Espresso in The Rain

The morning light seeped through the blinds, casting a golden hue across the room. The scent of roasted coffee beans wafted from downstairs, mixing with the warmth of Elias' embrace. Noah stirred, blinking against the sunlight as he adjusted to his surroundings.

Elias' arms were wrapped around him, his body radiating heat against Noah's back. It was an unfamiliar yet oddly comforting feeling—waking up in someone's bed, in someone's arms. His heart thudded at the realization.

He wasn't just in someone's bed. He was in Elias' bed.

With a sleepy hum, Elias shifted slightly, his grip tightening as his lips brushed against the back of Noah's neck. "You're awake?"

Noah turned his head slightly, meeting Elias' half-lidded gaze. His black hair was tousled, some strands falling over his forehead, making him look unfairly attractive first thing in the morning.

"Yeah," Noah murmured, voice still heavy with sleep. "I think your bed is cursed. I don't want to get up."

Elias chuckled, his deep voice rumbling against Noah's back. "That's not a curse. That's me."

Noah rolled his eyes but didn't move away. Instead, he relaxed further, letting himself indulge in the rare moment of peace. No early classes. No expectations. Just the steady beat of Elias' heart against his back.

Minutes passed in silence, neither of them in a rush to break the moment. But eventually, reality started knocking.

Noah sighed, tilting his head back. "I should go back to my place."

Elias' arms didn't loosen. "Stay."

Noah blinked. "You want me to stay?"

Elias pressed his lips against Noah's shoulder before responding. "You're already here. And I like waking up with you."

A warmth spread through Noah's chest at the quiet confession. It was simple, almost casual—but he knew Elias wasn't the type to say things without meaning them.

Still, Noah hesitated. "Don't you have to open the café soon?"

Elias finally released him, rolling onto his back. "Perth can handle it."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "You're skipping work for me?"

Elias smirked, pulling Noah on top of him in one smooth motion. "Yes."

Noah gasped as he suddenly found himself straddling Elias, hands pressed against his chest for balance. "You're unbelievable."

Elias grinned, hands settling on Noah's waist. "I've been told."

Noah opened his mouth to retort, but Elias flipped them over in an instant, pinning Noah beneath him.

"Hey—"

Elias silenced him with a slow, lazy kiss, his lips brushing against Noah's with unhurried intent. Noah melted instantly, fingers threading through Elias' hair as the kiss deepened.

The air grew thick, the weight of Elias pressing down against Noah's body making his heart race. He could feel everything—the way Elias' hands roamed down his sides, the way his tongue teased, the way his hips settled perfectly between Noah's legs.

"Elias," Noah whispered, his voice barely audible between their kisses.

Elias hummed, trailing his lips down Noah's jaw, to his neck, pressing slow, lingering kisses along the sensitive skin. "What?"

Noah swallowed, breath hitching. "I thought—you said you wanted to sleep in."

Elias smirked against his neck. "Changed my mind."

Noah barely had time to process before Elias' hands slipped under his shirt, fingertips ghosting over his skin. A sharp inhale escaped him, and Elias took that as encouragement.

Noah tugged at Elias' shirt in retaliation, nails grazing over his toned stomach as he pushed the fabric up. Elias exhaled sharply, amusement flickering in his dark eyes before he helped shrug off his shirt entirely.

Noah took a second to admire him—the firm lines of his chest, the way his muscles tensed under his touch.

Elias leaned in, lips ghosting over Noah's ear. "Like what you see?"

Noah shoved at his shoulder. "Shut up."

Elias laughed, but the sound was quickly swallowed by another heated kiss. Their bodies pressed together, fitting in a way that felt almost too natural.

And just when things were beginning to spiral further—

A loud knock echoed through the room.

Noah froze. Elias groaned.

"Noah! Are you awake?!"

Noah's eyes widened. "Santa?!"

Elias lifted his head, looking toward the door with a deadpan expression. "…You didn't tell me your friend had tracking abilities."

Noah shoved at his chest. "Shut up—just—where's my shirt?!"

Another knock. "Noah, I swear, if you're sleeping in again—"

Noah scrambled off the bed, nearly tripping as he grabbed the first shirt he could find—which happened to be Elias'. It hung loosely on him, but it would have to do.

Elias, still half-naked, smirked at the sight. "That's mine."

Noah shot him a glare. "Not the time."

He rushed to the door, pulling it open just enough to peek out.

Santa stood on the other side, arms crossed. "There you are. I was about to—" He paused, eyes narrowing as he took in Noah's disheveled hair, the oversized shirt, the slightly swollen lips.

"…What are you wearing?"

Noah blinked. "Uh—"

Santa's eyes darted past him, landing on Elias, who was still sprawled on the bed, very much shirtless, looking very much satisfied.

"…Oh my god." Santa covered his mouth. "OH MY GOD."

Noah groaned. "Santa—"

Santa pointed a trembling finger at Elias. "You—you—you—"

Elias waved lazily. "Morning."

Santa gasped dramatically. "YOU HAD SEX?!"

Noah grabbed his arm, yanking him inside and slamming the door shut before anyone else in the building could hear. "Will you shut up?!"

Santa gaped at him, then back at Elias, then back at him. "I knew something was going on, but I didn't think you'd already—"

Noah clapped a hand over his mouth. "Say one more word and I'm kicking you out."

Santa mumbled something against his palm, eyes still wide.

Noah sighed, finally letting go. "Why are you even here?"

Santa cleared his throat, regaining some composure. "I came to drag you out for breakfast, but clearly, you already had a very different kind of morning feast."

Noah groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I hate you."

Elias, from the bed, chuckled. "I like him."

Santa shot him a thumbs up. "I like you too, boyfriend."

Noah made a strangled noise. "I hate both of you."

Santa grinned, plopping onto the chair beside the window. "Too bad, 'cause I'm staying. Now tell me everything."

Noah sighed, throwing a pillow at him.

Elias? He just sat back and enjoyed the chaos.