The first light of dawn slipped through the blinds, painting soft stripes across the apartment.
Gabriel stirred, eyelids fluttering open to the quiet hum of the city waking up.
He stretched lightly, the familiar weight of the day settling over his shoulders, but even as he moved toward the kitchen, his thoughts lingered on the couch.
Ethan was still there, curled up under the blanket, soft breaths rising and falling.
Gabriel paused at the edge of the kitchen, coffee pot warming, and glanced back.
There he was—Ethan—so impossibly at ease, like he owned this tiny space, like he belonged.
A faint smile brushed Gabriel's lips before he shook his head, chiding himself. Focus. Coffee first.
Minutes passed, the scent of brewing coffee filling the small apartment.
Ethan stirred, murmuring something indistinct in his sleep.
His eyes cracked open, finding Gabriel moving around the kitchen, and a slow grin spread across his face.
"Morning, Angel," Ethan murmured, voice husky with sleep, tilting his head lazily.
Gabriel froze mid-pour, heart skipping. "Morning," he said evenly, though the faint lift at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.
Ethan yawned dramatically, stretching out long limbs. "You're up early… plotting the day, or just thinking about me?"
Gabriel shook his head, stepping closer, setting the cup down. "Neither. Coffee first, Ace. You're still recovering; don't move too fast."
Ethan sat up, blanket slipping from one shoulder. "Hmm… coffee with my angel. That's a good start." His grin softened as he leaned back, eyes twinkling, teasing but gentle.
Gabriel watched him, letting the warmth of the moment settle between them. "Sit. Drink it while it's hot. Then we'll figure out the rest of the day."
Ethan's gaze lingered on him, heart thrumming in the quiet morning. "Rest assured, Angel… I plan to make today unforgettable."
Gabriel's jaw twitched, half amusement, half exasperation. "You're already testing my patience."
Ethan leaned forward slightly, playful and earnest all at once. "Good. That's part of my charm."
For a moment, the morning paused—just them, sunlight spilling around, laughter and soft teasing filling the tiny apartment. A quiet promise of days yet to come.
Ethan settled at the dining table, fingers wrapped around a warm cup of tea, watching Gabriel move around the kitchen with quiet efficiency.
Steam curled from his mug, carrying the faint aroma of herbs and honey.
"Gabriel…" Ethan's voice broke the silence, soft and curious. "What are you doing?"
Gabriel glanced up, lips twitching at the corner. "Making noodles."
Ethan's eyes lit up, leaning forward, unable to stay still. "Noodles? Really? For me?"
Gabriel's hands paused mid-chop. "Yes. For you," he said evenly, though the faint flush creeping along his jaw betrayed him.
Ethan grinned, practically vibrating in his chair. "You didn't have to. But I'm so ready for this. I'll be your official taste-tester."
Gabriel rolled his eyes, returning to the stove, stirring the water with gentle rhythm. "Taste carefully. Don't critique before it's done."
"Don't worry, Angel," Ethan said, voice teasing, eyes sparkling. "I promise… I'm very professional. Noodle-tasting is serious business."
Gabriel shook his head, the corner of his lips twitching into a subtle smile. "Professional or not, you're going to eat exactly what I give you. Nothing extra."
Ethan leaned back in his chair with a playful sigh. "Fine… but just so you know, I may end up liking this too much. You might be stuck making them forever."
Gabriel's gaze flicked toward him, dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Good. I like it when someone appreciates the effort."
Ethan caught the glance, heart skipping. He sipped his coffee slowly, savoring the warmth, the aroma, the quiet closeness between them.
There was only Gabriel, moving around his kitchen, and him, watching… waiting… falling even more.
Minutes passed, the kitchen filled with the soft hiss of boiling water, the faint smell of garlic and herbs.
Ethan watched as Gabriel sprinkled seasonings into the pot, concentrating, jaw tight in that way that made Ethan's heart skip.
"Angel…" Ethan said softly, leaning just a fraction closer. "Can I try the broth? Just a sip?"
Gabriel froze, After a pause, he leaned in slightly and handed him a small spoon. "Careful. It's hot."
Ethan took it, blowing gently, then tasting. His eyes widened. "Mmm… Angel, this is amazing. Really amazing."
Gabriel's lips twitched. "I know." His voice was low, almost a murmur, as he returned to stirring with a little more ease.
Ethan's grin grew, almost mischievous. "You know… if I keep praising you like this, you might start thinking I'm more trouble than I'm worth."
Gabriel glanced at him over his shoulder. "Maybe I already do."
Ethan's chest warmed at the teasing, and he let out a soft laugh. "Good. Then you'll know how serious I am about enjoying this… and everything else about you."
Gabriel's hand stilled briefly on the ladle, just enough to let Ethan catch the pause.
Their eyes met, something unspoken hanging in the air, electric and soft all at once.
Ethan took a slow breath, tasting the moment as much as the broth. "Angel… I think I could get used to this."
Gabriel's jaw tightened ever so slightly, but the corner of his mouth betrayed him, curling into the smallest, quietest smile. "Good."
The noodles finished cooking, steam curling around them.
Gabriel plated a generous portion, sliding it across the table to Ethan, who immediately grabbed his chopsticks with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Ethan scooped up noodles, slurping with satisfaction. "Wow. Just… wow."
Gabriel leaned against the counter, arms crossed, eyes dark but amused. "You've said that three times now. Are noodles the only thing that impresses you?"
Ethan tilted his head, grinning, noodles dangling from his chopsticks. "Hmm… maybe. Or maybe the chef has something to do with it."
Gabriel's lips twitched, and he shook his head. "Flattery won't make me feed you any faster."
Ethan let out a playful groan, tilting the bowl toward Gabriel. "Come on, Angel… just one bite? You made it, so it's only fair you taste it."
Gabriel hesitated, eyes narrowing, but curiosity won. He leaned in, took a careful bite, and froze slightly as the flavor hit him. Ethan's grin widened at the reaction. "See? Pure genius."
Gabriel smirked, pushing the bowl back toward Ethan. "You're ridiculous. But… it's good."
Ethan leaned closer across the counter. "Just good? Angel… that's not the reaction I saw on your face."
Gabriel's jaw tightened, eyes flicking to Ethan's. "First reactions don't count. You're distracting."
Ethan laughed softly, slurping more noodles. "Distracting? Me? Angel, I'm just appreciating the chef… nothing more."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, dark gaze holding him. "Keep telling yourself that."
Ethan swallowed, eyes twinkling. "I do. But can't help thinking… you make everything better. Even noodles."
Gabriel's hand brushed against the counter, fingers grazing Ethan's as he moved to clean up.
Ethan caught the movement, heart skipping. He didn't pull away—just watched him, smile soft and teasing.
Gabriel muttered under his breath, "Ridiculous boy…" but the corner of his lips betrayed him, curling into a small smile.
Gabriel grabbed his coat, checking his watch. "I need to go. Work."
Ethan frowned, nudging the bowl toward him. "You'll come back early, right?"
Gabriel glanced at him, dark eyes softening for a heartbeat. "Don't make me promise things I might not keep."
Ethan laughed, noodles dangling teasingly from his chopsticks. "Hmm… I'll take my chances."
Gabriel shook his head, smirked, and headed for the door, glancing back once. "Try not to eat the entire pot while I'm gone."
Ethan grinned, waving a mock salute. "Yes, Chef Angel. I'll behave… mostly."
As Gabriel opened the door, Ethan's eyes followed him like a hawk.
The moment the door clicked shut, Ethan leaned back against the couch, already plotting.
He tapped his chin, muttering softly, "Hmm… what can I do to make sure he comes back sooner?"
By the time Gabriel returned hours later, he found Ethan sprawled on the couch with a little pile of snacks and a messy note beside him: "For Angel, so you don't forget me while you're gone. Don't get mad, I'm just thoughtful."
Gabriel froze, one brow raised, a silent laugh threatening to escape. "You… really did this?"
Ethan's grin widened, smug and innocent all at once. "Of course! How could I let my angel leave without a reminder of me?"
Gabriel shook his head, soft chuckle escaping. "Ridiculous."
Ethan leaped up, grabbing a small piece of chocolate, offering it to him. "You need a reward for coming back to your loyal—and brilliant, of course—admirer."
Gabriel's dark eyes flickered over him, hesitant but warm.
He took the chocolate, shaking his head slightly. "You're trouble, you know that?"
Ethan leaned closer, shoulders brushing against Gabriel's. "Trouble… or irresistible?"
Gabriel exhaled softly, the corners of his lips twitching. "Both… unfortunately."
Ethan smirked. "Good. I like 'unfortunately.' Fits you."
Gabriel finally looked away, muttering under his breath, "I'll need a plan to deal with this ridiculous boy…"
Ethan's grin only grew wider, knowing exactly how much he'd wormed into Gabriel's mind—and heart.
Gabriel's voice echoed from the bedroom, calm but carrying that familiar command. "I'm going to shower."
Ethan didn't move, sprawled on the couch, fingers tracing the rim of his empty mug. "Mm-hmm," he murmured, eyes drifting toward the door Gabriel disappeared behind.
The room felt quieter, yet somehow heavier with his absence.
Ethan shifted slightly, curling one leg under him.
He let out a soft sigh, leaning back, imagining the faint scent of soap and warm water that would soon fill the air.
His gaze drifted to Gabriel's framed photo on the counter. He smiled faintly. "You're ridiculous, you know that, Angel… but I kinda like it," he whispered to the empty space, fingers brushing lightly over the frame.
Ethan chuckled softly, a whisper of mischief in his tone. "Guess I better behave… or maybe just… not."
He hummed lightly, tapping his fingers against the couch, imagining the moment Gabriel would emerge—towel over his shoulders, that familiar intensity in his eyes.
Waiting wasn't boring. Waiting was… promising.