The three hours they spent cooking all sorts of things together was one of the happiest moments of his life so far. 

He'd never been particularly close with his mother, and then when he was sixteen, she'd passed away unexpectedly. A father was never in the picture from the get-go, so that left Ru living with an unfamiliar aunt until he finished high school, then headed off on his own. 

Thankfully, he'd managed to get a job while in high school so he had enough money saved up and also had procured some scholarships, making college doable. It had still taken a lot of effort and persistence, and a full time job, but he never regretted any of his decisions. 

Clearing those thoughts from his mind, Ru watched as Ash and his mum finished putting away the remainder of the dishes he'd scrubbed. 

Maybe she wouldn't mind a son in law like me...

Ash turned to look over his shoulder at him as he closed the cabinet above his head. When he saw Ru notice him, he gave him the biggest smile ever. 

I love you, babe. 

Ru glanced down at his wet hands, then realized he'd forgotten to dry them. Quickly busying himself with that task, he didn't even notice when Ash's mom dismissed herself to go take her spot back at the front desk, and Ash stepped up behind him. 

When the man's arms wrapped around his waist, however, Ru quickly straightened and looked over his shoulder just in time to meet his love's lips for a quick kiss. 

"B-behave," Ru whispered as he looked around the small room. 

"Mum went back to the desk," Ash said as he pressed himself up against Ru gently. 

You are one horny dragon...

He thankfully wasn't hard yet, but it was probably going to get there soon. 

Ignoring that little bit of information, Ru glanced up at the clock on the wall above his head and felt his heart skip a little beat. 

"I... I have to go in three hours," he whispered, making Ash's hands, that had been wandering dangerously close to the waistband of Ru's pants, pause abruptly. 

Only two more seconds passed before the man's arms suddenly tightened around him. 

Don't go! I really don't want you to go. 

Ru bit his lower lip to keep his eyes dry. He still wasn't the best at hearing Ash's thoughts, but he'd heard that plea loud and clear. Unfortunately, he couldn't bring himself to answer it, because neither of them would like what he had to say. 

So, instead of talking, he simply lifted his hands up to grasp Ash's warm arms, then stood there silently until those arms loosened, then finally withdrew from around him. 

That allowed Ru to turn around and reach up until his hand was settled against the side of Ash's face. 

"We'll make it work, sweetheart," he said as he lifted his other hand to help wipe away the tears streaming down Ash's face. 

His love's nose was also running a bit, prompting him to reach back and grab a napkin nearby to help him with that, too. 

Once they were all done and he and Ash had washed their hands again, Ru took Ash's hand and lead him out of the kitchen. The man practically wrapped his free arm around his, making him look quite a bit clingy to anyone else who was glancing their way. 

Normally, he wasn't a fan of such behavior, but he couldn't argue that he didn't mind if Ash did it at all. 

For the remainder of his time there they decided to simply spend it together in their room and, more specifically, in Ash's little horde closet. 

They sat next to his large pile of treasures, with Ash comfortably in his lap, and sorted through everything they could get their hands on. He was honestly quite surprised by the value of each piece. 

He has a really good eye. 

The man had evidently spent a good fifty percent of his yearly salaries buying all sorts of shiny things. He made sure that at least forty-five percent of those purchases would actually hold their value, though. 

"You're a very smart dragon," Ru complimented as he examined a bright red ruby Ash was holding up for him. 

Ash immediately beamed and gave him a kiss, earning a hug in return. 

"I'm glad that you've been investing your money so well. You have some amazing stuff here." 

Heck, when just considering the amount of gold and silver the guy had, he could easily put a down payment on a house if he cashed it all in. 

Of course, he absolutely refused to think of using the man's money for their situation, though. He had plenty of his own, and if things came down to buying a home in Colorado, they would sit down and talk about expenses and what not together. 

Adjusting Ash a little in his lap so that he would be more comfortable, Ru looked at a few more pieces the man wanted to share with him, then pulled out his phone and searched up different cities in Colorado. 

There were quite a few that came up in their temperature range, so he clicked on a random one and began looking at houses. 

Wow, I can actually afford something decent there. 

And just like that, they became engrossed in looking at different houses and areas, what their crime rates were, and how many people lived in the areas. Their focus only fractured when the alarm he'd set on his phone began to go off. 

Ru felt his heart sink as Ash leaned up abruptly and wrapped his arms around his neck, then buried his face in the crook of it. 

He couldn't change things, though. Their whirlwind romance wouldn't pay the bills, nor would it pack up his things at home and put his two weeks notice in at work. He might not  dislike his job, but he was respected by most of the people there and burning a bridge was never a good idea if it could be helped. 

He couldn't deny that he was definitely thinking about it, though. There was enough money for him to easily live off of for a year or so saved up in his accounts, but he was too practical to let himself use it. 

It won't take a year. 

He was damn good at what he did and he could do it remotely. His job just refused to let him unless it was an emergency... like while he was on vacation. 

A thought came to mind that they might let him do some remote work while he stayed with Ash and planned out their situation, but before it could become a complete idea, he quelled it. 

He was absolutely falling head over heels in love with his sweet dragon, but they really had just met and both had very different lives at the current moment. 

I have to leave, but this is definitely not goodbye. 

Patting Ash's back gently, Ru gave him a few more moments, which had evidently been just enough time for him to pull himself back together and lean away with a crooked, sad smile on his face. 

"It's about time for you to head out. Can I drive you to the airport?" 

Oh? 

He hadn't expected him to make such an offer, but he was very glad he did. 

"Of course, sweetheart. I'd really appreciate that, actually." 

He had no interest in riding along with his coworkers. A nice quiet drive with Ash sounded much better. 

His agreement to his request seemed to cheer Ash up quite a bit and, with a little of help since his backside was still clearly giving him trouble, they got to their feet and got a little more dressed for the trip. 

More specifically, Ru bundled up quite a bit so that Ash wouldn't have to run the heater as much. When they were finally ready, Ash had grabbed some jerky he'd made and a bag of candy to nibble on. 

Gummy worms, huh? 

Ash opened the bag as he replied, "they're not the normal junky ones, though. I actually got addicted to these without even realizing that they were healthier. Gluten free, too." 

As he finished speaking, Ash took a worm from the bag and slipped it partially between his lips. Half of the sugary creature was hanging out, and it proved to be just a little too tempting. Ru leaned over without a second of hesitation and promptly stole the little candy worm with his teeth, leaving Ash stunned and blushing quite adorably. 

He quickly hurried after him, trying to steal away that little gummy worm with his own teeth! It was honestly quite hilarious, and more than a few people turned to watch them, but neither seemed to notice... or care. 

They were nearly through the entire bag by the time they got themselves situated in Ash's car. And once Ru was all buckled up, the remainder of the bag found its way into his lap. 

He was about to question him about giving him the rest of his treat when he looked over and immediately cracked up laughing!

"You brat!" 

You are so fucking cute!

Ash was grinning at the road as he got them headed toward the airport, but that wasn't what Ru was focusing on... at all. 

Instead, his fit of laughter was brought on by the eight gummy worms dangling from Ash's lips! 

The two bantered on and laughed about everything under the sun until, unfortunately, the airport came into view. 

Ash refused to drop him off anywhere but right at the front doors, and even hopped out to grab his stuff from the trunk and bring it around to his side. 

There was then a gentle hug and sweet, but rough kiss before they finally had to face the music. Ash began to try again, but Ru simply wiped the tears away with his thumb and rustled his dark hair. 

"This isn't goodbye, sweetheart. I texted you while you were driving so that you have my number now, too. I'll give you a call once I'm back home." 

Ash quickly nodded his agreement, but was still reluctant to step away just yet. 

I just want to put you in my suitcase and take you home. 

Knowing that he had to go if he wanted to make it through TSA in time to catch his flight, Ru pulled Ash in for one more good hug, then took a step back. 

"I'll call you soon, I promise. Take care of yourself, Ashy, and let's start working on our plan for Colorado," he said, making the man's eyes light up a little. 

After a few sniffles Ash nodded. 

"Y-yeah, I'll start saving more and looking at areas," he said, making Ru grin. 

"Great, and I'll look for jobs and figure out our likely costs to move." 

Ash nodded again, his spirits rising a bit more. 

"Okay, text me whenever you want, and don't forget to call when you get home safe," Ash said, finally giving him the dismissal he was waiting for. 

Ru nodded and grabbed the handle of his suitcase after lifting his carryon bag onto his shoulder. 

"I will. Take care, love. We'll meet again very soon." 

With that Ru turned and walked inside, not daring to even glance over shoulder. He didn't want to go, but they both had things that had to be done before they could be together again. 

When he finally got through TSA and stepped up to the board showing the current flight schedule, his face fell. 

Six hour delay due to bad weather? 

He could have had six more hours with Ash? 

His mood dipped as he trudged to his terminal, then slowly slid down a wall to sit since all of the chairs were already taken... mostly by other people's luggage. 

To keep his mind off of bothering Ash while he was driving, and making the man likely U-turn immediately in response to his news, Ru laid his suitcase down, then unzipped the bigger part where he'd kept the jerky Ash had given him earlier. 

...huh?

With shaky hands, he gently lifted the big, pink, plush dragon from his suitcase, then held it up in front of him. 

He was silent for nearly a full minute before he gathered the sweet stuffed animal into his arms and pressed his forehead to its soft fabric. 

You brat... 

He sniffled a little as he hugged it closer. 

I'll take good care of your Ashy until I can return him to you face to face.