Julian stepped into Lucian's space the way he had grown accustomed to doing, without knocking, without hesitation, as if the boundaries that governed normal interactions didn't apply here. The apartment was quiet, lit in that deliberate way Lucian preferred, shadows placed with as much intention as the light.
Lucian stood by the window, looking out at the city that spread below them like a carpet of fallen stars. He didn't turn as Julian entered, but Julian knew he was aware of him. He was always aware.
"I had dinner with Elias," Julian said, the words feeling heavier in the air than they had when he'd rehearsed them in his mind.
Lucian's attention remained on the city below. "I know."
Julian stopped, his hand still on the doorknob. "Of course you do."
Lucian turned then, his movement fluid and unhurried. "Should I pretend otherwise?"
"No," Julian admitted, releasing the door and stepping further into the room. "That would be a waste of both our time."
