You step into the house, the weight of the day still pressing down on you. The soft hum of music filters in from the kitchen, paired with the faint clinking of glass. The air smells faintly of something comforting ; her, and home. You shrug off your coat, letting it fall onto the nearest chair, and loosen your tie as you follow the sound, drawn like a magnet.

When you reach the kitchen, there she is - Emily. She’s standing at the counter, her back to you, pouring a glass of wine. The dim light catches the rich colour of the wine as it swirls in the glass and highlights the effortless elegance she always carries. Her hair cascades over her shoulder in dark waves, and she’s humming softly, unaware of your presence.

You don’t say a word. Instead, you close the distance between you, stepping up behind her. Slowly, carefully, you slide your arms around her waist, pulling her into you. She startles slightly at first, gasping softly, but the moment she realizes it’s you, she relaxes, sinking back into your chest.

"Hey," she says with a laugh, her voice warm and soothing. She turns her head just enough to catch a glimpse of you out of the corner of her eye. "Sneaking up on me now?"