Fragments of Us

Chapter Forty-Three: Rings

Atlas was in the living room, flipping through a book he had pulled from Milo’s shelf. It wasn’t anything he was particularly interested in, but he needed something to keep himself distracted. The morning had stretched into afternoon, and still, Milo hadn’t come out of his room. Atlas wasn’t sure what he should do—should he knock? Give him space? He didn’t want to push Milo into talking before he was ready.

The silence in the apartment was almost oppressive. Atlas glanced toward the closed bedroom door before sighing and standing up. He went into the kitchen, reheating Sandra’s rib dish from the night before. The scent filled the apartment, but even as his stomach grumbled, Atlas didn’t eat. He set the table for two and leaned against the counter, waiting.

A few moments later, the bedroom door creaked open. Milo emerged, his hair slightly messy, his expression unreadable. Atlas immediately put the book down, standing up.

   "Hey," he greeted softly.

Milo offered a small, tired smile before walking into the kitchen.

   "Let’s eat," Atlas said, pulling out plates. "I reheated Sandra’s ribs."

But before he could move any further, he felt arms wrap around his waist from behind. Atlas froze, his breath catching in his throat.

   "Can we just stay like this?" Milo whispered against his back.

Atlas didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He simply placed his hands over Milo’s, squeezing them gently.

   "I’m scared," Milo admitted.

   "I know," Atlas whispered.

He didn’t tell him not to be. He didn’t tell him everything was going to be fine. He simply acknowledged Milo’s fear because that was what he needed. The two stood there in silence, holding each other.

***

That evening, Sandra invited them out for drinks. "We have to celebrate you guys being disgustingly in love again," she had texted.

They ended up at a rooftop bar, the city skyline twinkling in the background. Sandra leaned against the railing, sipping her drink as she eyed Atlas and Milo. "You two are so weirdly domestic now. It’s disturbing."

   "Shut up," Milo laughed, nudging her.

Atlas chuckled, shaking his head. "You just hate that you lost your solo time with Milo."

   "Exactly!" Sandra exclaimed. "This is an adjustment period for me too, you know. I’m used to having Milo to myself."

Milo rolled his eyes. "Oh please, you’ll be fine."

Their laughter was interrupted when Milo’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out and grinned, showing the screen to Atlas. "It’s Jason and Chev. Wanna FaceTime?"

Atlas nodded, and Milo answered the call.

Jason’s face appeared first. "About damn time!"

Chev pushed into the frame, grinning. "Pay up, Jason."

   "What?"

   "I told you Atlas would go with Milo. You bet he wouldn’t. That’s two bets I’ve won now."

Atlas groaned. "You two are ridiculous."

   "So how’s California?" Jason asked.

Milo smirked. "It’s great. I’m showing Atlas all my favorite spots tomorrow."

Jason chuckled. "Just make sure you two don’t get arrested."

   "We’ll try," Milo joked.

After they ended the call, Milo turned to Atlas with a smile. "Ready to see my world tomorrow?"