The sound of the door opening was enough for Nagito's face to brighten, his book to go on the countertop, and his soft feet to go tapping against the wood as he raced to the door. As Hajime closed it, Nagito's arms wrapped around his waist and he smiled lovingly at his husband.

"Hajime-! You're ba-"

"Sorry Nagito, I can't stay." Hajime shrugged himself out of Nagito's arms and walked further into the house, grabbing bits and pieces, putting down other items as he went. Nagito trailed after him worriedly, a look of dejection in his eyes. So Hajime was acting like this again... putting everything else before their relationship.

"... where are you going this time?"

"Tokyo. There's some important building documents they want me to look over." As he spoke, he slipped on his jacket, straightening out his tie. It was clear he wasn't fully focused on the conversation, his attention still on other things.

"... well... when will you be back...?"

Hajime continued to keep his head turned away, focusing on gathering other items he'd need. "I don't know. Depends on how I'm feeling with the job."

"....." Nagito didn't have much of a response to that. He could feel his heart break apart even more. Was spending time with his husband too much to ask for nowadays...? Did Hajime even enjoy spending time with him? "... I'll miss you..."

Hajime hummed softly in acknowledgment as he put his shoes back on. "Nagito, I'm just doing what's best. I suggest you do the same. Stop spending so much time in this house, go outside."

"But I.... I feel safest when I'm here..."

"Well, sometimes I just need space."

His blunt response had Nagito reeling in confusion. "But lately all we've done is be distant with one another... d- do you... do you n- not love me...?"

"...." Hajime walked over and cupped Nagito's cheek. "Of course I love you...

... I just don't want to see your disgusting face anymore."

"Aaah-!" Nagito shot upright in bed, breathing in and out heavily, clutching at his chest. That dream felt so... so real... he clumsily tried to wipe the tears away from his eyes but he didn't do it quick enough and soon found himself overwhelmed by the sound of his own sobs.

To his left, Hajime stirred slightly, before sitting up and rubbing at his eyes. He stiffened as he heard Nagito, and quickly wrapped Nagito up in a hug, kissing his forehead, as he asked his husband what was wrong, and nodding slightly as Nagito explained everything.

"I- I just..." Nagito stammered softly, continuing to cry and wipe at his eyes as Hajime held Nagito in his arms. "I g- get so scared..."

"..." Hajime wasted no time, and kissed Nagito softly. "I'd never treat you like that... you're the most important person in the world to me... I'd never hurt you like that..." He sighed softly, pulling Nagito a little closer. "I admit, you're a little clingy, and I recommend you see a therapist, but why would I ever treat you like I did in your dream, when I know the pain it would cause you...? I love you, spending time with you is how I feel calmer after a long day at work... I feel safe when I'm with you. You know how we work - if I end up being away for longer than normal, or if I get distracted with anything I let you know. And for really busy days I set times for us to spend time together... you know this..."

"I... I know..." He felt comforted at Hajime's words. He was right - Hajime knew about his condition, and instead of forcing Nagito to change himself, he just said Nagito needed to get help and did his best to accommodate for them all, to make Nagito more comfortable. He rolled over towards Hajime and hugged him. Hajime hugged him back in return, giving him a soft kiss on the forehead.

"... and I'd never call you disgusting... you're beautiful..."

Nagito smiled faintly. "I think it was more that I believed that's what you meant, rather than that's what you actually said..."

"... I'd never ever even think that Nagito." He gave Nagito another kiss, smiling lovingly at him. "I love you... and nothing will ever change that."

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

And he did.

No matter what happened...

... he would always love Hajime.