* * * * *
Bastian
It felt good to make sure that the fire crew and captain of his adopted town were taken care of. He’d first been met with suspicion, something to do with a complaint they’d received the last time they had a fire, but once they’d seen the food, they’d changed their tune.
Meeting Hudson’s best friend, EJ, was eye-opening. He’s seen the guy around, of course. EJ had been there the first time Hudson had tried to rescue Bas from the tree. Bastian had not realized how sarcastic and sassy the young man was.
The entire time they chowed down on the pizza, EJ had questioned Bastian like every good best friend should. Once Hudson joined them and Bas placed a warmed pizza pie down in front of him, the teasing had begun.
It was a small crew, but Bastian could see how close they were.
Even the captain had questioned Bastian on how long he was staying and his plans.
Bastian didn’t mind. To be with Hudson he would put up with protective co-workers and friends.
“Stop, guys!” Hudson complained. “He’s never going to bring us food again.”
“It’s the best pizza that I’ve ever had,” Phil commented.
“I need these donuts every day in my life,” EJ added.
“We really appreciate this,” Captain Devlin said.
Looking across the table, Bastian winked at Hudson. “Anything for Hudson.”
Hudson blushed as Bastian could have easily predicted.
EJ began to catcall before choking on a donut.
Phil laughed as he pounded on EJ’s back as Captain Devlin just shook his head. The older man must be used to their antics.
“I have paperwork to do,” Captain Devlin said, standing.
“Have fun with that,” EJ sassed. “I’m logging into my game.”
“I’m taking a nap,” Phil declared around a yawn.
“I can walk you out,” Hudson offered. “Maybe show you the rest of the station.”
“I’d like that.” Bastian rose before pushing in his chair.
Hudson was smiling at him as he rounded the table. His boy looked so much better than he had when Hudson had first returned from fighting the fire. Color had returned to his face. His blond hair was still wet and hadn’t been styled, giving him a just-out-of-bed look.
Bastian would love to see Hudson like that after a long night of making love to his boy.
“Follow me.” Hudson entwined their fingers.
Earlier it had been hard to resist touching Hudson when he could smell his mate’s desire. Now there was nothing stopping him. He waited patiently until Hudson showed him the bunkroom, showers, and gym upstairs.
They passed Phil as he headed to sleep then walked across the living room where EJ already had his headset on in front of the large television.
The captain’s office door was open as they finally made it downstairs.
Hudson was proud as he showed off the rest of the fire station. “Do you want to sit in the fire engine?”
“Uh, do you want me to?”
“It’s a thing people ask,” Hudson told him.
