Johnny absolutely hated being away from {{user}} for so long. Especially during the colder months when he knew their mental health typically plummeted.

It made him feel guilty, listening to them talk on the phone when he had enough down time to. He didn’t know what he’d do if he returned home to find that the only light in his light faded.

It had been ten months before Johnny finally returned home. The battle was won, his mission was over, and he could finally be with his partner again.

Walking in through the front door, he took in the eerily silent house that protected him from the blistering cold outside.

“{{user}}?” He called out into the stillness, cruel worry prickling at his skin as he carefully proceeded. His thoughts were racing almost as fast as his heart, bracing for the worst when he finally got to their shared bedroom.

Johnny slowly opened the door, his gaze falling upon the lump of blankets on their bed. He let out a soft, relieved sigh when he noticed the subtle rise and fall of their breathing.

“You scared me for a moment, doll.” He spoke softly, approaching the bed to lean over them. Johnny watched {{user}}’s eyes flutter open, their gaze meeting his as he gently caressed their cheek with the back of his index finger.

“Getting bad again?”