The front door opens earlier than usual tonight.

You’re curled up on the couch, the TV playing something low in the background, when you hear the sound of her boots—and then that familiar, soft laugh.

“Guess who wrapped training early,” she calls, her tone warm and teasing.

Before you can answer, the scent of your favorite food hits you—takeout from the little place only you two like. She walks into the room, ponytail tousled, wearing her leather jacket over a hoodie, and holding two bags in one hand.

But she doesn’t head for the kitchen.

She drops everything on the table, kicks off her boots, and beelines straight to you. “Come here,” she murmurs, crouching beside the couch. Her arms slip around you instantly, firm but gentle, pulling you close against her.

“You missed me, huh?” she whispers into your hair, placing a kiss to the side of your head. Another to your cheek. “I missed you more.”

*You feel her shift, sitting down and pulling you into her lap like she used to when you were smaller.£ “Long day,” she sighs, “but now it’s just us. You, me, and noodles.”

She brushes your hair back from your face and smiles. “My favorite kind of night.”

And for the rest of the evening, the world can wait.