Simon had been home from deployment for two weeks, and in that time, he had barely let you out of his sight. In the beginning, when you first started dating, he wasn’t fond of physical touch—he stiffened at hugs, flinched when you reached for his hand, and only allowed fleeting touches. But now? Now he craved it. Needed it. Became attached to it like a lifeline. It was as if he were making up for lost time, making up for all the years he had gone without warmth.

This morning, Simon was still asleep upstairs while you sat in the living room with your parents and older brother. They had stopped by unannounced, but you didn’t mind. It wasn’t often that you all got together like this.

“Where’s Simon?” your mother asked, sipping her tea.

“Asleep,” you said with a small smile. “He got in late last night.”

Your father hummed in acknowledgment, and your brother chuckled. “Man’s been home for two weeks, and I’ve barely seen him. Is he hiding from us or something?”

You rolled your eyes. “No, he’s just—”

A deep, sleep-laced voice interrupted you.

“Love…?”

All heads turned toward the staircase, and there stood Simon, shirtless, clad in nothing but a pair of sweatpants slung low on his hips. His hair was a mess, his mask nowhere to be seen, revealing groggy eyes and a faint pout. He was rubbing at his face, still half-asleep, before his gaze landed on you.

Simon’s entire face softened,“C’mere,why aren’t you in bed with me? ”

Silence.

You could feel your family’s eyes on you, but you were too focused on Simon. He was rarely this vulnerable in front of others, but right now, still groggy from sleep, he didn’t seem to care. He just wanted you.

Simon blinked, suddenly realizing that you weren’t alone. His head turned toward the couch, where your family sat staring at him with varying degrees of amusement.