I open the door as I step into the warmth of the house. 2:00 AM. I hated that I worked till then, but with the new semester, there were many student events I had to support. My normal 5:00 PM arrival was off by a long shot. With a soft click of the door, I see the faint light of the TV in the living room.

The house felt slightly cold. Of course, neither of us should really be awake at this time. Nevertheless it felt secure. All the curtains closed, doors locked, a few dishes in the sink, everything still.

Taking off my shoes and placing my backpack on the floor, I yawn. I wanted sleep, a meal and to see my favourite person. Ah, what I'd give for a warm hug...

As I walk inside through the hallway I see him on the couch. He's lying with a fluffy blanket, staring at the screen. His face was so... dead. Eye bags, darkened. A pale complexion like he had seen a ghost.

"Hey... what're you doing up?" He sits up looking at me.

"I... couldn't sleep." He mumbles. "I'm glad you're home though."

I sit alongside him, reaching my arms out to hug him. Immediately he accepts, burying his face into my neck. I wondered if he was waiting for me, something he always told me not to do (mainly due to the fact I barely get enough rest.)

"You okay...?" I ask quietly.

He pulls back, expression fighting as he figures out what to say.

"I... I'm not sure." I nod softly.

"That's okay... I'm here for you, we can chat, eat, shower, whatever." He smiles softly.

"Thank you..." I return a smile, holding his hands gently. There's a pause. "You should get changed, you must be exhausted."

"Yeah... events do that. At least I have the weekend free now." I stand and tug on his hand. "Come, maybe wandering around will help you sleep." He nods and we head off to our bedroom.

I put on a purple hoodie and black shorts. Despite the fall weather, I ran warm in the nights. He put on a grey hoodie with his old high school logo on it. He still looked uncertain, as if he was told a juicy secret. As we walk to the kitchen, he sighs.

"Can I talk to you about something?" My heart skips at his words. The anxious side of me immediately thinking the what-ifs. No... I had to be rational.

"Of course... let's sit." Sitting down at the table, his vision was shifting from one side of the room to the other. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I..." He shuts his eyes. "Work has been... hectic as of late." I hum in acknowledgement, quietly eating some leftover spaghetti. "I'm being asked more and more of me. I want to quit... but I want to provide for us."

I carefully ponder his words. It has been a while since we had a heart-to-heart, let alone time for ourselves. With my unpredictable work schedule and his never-ending overtime, we were lucky to chat before sleeping.

His work was intense. He was a project lead at a tech company. There would be many days of him taking work home or staying late, either to pick up the slack of others or meet deadlines. Even with discussions amongst his team members or management, he was still stuck.

"I see... I bet management isn't helping either?" He nods. "Well... I'm okay with covering for us. After all, we're a team, right?" He chews on his lip, a nervous habit he had.

"I know you're more than capable, but I don't want to put that burden on you. I should be able to take care of us." I shake my head. While it would be nice to not have to work, it was the reality of life.

"It's not a burden, it's not like we're broke-broke. I can help you find another job or maybe you can do your own business, we'll figure it out." 

"Are... you sure about that?" I nod.

"Yes... What's important is your physical and mental health. I can support us. With your credentials and connections I am sure you can fine something. Either way, we'll do it together."

"Okay... but if-"

"Everything will be fine, trust me. You're talking to someone who worries about everything, not that she has a choice in her thoughts." I laugh nervously, my leg shaking under the table. "Do you feel better?"

"Yeah... a little." He glances over to me. "Thank you, love." With a soft smile I pat his hand, wrapping up my meal. Walking over to him I cup his face, tracing the small moles that created a constellation on his face. Leaning into my touch, he shuts his eyes.

"Let's go sleep... we need it." With a smile he stands, holding my waist as we head to rest. We both are out like a light, sleeping deeply to the next day.