Espresso in The Rain

Noah lay tangled in the sheets, his body still buzzing from the heat of the night. His skin was marked by Elias' touch—faint bruises from hungry kisses, the lingering warmth of fingertips tracing patterns over his skin.

Beside him, Elias was still half-awake, his arm draped lazily over Noah's waist, keeping him close. His breathing was steady, but Noah could feel his gaze, even in the dim glow of the city lights filtering through the window.

"You're thinking too much," Elias murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

Noah swallowed, shifting slightly. "Am I?"

Elias hummed, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss against Noah's shoulder. "You always do after nights like this."

Noah sighed, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe because I don't know what we're doing."

Elias' grip on him tightened slightly. "We're doing what feels right."

Noah hesitated. "And what if this isn't right?"

Silence stretched between them.

Then, Elias exhaled sharply, rolling onto his side so he could look at Noah directly. "Do you regret it?"

Noah turned his head, meeting Elias' gaze. Dark eyes searched his own, waiting. Daring him to say yes.

"…No." The word was barely a whisper, but it was the truth.

Elias smirked, but it was softer this time. "Then stop overthinking."

Noah wanted to—God, he wanted to. But how could he, when he was falling so damn fast?

Elias reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Noah's ear. "I know you're scared," he said, voice quieter now. "But I'm not going anywhere."

Noah's chest ached at that.

He closed his eyes, letting himself sink into Elias' warmth.

For tonight—just for tonight—he'd let himself believe it.