Balancing Protective Love

Cheesy Toast and Nuggies

Linda was cozy on the couch, munching on her cheesy toast with chicken nuggets, dipping them generously into sour cream. She had the place to herself since Alex was supposed to be home late. She figured she deserved a simple, indulgent meal for once.

Just as she took another bite, the front door opened. Her eyes widened as Alex stepped in, earlier than expected, still in his scrubs but looking a little less tired than usual. He took one look at her plate and chuckled softly.

"Cheesy toast and chicken nuggets, huh?" he teased, a smile tugging at his lips. "Classy dinner choice."

Linda, caught off guard, pouted but didn't miss a beat. "I wasn't expecting you home so soon. Besides, it's comfort food," she defended herself, popping another nugget into her mouth.

Alex shook his head, amused. "I'm just glad you're eating something. But where are the veggies, babe?" He set down his things and headed to the kitchen.

She glanced at her plate and shrugged, mumbling through a bite, "Cheese counts, right?"

He raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Nice try." Without another word, Alex started chopping up some cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes for a quick salad. He was always one to balance out his meals, and despite the long hours at work, he took his health seriously.

Linda watched from the couch, nibbling on her cheesy toast as she saw him throw together the salad with practiced ease. He was so diligent about his eating habits, but it was never judgmental. Just Alex being Alex.

When he returned to the living room with his salad bowl, he sat beside her and handed over a few slices of cucumber. "Here, you need some veggies too."

Linda wrinkled her nose playfully but took them. "You're really going to make me eat these?"

"Yup," he grinned. "You've got your cheesy toast, now balance it out with some greens." He took a bite of his salad, clearly satisfied with his healthier choice.

Linda sighed dramatically but popped a cucumber slice in her mouth, chewing slowly for effect. "Happy?"

"Very," Alex smirked, then leaned over to kiss her temple. "I'm just looking out for you, sweetheart."

She smiled at that, warmth blooming in her chest. Even when she was having a lazy dinner, he always found a way to sneak in some care.

"You're such a salad nerd," she teased, nudging him gently.

"And you're my cheesy toast girl," he teased back, wrapping an arm around her. "But you know, a little balance never hurt anyone."