Hours had passed since the party began. They danced, sang karaoke, ate, drank, and of course laughed the night away.

Needless to say, they had a great time.

At the time, Noah day by the counter with a glass of water, not wanting to black out like that day back in September.

Then again, if that hadn't happened, he would've never met Iv, and that's the best that's happened to him for a long time.

As if hearing his thoughts, Iv walked over to him, a goofy smile on her face. "Hey Birthday Boy!!"

Noah let out a chuckle. "It's past midnight now, so not anymore."

"Ugh, lighten up and enjoy your time here!" She leaned against the bar, arm behind her head.

He raised an eyebrow, noticing how loopy she had gotten. "Iv, how much have you had to drink?"

"Mm, I dunno, I lost count." Her head now rested on the bar, looking at him with a tired yet goofy grin.

Shaking his head, he let out a sigh, standing up. "Alright, I think it's time for you to go home."

Iv groaned in disapproval. "Not yet, I'm perfectly fine~!"

She then attempted to stand up, only to stumble forward. She would have fallen if Noah hadn't caught her in time. "Nope, time for bed."

"Aw, why..?!"

"You can't even stand on your own right now. C'mon." He wrapped an arm around her, leading her to the exit.

Iv's gaze moved down to his arms; because of how he held her, his sleeves were brought up a little. Her expression soon grew worried at a small yet deep scar that poked out.

He stopped in his tracks when she pulled back a little, and grew pale when she pulled his sleeve down, revealing old and recent scars all over his arm.

She stared for a few seconds, growing sober at the sudden panic that rose up her body, then looked up at him. "What the fuck is this..?"

Noah pulled his arm away, pulling down his sleeves. "It's nothing."

"What do you mean 'nothing'?! Your arm is covered in bruises!!"

He placed a hand over her mouth, shushing her as he made sure no one heard. After, her let out a small sigh. Angrily pulling his hand off, she gave him a glare. "Noah, I want an explanation."

He thought for a while, he knew he couldn't keep it a secret forever, especially from her. But this wasn't the time or place.

"Later."

"What?!"

"I promise I will explain everything to you later today when we're both in a better state, I'll go to your place."

Iv stared at him, as of trying to decipher what was going on in his mind, though it didn't help that her vision got worse with each second that passed by.

Eventually, she nodded in agreement, her features softening. "Later, and that's a promise."

"You know I don't go back on my word."

Before the conversation could continue, Iv stumbled forward, forcing Noah to grab her by the shoulders and stopping her from falling. "And That's our cue to take you to bed."

"No, I don't wanna..!"

"You're not okay right now, let's go." Noah said with a serious look, and Iv complained as they both walked out of the bad.

He had already been to her apartment enough times to memorize the address. "Your keys?" He asked when they made it to the door.

"In my purse.." Her head rested on his shoulder, eyes almost fully closed as she tried to stay awake.

He found the keyed, opening the apartment door and helping her inside. He let go of her to close the door behind them; however, it had to be a quick action since Iv was already falling forward.

When he tried to get her to walk to bad, she refused, already half asleep. Noah let out a small sigh, placing an arm behind her knees and lifting her up, carrying her bridal style.

Iv's face grew red at the action, but didn't complain about it. She leaned her head on his chest, he was warm..

Comforting..

The warmth soon went away when Noah gently placed her on her bed, making her let out a disappointed groan.

She wanted him to stay, even if she knew it was a selfish wish.

Luna climbed onto her bed, snuggling against her head which made Iv smile. He let out a small chuckle at the sight. "Alright, rest well, Iv.." Pulling her blanket over her, he began to walk away.

She snuggled against her cat, finally fully closing her eyes. "Goodnight, Goofball..."

Noah smiles at the nickname, locking the door before leaving. She didn't live that far from his own apartment, so it wouldn't take long to get there.

He was simply grateful that he was given a chance to spend a good time with his friends.

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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