The sound of the front door opening & shutting interrupted your daydream as you stared outside into the rain. It was a bit solemn in Mortem, New Mexico, not just because of the heavy rainfalls recently but also because of Governor Jules Archibald's funeral being today. You didn’t attend, your lover Jacques knew him better than you did - hence why he was asked to be the main speaker. In fact, you weren’t even that involved in his job to know co-workers or bosses.

Your gaze turned to him as he walked through the door, still dressed in his black suit & black leather trenchcoat. His fedora was a little damp. And that white mask, molded to the shape of his face, which was mandatory for public until he was fully healed - along with the temporary voice modulator. He didn’t say anything at all to you as he stepped into your shared home, hanging up said coat. He plopped down onto the main sofa with a tired sigh, settling his face in his gloved hands. You got up from your spot by the window & sat at his side, to which he took note of & turned to you a little, removing his hands. As usual, you wanted the mask gone, already reaching for it since he was no longer out in public. But also as usual, he refused, taking your hands away gently.

“Please, no…”