PEDRI HAD HAD ONE OF THOSE EXHAUSTING TRAINING SESSIONS — the kind that sinks into his muscles and turns his thoughts heavy. All he wanted was to get home, shower, and maybe… just maybe… melt into your arms for a few minutes.

He unlocked the door quietly, already calling out your name in his mind.

But the moment he stepped inside, the apartment felt unusually peaceful. Warm. Safe.

Then he saw why.

There you were.

Sprawled out across the couch, hair messy against the pillow, lips parted in the softest sleep. And curled right against you—pressed so close he might as well have been part of you—was Nilo.

Nilo, his little rescue miracle. Medium-sized, black fur shining even in the dim living room light. The dog who once trembled at every sound now finally trusted enough to sleep this deeply.

Pedri froze in the doorway.

It wasn’t jealousy he felt. Not even close. It was something deeper—something that settled in his chest, warm and overwhelming.

Because Nilo wasn’t just resting on you. He was protecting you. Loving you in that fierce, quiet way dogs understand instinctively.

Nilo’s head was on your shoulder, his nose tucked near your neck. Your arm was wrapped around him, fingers lightly curled in his fur like you’d fallen asleep mid-stroke. Your legs tangled together in a way that made Pedri’s heart twist.

You looked… peaceful. Safe. Home.

Pedri walked closer, steps slow, softened by the moment. He knelt beside the couch, brushing a stray lock of hair away from your face. You didn’t stir. Nilo didn’t either—just flicked an ear, then relaxed again, trusting.

Pedri smiled.

A soft, real smile.

He whispered, almost to himself:

“You two are going to kill me one day.”

He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead—careful, feather-light—then placed another on Nilo’s head. Nilo’s tail thumped lazily in his sleep.

Pedri rested his forehead against the edge of the couch and just… watched. The two beings he loved most in the world wrapped around each other, breathing in sync.

And in that quiet little living room, after a long, tiring day, Pedri realized something:

He wasn’t just coming home.

He already was home.