Noah woke to fingers in his hair.
Gentle. Rhythmic. Moving through the strands slow enough he could feel each pass.
For a second, he kept his eyes closed. Just—existed in that half-awake space where he wasn't sure if last night had been real or if his brain had conjured the whole thing.
The boat rocking beneath them. Atlas's warmth beside him. Those fingers still moving, patient and unhurried.
Real.
The realization hit him. Chest going tight before loosening all at once.
He stayed.
Noah opened his eyes.
Atlas's eyes were closed. Breathing even. But his hand kept moving through Noah's hair. Automatic. Like even asleep, he couldn't not touch.
Noah swallowed around the lump in his throat.
Morning light slanted through the small window, catching on Atlas's face. The curve of his jaw. Dark eyelashes against his cheek. Relaxed in a way Noah had maybe never seen—no tension in his shoulders, no crease between his brows.
This is what he looks like when he's not carrying everything.
Atlas's fingers stilled.
His eyes opened. Slow. Surfacing.
Their gazes collided.
Two seconds. Three.
Noah's hand came up. Cupped Atlas's cheek. Thumb brushing along the sharp line of his cheekbone.
He leaned in. Pressed his lips to Atlas's. Soft. Morning-gentle.
"Morning," he whispered against his mouth.
Atlas's lips curved. His eyes opened wider. "Morning."
Rough voice. Sleep-thick. It went straight to Noah's stomach.
He kissed him again. Longer this time. Atlas's hand slid from his hair to the back of his neck. Holding him there. Like he was afraid Noah might disappear if he let go.
When they pulled back, Noah settled into the pillow. Atlas's arm immediately wrapped around him. Pulled him closer until their bodies pressed together, chest to chest.
Noah let his eyes drift shut. "We should get up."
"Should we?"
"Mm."
"Why?"
"Because—" Noah's brain was foggy. Warm. Safe. "People get up in the morning."
Atlas's chest shook with silent laughter. "Do they?"
"Usually."
"We could stay here."
Noah turned his head. Found Atlas watching him with this expression. Soft. Open. Vulnerable in the morning light.
"All day?" Noah asked.
"All day."
"In bed."
"Mhmm."
Noah's lips twitched. "We can't."
"Why not?"
"Because—" He stopped. "I need to go home. Sunny. Luna. Lydia."
Atlas's hand stilled on Noah's back. Just for a second. A flicker of—
He thinks I'm leaving. Like last time. Like this is goodbye.
"Come with me," Noah said. Fast. Before that flicker could turn into distance.
Atlas blinked. "What?"
"Come home with me. My place."
Atlas stared at him. Unblinking.
"If you want," Noah added. His pulse kicked up. "You don't have to. I just thought—"
"Yeah." Atlas's voice came out rough. "Yeah. Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah."
Noah exhaled. Hadn't realized he was holding his breath.
Atlas leaned in. Kissed his forehead. Lingering. His lips warm against Noah's skin.
"Shower?" he murmured.
"Yeah. Okay."
---
The shower was tiny. Built for one person, maybe two if they didn't mind being pressed together hip to shoulder.
They didn't mind.
Steam filled every corner. Water beating down hot enough to turn their skin pink. Atlas's hands in Noah's hair, working shampoo through with careful fingers.
Noah's eyes closed. Head tilted back under the spray.
"You're good at that," he murmured.
"At what?"
"This." Noah gestured vaguely. "The hair thing."
Atlas's laugh was quiet. "Never done it for anyone else."
Noah's eyes opened. Water streaming down his face as he looked up.
Atlas was focused. Fingers gentle against Noah's scalp. Concentrated like this was important. Like this mattered.
Noah's ribs ached.
"Never?" he asked.
"Never."
"Why me?"
Atlas's hands went still. His gaze dropped. Found Noah's through the spray and steam.
Water running between them. The world shrunk down to just this. Just them. Just the steady drum of water against tile.
"Because," Atlas said. Quiet. "You're different."
"Different how?"
Atlas's jaw worked. Chewing on words. Searching.
"With you—" He stopped. Started over. "I want to."
Simple. Three words. But the weight of them.
Noah reached up. Fingers curling around the back of Atlas's neck. Pulled him down into a kiss.
Atlas made a sound. Low. Wrecked. His arms came around Noah. Held him like he was afraid the water might wash him away.
The kiss deepened. Tongues meeting. Hands moving. Exploring. Relearning.
When they finally broke apart, both gasping, Atlas pressed his forehead to Noah's.
"We should—" His voice was shredded. "We should get out. Before I—"
"Yeah." Noah's own voice wasn't much better. "Yeah. Okay."
They rinsed off. Got out. Wrapped black towels around their waists.
Noah caught their reflection in the mirror. Both flushed pink. Breathing still uneven. His hair dripping dark. Atlas's sticking up in different directions.
Marks blooming across Noah's neck. His collarbone. Matching ones across Atlas's shoulder. His chest.
Atlas noticed him staring. His reflection's eyes found Noah's in the mirror.
"You—" Noah stopped. Grinned. Couldn't help it. "You look terrible."
Atlas raised an eyebrow. Stepped behind Noah. Arms sliding around his waist. Chin hooking over his shoulder.
"Do I?"
Noah's grin widened. "Yeah. Terrible."
"Mm." Atlas's mouth found the spot just below his ear. "I think I evened the score."
Noah tilted his head. Gave him access. "Did you?"
"Mhmm."
Their eyes met in the fogged mirror. Both smiling now. Stupid. Giddy. Like teenagers instead of grown adults.
Noah turned in Atlas's arms. Kissed him. Quick. "Come on. Food."
---
In the galley, Noah moved around like he'd been doing it for years. Opening cabinets. Finding pans. Eggs. Bread. Salt and pepper.
Atlas leaned against the counter. Coffee mug warming his palms. Watching.
"You're comfortable here," he said.
Noah glanced over his shoulder. "Here?"
"In my space. You—" Atlas gestured with his mug. "You move like you know where everything is."
Noah cracked eggs into a bowl. "Is that bad?"
"No." Atlas's voice went quiet. "It's good."
Noah paused. Whisk in hand. Turned to face him.
Atlas was watching with this expression. Soft. Open. Raw in a way that made Noah's breath catch.
"That cooking class paid off," Atlas said. Lighter now. Teasing edge creeping in.
Noah rolled his eyes. Started whisking. "Shut up."
"I'm serious. You've gotten good."
Noah glanced at him sideways. Then winked.
Atlas's eyes went dark. He set his mug down with a quiet clink. Crossed the small space in two steps.
"Don't," he said. Voice dropping low.
"Don't what?"
Atlas pulled him close. Kissed him hard. Deep. Possessive.
When he pulled back, Noah was breathless. Dizzy.
"That," Atlas said. "The winking thing."
Noah's lips curved. Wicked. "Why?"
"Because." Atlas's hands gripped his hips. "It makes me want to forget about breakfast."
"Does it?"
Atlas groaned. Dropped his forehead to Noah's shoulder. "You're evil."
Noah laughed. Ran his hands up Atlas's back. Felt the muscles shift under his palms. "Help me set the table."
"What do you want me to do?"
Noah turned. Looked at him over his shoulder. Stuck his tongue out. Just slightly.
Atlas's expression shifted. Heated. Dangerous.
"Plates," Noah said. Fighting a smile. "Get plates."
"Noah—"
"Plates. Counter. Now."
Atlas muttered something under his breath. But he moved. Got plates from the cabinet.
Then came back. Right behind Noah. Arms sliding around his waist. Chin hooking on his shoulder. Following him around the tiny galley like a shadow with separation anxiety.
"You're not helping," Noah said. But he was smiling.
"I'm here, aren't I?"
"Being here isn't helping."
Atlas kissed the side of his neck. "Isn't it?"
"Atlas—"
"Mm?"
"Plates. Table. Go."
Atlas sighed. Dramatic. Theatrical. But he moved. Set the table with exaggerated care.
They sat to eat. Side by side. Shoulders pressed together. Legs tangling under the table without thought or discussion.
Atlas forked up a bite of omelet. Chewed. Swallowed. "Good. This is good."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Really good."
He tried the pancakes. Made a face. "Not bad."
Noah's fork stopped halfway to his mouth. "Not bad?"
"Yeah. Not bad."
"Not—" Noah set his fork down. Hard. "You know what? I'm never cooking for you again."
Atlas grinned. Wide. Pulled him close by the back of his neck. "I'm kidding."
"No. Too late. You had your chance."
"Noah—"
"Nope. That's it. Starve."
Atlas kissed his temple. His cheek. The corner of his mouth. Soft pecks. "I'm sorry. They're perfect. You're perfect."
Noah tried to stay mad. Lasted maybe five seconds. Then smiled despite himself.
They ate. Comfortable quiet. Occasional glances. Small smiles. Feet finding each other under the table. Playing. Nudging.
Atlas's hand landed on Noah's thigh. Warm. Steady. Heavy in a good way.
Noah's hand covered it. Fingers weaving between Atlas's. Holding on.
After, they cleaned up together. Noah washing. Atlas drying. Moving around each other like they'd choreographed it. Anticipating. Adjusting. Natural.
When the last plate was put away, Noah turned. "I should go. I need to—"
"I'll come with you." Atlas said it fast. Like he'd been waiting for his chance.
Noah smiled. "Yeah?"
"Yeah. If that's—if that's okay."
"It's more than okay."
They grabbed their things. Headed up to the deck.
The marina was waking up. Morning sun sparkling off the water. Other boats bobbing gently. A few people walking dogs. Coffee cups steaming in their hands.
Noah and Atlas walked side by side toward the parking garage.
Close. Not quite touching. But—
Noah's pinky brushed Atlas's.
Atlas's pinky brushed back.
Neither acknowledged it. Both fighting smiles.
Noah's pinky hooked around Atlas's. Brief. Then released.
Atlas's turn. Hooking. Squeezing. Letting go.
A game. Deliberate. Playful. Teenage and ridiculous.
Noah glanced at Atlas. Caught him mid-smile.
His own face split into a grin. Probably looked idiotic. He didn't care even a little.
Atlas caught him staring. His smile grew.
They passed an older couple. The woman glanced their way. Smiled to herself. Said something to her husband. Both of them looked charmed.
Noah and Atlas kept walking. In their own bubble. Untouchable.
At their cars, they stopped.
"See you there?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah."
But neither moved.
Atlas's hand came up. Tucked hair behind Noah's ear. Lingered. Thumb brushing Noah's cheekbone.
"Drive safe."
"You too."
Still didn't move.
Noah laughed. Soft. Breathless. "We should go."
"We should."
"We're not going."
"No."
Atlas leaned in. Kissed him. Not quick. Taking his time.
When he pulled back, Noah's eyes were still closed.
"Okay," Atlas murmured. "Now we go."
"Now we go."
They got in their separate cars. Started engines.
Noah pulled out first. Checked his rearview. Saw Atlas behind him. Following.
His phone buzzed.
Atlas:This feels stalkerish
Noah grinned. Thumbs flying.
Noah:You ARE stalking me
Atlas:You invited me
Noah:Doesn't make it less creepy
Atlas:Want me to turn around?
Noah:Don't you dare
Atlas:Then stop complaining
Noah laughed out loud. Alone in his car. Giddy. Stupid. Happy.
They drove through the city. Noah leading. Atlas following. Phone conversation meandering through nonsense.
"There's a guy in a purple car," Atlas said.
"Where?"
"Your three o'clock."
"Oh my god. That's SO purple."
"Like—grape purple."
"Who drives a grape car?"
"Someone confident."
Noah snorted. "Someone with no taste."
Atlas's laugh filled his ear. Warm. Real. Unguarded.
Noah's chest felt too full. Like his ribs couldn't contain everything he was feeling.
---
At his building, they parked side by side.
Got out. Walked toward the entrance together.
Noah's hand brushed Atlas's. Atlas's fingers caught his. Squeezed. Released.
Noah's heart hammered. Happy. Nervous. Excited. All of it at once.
This is real. He's here. He came.
They took the elevator up. Stood close. The air between them crackling. Aware.
At his door, Noah fumbled with his keys. Hands shaking slightly.
Atlas's hand landed on his lower back. Steadied him. Grounded him.
The door swung open.
Immediate chaos.
Sunny barking. Exploding toward them like a furry missile. Luna appearing from nowhere. Both converging.
Noah dropped to his knees. "Hey! Hi! I missed you guys so much."
He scooped both animals up. Sunny licking his face with enthusiasm. Luna purring so loud it vibrated through his hands.
"I know. I know. I'm sorry." He kissed Sunny's head. Luna's. "I'm here now. Promise."
He set Luna down gently. Kept Sunny cradled in his arms. Stood.
Atlas was watching. Expression doing things Noah's brain couldn't process right now.
From the kitchen: "Where the hell were you last night?"
Lydia's voice. Sharp with worry.
Noah froze. Atlas took a half-step back. Letting Noah handle this.
Noah walked toward the kitchen. Atlas following at a distance.
Lydia stood at the counter. Coffee mug. Sleep shirt and shorts. Hair piled messily on her head. Worry etched in the lines around her eyes.
She turned. Saw Noah.
Her mouth opened. Closed. Then she really looked at him. At his face. The smile he couldn't hide if he tried.
"Oh my god." Her eyes went wide. "What—" Then she processed. "What happened to you?"
Noah opened his mouth. Nothing came out.
Lydia's eyes narrowed. Assessing. "How was that group project?"
"What?"
"The group project. With Jess. Yesterday. How was it?"
Noah blinked. "I—what are you—"
"You're deflecting."
"I'm not—"
"You are. You're—" She stopped. Studied his face harder. "Two days. Two entire days you've been walking around like the living dead. Now you show up looking like—" She gestured at all of him. "Like THAT."
Then Atlas walked into the kitchen.
Lydia's mug stopped midway to her mouth.
Atlas raised his hand. Small wave. "Hi."
Dead silence.
Lydia set her mug down. Carefully. Turned fully to face Noah.
Stared at him. Really stared. Searching his face for cracks. For doubt. For the fear that had lived there for weeks.
Noah held her gaze. Steady. Calm.
I'm okay. I promise. I'm really okay.
Her shoulders dropped. Just slightly. Relief flooding her expression.
She turned to Atlas. Crossed the space. Hugged him without warning.
Atlas's arms came around her. Surprised. But he held on tight.
"I should've known," Lydia said into his shoulder. Muffled.
She pulled back. Hands on his shoulders. Looked him dead in the eye.
"How were the past two days?" she asked. Sweet. Innocent. Anything but.
Noah's face went hot. "Lydia—"
"What? I'm just asking a question."
"Don't—"
"He was miserable," Lydia told Atlas. Matter-of-fact. "Like, truly pathetic. Moping around. Sighing. The works."
"LYDIA!"
"What? It's the truth." She looked at Noah. "You were."
Noah wanted the floor to open up. Swallow him. Send him somewhere else.
Atlas was fighting a smile. Losing.
Sunny barked. Sharp. Demanding attention.
Noah set her down gratefully. She made a beeline for Atlas. Jumping at his legs.
Atlas crouched. Picked her up. "Hey, Sunny. Missed you too."
She wiggled. Licked his face. Overjoyed.
Atlas stood. Sunny secured in his arms. Walked to Noah. Kissed his forehead without hesitation. Right there in front of Lydia.
Lydia made a noise. Disgusted. Delighted. "Your relationship is nauseating."
Noah shot her a look. "Did you take Sunny to the park?"
"Yeah. This morning."
"Thank you."
She grabbed her coffee. Headed toward her room. Stopped at the doorway. Looked back.
"I'll be in my room. Headphones on. Do whatever." She paused. Face going serious. "Don't break his heart again. Please."
She didn't wait for an answer. Just left.
Noah exhaled. Long. Shaky. "Sorry. She's—"
"She's great," Atlas said. Meaning it.
They moved to the living room. Sank into the couch together.
Atlas set Sunny down. She zoomed off. Energy to burn.
Luna appeared. Graceful. Regal. Jumped directly into Atlas's lap without asking permission.
Atlas froze. Looked down at her.
Luna circled. Once. Twice. Three times. Then settled. Curled into a perfect ball.
Atlas's hand came down. Tentative. Gentle. Stroked her head.
Luna purred. Closed her eyes. Melted.
Noah stared. Chest going tight all over again.
She chose him.
Atlas shifted. Stretched out. Head landing in Noah's lap. Luna readjusting to his chest. Making it work.
Sunny saw. Jumped up. Plopped onto Atlas's stomach. Completing the pile.
Atlas closed his eyes. One hand on Luna. Other arm loose at his side. Content. At peace.
Noah stared down at them. His heart doing acrobatics in his chest.
He pulled out his phone. Snapped a picture. The three of them. Atlas relaxed. Animals content. Perfect.
Then his hand moved. Fingers sliding into Atlas's hair. Gentle. Rhythmic.
Atlas's eyes stayed closed. But his mouth curved. Small. Satisfied.
Time passed. Comfortable. Easy. No rush.
Eventually Luna shifted. Climbed onto Atlas's shoulder like it was a cat tree. Curled up there. Fell asleep.
Atlas opened his eyes. Looked up at Noah. "She's asleep on me."
"She likes you."
"Does she?"
"She wouldn't sleep on you otherwise. "
Atlas's smile grew. "Good."
More quiet. Noah's fingers kept moving through Atlas's hair. Gentle. Soothing.
"What do you want to do today?" Atlas asked.
"I don't know. What do you want to do?"
"I don't have a plan."
Noah's fingers paused. Then continued. "We could—I mean, if you're up for it—we could just not make plans."
Atlas turned his head. Looked up at him. "Not make plans?"
"Yeah. Like—Sunny and Luna need checkups at the vet. And we probably need groceries. Then maybe just—stay in? Watch something?"
Atlas went still. Staring.
Noah's stomach twisted. "Or not. We could go out. I just thought—"
"You want to do normal stuff?" Atlas's voice went careful. Measured. "Like grocery shopping?"
"Yeah?"
"With me."
"Yeah."
"You—" Atlas stopped.
Noah shook his head. "Errands. Daily stuff. Just—existing together."
Atlas sat up. Slow. Luna grumbled. Readjusted. Sunny protested.
He turned. Faced Noah fully.
"You've never just—gone grocery shopping with someone? As a couple thing?"
"No." Atlas's voice went quiet. "That's not how my relationships worked."
"What were they like?"
"We spent time together. Mostly physical."
Noah absorbed that. "So you've never done laundry with someone? Made dinner together? Cleaned up after?"
"No."
"Oh."
Silence stretched. Filled the room.
Then Noah smiled. Soft. Real. "Well. First time for everything."
Atlas stared at him. Unblinking.
"Simple stuff is good," Noah said. Quieter now. "It's—it's the good kind of boring. You know?"
Atlas's expression cracked wide open. Vulnerable. Raw. Overwhelmed.
He leaned forward. Cupped Noah's face in both hands. Kissed him like he was trying to say everything words couldn't touch.
When he pulled back, his eyes were shining.
"Yeah," he whispered. "Okay."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Noah smiled. "Okay. Good."
Sunny barked. Sharp. Attention-seeking.
They both laughed. Wet. Shaky. Relief.
Noah stood. "Coffee?"
"Please."
Noah headed to the kitchen. Atlas followed. Right on his heels.
Noah started the coffee maker. The familiar gurgle and hiss filling the silence.
Atlas came up behind him. Arms wrapping around his waist. Face pressing into Noah's neck. Breathing him in.
"I missed you," he said. Muffled against Noah's skin. "So much."
Noah's hands covered Atlas's. Squeezed. "I missed you too."
They stood like that. Holding. Breathing. Being.
Coffee dripping. Sunny scratching the door. Normal sounds. Normal life.
Noah turned in Atlas's arms. "You know you're not actually helping, right?"
"I'm here."
"That's not helping."
"Feels like it is."
Noah laughed. Kissed him. Quick.
Atlas's hands slid under his shirt. Palms warm against bare skin. Exploring familiar territory.
"Atlas—"
"Mm?"
"Stop."
"Why?" His mouth found Noah's pulse point.
"Because—" Noah's brain shorted out. "Because Lydia's home."
"So?"
"So we can't—"
Atlas pulled back. Grinned. Wicked. "Can't what?"
Noah shoved him. Playful. "You know exactly what."
"Do I?"
Noah stepped closer. Hands sliding into Atlas's sweatshirt. Mimicking the movement. Warm skin under his palms. Smooth. Solid.
Atlas's breath stuttered. "Noah—"
"What?" All innocence.
"Don't—"
Noah's hands moved higher. Across his ribs. His chest. Feeling his heart hammer.
Atlas caught his wrists. Held them still. "Stop."
"Why?"
"Because—" Atlas's voice was strained. Wrecked. "Because if you don't, I'm dragging you to your bedroom."
Noah's mouth curved. Wicked. "Is that a threat?"
"It's a promise."
Noah leaned up. Lips near Atlas's ear. "Maybe later."
Atlas made a choked sound. Tortured.
Noah pulled back. Grabbed the coffee. Grinning. "Come on."
They returned to the living room. Settled on the couch. Close. Thighs pressed together. Coffee warming their hands.
Talking. Laughing. Nothing important. Everything important.
After a while, Lydia emerged. Walked over. Plopped down between them without asking.
They both looked at her.
She grinned. "Hi."
"Hi," Noah said. Flat. Unamused.
"You guys just got back together, right?"
Noah and Atlas exchanged glances.
"It's painfully obvious," Lydia said. "You're all—" She gestured wildly. " Ugh. Disgustingly happy."
"We are not—"
"You are." She turned to Atlas. Dead serious. "Please don't break his heart again. I'm begging."
"Lydia—"
"No. I'm serious." Her gaze pinned Atlas. "I love you. I do. But he was a wreck. Complete disaster. So just—don't. Okay?"
Atlas's throat worked. Adam's apple bobbing. "I won't."
"Good." She stood. Hugged them both. Fierce. "Also, when you're apart, you're both completely unbearable. So don't do that either."
Noah and Atlas locked eyes.
Noah's pinky found Atlas's.
Atlas's wrapped around it. Held tight.
We won't. Never again.
Lydia saw. Smiled. Satisfied. "Okay. I'm going back to my room. You're boring anyway."
She left.
Noah turned to Atlas. "Vet?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
---
They gathered Sunny and Luna. Carriers. Leashes. The whole production.
Got in Atlas's car. Noah directing. Atlas driving.
At the vet's office, they checked in. Sat in the waiting room with other pet owners. Sunny whining in her carrier. Luna silent but radiating disapproval.
"She hates this," Noah said. Fingers through the carrier door. Trying to comfort Sunny.
"She'll survive."
"I know. I just—" Noah stopped. "Hate when she's upset."
Atlas's hand landed on the back of Noah's neck. Squeezed gently. Grounding.
Noah leaned into the touch. Eyes closing briefly.
"Mr. Wellin?"
They both looked up.
The vet tech smiled. "Come on back."
They stood. Grabbed carriers. Followed her down the hallway.
In the exam room, they set the carriers down. Released the animals.
Both immediately hid behind Noah.
The vet entered. Middle-aged woman. Kind eyes. Warm smile.
"Hi! I'm Dr. Martinez." She checked her chart. "Sunny and Luna. You're Noah?"
"Yeah."
She glanced at Atlas. "And you are?"
"Atlas."
"Great. Are you both owners?"
Silence.
Noah's mouth opened. Closed. Brain stuttering.
Atlas glanced at him. Then back at the vet.
"We're together," Atlas said. Calm. Certain.
Dr. Martinez nodded. Easy. "Perfect. So Sunny's here for a wellness check and bath. Luna for vaccines."
They went through the exam. Both helping. Noah holding Sunny while she got checked. Atlas soothing Luna for her shots with surprising gentleness.
Working together. Seamless. Natural.
Outside afterward, carriers in hand, they headed to the car.
"That okay?" Atlas asked. Careful.
"What?"
"Me saying—" He gestured vaguely. "Together."
Noah stopped walking. Set the carriers down. Stepped close.
Atlas looked uncertain. Like he'd overstepped.
Noah kissed him. Right there in the parking lot. Afternoon sun. Cars passing.
When he pulled back, Atlas was smiling. Radiant.
"More than okay," Noah said.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. Perfect."
They stood there. Grinning like idiots.
---
At the grocery store, Noah grabbed a cart. Atlas followed.
They moved through aisles. Noah with a mental list. Atlas adding things randomly.
"We don't need that," Noah said.
"Yes we do."
"It's overpriced."
"But it's better quality."
"Atlas—"
"Noah."
They stared at each other. Then both cracked. Laughing.
Atlas tossed the item in the cart anyway. Victorious.
Noah shook his head. Smiling helplessly.
They kept shopping. Playfully bickering over every choice. Brands. Quality. Price. Necessity.
Atlas grabbed ridiculous things. Noah returned half of them. The other half stayed because Atlas pouted and Noah was weak.
By checkout, their cart overflowed.
The cashier scanned items. Noah and Atlas unloading together. Moving in sync.
Atlas pulled out his card.
Noah stopped him. Hand on his wrist. "I've got it."
"Let me—"
"No. My place. My groceries."
"Our groceries."
Noah froze. Breath catching. Stared at him.
Atlas's expression stayed calm. But his eyes—hopeful. Nervous. Wanting this.
"Our groceries," Noah repeated. Testing the words. Tasting them.
"Yeah."
"Okay." Noah's chest expanded. Full. "Okay. Our groceries."
They split the cost. Bagged everything together. Drove back with the radio on. Singing badly. Laughing.
At Noah's building, they hauled everything upstairs. Multiple trips. Teamwork.
Unpacked together in the kitchen. Moving around each other. Anticipating. Adjusting. Easy.
Silence.
Noah turned to Atlas.
Atlas was already turning to Noah.
They moved simultaneously. Meeting in the middle. Kissing hard. Deep. Weeks of missing each other pouring through.
When they broke apart, both breathing heavy, Noah rested his forehead against Atlas's.
"Today was good," he murmured.
"Yeah."
"Normal."
"Good normal."
Noah smiled. "Yeah. Good normal."
They stood there. Kitchen quiet around them. City sounds distant through the windows. Just them. Just this.
Everything felt—
Right.
Complete.
Whole.
For the first time in weeks, Noah's chest didn't ache. His hands didn't shake. His mind didn't race.
Just—peace.