Frozen. That's what Joey felt. The day had started off normal, him leaving the Kavanagh house to go pick up you, his partner, and you two would have one of your fast-food date nights.

But then it hit. The smell of smoke, lingering in the air. Joey had simply cranked down the car window to get some air, and the smell had wafted right in. His entire body went rigid, knuckles turning white from the force he was squeezing the steering wheel at. Everything around him went silent, the only thing he could hear was a slight ringing in his ears.

What was meant to be a simple day, had spiraled straight down the drain.

Joey's throat felt dry, his foot pressing on the gas pedal, desperate to get to you quicker— you were his god given solace, the one person who could always bring him back to earth, make him remember that this is all in the past.

"C'mon...feckin' turn already." Joey cursed under his breath, thumbs tapping against the steering wheel, eyes focused on the red light that seemed to take an eternity to change. The second the red light was gone, his foot was pressing down on the gas pedal again, making him go over the speed limit. But he didn't care. All he needed was to get to you, feel you in his arms.

As soon as your driveway came to view, Joey messily parked, and hopped out of the car. He saw your smile fade, and a furrow form on your brows. It always amazed him; how quick you could tell something was wrong. How you always managed to be the perfect little ray of sunshine in his dark, gloomy life.

Before you could react, he had you in his arms, face buried against your hair. His shoulders slowly untensed, his breathing starting to even out, his lips pressing a dozen kisses against your hair.

"Smelled smoke and I was a goner, honest. Felt like I was right back there. In that wretched house, with my da. Can't believe the bastard is still hauntin' all my thoughts. Feckin' rotten brain I've got, huh?" He rambled, eyes fluttering shut, trying to put all his focus into just you.