Astrid

・┈・୨୧・┈・

You didn’t sleep with Noah that night, nor did you stay at his place. At around 4am, after more drinks and far too many kisses, he called you a cab, but insisted on coming with you, because “a pretty girl shouldn’t be going home by herself this late.”

He walked you right up to your door, his hands tucked into his pockets like he was trying not to reach for you again, even though you both knew he wanted to. When you finally got the door open, after fumbling with your keys, you stepped in and turned back to him.

“I had a great time tonight… thank you.”

“Of course,” he said softly, “Thank you for coming.”

You couldn’t help but smile, laughing softly under your breath. Then he leaned back in again, just for one more kiss. This one was soft and slow, his hand gently placed on your waist, but then he pulled back. For a moment, his forehead hovered close to yours, like he was debating whether to stay… but then he let out a soft exhale and stepped back.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” You said back, before watching him walk away.

When he had disappeared down the stairs, you finally closed the door, leaning back against it for a second, your heart still racing.

Holy shit.

…

Sunday felt like a blur. You liked to make the most of your days off, but you barely left your bed. Your phone never left your hand.

You texted Noah the entire day, talking about nothing and everything- his work, your job, music, random questions that came to your head. Talking to him just felt easy, and he never let the conversation die. He even told you the name of his band at last! Bad Omens. And after a quick google search and a look through their spotify, you completely understood why Noah was the way he was.

But now it was Monday again, and thanks to him you were running on very little sleep, and entirely too many thoughts.

You managed to drag yourself out of bed to get ready, and when you finally checked your phone, there was already a message waiting for you.

Noah: Good morning, hope you slept well

Noah: You working today?

Silly question, he knew exactly what shifts you worked.

You: Morning! And yep, another full day 🥲

Noah: Life sucks huh

Noah: Send me your bank account details, I’ll make sure there’s something in there for when you finish your shift. Treat yourself <3

Noah: And don’t even think about saying no. You agreed to this the other night.

You chuckled, feeling your cheeks heat up a little as you typed your account number and other details in for him.

You: There :)

Noah: Thanks baby. Now have a good day at work, I’m in the studio all day but I’ll come see you if I can. But text me on your break, okay?

God, he made your tummy feel fuzzy. He made your head spin.

You: Pet names already? Someone’s bold

You sent with a smirk on your face.

You: But of course I will :)

…

Fuck, you caught yourself thinking about him the entire way to work, and that’s when you told yourself to get a grip! Tom opened up this morning, so you pushed through the door, put away your stuff in the back room and tied your apron on as you walked behind the counter, trying to act normal.

But how the fuck can you ever be normal again after Saturday night?

“Morning!” Tom beamed as he stepped back behind the counter, “How was your date?”

Tom only knew Noah asked you out, you didn’t tell him the date already happened? Did you?

“What date?” You asked, your brows drawing together as you leaned against the counter.

“Seriously?” Tom scoffed, “The one you sent me all the voice notes about! He’s so hot! He’s such a gentleman! He’s such a good kisser!”

“Oh, I-”

“Did you fuck him?”

“TOM!!”

“Hey, I’m just asking! It’s been a while since you’ve looked this… glowy?”

You laughed as you started setting out some more straws and cup holders.

“No, we didn’t have sex. We might’ve made out a few times… and dry humped.”

“On the first date?!” Tom scoffed again, “You told me he was a gentleman!”

“He is!” You couldn’t help but grin when you talked about him, “Now, enough about my sex life. It’s opening time.”

Tom smirked, giving you a look as if to say okay, but I’m not letting this go, as he flipped the sign on the door from CLOSED to OPEN.

…

It was hard to stay distracted when your day was going so slow. You wanted to throw yourself into work, taking orders, making drinks, shouting out names- anything to keep your mind occupied and your hands busy…

But you were still staring at the door, waiting for him to come in. He said he was in the studio all day, but you were hoping he’d still get the chance to come in for a coffee- even if it was just a quick in and out, you’d just love to see him. Tom noticed the way your eyes darted to the door every time it opened, but he didn’t say anything this time. No teasing, no comments, he just kept giving you a look, like he was thinking- or collecting evidence.

Despite your day being slow, your lunch break went far too fast. You texted Noah back, let him know how boring your day was going so far… but you didn’t hear back from him before it was time to get back to work, and you tried not to show how it made you a little disappointed.

However, the moment you stepped back behind the counter, tied your apron and washed your hands… the door opened.

Slowly, you turned around, and there he was. Noah stepped inside like he always did, calm, casual and confident- but the moment his eyes found you, his face softened.

And fuck, your face betrayed you immediately. A big wide grin spread before you could stop it, and Tom saw it. He was in the middle of making someone’s matcha when he glanced sideways at you, noticing the way you tried to keep your composure, the way you cleared your throat as you stepped up to the register, like you were trying to pretend this was just any other customer.

“Hi.” You said, a little too bright.

Noah’s lips twitched like he was trying not to smile just as much.

“Hey.” He said, his voice low and calm like normal. Like you didn’t spend hours of your Saturday night in his lap.

“The usual?” You asked, and he nodded his head.

“Please.”

You smiled, tapping it into the till, but you couldn’t help but feel so aware of him. How close he was to the counter, the way his rings tapped softly against it, the scent of his cologne…

You turned the card reader around for him, and he reached into his pocket for his wallet.

“So…” he said as he tapped his card, “Do you have a passport?”

Huh?

“...What?” You couldn’t help but laugh at the way he said it so casually.

“Do you have a passport?” He repeated, his eyes meeting yours with a small smile, “Preferably not an expired one.”

You let out a soft chuckle as you took the card reader back.

“Uh… yeah, I think so. It should have a few years left on it.”

“Good.”

You stared at him, frowning a little.

“Why are you asking?”

He just shrugged, like it wasn’t a big deal.

“Just wondering.”

But you narrowed your eyes on him.

“Noah…”

“Hm?”

“I’m not making your coffee until you tell me why you’re asking.”

Tom was doing a very bad job at pretending he wasn’t listening in on the two of you while he stacked the takeaway cups. Noah noticed him, he glanced at him for a moment before turning his attention back to you, a smirk tugging at his lips.

“Are you free this weekend?”

Your stomach flipped.

“...I think so?” You said, cautiously. “But I’m not agreeing to anything until you tell me what’s happening.”

He let out a soft exhale like he was trying to decide how much he should say right here right now.

“I think you need a break,” he said, “I want to take you somewhere nice. Somewhere warm if you want, somewhere where you don’t have to worry or stress about anything, we can just relax, take a couple days to just… be you. Not the barista, not the babysitter. Just you.”

You swallowed hard, your heart beating stupidly fast in your chest. Because that’d be nice… but that’s just so soon.

“I…”

“You can say no if you want,” Noah said gently, “I just thought it’d do you good.”

“Uh…” you glanced at the small line of customers waiting behind him, “Can I call you when I finish? We could talk about it then?”

“Of course.” Noah smiled, with a little nod. “Doesn’t even have to be this weekend, just let me know when you wanna go and I’ll sort it.”

You tried to ignore the way your stomach fluttered as you turned around to make his drink…

You’d love a break. A different city, time to breathe, a couple days where you don’t feel like you’re in survival mode… but saying yes to something like that felt just as terrifying as it did exciting.

You worked on autopilot as you made his coffee, measuring, steaming, pouring… things you’ve done thousands of times, but your mind was nowhere near it. It was somewhere else.

Somewhere warm, somewhere peaceful. Somewhere that didn’t look like your tiny cluttered apartment or this cafe or the same four streets you walked every single day.

You handed the cup over to him, your fingers brushing his for a second as he reached out for it.

“Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” He said softly, but neither of you moved straight away.

There was this pause between you, like you were both thinking, you both wanted to say something but neither of you made the first move. The world around you kept going- Tom was calling out names and orders, customers were chatting- but right here at the counter, it was just the two of you.

Until you finally broke the quiet.

“I’ll text you later.” You said quietly.

“I’ll be waiting.” Noah said with a nod.

Oh your stomach flipped again…

He gave you one last small smile before stepping aside, letting the next customer move forward, but he didn’t leave straight away. He lingered off to the side, taking a sip of his coffee, checking his phone, like he always did… but this time his attention kept drifting back to you.

You could feel it. He stayed for a couple more minutes, and each time you glanced up, he was already looking. Again, Tom definitely noticed. But again, he didn’t say anything. Not while Noah was still there… but the second the door closed behind him-

“Oh my god.”

You groaned immediately.

“Tom-”

“A weekend away?” He whisper-shouted, leaning across the counter, his eyes wide, “A mysterious weekend away?”

You tried to play it cool, wiping down the counter even though it was already clean.

“It’s not-”

“He asked about your passport.”

“So?!”

“That means international, babe!”

You bit back a smile.

“Lower your voice.”

“No,” Tom shook his head, pointing at you, “You don’t get to act chill about this. This is insane!! A hot, rich man that you spent your Saturday night humping wants to fly you somewhere warm for the weekend and you’re just like ‘hmm I’ll think about it.’”

You laughed under your breath.

“I didn’t say no.”

“But you didn’t say yes either.”

You shrugged, but it wasn’t convincing.

“I just… want to think about it.”

Tom stared at you for a second, then his expression softened slightly.

“…Are you scared?” He asked, quieter this time.

You paused… because that was the thing. You weren’t scared in the way you expected to be, you weren’t scared in the way you would be if you weren’t so attracted to Noah, you weren’t afraid of something going wrong…

You were thinking what if it goes right? What if it goes too well? What if I get too attached?

“I don’t know,” you admitted, glancing down at the counter, “It’s just a lot.”

“Yeah,” Tom nodded slowly, “But you’ve also been working yourself to death for months.”

You didn’t respond to that, because he wasn’t wrong. You both knew it.

“You deserve something good.” He added, nudging your arm with his. Then you exhaled slowly, nodding your head.

“I know.”

“And also,” he continued, his tone shifting back to something more playful, “If he turns out to be a serial killer, at least he’s a hot one.”

“Tom!”

“I’m kidding!! Kinda.”

You shook your head, laughing despite yourself, but your mind was already drifting again.

Back to Noah. Back to the offer…

Somewhere warm… somewhere where you don’t have to worry…

…

The rest of your shift dragged, just like you knew it would. Every hour felt longer than the last, and by the time you finally untied your apron and stepped outside, the sky was already getting dark.

You glanced down at your phone after you locked up, to see a message from Noah, sent three minutes ago.

Noah: Finished yet?

Your lips curved into a little grin.

You: Yep, just left.

His reply came almost immediately.

Noah: Call me?

Your heart skipped a beat, but you didn’t even hesitate. You pressed call and held your phone up to your ear as you started walking.

“Hey.” He answered almost immediately, and his voice sounded almost softer over the phone.

“Hi.” You smiled, tucking your hair behind your ear as you walked down the street, adjusting your bag on your shoulder.

“How was the rest of your shift?”

“The whole day's just been so slow and boring,” you admitted, “But I kept thinking about… what you said.”

There was a small pause on his end.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” You slowed your steps slightly, your voice quieter now. “You’re really serious about it?”

“Completely.” He said with no hesitation, “Like I told you on Saturday night, I want to show you what life should be like.”

You swallowed hard.

“…Where would we even go?”

You could hear him chuckle under his breath.

“I’ve got a few ideas.”

“That doesn’t answer my-”

“I know. But you trust me, right?”

The question caught you off guard. You’ve only known this guy for… a month maybe?

“…I think I do.” You said honestly.

There was a small pause on his end, until-

“Then let me prove myself to you, okay? I’ll take care of it.”

You nodded your head, forgetting he couldn’t see.

“You don’t have to decide right this second,” he added, softer now, “But if you say yes… I promise you’ll have a good time.”

You closed your eyes for a second, letting that settle as you paused.

You’ve been dreaming of a break, a real one, for years. No stress, no shifts, no babysitting for neighbours. No counting coins in your head every time you buy something.

Just living. Enjoying life.

“…Okay.” You finally said.

“Okay?”

“Yeah,” you said, a little smile creeping onto your lips, he could hear it in your voice, “I’d like to get away for a few days.”

And you could practically hear the grin in his voice.

“Good.”

You shook your head slightly, already feeling the excitement bubbling up under your skin.

“This is crazy.”

“Maybe,” he said, “But you need this.”

Yeah, you couldn’t argue with that.

“…What do I need to do?”

“Nothing,” he replied easily, “Just tell me if you need anything before we go.”

You hesitated for a second.

“…Like what?”

“Oh, y’know. Clothes, fresh hair, new nails, bigger suitcase- whatever you want.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head again.

“You’re actually serious.”

“Always.”

You bit your lip, smiling to yourself as you started walking again.

“Then I guess it looks like we’re going away this weekend.” You said, not even bothering to hide your grin anymore.

“I’m already looking forward to it,” Noah said, and you swear you can hear the smile in his voice, “Also… are you walking home?”

“...Yeah.”

“Check your bank account, baby.”

Again with the names!!

But you did anyway, putting him on speaker before tapping onto your banking app-

Holy shit. That was a lot more money than you had this morning…

You tapped on transactions, and your heart stopped for a second.

Received: $500 from N DAVIS

“...Noah-”

“Shh,” he hushed you, “I’m about to hang up, and when I do, you better get yourself a cab. I’m not having my girl walk around the city in the dark.”

My girl, huh? Okay…

You didn’t know what to say to that, your mouth hung open, then he hung up before you even got the chance to say anything…

Well, you could get used to this…

…

It was now Thursday, and the thought of the weekend was the only thing getting you through your shifts at work. You woke up early this morning, took a shower, and while you were getting dressed you heard your phone buzz.

Noah: What time do you finish today?

You quickly typed your reply.

You: 7 again 🥲

You: Why?

You expected Noah to reply right away, but you stood there half dressed, your phone in your hands, waiting for him… and just as you were about to put it back down, he answered.

Noah: Call in sick

You actually scoffed out loud, shaking your head.

You: I’m literally fine Noah

Noah: Then fake it. You’ve got a headache, the flu, whatever.

You tried to stop the smile that was already tugging at your lips, but you couldn’t.

You: You want me to lie to my boss?

Noah: I want to steal you for the weekend a little early

You felt your tummy flutter, and you had to bite your lip. It wasn’t a bad idea, you never call in sick, so surely it’d be believable…

You: You’re such a bad influence

Noah: Good. Live a little

You laughed at that, and you hesitated for just a moment before typing…

You: Fine. But if I get into trouble you’re taking the blame

Noah: I know ;)

You let out a little laugh as you tossed your phone onto your bed. Were you really going to do this?

You caught your reflection in the mirror, there was a smile on your face that you couldn’t quite hide even if you tried, you were still half dressed and your hair was still a little damp. You finished getting ready for work anyway, but you couldn't stop thinking about him. He made it seem so easy, just call in sick… it’s like his life didn’t revolve around schedules and shifts and consequences that way yours always had.

…

Much to Noah’s disappointment, you got to work, and you made it through the morning somehow. Tom was already there when you walked in, mid conversation with a regular, but the second he saw you, his expression changed. His eyes narrowed on you a little, like he could already tell something was up.

“You’re smiling…” He said immediately as you stepped behind the counter.

“I’m always smiling!” You shot back with an exaggerated grin as you tied your apron around your waist.

“Mhm, but that’s not your normal smile. You look too happy.” He said, “So what did lover boy say this morning?”

Your stomach flipped at that, but you kept your back to him, focusing very hard on lining up lids.

“Nothing important.”

“Bullshit.”

You bit back a smile.

“Tom-”

“Did he text you good morning?” He cut in, leaning on the counter, “Because if he didn’t then-.”

“He did.” You said before you could stop yourself.

“AHA!!”

You groaned, turning to face him.

“Can you not make this a big thing?”

“But it is a big thing,” he said, lowering his voice slightly but still clearly too invested, “You’ve been glowing for four days straight. I deserve all the details.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but your phone buzzed in your apron pocket. You pulled it out, expecting it to be an email or Riley asking if you could swap shifts next week- but it was Noah.

Noah: You done it yet?

Your lips pressed together, trying to suppress the grin that appeared the second you saw his name.

You: Not yet

You: I’m at work like a responsible adult :)

There was barely even a pause before he replied.

Noah: Boring

Noah: Go tell Tom you’re dying or something

You let out a quiet laugh under your breath.

“What?” Tom asked, his eyes narrowing again.

“Nothing!” You said quickly, already typing.

You: What’s the plan if I do?

Noah: I’ll pick you up

Noah: We’re going shopping

Noah: Then we’re leaving tonight

Your heart skipped a beat, and you stared at the messages for a moment longer than you meant to. You weren’t hesitating, you were just trying to take it all in.

“...Tom?”

“Wassup?”

You hesitated, then leaned in slightly across the counter, lowering your voice.

“So… hypothetically, let’s say I felt really unwell” you started, “...you’d back me up, right?”

His eyes widened instantly.

“Oh my god,” he whispered, you could see in his eyes he was delighted. “You’re doing this for him?!”

“I’m not saying that-”

“You are,” he cut in, “You’re calling in sick for a man. I’ve never been more proud!”

“Lower your voice!”

“I will not,” he grinned, “So what does he want from you? A blowjob?”

You tried to stay serious, but it was impossible.

“…He wants to take me away early.” You said quietly.

“Ohh the mysterious trip!! Where are you going?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON’T KNOW-”

“Tom,” you hissed, glancing around at the customers, “Keep it down!”

He leaned in closer, eyes wide with disbelief.

“You’re telling me this man- this mysterious, hot, rich man- wants to kidnap you early for a weekend away, he hasn’t even told you where but you’re just… going along with it?”

You bit your lip.

“…Yeah. Guess I am.”

“Oh I love this for you!!”

You laughed, shaking your head, but your heart was already racing.

Because suddenly it felt real now, it wasn’t just an idea anymore. It wasn’t just a joke anymore. This was actually happening.

…

It took you another ten minutes to build up the courage. Ten minutes of pacing behind the counter, pretending to wipe things down, pretending to restock, while your mind ran in circles.

You never did this. You never took a sick day unless you were actually dying. But then again… you never had anyone like Noah before.

Finally, you grabbed your phone, stepping into the back room. Tom gave you a thumbs up as you passed him.

“Go on,” he whispered. “Fake your little illness.”

You flipped him off, but you were smiling.

The call with your boss felt waay longer than it actually was. You grumbled a few complaints about a headache in a scratchy voice that you exaggerated just enough…

And then, to your complete surprise, he believed you.

“Okay, I’ll call Emily in to cover for you. Feel better soon. See you Monday.”

You stared at your phone after the call ended, a wide smile slowly spreading across your face.

Holy shit. You actually did it.

You walked back out slowly, and Tom looked at you expectantly.

“Well?”

“…I’m off.”

“No way.” He gasped as if you had just announced an engagement. You nodded your head, still a little stunned.

“Yes way.”

“Okay, go!” He waved you off dramatically, “Go be irresponsible! Go live your rich girl fantasy!”

You laughed, grabbing your bag.

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t,” he called after you, “Text me when you’re on a private jet!”

You shook your head, but your smile didn’t fade the entire way out.

…

You sent Noah a text just after the call ended, and the second you stepped outside, your phone vibrated in your pocket.

Noah: Good girl

Noah: I’m five minutes away

Your breath caught slightly, your stomach fluttering as you read the first message in his voice over and over and over-

You glanced up and down the street instinctively, like he might already be there. But then you started typing again.

You: You’ve been waiting for me to say that, haven’t you

Noah: Maybe ;)

Your heart was beating a little too fast now.

You adjusted your bag on your shoulder, stepping further out onto the pavement… and then you saw his car turning the corner. He was right on time.

He pulled up smoothly in front of you, and before you could even process it, he reached over and opened the passenger door for you, like he knew you wouldn’t hesitate.

And god, he was right.

You tried to play it cool as you stepped closer, but the second you leaned down and caught sight of him in the driver’s seat- hair a little damp like he’d just showered, one hand resting casually on the wheel, the other resting on his thigh- your stomach flipped again.

“Hi.” You said, a little breathless despite yourself as you climbed in.

“Hey,” Noah replied, glancing over at you, his eyes softening almost instantly. “That was quick.”

You shut the door, pulling your seatbelt across your chest.

“I’m very convincing when I want to be.” You said with a little smile.

He huffed a quiet laugh, shifting the car into gear.

“I’m impressed.”

“You should be,” you teased, glancing over at him, “I never do that.”

“I know.” He said simply, like it mattered to him that you’d done it anyway, like he appreciated it, and for a moment that thought just lingered…

The car pulled away from the curb, merging back into traffic smoothly, and you found yourself stealing little glances at him again, the way his jaw tightened slightly when he focused on the road, the rings on his fingers catching the light as he gripped the wheel, the way he made even the most simplest things look hot as fuck-

“So,” you said after a moment, turning to face him slightly in your seat, “What’s the plan then?”

“First,” he began, glancing over at you for a second, “We go back to yours.”

“Oh?” You raised an eyebrow.

“So you can get changed,” he added like it was obvious. “You’re not going out in your work clothes.”

You looked down at yourself, sure the apron was gone, but you were still very much dressed for a shift rather than… whatever this was?

“Rude.” You teased.

“I prefer honest.” He corrected, a small smirk tugging at his lips. You rolled your eyes, but you were smiling.

“And then? What do you mean by going out?” You pressed.

“We’re going shopping,” he said. “You pick out whatever you want, anything you’ll need for the weekend.”

Your stomach fluttered again.

“Anything?”

“Mhm.”

You shook your head slightly, still not entirely used to the way he said things like that so casually.

“…Okay, but like, what am I actually shopping for?” You asked, “Because I feel like that’s kind of important information. Are we going somewhere hot? Cold? Do I need to dress fancy? Or for the beach?”

He hummed softly, like he was thinking about it.

“Well,” he started, “We’ll probably do a couple of nice dinners, so something for that.”

“Okay…”

“Something comfortable for walking around,” he continued. “Sightseeing, maybe even a bit of shopping while we’re there…”

Your heart skipped a beat.

“While we’re there?”

He ignored that for now, continuing like he hadn’t just said something very suspicious.

“Maybe something a little cooler too,” he added. “It’ll be warmer there than it is here.”

You stared at him.

“…Noah.”

“Hm?”

“Where are we going?”

He glanced at you again, clearly amused by the way you were narrowing your eyes at him.

“You ever seen the Eiffel Tower before?”

There was a pause- a very quiet, very still moment where your brain was trying to catch up with what he had just said.

“...What?”

He smiled, a proper smile this time, like he’d been waiting for this exact moment.

“You heard me.”

Your mouth fell open slightly.

“…Noah.”

“Yeah?”

“We’re going to Paris?!” You practically gasped it, your hands flying up in disbelief as you turned fully toward him in your seat. He laughed, glancing at you for a moment again before looking back at the road.

“Yeah,” he said, like it was no big deal. “We’re going to Paris.”

“Oh my god,” you breathed, leaning back against your seat, your heart racing now for a completely different reason. “Oh my god?!”

You covered your mouth with your hand again, laughing under your breath like you couldn’t quite believe it.

“You’re serious?”

“Completely.”

“This isn’t a joke?”

“Nope.”

You shook your head, staring out the window for a second like the city around you suddenly felt too small, too boring.

“Paris…” You repeated softly.

“Paris.” He confirmed.

A big grin spread across your face, wide and completely uncontrollable, as the reality of it started to sink in.

“I’ve always wanted to go there.”

“I know,” he said, glancing at you again, his expression softer now, like he was watching your reaction carefully. “You told me that night at my place… I booked it the next morning, so I was hoping you’d be happy with it.”

You turned back to him, still smiling, something bright and excited bubbling up inside your chest.

“I am.” You nodded your head. “I… I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Good.” He smirked, “And I thought we were clear on the rules. All I want is for you to have a good time, no worries, no stress. All I want in return is your company. I just want to see you smile.”

And you were doing exactly that right now as he turned onto your street. You leaned your head back against the seat, laughing softly to yourself.

“I still can’t believe I called in sick for a trip to Paris.” You said, more to yourself than anything, but Noah huffed a quiet laugh.

“Sounds like a pretty good reason to me.”

You turned your head slightly, looking at him again, your smile softer now.

“…You’re crazy, you know that?”

He parked up outside your place, turning off the engine before looking over at you properly.

“No,” he said quietly as he took the keys from the engine, “I just know what I want.”

“And what’s that?” You asked, your voice just a little softer.

He held your gaze for a moment.

“You,” he said simply. “Happy.”

Fuck. You swallowed, your heart doing that stupid, fluttery thing again as you looked away first, suddenly very aware of how warm your cheeks felt. You reached for the door, your brain scrambling for words.

“I’ll- uh, be quick.” You said, glancing back at him for just a second before stepping out of the car.

“Take your time.” He replied easily.

But of course you didn’t. The second you got inside your apartment, you moved fast.

Your heart was still racing, your thoughts all over the place- Paris, Paris, Paris- as you headed straight for your room. You stripped your work clothes off before reaching into your wardrobe, pulling out something better, something more you.

You changed quickly, tossing on something simple but flattering, something you always felt good in. You ran a hand through your hair, fixing it just enough, checking yourself in the mirror.

And for a second you paused, because already you felt different. You felt lighter, brighter, like something had already started changing…

“…Okay!” You whispered to yourself, grabbing your bag before rushing back out the front door.

Noah was still exactly where you left him, one arm resting lazily on the steering wheel, the other draped near the window.

But the second you appeared again, he looked over- and you caught the way his expression immediately changed.

His eyes moved over you slowly, not even trying to hide it this time, and he subtly licked his bottom lip before he looked back up at your face.

“…Yeah.” He said quietly, almost to himself. You raised a brow as you approached the car, trying not to smile too much.

“What?”

“Nothing,” he replied, but there was a small smirk tugging at his lips now. “You just…” He stopped himself, shaking his head slightly. “Get in.”

You laughed under your breath, climbing back into the passenger seat again.

…

The first shop that Noah took you to was… different. You knew it the second you stepped inside.

Everything was perfect. Too perfect, and almost intimidating in the way everything was displayed. It was the kind of place where you felt like you had to stand up straighter just to belong there. You wandered between the racks, fingers brushing over fabrics you almost felt scared to touch properly.

And Noah noticed almost immediately that you looked a little uncomfortable.

“You don’t like it.” He said, not as a question.

You glanced at him, hesitating.

“It’s nice…” You said carefully.

“But?” He pressed.

You exhaled softly, lowering your voice.

“It just… doesn’t feel like me. I don’t feel like I belong here…”

There was no judgment in your tone, just honesty, and Noah didn’t even hesitate, he was already turning towards the exit.

“That’s alright.” He said simply.

You blinked.

“That’s it?”

“Yeah,” he glanced back at you. “If you’re not comfortable, why would we stay?”

Your chest ached a little at how easy that was for him.

“No arguing?”

“Nope.”

“…Huh.”

He smirked slightly, reaching for your hand.

“Come on.”

…

The next place felt completely different.

Still nice, still a little more expensive than what you’d usually go for, but more welcoming, softer and more relaxed. The kind of place where you didn’t feel like you were being watched while you browsed.

“Oh, I like this already.” You said, your shoulders relaxing as you stepped further inside.

“I thought you might.” Noah replied with a little smile.

And just like that, you started to shop with no hesitation. You moved between racks, picking things out, holding them up, actually considering them instead of immediately putting them back.

But every time you did, Noah was right behind you, watching when your eyes would light up before checking the price tag and quietly collecting everything you put back

At one point, without even thinking, you handed him your small handbag so you could hold a dress up to your body in the mirror to see how short it would look, and he just happily took it. No hesitation, no comment, not even any teasing.

You didn’t even realise how ridiculous it looked until you stepped back and saw him properly. Big, tall, tattooed Noah Sebastian with your little bag on his arm.

You stared at him for a second, and you couldn’t help but giggle.

“Oh my god.” You grinned, forcing yourself to look away.

He glanced at you, confused.

“What?”

“That looks so funny.” You said, laughing again. He looked down at it, then back at you, completely unfazed.

“Does it?”

“Yes!” You grinned. “Here, I’ll take it back”

“No,” he said simply, adjusting it slightly on his arm. “I’ve got it.”

You shook your head, still smiling.

“You look ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but I’m not letting you carry anything.” He said.

There was something about that, again, that made your chest feel warm. It’s the way he wasn’t saying it to be controlling, he wasn’t overbearing, he just wanted to take care of things- of you- without making it a big deal.

And to be honest, you could get used to this.

You turned back to the racks, still smiling to yourself.

“Ooh, wait!” You said, stopping suddenly as you spotted a top.

You picked it out and held it up against yourself, turning slightly as you looked in the mirror again.

“This is cute.”

Noah, a step behind you, glanced at it once.

“Yeah,” he said. “Take it.”

You hesitated for a second.

“I have things like this already.”

But even as you said it, you were already putting it back.

And just like before, the second your hand left it, his replaced yours. You didn’t even need to turn around this time to know.

“…Noah.” You sighed.

“What?”

You turned to look at him, watching as he added it to the growing collection over his arm.

“I literally just said-”

“I heard you.”

“Then why are you-”

“Because you liked it.” He said simply, like that was the end of the conversation. And somehow… it was. You stared at him for a second longer before letting out a small breath, shaking your head.

“You’re impossible.”

“Mm,” he hummed. “Keep going.”

You turned away again, but you were smiling now.

A few steps later, you found a skirt- short and flowy and light, something you could already picture wearing while walking through warm streets, maybe with one of the tops you’d just picked out.

You held it up, tilting your head.

“This feels very… Paris. What do you think?”

Noah smirked slightly.

“Oh yeah, that’s coming with us.”

You laughed softly, folding it over your arm this time instead of putting it back.

Progress!

Next came another top, this a little more you, then a second skirt, slightly shorter, something that made your confidence spike just holding it.

And then you saw a jacket you liked. You paused, pulling it off the rack, running your hand over the material.

“…Okay, this is actually really nice.”

“It’ll get cooler in the evenings.” Noah added from behind you, already trying to influence you.

You glanced back at him.

“So I do need layers?”

“Just in case.”

You nodded slowly, considering it… before placing it back.

“It’s probably not necessary.”

You were met with silence for a moment… then you heard the faintest rustle behind you.

You closed your eyes for a moment, letting out a sigh.

“…You picked it up, didn’t you?”

“Yep.”

You turned around, narrowing your eyes at him, but you couldn’t stop the smile pulling at your lips.

“You’re not even subtle about it anymore.”

“Why would I be?”

You huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking your head again before turning back.

And then you saw another rack of dresses. Your steps slowed slightly as you moved closer, your fingers brushing along the fabric of one, then another.

“These are gorgeous…” You breathed, pulling one free.

It was everything. You could imagine how it would fit you so perfectly, it was such a nice fabric, the perfect length- you couldn’t help but feel excited just imagining wearing it.

You held it up, staring at it for a second longer than anything else you’d picked so far.

“Is this too much?” You asked quietly, even though your voice didn’t quite match the way your eyes lingered on it.

Noah stepped a little closer this time.

“Try it.”

You hesitated.

“…Noah.”

“Just try it on.” He repeated, softer this time, but there was something in his tone that made your breath catch slightly.

You looked at the dress again, then back at him. And instead of putting it back, you passed it to him to add to the growing pile on his arm.

You picked out another and another, each one somehow more sexy than the last, the kind of dresses you never even let yourself consider before. And every single one ended up in his hands.

By the time you moved on, your little pile had doubled. His arms were full of tops, skirts, dresses, the jacket that you definitely said no to…

But then you ended up in the pants section. You grabbed a pair of simple black trousers, nice enough to dress up or down.

“These are practical!” You said as if to justify them as you held them up.

“Good,” Noah nodded. “Take them.” You added them to the pile.

Then your eyes caught something else- a nice pair of flare leggings. The fabric was soft and stretchy, you could imagine it hugging in all the right places. You pulled them out, raising a brow slightly as you held them up.

“…Okay, these are kind of cute. Maybe for when we’re exploring the city…?”

Noah didn’t answer right away. So you glanced back at him, and noticed he was already looking at you- but not your face. He was looking lower, like he was already picturing your ass in them.

You immediately blushed.

“…What?” You asked, narrowing your eyes slightly, though there was a smile threatening to break through.

“Nothing.” He said, far too casually.

You squinted at him, and a little smirk pulled at his lips now, completely unapologetic.

“I just think you should try them.”

“Oh my god-” You rolled your eyes playfully.

“Just saying.”

You shook your head, laughing under your breath as you added them to the pile anyway.

“Shut up.”

By the time you finally made your way toward the changing rooms again, your arms were full, Noah’s even more so- and you had never felt so happy.

This wasn’t just shopping to you, it meant a lot more than that. This was you letting yourself have nice things. Letting him give them to you, and somewhere along the way you stopped feeling guilty about it.

But just as you approached the changing rooms, you slowed again. Your eyes were being pulled towards the lingerie section. The lace and silk looked entirely too temping, and you hesitated for a moment. Which of course, Noah noticed.

“Something caught your eye?” He teased, his voice low and close enough now that you could feel it more than hear it.

You glanced back at him, chewing the inside of your cheek.

“I don’t know if I should,” you admitted, quieter this time. “Feels a bit…”

“Like you’re thinking too much?” He answered for you.

You exhaled a small laugh. Maybe it wasn’t that deep.

“…Maybe.”

“Go on.” He said, nodding over to it. But you hesitated again, your fingers tightening around the clothes in your arms.

“But you said-”

“No expectations,” he said, nodding once. “I meant that.”

You studied him for a second, trying to read him.

“Then what’s the point?” You asked, a little more honest than you meant to be. “Buying something like that when you’re not even-”

“Who said it has to be for me?” He smirked.

You froze. Your brain short circuited. He moved a little closer to you, just enough that he could whisper in your ear.

“You don’t pick something like that because someone’s going to see it,” he continued, his voice a little rougher around the edges. “You pick it because it makes you feel good.”

Your heart fluttered in your chest, the way he spoke made you feel a little dizzy.

“…And if someone does see it?” You asked before you could stop yourself.

That earned you a look. There was something almost a little darker in his eyes when he met yours again.

“Then I guess they’re lucky.” He said slowly, quietly.

You swallowed, suddenly very aware of just how close he was standing, and the way he was looking at you- like he knew exactly what you were thinking.

You swallowed, suddenly very aware of the way he was standing, the way he was looking at you… like he already knew exactly what you were thinking. Your eyes drifted back to the display, and you wandered over.

Your hand reached out, your fingers brushing lightly over the straps of a lace bra.

“This is pretty.” You said.

“Yeah,” he said from behind you, voice softer now. “It would be.”

You ignored that completely as you picked it up, holding it against yourself as you looked in one of the mirrors, your pulse picking up when you saw him watching you.

“…Too much?” You asked, your voice just a little quieter than before.

His eyes dragged over it, then you, and you watched him debate his words.

“No,” he said slowly. “Not even close.”

God, he made your head spin.

You looked back at it again, your hesitation still there, but it felt different now. Less like doubt, and more like anticipation.

“I don’t even know if I should be looking at this stuff.” You admitted with a little giggle.

He huffed a quiet laugh, stepping just a little closer.

“You really think I’d stop you?”

You glanced up at him again.

“…No.”

“Good.”

There was a pause, but then he added,

“You never know what might happen while we’re there.” His voice was a little quieter this time, his tone dipping just enough to make your stomach flip all over again.

You didn’t say anything to that, you couldn’t. Your brain had turned to nothing but mush. Instead, you kept walking, picking out another piece and then another.

And every time you hesitated, Noah didn’t rush you or push. He just stood there, holding everything else you’d chosen, watching you with that same little teasing look on his face, but still so patient, like he was enjoying every second of you figuring it out.

When you finally reached the changing rooms, he pushed the curtain aside for you, stepping in just long enough to hang everything up neatly along the rail for you.

“There you go,” he said, adjusting one of the hangers so it sat straight. “Take your time.”

You nodded, suddenly a little more aware of yourself under his attention.

“…You’re not staying?” You asked, half teasing, half curious.

His eyes met yours again, something amused in them this time.

“I think you can manage getting dressed on your own,” he said lightly. “I’ll be right outside.”

And with that, he stepped out, letting the curtain fall shut behind him.

You exhaled, like you’ve been holding your breath around the entire store.

You glanced at the clothes hanging in front of you- the dresses, the tops, the skirts and pants… and the lingerie tucked slightly off to the side, you couldn’t wait to try it on when you got home.

Just thinking about it made you feel faint- but you shook your head and reached for the first dress.

…

“Ready?” You called, your voice just slightly raised over the soft music playing in the store.

“Whenever you are.” Noah replied easily from the other side.

You hesitated for half a second… then pulled the curtain aside. And there he was, exactly how you pictured him.

Leaning back slightly against the wall opposite your cubicle, legs parted just enough to look effortless, arms crossed over his chest. Your handbag still hung from his arm, looking ridiculously small against him, and yet he carried it like it was the most normal thing in the world.

He slipped his phone back into his pocket the second you stepped out, and he couldn’t help but stare.

“Okay...” He said quietly, making your heart race.

“Is that good, or-”

“Turn around.”

Your breath caught slightly, but you did it anyway, smoothing your hands over the fabric as you gave him a small spin. When you looked back at him, he was still watching you, head tilted slightly like he was taking everything in.

“That one’s gonna be dangerous.” He said finally.

“Dangerous?” You scoffed.

“Mhm.” His eyes met yours again, something teasing in them now. “You wear that to dinner, I’m not gonna hear a word anyone says.”

You felt heat rush to your cheeks, but you tried to play it off, rolling your eyes slightly as you stepped back.

“Yeah, yeah...”

“I’m serious.”

You disappeared behind the curtain again before he could say anything else, your heart racing and your head spinning.

…

The next outfit was different. It was something more casual, maybe something for when the two of you walked around the city. And when you stepped out, you didn’t even need to ask his opinion, because you watched the way his face changed, how his arms uncrossed and his posture shifted.

“Oh this is cute,” he nodded, “It’s very you.”

You smiled a little at that.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he said, pushing himself off the wall just slightly. “That’s the one you wear when we’re walking around all day and you pretend you’re not turning heads.”

You laughed softly.

“I do not-”

“You do.” He cut in, a small smirk tugging at his lips, “Trust me.”

Your smile lingered as you stepped back inside again.

…

Outfit after outfit, you repeated the same pattern. You stepped out, he gawked, said something that made you blush or lifted your confidence just a little higher

The last item was the dress. The one you’ve been more excited to try on than anything else. You slipped it on slowly, grinning giddily at your reflection because you just looked so good, you almost didn’t recognise yourself. You had never felt this good in your own skin.

Then you stepped out.

And this time, Noah didn’t say anything straight away.

His arms dropped completely from his chest, your handbag slipping slightly down his wrist as his eyes moved over you, taking his time to take you in, making your heart beat so loudly you were sure he could hear it.

“…What?” You asked, suddenly hyper aware of yourself, worrying that maybe you looked ridiculous. But he exhaled softly through his nose, shaking his head just once.

“This is the one.” He smiled.

Something in your chest tightened.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” he repeated, quieter this time. Then his eyes lifted back to yours, that same teasing edge returning just slightly. “You don’t even need to ask. It’s like it was made for you.”

You bit back a smile, and for a second, neither of you moved. You just stood there… while he looked at you like that.

…

After trying everything on, and deciding to keep everything, Noah set piece after piece down on the counter to pay- dresses, tops, the jacket you said no to, the leggings that made him stare at your ass, and the delicate lingerie tucked in within it all.

The cashier started scanning… and scanning and scanning and scanning.

You shifted slightly on your feet, watching the total climb out of the corner of your eye, your stomach doing a small, nervous flip.

“…Noah,” you whispered under your breath, leaning just a little closer to him, “This is a lot.”

He didn’t even look at the screen.

“Mm.”

“That’s not a response!” You whispered, trying not to laugh.

He finally glanced down at you, still completely unfazed.

“I know.”

“That doesn’t bother you?”

“Nope.”

You stared at him for a second, trying to figure out if he was serious. But he was.

He was completely serious.

The cashier finally finished, giving him the total, and without hesitation- without even blinking- Noah just pulled out his card.

No second thought, no pause, the payment went through and you felt your tummy flutter again. There was just something about it, not the money- not really- but the way he was so calm and sure about it all. Like taking care of things for you was the simplest thing in the world, and this was just the beginning.

You swallowed as he collected the receipt, thanked the cashier and took all the bags.

“Thank you.” You said quietly, your voice softer now as you both headed to the doors.

“Don’t,” he said just as quietly. “You don’t need to thank me.”

You didn’t argue this time, because you were finally starting to understand what this all meant.

…

A few moments later you were back outside, the chilly evening air hitting your skin as Noah carried all the bags like they weighed nothing. You reached for one instinctively.

“Here, I can-”

“No.”

Your brows furrowed.

“…No?”

“No,” he repeated, shifting them slightly in his grip, your handbag still hooked casually over his wrist like before. “I’ve got it.”

You laughed softly, falling into step beside him.

“You’re not even going to let me pretend to help?”

“You can pretend by walking next to me.” He replied dryly.

You rolled your eyes, but you were smiling.

“Such a gentleman.”

“I try.”

Your head was still spinning a little as you walked back to the car, and he started to load everything in carefully, bag by bag until it was all tucked neatly inside.

“Do you need a bigger suitcase?” He asked, like it was the most normal question in the world.

You couldn’t help but laugh.

“What?”

“For all of that,” he nodded toward the back. “I can get you one.”

You glanced at the car, then back at him, another small laugh escaping you.

“No, I think I’m okay,” you said. “It’ll fit.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” You nodded your head, and he studied you for a second, before opening the passenger door for you.

“Alright.”

There was a small pause as you both moved around the car, settling back into your seats. Your heart was still racing a little as you buckled your seatbelt, glancing over at him as he started the engine.

“So…” you said, “What now?”

He looked over at you, that same calm, confident look settling back into place.

“Now,” he said, putting the car into gear, “We go back to yours.”

“To pack?” You smiled.

He smirked slightly.

“I’ve already packed,” he said, nodding toward the back seat where his suitcase sat, barely noticeable until now. “So yeah. We get your things, make sure you’ve got everything you need…”

“…And then?”

His eyes met yours for just a second, and something about the way he said it made your heart race again.

“Then we leave.”

・┈・୨୧・┈・

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