Atlas woke to Sunny's tongue on his face.
He opened his eyes. She was on his chest, tail wagging, determined to wake him.
He lifted her off and set her beside Noah.
Noah was still asleep. One arm flung across the space where Atlas had been. Face buried in the pillow.
Atlas ran his fingers through Noah's hair. Soft. Warm from sleep.
Noah didn't stir.
Atlas slipped out of bed. Luna was on the stairs, meowing.
"I know, I know." He scooped her up, added Sunny, and headed down.
---
The park was cold. Empty. Gray morning light filtering through bare trees.
Sunny sniffed everything—every bench, every tree, every patch of grass.
Atlas followed, hands in his pockets.
One week. Just one week since everything changed.
One week living together. Really living together. Not pretending anymore.
Tonight. The dinner.
His stomach clenched.
We'll be careful.
He took a breath and watched it cloud in the cold air.
Everything will be fine.
Sunny trotted back, ready.
"Let's go home," Atlas said.
---
Upstairs, Noah was still out.
Atlas slid back into bed and started playing with Noah's hair again.
Noah stirred. Made a small sound. His eyes opened slow.
Saw Atlas. Smiled—sleepy, unguarded.
Leaned close. Lips brushing Atlas's ear. "Good morning, love."
Atlas's chest warmed. He kissed Noah's neck. "Good morning, love."
Noah's smile turned stupid—all happiness.
He kissed Atlas. Soft. Unhurried. Morning-warm.
"Shower?" Atlas murmured.
"Mm. Did you take Sunny out?"
"Yeah."
"Thank you." Noah kissed his cheek. "You're too good."
Atlas pulled him up.
---
In the shower, steam rose around them.
Water ran hot over Atlas's shoulders. He pressed Noah against the tile and the cold ceramic made Noah arch forward into him.
Atlas kissed him properly now. Deep. Wanting. His hand slid up Noah's side, thumb pressing into the dip of his hip.
Noah opened for him. His hands moved down Atlas's back, nails dragging slightly over wet skin.
Atlas's mouth moved to Noah's neck. He bit down gently where it met his shoulder.
Noah gasped and tilted his head back.
Atlas did it again. Felt Noah's pulse racing under his lips.
"We don't have time," Noah said. But his voice was already wrecked.
"I know." Atlas kissed lower. Collarbone. Chest.
Noah grabbed his hair and pulled him back up. Kissed him hard. "Tonight."
"Promise?" Atlas's hand slid lower.
Noah caught his wrist. "Promise." He grinned. "Now behave."
"Make me."
Noah laughed and kissed him again. Slower this time. Deliberate. His tongue tracing Atlas's bottom lip before pulling back entirely. "Later."
They kept kissing anyway. Atlas backed Noah harder against the tile. Noah's leg hooked around his hip. The water beat down on them until it started running cold and they were both shivering.
Finally—finally—they got out.
"We smell the same," Atlas said. He pulled Noah close by his towel and buried his face in his neck.
Noah laughed. "Want different body wash?"
Atlas's teeth grazed his collarbone. "No."
"That tickles—stop—"
"Okay." But Atlas's hands were still wandering. One sliding down Noah's spine. The other at his hip, thumb stroking slow circles.
"We should get dressed." Noah shivered. "What color are you wearing?"
"Black. Why?"
"I'm wearing black." Noah winked.
They looked at each other and started laughing.
"What are you wearing tonight?" Noah asked. "To dinner?"
"Same thing. Not changing."
"I'll change. Something comfortable."
Atlas paused. His expression flickered. "You don't want to match?"
Noah caught it immediately. Kissed his cheek. "I like being comfortable. That's all."
"I'll pick you up. We'll go together."
"Together?"
Atlas looked at him. Serious. "Yes."
Noah studied his face. "Okay."
"BREAKFAST!" Lydia's voice carried up. "Are you making food or what?"
Noah rolled his eyes. "COMING!"
---
Kitchen. Noah cracked eggs.
Lydia bounced in. "Morning!" She hugged Noah from behind and kissed his cheek. Extra sweet.
"Morning." Noah was suspicious. "What do you want?"
"Can you ask Mom if I can stay longer? Please?"
"No."
Atlas leaned in the doorway, trying not to smile.
Lydia put her head on Noah's shoulder. "Please?"
She saw Atlas and grinned. "Morning, Atlas!"
"Morning."
They ate breakfast. Normal talk.
Then Lydia mentioned: "I'm coming to the office this afternoon. Dad wants lunch."
Noah looked up. "Why?"
"Don't know."
Noah glanced at Atlas.
Atlas kept his voice easy. "He probably just wants to see Lydia."
After Lydia left, Noah turned to him. "You sure it's nothing?"
"Relax." Atlas pulled him close and kissed his forehead. Long. "It's nothing."
---
Parking garage. They walked to their cars.
At Noah's door, Atlas stopped and turned him around.
Kissed him. No warning. Just—kissed him.
Noah made a sound, then kissed back. His hands grabbed fistfuls of Atlas's jacket.
When they broke apart, Noah was smiling. "What was that for?"
"Nothing." Atlas was smiling too. "See you tonight."
---
Office. Clara looked up when Noah walked in. "Why are you in a suit? It's Friday."
Noah smiled. "No reason."
"Couple coordination?" Elias asked.
"Maybe."
Clara leaned forward. "How's it going?"
"Good," Noah said. "Really good."
They worked through the morning. Around eleven, Noah's phone buzzed.
Atlas: Miss you
Noah: Miss you too
Noah smiled at the screen.
"He texted," Clara said.
Noah didn't deny it.
They ordered lunch in. By three, Noah stood. "I need to go."
"Have fun tonight," Clara said.
"Thanks."
---
Home. Empty except for Sunny and Luna.
Noah went up and opened his closet. Navy pants. White shirt.
He was buttoning it when he felt Atlas behind him.
Turned. "When—"
Atlas kissed him. Hot. His hands on Noah's hips, thumbs pressing into bone.
Noah's fingers went to Atlas's tie and started loosening it. "Didn't hear you."
"Shh." Atlas's mouth moved to his neck. Sucked hard enough to leave a mark.
Noah's breath caught. "We'll be late."
"Don't care." But Atlas pulled back and looked at him. "After dinner. Whatever you want."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Atlas kissed him once more. Deep. Possessive. "Let me change."
He came out in the same pants. White shirt.
Noah looked at him and smiled. "There are other ways to say we're together, you know."
Atlas grabbed a gray jacket instead of black. "Better?"
"Better."
---
The drive was quiet. Atlas held Noah's hand.
They talked about work. The weekend. Florida next week.
Every few minutes, Noah would look at Atlas's mouth. Atlas would catch him and smile.
The Sterlins estate appeared. Gates. Long driveway. Old trees.
The guard waved them through.
Atlas pulled under the oaks and killed the engine.
Noah looked at him. "Atlas—"
Atlas's hand slid to Noah's nape, fingers tangling in his hair, and pulled him across the console.
Kissed him—urgent, desperate, bruising.
Noah responded instantly. His hands everywhere—Atlas's hair, his jaw, his shoulders.
This was every fear they hadn't said. Every worry about tonight.
When they broke for air, Atlas's forehead pressed to Noah's. Both breathing hard.
"Sorry," Atlas breathed. "I needed—"
"Don't." Noah's fingers traced his jaw and pulled him back. Kissed him slower now. Thorough. Taking time. "I needed it too."
They stayed like that. Just breathing. Just existing together.
"Ready?" Atlas asked finally.
Noah laughed without humor. "Not even close."
"Me neither." Atlas smiled. Trying. "Let's go anyway."
---
The house was massive. Stone. Windows. History.
Noah saw his father's car. Great.
They walked to the door. Noah tried to keep distance between them.
Atlas kept closing it.
Stop. Someone's watching. Always watching here.
Evelyn was waiting inside. Perfect posture. Pearl earrings. Cold smile.
"Atlas. Noah." Warm voice. Sharp eyes. "I was hoping to speak with you both."
Noah's chest tightened.
"Why?" Atlas asked. Careful.
"In the study." Evelyn turned and walked.
They followed. Atlas's hand touched Noah's lower back. Brief. Then gone.
---
The study. Dark wood. Leather. Heavy furniture. Door closed.
Evelyn turned and looked at them. Really looked.
"What is this?" Calm. Even. Deadly.
Atlas's jaw clenched. "What are you talking about?"
"I watched you get out of the car." Her voice was soft. "I watched you walk to the house." Pause. "Did you think Father wouldn't notice?"
"He'll find out eventually," Atlas said.
"And when he does?" Evelyn's eyebrow lifted. Delicate. "Have you thought about the consequences? Or are you too distracted?"
Noah stared at the floor. His hands curled into fists at his sides.
Atlas stepped closer to Noah. Shoulder brushing his.
"I have no position on what you feel," Evelyn continued. Level. Controlled. "What you do behind closed doors is your concern. But out there—" She gestured vaguely. "You cannot be so obvious. Not where cameras see. Not where staff notice."
"It's none of your concern," Atlas said. Cold.
"You know I've always supported you." Her eyes were sharp. "But when Mother and Father discover this—and they will—there will be consequences I cannot prevent."
"Are you done?" Atlas asked.
Evelyn looked at Noah. "This applies to you as well. Your family has equal exposure."
Noah nodded. Couldn't speak.
She moved to the door and stopped. "You're even dressed identically. The brands differ, but did you truly believe no one would notice?"
She left. Door clicking shut.
Silence.
Atlas turned and pulled Noah into his arms. Tight.
Noah pressed his face into Atlas's neck. Both rigid. Both tense.
Atlas's breathing was uneven.
"Hey." Noah pulled back. Hands on Atlas's chest. "We're okay."
"She had no right—"
"I know." Noah's palms slid up and framed his face. "But we're okay. Breathe."
Atlas's eyes were dark. Furious.
Noah kissed him. Soft. Grounding. "We're okay."
Atlas exhaled slowly. Some tension leaving his shoulders.
"Let's go," Noah said.
---
Noah stopped outside the dining room. "Go ahead. I need the bathroom."
Atlas looked concerned.
"I'm fine. Just need a second."
Atlas hesitated. Then went in.
Noah leaned against the wall and took three deep breaths.
You can do this. Just a few hours.
He walked in.
Richard Sterlins at the head. Noah's father beside him. Deep in investment talk.
Atlas's mother and Noah's mother discussing charity committees.
Lydia bright and warm when she saw Atlas.
Noah greeted everyone. Calm. Composed.
His mother's eyes tracked him. Assessing.
"Noah," Evelyn said. Sweet. Fake. "You can sit by me."
Noah looked at Atlas. Their eyes met.
Atlas's jaw clenched.
"Actually," Noah said smoothly, "Atlas and I need to discuss work. The quarterly report. Mind if I sit here?"
He sat beside Atlas.
Under the table, Noah's hand landed on Atlas's thigh. Squeezed once. I'm here.
Atlas's hand covered his and squeezed back. Then released.
Noah put his hand back on the table.
Looked up. His mother was watching. Evelyn too.
Shit.
---
Dinner was served. Course after course. Staff silent as ghosts.
Richard and Noah's father talked numbers. Mergers. Projections.
The mothers discussed spring galas. Fundraiser committees.
Atlas shifted his chair. Barely. Just an inch.
Their knees touched under the table.
Noah picked up his wine and took a sip. Face neutral.
Atlas's knee pressed harder. Slow. Intentional.
Noah's fingers tightened on the wine stem.
Across the table, Lydia was trying not to smile.
Atlas reached for salt. His forearm dragged across Noah's.
Noah cut his food. Didn't react.
Under the table, Atlas's foot hooked around Noah's ankle. Gentle pressure.
Noah's fork paused. Just a heartbeat.
"The spring gala, Noah," his mother said. Eyes sharp. "You'll attend?"
"Of course."
Atlas's hand dropped below the table. Landed on Noah's thigh. Palm flat. Warm through fabric.
Noah's breath caught. Quiet. Atlas heard it.
His mother was still watching.
Atlas's thumb moved. Slow circles. Maddeningly light.
Noah picked up his water and drank. Tried to focus on Richard's words.
Something about offshore holdings. He couldn't follow.
Atlas's fingers traced higher. Slight. Then back down. Teasing.
Stop. Someone will see.
Noah's hand shot down and caught Atlas's wrist. Firm.
Atlas picked up his wine with his free hand. Face perfectly innocent.
His trapped hand turned and laced their fingers together. Squeezed.
Noah forgot how to breathe right.
Lydia coughed and looked at her plate. Smiling.
Atlas leaned slightly. Voice low. Just for Noah. "Relax."
"You're not helping," Noah muttered.
"Am I distracting you?"
"You know you are."
Atlas's mouth curved slightly. "Good."
Evelyn's eyes were on them. Cold. Knowing.
Atlas noticed. His hand stilled. But didn't let go.
---
After dinner, the men left. Upstairs to Richard's study.
Atlas's mother and Evelyn excused themselves.
Just Noah, Atlas, the mothers, and Lydia remained.
Noah's mother stood. "Perhaps a walk? The garden is lovely this time of evening."
She looked at Noah and Atlas. Not a request.
They followed. Lydia started to come.
"Stay here, Lydia," Noah's mother said. Polite. Firm.
Lydia sat.
---
The garden was cold. Dark. Path lights soft and golden.
Noah's mother walked between them, then stopped and turned. Studied them both.
"Is everything all right?" Gentle. Concerned.
Noah glanced at Atlas. "Everything's fine."
She stopped walking. "You know this can't last."
Noah went still. "What?"
"One day this will end." Soft. Sad. "I only hope it ends before anyone discovers it."
"Why would it end?" Noah's voice was tight.
Atlas's hand pressed against Noah's lower back. There. Steady.
"When people learn of this, they'll talk." She took Noah's hand. Warm. Sad. "Those words will hurt you both. I don't want to see you in pain, sweetheart."
"We don't care what people say," Atlas said. Voice hard.
She looked at him. "You'll care when it's constant. When it's everywhere." Her eyes were kind. Pitying. "You especially, Atlas. You'll be the primary subject of discussion."
"You think I care about gossip?"
"You should." Still gentle. Still deadly. "Your position makes you vulnerable. That vulnerability becomes dangerous when people choose to exploit it."
Footsteps. Evelyn appeared.
"What are we discussing?" Bright. False bright.
"Just walking," Noah's mother said and smiled.
Atlas stared at them both, then looked at Noah. "We're leaving."
He took Noah's hand. Actually took it. Right there.
Pulled him away. Toward the house.
Noah glanced back. Saw his mother and Evelyn watching.
When they were hidden by the conservatory wall, Noah stopped and grabbed Atlas's arm. "Wait. Stop."
Atlas turned. Eyes furious.
Noah put both hands on Atlas's chest. "Look at me."
"They're already planning for us to fail—"
"I know." Noah's hands slid up. One palm on Atlas's jaw. The other on his nape. "But we're okay. Breathe."
Atlas's eyes were dark. Angry.
"My sunshine," Noah said quietly.
Atlas went still. Something in him softened.
He exhaled. Slow. Some fury dimming.
Pulled Noah into his arms and held tight.
They stood there. Both rigid. Both trying to calm down.
"Let's go home," Noah said.
"We need to say goodbye first."
"I know. But soon."
"Yeah. Soon."
---
They found the mothers. Said polite goodbyes.
Found Richard and Noah's father upstairs. More goodbyes.
Got in the car.
---
Atlas drove in silence. Jaw clenched. Knuckles white on the wheel.
Noah put his hand on Atlas's thigh. "Talk to me."
"I'm fine."
"You're not."
"I'm angry." Atlas's voice was rough. "At Evelyn. At your mother."
"I know."
"They think we'll break." His hands gripped tighter. "They're counting on it."
Noah squeezed his thigh. "Then we don't give them that satisfaction."
Atlas glanced at him.
He pulled over. Sudden. The car jerked to a stop.
"Atlas—"
Atlas turned and cupped Noah's face with both hands. Kissed him.
Not gentle. Not soft. This was anger and frustration and fuck all of them.
Noah grabbed fistfuls of Atlas's shirt and yanked him closer. Kissed back just as fierce.
When they broke apart, both gasping, Noah kept his grip on Atlas's shirt. "You want to leave? Say the word. We can go anywhere. Tonight."
"No." Atlas's voice was firm. "I'm not running."
"Okay." Noah's hand slid to Atlas's nape and pulled him in again. Kissed him slower now. Thorough. "Then we stay. Together."
"Together," Atlas repeated.
He kissed Noah again. Less anger now. More control.
When they pulled apart, Noah smiled slightly. "Better?"
"Getting there."
They drove home. Atlas's hand on Noah's thigh the whole way.
They talked about the weekend. Florida. Christmas plans.
Noah kept looking at Atlas. His profile. His mouth.
Atlas kept catching him. Small smile. Then looking back five minutes later.
By the time they got home, the tension had shifted completely.
---
"Sunny needs out," Noah said.
They took her to the park. She ran circles.
Noah's hands were deep in Atlas's coat pockets. Atlas's arm around his waist.
They walked slow. Quiet.
Back home, they left Sunny downstairs.
Noah stopped at the bottom of the stairs and looked at Atlas. Voice low. "Lydia's not here tonight."
Atlas's eyes darkened. "No?"
"No."
Atlas moved. Backed Noah against the wall right there.
Kissed him—finally letting go of all the restraint from dinner.
Noah made a sound. His hands went to Atlas's belt immediately.
"Upstairs," Noah breathed.
"Yeah." But Atlas kept kissing him. His mouth moved to Noah's jaw. His neck. Every sensitive spot he'd memorized.
Noah laughed breathlessly and started walking backward. Up the stairs.
Atlas followed. Pressed close. Hands everywhere.
Three steps up, Noah's back hit the wall again.
Atlas's hands gripped his hips and held him there. Kissed him until Noah couldn't think.
Noah got Atlas's shirt untucked. Hands underneath. Warm skin. Muscles flexing under his palms.
Atlas made a low sound.
They stumbled up more stairs. Laughing when they bumped the railing.
"We're terrible at this," Noah said.
"Don't care."
Noah's foot caught on the landing.
They went down. Not hard. Just—down.
Noah on his back. Atlas half over him, catching himself.
They stared at each other.
Started laughing. Breathless. Happy.
"You okay?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah. You?"
"Yeah." Atlas kissed him. Sweet. Quick. "Come on."
He stood and pulled Noah up.
This time they made it to the bedroom.
---
Noah pushed Atlas onto the bed and climbed over him.
Atlas grabbed his hips and pulled him down. "Come here."
Noah settled. Looked down at him.
Atlas smiled. Soft. Private.
Noah kissed him. Slow. Deep. Like they had forever.
Then he moved lower. Kissed Atlas's jaw. That spot below his ear.
Atlas's breathing changed. Fingers tangled in Noah's hair.
Noah's mouth traveled down his throat. He felt the pulse jumping there and sucked hard. Kissed lower. Collarbone. Chest.
"Noah—"
"Shh." Noah looked up and met his eyes. "Let me."
Atlas's expression softened. "Okay."
Noah went back. Learning him. Every place that made Atlas's breath hitch. Every touch that made him gasp. He bit down gently on Atlas's hip bone and Atlas's whole body jerked.
He worked Atlas's belt loose. Then his pants.
Atlas helped. Lifted his hips.
Then Atlas flipped them. Noah on his back. Atlas above.
Noah's breath stuttered.
Atlas kissed him. Consuming. Thorough. His hands working Noah's clothes off.
They helped each other. Fumbling. Laughing when buttons stuck.
Finally—finally—nothing between them.
Atlas pressed close. His weight real. Solid.
Noah wrapped around him. "Wait."
Atlas paused. "You okay?"
"Yeah. I just—" Noah pulled him down and kissed him soft. "Together. I want us together."
Atlas's whole expression melted. "Yeah. Together."
Noah reached over to the nightstand. Came back with what they needed.
They took their time. Atlas careful. Patient. His hands steady even though Noah could feel them trembling slightly.
"Okay?" Atlas asked. Voice strained.
Noah wrapped his legs around Atlas's waist. "Like this?"
"Yeah. Just like this."
Atlas's forehead pressed to Noah's. Breathing in sync.
Noah's hands traced Atlas's spine. The curve of his back. The way his muscles shifted when he moved.
"You feel—" Atlas's voice broke. "God, Noah—"
"I know." Noah pulled him down and kissed him. "I know."
Noah arched. "Atlas—"
"I got you."
Atlas kissed him. Swallowed Noah's sounds. His hand slid between them.
They moved faster. Everything else falling away.
Just this. Just them. Just the way they fit together.
Noah made a sound—half moan, half Atlas's name.
"Look at me," Atlas said.
Noah opened his eyes.
"I love you," Atlas said.
"I love you too." Noah pulled him down. "So much."
They moved together. Hands tangled. Mouths meeting. Connected.
---
After, they lay tangled.
Atlas pulled Noah against him. Noah's head on his chest. Atlas's hand in his hair.
Noah pressed into Atlas's neck and breathed. "You okay?"
"More than okay." Atlas kissed his forehead. Long. "You?"
"Yeah." Noah's hand traced lazy patterns on Atlas's chest. "We'll be okay. All of this."
"I know." Atlas's arms tightened. "We have to be."
They lay quiet. Just breathing.
Outside, the city hummed. Inside, everything was still.
"Thank you," Atlas said. Soft.
"For what?"
"Being here. Being you. Being mine."
Noah lifted his head and looked at him. "Always."
He kissed Atlas. Slow. Sweet. Promise.
"Always," Noah whispered.
They fell asleep like that.