Chapter Text
Sara stepped through the portal with a sigh, her body aching from the long and exhausting mission she’d just completed. It had been a brutal few days—non-stop action, quick thinking, and even quicker reflexes. She was more than ready to collapse into the familiar comfort of Ava’s arms, to feel the softness of her touch and the warmth of her presence. Her heart ached for it.
The apartment was quiet and dimly lit, with the glow of the city lights seeping in through the windows. It felt like a haven, a safe place where she could finally let go of the world outside. As soon as her feet hit the floor, her eyes searched for Ava.
She didn’t have to look far.
Ava was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her tablet, her hair slightly messy, a comforting sight after days of chaos. The moment their eyes met, something in Sara's chest loosened. She didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. She crossed the room in three quick steps, then practically melted into Ava’s waiting arms.
Ava caught her with ease, her strong arms wrapping around Sara’s tired body, holding her close. “Hey, love,” Ava murmured, her voice a soft melody. “You look like you need a break.”
Sara chuckled weakly, her face nuzzling into Ava’s neck. “I don’t just need a break, Ava. I need you.”
Ava smiled, the kind of smile that made Sara’s heart skip a beat. She tilted Sara’s chin up to meet her gaze. “I’m right here,” she said, before pressing a kiss to Sara’s forehead. “Let me hold you.”
Sara didn’t need to be told twice. She let out a contented sigh, her body relaxing as she melted into Ava’s embrace. Ava was always the calm in her storm, the one person who could make everything feel okay. She breathed in the familiar scent of Ava’s perfume, a calming blend of jasmine and vanilla, and for the first time in days, she felt at peace.
Ava brushed Sara’s hair out of her face, her fingers lingering against her skin as if savoring the contact. “How bad was it?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. She had always hated hearing about the dangerous missions Sara went on, but she never wanted to press her girlfriend to talk. She’d wait until Sara was ready.
“It was brutal,” Sara confessed, her voice low. “I don’t even remember the last time I slept. But I don’t care anymore. I’m home, with you.”
Ava’s heart swelled at those words, and she tightened her hold on Sara. “You don’t have to talk about it now,” she whispered. “You’re safe here."
Sara smiled, looking up at her girlfriend. “You always know how to make me feel better,” she murmured, before pressing a kiss to Ava’s lips. It was slow, tender, a kiss that spoke volumes in its simplicity. Ava’s lips were warm and soft against hers, a contrast to the cold, harsh world Sara had just escaped.
The kiss deepened, just enough to stir something between them, but not enough to push things too far. It was about connection, comfort, and the love they shared. Ava pulled Sara onto her lap, wrapping her arms around her waist as Sara straddled her. Their foreheads touched, breaths mingling as they savored the closeness.
Sara ran her hands through Ava’s hair, her fingers tangling in the long strands. She always loved how Ava’s hair felt—silky, smooth, the perfect texture for running her hands through. “I’ve missed you so much,” Sara whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Ava smiled, her hands tracing the line of Sara’s jaw. “I’ve missed you too. More than you know.” Her thumbs brushed over Sara’s cheekbones, and she leaned in to press another kiss to her lips.
Ava’s hands drifted lower, caressing the small of Sara’s back, pulling her closer, as if she couldn’t get enough of her. Sara’s breath hitched as she felt the heat between them intensify. But she wasn’t in any rush. For once, she didn’t need the urgency of the world. She needed this moment, this calm, this softness.
“Sara,” Ava murmured against her lips, her voice hushed with affection. “You’re my everything.”
Sara’s heart fluttered at the words. She had never been the type to talk about her feelings openly, but Ava made it so easy to be vulnerable. She cupped Ava’s face in her hands, pulling her into a deeper kiss, letting her emotions speak louder than words.
Ava’s hands slid up Sara’s back, underneath her t-shirt, and Sara allowed her to pull it off. This wasn’t about sex; this was about the intimacy of being with someone who truly loved her.
They stayed like that for what felt like hours—holding each other, kissing, whispering sweet words, and simply being together. Ava was patient, understanding that Sara’s heart needed time to settle, that the mission had left scars deeper than the physical ones. Ava knew how to hold Sara in just the right way, how to calm her fears and ease her worries.
Finally, when the weight of the world felt like it had lifted from Sara’s shoulders, she leaned back, resting her head on Ava’s chest, her breathing steady. Ava’s fingers traced soothing patterns on Sara’s back as they lay together, the room quiet except for the sound of their hearts beating in sync.
“I’m so lucky to have you,” Sara whispered, her voice full of gratitude.
Ava smiled, kissing the top of Sara’s head. “I’m the lucky one.”
They didn’t need to say anything else. In that moment, with nothing but the love between them, they were exactly where they needed to be.