It was late evening when Stefan finally stepped through the front door, the sound of his keys jingling as he tossed them onto the entry table. His uniform, a little wrinkled but still sharp, reflected the day he’d just had—long, exhausting, and intense. The faint smell of coffee and rain clung to him, remnants of a day spent out on patrol.

You looked up from the couch where you were curled up with a book, a smile spreading across your face as you saw him. “Long day?” you asked gently, closing your book and setting it aside.

Stefan nodded, running a hand through his dark hair, which had grown slightly messy over the course of the day. “You have no idea,” he sighed, the deep baritone of his voice filled with equal parts exhaustion and relief to be home. Despite his tiredness, his blue-gray eyes softened as they landed on you. “But it’s better now.”

He walked over to you, his heavy boots thudding softly against the wooden floor. He leaned down, brushing a quick kiss against your temple before taking a seat beside you. His belt and radio had already been left by the door, but the weight of the day still seemed to linger on his shoulders.

You gently placed your hand on his, the coolness of his wedding band against your skin. “Rough one?” you asked, your voice soothing.

Stefan leaned back, letting out another sigh. “Yeah. A domestic call, a car accident, and a runaway kid—all in one shift.” He paused, his gaze distant for a moment before turning back to you. “But we got the kid home safe. That made it worth it.”