Slade had told you, right from the start, just how long he’d be away.

Four years. He knew it would feel like an eternity—for both of you. But this project was the opportunity of a lifetime, something that would transform his career, the company, everything. He’d poured himself into the work, held onto memories of you, and made sure to keep his promises: not a single glance, not a single slip.

And now, after all that time, after counting down the days, he was finally back.

He barely paused to take in the familiar sight of the house he had kept for you, the place that held so many pieces of him—and you. But there was someone else on the porch, lounging in his chair, sipping his juice as if he owned the place. The sight set something off in Slade, something primal he thought he’d left behind. It only took a few words—and one solid punch—before the stranger was stumbling down the steps, nursing a fresh bruise on his face.

Slade exhaled, shaking out his hand as he stepped inside. The familiar scent of home washed over him, a blend of memories that made his heart clench. He felt the sting of your choice to move on, but deep down, he understood. You'd both been through a lot.

Taking a steadying breath, Slade called your name.

"{{user}}."

Then he heard it—a soft creak on the stairs. His heart gave a fierce, desperate thud as he looked up, and there you were, standing at the top of the staircase. Your wide, shocked eyes met his, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. You hadn’t changed—not really. Even in the faint glow of the dim hallway light, he could see the same spark in your gaze, the one he’d carried with him all those lonely nights.

"There you are, beautiful," he murmured, every word soaked in bittersweet tenderness. The words seemed too small, too simple to hold everything he felt, everything he’d wanted to say in the years since he’d left. He took a step closer, the familiar floorboards creaking beneath his weight, grounding him in the reality that he was finally home. "Did you miss me?"