To think that it all started with a small, silly fire.
The first time your (e/c) eyes caught sight of the rising flame in your kitchen, you didn't believe it to be anything but horrible. Panicked thoughts crossed your mind as you hastily tried possible ways to put out your now burnt grilled cheese but to no avail. If you didn't put out the problem now, your apartment would turn out the same way as your dinner.
Rushing to your cell phone, nothing seemed more urgent than getting the fire department down here to save the space you worked so hard to rent. The rapid heartbeat that pounded against your chest and echoed in your ears blocked out the long dial tones as worried eyes darted back to the disaster every few moments.
"Los Angeles Fire Department." The smooth voice disturbed your nervous mantra as you clutched the phone with both hands, your shaky voice filling the room.
"Hello?! There's a fire in my house and its only getting worse." The once calm voice gained a hint of worry as he immediately responded, soothing your nerves in a small sense.
"What's your address ma'am?" Rapidly telling him the address, you vaguely listened to his words of reassurance, edging closer towards the door in fear for the worst.
In a state of shock, your back had hit the wall as you mind shut down. Nothing seemed to spark interest in your now empty shell as you watched the flame engulf your stove and slowly seep to the rest of your kitchen. Not even the loud bangs on the door beside you or the way it bust open brought your attention back to life. As you dully watched a figure, shrouded by the smoke, set out the blaze, a lone phrase repeated in your mind.
All that hard word gone.
All that time you had spent saving money to rent the apartment of your dreams had been to waste as it was about to go into flames at any moment. But your horrid thoughts came to a close as a smooth voice, the harsh conditions of the smoke tucked hidden away in the depth of his concern, filled your ears and his built form hung over you.
"Are you alright?" Were you? Struggling to find your voice, the edges of your eyes brimmed with tears as you shook slightly. The recent event proved almost too much for you to bear. Clearing your throat once to collect yourself, you nodded clumsily as you took in the first sight of the firefighter.
He was perfect.
"I'm fine. Thank you so much for the help." The sound of his laughter brought your muscles to relax unconsciously as he turned towards the black stove, your dinner almost in ashes.
"Well, it looks like you don't have to worry about whether it's cooked or not." A light laugh matched his own as you looked in the same direction, your plans for the evening ruined.
"I guess so. I can't thank you enough though. Is there anything I could do to repay you?"
"It's my job ma'a-"
"(f/n)." The moment he flashed that smile, your heart stopped as you tried to continue what you were saying but to no success. Only when he spoke were you broken from the trance, allowing yourself the pleasure of hearing his voice once more.
"James Maslow." Extending a hand, he continued.
"I'd hate to leave you on a bad note. Perhaps taking you on a late dinner would excuse my late arrival?" Late? If anything, he came at the right moment or else your whole apartment would be ash. Pausing for the briefest moment, a smile lit up your face as you nodded once more.
"I'd love to."
***
That had happened over a year ago. Never would you have thought that one encounter could lead to your life changing in such a dramatic way. Here you now lay on the black leather couch, no longer in the same home but in his own. Mixtures of both your personalities adorned the room as the t.v. blared from the wall, James', now yours as well, dog laying beside you as if he knew you his whole life.
"There has just been news that there is still a child inside the burning building. Wait! One of these brave men have just ran into the flames!" Leaning closer towards the electronic, your eyes widened as you caught sight of the all too familiar face.
It was your boyfriend running in to save the day as he always wanted to.
But you had no time to worry as a loud shriek overtook the room and your breath caught in your throat as the wooden supports gave out and no sign of your boyfriend was seen. Minutes passed as you waited for his arrival, expecting him to come out with only scratches and bruises as in the past.
But it never came and as a clumsy hand reached for the remote to shut it off, you jumped from your position to race up the stairs as if he would be there waiting for you. Pushing the door open quickly, you were only greeted with silence as the darkness overtook you and weighed down upon you like a weight.
Clutching the sweatshirt that lay on the bed before you, you flung it over your form as you rushed down the stairs once more. You wanted to see his face again. To feel his lips upon yours as you spent your free days together. But it never came as you flung open the door, seeing nothing but the darkening light of the sky. Finally realizing that he was never coming back, your hand slipped from the door as your feet hesitantly stepped back from the emptiness that loomed from outside.
He was never coming back.
The harsh reality came crashing down on you as the barrier that held your tears broke loose, breaking your line of vision as your back hit the wall harshly. Falling onto the tiled floor, you lightly felt soft paws on your legs as you felt no urge to move. Not until he returned.
"What's wrong babe?" There it was. His voice that you longed so deeply to hear. A sad laugh echoed across the room as you buried your face deeper into your lap.
Stop playing with me.
But it didn't end as the echoed sound of footsteps came closer towards your fallen form. Only when a hand clutched your chin and rose it to face him did your eyes widen at the sight.
He was alive. Sure, soot coated his entire form but he was alive. Just like the way you wished only a moment ago.
"Y-you're alive." His laugh brought your tension to release as it always did and relaxing against his hand, a soft smile spread across your lips.
"I told you didn't I? I would never leave you alone." Pressing his lips to your own, you melted against his touch as you were grateful that your time with him wouldn't end just yet.

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James Maslow Imagines (Clean Version)
FanfictionThis is my new James Maslow imagines the clean version.