*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧—chapter twenty-four: coming back home

THE CLOCK ON POE'S DESK TICKS QUIETLY. It's the only sound in the apartment he's sharing with his roommates besides the tapping of the keys on the keyboard as he types on his laptop. His laptop screen glows faintly in the dimly lit room, displaying the draft of an article he has to get submitted for his journalism final. He's only been editing it for the past hour. The end of finals week was quickly approaching, and the weight of deadlines—both academic and professional—sits heavy on his shoulders. But he would manage. He always does.

Still, it doesn't prevent him from glancing at the bottom right corner of the screen where the digital clock was displayed. The time reads 9:42 PM. Worrying his bottom lip between his teeth, he glances toward his phone, which is lying facedown beside him on the armrest of the arm chair. It was almost four in the morning back in Monaco. He wonders if Nico is asleep or if he'd been awake this entire time waiting for the right moment to lick up his phone and dial Poe's number.

With a tired exhale, Poe leans back in the chair and rolls his shoulders, trying to ease the tension. It had been a long day filled with revisions and rewatching past lectures recordings to freshen up his memory in the morning, followed by an afternoon that was packed with virtual meetings for his job, and now the quiet solitude of the night as he tries to check off the remaining boxes on his to-do list.

His phone buzzes, startling him. He grabs it quickly and flips it over, looking at the name that flashes on the screen. He smiles when he sees it's Nico. He answers it. "Hey," he says when the call picks up.

"Hi," Nico says with a tired yawn. The low rumble of a car engine could be heard in the background. He must've been in his car. "Sorry I'm late to call. I just got back to the hotel."

"You had a long day, didn't you? Me too," Poe replies, closing his laptop and setting it aside for now.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Nico says with a soft chuckle. "I've had team meetings all morning, simulator work in the afternoon, my runs and gym time, and then some sponsor thing I wasn't able to get out of. But enough of that, let's talk about you."

"We don't need to. We already know what I've been doing. Same old, same old," Poe says, his tone light. "It feels like I can't stop moving, I always need to be doing something."

"Have you been taking breaks in between?" Nico asks then, his voice filled with concern. "Please tell me you have..."

"Define 'break,'" Poe quips, earning an exasperated groan from Nico.

"Poe—"

"I'm kidding, Nico," Poe says with a laugh. "I took a nap a few hours ago. And then I had dinner."

"Good." Nico falls quiet then. The steady crackling from the line connecting them to the call isn't the same as physically being together, but it was enough for now. "I miss you."

Poe closes his eyes for a moment, letting the sincerity of Nico's words sink in. "I miss you too. Hey, there's only less than a month until I'm officially back in Monaco for good."

"Yeah," he can hear the smile in Nico's voice as he speaks. "I can't wait. Unfortunately I won't be able to show up for the graduation."

"I wasn't expecting you to. You told me your schedule, so I know you'll be too busy by then."

"I know..." Nico continues. "But it's just not the same without you here, you know? Sometimes I search the paddock, half-expecting you to just show up out of nowhere and surprise me."

"Mm." Poe is quiet for a moment. "You have no idea how much I wish I could be there."

"You were at testing. And then you saw the first race," Nico points out.

"Yeah, but I haven't really had any time in my schedule to attend any other races," Poe admits. "I have my final this week, and I can't afford to fall behind. Just a few weeks left and I'll be done. Then I can be there. For everything. For you."

"I know," Nico says, though the longing in his voice is unmistakable. "Everything just seems more difficult without you here."

Poe swallows thickly, repositioning the phone in his hands as his grip tightens. "I know. But it's not going to be like this forever. Just a few more weeks and I'll be back in Monaco. No more long-distance, no more juggling schedules. Just us."

"Just us," Nico repeats, the faintest hint of a smile in his voice. "I'd like that."

There's a beat of silence that passes between them. As time passes, the distance between them starts feeling smaller. Soon it would be time for them to see each other again, and that's what they were waiting for.

"I should probably let you go, yeah?" Nico says after a moment, though the quietness of his voice gives him away. He doesn't really want to end the call just yet. "Go finish that article and get some rest. I have an early start tomorrow morning."

"Yeah," Poe says simply, though he makes no effort to end the call.

"Hey, Poe?" Nico's voice is tentative, almost hesitant.

"Yes?"

"I'm proud of you, you know. Very proud of you." Nico tries to keep his voice steady as he speaks. "For everything you're doing. For how far you've come. You're doing great, and don't think you aren't. I know none of it is easy, but you're handling it a lot better than I ever could. I just wanted to let you know."

"Thank you," Poe says quietly, his voice barely audibly.

"I mean it, I really do," Nico continues. "And when all of this is behind us—your schooling, my races—we'll celebrate properly. Just you and me. It'll be worth it."

"Do you promise?" Poe asks, his corners of his lips upturned in a smile.

"I promise."

When the call finally ends, Poe sets his phone back down, and he sighs, the weight on his shoulders feeling a bit lighter now. He stares at the clock for a moment—10:30 PM—and then glances over at his journal. For the first time today, he feels a little more grounded.

Even with the distance, Nico would always be there for him. Nico would always be waiting for him, no matter what gets in their way.

✧ ✧ ✧

The spring air in Monaco carries a warmth that feels like a promise of summer. The harbor glimmers in the afternoon light, its waters dotted with sleek yachts and the occasional ripple of a passing boat. The city is alive, buzzing with its usual energy, but Poe barely notices. His heart is racing as he steps out of the taxi, his suitcase in hand, and looks up at the apartment building he's missed so much.

He takes a deep breath, steadying himself. It's been months since he's been here—months of late-night phone calls, hastily written texts, and fleeting moments of connection during Nico's race weekends. But now, it's over. No more long-distance, no more stolen hours. He's here. He's home.

The elevator ride feels endless, each floor ticking by slower than the last. Poe's nerves are a jumbled mess—excitement, anticipation, and a touch of anxiety swirling together in his chest. He hasn't told Nico he's coming. As far as Nico knows, he's still in the United States, taking an extra day to pack up his things before flying back.

When the elevator dings and the doors slide open, Poe steps into the familiar hallway, the worn carpet under his feet bringing back a flood of memories. He pauses in front of their door, his hand hovering over the knob for a moment before he finally turns it.

The apartment is quiet, save for the faint hum of the TV in the living room. Poe sets his suitcase down by the door, slipping off his shoes as he steps inside. The air smells faintly of Nico's cologne, mixed with the lingering aroma of coffee.

"Nico?" Poe calls out softly, his voice carrying through the space.

There's no response, but the sound of movement draws him toward the living room. When he rounds the corner, he finds Nico sprawled on the couch, his head tilted back against the cushion, eyes closed. A blanket is draped over his lap, and a half-empty mug of tea sits on the coffee table beside him.

For a moment, Poe just stands there, watching him. Nico looks peaceful, his normally sharp features softened in sleep. His blond hair is slightly tousled, and his lips are parted just enough to let out the faintest sound of steady breathing.

A faint smile forms on Poe's face at the sight. He wants to wake Nico, but at the same time, he doesn't want to disturb the quiet serenity of this moment. Instead, he moves silently, setting his bag down in the corner and slipping out of his jacket.

As he steps closer, Nico stirs, his brow furrowing slightly as if sensing Poe's presence even in his sleep. His blue eyes blink open, unfocused for a moment before they land on Poe.

For a split second, Nico freezes, his expression caught between confusion and disbelief. Then his eyes widen, and he sits up abruptly, the blanket slipping off his lap. "Poe?"

"Surprise," Poe says with a soft smile, his voice trembling slightly.

Nico blinks, like he's trying to make sure he's not dreaming. Then, in an instant, he's on his feet, closing the distance between them and pulling Poe into a tight embrace.

"You're here," Nico murmurs, his voice thick with emotion as he buries his face in Poe's shoulder. "You're really here. I missed you. I missed you so, so much."

"I'm here," Poe whispers, his arms wrapping around Nico's waist. "I'm home."

Nico pulls back just enough to look at him, his hands cupping Poe's face. His blue eyes are shining, a mixture of joy and relief etched into every line of his expression. "Why didn't you tell me? I would've come to the airport—"

"I wanted to surprise you," Poe interrupts, his lips curving into a small smile. "And judging by your reaction, I think it worked."

Nico lets out a breathless laugh, his thumb brushing across Poe's cheek. "Sometimes I hate you, you know," he says, though his tone is filled with nothing but love.

Poe grins, leaning into his touch. "I missed you too."

They stand there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the rest of the world fading away. Months of distance melt into nothing as they hold each other, the weight of separation replaced by the warmth of being together again.

Finally, Nico pulls back, his hands still resting on Poe's shoulders. "Wait," he says, his brows furrowing slightly. "What about your graduation? Wasn't it yesterday?"

"It was," Poe admits, his smile turning sheepish. "I already had everything packed as soon as I was done with finals. I left right after the ceremony. Took a red-eye flight and got here this afternoon."

Nico stares at him, his expression a mix of admiration and exasperation. "You're insane," he says, though there's a fondness in his voice that makes Poe's heart swell.

"Maybe," Poe says with a shrug. "But I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to see you."

Nico shakes his head, a soft laugh escaping him as he pulls Poe in for another hug. "You're incredible, you know that?"

Poe chuckles, resting his head against Nico's chest. "I try."

They stay like that for a while, swaying slightly in the middle of the living room, neither one wanting to let go.

Eventually, Nico pulls back again, his hands sliding down to Poe's. "Okay," he says, his tone turning playful. "Now that you're here, we're celebrating properly. No arguments."

Poe raises an eyebrow. "Celebrating how?"

Nico's grin widens, a playful glint in his blue eyes as he steps closer, his hands still loosely holding Poe's. "You'll see," he says, his voice dropping slightly, teasing and soft.

Poe raises both eyebrows now, his lips quirking into a small smile. "You're being vague, Nico. I hate when you do this, you know, and I know exactly where this is headed. Not that I'm complaining."

"Oh, you know, do you?" Nico says with a smirk, his tone teasing

Poe huffs a laugh, shaking his head. "I do. And I'd like to see what you have in store this time."

Before Poe can say anything else, Nico gently tugs him toward the couch, guiding him to sit. Poe complies, curiosity flickering in his green eyes as he watches Nico disappear into the kitchen. The faint clinking of glass and the sound of cabinets opening fills the quiet apartment.

Poe leans back, his body sinking into the familiar cushions, and lets out a slow exhale. He glances toward the window, the evening light casting soft, golden hues over the room. Despite his exhaustion from the flight, there's a warmth blooming in his chest, a quiet joy that comes from simply being here, in this space, with Nico.

A few moments later, Nico reappears, holding two glasses of wine and a small plate of something Poe can't quite make out. He sets the plate and glasses on the coffee table before sitting down beside Poe, close enough that their knees brush.

"Wine and... cheese?" Poe asks, tilting his head as he studies the plate.

"Not just cheese," Nico corrects, his grin returning. "Cheese, crackers, and some of that fancy chocolate you told me you like."

Poe lets out a laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're spoiling me, Rosberg."

"Always, McKenna," Nico says with a wink, handing Poe a glass.

They clink their glasses together lightly before taking a sip, the rich, smooth wine lingering on Poe's tongue. He sets the glass down after a moment, turning his attention back to Nico, whose gaze seems to have softened in the golden light of the room.

"So, is this the celebration you had in mind?" Poe teases, though his voice is quieter now, carrying a note of affection.

"Part of it," Nico murmurs, leaning back against the couch and draping an arm along the backrest behind Poe. His fingers brush lightly against Poe's shoulder, the touch gentle but deliberate. "The other part involves something I've been waiting to do since the second I saw you standing in the doorway."

Poe raises an eyebrow, though his smile doesn't falter. "Oh? And what's that?"

Nico leans in slowly, his blue eyes locked on Poe's. "This," he whispers, just before their lips meet.

The kiss starts soft, tentative, like they're reacquainting themselves with the feeling of being this close after so long apart. But it doesn't take long for it to deepen, Nico's hand sliding from Poe's shoulder to the back of his neck, pulling him closer. Poe's fingers curl into the fabric of Nico's shirt, holding on as the kiss grows more fervent, more urgent.

When they finally pull apart, both slightly breathless, Nico presses his forehead against Poe's, his hand still cradling the back of his neck. "I want to do this every time I see you," Nico murmurs, his voice barely audible. "God, I missed you."

Poe's lips curve into a soft smile, his green eyes fluttering open to meet Nico's. "I missed you too," he whispers, his fingers loosening their grip on Nico's shirt but not letting go entirely.

Nico shifts slightly, his free hand brushing a strand of hair away from Poe's face. "I hated being apart," he admits, his tone raw, vulnerable. "Every time I came back to this apartment, it felt... empty. Like something was missing."

"You mean me," Poe says softly, though there's no teasing in his voice.

Nico nods, his thumb tracing small, absentminded circles against Poe's neck. "Yeah. You."

For a moment, neither of them say a word, the weight of each other's words hanging in the air between them. The only sound is the faint hum of the city outside, a reminder of the world beyond their little bubble.

Poe shifts slightly, his hands sliding up to rest on either side of Nico's face. "Well, I'm here now," he says firmly, his voice steady despite the emotion in it. "No more distance. No more calls at ridiculous hours. No more sitting alone in a café, wishing you were there."

Nico's lips twitch into a small, grateful smile. "No more searching the paddock, hoping you'll surprise me."

Poe chuckles softly, his thumbs brushing against Nico's cheekbones. "I think I've done enough surprising for one day."

"Not nearly enough," Nico counters, leaning in to kiss him again.

This time, the kiss is slower, more deliberate, as if they're savoring every second, every sensation. Nico's hands slide down to Poe's waist, pulling him closer until there's no space left between them. Poe lets himself sink into the moment, his body relaxing against Nico's as the tension of the past few months melts away.

When they finally break apart again, Nico leans back slightly, his hand trailing down Poe's arm to intertwine their fingers. "Stay here tonight," he says softly, though it's more of a statement than a question.

Poe arches an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I wasn't planning on going anywhere else."

Nico chuckles, his grip on Poe's hand tightening slightly. "Good."

They settle back against the couch, the plate of wine and snacks forgotten as they lose themselves in each other's presence. For the first time in months, everything feels right.

And as Nico rests his head against Poe's, his voice a quiet murmur in the fading light, he says the words he's been holding onto since the day Poe left:

"Welcome home."

author's note
AHHHHH

01.10.25