The walk from the studio to Ember's apartment felt longer than usual. His body ached in all the right places the thighs that had spun on the pole, the shoulders that had lifted and twisted with his crew, the core that had tensed and released over and over. His hair stuck to the back of his neck, and his makeup was long gone, replaced by a faint sheen of sweat.
He unlocked the door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of his apartment wrapping around him like a soft blanket. The apartment was modest but stylish clean lines, warm lighting, and a few personal touches that made it his own. He kicked off his shoes, already thinking about dinner. He hadn't had time to eat properly since practice started, and the thought of cooking made him groan.
But he didn't have to.
"Baby, you back?" The voice came from the sofa, casual but warm.
Ember's shoulders relaxed. There, lounging on the leather sofa with a basketball magazine in hand, was Alex. Dark hair tousled, eyes that carried both mischief and warmth, and a presence that made Ember feel instantly at home.
"Oh, don't worry. Don't talk too much go take a bath. I already made dinner," Alex added with a small smile, standing as Ember moved closer.
Ember felt his lips curl into a tired but genuine grin. "Thanks, darling."
He dropped his bag near the door and made his way to the bathroom, letting the sound of running water wash away the sweat and tension of the day. When he came out, refreshed and in comfortable clothes, the apartment smelled faintly of garlic and spices. Dinner was set on the table—simple but hearty, enough to replenish energy without fuss.
Alex was already at the kitchen counter, chopping some vegetables for a side salad. He looked up, eyes lighting at the sight of Ember. "Hungry?"
"Starving," Ember admitted, moving to press a quick, soft kiss to Alex's lips. "Thanks for this."
Alex smirked slightly. "You've earned it. You worked hard tonight."
They sat down together, plates steaming in front of them. Ember leaned back slightly, taking in the quiet domesticity of the moment. It was rare for him to feel this kind of calm, this kind of normal. But with Alex, it was almost effortless.
"So… how was practice?" Alex asked casually, picking at his salad.
Ember shrugged slightly, taking a bite of his food. "Intense. Tomorrow night will be busy, too."
Alex nodded. "I figured. That's okay. Just… make sure you don't burn out." He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, relaxed. "I'll be busy tomorrow as well."
Ember raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Busy with…?"
"My basketball court," Alex said casually. "Some friends coming by, a few games lined up. But don't worry about it. You just focus on your performance."
Ember smirked faintly. "Sounds like you're the free man, huh?"
Alex laughed softly, a deep, rich sound that always made Ember feel like he was exactly where he belonged. "I guess you could say that. Owning a basketball court comes with perks."
Ember shook his head, leaning back slightly, savoring the quiet. "I don't know how you do it. You're… everywhere at once."
"Someone's got to," Alex replied with a wink. "And someone's got to make sure dinner's ready when you finally drag yourself in."
Ember laughed lightly, reaching over to brush a hand against Alex's arm. "Lucky me."
They ate in comfortable silence for a few moments, the kind that only comes after years of knowing someone intimately, even if they hadn't been together that long. Ember appreciated it the simplicity, the domestic normality, the sense that at least for a few hours, the world outside didn't matter.
Alex finally set down his fork, eyes meeting Ember's. "You know, I like seeing you this way. Tired, satisfied, not performing for anyone but me."
Ember's lips curved in a small, tired smile. "Yeah… it's nice."
Alex reached over, brushing a loose strand of hair from Ember's face. "Tomorrow will be another long night. But you'll kill it. I know you will."
Ember nodded, feeling the familiar swell of pride and affection. "Thanks."
The moment hung between them, soft but charged. Ember's mind, still buzzing from practice and choreography, started wandering briefly to tomorrow, to the club, to the music, the lights, the pole, and briefly the memory of someone else he had seen that night.
He pushed the thought away, focusing on Alex, on the home he had, the warmth, the quiet. He didn't need distractions tonight. He just needed this _this calm, this comfort, this space.
Alex stood, clearing some of the dishes. "You should relax. I've got it covered. Go sit, stretch. I'll clean up."
Ember obliged, moving to the sofa while Alex took care of the kitchen. For a moment, he let himself sink into the cushions, legs stretched out, head resting against the back. The city outside hummed faintly through the windows, but inside, it was safe. Warm. His.
Alex joined him again after a few minutes, sitting close, draping an arm across Ember's shoulders. Ember leaned into him, tired muscles grateful for the support.
"You're doing something right," Alex said quietly, voice low. "You're chasing what you love, and you're good at it. But you take care of yourself, too. Don't lose that."
Ember smiled faintly, resting his head against Alex's chest. "I'll try. You don't have to worry."
Alex chuckled softly. "I always worry. But that's part of the deal."
They stayed like that for a while, just the two of them, quiet and comfortable. Ember thought about the day, about practice, about tomorrow, about the energy of the club and the crew. But mostly, he thought about Alex—his calm, his warmth, his presence that made everything else fade away, if only for a little while.
Finally, Ember sat up, brushing a hand through his hair. "I should get ready for bed soon. Early start tomorrow."
Alex nodded, pressing a soft kiss to Ember's temple. "Sleep well, baby. I've got you."
Ember felt the weight of exhaustion finally settle in. He smiled, truly smiled, not the small, controlled curve he often wore on stage. "Thanks, darling," he whispered.
They moved to the bedroom together, the quiet apartment filled with a sense of belonging, trust, and soft intimacy. Outside, the city pulsed with life, with music, with lights, but inside, Ember had found a moment of peace.
For tonight, that was enough.