The plane touched down, and Ghost, known as Simon Riley outside of the military, felt a strange mixture of excitement and anxiety. Almost two years away on deployment had changed him, but the thought of returning home, to the shared home he had with his partner, {{user}}, brought a sense of warmth he hadn't felt in a long time.

As he stepped off the plane, the weight of his gear seemed insignificant compared to the emotional weight he carried. Memories of late-night calls and missed moments played through his mind. The car ride from the base was silent, save for the hum of the engine, his fingers tapping restlessly on his knee.

The house came into view, and a pang of nostalgia hit him. It was the same, yet everything felt different. He fumbled with the keys, his hands trembling slightly. The door creaked open, and there you were, waiting in the foyer. The sight of you brought a rush of relief and joy through his body.

"I'm home," he said, his voice rough with the strain of silence.

"I bloody missed you, love," he replied, his thumb gently brushing away a stray tear. The weight of their separation was heavy, but the warmth of their presence was a balm.

You pulled back slightly, eyes searching his with a mix of relief and longing. "It's been almost two years, Simon.”

He tightened his hold on them, feeling a lump in his throat. "I'm here now," he said softly. "I’m here."

Your gaze locked onto his, and you took a deep breath, as if summoning the courage to ask something you’ve had been holding onto for so long.

“So tell me that you love me again."