[INT. JULIEN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]
The evening is calm, disturbed only by the flicker of a vanilla-scented candle resting on the coffee table. A soft piano melody plays faintly in the background, adding a soothing ambiance to the room. Julien is slouched on the couch, his shirt slightly unbuttoned, revealing a delicate silver necklace. His gaze is lost in the distance, a sign of both mental and physical exhaustion.
Thomas enters the living room barefoot, carrying a tray with two glasses of red wine and a small plate of fruit. He sets the tray down and sits beside Julien, their knees lightly brushing.
THOMAS (with a tender smile)
You look like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Julien looks at him, a faint but sad smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
JULIEN
Maybe I am, in a way.
Thomas offers a glass to Julien, their fingers briefly brushing. The electricity of that fleeting touch sparks a comforting warmth.
THOMAS
Take a sip. It won't solve everything, but it'll help.
Julien chuckles softly, a brief but genuine laugh, before raising the glass to his lips. The wine is rich and full-bodied, leaving a gentle warmth trailing down his throat.
JULIEN (after a pause)
They're still whispering at the office. Some people think I didn't earn my promotion, that it's all because of you.
Thomas sets his glass on the table and turns fully toward Julien. He reaches out, hesitates for a moment, and then cups Julien's cheek, his fingers brushing along the line of his jaw.
THOMAS
Listen to me. You don't have to prove anything to those people. You're brilliant, passionate, and everything you have, you've earned.
Julien closes his eyes for a moment, savoring the reassuring warmth of Thomas's hand on his skin.
JULIEN (in a quiet voice)
What if I told you that sometimes, I doubt myself? That I wonder if I'm strong enough for this… for us?
Thomas slides his hand gently to the back of Julien's neck, his fingers playing with the strands of his hair.
THOMAS
Then I'd tell you it's normal to be scared. I'm scared too, Julien. But I know one thing: every battle, every doubt, is worth it as long as it's with you.
Julien opens his eyes, their gazes locking in a tender but intense moment. Without a word, Julien leans forward and presses his lips to Thomas's in a slow, emotion-filled kiss.
---
[INT. JULIEN'S BEDROOM – LATER]
Moonlight filters through the curtains, casting delicate shadows on the bedroom walls. Julien lies on the bed, dressed in a simple white T-shirt, while Thomas sits beside him, one leg tucked beneath him.
Thomas slowly traces invisible circles on Julien's arm with his fingertips, an instinctive and soothing gesture.
JULIEN
You know, sometimes I wonder how you do it. Staying calm, handling everything… and putting up with me, on top of it all.
Thomas laughs, a light but sincere sound, and leans down to press a kiss to Julien's forehead.
THOMAS
I don't "put up" with you, Julien. You're the only thing that gives meaning to all this chaos.
Julien grabs Thomas's hand and pulls him closer, coaxing him to lie down beside him. Now they're face to face, their breaths mingling in the quiet intimacy of the room.
JULIEN
Promise me you'll never leave.
Thomas takes a long breath, sliding a hand to the small of Julien's back to draw him even closer.
THOMAS
I promise to always fight for us.
Julien closes his eyes, a tear sliding gently down his cheek. Thomas brushes it away with his fingertips before leaning in for a soft kiss, one that feels like it lasts an eternity.
---
They eventually drift to sleep, Thomas's arms wrapped around Julien. Their breathing synchronizes, creating a rhythm almost musical in its harmony. On their peaceful faces, the candle as its flame flickers and fades, leaving the room in a soft and comforting darkness...