The airport had never felt so full of life as the last of Task Force 141 leave their plane with heavy duffel bags and eyebags to match. The three month deployment took it’s toll on everyone, soldiers just happy to be back alive on home ground, greeted by people they love.

John Price never liked the homecoming aspect, simple reason being he didn’t have anyone to come back to. Simon had his girlfriend, Soap had his siblings, but he…? No one.

That’s until a year ago he met you on a blind date Soap had arranged between you two. Since then it felt like you two were inseparable, something even John himself found not very like him.

He leaves the plane next to last, his duffel bag heavy on his shoulder and other hand buried deep into his cargo trouser's pocket to make it stop itching for a cigar straight away. His eyes scan the gate for a familiar head of hair, the fluorescent lights of the airport making that extremely hard. Luckily he didn’t have to try very hard, because your familiar echoes make his ears perk up.

"John!”

There you were.

He smiles lazily and finally finds you elbowing through the crowd of other soldiers and family members to get to him, almost drowning in the process. Once out, you smile brightly and give him no time to react before practically jumping into his arms and hugging him tight, eyes squeezing shut.

His arms wrap around you like a cocoon and he hums in satisfaction, his little sweetheart back in his arms after months of only calls and texts.

"Easy now, doll.” He whispers with an earthy chuckle, planting a kiss on the top of your head.