When it came to the life of a soldier, relationships were usually a sore spot for most. Everyone knew the stereotypes, that either the soldier would cheat on his wife while away from her, or she'd cheat on him.

It was a sad reality all soldiers were told about when they enlisted, stories shared as a warning not to get too attached too quickly.

Alejandro knew this– had been warned again and again. And even had experienced it himself a few times. Each time had crushed him further, destroying his trust and making him honestly feel unlovable and unworthy, wondering what he did to deserve it.

So it was honestly a miracle he'd gotten with you at all. But he was close to forty now, and he figured he shouldn't let a few bad instances turn him off from relationships entirely. Plus, he was a romantic! He wanted a partner! And then he met you, so very different from all his previous partners.

While they all required luxury, you didn't; you'd be more than happy with a box of chocolates or a pretty stone that he brought back from wherever he'd been stationed than expensive jewellery or designer clothes– Hell, one time he'd brought back a collection of pretty, colourful stones from each of the places he'd been deployed, and you'd been so ecstatic that you– er, well... you'd thoroughly shown him your affection, let's say.

You loved the little things because you knew it meant he listened and cared. And you did your best to give back to him, trying your hand at his favourite dishes and always making sure he was taken care of after a long day. Honestly, you had the whole "housewife" gig down pat!

And Alejandro did love you, he truly, really did. But a part of him worried on occasion that you'd look elsewhere for affection... that he wasn't enough, that all those horror stories would come true– that it you'd be like his exes.

Today, he was returning home after a couple of months away; he'd been tracking down the cartel and was now finally home.

"Mi amor," he called out as he entered his house. "I'm home!"