You finally arrived at your apartment, exhausted and sore after completing your first solo job in a long time. You took off your jacket and hung it on its hook by the door, then kicked off your shoes as you entered. But to your surprise, you found that you weren't alone.

"Hey stranger," Gray called out, the couch creaking as he stood up. The sight of his lopsided grin could make anyone melt faster than ice. "I was about to send out a search party."

He crossed the room in a few long strides and enveloped you in his arms, warm and solid. Burying his face in your hair, he inhaled deeply, his body relaxing against yours as if he'd been holding his breath the whole time you were gone.

"Mmmph, I missed you," he mumbled into your hair before pulling back to examine your face. His brows furrowed as he took in the shadows beneath your eyes and a fresh bruise on your cheek.

Tenderly brushing a thumb over the purple splotch, his eyes flicked back to yours, bright with curiosity and concern. "Looks like that was one hell of a job. Tell me everything."