One Month Later
The alarm shrieked at 6:15.
Noah cracked one eye open, groggy and half-dreaming. Atlas's arm was draped across his waist, heavy and warm. He reached for the phone, fumbled, finally silenced it.
Rolled over.
Atlas was still asleep. Breathing deep and even, hair everywhere, jaw slack.
One month. Noah traced the line of Atlas's collarbone with his eyes. One month since everything changed.
He had investors now. A team. A company with his name—well, his mother's name—on it. Prototype launching today. Real money, real stakes.
Don't screw this up.
He slipped out of bed carefully. Atlas didn't stir.
---
The shower was too hot, the way he liked it. Water beat down on his shoulders, steam filling the small space. He leaned against the tile, let his mind wander.
Last week's investor meeting had been a disaster. He'd stumbled over his words, lost his place in the presentation twice. One guy had actually checked his watch mid-pitch.
Today will be different. Has to be.
He turned his face up into the spray, water streaming down.
When he stepped out, he caught his reflection—hair dripping, water running down his jaw. He smiled at himself.
"You've got this," he said to the mirror.
Wrapped the towel around his waist, opened the door.
Atlas was awake. Sitting up in bed, squinting at him through sleep-heavy eyes.
"Morning," they said simultaneously.
Noah crossed to him, leaned down, pressed a soft kiss to his mouth.
Atlas's eyebrow quirked. "That's it?"
His hand found Noah's bare hip, pulled him closer. Kissed him again—harder this time, deeper. Fingers traced up Noah's damp spine, across his shoulder blades. Water droplets caught between their skin.
When they broke apart, Noah was breathing faster.
"I've got a big day," he said, smiling. "Need to focus."
Atlas kissed his forehead. "You'll kill it."
Noah cupped his face, kissed him once more. Quick. "I'll make breakfast."
He grabbed Atlas's hand, tugged him out of bed—
The towel slipped.
Hit the floor.
Atlas laughed, loud and unguarded. "I'm not looking." His eyes said otherwise.
He bent down, picked up the towel, wrapped it back around Noah's waist. Then pressed a kiss just above the knot. "There."
Noah couldn't stop grinning as Atlas headed for the bathroom. Ridiculous. We're ridiculous.
---
Noah pulled on his suit—navy, sharp lines, the one that made him feel like he knew what he was doing. Dried his hair. Checked his reflection three times.
In the kitchen, he cracked eggs into a pan. Toast popped up. The routine was soothing.
"Morning!" Sienna breezed in, already dressed.
"Hey."
She looked him up and down. "Damn. You clean up nice."
"Investor meeting." He adjusted his collar. "Big one."
She hugged him quick. "You're going to crush it. I believe in you."
"Thanks." He flipped the eggs. "The design mockups you sent? They're perfect."
"I'm getting feedback from the team today. Might tweak a few things." She grabbed plates from the cabinet.
That's when Noah smelled it. Atlas's cologne—woodsy, warm, unmistakable.
He looked up. Atlas walked in, grinning.
"Morning."
Sienna wrinkled her nose. "Did you shower in that stuff?"
Atlas laughed, crossed to Noah, wrapped his arms around him from behind. Kissed the top of his head.
They sat. Ate.
Atlas's expression shifted, going serious. "Board meeting this week. The joint venture is on the agenda."
Noah's shoulders tensed. "You can't put it off anymore. You'll have to meet with him."
"My father will be there too." Atlas's mouth pressed into a thin line. "So that's two people I don't want to deal with."
Sienna raised her eyebrows. "Please tell me Richard won't be there."
"He hasn't spoken to me in months anyway," Atlas said quietly.
Sienna watched them both carefully. "They don't like that you're not hiding. Be careful."
Noah's chest tightened.
Atlas's hand found his under the table. Squeezed.
Their eyes met.
"We'll figure it out," Atlas said.
Noah forced a smile. "The prototype goes live today."
Atlas winked. "If my meeting ends early, I'll swing by. Want to see what you've been building."
Sienna laughed. "The team voted you two couple of the year, by the way."
Noah's face went hot. "They know?"
"You two aren't exactly subtle." Sienna grabbed her bag. "See you at the office."
The door clicked shut.
Atlas turned to him. "Nervous?"
"A little." Noah traced the rim of his coffee cup. "But I'm ready."
Atlas pulled him close. "You're going to be amazing."
---
They finished getting ready. Atlas drove. Held Noah's hand the whole way, thumb rubbing circles over his knuckles.
"Tell me about the prototype," Atlas said.
Noah explained—features, user flow, the testing phase. Atlas asked questions, good ones. He's actually listening. Not just pretending.
They pulled up to the building. Modern. Clean lines. Understated.
Atlas cupped his jaw. "I'm proud of you."
Noah's throat felt tight. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Atlas kissed him. Slow, thorough. Like they had all the time in the world.
Noah pulled back, grinning. "I really need to go."
"Go." Atlas's smile was soft. "Go build your empire."
---
Noah stepped into the office. His team was already there—laptops open, coffee in hand, low hum of conversation.
Mine. This is mine.
"Morning, Noah," someone called.
He smiled. "Morning."
Logan and Madison approached. "Got a minute?"
They moved to the conference room. Logan pulled up his tablet. "Mobile side's got a few bugs. Team's working on it, but—"
"How bad?"
"Not terrible. But we should address it before launch."
Noah nodded. "After the investor meeting. We'll prioritize."
A knock. Jenna poked her head in. "Investors are here in ten."
Noah took a breath. "Let's do this."
---
The meeting room was too cold. Noah's palms were sweating.
Three investors. Sharp suits. Sharper questions.
He started shaky—stumbled over the first slide. But then muscle memory kicked in. He found his rhythm.
Explained the problem they were solving. Showed the prototype. Walked through user testing data. Revenue projections. Timeline.
Questions came. He answered them cleanly, confidently.
I've got this. I actually have this.
The meeting ended. Handshakes. Promises to follow up.
The door closed behind them.
Noah exhaled. Sienna squeezed his shoulder. "Told you."
---
The rest of the day blurred. Contract review with the lawyer. Design revisions. Team check-ins.
Lunch was a sandwich Sienna brought him, eaten standing up.
"You need to sit," she said.
"I'm fine." He was buzzing, couldn't stop moving.
By 4 PM, the whole team was in the conference room. The prototype was ready.
"Alright," Noah said. "Let's launch."
Logan hit enter.
The room held its breath.
Then—success. Green lights across the board.
Someone cheered. Madison high-fived Logan. Sienna hugged Noah.
We did it. Holy shit, we actually did it.
---
By the time the sun started setting, Noah was exhausted. Good exhausted. Proud exhausted.
His phone buzzed.
Mom: Dinner tonight? Here's the address.
He typed back: Sure. What time?
Mom: 7. See you then.
Another text.
Atlas: Picking you up. Don't argue.
Noah smiled.
He gathered his things, said goodbye to the team. Found Sienna in the hallway.
"Heading out?"
"Atlas is getting me. Meeting my mom for dinner."
Sienna's expression softened. "Good. Tell her I said hi."
"Will do."
He pulled on his coat, took the elevator down. The lobby was quiet—just security and the hum of fluorescent lights.
Outside, the air was crisp. City sounds filled the space around him.
---
Atlas's car was parked at the curb. Engine running.
Noah climbed in, and before he could even close the door, Atlas was kissing him. Deep. Hungry.
"Proud of you," Atlas murmured against his mouth.
Noah laughed, breathless. "You already said that."
"Saying it again." Atlas kissed him once more, then pulled into traffic.
Noah leaned back, let the tension drain from his shoulders. "How was your day?"
"Long. Boring." Atlas's hand found his thigh. "Tell me about yours."
So Noah did. Told him everything—the investor meeting, the bugs, the launch, the team's reaction. Atlas listened, asked questions, smiled at the right moments.
This. This is what it's supposed to feel like.
They pulled up to the restaurant. Warm light spilled from the windows. Noah could see his mom inside already, sitting at a corner table.
"You want me to come in?" Atlas asked.
"No, it's—" Noah hesitated. "She wants it to be just us tonight."
Atlas nodded. "Text me when you're done. I'll come get you."
"You don't have to—"
"I want to." Atlas squeezed his hand. "Go. I'll be around."
Noah kissed him. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"Everything."
Atlas's smile was crooked. "Go see your mom."
Noah climbed out, watched Atlas drive away. Then turned toward the restaurant.
His mom waved. He waved back.
Here goes nothing.
He pushed open the door, and the warmth hit him immediately. His mom stood, hugged him tight.
"You look good," she said.
"Thanks." He sat across from her. "You too."
They ordered. Made small talk. Then—
"How's Atlas?"
Noah smiled. "He's good. Really good."
"And the company?"
"Prototype launched today." He couldn't keep the pride out of his voice. "Everything went smooth."
Her eyes softened. "I'm proud of you, Noah."
His chest tightened. "Thanks, Mom."
They ate. Talked about the future, about his plans, about the risks. She asked good questions. Listened more than she spoke.
"Your father called me," she said eventually.
Noah went still. "What?"
"Last week. Wanted to know where you were." She took a sip of wine. "I didn't tell him anything."
"What did he want?"
"What he always wants. Control." She reached across the table, took his hand. "Be careful. He's not going to let this go."
"I know." Noah's voice was quiet. "Atlas and I—we're ready."
"Are you?" She squeezed his hand. "Because when Richard pushes, he doesn't stop."
"I know," Noah said again. "But I'm not running anymore."
She studied him for a long moment. Then nodded. "Good."
---
Dinner ended around nine. Noah texted Atlas. Five minutes later, the car pulled up.
He hugged his mom goodbye, promised to visit soon.
Climbed into the car.
Atlas looked at him. "How'd it go?"
"Good. Complicated." Noah rubbed his face. "She said my father called her."
Atlas's jaw tightened. "What'd he want?"
"Me. Or information about me. She didn't tell him anything."
"Good." Atlas's hand found his. "We'll deal with it."
"I know." Noah leaned his head back. "I'm just tired."
"Then let's go home."
Home. Noah closed his eyes, let the word settle. "Yeah. Let's go home."
---
Back at the apartment, the lights were off. Alice and Sienna weren't back yet.
The door had barely closed when Sunny launched himself at Noah. All seventy pounds of excited dog.
Noah stumbled backward, grabbing Atlas's arm to stay upright. "Whoa—hey, buddy!"
Sunny's tail whipped back and forth, entire body wiggling.
"Missed you too," Noah laughed, crouching down to scratch behind his ears. Sunny licked his face enthusiastically.
"I'll be in the bedroom," Atlas said, already heading down the hallway.
Luna trotted after him, tail high.
Noah called after them, "She follows you everywhere, you know."
Atlas's laugh echoed down the corridor. Deep. Warm.
God, I love that sound.
Noah gave Sunny one more pat, then straightened, following Atlas's path.
---
Atlas had already stripped off his shirt. It was draped over the chair, buttons catching the dim light from the hallway.
Noah stopped in the doorway. Just looked.
Atlas turned. Their eyes met.
Noah moved first—crossed the room, slid his hand up Atlas's bare chest. Felt the warmth of his skin, the steady thump of his heartbeat underneath.
Atlas's hand found Noah's hip. Pulled him flush against him.
They stood there, breathing the same air. Close enough that Noah could see the flecks of gold in Atlas's eyes.
Noah traced his finger along Atlas's bottom lip. Slowly. Deliberately.
Then he gripped Atlas's shoulders, walked him backward until his back hit the wall, and kissed him.
Hard.
Like he'd been thinking about it all day. Because he had been.
Atlas made a sound low in his throat, hands fisting in Noah's shirt. Noah's fingers slid into his hair, angled his head for a better angle, deeper access.
Luna meowed. Loudly. Weaving between their feet.
They ignored her.
Sunny barked. Once. Twice.
Still ignored.
Then Sunny planted his front paws on Noah's leg, shoving his head between them. Barking nonstop.
Noah broke away, laughing breathlessly. "Sunny—"
"Out," Atlas said. "They're going out."
Noah looked at him. Atlas's eyes were dark. His lips were red, swollen. Hair messed up from Noah's fingers.
Beautiful.
"Yeah," Noah said. "Let me just—"
He opened the door. Sunny bounded out immediately. Luna gave them both a look—distinctly unimpressed—before sauntering into the hallway.
Noah started to close the door.
Atlas caught his wrist, pulled him back inside, and locked it. The click echoed.
Noah's pulse jumped.
Atlas walked him backward. Noah's shoulders hit the door. Atlas's hands found his wrists, pinned them above his head.
"Where were we?" Atlas's voice came out low, rough.
Noah's mouth curved. "I forget. Show me."
Atlas backed him against the wall—hard enough that Noah's breath caught. Kissed him like he'd been starving for it. Noah matched him, teeth catching Atlas's bottom lip, biting down.
Atlas made a sound—half-growl, half-groan. His hands went to Noah's suit jacket, shoving it off his shoulders. It dropped.
"Fuck," Atlas muttered against his mouth.
"Yeah." Noah's hands slid under the open shirt, nails dragging down Atlas's chest. "That's the idea."
Atlas grabbed his tie, yanked it loose, pulled it over his head. Tossed it somewhere. Then went for Noah's shirt—impatient, rough. Buttons scattered.
Too many clothes. Still too many clothes.
Noah shoved Atlas's shirt off. It hit the floor. His hands mapped Atlas's shoulders, his ribs, the cut of muscle at his hips.
Atlas's mouth moved to his jaw. Bit down. Noah's head tipped back, exposing his throat. Atlas took the invitation—teeth and tongue and the scrape of stubble.
"Bed," Noah managed. "Now."
Atlas spun them, walked Noah backward. Noah's legs hit the mattress and he sat, pulling Atlas down with him. Atlas caught himself on his hands, caged Noah in.
Noah looked up at him. Atlas's pupils were blown, his breathing harsh.
"Come here." Noah's hand fisted in Atlas's hair, dragged him down.
The kiss was brutal. All tongue and teeth and desperation. Noah bit Atlas's lip hard enough to sting. Atlas groaned into his mouth.
Noah flipped them—sudden, aggressive. Straddled Atlas's hips, pinned his wrists above his head.
"Stay," Noah ordered.
Atlas's eyes went darker. "Make me."
Noah leaned down, bit his jaw. His neck. His collarbone. Marking him. Atlas's hips jerked up.
"Fuck—Noah—"
Noah's free hand went to Atlas's belt. Got it open. Zipper down. He shoved Atlas's pants down his hips.
Atlas broke his grip—easy, like he'd been letting Noah hold him—and flipped them again. Noah's back hit the mattress. Atlas settled between his thighs, grinding down.
Noah's hands scrabbled at his own pants, trying to get them off. Atlas helped—or hindered, really, his hands getting in the way as much as they helped. Finally they were both naked, and Atlas pressed his full weight down.
"Better," Noah gasped.
Atlas's hand wrapped around both of them. Noah arched, a broken sound escaping his throat.
"Louder," Atlas demanded against his ear. "Want to hear you."
Noah bit down on his shoulder instead. Atlas hissed, hips stuttering.
"Brat." Atlas bit his neck in retaliation. Sucked a mark there. Then another.
Noah's nails raked down his back. "Harder."
Atlas obliged. His hand moved faster, grip tighter. Noah's thighs clenched around his hips, heels digging into his ass.
"Atlas—I need—"
"What?" Atlas grabbed his jaw with his free hand, forced him to meet his eyes. "Tell me."
"You." Noah's voice broke. "Inside. Now."
Atlas's eyes flashed. He reached over, fumbled in the nightstand. Came back with supplies.
The prep was quick, efficient. Noah was too far gone for patience. He grabbed Atlas's wrist.
"Enough. Now."
Atlas lined up. Pushed in—slow at first, then harder when Noah wrapped his legs around him and pulled.
"Fuck—" Noah's head slammed back into the pillow.
"Okay?" Atlas's voice was strained.
"Move." Noah dug his heels in. "Move."
Atlas did. Hard and fast and exactly what Noah needed. Noah met him thrust for thrust, nails scoring down his back.
"Look at me," Atlas growled.
Noah did. Their eyes locked. Atlas grabbed his hand, pinned it beside his head. Fingers laced together.
"I love you," Atlas said.
"Prove it," Noah shot back.
Atlas's laugh was breathless. His hips snapped forward, hitting that spot that made Noah see stars.
"Like that?"
"Yes—fuck—yes—"
The rhythm turned brutal. Noah couldn't think, could barely breathe. Every nerve was on fire.
"Touch yourself," Atlas ordered.
Noah did. His hand moved fast, desperate. Atlas watched, transfixed.
"So fucking perfect," Atlas muttered. "Look at you—"
"Shut up and kiss me."
Atlas crashed their mouths together. Messy and graceless and perfect.
Noah broke first. His whole body went taut, back arching off the bed. He came hard, vision whiting out, Atlas's name torn from his throat.
Atlas followed—three more thrusts and then he was gone, forehead pressed to Noah's, Noah's name a prayer on his lips.
They collapsed together. Breathing hard. Hearts pounding.
After a long moment, Noah started laughing.
Atlas lifted his head. "What?"
"Nothing." Noah was still grinning. "Just—we're really good at that."
Atlas snorted, dropped his forehead back to Noah's shoulder. "Yeah. We are."
Noah's hands traced lazy patterns on his back. "Love you."
"Love you too." Atlas pressed a kiss to his collarbone. Then looked up, grinned. "Give me ten minutes. We're doing that again."
Noah laughed. "Deal."
---
They lay there catching their breath. Atlas rolled off, immediately pulled Noah against his side. Noah went willingly, tucking his face into Atlas's neck.
"You okay?" Atlas asked quietly.
"More than okay." Noah pressed a kiss to his jaw. "That was—"
"Yeah."
Silence settled, comfortable and warm. Atlas's fingers traced idle patterns on Noah's shoulder. Noah's hand rested on Atlas's chest, feeling his heartbeat slow.
"I should get us water," Atlas said eventually.
"Don't move."
"Bossy."
"You love it."
Atlas laughed softly, tightened his arm around him. "I really do."
---
Noah must've dozed off. When he woke, the room was darker—just the city lights filtering through the window. Atlas was propped on one elbow beside him, watching.
"Creepy," Noah mumbled, voice rough with sleep.
"Admiring." Atlas's hand slid down his side. "There's a difference."
Noah's breath caught when Atlas's fingers traced his hip bone. Lower.
"You said ten minutes."
"It's been twenty." Atlas leaned down, kissed the corner of his mouth. "Can I—"
"Yeah." Noah turned his head, caught Atlas's lips properly. "Yeah."
This time was different. Slower. Atlas took his time—mouth trailing down Noah's neck, across his chest, lower. No rush. No desperation. Just deliberate, focused attention that made Noah's toes curl.
"Atlas—" Noah's hand found his hair.
Atlas looked up, eyes dark. "Let me."
So Noah did. Let Atlas take him apart piece by piece with his mouth, his hands, until Noah was trembling and incoherent.
When Atlas finally pressed inside him again, Noah was already halfway gone. He wrapped his legs around Atlas's waist, pulled him close.
"Missed you," Noah whispered. "Even though you were right here."
Atlas kissed him. Soft. "I know. Me too."
They moved together—gentler than before but no less intense. Atlas's forehead pressed to his, their breathing synced, hands clasped tight.
"Noah—"
"I'm close," Noah gasped. "Don't stop—"
"Never."
They fell together this time—no race, no chase. Just together.
After, Atlas carefully pulled out, collapsed beside him. Dragged Noah back against his chest.
"Shower?" Atlas mumbled into his hair.
"Tomorrow."
"We're disgusting."
"Don't care." Noah laced their fingers together. "Too tired to move."
Atlas kissed his shoulder. "Fair."
They lay there in the dark. Exhausted. Satisfied. Together.
"Love you," Noah said, already half-asleep.
"Love you too." Atlas pulled the blanket over them. "Sleep."
Noah did—warm and safe and exactly where he wanted to be.