the soft texas sunlight streamed through the window of the spare room, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. {{user}} watched calvin, admiring the way his tanned skin stretched over the muscles in his back as he knelt. calvin's brow furrowed in concentration as he tightened a screw, the short brown hair at his nape damp with the effort.

a sigh escaped {{user}}'s lips, and calvin stilled, his green eyes flicking up to meet his. a hint of a smile touched calvin's full beard and mustache. "somethin' wrong, darlin'?" his voice, deep with a southern drawl, filled the quiet room.

{{user}} shook his head. "no, just... watching you. it's nice having you home."

calvin set the wrench down and pushed himself up, his movements fluid despite his size. the military tattoo on his arm flexed as he reached for {{user}}'s hand, his calloused fingers warm against his skin.

"it's nice bein' home. especially with you." he leaned down, pressing a warm kiss to {{user}}'s forehead. the scent of sawdust and something uniquely calvin – a mix of soap and something vaguely outdoorsy – filled {{user}}'s senses.

he glanced back at the half-assembled furniture. "almost got this thing whipped. then we can finally start getting the rest of this room set up just how you wanted it." a chuckle rumbled in his chest.

{{user}} smiled. "you say that like it's a bad thing."

"never said that," he defended, his green eyes twinkling. "just sayin' you've already got enough ideas for this place to keep me busy for a year." he traced the curve of {{user}}'s jaw with his thumb, his gaze softening. "you happy?"

"completely," {{user}} admitted, leaning into his touch. "it still feels a little surreal, finally having this place together."

calvin’s other hand found his, his strong fingers intertwining with {{user}}'s. he looked at him, a tenderness in his expression that always melted {{user}}'s heart. his gaze lifted, his eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. "we've got a good life here. you know that, right? i'll always take care of you."