LIFE

Noah nuzzles into the crook of my neck and sighs. His breath tickles my skin and I squirm. His arms tighten around my body, pulling me closer to his warm chest.

"Can we say in bed forever?"

"I love that idea but I need food."

"Mm." He groans. "I can't let you go hungry."

Noah manages to untangle himself and slip out of the covers. I wrap my arms around my body and crash against his warm body. Noah wraps his arm around my waist and kisses my shoulder.

"Would you like leftovers or I could make eggs?"

"Leftovers sounds delicious." I smile.

"What do you want and would you like it heated?"

"I'm fine with whatever."

He passes a container and fork which has an assortment of everything. I chew on a piece of pork while Noah puts his food into the microwave. He presses buttons, then looks at me. I awkwardly wave because my cheeks are puffed out with rice.

Noah chuckles as he crosses the space. He kisses my forehead and he squeezes my sides.

"This is what I was afraid of." His breath tickles my forehead.

"What, me eating your food?" I laugh.

"No, that my bed will be cold and empty without you."

"Waking up next to you was so good."

"When I stand in the kitchen, I'll think about your puffy cheeks."

"You make me sound like I'm about to die or worse, Noah, leave you."

"School will be torture because I won't be able to do this," he murmurs.

"You can still bring me food, I won't tell anyone."

"Charlie!" He shakes his head.

"Thank you for last night, it was amazing. I could come over again soon."

"I'd like that." He smiles.

When the microwave beeps, Noah grab the food while I sit on the floor and lean on the cabinets. Noah frowns but sits across from me and pokes my leg with his foot.

I eat the last of the food and slide the container on the bench. Noah easy his spicy noodles and I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

"School is tomorrow."

"Percy has already noticed that the stick from my ass has been removed."

"Oh my goodness, did he really say that?" My cheeks ache and tears stream down my cheeks.

"He was higher than a kite." He shrugs.

"I didn't think he would be this upset about it." I frown.

"He's always been a sensitive child. If he's still giving you trouble, I'll sort him out."

"Percy may be a dramatic drama queen, but he's also harmless." I shrug.

Noah grabs my legs and pulls me in front of him.

"Why'd you do that? I think my butt just cleaned your kitchen floor." I laugh.

"I wanted you close to me."

"Are you jealous because I mentioned Percy?" I laugh.

Noah looks away and that tells me everything.

"Is it bad that possessive guys turn me on?" I chuckle.

His olive green eyes twinkle with excitement.

"Seeing you with Percy made me furious."

"Furious?" I grin.

"The way he tried to possess you was sickening."

As Noah lifts me onto his lap, I wrap my legs around his waist. I rub my nose against his and smile. His lips inch closer, so I lean back and smirk. He cups my cheek and as we move closer my heart races.

My alarm rinks and I jump.

"We need to leave before my Dad gets home from work."

I scramble to my feet but Noah grabs my hand and pulls me back.

"Hang on, Cinderella." His lips crash against mine and I wrap my arms around his neck. I keep telling myself this is wrong but it never feels like that.

On our way home, his fingers remain weaved between mine. Like a creeper, I take in every detail to the light kissing his skin, to the stubble growing along his jawline.

I sink into the chair and sigh as we turn onto my street.

"Oh my goodness." I duck down and Noah casually drives to the end of the road.

"You might have to walk down the road."

"What about my things?"

"You'll have to come and see me sooner." He smirks.

"I can't be mad about that." I grin.

"Call me if Percy is too much to handle."

"Don't stress, I'm happy he wants to talk. Perhaps we can get back on track to being friends."

"Promise you'll call me."

"Don't worry, my Dad's a cop." I chuckle.

"I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Goodbye, Noah."

Noah kisses my hand and I slide out of the car. He doesn't drive away until I'm almost at my house. I take a deep breath and walk onto the driveway. My heart doesn't get the memo because it feels like it might explode.

"Hi, Charlie." Percy smiles.

"What's up?"

"I want you back. Tell me what I need to do."

"I'm sorry, but I don't want that."

"Please give me a chance. I only need one chance to show you how I feel."

"A date won't change how I feel."

Percy walks towards me and I step back.

"What are you doing?"

"Let me prove it to you." Determination swirls in his eyes.

"I don't want you to kiss me." I frown.

"I would never force myself on you." He runs his fingers through his hair. "I just want you to love me like I love you."

"Percy." I sigh.

"Okay." His head dips. "If you don't want to, there's nothing I can do."

"Can we be friends at one point?"

"I hope so."

"Do you want a hug?"

Percy wraps himself around me and I squeeze him tightly. I hope that one day, this part of our life will be nothing but a distant bump in the pathway we call life.