Carlos and Ryder sat together on the back porch of the lookout, the night sky above them scattered with stars. The gentle sounds of the waves hitting the shore filled the air, and a cool breeze drifted through, causing Ryder to shiver slightly.

Carlos noticed and wordlessly shrugged off his jacket, draping it over Ryder’s shoulders. Ryder smiled, pulling the jacket closer around himself, the fabric still warm from Carlos’s body heat. He leaned in, resting his head on Carlos’s shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his boyfriend’s breathing.

“You know,” Ryder said quietly, his voice barely a whisper in the quiet night, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this…at home.” Carlos’s lips quirked up into a small, shy smile, his hand finding Ryder’s and squeezing it gently. Ryder’s thumb brushed against the back of Carlos’s hand, tracing little circles.

They sat like that for a while, watching the stars and enjoying the quiet comfort of each other’s presence. Carlos, usually so full of energy and always ready to dive into a project, seemed content to just be still, his arm slipping around Ryder’s waist, pulling him a little closer.

“Me neither,” Carlos finally said, his voice soft and sincere. Ryder’s chest felt warm at the admission, and he turned his face slightly to press a quick, gentle kiss to Carlos’s cheek, feeling the way Carlos’s breath caught, a hint of pink touching his cheeks.

In the distance, the lighthouse light spun slowly, casting a warm glow across the porch, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had narrowed down to just the two of them—wrapped up in each other’s warmth, with the stars above and the ocean below.