Anon returned from work well after the sun had set on a cold evening. It had been a long week, hell it had been a long year, but as soon as he opened that door, a warmth beyond measure filled his soul. It was home, but it was far more than the word could say alone. A savory aroma drifted from the kitchen where he could hear the clinking of pots and pans as his wife, Ceroba, was hard at work making him a hot meal despite the late hour. As Anon took off his shoes and jacket, Ceroba called out to him from the kitchen, affection in her tone.
“Welcome home dear, dinner should be ready soon.” She paused for a moment before asking hesitantly, “How was work?”
Anon lied the best he could manage as the day ran through his head, “It was… a pretty good day.” He could hear his own exhaustion clinging to every word, so he quickly tried to change the subject, “what about your day?” The rhythmic clinking stopped as the love of his life leaned over to see him from the kitchen doorway. He put his best smile on, but the bags under his eyes were telling.
Ceroba shook her head and sighed, before walking to Anon and placing her hands on his arms. “Even better now that you’re home honey,” she spoke softly, her ruby tinted eyes gazing into Anon’s before she leaned down for a kiss. As anon stood like a lovestruck statue, Ceroba laughed and pushed him teasingly, “Go sit down dear, I’ll bring dinner out in a moment.”
After a nice dinner, Ceroba noticed the way Anon was struggling to keep focus as she regaled him with the day’s events. Collecting the flatware off the table, she nudged him with her hip, teasing gently, “Lets go ahead and go upstairs.”
He thought of all of the work he needed to get done, but as she laced her soft paw in his hand his resistance melted away. Ceroba led the way into their room slowly, where she disrobed, giving him a sly grin as Anon couldn’t help but stare. It never got old seeing her like this, the intent gaze of her gem-like eyes making him feel like he was the only guy in the world. The soft curves of her vulpine body welcomed him as she leaned back, pulling him onto the bed.
She drew Anon close as they settled into bed, her fur enveloping him in soothing warmth as he buried his face in her chest, catching the faint scent of cinnamon in her fur. Home was more than a word to Anon; it was a light left on, a soft place with someone you love. He could feel the exhaustion seeping away as her chest slowly rose and fell.
Ceroba spoke softly, “feel better now?” to which anon could only offer a muffled affirmation from her fur. She laughed at this as she ran her fingers up and down along his back, “Is that so,” she smiled fondly, resting her chin on his head, “we should do this more often then.”
Anon nodded quickly into her chest, making her burst into laughter once more.
Anon could feel her laughter through his whole body; at times he forgot just how tall she was, but wrapped in her embrace like this? It was a blessing. He couldn’t imagine what he did to deserve this woman, but as his thoughts gradually trailed off, he was at peace. The day's stress vanished as he ran his hands through her fur slowly. He was just as much in love as the day they met.
–
As Anon’s breathing evened out, Ceroba could feel him relax in her arms. She wasn’t sure what she had done to deserve this man, but she was just as much in love as the day they met`