Atlas didn't want to back up either, so naturally, he didn't. He did quite the opposite. He wrapped his arms around Nikolas' waist and buried his face into the man's chest. He was so comfortable with Nikolas, it probably wasn't good. He is a typically trusting person, so it's not out of character for him. He smiled into Nikolas then looked up at him, still smiling.
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Nikolas didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Atlas in return, sighing softly at how comforting it felt to have the smaller man fitted against his chest and in his arms. He didn't know how to describe how he felt about Atlas beyond that he certainly didn't mind those kisses and was quite happy with hugging him like this more often. When Atlas looked up at him, smiling like that, Nikolas couldn't help himself. He dipped his head down until their faces were a few inches apart, eyes flickering down to Atlas' lips. Can I…? He couldn't bring himself to voice the question, but it definitely shone in his silver eyes.
Atlas knew what Nikolas wanted, and he wanted the same. Without a moment's more of hesitation, he closed the space between their lips, softly kissing him. It may seem cliche, but Atlas felt like time stopped. Everything was still and perfect. His eyes lightly closed as he continued to kiss Nikolas. This was already the fourth time in one day that Atlas kissed this man, and they weren't even dating. They hadn't even known each other for a full 24 hours.
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Nikolas seemed to relax even more into Atlas, a hand coming up to gently slip over the man's cheek and cradle the side of his face. His eyes slowly slipped closed as well, not even caring if there might be other people still there. It was a relief that he wasn't the only one. Atlas' lips were so soft and kissable, and he definitely didn't regret this. He had thought, at first, that he might feel bad for kissing Atlas without really knowing how he felt about him, but the more time he spent around him, the more comfortable he was around the other man.
Atlas slid his hands up to Nikolas' neck and hair. One hand lightly draped around his neck while the other started tangling in Nikolas' hair. This whole thing was definitely one of the few impulse actions Atlas didn't regret. He was actually very happy about it and even thankful. Everything seemed to line up for some reason. They sang through paper-thin walls together, only to meet each other a few minutes after and hit it off instantly. A few short hours later they were kissing in a recording booth.
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Nikolas smiled slightly into the kiss when he felt Atlas' fingers in his hair. He took that moment to break the kiss for air, his smile widening a bit as he pressed his forehead against Atlas'. "Tomorrow needs to come sooner," Nikolas whispered softly, thumb running back and forth absentmindedly over the man's cheekbone. His other arm was wrapped around Atlas' waist, holding him against his chest. It was strange for Nikolas to get attached so swiftly, but it just felt right, like they were meant to meet. If I didn't know any better, I'd say the Fates intervened.
"What if we did it today instead? I'm technically in charge of my music and the release of it so I can technically do whatever I want…Whaddya say?" Atlas asked quietly with a sly smile. He looked up into Nikolas' swirling silver eyes, easily lost in them. He knew it would probably bite him in the butt later, but that wasn't right then.
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Nikolas clicked his tongue playfully and bumped his nose against Atlas' as he chuckled. "Technicalities that could get you into trouble," he pointed out. "How about this: I take you somewhere tonight? I think you might like it. Think. It just might be my nerd being biased," he added with a soft laugh, smiling.
Atlas sighed defeatedly, knowing Nikolas was right. But he smiled anyway. "That sounds great. When are you thinking? What if I finished the songs quickly, would that mean sooner rather than later." He asked. He realized he may seem desperate to be with Nikolas, but he couldn't help it. He smiled and kissed Nikolas again before he could answer Atlas' question. What was with him today? Yes, he's pretty impulsive, but not normally this much. It could definitely have something to do with his attraction to Nikolas though.
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Nikolas was about to open his mouth to answer before he was suddenly silenced by Atlas' lips. He barely thought about it as his tongue flicked out, brushing against the man's lips. Nikolas pulled away before things got out of hand, using the need to answer as an excuse. "Depends on how desperate you are to get rid of me. My plans are better when it's dark out, if that affects anything, hence why I picked tonight."
Atlas had his lips puckered for a kiss a little longer until he realized Nikolas stopped to answer his question. He looked to the side, slightly embarrassed for not noticing sooner. He nodded then looked back to Nikolas. "Ah, if you say so. If it works better at night then I guess I'm just going to have to wait," said Atlas in a joking tone. He smiled at the man who was only a few inches away.
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Nikolas laughed softly and nuzzled Atlas' nose with his own, foreheads pressed together. "Poor baby," he cooed, smiling brightly, then tipped his head some and pressed his lips against the man's lips. It was hard to not kiss him, especially with how close they were and how adorable Atlas was. He stopped counting the number of times they've kissed by now because it hardly even mattered at this point. It was clear how they felt about one another was mutual, so why bother making a fuss over it when they were going to go out on a date later today? And, Nikolas mused, this lunch could be considered a date as well.
Atlas smiled, kissing Nikolas back. "Well, if we're going out for lunch, we should go so we have plenty of time." He said, squeezing Nikolas a little then letting go of him. He immediately regretted it. He already missed Nikolas' warmth and touch. He looked up at the man, up into his eyes. He reached his hand to Niklas' and laced his fingers, without hesitation.
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Nikolas barely gave it a thought as he curled his fingers around Atlas' hand, still smiling down at him. "I suppose we should. C'mon." He gently tugged on Atlas' hand and led him out of the recording booth, then towards the front door. "Anyplace in particular you want to go?" he asked, looking down at the other man with an arched brow.
"Um… nah. I don't care actually. Is there anywhere you want to go in particular?" Atlas asked, smiling up to Nikolas. They got outside and Atlas stopped. Where they wanted to go would determine which way to continue walking. He looked around, watching the people and cars pass by.
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Nikolas tilted his head to the side, also glancing around while they were stopped. "I'll admit, I'm not too familiar with this area. Though, I do prefer cafe's over fancy restaurants," he said, looking down at Atlas with a soft smile. "Quieter, nice food without needing to pay much."
Atlas' eyes widened. "I know the perfect place!" He said, lightly pulling Nikolas left. "I agree though, cafes are so nice and comfortable." He knew the area very well, having living in the area for 5 years and always hanging out there during lunch and after recording. Downtown was one of Atlas' favorite places. Fun little shops, cafes, interesting activities, and cool looking art and buildings.
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Nikolas blinked as he was being pulled to the left, then chuckled and followed after Atlas. "Glad to know we have similar preferences when it comes to eating out." He tipped his head to the side and mulled over something, then glanced down at Atlas. "Any places around here that you think are worth checking out?" He paused as another thought came to him, "Or jobs, for that matter, for the time being?"
"Ehm, well I think there are a few shops that are hiring. But you know… you could always permanently join me and we could be a duo." Atlas said, smiling while looking up at Nikolas. He was almost joking, but he was also really hoping Nikolas would end up doing it. "But otherwise, there's a little ice cream shop with a separate cafe area that's really good. There's a low-key Italian restaurant and a coffee shop/bakery. I can take you to all these places if you're interested!" He said, turning another corner.
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Nikolas looked down at Atlas in slight surprise, but smiled nevertheless as he genuinely thought about it. Singing with Atlas had been fun, but his confort zone was behind a set of drums and symbols. If Atlas was serious about his suggestion, maybe Nikolas could work something out. "Well," he eventually said after some pondering, "If you'd be willing to work with this hot mess, I suppose I can think about sticking with you." Nikolas looked down at Atlas with a crooked smile. "Though, I really do prefer being a drummer. I have an excuse to hit stuff."
Atlas smiled, almost surprised Nikolas actually agreed, in a way. "Of course I would be willing to work with you! And I've only seen the 'hot' part of that, not the 'mess' yet. You could do drums and I could learn to play the guitar and sing. You could also sing!! If you actually want to of course." He said, getting over-excited. He squeezed Nikolas' hand a little, of course in excitement.
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Nikolas laughed at Atlas' enthusiasm, happy that he was so excited but also thinking about how adorable the other man looked while he gushed. Nikolas let go of Atlas' hand, though his touch didn't go far. His hand slid around the man's waist and tugged him close so he could press his lips against his head. "You're so cute," he cooed with a bright smile, "And I'll think about it, the job thing."
Atlas smiled widely. He loved being like this with Nikolas. At this point, they both like each other quite a bit, but they just haven't made anything official. "I'm so glad, I really hope you take the job, but I would understand if you didn't." He said, wrapping his arm around Nikolas' waist as well. He leaned his head on Nikolas' shoulder as they continued walking.
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"It's definitely not a no," Nikolas elaborated, smiling as he felt Atlas' arm around his waist and head on his shoulder. If anyone was to see them right now, they'd likely instantly think they were a couple. And honestly? Nikolas wasn't opposed to that in the slightest. He looked down at the male tucked into his side like a puzzle piece, his expression soft and happy. "Singing with you was fun, so I'd be an idiot to completely reject doing anything like that with you."
"It was really fun, thank you for actually doing that with me. Even if you don't permanently join me, you will always be able to sing with me on a few songs." Atlas said, looking up at Nikolas. He slowed down as they got closer to the cafe. It was definitely a small one. He opened the door and went in after Nikolas. The register was to the left of the door with a whole bunch of tables everywhere else. There were also a few couches with pillows.
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Nikolas smiled down at Atlas gratefully. The previous anxiety about singing was but a distant thought as he pictured doing that more. Plus, he and Atlas could do it whenever at home because they were neighbors, so it'd help him with his self-consciousness. Nikolas snapped out of his thoughts when they stepped into the cafe, eyes darting around to get a good look at the place. "Huh. I haven't even been in here for a minute and I really like it already." It was really homey and simple. He hoped the food was good too.
"Oh man, I'm so glad. It's one of my favorite places, so we're definitely going to go here a lot if you like the food. Which I bet you will."Atlas said as he went up to the counter. He stayed back so they could decide what to order. He looked up at the menu above the counter. He stayed close to Nikolas, keeping his arm around the man.
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Nikolas laughed softly and followed after Atlas when they approached the counter, but stayed back so they could figure out what they wanted to order. His eyes scanned the menu as he hummed and tilted his head in thought. Everything seemed good, at least they sounded good. Maybe he'd request some recommendations from Atlas. "Remind me to bring you here if I want to get on your good side," Nikolas said without looking down at the man pressed into his side.
"Oh definitely! But you'll probably always be on my good side at this point." Atlas said. He continued to look at the menu as he leaned his head in the man's shoulder. Something as simple as standing in a cafe close to Nikolas made Atlas unbelievably happy. He couldn't figure out why and how he felt that happy, but he wasn't complaining. To be fair, it is the happiest he's been in a while. "Do you know what you're getting?"
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Nikolas smiled to himself when Atlas said he'd always be on his good side, feeling quite flattered for some reason. He didn't think he had done anything to really warrant such confidence in his relationship with the man, but he'd take it. When Atlas asked leaned his head on Nikolas' shoulder, then asked what he was getting, Nikolas lightly rested his head against the other's and hummed. "I don't really know. It all looks good. Any recommendations?"
