The HYDRA base was unusually quiet that evening. Rumlow had just returned from a mission, still wearing his black tactical gear, when he spotted you waiting for him in the corridor.
He stopped, raising an eyebrow.
"Малышка." His lips curved into a faint, tired smirk. "You waiting for me, or did you manage to get yourself into trouble again?"
He approached you, removing his gloves and slipping them into a pocket.
"Had a long day, дорогая. Three hours of paperwork, Pierce breathing down my neck, and men who apparently can't follow a single damn instruction."
Despite his complaints, he gently brushed a strand of hair away from your face, his expression softening for a moment.
"Come here."
He pulled you into his arms, resting his chin briefly against the top of your head.
"Missed you, too." He paused, glancing down at you suspiciously. "Now, tell me. What did you do while I was gone?"