heart on lockdown

Emmett’s quick reaction to his offer of taking him back to his parent’s house makes Gio press his lips together and swallow hard. He can tell the mild panic that comes with it, the firefighter not wanting to worry his parents further. He understands and waits, watching him carefully recover and make his own argument, not taking the swift pull of his hand from under his any way personal. “Okay.” Gio says again softly, agreeing not to apologize in an effort to make Emmett more comfortable. He had been trained to assess the situation and act accordingly. In this case, he took a step back and let the firefighter lead. “I still have to walk Migo at some point so we can do that, if you want.” Gio offers a smile as he shrugs. It wasn’t just the fact that he didn’t have any plans for the rest of the day but that he didn’t want to leave Emmett’s side right now. Despite recent events, he enjoyed spending time with Em, even if half of those revolved around some kind of chore he had pending. He wasn’t sure where they’d cross a line and what would be out of place. If anything, them crossing Brad’s path today was a big reminder of how carefully he had to thread his friendship with Emmett. “How about we take these to go? I’m sure it’ll come in handy after walking Migo. Wait here.” Gio stood up to ask for to-go bags and took his time mostly to give Emmett some space. 

The drive back to his place wasn’t long either, but it was a bit more quiet than on their way to check out apartment Emmett had been looking into. Migo was more than happy to welcome both of them, particularly excited to see Emmett. Gio smiled, watching the pitbull all over the firefighter because he knew, somehow, that’s exactly what Em needed right now. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he likes you more than he likes me.” He jokes, closing the door behind him and moving to his kitchen to put their food in the fridge. 

The next time Emmett saw Gio, he had picked an apartment and had even moved in and (mostly) finished unpacking. Luckily he had three siblings, his dads and plenty of other relatives to help him with all of the heavy lifting. He really was grateful for everything his family had done for him over the last few months. And while there were still a few finishing touches that needed to be done, Emmett was mostly settled into his new place, and he was happy about it. It was a fresh start, a new chapter for him.

So when Gio had invited him out with some friends of his, Emmett was happy to say yes. He had felt kind of bad about dragging the other man around on errands recently, so the idea of a night just hanging out sounded nice. 

Returning with a round of drinks for everyone, Emmett flashes Gio a smile, realizing the cop had been waiting around for him to get back. “You didn’t have to wait for me. You do get first dibs on drinks though, so.” He teases, nodding towards the drinks. “But, uh, don’t hang back just ‘cause of me. Go dance! I feel like you’ve got some moves.”

The move was on instinct, almost second nature, to shield the firefighter from danger or, in this case, Brad. He was not in uniform, neither of them were. His arms wrapped around Emmett without a second thought. Whatever happened, he wasn’t going to let go until he knew Emmett was okay to stand on his own. He says the first thing that comes to his find to try to fend Brad off without causing too much of a scene. It doesn’t matter how successful they are, though, because he knows for a fact there was no going back to where they had left off now. He waits patiently for Emmett to react, somewhat worried he had overstepped. The kiss was probably too much. He didn’t notice, really, until his lips pressed against Emmett’s cheeks almost involuntarily. It was irresponsible of him, on so many ways! But also, he meant it. I’m here. I got you. You’re not alone. He can’t hurt you right now.

“We don’t have to stay.” The cop says after a moment, the tray with their food sitting between them on the table. He wasn’t very hungry anymore and he could tell, if only by the fact almost all color had drained from Emmett’s face, the firefighter wasn’t either. He also didn’t want to push him so he sat quietly across from the other and spoke softly. “Hey.” Gio waited until Emmett looked at him. “I mean it. I can drive you back to your parents’, or we can go back to mine. It’s- it’s okay, Emmett. Whatever you want to do.” He wanted Emmett to know he meant it, too. Brad was a bully. It wasn’t okay for him to make Emmett feel this way, to come near him, even. These were the flaws in the law he had to witness over and over and feel completely impotent about how little he could actually do about it even with a badge. “Don’t be sorry. If anyone should be apologizing, that’s me. I have to say, it felt kinda good to piss him off.” He tried to lighten the move with the slightest grin tugging at his lips. 

"No!” Emmett says almost too quickly, realizing his voice is raised a moment too late. “Sorry. Um, no thank you. I don’t want to go back to my dads.” He adds after a breath, shaking his head. The last thing he wanted was to go home and answer questions from his dads, however well meaning they were. It’s fine. I’m fine he wants to say, but Emmett doesn’t trust his voice right now, and in all honesty, he was sure Gio would see right through him. Maybe later he’d text his siblings and see if they wanted to meet him for a night at the spot sometime soon, but right now, he didn’t want to be around any of them or let Brad ruin his mood and his afternoon more than he already had. Frowning at Gio’s apology, Emmett shakes his head, instinctively reaching out to grab the other man’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You don’t have to apologize.” The brunette says quietly, pulling his hand away as quickly, feeling a bit awkward. Not because of Gio or what he had did in an attempt to help, but because of the situation. Because of how even the sight of Brad made him panic and freeze up like a deer in headlights. He hated it. He hated Brad.

The food really was good though, Emmett realizes, shoveling another forkful into his mouth in an attempt to distract himself, chewing slowly. “Hm, yeah. If anyone deserves it, it’s him.” The firefighter shrugs at that, knowing he doesn’t have to elaborate. Gio had been there from the beginning. Maybe that was why Emmett felt both comfortable and nervous about talking about Brad around him. Comfortable because he had been there, nervous because he knew. Emmett didn’t want to feel like damaged goods or like anyone was pitying him, but he did. He couldn’t help it. He felt guilty in a way, for wrapping up so many people in his drama. “Maybe...we could go pick up Migo and take him for a walk? If I haven’t taken up enough of your afternoon already, I mean.”

Gio had always admired Captain Goldstein and the reputation he and his father before him had. He had met Brooke Goldstein early on his career and though the detective was intimidating, he held her to the highest respects. He didn’t think he’d met Emmett Goldstein the way they did and part of him really wish he hadn’t. That first meeting seemed to dictate how he had to behave around the firefighter, demanded some sort of distance. As cute as Emmett was, Gio was still first and foremost an officer, and he wouldn’t let anything or anyone come between than after he had fought so hard and against all odds to make it there. He wasn’t sure what or where he was doing and going with Emmett, but he tried to keep things as friendly and professional as he could without giving too much away no matter how hard it was. Had it been anyone else, in any other scenario, he would’ve already made a move, but that wasn’t the case and for all he might, he couldn’t draw Em a map so instead, he joined the man house hunting and caved in to every time he offered food because those were all a good excuse to spend more time with him, to get to know him better. Even through everything the firefighter had gone through, Gio still found his enthusiasm about life itself to be contagious and inspiring. To think anyone tried to break that, him. 

“Definitely soon.” He offers, following the firefighter as they start making their way out of the apartment, making sure they have everything. “For your parents’ sake and also the market.” Gio joked about it but the truth is, he couldn’t really relate. He didn’t really discuss his family, hadn’t at all with Emmett still. “I mean, I’m sure you can crash at your sister’s every now and then but if the Cap and Mr. Goldstein ever need some privacy, you can fight over my couch with Migo.” His offer was genuine, too, afraid of being too forward. He was rarely home, anyway. 

The walk to the food truck park was nice. The good weather helped there, too. Gio had patrolled this neighborhood plenty of times before so he knew his way around, which also meant, he knew a few people there, too. That’s how he ends up taking Emmett to a friend’s food truck with the promise of finding a good spot at the picnic tables once they have their food. That’s when he sees a man approaching, and while Emmett’s back is to them, Gio remembers the face all too well, his back and shoulders straightening right away, a stance so natural to the police office he didn’t have to think about it. He would’ve said something before Emmett turned, too, but Emmett’s ex didn’t give him enough time to act before making his presence known, enough that when their order was rang, neither of them was really paying too much attention anymore.

"Mostly the former. They still act like horny teenagers, it’s both adorable and disgusting.” Emmett chuckles, shaking his head. How in love his dads were was cute, though Emmett wished he didn’t still have to be under their roof and witnessing it. “I know, I know. I’ve got my siblings and my grandparents if I need.” He knew he could probably also snag some time at the Scavo-Healy house in down if he asked nicely, but that was neither here nor there. The point was, Emmett wanted to live on his own again. He wanted his own space that he didn’t have to share with anyone else. He wanted to start a new chapter of his life, turn over a new leaf, get a fresh start. 

Pushing the thoughts from his mind, Emmett turns his attention back towards Gio, following him towards his friend’s food truck. Tucking a few dollars into the tip jar after he pays, Emmett bounces on the balls of his feet, about to say something to Gio when he turns around to see the last person he was expecting staring back at them. Brad. The firefighter can feel his shoulders tense and his jaw clench, unable to look away as he freezes in his tracks. Emmett’s mouth is dry and his ears are ringing, so much so that he doesn’t hear what Gio’s saying, the weight of his arm around his shoulders and the feeling of the other man’s lips on his cheek bringing him back to reality. Whatever it was that Gio said was enough to make Brad scowl and walk off, though it takes Emmett a few more seconds before he steps out from under Gio’s embrace, mumbling something about their food being ready. He’s sure Gio can see the way his ears are burning, embarrassed by his reaction and flustered by the kiss, as innocent as it was. Gio was just helping him out. He knew who Brad was, knew the history there. That was all.

“Thanks for that. I, um, I appreciate it.” Emmett finally says once they’ve sat down, his gaze moving between Gio and the food in front of him. The firefighter could still feel his ex staring at him even though he was long gone. He isn’t really hungry anymore but he doesn’t want to be rude, carefully taking a bite off of the plate in front of him to at least keep from rambling. Emmett knew he was a nervous rambler, and he was nervous now. His hands are still shaking slightly and he only prays that Gio doesn’t notice too, awkwardly clearing his throat to catch his attention instead. “And sorry that you had to...deal with that. I think we both know by now that Brad isn’t the nicest of men.” 

Matty knew his son would have questions, and there would be a time for those but, right now, he just wanted to make sure he knew exactly what he needed to know. He had been hurt and it was serious, but he would be okay. He was okay. He was awake and he was alert. They were in the same line of work. They knew the risks they took every day they put their uniforms on. As a father, and as his Captain, Matty worried every time they got a call, but this wasn’t supposed to happen to Emmett. This wasn’t supposed to happen at their Station. His son was supposed to be safe that day. Matty brings the water hoping it’ll make Emmett’s throat hurt a little less as he talks, knowing what his son was about to ask even before he said the words. He takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm. “Souza and Díaz apprehended him at the scene at took him into custody. No bail. We’re going to make sure he doesn’t get away this time. He’s not going to hurt you again, Em.” They had failed Emmett once already. Him as a parent. The system. They had already reached out to friends and family who could help take on this case to court, or at least, he thought Brooks had. Matty didn’t really have a chance to do much else than being there for Milo, taking turns to stay with Emmett in case he woke up. Matty knew he should go tell his husband their son was okay, and he was going to. He just needed to make sure of it himself first too, watching Emmett’s every move carefully, taking in the stats on the screens. If nothing else, his son’s attempt at a joke reassured him, ruffling Em’s hair carefully. “I don’t know if there will be enough food left at the grocery stores for when they come back for Thanksgiving at this rate!” He added, though having his family there, even if it was stressful, was also comforting. They weren’t alone. They would get through this, together. The love they showed for his son, for him, Matty knew they were blessed to have them.  “Hey, don’t do that. Don’t blame yourself for this.” Even if he was blaming himself, too, that’s the last thing he wanted Em to be doing right now. “I’ll see what I can do for you but you know it’s better to take it easy with the pain meds while we can manage the pain. So, from 1 to 10, in how much pain do you think you are right now?” Refilling his son’s cup with more water, he grabbed some of the pills left by the nurse earlier. It was a small dose but it would help for now. “Take thee for now. They might make you go back to sleep soon so I’m going to go get your papa before I get in trouble for not letting him know you woke up and I didn’t tell him.” Matty waited a moment before he started walking to the door, leaning in to kiss his son’s forehead as if he was still a child and he was tucking him in for the night. “I love you so much, Emmett, and I’m so proud of you. I don’t know if I say it enough and today I didn’t know there for a second if I would have the chance to tell you again.”

Emmett wasn’t sure if hearing that Brad had been arrested was supposed to make him feel better or not. Yes, there was some sense of relief, but he also knew better than to get his hopes up too high when it came to law enforcement and Brad. The system had failed him before, as much as it pained him to admit it. "Oh, okay. Good.” The firefighter murmurs after a moment, nodding slowly. He knew his uncles Will and Josef were probably already on it without his dad even having to say anything. It was what their family did. They showed up for each other. “We do like to eat...and there are a lot of us. God, sabba must be going crazy in the kitchen already.” It was no secret that Brett Goldstein cooked whenever things got tough, and calling the situation Emmett found himself in was definitely more than tough. Rubbing a hand over his face, the brunette sighs, accepting the pills and water from Matty with a small smile. “”Thanks, dad.” Swallowing them down quickly, he considers the question, wincing slightly as he shifts in the bed. “Uh....six and a half to seven, I guess. I’m okay though, if I don’t move too much.” Or breathe too hard. Or laugh. Or cry. Emmett mostly felt like doing the latter, out of exhaustion and pain, but mentally and physically. It had been a very, very long day. Giving Matty’s arm a squeeze when he kisses his forehead, Emmett looks up at his dad, carefully shaking his head. “Hey, hey...I’m okay. I’m gonna be okay. Don’t be beating yourself up over this either, dad. I’m here. That’s what matters.” He says quietly, offering the other man a smile. “I love you too.” 

Apartment hunting was exhausting. Gio knew how draining the entire process was. Looking at different places, weighing in the cons and pros, making sure the neighborhood was decent while also close to both work and a budget. There was so much of it that was left to chance so the one thing you really wanted to make sure was to try and minimize it. When Em called and asked if he wanted to tag along, there was more than one reason why he didn’t give it a second’s thought. He had, for once, given the firefighter his word, and he meant it. Then there was the fact that he wanted to help him find the right spot. Safe. While it was in his nature to be protective and on the look out, there was something about Emmett Goldstein that just made Gio want to make sure he was okay. Even after everything he had been through, he was mesmerized by how none of it seemed to have broken his spirit. Em had the purest heart, like his trunk being full of rations in case he came across anyone in need. Then there was his smile, shy but genuine, and those eyes. Gio had to thread carefully when it came to Emmett, not just for his own sake but the firefighter’s too. There was too much at stake for both of them. Yet here they were, inspecting vacant rooms and buildings together like they were long time friends. Friends. No more, no less. He’d take it.

“That’s a record time of—” Gio looks at his watch as he approaches the empty kitchen just for the sake of teasing Emmett. “3 hours and 23 minutes before you mention anything related to feeding me since we’ve met. Ever.” He’s obviously joking though he’s probably not too far off from the truth, a hand resting on one of the kitchen counters as he stops in his track, smirking softly. “I could go grab something to eat, though. There’s a food truck park not too far from here if you wanna check that out, actually. We can walk there, check out the neighborhood?” He pushed himself from the counter, moving idly through the room as he checked the window locks. “No need to thank me, Goldstein. This is fun. Definitely beats laundry which was pretty much what I had planned for the day before you called.” It was, really. The company definitely helped. “How d you feel about this one? Is third time the charm or pass?”

Snorting at Gio’s teasing, Emmett rolls his eyes back at him, amused. “What can I say? I’m a Goldstein, we like feeding people! It’s in my blood.” He protests, pausing in the kitchen to test the oven’s knobs, fiddling with them a bit to see if they were too loose. The last thing he needed was a gas leak! It really would be just his luck though, after the year he was having. “Yeah? That sounds good. I’ll decide on a place later. Or I don’t have to decide today, I guess. But I probably should soon. I love my dads so much, but I also really love having my own space.” Emmett chuckles, shaking his head. He was so, so grateful to his dads and the fact that they had welcomed him back into their empty nest without so much of a second though. Of course they did though. Matty and Milo Goldstein were good people. The best dads. The most loving, caring people he had ever known (aside from the rest of his family, that is). The Goldstein’s really were a good bunch. Emmett knew he was lucky to be a part of their family. 

 Turning to look back at Gio, Emmett flashes him a smile, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet. ‘See, but I’m sure Migo was looking forward to snuggling in all of your clean laundry. I’m sure you’ll make it up to him though.” The firefighter says teasingly, watching as the other man checks out the windows. Emmett really did appreciate Gio coming to look at apartments with him. He wasn’t really sure 100% about any of the places, but he also didn’t want to keep dragging Gio around, figuring he could talk things out with his siblings or his dads later. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll let you know what I end up deciding though, promise.”

Matty wasn’t sure when it was the last time he had taken a nap. Even now as he held his head up with his fist and fought his lids from closing on him, he couldn’t sleep. Every time he tried to, the second he felt himself drifting off, the memories came rushing through and making him jump back in place. His eyes tried to focus on the machines to which his son was connected. He was trained for many years enough to know what everything meant and yet, he couldn’t think straight. Being in this room with Emmett lying in bed was his worst nightmare. It was the kind of fear that lived always right underneath the surface from the moment his kid told him he wanted to be a firefighter. Like his father before him, Matty was beyond proud. He also dreaded the moment he failed to have his back. He was his father before he was his Captain. His one job in this life was to make sure he was okay. 

There was still residue of dried blood under his nails. Matty picked on it as he tried to get rid of it, putting his phone on silence. His brothers and nephews and nieces were all worried about Emmett and while he appreciated their concern and support, he didn’t have the strength to keep up. A sigh escaped him, a yawn quickly followed. He rubbed his eyes and ran a hand down his face. Dad— The weak cry still echoed through his head. Matty alone lifted his son’s body as if he was a kid and carried him to the stretcher. He watched the paramedics take over but he stayed closed behind. I’m here, kid. Dad’s here, Em. I’m not going anywhere. 

Dad— 

Matty immediately opened his eyes wide, sitting up and leaning forward to keep his son from moving too much. “Hey, bud— I’m here. Easy, now. You’re okay. I’m here.” A breath of relief escaped him but his trained eyes immediately moved to the screens to make sure Em’s vitals were okay. “I’ll get you some water and I’ll walk you through what happened but you have to promise me you’re not going to get too worked up. I’d tell you if something was wrong. You have to trust me, okay?” Only when he was certain his son would not panic did Matty stand up from his seat and poured some water for him, helping Emmett with the glass as he stood by the bed. “The bullet missed vital organs, but it was still invasive. You’ll be able to recover, though, therapy will help. They’re going to keep you here for a few days until everything else stabilizes. We’re just monitoring any internal bleedings.” Matty ran a hand through his son’s hair, checked on his temperature. His face was drained of much color still. He offered a smile albeit weak and tired. “Your papa is here. I need to go get him soon or he won’t forgive me for not telling him you’re awake. So are your siblings. And your grandparents. And your uncles. It’s like a Goldstein convention out there.” He tried to find humor in it but his voice turned serious, quieter. “You scared me there for a moment, kid. How do you feel… other than shitty, I guess?”

Blinking a few times, Emmett takes a breath, wincing slightly as he inhales. There’s a seriousness in his dad’s voice that worries him, but after an experimental wiggle of his fingers and toes, he figures the news can’t be too bad. He had been shot, he knew that much. Emmett vaguely remembered hitting his head on his way down too, so he was probably slightly concussed, but in all honesty, everything hurt so he wasn’t really trying to figure out what was causing what pain. “Yeah, yeah. Okay.” Emmett finally murmurs, taking a couple of careful sips from the cup Matty offers him. His papa was usually the one who fussed over him like this, his eyes closing for a moment at the feeling of his dad’s fingers brushing through his hair. “Did they...” Emmett starts to ask, pausing after a moment. He didn’t remember hearing a second shot, but his memory was so fuzzy that he wasn’t entirely sure. Licking his lips, he hesitates before he continues, unsure if he wants to hear the answer but knowing he has to. “Brad. What happened?” Emmett asks, his gaze moving to the doorway to see if he could see if there was any security standing on the other side. He doesn’t see anyone though so he quickly looks back to his dad for confirmation that Brad was either arrested or shot and killed by the cops, chewing on the inside of his cheek lightly. “We were due for a family reunion anyways, right?” Emmett asks, though the laugh that leaves his lips dies pretty quickly, wincing at the pain that shoots through his chest. “Ah, shit. Don’t make me laugh.” He didn’t have to say that it hurt because Matty’s eyes were practically glued to the monitors beside him, watching every little uptick.. “Yeah...I’m sorry about that. I know it’s not exactly my fault. but...” He kind of felt like it was. He was the one who had dated Brad, brought him into their lives. Emmett never thought his ex would have gone that far though. He had done everything right, gone though all of the proper channels to keep him away from him, and in the end it didn’t matter. He had still showed up at the station and fucking shot him. It didn’t matter that he probably hadn’t meant to or that it likely wasn’t his intention when he showed up there. It was what happened and Emmett knew that he was very, very lucky to still be alive. “I’m okay, all things considered. Everything kinda hurts though, but I feel like that’s kind of to be expected. I wouldn’t hate it though if someone talked to the doctor about a little more pain medicine.”  Emmett admits, a slight, defeated frown tugging at his lips. “I mostly just feel tired.”

They were at the third apartment of the day now. Emmett couldn’t help but look around for fire hazards in every place, though he was sure Gio was also checking out how safe (or unsafe) the place was too, so he didn’t feel too bad about it. He’s busy looking around the kitchen when he hears footsteps approaching, turning around to face Gio. "This is the last one today, I swear. Then I’m buying you lunch.” Emmett promises, nodding his head. “Thanks again for coming with me. I’m sure this isn’t really how you wanted to spend your day off, but hey. Free lunch and decent company!” 

Emmett isn’t sure what’s in his head or what he’s saying out loud, a pain filled whimper followed by a weak dad...escaping him, begging for Matty. His dad would fix things. He would make things better just like he did when he was a kid. Emmett had a feeling it would take more than a Band-Aid and a kiss to fix him this time though. 

The ride to the hospital was pretty much a blur with Emmett going in and out of consciousness the entire way. The next thing he knew, he was waking up in a hospital bed and everything hurt. Opening his eyes hurt. Breathing hurt. His mouth was dry, groaning quietly while his vision clears enough to see his dad sitting by his bedside, reaching out to him. “Dad...”

“Oh, honey, it will not make me shut up about Gio but nice try!” Brooke laughed, loving the fact that she was right. “You can agree he’s damn fine without asking him to marry you, Em. Obviously you’re not jumping into a relationship right now but it’s okay to, you know, let your eyes wander. I know mine do. It’s kinda sad I don’t think he might look my way anyway but that won’t stop me from thinking he’s a cutie with nice muscles.” With a shrug, Brooke turned towards her brother. She could feel there was something more to his words he wasn’t saying, but instead of digging too dip, she just sighed and rolled her eyes playfully. “I promise I’ll try not to, if you promise me one thing too?” She waited half a second to make sure her brother was in it, too. “Promise me you won’t let Brad ruin the rest of your life. He’s already done enough of that.”

Wrinkling his nose, Emmett shakes his head back at Brooke, knowing it was too easy to just ask her to quit bugging him about Gio. “Yeah, yeah. We both know I’m the boy crazy one in our family. Maybe that’s my problem.” The firefighter chuckles, the smile on his face faltering for a moment when Brooke asks him to promise her something, hearing the seriousness in her voice. “Yeah, yeah...I know. I promise, Brookey. I promise.” Emmett says softly, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “I’m trying to move on, I really am.” 

The Goldstein were pretty much a household name at least when it came to the law enforcement and first responders crowd. Their service went back a few generations but also, which is one of the main reasons why Gio admired them so much even before he got to know them, because they had broken gender barriers in a line of work that was know to be harsh and unforgiving towards people like them. They were brave. He wasn’t. Not really. As he followed Emmett back to his car, Gio laughed and shook his head a little. “This is my route. It has the best view. It’s good, you know, to decompress. Let me know next time your siblings bail on you. You can’t smuggle too many snacks on the hike so that might be a good place to start.” Grinning as he teased the firefighter, Gio shrugs and raises his arms. “I promise didn’t say a word. I wouldn’t dare messing with Brooke Goldstein. If she wants all my food, she can have it. Everyone knows you just don’t mess with Brooke Goldstein.” He laughed. It was easy to see the resemblance between her and Emmett, and yet they both came off so different. They were both badass in their own way, forces to be reckoned with, you couldn’t take your eyes off them in action. They even looked alike, too. If you didn’t know anything about the Goldstein triplets, you could swear Emmett and Brooke were twins. Gio was kind of glad they had just reached the car when Emmett brought up hitting on him instead because he was just about to say something he might just regret. Emmett wasn’t ready for that, and he didn’t want to cross the line or make him uncomfortable. Instead, he makes a joke about his own appearance and decides to focus on something else. “Migo’s lucky then that he’s much better looking than his owner and gets all your attention. What’s with all the water and snacks, though? I might just take back what I said about you not being able to bring too many snacks on the hike now.” He was curious, yes, but also trying to distract himself too because it was tempting not to flirt back. 

"Oh yeah, we love a good hike. I think I’m the earliest riser out of my siblings though, so...no luck this time. But hey, it all worked out.” Emmett points out, gesturing between the two of them. “Oh, stop. You don’t have to give your lunch to Brooke! I’ll bring her some next time, she’s just giving me a hard time. It’s not like she can’t stop by and see our sabba and get her own food.” He points out, shaking his head. His sister was just messing with him, trying to embarrass him a bit. Emmett was used to it. They had teased each other like this their entire lives. Fishing his keys out of the pocket of his shirts, Emmett pops open his trunk, looking over his shoulder at Gio and Migo with a smile. “Am I allowed to give him a t-r-e-a-t?” The brunette asks, reaching for the bag of biscuits he kept in the trunk. “Oh, ah...I keep some things, water and granola bars and some old clothes and stuff just in case someone needs something.” There was a first aid kit and a small tool box tucked away too, but that was more the first responder in him than anything. “Help yourself to a granola bar, if you want. Just don’t spoil your breakfast.” 

“Those two buttheads? Of course they’re in!” Brooke truly loved her brothers even if she liked poking fun at them every opportunity she got. Even at this grown age, they loved spending time together and crashing at their parents’ unannounced. “You know he’ll come around though, right? Dad is totally weak for us even if he pretends he’s not. If he’s holding back it’s for a reason, but he’ll let you in soon enough. Just sit your ass for a bit longer, Emmett Thatcher!” She said as tenderly as she could mange while ruffling her brother’s hair. Pursing her lips as she allowed him to come up with an excuse to her accusation, Brooke just shot her brows up and shook her head. “I don’t need you to but I would appreciate it!” She corrected, laughing. “So it is Gio! I knew it. I mean, he is a hottie. Have you seen those arms?” She was practically gushing, something she loved being able to do with her brothers. “You know, he’s one of the good cops. He used to be bully a lot when he joined the department. I don’t really know the whole story though.” Which only made her want to go back to the office database and look into it. “Just be careful, babe, yeah?”

"Yeah, yeah...I know. I mean, obviously I respect dad not only as our dad, but as my captain. I’m just impatient.” Emmett knew it was partially his fault too after the bar fight situation, but he was trying really hard to show his dad he was ready to get back onto the truck. Someone had to answer the phones, Emmett knew that, but he wished it didn’t have to be him. “Fine. I’ll bring you some lunch next time too. Especially if it makes you shut up about Gio. We’re just friends.We both know I’m in no place to get into another relationship right now.” The firefighter points out, shaking his head. “I am. I’m trying. Dad and Papa aren’t letting me out of their sight anyways.” Emmett half chuckles, shaking his head. It was hard for Emmett to explain, the helplessness and paranoia that he still felt. Sometimes he swore he saw Brad out of the corner of his eye, but he had to remind himself that they shared friends and went to some of the same places. It was normal to run into an ex from time to time. He just had to keep telling himself that. “Seriously though...don’t give Gio a hard time. He seems like a really good guy.” 

“Yes, I can definitely see the bumblebee on your arm too.” Gio nodded, laughing quietly as he shook his head. Emmett Goldstein was quite something. He knew it was wrong to want to get closer to the firefighter, especially under the circumstances in which they met and the fact that they worked together to some extent, but Gio was simply finding him very hard to resist. “Remind me to ask for your papa’s contact if I ever decide to get one myself.” He grinned, loosening Migo’s leash a little and watching his interaction with Emmett carefully. He wasn’t surprised his dog took so quickly to the man. He couldn’t blame him, really. He was slightly lost in thought when the firefighter asked about his plans, stuttering for half a second before shrugging. “I’m already on my way down, we have no plans.” Gio added, meaning him and Migo, of course. If the firefighter had anything in mind, he had to know the dog had to be involved at least for now. He couldn’t leave him behind, and wouldn’t, really, as tempting and irresistible as Emmett Goldstein was. “Yeah, I can do breakfast. I need an iced coffee. I promise I’m not that basic normally, but it is hot out here.” Good thing he had a towel in his car and an extra shirt, given his, now hanging from the back of his shorts, was drenched in sweat. Breakfast was a good idea, for sure, turning back in the direction he had been going before crashing onto Emmett. “You’re really set on feeding me, huh?” He added lightly, the playful grin on his face enough to let Emmett know he was joking. He appreciated the food. He appreciated the company even better. “I hadn’t seen you around here before. I hit this same route often. You do this a lot? Hiking, I mean, not the whole hit on someone else’s dog kinda thing, unless you do that often too.”

"Yeah, for sure. He works at a shop in town, I’ll give you his info.” Emmett promises, always happy to send his friends to his papa for tattoos. He wouldn’t trust anyone else to tattoo him, and not just because Milo was his dad. “I have some water bottles in my trunk if you need more water for Migo. It might be a little warm, but hopefully he won’t mind too much.” Emmett offers, nodding his head. He kept water and other things in his trunk to hand out to people (and animals) in need whenever he stumbled upon them. “Well...maybe we should hang out at a time that isn’t a mealtime, then.” The brunette points out, smirking softly. He certainly wouldn’t be against it. Emmett wanted to get to know Gio better, even if only as a friend. “Do you? I go hoking a lot, but I’ve only done this trail a couple of times. I tried to get my siblings to join me, but none of them wanted to get up early.” Emmett says with a laugh, though the fact that they didn’t come was kind of working out in his favor now. “You know my big sister, right? Brooke?” They were all so close in age that calling Brooke his big sister really felt silly, but she still liked to remind all of them that she was the eldest from time to time. “She’s a little jealous that I’ve been bringing you food, but don’t tell her I told you that. It might ruin her tough girl image!” Emmett jokes, an amused smirk playing on his lips. “Well...if you don’t want me to hit on your dog, I could hit on you instead. But you should know, I only hit on the good looking owners.” 

“Okay. Alright. I believe you. I just felt the need to remind you just in case you forgot!” Brooke half joked giving her brother a semi stern look. Even if they were literally only months apart, she was still his big sister and she would always feel an innate need to protect him. It came with the role. “Honestly, if you have any time off left, please share. Maybe next time we can do something fun together for a change!” Brooke chuckled, trying to lighten the mood a little as she let her head roll back with a playful groan as Em mentioned Captain Goldstein. “Any idea when that is?” She knew better than to think their dad would take Em’s return to the station lightly but even she was growing impatient by now too. “Is that why you’ve been around at the station a few times, then, cause dad’s not giving you a whole lot to do? Because last I heard, you have been delivering snacks and leftovers but I haven’t received anything at my desk…”

"I don’t think I do, but I’ll let you know. Maybe we can get all of the sibs together and do something fun. You think Ollie and Benji have enough time for little ole me?” Emmett asks half jokingly, shaking his head. He knew his siblings would always make time for him. They were always there for each other, no matter what. “Ah, no. Dad’s being very tight lipped. I know he’s in a tough spot, so I’m trying not to bug him too much about it even though I really, really want to.” Even though he was desperate to get back on the truck, Emmett knew better than to pester his dad too much. It wasn’t fair of him, and he wasn’t about to ask for any special treatment just because he was the captain’s son. He’s almost glad for the change of subject until Brooke starts teasing him about Gio, scrunching his nose slightly. “Well, that’s because you have the same exact leftovers in your own fridge! You don’t need me to bring you lunch.” Emmett protests, shaking his head. “I’m just being friendly. Gio’s been really helpful and I’m grateful, that’s all.” 

Gio was quietly hoping the firefighter reached out at some point but he wasn’t holding his breath either. He wasn’t being straight forward with his advances not because of a lack of interest but more so because of prudence. Emmett Goldstein was complicated, not because of his past or what he had been through but because he was, in a way, a coworker. The last thing Gio wanted was to make things awkward between them. He had been so careful at work but there was something about the firefighter he just couldn’t get out of his head.

The hiking trail was almost routine by now. He hit the same route often with his pitbull and though there were a few familiar faces he’d crossed paths with before, he was definitely not expecting to see Emmett there. It was a good thing the firefighter, in all Emmett Goldstein fashion, barely even let him speak at first for Gio to handle his own surprise, subtly letting his eyes fall on the firefighter’s body while said firefighter seemed to focus on his dog alone. “You didn’t tell me you had tattoos.” He shots back, a small grin on his lips but otherwise perfectly composed safe for the highly amused look in his eyes. Slowly releasing his tight hold on the pitbull’s leash, the cop chuckled. “It’s okay, you can pet him, just let him smell you first. Promise he’s a good one… his name is Migo.” He knew the stigma behind the breed but in truth, Migo was the friendliest dog. Not that he thought Emmett shared the stigma. It was cute how excited he looked. Emmett Goldstein and his many faces, Gio was constantly thinking, and all of them were equally attractive in his opinion, from the nervous wreck to the genuinely excited at the sight of a puppy. Emmett Goldstein was a problem. “It means friend, in portuguese, migo.” Gio shrugged, watching Migo be all over the firefighter in seconds. He couldn’t blame him, really.

Emmett realizes he’s rambling about Gio’s dog a moment too late, quickly shutting his mouth before he seems like a crazy dog person. “Um, you can definitely see the bumblebee on my arm.” He points out, pointing to said bee. He knew Gio meant the much bigger, more prominent tattoo on his chest. “My papa’s a tattoo artist. He’s done all of them for me.” Emmett explains as he crouches down, offering Migo his hand to sniff. “Aw, that’s cute. Hi, Migo.” He murmurs, reaching out to give the pup a scratch behind the ears once he seems okay with him. The fact that Gio had a dog only made him that much hotter, much to Emmett’s delight and his frustration. He wasn’t supposed to be crushing on the cop that had seen him at his worst moments. He knew it was a thing, having feelings for someone who helped save you, but it was more than that...even if he was trying to convince himself that it absolutely wasn’t. Emmett was in no place to get into another relationship right now. “Are you doing anything? After you finish your hike, I mean.” The brunette asks, straightening back up. “If not...you wanna grab some breakfast or something?”

Brooke bit her tongue to prevent herself from poking too much into the cop. She needed to do her own little digging at the department, find out whatever she could about Gio Souza. Whatever the case was or would be, he was already too involved when it came to family matters. She just needed to take every measure possible while also respecting Emmett’s wishes. “Hear, hear!” The brunette raised her soda, though, when her brother declared a need to take a break from men because, same! Obviously her situation was nothing like Emmett’s at that moment but she had tried, and failed, enough times to mean it, too. Putting her drink down, she turned on her end of the couch and faced Emmett, smiling. “Okay, first, the only person who gets to call you stupid is me. Not you. Not anyone else. Got it? And second, well, you know you can just talk to me even if you feel like you’re making no sense, right?” Brooke just wanted to be there for him. She already felt like she had failed him big time and she didn’t want that to be the case again. She wanted Em to trust her. “You’ve had a busy few weeks between going to uncle Ez and uncle Henry’s and then this… you need a break from your break. Any plans now? How’s dad taking you coming back on duty?”

"I know.” Emmett sighs, giving his sister a look. He knew he could always come to siblings (and his parents) about anything. He knew that they were there for him. He knew that they loved him and supported him unconditionally. “I promise that I know. It’s not me not trusting you or Benji or Ollie or dad or papa. It’s nothing about any of you. It’s just...it’s just me.” Emmett replies with a shrug, pursing his lips. “Ha, yeah. I’ve used up all of my time off, haven’t I? Uh, no plans. Just gonna keep my head down ‘til Captain Goldstein lets me off desk duty. That’s the plan.” 

It was usual for their own respective teams to poke fun at each other. After all, they often coincided on calls and, if Gio was being honest, he would rather see Em like this than responding to a call he placed himself. The more he got to know the firefighter, the more he wanted to know him better. Gio knew he should probably keep some sort of distance between them to keep things professional but, like Emmett so well put it, there were really no rules saying anything about that either. “Yeah, I just don’t want to take some time away from you polishing the paint on these bad boys or something.” He teased, tapping on the truck beside him, smirking as he looked back at the firefighter with a nod. There was a certain spark in Emmett’s eyes which he couldn’t help but notice. He had seen it before, how his eyes lit up and his every feature softened. Despite all he had been through, there was this boyish charm to him that was still unbeaten and Gio had to admit, he loved when it came to the surface. “Whatever you say, Goldstein! Whatever you say!” He laughed, shaking his head, pushing himself from leaning against the truck as he received a message on his radio, copying back with a click. “I have a nice looking weekend off coming up.” He said, almost hopeful though trying to keep his tone even as he started backing from the firefighter, still facing him. “I’ll see you around?” 

"Well, I hope you have a good weekend then.” Emmett replies, wondering if it’s a hint that Gio would like to see him then. The radio breaks him out of any thought that he’s having, nodding once in the cop’s direction. “Yeah, I’ll see you around.” 

They had been texting on and off since the call and by the time the weekend comes, they had made tentative plans to hang out at some point. It was a beautiful day out, and even though it was his day off, Emmett had gotten up early, wanting to get a head start on a hiking trail before it got too warm out. Not many people are out yet and he makes good time reaching the top of the trail, deciding to take a few minutes to have some water and enjoy the view. A couple of minutes later he hears what he thinks is the jingle of a dog’s collar, immediately turning to see a dog followed by its owner coming up the trail. Emmett’s so distracted by the dog that he doesn’t realize who his owner is, pausing once he sees a very shirtless, very hot Gio standing beside him. “You didn’t tell me you had a dog!” Emmett blurts out before he can stop himself, his gaze moving from Gio to his dog and back to Gio again, trying not not be so obvious that he’s also checking him out. “I mean, hi. I didn’t know you had a dog.”

Brooke takes one corner of the couch, sitting with her legs crossed as she turns slightly in Emmett’s direction while biting on her pizza. She had encouraged Em to take some time to himself when he first spoke how much he needed it. While she understood her parents’ worries, which she also shared, he knew Emmett was perfectly capable of taking care of himself too. It was a difficult spot to be on, really, because while she too felt like she had let her brother down by not seeing what was happening right before her eyes before it took a wrong turn, she didn’t want to overwhelm him either. “They’ll get over it soon. They just can’t resist so much cuteness.” She teased, scrunching her face at her brother before shrugging. “I can’t see it but I guess they do.” Brooke added, grinning at her jab as she focused on her slice, her brows perking at Emmett’s defensive tone. “Interesting.” She spoke softly, reaching for her soda. “I only asked if Souza was still saving your ass. He did bring you here after that little stunt you pulled at the bar after all. I wasn’t aware we were looking into his interests.” Brooke pursed her lips, pointing her glass in Emmett’s direction. “He’d be wrong on both accounts, though, to think you’re a dumb firefighter and for you not to be his type. Look at that face. A perfect cutie. Annoying, yes, but still kinda cute. You are my little brother after all!” She laughed, shaking her head. The last thing she wanted to do was play match maker, to be honest. She needed Emmett to be okay first and foremost. “Serious talk now… how was your me time? How are you feeling now?”

"Technically, I asked him to drop me here instead of taking me home. So don’t read into that too much.” Emmett points out, shaking his head. He supposed Gio could’ve taken him home or even left him on a street corner for all he cared, but he dropped him at Brooke’s like he had asked, which Emmett had appreciated. “We’re not. I’m definitely not looking for a boyfriend right now. I think I need a break from men.” Those were famous last words, he was sure, but they rang true. Emmett was in no place to even think about seeing anyone else right now. He didn’t trust himself or anyone else. “It was good. I mean, everything’s not magically okay now, but I feel a little better. It felt good, just being out there by myself.” There had been no expectations, nobody looking over his shoulder. It was what Emmett needed. “I dunno. It’s hard to explain. Mostly I just feel stupid.”