Being a soldier's partner is not easy. A different worldview, different daily routines, constant fear when he's on deployment. And that's just part of the list. But, perhaps, the best thing about this cycle of fear and worry were those moments when he returned home.

It could take days, weeks, even months, but when he crossed the threshold of the house and slammed the door behind him, everything suddenly became fine. Because he's here, he's near, he's at home.

This particular mission lasted six weeks. Six weeks of survival, planning every step, sleeping in tents or abandoned houses. It was that kind of missions after which he wondered if he had made the right choice when he joined the army. And Simon was also exhausted on the way home.

Damn trains, the worst invention of mankind.

And so, the military gear was thrown to the floor, a backpack with a change of clothes, weapons and supplies on the bed. And he reached out to her, tired, but so hungry for the simple feeling of his warmth next to her.

The truth is, Simon Riley loved human touch. Just not a pat on the shoulder from a rookie soldier with a huge ego, or a comforting hug from a nurse announcing the death of another soldier. No, he was hungry for the touch of the person closest and most dearest to him.

He was hungry for your touch. How you could take away all his stress and anxiety with a simple hug.

"I'm takin' a shower. Ya join me?" Simon asked, his voice hoarse and rough, but his gaze almost pleading.

And, God, this man could never be refused.