Exhaustion made your every move heavy, and you practically had to drag yourself up the stairs to your bedroom before collapsing against the door.
Despite this, the sight of Michael lounging on your bed lightened your heart and you slowly gathered enough energy to smile over at him. Smoke framed his features, and a cigarette hung from his slightly open lips. He dragged his eyes off his paperwork and raised a questioning eyebrow at your form, lying slumped against the door.
In response you simply sighed and picked yourself up, unpacking your bag and undressing, as he put out his cigarette.
"Are you ok darling? Anyone I need to beat up?"
A chuckle fell from his lips, and his eyebrow raised once more in humour, and you smiled at his latter question, knowing he was only half joking.
His words broke through the silence and were accompanied by the action of him sitting up and reaching out to you with grabby hands. This little action made you a little lighter inside and reminded you of the Michael you first met all those years ago. Funny how that small, insignificant action could resurface memories about that boy you rarely thought of anymore. That boy was miles away, stuck in a limbo, and though you would love him either way, you knew you'd rather have this Michael.
"No I'm okay, just tired baby." The words came out almost mechanically, your mind taking a while to catch up, once you stopped replaying old memories.
Your reply made him feel a little better and in reassurance, you kissed the plane of his forehead, feeling his body relax under your touch. Gentle and comforting, his hands held your body upright, and it felt as though with each small circle he drew on your body, he slowly repaired your weariness and made you feel a little more alive.
"Let me get dressed and washed darling, then I promise I'll come cuddle with you." Your words were soft and quiet but he heard them and emitted a small whine.
"Don't give me the puppy eyes... Michael," you warned, but your resolve was much weaker than usual, " fine."
Left in nothing but your underwear, you crawled under the covers and allowed the homely warmth to comfort your body.
Michael quickly followed you after stripping to just his underwear, and handed you one of his shirts to wear.
"There you go love."
He pulled you in closer and he could feel you melt into his touch.
In between slow kisses, he murmured, "Missed you baby. The house isn't the same without you. Nothing's the same without you."
A small smile came from you in response and a blush formed on his cheeks, almost as though he only just realised what he had said.
Your hands reached out for his face and your eyes met his.
"Don't be embarrassed. That's so sweet baby."
He stuck out his bottom lip, evoking a short laugh from you and you captured it between your lips.
"Love you" He whispered, burying his face in your neck, breathing in the soft remainder of your perfume.
Rubbing your hands in circles across his back, you replied with tired contentment in your voice.
"I love you too. I love you too."
