Fragments of Us

Chapter Forty: Dream

It had been two days since the camping trip, and Milo and Atlas had become inseparable. If Milo wasn’t at Brewed Awakenings, he was at Atlas’s apartment, making himself comfortable as if he had never left. Atlas, on the other hand, was still in a dream-like state, unsure how to process having Milo this close again. He wasn’t used to it—Milo being so present, so unguarded. And though he craved it, every touch and every glance still made him nervous.

Brewed Awakening buzzed with the usual warmth of coffee and chatter. The four of them had claimed their usual corner, where the scent of roasted beans mixed with laughter. Milo sat comfortably beside Atlas, their knees occasionally brushing under the table. It was subtle—small, quiet touches, but enough to make Atlas’s heart race every time.

Chev, stirring her coffee with unnecessary enthusiasm, suddenly perked up. “I’ve been wanting to try ice skating,” she announced.

Jason nearly choked on his drink. “What?”

Chev raised an eyebrow at him. “What do you mean, ‘what’?”

Jason blinked. “You’ve never mentioned that before.”

Chev rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair. “Well, I was hoping you’d think, ‘Oh, maybe it’d be sweet if I invited my girlfriend on an ice skating date.’ But you never did.”

Milo snorted into his coffee while Atlas pressed his lips together to hide his grin. Jason groaned. “Chev, how am I supposed to read your mind?”

   “You’re supposed to know me,” she shot back, smirking.

Jason sighed dramatically, then stood. “Fine. Let’s go right now.”

Chev’s grin widened. “Okay, let me just finish my coffee.” She took a deliberate, slow sip, watching Jason’s expression. “Mmm, I’m so excited.”

Milo exchanged an amused glance with Atlas. Jason might be exasperated, but they all knew he’d do anything for Chev.

Jason and Chev still didn’t know about him and Atlas. Not yet.

***

The ice rink was lively, laughter echoing off the walls as skaters glided—or stumbled—across the ice. The four of them sat on the benches, lacing up their skates.

Atlas kneeled down in front of Milo, helping him tie his laces securely. His fingers worked quickly, tugging at the knots, while Milo watched him with a small, knowing smile.

Jason was pulling his own skates on when he caught sight of them. He frowned slightly, glancing at Chev, who had also taken notice.

   “You know,” Chev mused, tilting her head, “you really need to step up your game.”

Jason looked at her, confused. “What?”

Chev gestured toward Atlas, who was still focused on Milo’s skates, checking the fit like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Why don’t you ever do that for me?”

Jason scoffed. “Because you’d probably kick me in the face before I even got the first knot done.”

Chev gasped. “Jason!”

Milo burst into laughter, and even Atlas couldn’t suppress his smile.

   “Well, he’s got a point,” Milo said, earning a glare from Chev.

Atlas finally finished, patting Milo’s knee before standing up. He looked at Jason and Chev, only now realizing their curious stares.

Jason narrowed his eyes. “Wait. What’s going on here?”