The naked relief in Patrick’s tired face was all it took for Jono to meet him halfway, stopping in the middle of the stairs to drag him into a tight hug. Patrick dropped the bag on the step he stood on, tucking his face against Jono’s shoulder and letting out a deep, shuddering breath. Jono buried his nose into Patrick’s dark red hair, smelling harsh soap and a multitude of other scents that had embedded themselves into freckled skin where they didn’t belong.
