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Anthony let out a long, weary sigh as he closed his car door. Between grading papers, attending heated faculty meetings, and navigating the frantic pace of university life, he felt like a battery at the end of its life.
His next sigh was one of relief when he turned around and saw the building where Asa’s apartment was located.
His haven of peace.
Not the place itself, but the person who lived there.
Throughout this trying week, Asa had been a constant presence, showering Anthony with caring attention. From the beginning, he had offered to let Anthony stay at his place. Despite his busy days at the bookshop, Asa found time to send him encouraging messages, make sure he was eating healthily, pack him a lunch, and ensure he wasn’t skimping on sleep.
It was finally the weekend, and Anthony was going to show his lover just how grateful he was for his thoughtful care, even though Asa never asked for anything in return.
All he wanted at that moment was to take a long, hot shower, enjoy the meal Asa had probably prepared, spend some quality time with him, and then slip under the covers to get some rest.
A few moments later, Anthony stepped through the apartment door and softly called, "I'm home," so as not to startle Asa.
Usually, this moment was marked by the sound of quick footsteps and Asa’s cheerful chatter. He would tell stories about the eccentric customers at the bookshop or ask questions about Anthony’s day. But this time, only silence answered him.
Hanging his coat in the entryway, he called again softly as he stepped further into the apartment. "Asa? Are you there?"
When he walked into the living room, he couldn’t help but gasp in surprise when he saw Asa asleep.
Anthony had caught his lover dozing off before while reading, either with a thick book resting in his lap in the armchair by the window or leaning against Anthony while they were both reading on the couch.
But now, Asa was sprawled out on the couch, in a posture of total vulnerability. He had one cheek resting on his hand, and pressed against his chest, he clutched Anthony’s old hoodie, the one he’d "borrowed" a few days ago and refused to give back.
Anthony’s exhaustion, which had still been weighing on his shoulders just a minute earlier, evaporated instantly, replaced by a wave of tenderness so powerful it almost took his breath away.
A hot shower? Dinner? The promise of a cozy bed? All of that suddenly seemed insignificant to him. At that moment, there was only one thing he needed, to snuggle up to his lover, feel his warmth, and forget the exhaustion of the past week together.
Anthony took off his shoes and walked silently over to the couch. With infinite slowness, he slipped into the narrow space between the back of the couch and Asa’s body, intertwining their legs. Then, he wrapped a protective arm around Asa’s waist and gently pulled him close.
Asa, though still half-asleep, reacted instinctively. He turned around and snuggled up against Anthony, naturally finding the crook of the professor’s neck with his face. The touch of Asa’s skin against his sent a shiver of contentment down Anthony’s spine. Without opening his eyes, the bookseller sighed and whispered, "Welcome home, my love."
Anthony tightened his embrace, burying his face in Asa’s soft hair and breathing in his familiar, comforting scent. Then he whispered back, "I love you, Asa. So much."
Asa shifted slightly and planted a kiss on Anthony’s chest before replying in a sleepy voice, "Mmm... love you, too."
In the dimly lit living room, the outside world ceased to exist. Classes, overtime, and daily conflicts gradually receded, fading away into the comfort of that moment.
Anthony tightened his embrace and, gradually lulled by Asa’s steady breathing against his chest, drifted off to sleep.