"Oh my gosh!" Lake said after his shock. "Have you been there since-?"

He cut himself off, feeling a sense of dè jávu. His dialogue was a replay. It also happened before.

"Got you.. again." Rush said smiling.

"Y-you're home early," Lake stated to cover up for his embarrassment.

"Do I hear disappointment, love? You don't seem happy that I went home early today." Rush teased.

"N-No! I mean, of course I'm glad that you're early. Are you hungry? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes." He turned around to face the stove.

"Why are you always barefooted? The floor is cold."

Rush's obvious concern brought a pleasant fluttering in Lake's heart. Only now did he fully realize how much he missed Rush.

"How was your day? Did you go to Jade's studio? Did you paint?" He felt Rush behind him. He knows because his attention was on him instead of the food he's cooking. Besides, his radar is strong when it comes to Rush.

He hasn't told Rush yet that he's included in Renji Kimura's exhibit because his husband had been busy with work.

"I did not go out because my head and stomach were aching earlier."

"Ha? Are you okay now?"

Lake's heart did some flip-flops.

"I-I'm okay now."