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Donghyuck's body has been working on autopilot for at least the last two hours. Just a few moments ago, the man would look at the clock on the wall of the practice room, noticing it was around 9PM. All he could think of was 'Finally. I'll be home soon.' knowing the dance practice would go until 10PM. Since then, all he could remember was flashes of his own reflection dancing in the mirror, then the dim light inside of someone's car – probably the manager that usually offers to take the members home – then the button of the elevator lighting up after meeting the touch of his fingertip. And now, suddenly, he stands by the front door of his own apartment, where his body simply walked him to while his mind was too busy thinking about how much he wanted to go back home to him.
Once his mind snapped back to reality, realizing he's probably been just standing still for a few seconds now, Donghyuck lets out an amused chuckle as he remembers the text he received earlier. 'Time will pass by quick. I promise.' A fond smile lingering on his lips as a familiar warmth spread inside his chest.
After quickly entering the security code for his door, he carefully swung it open, trying not to make any noise due to what time it probably was by now. However, Donghyuck was met by a few lights on around the apartment, coaxing another chuckle out of him. As soon as he closed the door behind him, a slightly taller, familiar figure quickly stepped towards him, wrapping Donghyuck in a warm, tight embrace before the younger man's tired head could even process it. His body reacting ahead of his brain and melting into the embrace immediately. There he was, the person Donghyuck's been thinking about all day.
"Welcome home, baby. How was your day?" Mark asks in that one soft, gentle tone that always makes Donghyuck melt a little more.
"Tiring. They said practices would end before sunset, and I still don't understand why they suddenly decided to keep it going for so much longer."
Donghyuck unconsciously mirrored Mark's lovely tone, taking a moment to let his brain take in the situation properly before closing his eyes and snuggling completely into Mark's arms. He buried his face into the older's shoulder, inhaling that comforting scent deeply, his body visibly relaxing.
"And I missed you so much I think my mind just dissociated mid practice. How was your day? I told you you shouldn't worry about staying awake just to welcome me home."
"And I told you I'd stay awake anyway, didn't I?" Mark chuckles softly, his voice filled with devotion and his arms tightening just a little around the man snuggled into him. "My day was very relaxing. I just chilled, watched some movies, read random articles, and took, like, three naps, I think? Everything I told you I'd be doing. And I definitely missed you a lot too, baby."
"If you missed me that much, where's my welcome home kiss?"
Donghyuck couldn't help but smile adoringly as he heard the genuine giggle he accidentally brought out of Mark with his playful question. He missed hearing that throughout his day. In just a second, Donghyuck could feel Mark's hand place itself under his chin, following the guide as the older gently tilted his head up, and his body melted a little more at that. Once their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss, Hyuck didn't even realize the soft, nearly relieved sigh of contentment that escaped through his nose, melting even more. Donghyuck was the type to just melt and melt when he was comfy and satisfied, and Mark definitely loved that about him. In fact, it was one of his favorite things about his lover.
"Why don't we go eat something now, hm? Dinner is ready, just like said it would be. Unless you wanna shower first? I can wait." Mark said after stealing a few pecks after their kiss, his heart beating faster at the smile that formed on Donghyuck's lips in response.
The younger thought about it for a second, but the audible rumble in his stomach answered faster, bringing out a soft laugh from the couple as they made their way to the kitchen.
Donghyuck wasn't really craving any specific food. He had a simple meal during lunch at the company, which was over ten hours ago, so his tummy would gladly accept anything that was offered. But his eyes couldn't hold back a sparkle of joy as soon as they took in the sight of a whole pot of kimchi stew on the dining table. His stomach rumbling once more in response. The whole table was already set and he wouldn't have to make much effort. The only thing he had to do was sit and enjoy the food.
"Did you really make this?" Donghyuck asked in a playful tone and a raised eyebrow as he took a seat, doubting Mark's cooking skills after realizing the scenario, who took a seat at the other side of the table in front of him.
"Well... fine, I admit it, I ordered the kimchi stew. But I made the side dishes!" Mark said with a proud grin, excitedly pointing at the small bowls of rice and seasoned vegetables and seaweeds aside, watching Donghyuck soften his playful side with another loving smile.
The next minutes were followed by a chill talk between the two. At first, after realizing Mark waited so long to eat just to accompany him, Donghyuck started whining in complaint, saying he shouldn't worry about that. In response, Mark whined back, stating he wanted to have dinner with him and that it wasn't a problem to wait. All that whining sparkled a playful argument at the table, nothing different from the usual, nothing has changed. Though the argument came to an end quickly as soon as Donghyuck took the first bite, small, happy noises coming from him as he savored the tasty food and praised Mark's side dishes. Another argument would start if Donghyuck teased Mark about the soft blush that turned his cheeks pink, but the younger was way too tired and focused on satisfying his hungry stomach to notice that this time.
After that, they talked about their day again, now going through the details. Donghyuck made himself vulnerable and expressed how he still misses the older's presence when he needs to recharge, but that he felt better about it now than in the past days. He didn't quite get used to it, as he once said he probably never will, but he learned to accept it with a light heart and find other ways to deal with everything when he most needs it. He also said the other members expressed missing Mark as well, and that the hyungs from 127 were thinking about planning a hangout at his apartment like usual, while the young ones from Dream wanted to go out to eat together. Including Mark in their plans. Amid that, Donghyuck also made sure to say that, despite missing him, knowing that the older were following the path he wished to made his heart and mind reassured and happy. Mark, on the other side, said he wasn't used to it either. Not only to not having the others by his side the entire day, but also to having such a relaxing day instead of being so busy and rushing around all the time. In the past days, Mark's been resting, spending time with his family, and taking good care of his health other than worrying his mind about what to do next. He knew he had no reason to rush and wanted to take things at a comfortable pace for him. Today, he particularly missed Donghyuck a tiny bit too much. So, after enjoying a nice breakfast with his parents, he decided to drop by the younger's apartment in the morning and spend his time inside. He knew Hyuck wouldn't be home by the time he arrived, but just being at his place, even if by himself, and knowing that his loved one would be there at night already helped ease that longing. Donghyuck's apartment is filled with his things and scent, which brought a warm comfort to Mark's heart. Following the same logic, Donghyuck would sometimes go to work wearing at least one piece of Mark's clothing. He did that today, wearing one of Mark's beanies, which nearly swallowed his small head whole.
As they finished enjoying the food and felt full and satisfied, another argument was close to start. Mark wanted to wash the dishes while Donghyuck took a shower so they could go to bed soon. However, Donghyuck didn't want to let the older do it, wanting to wash the dishes by himself so Mark could go to sleep. He could tell the older had already showered when he felt the fresh scent of shampoo in his hair when they first hugged after he got home.
"Things will never change, will they?" Mark chuckled with a spark of amusement in his voice, reaching out to cup Donghyuck's cheeks in his hands and pull him in, pressing a couple of quick pecks on his reddish, plump lips. He knew it messed up with Donghyuck's head whenever he did that when the younger didn't expect him to. Which, as always, worked.
Donghyuck giggled stupidly, rolling his eyes and whining in playful complaint, gently detaching himself from Mark to make his way to the bathroom without looking back, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks even if he knew his ears were probably red as well. "Fine, fine, whatever. I was just trying to be a good friend and let you rest longer, you know?" He said with that annoying tone of his – the only one that got on Mark's nerves so quickly.
Mark chuckled again, holding himself not to say anything back about the "friend" talk. He knew Donghyuck only said that to annoy him, but he also knew that it'd be hard to convince the younger again. So he just let it slide for now, deciding to think of a way to tease him back later. With that, Mark took his time washing the dishes, his mind busy thinking about Donghyuck, who was also taking his time in the shower at the other side of the apartment, thinking about Mark as well.
After making sure everything was clean and tidy, Mark checked if the front door was locked and turned off every light behind him as he made his way to the bathroom to meet Hyuck again. His heart fluttering at the sight once he arrived his destination. Hot steam from the shower coming out through the bathroom's door, Donghyuck's sunkissed skin glowing delicately as he made his nightly skincare, his dark hair slightly wet from shower - probably dried off only by a towel - oversized sleeping clothes fitting snugly onto his body. Mark's been used to see that man daily most of the time for the past thirteen years, but he'd always find himself admiring the sight of him with even more adoration every single time. After admiring for a moment longer, Mark stepped into the bathroom, wrapping his arms around Donghyuck's waist in a kind of side hug and nuzzling his face into that one spot on the back of his neck he knew always made the younger shiver, coaxing a soft giggle out of him.
"You done already? That was quick." He said as he recognized Donghyuck was applying the last product of his skincare routine. Mark's seen Donghyuck doing this over and over, enough to recognize every step and product.
"Yeah. The shower felt good, but I didn't want to take long in it because I really need my bed right now." Donghyuck chuckled lightly, secretly loving the way Mark knew that much about him. Once he was done, making sure his products were back in their designated places on the counter in front of him, the younger couldn't help but giggle again as he felt another shiver, playfully elbowing Mark next to him, who had nuzzled further into that spot. "Stop that!"
"What? Can't a guy show his friend some love?"
"You know well this is not what you're doing. Not a good friend."
"Maybe not. But I know I'm a great husband, so come here."
Mark grinned, swiftly turning Donghyuck around and reaching out to scoop him up onto his shoulder, holding him securely, walking out towards the bedroom. His grin widening triumphantly as he heard the younger's giggles bubbling up.
"Hyung, wait! Hyung! Hyung, c'mon! Babe!"
Donghyuck didn't even know why he was giggling that much, but guessed it was probably nervousness. He always got that fluttery feeling whenever he was carried around in non-conventional ways. He knew Mark wouldn't drop him. Mark never dropped him. He could feel the older's arm's secure hold on his thighs, but he still felt that bit of nervousness rush through his body, which made him giggle like that. And he also knew Mark loves using that against him. Especially when the man would playfully jump with him in his arm, bringing out a nervous, squealed laughter from him.
Only a few seconds later, Donghyuck's body finally met the soft sheets of his bed as Mark gently placed him down, a few giggles still escaping his lips. In retaliation, Hyuck's hand moved quickly to playfully pinch the first spot he could reach, which was the left side of Mark's waist, earning a little 'Ouch!' from him, both of them grinning. Mark then took advantage by grabbing Donghyuck's wrists and holding his hands in place at the same level of his head, trapping the younger on the mattress beneath him, which sight made his heart pound inside his chest, not knowing how his lover's heart matched his at the moment.
"Okay, okay, I got it! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Donghyuck giggled, grinning a little wider as he watched Mark lower himself towards him until their lips were only a breath apart.
"Take that back, then."
"Take what back?"
"Take it back!" Mark whined, still holding Donghyuck in place, knowing he was just messing up with him.
"Alright! I was trying to be a good husband and let you rest longer, my cheesy, adorable, sulky, and possessive honeypie. Happy now?" He answered teasingly, knowing how Mark wasn't much fond of cheesy petnames. Basking in the way the older's eyes rolled in annoyance, just like he expected.
"I won't get you to say that in a better way, right?"
"Yep."
Mark rolled his eyes again, but this time he couldn't hide the loving smile that tugged his lips. He couldn't hide how luch he loves Donghyuck just the annoying and bratty way he is.
Giving in, the older lowered himself further, closing the gap between their lips in a tender kiss the conveyed all the love and longing they've been holding in. They only savored the simple touch of their lips at first before starting to deepen the kiss slowly, chuckling softly at the way they both let out soft sighs at the same time. They started by parting their lips slightly, gradually, until Mark would be gently sucking on Donghyuck's upper lip while Donghyuck would suck on his lower lip just as gently, turning the kiss slightly wetter. Mark lets go of Hyuck's wrists so his hands could find the soft curve of the younger's waist, his heartbeat quickening just a bit as he felt a warm breath hitting his lips in a pleased response once he gently squeezed that curve. Melting and leaning more into the kiss as Donghyuck's fingers made their way into the hair of his nape, his thumbs brushing gently against the skin of the older's scalp in a tender caress. As they made themselves cozier, Donghyuck tilted his head just a tiny bit to the side to deepen the kiss further, and the older matched his angle immediately, his warm tongue slowly sliding in through the seam of Mark's lips to meet his. The reddish, soft muscles tangling into each other, and another sigh of deep contentment escaped the two. The slow pace of the kiss was both torturing and comforting. Added to that, Hyuck's tiredness turned the kiss sloppy, which only made it more tantalizing. Their hands started to roam over each other's bodies, both keeping their touch light and delicate despite the pleasure that grew inside them. They both knew Donghyuck was too tired to take things further, and also knew they'd have time to do that in another opportunity that wouldn't take long to come. Mark's hands sneaked under Hyuck's shirt to carefully explore the smooth skin of his waist, avoiding the area above his ribs, knowing how sensitive the younger's chest could be. Meanwhile, Donghyuck explored the warm skin of Mark's back, under the fabric of his shirt as well, savoring every light shiver he brought out of the older every time his fingers traced the line of his spine. Sweet, small sighs and moans mingled with their breaths against each other's lips, striking every nerve ending inside their bodies.
After a little while, they reluctantly broke the kiss for air, stealing a few quick pecks before that, smiling and chuckling affectionately while catching their breaths. Their eyes half-lidded with sleep. Some more stolen touches later, they wrapped around each other in a tight cuddle. Donghyuck's arms snaking around Mark's waist, nuzzling his face into his neck, while Mark buried his face into his silky hair, his thumb gently caressing the younger's cheek, legs tangled. In a few moments, amid the silence, Mark could feel Donghyuck's lips press sweetly on his jawline, leaning more into it instinctively. He knew the younger was already close to drifting off, realizing how lazily he moved for that kiss, so Mark decided to finally speak about what's been on his mind. His voice a sweet, sleepy murmur.
"You know... I've been thinking." He started, waiting for a confirmation that Donghyuck was listening before continuing, earning a drowsy hum in response. "I miss spending time with you, spending the nights together, eating together. I got a doctor appointment the day after tomorrow. And it's closer to here than it is to my place. So, maybe I could..."
Donghyuck giggled lovingly as the older trailed off, knowing exactly what he meant. Though Mark had the habit of showing up uninvited to his apartment – like he did today – Hyuck knows how much he loves when the younger invites him over. And now, more than ever, he's willing to do even the littlest things to keep Mark happy. "Do you wanna spend a few days here?"
"How many days?" Mark pulled away just enough to meet Donghyuck's gaze, not able to hold back his excited grin.
"As many days as you want, baby."
"Three? Four? A week?"
"A week? It'd be easier if you just moved in."
"Shut up, don't tempt me." Mark chuckled, playfully covering Hyuck's lips with his hand for a moment.
"Okay, I'll spare you this time. We talk about that another day." Donghyuck said after pressing a little kiss to Mark's palm, smiling contentedly as the older gently cupped his cheek. "Seriously, you can stay as long as it makes you happy. If you wanna stay for a week, just stay. Spending the next days like this will be nice, actually. I might get used to it, though. To coming home to you after work."
"I'll stay for a week, then. This time, I'll stay week. Then, next time, maybe I can stay a little longer. Or even a little less to give it a break instead. Then spend even longer the next time after that."
Mark's voice was gentle as he spoke, matching the way he caressed Donghyuck's hair. The comfort that filled his words and touch and the idea of having his husband waiting for him at home started lulling Hyuck's tired body to sleep, simply nodding silently in agreement, eyes already closed. The younger snuggles closer again, inhaling the sweet scent of the man he cherished. Donghyuck wanted to say he loves him, but sleep had taken over him enough not to let him make the effort to speak, giving in quickly. But his mind rested reassured, knowing he didn't have to say it. Of course it was nice to do so. Those words never rolled his tongue in such an easy and pleasing way as they did when directed to Mark. But even so, he knows Mark is aware of his love. And knows he loves him just as overwhelmingly much. Aside all their story and usual actions that show their deep feelings, 'I love you' was the thing they've been saying to each other the most lately. Whether through texts, calls, or face to face whenever they had the chance – which was fortunately a lot more often then they thought it would be. So the younger one allowed himself to show love through only a gentle, silent squeeze this time.
The last thing Donghyuck could feel was the gentle press of Mark's lips on the top of his head before finally drifting off, relaxing completely after a long day of work, unaware that Mark would contentedly fall asleep shortly after him. Yet, both were reassured that, even though their routine changed abruptly, things between them didn't change; their love for each other didn't change. In fact, it might've grew even more.