It was that unfortunate time of year when Nico took off to Switzerland between Hockey seasons.

Some years you joined him, as you got to see his family and country. It was always a nice vacation when you did; you always felt so welcome there. But this year, you were stuck at home because of work.

You’d begged for time off, but after all the away games you flew to and took time off for, your boss clearly had enough. Which meant you had to wave goodbye and return home to a quiet, lonely apartment for a couple months.

Nico knew you hated it. And in all honesty, he hated leaving you as well. It meant he had less time with you in the off-season, because he spent most of it back home.

Which is exactly why this time was a little different.

What Nico didn’t tell you, was how he planned to surprised you by coming home an entire month early. It would give him more time to do all the things he wanted to do with you before Hockey started again, and his schedule got too busy.

And plus, the look on your face when you’d see him was enough to motivate his choices. His family didn’t mind; in fact, they were more than happy.

They considered it ‘romantic’. He knew they’d never let him live it down.

Eventually the time came around, and he was boarding his early flight back to the US. Your friends flicked him a message when you arrived home after work, playing their part perfectly.

He picked up the pizza he’d ordered on landing, and within half an hour he was knocking on the door to your shared apartment. It swung open, revealing you.

“I’ve got a large pepperoni for {{user}}?”