Atlas stood in front of the mirror in Demitra's bedroom, her shirt lifted halfway as she scrutinized her reflection. She turned slightly to the side, running her hand over her stomach and then her arms, flexing experimentally. Her locs hung loose around her face, and she chewed her bottom lip in thought.

"Mia," Atlas called out, her voice tinged with mild concern.

Demitra was seated cross-legged on her bed, scrolling through her phone and occasionally glancing at the open notebook beside her. She barely looked up at first. "Hmm?"

Atlas turned around, letting her shirt drop back down, and tilted her head at her girlfriend. "Am I getting fat or just bulking?"

Demitra blinked, then burst out laughing. "What kind of question is that?"

"I'm serious," Atlas replied, her expression a mix of frustration and amusement. She motioned toward her body. "I've been hitting the gym, but I feel like I'm looking... I don't know, softer? Maybe I'm eating too much."

Demitra set her phone aside, raising an eyebrow. "Papi, you're literally fine. Like, ridiculously fine. If anything, you're bulking in all the right places."

Atlas squinted at her. "You're just saying that because you're my girlfriend."

"And because it's true," Demitra shot back, sliding off the bed and walking over to where Atlas stood. She placed her hands on Atlas's shoulders, turning her slightly to face the mirror. "Look at you. You're built like a statue, look at those abs dude. How can you even ask me that?"

Atlas sighed, her gaze drifting back to the mirror. "I don't know. I've just been feeling off lately. Like maybe I'm not doing enough."

Demitra frowned, stepping closer so she could wrap her arms around Atlas's waist from behind. "Hey," she said softly, resting her chin on Atlas's shoulder. "You're doing plenty. Don't let your head mess with you like that."

For a moment, they stood there in silence, Atlas's tension slowly easing under Demitra's touch. Then Demitra tightened her arms slightly and added, "And for the record, I think you're perfect. Fat, bulky, or whatever you wanna call it—you're still my Papi."

Atlas chuckled, leaning back into her. "You're too good at this..."

"Good at what?"

"Making me feel like I'm the shit," Atlas admitted, her voice quieter now.

Demitra pulled back just enough to turn Atlas around so they were facing each other. "That's because you are the shit," she said firmly, looking up into Atlas's amber eyes.

Atlas stared at her for a long moment, something unspoken flickering in her expression. Then she reached up, brushing a strand of Demitra's curly hair away from her face.

"I love you," Atlas said suddenly, the words tumbling out before she could overthink them.

Demitra's eyes widened, and her lips parted as if to say something, but no sound came out.

Atlas's heart pounded as the silence stretched between them. "I—uh, I mean, if it's too soon—"

"Shut up," Demitra cut her off, her voice breathless. She took Atlas's face in her hands, her thumbs brushing against her cheeks. "Say it again."

Atlas blinked. "What?"

"Say it again," Demitra repeated, her voice steadier now, though her cheeks were flushed.

A small smile tugged at Atlas's lips as she leaned down slightly, her forehead brushing against Demitra's. "I love you."

Demitra let out a soft laugh, her hands still cradling Atlas's face. "I love you too, Papi."

Atlas didn't realize how tightly she'd been holding her breath until it whooshed out of her at Demitra's words. Relief and joy flooded her all at once, and before she could stop herself, she swept Demitra up into a hug, spinning her around once before setting her back down.

Demitra laughed, her arms wrapping around Atlas's neck as she buried her face against her shoulder. "You're so cute."

"Don't call me cute." Atlas replied, grinning as she held Demitra close.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the world outside fading away.

Later, the two of them were sprawled out on Demitra's bed, their limbs tangled together as they scrolled through their phones. Atlas still had a slight smile on her face, the earlier confession replaying in her mind.

"Hey," Demitra said suddenly, turning her head to look at Atlas.

"Hmm?" Atlas replied, not looking away from her screen.

Demitra reached over, tapping her on the chin to get her attention. "I mean it, you know. I love you."

Atlas's gaze softened as she turned to face Demitra. "I know," she said simply, leaning over to kiss her forehead.

Demitra smiled, snuggling closer to her. "Good. Just making sure."

The next morning, Atlas woke up to the smell of something sweet wafting through the apartment. She stretched, yawning as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. Sliding on her glasses, she padded out of the bedroom to find Demitra in the kitchen, flipping pancakes on the stove.

"Oh my gosh food," Atlas said, leaning against the doorway with a sleepy grin.

Demitra turned, her hair pulled back into a loose bun, and shot her a playful glare. "Thanks for the observation sherlock."

Atlas laughed, walking over to wrap her arms around Demitra's waist. "Good morning, mami."

Demitra tilted her head back to look at her, her lips quirking up in a smile. "Good morning. Keep that energy."

"I plan to," Atlas replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.