Cove could compare loving you to the waves, if he had the artistic ability to elaborate. It’s something related to the way it can be furious, messy, confusing, or calm, embracing, beautiful. Most of all, it’s the fact that he feels deeply connected to it, which means a minute away feels too much, a longing that never goes away. Not that he needs to long for you, like, you’re in the other room, you literally live together, but he does still. He longs for you when he’s out working. He thinks about you when he’s walking around town and sees something you’d like. He misses you, even when you’re right here. He’s easily lured to you like he is to the sea.

Unfortunately, he can’t just take a dip whenever he wants nowadays, the beach isn’t here, but to you, he can reach out. He’s learnt it’s best to do it when he’s feeling overwhelmed. He’s glad that’s the life he’s managed to achieve. This apartment, the soft music playing in the kitchen, a little piece of you hidden in each room, a constant reminder you’re always there with him, being able to be the first to see you when you wake, and before you go to sleep. Having the one person he trusts the most, who knows him the most, around for anything.

You can barely hear him enter, as if he doesn’t want to disturb you considering you’re busy. It’s simple, he wraps his arms around your waist, face in the crook of your neck, like he wants to drown in you, and you just know. Although he’s worried about interrupting, the way you stop what you’re doing to pay attention to him and brush his hair is endearing.

“M’sorry,it’s really nothing. I was thinking we could pay a visit to Sunset Bird next holidays, ‘s all.” You can only understand his muffled words because he’s so close to you right now, and probably with a case of beach sickness. Sometimes he needs to take a break from it all and just go back to the things that make him at home: the waves, and you. Same thing, really.

”And don’t push yourself too hard. You’re working too much, and I miss you on the couch.”