As Lily slogged down the narrow dirt path muddy rainwater swirled around her grey boots and grey break of dawn sunlight filtered through the sparse trees. She squeezed through the gap in their backyard fence and smiled faintly as she felt their wards wash over her, the familiarity and safety comforting after such a long, cold and rainy night. Lily hobbled up the stone steps, leaning against their back door and murmuring a spell to unlock it. She sighed as it slowly creaked open and she stepped in, closing it behind her and already shrugging off her dripping wet coat. She padded quietly down the hallway, wand in hand, mostly out of habit and only relaxed once she stepped into the living room. James' messy thatch of hair was visible over the back of the couch which he was sprawled across, and an easy grin pulled at her lips. It was strange to think she'd ever disliked him when now just the thought of him made her heart squeeze with fondness. Shaking her head in bemusement, Lily padded steadily towards the fireplace, which was lit, and hung her dripping coat on the rack. She was much too tired to cast any drying charms, so stumbled back towards James, still, damp, and flopped down on top of him. He groaned and she grinned, burrowing against his chest. "Lils," he muttered, "you're all wet. Off." Still grinning, she shook her head and he sighed, tired but fond. "Fine, fine," he said and mumbled a drying charm, wiggling his wand at her lazily. She giggled and a sleepy smile tugged at his lips. "Love you," he slurred, already drifting back to sleep. "Yeah. You too," she mumbled, already following him. As she slipped into sleep, she couldn't help but hope that they could spend the rest of their days just like this.