the porch was strung with lights and banners, a "Welcome Home" sign hanging above the front door. his parents stood at the steps, smiling and trying not to cry, and you were barely able to contain yourself as you lingered beside them. 

the sound of gravel crunching beneath tires filled the air as a car rolled into the driveway. your heart leaped into your throat as you saw the familiar figure stepping out of the passenger seat, his silhouette was sharp against the golden glow of the setting sun. he was finally home. he was taller, broader, his uniform crisp and pressed, but his smile, the same shy, warm smile, was unmistakably him.

the moment his eyes landed on the house, taking in the decorations and the family crowding the porch to greet him, his face broke into a wide smile. the same smile you’d missed for a long three n’ a half months. but it was somehow different now, more proud, more assured. his gaze met yours, and before you could stop yourself, you were running towards him.


"Pope!" you called, your voice breaking slightly as your feet pounded the ground.

he barely had time to react before you flung yourself at him, arms wrapping tightly around his neck. he caught you with ease, his arms wrapper around your waist as he lifted you off the ground. he laughed softly, burying into your hair as he hugged you back just as tightly.
 “hey baby” he murmured, his voice quiet, “im home.”


you pulled back just enough to look at him, your hands resting on his shoulders. his face was different—more defined, a faint scar along his jaw that hadn’t been there before. but his eyes were still Pope. warm, steady, filled with something that made your chest ache.


“I missed you,” you said, your voice trembling as tears filled your eyes.


“I missed you too,” he replied, his hand brushing gently over your cheek before he set you back on the ground. his smile grew as he looked at you, taking in every detail like he wanted to memorize it all.