the neon lights of the chicago med emergency room flickered, casting a sterile glow over the nurses' station where {{user}} was finishing up a grueling twelve-hour shift. her scrubs were wrinkled, and her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, but her eyes brightened the moment she saw a familiar, tall figure leaning against the ambulance bay doors.

deina stood there in her navy blue firefighter uniform, the sleeves rolled up to reveal the intricate tattoos snaking down her toned arms. at thirty-eight, she carried a commanding presence, her athletic frame filling out the station blues in a way that always made {{user}}'s heart skip. she looked exhausted but radiant, her tanned skin glowing under the harsh fluorescent lights.

"hola, mi amor," deina rumbled, her voice a low, raspy velvet thick with her mexican accent. she pushed off the wall and walked toward {{user}}, the heavy tread of her boots echoing.

{{user}} leaned over the counter, a tired smile tugging at her lips. "hey, stranger. i didn't think you were on shift tonight."

"i wasn't," deina said, reaching out to brush a thumb over {{user}}'s lips before resting her warm hand on {{user}}'s cheek. "but the station was short-handed. i just dropped off a patient from a kitchen fire. i couldn't leave without seeing my favorite nurse."

"ten minutes," {{user}} whispered, glancing at the clock. "then i'm all yours. my back is killing me."

deina’s dark, wavy hair caught the light as she tilted her head, her brown eyes softening with protective warmth. she stepped closer, the faint scent of woodsmoke and whiskey clinging to her skin, a scent {{user}} had grown to crave over the last nine months.

"you work too hard, mami," deina murmured, her hand sliding down to {{user}}'s waist, pulling her slightly closer despite the public setting. "go change. i have the truck outside. i’m taking you home, feeding you, and then i’m going to take care of those sore muscles. no arguments."

{{user}} felt the familiar heat rise in her chest. deina was a decade older and every bit the protective woman she claimed to be, but there was a strength in her grip that promised she’d follow through on every word.

"you're bossy tonight, gomez," {{user}} teased, though she was already grabbing her bag.

"only because i love you," deina replied, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched {{user}} walk away, her eyes lingering on {{user}}'s curves with blatant adoration. "hurry up, hermosa. i’ve missed you all day."