𝔾𝕚𝕠 𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕫𝕒

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.”

It baffled Gio how oblivious the firefighter was to his advances. Yes, he was well aware of Emmett’s past by chance and how they had met, but even as subtle as he had been the more time they spent together, he had to admit he had tried to make his intentions known more than once. Carla never missed the opportunity to say I told you so, having predicted he’d be friendzoned from the beginning. Then again, Carla also warned him about them Goldstein. Their reputation preceded them. Charming to a fault. Trouble magnets. With those eyes and that smile, and their heart of gold. He was in trouble indeed. 

The invite had been unplanned but when Emmett called, Gio decided to take a shot and hope for the best. It wasn’t the first time they’d hang out, alone or in company of friends or colleagues, or even the firefighter’s family! It was, however, the first time he had absolutely no intention of holding back. They were going to a bar not to have a drink but dance. It was his little secret, after all, an unexpected hobby for the cop—salsa. The rest of his friends took to the dance floor when the band began to play, but he stayed back, lips parting about to ask his guest to dance when the firefighter beat him to it, urging him to go and join the others. He almost laughed because it shouldn’t have surprised him, but instead, he just looked at Emmett for a moment as he sipped on his beer slowly. “I’ll show you if you join me.” He said carefully, putting his drink down and offering his hand. “Come on, Goldstein. You can’t think I invited you here just to show off your nice shirt and hot bod.” Gio grinned, teasing. “If you say you have two left feet, don’t even—I won’t take no for an answer. Not this time. Dance with me. Please?”

“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.”

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. 

“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.” 

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. 

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.”

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.

Emmett hadn’t been sure if Gio meant it when he offered to help him check out apartments, so he had been pleasantly surprised when the other man agreed to look at a few with him when they both had an afternoon off. As much as he loved his dads and spending time with them, he really needed his own space. Emmett was forever grateful that he had such loving, supportive parents, but he also knew that he had to find a place of his own if he wanted to start fully healing and moving on.  

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!” 

@gioxsouza​

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 do you feel about this one? Is third time the charm or pass?”

“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.” 

“So there is a next time?” Gio was half teasing. Carla was already on top of him every time Emmett Goldstein happened to come drop lunch by the station whether he was around or not. Even if he knew better than to get involved with anyone, much less a Goldstein, Emmett was too cute to pass down the opportunity to see his face any random day of the week. Today was just a bonus. “As long as me getting preferential treatment doesn’t get me in trouble with your sister, we’re good.” He laughs, shaking his head as he tugs at Migo’s leash lightly when the pup darts towards the truck. “Yeah, he knows how to spell. I think you better give him one no before he puts you in a black list.” But as Migo approached the firefighter, so did Gio. He politely declined the granola bar but he still took a look inside Emmett’s trunk, the reasoning for it not surprising him one bit coming from the man but also still making him look at Em as though he couldn’t quite decipher him just yet. Clearly he had to have a flaw. There was no way any human being could be this perfect. “You’re something else, huh?” Gio didn’t mean to say the words out loud but recovered quickly, agreeing with the firefighter to tag him to where they were heading for breakfast. He eventually put a dry shirt on and they managed to find a spot with outdoor seating where Migo could join them. The more time they spent together, the easier it was to be around the firefighter, and the more hooked he got. They had been talking the entire breakfast when, for a moment, Gio just looks at Emmett and shrugs, pulling his card. “Let me take care of this one. If not for all the lunches I owe you, then we can at least compromise in that maybe I’ll let you take care of it next time?” It was a subtle way to suggest it, casual, but he was already looking forward to it.

“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.” 

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. 

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?”

"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.”

“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.”

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.

“Nope. We wash them ourselves.” Emmett chuckles, shrugging a bit. He had washed many firetrucks in his day, especially in recent times. He was doing everything but going on calls, minus this one. “Ah, don’t get too excited. It’s only temporary. Though technically there’s no rule saying we can’t hang out outside of work.” The firefighter points out, smirking back in Gio’s direction. They had slowly been forming a friendship, catching meals together here and there, texting when they had a free moment. Emmett enjoyed those moments, he really did, despite how many times he told himself that he couldn’t have a crush on Gio. “Feels good to be back out here though. And I promise you, I’m not trying to compensate for anything.” 

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?” 

It was a rare day that Emmett got to be on the truck. He was still riding the desk most days, and while it was frustrating, he knew heh ad to trust his dad as his captain. Which Emmett did. When they were at the firehouse, he respected Matty’s authority as captain. He followed orders, even if those orders were that he answer calls all day. So even though he was excited to be going out on a call with the rest of the team, Emmett knew he had to be professional about it. Gio also happens to be at the call, spotting the cop coming towards him out of the corner of his eye as he’s getting the hose back onto the truck, chuckling quietly. “Last I checked, you don’t have to get into full turnout gear before leaving.” The brunette points out, raising a brow back at Gio. “The truck is pretty cool though, I gotta admit. It’s very shiny.” 

Gio was definitely not expecting to see Emmett Goldstein at the call. Last he heard, the firefighter was still technically on desk duty. Against his better judgement, the cop still found his way to where the other stood, watching put the hose back in place. It only occurred to him then he hadn’t really been this close to a firetruck before even if he had been around them often. “Very shiny. I suppose you don’t get the perk of just driving through a car wash with these big guys, do you?” Gio never washed his own patrol car. Then again, those were probably easier to replace than these massive engines. “With the size of these, it’s almost like you have something to prove.” He grinned at the jabs between the fire department and the police. “Good to see you back on calls.” Gio added, a little more serious though, smiling.

“Alright, deal.” Emmett replies with a smile, nodding back in Gio’s direction. Their schedules, of course, were unpredictable, but it was nice to at least have the thought of having lunch together. He definitely was starting to develop a little crush on Gio, which wasn’t really ideal, but then again, the other man didn’t have to ever find out about it. Emmett was sure he’d get over it soon enough too. Besides, he didn’t even know if Gio was straight or not! Not that it really mattered, because right now they were just two acquaintances having a meal together. “Are you sure? Because I invited you.” Emmett points out when Gio insists on splitting the bill, raising a brow over at him. “Yeah, I get what you mean. At the end of the day you just have to know that you did some good, you know? At least that’s what I try to do. Focus on the positives, that kind of thing. Otherwise all of the bad stuff gets to you.” 

Dinner with Emmett had been nice even if Gio really didn’t like the idea of the firefighter going out of his way to thank him for something he didn’t really feel Emmett owed him anything for. He accepted it, though, if not for himself then for Emmett, and all in all, appreciated the opportunity to get to know him better. A different side of him. They didn’t meet on a call or with Emmett being detained for attempted assault at some bar brawl, and that was already progress. Instead, the firefighter had kept his word and they had met a few times at the station if their schedules allowed whenever Emmett came by with some food, something both Gio and his partner really weren’t complaining about. On a rare instance, they met on the field. Gio was careful, though. The last thing either of them needed was anyone to confuse what was going on, which was truly nothing, but also, he didn’t want his personal life and his professional life getting mixed up. It was impossible not to reach out, though, trying as hard as he was. “You guys could’ve gotten here a bit faster it would’ve save us all a whole lot of trouble.” The cop teased, approaching Emmett as others around them were starting to wrap up the scene. He stood a couple of feet away from the firefighter, smirking. “I’ve been holding the fort here and you stroll in and get all the credit. It’s not fair. You even get a cool truck to go with it, I just drive a Charger.” 

Emmett knew that both the Henry and Goldstein names had a bit of a reputation among their occupational circles, starting with his great-grandfather. Hell, he was a fourth generation firefighter himself! If that didn’t say something, he didn’t know what did. “Right, of course. I’ll, uh, text you next time.” Emmett agrees somewhat apologetically, nodding back at Gio. He hoped he hadn’t made things awkward for him at the station or anything like that. Perhaps that was another trait he got from his dad - acting first and thinking later. Realizing he’s probably put his foot in his mouth (again) with his question, Emmett clears his throat softly, reaching for his glass of water again. He really was not doing great when it came to this whole conversation thing. “No, no…that’s not a disappointment. I get it. We’re like family over at the firehouse too.  mean, besides my actual relation to the captain. But you get what I mean. And not that you need my approval or anything, but I think you’ve done plenty of good already.” Emmett didn’t have to elaborate on the tight spots Gio had helped get him out of. First with Brad, then with the bar fight…Emmett owed him more than one.  “Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, I don’t think. Sometimes it’s really hard. Still doing it…that’s what makes people good. You’re a good guy, Gio. I can tell.” 

“I’m just saying that, if you’re stopping by, I might as well try to catch you. Say thanks in person, you know?” Even if he didn’t quite apologize, Gio could hear the apologetic tone in Emmett’s voice which almost made him shake his head. He constantly found himself confused at Emmett Goldstein’s responses. It’s like he was two completely different people on the field and off, but he couldn’t really say he liked one more than the other. They were just different versions of the same man and, for whatever reason, he couldn’t have enough. Gio can’t be angry at Emmett’s question, either. Even if it was hard for him to talk about his own background, he owed Emmett that much at least. He knew that, while it may well feel like Gio knew a whole lot about Emmett, Emmett knew very little about him. “Thanks.” The cop says quietly, nodding as he didn’t want Emmett to get the wrong idea either. He did appreciate the compliment, and he appreciated Emmett for it. There was just a whole other side of the story the firefighter didn’t know, a burden he carried over his shoulders every day and never quite lightened, no matter how good he did. “Well, by your own definition then, you’re a good guy too, Goldstein. We’re still splitting the bill here, though.” He added, grinning. Sure, they had met in less than ideal situations so far but Gio had no doubt about that. “There’s plenty of rotten apples in both our fields but, putting on our uniform and going out there every day, you know, it’s a big deal. It’s sad most of the time it’s the bad things we do that come out.”

“Are you sure? Because I’m pretty sure my dad thinks he’s invincible. You should hear some of the stories my grandpas tell about him when he was a teenager!” Emmett laughs, shaking his head a bit. Matthew Goldstein had always been a bit of a daredevil, something that hadn’t changed with age. Emmett supposed he got the spirit from him. He felt like a different person when he was on the job. Fearless. Brave. Never willing to give up. When he put on his uniform and entered the station, Emmett left his personal life behind. He couldn’t afford to be distracted at work, even if he was still on desk duty. “Well if that’s the case, I should bring you food more often. I can’t have the thought of you starving while on shift on my conscience.” He’s mostly teasing, but in al honestly, Emmett really wouldn’t mind dropping food off for Gio every so often. Any excuse to see the other man. When their water stop by, Emmett orders a few tings for them, reaching for his water glass after. “So what made you want to be a cop? ‘Cause I think my firefighter origin story is pretty obvious, but you’re kind of Mr. Mysterious over here.” 

“Well, word on the street its the rules don’t really apply to the Goldsteins so, he might be right. I would still be careful if I were you, just in case!” Gio shrugged, grinning as he stared back at Emmett. Even before he met the firefighter, he knew of his dad, and his grandfather, and his great-grandfather. Everyone at the department knew who Brooke Goldstein was, too. They were some sort of household name around first responders and law enforcement. Carla had been the first to say he was practically startstruck when it came to Emmett Goldstein. Gio would’ve thought it funny had they met under any other circumstance, but that hadn’t been the case. “I’m not saying no but, maybe you should let me know next time you wanna come by. Unless you come in with a busted lip again, I won’t bite. I promise.” He adds, glad the water was served so he could use it as some sort of distraction for a moment. Gio liked looking people in the eye as he talked, which made it harder to lie to someone, and he really didn’t want to lie to Emmett. “It’s a complicated story.” He said instead, shrugging. Some people knew, some didn’t. He rather no one did, really, because he had spent all his years in the force trying to live it down. Who his father was, what he had done, what his life became and all the things he had to do to survive and he wasn’t entirely proud of. “I’ll leave the details for another day but let’s just say I wanted to make up for some bad stuff that happened by doing good. It wasn’t easy at first. I don’t think it’s easy still to this day, but I found a family too, when I had no one else so. That’s pretty much it, really. No fancy family legacy. Sorry to disappoint.”

“I wanted to. Really. It’s the least I could do after dropping off the face of the earth for a week.” Emmett replies quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I think so. I mean, I wouldn’t say things are like, 100% back to normal or anything, but being on my own for a bit helped. I feel better.” It was true too. Emmett felt more like himself than he had in a while. He knew his family was keeping a watchful eye on him too. It didn’t always feel helpful, but he knew they meant well and he appreciated it. Emmett knew he was lucky to have a family who were so close to each other. “I don’t plan to. I’m pretty sure Brooke would handcuff me to something in her apartment if I even tried. She may be tiny, but she’s the most badass out of all four of us.” He chuckles, his gaze moving down to the menu in front of him. “Well, everything’s good…that’s the problem! We can get a few things and share, if you want.” Emmett offers, pointing out a few of his favorite things. “I also have a big appetite. I’m pretty sure having a bottomless stomach is in my DNA.”

Gio really wanted to interrupt the firefighter and stop him from apologizing. He decided not to because, in a way, he knew the apology probably meant more to Emmett and his own healing process than it did to him. He didn’t hold anything against him. He didn’t need the apology. He was just happy to see him doing better, whatever that meant for the man and for whatever reason, so if it mean having to accept the apology he didn’t think was necessary, he would nod and smile in acceptance. “Don’t be too harsh on yourself, Goldstein. We all take some time to spring back after a hit. Despite what we think, especially when we’re wearing our uniforms, we’re not superhuman.” Sitting straighter, Gio let out an easy laugh when Emmett brought up his sister’s name. “Brooke Goldstein does have a reputation. I wouldn’t mess up with her and I barely even know her!” He admitted, shaking his head. He barely knew any of them, really, but it only took a handful of times chatting with a Goldstein to know how tight they were as a family. Emmett had brought his siblings up almost in every instance they had met. Gio couldn’t relate but he still found it endearing. “Right, that sounds like a good plan.” He cleared his throat as if to get himself out of his own head, nodding in agreement. “I mean, you firefighters get spoiled in your firehouses with the nice kitchens and snacks. We’re lucky if we get to have a lunch break during our shifts at the department. I’m not sure about my DNA but I’ll tell you this, I won’t miss the opportunity of having a good meal because I don’t really know if I’ll get another any time soon!” He half joked, rolling his eyes playfully at the jab between the police and the fire department. 

Emmett knew heh ad been taking a risk when he had dropped food off at the station for Gio. He wasn’t sure how the other man would react, but luckily it seemed like it had gone in his favor. When Gio hands him back the Tupperware, he nods, smiling as he takes it back. “Oh! Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it, They were knishes, by the way.” Emmett explains, nodding once. He was happy to see that Gio didn’t seem to mind or think that he had crossed some sort of line by doing so. He couldn’t quite get a read on the cop and it was driving him a bit crazy. He doesn’t expect the apology either, brows furrowing for a moment as he listens to Gio, taking his words in. “You don’t have to apologize for that. I think you said exactly what I needed to hear. You were honest with me.” Emmett points out, chewing on the inside of his cheek lightly. As much as he loved his family, they were still cautious around him. They loved him and were protective over him and Emmett understood and appreciated that, but hearing Gio’s honest words, however hard, made him think things through even more. Touching his lip lightly when Gio mentions his previous injuries, Emmett chuckles quietly, shrugging a bit. “Ha, thanks. I am back, yeah. Still manning the desk, but things are moving in the right direction this time. I’m feeling good.” 

“Knishes.” Gio repeats and nods. “Well, thank you. You really didn’t have to.” He wasn’t expecting to hear back from the firefighter. He wasn’t expecting anything, really, and yet, despite his better judgement, he still couldn’t help but to. It wasn’t advisable to get too invested on a case but Gio refused to think of Emmett as a case. “Did it work?” He wasn’t going to apologize again. He wasn’t going to refute the firefighter. He knew he could’ve said things in a better way but he only knew that now, not in the heat of the moment. That moment had already passed, though, and the last thing he wanted to focus on right now was on that, whatever it is they were doing. “I’m pretty sure that, unless you go hanging out with the wrong crowds at the wrong places, you’ll be back on the truck in no time. It’s good to hear you’re feeling better, Goldstein. I meant that.” He made sure to look at the firefighter in the eyes as he spoke before shrugging. “Alright, so what’s the deal here then? What’s good to order? I thought about making something before heading here but I decided not to. I gotta warn you, I have a big appetite.”

After Gio had dropped him off at Brooke’s place (and the subsequent talking to he got the next morning from his parents), Emmett had kind of gone off grid. He had taken another week of leave off of work to spend some time alone at his family’s favorite camping spot to really clear his head. As much as spending time with family was, it hadn’t been exactly what he needed. Being by himself in nature just being quiet and enjoying everything felt more like him. Heh ad barely touched his phone the entire time other than to check in with his parents as promised, and by the time he was heading back into town, he felt a little bad about ghosting Gio, even if he hadn’t done it intentionally. So with some assistance from his Grandpa Brett, he had made lunch to drop at the station for Gio before he went off to the station for his own shift. Gio isn’t there when he shows up, which is slightly disappointing, but understandable, so Emmett just leaves a note with the food - Sorry for  going MIA. Hopefully we can get lunch together sometime? —EG - before he heads off to work, keeping one eye on his phone  between taking calls at the station during his shift.

When Gio finally texts him back Emmett can’t help but be relieved, making plans to grab a bite on their next day off. He gets to the restaurant a bit early, nervously tapping his fingers against the table as he waits for Gio. When he finally spots the other man, Emmett smiles, moving to his feet to greet him. “Hey! Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it.” 

Gio wasn’t expecting to hear back from the firefighter after he had dropped him at his sister’s days ago. There was no reason for him to either. He tried not to get too hung up on it but he couldn’t help to keep his eye out for his return whenever they answered calls that coincided with Emmett’s station. There were no signs of the youngest Goldstein in the department and he tried not to think about how much it nagged at him or the fact that he still felt a little guilty for how he had talked to the firefighter the last time they met. Carla had made a big deal at the meal and note left for him at his desk days later which Gio had tried to shrug off casually. She knew better, though, and he knew she did too, but for the rest of the day, he was distracted with work and didn’t pick up his phone to reach out to Emmett until later that night.

“Don’t mention it, Goldstein.” The cop waved at Emmett’s words, begging him to take a seat as he did, too, once reaching their table. He didn’t look half as nervous as he was but that was a perk of the job, really, which also helped him notice the slightly jittery Emmett. He found it more adorable than he should. “It’s the perfect excuse to return this,” He said as he slid a clean, empty bowl in Emmett’s direction. “Not sure what that was but it was pretty good, I gotta say, so thanks again.” With a nod in the firefighter’s direction, Gio smiled genuinely. “I’m glad you called, really. I wanted to apologize about how I spoke to you last time. I was out of line. I will admit this, though, it’s nice to see you without a busted lip there and a shiner.” He said as he motioned to the corner of his mouth around where Emmett had been cut. “I heard you’re back at the station so I take it you’re excited about that? How you’ve been, Emmett?”