The night air wrapped cool around them as they stepped out of the diner, bell chiming faintly behind.
Streetlights painted the pavement in pale gold, and a taxi idled just across the road, headlights spilling across the curb.
Noel lifted a hand, and the cab rolled forward.
Luca slid in first, sprawling across the seat like he owned it, tugging Noel in after him.
The ride was quiet, the city passing in blurred streaks of neon and shadow.
Luca leaned into Noel's shoulder, heavy with food and contentment from the long day, letting the rhythm of the tires on asphalt lull him into peaceful drowsiness.
By the time they pulled up to their building, the streets were calmer, the hum of the engine fading as the driver pulled away.
Noel adjusted the strap of his bag, guiding Luca inside with a hand at his back.
The lobby smelled faintly of floor polish, the silence settling heavy after the city's noise.
They stepped into the elevator, doors closing with a soft shudder.
