athena replied.

A sigh of relief escaped Bobby’s lips and he tried breathing normally. It was a challenge to do so, mainly because he was afraid of crushing Athena with his own body, and because he was already breathing so heavily with the anxiety flowing through his veins.

It wasn’t every day that the woman you loved asked to cuddle with you, especially when things were changing between the two of you, but you still had to keep your hands to yourself for a little while.

A few minutes pass before Athena says anything more. “You came in hot with that guy at the restaurant..” she trails off.

“I was just doing my fake-boyfriend duties.”

“Mmm, you’re really good at that, you know?”

“I try. Besides- they don’t deserve you.” Bobby points out.

Athena squirms underneath him just enough for Bobby to instinctively push himself up and off her with his crazy strong fireman arms.

Bobby trailed his eyes up and down the woman, checking for an visible injuries he may have caused or why she started moving.

Athena just gazed up at the man intently. “And you do?”

Bobby connects their eyes as he thinks about this for a moment.

“I dunno- probably not, but I guess that’s up for you to decide.” he shrugs.

Athena hums and reaches for him, grabbing his biceps and pulling him back down on top of her. Bobby lands with a “oomph” and settles himself back onto her chest.

“I think you deserve someone who really loves you too, Bobby.” Athena whispers.

Bobby tips his chin up to look at her. “I want that someone to be you.” he confesses.

“I know.”

The man pushes himself back up onto his palms so he’s towering over Athena once more and he lowers himself just the tiniest bit so their faces almost touch.

The buzz Bobby felt while holding Athena’s hand, and while in the elevator, and while in the restaurant is racing through his veins once again he really, really does not want it to stop this time.

“‘Thena, I-”

Bobby’s looking down at her like there’s only a sliver of a barrier that’s stopping him from leaning all the way down and kissing her with all the energy he’s got.

Athena’s looking up at him like that’s what she wants…but if they do this, this is it.

“Bobby, if you do this, there’s no going back.”

“I know. I swear, I won’t-”

“ - Kiss me. It’s okay - ”

“ - Are you sure? - ”

“ - If you don’t stop looking at me like that, then I’ll do it myself - ”

“ - I don’t want to regre - ”

“ - Come here.”

Athena grabs Bobby’s face in her two hands and pulls him the rest of the way down until their lips are crashing together and Bobby’s moaning into her mouth while his hands are venturing lower, squeezing themselves into her hips and holding on tight.

He breaks the kiss, gasping for air and their foreheads bonk together.

“Is that what you wanted?” Athena huffed.

“Definitely.” Bobby rasped.

“Kay, go to bed now. I’m tired.”

“Yes ma’am, going to bed now.”

Bobby slumps himself back down onto Athena’s chest and listens to her heart beat and her breathing steady as he finally is able to fall asleep as well.

Wasn’t that something?

Chapter Text

Despite Athena’s demands for Bobby to sleep across her chest, Bobby wakes up with Athena in his arms. She’s got two arms very tightly wrapped around his stomach, snoring softly.

She’s curled into his side and one of his arms lays under her body, wrapping around her back and settling on her waist. It’s so familiar in the weirdest way.

Bobby’s other hand is curled around her bicep, holding on tightly like he doesn’t ever want to let go of this woman.

He really doesn’t.

Athena’s everything he’s ever wanted. He’s scared. They kissed last night. Then fell asleep holding each other. That’s not nothing. Bobby had been the one to initiate it, but Athena was the one to follow through. This does mean she likes him back, right?

God, Bobby hoped that was the case. That was all he wanted. For Athena to at least feel some of the same feelings he did.

The way she looked at him had to mean something. Something more than “just friends.”

A friend wouldn’t get flustered when you walked out of the bathroom shirtless. A friend wouldn’t lean into your possessiveness while someone else was hitting on them. A friend wouldn’t take pictures of you grinning ear to ear or eye you up and down hungrily like Athena did.

They weren’t fucking friends but neither would acknowledge that fact.

So when Athena stirred for the first time that morning, Bobby pretended everything he just thought wasn’t real. It never crossed his mind that they were something more than friends.

“mm- Bobby?” Athena mumbled.

His grip on her upper arm tightened at the sound of her sleepy voice.

“Morning.”

“you’re…awake?”

“Yeah. Have been for a little while.”

“oh. you alright?”

“I- w-wha- yeah, I’m good.”

“mm okay.”

With the confirmation that all is good, Athena snuggles herself back into Bobby’s arms. Her face buries into the crook of his neck, lips grazing against his skin. Bobby takes a sharp intake of breath as the feeling shoots bolts of energy through his veins.

“A-Athena, you’re-”

“Hmm?” she murmurs.

“Nothing, e-everything’s good.”

“You sure?” Athena asks. Her voice sounds less sleepy, like she’s aware of what she’s doing to Bobby.

“Yup! I’m sure!” Bobby squeaks.

“Mmmmhmm.” she hums. The slight shift of Athena’s head moves her lips closer to Bobby’s neck as the air from her mouth tickles his skin.

Bobby jerks forward as Athena leans in more, her hand wrapping around the other side of his neck, pulling him closer to her body. Her lips make contact with his neck and Bobby’s holds his breath, eyes widening from the touch.

A few gentle kisses are pressed to the soft skin of Bobby’s neck and he tilts his head so Athena can cover more ground with her lips. His hands settle on either side of her waist, pulling her more and more until she’s straddling his stomach.

Athena hums in acknowledgment of his demands. Bobby wants her closer? Oh she’ll get closer. Her kisses become more firm, sucking gently against his skin. A low moan vibrates through Bobby’s throat and Athena grins against his neck.

“You like this, don’t you?” Athena murmurs against his throat.

“I do.” Bobby says, his voice low and rough.

It sends tingling feelings down into her bloodstream to hear such an attractive sound. It also gives her more courage.

Athena’s kisses get a bit more messy against Bobby’s neck. A few times are more bites than kisses, but she soothes those ones over with a flick of her tongue. Bobby reacts pleasantly to her tongue, causing those little moans to escape from his lips, and sending more vibrations for Athena to feel.

She decides to go further, reaching lower and pulling his shirt down to reveal his collarbone and pressing on more kisses. Bobby throws his head back against the pillow, moaning and Athena takes it as a compliment.

“You’re such a tease.” he gasps.

“Thought you said you liked it?” Athena grinned in between kisses.

“I did.” Bobby rasped.

“Then stop complaining.” Athena orders.

Bobby smirked, leaning his head back up to watch Athena spread her mouth up and down his neck and jaw. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the feeling growing in his pants and focus on the woman in front of him.

Athena moved her face up to his, cupping his cheeks and looking so softly and intently into his eyes. The teasing of Athena’s lips on his was insufferable that Bobby just wanted to give in. His lips parted and his eyes darted from Athena’s eyes to her lips.

Before Bobby had the chance to do anything, Athena lifted her leg over his stomach and rolled off the bed, grinning at herself.

Bobby threw his head back once more, groaning and chuckling at her behavior. “You’re such a tease.” he repeated.

Athena shrugged innocently, giggling some and grabbing a set of clothes before throwing him a smile as she swayed off into the bathroom to change for the day.

Bobby starts giggling too once he hears the lock of the bathroom door. He hops off the bed, shaking his head and laughing in disbelief. Grabbing his own set of clothes for the day, Bobby gets dressed wondering what the day could bring for the two of them.

There’s no itinerary built for today, just a free space for them to decide. Bobby can’t help but think today might be the best day of their trip. Maybe today will be the day he can finally tell Athena how he feels? And today could be the day they celebrate every day for the next few years.

That would mean Athena confirming her feelings as well. That shouldn’t be a problem now, look what just happened. There should be no forks in their road today. One could hope.

One could never be sure, though.

Chapter Text

Bobby was briefly reminded of their drive down to Phoenix just then. Naturally, the sun and wind did wonders to Athena’s skin. Weather conditions and Athena were a deadly combo.

Their destination was unknown to Bobby, yet he was the one driving. Athena had put an address into his phone and ordered for him to start driving.

“You wanna tell me where we’re going?” Bobby asked for the third time.

“No, I do not. You can stop asking, though. It’s a surprise.” Athena smirked.

“Oh yeah?” Bobby mocked. “Just like this morning was and just like last night-”

Athena put a finger to his lips. “Hush, you. It’s my turn for surprises.”

Bobby cocked a brow. “Oh? That’s what this is then? You’re surprising me?”

“Noooo…”

A cackle left Bobby’s throat. “Uh huh. You’re a worse liar than Chimney.”

Athena gasped, laughing. “Don’t you ever compare me to that man. I am a much better liar than he is.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll give you some credit. You’re still a bad liar around me, though.” Bobby chuckles.

“Maybe ‘cause I don’t want to lie to you.” Athena mumbles.

“Mayne I don’t want you to lie to me.” Bobby mumbles back.

He’s not actually sure what they’re talking about here, but Bobby hopes it’s what he thinks.

Maybe Athena doesn’t want to hide her feelings, she’s just waiting for him to say something?

Before anything more is said, Bobby’s phone is telling him to turn left and he’s driving into the parking lot of a cute little restaurant with blue painted walls and fairy lights strung across the patio.

“This is your surprise?” he asks.

“What? You don’t like it?” Athena worries.

“Oh, no, I didn’t say that.”

“So you do like it?”

“Yeah, I love it.”

Athena beams at the confirmation. “Well?! What are you waiting for, get out!”

Bobby freezes for a minute before he realizes what’s being said. He quickly opens his door and jogs over to Athena’s side, opening hers as well.

Just as any gentleman would, Bobby also holds the door for her and helps her step out of the car.

“You’re doing too much, Nash.” Athena scoffs.

“Mm, really? I thought this was a good amount?” Bobby grins as he opens the restaurant door for her as well.

Athena just rolls her eyes and finds them a table. It’s more of a brunch now, than breakfast, so they order waffles and chicken to share.

They’ve never shared food before, but oh well, times are changing, right?

“You should’ve let me made something for you, you know I can cook.” Bobby suggests.

“We’re in Arizona, Bobby. We’re here to try new things and get to know each other.”

“Get to know each other, huh? Is that what this is?” he asks, pointing between the two of them.

“Uh huh,” Athena nods. “It is.”

“Okay… well what do you want to know about me?” Bobby wonders.

“Can you dance.” Athena states.

“Can I dance?” the man repeats.

“Yes. Can you dance?”

Bobby hesitates. “I mean, in a general sense, ye-”

Athena claps, stopping his speech. “Perfect. That’s great, you’ll be fine.”

“…I’ll be fine, what?”

“Oh, nothing. It’s a surprise.”

Bobby leans back in his chair, laughing to himself. “Another surprise, I see how it is.” he mutters.

“No, you don’t. It’s a surprise, you can’t see it.” Athena jokes.

“Uh huh, you’re funny.”

Athena puts a hand to her heart playfully. “Aw, thank you.”

As the woman takes a bite of her food, Bobby notices the drop of syrup fall onto her lip.

“You got a little something…” he mumbled, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table.

“What? Where?” Athena asks.

“Can I…?”

Athena nods and leans in for Bobby to reach easier. His thumb comes up to swipe the droplet of syrup off her lip while her finger cup around her jawline.

A few obvious sneak glances at Athena’s lips have been made and it’s an absolute crime that the man hasn’t broken the gap and to kiss her yet.

“There,” Bobby grins, leaning back into his chair. “All gone.”

Athena gawks at him, not knowing how to react. She ends up swatting his arm, with him laughing and pretending it hurt.

“Ow!”

“That did not hurt.” she says, unimpressed.

“What was that for?!” Bobby exclaimed.

“You’re a tease.” Athena answered.

Bobby cocks an eyebrow. “Oh, so just like you were this morni-”

Athena shoves her finger to the man’s lips. “Shut. Up.”

“Uh huh. That’s payback, by the way.”

“No, it’s not. You’re just rude.” Athena rolls her eyes.

“You like it.” Bobby grins.

“Maybe I do. I’m not saying yes to you.”

“We’ll work on that.”

Chapter Text

The beat is pumping loud—louder than Bobby’s heartbeat, and louder than he can hear it through his ears. He isn’t sure how that’s possible.

Athena’s hand is intertwined with Bobby’s, leading them through a huge crowd of people, some slightly tipsy and some fully drunk, barely any sober.

He’s not exactly sure how they got to this, but they did and Bobby’s just rolling with it.

Some music festival, he thinks. Athena and her damn games, he also thinks.

“Bobby, come onnn.” she whines from in front of him, pulling harder.

“What more do you want me to do?” Bobby asks. “I’m following you, aren’t I?”

“Yes, but there’s a certain spot we need to get to, and I don’t want other people to take it.”

Bobby groans, rolling his eyes back, and trying to think of a new plan. A new band is coming out from behind the curtains in less then an hour and Athena has been begging for them to go see.

In one swift motion, Bobby switches their position and grabs Athena by her hips and pulls her close, murmuring into her ear.

“Just tell me where to go.” he says. Bobby’s voice is so low and so rough and so close to her neck that it makes the shiver of attraction fly all the way down south.

The man has moved them around so he’s now in front of Athena, dragging her along while directions spill from her lips.

Bobby’s actually doing a great job of leading them to where Athena is telling him to, but that shouldn’t be much of a surprise, he does captain a whole firehouse.

“Bobby. Bobby, stop! Right here!” Athena tugs on the man’s hand.

He stops and spins around. “Right here?” Bobby asks, pointing with his free hand.

Athena squints. “Yes, right here.” she mocks.

Bobby helps her sit in the grass once they’re done throwing insults back and forth. Athena doesn’t loosen her hold on Bobby’s hand for even a second. He notices.

“So,” Bobby says, grinning and looking down at their conjoined fingers. “You like my hands?”

Athena freezes, eyes wide, at the question. Truth is, she loves Bobby’s hands. They would probably hold so much more power if he would just use them on her body. The veins that pop when Bobby moves them in a certain way, the way they trail up his forearms and up to his massive biceps. What can a girl not love about those hands?

Bobby’s hands are the ones that lead the rest of the 118 through dangerous fires and unsafe conditions. They’re the hands that hold people up when the want to fall down. Bobby does some of the most courageous things with hands like those, obviously Athena likes them.

She would like them so much more if he’d just touch her with them.

Athena shrugs. “Yeah, they’re alright.”

The man’s grin turns into a smirk as he watches the emotions fly across her face.

“I don’t mind, you know.”

Athena turns to face Bobby. “Don’t mind what?” she asks.

“If you hold my hand. It’s kind of nice, really. You’ve got soft hands.” he admits.

Athena rolls her eyes. “I’m holding your hand because I want to, not because you want me to.”

Bobby nods. “Okay.”

It takes maybe 20 minutes of the pair talking about whatever comes to mind while they lay backs down on the grass before the band jumps out from behind the curtain and starts the music.

Athena sits up immediately, pulling Bobby with her so they can stand and sway to the music along with the rest of the crowd.

“Having fun?” Bobby shouts from over all the noise.

“Yeah! Aren’t you?” Athena shouts back.

The smile from Bobby’s lips as he’s watching her dance tells his answer.

When the beats start pounding again, Athena’s bouncing up and down, singing crazily to the lyrics that Bobby can’t understand with all the other noise. She looks back to him a few times, just to make sure he’s still there and still okay.

He is. He’s more than okay.

The sight of Athena so carefree and so happy is probably the best thing Bobby had ever seen. She was usually so hard and guarded on the job that it never felt like Athena, just a tinted version of herself. This, though? This was the Athena Bobby had fallen in love with.

The woman looked back once more, grabbing Bobby’s hands and swinging them around a bit as he spun her. His smile was huge as he watched Athena dancing, but her smile might’ve contained the sun with how bright is was beaming in Bobby’s direction.

When Athena turned back to face the stage, she had shifted closer to Bobby’s body, leaning back against his chest, taking a moment to breathe and catch her breath. His arms held instinctively onto her hips to hold her up.

“You okay?” Bobby leaned his head down, mumbling into her ear.

Athena tilted her head up to meet his gaze, and inches away from his lips. She smiled, flicking her eyes down to the soft pink color.

“Yeah, I’m good.” she whispered.

“Kay, just checking.” Bobby said. He, too, had let himself get a glance at the woman’s lips so close to his own.

As Athena straightened herself back into a standing position, and Bobby let go of her hips,
Athena’s backside rubbed a liiiittle too much against Bobby’s frontside.

Instantly, a hand of his went down to cover the affected area. It was just friction, it was just friction, Bobby repeated to himself.

Athena must’ve noticed because she tipped her head back to look at the mess of the man behind her.

Bobby met her gaze, face red and embarrassed, but Athena just smirked knowingly. She flicked her tongue out, wetting her lips ever so slightly as her smirk grew, still locked onto Bobby’s eye.

She watched the man’s eyes widen and then deepen with something more than just shock. Bobby’s lips formed into the same smirk Athena wore as he looked at her hungrily.

With one step, Bobby pushed himself closer to Athena. It was no secret of their height difference, Bobby was a tall man. It was a secret, though, that Athena craved a man like Bobby to dominate over her.

That’s exactly what he did. With this step, Bobby had wrapped his hands back to Athena’s hips as he stood behind her. He swayed them back and forth a bit, letting Athena feel it.

Letting her feel exactly the kinds of things she could do to him.

“Bobby- ” Athena whined.

Bobby leaned down so his lips were against her ear again.

“You know exactly what you’re doing to me, don’t you?” he growled.

Athena looked up again, her breathing deep when she looked into his eyes. Her eyes fluttered shut, before opening them and glancing straight at Bobby’s lips.

“I- yeah, I do.” she gasped.

Bobby shook his head. “You’re insufferable.”

“You’re the one that wanted to kiss me first.” Athena countered.

“mmm, and feisty.” Bobby hummed into her ear.

“Shut up, I can’t hear the music.”

“Yes ma’am.” Bobby grinned.

Athena glared daggers at him and pushed her hips back further to get a reaction out of him.

Bobby glared back and tried ignoring that she did get a reaction from it. “That’s not fair.” he grumbled.

“Oh, it for sure is.” Athena laughed.

“You’re not going to like your payback.” Bobby states.

“Uh huh.” Athena smiles.

She probably would like whatever payback Bobby will give, especially if it means more touch of his hands, wherever they are on her body.

Chapter Text

A slower song comes on a few minutes later and the usual bright, flashing lights had dimmed into slow, warm lights.

Bobby’s hands slithered themselves to Athena’s waist as she migrates closer to his body, but this time facing each other.

It’s the polar opposite of their earlier interaction, the love radiating off them instead of the lust.

Athena’s looking up at Bobby with an amount of affection that would make someone’s heart stop, and he’s looking down at her with the same amount.

Two little smiles sit on their faces as they explore each other’s eyes. It’s nothing but love that spread throughout their systems. The only thing missing is that neither has actually said it yet.

“‘s a nice song.” Bobby murmured.

His heart skips a beat when the little giggle Athena tries to hold back spills out.

“It is, isn’t it?” she says.

“Yeah.”

Athena hums. “Your eyes have a little-”

“ — Oh, so you like my eyes now, too? — ”

“ — Hush, I’m looking right into them — ”

“ — What do you see?”

“They’re nice, is all.”

“That’s all?”

“Yes.”

“Mmkay.”

Athena’s hands tightened around the back of Bobby’s neck as she pulls him closer. Bobby must know what she’s doing because his hands grip her waist more firmly as he tips his head down to meet hers.

Their lips collide softly against one another's and Athena can feel her knees buckling as Bobby holds her up effortlessly. A small “uuoph” noise comes from deep in Athena’s throat and she can feel the shiver run through Bobby’s body as he jerks forward.

When they pull away, heavy and labored breathing sounds fill the area around their bodies. Their foreheads collapse together.

“Thanks for coming with me.” Athena hoarsely whispers.

Bobby clears his throat before saying anything so the sound of it can’t betray what he’s feeling.

“Happy to.” he eventually whispers back.

Athena’s features deepen. “You know I’m gonna have to leave tonight, right?”

“Leave? Why?” the man frowns.

“I didn’t come here just to hang out with you, Bobby, I have a criminal to catch.” she says softly.

“Oh. Right.”

An awkward silence fills the bubble around them.

“That’s fine.” Bobby shrugs.

“That’s fine?” Athena asks.

“Yeah. I wouldn’t wanna take you away from what you need to do.”

“Right. Of course not.”

“Hey,” Bobby tips Athena’s chin up with his hand. “I’m serious, it’s okay. We’ll spend the rest of the night together before you leave and I’ll be here when you get back, it’s fine.”

A small, hopeful smile brightens the woman’s face. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Bobby nods.

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

Hours later after the bands have retreated, Bobby’s driving them back to the hotel. Music drifts through his truck’s speakers and lyrics are being sung quietly.

“Mind if I stop for gas?” Bobby asks over the noise.

Athena glanced at the man beside her, clearly judging him. “Bobby, it’s your car.” she mocks.

Bobby rolls his eyes. “Yeah, well.. I was just wondering if you cared or not.”

“It’s your car, you’re driving.” Athena points out.

“Fine. I’m gonna stop to get gas, yes? That better?”

“Much better.” she grins.

Bobby grunts.

When he’s pulled into a spot to get gas, Athena hops out excitedly. She stands next to his taller frame until he notices her presence.

“‘Thena… what’re you doing?” Bobby questions.

“Want any snacks? I can run in and grab something if you want anything?” Athena asks.

“With your money?”

“Well, ye-”

“No.” Bobby cuts her off.

“Bobby-”

“Athena.”

He gives Athena a pointed stare. She tries giving Bobby an equal glare, but it’s obvious he won this one. Fishing $10 from his wallet, Bobby tells her a brand of chips he likes, and off she goes.

When Athena returns, Bobby throws the bag in his truck and finishes filling his tank. Athena eyes him carefully.

“You okay?” she asks.

“Yeah?” he answers.

“You seem off.”

“I’m not.”

“Is it because I said I had to leave?” Athena wonders.

“No, I told you it was okay.” Bobby says.

“Yeah, but you don’t seem okay.”

“Athena, I’m fine.”

“Look, if it’s because I said I had to go, please don’t take it personally. That was the point of me coming here, you just came along. I’ll admit you being here was funner, but I still have to go out there and—”

The gas nozzle fell to the ground, abruptly, with a loud ‘clank’.

The force of all Bobby’s weight quickly fell onto Athena as he pinned with with one hand against the driver’s side door, the other hand grabbing her face and connecting their lips.

The intensity of Bobby’s actions may have been strong, but the way he kissed her wasn’t.

It was slow, deliberate, and gentle, like he was about to break.

Athena’s hands flew to his sides immediately, pulling Bobby closer to feel more of his grounding weight on her body.

She kissed back just as softly, enough to feel when he couldn’t take it anymore.

When Bobby pulled away, Athena could tell he was a mess. His forehead dropped, clashing against hers as his breathing tried to even out.

“…Bobby?” she whispered.

He shook his head.

“Get…” a few shaky breaths. “back in the car.”

Athena didn’t argue. “O-okay.” she stumbled.

Bobby peeled himself away from Athena’s body and looked at the concrete for a while. She quickly ran to her side of the car and hopped in without saying another word.

Chapter Text

Bobby storms into the hotel room, refusing to look a the woman behind him until she speaks.

“Bobby.” Athena’s voice comes through firmly. “Bobby, don’t do that. Talk to me.” she commands.

He spins around swiftly, an angry expression set upon his face.

“About what, Athena?! I don’t have anything to say to you!” Bobby exclaimed.

Athena reacts with equal frustration. “I don’t know?! Maybe the way you kissed me like- like I was-” she shakes her head. “You know what, never mind.”

“No. No, you don’t get to do that. Finish that sentence.” Bobby growls.

“You kissed me like it was the last time you would ever see me! What was that about?! You think you can just do that and expect me to just say nothing?!” she shouts.

The man swallows. “Maybe it was. You never know what’s happening between us.” he mutters.

Athena frowns. “What does that even mean, Bobby?” she begs.

“I don’t know what you want from me, Athena.” he says lowly. Leave it alone, I didn’t even mean it.”

She scoffs. “Oh, please! If you didn’t mean it, you wouldn’t have done it. That’s not true and you know it.”

“You don’t know that.” the man grumbles.

“I do! I know you, Bobby!” Athena exclaims.

“Mhm… you say that.”

“I don’t just “say that”! I do know you, but you’re not giving me much right now.”

“I don’t know what you want from me.” Bobby says flatly.

“I want feelings, Bobby! We’ve been dancing around each other all week and now you just- you just kiss me like that?!”

“Now you admit that.”

“Wha-? Are you serious?! You didn’t want to admit it either!”

“You kissed me first.” Bobby points.

“You wanted it!” Athena exclaimed.

“I did. I still do.”

“Then give me something! You know I would say yes, don’t you?!”

“What?”

“If you were to tell me right now— what you felt about us— I would agree. I want it too.” Athena states.

Bobby pinches the bridge of his nose. “Jesus, Athena. You’re just now telling me this?”

“You’re just kissing me now?” she shoots back.

“I didn’t know that’s what you wanted!”

“You should’ve! I put it all out there for you, every day! I put my feelings on a tightrope and you didn’t see!” Athena was irritated by now.

“How was I supposed to know?! You didn’t tell me!” Bobby strained out.

“You didn’t tell me either! What about your feelings? I don’t know what you’re feeling either!” Athena yelled.

Bobby huffs and throws his hands in the air dramatically. “Fine! You want feelings, Athena?! You want something real?! Is that what you really want-”

“Yes, Bobby! Please just give me something! Anything!” she pleads.

“I love you, Athena!” he shouts as the room falls silent. “Is that really what you wanted to hear?” he asks, quieter.

Before she can think of any common sense, Athena’s closing the gap between their bodies and her lips are forced upon Bobby’s.

He responds quickly, placing one hand on her jaw and the other digging into her hip. Both of Athena’s hands fly to his neck.

They kiss until the need for oxygen becomes too strong and have to part. Their foreheads stay touching as the both gasp for air.

Athena leans in for another kiss, and then pauses. One more kiss and another pause. Three more soft, gentle kisses and she’s reaching for Bobby’s waistband.

Bobby looks down at Athena’s hand on the fabric of his jeans where she can definitely feel his hard-on. He looks back up to meet her eye.

“Thena…are you sure?”

She kisses him senseless again and he’s growing harder and harder by the moment.

“Shut the fuck up, Bobby. Take your damn pants off.” she growls into his mouth. He grins, reaching to unbuckle his belt and pull them down.

“Yes, ma’am.” he complies.

Athena reaches for the ends of his pants and slips them off the rest of the way, while still kissing him. The backs of Bobby’s knee hit the bed frame and Athena pushes his chest until he’s laying flat on his back.

“Scoot up.” she orders. He listens.

Athena swings a leg over his and straddles herself across Bobby’s legs. She carefully eyes his bulge, still tucked away in his boxers. That needs to change.

Her body leans down over his crotch and she slips a few fingers under his waistband, teasing slightly.

Bobby moans at the touch of her so close and intimate. This seems to give Athena more courage and she tugs the fabric down further to reveal his length.

“Oh, baby, I see you’ve been waiting.” she smirks, taking him in her hand. Athena swirls the her thumb around the tip of his cock a few times before she starts to stroke up and down his shaft, slowly setting a rhythm.

“Oh, fuuuck. Jesus, Athena, you could make this a little less pleasurable, could you not?” he grumbles.

His hips jerk up in her hands, and Bobby throws his head back against the pillow as she continues to stroke him and the soft moans he lets out fill their room.

“Oh, so you like this, then?” she teases more.

“Love it.” his voice croaks.

“Might like this more then.” Athena drops her hand and takes him in her mouth instead. Bobby’s hips roll immediately as he feels her throat open for him.

“Mm fuck. That’s good, Athena. Oh, God.” he moans, breathlessly.

Bobby watches her head bob up and down on his length, feeling every ounce of love he has for Athena rush through his body.

Sadly, at that moment, Athena pushes herself off him and crawls up his chest. She places a few soft kisses to his lips, where he can still taste the pre-cum. He kisses back eagerly.

“I want you in me, Bobby.” Athena whispers into his neck, leaving a few kisses there as well. She giggles at the way he’s staring in shock before registering what she said.

As if a switch was hit, the man pulls himself together and flips the two of them over, so he’s now climbing on top of Athena.

“I think we can make that work..” he murmurs into her ear. “But, you have too many clothes on.
That needs to be fixed.”

He goes for her shirt first, slipping a few fingers under the bottom and lifting it above her head. Athena allows it. Bobby gets her pants button undone next. One swift motion and Athena’s already wiggling her way out of the tight material.

He leaves two fingers on her panty liner, giving a few teases here and there as he works on unclipping her bra. It comes off willingly.

Bobby brings both hands up to Athena’s breasts, cupping them lightly and squeezing. A thumb grazes her nipple and she can’t hide the moans that threaten on her lips.

“Oh! Oh my God, fuck, Bobby!” she whines. A smirk appears on his face and he returns a hand down south.

Athena’s eyes roll back as his fingers play with the fabric of her panties. Teasing is nice, but not when she needs him to do something!

“Ah, fuck, Bobby- just please, do something.” she whines more. That damn smirk still sits on his face.

“What do you want me to do, Athena?” he purrs.

“Oh, God, Bobby- just touch me, please.” Athena begs.

Your wish is my command, am I right? She’ll get what she wants as long as Bobby’s in control.

“Yes, ma’am.” he salutes and pulls aside her panties. A finger slowly pushes into Athena’s entrance and she gasps aloud.

“Jesus!” she curses.

“mmm, good?” Bobby murmurs.

“Shut up— you know— exactly what you’re—doing.”

“Oh, I definitely do.”

Bobby adds another finger to his rhythm and sets a punishing pace with his fingers, damn better than anything Athena’s ever felt before. He’s like heaven to the touch. A greater power than any God she would’ve believed in.

“‘Thena…” Bobby hums, leaning down to press kisses across her bare collarbone. “You’re beautiful. Have I ever told you that?”

“Not— in those words— but yes.” Athena huffed.

His fingers deep inside her folds made it harder to say anything, let alone think anything. She was too busy gasping for mercy at the man’s fingertips.

“Fuck!” she moaned.

Bobby continued the line of kisses down Athena’s collarbone and to the top of her chest, making her skin tingle with every soft touch. His fingers pull away from her entrance and cup her breasts.

“Bobby-”

“I’ve got you, darling, just relax…” he murmurs.

The slow swirl of Bobby’s tongue as he clamps his teeth onto her nipple is just- God, it’s too much. Athena arches into him, moaning out in a mix of pleasure and pain.

“Bobby!” she yelps.

“Shshhsh, I got you baby.” Bobby whispered, letting go of her nipple and tracing his lips down her abdomen. The soft tickle of his mouth against her skin is breathtaking.

“Bobby, please…” Athena whined.

“I know, baby, I know.” the man exhaled. His jaw rests heavily on Athena’s hips as his eyes flicker up to her face.

“Can I?” Bobby asks softly, gesturing to her opening.

Well, fuck, she might as well orgasm right then and there. Damn him and his stupid charm.

Athena nods eagerly and swallows. A little smile appears on Bobby’s lips before he dives face first into her gates, this time with his tongue and not his fingers.

He works gracefully, the right amount of pressure applied in all the right places, and Athena feels herself rolling back into a bliss.

“Bobby!-” she moans his name again, like a prayer rolling off her tongue, begging and pleading for more.

The man flicks his tongue perfectly against her folds, and Athena can’t help but roll her hips closer to his mouth. Bobby does a thing- surprising her by sucking gently down on her clitoris and Athena just- oh Lord, she full on whimpers at the overwhelming touch.

“mmph, Bobby!” she cries.

The deep rumble of Bobby’s soothing voice makes her quiver.

“You’re beautiful, ‘Thena. So, so beautiful.” he murmurs.

As his head tips back up and draws closer to Athena’s lips, she can see the glistening of her very own taste on his mouth.

Cupping Bobby’s cheeks with her hand, Athena brings his fave closer and kisses him with passion. He reacts just as pleasantly, letting his tongue trace her bottom lip. Athena can taste herself in his mouth, and wonders if it’s just as sweet to Bobby as it is to her.

“Bobby-” she gasped.

“I want to feel you, Athena.” he rasped.

“I want to feel you too, baby.” Athena nodded.