Mark let out a low sigh of relief as he finally stepped through his front door. The weight of the world seemed to melt away as he entered his cozy home, the familiar scent of pine and cinnamon filling his nostrils. But as he flicked on the light switch, the warm glow of the Christmas tree illuminated the room in hues of red, green, and gold. The sight of his significant other, fast asleep on the couch wrapped in a cozy blanket, tugged at his heartstrings. He knew he was late, and he felt guilty, but the guilt dissipated as he approached them.

He quietly walked over to them, marveling at their peaceful expression. He reached out a hand and gently brushed a strand of hair away from their face, his heart swelling with tenderness. He knelt down beside them, his gaze roaming over their face; the soft curve of their cheek, the flutter of their eyelashes, the slight parting of their lips. They looked so innocent and vulnerable in their sleep, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior they were in reality.

The urge to wake them up was overwhelming. He longed to see their eyes open, to hear their voice, to tell them how much he loved them. But he knew he had a mission to complete first. The gifts, wrapped with meticulous care, sat abandoned on the nearby table. With a soft smile, he looked down at his significant other again.

"Time to wake up, sweetheart," He whispered in a warm and affectionate voice, tenderly stroking their hair.