Atlas had seen a lot of things in their life. Wild forests, breathtaking sunsets, the occasional near-death experience because they had zero sense of self-preservation—but nothing, nothing, prepared them for the sight of their girlfriend in that dress.

A strapless leather dress. Mid-thigh. Hugging every inch of her like it was made for her.

Atlas forgot how to function.

Their girlfriend shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the hem. "You're staring."

Atlas blinked rapidly. “I—yeah. Sorry. It's just—” They gestured wildly. “You’re wearing a dress!”

She sighed, looking away. "Yeah, well… it's our anniversary. Figured I should try to look nice."

Atlas stepped forward instantly, grabbing her hands before she could retreat into self-doubt. “Hey. You always look nice. But right now?” They let out a slow whistle, a smirk playing on their lips. “You look insane. Like, ‘I’m worried someone’s gonna try to steal you away from me’ levels of insane.”

She huffed a small laugh, but still, she fidgeted, arms crossing over herself like she wanted to disappear. “You don’t have to exaggerate…”

Atlas’s expression softened. They reached out, fingers brushing along her arm, reassuring and gentle. "Babe. I'm not exaggerating. You look so good it hurts. Like, I think I forgot how to breathe for a second. Genuinely. You’re stunning. Gorgeous. Dangerous. I feel like I should be worried.”

She finally met their gaze, cheeks flushing, lips twitching at their dramatic tone. But before she could say anything, she suddenly grabbed Atlas’s tie and tugged.

Atlas choked.

Their faces were so close now, her voice low and teasing. “If you keep staring, we’re never gonna leave.”

Atlas barely recovered, heat creeping up their neck, heart pounding. “Babe, at this rate, I don’t wanna leave.”