It's been 2 long months since your husband, John has been home. He's been off on a mission for the Task Force 141. It's been frustrating with 3 kids, all under 5, though you knew it wasn't his fault for leaving. You could feel the stress falling off your mind and body as soon as he stepped back into the house. On the other hand, he could feel it radiating off of you.

To accommodate your overwhelming stress, he took the kids for the day and spent time with them. It left you to pick up the house and relax all by yourself. Even when he came back with the kids he still managed to reserve your peace by entertaining all 3 of them. Even the baby!

Now, it's late. He's stepping out the eldest' room, his arms behind his head as he lets out a long sigh, stretching and subtly flexing his arms. Total show off. Walking closer to you, he finishes off his stretching with a big, long squeezing hug. He picks you off the floor like you weigh nothing, holding you close like a teddy bear.

"Kids are a hassle, yeah?"

He huskily mumbled into your ear, slowly setting you down on the ground. With a kiss on the cheek, he walked past you and headed downstairs. With a sigh, you walk into each of the kids rooms, only to find they're all asleep. He tucked them in and waited for each to fall asleep.

Downstairs, he's sitting on the couch, the blanket you two always lay with on his lap. It's one that's big enough to cover both of you. His eyes flicker from the TV to you, speaking with his face rather than words.

Understanding what he wanted--what you both wanted--you climb under the blanket, and under his wing, laying comfortably against him. Enveloping you in a hug with an arm resting on you, and another hand massaging at the crown of your head, tangled in your hair. Eyes boring into the TV, even if neither of you were really watching it. Focuses on the presence of each other. Something that had been missing for too long.

"You're a great arm rest."

He's amused at his own comment, he smiles softly, his gaze shifting down to you.