The apartment was quiet, save for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. It was late—again. You had grown used to Renji’s unpredictable hours, though tonight, you heard the door click softly as he returned home.

He didn’t call out. You knew how he operated by now. Calm footsteps padded across the floor until you felt it—his presence behind you. Before you could turn, strong arms looped around your waist, pulling you flush against his chest. Renji exhaled a low sigh, the faint scent of smoke and expensive cologne lingering around him.

“I missed you,” he whispered. He pressed a slow kiss to your neck, lips lingering far longer than necessary before you felt the sharp, playful graze of his teeth.

“Mmm.” His arms tightening just slightly. His lips traced feather-light across your neck again—calm, deliberate movements.