Two weeks later.
Noah woke to brightness burning through his eyelids.
Shit.
He squinted. The bedroom glowing gold. Sunlight pouring through those massive windows—both walls of them. Floor to ceiling. No curtains. Nothing blocking that aggressive May morning sun.
Atlas's weight pinned him to the mattress. Arm heavy across his chest. Leg thrown over his thigh. Face buried in Noah's neck.
Still dead asleep. Breathing slow and even.
Wearing nothing but black boxers. Same as every night.
Noah turned his head carefully. Looked at him.
God.
Even in sleep Atlas was beautiful. Face relaxed. That permanent crease between his eyebrows smoothed out. Mouth slightly open. Vulnerable in a way he never was awake.
Two weeks. They'd been in this house two weeks.
Noah still wasn't used to it. Waking up here. In this room. This bed. This life they'd built.
He tried to slide out. Gentle. Careful not to wake him.
Atlas's full weight shifted. Rolled onto him completely. Crushing him into the mattress.
Noah froze. Waited.
Atlas's breathing stayed even. Still asleep.
Definitely asleep.
Noah's hand moved. Slow. Into Atlas's hair. Fingers threading through the dark strands. Soft. Messy from sleep.
Atlas's mouth curved. Just barely. A ghost of a smile.
Eyes still closed.
"You awake?" Noah whispered.
Nothing. No response.
But that smile stayed.
Noah tried again. Shifting. Attempting to move Atlas's arm. His leg. Trying to extract himself without waking him.
Atlas's arms locked around him. Pulled him flush. Immediate and instinctive.
"Where you going?" Voice rough. Gravelly. Sleep-thick and low.
His eyes opened halfway. Unfocused. Drowsy. Finding Noah's face.
His hand started moving. Up Noah's stomach. Slow. Deliberate. Palm warm against bare skin. Across his chest. Down his ribs. Back up. Hypnotic rhythm.
Noah's breath caught. "Coffee."
He leaned down. Pressed his lips to Atlas's hair. "Good morning."
Atlas's fingers slid to Noah's neck. Curled around the back. Pulled him down close.
Kissed him. Slow. Deep. Tasting like sleep and morning and them.
"Good morning," he murmured against Noah's mouth. His lips curving into a smile.
Noah's stomach flipped. That warmth spreading through his chest. "Want coffee?"
"Later." Atlas kissed him again. Harder now. Hungrier. His hand sliding down Noah's side. Gripping his hip.
Noah responded before thinking. His body knowing. Wanting.
Atlas rolled them. Smooth. Easy. Noah on his back now. Atlas hovering over him.
Backlit by that aggressive sunlight. His shoulders broad. Blocking out everything else. Hair messy. Eyes dark. Dangerous.
Noah's hands came up. Cupped his face. Pulled him down.
Their mouths crashed together. Open immediately. Tongues touching. Tasting. No gentleness now. Just need.
Atlas's hand dragged down Noah's chest. Over his stomach. Lower. Teasing. Never quite where Noah wanted.
Noah arched up. Chasing the touch. "Atlas—"
"What?" But Atlas was smiling against his mouth. Smug. Knowing exactly what he was doing.
"You're—" Noah couldn't finish. Atlas's hand moving again. Deliberately slow.
"I'm what?"
"Evil."
Atlas laughed. Low. Rough. His mouth moving to Noah's jaw. Kissing. Licking. "You love it."
"I—" The words died when Atlas's teeth scraped his neck. "Fuck."
"That's the plan."
Noah's hands slid down. Over Atlas's shoulders. His back. All smooth skin and muscle. Down to his waist. Around. Grabbing his ass through thin fabric.
Squeezed hard.
Atlas groaned. Right against Noah's neck. His hips pressing down. Grinding. Hard. Hot.
Noah could feel everything. The heat of him. The want.
His hand slipped under the waistband. Skin on skin now. Squeezing. Pulling him closer. Closer.
Atlas bit down. Noah's neck. Not gentle. Possessive. Claiming.
Noah gasped. His head falling back. Giving Atlas better access. Small sounds escaping. Whimpers. Gasps. Beyond controlling them.
"Atlas—please—"
"I know." Atlas's mouth still on his throat. Sucking. Making marks. "I've got you. Always."
His fingers hooked in Noah's waistband. Pushed down.
Noah lifted his hips. Let him pull the fabric off. Kicked it somewhere. Gone.
Then reached for Atlas. Pushed his boxers down his hips. Over his thighs.
Atlas kicked them off. Impatient. Desperate.
Both naked now. Skin to skin. Heat everywhere. The morning sun warming their backs through the glass.
Atlas kissed him again. Deep. Consuming. His full weight pressing Noah into the mattress. Into their bed. Into this life.
Noah's legs wrapped around his waist. Ankles locking. Pulling him down. Deeper.
"Need you," Noah breathed against his mouth. "Please."
"Yeah." Atlas's hand between them. Touching. Positioning. "Yeah, I know."
They moved together. Finding rhythm. The windows forgotten. The light forgotten. Everything forgotten except this.
Except each other.
Noah's fingers dug into Atlas's shoulders. His back. Holding on. Anchor and storm at once.
Atlas's mouth on his neck. His jaw. His lips. Breathing hard. Ragged. Lost in it.
"Noah—fuck—"
"Don't stop."
The sun poured over them. Golden. Warm. Their bedroom bright and beautiful and theirs.
They came apart together. Gasping. Shaking. Holding each other through it.
After. They lay tangled. Chests heaving. Skin damp with sweat. Breathing like they'd run miles.
Noah turned his head. Atlas was already watching him.
His teeth caught his bottom lip. Dragged. Slow. Deliberate. That satisfied smile playing at his mouth.
Noah laughed. Breathless. Wrecked. Happy. Winked at him.
Atlas's smile widened. He reached over. Pulled Noah into his arms.
They lay there. Naked. Wrapped around each other. Sunlight bathing their skin gold.
Atlas's fingers moved through Noah's hair. Gentle. Soothing. Rhythmic.
Noah traced patterns on Atlas's chest. Over his ribs. The dip of his hip. Lazy. Content. Possessive.
Their breathing slowed gradually. Synchronized. Matching without trying.
Neither spoke. Words felt unnecessary.
Just existed together. In their house. Their room. Their bed. Their life.
The glass walls framed them in light. The city invisible beyond the trees. All privacy and sunshine and perfect May morning.
Finally Atlas shifted. Pressed his lips to Noah's forehead. Lingered there. "Coffee now?"
Noah tilted his head back. Looked up at him. Those brown eyes soft. Warm. Home. "Definitely coffee now."
But neither moved.
Just held each other. Smiling. Complete.
---
They made it downstairs eventually.
Atlas pulled on his boxers. Black. Low on his hips.
Noah grabbed sweats from the floor. Atlas's sweats.
Stumbled down together. Still half-asleep. Gloriously relaxed. That post-sex glow making everything soft-edged and warm.
The kitchen flooded with morning light. Those glass walls everywhere. The pool visible. Water sparkling like diamonds. The yard endless and green.
Atlas went straight to the coffee maker. Noah slid the door open. Let Sunny out.
She bolted. Golden blur across the lawn. Free. Happy.
Luna materialized from nowhere. Wound herself around Noah's ankles. Demanding. Insistent.
"I know, I know." Noah crouched. Scratched behind her ears. Her motor starting immediately. "Breakfast coming."
Atlas came up behind him. Hands settling on Noah's hips. Pulling him back against his chest.
His mouth on Noah's neck. That spot below his ear. The one that made Noah shiver every time.
"We need curtains," Noah said. Breathless already. "I was blinded this morning."
"Mm." Atlas's lips dragging across his skin. "I wasn't complaining."
"Because you were asleep."
"Was I?" His hands sliding under Noah's—his—shirt. Palms warm on bare skin. Possessive.
"Atlas." But Noah was leaning into him. Head falling back against his shoulder. "Coffee first."
"This is better than coffee."
"Nothing is better than coffee."
Atlas bit his shoulder. Playful. Sharp enough to feel. "Rude."
Noah laughed. Twisted in his arms. Faced him. "Make me coffee and I'll take it back."
"Bribery?"
"Whatever works."
Atlas kissed him. Slow. Thorough. Tasting him. Then pulled back. Eyes dark. Heated. "Fine. Coffee. But you're paying up later."
"I'll pay in installments."
"Damn right you will."
---
They made breakfast together.
Eggs. Bacon. Toast. Strawberries. Coffee. Lots of coffee.
Moving around each other like choreography.
Every time they passed—contact. Atlas's palm sliding across Noah's lower back. Noah's fingers trailing over Atlas's stomach. His hip. His shoulder.
They set everything on the kitchen island. Sat on the bar stools. Close. Thighs touching.
Noah's leg hooked behind Atlas's calf immediately. Instinctive.
Started eating. Stealing food from each other's plates without asking. Feeding each other bites. Flirting shamelessly.
"This is really good," Noah said. Mouth full of scrambled eggs.
"Which part?" Atlas's eyes sparked. That look. The dangerous one. "The eggs or the morning?"
Noah's face heated. "The eggs."
"Liar." Atlas grinned. Smug. Satisfied. Leaned in close. "Your neck says otherwise."
Noah's hand flew to his throat. Felt the tender spots. The marks. "Atlas—"
"What? You didn't seem to mind twenty minutes ago."
"I didn't—" Noah stopped. Laughed. "You're impossible."
"You love it." Atlas stole a strawberry from Noah's plate. Bit into it. Juice on his lips.
Noah watched his mouth. Swallowed hard. "Maybe."
"Definitely."
They ate in comfortable silence. Sunlight streaming through the glass. The pool glittering beyond. Their house. Their life. Real.
Luna jumped onto the counter. Walked between their plates. Tail high. Demanding attention like royalty.
"Down," Atlas said. No heat behind it.
She ignored him completely. Rubbed her face against Noah's forearm. Purring loudly.
Noah scratched her head. "She's fine."
"You spoil her."
"She's our baby."
"She's a terrorist."
But Atlas was smiling. His hand landing on Noah's thigh under the counter. Squeezing. Just holding. Thumb tracing circles through the fabric.
Noah covered it with his own. Laced their fingers together. Held on.
They sat like that. Eating. Touching. Existing in the same space.
---
After breakfast. Kitchen cleaned.
They stood at the glass wall. Looking out.
The pool glittering. Inviting. The yard impossibly green. Sunny chasing a squirrel. Failing spectacularly.
"Swim?" Atlas asked.
Noah glanced at him. "Now?"
"Why not?"
"We just ate."
"That's a myth."
"Is it?"
"Probably." Atlas turned to him. That playful look. The one that got Noah in trouble. "Come on. Saturday morning. We have a pool. Let's actually use it."
Noah looked at the water. At Atlas. At their life spread out before them.
"Okay. Yeah. Let's swim."
Atlas's smile was blinding. He grabbed Noah's hand. Pulled him toward the door.
---
Outside. The air warm but not hot yet. Perfect. That sweet spot before May turned brutal.
They stripped. Clothes dropped on the deck. No hesitation. Private property. No neighbors close enough to see.
Stood at the pool's edge. Naked. Shameless. Free.
"First one in—" Noah started.
Atlas shoved him.
Noah hit the water. Cold shock stealing his breath. Gasping. Surfacing sputtering.
"You asshole!"
Atlas was laughing. That full-body laugh. The one Noah lived for. Unguarded. Real.
Then he jumped. Cannonball. Wave of water hitting Noah square in the face.
Surfaced right in front of him. Grinning. Completely unrepentant. Water streaming down his face. His hair plastered to his forehead.
Beautiful.
Noah splashed him. Hard. Right in the face. "Dick move."
"Oh that's how we're playing?" Atlas lunged.
Noah swam away. Fast. Laughing. Heart pounding.
Atlas caught him anyway. Always did.
Arms around his waist. Pulling him back. Against his chest.
Noah struggled. Playful. "Let me go."
"No." Atlas's grip tightened. Possessive. Sure. "Caught you."
Noah stopped fighting. Turned in his arms. Faced him.
Water lapping around them. Sunlight on their faces. Droplets on Atlas's eyelashes. On his lips.
"Yeah," Noah said softly. "You did."
Atlas's expression shifted. Softened. "Hi."
"Hi."
They floated there. Treading water. Holding each other. The water cool against their heated skin. The sun warm on their shoulders. Perfect balance.
Atlas kissed him. Soft at first. Sweet. Tasting like chlorine and coffee and morning.
Noah kissed back. His legs wrapping around Atlas's waist. Arms around his neck. Anchoring himself.
They stayed like that. Kissing. Touching.
"I love you," Noah whispered against his mouth.
Atlas pulled back. Just enough to look at him. Really look. "I love you."
They smiled at each other. Stupid. Giddy. Completely gone.
"We really need curtains though," Noah added.
Atlas laughed. "Yeah. We really do."
---
Noah climbed out of the pool. Water streaming off him. Grabbed a towel from the deck chair.
"Let's work out," he said. Drying his hair.
Atlas looked up at him. Still in the water. Grinning. "What?"
"I'll be in the gym. Then shower." Noah headed toward the house.
Atlas burst out laughing. That full-body laugh.
Noah stopped. Turned back. "What?" But he was smiling too.
"What did you think I meant?"
Noah's face heated. "Shut up."
"Come help me out first." Atlas swam to the edge. Held up his hand.
Noah walked back. Reached down.
Atlas grabbed his wrist. Yanked hard.
Noah hit the water. Again. Gasping. Surfacing sputtering.
"You—"
Atlas was right there. Pulled him close. Kissing distance.
Noah's heart kicked into overdrive.
"Your heart's racing," Atlas murmured. Eyes dark. Dangerous.
"You pulled me—" Noah started.
Atlas kissed him. Hard. Consuming. Cut off whatever Noah was going to say.
When they broke apart, both their hearts hammering. Audible. Visible in the rapid rise and fall of their chests.
Noah leaned in. Mouth close to Atlas's ear. Voice dropped low. Rough. "We're even now."
He pulled away. Climbed out of the pool. Smooth. Easy.
Turned back. Looked at Atlas. Still in the water. Watching him.
Noah's tongue came out. Dragged across his bottom lip. Slow. Deliberate.
Then winked.
Atlas's face flushed. Actually flushed. Pink creeping up his neck.
Noah grinned. Victorious. "I'll be in the gym."
---
The home gym. Second floor. Windows overlooking the backyard.
Noah changed into workout shorts. Nothing else. Started the treadmill.
Running. Music in his ears. Losing himself in the rhythm.
Sweat building. His chest. His stomach. His back.
Ten minutes in, the door opened.
Atlas walked in. Stopped. Just stood there. Staring.
Noah glanced over. Smiled. Kept running.
Atlas didn't move. Just watched. His eyes tracking the sweat running down Noah's chest. His abs. Disappearing into his waistband.
Finally he walked over. Leaned against the window. Arms crossed. Still watching.
Noah laughed. Breathless. "We should start making dinner after showers."
Atlas didn't respond. His eyes glued to Noah's body. The way his muscles moved. The sheen of sweat on his skin.
"You're not listening," Noah said.
"I am." But Atlas's eyes didn't move. Didn't even try to pretend.
"What did I just say?"
Atlas finally looked up. Met his eyes. "Dinner. After showers."
"See? Listening."
"Multitasking."
Noah grinned. "We should make things Alice, Charles, Evelyn, and Sienna like."
Atlas's expression shifted. Eyes darkening. "Charles and Evelyn are bringing their partners too."
Noah's stride faltered. Just slightly. "Why didn't you tell me before?"
"Forgot."
Noah's eyebrows rose. "You forgot?"
"I'm distracted." Atlas's eyes back on Noah's body. Unapologetic.
Noah smiled. Shook his head. "You're not here right now."
"I'm here."
"Where?"
"Right here. Watching you run. Watching you sweat. Very here."
Noah hit the stop button. The treadmill slowing. His chest heaving. Completely soaked. His shorts dark with sweat.
He stepped off.
Atlas moved. Fast. Pulled Noah against him. Completely. No space between them.
His mouth on Noah's bottom lip. Sucking. Pulling.
Then kissing him. Deep. Intense. Desperate.
Noah kissed back. His hands sliding up Atlas's chest. Wet. Slippery.
When they broke apart, both gasping.
"I'm disgusting," Noah said. "All sweaty."
Atlas's mouth moved to Noah's shoulder. Bit down. Then his nose dragging along Noah's neck. Breathing him in.
"Shower," he said against Noah's skin. "Let's shower."
Noah pulled back. Looked at him. "Promise you'll behave."
Atlas's hand slid down. Grabbed Noah's ass. Squeezed hard. Pulled him flush.
Right up in Noah's space. Lips hovering over Noah's. Eyes on his mouth.
"Promise," he whispered. Smiling.
Then stepped back. Turned. Headed for the door. "Come on. We have to cook after."
Noah stood there. Frozen. Staring.
Atlas paused. Looked back over his shoulder. Winked.
Noah shook his head. Started following. "You promised. Don't forget."
"Would I lie to you?"
"Yes."
Atlas laughed.
---
Upstairs. Master bathroom. Massive shower. Glass enclosed. Big enough for four people easily.
They got in together.
Water hot. Steam building.
Twenty minutes later they stumbled out. Breathing hard. Towels wrapped around their waists.
Noah looked in the mirror. Red marks. Everywhere. His neck. His shoulders. His chest.
"Want to count?" Atlas asked. Grinning. Smug. "See who's winning?"
Noah grabbed a towel from the counter. Threw it at Atlas's face.
Atlas caught it. Laughing.
Noah picked up his toothbrush. Started brushing. Deliberately not looking at Atlas.
Atlas grabbed his own toothbrush. Came to stand beside Noah.
Hip checked him. Hard.
Noah stumbled sideways. Looked at him. Mouth full of toothpaste.
Atlas grinned around his toothbrush.
Noah rinsed. Spit. Wiped his mouth. "Are you on energy pills or something?"
Atlas rinsed. Spit. Turned to Noah. Stepped close. "Yeah."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Atlas's hand settled on Noah's hip. Squeezed. "Natural energy." His eyes sparkling. Mischievous.
Noah burst out laughing. "Guests are going to starve because of you."
He walked out. Toward the closet.
Atlas followed. Reached out. Tugged Noah's towel.
It fell.
"Oops," Atlas said. Not sorry at all. "My hand slipped."
Noah's face went red. He grabbed the towel. Wrapped it back around. Fast. "You're terrible."
"You love it."
"Unfortunately."
They got dressed. Casual. Shorts. T-shirts. Comfortable.
Went downstairs. Started prep.
---
Doorbell rang. Delivery.
They brought in bags of groceries. Everything they needed.
Started cooking together. Roast in the oven. Vegetables. Potatoes. Pasta. Salad. Fruit tart for dessert.
Moving around each other. Constant touching. Atlas's hand on Noah's waist when he passed. Noah's fingers trailing down Atlas's arm when reaching for salt.
Flirting. Teasing. Laughing.
Set the big outdoor table together. The one by the pool. Glasses. Plates. Silverware. Candles.
The sun starting to set. Orange and pink streaking the sky.
Noah looked at the table. The yard. The house.
Our house. Our life.
"I'm going to change," he said.
Went upstairs. Quick shower. Changed into black Italian-cut trousers. Loose white linen shirt. Sleeves rolled up. Cologne—light, fresh, expensive.
Came back downstairs.
Atlas was standing in the kitchen. Turned. Saw Noah.
Stopped moving. Just stared.
Started walking toward him. Eyes locked. Predatory.
Noah backed up. "They're coming soon. You need to get ready."
"Let them wait."
"Atlas—" Noah laughed. "Go. Change."
Atlas groaned. Dramatic. But turned. Headed upstairs. Muttering under his breath.
Noah smiled. Shook his head. Finished setting up.
---
Doorbell.
Noah opened it. Alice and Sienna. Both stunning. Alice in emerald silk. Sienna in black, simple, elegant.
"Noah!" Alice pulled him into a hug. Squeezed tight. Kissed both his cheeks. European style.
Noah hugged back. Genuine warmth flooding him. "Hi."
Alice stepped back. Hands on his shoulders. Really looked at him. "Okay. Who are you and what did you do with stressed Noah?"
"What?"
"You're glowing. Like actually glowing." She turned to Sienna. "Right?"
Sienna smiled. Nodded. "It's the house. Or the man. Probably both."
Noah's face heated. "I'm just—we're good. Really good."
"I can see that." Alice handed him a gift bag. Heavy. "For the house. Don't open it now. Later."
"You didn't have to—"
"Shut up and take it." But she was smiling.
Sienna hugged him next. Softer. Gentler. "Congratulations. Both of you."
"Thank you."
He led them inside. The kitchen gleaming. Professional but warm. Grabbed wine—Bordeaux, 2015, perfect temperature.
Poured three glasses. Handed them over.
"Atlas is upstairs. He'll be down soon."
"Take your time!" Alice called after him. Already heading toward the glass doors. "We're going to snoop."
Noah laughed. Watched them walk out. Alice's arm linked through Sienna's. Both of them looking at the pool, the yard, talking.
Doorbell again.
Charles and a woman. Blonde. Gorgeous. Nervous smile.
"Noah!" Charles pulled him into a tight hug. Unexpected. Warm.
Noah hesitated—just a moment—then hugged back. Charles had always been... complicated. Atlas's cousin. Close but competitive. But this felt genuine.
"Hey," Noah said. Stepped back.
"This is Harlow." Charles's hand on her lower back. Proud. "My girlfriend."
Harlow extended her hand. Smiled. Genuine but nervous. "It's so nice to finally meet you. Charles talks about you guys all the time."
"Good things, I hope."
"Mostly." She winked.
Noah laughed. Shook her hand. "Come in. Please."
She handed him a wrapped box. Tiffany blue. "For the house. Charles said you just moved in."
"Two weeks ago. Thank you. You didn't have to."
"We wanted to."
Noah led them to the kitchen. Poured more wine. Cabernet this time. Watched Charles take a long drink.
"Nervous?" Noah asked. Quiet. Just between them.
Charles glanced at Harlow. She was looking out at the yard. "Yeah. She hasn't met everyone yet. Big group."
"They'll love her."
"Hope so." Charles smiled. Uncertain. Vulnerable in a way Noah rarely saw. "She's important."
"Then they'll love her."
They went outside. Alice immediately swept Harlow into conversation. Asking questions. Making her laugh. Sienna joining in.
Charles relaxed. Visible relief.
Noah heard footsteps. Turned.
Atlas. Black trousers. White linen shirt. Sleeves rolled to his elbows. Hair still damp from the shower.
Their eyes met across the kitchen.
Both smiled. Automatic. Couldn't help it.
Alice's voice carried from outside. "Oh my god, you two didn't even plan that?"
Noah looked down. His white shirt. Black trousers. Almost identical.
"Guess not," Atlas said. Walking over. Close.
Alice came back in. Hugged Atlas. Kissed his cheek. Leaned in. Whispered something Noah couldn't hear.
Atlas laughed. Hugged her tight. "Missed you too."
He went to greet Charles. That bro-hug. Pats on the back. Then Sienna—gentler, affectionate.
Charles brought Harlow over. "Harlow, this is Atlas."
"Finally." Atlas shook her hand. Warm. Welcoming. "Charles won't shut up about you."
Harlow's face went pink. "Oh god."
"All good things. Promise."
"Mostly good things," Charles corrected. Grinning.
Everyone laughed.
They started moving toward the table. The sun setting. Sky orange and pink and purple. Perfect.
Doorbell.
Noah and Atlas looked at each other. Started toward the door together. Side by side.
Opened it.
Evelyn. Tall. Commanding. Elegant in navy. Atlas's older sister. Always intimidating even when she wasn't trying.
"Hi boys." Smiled. Walked in like she owned the place. Hugged Atlas first. Kissed his cheek. Held his face. "You look happy."
Atlas seemed surprised. "I am."
"Good." She meant it.
Turned to the man beside her. "This is Grayson. My boyfriend."
Grayson stepped forward. Easy smile. Confident but not arrogant. Extended his hand. "Great to finally meet you both. Evelyn talks about you constantly."
"Lies," Evelyn said. But she was smiling.
They shook hands. Polite. Friendly.
Then Evelyn turned to Noah.
Noah's stomach tightened. Evelyn had always been... careful with him. Polite but distant. Atlas's family. Not his.
She pulled him into a hug.
Noah froze. Just for a second.
Atlas noticed. His eyes tracking. Concerned. Protective.
Noah hugged her back. Careful. Uncertain.
Evelyn kissed his cheek. Stepped back. "Your cologne. What is it?"
"Um." His mind blank. "Tom Ford. Private Blend."
"It's perfect. Suits you."
"Thanks."
She handed him a bottle. Champagne. Expensive. "For the house. And for making my brother happy."
Noah's throat closed. "Thank you."
They moved outside. Noah poured more wine. Champagne for Evelyn and Grayson.
Brought it out. Everyone gathering. Talking. Laughing.
He and Atlas brought out the food. Trip after trip. Working together.
"Need help?" Alice asked. Already standing.
"Sit," Atlas said. Firm but friendly. "We've got it."
"Seriously," Noah added. "You're guests."
"So bossy," Alice muttered. But she sat back down. Smiling.
Final trip. Everything on the table. Roast beef. Roasted vegetables. Potatoes with herbs. Fresh pasta. Salad. Bread still warm.
They sat.
Atlas's hand landed on Noah's thigh. Under the table. Warm. Heavy. Possessive.
Noah glanced at him. Atlas was talking to Grayson. Didn't even look over. Just squeezed.
Noah's hand covered his. Held it there.
Plates filled. Wine poured. Conversations starting.
"So," Alice said. Looking at Noah and Atlas. That mischievous smile. "How's domestic life?"
"Good," Noah said. "Really good."
"Just good?" She raised an eyebrow. "You two have been glowing all night."
"We're happy," Atlas said simply. Squeezed Noah's thigh again.
"We can tell," Sienna added. Soft smile. "It's sweet."
"It's disgusting," Charles said. But he was grinning. "You two are worse than newlyweds."
"We are newlyweds," Atlas said. "Basically."
Everyone looked at them. Surprised. Interested.
"What?" Noah said.
"Are you—" Harlow started. Then stopped. Face red. "Sorry. That's not—"
"No, we're not engaged," Atlas clarified. Laughing. "I just meant—the house. Living together. Building a life. It feels like that."
"It does," Noah agreed. His chest warm.
"Well when you do get engaged," Alice said. "I expect to be the first call."
"Second," Evelyn corrected. "I'm family."
"I'm basically family."
"You're friends."
"Rude."
Everyone laughed.
Grayson leaned back. Glass in hand. "How long have you two been together?"
"Eight months," Noah said. "Officially."
"Feels longer," Atlas added. Looked at Noah. That soft expression. "In a good way."
Noah's stomach flipped. "Yeah. It does."
"Oh god," Charles groaned. "They're doing the thing."
"What thing?" Atlas asked. Not looking away from Noah.
"The eye thing. The 'we're the only two people here' thing."
"We're not—" Noah started.
"You absolutely are," Alice said. Grinning. "But it's cute. So we'll allow it."
Atlas finally looked away. Smiled at everyone. "Sorry."
"Don't be," Evelyn said. Her voice softer than usual. "It's nice. Seeing you like this."
Something passed between them. Sibling understanding. History.
Atlas nodded. Squeezed Noah's hand under the table.
Conversation flowed. Work. Summer plans. Travel.
"We're thinking Greece," Harlow said. "August maybe."
"Santorini?" Sienna asked.
"That's the plan. Have you been?"
"Last year. It's incredible."
They dove into travel talk. Hotels. Restaurants. Beaches.
Noah listened. Watched everyone. This table. These people. In their house. Their yard.
Real. This is real.
Atlas's thumb traced circles on his thigh. Absent. Automatic.
Noah glanced at him. Atlas was talking to Grayson. Something about markets. Business. Not paying attention to his hand.
But it stayed. Constant. Grounding.
"So Charles," Alice said. Mischief in her eyes. "Heard you had an interesting board meeting last week."
Charles groaned. "Who told you?"
"I have sources."
"What happened?" Harlow asked.
"Nothing."
"He fell asleep," Alice said. Grinning. "During the financial report. Actually snored."
Everyone burst out laughing.
"I wasn't sleeping!" Charles protested. "My eyes were closed. I was thinking."
"You were drooling."
"Lies."
"Ask Anderson. He has photos."
"He what?" Charles's face went pale.
More laughter. Harlow was crying. Sienna wiping her eyes.
"Please tell me he's joking," Charles said.
"He's not," Evelyn confirmed. "I've seen them. You look very peaceful."
"I'm calling Anderson now."
"Too late. They're already circulating."
The laughter continued. Easy. Warm. The kind that comes from years of friendship. Shared history. Love.
Noah caught Atlas's eye. Both smiled. Private. Grateful.
This. This is what home feels like.
"More wine?" Atlas asked. Standing.
"God yes," Charles said. "I'm going to need it."
Atlas grabbed bottles. Went around. Filling glasses. Noah helped. Working together without words.
When they sat back down, Grayson was telling a story.
"—so I'm standing there, completely soaked. Suit ruined. And she just looks at me and says 'Wrong fountain.'"
"There's a right fountain?" Noah asked.
"Apparently. In Rome. I jumped in the Trevi Fountain. Romantic gesture. Evelyn wanted the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi."
Evelyn sipped her wine. "Details matter."
"I was wet in December. In Italy."
"And I appreciated the effort. Eventually."
Everyone laughed.
Stories continued. Gossip. Society drama.
"Did you hear about the Ashtons?" Sienna asked.
"No. What happened?"
"Divorce. Finally."
"About time," Alice said. "They've been miserable for years."
"She's already dating someone. That artist. From the gallery opening."
"The sculptor?"
"That's the one."
"Good for her."
"He's twenty-six."
"Even better for her."
More laughter. The conversation flowing. Wine flowing. Everyone relaxed. Happy.
Noah watched Atlas. His hand gestures. His smile. The way he threw his head back when he really laughed.
Beautiful.
Atlas must have felt the stare. Turned. Met Noah's eyes.
Raised an eyebrow. Silent question.
Noah just smiled. Shook his head. Nothing.
Atlas's hand squeezed his thigh. Stayed there.
Charles was telling another story. Something about a yacht and a pelican. Everyone listening. Laughing.
Under the table, Noah laced his fingers through Atlas's. Held tight.
Atlas glanced at him. That soft look. Just for Noah.
Noah leaned in slightly. Close to his ear. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"This. Them. Everything."
Atlas turned his head. Their faces close. "Thank you for being here."
They stayed like that. Just a moment. The conversation continuing around them.
Then pulled back. Rejoined the group.
But their hands stayed linked. Under the table. Constant.
Dinner wound down. Plates empty. Wine flowing. Dessert brought out.
The fruit tart. Perfectly caramelized. Whipped cream. Fresh berries.
"Did you make this?" Alice asked. Eyes wide.
"We did," Noah said.
"It's incredible."
"Noah did most of it," Atlas said.
"Liar. You did the crust."
"You did the filling."
"Team effort."
"Adorable," Charles muttered. But he was smiling.
They moved to the lounge area. More comfortable. Spread out. Liquor. Cocktails. Coffee.
Conversations breaking into smaller groups. Charles and Grayson talking business. Alice and Harlow laughing about something. Sienna and Evelyn discussing art.
Noah and Atlas in the middle. Together but part of everything.
Around midnight, people started gathering things.
"This was wonderful," Alice said. Hugging Noah. Tight. "Seriously. Best night I've had in months."
"Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for hosting." She pulled back. Looked at him. Really looked. "I'm happy for you. Both of you."
"Me too."
Sienna hugged him next. "Beautiful home. Beautiful night."
Charles hugged both of them. "Next time at our place."
"You don't have a place," Atlas said.
"I'll get one. Just to host you assholes."
Harlow hugged them. "Thank you for having me. I was so nervous."
"Don't be," Noah said. "You're welcome anytime."
"Really?"
"Really."
She smiled. Relieved. Happy.
Evelyn hugged Atlas. Long. Tight. Then Noah. "Take care of him."
"I will."
"Good." She kissed his cheek. "Welcome to the family. Officially."
Noah's eyes stung. "Thank you."
Grayson shook their hands. "Great meeting you both. We'll do this again soon."
"Definitely."
Finally. Everyone gone. Cars pulling away. The yard quiet.
Noah and Atlas stood by the door. Looking at each other. Smiling.
"That was—" Noah started.
"Perfect," Atlas finished.
"Yeah."
They picked up their wine glasses. Walked out to the pool. Sat at the edge. Feet in the water.
The house glowing behind them. Lights reflecting on the water. Peaceful.
Noah leaned against Atlas's shoulder. Looked up at the stars.
"I never thought I'd have this," he said quietly.
Atlas's arm came around him. "What do you mean?"
"This. Us. Our house. Friends coming over. Everyone happy. Everyone together." Noah paused. Swallowed. "I thought it was impossible. So I didn't let myself imagine it."
Atlas was quiet for a moment. Then: "Me too."
Noah looked up at him.
"I never thought I'd want this," Atlas continued. "A home. A partner. This kind of life. Thought I'd be alone. Married to work maybe. But not—" He gestured. "Not this."
"And now?"
Atlas looked at him. Really looked. "Now I can't imagine anything else."
Noah's chest tightened. Happy. Overwhelmed. Complete.
He kissed Atlas. Soft. Real. Tasting like wine and future.
When they pulled apart, both smiling.
Sunny and Luna appeared. Curled up near their feet. Content. Home.
"We should find Sunny a friend," Noah said. Watching her sleep.
"A boyfriend?"
"Or girlfriend. We're not assuming."
Atlas laughed. "Fair. We'll look."
They sat there. Quiet. The water cool. The night warm. Perfect.
"Actually—" Noah turned slightly. Looked at Atlas. "Elias and Clara are coming over tomorrow afternoon."
"Yeah?"
"They want to see the house. "
"That'll be nice." Atlas's fingers traced patterns on Noah's shoulder. Lazy. Content. "What time?"
"Two, I think. I told them we'd give them the full tour."
"Pool included?"
"Obviously. That's the main attraction."
Atlas smiled. "Not us?"
"The pool. Definitely the pool."
They smiled at each other. Easy. Warm.
"I should probably actually make lunch," Noah said.
"We'll cook together." Atlas's hand moved to Noah's neck. Gentle. Turning his face toward him. "I want to do everything with you."
Noah's throat tightened.
He kissed Atlas. Soft. Real. "Okay. Together."
"Always."
They stayed a while longer. Then went inside. Upstairs. Arms around each other.
Changed into boxers. Fell into bed. Exhausted. Happy. Complete.
Noah turned. Cuddled into Atlas's chest. Kissed near his mouth. "I love you."
Atlas looked at him. Eyes soft. Warm. Home. "I love you too."
Noah's eyes closed. Sleep pulling him under. Smiling.
Atlas watched him. That peaceful face. That satisfied smile.
Listened to his breathing even out. Deep. Steady. Safe.
Our life. Our home. Our future.
He closed his eyes. Let himself drift.
Holding the man he loved. In their house. Their bed. Their life.