"Great! I'd better go so I'm not completely sleep-deprived tomorrow." Said Atlas with a small nod. "Goodbye!" He waved and started to his door. Waving once more before he went inside. He closed the door and couldn't suppress another smile. He wandered to his room and fell down on his bed, falling asleep shortly after.
Nikolas chuckled and watched Atlas go with a soft 'bye'. He waited for a bit, then looked at his phone as he went back into his room and closed the door with his foot. The darker it got outside, the more he felt awake, so he wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight, or any night, for that matter. When he looked at his contacts, he found Atlas' right at the top—and with a heart. He smiled and sat down on the floor in front of the couch, back against the piece of furniture. "Cute."
(Time skip??)
((yeah, probably))
(Okay!)
After maybe 4 hours of sleep, Atlas woke up to his alarm, muted so it doesn't wake the neighbors. He heavily sighed and sat up. For a few minutes, he just sat there, still trying to wake up. Eventually, he got out of bed and got ready to go back to the recording studio. He remembered the night before and happily opened his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Where was Nikolas? He didn't see anything different until he got to "S". He chuckled so slightly and texted him.
Goodmorning~
Nikolas hummed when he heard his phone buzz on the counter, setting down his coffee after wincing at the heat that shot through his tongue. Metal mouth, he could practically hear Tessa's snarky response. He rolled his eyes and busied himself with checking his phone and finally pulling on his loose tee, the ripped jeans and combat boots already on. When he noticed it was from Atlas, he perked up and grabbed his phone, thumbs flying over the keyboard.
Mornin darlin ;)
Atlas had gotten dressed in his favorite floral shirt and jeans when he heard his phone buzz on his bedside table. He smiled and picked it up. A warm feeling ran up his spine as he read it. He started typing again and pressed send.
You coming to the studio today??
Nikolas smiled happily when he read the text, rummaging through the cupboard as he typed with one hand.
I'd love to, if you'd have me! Honestly didn't expect an invitation this early.
He set his phone off to the side and pulled out a package of pop-tarts, opening it up and munching on one of them while he waited for Atlas to respond. He was telling the truth when he said he hadn't expected this early of an invitation, figuring Atlas would wait a bit. Yet here he was, being asked if he was going.
Atlas went out to the kitchen after sending his reply to get something to eat. He just couldn't stop smiling, and it definitely didn't stop when he read Nikolas' text.
Of course we'd have you! It's open whenever you wanna use it
He started his tea kettle and made himself a peanut butter and banana sandwich. He always ate those before singing. He got out a mug and tea while waiting for the water to warm up and for Nikolas to reply.
Nikolas hummed and stuck his pop tart between his teeth as he went to text Atlas back, then an idea came to him. Technically… he thought as he altered his text.
Is your front door the same way?? ;P
Nikolas couldn't stop grinning as he hit send, then finished up his one pop tart and washed it down with some coffee. He knew by the end of his makeshift breakfast, his natural vanilla scent would mingle with the coffee scent. He didn't know if that was what Atlas liked—and he was going to do his hardest to figure out what his neighbor liked. There was no way he'd let a cute guy like that slip through his fingers without at least trying to flirt with him.
The tea kettle started screaming and he ran to turn off the stove and move it over. That always stressed him out. He poured the water into his mug and waited, once again. He picked up his phone and checked the text. A silly smile formed on his face.
only if yours is
He took a bite of his sandwich and went to put on his shoes. There was something different about Nikolas. Something that drew Atlas to him.
Nikolas grabbed his other pop tart and took a bite from it, leaning against the counter as he mulled over what'd he'd do at the studio. It was kinda weird, going to a new studio with people he didn't really know. He's gone to one before, long ago, but then he moved—again—and didn't go to one since then. It seems now would be different. He smiled when he got Atlas' reply and texted back almost instantly.
always for you
Atlas read to text and smiled.
I'm definitely gonna use that privilege…
He sent it while finishing his sandwich. He took the teabag out of the cup and mixed in honey to sweeten it. He poured it into a travel cup and grabbed a jacket.
Well, I'm off. See you later??
Text me when you miss me ;)
Nikolas was just planning on some mandatory grocery shopping, as he was running low on stock and kinda wanted some food. Just then, as he was getting ready to walk out the door, he got a text.
Meet me at that cafe. We need to talk.
His mood instantly soured, and he left them on read. He grabbed the keys to his Challenger and walked out the door, the rest of his pop tart stuck in his mouth as he turned around to lock the door behind him.
Ok!
Hey~ I miss you
lol jk…
Maybe…
Atlas giggled as he texted Nikolas. He grabbed his bag and keys. He then opened the door and locked it behind him. He looked back at his phone and took a sip of his tea, absent mindedly walking down the hall.
Nikolas turned around and nearly ran into Atlas as his phone buzzed in his pocket. His eyes lit up, thoughts of the other person gone from his mind as he took the pop tart out of his mouth and smiled, walking in-line with his neighbor. "Hey stranger," Nikolas greeted, looking down at Atlas and nibbling on his remaining breakfast.
"Oh, hi!" Atlas said, snapping out of his thoughts. "How are you?" He asked with a small smile. He took another sip of his tea and looked up at Nikolas. Out of habit, he started walking in time and pace with his neighbor.
"Better now that I can see the face behind the texts," he teased with a grin, hiding the flicker of anger and anxiety beneath that mask from who he was about to meet after this. "How 'bout you?" His eyes flicked up to that adorable pastel color of the other male's hair. He's got a soft spot for guys with light-colored hair for some reason. Perhaps because it made them look cuter.
Atlas' smile grew bigger. "I'm fine. I'm headed to, hopefully, finish recording my first full-length album. So I'm a bit nervous. But I'm glad to see you as well." He busied himself with putting his empty hand in his pocket. "So.. what are you headed out to do, if I may ask?"
Nikolas looked away so the darkening silver of his eyes didn't give anything away as he calmly said, "Meeting an old foster brother. He wanted to talk, I guess. Shouldn't take too long." He didn't look particularly thrilled about the arrangement, but he didn't look angry either. Apathetic was more like it, even if his blood simmered at the very thought of what Jay wanted.
Atlas simply nodded. "Well… I hope it goes well." He said quietly. He took another sip of his tea and looked at the ground. "Did I already ask if you're gonna visit the studio today?" He asked, looking up at Nikolas again.
Nikolas looked down at Atlas and smiled, pushing thoughts of his former foster brother out of his head. "Yeah, you did. I'll probably head up there once I'm done with him. Expect me to pop on in at any given moment. Wouldn't want to give you a heart attack." He flashed a lopsided smile.
Atlas laughed softly, instantly remembering that he had asked that. "Ah, oops." He chuckled once more, "I'll be ready, or I'll have forgotten and I'll be happy that you showed up." He admitted smiling back.
Nikolas smiled as well. "It'll be cool to watch you record your album and hear your sound. Gotta admit, I'm quite excited." He rubbed the back of his neck and looked up at the ceiling. "Ahh, I just remembered when I was younger, 'round seventeen or eighteen, some friends of mine and a now ex had a little 'band' of our own. Tess, Kit, and Ryker." He chuckled and shook his head. "That was quite a while ago. Haven't seen Kit or Ryker in forever."
"Ah, that sounds fun! I never knew anyone else that liked to sing or make music like I did. So it was always just me. At least now I'm actually trying to do something with it." Atlas said in reply. He was excited for Nikolas to hear his stuff, maybe they could work together and it would be amazing.