Espresso in The Rain

The morning had officially spiraled into chaos.

Santa, despite his initial shock, had settled himself comfortably in Elias' apartment like he belonged there. He stretched out on the couch, legs crossed, eyes gleaming with mischief as he watched Noah pace the room.

Elias, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed—still shirtless, still lounging against the headboard with an expression that was far too smug for Noah's liking.

"This is a nightmare," Noah muttered, rubbing his temples.

Santa smirked. "Oh please, I should be the one complaining. I came here to pick you up for breakfast, and instead, I find out you've been getting your own kind of morning protein."

Noah whirled around. "Santa!"

Elias chuckled, thoroughly entertained.

Santa held up his hands. "Hey, I'm just saying, you didn't tell me you were sleeping with him." He jerked his chin toward Elias. "You barely told me you liked him!"

Noah groaned. "That's because it's new."

Santa raised an eyebrow. "New as in you just started dating, or new as in last night was the first time?"

Noah opened his mouth—then shut it. His face flamed.

Santa gasped dramatically. "Oh my god, it was last night?!"

Elias, still infuriatingly relaxed, finally decided to intervene. "You're a bit loud for someone who just walked into my home uninvited."

Santa scoffed. "Excuse me? As Noah's best friend, I demand to know—"

Noah groaned, cutting him off. "Can we not do this?"

Elias, who had finally slipped out of bed and pulled on a loose sweater, walked over and pressed a kiss to Noah's temple. "Let me handle him," he murmured.

Noah, still mortified, just waved him off.

Elias turned to Santa, arms crossed. "You said you were here for breakfast?"

Santa blinked, momentarily distracted. "Uh, yeah?"

Elias nodded toward the door. "Then let's go. My treat."

Santa narrowed his eyes. "You're trying to bribe me, aren't you?"

Elias smirked. "Is it working?"

Santa huffed. "Damn it. Yes."

Noah sighed in relief. At least that was one problem solved.

—

The Roasted Heaven was already alive with the morning rush by the time they arrived. The scent of coffee filled the air, and the familiar hum of chatter made the place feel warm and inviting.

Perth stood behind the counter, expertly crafting drinks while throwing occasional glances at the entrance. The second he spotted Elias, Noah, and Santa walking in together, his brows lifted.

"Well, well," Perth drawled, setting down a finished latte. "This is new."

Elias clapped a hand on his shoulder. "You handling things alright?"

Perth snorted. "Of course. But you? Bringing in guests this early? That's a first."

Santa, who had been analyzing Perth like a scientist inspecting a new species, finally grinned. "You must be the Perth. The mysterious, loyal barista-slash-best friend."

Perth arched an eyebrow. "And you must be Santa. The loud one."

Santa gasped. "I like him already."

Noah sighed, rubbing his temples. "Please don't encourage him."

Perth just smirked. "Too late."

Elias pulled out a chair for Noah, guiding him to sit before taking the seat beside him. "Breakfast, as promised," he said.

Santa, still beaming, slid into a chair across from them. "Alright, alright. I'll let you off the hook for now—but don't think this conversation is over, Noah."

Noah groaned.

As the morning went on, coffee was poured, food was served, and despite all the teasing, Noah couldn't deny that something about this moment felt…right. Sitting there, between Elias and Santa, with Perth shaking his head fondly in the background, it felt like he belonged.

And maybe—just maybe—he was okay with that.