Vlad looked in the mirror. At least his face was shaved and his hair looked great combed but there was nothing he could do about the bags under his eyes. He filled in a bit since Sam and Tucker forced him to eat. Sighing, he anxiously glanced at the time. Danny would be arriving in an hour. He made sure at least three times that the ghost portal was open so Danny could make his way in. Sam and Tucker said they would go out and be back later in the evening. Vlad tried to think of ways he could repay them. Perhaps they could use a summer home? Hell, they could probably use a vacation together. He'd look into it.

He paced back and forth in the lab now. He kept looking at the time and became annoyed at just how slow it passed. He continued his pacing, unsure of what else to do. He had wanted to look into their bedroom to make sure everything was exactly where Danny had left it but seeing as Vlad hadn't been in there since Danny left, he knew it was. He tried to think of how he should greet Danny. Should he run and give him a hug? Or would that be awkward? He can't kiss him, can he? Probably not. Should he just wait by and let Danny approach him? Would that make it seem like he didn't miss him? Maybe he should approach Danny and wait for Danny to make the first move? That sounded right.

The ghost portal buzzed with life and the doors slid open. Vlad watched with a pounding heart as the mist cleared and Danny Phantom, his husband, stepped through. Seeing Vlad, Danny froze. Vlad's eyes hungrily went over Danny. He missed seeing him so much. Vlad was at a loss of what to do. They stood there, awkwardly staring at each other. Finally, having enough, Vlad took a cautious step forward and offered a weak smile.

"Daniel, it's good to see you."

Danny changed back to his human form and approached Vlad. "Same here." He paused when he was directly in front of the man and frowned. "You…look tired," he finished lamely, a hint of concern in his voice.

"And your voice sounds hoarse. Come, I'll make you some tea. That should help."

Danny nodded. Vlad hesitated and resisted the urge to pull Danny into a hug. Danny hadn't made a move to reach for him so Vlad left it at that. He led them to their kitchen and started to make the tea, glad for a distraction. His husband entered the kitchen and stood beside him. Vlad's hand began to shake slightly but he finished making the tea and handed the steaming cup to Danny, who gratefully took it. He took a long gulp before they sat down in the dining room. Vlad made sure to keep his distance but sat beside Danny, giving him his undivided attention. He decided to wait for Danny to say something first.

"Thanks. My throat feels better."

Vlad acknowledged the thanks with a nod. "Why is your throat sore?"

Danny shrugged and stared into his cup, his index finger tracing the rim. "Got into a shouting match with my sister, it was stupid," he said dismissively.

"Ah. May I ask what about?"

"I'll tell you another time."

Vlad took the moment to examine his lover. He looked awful. Not in an unattractive sense oh no, Vlad always found Danny to be attractive even at his worst. Danny had bags under his eyes, indicating he hadn't been getting enough sleep. His face a bit thinner and his hair was shaggier than ever. What really broke Vlad's heart was the utter emotion in those light blue eyes. They were no longer shining with happiness and excitement like they usually were. The fierce passion Danny displayed was gone. It was as if a light switch had been flipped off. Danny was a just a shadow of his former self.

It killed Vlad to see his husband in such a state. And yet, a part of him was kind of glad. It was good to know that this separation hurt Danny almost as much as it hurt him. But, it wasn't worth seeing him so miserable. Vlad longed to take Danny in his arms and just make all the pain and misery go away. He wanted them to be happy again and enjoy their marriage. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was so hard to resist the urge to touch Danny. He craved his husband more than anything he ever imagined.

"I miss you Vlad," Danny started. Vlad sat up straight in his seat. "Being separated from you has given me time to think but it's been the worst week of my entire life. I mean, it hasn't been much different than being here alone without you." Vlad flinched at the reminder. "But it felt different. This time, I was actually thinking of leaving you for good."

Vlad's entire body froze. He felt all the blood drain from his face and his heart drop to his stomach. "Daniel…"

Danny continued, still unable to look at Vlad. "I don't want to. I love you, Vlad. But I hate how wrapped up you get in your stupid businesses. I understand you need to give them your attention but sometimes it's ridiculous how much you give and forget about me. It's like you forget I even exist." Vlad wanted to desperately protest. "And I just wait hoping that you'll remember that I'm home waiting for you to come back or notice that you haven't seen me for two weeks and to stop and finally pay attention to me. If it hadn't been that you happen to get home the time I was packing you probably wouldn't have noticed I even left," Danny finished bitterly.

"Daniel, that's not true. Of course I would have noticed," Vlad said calmly, even though inside he was a swirl of uncontrollable emotions. He felt like he was walking on thin ice. He needed Danny to come back. "And my dear, please believe me when I say how sorry I am about neglecting you because of work. I tried to make it so that our schedules would be the same and things just kept piling up. It's no excuse, I know, but … dear," he started hesitantly, making Danny look up. "Why didn't you say anything sooner? I would have listened."

Danny looked back at his cup and shrugged. "I don't know. I just figured you'd notice I was unhappy or at least notice we weren't spending much time together."

"I should have, but you know how I can get. I tend to lose sight of things when I get wrapped up in something and for that, I am truly sorry. It is something I am more than willing to change. I'm willing to change anything and everything for you, Daniel." Hesitantly, he placed his hand on Danny's, the one holding the cup. Danny removed his hand from his cup so Vlad could grip it better. With his other hand, he took another sip and cleared his throat.

"Do you even care for me anymore?"

"Of course I do, Daniel. How could you even ask that? I love you. This week away from you has been utter hell. All this," He gestured to his home, "And the money, is meaningless without you. There is no home or happiness without you in my life."

Danny was quiet for a moment, staring at their adjoined hands. Vlad waited with his heart pounding in his ears. Danny had the power to destroy him, or make him feel like he was on top of the world. That scared Vlad, more so than anything at this moment.

"If I come back…" Vlad felt his hope rise. "Will you really make more of an effort to be with me?"

"Yes, yes of course I will! I'll never let you feel neglected again! Oh my Daniel, I—"

Danny cut him off by placing a finger on his lips. He stared sternly at Vlad. "This is your last chance," Danny said with finality in his voice, looking a bit crushed. "I won't be able to take this again. I hate how lonely I've been feeling. I want my husband back, Vlad."

Vlad couldn't resist any longer. He stood up and pulled Danny into a tight hug. It felt so good when he felt Danny wrap his arms around him and return the hug. He kissed the mop of dark hair and breathed in his husband's scent. "I promise I won't ever do this to you again, Little Badger. You have my word that I'll be a better husband to you. But, Daniel, you must talk to me more. I will try not to make a mistake again but I am not a mind reader. If something I am doing displeases you, tell me immediately." He felt Danny nod. "I've missed you," Vlad breathed, pressing his face against Danny's neck and kissed it.

Neither pulled away from the embrace; both enjoying the feel of having their love back in their arms. Vlad contently nuzzled Danny's neck while the younger halfa rubbed Vlad's back soothingly. They lost track of how long they had been standing there, simply holding one another. Finally, Danny pulled away to press a chaste kiss on Vlad's lips. Vlad welcomed it; pressing further into it but not going any further than that. He knew Danny hadn't completely forgiven him and would need some time before they returned to normal. Vlad could wait. He had Danny back and that was all that mattered. He felt like he could enjoy life again. He will, too, but with Danny by his side. There's no joy without him.

Vlad raised his hand to massage the back of Danny's neck. He worked out all knots, smiling when he heard the content moan. Danny let out a yawn and snuggled closer to Vlad.

"Are you tired, Little Badger?"

"Yeah, I didn't get much sleep."

Vlad led Danny to their bedroom. Danny glanced around and if he noticed the room looked unused, Vlad didn't know. Danny didn't comment. They stripped off their clothing and crawled into bed. Vlad contently pulled Danny to him and hugged him close. Danny rested his head on the older man's chest and promptly fell asleep. Vlad stayed up, occasionally pressing loving kisses on his sleeping lover or pet the ruffled hair. He was still rejoicing on the fact that his husband was back in his arms and consistently vowed that he would do anything to keep him happy.

Vlad eventually fell asleep. He woke up when he felt his husband stir in his arms and pulled him close. Danny let out a light chuckle, making Vlad smile, and stretched his arms above his head. He felt Danny look at the time but didn't open his eyes. He felt a loving kiss press to his cheek and he finally opened his eyes. The sun light in his room was going down. Danny contently snuggled into Vlad's embrace. Vlad let out a sigh of relief. His once broken, sad, and void heart now felt filled and happy.

"I love you." Vlad whispered to Danny.

Danny smiled weakly and pressed another chaste kiss on Vlad's lips. "I love you too, fruitloop." Vlad chuckled at his 'pet name'. They remained on the bed, wrapped up in a loving embrace. "We can't stay on the bed forever," Danny said finally.

"If it's what you want, we can."

"Vlad!" Danny let out a low laugh, and Vlad felt a thrill at hearing it again. "I-"

There was a knock on the door. Danny and Vlad jumped in surprise. They exchanged questioning looks before Vlad remembered Sam and Tucker had said they would return in the evening. He had forgotten about them. He had been so thrilled to have his husband back he neglected to mention his husband's friends were over.

"Vlad? Are you okay?" Sam's voice called out.

"Sam?" Danny whispered in surprise, looking at Vlad.

Vlad swallowed, hoping his lover wouldn't be angry. He had no idea why he would be, but he still felt unsure. "Yes. Your friends have been keeping me company these past few days. I tried to tell them to return so they could be with you but they insisted on being here. I'm—"

Danny kissed Vlad, effectively silencing him. Vlad felt reassurance from the kiss. Danny pulled away with a happy smile. "That's great. I'm glad you weren't alone."

"Vlad? Vlad!" Sam called out again, knocking more insistently.

Vlad was about to respond but Danny climbed out of bed, put on a pair of pants and answered the door. His friends gazed at him in surprise. He grinned sheepishly at them. "Hey guys. How are you doing?"

"Danny?" Both Sam and Tucker asked in surprise.

"Yep. Vlad's in here too." Vlad appeared behind Danny, having slipped on a pair of pants as well, wrapping his arms around the slim waist and resting his chin on Danny's shoulder. He had a happy glow in his eyes. Sam and Tucker looked relieved and grinned at them.

"You two are back together? That's great!" Tucker said, glad to see his friends back together.

Vlad responded. "Yes, and allow me to express my thanks to you for all you've done for me by inviting you two out for dinner."

"Sure," Sam and Tucker agreed. Vlad and Danny went to properly get dressed and met with the other couple at the limo. Vlad had gotten his personal driver to take them to a fancy restaurant close by. Vlad didn't let go of Danny for anything. He held on to Danny's hand or would keep his arm around his slim waist or shoulder. When Danny went to use the bathroom, he had to make a pouting Vlad sit in his seat and wait for his return. The second Danny was back, Vlad pulled him close. Although Danny looked annoyed, he was full of smiles. Vlad knew it would be a long road ahead of them to rebuild their trust and work on their communication issue but Vlad was happy to take it a day at a time. He would keep Danny by his side and happy so they could truly have the happily ever after Vlad dreamed of.

END