Atlas woke to pale morning light filtering through the curtains. He blinked, groggy, then turned his head.
Noah was asleep beside him, hair falling across his face. Atlas reached over, brushed it back gently.
Sunny was curled up next to Noah's side. The dog's eyes opened. Met Atlas's.
Then—without warning—Sunny scrambled up and wedged himself directly between them. Sprawled out. Took up the entire middle of the bed.
"Get off," Atlas muttered.
Sunny spread out wider. Dropped his head onto Noah's pillow with a satisfied huff.
Noah stirred, eyes cracking open. "What's happening?"
Atlas sat up, tried to push Sunny aside. The dog went limp. Dead weight.
"He's—" Atlas shoved again. "He's taking over."
Sunny rolled onto his back, then launched himself at Noah's face. Tongue everywhere.
Noah yelped, laughing, trying to push him away. "Sunny—stop—"
Their eyes met over Sunny's frantically wagging body.
"Morning," they said at the same time, still laughing.
Noah wiped his face. "Not romantic at all."
"What did you expect?" Atlas grinned. "Morning romance?"
"Not anymore." Noah looked at Sunny, who was now panting happily between them. "How much do you weigh now, buddy?"
"You're the one who lets him sleep here," Atlas pointed out.
"Fair." Noah scratched behind Sunny's ears.
Atlas stood, scooped Sunny up—all seventy pounds of him—and deposited him on the floor.
Sunny barked. Loud. Insistent.
"Mating season," Noah said, still half-laughing. "That's why he's acting weird."
Atlas raised an eyebrow. "Are we getting him a boyfriend?"
"Maybe." Noah grinned.
Atlas grabbed his hand, pulled him out of bed. "Come on. We can talk in the shower."
Noah kissed his cheek quickly. "Since when do we talk in the shower?"
Atlas laced their fingers together. "First time for everything."
---
They stood in front of the bathroom mirror, towels wrapped around their waists. Steam still clung to the glass.
Atlas traced the marks on his neck. "These still haven't healed."
Noah leaned against the counter, grinning. Flirty. "You expect them to heal in three days?"
He gestured to his own body. "I'm covered in your marks."
"You complaining?"
Noah glanced at him sideways. "I'll have to think about it."
He moved closer, wrapped his arms around Atlas from behind. Bit down gently on his shoulder. Then kissed the spot.
Laughed.
Atlas turned in his arms, hand sliding to Noah's ass. Pulled him close. Kissed him hard.
"Breakfast," Atlas murmured against his mouth.
Noah looked at him with that stupid smile. The one Atlas loved.
---
They got dressed, trading ridiculous flirty comments the whole time.
"I'm making breakfast," Atlas announced finally, laughing. As he passed Noah, he squeezed his ass.
Noah winked. Stuck his tongue out.
"Not falling for it," Atlas called from the doorway.
Then stopped. Turned back. Crossed to Noah and kissed him—hot, demanding.
"Didn't fall for it, huh?" Noah's voice came out low.
"You're evil." Atlas grinned, then left.
---
When Noah walked into the kitchen, Alice and Sienna were already there.
"Morning," he said, sliding into the chair next to Atlas.
Atlas's hand immediately found his thigh.
Noah tried to look at him. Failed. Started telling Alice and Sienna about the project updates instead. But his eyes kept drifting to Atlas.
"Stop flirting with each other," Alice said, laughing.
Noah put on an innocent expression.
Atlas looked at him. Started laughing. Noah couldn't help it—he laughed too.
Noah turned to Atlas. Same innocent face. "Will you drive me to work today?"
Atlas leaned in—close enough to kiss. Winked. His eyes dropped to Noah's lips.
Noah's face went red. He pulled back.
Sienna and Alice burst out laughing.
"It's March, you two," Sienna said, grinning.
Noah stood. "See you later."
Atlas caught his hand. Looked at Alice and Sienna. "See you tonight."
"See you," they chorused.
---
In the car, Atlas's hand traced patterns on Noah's thigh.
"I have a meeting tomorrow," Atlas said quietly. "After the board meeting. With Thomas and Richard."
Noah tensed. Looked out the window.
"Some investors backed out," Noah said. His voice was flat. "Even though everything's positive, they said they'd 'reconsider in the future.' Because of them."
Atlas squeezed his hand. "It'll get better."
They pulled up to Noah's building.
Noah hugged him tight. Kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too." Atlas kissed him back. "See you tonight."
Noah climbed out, walked toward his company. Looked back once.
Atlas was watching. Smiled.
Noah smiled back.
---
Sunlight hit the windows, warming the white walls. The city hummed fifteen floors below—just a whisper up here. Inside, keyboards clicked in rhythm.
Ten people.
Ten different minds.
But today, something else hung in the air. Electricity.
"Sienna's got something to show us!" Jenna called from the doorway. "Conference room!"
Heads lifted from screens. Madison closed her tablet. Hayden saved his graphics file. Emmett paused his logs. The designers pushed back from their desks.
Noah stayed seated for a moment.
This is really happening.
He couldn't name the feeling. Warm. Foreign. Overwhelming.
---
In the conference room, Logan had the projector running.
Two news sites on screen.
Then a third.
Sienna crossed her arms, slow smile spreading. "Wentford Analytics got picked up. Three different places."
Silence.
Nobody even breathed.
Madison zoomed in:
"Wentford Analytics: Early Prototype Shows Promise" • "NYC Startup Spotlight: Ex-Yale Team's Project Gains Traction"
• "Emerging Tools in Predictive Analysis — A New Player from Manhattan"
One second of stillness—
"YESSSS!"
Madison screamed.
Garrett jumped out of his chair.
The design team hugged each other.
Even Emmett—quiet, serious Emmett—stood and clapped.
Sienna nodded, pride written all over her face. "They're small sites. But this is our work."
Logan pulled out cans of Coke from the cabinet. "No champagne, but we've got the sacred startup drink."
Laughter.
Cans popped open.
Clink.
Ten cans knocked together.
Jenna giggled. "Noah needs to say something!"
Noah's throat tightened.
But he spoke.
"This company isn't mine. It's ours. This success is too."
From the back, Hayden shouted: "Wentford to the moon!"
Sienna raised an eyebrow. "Let's workshop that slogan. You're all spending too much time with Logan."
Everyone laughed.
But Noah—
His face showed something else.
A small tremor.
Real pride.
For the first time: Yes. This is happening.
His phone buzzed.
Atlas.
The message lit up his screen—short, but enough to make Noah's knees weak:
Atlas: Saw the celebration. Proud of you, Mr. Wentford. Save some of that happiness for me.
Noah grinned. Couldn't help it.
He raised his can. "Okay, everyone. We started on small sites."
He took a breath.
"But soon? We'll be everywhere."
The team roared: "YEAH!"
Music started playing from the Bluetooth speaker.
The mobile team started dancing.
Designers joined in.
Emmett clapped for the second time that day.
Cookies got passed around.
Coke cans clinked again.
And Noah—
He watched it all.
This was a startup's first real victory.
Small but real.
Visible.
Tangible.
Solid.
Wentford Analytics' first spark.
---
Hours later, during a coffee break, Noah checked his messages.
Clara & Elias: Let's meet this weekend! We miss you.
Noah typed back: Saturday works. Miss you guys too. He smiled.
Group chat. Marcus & Alex: Let's meet tomorrow.
Noah: Sounds good.
He answered important emails, then checked the time. 5 PM.
He looked around the office. Everyone was busy with something.
Sienna came over. "I'm heading out. See you at home."
Noah smiled. "See you."
Sienna turned to leave—
Then froze.
Noah's head whipped around.
His father was walking toward him.
Thomas Wellin.
Sienna moved closer. "Stay calm. I'm here."
Noah's breath stopped.
Four months. Haven't seen him in four months. Not since that day. That house.
His leg trembled. Calm down. You're safe. You're safe here.
Sienna stood next to him. His father stopped in front of them.
"Let's talk," Thomas said. Cool. Measured. "Conference room."
His assistant stood behind him.
Noah met the assistant's eyes briefly. Then looked at his father.
His voice came out steady. "Alright."
They walked to the conference room. The assistant stayed outside.
Sienna gave Noah a questioning look. Want me to come?
Noah shook his head slightly. No.
---
His father surveyed the room. Looked through the glass at the team. Then sat.
Noah sat across from him.
His leg trembled under the table. But his face was blank. Voice steady.
Thomas studied him. "Growing your hair out?"
Cold. Dismissive.
Noah met his eyes. Said nothing.
"You think changing your name solves everything?" Thomas's tone didn't shift. Still measured. Still in control.
Noah's heart hammered. But he gathered himself. "Your name is fine. Your reputation is fine. I'm just doing everything under the name I chose."
Thomas stared at him. "I tried to raise you to continue the Wellin name. But I failed." A pause. "Maybe my first failure in life."
Noah turned his head toward the door. Through the glass, he saw Sienna. And Alice—Alice was there too now.
He looked back at his father. "What do you want from me?"
He surprised himself by asking.
Thomas stood. Looked around the office calmly. At the team. At Alice. At Sienna. Then back to Noah.
"You think you'll succeed with this team? After everything I gave you?"
Noah looked at him. "I don't think it. I know it."
Something flickered across Thomas's face. He smoothed it away immediately.
"You'll never have what I could give you. You know that."
Noah took a deep breath. "That's not my goal anyway."
His voice was calm. Relaxed even.
"Is this all for Atlas?" Thomas asked.
Noah looked at the table. Then met his father's eyes.
"I love Atlas. And I love my work. My company."
"Do you really think Richard will allow you and Atlas to be together?"
Noah almost lost control. Went silent. Stared at the table.
Thomas continued. "Everything I did, I did to protect our family. Our name."
Noah's gaze snapped up. Changed. "Is that why you locked me in that house?"
"I was protecting you from your own mistakes." Thomas's tone never wavered. Calm. Detached.
Noah smiled. Faint. Bitter.
Thomas watched him.
"You and Atlas," Thomas said. "You're close. Even in public. You don't feel the need to hide."
"What do you expect us to do?" Noah asked.
"Live your relationship behind closed doors. But in public, you can't do this." Thomas paused. Continued. "Many prominent people have private relationships. Normal marriages. Children. Public appearances."
Noah tensed. "So you want us to have a relationship society accepts in public—marriage, appearances—but behind closed doors, I can be with who I actually want. Is that it?"
"There are countless examples. In magazines. At galas. At events. Happy families. Happy couples. It's that simple."
Noah's voice went flat. "You don't know me at all if you think I'd do that."
"If you don't, you risk your career. No matter how successful you become, they'll always use this against you."
Under the table, Noah's hands curled into fists. But his voice stayed calm.
He exhaled through his nose. "Let's end this conversation. Unless you have something else to say."
Tension flashed across Thomas's face. Then calm again. "You'll regret this. And you'll come to me for protection."
Noah looked at him. "Thank you for everything you put me through."
He stood. Walked toward the door.
His father followed slowly.
Noah opened the door. The assistant was there. Alice and Sienna stood in the corner. The team had left.
"We'll see each other soon," Thomas said.
Then he left. His assistant followed.
---
The moment his father disappeared, Noah's legs gave out.
He collapsed where he stood. Breathing in sharp, broken gasps.
Sienna and Alice rushed over. Water. Loosened his tie. Got him into a chair.
"Calm down. We're here." Alice splashed water on his face.
That's when Atlas walked in.
He stopped. Shock on his face when he saw Noah.
Then he was there. Grabbing Noah's hand. "I'm here. I'm right here."
Alice helped him drink water. Sienna unbuttoned his shirt.
"Look at me," Atlas said, gripping his hand.
Noah tried. But breathing was hard.
"We're here. You're safe." Atlas's voice shook slightly. Trying to stay calm.
After a moment, Atlas asked quietly, "Do you want to wash your face? In the bathroom?"
Noah looked at him. Nodded faintly.
Atlas helped him up. Arm around him. They walked to the bathroom together.
Atlas turned on the water. Washed Noah's face gently.
Noah started coming back. His breathing slowed. Steadied.
Atlas held his hands. "Is there anything you need? Anything I can do?"
"Can I—" Noah's voice cracked. "Can I hug you?"
Atlas pulled him in immediately.
Noah's body was rigid. Trembling slightly.
Atlas's hand went to his hair. His back. "I love you."
"I love you too," Noah whispered.
They stayed like that.
When they came out, Alice and Sienna were waiting.
Atlas held Noah's hand.
"Feeling better?" Alice asked gently.
"I'm okay." Noah looked embarrassed.
"Let's go home then," Alice said.
They left together.
---
In the car, Noah didn't speak. Just stared out the window.
Atlas held his hand. Watched him.
They pulled up to the house. Atlas turned off the engine but didn't move.
He reached over, pulled Noah into a hug. Kissed his forehead.
"I'm here," he said quietly.
Noah held on tight.
Atlas pulled back just enough to look at him. "Look at me."
Noah did. Eyes slightly red.
"Everything he said?" Atlas's voice was firm. "All of it was to manipulate you."
Noah nodded.
Atlas kissed his forehead again. "Come on. Let's go inside."
---
They walked to the bedroom. Changed into sweats and t-shirts.
"What do you want to eat?" Atlas asked.
"I'm not hungry."
Voices carried from the kitchen. Sienna and Alice.
"Come eat!" Sienna called. "Kitchen!"
Atlas looked at Noah.
"I'm fine," Noah said. "Let's go."
"If you don't want to, we can stay here."
Noah looked at him. Really looked. "Thank you."
He hugged Atlas.
Atlas kissed his hair.
---
In the kitchen, Alice and Sienna had set the table. Takeout containers lined the counter.
Alice and Sienna glanced at Atlas. He gave them a small nod.
They started talking—casual topics, nothing heavy. Alice asked about Atlas's day. Sienna complained about a design issue. They kept glancing at Noah.
Noah picked at his food. Nodded occasionally. Tried to smile. Couldn't quite manage it.
When dinner ended, Alice turned to him. Her voice was gentle. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Noah didn't lift his head from the table. But he told them. Everything. The whole conversation.
"He wants me to—" Noah's voice went flat. "To have a public relationship with someone acceptable. And keep Atlas... hidden."
He looked at Atlas.
Atlas went completely still. Silent.
Sienna squeezed Alice's hand.
"If you don't want that," Alice said firmly, "no one can force you."
Noah met her eyes.
Atlas pulled him closer. Noah's head rested on his shoulder.
When Noah hugged him back, he felt how tense Atlas was. Rigid.
"People like Thomas," Alice continued, "they'll play any game to get what they want. The best response? Keep moving forward. Your way."
"Consider some people dead to you," Sienna added quietly.
Noah took a deep breath. "Thank you. For everything."
"It'll be okay," Alice said. She looked at Atlas. "Tomorrow's meeting—we know what they'll say now."
She glanced at Sienna. "We'll be in our room."
Atlas nodded slightly.
"See you in the morning," Sienna said to Noah.
"See you."
"Want to go to our room?" Atlas asked.
"Yeah."
---
Luna was stretched across the bed.
Noah scooped her up, settled her in his lap. His fingers moved through her fur slowly. Repetitively.
Atlas came over. Sat beside him. Wrapped his arms around Noah. Kissed his forehead.
Noah leaned against his chest. Pressed a soft kiss there.
He could hear Atlas's breathing. Fast. Uneven.
"Are you okay?" Noah asked quietly.
Atlas's hand moved through Noah's hair. "When I saw you like that... I was scared."
"I didn't want you to see me like that."
"I can't do anything to the person who put you in that state." Atlas's voice was tight. Controlled.
"I need to learn not to let him affect me."
Noah lifted his head. Looked at Atlas. "Thank you for being there."
"I didn't do anything."
"You being there was enough."
Noah kissed him. Soft. Gentle.
Atlas kissed back.
It deepened. Hands moving. Breath quickening.
When they broke apart, both breathing hard, Atlas rested his forehead against Noah's.
"I love you," Noah whispered.
Atlas cupped his face with both hands. Met his eyes. "I love you."
They held each other. Eventually shifted down onto the bed.
Noah curled into Atlas's side. Atlas's arms came around him.
"Today was—" Noah started.
"I know."
"But you were there."
"Always." Atlas tightened his hold.
Noah's fingers traced patterns on Atlas's chest. "What he said—about Richard. About tomorrow."
"Whatever they say, we'll deal with it." Atlas's voice was steady. Sure.
"Together?"
"Together."
Noah tilted his face up. Atlas kissed him again. Slower this time. Tender.
"Stay with me," Noah murmured against his mouth.
"I'm not going anywhere."
---
They lay in the dark. City lights filtered through the curtains. Luna had migrated to the foot of the bed.
"Noah?"
"Hmm?"
"You know none of what he said is true, right?"
Silence.
"Noah."
"I know." His voice was small. "I just—sometimes it's hard to remember that."
Atlas shifted so they were face to face. "You're brilliant. What you've built? That's real. That team loves you. Your company is succeeding."
"Because of you—"
"No." Atlas's tone was firm. "Because of you. Your work. Your vision."
Noah's eyes burned.
"And us?" Atlas continued. "We're not hiding. We're not pretending. We're living."
"But what if he's right? What if it ruins—"
"Then it ruins things." Atlas's hand found his jaw. "But I'm not losing you to make other people comfortable."
Noah's breath hitched.
"You hear me?" Atlas's thumb traced his cheekbone. "I choose you. Every time. I don't care what Richard says tomorrow. I don't care what your father thinks. I care about this."
He kissed Noah's forehead. "About you."
A tear slipped down Noah's cheek. Atlas caught it with his thumb.
"I love you so much," Noah whispered.
"I love you too." Atlas pulled him closer. "Now sleep. You need rest."
"Will you be here when I wake up?"
"Yes."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Noah buried his face in Atlas's neck. Atlas's hand moved through his hair in slow, soothing strokes.
"Atlas?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Everything. Being you. Choosing me."
Atlas kissed the top of his head. "Always."
---
Noah's breathing eventually evened out. Deep. Steady.
Atlas stayed awake longer. Staring at the ceiling. Mind racing.
Tomorrow. Richard. Thomas. The board meeting.
His jaw clenched.
They want him to hide. To pretend. To live a lie.
His arm tightened around Noah.
Over my dead body.
But beneath the anger was something else. Fear.
What if they're right? What if this destroys everything he's built?
He looked down at Noah. Peaceful now. Finally sleeping.
No. We'll figure it out. We have to.
Atlas pressed another kiss to his hair. Closed his eyes.
Whatever comes tomorrow, we face it together.