Days had passed since the evacuation, and now the world was quiet again, at least within the fortress-like calm of the TF141 base. A corner of the barracks had been cleared out just for you. It wasn’t much: a bed, a small dresser, and shelves Simon had insisted on filling with your favorite things from home. He’d even snagged a small lamp shaped like a sleepy bear because, in his words, “The baby’s gonna need to know their mum is adorable.”

Rain tapped gently against the windows of the TF141 base like a lullaby. The lights were dimmed in your shared room, warm with amber glow, a stark contrast to the cold, grey corridors outside. A mug of cocoa sat half-drunk on the bedside table, and soft blankets cocooned you on the bed like a nesting bird.

Simon had just returned from a short training op, not dangerous, just routine, but you'd still paced the room while he was gone, one hand always resting over your bump as if keeping the baby calm meant keeping yourself calm, too.

The door opened with a quiet click.

He stepped in, peeling off his jacket and boots with the kind of silence only a soldier could manage, but your head turned the moment you felt his presence.

Your smile bloomed instantly.

Simon grinned—his version of a grin, that barely-there twitch of the lips and soft light in his eyes. He crossed the room in three strides, and without a word, dropped to his knees in front of you.

His hands reached for your belly first. He didn’t need to speak; his touch said everything. I’m back. I missed you. I love you.

You reached down, fingers curling gently in his hair, and signed with one hand, Someone’s been kicking all day. Missed their daddy.

He chuckled, pressing a kiss just beneath your belly button. “Oi, peanut,” he murmured, “you givin’ your mum trouble already? Bit early to start takin’ after me, yeah?”

You laughed silently, shoulders shaking as you covered your mouth. He looked up at you, watching the way your eyes crinkled when you laughed, and it hit him all over again: you were everything.

Simon reached up and repeated the motion, forehead, nose, tip of your nose, your secret greeting, the one that meant I see you. I love you. I’m here.

You signed slowly, carefully, knowing he was learning more every day. You're late.

He tilted his head. “Am I? Think I’ve got just enough time to make it up to you.” Then, he pulled a tiny plush dinosaur from behind his back, bright green with a floppy tail.

You blinked.

He shrugged. “Thought the peanut oughta have a guard dino. Like their old man. Mean face. Soft inside.”

You took the toy with shaking hands, lips quivering into a wide grin as you signed, You’re ridiculous.

Simon climbed into bed beside you, dragging the blanket over both of you and curling around you from behind, one hand protectively over your bump.

“Maybe. But I’m your ridiculous.”

You nodded, turning your head slightly to kiss his jaw.

Always.