The apartment was dark. Cecil sighed, rubbing his temple. It had been a very long day.

Shrugging out of his jacket, he tossed it onto what he assumed was the recliner – he couldn't see it well enough to be sure – and started toward the bedroom, hoping that Carlos would be home. On the way, he shed his shoes and socks, tossing them to the side so they wouldn't be in the way. In the doorway to the bedroom, his sweater vest went to the floor, and then his tie. Halfway to the bed, his button-up was gone, and his belt was following it.

His pants and boxers rustled to the floor as he climbed into the bed behind Carlos, who was nearly asleep next to his still-lit phone.

"Cecil?" Carlos asked, as if anyone else would be able to get past the gargoyle-shaped planter that guarded their door. It had been a gift from Steve Carlsburg to Cecil, in an attempt to gain his friendship. While that hadn't happened (and never would), Cecil did appreciate the planter. It screamed at anyone who wasn't him or Carlos. It made both a good doorbell and guard dog.

"Mhm," Cecil murmured against Carlos' neck. "How was your day?"

"Wonderful. Oh, Cecil, do you know about the amazing plants behind the apartment building? They're simply fantastic! Vines and flowers and things I've never even seen before! The opportunity for scientific research is just amazing!"

Cecil chuckled. "Watch out for the vines, beautiful Carlos. They bite."

Carlos gasped. "Really?"

Cecil nodded. "Really. I would hate for you to get injured back there."

Carlos nodded. "Noted. How was your day, Cecil?"

"Terrible," Cecil groaned. "And I hate to say that because I really do love working at the station, but by the glow cloud – "

"All hail the glow cloud," Carlos interrupted reverently.

"Yes, all hail the glow cloud. But anyway, the Station Management was simply unbearable today, slithering about and hissing," Cecil sighed. "I could hardly do the show with their complaining all day."

"I'm sorry Cecil," Carlos murmured, turning toward him. "Come here."

Cecil snuggled into Carlos' arms gratefully, noticing only then that Carlos was as naked as he was. Cecil sighed happily, kissing all over Carlos' chest and tangling their legs together.

Carlos chuckled. "Oh, Cecil. You are adorable."

Cecil just smiled, resting his head against Carlos' shoulder as Carlos traced the tattoos on Cecil's back. The tattoos reacted to the touch, sliding around to follow Carlos' fingers. Cecil shivered as they moved; it tickled a little, since they were usually not this active.

"I love you," Carlos whispered into Cecil's disheveled hair, pulling him closer and kissing his ear.

"I love you too, Carlos," Cecil replied, tightening his grip on Carlos' hip. "I love you too."