132- Is it a crime to look as good as you do in uniform? Because it should be!
DAMIEN
In the end, no one even went into the kitchen before my shift ended and I managed to hightail it out of there. No early risers. No patrols through the breakroom. Not a single curious firefighter on a caffeine hunt. Honestly? It’s kind of a miracle. And even after I left, no one texted or called me. No confused messages asking why there’s glitter in the grout or why the mop smells like fake sugar and suffering. No complaints about the plumbing either, which is its own small mercy. But the real mystery? No one’s asked about the coffee machine. The missing coffee machine. You know, the one that exploded into cursed sludge and got violently axe-murdered in a glitter rage. And that’s weird. Because I’d notice something like that immediately. The lack of caffeine alone would start a riot. So, either no one’s gone in there yet... Or something even weirder is going on. Which, considering the events of the night, wouldn’t even crack the top three. Because the truth is, as wild and cursed and glitter covered as this whole situation was… It wasn’t even the most noteworthy part of my night. Not by a long shot. That title belongs to Eli. Just… Eli. So despite everything, despite the itching, the sludge, the broken appliances, and the possible crimes committed against the station’s plumbing I'm in a pretty damn good mood by the time I get home. I even hum to myself while dragging my cursed clothes into a garbage bag and throwing it straight into the outside bin like a biohazard. The shower takes over an hour and a half. At least four rounds of shampoo. My arms are sore from scrubbing. Glitter still shows up in the corners of the shower cubicle. And I don’t care. I watch all of it swirl down the drain, neon sludge, sparkles, every trace of that ridiculous mess, with a half smile on my face. Then I climb into bed and, for the first time in what feels like forever, I fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow. And I sleep like a man who has absolutely no regrets.
I sleep so well that when I wake up, I’m not entirely sure what day it is. Or night, technically, the sky outside is already starting to darken, painting the room in fading blue light. For a minute, I just lie there, trying to remember who I am and what dimension I’m in. A glance at the time tells me I’ve got about an hour before I need to be back at work. After tonight, though, I’ve got a few days off. I’m swapping back to day shifts with Honey, and I have zero intention of taking on any more overtime for a while. I feel like I’ve earned a break. Like, a ‘don’t even look at me’ level break. I don’t expect tonight to be anywhere near as eventful as last night. Which is to say, I expect the emergencies I deal with will involve things I’m actually trained for, like fires, car crashes, and collapsing buildings. Those sound relaxing by comparison. At least THEY don’t usually involve cursed glitter explosions. A glance at my phone reveals about a dozen unread messages from Eli. I unlock the screen with a grin, already bracing myself. Most of them are from shortly after he left the station last night.
Eli- Why is this glitter so difficult to get off?
Eli- It’s ridiculous.
Eli- …Okay, I admit I just felt like I should text you, although I’m pretty sure it’s uncool that I waited only like… An hour to start messaging you.
Eli: I’m assuming you’re busy… or passed out. Either way, good luck with the glitter and sweet dreams.
Eli- Just realised I can do this without being sus now. So I’m adjusting that last message. Sweet dreams, Dami. Xoxoxoxox ;)
I huff a quiet laugh and keep scrolling. About three hours later, there’s another round of messages.
Eli- Can’t sleep. Too hyped up.
Eli- Got bored. Started online shopping. I ordered new shoes.
Eli- Also this! -JPG-
I open the picture. It’s a coffee mug with the words: ‘It’s not road rage if you have sirens.’ I snort. I love it.
Eli- I got two! We can match! Cop x firefighter for the win. Bring on the sirens!
Eli- I have spent way too much money…
Eli- Didn’t sleep. I have to get up for work now. I’d say I need coffee, but I’m a little afraid. I might have to just buy my coffee for a while.
Eli- Random question. Does kissing you mean I can be number one on your speed dial yet?
I bark out a laugh before I can stop myself. Seriously, he’s ridiculous. But I guess I DID need a new mug. We threw mine out last night, and while it technically might’ve been salvageable… There’s no way I could ever look at it again without flinching. Best to let it go. I scroll back up, smile tugging at my mouth, and type out a reply to all of Eli’s texts at once.
Damien- Getting the glitter off sucked. It’s not uncool to text. We’re friends, it’s normal. That rule only applies in bad teen movies… Good night to you too. That mug is amazing. Thanks. Sorry you didn’t get any sleep. I agree, we’re both probably buying our coffee from now on. Aaaand don’t push it.
I hit send. Then stare at the screen for a few seconds longer than necessary, waiting for the inevitable. Because knowing Eli, he’s already halfway through crafting his next twelve messages. And honestly? I’m not even mad about it. My phone rings, and Eli’s name lights up on the screen. Okay, apparently whatever he has to say, twelve consecutive messages weren’t enough. This requires a phone call. I answer and put him on speaker while I move around the apartment, pulling on a clean uniform and gathering my gear for the shift.
“Hey, Eli.” I greet him cheerfully.
“Why can’t I be first on your speed dial?” He demands immediately, like we’re mid argument and I’M the one who’s late to it. I laugh.
“Because my sister is already number one on there.” I remind him. I can practically feel his pout through the phone.
“I bet Rina put Torin as number one on her speed dial.” He grumbles.
“If you’re not first on hers, she doesn’t need to be first on yours.” He argues. I frown, pausing halfway through tying my boots. Is that true? I want to say it’s not, that my sister would never bump me down the list, but deep down, I know. As close as we are, I’m probably not her emergency contact anymore. Not these days. It’s fine. It’s good, even. She’s safe. She’s got people now. That’s the way it’s meant to be, and I know I’ll always be her family. But… Ouch. Maybe it is time that I started to get a life of my own… I sigh heavily.
“Fine. You can check Rina’s phone next time we all catch up. If you’re right, and Torin is number one… I’ll let you change mine.” I reluctantly tell him. I pause mid step.
“And no warning her ahead of time so you can get your way.” I warn.
“Hell yes. Number one, here I come.” Eli crows triumphantly. I roll my eyes.
“You’re ridiculous.” I insist.
“Maybe.” He says brightly.
“BUT I’m also awesome. And by that, I mean I spent the day investigating who’s responsible for the Coffee Machine of Doom.” He declares. THAT gets my full attention. I immediately grab the phone, switch off speaker, and press it to my ear like the conversation just went from background noise to mission critical.
“Tell me everything.”