It feels ridiculous to even think it, he thought to himself, as gray early morning light started to shine through the one bedroom window. It hasn't even been a month. And yet... it doesn't seem strange. Avery was still asleep in the bed, wrapped up in all the blankets and curled on his side, hands fisted in the sheets and hair fanned out all around him. Jake smiled to himself and stretched out across the end of the bed, completely comfortable staring at the ceiling. It wouldn't be until the sun was over the window that Avery would wake up.
*
"How long have you two been at the flat?" Nicholas turned his own gray eyed stare on Jake from behind the steering wheel of his car. The engine groaned as the light changed and Jake looked back out the window.
"Since mid July."
"Really."
Jake nodded.
"Dad know?"
"... Yes. He didn't really know I was going to stay home this summer rather than at school like he had said, you know, and showed up one morning with Becca." He paused. "We were still asleep," he finished softly. Nicholas shot him another look. He whistled, low, eyebrows raising, and they turned a corner. "I know what you're thinking," Jake continued suddenly. "I didn't let him say anything. He freaked, but I didn't let him say anything. He didn't stay the day though."
They pulled up outside a small house. Kids ran by yelling. Jake could feel Nic looking at him, and when he turned his head his brother ruffled his hair, smiling good naturedly at him. "He'll come around," he said. "Just give him time."
"He's had it," Jake replied sullenly. "But I hope so."
*
It was dark. A breeze came in through the window, the warm after rain smell floating in with it. The street below was quiet. Avery turned and brushed his hand over Jake's bare stomach, breath warm against his shoulder. He yawned, pulling Jake closer.
"Love you," he whispered, voice heavy with sated release and the sleep it brings with it.
Jake turned onto his side, curling into the smaller boy and brushing his lips against his. "Love you too," he whispered back, and kissed him. When they pulled away they breathed in together and smiled, and Jake let his eyes fall closed.