first time frank and mel hug is after a particularly tough shift (of course). they both changed of sweaty and bloody scrubs, him to get back home to his wife and kids, and her to pick up becca. it's a long and decompressing hug right next to their cars. he squeezes her, rests his chin on her head, rubs her back. mel closes her eyes, lets out a shaky breath and when the moment stretches for a bit too long, pulls back with a tired smile.
when she's finally home, about to take off her shirt, she realizes that her shirt smells like him. strongly; his freshly applied cologne had clung to the fabric of her shirt. so she leaves it while she cooks something quick for dinner, and discovers it makes her feel soft and safe every time she catches a whiff of it. so she puts it back on after her shower and sleeps on it. for days.
…and maybe she figures out which cologne he uses and buys it herself so she can spread it across her bed too <33













