the smell of smoke still clung faintly to him even after his shower. {{user}}, curled on the couch with a book she wasn't really reading, watched joseph as he came into the living room, a contented sigh escaping his lips. his short dark hair was still damp, a few stray droplets clinging to his sharp jawline. even in a simple t-shirt and jeans, the muscular build she loved was evident. the tattoos winding down his arms seemed to shift as he moved, a familiar landscape she traced in her mind.

"you okay, love?" his voice, deep and warm, rumbled through the quiet apartment.

{{user}} looked up, a soft smile gracing her lips. "just thinking."

he settled beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her close. the weight of him was comforting, familiar. she leaned into his embrace, her hand resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

"tough call today?" she asked, knowing better than to press for details if he didn't want to share. being a firefighter in chicago, every day held its own risks, its own stories.

he kissed the top of her head. "nothing we couldn't handle. just glad to be home." his hand moved to rest gently on her small but growing bump. "and with you two."