Work Text:
“I’m really leaving, Herbert. I’m going,” he said. Although the other man couldn’t even see it, his chest was puffed out in a false pride and his fists shook at his sides.
“Alright, Daniel.” Herbert didn’t even turn around from his workshop. It was clear what he valued most in his life. No matter how many times he said otherwise, they both knew work came before anything else.
“I’m serious this time! I’m not coming back!” shouted Daniel. He could feel the tears start to form in his eyes. He was sick. He was tired. He wanted out.
“You said that last time, Daniel,” sighed Herbert. Honestly, how much longer would this take? How many times would Dan try and run?
“I mean it.” Daniel took a step forward, trying to gain some sense of power.
Herbert clicked his tongue in annoyance. “You and I both know there’s a spare key under the mat.”
“I won’t need it.” Dan’s voice shook, giving Herbert all he wanted. “I’m really leaving.”
Herbert finally turned around and stalked over to the other man. He wore the smile of a snake finally finding a meal to sink its fangs into. Thin and cold. And so, so inviting. He reached out and wrapped his hands around Daniel’s forearms. He rubbed them up and down. The intimacy made Dan’s knees shake.
“I’m leaving,” repeated Daniel. He sounded like a broken record. A parrot that only knew one phrase.
Herbert said nothing as he raised his head and kissed him. It was different from the others they had shared. It was short and faint. But it held the promise of what could happen later. If he stayed. Herbert pulled back and whispered into his lips, “Pick up some milk while you’re out, dear.”
Daniel felt his blood run cold as the life drained out of him. Herbert left the same way he came and returned to his work like nothing had happened.
And nothing had.