Noah woke wrapped around Atlas.
He didn't move. Just lay there watching gray dawn filter through curtains.
Last night came back in pieces. The dinner. Evelyn's cold assessment.
"One day this will end."
His ribs felt too tight suddenly.
"Did you think Father wouldn't notice?"
Noah's fingers moved over Atlas's chest. Circles. Figure eights. Not thinking about it. Just needing the contact.
"Your family has equal exposure."
Atlas's breathing shifted. Still asleep but sensing something off.
Noah's hand stilled, then started again slower.
Atlas pulled him closer without opening his eyes. Tighter than usual.
Noah pressed his face into Atlas's neck and breathed deep. Cologne mixed with sleep and something uniquely Atlas. Something that settled in Noah's lungs and made breathing easier.
"You're thinking too loud," Atlas murmured.
Noah's breath caught. "Didn't mean to wake you."
"You didn't." Atlas's hand slid up his spine, each vertebra getting individual attention. "You're just loud."
Noah huffed a laugh against his skin.
They lay quiet. The sound of their breathing the only thing in the room.
"What are you thinking about?" Atlas asked.
Noah hesitated. "Last night."
Atlas's arms became a vice. "Forget them."
"I'm trying."
"Try harder." But Atlas kissed his forehead and let his lips stay there. "We're okay."
"Are we?"
Atlas pulled back and looked at him. His eyes were clear. No doubt anywhere in them. "Yes. We are."
Noah searched his face and couldn't find a single crack.
"Okay," Noah whispered. "Okay."
"Good morning, sunshine," Noah said. Trying for normal.
Atlas's whole face transformed. That grin he couldn't control even if he wanted to.
"Good morning, love."
He pulled Noah tighter. Noah let himself be held.
We're okay. We're okay. We're—
"We're meeting Alice and Sienna at ten," Atlas said against his hair.
"Then we should get up."
"In a minute." Atlas kissed him slow and sweet. "Just... one more minute."
Noah melted. One minute became five. Then ten.
Finally they got up.
"I'll take Sunny out," Noah said.
"I'll pack."
Noah kissed his cheek, grabbed Sunny, and headed down.
The morning air was cool. Gray.
Noah walked. Sunny sniffed everything.
November in Florida. What's that even like?
He smiled slightly. It'll be good. With Atlas, it'll be good.
The thought unclenched something in his chest.
Back inside, he fed Sunny and headed to the kitchen.
Stopped in the doorway.
Atlas stood at the counter. Shirtless. Making coffee.
Morning light caught his shoulders, the muscles in his back.
Not fair.
Atlas turned and caught Noah staring.
Smiled. Slow. Knowing. "Morning."
Noah's mouth went dry. "Hi."
He crossed the room without thinking and wrapped his arms around Atlas from behind. Pressed his face between his shoulder blades.
"You okay?" Atlas's hand covered Noah's.
"Mm." Noah's lips brushed his skin. "Just needed this."
"Take what you need."
Noah's hands spread across Atlas's stomach, felt muscle flex under his palms.
"Were we too obvious last night?" he asked quietly.
Atlas laughed. Actually laughed. "Probably."
"You don't care?"
"No." Atlas turned in Noah's arms and looked down at him. "Do you?"
Noah thought about it. "I don't know. Should I?"
"Only if you want to." Atlas's hands settled on his hips. "But if you're asking my opinion—fuck what they think."
Noah smiled. "Eloquent."
"I have my moments." Atlas leaned down, nose against Noah's neck. "I can smell my cologne on you."
His hands started roaming. Possessive. Claiming.
"Is that a problem?" Noah was smiling.
"Opposite of a problem."
Noah leaned back and looked up at him. "If you're uncomfortable with how we were at dinner, we can be more—"
"Try it," Atlas said.
His gaze sharpened. His hands pressed Noah against the counter.
"Try putting distance between us. See what happens."
Noah laughed. "Is that a threat?"
"A promise."
Then Atlas kissed him. Morning coffee forgotten.
When they broke apart gasping, Noah grinned. "We should shower."
"We should."
Neither moved.
One more kiss. Then Noah pulled back. "Shower. Actually."
"Fine." But Atlas was smiling.
Upstairs, Noah started toward the bathroom.
Atlas caught his wrist.
Noah tried to keep walking. Couldn't. Atlas held firm.
He turned back. "Something wrong?"
"Forgot something." Atlas's voice dropped. Playful.
Noah stepped closer into his space. "What did I forget?"
Atlas's eyes dropped to his mouth. "I could remind you."
Noah grinned. "Are you waiting for an invitation?"
"Maybe."
The kiss turned into a grin. Then back into a kiss.
Noah's hands slid into Atlas's hair. Atlas's hands gripped Noah's hips.
They broke apart both smiling like idiots.
"Come on," Noah said and grabbed Atlas's hand. "Before we're actually late."
He pulled him toward the bathroom.
Steam rose fast. Water beat down hot.
Atlas backed Noah against the tile. The cold ceramic made Noah arch forward and Atlas caught him, hands spanning his ribcage.
He kissed him unhurried. Like they had all the time in the world.
"We don't have time," Noah said. Not convincing even himself.
"I know." Atlas's mouth moved to that spot behind his ear. Sucked gently.
Noah's knees almost gave out.
Atlas's hands moved down Noah's sides, thumbs pressing into the hollows of his hips. Not hard. Just—there. Present.
Noah's head tipped back against the tile. "Atlas—"
"I know." One more kiss. This one deeper. His tongue tracing Noah's bottom lip before biting down gently. "Okay. We'll stop."
They didn't stop for another five minutes.
When they finally got out, Noah was laughing and breathless. "We're terrible at this."
"At what?"
"Self-control."
Atlas pulled him close. Still wet. Still warm. Water droplets caught in his eyelashes. "Only with you."
Downstairs, Lydia's voice carried up. "I'm home!"
Noah and Atlas looked at each other and started laughing.
"She lives here now, you know that right?" Noah said quietly.
"That was the plan." Atlas was grinning.
They got dressed, grabbed bags, and headed down.
Lydia bounced out of the kitchen. "Did you miss me?"
Noah and Atlas exchanged looks.
"So much," Noah said. Dry.
"Terribly," Atlas added. Same tone.
Lydia hugged them both at once. "I missed you too!"
Noah laughed and tried to escape. "Lydia—"
"No, let me love you."
"Please don't."
She pulled back grinning. "Can I throw a party while you're gone?"
"Absolutely not," Noah said immediately.
Atlas laughed.
Noah turned to him. "Don't encourage her. Be serious."
"You live with us now," Noah said to Lydia firmly. "That means our rules."
Atlas looked mildly shocked.
"Just a few friends," Lydia said. "One day. You'll be gone anyway."
Noah looked at Atlas. "You're okay with this?"
Atlas smiled. "I don't care."
"A few people. That's it." Noah pointed at her.
Lydia threw her arms around him and mouthed "thank you" to Atlas over Noah's shoulder.
Atlas smiled back. Small nod.
"We have to go," Noah said extracting himself. "Behave."
"Always do."
"Liar."
---
The private terminal was quiet. Early morning. Just them.
The jet waited outside, engines humming low.
Inside was all soft leather and silence.
Sienna was already there typing on her phone. Alice looked up from her tablet.
"Morning," Alice said.
They hugged quick and warm.
Noah sat next to Atlas. Their thighs pressed together immediately.
Breakfast came. Coffee. Pastries. Fruit.
Alice and Atlas talked about the shoot. Lighting. Angles. Magazine expectations.
Atlas's hand landed on Noah's knee. Stayed there. Warm. Grounding.
Noah picked up his coffee and tried to focus on what Alice was saying.
Atlas's thumb started moving. Slow circles on his inner knee.
Noah's cup paused halfway to his mouth.
Atlas was nodding at Alice. Face perfectly composed.
His hand kept moving.
Noah set his cup down carefully and covered Atlas's hand with his.
Stop.
Atlas laced their fingers and squeezed.
Didn't stop.
"Are you guys coming to Italy?" Sienna asked looking at Noah.
Noah looked at Atlas.
Atlas squeezed his hand and looked at Sienna. "We're coming."
Noah smiled.
Sienna beamed. "I'm so glad."
Across the table, Alice and Sienna were smiling at each other. Soft. Knowing.
"How was the dinner?" Alice asked carefully.
Atlas's jaw clenched.
Noah's hand moved to his back, fingers drawing absent patterns through his shirt.
Atlas told them. About Evelyn. About Noah's mother. The warnings. The threats disguised as concern.
"They'll come around," Alice said. "Eventually."
"Will they?" Noah asked quietly.
"It takes time." Sienna's voice went soft. "My family—at first it was bad. Really bad. They wanted to fix me. Therapy. Conversion. All of it."
Noah's hand stilled on Atlas's back.
"What changed?" Atlas asked.
"We didn't," Alice said simply. "We just kept existing. Together. Eventually they had to choose."
"And they chose you?"
"Eventually." Sienna looked down. "But it took years. And it hurt. A lot."
Silence settled. Just the hum of engines.
"They make you doubt yourself," Sienna said. Voice quiet. "Make you think maybe they're right. Maybe you're wrong. Maybe this isn't worth it."
Alice's arm went around her shoulders, pulled her close, and kissed her temple.
Atlas looked at Noah.
Noah kissed his cheek. Soft. There.
They sat like that. Not talking. Just being together.
After a while, Noah and Atlas turned to the window and watched clouds pass.
Noah thought about everything that could go wrong. Everything they'd face.
He felt Atlas tense beside him. Saw his jaw clench, his fingers curl into a fist on his thigh.
Noah's fingers slid into Atlas's hair and played with it gently. Soothing.
We'll be okay. We have to be.
---
Florida was warm. Bright. Humid in a way that made Noah's shirt stick to his back immediately.
The car took them to The Breakers. All old money and ocean views.
They dropped bags in their room and headed to the shoot location.
Staff met them at the entrance. All smiles and clipboards.
Atlas and Alice walked ahead with the coordinator. Professional. Businesslike.
Noah and Sienna followed.
Every few steps, Atlas would glance back over his shoulder. Check that Noah was there.
Noah would smile. Small. Just for him.
The shoot was in a library. All dark wood and leather.
They wanted Atlas for a weekend feature. Sterlins Holdings' philanthropic expansion. Whatever that meant.
Noah watched them position Atlas. Adjust his jacket. Fix his hair.
The makeup artist came. Light foundation. Something for his eyes.
Noah leaned against the wall. Just watching.
Atlas looked bored. Patient. Professional.
Then his eyes caught Noah in the mirror.
Everything shifted. His mouth curved. Slight. Private.
Just for Noah.
Noah smiled back. Couldn't help it.
The artist finished and left.
Noah moved closer and leaned down, lips near Atlas's ear.
"You look good."
Atlas's hand settled on his hip. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." Noah's fingers traced his collar, fixing nothing. "Too good. It's almost unfair."
Atlas stood and turned. They were chest to chest.
"Unfair how?"
"You know how." Noah's eyes dropped to his mouth.
Atlas's grip tightened on his hip. "We're in public."
"I know." But Noah didn't step back.
Atlas leaned in. Breath on Noah's lips. Close enough to kiss. Didn't.
"Later," he said.
Someone cleared their throat behind them.
They stepped apart.
The shoot took an hour. Atlas moved when asked. Smiled on cue. Looked serious when directed.
Professional. Polished. The Sterlins heir.
But every few shots, his eyes would drift to Noah.
Quick glance. Just checking.
Then back to the camera.
Noah's chest warmed every time.
He's making sure I'm still here.
"Look commanding," the photographer said. "Powerful."
Atlas's expression shifted. Sharp. Intense.
Noah's breath stuttered.
Oh. Oh fuck.
Atlas saw his reaction. His mouth twitched. Almost smiled.
Broke character for half a second.
The photographer kept shooting. Didn't notice.
Noah did.
After, people wanted photos with Atlas. He slipped into polite mode.
Smile that didn't reach his eyes. Handshakes. Small talk.
Then he'd look at Noah. The real smile came back.
Just for a second. Just for him.
---
The charity event was at some club. Ocean view.
Two people met Atlas at the entrance. All smiles and gratitude.
Alice, Sienna, and Noah melted into the crowd.
The ballroom was full. Atlas was across the room surrounded.
Noah stood with Alice and Sienna and pretended to listen.
He couldn't help it. His eyes kept drifting to Atlas.
Atlas in his element. Untouchable. Perfect. Playing the part.
Shaking hands. Smiling politely. Saying the right things.
Then he'd glance over and his eyes would search the crowd until they landed on Noah.
Their eyes would meet. Everything else would blur.
Then someone would talk to Atlas and he'd turn away.
"You're obvious," Alice said quietly. Amused.
Noah's face heated. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Sure you don't."
Sienna was smiling too.
Atlas gave his speech. Accepted the plaque. Thanked the right people.
Noah watched him command the room.
God. How is he so good at this?
After, Atlas worked his way through the crowd. Getting closer.
Slowly. Deliberately.
Every time Noah looked up, Atlas was closer than before.
Finally, Atlas reached them.
His hand landed on Noah's lower back. Light. Brief.
"Ready?"
Noah tensed automatically. Public touch.
Looked up at Atlas.
Atlas was smiling. Soft. "You okay?"
Noah relaxed. "Yeah. Let's go."
---
The hotel room door closed behind them.
Click of the lock.
They stood there just breathing.
All day. All the restraint. All the distance.
It hung between them now.
"Come here," Atlas said quietly.
Noah crossed to him slowly.
Atlas's hands came up and framed his face.
Atlas kissed him. Not rushed. Not frantic.
Just thorough. Taking his time.
Noah melted into it. His hands settled on Atlas's waist, his chest.
When they broke apart both breathing harder, Noah laughed softly.
"What?" Atlas asked.
"Nothing. Just—" Noah kissed him again. Quick. "Missed this."
"I was with you all day."
"Not like this." Noah's fingers worked Atlas's shirt buttons. "Not where I could touch you."
Atlas caught his hands. "Wait."
Noah looked up. "What?"
"Come here first." Atlas pulled him toward the balcony.
Outside, the ocean spread before them. Sunset painting everything gold and pink.
Atlas stood behind Noah. Arms around his waist. Chin on his shoulder.
"This is nice," Noah said.
"Yeah." Atlas kissed his temple.
They stayed like that watching the light change.
"Thank you," Noah said.
"For what?"
"This. Including me."
Atlas turned him around. "Where else would you be?"
Noah smiled. Didn't answer.
Atlas kissed him soft and sweet.
"Always," he murmured against Noah's mouth.
Inside, Noah turned to Atlas.
"You have—" He gestured at Atlas's face, smiling. " The makeup. From earlier. "
Atlas laughed. "Do I?"
"Yeah. Let me—"
Atlas caught his wrist and pulled him in.
"I like when you're like this," he said low.
"Like what?"
"Taking care of me." Atlas's hands settled on his hips. "Thinking about me."
Noah's face heated. "I always think about you."
"Good."
They kissed. Started slow. Built faster.
Noah's hands in Atlas's hair. Atlas's hands sliding under Noah's shirt.
"Should we—" Noah broke away breathless. "The beach. You said—"
"Fuck the beach." Atlas pulled him back.
Noah laughed against his mouth. "Romantic."
But Atlas was right.
The beach could wait.
Noah pushed Atlas backward toward the bed. Atlas let himself be moved.
When the back of his knees hit the mattress, Noah gave him a little shove.
Atlas fell back and Noah climbed over him.
Noah kissed him. Slow. Deep. Like they had all the time in the world.
Then his mouth moved lower. Along Atlas's jaw. Down his neck. He bit down gently where neck met shoulder.
Atlas's whole body jerked. "Fuck—"
Noah smiled against his skin. "Sensitive there?"
"You know I am."
Noah did it again. This time using his tongue. Atlas's hands fisted in the sheets.
Noah worked Atlas's shirt open. Kissed down his chest. Found his nipple and sucked.
Atlas arched off the bed.
Noah kissed lower. Over his stomach. His hip. He bit down on Atlas's hip bone and Atlas's whole body shuddered.
"Sensitive everywhere apparently," Noah murmured.
He worked Atlas's belt loose. His pants. Got them off along with his underwear.
Atlas was hard. Flushed. Breathing like he'd run a marathon.
Noah took his time. Kissed up his inner thigh. So close but not touching where Atlas needed him.
Noah went slow. Learning what made Atlas gasp. What made his hips jerk. What made him moan.
Atlas's hand slid into Noah's hair. Not pushing. Just—there. Grounding.
He kissed back up Atlas's body and captured his mouth. Let him taste himself.
Atlas stripped Noah's clothes off. No patience left. Just need.
Then his mouth was on Noah. Hot. Wet. Perfect.
Noah was making sounds he'd be embarrassed about later. Didn't care now.
Atlas kissed up his body.
Noah nodded. Couldn't form words.
Atlas took his time. Even though Noah could see him trembling with the effort of holding back.
Noah did. Came apart with Atlas's name breaking from his lips.
Atlas followed seconds later. Buried deep. Noah's name a prayer.
They stayed like that. Connected. Both catching their breath.
Atlas pulled out carefully. Grabbed tissues. Cleaned them up.
Then pulled Noah close. Noah's head on his chest. Atlas's hand in his hair.
"You okay?" Noah asked. Voice rough.
"Perfect." Atlas kissed his forehead. Long. "You?"
"Yeah." Noah's hand drew lazy patterns on Atlas's chest. "We're good at that."
Atlas laughed. "Practice makes perfect."
"Want to practice more?"
"Give me five minutes."
Noah grinned and kissed his collarbone. "I'll hold you to that."
They lay quiet just breathing.
Outside, waves crashed. Inside, everything was still.
"Thank you," Atlas said softly.
"For what?"
"Being here. Being you. Being mine."
Noah lifted his head and looked at him. "Always."
He kissed Atlas slow and sweet. Promise.
"Always," Noah whispered again.
---
Later—much later—they did make it to the beach.
Sunset had turned to dusk. The sand was cool under their bare feet.
They walked slow. Atlas's arm around Noah's waist. Noah leaning into him.
"This is nice," Noah said.
"Yeah."
"Romantic, even."
Atlas squeezed his hip. "Don't sound so surprised."
"I'm not. I just—" Noah looked up at him. "I like this version of you."
"What version?"
"The one who does romantic beach walks."
Atlas stopped walking and turned Noah to face him.
He cupped his face with both hands. "I'd do anything with you."
Noah's breath caught. "Atlas—"
"I mean it." Atlas's thumb traced his cheekbone. "Beach walks. Charity events. Whatever. As long as I'm with you."
Noah pulled him down and kissed him.
Slow. Deep. Tasting like salt air and sunset.
When they broke apart, Noah smiled. "We should get back."
"Why?"
"Because if we don't, I'm going to do something very public."
Atlas grinned. Dangerous. "Promises."
"Come on." Noah grabbed his hand and pulled.
They walked back. Hands linked. Not hiding.
A few people looked. Neither of them cared.
Dinner was at the hotel restaurant. Ocean view. Soft music.
Alice and Sienna were already there when they arrived.
They ordered. Seafood. Wine. Easy conversation.
Under the table, Atlas's hand settled on Noah's thigh.
Stayed there. Warm.
Then started moving. Slow circles. Higher.
Noah picked up his wine and took a sip. Tried to focus on what Alice was saying.
Atlas's fingers kept moving. Teasing.
Noah set his glass down carefully.
Leaned close to Atlas. "Stop."
"Stop what?" Atlas looked at him. All innocent.
His hand moved higher.
Noah's breath caught. He grabbed Atlas's wrist under the table.
Glared.
Atlas leaned in and kissed him. Light. Quick.
Like he wasn't doing anything at all.
Across the table, Alice and Sienna were trying not to laugh.
Noah pulled back. Face hot. "You're impossible."
"You like it."
"I—" Noah couldn't argue. "Later. When we're alone."
"Holding you to that." Atlas's hand squeezed his thigh then withdrew.
After dinner, they went to a private club Alice knew.
It overlooked the bay. Glass walls. Soft jazz. Warm and intimate.
Atlas's hand brushed Noah's back as they walked in. Barely a touch.
It burned anyway.
"Didn't think you liked places like this," Noah murmured.
"I don't," Atlas said. "But you do."
He wasn't wrong.
The music felt like breathing after holding your breath too long.
They got cocktails. Found a corner. Stood close.
Had to. To hear each other over the music.
Noah was telling some story about work. The offshore accounts. Something.
Atlas wasn't listening. Not really.
He was watching Noah's mouth move. The way his eyes lit up when he talked.
Noah noticed mid-sentence. "Are you listening?"
"No," Atlas said honestly.
Noah laughed. "What are you doing?"
"Looking at you."
"Why?"
Atlas's hand settled on his hip. "Because I can."
Noah's breath stuttered. "You're—"
"I'm what?"
Noah leaned close. Lips at Atlas's ear. Had to, to be heard.
"The devil."
Atlas smiled. "Took you long enough to notice."
He pulled Noah closer. They were pressed together now.
Could feel each other breathing.
"I am listening," Atlas murmured. Nose brushing Noah's jaw. "I'm just distracted."
"By what?"
"You." His lips grazed Noah's neck. "Always you."
Noah's hands slid under Atlas's shirt at his waist. Fingers spreading over warm skin.
Atlas made a low sound.
"Your pulse is racing," Noah said. His palm flat on Atlas's chest over his heart. "Something wrong?"
"You know exactly what's wrong."
They stared at each other. Everything else fading.
Alice appeared and showed Atlas her phone. "Photos from the shoot. For approval."
Atlas looked and scrolled. "They're good."
"Let me see." Noah leaned in.
He looked at the photos. Atlas in perfect light. Commanding. Beautiful.
Noah's mouth moved to Atlas's ear. Whispered low enough that only Atlas could hear.
Specific. Appreciative. Absolutely filthy.
Atlas's hand tightened on his thigh. "Noah."
"What?" Noah was grinning. "Just being honest."
Atlas turned his head. They were nose to nose.
"Save those comments for the room."
Noah's hand slid further under Atlas's shirt against his back. Traced the line of his spine. "Make me."
Atlas's eyes darkened. "You're playing with fire."
"I know." Noah's fingers kept moving. "Your pulse is still racing. You okay?"
"No." Atlas's voice was rough. "We're leaving."
"Yeah," Noah breathed. "We should."
They said quick goodbyes to Alice and Sienna.
---
Made it to the car. Barely.
The hotel room door closed.
Noah grabbed Atlas's shirt and pulled him in.
Kissed him hard. Demanding.
Atlas pushed him against the door and kissed back harder.
"Those comments," Atlas said between kisses. "In the club."
"What about them?" Noah's hands worked his belt.
"Say them again."
Noah laughed and bit his lip. "Thought we were past that part."
"We are." Atlas's mouth moved to his neck. Sucked hard. "But I want to hear them anyway."
Noah's head fell back. "You looked—" His breath caught. "God, you looked perfect. Untouchable."
"Not untouchable." Atlas bit down gently where his neck met his shoulder. "Not for you."
Noah pulled him toward the bedroom. They stumbled. Kissing. Not looking.
--
Hit the couch. The wall. Finally the bed.
They stumbled down the hall. Noah's fingers already working at Atlas's buttons.
"These—" He fumbled. "Why are there so many fucking—"
Atlas laughed against his mouth. Caught Noah's hands.
Atlas grabbed his hands and pinned them above his head.
Looked down at him. "You first."
He kissed Noah slow and thorough, taking his time.
His free hand pushed up Noah's shirt and found bare skin.
Noah arched into the touch. "Atlas—"
"What do you need?"
"You. Just—" Noah pulled his hands free and grabbed Atlas's face. "You."
Atlas kissed him deep and consuming.
They got shirts off. Fumbling. Laughing when buttons stuck.
Then pants. Underwear. Everything.
Finally nothing between them.
Atlas pressed close. His weight solid. Real.
Noah's leg hooked around his hip and pulled him closer.
"Wait," Atlas said breathing hard.
"What?"
"Just—" Atlas looked at him. Really looked. "I love you."
Noah's chest went tight. "I love you too."
"I know. I just needed to say it."
They kissed. Started slow. Built faster.
This time was different. Slower. More deliberate.
Atlas took his time. His mouth everywhere. Behind Noah's ear. The hollow of his throat. His collarbone. Down his chest.
When his mouth closed around Noah's nipple, Noah gasped and his back arched.
Atlas smiled against his skin and moved to the other one.
"You're killing me," Noah breathed.
"Good."
Atlas kissed lower. Over his stomach. His hip.
What happened next—Noah stopped trying to find words for it.
They lay quiet just breathing.
Atlas smiled, pulled him closer, and pressed a slow kiss to his forehead.
---
They ended up on the balcony later.
Noah leaned against the railing. Salt air and ocean sounds.
Atlas came up behind him. Arms sliding around his waist.
Pulled him back against his chest.
Noah's hands covered Atlas's. Fingers lacing together.
They stood like that. Not talking. Just watching the water move.
Waves rolling in. Endless. Hypnotic.
Atlas's chin rested on Noah's shoulder.
His breath warm against Noah's ear when he spoke.
"I love you."
Three words. Quiet. Sure.
Noah turned in his arms.
Met his eyes.
Atlas looked—open. No walls. No careful control.
Just him.
"I love you too," Noah said.
Atlas's hand came up. Cupped his face.
Kissed him soft. Gentle. Like they had all the time in the world.
---
Back inside, they collapsed onto the bed.
Noah immediately curled into Atlas's side. Head on his chest.
Atlas's arm came around him. Hand tracing lazy patterns on his back.
"I didn't think we'd end up here," Atlas said. Voice quiet.
Noah tilted his head up. "What do you mean?"
Atlas stared at the ceiling. His jaw worked like he was chewing through words.
"I never thought you'd be mine."
Noah's chest went tight.
He pushed up on one elbow. Looked down at Atlas.
Atlas met his eyes. Something vulnerable there. Raw.
Noah smiled. Couldn't help it.
Ducked his head. A soft laugh escaped.
"Atlas..."
"Love."
Noah's breath caught.
Atlas's hand came up. Fingers threading through his hair.
"My love."
The words came out barely above a whisper.
Noah's voice broke. "You're mine."
Not a question. A fact.
Atlas pulled him down. Kissed him slow and deep.
When they broke apart, Noah settled back against his chest.
Atlas's arms wrapped tight around him.
They lay there listening to the ocean through the open balcony door.
Waves crashing. Pulling back. Crashing again.
"Thank you," Noah said into the quiet.
Atlas's hand stilled on his back. "For what?"
"For not giving up on us."
Atlas's chest rose and fell beneath Noah's cheek.
His arms tightened. Jaw pressing against the top of Noah's head.
"I never could."
"I know." Noah turned his face. Pressed a kiss to Atlas's chest. Right over his heart. "But thank you anyway."
Atlas didn't say anything.
Just held him closer.
Noah shifted. Pressed another kiss to Atlas's jaw.
Then settled back down.
Atlas's hand resumed its slow rhythm on his back.
The ocean kept its steady pulse outside.
In. Out. In. Out.
Noah's breathing slowed. Matched it.
His eyes grew heavy.
Atlas's heartbeat under his ear. Strong. Steady.
He didn't think about tomorrow.
Didn't think about what came next.
Just this.
This moment.
This person.
His eyes closed.
Atlas's fingers in his hair.
The sound of waves.
Home.
He fell asleep like that.
Safe. Wanted. His.