Jonathan Sims

Martin doesn't much fancy the prospect of fumbling his way back through the dark with a blanket big enough to trip on, but John is quick to come to his rescue, lighting their way with his phone. Martin takes it gratefully, handing off the blanket, but before he can start back to the relative comfort of the couch, John pulls him in for a much overdue hug. Martin lets out a soft murmur of surprise before wrapping his arms around John's middle and eagerly pressing close.

"It's ridiculous," he agrees with a little grin, tipping his head to the side so he can more comfortably rest against John's chest, listening to his heartbeat. They can't stay like this for long — he needs to conserve his phone's battery, if nothing else — but it's worth just a few extra moments.

"My hero," he says, unable to keep a straight face as he looks up at John with a cheeky smirk. He's been moving nonstop since John arrived, so focused on helping him get comfortable that he hadn't even realized how much he'd missed the usual opportunity to just appreciate his return. Now, his smile softens and he leans up to kiss him gently, steadfastly refusing to flinch even as the storm continues its onslaught.