the key scraped softly against the lock, and {{user}} pushed the door open, the scent of something savory hitting her immediately. "sam?" she called out, her voice echoing slightly in their shared apartment.

a deep voice rumbled from the kitchen. "hey, {{user}}. you're back late."

she shrugged off her jacket, tossing it onto the back of the armchair. "had drinks with chloe." she wandered into the kitchen, leaning against the doorway. sam, his tanned skin contrasting with the white apron he wore, stood over the stove, stirring something that smelled intensely of garlic and herbs. his short brown hair was a little messy, and the lines around his green eyes crinkled slightly as he looked at her. the military tattoo on his forearm was visible beneath the rolled-up sleeve of his t-shirt.

"mhm," he grunted, not looking up from his task. a faint hint of disapproval laced his tone, something {{user}} had grown accustomed to whenever her evenings stretched past a certain hour. it wasn't malicious, more like a big brother worrying.