Limitless (NCT one shots)

Backwards confession (Markhyuck)

The practice room smelled of sweat, the only sound that can be heard is heavy breathing and water slurping, until Donghyuck speaks up.
"Fuck! Every muscle hurts today. I can't practice anymore." He sits against the wall rubbing his legs to try to work out some of the tension. The team calls it for the day and tells them all to get hydrated and rest up, they have a grueling schedule ahead of them.
Mark is sitting beside Donghyuck with his head between his knees trying to catch his breath.
"You ok Mark?" He nods, head still down.
"I'm good, just tired." Donghyuck nods.
"Make sure you sleep good Hyung, we have tomorrow off, so sleep in." Mark agrees with another nod.

Mark has been a little off lately, everyone has noticed. They have been preparing for their tour, practicing day and night to make sure it is perfect. He always takes it seriously but this time around, it's clear he's more uptight. Donghyuck is worried about him, they have always been the closest of all the members, a lot closer than they actually let on to the public. They rely on each other for everything, but every time Donghyuck tries to get in his head he says he's fine and shuts it down immediately. After a group discussion without him, they come to the agreement to let him have time alone and he will come to them when he is ready.

When Donghyuck gets home, all he wants are his pillows. Oh how he can't wait to climb into bed and sleep for days. He quickly orders take out then heads to the shower. He runs the water as hot as he can tolerate, trying to loosen his muscles. He stays in as long as he can but remembers he has food coming so he gets out and throws on sweats and a white t-shirt.
His timing is perfect as the doorbell rings as soon as he's in the living room. He grabs his food and sets it on the table, then grabs a beer from the fridge. He knows he shouldn't be filling his body with these kind of calories before a tour but he has a week off and wants to make the most of it.
He sends Mark a quick good night text before clearing his table. He isn't expecting one in return, just wants him to know he's thinking about him, he's hoping he is asleep already.
After cleaning his mess he goes to his bed and falls face first, groaning at the pain from his tired muscles.

He lays there trying to sleep but his mind is fogged with thoughts of his best friend. Not knowing what Mark is going through kills him. He tries adjusting his position to get more comfortable but everything hurts. He sighs as he hears the beeping from the keypad on his door. Only two people know that code. His manager and of course Mark. He knows it isn't his manager because why would he need to see him at this time of night? He doesn't move, still too tired.
"Markie? Is that you?" He yells out into the quiet. He doesn't get a response except for the shuffle of socked feet. Soon his door creaks open.
"Hey." Mark says quietly.
"Hey Mark what's up?" Donghyuck asks as he starts to sit up.
"I couldn't sleep. Needed to see you." He says as he sits on the end of his bed. Donghyuck sighs and touches his cheek.
"Want to talk about it?" Mark shrugs.
"Yes and no. Just take off your shirt please?" Donghyuck frowns.
"Uh, take me on a date first Mark." He says with a slight chuckle. Mark shakes his head.
"Part of the reason I couldn't sleep was knowing how much pain you were in. I want to give you a massage." Donghyuck blinks, he knows Mark cares about him but this is something new.
"No, you know what? Take everything off. I'll massage you from your neck to your toes." Donghyuck normally wouldn't argue but he wonders what has gotten into him lately.
"Mark are you sure?" Mark nods surely.
"Are you sure you can handle seeing me naked? I mean have you seen me? I'm a catch." He jokes.
"I know you are, and I've seen you naked plenty of times." Donghyuck chuckles thinking about the countless times they've had to share showers in their early days or all the times in the dressing rooms together.
"Ok, just don't blame me when you fall in love with my luscious ass." He says as he starts stripping down.

It isn't until he's completely naked, lying on his stomach when Mark reply's.
"I don't blame you." He says softly. Donghyuck's breath hitches at the implications, but he doesn't respond. Mark grabs the lotion he sees on his nightstand and warms some in his hands. Donghyuck is quite surprised when he feels Mark straddle his legs. There is no contact other than their thighs but knowing he's like that makes him shiver.
He feels warm hands wrap around the back of his neck and groans as he works out the kinks.
"Oh, god Mark. Your hands are amazing." He says now wondering what else these hands could do to him.
"Only for you Donghyuckie." He says with so much love in his voice that Donghyuck can't help but think it could be the same kind of love he's felt for Mark for years.