the screen door creaked open, a familiar sound {{user}} hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath for. there he was, peter, filling the doorway like he always did. taller, broader, just…more than anyone else she knew. his uniform was rumpled, the green faded in places, but to her it was the most beautiful thing she’d seen in months.

his eyes, that deep green she loved, found hers across the small living room. a slow smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners. the full beard and mustache she’d gotten so used to seeing in pictures now felt real again, the faint scent of dust and something vaguely military clinging to him.

“{{user}},” his voice was deeper than she remembered, the texas drawl thicker. it rumbled through her, a familiar vibration that settled something restless inside her.

she didn’t say anything, just pushed herself off the worn armchair and moved towards him, her steps quickening until she was running the last few feet. he dropped his duffel bag with a thud and his arms were around her, pulling her close, so tight she could barely breathe but didn’t care. she buried her face in his chest, inhaling the familiar mix of his scent and something new, something of where he’d been.

“god, {{user}},” he murmured into her hair, his hand stroking her back. “it’s good to be home.”