Better than just my best friend.

2. Welcome Back.

Gemma

I woke up to find Russell had already left for work again. I swung myself around, letting my legs dangle over the side of the bed as I checked my phone for any messages. None. I sighed tiredly and turned around to take a look at Russell's side of the bed. I smiled when I saw that he'd made it neatly, with slightly plumped up pillows and all.

“Ruff!” I jumped slightly and stared towards the floor.

“Hey hog roast.” I said smiling, “Lets take you out.” I stood up and took Archie outside in the back garden for a quick run around and to do his business. I made myself some toast and filled Archie's plastic blue bowl with food then continued to watch him run around the garden like a maniac.

Russell

A few hours later

The day had gone by unusually quickly but we managed to finish the editing for the last episode just in time for 9 pm. The whole crew had a quick drink and a bit of delicious chicken from Nandos before departing home for another long break until the next series.

I arrived home late in the afternoon, just as it was starting to become a dark, cold evening. I parked the car outside on the front of the house and stepped out, dragging my bag with me as I pressed the lock button. I slid my key into the hole in the door and turned it clockwise. The door immediately swung open, revealing a warm and tidy home inside. Resting my bag on the floor next to the door I strolled in, looking around at the space where Gemma had clearly tidied up.

“Gem?” I called, turning the corner into the living room to find that it was empty. “Gemma?” I called again, this time a little louder. I decided to pull my phone out from my pocket and ring her. I walked into the kitchen, following a loud buzzing noise. I hung up and put down my phone onto the kitchen worktop as I picked up Gemma's small blackberry. Where is she? I stood there for a while pondering where she could be until my train of thought was interrupted by a scratching type noise at the front door.

Gemma

As soon as I opened the door Archie had burst in barking, yanking at my arm holding desperately onto his lead as I tried to close the door behind me.

“Alright Smasher!” I heard a familiar voice say. I unhooked the lead from Archie's collar and put it back on the hanger by the door before crouching down with Russell to Archie's level.

“You still top mutt?” Russell smiled, ruffling his hands through Archie's fur as he barked back at him. “And are you still my top girl?” He added, looking up at me over his glasses. I looked down and giggled, feeling my cheeks burn red.

“Hahaa, course you are!” Russell continued, standing up and pulling me up with him. “How was your day?” He asked, tucking a piece of my brown hair behind my ear and smiling sweetly.

“It was alright but it got a lot better about two minutes ago.” We smiled at each other before sharing a wonderful kiss. The best one in a long while, possibly the only one in a long while thinking about it. We pulled away from the kiss, looking into each other's blue twinkling eyes. Russell interrupted the moment by letting out a huge yawn, and pushed his hand to his mouth.

“I didn't want you to yawn rape me.” He explained, making me laugh more.

“Are you tired?” I said tilting my head slightly. He nodded at me and smiled tiredly. “Come on,” I began, taking a hold of Russell's hand, “I'll tuck you in.” I heard him chuckle from behind me as I led him up the stairs to our bedroom.

Russell

We both got changed into out pyjamas and I quickly hopped into bed. I'd never felt more exhausted! It was a relief to know that i'll be able to get a good long sleep next to Gemma. I locked my eyes on her as she walked back around the bed and bent down slightly next to me. She gently pulled the duvet up to my shoulders and whispered into my ear:

“Don't let the bed bugs bite.” I smiled so widely, my cheeks almost got pushed up to my forehead! As she left the room, presumably to watch a bit of TV before coming back up to sleep, she flicked off the light. I stared for a little while up into the pitch blackness of the room, feeling my eyelids getting heavier with each blink, slowly closing completely and sending me into a pleasant sleep.