Nikolas laughed quietly at Atlas' enthusiasm, pausing to watch the man gaze up at the sky for a bit. He would do the same, but he rather liked staring at Atlas as well, especially when he was smiling the way he was right now. "C'mon," he murmured into the other's ear, smiling as well, the pond awaits." Nikolas, on the other hand, didn't wait for Atlas before wrapping an arm around his waist and pulling him along to the ever-still and reflective body of water.
Atlas giggled and started walking. Even as they got closer, the pond continued to look flawless. He could still see the reflection of the sky in it, making it seem even more magical. It looked as if he could walk on top of it, looking like a solid surface. It probably was amazing in the winter. Atlas leaned his head on Nikolas' shoulder as they got closer to the pond.
Nikolas rested his chin on Atlas' head as they walked, then slowly released him once they made it to the edge of the water. He silently padded over to the pond and crouched down when he was just an inch from the lapping water, fingers outstretched and just barely hovering over its surface. "Back in Greece, there are so many beautiful bodies of water. Acheron Springs in Glyki, Lake Plastira in Krioneri, the Papingo rock pools, Piges Agias Varvaras, Kryas Livadeia Springs…" He trailed off, dipping his fingers into the clear water but not moving them. "My father would take me to all of them whenever I wished, didn't matter how far we had to travel. I loved the water. Not even swimming, just looking at it and the area around it. He and I could spend hours just admiring the beauty of everything."
Atlas slowly followed Nikolas to the pond and smiled, watching and listening to his story. He liked listening to Nikolas' stories and experiences… and just talk in general. He went up to Nikolas' side and squatted down next to him. The water was so beautiful close-up, it was just as amazing as from any other distance. "That sounds amazing… and those sound like beautiful places. I love the swimming aspect of water, but I never really got the chance to appreciate it's beauty. Now, I love both aspects… there's just something so magical about water. I don't know."
Nikolas smiled over at Atlas, glad that he also appreciated its beauty along with the swimming aspect. His smile grew into a wicked smirk, and he barely gave it much thought before he was flicking water onto Atlas. He laughed, then stood up and darted away before Atlas could get him back, keeping to the edge of the pond and not exactly going very fast.
Atlas flinched as he felt water spatter onto him. He jumped up and ran to catch Nikolas. He was not going the fastest either actually. His feet were a bit sensitive, stepping on ricks and sticks. But he eventually caught up to Nikolas and grabbed him around the waist, holding tight. He tried to pull the man into the pond, putting all his weight into it. Then falling into the pond along with his boyfriend.
Nikolas yelped in surprise as he was tackled into the water, though he didn't complain. He simply whirled around and grabbed Atlas, holding him against his chest tightly and brought them both to the surface. "Sneaky sneaky," he said with a soft laugh, nuzzling Atlas' neck affectionately as he kept them afloat. His hair was plastered onto his forehead from the water; his long lashes sported drops of their own that periodically fell onto his cheeks.
Atlas was giggling right when they got to the surface. He had his arms over Nikolas' shoulders, one of them lifting to brush his hair our of his face. He noticed how warm the water actually was, it surprised him. It wasn't hot tub warm, but it wasn't freezing. He slowly stopped giggling but kept a smile. He hadn't been in the water for a while, making this extra special, among other reasons. The hand that he brushed his hair out of the way went to Nikolas' face and softly moved his hair out of his face.
Nikolas pulled back just enough to look at Atlas, head leaning into the man's touch on his face. "I'm glad I ended up being your neighbor," Nikolas murmured as he traced slow circles over Atlas' back, "Who would've thought I'd end up next to an incredibly cute and amazing person?" he continued, smiling brightly, "Someone that has horrible impulse controls, which works in my favor."
Atlas shyly looked to the side, but he knew Nikolas was right. After only a second, he looked back at Nikolas with a smile. "Impulses like this?" He asked a split second before kissing Nikolas. He was unable to keep himself from smiling. His legs stopped moving, relying only on Nikolas to keep them afloat.
Nikolas happily kissed Atlas back, holding him close to his body by the grip he had around the man's waist. He was fighting back a smile, but it broke through and he needed to break the kiss for just a moment so he could press his forehead against Atlas'. "Those are my favorite," he said, brushing his lips over the other male's lips teasingly.
"I'm glad, they're my favorite too," Atlas said. He looked into Nikolas' eyes, unable to see details since it was dark. The moon was almost full, but it didn't give a huge amount of light. "I'm so glad you ended up as my neighbor as well. And that we somehow took a shower at the same time. It's so amazing what paper-thin walls can lead too."
Nikolas chuckled and dipped his head to kiss Atlas. Though, he didn't kiss his lips this time. His own lips brushed over the adorable male's cheek, then descended upon Atlas' neck with gentle and slow kisses, lazy in their intent. "The Fates have strange ways," Nikolas murmured lowly, his fingers of his one hand trailing up and down Atlas' back with equal laziness as his lips. One day, and he was already smitten with this man. It was crazy, but there was no reversing of his feelings, no changing what happened between them that caused this. He wouldn't want to change it. He was happy for once in a long time.
Atlas leaned into Nikolas' lazy kisses, his arms tightening around him a bit. "But they definitely knew what they were doing this time." He said softly. He thought so. He had been the happiest he'd been in a while that day, just one day Nikolas. "Happy 24-hour anniversary of meeting each other." He said with a laugh. Here they were, both in water again, but together this time and away from anyone else.
Nikolas laughed against Atlas' skin, tipping back a bit so he could start slowly making circles around the pond. "Se agapó," he then purred, layering on the accent because he knew Atlas loved it when he did that. Though he wasn't incredibly religious, even with his own culture and beliefs, he did have his moments when he did think things were working out the way they were due to the old gods. Like right now, with him and Atlas. "I'm actually going to blame Eros for this instead of them," he then murmured, accent not completely gone but coming on thick when he said 'Eros.'
Atlas melted in Nikolas' arms a little, obviously still loving the accent. "Forgive me, but I don't really know anything about Greek gods and goddesses. I vaguely remember learning a bit about them in school, but I didn't care at the time so I forgot." He said, feeling almost bad about it. "Also, what does what you said mean?" He hated not knowing any of this and he felt bad that he had to keep asking what Nikolas said anytime he talked in Greek.
Nikolas shook his head and quickly kissed Atlas' lips. "It's fine, Atlas. I grew up in Greece while you didn't." He kissed him again for further reassurance. "Eros is the god of passion and love. It's also a word, but that's…" he trailed off, shaking his head and indicating that it wasn't important. "And se agapó means 'I love you.' Just thought I'd spice things up a bit," he said with a lopsided smile.
Atlas smiled, nodding slightly as he listened to Nikolas. "Ah, okay. Thanks for explaining those to me. I guess I need a little translation book for any time you decide to say anything in Greek." He said softly with a chuckle before adding, "I love you too." He kissed Nikolas back then smiled. They were at the perfect angle, the moonlight hitting Nikolas' silver eyes perfectly.
Nikolas' eyes shone with happiness, and not just because of the moonlight. He still couldn't believe that he was in this situation right now, couldn't believe that he was so lucky to get Atlas. Nikolas reached up and lightly swiped a thumb over Atlas' chin, then loosely grasped it between his fingers. "Still hard to think I'm not dreaming, that you're not just some figment of my imagination," he whispered.
"I know right? It's so crazy what happened between us and how fast already. I feel so lucky to have you as my boyfriend." Atlas whispered back, "You totally right though, it's so unreal…" He leaned his head forward and rested his forehead on Nikolas'.
Nikolas smiled and nudged his nose against Atlas', enjoying the moment. "I'm incredibly lucky to have you as my boyfriend," he said, smiling even brighter, "and I can't wait to see where we end up." He let his fingers slip over the man's face, cupping his cheek gently. "But… I'd rather live in the now than the clouds, however much I love the night sky."
"Me too… Speaking of the night sky, I wish I could see it's beauty in the city. And I can't take any pictures that'll give it justice. I guess it's more of a thing you have to experience and have in your memories." Atlas said, going more and more quiet as he continued, realizing he totally changed the subject. "Uh, nevermind… I love you." He whispered with a small smile.
Nikolas laughed softly and pressed a gentle kiss to Atlas' lips. "I love you too. Though, I wouldn't mind talking about that," he murmured, glancing up at the winking sky and smiling. "I'm a nerd," he said bluntly, still speaking softly, and rolled his eyes, "It'd be kinda hard for me to stop talking about it once I'm on a roll. Constellations, myths, star formations, star explosions, yadda yadda. I know a lot of useless stuff."
Atlas smiled, watching Nikolas. "Cool useless stuff. It's all very interesting stuff and those things should be mentioned more in normal conversations and stuff. If you ever just wanna tell me about any of it, I'm good with it." He whispered.
Nikolas hummed with a smile, letting his body cut through the pond at a steady pace while he held onto Atlas. "Duly noted and will be considered for later," he whispered back, smiling even more before pecking the man's nose. "You're welcome to ramble as well, you know," Nikolas added seriously, looking up into Atlas' beautiful teal eyes, "I don't mind. I like listening to you talk."