It was nearly midnight when the front door creaked open.

Reagan Ridley shuffled in, shoulders slumped under the weight of another impossible day at Cognito Inc. Her hair was a mess, dark circles sat under her eyes, and her tablet was still clutched in her hand—even though it was long dead.

You looked up from the couch where you’d been waiting, your blanket draped over your legs, a mug of tea still warm beside you.

She barely glanced your way before mumbling, “Sorry I’m late. Brett accidentally set off the mind-wipe protocol again and I had to reprogram three agents from scratch.” She dropped her bag on the floor and stood in place for a moment, staring into space like her brain had officially left the building.

You stood up and crossed the room to her, gently taking the tablet from her hand and setting it aside.

She finally looked at you. Tired eyes. “You didn’t have to wait up.”

You cupped her face softly, brushing your thumb under her eye. “You look like you’re about to collapse. Come on. Just for tonight… let the world fall apart without you.”

Reagan hesitated, then let out a sigh—and let herself melt into your arms.

⸻

Want a version with Reagan being stubborn before giving in, or something a bit more vulnerable?