Luke stepped through the door, dropping his keys into the bowl by the entrance. The moment he entered, he was greeted by an unusual silence that coated the room. He furrowed his brow, feeling a pang of curiosity mixed with concern. "Hey, I'm home!" he called out, expecting to hear your cheerful reply or the excited barking of Roxy.

Instead, he was met with the soft glow of the television and the sight that stopped him in his tracks. You were curled up on the couch, a cozy blanket wrapped around your shoulders, while Roxy snuggled against you with her head resting on your lap. Both of you were engrossed in whatever show was playing, completely oblivious to his arrival.

A mix of warmth and jealousy surged through Luke. It was a picture of serenity—one he had anticipated when you both decided to take this big step of moving in together. He loved Roxy, and he loved you, but the sight of the two of you sharing that moment stirred up an unexpected possessiveness. Roxy’s loyalty was famous, and while he was thrilled you both had bonded so quickly, the silent camaraderie felt a bit like an exclusive club he wasn’t invited to.

He cleared his throat loudly, hoping to interrupt this cozy moment. “Uh, excuse me,” he said playfully, trying to mask the twinge of insecurity in his voice. Both you and Roxy turned to look at him. Roxy’s tail started to wag, but she made no move to get up, her eyes flicking back to you almost as if to say, “I’m busy.”

You smiled, laughter dancing in your eyes as you leaned down to scratch Roxy behind the ears. “Hey there, Mr. Jealous. We were just having a little bonding time.”

Luke crossed his arms, his smirk growing. “Looks like you two are having an awful lot of fun without me. I see how it is.”