it started with the low sound of laughter.

soft. warm. familiar.

you’d barely stepped inside before you saw them on the couch, bodies turned toward each other in that effortless way that came from years of closeness. Icarus was half sprawled across the cushions, one arm hooked around Silas’s shoulders, curls messy, smile already pulling wide as Silas leaned in close. Silas’s hand rested at the back of Icarus’s neck, fingers firm, grounding, his posture calm even as their mouths met in a slow, practiced kiss.

not rushed. not hidden. comfortable. your tiredness faded instantly, replaced by that familiar spark of heat and fondness that always bloomed when you saw them together.

you smiled without meaning to. you stepped closer. their kiss deepened, Icarus’s laugh slipping into it softly, his body leaning in like he always did when he wanted more, Silas’s thumb brushing once along his jaw with that controlled tenderness he rarely showed anyone else.

you were already imagining sliding in between them. already picturing Icarus’s warmth at your back. Silas’s steady presence at your front. already halfway there.

then Silas pulled back. not abruptly. deliberately. he rested his forehead against Icarus’s for a brief moment before straightening, calm as ever. “I should go finish that chapter,” he said quietly.

your steps slowed. your smile faded just a little. Icarus groaned softly. “Silas.”

“it won’t write itself,” Silas replied, though his tone held no annoyance. only responsibility. he stood, smoothing his shirt, leaning down to press one last quick kiss to Icarus’s lips.

“I’ll be back soon.”

then his eyes flicked to you. a soft acknowledgment. warm. apologetic without saying it. and just like that, he was already walking down the hallway.

you stood there, arms crossed slowly over your chest, watching him disappear. Icarus turned toward you with an amused, slightly guilty smile. “don’t look at me like that,” he said lightly.

you huffed. “I was two seconds away from joining.”

“I know,” he laughed, reaching for you and pulling you into his lap. “I saw it in your face.”

you sighed dramatically. “ruined. completely ruined.”