Noah woke wrapped in Atlas's arms.
He didn't move. Just lay there watching him sleep.
Morning light filtered through the curtains. Soft. Gray.
He checked his phone. Seven AM.
Carefully, he slipped out of bed. Atlas didn't stir.
Noah grabbed a sweatshirt and his jacket, then headed for the balcony.
The ocean stretched endless before him. Wind whipped his hair back. Cool. Salty.
He leaned against the railing and breathed deep.
He went back inside. Atlas was still out, one arm flung across where Noah had been.
Noah smiled and grabbed his phone and earbuds.
Outside, he pulled his hood up and started walking.
The beach was empty except for the waves.
His shoes dangled from one hand. Sand cool under his feet. The tide had left the shore packed and smooth.
He slipped his earbuds in and scrolled to his playlist.
Walked. Just walked.
The water rushed up and retreated. Over and over. Hypnotic.
After a while, he stopped and sat. Pulled his knees up. Watched the horizon.
Atlas.
The thought came easy. Natural.
He remembered the first time he saw him. High school. That stupid confident smirk.
College. Late nights studying. Atlas falling asleep on his textbooks.
Then recent months. The distance. The cold silences. The way everything had felt like it was ending.
And now.
He took a deep breath and smiled.
"You Are the Reason" started playing. Soft piano. Calm vocals.
"I'd climb every mountain..."
Noah's lips moved with the words. Barely a whisper.
"And swim every ocean..."
His eyes caught on the light dancing over the water.
This song has no right to hit this hard.
"You are the reason I'm still breathing..."
The words stuck in his throat.
He thought of Atlas. Everything they'd survived to get here.
The sun was barely up. The air still cold.
And for the first time in months, he wasn't thinking about endings.
Just beginnings.
When the song ended, he realized he'd been holding his breath.
He let it out slow.
Smiled.
"You're the reason," he whispered to himself.
He stood and kept walking.
His phone buzzed. He pulled it out.
Atlas calling.
"Hey."
"Where are you?" Atlas's voice was rough with sleep.
"Beach. Went for a walk."
"I'm behind you."
Noah turned around. Squinted into the distance.
There. A figure in dark clothes walking toward him.
"I see you."
He started walking. Atlas did too.
They met in the middle. Noah didn't hesitate. Wrapped his arms around him.
"Good morning, sunshine."
Atlas's arms came around him tight. "Good morning, love."
His voice was warm. Happy.
"I was gonna be mad," Atlas said. His chin rested on top of Noah's head. "That you didn't wake me. But I can't be mad right now."
Noah kissed his neck. "Sorry."
Atlas pulled back just enough to look at him. Then leaned down and kissed him properly.
The waves crashed behind them. Wind pulled at their clothes.
When they broke apart, Atlas took his hand.
They walked. Didn't talk. Just walked side by side.
"Couldn't sleep?" Atlas asked after a while.
"Habit." Noah squeezed his hand. "Didn't want to wake you."
Atlas stopped walking. Turned Noah to face him.
He kissed his forehead. Long. Then pulled him into a hug.
They stood like that. Watching the waves together.
"What were you thinking about?" Atlas's voice rumbled against him.
"You."
"Why?"
Noah looked up at him. "Really?"
Atlas smiled slightly. "Tell me anyway."
Noah leaned close. His mouth right by Atlas's ear.
"I was thinking about how you look when you—" He bit his lip. Pulled back slightly. "When you first wake up. Before you remember to be all... controlled."
Atlas went still. His fingers tightened in Noah's hair.
"Noah."
"Yeah?"
Atlas turned his head and caught his mouth. Not gentle this time. Consuming.
Noah's hands fisted in his shirt. His back hit something—a wooden post from the pier. He hadn't even realized they'd moved.
"I've always... God, Atlas," Noah breathed against his mouth. "Always wanted this. You."
Atlas pulled back just enough to look in his eyes. "I've always wanted you too."
Then he kissed him again. Deeper. Noah's leg came up slightly, hooking around Atlas's calf.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Atlas pressed his forehead to Noah's.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
A jogger passed by. They didn't move apart. Just shifted slightly, Atlas's hand sliding from Noah's hair to his shoulder.
They walked a bit more. Then headed back to the hotel.
"Shower?" Atlas asked as they stepped into their room. "Then breakfast?"
"Yeah."
---
In the bathroom, steam rose. Water beat down hot.
They stood facing each other with just towels wrapped around their waists.
Noah caught Atlas's eyes in the mirror. Atlas was looking back.
"There's a lot of redness," Atlas said. His fingers traced a mark on his collarbone. "Everywhere."
Noah moved closer. Tried to look innocent. "Huh. Wonder how that happened."
Atlas turned and looked at him. Trying not to smile.
Noah came right up to him. His hand moved up Atlas's arm slowly.
"I could not touch you for a week." Noah bit his bottom lip. "If you want."
Atlas backed him against the mirror. His eyes sharpened.
"A week? Not touching me?"
Noah's face was pure innocence. "Just until you heal."
Atlas kissed him hard. Demanding.
When he pulled back, he winked. "There's your answer."
They looked at each other for a beat.
Then both started laughing.
---
They got dressed and headed down to The Circle for breakfast.
High ceilings. Stained glass dome. Elegant service.
Only a few tables were occupied.
Alice and Sienna were already there.
"Morning," Noah said.
They sat down.
Alice looked between them. "You both look... relaxed."
Atlas glanced at Noah. The corner of his mouth twitched. "We slept."
Noah kicked him under the table. Light. A warning.
"What's the plan today?" Atlas changed the subject smoothly.
"Norton Museum of Art?" Alice suggested. "If you guys are up for it."
Atlas looked at Noah. "What do you think?"
Noah was adding sugar to his coffee. Three packets. Atlas watched his fingers tear each one. Precise. Methodical.
"Sounds good."
---
Norton Museum of Art. Afternoon.
Light spilled through high windows. Their steps echoed against white marble floors.
They moved through the modern art wing. Quiet. Measured.
Alice stopped in front of a large abstract painting. Reds. Blues. Sharp lines colliding.
"It's called 'Composition in Stillness.'" She tilted her head. "Looks more like someone had a breakdown with a paintbrush."
Sienna studied it. "Or maybe that's what stillness looks like. Chaos underneath."
"Deep," Alice said dryly. "Very deep."
Atlas stood behind Noah. Not touching. But close enough that Noah could feel his body heat.
"What do you think?" Atlas asked quietly.
Noah shifted back slightly. Just an inch. His shoulder blade brushed Atlas's chest.
"I think..." Noah cleared his throat. "I think some things don't need to make sense."
Atlas's hand found the small of his back. Hidden from the others by their position.
"No?"
"No. They just need to... be felt."
His fingers pressed slightly. Noah's breath hitched.
Alice noticed but said nothing. Just smiled to herself.
"You two are standing really close to that million dollar painting," she said instead.
"Three million," Sienna corrected.
"Even worse."
They moved to another room. Minimalist installations. Soft lighting.
Atlas looked at a black square on white canvas. "This one's cheerful."
"It's supposed to represent the void," Sienna said.
"Of course it is."
Noah laughed. "You hate modern art."
"I don't hate it. I just don't—" Atlas gestured vaguely. "Get it."
"You don't have to get it. Just..." Noah moved closer to the painting. "Feel something."
"I'm feeling something," Atlas muttered.
Only Noah heard. He bit back a smile.
They drifted apart slightly. The way people do when museum silence settles in.
Near the exit, Noah lingered by a small photograph. Two hands almost touching. Not quite.
Atlas came up beside him. Their shoulders brushed.
"You like that one?"
"Yeah. It's..."
"Unfinished?"
Noah looked at him. "Yeah."
The air between them shifted. Atlas's pinky finger found Noah's. Hooked around it.
"Not everything needs to be finished," Atlas murmured.
Noah turned his hand. Laced their fingers properly. "Some things just need time."
Someone cleared their throat. Alice.
"We're getting coffee. You two coming or are you going to keep eye-fucking the art?"
"Alice!" Sienna laughed.
"What? Look at them."
Noah's face flushed. Atlas just grinned.
"Coffee sounds good," Atlas said. Didn't let go of Noah's hand.
---
Worth Avenue. Late afternoon.
The sun was low. Gold spilling over pale stone and glass.
Alice and Sienna walked ahead. Window shopping. Laughing at ridiculous prices.
"Twenty thousand for a purse," Alice said. " You could practically buy a car, dear."
"A shit car."
"A car with wheels. That moves."
They laughed and paused by a shop window.
Behind them, Noah and Atlas walked slower.
Atlas's hand hovered near Noah's lower back. Not quite touching. But close enough that Noah felt the warmth through his shirt. Every few steps, his fingers grazed there. Light. Like accident.
Not accident at all.
"You haven't looked at a single store," Noah said. Kept his voice even.
"I'm looking."
"At?"
"You."
Noah glanced up at him. "That's not—"
"Subtle? I wasn't trying to be."
They passed under the colonnade. Marble cool beneath their shoes. Palm shadows stretching long.
Atlas's thumb found the strip of skin where Noah's shirt had ridden up. Traced it.
Noah's step faltered.
"Problem?" Atlas asked innocently.
"You're—" Noah's voice came out rough. Cleared his throat. "You're being ridiculous."
"Mm."
"Atlas."
"Noah."
They looked at each other. The heat between them obvious.
"Get a room!" Alice called back without turning around.
"We have one," Atlas replied.
"Use it!"
" Eventually. "
Noah groaned. Buried his face against Atlas's shoulder. "You can't just say things like—"
"Like what?" Atlas's mouth was by his ear now. "The truth?"
---
Palm Beach Pier Walk. Later.
The air was cooler now. Wind lifted Noah's hair.
Atlas reached over without thinking. Tucked a strand behind his ear. His fingers lingered against Noah's jaw.
Noah leaned into the touch. Just slightly.
They walked side by side. Sometimes close enough that their coats brushed. Sometimes apart when someone passed. Always finding their way back.
"You know this is our first trip together?" Noah said suddenly. "Like... together together."
"Feels like we've done this forever."
"In a good way?"
Atlas stopped walking. Turned to face him. "In the best way."
Noah's chest tightened. "Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Look at me like that. Not in public."
"Like what?"
"Like you want to—" Noah cut himself off. Shook his head.
Atlas stepped closer. "Finish that sentence."
"No."
"Noah."
"Atlas."
They stood there. The ocean crashed beside them. Wind pulling at their clothes.
"Like I want to what?" Atlas's voice was rough now.
Noah met his eyes. "Like you want to devour me."
The words trembled in the air—too honest to take back.
Atlas's hand came up. Cupped Noah's face. Thumb brushing his cheekbone.
"I do."
Noah's breath shuddered out. "Jesus."
"Come here."
Noah went. Let Atlas pull him against his chest. Arms coming around him tight.
"We should... the others are—"
"Let them wait."
They stayed like that. Noah's face pressed into Atlas's neck. Breathing him in.
"I love you," Noah said against his skin. "So fucking much it scares me."
Atlas's arms tightened. "Don't be scared."
"I'm not. Not anymore."
They pulled apart slowly. Atlas kept his hand on Noah's neck. Thumb stroking the soft skin there.
"Come on!" Alice's voice carried on the wind. "Pictures before we lose the light!"
Noah groaned. " Seriously? "
"Yes." Atlas kissed his forehead. Quick. " Come on. I want proof. "
"Of what?"
"You. Happy."
Noah's throat closed up. He grabbed Atlas's hand. Squeezed hard.
"I am. Happy, I mean."
"Good." Atlas pulled him forward. "That's all I want."
---
Hidden Café, Palm Beach. Late afternoon.
Warm light. Coffee smell. Low music.
The place felt half asleep.
They found a corner table by the window. Alice and Sienna on one side. Atlas and Noah squeezed together on the other.
Atlas's thigh pressed against Noah's under the table.
Neither moved.
"Okay, I'm serious," Alice said. "Florida coffee is a hate crime."
"That's because you keep ordering almond milk like you're allergic to joy," Sienna said.
"It's called health."
"It's called trauma."
Noah hid a laugh.
Atlas leaned in. Voice low. "You're next on her hit list."
Noah smiled. "You'd protect me, right?"
"Depends how good the coffee is."
Noah kicked him under the table. Lightly.
Atlas grinned and let his hand rest on Noah's knee.
Just stayed there.
"You're doing that on purpose," Noah said quietly.
"Doing what?"
His fingers started moving. Slow. Tracing circles.
"Exactly that."
"You could move."
"You could stop."
"Neither of us is going to."
Their eyes met.
Atlas leaned in like he was about to say something. Close enough that Noah felt his breath.
" You look good pretending not to blush. "
"I'm not pretending."
They held the gaze a little too long. Then pulled back at the same time.
"You two flirt like you're running a startup," Alice said without looking up.
"Do you act like this in meetings too?" Sienna asked.
"Only during PowerPoint transitions," Noah said deadpan.
"Boosts morale," Atlas added.
Alice rolled her eyes. Smiling anyway. "You're HR's worst nightmare."
"Lucky for us, HR works for us," Noah said.
They all laughed.
Noah's hand slipped onto Atlas's leg under the table. Payback.
Atlas nearly choked on his drink.
"Oh my god, are you two serious right now?" Sienna asked.
"Always," Noah said.
"Unfortunately, yes," Atlas said.
Their laughter faded into that comfortable silence only couples and old friends share.
Outside, the sky was turning peach and violet.
"We're leaving at eight, right?" Alice asked.
"Yeah," Sienna said. "Atlas, did you pack?"
"Define pack."
"He unpacked twice today," Noah said.
"Why?" Alice asked.
"Emotional support sweaters."
"Therapy's cheaper," Sienna said.
Noah laughed so hard he bumped Atlas's shoulder.
Atlas steadied him. Palm on his back. Left it there a beat too long.
"I'm serious though," Atlas said. "We could stay another day."
"You have meetings Monday."
"Cancel them."
"And tell everyone why?"
"Tell them I found better company."
He glanced at Noah. The air shifted.
"Stop saying nice things," Noah said softly. Teasing. "You'll ruin your reputation."
"You love it."
"Maybe."
Pause.
"Definitely."
They looked at each other. A quiet, lazy smile shared between them.
Alice threw a sugar packet at them.
"You're banned from being disgustingly in love until we're airborne."
"They'll last five minutes," Sienna said. "Tops."
"Optimistic," Atlas said.
"Realistic," Noah said.
They laughed again. Tired. Happy.
It felt like the end of something and the start of something else at the same time.
---
Soft lighting. Dinner trays half-empty. The hum of engines low and steady.
Outside, clouds smeared across a navy sky.
Alice scrolled through her tablet. "I'm sending the London contracts tonight. Legal needs them by morning."
Atlas cut his steak. Precise. "I'll review them when we land."
"Actually by morning? Or Atlas morning which is noon?"
He grinned. "I make no promises."
Sienna leaned toward Noah. "My gallery opening's Friday. You're coming right?"
Noah brightened. "Wouldn't miss it. Lydia mentioned she helped with setup?"
"She was incredible. Didn't she tell you?"
"She's been secretive lately." Noah smiled. "I'll drag her with me."
Atlas's knife paused against his plate. The sound sharp.
"You're going together?"
Noah turned to him. "I figured you'd be buried in work. "
"You could've asked."
The temperature shifted. Noah's hand found Atlas's wrist under the table.
"You're right. I should've—I'm sorry."
He leaned over. Pressed a kiss to Atlas's jaw. Soft. Apologetic.
Atlas exhaled slow. Turned his head. Caught Noah's mouth properly.
It was supposed to be quick. But Atlas's hand came up. Cupped the back of Noah's neck. Held him there.
When they separated, Noah was breathing unsteadily.
"So you'll come?" he asked softly.
Atlas's thumb stroked his neck. "Where you go, I go."
"Disgusting," Alice announced. "Absolutely disgusting."
"Seconded," Sienna said.
But they were both smiling.
Atlas kept his hand on Noah's neck. Possessive. Noah leaned into it.
"The winter gala's coming up," Alice said. "The Laurent family will be there."
"Perfect," Atlas replied, fingers absently in Noah's hair. "I owe the son a word about the merger."
"Which son?" Sienna asked. "The hot one or the other hot one?"
"The engaged one," Atlas said dryly.
Noah tensed slightly. Atlas felt it. His hand slid down to Noah's shoulder. Squeezed.
"You okay?"
"Fine. Just—" Noah shifted closer to him. "Tired."
Atlas studied him. Then pulled him closer. Noah ended up tucked against his side.
"Sleep if you want."
"I'm not sleeping."
"Your eyes are closing."
"They're not—" Noah yawned.
Atlas grinned. Pressed a kiss to the top of his head.
The conversation continued around them. Quieter now. Alice talking about a client disaster. Sienna showing photos from her gallery.
Noah's hand found Atlas's thigh. Just rested there. Atlas covered it with his own.
"Almost home," Noah said quietly.
Atlas looked out the window—New York unfolding like static light. "Yeah."
---
Lights blurred through jet fumes. The door opened to the cool New York night.
Alice hugged them quick. "Try to sleep. In separate beds. Actually sleep."
"No promises," Noah said.
Sienna laughed. "Text when you get home."
They headed toward their car. Noah and Atlas stood close in the wind.
"Ready?" Atlas asked.
Noah looked up at him. The lights caught in his eyes. "Yeah."
Atlas pulled him in. One hand on his waist. The other tangling in his hair.
They kissed. Slow. Deep. Like they had all the time in the world.
"Let's go home," Atlas said against his mouth.
"Yeah." Noah's voice was rough. "Home."
---
Front door unlocked. Quiet clicks.
Sunny barreled toward them. Tail going wild. Luna right behind.
Noah laughed. Dropped to his knees. "Hey babies. Miss us?"
Atlas bent down and scooped Luna up. She immediately licked his chin.
"Two days," he said to her. "We were gone two days."
"She missed us too much," Noah said. Stood up with Sunny in his arms. "She's dramatic. "
"Wonder who she gets that from," Atlas murmured.
Noah smirked. "Definitely you."
"Debatable."
"Prove me wrong."
Atlas raised an eyebrow. "In bed?"
"Where else?"
They glanced toward the hallway. The light was off. Lydia's door was closed. The house quiet.
"She survived," Atlas observed.
"The house survived."
"Miracle."
They wandered through the living room. Everything was exactly as they'd left it.
"Too clean," Atlas said suspiciously.
"You're paranoid."
"I'm realistic."
Noah set Sunny down. Walked over to where Atlas stood by the window.
"What?" Atlas asked.
"Nothing. Just..." Noah wrapped his arms around him from behind. "This. Being home. With you."
Atlas turned in his arms. "Noah."
"I know. I'm being—"
Atlas kissed him. Cut off whatever he was going to say.
When they broke apart, Noah's eyes were dark.
"Bed?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah. Bed."
---
They changed into sleep clothes. Soft pants. Old t-shirts. Comfortable silence.
Noah collapsed onto the bed. Atlas joined him. Luna and Sunny jumped up, settled at their feet.
"Budget meeting tomorrow," Atlas said quietly.
"Mm." Noah was already half-asleep. "Our fathers."
"You nervous?"
Noah opened one eye. "No. Not anymore."
Atlas brushed hair from his forehead. "Good."
"I love you," Noah murmured. Already drifting off.
Atlas pulled him closer. "I love you too."
The city hummed outside. But here, in their room, everything was quiet. Still. Perfect.
Just them. Just this.
Home.