Natasha stood frozen, staring at Dustin with her lips slightly parted. She looked like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Tears blurred her vision almost instantly.

"Is it you, Dear?" she asked, her voice shaking with disbelief.

"I'm home, Natasha."

He smiled and opened his arms. Before he could blink, she was already rushing toward him.

Natasha threw herself into Dustin's embrace without hesitation. Her arms locked around his waist like she was trying to merge their bodies into one.

"You jerk! So you do remember the way home."

Without his cultivation, the impact nearly knocked him off his feet. Fortunately, his footwork training allowed him to steady himself, though just barely. He couldn't help thinking about how weak he had become after becoming a mortal.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her, feeling her tremble and sob in his embrace. Guilt and affection washed over him.

"I'm sorry for making you worry about me," he whispered.

Natasha buried her face in his chest