Neil sat on the couch in their small apartment, staring out the window at the rain falling steadily outside, deep in thought. He was so lost in his mind that he didn’t notice Andrew come in until a familiar weight settled next to him. Without a word, Andrew placed a bottle of Neil’s favorite drink in his hand, his way of silently acknowledging that he’d noticed Neil’s mood.

Neil glanced over, lips twitching into the smallest of smiles. “Thanks,” he murmured.

Andrew didn’t respond, just leaned back, taking a sip from his own drink. But Neil could feel Andrew’s presence like a steady anchor, a quiet promise of being there in his own silent, steady way. Neil glanced over again, seeing that Andrew’s gaze was as unreadable as ever, but softer in its own way.

“You know, you don’t have to stay if you don’t want to,” Neil said, testing, though he knew the answer already.

Andrew gave him a sharp look, one eyebrow raised. “I go where I want. Don’t think too hard about it.”

But that was all Neil needed. He settled back, feeling a little lighter, the weight in his chest easing. They didn’t need to say much—just being there, side by side, was enough.