"I'll do this. You go get the clothes," Donghae says.

Hyukjae closes the tap. Watches Donghae. Who brings their dishes. Gives a little smile. Glances away.

"Okay," Hyukjae says. He steps aside. Lets Donghae stand at the sink. "Thanks, baby."

Donghae just smiles again. Hyukjae gives his cheek a kiss. Turns to get the dryer.

They're packing their last belongings. Hyukjae finished cleaning up. Yesterday.

Donghae's been so... down. Since Hyukjae told him about his job. So Hyukjae's decided... for both of them... that they should go back home. They've been here a month and a half. That's enough. It was nice. To be away. In a different setting. They had a good time.

But Donghae needs family now. Friends. Someone who's not Hyukjae. Because Hyukjae... hasn't managed to help him. He's the reason for Donghae being this way. Maybe going back... to their familiar space... will make a difference.

This place now... its mood... his husband's sadness...

It's affecting Hyukjae as well. He was depressed. Very worried about Donghae. Knowing how much the news will affect him... so now...

There's no joy. In either of them. Then to feel isolated. Far. With all this unhappiness over each other.

It shouldn't continue longer. They need someone. 

"Hyukjae..."

He whips around. "Yeah!"

"Is this ready?" Donghae says. Holds up a bag.

"Yeah!"

"I'll take it to the car."

"Okay, thank you!"

Donghae nods. Lips pushed up in a smile.

Hyukjae's hurt every time. That he looks at him like this. Forcing that smile. To try. To say more. Show more. To Hyukjae. But he's just not able to now.

Hyukjae chews his lip. Folds the remaining items.

---

"Did you tell Sora?" Donghae asks. The first bit of talk. During the ride.

"Oh. Yeah. Told everyone."

"Okay..." Donghae answers. Glances out the window again.

Hyukjae checks their route. Thirty more minutes. It looks like it'll rain too.

---

They get home. Just before thunders rumble above.

Donghae lowers his mask. Hood. Takes some more bags from Hyukjae. Smiles at him. Proceeds to their bedroom.

Hyukjae looks around their place. Listens to more thunders outside. The rain on their tall covered windows. He still feels... the same. No new emotion burst up in him. From being here.

Is it the same for Donghae?

"Hyukjae?" Donghae calls.

He bites his inner lip. Walks towards their room. He hasn't heard Donghae say honeybun. Or anything cute. It's just been Hyukjae. Or nothing.

"Sorry, which one's for laundry?" Donghae asks. Kneeling between their bags. Points.

"Hae, I did the laundry there..."

He saw him. Even told Hyukjae. To get their clothes.

"Oh. Yeah," Donghae says. "Okay, thanks."

"Hae, you can just leave it... I'll do it..."

Donghae usually only does it. If Hyukjae's not there. Or if Hyukjae's already doing it. And he wants to help.

"It's alright. I got it."

Donghae pulls their clothes out. He's taking extra care to keep them folded.

"Hae... what should I order for dinner, then?" Hyukjae asks. 

Donghae shrugs. Looks up. Smiles. "Whatever you like."

He doesn't like this. The way he sounds. Talks.

Hyukjae crouches beside him. "Donghae..."

"Hm?"

"Hae... it's okay," Hyukjae says. Not talking about unpacking. Or the food.

Donghae gulps. His hands scrunch the folded shirt. Hyukjae turns his chin. 

"Oh... baby..." Hyukjae says. Feels tearful too. He hugs Donghae. Tight and close. "It's gonna be okay. I'm sorry Hae... it's not what you would've wanted to ever happen, but it's okay..."

Donghae's arms wrap around him. His tears drop into his neck.

"I love you so much, Hae..."

---

They never get to dinner. Donghae just drops into bed with him.

Hyukjae tries to tell him. How he's okay. With not working for a bit. Looking for something else. He'll go back to his job. Eventually. He's not that mad. Or sad.

Donghae doesn't say much. Just sniffs into Hyukjae's chest. Like he's been doing. The past few days. Which leads to kisses. Pressed to Hyukjae's neck. Lips. His hands gently peeling away their clothes. Seeking love. 

His touches are soft. But with an ardent craving. His unspoken words... become deep kis