Imagines.....

I like you. I love you and I am in love with you I have been for years.

The thing is is that over the last year we pull the same stuff where we both try to gaslight one another especially with the whole asking for specific examples. Then there’s the whole thing where neither of us can’t seem to talk to one another and it’s breaking us. I know it is. But you can’t just expect me to be okay after you say words like “you’re thinking about it” when in the heat of the moment I say “why don’t I just leave”. That has stuck with me and has made me become someone who is waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m not the only one who does that either I saw you spiral when you told me about everything with Becca*. I could tell you were just waiting for the other shoe to drop and you still are.

Everything that happened this morning, I was talking about how I feel like I can’t ask for a break when it comes to buddy but you somehow twisted it into pertaining about everything that’s been happening and how I can’t talk to you and you can’t talk to me. Then when you asked me what you could do I tried to bring the conversation back to the topic it started as because when it comes to Buddy I don’t know what you can do because you aren’t really here that much and the only real answer is be here more but that would make you work less and not really see your friends or anything and since I don’t work besides doing runs sometimes I have to be the one who is here for buddy

Also there are times when when I do tell you how I’m feeling but then because I’ve said I don’t know how I’m feeling in the same conversation you latch onto that and focus on it even though I told you multiple times throughout the day. Like a couple days ago on Friday when I was not feeling good mentally or emotionally I didn’t know how to describe it at first I didn’t know what fully was wrong and then I realized that everything is basically like an adrenaline crash how I was feeling in that moment how I was feeling on Friday was like an adrenaline crashand I was feeling like absolute dog shit and I told you that before you left then I also texted it to you and then I also told you multiple times after you got back throughout the day but you seemed to latch onto when I had said I don’t know initially. Just like how I latch onto specific words or phrases sometimes.

So many times in my life I have been told or forced to keep quiet as a result I learned to put my thoughts on paper it’s why I became a writer it’s why I drove myself to books and music. As a result it has become so so so hard for me to verbalize how I feel on the spot. Writing out how I feel and reading it to you like this is gonna be the easiest thing for me because healing takes a fuck ton of work and time and it hurts and it’s hard but I always feel now like you don’t want to accept that I can’t verbalize like you can.

There are also the times where you want to be intimate. To be honest I don’t have a sex drive and it has nothing to do with you because you’re attractive in so many different ways. I have tried with toys but they don’t work. I am not sure how it happened but I don’t have a sex drive. Like I didn’t even really have a sex drive before we got together. However there is also another thing on top of that…the fact that I have never found myself attractive. I am fat I am ugly physically and emotionally and mentally and I genuinely don’t know how you married someone like me. I know those habits can be unlearned but when you tie in how I see myself and how I don’t feel like I can ask for things and how I’ve felt that way for nearly 20 years and 12 of those were directly because of my mother. 5 years together with someone as stubborn as I am isn’t going to heal much of anything

Alejandro Vargas had spent the last eight months on a deployment that seemed like an eternity. From the arid deserts to the freezing mountains, he had faced it all, serving his country with unwavering dedication. He had fought alongside his comrades, forged unbreakable bonds, and witnessed the chaos of warfare up close. But through it all, he held on to a single image that kept him going: the warm embrace of his significant other eagerly waiting for him at home.

As the transport plane touched down on familiar soil, Alejandro felt a mix of emotions bubbling within him. Relief, exhaustion, excitement—they all blended into a symphony of sensations that tugged at his heart. The scent of the homeland filled his nostrils, and he couldn't help but crack a small smile. The anticipation of reuniting with the one person who had been his rock throughout this ordeal was almost overwhelming.

His journey home wasn't long, yet every minute felt like an eternity. His mind raced with memories of the countless conversations they'd shared over choppy satellite connections and the letters that had kept their connection alive. Those letters—scribbled with ink and filled with sentiments of love and longing—had been his lifeline, a way to stay grounded in the midst of chaos.

Finally, the cab pulled up to their shared apartment building. As he stepped out of the vehicle, Alejandro's heart pounded like a drum. He glanced at the window of their apartment, a small light glowing from within. His hands trembled slightly as he inserted the key and turned the lock. The door swung open, revealing the haven he had missed so dearly.

"Hey, I'm home," he called out, his voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and eagerness.

The apartment was warmly lit, and there they were—the one who had stolen his heart, their significant other. With short, vibrant hair and a beaming smile, they rushed towards him, moving with an energy that could light up the entire room. Alejandro's heart soared as they leaped into his arms, wrapping themselves around him in a tight embrace.

"Welcome back, hero!" they exclaimed, their voice filled with genuine elation.

Alejandro held them as if he never wanted to let go. The smell of their hair, the feel of their warmth—it was all so real and surreal at the same time. He closed his eyes and simply breathed in, feeling a sense of completeness that he hadn't experienced in months.

"I missed you so much," he managed to whisper, his voice choked with emotion.

"I missed you too, more than words can say," they replied, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. "But now you're here, safe and sound."

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, their eyes communicating volumes beyond what words could convey. Then, as if unable to contain their excitement any longer, they pulled him towards the living room.

"Sit, sit! I've got something special for you," they said, their voice a mix of mischief and anticipation.

Curious, Alejandro obliged and settled onto the couch. They disappeared into the kitchen briefly before returning with a plate of homemade cookies. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about the depth of their connection. These were the little things he had missed—the shared moments, the ordinary pleasures of life.

"Cookies?" he chuckled, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Hey, a hero deserves the sweetest welcome home," they retorted, winking at him.

As they sat there, munching on cookies and catching up on each other's lives, Alejandro felt a sense of ease wash over him. The weight of his experiences abroad was still there, but being with them made it all feel a bit lighter. They had a unique way of grounding him, of bringing him back to the present moment.

In the days that followed, Alejandro and his significant other fell into a rhythm that felt so familiar, yet so new. He reveled in the little things—the scent of their morning coffee, the way they hummed as they cooked dinner together, and the comfortable silence that they could share without any awkwardness. They spent hours talking about everything they had missed, and Alejandro found himself opening up about things he hadn't even shared with his closest comrades.

One evening, as they sat on the balcony watching the sunset, Alejandro found himself overcome by a surge of gratitude. He turned to them and took their hand in his.

"You know, coming back to you is the greatest gift I could have asked for," he confessed, his voice soft yet sincere.

They smiled and leaned their head against his shoulder. "And having you back here, safe and sound, is all I ever wanted. You're my hero, Alejandro."

As the weeks turned into months, Alejandro continued to adjust to civilian life. It wasn't always easy—there were moments when the memories of the battlefield would resurface, but his significant other was there to hold his hand and remind him of the strength he possessed. With their unwavering support, he started attending therapy sessions to process his experiences, slowly finding healing in their presence.

One day, as they walked hand in hand through a park, Alejandro turned to them with a thoughtful expression.

"You know, I've been thinking," he began, his gaze earnest. "I've been through so much, seen things that I can't even put into words. But through it all, you were my constant. You kept me grounded, reminding me of the goodness that still exists in the world."

They stopped walking and looked at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and affection.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you," he continued, his voice steady. "I want to wake up every day and know that you're by my side, facing whatever challenges come our way, just like we faced my deployment together."

Tears glistened in their eyes as they realized the weight of his words. Without saying a word, they pulled him into a tight hug, their embrace saying more than any words ever could.

And so, in that park, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the echoes of their journey, Alejandro Vargas knelt on one knee and asked the question that would seal their fate. "Will you marry me?"

Their joyful laughter filled the air as they nodded enthusiastically, tears of happiness streaming down their cheeks. Alejandro slipped the ring onto their finger, sealing their commitment to a future filled with love, resilience, and shared experiences.

John Price had spent the last six months in the midst of chaos, his life consumed by the demands of warfare. As a battle-hardened soldier, he had faced countless dangers, survived unthinkable situations, and witnessed the brutality of conflict. But now, the time had finally come for him to return home.

The plane ride back felt surreal. The roar of the engines and the turbulence beneath him seemed distant and unimportant, as his mind was fixated on the thought of being reunited with the one person who had kept him going through it all. As he gazed out of the window, he imagined the moment he would step off the plane and into the arms of his significant other.

Finally, the wheels of the plane touched down, and John's heart raced with anticipation. He collected his belongings and walked down the gangway, his steps quickening with each passing moment. As he entered the bustling terminal, he scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar face that had sustained him during his deployment.

And then, there they were – standing near the arrival gate, holding a sign that read "Welcome Home, John!" Tears welled up in John's eyes as he rushed forward, dropping his bags and pulling them into a tight embrace. The embrace was filled with all the longing, relief, and love that had built up over the months of separation.

"It's really you," John whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

They pulled back slightly to look at each other, their eyes locking in a gaze that communicated more than words ever could. In that moment, the war, the distance, and the pain all faded away, leaving only the present, where they were finally together again.

"I missed you so much," they said, their voice trembling.

"I missed you too," John replied, his voice a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.

As they stood there, holding each other, the bustling airport faded into the background. The noise of the crowd was replaced by the beating of their hearts, a rhythm that had somehow stayed connected despite the miles that had separated them.

Eventually, they pulled away, and John wiped away the tears that had escaped his eyes. "I can't believe I'm finally home," he said, a smile breaking through his exhaustion.

"Well, you better believe it," they said, their energy infectious. "Because we have a lot of catching up to do!"

They linked their arm through John's, leading him towards the exit. As they walked through the airport, they chatted animatedly about everything that had happened while John was away – the little moments, the triumphs, and even the mundane details that had become so important in their absence.

Outside, a cool breeze greeted them, and John took a deep breath, savoring the sensation of freedom. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. It was a stark contrast to the war-torn landscapes he had become accustomed to.

They led John to a car parked nearby, and as they drove through the city, John marveled at how much had changed and yet how much remained the same. The city lights twinkled like stars against the darkening sky, and for the first time in months, John felt a sense of peace settle over him.

Finally, they pulled up to a cozy apartment building. "Welcome home," they said, their voice brimming with excitement.

John stepped out of the car and followed them inside. The apartment was filled with warmth and the comforting scent of home-cooked food. It was a stark contrast to the barracks he had called home for so long.

As they sat down to eat, John listened intently as they recounted their own experiences over the past months. Their stories were filled with laughter, anecdotes, and a contagious enthusiasm for life that was both uplifting and soothing. For the first time in a long while, John found himself genuinely smiling, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.

After dinner, they moved to the living room, where they had set up a cozy spot with blankets and pillows. They sat close, their fingers intertwined, as they talked about their dreams, their hopes for the future, and all the plans they had for the time they would spend together.

As the night grew darker, they shifted the conversation towards lighter topics, sharing funny anecdotes and playful banter. They spoke about the quirks that had been revealed during their time apart and reminisced about the memories they had created together.

"You know," they said, their voice softening, "even though you were far away, I felt your presence with me every day. Your strength, your courage – they've always been my inspiration."

John looked at them, his heart swelling with gratitude. "And you, my love, were the light that guided me through the darkest moments. Knowing that I had you waiting for me kept me going, even when things seemed impossible."

They leaned in, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss that held all the tenderness and passion that had built up over the months. In that moment, the world around them ceased to exist, and there was only the two of them, bound by a love that had proven unbreakable, even in the face of war.

As the night grew deeper, they settled into each other's arms, finding comfort in the closeness that had eluded them for so long. The war was still a part of John's past, but in this moment, it felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the love that enveloped them.

John MacTavish had spent the last six months in a war-torn country, facing danger at every turn, and enduring the harshest of conditions. He was a battle-hardened soldier, a skilled operative in the international Special Forces. But now, after what felt like an eternity, he was finally returning home.

As the plane touched down on familiar soil, John's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He hadn't seen his significant other in half a year, and he couldn't wait to wrap them in his arms. He disembarked from the aircraft and made his way through the bustling airport, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder. The airport was filled with families reuniting, loved ones hugging and laughing, tears of joy streaming down cheeks. John's heart swelled as he watched these scenes unfold, knowing that his own reunion was just moments away.

He stepped out of the airport into the warm embrace of the afternoon sun. His significant other had insisted on picking him up, and they had promised to be there when he arrived. John scanned the crowd, his heart pounding harder with every passing second. And then, a familiar figure caught his eye. Their hair was dyed a vibrant shade of blue, and they wore a t-shirt with a slogan that made John chuckle despite himself. It read, "I survived six months without you – toughest mission ever!"

John couldn't help but break into a grin as they saw each other. He quickened his pace, the duffel bag forgotten as he closed the distance between them. And then, finally, they were in each other's arms. The embrace was tight, full of a longing that words could never express. John buried his face in their hair, inhaling deeply and committing their scent to memory. They held onto each other as if they were afraid to let go, as if the world might steal this moment away from them.

"I can't believe you're finally home," they whispered into his ear, their voice filled with emotion.

"I missed you so damn much," John replied, his voice rough with a mix of relief and overwhelming love.

They pulled back slightly, their eyes locking onto his. "Well, prepare yourself, because I've got a whole list of things planned for us now that you're back."

John raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh really? Do I even want to know what's on that list?"

They laughed, a sound that was like music to John's ears. "Trust me, you're going to love it."

Together, they walked towards the car that was parked nearby. John's significant other took his hand in theirs, their fingers intertwining naturally, as if they were made to fit together. The drive home was filled with easy conversation, catching up on all the little things that had happened during John's absence. They talked about their friends, their work, the latest movies they had seen, and the new restaurant that had opened in town.

When they finally arrived home, John couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. The familiar surroundings, the comforting scent of their shared space – it was all so reassuring after the chaos of the battlefield. As he stepped inside, he looked around, taking in the little changes they had made to the decor, the way their personal touches had made the place feel even more like home.

"So, what's first on the list?" John asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

His significant other grinned mischievously. "Well, first we're going to get you cleaned up. Then, we're going to have a movie night – your choice of film, of course. And after that, I've got a surprise dinner planned."

John raised an eyebrow. "A surprise dinner, huh? Should I be worried?"

They chuckled. "Don't worry, it's nothing too fancy. Just something I've been wanting to cook for you."

As John took a long, hot shower, he couldn't help but reflect on how lucky he was to have someone like them in his life. They had been his rock throughout his deployment, sending him care packages, staying up late to video call despite the time zone difference, and writing him letters that he cherished more than anything. Their unwavering support had kept him going during the toughest of times, and now that he was home, he was determined to make every moment count.

When he emerged from the bathroom, dressed in comfortable lounge pants and a soft t-shirt, he found the living room transformed into a cozy haven. Blankets and pillows were strewn across the couch, and a selection of movies was laid out on the coffee table. His significant other was already nestled on the couch, their eyes lighting up when they saw him.

"Welcome to movie night," they said, patting the spot next to them.

John settled in beside them, the warmth of their presence seeping into his bones. They took turns picking movies, laughing and joking as they debated which one to watch. As the opening scenes of the chosen film played on the screen, John couldn't help but steal glances at his significant other. Their laughter, their expressions – all of it was a reminder of the life he had fought so hard to return to.

After the movie, they moved into the kitchen together, working side by side as they prepared dinner. John watched them move with a sense of familiarity, a sense of comfort that only came from sharing a life with someone. They chatted and joked as they cooked, the tension and distance of the past six months melting away with every shared moment.

Finally, dinner was ready, and they sat down at the table, the food spread out before them. John took a bite of the dish they had prepared, and his eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, this is amazing."

They beamed with pride. "I'm glad you like it."

As they ate, they talked about their plans for the future. John shared his dreams of eventually leaving the battlefield behind, of finding a quieter life where he could be with them without the constant threat of danger. They listened, offering words of encouragement and support, their unwavering belief in him giving him the strength to pursue those dreams.

As the evening turned into night, John found himself feeling more at peace than he had in a long time. The weight of the past months seemed to lift off his shoulders, replaced by a sense of belonging and love. He looked at his significant other, really looked at them, and realized just how lucky he was to have them in his life.

As they curled up on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms, John whispered, "Thank you for waiting for me."

They looked up at him, their eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Always, John. You're home now, and that's all that matters."

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet suburban neighborhood. A sense of anticipation hung in the air, an electric current of excitement that seemed to resonate with every passing moment. In the heart of that neighborhood stood a modest house, its windows lit with warm, welcoming light.

Simon "Ghost" Riley had spent months away from home, embroiled in covert operations and dangerous missions as a key member of Task Force 141. The battles he'd faced were brutal, his skills tested to their limits, but his thoughts were never far from the one person who had anchored him throughout the chaos.

As his car pulled into the driveway, Ghost took a deep breath, his heart racing with a mix of nerves and anticipation. He glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror, his iconic skull mask no longer obscuring his face. The scars of war marred his features, a testament to the trials he'd endured.

With a sense of purpose, Ghost stepped out of the car and made his way to the front door. The house looked unchanged from when he had left, a comforting familiarity that eased his nerves. He lifted a hand to knock but paused, his ears catching a faint sound from within.

Laughter. The sound of pure, unadulterated joy.

A smile tugged at the corners of Ghost's lips as he pushed open the door. The living room was aglow with warm light, the walls adorned with photographs capturing moments of happiness and love. And there, in the center of it all, was their significant other, their eyes sparkling with mirth.

They were engaged in a lively dance with a golden retriever, their laughter filling the room as the dog leaped and twirled in joyful abandon. Ghost watched, his heart swelling with affection, as they moved with an energy that was infectious.

The dog noticed Ghost first, its tail wagging furiously as it bounded over. Ghost knelt down, his hands outstretched, and the dog's excitement was palpable as it showered him with slobbery kisses. He laughed, scratching behind its ears before he rose to his feet.

"Welcome home, Simon!" their significant other exclaimed, their voice a mix of surprise and delight as they abandoned their dance to rush into his arms.

Ghost's embrace was tight, his relief at being back in their arms evident. He breathed in the familiar scent of home, the warmth of their presence grounding him in a reality that felt worlds away from the battlefields he'd traversed.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you," Ghost murmured into their hair.

They pulled back slightly, their eyes meeting his with a mixture of love and concern. "I've missed you too. But you're here now, and that's what matters."

As they spoke, Ghost couldn't help but notice the slight signs of weariness in their eyes. It had been a long deployment, and he knew that they had faced their own challenges while he was away. He reached out, his thumb brushing gently across their cheek.

"Hey, you've been holding down the fort here," he said, his voice soft with gratitude.

Their smile was bittersweet, a reflection of the strength they had summoned in his absence. "We've had our moments, but knowing you were out there doing what you do best... it made it a little easier."

Ghost pressed a kiss to their forehead, his heart swelling with admiration. "I couldn't have done it without you waiting for me here."

Their significant other pulled him closer, their lips finding his in a tender, lingering kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of longing, of reconnection, and of promises made without words. When they finally pulled away, their eyes held a mixture of tenderness and playfulness.

"So, how about a proper welcome home celebration?" they suggested, a mischievous glint in their eyes.

Ghost raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "And what does that entail?"

Their grin widened, and they took his hand, leading him toward the living room. "Well, first, you have to meet the newest member of our family."

As they stepped into the living room, Ghost's eyes fell on a tiny crib, nestled in a corner. A rush of emotions overtook him as he gazed at the slumbering bundle within. It was as if time stood still as he approached, his fingers gentle as he brushed against the soft fabric.

"Our daughter," his significant other said softly, their voice filled with awe and love.

Ghost's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions. He had known they were expecting, but seeing their child for the first time, his own flesh and blood, filled him with a sense of wonder that words couldn't capture. He turned to them, his eyes misty.

"I... I don't know what to say," he admitted, his voice catching in his throat.

They took his hand, their fingers intertwining. "You don't have to say anything. You're here now, and that's what matters."

As Ghost gazed at his significant other and their daughter, a profound sense of gratitude washed over him. He had returned from the darkness of war to a home filled with light, love, and the promise of a future he had fought to protect.

Days turned into weeks, and Ghost settled into the rhythm of domestic life. The challenges of the battlefield had taught him to appreciate the small moments, the quiet joys that could easily be overlooked. He spent his days alternating between helping with diaper changes and marveling at the miracle of parenthood.

Late one evening, as the house was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, Ghost found himself rocking their daughter to sleep. She nestled against his chest, her tiny fingers curling around his own. He watched her peaceful expression, his heart aching with a love that was both fierce and gentle.

Their significant other entered the room, their steps soft as they approached. They leaned against the doorway, their eyes filled with tenderness as they watched Ghost with their child.

"She's lucky to have you," they said, their voice barely above a whisper.

Ghost looked up, his gaze meeting theirs. "And I'm lucky to have both of you."

Their smile was radiant, a reflection of the happiness that had taken root in their lives. "You know, you're a natural at this."

Ghost chuckled softly, his movements gentle as he continued to rock their daughter. "I guess some things are worth fighting for."

As the night wore on, Ghost lay in bed beside his significant other, their daughter asleep in the crib nearby. Their fingers were intertwined, their bodies curled together in a quiet intimacy that felt like a sanctuary from the world. The scars of war were still present, both physical and emotional, but in that moment, they were overshadowed by the warmth of love and the promise of a future built on shared dreams.

"Promise me something," Ghost said softly, his voice a whisper in the darkness.

Their significant other shifted, their gaze curious. "Anything."

He turned to them, his eyes earnest. "Promise me that no matter what comes next, we'll face it together. As a family."

Their smile was soft, their fingers tracing delicate patterns on his hand. "I promise."

In the embrace of that promise, Ghost found a sense of peace he had thought was lost forever. The scars of the past would always be a part of him, but they no longer defined him. He was more than a soldier; he was a partner, a parent, and a beacon of hope in a world that often seemed dark and uncertain.