Much later, when the food containers were empty and pushed aside and the conversation had softened into quieter things, Leo finally stood.
"I should shower," he said, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. "I still smell like hospital."
Alex looked up from where he was leaning against the couch. "You smell fine."
"That's because you've gone nose-blind to me."
"I don't think that's how that works."
Leo ignored him and headed toward the bathroom.
Halfway there, Alex called, "Wait."
Leo turned.
Alex disappeared briefly into the hallway and came back holding a new toothbrush still in its packaging.
"I bought extras a while ago," he said, like he needed a reason. "Just in case."
Leo looked at the toothbrush for a second too long before taking it.
"Thanks."
Their fingers brushed.
Tiny thing. Barely there.
Still enough to make something warm move low in Alex's chest.
Leo disappeared into the bathroom a moment later, and the sound of running water filled the apartment.
