Noah woke to gray light and the smell of sandalwood.
Not an alarm. Not Sunny. Just his body deciding it was done sleeping.
Atlas's chest under his cheek. Rising. Falling. That slow rhythm of deep sleep.
Noah didn't move.
Just lay there. Listening to the heartbeat under his ear. Steady. Strong. Real.
Yesterday happened.
The video. The comments. Millions of strangers knowing their faces now.
His stomach twisted.
What if today is different? What if people stare?
Atlas shifted in his sleep. His arm pulling Noah closer. Unconscious. Instinctive. Like even asleep he knew Noah was spiraling.
Noah pressed his face into warm tan skin. Breathed deep.
Sandalwood. Sleep. Something underneath that was just Atlas.
Stop. He's here. You're here.
He tilted his head up slowly.
Atlas's face was slack in sleep. Lips parted. That permanent furrow between his dark brows smoothed out. His tan skin golden even in the dim light. Lashes casting shadows.
God.
Noah's fingers moved without permission. Tracing up Atlas's stomach. Feeling the ridges of muscle twitch under his touch. The dip of hip bone. Up his side where he was ticklish but would never admit it.
Atlas stirred.
His breathing changed. Shallow now.
Dark brown eyes opened. Unfocused. Found green ones watching.
"Hey." Noah's voice came out rough. Unused.
Atlas blinked. Once. Twice.
His hand came up. Not to Noah's face—to his hair. Fingers sliding into the light brown waves. Tugging gently.
"Hey, love."
Wrecked voice. Lower than usual.
Something in Noah's stomach flipped.
"You okay?" Atlas asked it quiet. His fingers still in Noah's hair. Twisting a strand. Playing with it.
Not good morning. Not how'd you sleep.
Are you okay.
"Yeah." Noah turned his head. Pressed his lips to Atlas's chest. Right over his heart. "I'm okay."
Neither moved to get up.
Morning sounds filtered in. Birds. The house settling.
Light crept across the ceiling. Gray turning gold.
Noah watched it climb Atlas's body. Turn tan skin amber. Catch the dark hair on his chest.
"You're staring." Rumble under Noah's ear.
"Studying."
"Same thing."
"Scientific observation." Noah's finger traced his collarbone. "Very different."
Atlas's laugh was barely sound. Just his chest shaking.
His hand slid from Noah's hair. Down his neck. Fingers walking his spine. Counting vertebrae.
Noah shivered despite the warmth.
"Cold?"
"No."
Atlas's fingers kept moving. Lower. Finding the dip at the base of his spine. Pressing there.
Noah's breath caught.
They stayed like that. The world far away.
Then Noah's eyes drifted to the nightstand. His phone face-down.
"Don't." Atlas's hand stilled.
"I should—"
"Five minutes."
"Atlas."
"Five more minutes of this." His arm tightened. "Then reality."
Noah hesitated.
But Atlas was warm. Solid. Here. His fingers resuming their path up Noah's spine.
"Fine."
He settled back. Let himself have this.
---
The phone won eventually.
Noah reached for it. Atlas sat up beside him. Both propped against the headboard now. Shoulders touching.
The screen lit up.
Noah stared.
"That's not—" He refreshed. The number climbed while he watched. "What the fuck."
Atlas took the phone. Calm.
Noah leaned into his side immediately. Chin hooked over his shoulder. Needing to see.
Comments scrolled past.
"those green eyes tho""HIS DIMPLES I can't""soft boy energy""is he single???""I want him""angel face fr"
Noah's mouth twitched. He couldn't help it.
They like the dimples.
Atlas stopped scrolling.
His jaw had gone tight. That muscle jumping near his ear.
Noah watched from the corner of his eye. Watched tan fingers grip the phone harder.
Atlas opened DMs. Messages flooding.
"Hey beautiful""You're perfect""Are you actually with that guy??""I could treat you better ;)"
Silence.
Atlas's thumb hovered over the screen. Not scrolling. Just staring.
"I want him." He read it flat. "'My type.' The fuck does that mean."
Noah bit his cheek hard.
Don't smile. Don't—
"Random people." He kept his voice light. "They don't know me."
"They're talking about you like—" Atlas stopped. Breathed through his nose. Set the phone down. Too hard. "Whatever."
"Is it whatever though?"
"It's fine."
"You sure? Because your jaw is doing that thing—"
"What thing."
"The thing where it could cut glass."
Atlas's dark eyes cut to him.
Noah moved. Swung his leg over. Settled on Atlas's lap. Knees bracketing his hips.
His hands found Atlas's shoulders. The tension there. Tan skin warm under his palms.
"You're not jealous."
"No."
"Because you never get jealous."
"Never."
"Right." Noah's fingers walked up his neck. Found that tight muscle in his jaw. Pressed. "Very relaxed right now."
Atlas's hands landed on Noah's hips. Gripped hard through thin boxers.
"I don't like strangers thinking they have a shot."
"They don't."
"I know."
"Do you?"
Brown eyes met green. Held.
"Tell me anyway."
Noah leaned down. Stopped a breath away.
"They don't have a shot." Words against Atlas's mouth. "Nobody does."
"No?"
"Just you."
He closed the gap.
Soft first. Testing.
Then Atlas made a sound—low, frustrated—and his hand shot to Noah's neck. Gripped the back. Pulled him down.
The kiss turned hard. Deep. Atlas's tongue pushing in. Claiming.
Noah let him. Opened. Gave him whatever he needed.
When they broke apart, Noah's lips tingled. Swollen already.
Atlas's thumb traced over them. Pressing the sensitivity.
"Good." His voice had dropped. Gravel. "Keep it that way."
"Was planning on it."
---
Noah grabbed his phone again. Kept scrolling.
Atlas reached for his own.
Noah twisted immediately. Pressed against his side. Chin on his shoulder.
"Let me see."
"Why?"
"Fair's fair."
Atlas sighed. Unlocked it.
Instagram. Worse than Noah's.
Noah's stomach dropped.
Of course. Look at him.
Atlas's profile loaded.
"At least yours was private—" Noah started.
Atlas tapped settings.
"What are you doing?"
"Public."
"What? Why?"
"We should match." That smile. Small. Infuriating.
"That's insane—"
Atlas hit confirm.
The follower count jumped. Higher than Noah's already.
"Too late."
"You're impossible."
"We match now."
He opened DMs.
Noah read over his shoulder.
"that JAW""daddy vibes""he could ruin my life""those brown eyes I'm DEAD""is he single asking for me"
Noah's whole body went rigid.
His hand found Atlas's bicep. Squeezed. Hard enough to leave marks.
"You're not responding to those."
Atlas looked at him. Smile widening. "Wasn't going to."
"Good."
"But it's nice to know—"
"Don't." Noah grabbed the phone. Slapped it face-down on the mattress. "Don't joke."
Atlas was actually grinning now. White teeth against tan.
"You're jealous."
"I'm not."
"You're making my exact face from five minutes ago."
"I have no idea what you mean."
Atlas pulled him close. Pressed his lips to Noah's forehead. Lingered.
"I love you."
"The comments are stupid." Noah muttered it against his chest. "Daddy vibes. What does that even mean."
"No clue."
"Liar."
Atlas's laugh shook through both of them.
Noah held on tighter. Fingers digging into tan skin.
Mine. Whatever they say. Mine.
---
Shower. Quick.
Noah caught Atlas watching him towel off. Dark eyes tracking water drops down his chest. His stomach. Lower.
"Stop."
"Stop what?"
"We have work."
"I'm appreciating."
"Appreciate faster."
Atlas's grin was unrepentant.
They dressed. Headed down.
Morning light flooded the kitchen. Gold and warm. Dust suspended in the beams.
Noah opened the back door. Sunny exploded into the yard. Golden fur catching sun.
Coffee started. Toast in. Routine.
Then—
"GOOD MORNING FAMOUS PEOPLE."
Lydia. Bursting through the doorway like a bomb.
Atlas caught his mug. "Jesus, Lydia."
"Guess what guess what—"
"What." Noah cracked an egg. Didn't look up.
"One point eight MILLION views. My followers went from twelve thousand to SEVENTY."
She shoved her phone at them.
Noah glanced. That was a lot of views.
"Nice."
"Nice? NICE?" She grabbed his phone. "Let me see yours—"
"Lydia—"
She'd already opened it.
Her scream could shatter glass.
"FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND?"
"Please—"
"How do you have more than me already?" But she was grinning. Grabbing Atlas's phone. "What about—wait you're public now—"
She saw his count.
Screamed again.
Noah's ears rang.
"Three hundred—almost Four—"
"We're going deaf." Noah rescued both phones. "Sit. Eat. Stop screaming."
Lydia threw herself at them. Arms around both. Squeezing.
"We're famous!"
"We're not—"
"Tag me in your posts please please—"
"No."
"I'll make breakfast—"
"We're making breakfast."
"I'll supervise!"
She released them. Grabbed coffee. Parked at the island.
Started reading comments aloud.
"Someone said you're 'couple goals.'" She looked up. "Someone called Atlas 'protective boyfriend energy.' And Noah's apparently 'golden retriever boyfriend.'"
"What." Noah flipped eggs.
"Means you're cute and loyal—"
"I'm not a dog."
Atlas's hand found his lower back. Warm through his shirt. Thumb drawing circles.
"Little bit like a dog." Low. Just for Noah.
Noah elbowed him.
Lydia kept reading. "This one says brands will want you. Both of you. Especially together."
"No." Noah didn't look up. "Absolutely not."
Atlas's hand slid lower. Fingers hooking into Noah's waistband. Just resting.
"What if it's a good brand?" Voice innocent.
Noah turned. Green eyes meeting brown.
"You want to do sponsored content?"
"I want to see them try." That smile.
"We're not doing brand deals."
"Couple content specifically—"
"No."
But Atlas's fingers were still there. Warm. Possessive.
Noah's face heated.
"Fine." He turned back to the eggs. "Everyone eat."
---
The car.
Atlas drove one-handed. The other holding Noah's across the center console. Thumb rubbing his knuckles.
"If anything happens—"
"I'll call."
"I can be there in fifteen."
"I know."
Atlas squeezed. Raised their hands. Pressed his lips to Noah's fingers. Warm.
"You're calmer today."
Noah considered. He was. That knot in his chest looser.
"Maybe the worst part was not knowing." He watched buildings pass. "Now people know. Nothing exploded."
"Nothing's going to explode."
"You can't know that."
"I know you." Atlas kissed his knuckles again. "That's enough."
Noah's chest did something warm.
They talked schedules. Meetings. Normal things.
At Noah's building, Atlas pulled to the curb.
Noah unbuckled. Hesitated.
Then grabbed Atlas's collar. Yanked him across the console.
Kissed him hard.
Atlas made a surprised sound. Then his hand was in Noah's hair—gripping, pulling—and his mouth was opening—taking—
When Noah pulled back, both breathing ragged.
"What—" Atlas's pupils were blown. Dark swallowing brown. "What was that for?"
"Felt like it." Noah opened the door. Paused. "Don't answer any messages."
Atlas laughed. Still dazed. "Wasn't going to."
"Good."
Noah got out. Started walking.
Looked back once.
Atlas hadn't moved. Just watching.
Noah stuck his tongue out. Let his dimples show.
Atlas's expression shifted. Something hungry flickering.
Then the car pulled away.
---
The lobby.
Noah's steps slowed at the elevator.
Here we go.
Deep breath. Shoulders back.
The security guard looked up. Smiled. Same as always.
"Morning, Mr. Wentford."
"Morning, Dave."
The elevator. Two women from another floor.
They glanced at him. One whispered.
Noah's stomach clenched.
Then one smiled. Small. Friendly.
"Have a good day."
She got off.
Okay. That was—okay.
His floor. Doors opening.
The bullpen hummed. Morning chaos. Coffee and keyboards.
A few heads turned. A few smiles.
"Morning, Noah." "Hey." "Coffee's fresh."
Normal. All of it.
Noah exhaled.
His office. Glass walls. Fishbowl.
He sat. Opened his laptop.
Work emails. Normal things. Nothing about the video.
Boundaries exist. Okay.
His phone buzzed.
Atlas: Everything good?
Noah smiled at the screen.
Surprisingly yes
Atlas: Told you
Don't be smug
Atlas: I'm always smug
Unfortunately true
Atlas: Lunch?
Yes
Atlas: 12:30. Coming to get you
Miss you
Atlas: Miss you too
Then:
Atlas: Your dimples in the rearview mirror. Couldn't stop thinking about them.
Noah's face went hot.
You're ridiculous
Atlas: You love it
He did. God help him.
---
Eleven. Sienna appeared.
"You look less green."
"Was it that obvious?"
"You looked like you might vomit." She walked in. Sat across from him. "Today you look almost human."
"Thanks."
She reached across. Squeezed his hand briefly.
"We're here. If it gets weird. The team. Me."
Noah's throat tightened.
"Thanks, Sienna."
"Also—" She stood. Headed for the door. Paused. "Promotional posts. My gallery show. Next month. Use your influence for good."
Noah laughed. "I'll post something."
"You better."
---
Commotion outside his office.
Noah looked up.
Atlas. Walking through the bullpen like he owned it.
Navy suit. White shirt open at the collar. Tan skin visible at his throat. Dark hair styled but already a little messy.
People noticed. Eyes tracking. Quick smiles.
Atlas didn't seem to see any of them. His focus entirely on Noah's office.
The door opened.
"Hey."
"Hey."
Atlas crossed the room. Stood too close. Looking down at Noah still sitting.
Noah's face warmed. He could feel eyes through the glass.
"Fishbowl." He gestured at the walls.
"Mm."
Atlas didn't step back. His hand came up. Fixed Noah's collar. Fingers brushing the side of his neck.
Lingering.
"Get curtains."
"Open concept."
"Stupid concept." His thumb pressed Noah's pulse point. "Heart's racing."
Noah swatted his hand away. Stood. "We're at work."
"I noticed."
"So stop—"
"Stop what?" Atlas stepped closer. Not back. "I'm just standing here."
"You're being—"
"Being what?"
Noah's back hit his desk. When had he moved?
Atlas's hands landed on either side of him. Caging.
"We're in a glass office." Noah's voice came out strange. "Everyone can see."
"Everyone already saw the video."
"That's different."
"Is it?"
Atlas leaned in. His mouth near Noah's ear.
"I want them to see." Breath warm. "Want them to know you're mine."
Noah's knees went weak. Actually weak.
"You're—" He pushed at Atlas's chest. "Ridiculous. Let's go."
Atlas straightened. That satisfied smile.
"Ready for lunch?"
"I hate you."
"No you don't."
He didn't.
---
The elevator. Empty.
The second the doors closed, Atlas had him against the wall.
"Missed you."
"It's been four hours."
"Long four hours." His mouth found Noah's neck. That spot below his ear. "Kept thinking about you."
Noah's eyes closed. His hands finding Atlas's shoulders.
"We're in an elevator."
"I noticed."
"Someone could—"
The doors opened.
Atlas stepped back smooth. Face neutral.
An older woman got on. Pressed her floor.
Noah stared at the numbers. Face burning.
Atlas's hand found his. Hidden between their bodies. Squeezed.
You're the worst.
He squeezed back anyway.
---
The restaurant. Corner table.
They ordered. Food came.
Atlas's leg pressed against Noah's under the table. Thigh to thigh. Stayed there.
"Anything weird today?"
"No." Noah shook his head. "Everyone's been normal."
"Told you."
"You did."
Atlas reached across the table. His finger traced down Noah's hand. Casual. Like they weren't in public.
Noah glanced around. Nobody watching.
"You're very touchy today."
"I'm always touchy."
"Touchier."
Atlas's finger found his wrist. Pressed against his pulse.
"I like touching you." Simple. "Problem?"
"No." Noah's voice came out weird. He cleared his throat. "No problem."
Atlas smiled. Went back to his food.
But his leg stayed pressed to Noah's. His foot hooking around Noah's ankle under the table.
After—the check, the walk out.
Atlas's hand on Noah's lower back. Guiding. Possessive.
A woman looked at them. Smiled slightly.
Atlas's hand pressed harder. Deliberate.
The parking garage. Empty.
Noah was reaching for his seatbelt when Atlas grabbed his tie.
Pulled.
Noah barely gasped before Atlas's mouth was on his.
Not soft. Not asking.
Demanding. His tongue pushing in. One hand fisted in Noah's tie. The other gripping his jaw. Tilting his head where he wanted.
Noah grabbed his shirt. Pulled him closer. Console digging into his hip.
Didn't care.
Atlas bit his bottom lip. Pulled. Slow. Released it even slower.
Noah made a sound. Embarrassing. Didn't care about that either.
"Again." He heard himself say. "Do that again."
Atlas did. Teeth catching his lip. Dragging.
When they finally broke apart, both gasping. Noah's mouth felt bruised.
"Dessert." Atlas's voice was wrecked.
Noah laughed. Breathless. "Terrible."
"True though."
Noah kissed him again. Softer. Then pulled back.
"Drive. I have a meeting."
"Cancel it."
"Can't."
"Could."
"Drive."
Atlas groaned. Started the car.
His hand found Noah's thigh immediately. High. Stayed there.
Noah watched his profile. The tan jaw. The column of his throat.
"You're staring." Atlas didn't look over.
"Observing."
"You're gonna make me crash."
"Watch the road then."
"Hard to do when you look like that."
Noah's face went hot. "Like what?"
Atlas glanced at him. Dark eyes dropping to his mouth. His neck.
"Like you want me to pull over."
"I—" Noah's voice cracked. "Road. Watch the road."
Atlas laughed. Low. Warm.
His hand squeezed Noah's thigh.
---
At the building. Another kiss.
Longer than appropriate.
"Tonight." Atlas said it against his mouth.
"Tonight."
Noah got out. Walked inside.
Looked back once. Atlas still watching.
Noah smiled. Let his dimples show.
Atlas's hand went to his chest. Dramatic.
Noah laughed. Went inside.
---
Five o'clock. Atlas appeared.
The drive home. City lights starting to flicker on.
"I was scared before." Noah said it without planning. "That people would judge."
Atlas glanced over.
"And now?"
"Nobody did." Noah looked at him. "Not one person."
"Because there's nothing to judge."
"I know. Logically." He paused. "Different when it's real though."
Atlas reached over. Found his hand.
"I never wanted to hide." His thumb traced Noah's palm. "From the beginning. Wanted everyone to know."
"Really?"
"That you're mine. That you chose me." Atlas glanced at him. Brown eyes serious. "That I get this."
Noah's throat closed.
"You're mine too." It came out rough. "You know that."
"Yeah." Atlas raised their hands. Kissed Noah's knuckles. "I know."
---
Home.
Sunny exploded at the door.
Atlas crouched down. Let her attack his face.
"Hey, fat girl."
Bark. Tail going.
Noah watched. Atlas's dark hair getting destroyed. Tan face getting covered in dog kisses.
I'm lucky.
Lydia burst in.
"Famous couple!" She grinned. "How was the real world?"
"Normal." Noah dropped his bag. "Where were you?"
"Danny." Her smile softened. "We talked about you guys."
"Should I worry?"
"He wants to meet you. Dinner Saturday?"
Noah looked at Atlas. Atlas looked at Noah.
"Fine." Noah turned back. "You're cooking."
"Deal!"
She disappeared.
Atlas's arm came around Noah's waist.
"Double date?"
"Apparently."
"Could be worse."
---
Dinner. Simple.
Then upstairs. The balcony.
Evening cool. City lights below like scattered stars.
Noah brought his laptop. Pretended to work.
Gave up after twenty minutes.
Opened Instagram.
Scrolled through comments.
Then opened Atlas's profile.
Follower count: 637K.
"that jaw I'm deceased""daddy vibes""he could step on me""those brown eyes""is he single"
Noah's jaw tightened.
His grip on the phone went white-knuckled.
Random people. Doesn't mean anything. He's yours. He's—
"You're making a face."
Noah startled.
Atlas was watching him. That knowing expression.
"I'm not."
"You're on my profile."
"I'm just—" He locked the screen. "Looking."
Atlas took the phone. Tossed it aside.
Pulled Noah against him.
"The comments are stupid."
"I didn't say anything."
"Your eye was twitching."
"It doesn't—"
"It does. When you're annoyed." Atlas kissed his temple. "I love that you're jealous."
"I'm not—"
"You are." His arms tightened. "I love it."
Noah gave up. Melted into him.
"They're annoying comments."
"They are."
"Daddy vibes." He muttered it. "What does that even mean."
"No idea."
"Liar."
Atlas's laugh rumbled through both of them.
"I'm getting water." He shifted. "Want some?"
"Yeah."
Footsteps fading.
Noah stared at the city lights.
It's fine. Everything's fine.
---
Footsteps returning.
"Here—"
Noah turned.
Stopped.
Atlas was holding something. Not just water.
A flower. Single stem. White petals curving elegant.
Calla lily.
Noah's brain went blank.
"What—"
"Saw them yesterday." Atlas held it out. Casual. "Thought of you."
Noah took it.
His hands were shaking.
A calla lily.
Months ago. Random conversation. Noah mentioning his mom used to grow them. That they reminded him of home. Of before.
A throwaway sentence.
Atlas remembered.
"You—" His voice cracked. "This is—"
"Just a flower."
"It's not just a flower."
Atlas's expression softened.
Noah looked at the lily. White petals catching the fading light.
His eyes burned.
He set it down carefully.
Then launched himself at Atlas.
Arms around his neck. Face pressed into his shoulder. Holding on.
Atlas caught him. Held back just as tight.
"You like it?"
Noah nodded against his neck. Couldn't speak.
"Good."
They stood there. Balcony. Stars appearing.
Noah pulled back. Just enough to see.
Green eyes wet. Brown eyes soft.
"I love you." It came out raw. "I really love you."
Atlas's hand cupped his face. Thumb wiping under his eye.
"I love you too."
Noah tried to kiss him. Couldn't stop smiling.
Their teeth clicked. Awkward.
"Ow—" Atlas pulled back. Laughing.
"Sorry—I can't—" Noah was still grinning. Dimples deep.
"Stop smiling."
"You stop being—"
Atlas kissed him anyway. Mouth stretched against Noah's smile.
Messy. Imperfect.
Better than any perfect kiss.
---
They made it inside.
Noah pushed Atlas against the wall.
Atlas's eyebrows rose.
"My turn." Noah's voice dropped.
He didn't wait.
Kissed Atlas's jaw. The rough edge.
Down to his neck. Found his pulse. Hammering.
Good.
Bit down.
Atlas's whole body jerked. His head hit the wall.
"Noah—"
"Stay still."
He worked down. Collar pulled aside. Mouth and teeth on tan skin.
Atlas's hands grabbed his hips. Tried to pull him closer.
Noah pinned them to the wall.
"I said still."
A sound escaped Atlas. Low. Desperate.
Noah smiled against his skin.
He continued. Down Atlas's chest. His stomach. Muscle jumping under his mouth.
Each mark deliberate.
Mine. Every comment. Every DM.
This is mine.
When he finally looked up, Atlas was wrecked.
Flushed under his tan. Dark hair destroyed. Chest heaving.
Marks blooming on his neck. His collarbone.
"You—" His voice came out shattered. "—are going to kill me."
"Maybe." Noah stood. Kissed him hard. "Your turn."
Atlas moved fast.
Noah's back hit the opposite wall.
Atlas's mouth on his neck. Same intensity. Same claiming.
Noah's head fell back. Green eyes closing.
Yes.
Atlas worked down. Thorough. Devastating.
Noah's fingers found his dark hair. Gripped.
"Atlas—"
"Shh."
His mouth continued.
Noah stopped thinking.
They made it to the bed somehow.
Atlas pulled back. Looked at him.
"Wait." He was breathing hard. "Just—wait."
Noah blinked. "What?"
"I want to look at you."
Atlas's fingers traced his face. His jaw. The corner of his mouth.
Pressed into his dimple.
"You're so—" He stopped. Started again. "Sometimes I can't believe you're real."
Noah's chest ached.
He pulled Atlas down. Kissed him slow. Trying to say things words couldn't.
"I'm real." Against his mouth. "I'm here."
"I know." Atlas's voice broke slightly. "I know."
They moved together. Slow this time. No rush.
Every touch deliberate. Every breath shared.
Noah's nails dragged down Atlas's back. Not hard. Just claiming.
Atlas's mouth found his ear. "Mine."
"Yours." Noah's legs wrapped around him. "And you're—"
"Yours." Atlas pressed their foreheads together. "Always."
---
Later.
Much later.
Tangled in sheets. Both breathing hard.
Noah turned his head.
Atlas. Dark hair destroyed. Tan skin flushed. Marks everywhere.
I did that.
"You're staring." Atlas's voice was wrecked.
"Admiring." Noah's dimples appeared. "Different thing."
Atlas laughed. Tired. Happy.
He reached over. His finger pressed into Noah's dimple again.
"These." He traced the edge. "These are dangerous."
"They're just dimples."
"They make me want to do stupid things."
"What kind of stupid things?"
Atlas rolled over. Covered Noah completely.
"This kind."
Kissed him slow. Deep. Thorough.
When he pulled back, Noah was breathless.
"I thought we were tired."
"Changed my mind."
Noah laughed. Pushed at his chest. "We have work tomorrow."
"Work can wait."
"It really can't."
Atlas groaned. Rolled off. But pulled Noah against his side immediately.
"Fine. Sleep."
"So generous."
"I'm very giving."
Noah pressed a kiss to his shoulder. Then his chest. Over his heart.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Silence. Comfortable.
The flower sat on the nightstand. White petals catching moonlight.
"The comments are still annoying." Noah said it into the dark.
Atlas's laugh shook through both of them.
"Go to sleep."
"Make me."
Atlas kissed his forehead. Soft.
"Sleep."
Noah smiled against his skin.
Closed his eyes.
Fell asleep feeling claimed.
And claiming right back.