Just Pretend-Twenty Two
*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: PHASE II comes to an end! Strap in everyone, PHASE III is going to be a smutty ride.
FUCK YOU. EAT SHIT. KILL GOD. DETHRONE.
We are Fallenvvitch. Goodnight.
🪽🔮
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 @collapsedglasshouses
NOAH
I let out a long sigh as I ran my hands over my thighs, the green couch becoming a familiar place for me. Even the dying plants on the shelf behind Dr. Poulos brought a sense of comfort. She had her book open on her lap, tapping her pen against it.
Three times.
She always tapped it three times.
“You seem happier today Noah,” Dr. Poulos noted.
I nodded. “I am. For the first time in a long time.”
“That’s great,” she smiled warmly before she used her pen to point to her hair. “New look?”
“Uh, it kind of happened. I didn’t expect to cut my hair, it’s been long for so many years now, but I felt with what happened I could use a change. But it still might be too long for my liking. I might cut it some more,” I said.
“Hm, typically that’s a sign of some growth. What happened?”
For the next few minutes, I filled her in on almost everything that happened at Chase’s birthday party, leaving out the intimate details between Y/N and I. Although, with the way my cheeks burned red, I had a feeling Dr. Poulos already knew.
I explained from top to bottom everything from the last time Y/N and I spoke to the night she told me she loved me back. Even saying the term ‘I love you’ was a huge step on the mountain for me. But to have her say it back? I’m finally catching up on years of sleep. Y/N loves me. She fucking loves me back.
“Do you believe her?” Dr. Poulos questioned.
“I do! I do, I love her with all of me,” I answered with a stern nod. “I just don’t know how to stop worrying about Y/N leaving if shit gets messy or if I don’t live up to her expectations. There’s this perception of me out there and even so, I don’t want it to taint her or us.”
She sat straighter in her chair. “Noah, you’re putting too much work on yourself. You really are. You’re both heavily aware of who you are as people. You’re human beings.”
Dr. Poulos adjusted her glasses and took some notes before speaking again when I remained silent.
“From everything you’ve explained; you both seem to be willing to start over. Start with a new slate, the situation at the party seemed to have changed the situation from both of your points of view. I have homework for you.”
I playfully rolled my eyes. “Oh, but you know I’m busy, I don’t have time to do homework. I haven’t done homework since I was 15.”
“Not that type of homework,” she chuckled. “What I’m saying is now that we’ve set the foundation regarding perspective, energy, and intention, we can move on to what to actually say to Y/N about your unmet needs and your fears of emotional and maybe physical abandonment.”
She went into each definition thoroughly as I sat with my hands resting on my knee, listening intently.
“I wouldn’t go that far. Abandonment? That sounds silly and almost too serious. I don’t know about that,” I said once she finished.
With a sigh, Dr. Poulos shut her book and set it on the table between us. “Noah, we’ve been seeing each other a while now. It’s my personal observation you indeed have conditions hindering you from this. It’s why you’re having a difficult time communicating and allowing this new slate to happen without fear.”
To be frank, I didn’t want to hear the entire gist. All it did was give me flashbacks of things I wasn’t comfortable dealing with. At least I thought I wasn’t prepared to handle it, I suppose I was now. I knew I needed to have a prosperous and healthy life, as well as one with Y/N.
“Noah? Noah, are you listening?”
I blinked a few times. “No, I’m sorry, can you repeat what you said?”
“Every satisfied emotional need breeds connection and deepens your bond. Therefore, every unmet need has the opposite effect. It breeds disconnection. This happens because when your needs aren’t consistently met, it produces anxiety in you, which leads to conflict, which, if not handled skillfully, breeds further disconnection, and on and on. The cycle is never-ending.”
She spoke so softly, so calmly while I sat there with my hands in my lap so desperately trying to get into what she was saying to me.
To be blunt? This was a-fucking-lot.
Dr. Poulos tucked a strand of hair that fell loose from her bun to behind her ear. “Noah, you and Y/N must erase any confusion or doubt surrounding your needs. Learn to powerfully communicate your needs using a simple yet powerful template, and overcome the two most common barriers to having your needs consistently met.”
She handed me a piece of paper to which I took it from her hands and began to skim over it while she kept talking.
“I offer suggestions for what to say, but they are merely suggestions. The goal is that you speak from your heart and express your truth with love and gentleness. I have a worksheet for you, review it. Think about it, and see what you can come up with. Practice in the mirror.”
On the drive leaving therapy, I thought back to my entire session with Dr. Poulos. It all seemed so silly, so corny. It did. However, I had to put my ego aside to let myself take in the seriousness of what was in front of me. I didn’t want anything to destroy my future with Y/N, hell even me just as a man. I had to do this.
To realize I’m not powerless and finally take charge of creating the loving dynamic that I for so long struggled to have and keep.
Maybe this week away in the house Bad Omens rented would help clear my mind and I could practice this worksheet she gave me; when I wasn’t busy recording the new record.
Instead of going straight home, I had to make a quick stop at Y/N’s place. As I knocked on their apartment door, I waited not so patiently with excitement in my veins. Malcolm opened the door with Salem in his arms.
I clapped my hands while stepping inside. “There he is!”
Chase snorted from the living room as I took Salem from Malcolm. “Clearly, Salem will be fine while we’re gone.”
“Y/N isn’t getting him back so easy, I hope she knows that,” I scratched Salem between his eyes; his favorite spot.
“Oh, by the way,” Malcolm started while handing me the bag of Salem’s things. “I know you guys have a couple hour drive to your rental house but Salem hates the carrier. He’ll most likely move around the car before settling into someone’s lap.”
“Have you guys thought about buying him a harness and leash?” I suggested.
Chase sucked in a breath. “Do not tell Y/N that. She won’t even let Salem sit in front of an open window because she’s afraid he’ll jump out and run away.”
“Speaking of Y/N,” I adjusted Salem in my arms. “Is she home?”
“No, not yet. Do you want to stay and wait? See her before we leave?” Malcolm offered with a smile.
I looked at my watch and internally cringed. The guys were waiting for me to get back from therapy before heading out towards our rental house a few hours away.
“Shit, I would but I have to get back home. Plus, I don’t want to push her. I want this to happen naturally,” I said.
Chase snorted, now standing next to Malcolm. “Yeah, okay.”
“I’m serious,” I chuckled.
“We know, dude. But, you could always-.”
“I have to get back home,” I said, interrupting Malcolm. “But I’ll text Y/N later.”
“Okay,” Chase says in a sing-song voice, belting out the last few words. “Whatever you say.”
I cringed, covering Salem’s ears. “Wow, almost as good as me. Except, my ear drums are probably fucked now.”
“Oh fuck you, Mr. Steve Perry meets Cher. I can sing,” he held his hands up.
“No, you can’t, love” Malcom left a kiss on Chase’s cheek.
He looked between us with a wild expression. “WOW! Taking his side!?”
“Well!,” I adjusted Salem and the bag. “That’s my queue to leave.”
“Figures, thank you for taking care of your new cat,” Chase said.
“My new cat?”
“Salem Sebastian L/N, that’s pretty much his name now,” Malcolm said while throwing his auburn-colored hair up into a messy bun.
I hastily shook my head. “We haven’t even labeled it yet.”
Chase and Malcolm shared a look before the former spoke. “Oh no, we’re not doing this again. You and Y/N are two peas in a pod, and I know how badly you both want to be in that pod.”
“Especially with that new haircut,” Malcolm nodded towards my short hair.
“Okay, I’m leaving,” I bid them goodbye with a nod and turned on my heels, stepping through the door.
“Bye Salem’s dad! Talk to you later,” Chase called after me.
On the drive back home, Salem was perched in my lap with his front paws resting on the door, his wondrous eyes taking in every sight I drove past.
“You know,” my voice broke the silence. “I guess your uncle isn’t exactly wrong, Salem. I mean, I could be your dad. Do you want me to be your dad? I think you do.”
He then positioned himself so he could curl up in my lap, his soft purrs vibrating against me.
NOAH
“Are you guys ok with steaks tonight?” Jolly asked from the kitchen.
Matt, who sat next to me on the couch, nodded eagerly. “We’ve eaten like shit the last two days. A nice home-cooked meal sounds delicious, thanks, honey.”
Jolly flipped him off with a smile before going back to getting things set up for dinner.
Nicholas and Folio were talking amongst themselves on the couch next to the one I sat on, but the conversations fell on deaf ears as I continuously scrolled through my phone. The last two days, we’d been locked away in the rental house recording the new album and now, we were taking a much-needed break tonight, opting to grill out and have a bonfire; Jesse and Michael joined us earlier today.
The guys and I have been talking about this for a while now and after the incident right before we left to come up to the mountains, it was time for us to put this idea into motion.
Also, the picture I saw on Y/N’s Instagram story minutes before had me set in stone with my decision.
“We need a bigger house,” I blurted, nearly scaring Salem as he slept between Matt and me.
Jolly nearly dropped the raw steaks while Jesse turned towards me from his spot at the kitchen table.
“That’s random,” Michael said slowly while pausing his mixing at the laptop station.
I shrugged. “We’ve been thinking of moving anyway because of the notes on the car incident and now with that fan showing up on our doorstep, I think it’s about time we move. Too many people know where we live.”
My three roommates shared a glance before Jesse spoke next. “I mean, we have been browsing Zillow lately. A few have come up that we liked.”
Jolly agreed with a nod. “I’ll send an email to the realtor who was working with us before. See if she can get us set up with some tours.”
“Tomorrow,” I said.
“Kind of last minute, don’t you think?” Nicholas asked.
“We’re going to be busy for the next few months. I’d rather get this shit done and over with.”
Matt, who was scrolling through his phone next to me, snorted quietly. “I’d suggest looking for hardwood floors or tile.”
I turned toward him while narrowing my eyes. “What?”
“For the paint spills, it’s easier to clean,” he said while showing me his phone; Y/N’s Instagram post up on the screen. “Look at your face! You’re totally turning turnip fucking red!
With a bashful smile, I scratched my chin. “No, I’m not.”
“Noah and Y/N sitting in a large tree because of Noah’s height! K. I. S. S. I. N. G!”
I shoved Matt. “Fuck off.”
Then I turned back to my roommates. “We need a bigger space with seven bedrooms.”
Jolly quirked a brow. “Seven?”
“Uh,” I ran my hands over my thighs. “Y/N wants a studio for her art, her paintings. I want to make sure she has one.”
Michael smiled. “Well that certainly is a grand gesture isn’t it?”
“It’s something I want to do, man,” I defended.
“I know, Noah. We’ll find a bigger place, it’ll all work out,” he reassured me.
“I hope so.”
Jolly paused prepping dinner to send an email to our realtor, Jackie, as we all spent the rest of the night searching for different houses that would be perfect. All the while, Folio’s phone conversation rested on my ears.
“I know those Mexican candies are your favorite, Michelle. Why do you think I sent you them?” Folio chuckled with a wide smile.
“Noah, it’s almost ten!” Nicholas called from the deck outside.
The patio door was open, letting in the cool night air, and I was helping Jolly clean up the mess from dinner. Salem sat on the counter, every so often licking up the leftover food from the plates I was washing.
“Shit,” I cursed, quickly drying my hands, and pulled out my phone.
However, before I could send the nightly text to Y/N, one from her appeared.
Angel 🪽: I love you, mochi.
Jolly peered over my shoulder. “Oh, that’s adorable.”
I playfully stuck out my tongue at him. “Someone is nosy.”
My fingers worked fast to text Y/N back.
Me: I love you too, angel.
Part of me didn’t want to stop talking to her yet so while leaning against the counter, I scrolled through the videos folder on my phone, selecting the one I took earlier today. It was when we finished mastering The Grey and I was feeling great about how it came out, confident that Y/N would love it so I recorded Salem as he slept during it. Before recording another video of me singing it.
I sent her the first video I took; the one of Salem lying on the couch while The Grey played in the background.
Angel 🪽: Hi Salem baby! Mom misses you! Also, I hear something in the background. Is it..?
I decided to mess with her and not come out right and say it was that song. The one that she gave Jolly the lyrics to. The one she thought was too dark for herself.
Me: He’s napping. He had a long day of playing outside.
I laughed out loud, knowing that her brows were raised to her forehead with this text.
Angel 🪽: You took him outside?
“Do you think Mom is upset with me?” I asked the cat, who simply didn’t bother to care what I was showing him; he wanted the leftover mashed potatoes from Matt’s plate.
Me: Don’t worry, angel. We had him on a harness and leash. He loved laying in the sun on the back patio.
Angel 🪽: I trust you with him, Noah. But what’s that playing in the background of your video?
With my finger hovering over the other video I took, I contemplated sending it. Was it too much? Was it not enough? Would she figure it out? I mean, it was partially her words- meaningful, important. I just added to them. Both of us pulled out the dark from each other. Adding it shirtless, was just another decision- a good, good decision. I wanted her clenching and biting her lip.
Not bothering to overthink it any longer, I hit send.
Me: I can’t wait for you to hear the final version.
NOAH
Mother fucker.
Piece of shit.
Douchebag.
I paced the floor in the living room of the rental house, back and forth. I was so angry, the rage inside me was desperately trying to break through. Ever since I saw that video all over Twitter and Instagram, no amount of meditation and deep breathing could calm the burning anger.
I should have hit him when I had the chance.
Fucking Trey.
“You’re doing the pacing thing again, Noah,” Nicholas sighed.
I ran my fingers through my hair, one of the stands wrapped around my long finger, a hiss falling from my lips when I tugged on a knot. “Ow!”
“Sit down! Stop pacing and stop tugging your damn hair! You’re giving me whiplash.” Matt demanded.
“You saw the video, Matt! It’s been all over Twitter and Instagram all fucking day. I can't even check Bad Omens socials without it showing up. You heard what Trey said to Y/N! He had no regard for her feelings, for any of them. He has no fucking business even being there to begin with.”
It seemed like last night after the Hollow Souls show, Trey managed to get backstage and confront Y/N, Chase, and Malcolm. No one was sure who recorded it but from how close the video was, my guess was one of the venue workers. Probably sold it to TMZ for a few extra bucks.
“I’m aware, Noah. We’re all aware and so is half of Twitter. He’s an asshole and his dad should have pulled out,” Matt said.
I snorted, halting my pacing only for a moment. “We should tweet that.”
He chuckled, “You know I’m game.”
Jesse spoke next. “There’s nothing you can do, Noah. But based on her reaction, Y/N stood up for herself. She got the closure and told Trey to fuck off. You can’t control and fix everything. She handled it on her own.”
I marveled at how much he sounded like Dr. Poulos. Always reminding me of what I can’t control. I knew I couldn’t control or fix anything but it still made me angry.
“He still had no right to say things like that; not to her,” I fell onto the couch next to Michael, my leg immediately beginning to bounce.
Bailey told Y/N a piece of her mind, followed by Trey. I could only imagine how broken she must have felt with the two in such a short amount of time. But Y/N was a strong woman. She held her head high and always took the high road. She defended herself and stood up for what she believed in, what she wanted out of life.
For that, I will always admire her.
Matt leaned against the pool stick in his hand, he and Jolly pausing their game of pool when I rushed down the steps to show them the video.
“I get it. So many fucking people with their opinions and people who say shit just to say it; even that slimy fuck. But, think of how fucking cool Y/N is. She told him off and he's never going to come back from that. Trust me, everyone’s trashing him. I doubt he’ll ever be in a fuckin band again.”
“You’re right,” I smiled proudly.
He snorted, going back to the pool game. “I know I am, thank you.”
Peering at the clock on the wall, I noticed it was only 7 in the evening, still a few hours until my nightly text with Y/N. Although I wanted to ask her about how she was feeling but knew that if it was something to worry about, Chase or Malcolm would have texted me.
I was, however, shocked when I received a text from an unknown number; the message making me sit straighter up on the couch. Michael noticed the way my body went stiff for a brief moment and motioned to my phone.
“Don’t tell me it’s another video.”
“No,” I shook my head. “It’s a text; from Joe.”
Folio’s head snapped up from petting Salem who was lying in his lap. “Joe Mulherin. The artist they’re touring with?”
I nodded now. “Yeah.”
Unknown: Hey Noah, this is Joe. I got your number from Chase and Malcolm. This is a little awkward but I wanted to introduce myself. I’ve actually listened to your band- you’re really talented! The acoustic version of If I’m There was killer, seriously.
“Oh, is he sweet-talking you?” Matt asked while peering over my shoulder as he knelt behind the couch.
As I went about saving his number, another message from Joe came through.
Joe Mulherin: I’m texting you because I’m sure you saw the video of what happened with Trey and Y/N. I will firstly say, she’s fucking awesome! And I’m honored to be on this tour with her and the guys. Incredible musicians and incredible people. Gearing back to the whole Trey situation, he showed up out of nowhere; but I feel it’s important to let you know, at least from my side, that Y/N kicked ass. She stood up for herself and I could see she felt a world of relief.
“What are you going to say?” Jesse asked while taking a bite from his apple, now sitting on the other side of me.
“No fucking privacy,” I grumbled under my breath as I worked out a response.
Me: Hey Joe, it’s Noah. I’ve heard a lot about you as well. Y/N has been a huge fan of yours for a long time. She was stoked about this tour, and yes she is awesome. Y/N’s special to a lot of us. She’s a genuine person and has a heart of gold; Chase and Malcolm as well. I appreciate your kind words. That means a lot. You know how it is- especially in this industry. And I did see the video, unfortunately. You were there?
Joe Mulherin: In case she needed support.
Running a hand over my jaw, I pushed away the feeling of regret for not being there for her. Y/N didn’t need me there with her all the time to fight her battles. She clearly could do it on her own.
Me: Right, thank you for that. I hated what Trey said, I wish I could have stopped it myself but I also know how important it was for Y/N to have closure. I’m so fucking proud of her.
It was true. My heart was soaring in my chest with how proud I was of her. She needed this closure. Not enough to bring her back or get closer to him because Y/N knew she couldn't live through that again.
Joe Mulherin: You should be proud. She’s awesome and she’s over the moon about you. From what I’m told you really lit a fire inside her, and that seems to be shining through. My partner did that for me when I found her and I’m sure it’s the same for you as well. So I just wanted to pass this along and formally introduce myself. I’m sure Y/N will bring this up to you but I wanted to show you how I saw it on my end. I hope we can meet soon.
Joe Mulherin: Oh, also. Hollow Souls new record is going to be sick. What they’ve been working on is sounding great.
With a bright smile, I leaned back onto the couch as I typed out my message.
Me: For sure! Thank you so much. I wish I could be there. But, I understand it’s not the right time. I do hope soon we can chill at my place to shoot the shit. Thank you again for sending me a text. Very kind of you and I’m sure we’ll talk soon. I can’t wait to hear her new album. We’re all very stoked about it. We’re also close to releasing our record, I’d love for you to check it out!
Joe Mulherin: Hell yes!
Matt hummed while patting my shoulder. “He seems like a cool dude.”
I agreed with a nod as a sudden surge of inspiration hit me; so much so I sat up with a start.
“Hey, Jolly. Can you open the file for Like a Villain? I have a verse I want to add real quick.”
Nicholas responded. “Weren’t we worried that it might have been too long?”
Cursing, I nodded when I remembered that we were running into that issue the other day when we were mixing Like a Villain. We were already over the five-minute mark but I needed to add this verse; it was important.
“Let’s split it. Make the first half its own song,” I suggested when the idea struck me.
My bandmates all shared a look before Folio nodded. “I like it. But we’d need a name for it.”
I pursed my lips as I thought about the lyrics, humming them quietly.
You couldn't wait, wait, wait for the day, day, day I lost. It's such a shame, shame, shame you couldn't change, look what it cost.
“What It Cost,” I said.
Jolly smiled. “I like it. Why don’t you head in the booth and we can record the new lyrics.”
As I set myself up in the booth, I muttered the new lyrics to myself a few times over, trying to figure out the best way to lay them out and what kind of cursive to use for it. The music picked up in my headphones and immediately moved to the beat. My fingers drummed against my thigh in beat with Folio’s drumming on the track. I let my eyes flutter shut, licking my lips, before belting out the fresh lyrics in the confines of the booth.
The dark filled the room, any feelings I had earlier regarding Trey died down, and the shadows were lost. A fry of my larynx and siren-like soprano erupted from me. Slowly the bravado went from soft almost alluring- “Go the fuck away, don’t come again.”
To a bite so vicious and raw, the growls come from activated my soft palate, ribcage expanding and within my diaphragm spreading to my throat and out my mouth.
“I’ll see your face in the fire” ribcage closed exhale alto “And burn it out.”
I added a deep growl to the word fire but didn’t like how it sounded. So with a twirl of my finger towards Jolly, we redid the take a few more times until it was perfect.
This is confidence hard-won yet deep, anchored in the true self that is always safe at my core. I let it rip. If Y/N can close that chapter, so will I. From what I knew of him, what I remembered. What I’ve seen.
Good fucking riddance.
Later that night in the comfort of my bed, I grasped my phone in my hand as my eyes drifted in and out of sleep. It was almost 10 pm and even though I was exhausted, ready for slumber to drag me to its dark depths, I needed to send this text; sleep be damned.
Me: I love you, angel. I’m so proud of you.
I didn’t say why but I didn’t have to. Y/N knew.
Angel 🪽: I love you too, mochi. 🖤
NOAH
I shook my head with a disappointed sigh. “No, this house won’t work. It’s not big enough. “
Jackie looked around the living room we were all currently standing in; smaller than the one back at our house.
“Why? It has enough space for the four of you. You’re all in music, right? There’s a room perfect in the basement for that.”
Jolly sucked in a breath as I scrunched up my face. We want our studio to have light, and not feel as if we’re making music in a dungeon.
“We need four rooms for us and two extra. One for our studio. And the other would have to be bigger, better lighting,” I informed while stuffing my hands in the pockets of my jeans.
This was the second house we’ve toured today; Jesse, Jolly, Michael, and myself. We took the day off of recording to do this, so to see yet another one fail, my mood souring pretty quickly.
“What are you wanting it for?” Jackie wondered.
“An art studio.”
She shifted on her feet while clutching her iPad to her chest; the one she used to look up the dimensions and notes of the houses. “Mr. Sebastian, we can keep looking if you’d like, however, you’re asking for a little much in this area. I don’t mean to pry or speak out of turn, but it sounds like you’re asking for a risky property. Are you sure you need something of that magnitude if it’s only a few of you living here?”
My eyes narrowed as Jesse let out a low whistle. “I was very clear about what I wanted. I personally don’t believe I need to discuss the details of why I need it.”
“Of course, I apologize,” Jackie’s lips were pulled in a tight line. “It sounds like you’re asking for more out of pocket than what’s actually necessary.”
“With all due respect, don't tell me what you think is necessary. I want the home to be right, for all of us. And what I want and need is a space large enough for 2 studios and the master bedroom to be fully sufficient with space. The details don’t concern you. You either want our money or you don’t,” I finished with a shrug.
“My apologies, we will keep looking.”
While Jackie went about looking for another listing on her iPad, I turned towards the guys; Michael giving me a reassuring smile.
“Don’t stress too much about it, Noah. It’s only the second house.”
“Y/N’s art studio has to be next to my room, with the perfect lighting and easy cleanup. I don’t want her feeling uneasy if paint gets everywhere,” I said.
“Is this how you actually feel or is this your OCD talking?” Jesse wondered.
I rubbed my jaw. “No, no it’s not just about that shit. She needs to be comfortable where she doesn’t feel the need to be careful. Y/N needs to be able to be carefree and safe. Here. With me.”
Jolly rested a hand on my shoulder. “It will be fine, I promise.”
“I know,” I blew out a shaky breath. “I don’t want her to be unhappy here and give her a reason to walk out”.
“Noah, she’s gonna love this so much. Y/N isn’t going to just walk away from this. Not this time,” Jesse reassured me.
Feeling a little more at ease, I gave a slow nod. “Oh, we need a big window with a lot of light too. Salem loves to sunbathe.”
Michael snorted. “You say those three words and all of a sudden you become a cat dad.”
Damn straight.
With a plan to tour a few more houses in two days, we parted ways with Jackie and piled into Jolly’s car as he began the drive back to the rental house we were staying in the last week. Right before we arrived, however, my phone rang with a call from one of the reps at Sumerian.
“Oh boy,” I muttered while answering the call, setting it on speaker.
“Hey, guys! How’s it going? I see that you guys are busy recording. We love that!” Logan’s fake voice boasted through the phone.
Jolly and I shared a look in the rearview mirror and I nodded. “Yep. We’ve been working nonstop.”
“Well listen, we’re getting some push from the higher-ups, with everything going on and we know you guys have been working endlessly, the singles we’ve been approved to release are straight-up fire! However, we need something else. We need a hit. The radio push would be great for the band- exposure and all that. Think you can do it?”
“Yes,” I forced out through gritted teeth.
One thing I didn’t like was being told how to work and how to create my music.
“Awesome!” Logan cheered. “We’ll talk soon!”
Once the call ended, I tossed my phone in my lap and ran my hands down my face.
“Fuck, they’re pushing this radio shit. I don’t give a fuck about the radio, that’s not why we do this.”
“I know,” Jolly nodded while he took the turn to the familiar street. “But business calls. This is the unfavorable side. The question is, how are we going to magically write a hit in this short amount of time? We planned on releasing the album in a few weeks.”
“It’s easy, writing a modern rock song isn’t hard, Jolly.” I shrugged. “We’ve seen how many of the greats have done it. I have one just in mind.”
Jesse turned towards me from his spot in the passenger seat. “Are you going to pull out your Scott Stap voice?”
I smirked. “Fuck, maybe I will.
“You have to use that false bravado,” Michael smacked my arm.
I knew I could do this, I wasn’t attempting to sound cocky but, like I said many of the greats knew how this went down.
Business.
Business.
Fuck business
I feel it right into my bones that I’ve got more than it takes to make this work. I began humming random sounds, my facial expressions twitching, the cogs just continuing to turn. I had the perfect sound. It all came to me like a gust of wind.
When you resonate your mind with your soul, you will learn to live through a love that is so honest it is raw. There was another risk with a song like this; with writing like this.
I needed to get it out of me.
NOAH
I sat outside on the deck of the rental house, the fresh morning air was crisp but fine enough to wear a sweater; the heat of the sun warmed the skin of my face. Salem lay stretched out on the warm wood of the deck, his black fur shining with the rays of the sun.
“Don’t tell Mom I didn’t put your harness on,” I pointed to him
I realized early on that Salem wouldn’t run, curious as he was, he always stayed by one of us.
My laptop was set up on the table in front of me, the Zoom app idling as it waited for the incoming call. With the stress of trying to come up with a radio hit in less than a few weeks, my anxiety was running rampant. Even though I had the song all laid out in my mind, it still scared me to finally put it out in the air for everyone to hear.
I texted Dr. Poulos if she had time for a few-minute chat, one she agreed with. Thankfully her prior appointment was also a Zoom meeting so she was able to hop right on another one with me.
Jolly appeared in the doorway leading outside, donning his leather jacket. The wind blew through the long strands of his hair as he nodded towards me.
“I’m heading to that newish coffee shop nearby. Did you want anything?” He asked.
“I could go for something,” I nodded while taking off the hood of my yellow sweater.
After I gave him my order, I noticed the way the corner of his lips curled before he turned to walk away.
“Try not to fall in love!” I called after him with a laugh.
Jolly froze and then looked over his shoulder. “Wh-what?”
“The coffee,” I smirked. “Try not to fall in love with it. I’m all open to something new but we like our usual.”
“Oh,” he ran a hand through his hair. “Right.”
With Jolly gone, my computer lit up with a new call from Dr.Poulos and I answered it with a faint smile.
“Good afternoon, Noah. How’s it going in the mountains?” She smiled wide at me.
“Uh, really great actually. We always like to find some kind of solace when we either write or record; it helps us mentally,” I answered while moving the screen to show her the mountains behind me.
“That’s wonderful to hear! Now, you mentioned something about your record label pushing for a radio hit?” Dr. Poulos adjusted her glasses.
I ran a hand through my hair while nodding. “Yeah. I have no problem with that; writing it. It’s been inside of me for a while now. I just don’t know what to call it. I keep putting that part off, pretending it’s already completed so it’ll name itself.”
“Can I be frank with you?”
“Of course,” I nodded.
Dr. Poulos took off her glasses and steepled her hands together underneath her chin. “What do you feel like you’ve been doing, Noah? You’ve mentioned the word pretend on and off for a while in our sessions. Is that what you’re doing? Pretending things are going well when internally you’re struggling to accept the status you’re at with y/n?”
My eyes snapped up from my keyboard to the screen. “What was that?”
“Pretending? Are you just pretending?”
Suddenly, it was as if I’d been hit with a metal baseball bat to the knee, knocking me to the ground below.
Something Y/N told me that night of the party. “I’m so tired of you pretending that you don’t have feelings for me.”
Just Pretend.
That’s all I ever do.
Dr. Poulos spoke again. “You said your label is pressuring you to write a hit. Have you given any thought about if that pressure and the pressure of wanting to be with Y/N romantically is almost conjoined?”
I pursed my lips while leaning back into my chair, giving this question a deep analysis; although the answer came to me almost instantly.
Yes.
NOAH
With a yawn, I held the steaming cup from the cafe in town as Salem and I walked out to the front porch, both of us opting to sit on the swinging chair this time. We had two days left in the rental house and I wanted to take full advantage of the peace that was held in the mountains.
Something that maybe in a few years, I’d look for with Y/N.
“Alright bud, ready to watch Mom’s interview?” I asked Salem as he got comfortable on my lap.
He purred loudly in my lap as I pulled up the live stream from the podcast that was interviewing not only Y/N but Joe as well. He was finishing up his performance of one of his songs and when the camera panned over to Y/N, who was smiling as she watched, my heart soared. She looked fucking breathtaking and my soul yearned to have her close to me again.
Soon.
“Mom looks beautiful,” I whispered to Salem, who didn’t bother to wake from his nap.
“That was phenomenal. We appreciate you being here with us.”
I didn’t miss how the interviewer kept his attention on Joe, not bothering to give praise to Y/N. With a scowl, I kept the video up while opening my text messages, and clicking on her contact. I got a glimpse of her phone in her lap so I knew eventually she would see the message.
Me: You look phenomenal, angel.
As I watched, I took a sip of my coffee, humming at the rich taste. I had to admit that this new coffee shop knew how to make a drink.
“Everyone online is begging me to ask you two this but what’s the dating situation? There’s so much chemistry between the two of you in the behind-the-scenes clips you guys post on Instagram. Everyone wants to know; are you two dating?”
I rolled my eyes with a groan, knowing that this question was bound to be asked. It’s always a common thing any time two artists of the opposite sex tour together. People see the great chemistry between them and automatically think they’re fucking. Now, I did see the videos on Hollow Souls Instagram account but to me, it looked like a group of friends having fun while on tour; harmless fun.
I trusted Y/N. She knew that.
Y/N crossed her legs. “Just because a male and female artist tour together, doesn't mean they’re dating.”
A flood of endorphins rushed through me. The interview was important, but I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful and fucking sexy Y/N looked. A few moments in my imagination and I’m released from the troubles of the upper brain, wanting so badly to be happy with her in a space where pleasure is king, and I couldn’t wait to stick my head between the legs of my queen.
“Fuckin tell him, angel,” I said while working out a new text to her.
Me: Tell him who’s boss, angel. You know who you belong to.
“See? Your mom is cool. Salem you should be watching this. No? Naps are important. I feel you,” I chuckled while scratching his head.
I felt a surge of pride in my chest when Y/N continued to stand up to the interviewer, not taking his shit questions.
“Video surfaced online that Trey was at the show a few nights ago and it looked like the two of you were having an intense conversation. Is there a chance he’s joining Hollow Souls again?”
My lips pulled in a low scowl as I saw a flash of pain behind Y/N’s eyes when she forced a smile before leaning forward with narrowed eyes.
“Here’s what we’re not going to do; we’re not gonna focus on my love life, or personal life. I make art, not headlines. I’m cool because I'm me, and my band is cool. The art is what’s the focus, not anything else. I do feel as if people need to understand that having a private life is my right. I don’t feel comfortable sharing every aspect. Like I said, I make art, not headlines.”
The interviewer tried to joke. “That’s a bold statement to make. It comes with the whole fame territory.”
“I refuse to allow this time in my life to be touched, tainted, or bastardized by anyone,” Y/N finished while crossing her arms over her chest.
All the heat rushed straight to my dick with the image of Y/N bossing me around like that so I sent her another text.
Me: Fuck I love when you put douchebags in their place. You’re so sexy, angel. Fuck. I’m going to think about you bossing me around all night.
I knew I succeeded when I noticed a red hue cross her cheeks and Y/N squeezed her legs together as she read my text.
As the interview continued, I began to sing lyrics that came out of nowhere. “I know the pain that you hide behind the smile on your face and not a day goes by where I don’t think I feel the same.”
Y/N’s soft voice brought my attention back to the interview.
“I’m becoming a very private person as of late so I don’t need to go into the personal aspects of my life. Just know I’m moving past things, and I’m very content. Dare I say happy with where the future will be.”
The interviewer nodded. “Fair enough. Would you say you’re hopeful for what the future will bring?”
With a bright smile, Y/N looked directly at the camera, her eyes staring directly into my soul, and winked.
“Oh yes, more than hopeful.”
Once the interview ended, I locked my phone and began to swing on the chair, every so often petting Salem. The sun was hiding behind an array of dark clouds, a storm was approaching; the perfect kind of weather to cuddle inside with the ones you love.
Or write a radio hit.
“I can wait for you at the bottom,” I hummed. “I can stay away if you want me to.”
Salem woke and looked up at me with bright green eyes.
“I can wait for years if I gotta, heaven knows I ain’t getting over you,” I hummed, this time louder.
My eyes bulged as I picked up Salem and ran back inside to where Jolly and Matt were lounging on the couch.
“They want their radio hit? Well, I’m going to fucking give it to them!” I smiled widely as they looked up at me.
Hours later after the song was written, all of us hung out in the living room of the rental house; Jesse and Michael playing pool, Folio on the phone with his girlfriend, Nicholas and Jolly working on the music for the new song. Matt and I were sitting on the couch together watching a movie, Salem perched on the back of the couch, resting his head on Matt’s shoulder.
Noticing it was nearing 10 p.m., I pulled out my phone to text Y/N only to realize she texted me already with four pictures attached.
Angel 🪽: You were bold to text me earlier like that, mochi, I could barely contain myself. Here’s a little payback. Hope you’re all flustered and bothered, whatever you’re doing I suppose will have to wait. Dream of me. I love you.
Clicking on the first picture, I nearly dropped my phone in my lap when the bright red lingerie graced my eyes.
Holy shit.
Y/N seemed to be in the bathroom of her tour bus as she posed in different positions showcasing the red lace teddy that hugged every inch of her marvelously. The color red did absolute wonders for her skin and I licked my lips, wanting to taste the valley between her breasts down her stomach to the sweet mound between her legs. The floral tattoo on her arm looked gorgeous as she held the phone out wide for the picture.
Tilting my phone away from prying eyes, I quickly sent four texts in a row to Y/N.
Me: Matt’s right next to me, angel. What if he saw this?
Me: fuck, my dick is throbbing right now but I can’t do shit about it. Consider this my karma.
Me: I can’t stop staring at the pictures. Fuck, you’re gorgeous. Beautiful. A true definition of an angel.
Me: I’m going to call you in a little bit. I need to hear your voice. I need it.
My cock was aching in my joggers and I tried so hard not to make it noticeable as I shifted in my seat.
Matt peered over at me with a raised brow. “You good?”
I coughed. “Yep. I’m going to head to bed.”
All but jumping from the couch, I made my way upstairs towards my room but Jesse’s voice stopped me.
“You’re not bringing Salem? He always sleeps with you.”
Running a hand over my jaw. “I’m going to take a shower first then I’ll grab him.”
“Right after you look at those pictures Y/N’s sent you again,” Matt teased, not bothering to take his eyes off the television.
A low growl came from my throat as I pointed to him. “You didn’t see shit.”
He raised his hands in the air. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”
Bidding them goodnight with a nod, I took the stairs two at a time and then locked the door to my room. My skin felt a blaze, those images burned in my brain, and my cock was almost standing straight out as I peered down at it; a tent in my joggers.
Y/N texted me and I let out a shuddering breath as I read it, trying to compose myself for a minute.
Angel 🪽: I’m going to bed early tonight. Maybe we can talk on the phone tomorrow. I love you.
Even in my aroused state, my heart yearned for the one that held it and my soul in her hands.
Me: Fuck, I love you too angel. So fucking much.
Quickly shedding myself from my clothes I then positioned myself on the bed, my hair falling into waves against the pillow as I planted my feet on the edge of the mattress. My knees were up and spread wide as my cock stood straight up, little beads of precum oozing from the small slit. I took a finger and swirled it all around the sensitive part of my head.
“Fuck,” my hips bucked with the high amount of sensitivity.
My room was eerily quiet, too quiet for what I was about to do, so I turned on some music; more specifically Eyelids by Hollow Souls.
If she couldn’t be here with me physically, I needed to hear her angelic voice somehow.
I glanced at the pictures on my phone again, focusing on the one of Y/N sitting on the bathroom counter, her legs spread wide showcasing her sweet pussy that was barely covered behind the red lace, and her perfect tits were almost falling out at the top of the lingerie set. The sinister smirk on his lips told me she knew what I was going to do the second I was alone.
I was fucking obsessed with how that teddy looked on her; her knowing what the color red did to me. It was so sexy, all I wanted to do was take it off with my teeth. I imagined Y/N as she rode me while wearing this teddy and she shoved the panties in my mouth when I would moan too loud.
“Oh god,” I groaned while gripping my cock tight after pulling on the skin.
Her voice sang sweet words to me but all I could imagine was her leaning over me to drag her lips across my throat.
“You’re being too loud, Noah. We can’t risk the others hearing you.”
I could almost taste those panties soaked with her arousal and I halted my stroking for a second.
“Fuck! I have to improvise,” I leaned over the bed to rummage through my suitcase to find a thin sock.
I hesitated for a brief second. “Shit, am I really doing this just to help get me off?”
The image was still clear in my mind, Y/N riding my cock with her panties shoved in my mouth.
“Fuck it,” I stuffed the sock in my mouth and began stroking my cock faster this time.
I knew I wouldn’t last long, my orgasm burning low at the base of my spine and my stomach muscles contracted as I spread my knees wider apart. I lifted my hips off the bed when the grip around my cock was almost bruising, needing the slight pain to push me closer to release. One hand around my cock, the other holding my phone with the picture of Y/N, I supported my moans into the sock.
If I was being honest, Eros took hold of me. I couldn’t wait to be able to actually fuck Y/N again. I’d make love to her every night, no question. This evening, carnality took flight. I wanted to leave her shaking, crying, and clawing at my chest. Begging me to never stop.
“Oh gods, angel. I can’t wait to feel you again,” I moaned into the sock as I nearly dropped my phone when my orgasm was so close.
My grip was tighter and pace faster when I laid my legs straight out now, ready for pure euphoric bliss to drown me in waves.
I was completely blissed out and exhausted, but I needed this release. I tried harder to hold the phone up eventually losing grip of it as it clattered to the floor. With my free hand, I now grasped at the blanket beneath me when my orgasm finally ripped through me. Warm cum shot out on my hand and stomach as I rode out the aftershocks with muffled screams, the song ending right as I finished.
“That’s so good, Noah. So good for me,” Y/N’s soft voice cooed in my ear.
As I came down from my high, one thing was clear. I wanted Y/N imprinted in my mind as vividly as possible, not that her silhouette wasn’t always there already. I could feel my tongue involuntarily move in a wiper direction. Naturally envision grazing her insides with my warm, wet tongue.
NOAH
Folio came bounding down the stairs with a happy smile on his face. I raised a brow to him as I sat on the couch, strumming a few notes on the guitar.
“Where are you headed?” I asked.
“I’ve got a date with Michelle tonight. We’re going to Wingstop then head to the drive-in. It’s showing her favorite Cillian Murphy movie,” he answered while slipping into his leather vest.
“Taking the bike out?” Jolly asked from his spot at the computer as he paused mixing our current track.
“We’re going to have a picnic at the drive-in; there’s a nice area designated for this. Michelle has no idea. I’m planning on surprising her after she gets out of class by picking her up.”
“Good for you, man. I’m really happy that things are going so well for you,” Nicholas smiled.
“You guys don’t need me tonight, right?” He asked.
I shook my head with a smile. “No, go enjoy your night. We can't do much drum tracking here anyway. Tell Michelle we say hey.”
“WEAR A CONDOM!” Matt, who was sitting on the floor playing with Salem and his new batch of toys, yelled just before the door shut behind Folio.
While Jesse and Michael played a game of pool, I shifted my attention to the notebook on the coffee table. Tonight we had plans to record our new song but nerves were eating away at my insides. To become so raw and vulnerable in front of everyone as I poured my heart and soul out into the song gave me a bit of pause.
“You know what’s wild?” I asked suddenly.
“What’s that?” Jolly questioned while turning around in his chair.
“It’s crazy how everything always comes full circle, I guess. With our last record, I said, “writing songs instead of letters, 'cause I’m too afraid.”
“Have you written actual letters?” Matt questioned while lying on the floor with Salem, his head resting in the new bed I bought Salem.
“Sort of,” I shrugged while tapping the pen against my notebook. “More like entries to Y/N, I guess. I can’t write fucking letters to her knowing that there’s a chance they’d get lost and she’d never get them.”
I sighed while running a hand down my face. “The only way I know how to express how I feel is through music. I have these lines I keep repeating over and over; things I've said, things I haven't. I just need to make sure that when Y/N hears this song she knows how I truly feel.”
“Here we thought you were writing this song out of spite to the label, or poke fun at radio hits,” Jolly jokes.
“I don’t know what that means. They wanted a fucking hit so we’re going to give it to them.
Nicholas rubbed my shoulder. “She knows, Noah. You two say I love you every night.”
“I know but I need her to know how I feel deep down. How sorry I am for how everything went down the last few months. The fighting, Bailey, and not being who she needed when she needed me.”
The guilt about Bailey still lingered. The way Y/N’s face looked so broken when she found out about me sleeping with Bailey. I have a lot of regrets in my life and that was one of them. Y/N and I are in a good place but I couldn’t help but worry that she still wasn’t over what happened.
I couldn't risk any reason to have Y/N leave me again.
“The both of you have grown since then. You’re where you’re supposed to be right now and soon, when Y/N hears this song, she’ll never leave,” Michael reassured me.
Jesse agreed with a nod. “We’ve read the lyrics, Noah. It’s a great song.”
“It's not hard to guess what the true meaning behind the song is. You’ve been subconsciously working on it off and on for months.”
“Jolly-.”
He continued. “You both need to just make it official already. Your perfectionist nature and need to control everything is making this not so simple. You’re both so alike. You’re right there. You're saying I love you, call a spade a spade and ask her to be yours.”
I stared down at the socks on my feet. “If Y/N shows up to the album release event maybe I can officially ask her then.”
“Maybe?” Matt snorted. “What the hell do you mean, maybe? You’re looking for houses with an art studio and you’re saying maybe? Of course, she’ll be there.”
“You’ve done everything you’ve set your fucking mind to, Noah. Don’t let this be another thing you regret,” Nicholas said.
I wanted to let this song be the rock and holy anchor for her. Coming to terms from a healthier perspective.
New beginnings.
My vulnerability was laid out on paper. If anyone else needed to hear it it would be there for them. The message is there, you’d just have to find it.
The way travelers seek the stars at night.
With a deep breath, I tossed the notebook back onto the table, not needing it because I knew every single word of this song. So much so, I sang it in my sleep.
“Give me five minutes, I need to do something first,” I called over my shoulder as I walked towards the bathroom of the rental house.
Once inside, I pulled out my phone with a long sigh and worked out the long message.
Me: Hi angel. I know it’s not 10 o’clock yet but I felt the need to text you a little sooner. Shit has been weighing on me. I want to apologize for what I put you through. The miscommunication, the mind games, the confusion, and Bailey. I should never have brought her into any of our lives. It was a dark moment that I succumbed to and I’ll never forgive myself for using Bailey as a way to hurt you. It was never my intention. I was drunk the night I slept with her, not saying it’s an excuse, but it was a dark place in my life that I never want to go back to.
Blowing out a shaky breath, I hit send before working out another message.
Me: My apology is for not being better, for not getting here sooner, for not rescuing earlier or with greater strength; all I ask is that you forgive me for those transgressions. In those times I was doing the very best I could and loving you so very much all the time. I love you so much, Y/N. I’m hoping that with this, we’re starting clean. There’s been a lot of different phases of my life and I can’t be the best I can unless I make amends for everything wrong that happened between us. I love you.
As I waited for Y/N to reply, I sat on the counter in the bathroom and let my long legs dangle off, swinging with anticipation. I nearly dropped my phone when it buzzed in my hand.
Angel 🪽: hi mochi. Well, first I’ll say thank you. Thank you for communicating with me and apologizing. With the weeks we’ve been apart since I’ve been working on myself too. I forgive you. I accepted that while it did hurt me, you made a mistake. I want us to let go of the negative emotions and painful parts of memories.
For many years I had punished myself, feeling that if I forgave more fully then love would blossom; yet in truth, it had never been there at all. Things have changed. I want to be better too.
Forgiveness brings the liberty to love again and to heal the heart, soul, and mind. Thank you again, mochi. I love you too.
With a lighter heart full of so much love for Y/N, I hopped off the counter and nearly barreled through the door, clapping my hands loudly.
“Alright, let's record this hit!”
My heart was pounding as I stepped up to our makeshift booth, put on the headphones and shook out the nerves from my hands. Over time I learned how to shake the nerves from doing my vocal takes in front of others, and lose the embarrassment.
With our first two records, I tried to emanate vocals from other artists because I wasn’t confident in myself as a vocalist. Now, I wanted Y/N and everyone else to see that this was me; this record was Noah Sebastian and Bad Omens.
With Jolly and Matt's cue, I took a deep breath and started on the first verse.
“I'm not afraid of the war you've come to wage against my sins. I'm not okay, but I can try my best to just pretend. So will you wait me out? Or will you drown me out? So will you wait me out or will you drown me out?”
Y/N’s face flashed in my mind at that first meeting; our first day on tour when I stepped off of my bus. She looked absolutely breathtaking with her long blonde hair blowing with the gentle breeze. Her toned legs were accentuated by the boots she wore and the ink of her Greek Gods tattoo on full display. The way her lips parted as I stole the breath from her longs with our first of many stolen glances.
I licked my lips, eyes fluttering shut as I let the first chorus rip through me with my cursive singing. “I can wait for you at the bottom. I can stay away if you want me to. I can wait for years if I gotta. Heaven knows I ain't getting over you.”
I didn’t bother opening my eyes to see the other's reaction. I needed to stay in this place I found myself in; my soul screaming for Y/N’s.
“I know the pain that you hide behind the smile on your face and not a day goes by where I don't think I feel the same. So will you wait me out? Or will you drown me out? So will you wait me out? Or will you drown me out?”
We sat on the beach together, all those months ago, and Y/N continued to try and hide herself from me. She wore the faintest of smiles as she blew out a shaky breath when I lifted her chin with a knuckle.
"You shouldn't be with someone that drains your spirits. Drain the light from your soul, angel."
"It can't rain all the time."
“I can wait for you at the bottom. I can stay away if you want me to. I could wait for years if I gotta. Heaven knows I ain't getting over you. We'll try again. When we're not so different. We will make amends. 'Til then I'll just pretend,” my hand rested on the windows of the booth, nails digging into the glass as I continued to pour myself into this.
“Weigh down on me, stay 'til morning. Way down, would you say I'm worthy? Weigh down on me, stay 'til morning. Way down, would you say I'm worthy?”
Y/N didn’t want to leave, I could see that in the way her movements slowed once she was dressed, almost as if she was buying time for me to say something that would change her mind. But she refused to meet my gaze.
"Angel, look at me. What's the matter?" I asked again.
"Nothing-," she began with a sigh.
"Then why won't you stay?"
I tried not to think back to the negative aspects of our night together. I always tried to remember the way her skin tasted or felt against mine. But every once in a while her face as she was seconds away from walking away from me came crashing into me without warning.
“I can wait for you at the bottom. I can stay away if you want me to. I could wait for years if I gotta. Heaven knows I ain't getting over you.”
Still buried deep inside of Y/N, I rolled our bodies so now she was straddling me. Her hands sprawled over the tattoos that covered my chest and she leaned down to lick across the snake and apple on my neck. The noises I made, and my moans were so soft as Y/N’s hot tongue went up and down my neck. She grazed over my Adam's apple with her teeth and bit down. I shook underneath her and wrapped an arm around her back to bring her closer, burying my aching cock, deeper inside of her.
We felt the rush, the aching, burning blush. We surrendered to the touch. Y/N gave me a show. This was heaven in hiding.
I sucked in a large breath, ready for the crescendo of the song, and let every fucking feeling I have for my angel come out through me in a surge of passion and energy.
“We'll try again. When we're not so different. We will make amends. 'Til then I'll just pretend,” I nearly fell back into the booth as a lone tear fell from my eyes, quickly wiping it away.
Rain poured around us with the onslaught of the storm as Y/N pointed a firm finger at me. “You always just pretend that everything is fine when it’s not! Then you stand there and have the right to say I’m the pain in the ass? Fuck you, Noah! I’m so tired of you pretending that you don’t have feelings for me.”
With the last few lines of the song left, I envisioned the one memory that I remembered every morning when I woke and every night before I fell asleep; the same thought was always there at the end of it.
I am worthy.
“Weigh down on me, stay 'til morning. Way down, would you say I'm worthy? Weigh down on me, stay 'til morning. Way down, would you say I'm worthy?”
“You what?” I urged while taking a step towards her.
Y/N wildly shook her head as her makeup ran down her face, staining her cheeks and neck in mascara.
“I-I can’t.” Y/N pressed her palm into her forehead.
“Yes, you can,” I licked my lips in anticipation. “Fuck, Y/N! YOU WHAT?!”
“I’m in love with you! Okay?! I fucking love you!
I tossed the headphones off of me to let out a deep breath and center myself once again, coming back to reality; not before one final memory flashed in my mind.
“Well, that’s what we do. We fight. You tell me when I am being an arrogant son of a bitch and I tell you when you’re being a pain in the ass. Which you are, 99 percent of the time. I’m not afraid to hurt your feelings. You have like a 2-second rebound rate, then you’re back doing the next pain-in-the-ass thing!”
By now, the rain was a torrential downpour, branches of the trees swaying widely in the wind as the sky cracked loudly with lightning and thunder; it shook both Y/N and I to our bones.
“So what?” Y/N scoffed. “Why does it matter to you?”
“Because I fucking love you, angel!” I blurted out.
NICK R
Holy shit.
I looked over towards Jolly, who also had a shocked expression on his face. We all just watched Noah pour his soul into a song, one that would typically take more than one vocal take to get right, but he was so confident in this song that he didn't stop once.
As soon as Noah stepped out of the booth, Salem trotted over to him and was swiftly picked up in his arms. “Did you like that, Salem? Do you think it was good enough?”
Matt snorted. For the record label, my ass.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed at him as he plopped down on the couch next to me. “I still feel like something is missing.”
Almost immediately as he sat, he nearly stumbled off of the couch as he reached for his phone on the table in front of him.
“It’s not ten o'clock yet,” Michael teased.
Noah flipped him off. “No, asshole. I need something from Bryan. There’s something I want to use from the video of our day at the pier. I want to bury Y/N’s voice in the track.”
I turned towards him when Salem decided to sit in my lap now. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Do you think she’ll notice?”
“No. Because nobody is going to know what this record truly is or who it’s about. It’s not their business. I’ve got it all worked out in my head.”
We could all see the bags under Noah’s eyes since he stayed up all night the previous night writing this song, making sure it was perfect.
“You should also get some sleep. We can figure this out tomorrow,” Jolly suggested.
Noah immediately shook his head. “No.”
“Noah-,” Jesse started.
“Let me fucking do this, guys. Please. I need this,” he almost begged, his voice quiet.
Eventually, I nodded. “Alright. This is your song, man. If you want to do it, go for it.”
He smiled while throwing his hair in a low bun and turned towards Matt, shaking his phone. “Bryan sent over the audio. Think you can mix it?”
Matt held a hand to his chest and had a faux hurt expression. “Is my dear Noah doubting my mixing abilities?”
As the two of them along with Jolly began working on mixing the audio to bury it in the track, I had my own agenda. Salem looked up at me with curious eyes as I began typing widely on my phone.
“Your uncles better be cool with this idea because if not, I don’t know how else I’ll be able to pull it off,” I muttered to the cat.
Me: This new song Noah just recorded is heavy. We need to plan something to finally get their asses in gear and stop the bullshit.
Chase: I’m down.
Malcolm: You don’t even have to ask me twice. What are we thinking?
While I worked out the plan with them, Michael spoke from his spot in the kitchen as he grabbed a round of drinks for all of us; non-alcoholic for Noah since he recently started his sober journey.
“Does this masterpiece have a name?”
Noah leaned back in his chair, hands resting behind his head, and smiled wide. “Just pretend.”
I raised a brow. “Just pretend?”
“Yeah,” he nodded, cuddling the blanket closer to his chest that he had wrapped around himself.
“I love it,” Jolly admitted. “It’s perfect.”
Noah smiled, bumping fists with him. “Thank you, I think so too.”
NOAH
I stood in the middle of the large bedroom, mind running a mile a minute as I envisioned how the space would look. Jolly, Jesse, and Michael stood behind me as we all decided together that this place was perfect. It was our new home.
“So, we’ve been thinking,” Jolly started as he walked around to face me.
My brows furrowed. “Do you guys not like this house? I know it is a bit out of our price range but it’s worth it, I think. It has enough bedrooms for all of us and the two studios.”
Jesse chuckled. “You’re rambling.”
“Sorry,” I breathed while scratching my cheek. “I’m just nervous that this might be too good to be true. This place is perfect and if we don’t get it, I don't know how long it will be until the next one comes up; if it does.”
“Stop thinking of all the negatives and for once, think of all the positives. Like how you get the master suite.”
I snapped my head towards Michael. “What?”
The three of them nodded and Jolly spoke again. “It’s only fair, Noah. The three of us don’t need this big of a bedroom and knowing that Y/N will be over a lot, it’s only fair the two of you get as much privacy as you can get.”
“Also helps that this room is on the main floor while ours are upstairs,” Michael joked.
I playfully pushed him. “Thank you guys. I love the optimism but we don’t even know if our offer was accepted.”
We’d been back home for the last few days, finally finishing recording the new album, and while touring a couple more houses, we fell in love with the one we were currently standing in and immediately put in an offer.
Enough bedrooms, a large window in the living room for Salem to lay in front of, a decent-sized backyard with a jacuzzi, and the art studio that was right next to the master suite. It had a large window that showcased the small creek that ran along the side of the house. And hardwood floors throughout the entire house.
Not to mention, the privacy of the neighborhood was a huge bonus.
A soft knock sounded on the door of the empty master bedroom and we all turned toward Jackie who had a wide smile on her face.
“Great news! The sellers accepted your offer. Now while we do have to wait for the bank to accept the sale, I want you guys to remain optimistic. Typically this kind of thing takes a while so I don’t want you to stress out.”
Jolly gave me a sideway glance, one that I ignored. I was too fucking over the moon with excitement. Our offer was accepted and we were one step closer to finishing this part of our new phase.
Three weeks later, we closed on the house and were moving in with hopeful hearts. The guys stayed true to their words and allowed me to take the master suite, which currently seemed bare with my desk and computer setup, and the long table on the opposite wall as it peered out to the window, the flowing creek the only thing Y/N would see whenever she sat there. I decided that a new bedroom called for a new bed; a bigger one. It would be delivered in a few days along with a few other things I ordered. I bothered Chase and Malcolm with ideas for days.
Me: Do you guys think this table will be big enough?
I sent a link to yet another vanity I found online.
Chase: Noah, this is the 4th vanity table you’ve shown us.
Me: And?
Malcolm, dude you have to relax. It’s perfect. Way better than the small suitcase she uses to hold every one of her products now.
Me: well with me, she’ll never have to.
Later on that day, I received another text from Chase.
Chase: Noah, beware of paint all over the carpet.
I snorted as I typed out my response.
Me: Already taken care of.
Chase: Good. Because even though I love her to the ends of the earth, paint is a fucking bitch to clean.
Me: Here’s the address. I would love it if you and Malcolm come check it out.
Chase: Definitely. Let's plan for Friday?
Jesse and Michael gave me shit any chance they could get about obsessing over a vanity table.
“Y/N does her own makeup. No one else does it for her so I need a spot for all of it.” I said while we browsed Ikea the other day.
Michael tossed a new blanket into the cart I’d been pushing. “Damn, you really got it all figured out. I never thought I’d hear you ever say you need space for a vanity.”
“That was before I ever cared. I just wanna make sure she has her own space. That’s all,” I defended while setting a cat tree into the cart.
Jessed raised a brow, one I shrugged at. “Salem needs one for our place.”
“I bet you cried your eyes out when you dropped it back off at Y/N’s place this morning.”
Rolling my eyes, I ignored Micahel and continued down the long aisle of kitchen ware.
“It’s going to all work out, Noah. This is a lot, especially when you’ve never done this before. I mean, we’ve been a fraternity for a long time if you think about it,” Jolly said.
“Yeah, I know. But you guys know me, I’m in my head over the smallest things. This is a big deal. I don’t want to give her a reason to say no.”
Jesse rubbed my shoulder. “She won't, Noah. It’s going to be awesome so don’t stress about this.”
Letting out a deep breath, I set aside the screwdriver and paused building the new end table to run my palms over my white star shorts. I’ve talked to everyone in my life about this but neither of them gave me peace of mind the way I needed.
Clearing my throat, I spoke out to the space in front of me.
“Uh, hey Keaton,” I now rubbed the fresh tattoo on the sides of both of my hands, tracing each letter. “It’s been a while since we’ve had one of our talks but life has been a bit chaotic.”
“We moved into a new house. Orie moved in with his girlfriend and we decided the rest of us needed a new place ourselves. A fresh start, if you will. A new phase for all of us.”
I sniffled but kept the tears at bay. “Y/N and I are, well I don’t know what I would call us but we admitted our feelings for each other. We say I love you every night but the unknown of what we are still lingers and it fucking scares me to death not knowing if she’ll stay. I’m trying to do everything right to make sure she does. I can’t handle her walking out of my life again, Keaton.”
Now running my hand through my hair, my bottom lip wavered. “I need a sign from you, man. I need to know that Y/N will stay. That all of this won’t be too much for her.”
The eerie silence of the house was all I heard until seconds later, the Alexa device on my desk began playing a song; one I never expected but ended up smirking at. Memory Fiction by Erra echoed throughout my room and I shook my head with a laugh.
“You would choose one of Jesse’s songs,” I wiped away a few stray tears. “Thanks, Keaton, I know we’ll talk soon.”
I sat on the floor, letting Jesse’s words resonate deep within my bones. Y/N and I were reaching out towards the next phase of ourselves, autonomous from what connected us.
When the song ended, the silence didn’t last long because there was a knock on my open bedroom door and when I hastily stood, I gave Chase and Malcolm a soft smile.
“Hey, I’m glad you guys could make it,” I waved them inside.
“Jesse just gave us the tour. It’s a nice place. I’m glad it worked out,” Chase said.
I nodded. “Thanks. I wanted to make sure you guys gave me the okay. I don’t plan on rushing into things with Y/N. She can stay here as many nights as she wants. I just want to make sure she has a home here with her and Salem.”
I motioned to the table. “Do you think this is big enough for all of her products? I want her to have space for it and all her skull nick-nacks and Valak Funko pop. She’d get that demon tattooed on her if she could”.
Chase agreed with a boisterous laugh.
I pointed to another window that I placed another table in front of moments before they arrived; this one smaller than the vanity.
“I thought that she could use this space for her plants. I know she’s obsessed with them. Honestly, she could turn our room into a fucking jungle for all I care. As long as she was here with me.”
Malcolm had a hand over his heart. “Noah, this is great. Y/N loves you. You could have bought a studio apartment and she’d still make it a home.”
I agreed with a slight curl of my lips. “Because she’d be there.”
NOAH
I blew out a nervous breath as I stepped through the front door, clutching the bag tightly in my hand and when three sets of eyes landed on me, I halted in place. I was unsure of how they would react to this since I didn’t tell them where I was going when I left a few hours ago.
Jesse was the first to speak with an approving nod. “Well hello, my friend.”
“Don’t start,” I pointed a finger at him.
Jolly stopped as he carried the high stack of towels, ready to put them away in the linen closet upstairs when he took in the sight of me. “Woah, I didn’t think you’d go through with it.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “I got tired of not seeing my neck. It was still suffocating.”
“It’s different seeing you like this,” Michael said as he lounged on our new couch.
The couch I spent years yearning for and imagining what it would look like.
“You think Y/N will still find me attractive like this?” I asked while shifting on my feet.
Jesse's eyes widened. “Are you dumb?”
“No, I’m just a little worried she won’t find this appealing. I mean, I love it. But you know, I don’t want her to be repulsed.”
“Noah, stop thinking that,” Jolly spoke. “Stop worrying, you look sharp and fierce. It's a great look. And last I heard she gave herself a little makeover too.”
My eyes snapped up from the floor towards him. “She did?”
“Yeah,” he smiled before heading up the stairs.
I couldn't stop the smirk that spread to my face. “Damn, maybe we can be all mysterious and unveil at the release party. She’s going, right?”
“Nick said he texted her about it weeks ago. Y/N will be there,” Jesse patted my shoulder for reassurance.
Now in the solace of my bedroom, I stood in front of the full-length mirror that was in the walk-in closet and admired how I looked. St. Patrick by Hollow Souls played from the Alexa speaker and I nodded my head along to it, amping me up on how the final look came together.
“And I’m not spiritual but please stay. ‘Cause I think you’re a saint and I think you’re an angel,” I sang along quietly.
I took a step back from the mirror but something felt wrong; off. I was missing something.
Opening the small drawer in front of me, I rummaged through the small variety of jewelry, knowing that once Y/N had her own pieces in here it would become filled until I found the two pieces I was looking for.
The silver chain and bracelet shined under the light overhead and I ran a finger over it, remembering the day I gave Y/N her matching set.
She opened the box as a gasp left her lips, the silver necklace and matching bracelet shone under the light of the room. It wasn't anything over the top and there were no diamonds but that didn't matter to her. She wasn't one for over-the-top jewelry, this simple chain and bracelet were enough.
With wet eyes, Y/N gazed up at me as I nervously fiddled with my rosary. "Do you like it?"
She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into her embrace, burying her face into his neck. "I love it, Noah. Thank you so much."
With the bracelet and necklace now clasped onto my body, my look was complete. My fingers worked through the curtain-style bangs. The long fringe was paired with a middle part, a 3-guard short side.
“The Levi Ackerman haircut. I wonder if anybody will catch the reference. I’m a nerd,” I chuckled at myself in the mirror
Earlier, I left the Harley Davidson shop with a new outlook; the oil-slick leather gloves in the bag. I was excited for the new era of myself and Bad Omens. I was ready for the new phase for what it was, what I’ve conjured in my mind.
The power of visual aesthetics to convey emotions and enhance the overall experience of the music. The glove serves as a physical extension of my artistic vision, adding an element of mystique and intrigue to this persona I've created. Allowing me to create a distinct identity and connect with the audience on a deeper level.
I stared at myself in the mirror taking it all in. Completely engulfed in the Yohji Yamamoto coat and cargo pants. I spritzed Sauvage, opening the turtleneck I was wearing for the liquid to drip down my chest. It was snug in some areas, but all the same showed off the physicality of my dedication, as of recent.
I look good.
I reached into the coat pocket for my phone eager to show Y/N but stopped myself from taking the photo.
No, leave it as a surprise.
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