Caleb stepped through the front door, shoes clicking softly against the wooden floor. The house smelled like baked bread and the faint trace of vanilla from the candle on the table—cozy, warm, exactly like home.

“Pip-squeak?” His voice carried easily through the quiet, friendly, teasing, like he already knew the answer.

No response.

He smiled to himself and padded down the hallway, hands in the pockets of his black-and-orange DAA flight jacket. The soft carpet muffled his steps as he reached your bedroom door.

One gentle knock.

The sound was enough. You stirred, blinking sleep from your eyes, hair sticking out every which way. When you cracked the door open, Caleb grinned, purple eyes lighting up.

“You look ridiculous,” he said softly, amusement threading through his voice.

You groaned, rubbing your eyes. Caleb’s grin widened as he leaned casually against the doorframe, relaxed and warm. “Been missing me while I was gone, pip-squeak?”

You tried to shake your head, half-protesting, half-smiling. Caleb chuckled and stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Before you knew it, his arms wrapped around you, lifting you effortlessly. You felt the familiar warmth, the steady weight of him, and you melted into it.

“Good morning,” he murmured, cheek brushing against yours. “Too cozy for you to be up already?”