An old, black sedan rolled up onto the third level of the airport parking lot. It made a round before it stopped in a corner spot, unseen from the elevator. Its brake lights shown in the darkness, the sun not yet up to cast its warm glow into the cold, concrete building. Another car rumbled by and turned up the next ramp, resigning itself to the fourth floor when it could not find an open spot.

“You really didn’t have to park, Damien, you could have left me at the drop-off,” Pram said, unbuckling himself with a yawn. “It’s almost five in the morning, it wouldn’t have been that crowded.”

Damien tapped his finger on the steering wheel, finally placing the car in park and letting his foot off the brake. The third level was dark once again. He turned to look at Pram and he smiled, his eyes curving along with his mouth. It was what Pram liked best.

“This airport’s drop-off is a disorganized mess, you know how much I already hate driving.” Damien leaned towards Pram, tilting his chin to the side expectantly.

Pram laughed and gave Damien what he wanted—a kiss. Then, a peck on the cheek. Then another. When Damien scrunched his face and tried to pull away from the barrage, Pram grabbed his neck and gently pulled him closer. In between kisses he said, “Yes, of course, my dear boyfriend is so nice, he even does things he so terrible hates just for me.”

Damien began to laugh, too, pushing at Pram’s chest at the man leaned further and further into his space withe every kiss. “You’re right, I so many terrible things just for your sake.” Their faces parted and Damien watched his lover’s face, drinking in every freckle and eyelash. “You should adore me for it.”

“You know I already do.”

Damien’s gaze grew further loving as he brushed a lock of waving, golden hair behind Pram’s ear. “No matter how much I hate it, it wouldn’t be a proper goodbye if I didn’t do this.” He put a hand on his lover’s cheek and gave him another peck. His voice became tearful. “I’m going to miss you.”

Pram put both hands on top of Damien’s head and rubbed, ruining both his hair and the solemn air that had taken over his boyfriend. “I’m only going to be gone a month, Dami! You know it’s for work and I can’t just say ‘no.’”

Damien pulled a regretful face as he pried Pram’s hands from his hair. “…I know.” He was quiet a moment, as he clasped Pram’s hands and squeezed. “I just wish ‘no’ was an option.”

Pram grinned, his smile so bright Damien could not help but feel his heart flutter. “Good. So try not to miss me so much. I’m here with you even when I’m not.” The sunrise peaked into the parking garage, then, and Pram’s hair shined like a halo. It was what Damien liked best. His smile fell.