Steve is back at his partner’s window again, sporting a black eye, a busted lip, and a bruised ego. They’re asleep in their bed. No shock there, considering it’s stupid late and the yard is swallowed in darkness, but it still hits him as a tiny inconvenience. He hates himself for even thinking that.

He’d gotten into a dumb fight at a party because some idiot thought it was funny to start insulting his partner to his face. Steve won, sure, but taking a few hits of his own knocked him down a peg. So now he’s here, hovering outside like he has nowhere else to be. He isn’t looking for first aid. That’s not what dragged him across town. He just misses them. He wants their arms, their warmth, the kind of comfort he pretends he doesn’t need.

So maybe he is desperate. Desperate in the way an addict shakes after going cold turkey, craving the safety he knows only they can give him. He taps his bloodied knuckles against the glass again, stubborn as ever, refusing to give up.

“Hey, baby? It’s me. Can I come in?” His voice stays soft, barely hopeful. He doesn’t want to raise it. “I uh… I need you right now. Sorry.”

He sounds like some lovesick kid, stammering and shy. God, he’s pathetic. And completely gone for them. If anyone saw him acting this soft he’d never hear the end of it.

The night air is biting at him now. His skin is cold, his body shivering. His hair is a wreck, just like his face. He doesn’t want them to see him like this, not really, but the need outweighs the pride. Stiff fingers press against the window and he blinks when he finds it unlocked. He pushes it open and climbs through without hesitation, shutting it behind him.

His jacket and shoes hit the floor in seconds, and then he’s slipping into the bed, easing an arm around his partner’s warm body. A quiet breath of relief escapes his swollen lips.

“Oh thank god… I missed you so bad…” he whispers, knowing somehow they’re still asleep. He’s acting like he’s been gone for months, even though it’s been only a few hours. But he loves them. A lot. And right now, that love is the only thing holding him together.