Page 204 of Knotting the Firefighters
Actually approve rather than judging or questioning.
Professional boundaries apparently less important than personal happiness.
The kiss extends beyond what's probably appropriate for a public venue—Aidric clearly committing to the moment, using action to communicate what words haven't adequately expressed.
He's claiming me.
Publicly claiming me.
No more ambiguity, no more pretending, no more careful distance.
When he finally releases me, his expression carries satisfaction mixed with residual embarrassment—pride in his decision warring with discomfort at public display.
Worth it.
Absolutely worth the embarrassment based on his expression.
Finally broke through his defensive walls.
The celebration continues around us—champagne flowing, music resuming, a general atmosphere of community joy at multiple victories coinciding in a single evening.
Calder appears at my other side, his arm sliding around my waist in a mirror of Aidric's position.
"Well," he observes with satisfaction, amber eyes tracking between us. "That was an unexpected development. Thought we'd need another month of careful negotiation before public displays of affection."
Unexpected.
But welcomed.
Clearly welcomed based on everyone's reactions.
Bear and Silas join the group—both wearing expressions of approval mixed with amusement, clearly entertained by the evening's developments.
"This is good," Bear declares with characteristic enthusiasm. "Pack unity, professional advancement, public declaration of relationships—checking multiple boxes simultaneously."
Efficient.
Extremely efficient emotional breakthrough.
Silas's medical assessment is more measured:
"Someone's going to need to review security footage, document this moment for posterity. Future generations should witness Chief Hawthorne's spectacular loss of emotional control."
Teasing.
Affectionate teasing among our pack.
Aidric groans—sound of suffering that's completely undermined by the smile he can't quite suppress.
"Can we please focus on the professional achievement rather than personal revelations?" His attempt at deflection is half-hearted at best.
"No," we respond in unison—pack coordination extending to tactical teasing.
This is us.
Our dynamic.
Chaotic, supportive, occasionally inappropriate, but undeniably functional.
