Page 67 of Becoming Us

“You did,” I said.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Because it was always love with us. That kind of sex didn’t hurt—it healed.”

His stony expression softened at that. “Can I ask you something?”

“We’re the only two people left in the world, remember? If not me, who are you gonna ask?”

Atty chuckled under his breath. His gaze danced between my eyes, uncertain but curious. “Did you date anyone after we broke up?”

I let out a slow exhale. So, we were doing this now. “I went out with a girl a couple times last semester—after that talk we had at your place.”

He waited for a beat. “And that’s it?”

“That’s it.” I laughed lightly at the look on his face. “After I left, my life was basically hospitals, rehab, and therapy. And honestly, there was no getting over you. Not for me.”

“You’re not just saying that?”

“No, Atty. I’m not.” I met his eyes. “You know how much I love you. The only reason I stayed away was so I could get better—for both of us. To give us a real shot. You’re the love of my life.” I gave the back of his neck a gentle rake, my fingers sliding through the strands there. “Even if I’m not yours, you’ll always be mine.”

We stared at each other. The silence between us wasn’t awkward—it was comforting. Just being with him made everything feel lighter.

“This helped,” he whispered after a while.

That brought a slow, full smile to my face. My chest swelled with something close to hope. “Yeah?”

He nodded. “Being with you helps me too.” His eyes lingered on mine, then drifted lower. “Can you go back to being my Noah?”

Well, that just fucking killed me.

I nodded quickly, and he folded himself into me. His arms wrapped around me tightly, holding me to his chest like he couldn’t bear the thought of letting go.

His forehead rested against mine. “Thank you.”

I ran my hand over his back and watched, riveted, as he closed his eyes and shivered at the touch. It struck me then that Atty had always taken this role—the protector, the caretaker. Even though he’d been so young when we’d started dating, he’d stepped into it seamlessly. And I never had, because I’d wanted to feel that protection from him. It was what had hooked me in the first place.

But who took care of him?

“I’m here for you. Whenever you need me, Atty.”

A tiny crease appeared between his brows. “Always?”

“Always. I promise.”

He nuzzled in, tucking his face into the curve of my neck. His lips found the familiar nook, the one that belonged only to him, and kissed the skin there. I felt the faintest tug on my neck and smiled, knowing he was toying with the medallion I always wore.

“If you’re feeling up to it,” I murmured, “I actually came up with a date idea I think you’re going to like.”

“Yeah? What is it?” His breath warmed my skin.

“I found this old arcade. It’s eighties-themed, and they’ve got all the best games,” I said, the excitement slipping into my voice.

He pulled back slightly to look at me, his perfect Atty smile lighting up his face. “That actually sounds amazing.”

I chuckled. “You wanna go?”

“Yeah, let’s go.” He leaned in to press a soft kiss to my lips. Then he snuggled right back into his spot. “Just ten more minutes.”