When Ruediger's lips found another spot on Lariette's forehead, she stirred, brows twitching and eyes fluttering slightly.

Why did it feel like something was kissing and touching her?

And why did she smell his signature scent?

Lariette's drowsy mind suddenly sharpened as a thought flickered through.

Was he home?

She flung her eyes open, her breath catching as a hand instinctively brushed the man's cheek. Through her hazy gaze, she saw his familiar silhouette in the dim bedroom.

"...Eddy? Is that you?"

Lariette's voice was soft, barely audible in the quiet bedroom, but enough to reach Ruediger. He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

He thought he was being careful enough, but his actions still aroused her from sleep.

"Yes, it's me, Lettie. Sorry, I woke you up."

Lariette shot up, fully awake now once she heard Ruediger. Her heart thumped wildly.

"What? What time is it? Are you really—? I'm not dreaming, right?"

Her eyes scanned his face, trying to determine if this was real or if she was hallucinating. The orange glow of the table lamp illuminated his face whose lips curled up.

"It's almost three," Ruediger replied softly, his gaze soft, "I took the midnight flight. I missed you, Lettie. So, so much."

Lariette gasped, sitting up more, the blanket pooling around her waist, hair tousled by sleep. She stared at Ruediger, still in disbelief.

"You... you didn't tell me you would return tonight. Wait, were you already at the airport when you called me earlier?"

"I wanted to surprise you," Ruediger said with a grin, one eye winking playfully, "Looks like I succeeded."

Lariette leaned forward, both hands cupping Ruediger's cheeks, her breath shaky, "You silly. I would've gone to pick you up if you just told me."

"It's fine. I didn't want you to go out this late," Ruediger said, dipping his head in to kiss Lariette's nose, "Besides, this is better, right?"

She laughed in helplessness, her eyes welling up a little. She smacked his right shoulder, only to have her hand secured in his before he began kissing her knuckles.

"You're crazy. You flew early just to show up in the middle of the night? You could just fly home tomorrow."

Incredulity still washed over Lariette's heart. When she went to bed a few hours ago, she didn't expect to be woken up by Ruediger's unexpected arrival. Keep us going by reading on *.

This silly man. He even had the audacity to grin and act coy.

Ruediger smirked, "Worth it."

Lariette laughed softly. She scooted closer to Ruediger, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, immersing herself in the embrace she had missed dearly. He quickly returned the hug.

"Sorry, Eddy. I should've said this first before interrogating you. Hehe, welcome home, honey."

"I'm home, sweetheart," he murmured into her hair, "I missed you like crazy."

"I missed you too."

Lariette chuckled and then pulled back to look at Ruediger properly. She placed one hand on his face, her thumb gently grazing under his eyes.

"You look tired. Get plenty of rest, okay? I'll tie you up to the bed if you're stubborn."

Despite his smile and easygoing manners, she clearly saw the lines of exhaustion on his face. She couldn't imagine how much he had overworked himself so that he could return early.

Lariette's threat elicited soft laughter from Ruediger. He leaned in, his forehead on hers, and one hand slipped under her pajama, tracing her waist. Then, came his sensual whisper.

"I don't mind. Let's just get stuck to the bed together, okay?"

"...silly!"

Ruediger burst into laughter when Lariette, whose cheeks flushed red, once again smacked his shoulder. Pulling her by the waist, he threw himself to the bed, letting her lay beneath him.

Lariette simply let Ruediger bury his face in her chest. Smiling, she hugged his neck, one hand playing with his crimson locks.

As they lay in comfortable silence for a moment, the distant hum of the city far below echoed. Their steady breathing and thumping heartbeat resonated in the bedroom.

After pondering, Lariette finally asked, "Do you wanna shower first? Or maybe eat? Let me prepare something as you wash up."

The night outside was colder than in the previous week. He might feel better after having a hot shower and eating something easy to the stomach at this late hour. Then, he could rest.

Ruediger hummed softly. Tilting his head, he rested his chin on Lariette's chest, his eyes blinking lazily, "It's okay. I just want to hold you now."

"Hehe, okay."

Lariette continued stroking Ruediger's hair and back as they lay together. She knew he could hear her heartbeat clearly as his ear lay right on top of her heart.

He was home. He was finally home.

The realization hit her the longer they embraced one another. The corners of her lips lifted, forming a beautiful arc. Her previous drowsiness had all disappeared.

Lariette wanted to ask about Aunt Felicia and her company but held back. Those questions could wait until later. She also was unwilling to bother Ruediger with them, considering he had been working hard in the past few days.

Sometime later, Lariette's eyes drifted to the wall clock, seeing the hour had changed to a quarter past three. She patted Ruediger's back, trying to get his attention.

"Eddy, how about I draw you a bath? You can sleep better that way."

Her remarks made him lift his chin, eyes locking into hers. He thought for a moment, and then sat up, almost hovering above her. He reached for her face, knuckles touching her soft skin.

"My love, fancy bathing with me?"

Lariette's heart swelled as she caught the intense desire in Ruediger's voice, mirroring her own. Her lips curled up.

Raising both hands, she chuckled as she pushed herself forward, "Sounds nice."

He dipped his head in, nibbling her lower lip while lifting her from the bed. He steadily carried her to the washroom, letting the light illuminate on them.

The door was closed with a soft click.