Chapter 2

When Even woke up the next morning, Isak was, unsurprisingly, still asleep. He used to joke that Isak slept later than anyone he had ever known, but then Eskild had commented quietly to him about how much better Isak was sleeping now that they lived together. "Being the guru-advisor that I am, I like to make sure that all my little chicks are nicely in their nests, but when I used to check in on Isak… well he would rarely be asleep. On school nights I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't sleep at all… one or two hours at most…" Even had looked at him with raised eyebrows as Eskild put food away, trying to avoid eye contact, before continuing, "so, I'm just really glad… really glad he's doing so well with you. More than just sleeping, actually," at this, Eskild leaned back on the counter and clapped Even's shoulder. "You're really good for him."

Even had smiled and thanked Eskild and, as the older man walked away, said, "He's really good for me, too."

So, now, when Even woke up and Isak was sleepily curled into his shoulder, he simply placed a light kiss to his temple and wiggled out of bed. He hopped in the shower after making sure that Noora, the only other person awake, didn't need it. Then, once he was clean, Even started to make breakfast. That was one more thing that the flat loved about him, he always offered food to everyone, even if he had made it with only his and Isak's share. Eskild always happily took part in whatever delicious meal Even had prepared, and Linn would, too, if she was around. It depended on Noora's mood, but even she had to admit he was a great cook. Right now, Even prepped some laks, and began to fry some pancakes. He was facing away from the door when he felt a familiar weight fall against his back and familiar arms wrap around his waist.

"Good morning," Isak sighed into Even's shirt, and the bigger man smiled.

"Good morning," he said back, turning to face his boyfriend, who was tousled with sleep, golden curls all over the place and face dazed. He tilted his chin up towards Even, who leaned down and kissed him before turning back to the pancakes and flipping them before they started to burn. Isak clung around his waist and shut his eyes.

"Here," Even said after a while, twisting and handing Isak a plate of food, "get the syrup and stuff, please."

Shuffling away, Isak got everything they would need and sat at the table. Even quickly sat across from him and watched as the younger boy began to eat his eggs. A smile crept over Even's face as Isak pushed back his hair, trying to keep it out of his eyes.

"What?" laughed Isak after a minute of Even smiling at him.

"Nothing," said Even, still grinning, "you're just cute."

Isak huffed and rolled his eyes, but there was no hiding the smirk that took over his mouth. "What are you doing today?" he asked.

"I don't know, I might go visit my parents…" Even trailed, rubbing one eye. Isak nodded.

"That's chill," he said. "I'll probably swing by Jonas's."

"That's chill."

They ate in silence for a while, until Even was done and got up to clear his plate. Noora and Eskild walked out together in that moment, arguing about something.

"Seriously, Noora, new you, new boyfriend," Eskild was saying, to which Noora rolled her eyes.

"For your information," she said, trying to sound stern but obviously very happy about something, "William called last night. We had a very long talk and he said he hasn't been with anybody since me, and that he still loves me and really wants to make it work."

"Serious?" asks Isak from the table, smiling up at the blonde. "Noora, that's awesome!"

Noora grins, red lipstick perfect. "Thank you. But I told him I needed some time to think, since it's been so long and all. And he really did fuck things up last fall. I'm not just going to jump back into his arms."

"Oh, please, Noora," Eskild groaned, "just give up and get back with him already."

Noora glared at him. "Eskild, I'm not going to let myself get in a relationship if I don't think it's good for me. I have to think it over."

"Do you still love him?" asks Even, leaning on their counter.

Noora blushes slightly and looks down at her feet. "I… I think so? I don't know. I think I'm still in love with the idea of him, you know? I'm still in love with the him that swept me off my feet last year. But it's been so long since I really saw him, not just skype or messaging, that I don't know if I still… still love him. This him."

Even nodded. "Is he going to come home?"

"Yes," Noora affirmed. "He's coming for a visit in a couple of weeks. I told him I'd be ready to talk then. Once we've seen each other again. We're still texting all the time, I just don't have an answer yet. When he's here, though, hopefully… well, hopefully I'll be able to figure something out."

"That's great, Noora," Isak said, standing and clearing his dishes. "I'm gonna shower," he announced. "I hope everything works out with you two."

With that, the slim boy wandered away towards the bathroom. Noora, Eskild and Even continued to talk, shifting topics from William to school to a variety of other things until they all eventually made their ways to their own corners of the house. Even walked into his room to find Isak in just a towel, rubbing his hair dry.

"Halla," the older boy said, smirking at Isak, who blushed.

"Halla. When are you going to your mom's?"

"Possibly never with you looking this good," Even purred, wrapping his arms around Isak's waist and placing a soft kiss on his jaw.

There were things about Isak that Even loved but would never tell anyone, except perhaps the blond himself. Things like how much Even loved how small Isak was. He loved his slim frame, the way his shoulders were so narrow. He loved how Isak would tuck his chin into his chest when he laughed or got embarrassed, and how he almost always hesitated before smiling but, when he didn't, his smile would light up the whole world. He loved how Isak crossed his legs and wore skinny jeans and snapbacks because it was so him, all of it. He loved when Isak's eyes blew up in surprise. He loved Isak so much.

And, now, he loved how Isak giggled quietly and ran his hands through Even's hair. "I'm trying to get dressed here," he protested as Even began to suck on his neck.

"That's the opposite of what I want," mumbled Even, pulling Isak's hips close to him and running his hands over his boyfriend's skin.

"Baby," Isak breathed quietly, his voice becoming needy as Even pushed his buttons. Even smiled against his skin and took a step back, causing Isak to let out a low whine.

"What do you want?" Even asked, pressing his forehead to the smaller boy's.

Trying to steady his breathing, Isak blinked a couple of times. "Please," he whimpered after a beat. "I need you."

That was all the invitation Even needed to press himself against Isak hard, pushing them both both onto the bed.