Standing in front of the front door, Rudy felt paralysed for a moment, suddenly breathless with anxiety. A fear settled over him like a shroud, making him stand there, frozen, as he worried about something horrible.

He shouldn't, he knows, but the fear is there, under his skin, writhing. It whispers in his ear like the devil, convincing him of the worst. But no– no. You'd never do such a thing, would you? No, not Rodolfo's beloved pareja.

You'd never cheat on him, right?

But plenty soldiers get cheated on, the thought came unbidden. How many comrades and friends had he seen break down after they were betrayed so thoroughly?

Too many to count.

Even Alejandro, his best friend, had experienced his fair share of heartbreak and betrayals, not all of them romantic, but still. Rudy had supported his friend through them all, had seen what that kind of hurt did to someone. He didn't want to be on the receiving end of that hurt himself.

With a deep breath, Rodolfo shut his eyes and muttered a small prayer for strength before opening the door, stepping inside.

"¡Mi amado esposo! I'm home!" He called out loudly, protecting happiness and eagerness into his tone despite the dread licking at the back of his mind. He wouldn't allow such… worries to ruin his relationship with you. No. Rudy was sure you'd never betray him like that.

Even if he was away for months at a time. Even if the loneliness got to you. You wouldn't. Of course you wouldn't!

And yet the worry remained.