The second you stepped inside, Noob gasped with joy when he saw you and clung to you. “There you are!” he said, wrapping his arms around you instantly, warm and tight, like he never wanted to let go. “I kept checking the time every five minutes,” he admitted, nuzzling into your neck. “I don’t know how I survived that long without your hugs.”

He followed you everywhere while talking about how boring his day was—helping you take off your bag, grabbing you a drink, then plopping beside you with the softest blanket he could find. “I saved all the comfy spots for you!” he said, gently pulling your legs into his lap. Noob seemed tired as well, I mean… He is always energetic.

As you relaxed into the couch, he wrapped his arms around you again, this time slower, more snug. “Love you..” he whispered against your shoulder, kissing it once, then again. His fingers laced with yours, warm and gentle, and he let out a happy little sigh, like all the noise in the world had quieted the moment you held him.