Chapter Text
By the time Rutile finally manages to leave the hospital the sun is already starting to rise. The drive home is a complete blur which would be concerning if Rutile were more awake to think about it. Instead, they focus on making it inside the front door and hopefully to the bedroom before they collapse.
Pausing to turn off their phone and silence their pager, Rutile takes a deep breath, grateful that they have the next few days to recover from the last few shifts. As much as they enjoy their work at the hospital, it can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. Rutile knows that they cannot spend every waking hour there when Padparadscha is travelling but it is nice to have a distraction at times.
Somehow they make it to the front door without too much trouble only to be bested by a lock. Rutile spends more than a few minutes fiddling with the keys until they finally manage to find the right one and unlock the door. Pushing it open, they nearly drop everything in their arms when they spot Padparadscha waiting in the front hall. Blinking, Rutile wonders if their exhaustion is playing tricks on them because surely this must be a hallucination brought on by lack of sleep.
Padparadscha’s laughter fills the hallway and Rutile is frozen in place as they are suddenly pulled into a hug. This time Rutile does drop everything in their arms, burying their face against Padparadscha and taking comfort in their warmth. A sharp pinch at their waist makes Rutile squeak and they pull back with an indignant look.
“I know what you’re thinking. And don’t give me that look.” Padparadscha presses a finger to Rutile’s lips, giving them a teasing smile. “Of course I’m home just in time for my darling Rutile’s birthday.”
A soft flush appears on Rutile’s face. The days have a habit of blurring together and they did not even realize.
“You forgot didn’t you?” Wrapping their arms around Rutile’s waist, Padparadscha keeps them from escaping. “How adorable.”
“I’ve been busy.” Rutile glances to the side, trying to ignore the ticklish touch of Padparadscha’s fingers.
A shiver runs down Rutile’s spine as Padparadscha’s voice whispers against their ear. “I can imagine.”
Padparadscha tightens their grip around Rutile’s waist, humming under their breath and Rutile presses close once more, resting against them with a muffled sigh. They missed this.
“Are you going to fall asleep on me?” One of Padparadscha’s hands moves to play with the ends of Rutile’s hair.
“Maybe.” The words are mumbled against Padparadscha’s shirt. Rutile can already feel their eyelids growing heavier and heavier.
“How about a dance first?”
Rutile rolls their eyes but does not say no.
Padparadscha begins to hum again, carefully leading Rutile through the hall and towards the bedroom. They hold Rutile securely, swaying with each step and Rutile lets out a tired laugh, stumbling after them. Rutile knows that Padparadscha would never let them fall.
As they reach the bedroom, Padparadscha slowly spins Rutile around, catching them and lifting Rutile off of their feet. It leaves Rutile feeling slighting dizzy but they do not mind, curling against Padparadscha with a smile.
“Let’s get you into something more comfortable.” Padparadscha presses a kiss to the top of Rutile’s head before setting them on the bed. Rutile smothers a yawn with their hand, struggling to remain awake enough to slip out of their work clothes. When Padparadscha returns, they help Rutile change though not without a few teasing touches.
Rutile bats Padparadscha’s hand away, adjusting their clothing and falling back on the bed with a quiet murmur. The bed dips beside them and Rutile tries to hide their smile as Padparadscha moves to press a kiss to the side of their neck. Their eyes open in shock when Padparadscha suddenly blows across the sensitive skin and Rutile bites back a squeak at the ticklish sensation.
After pressing an elbow against Padparadscha’s side in warning, Rutile relaxes into the hold and lets their eyes fall shut. It almost feels as if this is some sort of dream. Too good to be true.
“You’re overthinking again.” Fingers gently trace over the side of Rutile’s face.
“You managed to come home but I can barely stay awake.” Rutile grows quiet. “Sorry.”
“There’s nothing to apologize for.” Padparadscha gathers Rutile close. “I don’t mind taking a nap with my favorite person. Lets me save some energy for later when we’re both awake for more fun activities.”
“You’re impossible.” Relaxing against Padparadscha, Rutile shifts, allowing their legs to tangle together. It’s been too long since they have been able to fall asleep together like this. Gently resting their hand on Padparadscha’s, Rutile smiles softly as they share one final thought. “But I’m glad you’re home.”