Just Pretend-nineteen
*gif created by me. feel free to use, simply give credit*
Parings: Noah Sebastian x Musician! Reader
Warnings/Tropes: language, angst, fluff, smut, star-crossed lovers, right person/wrong time, cheating, talks of mental abuse.
Summary: “I can wait for years, heaven knows I’m not getting over you.” A story about two star-crossed lovers, that always find their way back because their souls are entwined. The universe desperately attempts to bring them together, no matter what the cost.
Authors Note: I realized today that Sarah and I have been working on this story for almost TWO MONTHS. Holy shit. Talk about a slow burn! I don't think it's ever taken me this long to write an active story. Also, there are a few sentences in Greek and Italian in this chapter. You can find the translations at the end of the chapter.
Collaborating With: @thescarlettvvitch(better give her all the love as well)
Tags: @thescarlettvvitch @ozwriterchick @waake-meee-up @notingridslurkaccount @niicoleleigh @sammyjoeee @xxrainstorm @dominuslunae @notmaddihealy @malice-ov-mercy @crimson-calligraphyx @iknownothingpeople @writethrough @thebadchic @blackveilomens Claudia on Tumblr @tobe-written @blacksoul-27 @loeytuan98 @loverofagoodbeard @comfortcharactercraze @lma1986 @plutonikchaos1 @spicywhenspeaking @lyschko666 @somewhere-diamond @hi-fancy-seeing-you-here @koskeepsake @bngurngheart @shilohrosechicken @emzandthevoid @casangel1986 @qualityvoidcollectorsblog @myownthoughts12 @jilliemiw86 @bellaboo967 @halloweenaesthetic
NOAH
My knee bounced in a tangent along with the clock on the wall behind Dr. Poulos as she tilted her head towards me, waiting for my answer.
“I’m sorry, what was the question?” I blinked slowly.
She gave me a small smile, tapping her pen on her notebook; something I’ve realized she did when she was ready to ask me a hard-hitting question.
“How have the panic attacks been?” Dr. Poulos wondered.
“Uh,” I rubbed my jaw. “It’s been better, I suppose. I still feel them starting every once in a while but my friends have been great at helping me through them.”
“That’s great,” she smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. I know it was a problem for you from our first session.”
“Yeah, I’ve come to realize there were a few aspects of my life that hindered me more than helped me.”
Dr. Poulos’ brows raised. “Like what?”
“Up until recently, I would drink; a lot. And smoke weed every so often. People say it’s the lesser of the drugs but it affected me in such a way that I didn’t like the man I saw in the mirror. Same with the alcohol. So, I’ve decided to become sober.”
That spread a wider smile on her face. “I’m proud of you, Noah. It’s not an easy thing to overcome but to see how determined you are makes me very happy.”
I ran my hands over my thighs while standing up straighter on the couch; her positive praise made my heart beat a bit faster.
“I just want to be the healthiest I can be. Your body is a temple, ya know? It’s only been a few weeks but I can already tell a difference in the way I sing.”
“That’s exceptional, Noah. I’m happy to hear that. It’ll help the course of your life. But I must ask, do you feel it’ll leave a part of you open and willing to accept the love you think you deserve?”
I pursed my lips. “What do you mean?”
“Well, as you mentioned previously, it sounds like Y/N has had some complicated relations with a man who was in a state of addiction. Do you feel that maybe, a part of your being sober can help you leave that part finally open? Allow you to see that you can be loved.”
When I remained silent, letting her words rest in my mind, Dr. Poulos shut her notebook and set it on the table between us; next to one of those sand zen garden things.
“What you're doing with Bailey and hiding your true feelings for Y/N doesn't seem to be helping, right?”
I shook my head with a long sigh. “I never meant for things to go this far.”
Dr. Poulos leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees, stippling her fingers.
“Has Y/N ever given you a reason to doubt the things you say to her?”
“No. Never,” I answered without missing a beat.
“Then what’s stopping you from telling her how you feel?” She brushed a strand of brown-graying hair from her eyes.
With Dr. Poulos’ words replaying in my mind, I sat down on the steps of her office while clicking on Bailey’s contact name on my phone. As it rang, I tapped my fingers on my knee to drum a random beat.
“Hey, it’s Bailey. Leave me a message!’
Cursing to myself, I wished that she had answered because I didn’t want to do this with her voicemail but I had no other option. This needed to be done.
“Bailey, it’s me- Noah,” I sighed while pinching my eyes shut. “Listen, I didn’t want to do this over text or on your voicemail. But I thought it best you hear me say this. I wanted to discuss it with you the other day but shit came up.”
My eyes watched as a few people walked past on the sidewalk in front of me.
“Look, I never wanted to hurt you, you’re a nice girl but this-us-isn’t working for me. I’m-I’m sorry if this hurts you. Truly. I’m not good at words all the time but I will say that I wish you the best and I hope you have a nice life.”
After hanging up, I could physically feel the weight lift off my shoulders and heart. Breathing was easier and lighter, so with this newfound feeling, I quickly dialed Y/N’s number.
“Mochi!”
I could hear the smile in her voice.
“Hi, angel. Are you busy?” I asked while rising from the steps to walk a few steps to my car that was parked in the street.
“I’m walking into an appointment right now. Can I call you later?”
Ignoring the way my heart dropped, I started my car and sat there for a moment.
“Of course. I’ll be in the studio but I’ll always answer for you.” My hand ran over the steering wheel.
“So sweet,” Y/N chuckled and my stomach fluttered. “There’s a reason why I gave you that nickname.”
We quickly said our goodbyes and my mind was filled with the heavy conversation I needed to have with Y/N. I didn’t even realize the familiar figure bounding up the steps of the same office I left mere minutes ago, her yellow sundress flowing in the wind.
READER
My eyes were trained on the small sand zen garden on Dr. Poulos’ table as she tapped her pen against the notebook in her lap. The clock ticked annoyingly loudly behind her, almost mocking me as I continued to leave her question unanswered.
“Y/N,” Dr. Poulos’s voice was firm, breaking me from my trance. “You mentioned your mother contacted you the other day?”
I played with the hem of my yellow sundress. “Uh, yeah. She doesn't do it often but when she does, she really lets her feelings known.”
“And what are those feelings?”
“The same bullshit. My mom doesn’t agree with the lifestyle I’ve chosen. She thinks it's a waste of time,” I shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal. “It’s who she is. Being Greek, I was raised to have large but realistic dreams. My father on the other hand wanted and still wants me to follow my heart, he wants me to go after what I want, what I need. There’s a line between both of them.”
“You know,” Dr. Poulos tucked a strand of her brown-graying hair behind her ear. “There’s a study that says insecure attachment styles can develop as a result of poor parenting. Research indicates that attachment in childhood affects the development of familial, social, and romantic relationships later in life. Do you feel this has deeply affected or influenced your relationships?
I pursed my lips. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you’ve had a pattern of falling for men who aren't good for you yet believing they are real love when you know subconsciously you deserve better.”
“Maybe,” the word trailed off my lips, uncertainty weighing heavy on my heart.
Dr. Poulos hummed, crossing one leg over the other. “It sounds that way, doesn’t it? Are you running from Noah because you’re afraid you’ll disappoint him? Afraid he’ll do what your mother often does? You’ve seen the way your parent's marriage was like growing up, that has to be a hindering factor, doesn't it?
My jaw ticked. “My mother was unfair to my father. I’d never do that or treat anyone that way.”
“I know you won’t, Y/N. You know it yourself, deep down in your heart,” she patted a hand over her own heart. “Because from what you told me about Noah, I don’t believe that he would act the way your mother has. You won’t disappoint him. And he doesn’t want to do that to you either.”
I shook my head widely. “He’s with someone else so it doesn't even matter.”
A small smile lifted at the corner of her lips. “Quite the contrary, Y/N. You said it earlier you wanted to tell him the truth. He isn’t your mother and again, from what you’ve told me it sounds like you both may want the same things. You’re just not trusting yourself. You’re relying on your trauma and issues with your mother to get in the way.”
“Wow, nice observation,” I snorted. “How am I supposed to fix that?”
Dr. Poulos ignored my snarky attitude. “If your mother has been unreliable, then you may need to lean on other people who are for support. Socializing with friends and learning to be vulnerable with others can help increase emotional connection.”
“Malcolm and Chase are reliable,” I stated.
“It sounds like it, from what you’ve told me,” she nodded. “There’s also Noah. His support can take some time to develop but having stable relationships with others can be part of healing. And most of all, self-care.”
I left therapy with a hopeful heart and bright smile. Dr. Poulos always knew what I needed to hear as much as I tried to fight it. Peaking down at my phone, my pulse quickened when I noticed a missed text from Noah.
Mochi 🍡: New episode of Attack on Titan dropped. I can pick up lunch. Your place or mine?
Giggling, I typed out my response, not letting anything ruin this euphoric high I felt.
NOAH
I stood outside Y/N’s front door, shaking out the nerves, and knocked on it. I had a bag of take-out food in my hand, something she requested from her favorite burrito place.
“Hi,” she smiled while letting me in. “Did you remember the Dr. Pepper?”
I chuckled while holding up the cup. “Light ice.”
As we set out the food on the table in their dining room, I motioned towards the various easels and splattered pain on the carpet. “Studio?”
“Yeah,” Y/N gave a sheepish smile. The lighting in here is better than my bedroom; although not by much.”
I took in the various paintings of abstract lines and colors, some of random landscapes, and one of Salem.
“These are really good, angel.”
“I’m glad I decided to do this. Painting has been a great way to escape from reality, even for a little bit,” she took a bite of her burrito. “Oh, extra guac? How’d you know?”
I shrugged. “I just do.”
We ate in silence for the next few long moments and as much as I tried to quiet the loud voices in my mind that screamed at me to tell Y/N the truth right now, it was extremely difficult.
My eyes took in the glimmer of her bracelet as she reached for the chips and I couldn't stop the smile that spread wide to my lips. Y/N was still wearing the jewelry I bought her and it made me feel proud.
“Where’s Chase and Malcolm?” I asked, noticing the quiet.
Y/N took a large drink of her soda, reveling in the taste. “Hiking. They left earlier this morning and typically don’t come back till later. So I have the place to myself.”
Just as I was about to speak, a persistent knock sounded on the front door, and she turned towards it with a confused stare.
“Expecting anyone?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Probably someone selling Girl Scout cookies.”
“If they have Thin Mints, I’ll take four boxes,” I called after Y/N.
Her laugh echoed throughout the room but soon seized when she opened the door. I noticed the way her body went rigid and I slowly rose in time to see a tall but petite brunette all but push her way inside.
“Hi, koukla. I would have texted or called but it seems like you have an issue with checking your phone,” the lady peered around the space, a sour look on her lips.
“Mo-mom? What are you doing here?”
Shit.
I knew there was a history with Y/N’s mom but never knew how deep it ran.
“I was in town and thought to surprise you. Since you never talk to me anymore,” her mom tsked.
Finally, her eyes landed on me, standing in the threshold of the living room and dining room; gaze hardening.
“Who’s this?” She asked Y/N.
Internally I snorted at how she asked Y/N rather than asking me.
“I’m Noah,” I introduced myself while brushing away the strands from my face.
Her mom hummed before nodding towards the back end of the house. “Give me and my daughter some privacy.”
“Mom!” Y/N seethed.
Noticing how the tension shifted, I gave Y/N a soft smile. “It’s alright. I’ll go say hi to Salem.”
With my back to them, I walked down the hall and heard her mom mutter something in Greek.
“Giatí échei makriá malliá?”
“Eísai apísteftos,” Y/N responded in a stern voice.
Sitting in the Y/N’s bedroom with Salem perched on my lap, I left the door wide open so I could listen in on the conversation. It may have been wrong to eavesdrop but something deep inside of me told me to be on edge, just in case.
“You should have called, Mom,” Y/N said.
“You never return my calls.”
“Gee, I wonder why. You exactly haven’t been that peachy the last few times we’ve talked.” I could hear the slight edge in Y/N’s voice.
“I thought I’d told you I don’t appreciate the way you speak to me.”
“It’s a two-way street, Mom. You get what you give.”
Salem purred loudly in my lap and I continued to scratch him in the spot I knew he loved; between his ears.
“I’ve always hated when your father used that line,” her mother sighed.
Someone was pacing, their footsteps echoing loudly down the hall, and I peered down at Salem.
“Your mom seems pretty upset right now,” I frowned at the feline.
His bright green eyes stared back at me, simply demanding one thing silently; more pets to which I obliged.
“Have you been to the doctor lately?”
“Since when do you care, Mom? You never ask how I’m doing.”
Salem jumped off of me when I slowly rose to my feet, deciding that I needed to be closer to Y/N, just in case.
“I know how bad Endometriosis affects you, Y/N. I’m simply wondering.”
I could almost hear Y/N roll her eyes as I neared the end of the hallway, out of sight but could still see just enough. Y/N stood with her hands on her hips while her mom sat comfortably on the couch.
“I’m fine.” Y/N kept her answers short.
Her mother pursed her lips. “And how’s the career?”
Now it was my turn to roll my eyes at the way she said career.
Y/N snorted. “Please, like you give a shit.”
“Watch your language!”
“You’ve never supported me with my music. Hell, with any of my dreams. So don’t start acting like you give a shit now.
Her mom rose to her feet, narrowing her gaze. “That’s not true. I only want what’s best for you, Y/N. You don’t want to end up like your father and be stuck.”
“He wasn’t stuck,” Y/N scoffed while clenching her fists.
Her mother clicked her tongue while brushing away Y/N’s hair from her face. “Yes, sweetie, he was. And I’m telling you, no man will want to deal with someone that’s always on the road. What man is going to wait around or understand this lifestyle? What future are you gonna have?”
My jaw clenched at hearing those words because I knew it wasn’t true. There was a man who wanted Y/N; me. I would wait for years if I had to. Whenever she was ready, I’d be here.
But hearing how her mom talked to her made me realize that there was a reason why Y/N never spoke of her and why she was so apprehensive of any future relationship.
“We’re not talking about this,” Y/N stepped away from her mom to stand on the other end of the couch, giving more space between them.
“Once again, you’re avoiding a tough subject. I didn’t raise you this way,” her mother chastised.
Y/N’s jaw dropped. “Raised me? Are you fucking kidding me? You barely were home, too busy focusing on your career leaving Dad home to raise me!”
I smirked at hearing Y/N mock her mother in how she said career moments before.
“Your father was always your favorite. But it was me you stayed with after the divorce!” Her mother's voice was raised.
Fearing this would end in such a bad way, I pulled my phone to send a text to Chase.
Me: Y/N’s mom is here and I’m afraid shit is about to hit the fan. What should I do?
His response came almost immediately.
Chase: Fuck. Whatever you do, Noah. Don’t leave. Stay until we get there. Every time her mom either contacts her or shows up, Y/N goes into a dark place. Malcolm and I are leaving right now and should be back in an hour.
I swallowed thickly as my stomach dropped. If the guys were worried about Y/N’s mom being here, it could only mean one thing.
Disaster.
“I stayed with you because you made me feel guilty!” Y/N choked on a sob. “For years I wondered why I didn’t feel a connection with you so I thought staying with you would bring us closer. But instead, you dropped the you’re adopted bomb on me; on my birthday!”
Her mother had the audacity to shrug.
“You probably would have found out eventually. I simply sped up the process.”
Y/N shook her head. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Because I tell the truth? You think people are going to stay with you with the lifestyle you’ve chosen?”
“Oh, gods, we’re back on this again?” Y/N ran a hand through her hair. “I have a lot of people that support me.”
“Who? Your friend?” Her mom pointed a firm finger towards the hallway where I was still hiding around the corner. “Do you think he is going to wait around?”
For years if I have to.
“No. No one will, Y/N. You’re like your father with these pipe dreams.”
“Pipe dreams? I didn’t realize wanting a family was a pipe dream,” Y/N spat.
Her mother gave her a somber smile, clicking her teeth. “Kouklamou, I thought we talked about this. You can’t have a family, not the traditional way anyway. You need to realize that no man is going to want to go through all that trouble to have a child. It’s not worth it.”
Y/N and I both flinched at the same time, those words almost verbatim with what Trey used to say to her. There I stood, my fists clenched by my sides, I rolled my shoulders back, glaring towards the petite brunette with dark eyes.
I was feeling triggered while I observed this entire thing; it felt intrusive at first but now feels like I’m behind fifty feet of glass.
It made sense now, why this loving bond between Y/N and I was inaccessible. In this mode, I had to take great care not to damage these bonds of love, this relationship, this friendship, and this woman in front of me, who very early on became everything to my heart and soul. For in time, the glass disappeared and my love returned stronger.
I understood.
From my corner, I could see how the kitchen table had seen every emotion, from the sweet silent happiness of family times, when the only sound is contented enjoyment, to the rage that bursts out in the hard times; I understood.
I refused to stand there and let it sour, not to her. Never to her.
Sobs played like a sad tune and I noticed Y/N was crying, hastily whipping away the tears.
“I can’t believe I continue to let you in my life, knowing how you’ll treat me. Girls are supposed to look up to their mothers as idols, to learn from them how to be mothers. But you’ve shown me how not to treat my kids in the future.”
“We’ve talked about this, Y/N. The chances of you becoming a mother are not in the cards for you. Neither is this musical career. You need to face reality.”
Fuck this.
As I stepped into view of them, Y/N pointed to the front door. “I don’t need you to come in here and tell me how to run my life, I’m done with this.”
“Y/n-.”
“You heard her,” I spoke while standing next to Y/N, immediately wrapping my arm around her shoulder to pull her into my chest.
My heart broke at how quickly she grasped onto my shirt, not wanting me to let her go.
“Excuse me? This is a private matter between my daughter and me. This doesn't concern you,” her mom’s eyes sliced into me.
“It does. Because it’s Y/N.”
Her mom’s gaze bounced between the two of us, almost waiting for Y/N to object to my words, but instead, she stood firm, sniffing away her tears.
“You need to leave.”
With one final glare, Y/N’s mom snatched her purse off the couch while muttering something Greek under her breath before she slammed the door behind her; all the negative energy leaving in waves.
“Y/N,” I tried to make her look at me but she kept her head cast down.
“I can’t, Noah,” she cried.
I lifted her chin with a firm finger and sucked in a breath as broken, bloodshot eyes stared back at me.
“Don’t ever hide from me, angel. You know that.”
Y/N kept her gaze firm on my face. “She does this every time. I don’t know why I continue to let her. I’m just a girl who wants her mother's love, is that so wrong?”
“Angel,” I murmured while pulling her into my embrace, brushing a kiss across her forehead.
NOAH
My fingers drummed against the marble counter in front of me while Davis set out various ingredients. We were currently streaming the two of us cooking BLTs, something for the fans to enjoy and watch. I was reading some of the comments, smiling at a few then cringing at some others.
Davis handed me a block of cheese. “Cut this up for me, would ya?”
With it in one hand, I playfully spit on my hand before giving it a nice smack.
“Hm, imagining that someone's ass?” He smirked under his breath.
I gave him a light shove. “Fuck off.”
We spent the next long while goofing off and having fun for the stream. It was nice to let my mind focus on something else besides Y/N and her mom. I spent the rest of the night at her place, holding her in my arms as she cried herself to sleep. The familiar scent of her lingered on me as I tucked her softly in her bed. Before I walked out of her house, I ran into Chase and Malcolm, whose parting words stuck with me all day.
“She needs you more than she’ll admit. It may not seem like it but she does.”
Y/N texted me this morning to thank me for being there for her and say that if she went M.I.A for a while today, it’s only because Hollow Souls were in the studio recording. I didn't ask how she was feeling after the surprise visit from her mom. Y/N would tell me, if she wanted to, when she was ready.
“Alright, let’s read some comments,” Davis suggested as we finished up the cook-off; me winning.
He held Max in his hands, every so often giving him kisses. As I read a few comments out loud and responded, the dog practically begged me for attention when a familiar username appeared on the screen.
Y/NHollowSouls: Noah Sebastian, I swear to Hades himself. You kiss Max right now or I’ll come over there and kick your ass.
I laughed while shaking my head. “Alright, Max. Come here! Let me give you some love.”
I scratched the dog's ear while leaving a soft kiss on his nose then looked back to the computer screen to see Y/N leave another comment.
Y/NHollowSouls: Good, that’s better. Now I need to taste this famous BLT that won.
“Then get your ass over here. Bring some coconut water because Noah drank the last one,” Davis said once he read the comment.
My heart began to beat widely in my chest at the thought of seeing Y/N again.
Y/NHollowSouls: fuck yes. Noah, have that sandwich ready for me.
We ended the stream shortly after that but my eyes lingered on the black screen for a long moment. Davis immediately picked up on my quiet mood and knocked on the countertop.
“Noah?”
My name was white noise, still staring at zoning out in front of me.
“Earth to Noah! Come in Herc! Come in Herc!”
“What?” My eyes snapped over to Davis, finally breaking out of my trance.
“What I thought.” He smirks before getting serious. “Are you alright?”
I gave a weak smile towards Davis. “Yeah. I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”
He motioned towards the laptop. “I know you’re not actually fine right now but-.”
I ran a hand over my face, doing my best to keep my breathing calm and even. “I’ll be fine, I promise. It just fucking hurts.”
Davis shifted on his feet, hesitation clear on his face. “Why? No disrespect to Y/N at all, you know I love her-we all do. But why did you choose to stay in touch? After all the hurt you’ve gone through.”
My vision was direct with his. “Because I’d rather have her from afar to make sure she’s alright than to not have her in my life at all. Besides, she’s going through a lot of shit, something no one should go through alone. I won’t let her.”
A grin spread across his face and he nodded. “I knew it. I just wanted to hear you admit it. But you need to end this shit with Bailey.”
“I already did.”
“Fuck,” Davis’ eyes widened. “Finally. How did she take it?”
I nervously rubbed the back of my neck. “That’s the thing, she didn’t answer. I left her a voicemail.”
“A voicemail? Damn, do you think she got the message?” Davis wondered while be began cleaning up the mess.
I, instead, began making another sandwich for Y/N, knowing she’d be here soon. “I fucking hope so. If not, then she’s probably testing me to see if I’d change my mind.”
“But you won't, right?”
I snorted. “Fat chance.”
Davis turned towards me, drying his hands on a towel. “So you broke up with Bailey. What’s the next step with Y/N?”
“I need to talk to her first. There’s a lot we need to talk about,” I said while pulling out a cold can of Dr. Pepper from the fridge.
“Hey, that’s the last one,” he exclaimed.
I merely shrugged while setting a place at the kitchen table for Y/N. “It’s for Y/N.”
Davis, as much as he tried to be upset, chuckled. “In all seriousness, Noah, you know we’re here to support you. We have your back.”
I smiled at one of my best friends. “I know.”
Just then a knock sounded on the front door and before Davis could answer it, I quickly closed the short distance and opened it with a smile; only for it to drop seeing Y/N standing on the other side with a frown.
“What’s wrong?” I questioned while allowing her to step inside and led her to Davis’ kitchen.
“Chase’s birthday is on Friday and the venue I booked for it just canceled on me. Something about a pipe bursting and the room is flooded,” she exasperated while falling into the chair at the table.
“What are you going to do?” I questioned while sitting across from her.
Davis joined us at the table, taking the coconut water from Y/N with a small smile.
“Thankfully since they have to cancel, I get my deposit back but Malcolm is freaking out,” she waved her phone around. “We have two days to figure out somewhere new for this surprise party.”
“You can have it at my place,” I suggested.
Y/N took a long drink of her soda. “Are you sure? Don’t you think you should talk with the rest of the guys first?”
I snatched a chip off her plate and shrugged. “They won’t mind.”
“Sei un tesoro, mochi,” she patted my cheek.
Davis choked on his drink and my eyes snapped over to him. “I don’t want to hear it!”
He held up his hands. “I didn’t hear anything.”
Y/N smirked before taking the first bite of her sandwich and groaned. “Oh shit, this is good. No wonder you won, Noah.”
With a prideful smirk, I motioned to the rest of her plate. “Finish up. I’ll call the guys and have them meet here and we can plan Chase’s party.”
At one point, Davis left to take Max for a walk, leaving Y/N and I alone. We sat silently and enjoyed the world around us. This has taken a lifetime to learn. It seemed only the old could sit next to one another, not say anything, and still feel content. The young, brash, and impatient, must always break the silence. It’s a waste, for silence is pure. Silence is holy. It draws people together because only those who are comfortable with each other can sit without speaking. This is the great paradox.
“Oh, I never noticed the great view Davis has,” Y/N mused while pushing away her empty plate.
Realizing it was almost time for the sun to set, I quickly cleaned up for her and motioned towards the back door.
“Let’s go sit outside for a bit, yeah?” I suggested.
READER
Noah and I sat comfortably on the patio bench, a blanket draped over both of our legs as we stared out at the vast greens of Davis’ backyard. The sky was painted in bright oranges with hints of pink and purple. Silently, I thought to myself that I should have brought my art supplies, noting this would be a beautiful experience to paint.
The silence between Noah and I was comforting, something you don’t find all that often. People always needed to talk rather than just listen to the world around them. The way the birds chirped, the faint noises of evening traffic, or the sound of the wind as it blew a chilly breeze.
“Angel?”
I hummed while looking over towards Noah.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Is there-I don’t know-anything you really want besides music right now?”
“I want a studio, with giant canvas’, paint; just an art studio galore! I’ve gotten into the hobby and love it,” I answered with a bright smile. “I was even thinking of using some of my art for the album artwork. Just playing with ideas.”
Noah’s smile matched mine as he let his hair loose from the hair tie, letting it fall to his shoulders in waves. “I love that you found something else you’re so passionate about, angel.”
“I love painting. I really do,” I leaned farther back against the couch and rested my head against it.
“So paint. You should do whatever your heart desires, Y/N.”
“Thank you, mochi” I nudged him.
Noah rested his head against the couch, inches away from mine as another thought came to mind.
“You know,” I started with a long sigh. “When I was a kid, I would have given anything to be exactly like everybody else”
“You wanted to be petty and dishonest?“ He joked.
“Not everyone is like that,” I defended with a shake of my head.
“Yes they are,” Noah retorted back. “But not you. You’re not like that.”
This had me sitting up straighter, Noah following me. “How do you know what I’m like?”
“I see you,” He shifted closer to me, hand brushing across my knee over the blanket. “I’ve seen you for a long time. You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met”.
My heart beat widely in my chest, the noise deafening in my ears and I cleared my throat.
“I think you are too. If I’m being honest, I think I’ve always sorta known that,” I admitted.
“You know,” Noah’s hand rested on my knee. “With me bouncing between homes and couches growing up, I always thought I’d be alone. I’d never expected to have such an amazing group of friends.”
“Sometimes maybe it’s better to be alone,” I shrugged while looking past his shoulder to an older couple watching in the neighborhood.
“Why do you say that?”
I still kept my gaze off Noah, voice dropping low. “Nobody can hurt you.”
“Y/N,” Noah sighed and lifted my chin so I could meet his intense gaze. “I would never, ever hurt you.”
Those eyes. I’ve dreamed of those eyes almost every night since our first meeting so long ago. I won’t say I’m in love, not out loud, but I am. I came to terms with that a while ago.
“I know, mochi,” I finally whispered.
Noah’s thumb traced over my jawline. “I understand why it’s hard for you, Y/N. But know that when I’m with you, I don’t feel alone.”
That magnetic pull that always seemed to connect us with that invisible string made me lean closer to him needing his warmth to envelop me.
“I’ve never had this instant connection with anyone. I know you understand it too,” he continued.
With my continued silence, Noah sat up straighter but kept his grip on my chin. “Are you freaked out? Because not hearing you say anything kind of-.”
“Noah- no,” I rested my hands on his chest. “I feel it too.”
His hand grasped the back of my neck now, tilting my head up towards him, as we began to lead in closer, and when his warm breath fanned over my lips, I let my eyes flutter shut.
“Hey guys-oh shit.”
Quickly pushing away from Noah, I peered over my shoulder to see Malcolm leaning against the back door.
“We’re all inside ready to talk about the party. Whenever you two decide to grace us,” Malcolm winked before slipping back inside.
Clearing my throat, I let the realization sink in what Noah and I were about to do. He’s with Bailey and I was ready to kiss him. I’m not this kind of person but yet here I was again being caught between him and my conscious. Bailey, as intrusive as she was, didn’t deserve this.
Noah tried to bring me back to him but I quickly stood up, giving us more space.
“We can’t do this. Not again,” my hair shook widely around my shoulders. “It’s not fair to Bailey.”
“I ended it.”
I blinked. “Wha-Oh? You did?”
As ecstatic as I was hearing this, I did my best to hide it. I didn’t want Noah to know inside I was jumping for fucking joy; like a kid on Christmas that received the toy they’d been wanting.
Noah stood from the couch now, standing in front of me. “I think Bailey saw me as Noah on the big screen, not me the person and after everything at that dinner I just knew it was time.”
“I’m-I’m sorry,” I stammered, not knowing what else to say.
His brows furrowed. “Why? It wasn’t serious. There wasn’t that connection; like the one we have.”
As my lips parted, it was Jesse now who interrupted us, taking a bite of the apple in his hand. “Are you guys coming or what?”
Noah cursed while running a hand through his hair and I shakily pointed over his shoulder.
“We should head inside. Talk about this party.”
Not wanting to spend another second out here, afraid to finally give in to the thoughts that were screaming at me, I gently brushed past him to return inside.
GREEK TRANSLATIONS:
Koukla-doll
Kouklamou- my doll
“Giatí échei makriá malliá?”- Why does he have long hair?
"Eísai apísteftos"-you're unbelievable
ITALIAN TRANSLATIONS:
Sei un tesoro-you're a sweetheart.
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