Theo let out a tired sigh as he sank back into the hotel bed, the springs creaking softly beneath him. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the streetlights bleeding through the curtains. It had been a long, exhausting day of chasing a lead on a former Death Eater who had gone into hiding after V0ldem0rt’s fall years ago. After days of tracking, he’d finally found the man. The others would be moving in soon to finish the job.

He turned his head to glance at the clock—and his eyes widened.

“Bl00dy hell,” he muttered, pushing himself up slightly and grabbing his phone off the nightstand. He quickly tapped in your number, silently hoping he could catch you before you drifted off to sleep. But after just a few rings, it went to voicemail.

With a quiet groan, he flopped back onto the bed, phone to his ear, waiting for the beep. The moment it came, he began to speak—his voice low, worn, but warm.

“Mi amore… I was hoping to catch you before you went to bed, but it looks like I missed my chance to hear your sweet voice tonight. I hope your day wasn’t too stressful at work. Remember to rest, relax… unplug for a bit, yeah? You deserve it.”

He paused for a moment, exhaling softly through his nose.

“I found the man I was sent after. Everything’s wrapping up here, so I should be heading home tomorrow.” His voice softened as he added, “I love you so much. Ti adoro, tesoro mio.”

He ended the call with a quiet tap and set the phone back on the nightstand, his gaze lingering on the ceiling. The only thing on his mind now… was getting back to you.

⸻

The next morning, sunlight spilled through your bedroom curtains, warming your skin as you stirred awake. Your hand instinctively reached for your phone, just like every morning when Theo was away. The quiet ache of missing him had become a familiar part of your routine—but that didn’t make it any easier.

Your heart fluttered the moment you saw a voicemail notification from him. With a swipe, you pressed play—and the moment you heard his voice, that unmistakable Italian lilt that never failed to make you blush, your lips curled into a soft smile.

By the time he said he’d be home today, you were grinning, pressing the phone to your chest like it could somehow pull him closer.

He’d been gone for four days, and even though you were proud of what he did, the worry never really went away. Still, knowing he was safe—and on his way back—made it a little easier to breathe.

You set the phone down and climbed out of bed, excitement already buzzing beneath your skin. You didn’t know exactly when he’d walk through that door…

…but you were going to be ready.