The doctor's entrance woke them. Noah surfaced slowly—Atlas's arm wrapped around his waist, his own face pressed against Atlas's chest. The warmth, the steady heartbeat beneath his ear. Real.
When the doctor and nurse saw them tangled together on the narrow hospital bed, they froze mid-step. The nurse's eyes widened slightly before she caught herself. They both turned toward the door, suddenly fascinated by the exit sign.
Atlas extracted himself carefully—the loss of heat made Noah flinch. He blinked up at the doctor, then at Atlas, trying to parse what was happening through the fog of sleep.
Atlas caught Noah's confused expression and something in his face softened. A small smile—private, just for Noah.
The doctor cleared his throat. Turned back to Noah like he'd seen nothing at all.
"You can be discharged. Everything looks good."
Noah's shoulders dropped. The tension he'd been holding since waking—since before waking—released all at once. His smile came tired but genuine.
Atlas watched the doctor intently, that hyper-focused look he got when processing important information. The doctor continued, "Being discharged doesn't mean you're completely healed. There are things you need to be careful about at home."
Atlas nodded at each point—small, precise movements. Okay. I'll handle this. I've got this.
"I want you to come back for a checkup in a week."
The doctor and nurse left.
Atlas grabbed his phone from the bedside table. Checked the time. His eyebrows rose.
"We slept for a long time." He looked at Noah—really looked, like he was cataloging every detail to make sure he was still there.
Noah met his gaze, that same soft smile returning.
"Noah." Atlas's voice dropped lower. "I don't wanna stay at the hospital... let's get out of here."
Something fragile threaded through the words. Not quite pleading, but close.
"Okay."
Atlas realized he'd been staring and jerked his eyes away. He moved to gather Noah's clothes, hands busy with a task, any task.
When he helped Noah dress, his movements were careful—gentle in a way that had nothing to do with Noah's physical state and everything to do with something Atlas couldn't name. He kept his eyes averted but his fingers lingered on fabric, on skin.
Noah noticed. "Do I look bad?"
Half-joke. Half-genuine question.
Atlas's eyes snapped to Noah's face. Held there. His mouth curved.
"What do you think?"
The words came out lower than intended. Almost husky.
Noah's smile widened. "I could've dressed myself. I'm fine." He winked.
Atlas's responding smile turned decidedly flirtatious. "I know." Pause. "But I wanted to help."
He placed his hand on Noah's hip—light pressure, possessive but gentle. "If you're ready, let's go."
"One second."
Noah stepped closer, eliminated the space between them, and pressed a light kiss to Atlas's lips. Quick. Then pulled him into a hug before Atlas could respond.
Atlas's arms came around him immediately—tighter than necessary. He buried his face in Noah's neck, left a kiss there that lingered. Noah's skin prickled, goosebumps rising.
---
When they left the room, Noah's steps faltered. Two assistants. Security guards. His chest tightened involuntarily—body remembering before his mind caught up.
Atlas stepped in immediately. To Helen's assistant: "You can go."
To his own assistant: "Handle the paperwork."
His hand found Noah's back. Steady pressure. I've got you.
They left.
In the car, Daniel glanced at them in the rearview mirror—Atlas and Noah in the back seat, Noah's head on Atlas's shoulder, their hands linked. Daniel's mouth twitched into a small smile. Said nothing.
Noah watched out the window. Buildings. People. Cars. Street vendors. Everything ordinary and extraordinary at once after so long seeing nothing but the same four walls.
I missed everything.
The thought came with a pang so sharp it stole his breath for a moment.
---
Alice's house appeared. Alice and Sienna waited at the door.
Alice pulled Noah into a hug. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Thank you." Noah's voice came out rougher than intended. "For everything."
Alice moved to Atlas next—kissed both his cheeks while holding him close. Atlas smiled, small but genuine.
Sienna hugged them each in turn, her kisses light on their cheeks.
"Let's eat something," Alice said.
"After a shower." Atlas glanced at Noah. "We're hungry."
Sienna smiled. "We'll get it ready."
Alice led them upstairs. She opened the door with a flourish. "The biggest room. Pool view. Door opens to the garden." She laughed—that particular Alice laugh that meant she was pleased with herself.
Atlas nodded his thanks—minimal but sincere.
Noah smiled. "Thank you."
"Everything's in the bathroom. Your things are in the closets." Alice closed the door behind her as she left.
Atlas and Noah looked at each other in the sudden quiet.
Noah crossed the space between them and hugged him. "Thank you."
Again. He kept saying it. Couldn't stop saying it.
Atlas's hand moved over Noah's back in slow circles. "I need to shower."
Noah pulled back just enough to look up at him. "Should I come too?"
His tone hovered somewhere between hesitant and inviting.
Atlas smiled—that small sparkle appearing in his eyes. "Yeah. Come."
---
They undressed. Noah glanced at Atlas from the corner of his eye, a slight smile playing at his mouth. Atlas's shoulders tensed—the only tell that he was exercising every ounce of self-control he possessed.
Under the water, they shampooed each other's hair. Laughing at nothing, at everything. The sound of water softened the tension but couldn't eliminate it entirely.
Their touches stayed light—fingertips grazing skin, leaving warmth in their wake.
"Right now I'm fighting with myself." Atlas laughed but couldn't quite hide the desire darkening his eyes.
"Okay." Noah bit his lower lip without realizing.
Atlas looked away fast.
---
They stood in front of the mirror afterward. Navy towels around their waists, water still beading on their shoulders. Noah's eyes held shyness and something else—admiration, maybe. Want, definitely.
Atlas moved behind him. Wrapped his arms around Noah's waist and met his eyes in the mirror.
"I missed you so much." He said it close to Noah's ear—barely above a whisper.
Noah's breathing quickened. He looked at Atlas's reflection, smile fragile. "Me too."
---
They dressed in similar colors—sweatpants, sweatshirts. Unconscious coordination.
When they appeared downstairs, Alice and Sienna exchanged a look.
"At least we don't dress the same," Sienna said.
"We could," Alice replied, mock-serious.
Atlas and Noah smiled.
They sat side by side at the table. Atlas's hand found Noah's thigh—familiar territory. Noah tensed briefly, then relaxed, his fingers curling around Atlas's.
Noah looked around—Atlas, Alice, Sienna. He smiled occasionally but his mind kept drifting. Back to that room. Those solitary meals. The weight of silence.
His shoulders dropped. He looked out the window.
Atlas noticed immediately. So did Sienna, watching from the corner of her eye.
Atlas leaned closer. "Want something else?"
When Noah turned his head, their faces were suddenly inches apart. Both flushed.
Atlas's gaze dropped to Noah's lips—brief, involuntary—before he pulled back.
"Everything's delicious," Noah said quickly. "Thank you."
Alice smiled.
"They're bringing Sunny and Luna today," Sienna said.
Noah's face lit up. "Thank you."
"They love the garden," Alice added.
"Yeah."
---
After a while, Atlas and Alice exchanged a look. They took their coffees and stood.
"Be back in a bit," Atlas said to Noah.
Noah nodded.
Sienna reached across the table and held Noah's hand. "You're okay. Finally."
Noah took a breath—tried to, anyway. "I'm okay."
"If you need anything, just say so."
"Thank you."
They looked out the window together. Silence stretched, comfortable enough.
Then Noah's shoulders curved inward. He brought his hand to his face, elbow on the table.
Did I actually live through all that?
He tried to breathe deep. Couldn't.
Sienna's voice came gentle. "We often can't choose what happens to us."
Pause.
"But we can choose how we respond to it."
Noah turned to her. Their eyes met.
"You're strong," Sienna continued. "You fought."
Noah's voice came out hoarse. "I questioned so much why it happened to me. Couldn't find an answer."
"Sometimes there are things without answers." Sienna's expression softened. "And after what you've been through, getting back up... you have to keep going despite everything, everyone."
Noah nodded slowly.
"The whole time I was held there, I read a lot of books. To keep from going crazy."
"Books sometimes make you face reality," Sienna said. "Sometimes they let you escape from it."
She paused. "What's your favorite book?"
"Pride and Prejudice."
"Which character did you identify Atlas with?"
Noah smiled. "On the surface Atlas seems like Mr. Darcy."
Sienna smiled back.
"But Atlas is better in every way," Noah added.
They laughed together.
"Darcy's a pretentious aristocrat," Sienna said, voice low, conspiratorial.
Noah nodded, still laughing.
---
Alice and Atlas returned then.
Atlas pulled Noah to him and kissed his forehead.
Alice's arm settled on Sienna's shoulder. They smiled at each other—that particular smile of long-established intimacy.
"We were talking about Pride and Prejudice," Sienna said.
"Had to read it as a project assignment in high school," Alice said.
Noah looked at Alice, then at Atlas. Their eyes met.
Atlas moved closer. "I don't read that kind of stuff." He winked.
"I can give you a summary if you want," Noah offered.
"Absolutely not." Atlas winked again.
Noah's cheeks flushed.
Alice and Sienna stood. "We need to go out. See you at dinner."
They left.
---
Atlas pulled Noah into a hug. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah."
Atlas kissed his hair. "You smell good."
Noah smiled. "You used the same shampoo."
This time Atlas kissed Noah's neck—longer, deliberately breathing him in.
Noah laughed, ticklish. They stayed like that for a while.
A staff member appeared. "The assistant's waiting outside."
---
Atlas took Noah's hand. They walked out together.
Sunny was in the car. The moment she saw Noah, she started jumping.
Noah's face transformed—surprise, then joy. He moved quickly toward the car.
Atlas stepped in front of him. "She's gonna jump on you."
He opened the door.
Sunny launched herself at them immediately—tail wagging frantically, paws on Noah's stomach.
"She's gotten so big!" Noah bent down to her level. Sunny licked his entire face.
A meow from inside the car.
Atlas retrieved Luna from her carrier.
---
They settled on the couch. Sunny climbed all over Noah. He ran his hands through her fur, looking at Atlas with undisguised happiness.
Luna purred in Atlas's lap. Noah reached over to pet her. Luna licked his hands.
Sunny finally calmed, settling between them on the couch.
Noah moved closer to Atlas. "Thank you."
He kissed him—affectionate, deliberate.
Atlas froze for half a second, then responded. His hands found Noah's hips, wandered there.
I missed this so much, Noah thought.
When they pulled apart, they were both smiling.
Atlas leaned toward Noah's ear. "Didn't think you'd kiss me."
His voice had gone husky.
Noah smiled wider. "You didn't kiss me. I kissed you."
Atlas pulled him closer and kissed him again. His hand tightened on Noah's waist—involuntary, possessive. His lips stayed on Noah's a few seconds longer than necessary.
Sunny tried to squeeze between them. They separated, laughing. Her paws pressed against both their knees as she wiggled into the space between them. Atlas's shoulder bumped Noah's.
Sunny settled. Her warm body leaned against Noah's leg.
Noah stood suddenly. His face felt hot.
Atlas held his hand. Noah tried to hide his face. "I need to go to the bathroom."
Atlas stood, pulled him into a quick hug, ruffled his hair. "Wash your face with cold water." Husky voice.
Noah hit him lightly and escaped to the bathroom.
---
In the mirror, his reflection stared back—flushed cheeks, pink ears.
He took a deep breath.
Washed his face. Once. Twice. Three times. The cold water in his palms calmed the rhythm in his chest somewhat.
He looked at himself again. "Thank god." Low voice.
His eyelids felt heavy. His breathing had softened.
When he returned, the room was empty.
The emptiness made something inside him tremble—just for a moment.
He picked up Luna. "You've gotten huge." He kissed her head. Her purring vibrated against his chest.
Sunny lay nearby, watching. Their eyes met. Her tail wagged faster.
Noah moved his other hand over Sunny's fur. The warmth flowed between his fingers.
He leaned down to Luna. "Did you miss me?"
Sunny barked.
Noah looked at her and smiled. "I missed you both so much."
His voice broke slightly. His eyes shone.
He remembered the loneliness. That place. Those days.
How alone I was.
"Thank you, God." He closed his eyes, rested his head on Luna's fur.
---
Atlas returned. Sat next to him. Guided Noah's head to his shoulder and played with his hair. His fingers wandered through Noah's scalp—gentle, repetitive.
Noah's breathing softened. His shoulders dropped, relaxed.
Wish we could save some memories and relive them, he thought, smiling.
"What are you thinking?" Atlas tilted his head to see Noah's face.
"New tech stuff."
Atlas laughed—his body bumping Noah lightly. "What do you mean?"
"That we could save moments and relive them whenever we want." Noah paused. "When will they do that?"
Atlas grabbed Noah's chin, pulled him in, and kissed him. Then: "I'll do it for you." He winked.
The kiss was short but intense. Atlas's fingers left warm pressure on Noah's chin.
Noah's heartbeat quickened. He turned his head immediately.
Atlas put his hand on Noah's chest. "It's beating fast." Husky voice. He tilted his head, looked at Noah with a half-smile.
"You're doing it on purpose."
"Maybe." Atlas's breath hit Noah's neck lightly.
"Not cool at all. Don't." Noah laughed.
"Not answering that right now." Atlas looked him over, trying to hide his smile.
Noah turned his gaze to Atlas. Their eyes met. "I love you."
He kissed him. His fingers slid to the back of Atlas's neck.
Atlas put his hands on Noah's face. "I love you."
His thumbs caressed Noah's cheeks gently.
---
Noah lay on Atlas's shoulder for a while. Luna in his lap. Silence.
Atlas's breath hitting Noah's forehead. Luna purring, curling up.
Alice and Sienna entered. Smiled when they saw them.
Sienna went immediately to Sunny and started playing with her.
Atlas and Alice smiled at each other.
"We're gonna cook," Sienna said. "Wanna come?"
Noah looked at Atlas. His expression said: We'll go, right?
---
Noah and Atlas sat on high stools, watching.
Alice and Atlas talked—work, gossip, the usual.
When Atlas talked, he glanced at Noah occasionally. Each time, his tone softened. His shoulder turned toward Noah.
Sunny and Luna wandered around the kitchen.
Noah watched them all.
This is real.
He placed his hand on Atlas's calf. His fingertips trembled slightly.
Atlas looked down at Noah's hand. Smiled faintly. Pushed his knee slightly toward Noah's hand.
He stood. "Let me help set the table."
He grabbed his sweatshirt—fingers sliding toward Noah's waist.
"I'll do it," Noah said.
"You'll have trouble getting the plates from the cabinet."
"I might be a little short compared to you, but I'm tall." Noah laughed.
Atlas moved behind him, wrapped his arms around him. "Let's divide the work."
He rested his chin lightly on Noah's shoulder.
Sienna and Alice smiled at them.
---
Atlas took the plates from the cabinet. They placed them on the table together, along with everything else.
Noah stood very close to Atlas. "You did everything." Looking into his eyes.
"You helped too."
"I didn't do anything."
Atlas moved even closer. "Having you next to me is enough."
His tone had deepened. His eyes slid to Noah's lips.
Alice and Sienna put the food on the table, trying not to laugh.
Alice talked about her trip to England and France. Then: "We're gonna leave you alone for a while."
Atlas looked at Alice and smiled slightly.
After dinner, they cleaned the kitchen together.
"Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Atlas and Noah went to their room. Sunny and Luna followed.
They changed. Noah lay down on the bed first.
Sunny put her head on the bed. Luna jumped onto the couch by the window.
Atlas lay down. Noah turned toward him, looked at him admiringly. His eyes slid from Atlas's face to his chest, then back to his eyes.
"Don't look at me like that." Atlas's voice cracked slightly.
"How am I looking?" Flirtatious.
Atlas turned to Noah immediately and kissed him—passionate, consuming.
Noah responded instantly. Their hands wandered over each other's bodies. Physical contact warming, calm but deeply intimate.
Atlas pulled Noah to him. Hugged him. Kissed his forehead.
Sunny and Luna had already fallen asleep.
Noah and Atlas resisted sleep for a while. Their hands moved over each other's bodies silently.
Each touch like saying: I'm here.
Their breaths fell into the same rhythm.
The dark room filled with a soft warmth.