The door shut lightly behind Dirk as he entered the apartment he shared with his loving boyfriend, Jake. He had come home later than usual so he was hoping he wouldn't wake the man he presumed was sleeping, though that was sadly not the case. Right as the door shut behind him the lights in their small living room flicked on and- speak of the devil- there was Jake, one hand on the light switch and the other on his hip.

"Mind telling me what has kept you out so long tonight, Strider?"

"I- Uhh.."

"I have some right to meddle as your significant other."

"Listen, Jake, I can explain."

"Then explain away, my good man."

Dirk tried to gather his thoughts, glancing around the room and letting his eyes settle on anything but Jake.

"I.. was.. at Roxy's!"

"Why?"

"She needed help moving furniture."

Jake raised an eyebrow.

"That boyfriend of hers didn't stay as long as expected."

"Damn hooligan.. I knew he was up to no good."

"Anyway, that's where I was... so.. I should probably head to bed?" He tried to rush past Jake into their shared bedroom but to no avail. Jake threw out his arm and stopped Dirk from proceeding.

"Dirk."

"Y-Yeah?"

Jake sighed and kissed Dirk's cheek, letting his arm fall to his side. "Goodnight."

"Night, Jake." Dirk mumbled, hurrying into their room. He stripped off his clothing and crawled under the sheets, staring up at the ceiling.

As he laid there in silence his head was preoccupied with a memory that had plagued him for the past few hours- a memory he had hoped was forgotten for good.

"Come on, Dirk. A few steps more!" Dave's grin was contagious, his arms open wide as a smaller Dirk toddled closer to him.

"Daddy!" Dirk giggled, nearly in his arms. The moment was interrupted by a familiar ringing. Dave's arms fell to his sides as he groaned in frustration, snatching his phone out of his pocket and answering the call.

"What the hell is it now?" A woman Dirk failed to remember rushed to grab him as Dave stood and pulled out his phone, answering the call.

"...No.. no no no! That isn't what I'm paying you to do! Who the hell do you think you're working for? I gave you one job! That's it, you're fired! Tell her I'll be there in ten minutes." Dave jammed his phone back into his pocket and stormed off to the door of their small apartment, snatching his coat off it's hanger and slinging it over his shoulder.

"Sir?"

"Not now, Jade. I have to deal with the shitheads at the office." And with that, he was gone. Jade sighed and lifted Dirk up off the floor. She combed the hair out of his face and smooched his forehead.

"I'm sorry, Dirk. He'll be home soon- I'm sure of it!" She forced a smile for the child and softly rocked him in her arms. "You know how he is."

'Yeah,' Dirk thought, 'I know exactly how he is..'

"Work first, family second." Dirk mumbled into the empty room.