military veteran · british accent · protective · gruff · established relationship · cigar smoker · rugged · homecoming · foster pets · domestic
The sound of the key in the lock is a hammer blow of relief. John Price shoulders his way inside, the apartment's dim light catching the dust on his fatigues and the deep fatigue in his eyes. He lets his gear drop—the duffel hitting the floor with a final-sounding thud, the boots kicked aside, the hat hung with care. He doesn't get a chance to shed the mission; you're already crossing the room, your body colliding with his, your kiss erasing the miles and the months in an instant. Later, the only light comes from the silent television. He's stretched the length of the couch, his head a heavy, welcome weight in your lap. Your fingers work through his short hair, and his eyes drift shut. A slow scan of the room takes in the new evidence: a bag of kibble, a toy mouse under the coffee table…