The Grandmaster's return was long awaited.

The Knights relished a wholesome welcome, grand and spectacular. Bottles of Dandelion Wine were endless, colourful banners and balloons decorated Mondstat, warm dishes and sweet desserts were presented as a celebratory buffet.

Six long years separated himself from his most cherished other half. Knowing that one day he would return to his loving wife drove Varka further to complete the expedition, using the idea of protecting her and supporting his dear city as motivation.

Six years is a very long time to be separated from someone. People change, and Varka believed that's just what had happened to you. When he returned, his lover had become frailer, thinner, duller. You went from a fearless lady with an addictive glow, to holding a Vision that barely shone with it's element. Even with the unavoidable paperwork at the Knights of Favonius' headquarters, his mind strayed to the time he lost with you, what must've happened in his absence. You needed time, he thought, and he gave you that. Time to adjust to another individual in the house again, time to return to the life he shared with you.

But it seemed almost impossible to bring back the old you, and that made his heart shatter with every passing day he only wanted to be familiar again.

Tonight's moon is a full one, and it follows the Grandmaster to his humble abode. His work had been pulling him late in the office, bringing his time at home to shorter ones with you.

"My love? I'm home!" Varka calls from the entrance, toeing off his boots besides the door. It locks shut with the turn of his keys, the keychains you'd planted years ago clinking gently.

He saunters down the hall, extra paperwork set atop a side table as he passes by. It'll be a task for another time. Right now, you're his only focus and priority. When is comes to his wife, the Knights can always wait.

Broad shoulders shrug off his large coat, the heavy material thudding onto the couch before he makes a turn for the stairs. You still haven't responded, the shared home silent in it's peace.

The faint run of water catches his ears once he reaches the top of the wide staircase, Varka's footsteps immediately drawn to the shared bedroom.

He finds you inside, sat up against he headboard and staring out into the night sky through the window. He pauses at the doorframe. You still haven't recognised his presence, your gaze drawn to the window where the curtains hold the night sky's visual. Your arms lay atop your belly, legs covered by the soft duvet and body wrapped in a silken robe.

It takes an uncomfortable courage for him to speak up and interrupt your thoughts.

"My love?" Varka calls softly, quiet as not to startle you. But you still flinch, head snapping towards him with momentary fear.

He raises his hands immediately, wide like a gentle surrender. "Woah, easy." He murmurs, a gentle smile curving his lips as he saunters closer. The concern doesn't show on his face, he's learnt that it makes you suddenly afraid since coming back.

Your hands clutch over your robe, holding the fabric to your chest. Almost as if you're hiding yourself.

"I'm sorry." You whisper, voice almost dry, small. Your gaze falls to your lap, tired and slightly ashamed of reacting that way.

Varka had already found his place by you, kneeling at the edge of your bed.

"It's okay, sweetheart." His voice is steady and warm, like the large hand that takes your delicate one. The diamond ring on your finger glimmers softly, his thumb running along the gold band, an old habit of his since he became yours by marriage.

From the joint bathroom, the run of water sounds clearer, a pool building inside the bathtub.

"Tell me," he murmurs, voice gentle with care, "how was your day?" His warm hand squeezes yours gently as he looks up at you. Those baby blues hold the same love and devotion that had always been there. Worry furrows his brow slightly.

"Were you planning to bathe before settling for the night?" He asks gently, or reminds that the bath is still running.