FRIDAY MORNING
Noah's alarm went off at 5:45 AM.
He grabbed his phone. Silenced it. Stared at the screen.
His thumb moved before he could think about it.
Noah: good morning. miss you
Send.
He lay there waiting. Thirty seconds. A minute.
His phone buzzed.
Atlas: good morning. miss you too
Noah smiled at the ceiling like an idiot.
Then forced himself up. Shower. Suit. Downstairs by 6:15.
His father was already in the Town Car. Tablet in hand. Face impassive.
Noah slid in. Closed the door. The driver pulled away.
Silence.
Noah pulled out his tablet. Opened files he'd already read twice. Pretended to study them.
His father's thumb swiped across his screen. Paused. Swiped again.
"Your Henderson analysis," his father said. Didn't look up. "I reviewed it this morning."
Noah's grip tightened on his tablet. "And?"
"No issues."
That was it. Two words. Then back to his screen.
Noah stared at his tablet. The words blurred together.
Tonight. 7 PM. Atlas.
Twelve hours. He could survive twelve hours.
His phone buzzed quietly in his pocket.
Atlas: thinking about you
Noah's mouth curved. He angled his body toward the window. Typed under the tablet.
Noah: me too
Atlas: tonight can't come fast enough
Noah: yeah
The car merged onto the highway. His father's tablet glowed blue in the early light.
Noah watched the city wake up outside his window.
And counted down the hours.
9 AM TO 5 PM
Meetings. Emails. Phone calls. Reports.
Noah moved through it all on autopilot.
His phone buzzed throughout the day.
Atlas - 10:23 AM: how's your morning
Noah: boring meetings. you?
Atlas: same. rather be with you
Noah: flatterer
Atlas: honest
Atlas - 12:47 PM: lunch?
Noah: ate at my desk
Atlas: that's not lunch. that's sadness on a plate
Noah: it was a salad
Atlas: my point exactly
Noah: focusing on work now
Atlas: liar. you're thinking about tonight
Noah: maybe
Atlas: definitely
Atlas - 3:15 PM: still alive?
Noah: barely
Atlas: few more hours
Noah: counting them
Atlas: me too
At 5:02 PM, Noah's father walked past his office. Didn't stop. Didn't look in.
Noah waited ten minutes.
Then grabbed his coat and left.
NOAH'S APARTMENT - 5:30 PM
He stripped the second he got through the door.
Shower. Hot water. Too hot. He didn't care.
Stood under the spray trying to calm down.
It didn't work.
He was seeing Atlas in ninety minutes.
His hands shook toweling off.
Closet. What the fuck did he wear? Casual? Too casual? Not casual enough?
His phone rang.
Atlas.
Noah answered. "Hey."
"Hey." Atlas's voice was warm. "Where should I pick you up?"
"Oh—I'm at my place. I can drive over."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I'll head out soon."
"Okay." Pause. "Noah?"
"Yeah?"
"Can't wait to see you."
Noah's face burned. "Me too."
They hung up.
Noah stood there holding his phone. Grinning like an idiot.
Then scrambled to get dressed.
Dark jeans. Navy shirt. Not too formal. Not too casual.
He checked his reflection. Ran his hand through his hair.
His eyes landed on the shelf above his dresser. The cologne bottle in the back. Haltane. He had bought it three years ago. He'd never opened it.
He grabbed it. Uncapped it. Sprayed once on his neck. Once on his wrists.
Different from what he usually wore. Darker. Richer.
Keys. Wallet. Phone.
He was out the door by 6:30.
THE DRIVE
His Ferrari roared to life. Red. Sleek. A car his father didn't approve of.
Tonight felt like the right occasion.
Traffic was light. He made it to Atlas's building by 6:50.
The valet's eyes widened. "Nice ride."
"Thanks." Noah tossed him the keys.
Elevator. Ninety-two floors. His reflection stared back at him in the polished doors.
He looked—nervous. Excited. Like a kid on Christmas morning.
The elevator chimed. Doors opened.
He walked to Atlas's door. Knocked.
Footsteps.
The door slammed shut.
Atlas didn't pause.
His hand found the back of Noah's head, fingers sliding into his hair — firm, possessive, careful.
In the same breath, he pushed Noah back, pressing him against the door.
Their bodies met with a dull thud, heat blooming in the narrow space between them.
Then he kissed him.
Not gentle. Not sweet.
His mouth crashed into Noah's — hungry, urgent. His tongue claimed the space between them, his teeth catching Noah's bottom lip before letting go.
Noah gasped. Atlas followed the sound, deepened the kiss, the hand in Noah's hair holding him there — steadying him, shielding his head from the hard wood.
Noah's hands fisted in Atlas's shirt. He held on because his knees weren't working.
Atlas's other hand slid down. Gripped Noah's hip. Pulled him forward until they were pressed together completely.
Then he slowed down. His lips moved softer. Gentler. Like he was savoring instead of devouring.
When he finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard.
"You changed your cologne," Atlas said. His nose brushed Noah's neck. "Smells incredible."
"You too." Noah's voice came out wrecked.
Atlas smiled against his skin. "Missed you."
"You saw me yesterday."
Atlas kissed his jaw. His neck. Right below his ear. "Too long."
Noah laughed. Breathless. "Dramatic."
Atlas pulled back. Looked at him. His eyes were dark. Warm. "Come on. I'm starving."
He grabbed Noah's hand. Led him toward the kitchen.
THE KITCHEN
"We're cooking?" Noah asked.
"You sound surprised."
"I am."
Atlas pulled ingredients from the fridge. "I'm not ordering in when I can make something better."
"Confident."
"You'll see."
Noah watched Atlas move around the kitchen. Efficient. Practiced. Like he did this all the time.
"What are we making?"
"Pasta. From scratch."
"Show off."
Atlas grinned. Tossed him an apron. "You're helping."
They worked side by side. Atlas showed him how to knead the dough. Noah's hands got covered in flour.
"Like this?" Noah asked.
"More pressure." Atlas's hands covered his. Guided the motion. "There. Feel that?"
Noah felt it. Also felt Atlas's chest against his back. His breath against his ear.
"Yeah," Noah managed.
They rolled out the dough. Cut it into strips. Atlas's arm brushed his every few seconds.
Noah couldn't focus.
The sauce was simmering. Something with tomatoes and garlic and herbs. It smelled incredible.
"Taste this." Atlas held up a spoon.
Noah leaned in. Tasted it. "That's really good."
"I know."
"Modest."
"Honest." Atlas set the spoon down. Moved to the stove.
Noah came up behind him. Wrapped his arms around Atlas's waist. Rested his chin on his shoulder.
Atlas went still. Then his hand covered Noah's. Squeezed.
"Hi," Noah said.
"Hi." Atlas turned his head. Kissed him. Quick. Sweet. "You're distracting me."
"Good."
Atlas laughed. Turned back to the stove. Noah stayed wrapped around him.
"So," Atlas said. "This weekend."
"What about it?"
"What do you want to do?"
Noah's fingers traced patterns on Atlas's stomach. "I thought you were planning it."
"I want you to decide. We'll do whatever you want."
"Anything?"
"Within reason." Atlas glanced back. His eyes glinted. "Unless you want something unreasonable. Then we'll negotiate."
Noah grinned. "I'll think about it."
"You do that."
The pasta was ready. Atlas plated it. Grabbed the wine. Led Noah to the dining table.
Candles. Dim lights. The city glittering through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"This is—" Noah stopped. "Nice."
"Nice?" Atlas's eyebrow rose.
"Really nice."
"Better."
They ate. The food was incredible. The wine was better. The conversation was easy.
Noah told Atlas about his father's silent treatment in the car. Atlas told him about his morning meetings running long.
Normal stuff. Comfortable.
Like they'd been doing this for years instead of days.
"You're staring," Atlas said.
"Can't help it."
Atlas's mouth curved. "Flatterer."
"Just honest," Noah shot back.
Atlas reached across the table. Took Noah's hand. "I'm glad you're here."
"Me too."
They finished eating. Atlas cleared the plates. Noah helped.
"PlayStation?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah?"
"Gran Turismo. You game?"
Noah's grin went sharp. "You're on."
THE LIVING ROOM
They settled on the couch. Controllers in hand. The game loaded.
"Fair warning," Atlas said. "I don't lose."
"Neither do I."
"We'll see."
First race. Atlas won. Barely.
Second race. Noah won.
Third race—
Noah leaned into Atlas. Let his hand drift to Atlas's stomach. Fingers tracing lazy patterns.
"What are you doing?" Atlas asked. His eyes stayed on the screen.
"Nothing." Noah's fingers slipped under Atlas's shirt. Brushed bare skin.
Atlas's car swerved. "That's cheating."
"Is it?" Noah leaned closer. His lips brushed Atlas's jaw. "Oops."
"Noah—"
Noah kissed his neck. Right below his ear.
Atlas's car crashed into a wall.
Noah crossed the finish line. Threw his hands up. "I win!"
Atlas dropped his controller. Turned to look at him. "You cheated."
"Prove it."
"I just watched you cheat."
"Sounds like sore loser talk." Noah grinned. Smug.
Atlas's eyes narrowed. "You're trouble."
"Maybe."
Then Atlas grabbed him. Pulled Noah onto his lap. Noah's legs bracketed Atlas's hips.
Atlas's hands settled on Noah's waist. "You cheated."
"You're terrible when you're losing."
"I didn't lose. I was sabotaged."
"Semantics." Noah's arms looped around Atlas's neck. "So. My prize?"
"Your what?"
"I won. I get a prize."
Atlas's smile went sharp. "What do you want?"
Noah leaned in. His lips brushed Atlas's ear. "Surprise me."
Atlas's hands tightened on his waist. He pulled Noah closer. Kissed him slow. Deep. Thorough.
When he pulled back, Noah's eyes were glazed.
"Good prize?" Atlas asked.
"Could be better."
Atlas laughed. Kissed him again.
Noah melted into it. His fingers slid into Atlas's hair. Held on.
They broke apart when Noah's phone rang.
He ignored it.
It rang again.
"Answer it," Atlas said.
Noah grabbed it. His mom. "Hey, Mom."
"Darling. How are you?"
"Good. What's up?"
"Just checking in. Wanted to hear your voice."
"I'm fine, Mom. Really."
"Good. I worry." Her voice softened. "Love you."
"Love you too."
He hung up. Set the phone down.
Atlas was watching him. His hands still on Noah's waist.
"Your mom okay?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah. Just... being my mom."
"That's nice."
Noah looked at him. "You miss yours?"
Atlas's expression shifted. "Sometimes."
Noah's fingers played with the hair at Atlas's nape. "Tell me about her sometime?"
"Yeah. Sometime." Atlas pulled him closer. Kissed him soft. "Later."
They settled back. Noah's head on Atlas's chest. Atlas's fingers in his hair.
Comfortable. Easy.
Perfect.
Then the doorbell rang.
Noah froze. "Who's that?"
"I don't know." Atlas frowned. Checked his watch. "It's almost ten."
The doorbell rang again.
Atlas stood. Noah scrambled off his lap.
"Stay here," Atlas said.
He walked to the door. Opened it.
"Alice?"
"Surprise!" She kissed Atlas's cheek. "I was in the area. Thought I'd check if you're ready for tomorrow instead of just calling."
She walked toward the living room. Stopped.
Her eyes landed on Noah. Then the two wine glasses on the coffee table. The candles. The general aura of interrupted romance.
"Oh," she said. Smiled. Bright. " Noah. It's been a while. "
Noah stood. Awkward. His face burning. "Hi Alice."
Atlas had followed her in
Alice's eyes sparkled. "Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt your... evening."
"You didn't—" Noah started.
"I absolutely did." She laughed. Moved to the couch. Sat. "Don't mind me."
Atlas sat in the chair across from her. Noah hesitated. Then sat on the couch. Far end. Away from Atlas.
Atlas reached over. Grabbed Noah's wrist. Pulled.
Noah ended up pressed against Atlas's side. Atlas's arm around his waist. His hand settling on Noah's hip.
Possessive. Casual. Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Alice watched. Her smile went wider.
"So," she said to Atlas. "Last time I saw you, you were a complete wreck. Nice to see you've finally pulled it together."
"Alice—" Atlas warned.
"What? It's true." She leaned back. "You look good. Happy. About time."
"Can we not—"
"You two are adorable. Like high school sweethearts."
Noah's face went hotter. Atlas's hand tightened on his hip.
"Anyway." Alice pulled out her phone. "Tomorrow. Monticello. Nine AM. Everything's set. The crew prepped the cars. You didn't show up yesterday — just bossed everyone around from a distance." Her eyes flicked between them. "Where were you?"
Atlas and Noah looked at each other.
Noah bit his lip. Tried not to smile.
Atlas's mouth curved.
"Never mind." Alice laughed. "I figured it out." She stood. "Noah, you're coming tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah—"
"Good." She was already walking to the door, smiling. "Yeah, I figured."
Atlas followed her. Noah stayed on the couch.
At the door, Alice turned. Hugged Atlas. "I like this version of you," she said quietly.
Then she was gone.
Atlas closed the door. Came back.
Noah was sitting rigid on the couch. His hands in his lap.
Atlas saw it immediately. "Hey."
He sat down. Pulled Noah close. "She's harmless."
"I know. I just—" Noah stopped. "Your friends. They're all—"
Atlas tilted Noah's face up. "You don't need to be nervous around them."
"Easy for you to say."
"Noah." Atlas kissed him. Soft.
Noah breathed.
Atlas kissed him again. Slower this time.
The tension melted.
"Better?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah."
They sat there. Atlas's arms around Noah. Noah's head on Atlas's chest.
"In high school," Noah said. "Everyone always talked about you and Alice."
Atlas laughed. "Of course they did."
"Were you—"
"No."
"Oh."
"Yeah. Reality's often different from rumors," Atlas's fingers combed through Noah's hair. "Come on. Let's go to bed."
"It's only ten-thirty."
"We have to be at Monticello by nine. That's an hour drive."
"Fine."
They walked to the bedroom. Got ready for bed.
Noah emerged from the bathroom in sweatpants and a t-shirt. The same white one from last time.
Atlas was already in bed. Shirtless. Watching him.
"Come here," he said.
Noah walked over. Climbed in.
Atlas pulled him close immediately. But then stopped.
His fingers found the hem of Noah's shirt. Played with it.
"Wait." Atlas's voice was quiet.
"Yeah?"
" Take this off" His fingers tugged gently. "I want to feel you."
Noah went still.
Atlas felt it. "You don't have to—"
"No. I—" Noah sat up. His hands went to his shirt hem. Stopped. "Just give me a second."
His face was burning. His hands shook slightly.
He grabbed the fabric. Pulled it over his head. Dropped it on the floor.
Then sat there. Bare. Exposed.
Atlas pushed himself up. Moved closer.
His hand came up. Hovered near Noah's ribs. Didn't touch.
"Can I?" he asked.
Noah nodded. Couldn't speak.
Atlas's palm settled against his side. Warm. Steady. His thumb traced Noah's lowest rib.
"You're shaking," Atlas said softly.
"I know."
"Nervous?"
"A little."
Atlas's hand slid around. Splayed across Noah's back. Pulled him closer.
"Look at me."
Noah looked up.
Atlas's eyes were dark. Intent. "You're beautiful."
"I'm not—"
"You are." His other hand came up. Cupped Noah's face. "I've wanted this. You. Like this. For so long."
Noah's breath caught.
Atlas leaned in. Kissed him. Slow. Deep. His hand still on Noah's bare back.
When he pulled back, Noah's eyes were glazed.
Noah lay down. On his back. Hands at his sides.
Atlas settled beside him. On his side. Propped up on one elbow.
His hand traced Noah's collarbone. Down his chest. Over his ribs. His stomach.
"You're still shaking," Atlas murmured.
"You're—" Noah stopped. "You're staring."
Atlas's fingers traced the line of Noah's hip. "Look at you… nothing between us."
His hand moved up. Into Noah's hair. Gentle strokes.
"Roll over," he said softly.
"What?"
"Roll over. Face away from me."
Noah hesitated. Then turned. His back to Atlas.
Atlas moved closer. His chest pressed against Noah's back. Skin on skin.
His arm came around Noah's waist. Pulled him flush against him.
Noah's whole body went rigid.
"Breathe," Atlas said against his ear.
Noah tried. It came out shaky.
Atlas's hand splayed across Noah's stomach. Warm. Grounding. His thumb traced lazy circles.
"I've got you," he murmured. "Relax."
"I'm trying."
"I know." Atlas's lips pressed to Noah's shoulder. "Take your time."
Minutes passed.
Gradually—so gradually—Noah started to relax.
His breathing evened out. His muscles loosened. His body melted back against Atlas's chest.
Atlas felt it. His arm tightened. His face pressed into Noah's hair.
"There you go," he said quietly. "Better?"
"Yeah." Noah's voice was barely there. "This is—"
"What?"
"Different."
"Good or bad?"
Noah was quiet for a moment. Then his hand came up. Covered Atlas's on his stomach. Laced their fingers together.
"Yeah," he whispered. "Good."
Atlas kissed his shoulder again. His neck. Right behind his ear.
"You feel incredible," he said. Low. Rough. "I could stay like this forever."
Noah's fingers tightened on his. "Me too."
They lay there. Wrapped around each other. Nothing between them.
Just skin. Warmth. Heartbeats syncing.
Noah's eyes grew heavy. His body completely relaxed now. Trusting.
"Atlas?" he murmured.
"Mm?"
"I think I'm getting used to sleeping with you."
"You think?" Atlas's voice was amused.
"Okay. I am."
"Better." Atlas kissed the top of his head. Held him tighter.
Noah closed his eyes. Smiled.
For the first time in days, he felt completely at peace.
Safe.
Happy.
Home.
Atlas's hand still on his stomach. His chest against Noah's back. His breath warm on Noah's neck.
Noah did. And this time, he didn't fight sleep.
Within minutes, they were both asleep.